Media

We created and implemented successful media strategies since medical cannabis started in Illinois in 2015. As a result, we have extensive experience navigating controversial issues and have the skills to help your business use the media to achieve your strategic goals.

Secondary market for Illinois cannabis licenses fires up its engines

With over a hundred Illinois cannabis licenses assigned in the last month and an equal amount still to be assigned this August, a brisk after-market for license sales is quickly developing with new dispensary license holders asking for up to $3 million and some craft grow license holders demanding as much as $10 million to turn over their licenses.

Clout, cops and a ‘Very Cavallari’ castmate: Here’s who just won weed licenses in Illinois

The state announced the winners of 79 licenses to grow, infuse and transport marijuana products this week. Officials touted that 67% of the winners identify as nonwhite and 83% qualified for social equity status.

State’s ex-pot regulators, pols are cashing in on the exploding industry. A proposed crackdown won’t stop all of them.

With lawmakers and former regulators benefiting off legal cannabis, state Rep. Marty Moylan has introduced legislation that would prevent some public officials from profiting directly.

How a Chicago pot firm turned into a $3B behemoth in just 3 years

Verano Holdings, based on the Near North Side, is now one of the largest marijuana companies in the country after it started trading publicly in Canada last week.

Op-ed: Illinois’ booming cannabis business is leaving people of color behind

More than 18 months ago, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act was passed in Illinois, both legalizing recreational cannabis and creating a new licensing process that was hailed as the national bench mark for creating diversity in the booming cannabis industry.

Clouted mix of insiders, others tied to state politics behind social equity pot bid

Green Renaissance Illinois was recently named a finalist in the state lottery for the next round of licenses for lucrative cannabis businesses.

Ex-pot regulator, now on Cook County Bd., offered paid help to weed shop hopefuls

Bridget Degnen was among multiple ex-state employees who have sought to cash in as officials award the next round of highly lucrative pot shop licenses.

Off The Record: McAuliffe Exits Post While Wife’s Deal With Tollway Remains

Longtime Illinois State Representative Mike McAuliffe, who retired in mid-June, was all smiles Saturday morning.

Bank pulls out of Illinois medical marijuana industry

Illinois medical marijuana companies may have to deal in cash because the main bank serving them is withdrawing from the industry.

Medical cannabis operators hope to be first for recreational pot

It took 12 years for the state of Colorado to go from approving medical cannabis to the sale of recreational pot, but Illinois appears to be on a much faster track.

Ataraxia marks year since first cannabis shipment

It’s been roughly one year since Ataraxia made their first shipment of medical cannabis from their grow center in Albion. “Ataraxia has helped so may patients and has had such a positive impact on our community,” said Steve McMahel, Mayor of Albion.

Medical pot access eases

A new business called “The Clinic” is just the ticket for what ails Tyler McKelvey. The 29-year-old suffers from fibromyalgia and smokes cannabis to ease his agonies enough so he can work his night job manning a hotel front desk.

Medical Cannabis Cultivation Begins in Illinois, Catapulting the Industry Forward

Medical marijuana cultivation is now underway in Illinois, setting the stage for the start of cannabis sales later this year.