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Podcast: Buddha Chief on Being Happy and Legal Cannabis

Honeysuckle Magazine

Legacy Cannabis Finds New Meaning in Von Jeff as Buddha Chief

By Bluntness EditorialAug 10, 2021

Bluntness Editorial

The Bluntness Editorial Staff is dedicated to bring you the many stories of cannabis culture - stories that speak to the enthusiast and expert in an unfiltered but factual manner. Everyday, our writers brings you deeply insightful and honest perspectives from all corners of the cannabis world, including some you may not expect.

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This article/interview was originally published on Honeysuckle and appears here with permission.

“Let’s talk about being happy and joyful,” began legacy cannabis entrepreneur Buddha Chief as he joined Honeysuckle’s podcast for an interview with Creative Director Sam Long. “Right now we're in a moment, but this is going to impact the community for years to come.”

Formerly known as Von Jeff, Buddha Chief is an iconic figure in his home neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. An artist of many talents, he created the area’s renowned murals depicting figures such as rapper Big Daddy Kane and the Bed-Stuy Landmark, a tribute to nationally recognized educator Frank Mickens. And while creative expression means everything to Buddha Chief, he uses that creativity as a means to fuel community healing, giving him his other name: The Cure Rater.

As Buddha Chief grew up, he experienced a Bed-Stuy torn apart by criminalization and intense street violence due to the War on Drugs. He started smoking cannabis in the fifth grade and by his late teens had been arrested for possession, but the entrepreneurial spirit running in his family gave him the strong instinct to hustle in the legacy market.

“The reality is I’ve lost friends and family to the streets,” he said. “To people that wanted to rob and kill for weed… And I thank God – He preserved me for a reason, especially for the things I’m doing in the community to show that, listen, we don’t have to be this way. There’s a better way. And with my brand, my intention is to employ and educate people so we can level up, not just treat it as a hustle.”

Buddha Chief credits his grandmother, who operated a hair salon out of the family home when he was a child, to inspiring his passion for running a business. With his Buddha Chief brand, consumers are able to come together for the ultimate cannabis experience. Themed game nights, comedy and poetry shows under the Buddha Chief banner allow people to relax and indulge in their cannabis delivery method of choice. It’s a far cry from the illicit weed dealers populating Bed-Stuy’s streets in the 90s.

New York’s passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Tax Act (MRTA) is the most social equity-focused cannabis legislation in the country to date. Buddha Chief is excited about what this will mean for legacy entrepreneurs like himself, who had been working underground for so many years. However, what he looks forward to even more is what the social equity conversations mean for breaking the stigmas of mental health in the Black community.

“There’s a thing in the community where they don’t want people to know their business, and I think that’s the wrong approach to it,” he noted. “Because what I’ve come to learn is, the more I’ve been able to speak about what I was going through, the more the information was coming to me how to navigate and get through to grow through. I don’t say ‘going through,’ I say ‘growing through,’ because each part is like a level of the journey. So you get information on how to grow through certain experiences. Because when you talk to someone and you’re releasing what it is, someone can just listen… [or] give you a perspective that you can take or you could leave. However, the information that you’re gathering is just meant for you to process what’s meant for you.”

He explained that in Bed-Stuy, it’s historically been easy for people to give up because they aren’t used to discussing their mental health with friends and neighbors. Through his artwork and educational initiatives engaging the community, Buddha Chief hopes to encourage the neighborhood’s locals, especially young Black men, to get comfortable being open about their fears, aspirations, and vulnerabilities. To this end, he is producing a documentary called The Cure Rater (with Team Honeysuckle) that explores his personal journey and those of his family and friends through the evolution of Bed-Stuy’s culture.

In a frank discussion with Honeysuckle, Buddha Chief outlined the history of dealing exotic strains in the legacy market, shared his predictions for New York’s emerging regulated plant economy, and detailed why he believes his brand will be the McDonald’s of cannabis. Beyond that, he is learning each day how to embrace happiness and growth, and how to help others cope with their traumas. The Cure Rater’s great work continues.

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The Intersection of LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Cannabis Legalization

The Intersection of LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Cannabis Legalization

The Intersection of LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Cannabis Legalization

Editorial

LGBTQ+ & Cannabis: Power Duo

From Stonewall to dispensary laws, queer advocacy helped legitimize cannabis as medicine and ignited a broader movement for justice, health, and dignity. Their impact is visible in today’s ongoing progress toward cannabis access and LGBTQ+ rights.

Over the past 50+ years, LGBTQ+ communities around the world have fought tirelessly for their rights and equality. From the watershed moment of the Stonewall Riots in 1969 to the ongoing push for trans rights and protections, LGBTQ+ history is a narrative of both triumph and adversity.

Alongside this ongoing journey, an unexpected yet powerful alliance has taken root between the LGBTQ+ movement and the push for cannabis legalization. This shared struggle for civil liberties, health equity, and dignity has produced some of the most consequential advocacy in modern U.S. history. Queer activists were among the earliest and most vocal champions of medical cannabis—particularly during the HIV/AIDS crisis—and their work continues to shape both movements today.

From Stonewall to Street Activism: The Rise of LGBTQ+ Advocacy

a group of people walking on a sidewalk in front of a the Stonewall Inn in NYC From Stonewall to Street Activism: The Rise of LGBTQ+ Advocacy - The Bluntness Photo by Karly Jones on Unsplash

The modern LGBTQ+ rights movement traces its roots to the early hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. When police raided the gay bar in the Greenwich Village neighborhood, LGBTQ+ patrons—many of them transgender people and people of color—fought back. The ensuing protests became a galvanizing force for queer activism.

Among the most prominent figures was Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender activist and co-founder of Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), which supported LGBTQ+ youth and sex workers. Stonewall became not only a symbol of resistance but also a template for how marginalized communities could organize to demand justice.

The AIDS Crisis and the Emergence of Medical Marijuana Advocacy

In the 1980s and '90s, the LGBTQ+ community faced a devastating new battle: the HIV/AIDS epidemic. With the federal government slow to respond, queer communities—particularly in San Francisco—mobilized to care for their own.

Amid the despair, cannabis emerged as a life-saving alternative medicine. People living with HIV/AIDS found that marijuana alleviated symptoms like chronic pain, nausea, and severe appetite loss. Dennis Peron, a gay Vietnam veteran and close ally of Harvey Milk, founded the San Francisco Cannabis Buyers Club, the first public dispensary in the United States. Peron's advocacy laid the foundation for California's Proposition 215, the groundbreaking 1996 Compassionate Use Act that legalized medical marijuana.

Another key figure was "Brownie Mary" Rathbun, an elderly hospital volunteer and cannabis activist who baked marijuana brownies for AIDS patients. Her arrest and ensuing media attention helped turn public opinion in favor of compassionate cannabis use.

A Medical Turning Point: Epidiolex and the FDA

The LGBTQ+ community’s leadership in medical marijuana advocacy helped fuel scientific research and pharmaceutical interest. In 1997, nurse and cannabis advocate Mary Lynn Mathre published a manifesto on marijuana’s medical benefits. Her work influenced Dr. Geoffrey Guy, founder of GW Pharmaceuticals, which would go on to develop Epidiolex—a CBD-based medication for rare seizure disorders. The FDA’s approval of Epidiolex in 2018 marked the first federally approved cannabis-derived drug, offering legitimacy to a movement that began with grassroots LGBTQ+ activism.

Cannabis and HIV Treatment: Relief, Compassion, and Advocacy

Cannabis remains an essential tool in HIV symptom management. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains the gold standard for controlling HIV and preventing its progression to AIDS, but it can cause debilitating side effects, including nausea, neuropathy, and appetite suppression. Medical marijuana has helped mitigate these effects, offering patients greater comfort and improving quality of life.

Studies continue to explore cannabis's anti-inflammatory properties and potential to support immune system health, although it is not a substitute for ART. Patients considering cannabis as a complementary therapy should consult healthcare providers, as interactions with medications can vary.

The Ongoing Fight: Discrimination, Legislation, and Social Justice

While significant progress has been made—such as the declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1973 and the Supreme Court’s legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015—discrimination persists. The 2019 ban on transgender military service members, since reversed, is one such example.

At the same time, cannabis remains federally illegal in the U.S., creating a patchwork of state-level laws that range from full legalization to strict prohibition. Ballot measures have been instrumental in legalizing medical and recreational cannabis, often with provisions for retail sales, home cultivation, and social equity programs. However, federal law still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, exposing users and entrepreneurs to potential prosecution.

Shared Struggles, Shared Strength

Both the LGBTQ+ and cannabis legalization movements stem from a common origin: the resistance of marginalized communities against unjust systems. From street protests outside Stonewall to the quiet dignity of an AIDS patient finding relief in a cannabis edible, the story is one of resilience, compassion, and courage.

The approval of medical cannabis products like Epidiolex and the continued legalization efforts across the country would not have been possible without the early activism of LGBTQ+ individuals. Their legacy endures in every ballot passed, every dispensary opened, and every patient relieved from suffering.

As the fight for both queer liberation and cannabis justice continues, it’s essential to recognize their deep historical connection—and to honor those who risked everything to push society forward.

Top LGBTQ Cannabis Brands

Hey Flamer

Founded by queer activists Wyatt Harms and Matías Alvial, FLAMER is more than a cannabis brand—it's a cultural movement. Known for hosting inclusive events, FLAMER emphasizes community and queer joy. In 2025, they collaborated with drag icon Sasha Colby to launch the "Sasha Colby Kush," an indica hybrid pre-roll designed for relaxation and anxiety relief. Available in NY.

Meta’s Moderation Double Standard? Cannabis & Psychedelics vs. Sex-and-Violence Content

Editorial

Meta's Hypocrisy: Drugs vs. Sex/Violence

TL;DR: In 2025 Meta ended its U.S. third-party fact-checking and began rolling out Community Notes across Facebook, Instagram and Threads, changing how “borderline” posts are handled. On paper, Meta’s Restricted Goods & Services rules allow debate and education about high-risk drugs while banning sales coordination. In practice, cannabis and psychedelics educators and nonprofits continue to report takedowns, suspensions, and “not eligible for recommendations” labels, even as other sensational content is frequently visible. The problem isn’t only “censorship”; it’s uneven, error-prone enforcement that undermines legitimate health and science discourse.

Instagram has long touted itself as a community-safe, family-friendly platform—but that claim rings hollow for cannabis and psychedelics advocates who’ve watched their educational, legal, and medically backed content get flagged, shadowbanned, or permanently erased. Meta may also restrict certain features such as commenting or sharing for accounts that violate its policies. Meanwhile, videos glorifying violence and sexual exploitation flood Explore pages like sponsored content from hell.

This isn’t content moderation. It’s targeted censorship masquerading as public safety. Harmful content and other content, including video, often remain on the platform despite moderation efforts. For example, an account sharing harm reduction information about psychedelics may be removed, while posts depicting graphic violence or explicit sexual content are left untouched.

Welcome to the Big Top: Introduction to Social Media Censorship

Step right up to the greatest show online—where the rules are made up, the stakes are high, and the ringmasters are algorithms you’ll never meet. Social media censorship isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a daily reality for cannabis businesses, brands, and anyone daring enough to challenge the status quo. As the cannabis industry grows, so does the scrutiny it faces on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. What started as a promise of free expression has morphed into a minefield of content moderation, where a single post can mean the difference between reaching potential customers and vanishing into digital oblivion.

For cannabis businesses, the challenge is twofold: not only must they navigate ever-shifting community guidelines, but they also have to stay ahead of the curve with smart keyword research and local SEO strategies. The context is constantly changing—one day your content is celebrated, the next it’s shadow banned or outright deleted. Meta’s recent move to swap out professional fact checkers for user-generated “community notes” only adds another layer of unpredictability, making it even harder to maintain visibility in a crowded media landscape.

In this circus, every business, user, and post is under the spotlight. Understanding the nuances of social media censorship is no longer optional—it’s essential for survival in the cannabis industry. By staying informed, optimizing your content, and leveraging every tool at your disposal, you can keep your brand in front of the audience that matters most.

The Crackdown Continues: Now Psychedelics Are in the Crosshairs

Over the past several months, Meta has quietly suspended numerous psychedelics-related accounts, including institutions like the U.C. Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics and community groups like Moms on Mushrooms. Accounts have been banned, reinstated, and banned again—with little explanation, no transparency, and certainly no accountability.

Even when Meta finally admits it “made a mistake,” as it did after banning the Instagram accounts for Psychedelic Science and the Psychedelic Assembly, it offers little comfort. As founder Kat Lakey put it: “I’m relieved, but also nervous about posting anything psychedelic-related right now in case it causes the account to get deleted again.” Translation: Post at your own risk, even if it’s legal, medically relevant, or part of public discourse. Users face the risk that content they have posted may be removed or flagged without warning, regardless of its legality or intent.

This kind of whiplash enforcement is beyond punitive—it’s a chilling message: If you’re talking about cannabis or psychedelics, you’re never truly safe on Meta’s platforms, even when you’re doing everything by the book. For instance, there was a campaign created to address account suspensions, but that campaign itself was removed by the platform.

Users reported these issues to Meta, but found it challenging to receive clear answers or remedies.

Meta’s Message: Legally Sanctioned Plant Medicine Is Dangerous, But Sexually Explicit Content and Assault Are Fine

What makes all this so infuriating is not just the censorship—it’s the flagrant double standard. Instagram is perfectly fine pushing half-naked influencers and hyper-violent content to its 2.4 billion users. Its algorithm rewards rage, sex, and spectacle. You’ll never see a “community guideline violation” for an account that posts exploitative thirst traps or fight compilations. But if you post about microdosing for PTSD? Deleted. Comments related to sensitive topics, such as support for Palestine or calls for evidence, are often removed or hidden, further demonstrating the platform's approach to moderation.

The hypocrisy is staggering. Meta claims its cannabis and psychedelics policies exist to “keep the community safe.” Meanwhile, a Wall Street Journal report found that Instagram hosted ads for cocaine and opioids—content that’s not just “unsafe,” but outright illegal. Advertising revenue and the desire to attract advertisers often influence moderation priorities, leading to inconsistent enforcement.

Let that sink in. Meta profits off clickbait pushing dangerous narcotics, but will permanently ban a mother sharing her experience with psilocybin for postpartum depression. Political pressure also plays a significant role in shaping Meta's moderation policies, especially regarding cannabis, marijuana, and psychedelics, as governments and advocacy groups push for stricter or more lenient content regulation.

See on Instagram

Let’s be clear—this is not a critique of body positivity. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with people celebrating their bodies or expressing themselves authentically. But the content dominating Instagram’s algorithm isn’t just body-positive—it’s sexually explicit, often skirting the edges of pornography, and in some cases, blatantly crossing the line.

These aren’t empowering posts about self-love; they’re sexually-explicit content engineered for clicks, engagement, and sexual gratification, often pushed to young users via Explore feeds and recommendation algorithms. The fact that this kind of material gets algorithmic amplification while legal, educational cannabis or psychedelics content gets buried or banned shows exactly where Instagram’s priorities lie. This censorship impacts users' freedom of expression, especially for those advocating for cannabis, marijuana, or psychedelics. Users often experience multiple forms of restriction, such as content removal, shadow banning, and feature limitations, when discussing these topics. Meta may opt to enforce or relax certain policies depending on external factors, including political and market pressures. Moderation tools are often intended to target specific types of content, which can disproportionately affect posts about cannabis, marijuana, or psychedelics. For cannabis businesses, social media use presents unique challenges due to these restrictions, making it difficult to market products responsibly. The legal status of cannabis, particularly marijuana, has evolved significantly, with Canada becoming the second country to fully legalize it, impacting the global market and influencing how platforms approach related content.

What changed at Meta in 2025—and why it matters

Meta formally announced U.S. testing of Community Notes in March 2025 after signaling in January that it would end the domestic third-party fact-checking program. Notes add context without the distribution penalties associated with earlier fact-check labels, a shift that critics say may reduce friction on some false content while leaving drug-policy enforcement to opaque automated systems.

Meta’s own feature page confirms the rollout; independent outlets (AP/Reuters) pegged public testing to mid-March. The company says Notes are “less biased” than the program they replace; oversight and press watchers counter that the change arrived quickly, with limited transparency.

What Meta’s rules actually say about cannabis and psychedelics

Under Restricted Goods & Services, Meta prohibits buying/selling or coordinating transactions for non-medical drugs and paraphernalia. It explicitly allows content that debates legality or discusses scientific/medical merits, including news and PSAs. That carve-out is central for health educators and licensed brands operating in legal markets.

Understanding Shadow Banning: The Invisible Muzzle

If you’re a cannabis business trying to make waves on Instagram or Facebook, you might feel like you’re shouting into the void—posting, sharing, and engaging, only to watch your reach mysteriously evaporate. Welcome to the world of shadow banning, Meta’s favorite invisible muzzle.

Instagram doesn’t use the word shadowban however. The operational state is “not eligible for recommendations,” which limits exposure in Explore and other discovery surfaces while leaving posts visible to followers. Users can check Account Status and review the Recommendations Guidelines to understand and remediate issues.

Regardless of what they do or don't call it, Shadow banning is the digital equivalent of being put in social media time-out without ever being told what you did wrong. Your account isn’t deleted, but your posts quietly vanish from search results, hashtags, and feeds. For cannabis brands and companies in the cannabis industry, this isn’t just frustrating—it’s a direct threat to visibility, engagement, and ultimately, revenue.

The problem is compounded by Meta’s notoriously opaque content moderation. The oversight board has admitted that their policies can be overly broad, sweeping up legitimate cannabis content in the same net as hate speech or violence. Many users have reported being shadow banned simply for using certain keywords or hashtags—sometimes without even realizing those terms were on Meta’s ever-growing list of banned hashtags.

For cannabis businesses, the stakes are even higher. Strict regulations already limit how you can market your products and services. Add in the risk of shadow banning, and suddenly your ability to reach potential customers is severely restricted. It’s a common challenge: you post educational content, share information about your company, and engage with followers, only to see your engagement plummet with no explanation.

So how do you fight back? Start with smart keyword research. Identify which hashtags and keywords are safe to use, and steer clear of those associated with hate speech, violence, or other restricted topics. Local SEO is another powerful tool—by optimizing your website content and social media profiles for your specific market, you can reach potential customers even if your posts aren’t going viral.

But it’s not just about avoiding the wrong words. Spammy practices—like buying likes, comments, or followers—can also trigger a shadow ban. Instead, focus on high-quality content and authentic engagement. Respond to comments, build trust with your audience, and keep your marketing practices above board.

There are also tools and services designed to help cannabis businesses navigate these murky waters. Some companies offer analytics to detect if you’ve been shadow banned, while others provide up to date insights on banned hashtags and best practices for staying visible. Staying informed and adapting your strategy is key to success in this ever-changing landscape.

In the end, shadow banning is just one more hurdle in the cannabis industry’s ongoing battle for free expression online. By understanding the context, using smart SEO strategies, and engaging meaningfully with your followers, you can reduce your risk—and make sure your voice isn’t silenced by Meta’s invisible hand.

Fact Checking and Transparency: Who Watches the Watchmen?

In the world of social media, fact checking is supposed to be the safety net that keeps misinformation at bay. But what happens when the net is full of holes—or worse, handed over to the crowd? Meta’s shift toward user-driven “community notes” has sparked serious concerns about the reliability and transparency of content moderation. The Oversight Board has openly criticized this move, warning that it could undermine the integrity of fact checking and leave businesses vulnerable to arbitrary enforcement.

For cannabis businesses, this lack of clarity is more than just a headache—it’s a direct threat to credibility and reach. When fact checking becomes a popularity contest, educational posts and videos about cannabis can be flagged or buried, regardless of their accuracy or value. That’s why it’s crucial for businesses to be proactive: create robust website content, share informative videos, and always be aware of the latest changes in Meta’s moderation practices.

Building trust with your audience means being transparent about your sources and intentions. By prioritizing education and clear communication, cannabis brands can position themselves as reliable voices in an industry often clouded by misinformation and stigma. The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities for those willing to lead with integrity and knowledge.

Example of sexually suggestive content that's rampant on our Instagram feeds and under Explore sections.

Real Harm, Real Costs

Instagram’s erratic, opaque moderation isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a serious economic and social liability for small businesses, researchers, and advocacy organizations. For cannabis dispensaries and psychedelic educators, Instagram is often the single most important channel for reaching adult consumers. When that gets shut down, it’s not just a hit to engagement—it’s a hit to livelihoods. To build credibility and trust, businesses rely heavily on reviews and customer feedback, which are crucial for reputation management and local SEO.

Gina Vensel, co-founder of the Plant Media Project, has already collected nearly 60 cases of psychedelic accounts being removed or shadowbanned—most with vague, copy-paste justifications that cite “community guidelines” but explain nothing. The data she has gathered helps determine the true impact of content moderation on these communities and provides insight into the scope of the issue.

This level of inconsistency—where enforcement is algorithmic, appeals are arbitrary, and punishment is more severe for cannabis content than softcore porn or digital street fights—makes one thing crystal clear: Meta’s concern isn’t user safety. It’s optics. And cannabis and psychedelics are easier to scapegoat than sex or violence, which drive far more engagement. Businesses face common challenges and challenges in navigating these policies, including increased competition, regulatory restrictions, and the risk of sudden account removal. Complying with the platform's terms of service is essential to avoid penalties such as shadow bans or content removal.

When appealing moderation decisions, it is important to provide additional information—such as screenshots, platform notifications, and engagement data—to support your case and ensure a thorough review.

Is there evidence of inconsistent enforcement beyond cannabis?

Yes. In 2024, the Wall Street Journal and the Tech Transparency Project found Meta had approved ads that linked to marketplaces for illegal drugs; lawmakers demanded answers. Meta says such ads violate policy, yet they ran. That’s the kind of enforcement miss that erodes trust—especially when legitimate educational content is removed.

Examples of sexually suggestive content that's rampant on our Instagram feeds and under Explore sections.

The Real Problem: Algorithmic Idiocy and Cultural Lag

At the core of this chaos is Meta’s lazy reliance on AI-powered moderation. These bots can’t tell the difference between a research abstract on psilocybin and a crack dealer’s come-up reel. As a result, the system overcorrects, targeting legitimate voices while letting the algorithm-juicing shock content slide right through. Fact checking and reviewing moderation decisions are crucial to ensure accuracy and fairness in this process.

Managing connected apps and adjusting account settings can help troubleshoot moderation issues, but users often lack clear guidance. It’s essential to set clear guidelines for content and moderation to avoid confusion and ensure compliance.

Worse, the policies underpinning this enforcement are rooted in outdated, prohibition-era stigmas that haven’t caught up to the laws or the science. Cannabis is legal for medical or recreational use in dozens of states and countries. Psychedelics are being studied—and in some places decriminalized—for their therapeutic potential. But Meta still treats all of it like black-market contraband.

For cannabis businesses, optimizing websites and maintaining a compliant site are vital for a strong online presence. Creating tailored content helps reach potential customers and improve visibility. Meta’s moderation practices also differ from those of other platforms, which are shifting their approaches to content moderation and transparency.

See on Instagram

Education and Awareness: Fighting Back with Knowledge

When it comes to social media censorship, knowledge isn’t just power—it’s your best defense. Cannabis businesses and users who understand the ins and outs of community guidelines are far better equipped to avoid the pitfalls of shadow banning and content restrictions. Staying up to date with the latest rules and trends in content moderation is essential for anyone looking to build trust and maintain a strong presence on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

Tools like Instagram’s Account Status feature can help users determine if their account has been restricted or shadow banned, giving them the information they need to adapt their strategies. Sharing accurate information, educating your audience, and being transparent about your business practices are all key to building a loyal following—even in the face of censorship.

The challenges are real, but so are the rewards. By staying informed, using the right tools, and fostering open communication, cannabis businesses can not only survive but thrive in the ever-evolving world of social media. Remember: the more you know, the harder it is for Meta’s invisible hand to silence your voice.

What creators and licensed operators can do now

Audit eligibility: Use Account Status to check if your account is not eligible for recommendations; resolve listed items before appealing.
Separate education from commerce: Keep pricing, ordering, and DM-to-buy off-platform; concentrate transactions on owned channels. In-post, cite reputable sources to strengthen the “education/news” framing the policy allows.
Appeal with evidence: Include screenshots, timestamps, and a short note quoting the policy’s education carve-out. Reference erroneous-ban coverage if relevant to show pattern, not just anecdote.
Own your distribution: Build email and search moats (FAQ schema, glossary, local landing pages). Republish short explainers on your site; share platform-native teasers pointing back to full resources.
Monitor the Notes era: Track if Community Notes appear on your posts and whether they affect reach; the system is expanding and policies are fluid.

Technical Considerations: The Hidden Levers of Control

Behind every post, comment, and hashtag lies a complex web of algorithms and automated filters—Meta’s hidden levers of control. For cannabis businesses, understanding these technical considerations is crucial to staying visible in search results and reaching potential customers. Automated content moderation can flag or suppress posts without warning, making it essential for businesses to optimize their website content and social media strategies with precision.

Common challenges include sudden drops in engagement, unexplained content removals, and the ever-present risk of being shadow banned. Staying aware of these pitfalls—and how to avoid them—can make all the difference. Companies like Coalition Technologies now offer specialized services for the cannabis industry, from SEO-focused website redesigns to seamless site migrations, helping businesses navigate the digital landscape with confidence.

The key is to stay informed and agile. By leveraging technical expertise, monitoring your site’s performance, and adapting to new practices on social media platforms, cannabis businesses can maintain visibility and continue to grow—even as the rules of the game keep changing. In this high-stakes environment, those who master the technical side of content moderation will always have the upper hand.

Time to Cut the Crap

Instagram can't have it both ways. You can't claim to be a platform for community, culture, and education while silencing some of the most impactful conversations in health and science—just because they don't fit your ad-safe narrative.

If Meta is serious about building trust, it needs to start with three things:

Transparency – Clearer guidelines and explanations when accounts are flagged.
Consistency – If you're going to police cannabis and psychedelics, you better be policing sex and violence with the same energy.
Human Oversight – AI isn't cutting it. Content with medical, scientific, or cultural relevance needs real review—not bot-triggered bans.

Until then, cannabis and psychedelics will remain second-class citizens in Meta's digital empire—legal offline, but treated like contraband online. And that's not just hypocritical. It's dangerous.

exhibitor at Revelry Buyers Club selling their wares

Hive & High, a new artisanal THC honey gummy launching at Revelry Hudson.

Hive & High, a new artisanal THC honey gummy launching at Revelry Hudson.

Editorial

Revelry Buyers' Club Proves New York’s Cannabis Industry Is Finally Hitting Its Stride

Three years after legalization, New York’s cannabis market is finally finding its footing — and Revelry Buyers’ Club continues to be the connective tissue helping to fuel its success.

If you want to understand the state of New York’s legal cannabis industry, look no further than the most recent Revelry Buyers’ Club, held May 14 at Basilica Hudson. What began as a scrappy, community-led gathering has evolved into the beating heart of New York’s cannabis ecosystem — equal parts marketplace, cultural convening, and movement accelerator.

This year’s Revelry event brought together more than 300 licensed retailers and 200+ brands, cultivators, processors, and service providers under one roof. That alone is evidence of progress in a state whose rollout was once (and some would say, is still) defined by delays, lawsuits, and bureaucratic gridlock. But more importantly, the event underscored a deeper truth: the New York cannabis industry is alive, evolving, and driven by a complex mix of grit, collaboration, innovation and ambition.

From Chaos to Cohesion: A Market Coming Into Focus

New York’s cannabis rollout has been anything but smooth. Between regulatory uncertainty, a slow licensing process, and rampant unlicensed retail activity, stakeholders have had to navigate an unpredictable landscape. Yet, against all odds, the community has persisted — and grown.

Revelry Buyers’ Club stands as proof. What started as a response to market dysfunction has matured into a vital B2B platform for New York’s cannabis operators to build relationships, ink deals, and share ideas. Unlike trade shows that focus solely on commercial transactions, Revelry weaves together culture, commerce, and community — honoring the unique character of New York’s blossoming cannabis scene.

You’ll find Multi-State Operators (MSOs) like Fernway, Kiva Confections, Wana Brands, and more, with expansive marketing budgets exhibiting alongside family-run cultivators from all across the state such as Nanticoke, FLWR CITY, Ayrloom, social equity brands such as 40 Tons, Happy Munkey, Torches, and first-time cannabis entrepreneurs such as Hive & High and Reform Botanicals who are just getting their SKUs shelf-ready. It’s an ecosystem in real time — rough around the edges but undeniably dynamic - just like New York.

Images from Revelry Buyers Club @ Basilica Hudson 2025

exhibitor at Revelry Buyers Club selling their wares

Hive & High, a new artisanal THC honey gummy launching at Revelry Hudson.

A Growing Market with a Point to Prove

Legal cannabis in New York is still in its adolescence, but the trajectory is promising. There are currently 381 licensed retail dispensaries open throughout the state with new licensed dispensaries opening monthly. Cultivators are refining their harvests. Brands are diversifying and innovating. Consumers are educating themselves. And events like Revelry are catalyzing the kind of connections that help this industry inch closer to legitimacy, sustainability, and long-term impact.

The stakes are high. This is more than just business — it’s about righting historical wrongs, unlocking economic opportunity, and creating an industry that looks and feels different than the one built in other states.

And while MSOs bring operational muscle and funding, it’s the grassroots operators — the family-owned cultivators, community-focused retailers, and legacy-to-legal founders — who keep the soul of the New York market alive. They’re betting on this industry not just to make money, but to make change.

Will "Outsiders" Make Inroads Here in New York

This October, Hall of Flowers — the original high-profile California B2B cannabis trade show — will host its first New York event at Pier 36 in Manhattan. Its arrival is a signal that the broader, national cannabis industry is finally taking New York seriously. The event will offer a polished, curated experience that connects brands and retailers through product discovery and business development.

But while Hall of Flowers brings production value and scale, many believe it will struggle to replicate the cultural authenticity and connective tissue that makes Revelry Buyers’ Club such a critical part of New York’s cannabis infrastructure. The difference is more than aesthetic — it’s foundational.

The Path Forward: Normalization, Hustle, and Hope

The cannabis industry in New York — like much of the country — still operates in a federally restricted limbo. Banking challenges, tax burdens, and interstate commerce barriers remain. Descheduling cannabis at the federal level would be a game-changer. But until that day comes, New Yorkers will do what they’ve always done: hustle, innovate, and build by any means necessary. We are unstoppable.

Revelry Buyers’ Club has become more than an event — it’s a catalyst. It reflects the resilience and ingenuity of a community that refuses to wait for permission to build something better.

As the market matures, one thing is clear: this is no longer just about legal weed. It’s about creating an industry rooted in equity, culture, creativity, and sustainable growth. And at the center of it all is Revelry — showing what’s possible when business meets community, and hustle meets heart.

image of the inside of the new Travel Agency dispensary in SoHo NYC.

The Travel Agency Lands in SoHo — A Cannabis Retail Experience That Doubles as a Gallery

The Travel Agency Lands in SoHo — A Cannabis Retail Experience That Doubles as a Gallery

Editorial

The Travel Agency Lands in SoHo

Where High Design Meets Higher Consciousness: Inside the City's Most Art-Forward Dispensary Yet

In a city packed with dispensaries, The Travel Agency isn’t just selling weed—it’s curating wonder. And with its latest destination at 598 Broadway, right in the heart of SoHo, the brand doubles down on its mission to elevate cannabis retail into an immersive, sensory, and cultural experience.

image of cannabis edibles on display at Travel Agency's newly opened SoHo dispensary The Travel Agency Lands in SoHo - The Bluntness

Following the successful launch of locations in Union Square, Downtown Brooklyn, and Fifth Avenue, The Travel Agency’s SoHo debut isn’t just another store opening—it’s a statement. A design-forward, community-conscious, and artistically driven statement that puts cannabis at the center of New York’s contemporary culture conversation.

A Storefront Designed to Stop You in Your Tracks

exterior image of Travel Agency's new SoHo dispensary storefront. The Travel Agency Lands in SoHo - The Bluntness

If the Union Square location felt like a portal to enchantment, the new SoHo dispensary is a full-on art installation disguised as retail. Created in partnership with visionary firm Leong Leong Architecture, the store draws inspiration from the experimental art spaces of downtown’s heyday (and from the now shuttered The House of Cannabis - THCNYC - just a few blocks south - IYKYK). Think minimalist futurism meets a luxury travel lounge.

The space features a glowing, arched ceiling that casts soft light over a constellation of glass vitrines, where cannabis products are displayed more like rare artifacts than retail items. The result? A shopping experience that feels more MoMA than marijuana.

Custom fabrication by Big Heavy Studios brings a tactile edge, creating sculptural shelving and installations that celebrate cannabis as a legitimate medium of creative expression. The final flourish? A kinetic, data-driven art piece by BREAKFAST Studio that pulses with real-time movement, mirroring the ever-shifting energy of the city.

The Bong Gallery: Where Function Meets Fine Art

One of the store’s most buzzworthy features is the Bong Gallery, a curated collection of high-design glassware that blurs the line between ritual and sculpture.

On display: psychedelic, color-soaked bongs from Milan-based designer Serena Confalonieri, alongside Juan Manuel Carmona’s surrealist OLMi Bong—a piece as thought-provoking as it is functional, layered with humor, political critique, and Mexican cultural symbolism.

This isn’t about novelty. It’s about narrative. Each piece invites the consumer to reconsider what cannabis culture can look and feel like in a new era.

interior image of Travel Agency's new SoHo retail, featuring a wall of glass bongs The Travel Agency Lands in SoHo - The Bluntness

More Than a Dispensary—A Destination for Cultural Travelers

“From Keith Haring to Basquiat, SoHo has always been a playground for boundary-pushers,” says Arana Hankin-Biggers, Co-Founder and CEO of The Travel Agency. “This store is a tribute to that legacy—an invitation to explore cannabis through the lens of art, design, and social change.”

Like its sister locations, The Travel Agency SoHo operates under New York’s Social and Economic Equity (SEE) program. As a BIPOC-founded company, the brand continues to reinvest in local communities while fighting to dismantle the legacy harms of the War on Drugs. This isn’t lip service; it’s baked into their business model.

And let’s not forget: The Travel Agency isn’t just catching the media’s eye—it’s shaping the narrative. The brand has racked up Clio Awards, landed in The New York Times and People Magazine, and even made waves as the first cannabis brand to sponsor the New York Film Festival and a Met Gala after-party.

Interior image of Travel Agency's new SoHo dispensary The Travel Agency Lands in SoHo - The Bluntness

A New Standard for Cannabis Retail

The SoHo launch cements what many already knew: The Travel Agency is setting the new gold standard for cannabis retail. This isn’t about jumping on trends. It’s about redefining them.

Whether you’re a curious first-timer or a seasoned aficionado, walking into The Travel Agency SoHo isn’t just about buying cannabis—it’s about traveling somewhere new. Somewhere artful. Thoughtful. High-end. And high-minded.

The SoHo location is now open at 598 Broadway, with a grand opening celebration slated for May 28, 2025.

gif of actor Kevin James from King of Queens; asking "How Much Does That Cost?"

Why Is Some Weed More Expensive Than Others? Understanding Cannabis Pricing

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Unraveling Cannabis Pricing: Factors Behind the Cost of Weed

From Budget Buds to Premium Flower: Inside the Complex Economics of Cannabis Pricing and What It Means for Your Wallet.

Step inside a cannabis dispensary for the first time and the experience can be overwhelming. The meticulously labeled glass jars showcase dozens of strains with names like "Wedding Cake" and "Blue Dream," while refrigerated cases display concentrates, edibles, and tinctures at wildly different price points. Unlike the days when consumers were limited to whatever their neighborhood dealer offered, today's legal market presents a dazzling array of options that might leave newcomers with both wonder and sticker shock.

One thing customers notice immediately: not all cannabis is priced equally. A gram of one strain might cost an affordable $4 while another could command premium prices that seem puzzlingly high. This price disparity raises questions for both newcomers and experienced consumers alike. Is expensive weed worth it, or are you simply paying a "hype tax"?

The Economics Behind Cannabis Pricing

The cannabis industry operates under unique market conditions shaped by several interconnected factors:

Federal Regulations and Their Ripple Effects

Despite growing state-level legalization, the federal government's classification of marijuana as a controlled substance creates complications that directly impact pricing:

Banking restrictions force many businesses to operate cash-only, increasing security costs
Interstate commerce prohibition prevents efficient supply chain optimization
Tax code section 280E prevents cannabis businesses from deducting ordinary business expenses, significantly increasing their effective tax rates

A 2023 industry analysis estimated these federal constraints add 30-40% to operational costs compared to similar retail businesses. When combined with state-specific licensing fees that can reach into hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, these regulatory hurdles create substantial overhead costs that inevitably get passed to consumers.

Cultivation Methods Matter

The way cannabis is grown dramatically affects both its quality and price:

Indoor cultivation requires substantial investment in specialized equipment—lighting systems, climate control, ventilation, and precise nutrient delivery systems. These controlled environments allow for year-round growing with consistent results but at higher production costs.

Outdoor cultivation harnesses natural sunlight and soil, drastically reducing production costs. However, outdoor grows are subject to seasonal limitations, weather risks, and typically produce one or two harvests annually.

Greenhouse and mixed-light cultivation offers a middle ground, using natural sunlight supplemented with artificial lighting while providing some environmental controls.

John Kaye, co-founder of cannabis retailer Burb, explains that cultivation method directly impacts the final product: "The nose (does it smell pungent/pleasant?), color (look for vibrant green buds with orange/red hairs), feel (is it sticky, dense?), burn (how clean does it smoke?)—these qualities often correlate with production methods."

image of an indoor commercial green house growing cannabis When it comes to pricing, cultivation methods matter - The Bluntness Photo by Richard T on Unsplash

Quality Indicators and Their Price Impact

Several factors signal premium cannabis that commands higher prices:

Cannabinoid profile: While THC percentage remains a key pricing factor, the industry is increasingly recognizing the value of balanced cannabinoid profiles and diverse terpene content. Premium products often feature precise ratios of THC, CBD, CBG, and other cannabinoids targeted for specific effects.
Terpene preservation: These aromatic compounds not only create the plant's distinctive scents but significantly influence its effects through what scientists call the "entourage effect." Premium cultivation and processing methods preserve these delicate compounds.
Appearance: Properly cultivated, trimmed and cured cannabis displays vibrant colors, visible trichomes (the crystal-like structures containing cannabinoids), and proper moisture content without being too dry or too damp.
Proper curing: This meticulous post-harvest process can take 2-8 weeks as opposed to rushed methods that might take just days. Proper curing preserves cannabinoids and terpenes while removing chlorophyll and other compounds that create harsh smoke.
Clean cultivation: Premium products increasingly emphasize organic growing methods that avoid harsh pesticides, producing a cleaner final product. Lab testing verifies not just potency but the absence of contaminants, molds, or chemical residues.

The Brand Factor

Like other consumer goods, branding significantly influences cannabis pricing. An anonymous former dispensary inventory manager in Colorado (whom we'll call Keith) revealed: "Some growers get a name for themselves and raise prices accordingly. Customers are at times paying more for the grower's reputation than the objective quality of their product."

This aligns with broader retail principles. "It's all about the same things as prices in any other business: the profit they hope to gain based on what it costs them to have the product, and customer perceptions of what is worth that price," Keith explained.

Local Market Dynamics

Cannabis pricing also responds to local market conditions:

Market maturity: Newer legal markets typically have higher prices that gradually decline as more businesses enter the space and production capacity increases.
Taxation structure: State and local cannabis taxes vary dramatically, from modest to punitive, directly affecting final consumer prices.
Competition density: Areas with numerous dispensaries typically see more competitive pricing than those with limited retail options.

The Consumer Perspective

Cannabis consumers navigate these pricing factors differently based on their priorities and experience levels.

Some, like 38-year-old Colin, believe quality differences justify price premiums: "Those differently priced strains probably don't look the same or smell the same. There are probably large quality differences in the final product that account for the price difference."

Others approach the market more skeptically. Corey, a 34-year-old dance instructor from Chicago, suggests high prices sometimes exploit novice consumers: "The average person is exactly who dispensaries want coming through those doors because they can tell you weed will give you energy and you'll believe them for some reason."

Many consumers find themselves balancing budget with quality preferences. "The cheap stuff ruins my throat. The good stuff ruins my wallet," one consumer told us. "The fact that we can get it legally, though, is priceless."

Navigating Price vs. Value: A Consumer Guide

For consumers seeking to maximize value, industry experts recommend considering:

Personal tolerance and needs: Higher-potency products might provide better value for experienced consumers despite higher upfront costs. If 10mg of THC produces your desired effect, a $40 product with 200mg total THC (20 doses) may offer better value than a $20 product with 50mg (5 doses).
Consumption method efficiency: Different methods have vastly different bioavailability rates. Smoking and vaping typically deliver 10-35% of cannabinoids to your bloodstream, while edibles might deliver only 4-12% (but with longer-lasting effects). This efficiency directly affects the real cost per experience.
Dispensary loyalty programs: Many retailers offer significant discounts (10-15%) for returning customers or first-time visitors. Taking advantage of these programs can substantially reduce costs without sacrificing quality.
Targeted terpene profiles: Sometimes mid-priced products with specific terpene combinations (like myrcene for relaxation or limonene for mood elevation) offer precisely the effects a consumer wants without premium pricing.
Transparency in testing: Reputable producers provide comprehensive lab results confirming not just potency but also terpene profiles and the absence of contaminants, pesticides, and heavy metals. This information helps ensure you're getting what you pay for.
Harvest and package dates: Freshness significantly impacts quality, with properly stored cannabis maintaining optimal properties for about six months. Products approaching their one-year mark often sell at discount but may have diminished potency and terpene content.

Market Maturation: The New York Example

The evolution of cannabis pricing becomes clearer when examining maturing markets like New York. Recent data shows the average price for 3.5 grams of cannabis at New York dispensaries has fallen from $41.13 when legal sales launched in 2022 to $38.96 in early 2025. The price drops extend across product categories, with one gram of concentrate decreasing from $58.92 to $50.30 and one-gram vape products dropping from $64.89 to $55.35, according to a New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) analysis.

John Kagia, OCM's executive director of market policy, innovation, and analytics, attributes these shifts to increasing competition: "Retailers are adjusting their prices as part of their competitive strategy as more locations have opened. While it remains a little early to determine all the factors driving the retail price compression, it is common to see price compression as new markets mature and competition intensifies."

New York's cannabis ecosystem now features over 500 brands with approximately 370 retail locations, creating a competitive landscape that benefits consumers through lower prices. "Lower prices indicate a growing diversity of products available in the market," Kagia notes. "They increase affordability for consumers and enable the legal market to compete more effectively against the illicit market."

This market evolution has impacted dispensary revenues as well. While sales revenues per dispensary reached $599,000 in August 2024, by February 2025 that figure had dropped to $351,000 per store. Despite these per-location decreases, New York's overall cannabis market remains robust, with total sales reaching $1.46 billion since the launch of adult-use sales and on pace to hit $1.5 billion in 2025 alone.

The Future of Cannabis Pricing

As legal markets continue maturing nationwide, several trends are emerging:

Price normalization: Initial high prices in new markets typically decline as production scales up and competition increases, as demonstrated by New York's experience.
Quality stratification: Like wine or coffee markets, cannabis is developing distinct price tiers based on objective quality differences and production methods.
Consumer education: As buyers become more knowledgeable, pricing based purely on THC percentage or marketing hype becomes less effective.
Production efficiencies: Improved growing techniques and technology are helping producers deliver higher quality at lower cost.

A Market Finding Its Equilibrium

The legal cannabis industry continues evolving rapidly, with pricing structures that reflect its unique regulatory challenges, production complexities, and maturing consumer preferences. This evolution demonstrates classic economic principles at work, as markets move from novelty pricing toward equilibrium.

"We're witnessing what economists would call market normalization," says Dr. Beau Whitney, founder of Whitney Economics, a leading cannabis economic research firm. "The initial premium pricing we see in new markets reflects limited supply meeting pent-up demand, but with time, production capacity increases, competition intensifies, and prices tend to stabilize at levels that balance producer profitability with consumer affordability."

For shoppers navigating this complex landscape, understanding the factors behind cannabis pricing helps them make choices aligned with both their preferences and budgets. The education gap between newcomers and experienced consumers is narrowing as dispensary staff improve their ability to guide customers through the range of options.

Whether seeking budget-friendly options or premium craft cannabis, today's consumers benefit from unprecedented choice and transparency—a welcome change from the days when whatever the dealer had was the only option available. The industry's ongoing price evolution reflects not just changing consumer preferences and growing competition, but also cannabis's gradual transition from forbidden substance to mainstream consumer product.

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