Welcome to the Inaugural Newsletter

Hey,

I’m BACK with another newsletter folks.

I've been sharing insights on LinkedIn for years now, but there are always posts that deserve a lot more analysis and a more thorough deep dive.

This newsletter is where I'll be bringing you my expanded takes on our industry that you won't find anywhere else.

So here’s the big thing that’s been bothering me this week….

The Legacy Media's Cannabis Problem

The utterly embarrassing state of mainstream media coverage of cannabis has been driving me absolutely CRAZY.

Last Sunday, the New York Times (yes, the great New York Times) published another hit piece on their front page, and we need to talk about it.

As a loyal Times subscriber and reader, I've got to say - I'm pissed.

Their front-page article about "dangerous" cannabis potency and FDA violations wasn't just misleading; it was, once again, lazy journalism at its finest.

They managed to interview 16 people about our industry, and somehow not one of them really knew what they're talking about.

Stiiizy and Jetty deserve better than this kind of superficial, fear-mongering coverage that is flagrantly anti-industry.

The Bigger Pattern: A Year of Hit Pieces

Anyone in this industry knows this isn't an isolated incident at all.

The way that cannabis has been handled verges on a smear campaign, and it's worse than you think:

They tested 40 products and claimed 60% had pesticide issues. But here's what they conveniently ignored: California has some of the strictest testing requirements in the world. Instead of highlighting the thousands of products that pass these rigorous standards daily, they cherry-picked their narrative.

And then there's the Wall Street Journal's greatest hits of 2024:

Yes, we need to keep cannabis away from kids - that's why we fought for regulation in the first place! But painting the entire industry as some kind of teen-corrupting boogeyman? Give me a break.

Did they mention that legal cannabis undergoes more stringent testing than most of the food you eat? Of course not. Instead, they took a few isolated incidents and tried to make it look like the whole industry is selling contaminated products.

Look, nobody wants impaired drivers on the road - period. But their article completely ignored the fact that we've been pushing for better scientific testing methods and supporting law enforcement training. Instead, they went with the tired old "reefer madness" angle.

Here's what kills me: Not one of these publications bothered to talk about how regulation has made cannabis safer than ever. Not one mentioned the thousands of jobs created, the tax revenue generated, or the patients finally getting relief through legal access.

No. It’s weed = evil. The news never changes.

Why This Matters for Our Industry

These publications pride themselves on being the pinnacle of balanced journalism, yet they can't be bothered to talk to ACTUAL industry experts who understand the complexities of:

• Rigorous testing protocols

• State-mandated safety regulations

• Consumer protection measures

• Scientific research behind potency and effects

Look, I get it. Cannabis is complicated. There are legitimate discussions to be had about regulation, safety, and responsible consumption.

But that's exactly why we need informed, balanced reporting - not sensationalized headlines designed to scare people.

The Path Forward

To my friends at the New York Times (and every other major publication):

Next time you want to write about cannabis, give someone a call who actually knows what they're talking about.

The real story of this industry - the innovation, the safety protocols, the economic impact - is far more interesting than the fear-mongering you're pushing.

Stay subscribed for more unfiltered insights. Each week, I'll be bringing you the kind of deep industry knowledge and analysis you won't find anywhere else.

No fluff, no BS - just real talk about what's actually happening in cannabis.

Here's to fighting misinformation and pushing for better journalism in 2025.

Keep crushing it, Seth

P.S. Unlike the mainstream media, I actually want to hear YOUR thoughts. Hit me up with your takes on this media coverage issue, and let me know what topics you want me to dive into in future editions.