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So how does one manipulate their way into sales? Honestly, way too many ways—but most importantly, it must be done in a skillful manner.
Women in Cannabis
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Attorney, professor, entrepreneur, and plant healer, Laury Lucien wears many hats. No matter her role, it’s immediately evident that Laury brings her intentionality, spirituality, and deep love of the natural world into everything she does.
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When Steph Sherer founded the ASA in 2002, she never expected she’d still be doing this work more than 20 years later. A recent college graduate living in Southern California, she was also taking a high dose of anti-inflammatories every day for a painful chronic injury. And despite her young age, she was experiencing early onset kidney failure because of it.
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Kayla Kurnik built a name for herself in cannabis, but staying in the industry hasn’t always been easy. From navigating a male-dominated space to setting her own value, she’s learned what it takes to succeed on her own terms.
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Annie Holman has never been intimidated by any type of boys’ club. “I’m not afraid to march up to some guy in a suit and talk to him."

Heads of Industry
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Explore the mission of NORMLS in the ongoing cannabis reform. Learn why the fight for legalization is far from over.
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It’s not every company that creates products for Hobbits and space travelers alike, but AFG Distribution has never been like most companies.
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Joey DeStefano’s journey from a young entrepreneur & musician to Chief Commercial Officer at Puff Brands is an inspiring tale of innovation, passion, and perseverance.
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It’s not often that a spark of interest is literally a spark. But that’s how it all started for Josh Kesselman, the energetic, shaggy-haired force behind RAW.
Latest Headlines
Quest for the Best
The Best Products from HQ Wholesalers
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There’s a lot that AI can do for your shop. With the right inputs, you can use AI tools to develop marketing materials and more.
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At HQ, we don’t shy away from controversy, but we also don’t exist to tear down legitimate players in the industry. We chose instead to invite both perspectives to weigh in.
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The cannabis and hemp industry can be considered chaotic. No two states are the same. The regulations and compliance framework can be confusing because of the differences between full legalization and outright bans. There is also a gap between client expectations and state laws, which further complicates business operations and marketing.
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We’re talking about the new workplace epidemic: vanishing without a trace in the middle of a business conversation. Yes, it's somehow a thing.
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Given the popularity of its products, it’s odd that America’s cannabis industry feels so brittle. Smoke shops seem to teeter on the edge of annihilation due to a constellation of government and societal pressures.
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Explore the art of flirtatious sales, discover how charm and confidence can close deals successfully, all using the C-Word!
Industry Associations
United we stand
While a few may have held some hope for Cannabis into Trump's 2nd term, campaign talk doesn’t mean action. However Trump's focus is quite clearly elsewhere.
The anti-vaping crusade was dealt another serious blow following the retraction of a study in May claiming nicotine “plays a critical role” in the progression of breast cancer.
It’s not a coincidence that the company’s name is Servd Distribution. The entire operation rests on the concept of customer service.
Officials have claimed for years that nicotine vaping can severely damage respiratory health, more so than cigarette smoking.
Considerations for retailers carrying hemp-derived cannabinoid products, and how to best serve those customers.
Uncover the truth about vaping and its role in reducing smoking-related risks, including lung cancer awareness and public health.