2018 has been a big year, and as such we thought it would be equally fitting to have a big article to cover everything that has happened! From the legalization of Cannabis in more countries to the Innerspace Virtual Reality Event to the Miss Marquez Marijuana Madness Show to the MJ Biz Conference, this is our year in review for the Cannabis industry (and DaVinci specifically!)
Innerspace Virtual Reality by Grassfed
There were a number of Cannabis industry events we attended in 2018. Let us start with our first ever attendance of the Innerspace Virtual Reality Event.
This event was sponsored by Grassfed LA, the premier creator and producer of cannabis-themed events in California, whose goal is to help de-stigmatize Cannabis by offering sophisticated ways to enjoy its medical and recreational properties with like-minded individuals.
They believe that Cannabis is first and foremost a healing plant, and an antioxidant. They chose to exclusively use the top vaporizers on the market for both cannabis flower & concentrates (like us!) to maximize the flavor and create a friendly smoke-free environment.
As you can see, the California Cannabis industry for 2018 has seen a lot of growth.
Now, what IS Innerspace VR? INNERSPACE is a cutting-edge VR creation studio, dedicated to leveraging the power of VR to build games and entertainment with a strong creative identity.
Cannabis and video games have long gone hand in hand. From Seth Rogen using Cannabis and gaming in nearly every bromance movie to High Times releasing a list in 2016 of the 22 greatest stoner video games of all time, these two sedentary activities are a perfect match.
The virtual reality gaming industry is thriving in Los Angeles. By 2022, the VR business as a whole could be worth almost $34 billion, according to one estimate, with a large portion of this coming through Los Angeles. The local industry has gotten so prolific that the concentration of tech companies and startups on the Westside has been dubbed Silicon Beach, the SoCal outpost of Silicon Valley.
In addition to L.A.’s growing virtual reality market, the Cannabis industry at large has begun to embrace virtual reality for both its marketing capabilities and inherently psychedelic properties. VR has been used to help materialize the effects of certain weed strains, and has even been employed by Cannabis businesses across the country to provide customers with a behind-the-scenes look at grow operations.
For example, on Kush Tourism’s website, visitors can take a 360-degree look at Dawg Star Cannabis in Seattle, getting so close to the Cannabis you can almost smell it. Virtual reality has even been used by the National Institute on Drug Abuse to measure how THC impairs drivers and to what extent. Here is a video of our first experience at this event!
Marijuana Madness Show
This year, we also sponsored the Miss Marquez Marijuana Madness Show!
Marijuana Madness is a three-part series of live music and burlesque shows dedicated to telling the true story of Marijuana Prohibition and the musicians who were targeted by it, by harnessing the art of burlesque to parody these ludicrous claims that instilled a sense of fear in the public.
Marijuana Madness features world renowned Burlesque Dancer, Miss Dakota, whose effortless grace transports you back in time and her tantalizing performance keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Her unforgettable performance embodies exactly the dangerous allure that those accidentally visionary anti-marijuana propagandists were warning against.
Also gracing the stage was Miss Marquez, innovator of Cannabis themed burlesque performances, as well as the Artistic Director of Marijuana Madness.
Miss Marquez fully embraced cannabis culture with her outlandish cannabis-themed wardrobe and the billowing clouds of smoke that envelop her signature appearances around town.
Tying together the narrative of this tale was the international and award-winning burlesque emcee, Tito Bonito (aka Cuban Missile Crisis), who was named one of LA Weekly’s People of the Year 2016, and in 2017 took home the award for “most Comedic” at the Burlesque Hall of Fame.
The Band that brought the Jazz Era to life was the newly convened The Mad Reefers, featuring some of LA’s most sought-after Jazz musicians. The band includes Willie McNeil (drums), Bill Ungerman (saxophone) Mike Boito (piano), Ollie Steinburg (bass).
MJ Biz Conference
This year, we also attended the MJ Biz Conference in November! Recently named the Fastest Growing Retail Trade Show by Trade Show Executive Magazine, the MJ Biz Conference continues to attract thousands of professionals looking to take their business and career to the next level.
This was the seventh iteration of the MJ Biz Conference, and it was probably the most innovative conference yet, a good reflection of an industry that is evolving on a seemingly daily basis. Attendees were able to choose from among 57 all-new sessions that featured more than 100 cannabis industry experts.
Greenlane Private After Party
After this spectacular event, we attended and presented at the Greenlane Private After Party. Greenlane is a full-service, global platform for bringing premium products to market in the burgeoning head shop, smoke shop, dispensary channels and beyond. Check out the video below!
Since 2005, Greenlane has worked diligently to build a reputation as the industry leader by meeting the needs of customers, suppliers, and the end-users of the products they represent. They have achieved this by offering the most innovative products at competitive prices, providing white glove customer service, and processing orders quickly with unparalleled, highly efficient operations and logistics.
During this time, they have grown to over 200 employees with operations in eight cities across the United States and Canada, including six highly-automated distribution centers, and they continue to grow by finding ways to better serve the needs of customers and suppliers.
In addition to this, they definitely know how to throw a fantastic after party. We had a blast and cannot wait for the next one!
DOPE Magazine Golden Ticket Party
Later this same week, we also attended the DOPE Magazine Annual Golden Ticket Party. DOPE Magazine is a huge publication with a lot of influence.
Did you know that DOPE is an acronym? It stands for Defending Our Plant Everywhere—which is exactly what the team at DOPE does, day in and day out. DOPE Magazine was founded in 2011 and put the inaugural issue in the hands of HEMPFEST attendees in Seattle. They have been normalizing Cannabis through their monthly print magazines, digital platform, social media handles and events.
Legalization of Cannabis in Canada
2018 also brought about the legalization of Cannabis in a number of new countries!
The Cannabis industry in Canada for 2018 saw some huge movements, as Canada became the first major world economy to legalize recreational Cannabis, beginning a national experiment that will alter the country’s social, cultural and economic fabric, and present the nation with its biggest public policy challenge in decades.
Across the country, as government pot retailers opened from Newfoundland to British Columbia, jubilant Canadians waited for hours in line to buy the first state-approved joints. For many, it was a seminal moment, akin to the ending of Prohibition in the United States in the 1930s.
That's what the cannabis industry is now for Canada in 2018!
Medical Cannabis Legalization in South Korea
South Korea also legalized Cannabis this year, becoming the first country in East Asia to legalize medical cannabis, marking a significant milestone in the global industry and a potential turning point in how the drug is perceived in traditionally conservative societies.
Medical Cannabis products will be tightly restricted, but the law’s approval in the Legislature is seen as a breakthrough in a country many believed would be last – not among the first in Asia – to approve any use of Cannabis.
South Africa Legalized the Private Use of Cannabis
Lastly, South Africa’s top court unanimously legalized the private use of Cannabis, upholding a lower court’s decision ruling that it was “unconstitutional and therefore invalid” to criminalize the drug.
The decision allows adults to consume Cannabis in private as well as grow their own plants for private consumption. “It will not be a criminal offense for an adult person to use or be in possession of Cannabis in private for his or her personal consumption,” Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo wrote in his judgment. The court has given parliament 24 months to adopt the ruling, which is binding. Using Cannabis in public, as well as selling and supplying it, is still illegal. Parliament will decide on the quantity of Cannabis a person can grow or use in private.
As you can see, it has been quite the year for the Cannabis industry and many exciting things happened. We will wrap up this article with our top 10 gift ideas (Davinci-themed!) for the holiday season this year! The ordering of this list is subjective, but it’s what we feel are the best items on our wishlist this season!
#10 - Ascent Vaporizer
Coming in at #10 is the DaVinci Ascent. This is a much beloved device and innovative in its all-glass pathway. VaporizerWizard said that the Ascent “produces decent vapor quality, packs a huge bowl for long sessions, and features precise temp control. The best feature about the Ascent is the above average battery life. I can get well over an hour of continuous average use but the downside being it takes nearly five hours to completely recharge from dead.”
The Ascent can be used with both dry herbs and concentrates, and it uses an OLED screen with plus and minus buttons that allow you to set the precise temperature you want, giving you more control for whatever types of herbs or concentrates you want to use with it! And the price point? $199. How much better could this get?
#9 - Ascent Glass Set
Coming it at #9 is the Ascent Glass Set. As the airway in the Ascent is made entirely of glass, we recommend getting a spare glass set or two with your new Ascent vaporizer.
Only $12.95, these are well worth your money and save you from experiencing any heartbreak if you accidentally crack or chip your vaporizer’s glass set. The last thing we want you to do this holiday season is worry over a broken piece!
#8 - DaVinci Classic Vaporizer
The #8 item on our list is the DaVinci Classic. This is where it all began and is still much loved to this day by vape connoisseurs! At $129.00, this is the lowest priced vaporizer we offer. MedicalJane reviewed the device, saying: “The
DaVinci is a great portable vaporizer for both dry herb and essential oils. Its temperature-controlled option makes vaporizing dry herbs a walk in the park. The temperature control is what truly sets the DaVinci apart from other portable vaporizers. It provides for a manageable vaporizing experience that allows the user to achieve specific desired effects. The vapor quality is truly impressive when you set the DaVinci to the right temperatures.”
#7 - Snorkel
At #7, we recommend the “Snorkel” Extended Flexi Straw for the DaVinci Classic. The standard Flexi Straw can be too short for some of our users, so this solves that issue by more than tripling the original length, giving you better ease and flexibility with your vape, and it’s only $19.95!
Sometimes while vaping with the Ascent or the DaVinci Classic, you might find that your herb can make its way through the airway and into your mouth.
#6 - Replaceable Screens
Our #6 gift recommendation is to purchase a set of replaceable screens, as these prevent this from happening!
They come in two different sizes, allowing you the right amount of customizability for your vaping experience, and for a cool $6.95.
#5 - DAVINCI IQ Vaporizer
At #5 is our innovative DaVinci IQ. You can get this beauty in four colors: Stealth, Gunmetal, Blue, or the limited edition Olive.
VapeCritic has a fantastic review of the IQ, both in written and video form, and you can check that out here.
Allow us to share a brief synopsis of their review: “Overall I’m very impressed with [the IQ] and I strongly feel it is a huge improvement over their previous model.
Both beginners and advanced users will be able to appreciate what this vape has to offer, it was very well thought-out.” You can get this one-of-a-kind vaporizer for $274.99.
#4 - Glove
The IQ and the MIQRO can both run a little on the warm side at times, so for #4 we recommend picking up a glove for your vaporizer to solve this issue!
Whether for the IQ or the MIQRO, we have a glove that will fit snuggly on your vaporizer and in your hand for just $10.95. It is made of a soft silicone, so it will allow you a firmer grip on your vaporizer, making sure it won’t slip out of your hand and even cushioning it slightly from falls if it does happen to drop.
#3 - Batteries
For #3, we recommend getting spare batteries for the IQ and the MIQRO! You can never have too many batteries, and they aren’t expensive either! Whether you’re getting a new device or have a friend who owns one of our vaporizers already, extra batteries are always a good idea.
Get a couple now and you definitely won’t regret it. There’s nothing worse than being out and about and having a vaporizer with a dead battery. You want to make sure you are always ready!
#2 - External Battery Charger
Following up with the batteries, #2 on our list is an external battery charger. This is one of the best things you can own as it makes sure all of your batteries are always fully charged and ready for you – whenever you decide you want to vape!
As it can take a while to charge batteries through the device itself, this saves time and allows you to charge multiple batteries at once – what more could you ask for?
And the #1 - DAVINCI MIQRO Vaporizer
It is our newest and hottest item on the list: The DaVinci MIQRO! This is the perfect gift for anyone on your gift list, and it comes in 5 stunning colors: Graphite, Onyx, Cobalt, Rust and Amethyst. We love this vaporizer dearly, but don’t take our word for it! CannaInsider said: “The DaVinci MIQRO is a new and improved smaller version of the DaVinci IQ. The best aspects of the IQ are included in the MIQRO, but are tailored to a microdosing experience. If you are looking for versatility and reliability then this product may be a good fit for you.”
The Smart Path & Precision Control technology allow you to adjust the vaporizing experience to your preference, especially if it’s likely to change over time. If you’re vaporizing to treat a medical condition, this is especially important.
We offer a 5-year warranty so you can rest assured in your $149.99 investment, and, according to CannaInsider, the $149.99 price point is “reasonably priced and average for the market for a vaporizer of this size and quality.” Since it is smaller and you can’t consume larger quantities of flower, this product is best used for consumers who prefer discreet and small over big. The IQ itself isn’t huge or bulky, but the MIQRO is noticeably smaller and more compact. Your lifestyle and consumption habits are the best guides to consider when purchasing a vaporizer, so think about what is right for you! You can also upgrade to the Explorer’s Collection, a total of $199, for some excellent goodies – the perfect gift!
Whatever you decide on, make sure you shop now and take advantage of free expedited shipping on orders over $100! We hope you enjoyed our review of the Cannabis industry trends for 2018, and we at DaVinci wish you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!