Mary Jane Gibson, one of the esteemed judges for the 2024 Cannabis & Tech Today Innovation Awards, is a prominent voice in the cannabis industry. The actress, author, and former editor of High Times has been at the forefront of the cannabis movement since 2007, tracking legalization efforts around the world.
Gibson is also co-host of the acclaimed podcast Weed+Grub and has written for Rolling Stone, Playboy, and PBS. Named one of the 15 Most Influential Women in the Cannabis Industry by Complex Magazine, Ms. Gibson's expertise and unique perspective make her a valuable juror for this year's Innovation Awards.
Cannabis & Tech Today spoke with Gibson about the importance of highlighting innovative achievements in the cannabis space and gained insight into where she believes the industry is headed next year and beyond.
Cannabis and technology today: Cannabis has brought and will continue to innovate a lot. What do you think is innovative in the cannabis industry today?
MJG: I think the most innovative thing I'm seeing is regenerative agriculture and small farmers taking craft cannabis to the level of major companies. This is encouraging, as small farmers are suffering because of regulations. California's amazing small-scale cultivation techniques, like Soul Spirit Farms, are inspiring. Regenerative and biodynamic farming are old-fashioned but innovative practices that hold lessons for large-scale farms.
C&T: How will technology impact cannabis now and in the future?
MJG: I love cannabis technology, especially how people like Roger Volodarsky at Pafco are moving culture forward with technology. Companies like Puffco are making an impact both technologically and culturally. But some engineers are trying to reinvent the wheel, ignoring the fact that stoners just want to enjoy their plants without making too many complications. Streamlined technology is exciting and makes the user experience intuitive and easy. I remember that early dubbing technology was complicated, but now with the advent of companies like Puffco, design and user experience have improved significantly. It's also great to see technology integrated with your phone to adjust settings and track consumption, improving the user experience.
C&T: When it comes to winning the Inno Award, the judges' opinions are important, but so are the public. What does it take to be a hit with the masses?
MJG: In today's cannabis technology space, user experience is everything. High-end technology is fun, but the most successful products are streamlined and easy to use. Interactive technologies such as running devices from your phone are popular. Tracking consumption and optimizing user experience is becoming increasingly important. It's important to make the technology intuitive and user-friendly, and it's also important to have a uniform system for color-coding across brands to avoid confusion.
C&T: What is your favorite cannabis technology that you own or have owned? Why does it stand out?
MJG: My favorite cannabis technology is Puffco Peak. It always works and serves as a cool cultural conversation piece. Puffco has done a great job of marrying technology and culture. The Peak is beautiful, functional, and a great conversation starter when friends visit. I also love the Phoenician grinder. It has a solid feel, grinds perfectly, and is highly reliable. This is high-quality technology in a market often flooded with low-quality items.
We are now accepting applications for the 2024 Innovation Award!
Don't miss your chance to be recognized for your innovative contributions to the cannabis industry. Submit your entry for the 2024 Cannabis & Tech Today Innovation Awards by the August 26 deadline.
Editor's note: This article has been edited for length and clarity.
Mary Jane Gibson Photo by Lauren Hart
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