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Live from 4/20/2026 — Cy Scott (Headset) and Emily Paxhia (Poseidon) break down the fully-closed 420 weekend (Fri 4/17 – Sun 4/19) across every connected US and Canadian market in the Headset sample. Plus the culture, the myths, and what Grok 4.20 has to do with any of this. The headline numbers 13.4M units sold in US connected markets over the 420 weekend — +17% vs an average weekend. US dollars only +5% vs baseline. The 12-point gap between unit lift and dollar lift is the textbook 420 promo signature. US discount depth hit 32.8%, up +8.3 pp. Canada ran a completely different 420 — discount rates barely moved (+0.4 pp), units only +4.3%. The holiday is more flag-wave than promo event up north. Category & brand breakouts Flower anchors US dollars ($77M, units +11%). Vapor Pens $49M (+16%). Pre-Roll US unit leader at 4.1M (+14%). Edibles the discount play — +9.9 pp deeper promos, units +30%. Canada: Pre-Roll beats Flower in dollars ($13M vs $10.9M) — a structural difference from US markets. Michigan dominates the top-mover list: NOBO +$510K in dollars (units only +26%, price/mix doing the work). MKX Oil 167K vapor pen units, +106%. Peninsula Cannabis +220%, Michigrown +131%, Hytek +113%, Alien Labs +97%. Small-base explosions: Flavors Cannabis Co. +712%, Indica Cannabis Co. +459%. Michigan dispensary "House Brand" 1g flower ran 60–64% off — nearly $500K in discount dollars from that state alone. Chapters 0:07 — Welcome to the High-Rise: 420 on a Monday 0:52 — Headset Live: the real-time 420 dashboard 10:19 — Headline numbers: $204M, +5% dollars, 13.4M units 14:22 — Category breakdown: Flower, Vapor Pens, Pre-Roll, Edibles 22:45 — Canada vs. US: why the 420 lift stops at the border 28:33 — NOBO and the Michigan flower story 31:10 — Top movers: MKX Oil, Hytek, Alien Labs, Goldkine 36:53 — Where 420 came from: the Waldos and San Rafael High 44:28 — The 4/20 myths: police code, Pulp Fiction, Bob Dylan 45:40 — Grok 4.20: xAI's not-so-subtle naming 46:27 — 420 events: Ice Cube at Red Rocks, SweetWater Fest, KannaFest NYC 54:59 — Close Follow Headset Poseidon Cy's Substack Cy Scott on LinkedIn Emily Paxhia on LinkedIn Data: Headset connected-retailer sample, US & Canada, 4/17–4/19/2026. Baseline = average of prior four Fri-Sat-Sun weekends. Headset

Cy Scott and Emily Paxhia are back for a no-guest 4/20 special. They start in Alabama, where the state's first dispensary is set to open on May 4 with a menu that includes "gelatinous cubes" but no flower, no vapes, and no pre-rolls. From there, they move through Virginia's latest legalization delay, Texas's temporary win for smokable hemp, Colorado's market correction, and fresh movement in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. In the back half of the episode, they shift into the big 4/20 block: why a Monday 4/20 changes the sales pattern, what Headset's real-time dashboard will show, which categories historically win, how discounting can distort the headlines, and which markets they're watching most closely once the weekend lights up. In this episode: Alabama is finally opening its first medical cannabis dispensary, but the legal product mix is so constrained that Cy calls out the absurdity of "gelatinous cubes" replacing the products patients actually buy in nearby Mississippi.Virginia is still inching toward an adult-use market, but not without more delay and a proposed tax increase.Texas gets a temporary reprieve after a judge blocks new rules that would have effectively wiped out smokable hemp.Colorado's market correction keeps getting harsher, with layoffs, consolidation, and more evidence that mature markets are entering a tougher phase.North Carolina and Pennsylvania remain two of the most important holdout stories to watch.The 4/20 segment is the centerpiece: dashboard strategy, category winners, discounting behavior, and the markets Cy and Emily think will be most interesting this year.Links mentioned: Cy Scott on Alabama's "gelatinous cubes"Callie's ApothecaryVirginia amendments bill coverageTexas hemp ruling coverageColorado market comedownPharmaCann Denver layoffsNorth Carolina Advisory Council on CannabisPennsylvania legalization support pollHeadset annual 4/20 analysisHeadset real-time 4/20 dashboardHeadset

This week on The High-Rise: The US Army drops marijuana barriers for recruits while DHS deports people for possession — the federal hypocrisy is getting surreal. The White House schedules emergency CBD policy meetings, Ohio breweries go to war over hemp drinks, and Michigan’s new 24% tax is already cratering sales. Plus: Headset data shows 10 of 15 states declining, but cannabis beverages might be the bright spot. Cy and Emily break down the numbers and the nonsense. Hosts: Cy Scott (Headset) & Emily Paxhia (Poseidon) Sources & Links: White House CBD Meetings — Marijuana MomentUS Army Enlistment Changes — The Guardian, NYTDHS “Worst of the Worst” List — Marijuana MomentRescheduling Update — Marijuana Moment, Cannabis Business TimesOhio Hemp Beverages — Marijuana MomentWSWA Regulate Hemp — wswa.org/regulate-hempMichigan Cannabis Tax — Cannabis Business Times, MI Public RadioMississippi Medical Cannabis — Marijuana MomentDormant Commerce Clause — Law360, ReutersMSO Earnings — MMJ DailySCOTUS & Guns — SCOTUSblog, NBC NewsMarket Data — Headset InsightsFollow The High-Rise: Newsletter: cyscott.substack.com Twitter/X: @TheHighRisePod Web: headset.io Headset

Cy and Emily dive into the data showing vapor pens closing in on flower as the top cannabis category in California — with only a $5M gap in February 2026 sales. They explore the Gen Z consumer shift driving vape growth, then cover Texas banning smokeable hemp through new THCA testing rules affecting 9,000 stores, plus updates from Florida, New York, and Massachusetts markets.Headset

The FDA just blew past a congressionally mandated deadline on hemp regulation — and a $28 billion industry is counting down to a November ban. Missouri is already passing state-level bans, while New York wants liquor stores selling cannabis drinks. Illinois posted its first-ever annual sales decline. The DOJ says cannabis users can't own guns even after rescheduling. Hawaii's trying "legalization lite." Plus: Texas ballot questions, Virginia retail sales, NJ wholesale crashes, and four states pushing medical marijuana into hospitals. We've got the Headset data to make sense of all of it. This is The High-Rise.Chapters:00:00 — Welcome Back to The High-Rise05:24 — News Roundup: Hemp Ban & FDA Deadline10:56 — Illinois Posts First-Ever Sales Decline15:58 — Texas Cannabis Ballot & Democratic Primary19:11 — Virginia Retail Marijuana Sales Bill20:48 — New Jersey Wholesale Prices Crater25:29 — Missouri Passes Hemp THC Ban28:01 — New York: Cannabis Beverages in Liquor Stores31:29 — NYC Mayor Projects Rising Cannabis Tax Revenue34:12 — DOJ Urges Gun Ban for Cannabis Users37:17 — Hawaii Approves Limited Legalization39:20 — Four States Advance Medical MJ in Hospitals41:22 — Deep Dive: The Hemp Ban — Who Wins, Who Loses55:10 — Closing & What's NextHosts: Cy Scott (Headset) & Emily Paxhia (Poseidon)Data powered by Headset: https://www.headset.ioHeadset

The Bluegrass State is joining the green rush—but in true Kentucky fashion, they're doing it their own way. Join Emily Paxhia (Poseidon) and Cy Scott (Headset) as they break down Kentucky's cautious entry into medical cannabis, and what it means for operators, investors, and entrepreneurs. In this episode, our hosts dive deep into: Kentucky's unique approach to medical cannabis (spoiler: leave your rolling papers at home)Why most licenses went to out-of-state operators, and what that means for the marketHow Kentucky stacks up against Missouri, Mississippi, and FloridaWhere the real opportunities lie for entrepreneurs who missed the licensing lotteryMarket projections and investment potential that might surprise youWhether you're an MSO executive, an ancillary business owner, or an investor eyeing the next frontier market, this episode offers critical insights into one of the newest medical markets in the United States. Plus, Emily and Cy share their signature market analysis on whether Kentucky could follow Florida's highly profitable path or face Mississippi's growing pains. Pour yourself a bourbon (or your favorite alternative), and join us for an hour of market intelligence, strategic insights, and maybe even a table flip or two. 🥃 Headset

In this year-end edition of The High-Rise, Cy Scott (Headset) and Emily Paxhia (Poseidon) revisit their 2024 cannabis industry predictions to see where they hit the mark and where reality diverged from their forecasts. They delve into the growth (and growing pains) of key state markets—highlighting Ohio’s adult-use ramp-up, New York’s steady climb in retail availability, and the stalled progress in Florida and Pennsylvania. They also discuss the swirling uncertainties around hemp-derived THC products, as states implement—or contemplate—stringent regulations to keep these products out of unregulated channels and away from children. Cy and Emily reflect on the year’s challenges, including the ongoing push for federal reform that has yet to materialize, and look ahead to 2025. Will next year bring long-awaited legislative clarity, or will states continue to forge their own unique paths in managing adult-use cannabis and hemp-derived products? Tune in to hear their insights, data-backed analysis, and predictions for what the next chapter of cannabis legalization might hold. Topics Covered: 2024 Prediction Recap: Reviewing last year’s forecasts for Ohio’s adult-use sales, Florida’s ballot efforts, and Pennsylvania’s stalled legalization push.Progress in Key Markets:Ohio: Adult-use launch and near-$100M monthly sales targets.New York: Steady increase in licensed cannabis retail and brand growth amidst ongoing legal and regulatory challenges.Hemp-Derived THC Products: Exploring how intoxicating hemp sales exploded in 2024 and the ensuing state-by-state crackdowns on unregulated sales, with particular attention to recent actions in California, Texas, Tennessee, and Illinois.State-Level Regulations vs. Federal Stasis: States forging ahead with their own rules to protect consumers, while federal reforms remain elusive.Looking to 2025: Predictions on potential movement from the new administration, the Supreme Court case, and what evolving hemp regulation frameworks might mean for the broader cannabis industry. If you’re looking for a clear-eyed, data-driven year-end wrap-up and a practical preview of the cannabis industry’s future, this episode offers valuable insights. Cy and Emily’s grounded perspectives will help investors, operators, and stakeholders navigate the uncertainty and identify trends to watch in 2025. Show Notes: - Headset Vapor Pen Data (Bringing the Receipts) Headset

Cy & Emily return fresh (or maybe not so fresh) from MJ BizCon in Las Vegas to dish on their 25-second meetup, cowboys everywhere, and what happens when you mix cannabis conference attendees with rodeo folks and AWS techies! 🤠 Plus: Green Wednesday numbers are in! Beverages went absolutely bonkers with a 130% spike (Cy may have helped with that...)The scoop on a game-changing brand that's "making cannabis fun again"Texas says "y'all need to stop" to thousands of hemp-derived THC storesCanada flexes on the illegal market with some seriously impressive statsPennsylvania considers state-run cannabis stores (Emily has thoughts™️)Fun fact of the episode: OnlyFans started as a recipe and DIY website! Who knew? 👩‍🍳 Bonus: Listen for Cy's attempt at a "news broadcast" sound effect - it's... something! Join us for another laid-back, data-backed conversation about all things cannabis, from MSOs to LPs, products and market analysis. Whether you're an industry veteran or just cannabis curious, pull up a chair and hang with us! 🎧 #cannabis #data #industry #MSO #retail #cannabisbusiness #MJBizCon Show notes: - CAKE: She hits different - Headset's Green Wednesday Retailer Benchmarking Tool Headset

If you have any information on a weed burrito, be sure to contact Washington Township NJ police department at 856-589-0330!  In this conversation, Cy Scott and Emily Paxhia discuss the significance of Green Wednesday in the cannabis industry, particularly during the Thanksgiving holiday week. They analyze sales data from previous years, highlighting trends in consumer behavior, discounting practices, and the impact of Thanksgiving on overall sales. The discussion also delves into promotional strategies that retailers can adopt to maximize sales during this period, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer preferences and market dynamics. The conversation also touches on a humorous delivery incident involving marijuana disguised as food, and concludes with their personal plans for Thanksgiving, emphasizing the role of cannabis beverages in their celebrations. Links: - Weed burritos in New Jersey [ABC 27 News] - Judge halts cannabis licensing in MN [Minnesota Public Radio News] Headset

In this episode of The High Rise, Cy Scott and Emily Paxia discuss the latest developments in the cannabis industry, focusing on the implications of the Farm Bill and its potential revisions. They explore the impact of intoxicating 'hot hemp' products on the legal market and the ongoing legislative efforts to address these issues. Next, a look at Ohio's burgeoning cannabis market, analyzing sales data and the dynamics of local operators.  Links Local Moratoriums for Ohio Adult Use Marijuana Operator (OSU)Headset data presentation (Headset)Takeaways The Farm Bill's language may need revisions to address intoxicating hemp products.Ohio's cannabis market is experiencing significant growth following legalization.Local operators in Ohio are gaining market share despite overall market challenges.The cannabis industry is still evolving, with many opportunities for growth.Regulatory frameworks vary significantly by state, impacting market dynamics.The importance of understanding local market conditions and consumer preferences.Moratoriums on cannabis sales exist in various jurisdictions, affecting access.The cannabis market is not a monolith; different operators have unique strategies.The potential for job creation in the cannabis industry is significant.Future legislative actions will shape the landscape of the cannabis market.Sound Bites "We're back, baby.""Hot hemp?""Time will tell."Chapters 00:00 The Farm Bill and Its Implications 15:51 Ohio's Cannabis Market Overview 18:23 The Growth of the Cannabis Market 24:42 Competitive Pricing and Market Dynamics 30:49 Understanding Moratoriums in Ohio 37:00 Community Impact and Economic Benefits of Cannabis 42:21 Looking Ahead: Future of the Cannabis Industry 46:20 hr-outro.mp3 Headset

The High-Rise Episode 162: Welcome Back to the High-Rise! Join hosts Cy Scott (Headset) and Emily Paxhia (Poseidon) as they return to analyze October cannabis market data, discuss Q3 MSO earnings, and explore emerging industry trends. After a brief hiatus, The High Rise is back with data-driven insights on the state of the cannabis industry. Episode Highlights - Deep dive into October 2024 retail sales data across major markets - Analysis of Florida's market decline and the impact of recent hurricanes - Spotlight on New York's market growth and standout brands - Q3 MSO earnings review and market performance - Discussion of Florida's failed adult-use ballot measure - New Zealand study reveals cannabis's impact on other substance use Key Market Insights - California maintains market leadership with $350M in October sales - Arizona shows concerning 25% year-over-year decline - New York continues strong growth trajectory - Missouri stands out with ~8% year-over-year growth - Florida sees significant declines across multiple product categories Notable Brands in New York - Ayrloom (Top performer in 4 categories) - Off Hours (Edibles) - Ruby Farm (Pre-Roll) - Dank by Definition (Flower) - MFNY (Concentrates) - Episode 141: Cannabis & Alcohol - The presentation data Headset

Hey Headsetters, we're back with a new interview episode, this time with Verano's George Archos and Aaron Miles. We cover their wholesale strategy, a unique approach to loyalty and visions for the future.  Listen closely and you might actually catch the date that Schedule 3 is scheduled to happen (not really). In this conversation, George Archos and Aaron Miles from Verano discuss their company's performance in Q1 and their position in the cannabis industry. They talk about Verano's footprint, retail composition, and brands. They also discuss their focus on customer loyalty and the launch of their exclusive membership program, the Cabbage Club. The conversation touches on the growth of Verano's wholesale business, particularly in markets like New Jersey and Illinois. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities of opening doors in different markets and the importance of data-driven decision-making. The conversation concludes with a discussion about Verano's plans for expansion in Ohio and Florida. Verano Holdings is preparing for the launch of adult-use cannabis in Ohio and expects to see significant demand in both their stores and the wholesale market.  Takeaways Verano has a sizable footprint in the cannabis industry and is celebrating its 10th year anniversary.Verano focuses on high-quality products and has a range of brands catering to different market segments.Verano places a strong emphasis on customer loyalty and has launched the exclusive membership program, the Cabbage Club.Verano has seen growth in its wholesale business, particularly in markets like New Jersey and Illinois.Opening doors in different markets can be challenging, but Verano has been successful by building relationships and offering unique, innovative products.Verano is planning for expansion in Ohio and Florida, with expectations of significant sales growth in these markets. Verano Holdings is preparing for the launch of adult-use cannabis in Ohio and expects significant demand in both their stores and the wholesale market.Verano focuses on creating their own brands rather than acquiring existing ones, but they may consider acquisitions in the future.They are cautious about entering the hospitality aspect of the cannabis business, such as music festivals and lounges, due to regulatory hurdles and the difficulty of making the economics work.Verano is excited about the potential benefits of rescheduling cannabis, including being treated like a normal business, accessing banking services, and improving their marketing capabilities.They anticipate better polling numbers in Florida and potential news on Pennsylvania.Verano is well-positioned for future opportunities and is focused on being prepared for inclusion in the capital markets.Keywords Verano, Q1 performance, cannabis industry, footprint, retail composition, brands, customer loyalty, Cabbage Club, wholesale growth, opening doors, data-driven decision-making, expansion, Verano Holdings, adult-use cannabis, Ohio, wholesale market, product offerings, acquisitions, hospitality aspect, regulatory hurdles, rescheduling cannabis, banking services, marketing capabilities, Florida, Pennsylvania, future opportunities, capital markets Headset

In this conversation, Cy and Emily discuss the recent announcement by the DEA that they will recommend rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III. They explore the potential implications of this decision, including its impact on the capital markets, banking reform, and the ongoing Commerce Clause case. They also touch on the significance of this shift in the federal government's view of cannabis and the challenges that lie ahead in the implementation process. Overall, they express cautious optimism about the future of cannabis legalization in the United States. Takeaways The DEA's recommendation to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III represents a significant shift in the federal government's view of cannabis and acknowledges its potential positive benefits.While rescheduling alone does not immediately change the criminality around cannabis or allow for uplisting and banking reform, it sets a strong foundation for future progress.The rescheduling decision may pave the way for discussions on capital markets and banking reform, as well as potential memos from the DOJ and the impact of the Commerce Clause case.The implementation process and potential challenges, including legal battles and administrative procedures, will play a crucial role in determining the actual impact of rescheduling.Despite the uncertainties and challenges, there is a sense of cautious optimism about the future of cannabis legalization in the United States.Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 03:02 DEA Recommends Rescheduling Cannabis to Schedule III 09:26 The Trauma and Optimism of Cannabis Legalization 13:49 The Implications of Rescheduling 16:13 The Commerce Clause Case and Fair Application of the CSA Keywords DEA, rescheduling, cannabis, Schedule III, capital markets, banking reform, Commerce Clause case, implementation process, federal government, legalization Headset

Watch out Florida Man, the new headline is going to be about the big numbers that Florida will be putting up in a post adult-use legalized cannabis world. Join Cy Scott (CEO of Headset) and Emily Paxia (Managing Partner of Poseidon) discuss the exciting news that adult-use cannabis legalization has been approved for the November 2024 ballot in Florida - how we got here and what it means.  Links: Florida Amendment 3 Ballot [Ballotopedia] Florida Supreme Court approves ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana [ Politico]Headset

The commish is cracking down in New York, bringing the full might of the OGS to the legal cannabis market. Emily Paxhia and Cy Scott take a laid-back data-backed look at all the latest headlines coming out of New York -- good and bad!  New York Must Figure Out How to Fix Cannabis Mess, Hochul Orders [NYTimes]Jenny's cannabis sales [Headset] The Comish [Wikipedia]Homeland Security, NYPD team up on cannabis smuggling investigation [Green Market Report]Top state cannabis official Damian Fagon put on administrative leave following NY Cannabis Insider investigation [NYup.com]Headset