Cannabis Companies Look to ‘4/20’ to Light Up Sales
From cannabis-infused flowers to edible weed gummies, marijuana companies are pulling out all the stops as they eye bumper sales on April 20 – a day referred to as “4/20” in weed culture.
Industry insiders expect highest single-day sales ever for the cannabis sector on Thursday even as the industry faces increased scrutiny from lawmakers in the United States.
4/20, derived from a trope for smoking marijuana, typically sees cannabis companies such as High Tide, Canopy Growth, and Trulieve Cannabis Corp amp up promotions, throwing in exclusive deals and discounts to lure customers.
Wholesale cannabis platform Leaflink expects sales of infused flowers and pre-rolled joints to jump 500%-1,000% compared to 2022.
“4/20 continues to gain recognition with state-by-state legalization,” said Curaleaf CEO Matt Darin.
Recreational use of marijuana is legal in only 21 U.S. states along with Washington, D.C. and Guam. Four of those states approved legalization only last year.
“We’ll probably see two-and-a-half times the normal Thursday sales … we’ve been upping our production in anticipation of record sales,” said Nick Rinella, CEO of Hippos, which operates recreational and medicinal cannabis dispensaries in Missouri.
Curaleaf saw an increase of about 45% in net sales and 70% increase in transactions across its retail stores on April 20 last year compared with 2021. The company expects a similar spike in traffic this year.
Sales are likely to get a further boost from the day falling on a Thursday this year.
According to seasonality data from cannabis data firm BDSA, cannabis retailers see more sales on Thursdays than on Wednesdays and Tuesdays.
Given that 4/20 fell on a Wednesday in 2022 and on a Tuesday in 2021, it is expected that 4/20 will bring an even bigger spike in sales this year, BDSA said.
“With stiff competition and the illicit market threatening the growth of legal adult-use cannabis markets, cannabis brands must leverage key holidays like 4/20 to simply reinforce the message about what they do best,” said Andy Palalas, chief revenue officer at High Tide.
Colin Kaepernick Paying For Autopsy of Inmate Family Believes Was Eaten Alive By Bed Bugs
Colin Kaepernick is hoping to provide some closure to the mystery surrounding the death of an Atlanta inmate whose family believes he was eaten alive inside his cell by bed bugs.
LaShawn Thompson died inside his Fulton County jail cell last September and his family has been convinced he passed due to the cell’s unsanitary conditions. However, an autopsy report provided no answers when it came back “undetermined.”
Now the former NFL quarterback is stepping up to the plate by offering to pay for a second independent autopsy that could range in price from $20-50,000, TMZreported. Kaepernick contacted civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump to help the family after being disturbed by the conditions Thompson and other Fulton County inmates have been enduring.
The jail has already been facing calls for closure due to its unclean conditions. It’s the same conditions that Thompson’s family believes took his life.
“The cell he was in was not fit for a diseased animal. This is inexcusable and it’s deplorable,” Thompson family attorney Michael Harper said.
Thompson was initially arrested in June 2022 for a misdemeanor simple battery. He was placed in the psychiatric wing of Fulton County Jail after officials determined he had mental issues, Daily Mailreports.
But, three months later, he was found dead inside his cell and now the family is demanding answers and for the jail to be shut down.
“We are asking for a criminal investigation into the death of Mr. Thompson,” Harper said. “We are also asking for the jail to be shut down.”
Photos of the cell show it filthy and covered in bed bugs. Thompson’s family also obtained open medical records that showed detention offices and medical staff at the jail noticed Thompson was deteriorating, but did nothing to help him.
“They literally watched his health decline until he died,” a statement read. “Mr. Thompson was housed in was not fit for a diseased animal. He did not deserve this. Someone has to be held accountable for his death.”
Kaepernick’s involvement in Thompson’s second autopsy comes after he launched an initiative in February 2022 to offer autopsies to police-related deaths, NPRreports.
Survey: ChatGPT Job Skill May Help Boost Your Chances Of Getting Hired
A technology tool that’s getting a lot of chatter now, ChatGPT perhaps could be among the professional job skills you need to help launch your career or land a dream job.
A robust 98% of hiring managers report that by next year it will be more important for entry-level candidates to have ChatGPT experience for some roles, a new survey by higher education website Intelligent.com shows.
A natural language processing tool powered by AI technology, ChatGPT enables you to ask questions and get human-like responses from a chatbot among its functions. It can help with duties like drafting job descriptions, writing essays and emails, and processing code.
Other findings from Intelligent’s survey of 1,000 hiring managers revealed 94% recommend college students take ChatGPT coursework. Some 93% say the experience can boost recent college grads’ résumé, and 91% say it will be more important for entry-level candidates to have ChatGPT knowledge by next year by next year. And 86% of the managers are convinced having ChatGPT can be more valuable than a college degree.
Another survey of 1,000 U.S. business leaders by Resume Builder revealed that 90% of those polled disclosed ChatGPT experience is a beneficial skill for job seekers. Some 93% of existing users say they plan to expand their usage, and almost 50% report it’s now among their practices.
The key point appears to be that companies want to draw top talent familiar or well-versed in the latest technology like ChatGPT. Those candidates may also be more attractive to businesses if they can engage in jobs without any or little investment from a company for training.
ChatGPT gained much attention after it was launched late last year by OpenAI. Its ability to chat on many different topics and produce understandable text from prior conversations supposedly helped make it popular fast. It purportedly can impact the nation’s workplace, along with education, home office, and many areas where people are involved with written communications.
However, observers say ChatGPT is not perfect proof and has limitations like other AI technology. For instance, they concur it can perhaps eliminate human jobs, unintentionally provide biased or discriminatory information, and create data privacy and security concerns.
Blanca Villagomez, college admissions and education advisor at Intelligent, explained by email that we live in a digital era. There is a great benefit in staying attuned to the new technological advances shaping the workforce. She says now ChatGPT is taking center stage.
She says the Intelligent’s survey findings can provide Black students with insights into the skillset they can develop during college to increase their competitiveness post-graduation. “I encourage students to spend time understanding ChatGPT and researching how to optimize it responsibly. Doing so can help students develop new technical skills that are highly sought after in the job market.”
Villagomez also stated, “I encourage my students to become competent in new technological areas because it gives them an edge in job applications. Companies want to hire individuals who have an appetite for learning and challenging themselves. Staying relevant to the dynamic changes in technological advancements is key.”
Boosting their know-how of ChatGPT may too be helpful to Black Americans underrepresented at jobs in the corporate world. Research has shown that only 5% of senior executives at Fortune 500 companies are Black or Latino despite 30% of Americans belonging to those racial groups.
Further, students may do well to use resources they have on college campuses to learn more about ChatGPT by talking with career counselors, Black faculty and staff, and academic organizations. They may be able to offer insight into ChatGPT and how it could impact students’ career opportunities and goals.
Jenna Carson, human resources and operations manager at the Music Grotto website stated she would strongly recommend that all college students interested in marketing, sales, public relations, computer and data science, media communications, and professional writing complete coursework in ChatGPT.
“While it is not a firm requirement, we do prioritize applicants whose experience includes familiarity with the platform,” she stated.
3rd Annual AFRICON Conference Aims to Reconnect African Americans With Their Heritage And Unite Entire African Diaspora
Amplify Africa’s AFRICON conference is back for the third year to unite the entire African diaspora and reconnect African Americans with their roots and heritage in the Mother Land.
AFRICON is taking over Los Angeles next month in honor of Africa Day’s 60th anniversary on May 25–28. The conference, which serves as one of the country’s largest celebrations of the global Black diaspora, brings together trailblazers in music, business, activism, education, and more to recognize and elevate the diverse achievements of the African continent.
The event features a range of engaging activities, such as an Afro Ball Fashion gala, a music festival organized by AfroFuture, opportunities to support black-owned businesses, and fireside chats that explore the contributions of the African Diaspora to various professional fields, including entertainment, technology, media, business, and entrepreneurship. AFRICON’s return follows the successful launch of the inaugural in-person conference in 2022.
Credit: @hyyrecreative
CEO & Co-Founder of Amplify Africa, Damilare Kujembola, spoke with BLACK ENTERPRISE about the third annual AFRICON and teased what attendees can expect.
Expand on the significance of uniting the African diaspora and the space you’re creating for African Americans to reconnect to their heritage at AFRICON.
The African diaspora refers to the global community of people of African descent who have been forcibly removed from their homelands through slavery, migration, or other forms of displacement. This diaspora has been dispersed across the globe, with many individuals losing touch with their African roots and cultural heritage.
For African Americans, in particular, AFRICON represents a unique opportunity to reconnect with their heritage and explore their ancestral roots. Many African Americans are descendants of enslaved Africans who were forcibly taken from their homelands and brought to the Americas, losing touch with their African cultural heritage in the process. AFRICON provides a safe and inclusive space for African Americans to explore their heritage, learn about their ancestral cultures, and connect with other people of African descent.
AFRICON plays a significant role in uniting the African diaspora as a whole by providing a space for people of African descent to come together, celebrate their heritage, and build connections with each other. Through cultural workshops, music performances, art exhibitions, and other activities, attendees can learn about the rich cultural heritage of Africa, share their experiences, and build lasting relationships that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.
Credit: @hyyrecreative
What do you hope attendees will gain from the AFRICON experience this year?
AFRICON offers attendees a unique platform to network with like-minded individuals, make new friends, and establish business connections. Through AFRICON, attendees can also find potential partners who share their interests and values.
Credit: @hyyrecreative
The event features music, dance, and art from across the African continent and its diaspora, providing a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate the rich heritage of Africa. AFRICON is also a chance to have fun and relax with other attendees, participating in various activities like sports competitions, talent shows, and parties.
Overall, AFRICON offers attendees a range of opportunities to network, explore job opportunities, meet investors, celebrate African culture, and have fun. Whether you’re looking to build lasting relationships, learn more about African culture, or find new business opportunities, AFRICON is an event that offers something for everyone.
How were AFRICON 2023 honorees and panelists selected?
The selection process for AFRICON 2023 honorees and panelists was based on a combination of factors. First and foremost, we are blessed with an amazing network of individuals who are doing incredible work across a range of fields, and we wanted to use AFRICON as an opportunity to amplify their voices and celebrate their achievements.
In addition to our personal networks, we also conducted extensive research to identify individuals who are making significant contributions to their communities and fields of work. We sought out individuals who are innovative, visionary, and committed to advancing the African diaspora. Our goal was to ensure that our honorees and panelists represent a diverse range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds.
Credit: @hyyrecreative
Looking ahead to future years, we plan to open up the selection process to the public and invite nominations for future speakers and honorees. We believe that this will help us to discover even more incredible individuals who are making significant contributions to their communities and fields of work. We are committed to ensuring that AFRICON remains an inclusive and diverse platform that showcases the best and brightest voices from across the African diaspora.
TICKETS FOR AFRICON 2023 ARE CURRENTLY ON SALE WITH PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE!
Kid Cudi Is Joining Idris Elba And Tika Sumpter In The Television Series, ‘Knuckles’
Kid Cudistill has motion out here in these industry streets. Coming off the stellar Entergalactic—album and film—the Cleveland-raised MC’s next venture will find him cast in the series Knuckles, a spin-off of Sonic the Hedgehog.
Kid Cudi took to Instagram to share the exciting news.
“When life has more dreams for you to fulfill ☺️ its lit #knuckles@paramountplus,” the Indicud rapper writes.
Knuckles, originally a video game released on Sega Genesis in 1994, is a spin-off from the second installment of Sonic the Hedgehog. Airing through Paramount+, the upcoming television series will feature veteran actor Idris Elba, who returns as Knuckles, Adam Pally, who, according to Deadline, appeared in the Sonic the Hedgehog sequel, and Rory McCann. Tika Sumpter is also returning as Maddie, Deadline reports.
“The series is currently in production and will follow Knuckles on a hilarious and action-packed journey of self-discovery as he agrees to train Wade as his protégé and teach him the ways of the Echidna warrior,” Deadline writes.
Kid Cudi, born Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, is no stranger to the big screen. He’s spread his wings in films such as X,House Party, Need for Speed, and Don’t Look Up, among several others Mescudi also served as the program director on Entergalactic.
Appearing to stay busy, the “Just What I Am” rapper delivered a thankful message on Twitter, praising DJs for showing him love throughout his career. Before the tweet praising DJs, Cudi hinted at new music dropping this year.
DJs all around the world: I wanna thank you from the bottom of my heart for playin my tunes all these years. I would not be where im at now with out any of you, and I am deeply grateful. 🙏🏾💕
The time has come for my evolution. June 2nd, we start a new chapter. Join me ⚡️
R. Kelly Just Won’t Mute Himself, Files Appeal After Federal Sex Crimes Conviction
R. Kelly thinks his trial was handled unjustly.
The singer’s attorney, JenniferBonjean, filed an appeal on Tuesday over Kelly’s federal sex crimes case in New York, asking the court to reverse his convictions or order a new trial because there were things uncovered to the jury that made his trial unfair.
According to TMZ, legal documents claim the government’s proof was inadequate. Kelly’s lawyers are coming in hot with specifics regarding the jury and evidence from prosecutors presented during the trial. The “I Believe I Can Fly” artist’s legal team argues that some individuals should not have been a part of the jury since they had previously viewed the 2019 Surviving R. Kelly docuseries. Additionally, four jurors allegedly admitted they prejudged Kelly before giving their official verdict.
Kelly brought specifics about what went down in each case from his perspective, claiming that some of the girls who prosecutors alleged the singer had groomed and molested were at least 18 years of age at the time of the sexual relationships. In the allegations involving minors, Kelly’s legal time claims the girls misled him about their true ages.
The singer says the details about his sex life and relationships with former partners were irrelevant to the case and opened an alley for prosecutors to persuade the jury. He also argues that his former employees and associates that took the stand falsely testified and lacked real knowledge.
The singer was found guilty in 2021 on nine federal counts, including charges pertaining to sex crimes and human trafficking.
A Chicago jury deliberated and declared Kelly guilty in September 2022 on three of four counts of production of child pornography and three of five counts of enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity.
Reportedly, Kelly was sentenced to 30 years on the New York charges and 20 years for the Chicago case.
Tiffany Haddish Trends After Seemingly Defending Jonathan Majors On Twitter
Tiffany Haddish has landed herself back in hot water for a tweet and delete that seemingly defended Jonathan Majors after his domestic violence arrest.
On Thursday, Haddish became a trending topic after responding to a recent LA Times article that brought attention to new allegations about Majors’ accuser.
“Jonathan Majors’ accuser appears unhurt, clubbing in video – Los Angeles Times,” the since-deleted tweet read.
The Girls Trip star might’ve read the room and quickly deleted the tweet after facing criticism. But it was up long enough for many to capture screenshots used to drag the comedian.
“Nah, my good sis. You said what you said. Stand in it. @TiffanyHaddish,” one person tweeted.
“She should have disappeared after participating in that paedophilic ‘comedy’ skit,” another user wrote.
“Tiffany Haddish is a mess,” another person quipped.
“Let’s not forget she and her friends bullied a Black woman doctor into a suicide attempt because she was trying to give them factual information about COVID.”
However, some attempted to defend Haddish by reminding the critics about the contents of the LA Times article.
“The LA Times published that article a few hours ago saying surveillance footage showed his accuser dancing & not having any cuts after the incident but… 🤷🏽♀️,” one person explained.
The LA Times article shared the details of a recent court filing where Majors attorney Priya Chaudhry alleges that after “attacking” her client and allegedly tearing his clothes between midnight and 1 a.m. on March 25, the accuser “went clubbing, got drunk, sent Mr. Majors angry text messages accusing him of infidelity, sent a suicide note to Mr. Majors, took a bunch of sleeping pills, and then, eleven hours later, was found alone in a locked bedroom, unconscious on the floor of a closet, with a cut behind her ear and a broken finger.”
“We have provided irrefutable evidence to the District Attorney that the charges are false,” Chaudhry said. “We are confident that he will be fully exonerated.”
While Majors’ works to prove his innocence, he has lost representation from his management team, was removed from attending the Met Gala by Valentino, and could lose his role within the Marvel Universe depending on the turnout of the case.
Black Girls Smoke Founder Works With NYC Parks to Change Weed Restrictions
There may be hope in the future for weed-smoking park-goers and those who love to smoke. Black Girls Smoke (BGS) Founder Vic Styles is giving it all she’s got to change the restrictions for New York City park visitors who want to puff on some trees as they stroll outdoors. NBC New York reported that although the state legalized the recreational use of marijuana in March 2021, for adults 21 and older, smoking pot is still illegal in certain public areas, including its city parks. Pushing back at the rules, Styles hosts an annual 4/20 “Puff in the Park” event in Prospect Park. Going into its third year, the event poses as a peaceful protest against New York state laws prohibiting smoking within the park. As part of the mission of the Styles’ group, they work to demolish “stigmas, color lines and gender biases” in the white male-dominated industry. “We would like to see a designated cannabis smoking area in the park,” Styles said, adding, “A lot of cannabis events are not geared toward us,” Styles said. “There are people that don’t look like me […] and I don’t feel appreciated, seen or safe in those environments.” Styles launched her brand in 2020 when she moved to New York from Los Angeles. The annual event has enabled her to find community and connect with like-minded people. Styles accumulated over 50,000 BGS Instagram followers and over 3,000 RSVPs for last year’s event.
“This is the cookout that everybody talks about. What you’re going to find is a positive environment,” Styles said. “We’re just really proud of the community that we’ve been able to build and more importantly, the voices we’ve been able to amplify and the minds we’ve been able to change around this plant.” Reportedly, Styles is working with NYC Parks and the Prospect Park Alliance’s events department. “Puff in the Park 23′” takes place Thursday, April 20, from 2 – 6 PM EDT. Attendees at the event can expect a picnic-style party on April 20, with music, DJs, vendors, and food. Guests are encouraged to bring items such as a blanket, flower, snacks, and water.
Ralph Yarl’s Shooter Was Into ‘Weird, Random, Racist Things’, Grandson Says
A grandson of Ralph Yarl’s shooter is dropping the dime on the “weird, racist” things his grandfather was allegedly into that might’ve prompted his violent shooting of the innocent teen.
Yarl, 16, is recovering after being shot twice last Thursday by Andrew Lester, 84, The Independentreports. Yarl went to pick up his younger twin brothers from a friend’s house in Kansas City, Missouri, but mistakenly arrived at Lester’s residence and rang the doorbell.
Widespread backlash followed when word got out that Lester was freed on bond within a few hours of turning himself in to the police. Now, Lester’s grandson is speaking out about his estrangement from his grandfather over his grandfather’s alleged belief in right-wing conspiracy theories.
Klint Ludwig, 28, recalled noticing a change in his grandfather in 2020 when Lester shared a conspiracy theory about Dr. Anthony Fauci during a family gathering.
“I was like, ‘Man, this sounds crazy’,” Ludwig told The New York Times. “I told him it was ridiculous.”
Ludwig also recalls his grandfather making disparaging comments about Black people, gay people, and immigrants, harboring many firearms inside his home, including rifles and handguns. Ludwig said Lester made “racist comments” and was deeply interested in “QAnon-level conspiracy theories.”
“I believe he holds racist tendencies and beliefs,” he said, adding his grandfather bought into “conspiracies and weird random, racist things.”
“A lot of it was like the QAnon-level conspiracies of election denying and he got really weird about some Fauci dogs,” Ludwig explained. “And I would push back on some of that stuff and he couldn’t handle being pushed back on and at a certain point we kind of lost touch and I think it was more his choice than mine.”
Ludwig believes his grandfather is suffering the consequences of buying into right-wing conspiracy theories and misinformation.
“His actions are his responsibility, and falling into the fear and paranoia stoked by the 24-hour news cycle and wild conspiracies did not help his mental state,” Ludwig said.
Ludwig also confirmed the differences in his political views compared to his grandfather. He defended Yarl after the high school student almost lost his life for simply going to the wrong home.
“Ralph deserves justice, regardless of my relationship with the shooter,” Ludwig said. “Black Lives Matter always.”
Mayoral Candidate Tito Jackson Is Finally Getting In On This Cannabis Coin
There’s a new hotspot in Boston for cannabis lovers.
Former Boston City Councilor and mayoral candidate, Tito Jackson, and his partners held an official grand opening for his cannabis dispensary, Apex Noire, on Saturday.
According to The Bay State Banner, the seven-story cannabis dispensary, located on State Street, marks the first Black-owned dispensary to open in downtown Boston and has become part of the small community of Black-owned businesses in the area.
“It’s been a long road,” CEO and founder Jackson said as he greeted customers who lined up along the block. “We thought we’d be open very quickly — it’s been three years. We are very, very proud.”
The full-service experiential cannabis dispensary expands on the the state’s Cannabis Control Commission’s efforts to amplify racial equity in Boston’s cannabis industry.
“We are an organization that was founded by someone who is from the community and we definitely value people who are from Boston, from the state of Massachusetts, and who might drive past a couple other dispensaries to come and have this experience,” Jackson said. “We are a bridge for all communities to the center of our city.”
The non-consumption ribbon-cutting was observed by investors, supporters, and local Boston officials. Guests enjoyed a block party, food trucks, and live music, followed by a private party on the rooftop of Jackson’s new spot. As Jackson prepares to launch a crowd-sourcing campaign, friends, family, and colleagues, including Jackson’s former campaign manager, Bill Stearns, and his wife Stephanie, have kicked off as investors of Apex Noire.
Jackson’s staff of 20 includes 80% people of color and 20% have a Massachusetts CORI record as a result of having some sort of involvement in the criminal justice system. Jackson boasts inclusivity as jobs are offered to people in communities that historically have been affected by the war on drugs. Minimum pay for employees at the dispensary is $17.50 per hour, and free financial literacy classes are offered to staff.
Cannabis Control Commissioner Ava Callender Concepcion commended Jackson’s efforts to be all-inclusive and bring together individuals with experience in the industry, prior to legalization.
Apex Noire is located near Faneuil Hall, a location that accumulates nearly 18 million visitors. Jackson’s dispensary is also licensed in Medford, where he will open a spot by the end of the year.
