In Search of the Best Cannabis Infused Drinks: Ayrloom

An assortment of colorful cans from Ayrloom Up, showcasing various flavors of cannabis-infused drinks, including black cherry, half + half, and orange creamsicle, arranged against a dark teal background.

Cannabis infused drinks are booming, so I figured, why not find the best ones I can get my hands on? Starting this aspiring series off on a local note, I’m checking out a top name in the New York market: Ayrloom. First, let’s be honest—New York’s legal cannabis market still has some growing to do […]

Every Open New York Dispensary Right Now [Nov. 2024]

Statue of Liberty with cannabis jars in the foreground, representing every New York dispensary across the state.

New York’s cannabis legalization journey began in 2016 with the establishment of the Medical Cannabis Program, followed by the historic legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2021 through the Marihuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA). Today, the state continues to expand access to safe, regulated cannabis through its growing network of dispensaries. As of November 22, […]

Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in New York State [Nov 2024 Update]

A dispensary sign mounted on a brick wall, with a map of New York State in the background, representing medical marijuana dispensaries in New York.

New York State‘s medical cannabis industry has grown significantly since the legalization of medical marijuana in 2016 and adult-use cannabis in 2021. With a robust medical program and a growing list of dispensaries, patients can now access high-quality cannabis products across the state. This article provides a detailed overview of the state’s cannabis history, current […]

Case Study: A Lesson in Book Sales – Why My First Two Didn’t Sell

Cover image for 'Case Study: Why My Books Didn’t Sell' featuring the book covers of 'The Art of Marijuana Etiquette' and 'Cannabis Jobs' by Andrew Ward, part of a book sales case study.

In 2019, I embarked on an exciting journey to publish my first book, Cannabis Jobs, followed by The Art of Marijuana Etiquette in 2021. I poured everything into these projects, believing they’d be my big break. But reality had other plans. Despite my efforts, both books quietly faded away without generating much in terms of […]

The Power of a Work Life Balance

Balanced stones by the ocean under a clear sky with text reading 'What is a Work Life Balance Today?' by AWARD Creative Content.

This is a LinkedIn post I made some time ago about the weekend and the importance of a work life balance. This was a message to all my colleagues in the cannabis space, but applies to others outside the sector as well. Check out this quick read and then let me know what you think. […]

Cannabis News Pitches: 5 Easy Ways to Stand Out

Banner titled '5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Cannabis News Pitches' with microphones and media icons in the background, along with sections on media and public relations.

I spent seven or so years as a cannabis news reporter and copywriter. The unique blend of media and branding work has allowed me to see the industry from a hybrid perspective.  Whether working with or reporting about brands and individuals, I’ve been repeatedly blown away by the talent and creativity coming out of the […]

Fighting Back Against Digital Plagiarism: Lessons from My Experience

A blog cover image titled "Fighting Digital Plagiarism," featuring various images, including a hacker, a frustrated professional, and musicians, highlighting the widespread impact of digital plagiarism across industries. The banner includes text sections with headings like "Know Your Options" and "Presented by: AWARD Creative Content.

Key Takeaways: In early 2024, I encountered something that’s, unfortunately, becoming all too common: digital plagiarism. My published work was stolen, rebranded, and republished under a fake name by a hack, low-traffic cannabis outlet looking to make a name for themselves without paying for it.  I’m choosing not to name the publication or its owner […]

Centralia: Exploring Pennsylvania’s Lost Graffiti Highway and Ghost Town

Image of smoldering coal fire in Centralia, a town destroyed by decades-long underground fire.

This is one of my favorite stories, detailing the lost town of Centralia, Pennsylvania. Originally appearing on PROHBTD in 2018, the article was lost when the site shifted creative gears. I was fortunate enough to write a new version for Unilad in 2022. However, this original story is what allowed me to visit Centralia not […]

Why Content Marketing is Important to Business Success

Graphic of hands typing on a laptop with text that reads 'Why Content Marketing is Important to Business Success

Over the years, I’ve worked with clients across various industries, helping them build content marketing funnels that attract, engage, and convert. One thing’s clear: a successful content marketing funnel is more than a sales pipeline; it’s a relationship-building process that demonstrates why content marketing is important to any brand hoping to add real value to […]

Luis Guzmán Grows Community and Cannabis

Portrait of actor Luis Guzmán alongside the text "Luis Guzmán Interview (2018)" with the label "Deleted Content" on a teal background.

Throughout my career, I’ve crafted content for a diverse mix of clients across multiple industries. Unfortunately, some of these pieces are no longer available as clients have closed, shifted strategies, or removed posts. In my “Deleted Content” series, I’m breathing new life into these works, re-sharing valuable insights, unique strategies, and compelling stories that deserve […]