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Cannabis Interviews

DoorDash Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DASH#NASDAQ">DASH</a>), the local commerce behemoth that reshaped how Americans order food, is making a calculated foray into the cannabis-adjacent market with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39975361/hemp-derived-cannabinoids-vs-legal-cannabis-what-industry-members-are-saying-about-this-not-so-s">hemp-derived THC</a> and <a href="https://elplanteo.com/como-incorporar-cbd-a-tu-rutina/">CBD</a> products.



The move isn't happening in a vacuum. Globally, major delivery players are testing the waters with cannabis, signaling a growing convergence between the legal weed industry and mainstream e-commerce. In Canada, Uber Eats (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</a>) partnered with cannabis retailers to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/40068555/uber-eats-delivers-weed-in-a-third-canadian-province-general-manager-says-this-will-improve-road">deliver</a> dispensary-grade marijuana. In Latin America, Rappi <a href="https://elplanteo.com/cbd-via-rappi-a-traves-del-servicio-de-delivery-khiron-se-expande-en-latinoamerica/">hinted</a> at a similar strategy, though details on its execution remain scarce. Now, in the U.S., DoorDash is inching into the space—not with high-THC dispensary products, but with federally compliant hemp-derived alternatives that contain no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.



&#8220;Since 2020, DoorDash has been expanding to new verticals beyond restaurant delivery, including grocery, alcohol, retail and more to meet evolving consumer needs and expectations of convenience,&#8221; a DoorDash spokesperson told <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/cannabis">Benzinga</a> in an exclusive interview. &#8220;As part of this evolution, DoorDash is facilitating the delivery of hemp-derived THC (no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight) and CBD products via the DoorDash Marketplace.&#8221;



&#8220;Our goal is to offer consumers a seamless way to get products they want in a safe and compliant manner while helping local merchants reach new consumers,&#8221; the spokesperson added.



See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/01/43278893/how-ozempic-and-legal-weed-are-changing-what-america-eats">How Ozempic And Legal Weed Are Changing What America Eats</a>



At first glance, the move fits neatly into DoorDash's broader ambitions. The company has aggressively expanded beyond restaurant takeout, becoming the largest alcohol delivery service in the U.S. while ramping up grocery and retail offerings. Adding hemp-derived THC products to the mix serves multiple business objectives: it diversifies revenue, increases basket sizes and strengthens customer retention, all while keeping DoorDash at the forefront of emerging consumer trends.



The numbers back it up. Internal data shows that orders containing hemp products from alcohol retailers tend to be two-thirds hemp and one-third alcohol. That overlap suggests a strong cross-category synergy, something DoorDash is well-positioned to leverage with its extensive logistics network.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="720" height="644" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/06161705/DoorDash-Hemp-Launch.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-770334" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/06161705/DoorDash-Hemp-Launch.jpg 720w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/06161705/DoorDash-Hemp-Launch-300x268.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure>



Even more significant is the repeat purchase behavior emerging from the pilot phase. Early indicators suggest that consumers increasingly prefer ordering hemp-derived THC and CBD products via delivery rather than making in-store purchases. This shift highlights a growing trend: these products aren't just impulse buys, but rather, they are becoming a routine part of online shopping habits.



For DoorDash, this is primarily about keeping pace with shifting consumer preferences, though it also positions the platform to compete in an evolving market among other cannabis-focused delivery platforms. Unlike niche operators, DoorDash can integrate hemp-derived THC and CBD seamlessly into its broader ecosystem, allowing customers to bundle their purchases with groceries, alcohol or restaurant meals using features like DoubleDash.



Hemp-derived products appear to complement other categories, driving larger orders, higher sales, and more repeat purchases for small and midsize businesses. This ability to generate incremental revenue across multiple verticals makes the expansion a valuable growth driver.



Regulatory compliance is just as critical as the business opportunity in the cannabis-adjacent space, requiring strict safeguards to ensure legal adherence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Beyond The Buzz: How DoorDash Plans To Scale THC Delivery While Navigating Compliance</h2>



DoorDash's entry into the hemp-derived THC and CBD market brings a unique challenge: navigating the complex patchwork of state and federal regulations. To ensure smooth operations, the company has implemented compliance measures similar to those used in alcohol delivery, reinforcing ID verification and merchant oversight.



The company requires that all merchants selling hemp-derived products verify compliance with federal and state legal limits, including strict THC thresholds of no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. Additionally, merchants are expected to have Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for each product SKU, confirming THC content remains within legal limits.



See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/01/43002904/he-worked-on-producing-oxygen-on-mars-now-he-builds-cannabis-robots-the-fascinating-story-of-sorting-robotics">He Worked On Producing Oxygen On Mars, Now He Builds Cannabis Robots: The Fascinating Story Of Sorting Robotics</a>



To further ensure safety and legal adherence, hemp-derived THC products sold through DoorDash must be manufactured in licensed, cGMP-compliant facilities that adhere to state laws and Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs). Orders are also subject to rigorous age verification, requiring electronic ID checks similar to those used in alcohol purchases. Only Dashers aged 21 and older are allowed to fulfill these deliveries.



At present, hemp-derived THC and CBD products are available in select states, including Georgia, Kentucky, Iowa, Louisiana and Tennessee, with further expansion depending on local regulations and market conditions. The company is continuously assessing new opportunities as legislative landscapes evolve, leaving the door open for a broader rollout.



While hemp-derived THC delivery is a legal and strategic move, it also raises bigger questions about the future of cannabis e-commerce. The real test will come if federal laws change. Should full-scale cannabis legalization happen, DoorDash would already have the logistical infrastructure, merchant partnerships and compliance systems in place to move quickly into regulated marijuana delivery.



Industry observers are already asking: If federal cannabis laws shift, how long before DoorDash follows suit? While the company isn't making any definitive statements yet, its actions suggest it is laying the foundation for something much bigger than hemp-derived THC.



For now, DoorDash is building a structured, compliant framework that serves today's legal market—while keeping an eye on the industry's future. If cannabis eventually becomes a fully legal e-commerce category, DoorDash won't just be prepared, it will already be ahead of the curve.



Photos courtesy of DoorDash

DoorDash enters the cannabis-adjacent market with hemp-derived THC &amp; CBD delivery. Is this a stepping stone for full-scale cannabis sales in the future?

EXCLUSIVE: DoorDash Reveals Why It&#39;s Betting On THC, CBD Delivery

"We got really lucky about six years ago when we started exploring how cannabinoids might be used to treat drug-resistant infections," says Dr. Dana Lambert, CEO of Andira Pharmaceuticals, in an exclusive interview with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/cannabis">Benzinga</a>.



Dr. Lambert doesn't speak like an academic. Despite holding a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences, she talks like someone who has witnessed medicine fail firsthand. She began her career as a hospital pharmacist, working with critically ill patients — people battling cancer, severe infections and other conditions where existing treatments often fell short. 



She saw, up close, the limitations of conventional medicine, "particularly when it comes to treating drug-resistant infections and cancer-related conditions."



But instead of accepting those limitations as inevitable, she took a bold step: she left her clinical practice entirely to pursue pharmaceutical research. 



"I became increasingly interested in new therapeutic approaches, especially as research started emerging on the potential of cannabinoids in treating cancer and antimicrobial-resistant infections," she says.



That realization drove her to earn a Ph.D.; not because she wanted a career in academia, but because she needed the tools to create real-world solutions. 



"I'm probably the furthest thing from an academic scientist you'll ever meet," Lambert says. "I did it because I wanted to learn how to develop drugs and get involved in early-stage research and drug discovery."



What she and her team at Andira Pharmaceuticals uncovered was something that could change how the world fights infections. The discovery? Silvanex: a next-generation antimicrobial technology that could be the answer to drug-resistant "superbugs."



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">The Problem With Traditional Antimicrobials</h1>



"Most traditional antimicrobials — whether they're antibiotics, antifungals or even silver-based products — eventually lose effectiveness because bacteria and fungi evolve resistance over time. That's how we ended up in the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis we're facing today," Lambert explains.



See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/retail-sales/25/01/43281367/germanys-medical-cannabis-boom-prices-drop-below-4-20-gram-prescriptions-surge-1000">Germany&#8217;s Medical Cannabis Boom: Prices Drop Below $4.20/Gram, Prescriptions Surge 1,000%</a>



Antibiotic-resistant bacteria <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance">now kill</a> more than 1.27 million people annually, with drug-resistant infections contributing to nearly 4.95 million deaths worldwide in 2019 alone. If left unaddressed, AMR <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/health/brief/antimicrobial-resistance-amr">could lead</a> to more than 39 million deaths between 2025 and 2050. 



The economic consequences are just as severe. The World Bank <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/health/publication/drug-resistant-infections-a-threat-to-our-economic-future">estimates</a> AMR could result in a GDP loss of $1 trillion to $3.4 trillion annually by 2030, with global healthcare costs rising by an additional $1 trillion by 2050. If no action is taken, AMR <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2016/09/18/by-2050-drug-resistant-infections-could-cause-global-economic-damage-on-par-with-2008-financial-crisis">could cause</a> a 3.8% reduction in global GDP, <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4967260/">costing the world economy</a> up to $100 trillion by mid-century.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="428" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05121941/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.15-1024x428.png" alt="" class="wp-image-767658" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05121941/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.15-1024x428.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05121941/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.15-300x125.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05121941/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.15-768x321.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05121941/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.15-1536x642.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05121941/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.15.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The rise of drug-resistant infections like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida auris has intensified the urgency for new treatments. 



Candida auris, in particular, has become one of the most concerning fungal threats in modern healthcare, as some strains have become resistant to all available antifungal treatments. "With antimicrobial resistance, silver-based products just aren't cutting it anymore," Lambert says. "They don't have the clinical efficacy needed to protect people from infections."



Silver, once considered a promising antimicrobial alternative, also has limitations. It's widely used in wound dressings, medical textiles, and coatings, but its effectiveness is modest at best. For years, researchers have been trying to find ways to enhance silver's antimicrobial effects without increasing its toxicity. That's exactly what Andira Pharmaceuticals set out to do.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">A Triple-Synergy Solution</h1>



Rather than relying on silver alone, Andira Pharmaceuticals took a different approach. Silvanex is based on a "triple-synergy" mechanism, combining silver with two cannabinoids: cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabigerol (CBG).



What makes it revolutionary is that instead of just slightly improving silver's antimicrobial properties, the combination increases silver's effectiveness by 800%.



"When you take cannabinoids by themselves, they may be effective against some types of bacteria or fungi, but not others. That makes them unreliable as stand-alone antimicrobial agents," Lambert explains. "But when combined with silver in the right way, the synergy makes silver exponentially more effective."



See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/01/43278893/how-ozempic-and-legal-weed-are-changing-what-america-eats">How Ozempic And Legal Weed Are Changing What America Eats</a>



Silvanex has shown potent antimicrobial activity against a wide range of harmful bacteria — including drug-resistant superbugs.



The discovery didn't stop there. Silvanex also proved highly effective against fungal pathogens, an area where traditional antimicrobials have struggled.



"One of the most dangerous fungal infections today is Candida auris. The situation is so bad that certain strains are now resistant to all available antifungal drug treatments. That's why the CDC advises clinicians to consider investigational treatments for pan-resistant cases," Lambert adds.



But Silvanex changed that equation.



"Unlike conventional antimicrobials, it not only kills infectious microbes but may also help prevent resistance from developing," Lambert says.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">A New Standard For Infection Control</h1>



With the stakes as high as they are, the challenge wasn't just creating a more effective antimicrobial; it was ensuring Silvanex could be safely and efficiently brought to market. Unlike traditional silver-based antimicrobials that require high doses to work, Silvanex achieves superior efficacy at significantly lower concentrations.



That distinction is critical, as excessive silver exposure has been linked to <a href="https://journals.cambridgemedia.com.au/wpr/volume-28-number-4/silver-based-wound-dressings-current-issues-and-future-developments-treating-bacterial-infections">delayed wound healing</a> and <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-26856-x">cytotoxic effects</a>.



Andira Pharmaceuticals' approach to drug development was both rigorous and deliberate.



"We're not just trying to introduce another antimicrobial," Lambert says. "We're developing something that healthcare providers can trust — something that works better than anything currently available and can be integrated into standard medical practice."



See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/01/43002904/he-worked-on-producing-oxygen-on-mars-now-he-builds-cannabis-robots-the-fascinating-story-of-sorting-robotics">He Worked On Producing Oxygen On Mars, Now He Builds Cannabis Robots: The Fascinating Story Of Sorting Robotics</a>



Silvanex's formulation is optimized for topical use, making it a strong candidate for wound care, surgical site infection prevention and hospital-acquired infection control. Unlike traditional antibiotics, which must be administered systemically and face significant challenges related to drug resistance, Silvanex is designed to act locally, right at the site of infection.



This topical approach also addresses a major limitation of cannabinoids in antimicrobial research: they lose their antimicrobial properties entirely once they enter the bloodstream.



"Cannabinoids lose their antimicrobial properties entirely once they enter systemic circulation," Lambert explains. "That's why Silvanex will always be used as a topical treatment. The synergy between silver, CBC and CBG remains intact in external applications, where we see the full benefit of its infection-fighting potential."



In the fight against hospital-acquired infections, this represents a major leap forward.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Turning Innovation Into Medicine: Silvanex's Road To Market</h1>



Bringing a novel drug to market requires more than just groundbreaking science: it demands years of rigorous testing, regulatory approvals and a strategic path to commercialization.



Andira is now preparing to advance Silvanex through the next critical phases of development, starting with clinical trials. The company's pipeline of Silvanex product candidates includes a topical drug formulated as an anti-infective cream, as well as antimicrobial wound dressings. According to Lambert, the wound dressings are on track for regulatory submission as medical devices, which, if approved, offers a faster pathway to market compared to new drug applications.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="573" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05122004/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.51-1024x573.png" alt="" class="wp-image-767659" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05122004/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.51-1024x573.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05122004/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.51-300x168.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05122004/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.51-768x430.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05122004/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.51-1536x859.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05122004/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.51.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The company is currently in preclinical testing, conducting essential toxicology and safety studies to meet the stringent requirements set by regulatory agencies.



"Right now, we're about a year away from entering Phase 1 clinical trials, and our goal is to progress through clinical development as efficiently as possible," Lambert says. "We've conducted extensive preclinical testing and have seen promising results against multiple drug-resistant pathogens, including some on the FDA's QIDP list. While there's no guarantee, we believe Silvanex has strong potential to qualify."



With strategic partnerships in the works, Andira is positioning Silvanex not just as an incremental improvement, but as a potential paradigm shift in antimicrobial treatment.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">A Critical Moment In Medicine?</h1>



The world is at a crossroads when it comes to fighting superbugs. Without new solutions, drug-resistant infections could turn once-minor ailments into deadly, untreatable threats.



Silvanex represents a potential breakthrough in infection control, offering an alternative where traditional treatments have failed. By leveraging cannabinoids in a way that enhances rather than replaces existing medical solutions, Andira Pharmaceuticals has developed a novel approach to tackling antimicrobial resistance.



With Phase 1 clinical trials on the horizon for the development of Silvanex as a topical drug product and strategic partnerships in motion for the development of Silvanex antimicrobial wound dressings, Andira aims to bring Silvanex to market as efficiently as possible. If successful, this innovation could mark a turning point in infection prevention, helping to curb one of the greatest threats to global health.



Photo: Courtesy of Tinnakorn Jorruang via Shutterstock

A groundbreaking cannabinoid-based antimicrobial, Silvanex, fights drug-resistant infections with a synergy of silver, CBC and CBG.

Cannabis Takes On Superbugs: Could This New Drug &#39;Change Infection Treatment Forever&#39;?

"When we unlock cash flow for a business, we're not just lending money—we're fueling growth," says Adam Stettner, founder and CEO of FundCanna. With a career spanning three decades in finance, Stettner has built a reputation for creating financial products that prioritize client needs, a philosophy he brings to the underserved cannabis industry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Lifelong Passion For Numbers</h2>



For Stettner, numbers have always been more than calculations: they're tools for solving problems. "I've always been more comfortable with numbers than with letters or words," he explains. "I see trends in numbers that help me make sense of things in a way I can't with other mediums." This innate knack for identifying trends laid the foundation for a career defined by innovation and adaptability.



Stettner's professional journey began in New York's apparel industry, where he immersed himself in manufacturing, distribution and sales. But it was the financial side of operations—how businesses funded inventory and production—that truly captivated him. This curiosity carried him to Wall Street and later to student lending, where he oversaw $14 billion in on-balance-sheet originations in just five years.



His expertise in designing financial products to meet real business needs led him to Reliant Funding, a company he founded. There, he helped deliver over $3 billion in on-balance-sheet funding to nearly 100,000 small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across the U.S., underwriting more than a million SMB funding applications. These experiences reinforced his belief in rethinking traditional lending structures to better serve business owners.



"Too often, financial products are built around rigid credit boxes," Stettner says. "If you don't fit the box, you don't get funded. I wanted to change that by understanding the client first, then designing a product that fits them."



See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/01/43002904/he-worked-on-producing-oxygen-on-mars-now-he-builds-cannabis-robots-the-fascinating-story-of-sorting-robotics">He Worked On Producing Oxygen On Mars, Now He Builds Cannabis Robots: The Fascinating Story Of Sorting Robotics</a>



This client-first ethos became the driving force behind the launch of FundCanna in 2021. Recognizing that cannabis was essential, rapidly growing and underserved by financial institutions, Stettner saw an opportunity to apply his expertise to one of the industry's biggest hurdles: access to capital.



"Cannabis was an obvious next step," he says. "The industry is grossly underserved when it comes to financing."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bridging The Cannabis Financing Gap</h2>



FundCanna is Stettner's response to the cannabis industry's unique financial challenges. Despite the $35 billion annual market, cannabis remains federally illegal, making banks hesitant to lend. A 2022 <a href="https://norml.org/news/2022/02/03/survey-cannabis-companies-cite-lack-of-banking-access-as-the-top-issue-facing-the-industry/">survey</a> from Whitney Economics revealed that over 70% of licensed cannabis companies identified the &#8220;lack of access to banking or investment capital&#8221; as their top challenge, underscoring the severe funding bottleneck in the industry. Even ancillary businesses such as equipment suppliers face barriers to accessing financing.



"The cannabis industry has a fundamental mismatch between cash outlay and revenue," Stettner explains. Cannabis businesses are often caught in a vicious cycle: immediate payment obligations, like equipment or supplier costs, while revenues take months to materialize. "The average time from cash outlay to revenue in cannabis is between four and five months," he says. "But suppliers demand payment within zero to 30 days."



See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/01/43278893/how-ozempic-and-legal-weed-are-changing-what-america-eats">How Ozempic And Legal Weed Are Changing What America Eats</a>



FundCanna offers a lifeline with flexible, short-term debt financing tailored to these needs. Borrowers can repay early without penalties, paying only for the time they've used the funds. "We're not taking equity or doing convertible notes," Stettner emphasizes. "We provide straight capital and structure repayment terms that work for the client."



This model is particularly valuable for operators making significant investments, such as purchasing grow-room equipment or inventory, which often take several months to generate revenue after the initial expense. Yet, traditional lenders rarely offer solutions that accommodate these delayed cash flow cycles. "The more we talk about the client's needs, the better we can structure terms that allow them to scale without being burdened by debt," Stettner says. On average, businesses working with FundCanna grow by 61% in their first year of borrowing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Financing Tailored To Cannabis, Not Tradition</h2>



FundCanna isn't simply repurposing traditional financial products for the cannabis space, it is creating solutions specifically designed for the industry's unique challenges. 



The company's financing model addresses critical pain points, such as mismatched cash flow cycles and accounts receivable issues. Suppliers typically require upfront payments, while dispensaries and buyers often delay theirs, leaving businesses in a financial bind. FundCanna bridges this gap by covering supplier costs and aligning repayment terms with revenue cycles. "We'll pay the supplier now, allowing our client to focus on generating revenue without worrying about immediate payment," Stettner says.



The flexibility of FundCanna's terms is another key advantage. Loans typically run for 12 to 24 months, but borrowers can pay them off early without penalties. "It's like the ultimate discount," Stettner explains. "Clients can pay us off anytime they want and their Debt Service is structured to be as manageable as possible." By smoothing out cash flow and enabling operators to invest in growth, FundCanna helps businesses thrive in a challenging financial landscape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Financing With Empathy: Meeting Cannabis Businesses On Their Terms</h2>



Before launching FundCanna, Stettner spent a year immersed in the cannabis industry. He interviewed operators and studied the supply chain to pinpoint the specific gaps traditional lenders couldn't, or wouldn't, fill. "I wanted to understand the pain points before putting a dollar out," he says. "It's about meeting the client where they need us to be."



One key insight he gained was the discomfort many cannabis operators feel when discussing money-related issues. "No one likes talking about their finances. But there's no growth without discomfort. Our role is to create a safe space where clients feel supported, not judged."



See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/01/42962940/this-is-how-you-make-quality-joints-how-one-machine-produces-900-pre-rolls-an-hour-and-why-theyre-better-than-cones">&#8216;This Is How You Make Quality Joints&#8217; &#8211; How One Machine Produces 900 Pre-Rolls An Hour And Why They&#8217;re Better Than Cones</a>



By acknowledging the challenges cannabis operators face, FundCanna has built a reputation as a trusted partner rather than just a lender. The company's emphasis on understanding client needs and offering tailored solutions has fostered strong relationships and measurable success. "When businesses see that our product works for them, they're eager to pay us back so they can use it again. In fact, our average customer has already returned for additional funding three times," Stettner says.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Custom Financing For Cannabis' One-Of-A-Kind Needs</h2>



What sets FundCanna apart is its ability to provide funding tailored to the cannabis industry's unique dynamics. Unlike traditional banks, which approve only 20 to 25% of small business applicants even in mainstream industries like retail or construction, FundCanna's products are purpose-built to address cannabis' cash flow gaps and operational hurdles. The American Bankers Association has <a href="https://www.aba.com/advocacy/our-issues/cannabis">noted</a> that federal and state law conflicts leave banks &#8220;trapped between their mission to serve the financial needs of their local communities and the threat of federal enforcement action,&#8221; creating an enduring reluctance to engage with cannabis businesses. 



"Banks will dip a toe in but never dive in fully," Stettner says. "Cannabis is a vice industry and banks will always view it as higher risk."



FundCanna fills this gap with financing solutions that work within the sector's regulatory and operational constraints. "We're not here to compete with banks; we're here to complement them," Stettner explains. "When a client becomes bankable, we want them to use the bank. Until then, we're the bridge money, the gap filler."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Preparing For The Future</h2>



With federal legalization on the horizon, many wonder how FundCanna will adapt when traditional banks enter the space. For Stettner, the answer is simple: FundCanna will thrive. "Even in a federally legal environment, cannabis businesses will remain underbanked," he says. "Banks will test the waters cautiously and may lend to a handful of billion-dollar operators, but the vast majority of cannabis businesses—those generating under $100 million annually—will remain underserved, just like traditional SMB."



FundCanna isn't betting on legislative changes. Instead, it's focused on providing flexible, purpose-built financing that works in any environment. Stettner is clear about the risks of lending in cannabis: traditional reinsurance options aren't available for cannabis loans, making effective underwriting crucial. "If someone's going to insure you against a loss, they're going to charge you more than whatever the loss is," he explains. "Why not self-insure by having effective underwriting and not over-leveraging your clients?" This proactive strategy has allowed FundCanna to mitigate risks and maintain low delinquency rates, ensuring the company thrives in a high-stakes environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cultivating Trust, Driving Growth: The Future Of Cannabis Financing</h2>



Trust is at the heart of FundCanna's success. Stettner knows that borrowing money can feel like a vulnerable act, especially for cannabis operators who have long faced barriers to financing. "We're not just lending money; we're building relationships. Our clients know they can call us if they're struggling, and we'll work with them to find a solution."



This approach has led to tangible results: FundCanna's clients have experienced measurable success, with many significantly expanding their operations in their first year. Delinquency rates remain low, underscoring the strong partnerships and trust FundCanna fosters with its borrowers.



For Stettner, it's about more than just lending; it's about making a difference. "This space is filled with passionate, resilient people who want to do the right thing. Our job is to meet them where they are and give them the tools they need to succeed."



Cover image made with Canva

FundCanna is redefining cannabis financing with flexible loans, fueling 61% average growth for operators, and solving industry cash flow gaps.

No Banks? No Problem: How One Company Is Fixing The Cannabis Industry&#39;s Capital Bottleneck

"Ever since the DEA clarified that cannabis seeds are federally legal, we knew it was time to come to the U.S.," says Nick Avé, general manager at Zamnesia, during an exclusive interview at MJBizCon in Las Vegas. For the pioneering European smart shop, this decision marked a significant milestone in its evolution from a European online store into a powerhouse of natural wellness products.



The DEA's clarification on cannabis seeds provided a pivotal turning point for companies like Zamnesia. Previously, cannabis seeds existed in a legal grey area, overshadowed by other facets of the industry. The ruling confirmed that seeds with less than 0.3% THC are classified as hemp, allowing for their sale and distribution across the U.S., regardless of whether they originate from hemp or marijuana plants.



This development comes at an ideal time. In 2022, the U.S. cannabis seed market was <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2025/01/20/how-european-cannabis-seed-companies-are-quietly-taking-over-the-us-market/">valued</a> at $567.76 million and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2%, reaching $2.02 billion by 2030, according to Data Bridge Market Research. Similarly, New Frontier Data estimates that the home-grow market could nearly quadruple to $4 billion by the end of the decade. This growing sector is fueled by increased legalization, with many states supporting home cultivation as part of their recreational and medical cannabis frameworks. In 2022, an estimated 6% of U.S. cannabis consumers grew their own flower, producing 11 million pounds of dried cannabis—a figure expected to rise to 15 million pounds by 2030.



Recognizing these trends, Zamnesia has focused its U.S. strategy on home-growing and cannabis seeds, products already central to its European operations—a tendency seen across the industry, as <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2025/01/20/how-european-cannabis-seed-companies-are-quietly-taking-over-the-us-market/">European seed companies quietly take over the American market</a>.



 "The U.S. market is just as big, if not bigger, than Europe," says Avé. With operations headquartered in North Carolina, the company is distributing seeds across most states while avoiding those with less favorable regulatory environments. "We're selling nationally, except for a couple of states where the laws are less clear."



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Inside A Smart Shop Revolution</h2>



For Avé, Zamnesia's U.S. expansion represents the latest chapter in a personal journey intertwined with the company's growth. He joined Zamnesia 12 years ago, starting in customer service at a time when the company was still a modest operation. "I started in customer service, and after two years, I was asked to take on more responsibilities. Back then, we were a super small company." 



Today, Zamnesia is a leader in Europe's burgeoning cannabis, psychedelic and functional mushroom markets. Often described as a "smart shop," the company blends elements of head shops and smoke shops, offering a diverse catalog that includes cannabis seeds, functional mushrooms and educational resources. "We have a broader catalog than just a regular head shop or smoke shop," says Avé. "We also do a lot of education, which sets us apart."



The company's decision to remain an online-first retailer, rather than operate brick-and-mortar stores, has been central to its success. "Physical stores, especially in Amsterdam, come with a lot of overhead and increasing regulations," explains Avé. "We've always preferred online—it's faster, more scalable and allows us to reach customers across Europe." By focusing on e-commerce, Zamnesia has been able to serve a wide variety of markets, tailoring its product offerings to comply with the diverse regulations of each country.



"We open up specific product categories for different countries and keep a close eye on laws because they change a lot," says Avé. Germany's decision to loosen restrictions on cannabis in 2023, for example, has opened new doors for Zamnesia to expand its reach. This adaptability has been key to the company's growth and is a cornerstone of its strategy as it enters the U.S. market.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bridging The Gap Between Europe And The U.S.</h2>



Zamnesia's success in Europe was built on its ability to navigate a complex legal and logistical landscape. While Europe may be geographically small, its fragmented regulatory environment presents challenges for businesses looking to scale. "We've seen Germany open up, but the laws across Europe vary greatly. It's all about understanding where we can operate and what we can offer," says Avé.



Initially, the company attempted to sell products outside Europe but quickly encountered insurmountable logistical hurdles. Today, Zamnesia takes a market-by-market approach, tailoring its operations to meet local regulations. This approach has been especially critical for its psychedelic product offerings, which remain largely unavailable in the U.S. market. "The biggest difference between Europe and the U.S. is the type of products we can sell," Avé explains. "In Europe, we can sell psychedelic products and functional mushrooms, whereas in the U.S., we're more limited to seeds and hemp-derived products."



Despite these limitations, the U.S. presents an unparalleled opportunity. With its established reputation for quality cannabis genetics, Zamnesia is well-positioned to serve the booming home-grow market. "A state like Ohio, for example, blew my mind," says Avé. "It's one of the best markets for home growing, which I never would have guessed." This discovery reflects a broader trend in the U.S., where home cultivation is gaining traction as consumers seek to connect more deeply with the plant.



Exclusive data provided by Fast Buds, another European cannabis seed company operating in the U.S., with over 1 million unique monthly visitors to its website, further supports this trend. According to its internal consumer data, Ohio is indeed the state for cannabis seed purchases in the U.S., followed by Minnesota, Illinois, Virginia and New York. These states represent a diverse mix of emerging and established cannabis markets, highlighting the growing demand for home-growing solutions across the country.



Zamnesia's expansion isn't just about selling seeds, it's about bringing the company's ethos of education and community to a new audience. "Home-growing isn't just about saving money; it's about connecting with the plant," Avé says. By leveraging its expertise, Zamnesia aims to empower American growers, both novice and experienced, with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Overcoming Logistical And Linguistic Barriers</h2>



One of Zamnesia's most impressive feats has been its ability to manage a multilingual, multinational operation. The company's website operates in six languages—English, Spanish, Dutch, German, French and Italian—making it accessible to a wide range of customers. However, building this infrastructure was no small task. "In the beginning, it was tough. We didn't even have professional translators. We'd ask customers to translate for us, and the results weren't great."



Today, Zamnesia uses a sophisticated system that connects freelance writers and translators to ensure high-quality content. However, Avé acknowledges that translation alone isn't enough. "We're working on writing native content in Spanish, for example, because translated text often misses the nuance and appeal of original writing." This commitment to authenticity and cultural relevance will be critical as Zamnesia navigates the U.S. market's linguistic and cultural diversity.



Looking ahead, Avé envisions further expansion into Latin America and other emerging markets. However, he is candid about the challenges. "Shipping seeds from the U.S. to Mexico, for example, would be logistically problematic. We'd need a local presence." For now, the company is focused on conquering the U.S. market, a task Avé describes as both ambitious and essential. "There's a lot of competition, and we've got our hands full."



By drawing on its European expertise, embracing a customer-first philosophy and investing in scalable solutions, Zamnesia is poised to make a lasting impact on the U.S. cannabis market. With an unwavering focus on quality, education and innovation, the company's journey is just beginning.



Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@exxteban?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">Esteban López</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/green-leaf-Ifx9v_vnB9c?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>

Zamnesia, one of Europe&#39;s leading cannabis seed retailers, enters the U.S. market. GM Nick Avé shares insights on the booming home-grow industry.

&#39;The DEA Ruling Was A Game-Changer&#39;: Why This European Cannabis Giant Is Betting On The American Seeds Market

&ldquo;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/cannabis">Cannabis</a> is probably the greatest medicine on the planet that everybody can have,&rdquo; says Whoopi Goldberg as she phones in from her home, her cat comfortably nestled on her lap. The actress, comedian, and entrepreneur speaks passionately about her long-standing relationship with cannabis, reflecting on its dual benefits as both a pain reliever and a source of joy. &ldquo;For people like me, it was always used to stop the [menstrual] cramps &ndash; and the side hustle of that is that it was fun, it made you laugh and stuff,&rdquo; she adds.

Goldberg is an advocate of medicine that feels good. Why should medicating feel uncomfortable? Why does it have to feel like a hard pill to swallow &ndash; literally? &ldquo;We know that&#39;s wrong. And people say, &lsquo;Well, that&#39;s just anecdotal.&rsquo; But it&#39;s not anecdotal. Everybody you talk to would tell you that medicine doesn&#39;t have to be horrifying. Especially when it&#39;s herbal, when it&#39;s growing out of the ground and doesn&#39;t need an additive, which means it can stay reasonably priced for people to go pick it up,&rdquo; she voices.

<h3>All In The Family</h3>

Goldberg&rsquo;s relationship with cannabis is deeply personal and family-driven. Her latest venture, Emma &amp; Clyde, encapsulates this connection. &ldquo;Emma &amp; Clyde is named after my family because my mother used cannabis for medicinal purposes. And my brother liked the recreational. They are two people that represent weed as it stands in the real world,&rdquo; she explains. This brand, under the WhoopFam umbrella, aims to provide high-quality products for both medicinal and recreational users.

<img alt="Whoopi and her mother, Emma" src="https://imageio.forbes.com/specials-images/imageserve/667c61f3bf384aa461af5fb1/Whoopi-and-her-mother--Emma/960x0.jpg?format=jpg&amp;width=1440" style="height:575px; width:624px" />

Whoopi and her mother, Emma - Courtesy of WhoopFam

Her journey with the plant began long before it became a business venture. &ldquo;I&#39;m not sure when everybody in my family got on board. I didn&#39;t realize that my mother had been utilizing it for herself until after she passed away,&rdquo; Goldberg reveals, adding a poignant layer to her advocacy.

She also reflects on her early experiences with cannabis, recounting how she and her brother would smoke in the days when the plant was still taboo. &ldquo;My brother and I used to smoke in the days when it was just something that you could do under the tree in the backyard when nobody could see you. And I know that he would love this idea that you can go and get what you need medicinally. You can go and get what you need recreationally,&rdquo; she recounts. This early exposure laid the groundwork for her later advocacy and business ventures, which are not just focused on creating products but also on challenging societal norms and pushing for broader acceptance and legalization of cannabis.

<img alt="Whoopi and her brother, Clyde" src="https://imageio.forbes.com/specials-images/imageserve/667c62150858919ba3c8a24b/Whoopi-and-her-brother--Clyde/960x0.jpg?format=jpg&amp;width=1440" style="height:450px; width:360px" />

Whoopi and her brother, Clyde

&ldquo;Medicine should be in the hands of people,&rdquo; she asserts. Her mission is clear: to demystify cannabis and make it a readily available option for those who need it.

Keeping things within her close circle of friends and family, Goldberg has once again decided to partner with Maya Elisabeth, co-creator of the original Whoopi &amp; Maya brand. The choice was driven by the exceptional quality of their initial collaboration. &ldquo;We made a great product. Whoopi &amp; Maya was great. We were out there first and before many, many other people. So far, I haven&rsquo;t found anything as good as what we created back then,&rdquo; she says.

<h2>Stop The Pain</h2>

Goldberg&rsquo;s defense of medicinal cannabis use is deeply personal, particularly for managing menstrual pain. &ldquo;My premier reason for utilizing cannabis always was for making sure I could stop the pain,&rdquo; she shares, drawing from her own experience with debilitating cramps.

Her close friends also played a major role, as several of them were cancer patients medicating with cannabis. &ldquo;We always made sure in our circle that we had enough for everyone, for whatever reason it was. And, you know, you used to be able to go buy a dime bag this big [spreads her arms] for $10, and you&rsquo;d take out all the stems and seeds, and you would try to plant the seeds hoping something would grow&hellip; But you always knew it wouldn&#39;t.&rdquo;

As Goldberg goes on to reflect on the road traveled, from the $10 bag days to the current landscape of legality and sophisticated cannabis products, her tone is one of fascination. &ldquo;For me, it is an honor because I think it&#39;s probably the greatest medicine on the planet,&rdquo; she repeats. &ldquo;You don&#39;t have to mix it with things you can&#39;t pronounce. It is what it is: it is clean, it is strong, and you can regulate how much strength you need depending on what you&#39;re doing with the plant.&rdquo;

Addressing the parallels between the taboos surrounding women&rsquo;s health issues and the stigma associated with cannabis use, Goldberg responds emphatically that the stigma is dissipating. &ldquo;They&#39;re not taboo anymore because we all know women get a period. We know. So you can either make it hard, which they&#39;ve done in terms of creating something that helps women... But this [cannabis] we know works,&rdquo; she asserts.

She acknowledges that while cannabis may not be for everyone, it offers a great alternative for those it does help. &ldquo;Everybody can&#39;t do it. Everybody doesn&#39;t do it. But for those who can, this is a great thing. Some people want to take a Midol or they want to take any of the other things that are out there. And, you know, maybe it works for them. It didn&#39;t work for me. Cannabis works for me,&rdquo; she explains.

Consequently, Goldberg recommends people explore the various benefits of cannabis. &ldquo;I encourage people who are looking for something that gets rid of pain, that makes you less anxious. There are all kinds of things that this particular plant can do, and I suggest people look into all those things and know that what makes it affordable is that it&#39;s grown out of the ground by regular, normal people, and you can&#39;t lace it with anything. You can&#39;t mix it with anything because it doesn&#39;t take it; it doesn&#39;t want to be mixed with anything. Either roll it up or crush it up. Put it in some hot water, make a tea, whatever you want to do, but try it and see if it works for you. For me, it removes a lot of pain issues.&rdquo;

Goldberg&rsquo;s perspective resonates with the experiences of other celebrities who advocate for cannabis use in managing women&rsquo;s health issues. In a recent Forbes interview,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2024/05/01/i-chose-weed-over-drugs-tiffany-haddish-calls-for-cannabis-legalization-for-womens-health-talks-berner-collab/" target="_self" title="https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2024/05/01/i-chose-weed-over-drugs-tiffany-haddish-calls-for-cannabis-legalization-for-womens-health-talks-berner-collab/">Tiffany Haddish</a>&nbsp;shared her struggles with endometriosis and how cannabis has been a vital tool for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/best-tools-for-chronic-pain/" target="_self">coping with chronic pain</a>. Haddish&#39;s candid revelations echo Goldberg&#39;s sentiments about the necessity of considering cannabis as an effective tool to manage women&rsquo;s health issues.

Scientific studies support Goldberg&rsquo;s claims about the efficacy of cannabis in treating menstrual pain. Research published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10693518/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10693518/">Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada</a>&nbsp;found that cannabis significantly reduced pain and improved sleep and nausea for women suffering from endometriosis. Another study in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10671947/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10671947/">Journal of Clinical Medicine</a>&nbsp;revealed that cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system to alleviate symptoms, offering a promising alternative to traditional pain medications.

In the United States, the menstrual cramp treatment market is substantial, with millions of women seeking relief from pain each year. The global market for menstrual pain treatments was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/dysmenorrhea-treatment-market" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/dysmenorrhea-treatment-market">valued</a>&nbsp;at almost $6 billion in 2022, and it continues to grow as more women seek effective and natural remedies. Goldberg&rsquo;s commitment to this cause is not only personal but also addresses a significant and often overlooked market need.

<h2>&lsquo;We Never Left&rsquo;</h2>

<img alt="EMMA &amp; CLYDE Logo" src="https://imageio.forbes.com/specials-images/imageserve/667c85b0d8e0ef6456aade46/EMMA---CLYDE-Logo/960x0.jpg?format=jpg&amp;width=1440" style="height:450px; width:354px" />

EMMA &amp; CLYDE Logo - Courtesy of WhoopFam

In discussing the restructuring of her business and the creation of WhoopFam, Goldberg highlights a family-oriented approach. &ldquo;We&#39;ve not actually left the cannabis game, but we&#39;ve had to sort of restructure things. And once we figured out that that&#39;s what we wanted to do, we then went ahead and we approached Maya and went also and created the new products, which is that Emma &amp; Clyde, which are named after my mother and brother and, created a family umbrella which is called the WhoopFam. So we all put different things under our umbrella; other people&#39;s products... We&#39;ll take ideas from people and create stuff, simultaneously with them. So it&#39;s really nice,&rdquo; she explains.

The actress and businesswoman also addresses the need for supportive laws and banking reforms to help entrepreneurs, especially people of color, succeed in the cannabis industry. &ldquo;Once we&#39;re able to get people to stop talking about it negatively&hellip; There&#39;s a lot of stuff that&#39;s bad and we shouldn&#39;t be doing it, but it&#39;s perfectly legal out there. This [cannabis], I want to make sure it gets away from being classified incorrectly so that all the people they say they want to help, mostly black and brown people, the ones who went to jail, can have a shot in this business.&rdquo;

She continues, &quot;And now we are taking them out of jail and we want to give them the licenses. Well, not only do you have to give them the licenses, but you have to change the banking laws so they can have a shot at making it. Because, right now, it&#39;s impossible.&quot;

Goldberg emphasizes the importance of realistic support. &quot;I know that people have the best ideas in mind at heart. But let&#39;s be realistic: If you&#39;re going to do that, you have to help people succeed, not put more things in their way. And this banking thing is a problem,&rdquo; she ends.

As she continues to champion cannabis and its myriad benefits, Goldberg&rsquo;s story serves as a powerful reminder of the plant&rsquo;s potential to heal, bring joy, and drive social change. Stay tuned for more updates on Emma &amp; Clyde.

Follow me on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twitter.com/javierhasse" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/javierhasse/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>.&nbsp;Check out&nbsp;my&nbsp;<a href="https://elplanteo.com/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;some of my other work&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/cannabis" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;

This article was originally published on <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2024/06/26/whoopi-goldberg-talks-cannabis-medicine-doesnt-have-to-be-horrifying-or-unreasonably-priced/">Forbes</a> on June 26, 2024, and appears here with permission. It is an external, unpaid contribution. It does not represent Benzinga&#39;s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

Images courtesy of WhoopFam. Cover image edited by Javier Hasse.

“Cannabis is probably the greatest medicine on the planet that everybody can have,” says Whoopi Goldberg as she phones in from her home, her cat comfortably nestled on her lap.

Whoopi Goldberg Talks Cannabis: The Planet&#39;s &#39;Greatest Medicine... Pain Reliever And Source Of Joy&#39;

"I worked on a project called MOXIE, which is currently on Mars producing oxygen from its atmosphere," says Nohtal Partansky, founder of Sorting Robotics. It's a statement that feels plucked from a sci-fi movie, but it's the prelude to a career shift that's redefining cannabis manufacturing.



Armed with a degree in aerospace engineering and a stint at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Partansky initially seemed destined to remain among the stars. However, his drive to solve real-world problems brought him back to Earth. In 2018, he and his co-founder launched Sorting Robotics with just $6,000 in seed money. The company initially focused on developing automation technologies for other industries, testing the waters of robotics in various sectors.



In 2020, a hands-on foray into the cannabis industry changed everything. "I co-founded a co-packing company with friends, managing 30 trimmers and packaging flower for California brands. That experience taught me what operators truly need," he said. Observing the inefficiencies of manual processes, Partansky saw an opportunity to transform cannabis manufacturing with robotics.



See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/01/42962940/this-is-how-you-make-quality-joints-how-one-machine-produces-900-pre-rolls-an-hour-and-why-theyre-better-than-cones">&#8216;This Is How You Make Quality Joints&#8217; &#8211; How One Machine Produces 900 Pre-Rolls An Hour And Why They&#8217;re Better Than Cones</a>



Out of this pivot came two groundbreaking machines: the Jiko Robot and the Stardust system. "The Jiko Robot is designed for live resin-infused joints," Partansky told Benzinga. By automating the precise injection of concentrates into pre-rolls, the machine ensures uniformity and scalability—essential for cannabis operators looking to meet growing consumer demand. Meanwhile, the Stardust system addressed the labor-intensive task of <a href="https://elplanteo.com/que-es-el-kief-como-extraerlo-y-como-usarlo/">kief</a>-coating pre-rolls, a product category popularized by brands like Jeeter.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="690" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14154526/Headshot_Nohtal-Partansky_Sorting-Robotics-1-1024x690.png" alt="Nohtal Partansky" class="wp-image-733399" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14154526/Headshot_Nohtal-Partansky_Sorting-Robotics-1-1024x690.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14154526/Headshot_Nohtal-Partansky_Sorting-Robotics-1-300x202.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14154526/Headshot_Nohtal-Partansky_Sorting-Robotics-1-768x518.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14154526/Headshot_Nohtal-Partansky_Sorting-Robotics-1.png 1492w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Priced at $75,000 for the Jiko Robot and $240,000 for the Stardust system, these machines are an investment that quickly pays off. "Almost all of our customers see a return on investment within a year," says Partansky. The quick ROI stems from the automation of time-consuming tasks, allowing operators to scale their production without adding significant labor costs.



"The principles are the same," Partansky says, reflecting on his NASA experience. "Whether it's a robot on Mars or one in a cannabis facility, the focus is on precision, scalability and problem-solving." This engineering expertise, combined with a deep understanding of cannabis operations, has made Sorting Robotics a pivotal player in the industry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Economic Case For Automation</h2>



Sorting Robotics didn't merely enter the cannabis space, it reshaped it with machines that solve labor-intensive challenges while delivering unmatched precision. Designed for live resin-infused and kief-coated pre-rolls, the Jiko Robot and Stardust system have become indispensable tools for manufacturers aiming to scale their operations.



"Before the Jiko Robot, the infusion process was entirely manual," says Partansky. "Operators couldn't scale efficiently, and product consistency was a constant challenge." By automating this intricate task, the Jiko Robot allows producers to create cold-infused joints—popularly known as &#8220;donut&#8221; joints or &#8220;donut holes&#8221;—with ease and consistency.



The Stardust system similarly tackles a common bottleneck. "Joints coated in cannabis concentrates are incredibly popular," Partansky explains. "Brands like Jeeter rely on them, but manual production limits scalability. Our Stardust system changes that by automating the coating process with robotic arms." This innovation eliminates variability, ensuring consistent quality while reducing labor costs.



See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/01/42979107/leonardo-davinci-meets-bungee-jumping-the-curious-origins-a-world-leading-cannabis-vaporization-brand">Leonardo DaVinci Meets Bungee Jumping: The Curious Origins Of A World-Leading Cannabis Vaporization Brand</a>



While the engineering behind these systems is complex, their economic advantages are straightforward. "A $100,000 machine may seem costly," Partansky acknowledges, "but it's less than the annual salary of a couple of employees. And a machine doesn't get tired, make mistakes or take breaks." Automation also provides manufacturers with the reliability needed to compete in an increasingly saturated market.



Sorting Robotics' systems are scalable, appealing to a wide range of operators. "Our Jiko Robot baseline is around 20,000 joints a month," Partansky notes. "That's about 10 pounds of flower per week—not an unrealistic figure even for smaller operators." Whether a business is a boutique grower or a multi-state operator, automation simplifies expansion and minimizes labor dependency.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="684" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14154552/DSC00740-Stardust-Single-Station-Kief-Close-UP-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-733401" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14154552/DSC00740-Stardust-Single-Station-Kief-Close-UP-1024x684.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14154552/DSC00740-Stardust-Single-Station-Kief-Close-UP-300x200.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14154552/DSC00740-Stardust-Single-Station-Kief-Close-UP-768x513.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14154552/DSC00740-Stardust-Single-Station-Kief-Close-UP-1536x1026.jpg 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14154552/DSC00740-Stardust-Single-Station-Kief-Close-UP.jpg 1617w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Interest in Sorting Robotics' systems extends beyond North America, with inquiries coming from countries like Germany. However, regulatory instability in emerging markets remains a hurdle. "Operators in international markets are cautious because the regulations aren't stable yet," Partansky explains. "Once these markets mature, the demand for automation will explode."



Partansky emphasizes that customer collaboration has been crucial to the company's success. "We work closely with our customers to refine our systems. Their feedback is invaluable in helping us innovate." This partnership model ensures that Sorting Robotics stays ahead of market trends while continuing to meet the evolving needs of cannabis manufacturers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Future Of Cannabis Automation</h2>



As Sorting Robotics solidifies its position as a leader in cannabis manufacturing, Partansky is already looking ahead. Jiko Robot and Stardust have set a high standard for automation, but for Partansky, these advancements are just the beginning. His next frontier? Quality control and end-of-line packaging—areas ripe for technological disruption.



"Quality control doesn't need to be done by humans," he says. "With a combination of robotic sensors and neural networks, we can simulate human judgment to ensure that every joint meets top-tier standards." Most quality checks in cannabis production are manual, relying on operators to spot flaws such as uneven packing, stems poking through pre-rolls or incorrect weights. Automating these checks would save time and improve consistency, ensuring that only flawless products reach consumers.



Partansky envisions a future where cannabis manufacturing mirrors the efficiency of a Coca-Cola bottling plant but with flexibility tailored to the industry's unique demands. "We're imagining a system where joints are scanned, categorized as ‘go' or ‘no-go,' and seamlessly packaged," he explains. "The variability in cannabis requires machines that can handle endless formats and specifications, unlike the standardized lines in food and beverage industries."



This adaptability is key, as cannabis manufacturing remains highly fragmented. "The industry hasn't matured to the point where we have just a few standard form factors," Partansky explains. "There are so many variations in cartridges, pre-rolls and edibles. Our machines need to be flexible enough to accommodate that."



Despite regulatory hurdles in emerging markets, Partansky is optimistic about the future of cannabis automation. Drawing parallels to the candy industry, he explains how products once dismissed as novelties became foundational. "Cannabis is following a similar trajectory. The products we think of as trends today are laying the foundation for tomorrow's market."



For Sorting Robotics, this means staying ahead of the curve by anticipating the needs of an evolving industry. "Our goal is to build tools that not only solve today's problems but also prepare businesses for what's next," says Partansky. "As the industry grows, so do the challenges—and we're here to solve them."



Images courtesy of Sorting Robotics.

NASA engineer turned entrepreneur, Nohtal Partansky, brings robotics to cannabis, automating pre-rolls &amp; quality control. All about Sorting Robotics.

He Worked On Producing Oxygen On Mars, Now He Builds Cannabis Robots: The Fascinating Story Of Sorting Robotics

&#8220;I&#8217;ve always been an adventure seeker,&#8221; says Cort Smith.



Those words encapsulate the driving force behind a career that thrives on calculated risks and breakthrough developments. As the founder of Synergy Innovation, the parent company of DaVinci Vaporizers and Eyce, Smith has channeled his passion for precision and problem-solving into reshaping the cannabis accessories market. DaVinci's vaporizers have become synonymous with meticulous engineering for connoisseurs, while Eyce is renowned for its nearly indestructible gear, designed for the adventurous spirit. Together, these brands reflect Smith's commitment to blending innovation, functionality and durability.



Sitting down at MJBizCon in Las Vegas, Smith's energy is palpable as he recounts how his unconventional journey unfolded. From building bungee jumping equipment in China to creating one of the world's most trusted cannabis vaporizer brands, Smith&#8217;s story is one of bold decisions and unrelenting dedication to quality.



"I was in an economics class in the 80s," he begins, "and someone mentioned China. They said, ‘In the next 30 years, it's going to become one of the top five economies in the world.'" At a time when Japan dominated discussions of global opportunity, Smith saw potential elsewhere. "I thought, ‘I'm going to miss that boat,'" he told Benzinga, referencing Japan's popularity among aspiring entrepreneurs. "But no one was talking about China yet." Recognizing the untapped possibilities, Smith began learning Mandarin and preparing for a future in a country few Westerners dared to explore.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How A Leap Of Faith Built A Brand</h2>



Smith's entrepreneurial debut was as unconventional as it was audacious: launching a bungee jumping business in China. "I was producing my own bungee cords, equipment and towers—all in China," he recalls. "I thought it'd be a one-or-two-year stepping stone to figure out what else a foreigner could do there."



But what started as a short-term venture quickly became a pivotal chapter in his life. "That business turned into a PhD-level education in negotiating with factories, contracting and building something where safety is critical," he says. Managing the intricacies of a high-risk operation in an unfamiliar market demanded precision, adaptability and resilience, skills that would later become hallmarks of Smith's approach to manufacturing.



See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/01/42962940/this-is-how-you-make-quality-joints-how-one-machine-produces-900-pre-rolls-an-hour-and-why-theyre-better-than-cones">&#8216;This Is How You Make Quality Joints&#8217; &#8211; How One Machine Produces 900 Pre-Rolls An Hour And Why They&#8217;re Better Than Cones</a>



After five years in the bungee business, Smith shifted gears, applying his expertise to a broader range of manufacturing projects. "Other people started coming to me, saying, ‘Hey, I want to build something,'" he says. From producing massive banners for NASCAR to managing custom projects, Smith honed his ability to guide complex manufacturing processes. "I realized how much detail was needed to babysit these processes."



This phase of his career ultimately introduced him to the burgeoning e-cigarette industry. While the work refined his design and manufacturing skills, Smith found little personal fulfillment in the sector. "I wasn't a tobacco guy," he admits. "I didn't get to control the product. It was just receiving goods from China and helping sell them."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Birth Of DaVinci Vaporizers</h2>



The turning point came in 2011 when Smith envisioned a new direction: cannabis vaporizers. He recalls telling his partner, "You're building something with a battery that gets hot for human ingestion. Why don't we spin this for cannabis?" The concept resonated deeply and DaVinci Vaporizers was born.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14100500/DaVinci-Phone-Connectivity-1024x683.jpg" alt="DaVinci Vaporizer" class="wp-image-732682" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14100500/DaVinci-Phone-Connectivity-1024x683.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14100500/DaVinci-Phone-Connectivity-300x200.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14100500/DaVinci-Phone-Connectivity-768x512.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14100500/DaVinci-Phone-Connectivity-1536x1025.jpg 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14100500/DaVinci-Phone-Connectivity.jpg 1619w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Smith's personal experiences with cannabis fueled his drive to innovate. "I'd go to a buddy's house, crack a few beers, smoke a few bowls and end up with these terrible tension headaches," he says. A chance encounter with a vaporizer at a cannabis expo shifted his perspective. "It wasn't great, but I noticed I didn't get the same headaches. I thought, ‘I can build something better.'"



With DaVinci, Smith set out to create the cleanest, most reliable vaporizer on the market. "No lead soldering, no off-gassing from cheap plastics," he explains. His vision was simple yet ambitious: design a device that prioritized safety and performance above all. This philosophy laid the foundation for DaVinci's signature features, such as ceramic heating bowls that maintain stable temperatures for consistent, high-quality vapor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Global Fanbase</h2>



The reputation of DaVinci Vaporizers isn't solely built on the quality of its devices. It's also shaped by Smith's deliberate global approach to the cannabis accessories market, a vision that extended well beyond North America. While many companies prioritized the domestic market, Smith recognized the potential of international opportunities early on. "We were early to go to the trade shows overseas and connect with international customers," he says, describing how these connections helped DaVinci gain traction across Europe and other regions.



Smith's appreciation for constant refinement found inspiration in an unlikely place: the workshops of Leonardo da Vinci himself. "I visited his old homes and saw his work firsthand," Smith shares. "It gave me the mindset to keep refining, to never stop improving." That relentless drive to perfect his craft resonated with a worldwide audience and helped cement DaVinci's reputation for reliability and innovation.



Unlike many cannabis brands that struggle to gain recognition outside their home markets, DaVinci stands out as a trusted name among cannabis enthusiasts globally. Similar to brands like RAW Rolling Papers and OCB Rolling Papers, DaVinci has achieved an exceptional level of recognition by maintaining its focus on high-quality vaporizers for discerning consumers. While Smith's scope remains focused on creating premium devices, DaVinci's ability to connect with a global audience is a testament to the brand's dedication to quality and precision.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Innovation Beyond Vaporizers</h2>



Smith's drive for innovation doesn't stop with vaporizers. Under Synergy Innovation's umbrella is Eyce, a brand known for its rugged, high-performance smoking accessories that are nearly indestructible. "Eyce is the best in class for durability," Smith explains. Designed for an active lifestyle, Eyce products pair silicone exteriors with glass inserts, offering users the purity of glass combined with unmatched resilience.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="760" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14100515/Eyce-Spoon-Group-1024x760.jpg" alt="Eyce Pipe" class="wp-image-732686" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14100515/Eyce-Spoon-Group-1024x760.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14100515/Eyce-Spoon-Group-300x223.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14100515/Eyce-Spoon-Group-768x570.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14100515/Eyce-Spoon-Group.jpg 1455w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Smith himself is a dedicated fan. "My daily go-to is an Eyce product," he says, noting the practicality of its design. "It's rugged enough that my dog can chew on it, or I can toss it in a backpack. It's a product that just works, no matter where you are." With its lifetime guarantee and appeal to adventurous users, Eyce has carved out its own niche in the cannabis accessories market, standing alongside DaVinci in customer loyalty and trust.



This dual-pronged approach &#8211; DaVinci for precision and sophistication and Eyce for durability and practicality &#8211; highlights Synergy Innovation's ability to cater to diverse consumer needs. "We're not trying to be everything to everyone," Smith explains. "We focus on building the best products for the people who care about quality, whether it's a rugged Eyce piece for the outdoors or a DaVinci vaporizer for precision enthusiasts."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Balancing Innovation And Authenticity</h2>



Smith's commitment to quality extends far beyond his products; it's a cornerstone of the culture at Synergy Innovation. The company embodies a work-hard, play-hard ethos where team outings often double as creative brainstorming sessions. "We're in the green industry, so why not be edgy?" Smith says with a smile. "We don't follow the norms. We see our colleagues more than we see our families, so we try to make it feel like family."



This collaborative and adventurous spirit fuels creativity and ensures the products stay aligned with their mission of authenticity. For Smith, maintaining a sense of fun and passion is just as important as the technical precision that defines Synergy Innovation's products. "It's about more than just work," he says. "When you love what you do, it shows in the products you create."



Looking ahead, Smith is determined to continue innovating without compromising his values. With new products and technologies already in the pipeline, Synergy Innovation is set to build on the legacy of precision, durability and quality that DaVinci and Eyce have established. For Smith and his team, the mission is clear: create industry-leading products that elevate the cannabis experience for consumers worldwide.



Photos courtesy of Synergy Innovation

Discover how Cort Smith and Synergy Innovation transformed cannabis accessories with DaVinci Vaporizers and Eyce, redefining quality and durability.

Leonardo DaVinci Meets Bungee Jumping: The Curious Origins Of A World-Leading Cannabis Vaporization Brand

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