Cheech and Chong have been ubiquitous in the weed world for decades. While stoner entertainment launched them to stardom, the pair has been diving deeper into the emerging legal cannabis space. From individual brands to a new reverse-licensing dispensary model that enables operators to tap into some of the most recognizable names in cannabis, Cheech and Chong are growing alongside the space. Now, they’re deepening that integration via a new partnership with cannabis e-commerce platform Flowhub.
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Flowhub offers a seamless solution for sales, inventory, compliance reporting, and customer engagement. The technology streamlines operations for dispensaries and provides the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly complex market. Operators in Cheech and Chong’s Partner Network now have access to the software, which Cheech Marin tells GreenState will help strengthen small businesses and keep them connected to their communities.
“As the market grows and consolidates, it’s important that independent retailers still have a real shot,” Marin said. “Giving them the tools to stay strong, stay local, and stay connected to their neighborhoods helps protect the culture that built all of this.”
Marin’s counterpart, Tommy Chong, echoed that sentiment.
“When we grow together and support each other, the whole industry gets stronger. That’s how you keep the heart in it,” Chong told GreenState.
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Kyle Sherman, founder and CEO of Flowhub, explained that cannabis retailers require modern infrastructure to thrive—but that it shouldn’t be reserved for large, multi-state operators.
“We’re giving local operators the enterprise-level tools they need to scale responsibly while keeping their focus on the community,” Sherman said via email. “When the tech is seamless, and the data is accessible, independent retailers can compete on their own terms and stay rooted in the culture that built this industry.”
The Up in Smoke stars previously partnered with cannabis data firm Headset to provide their operators with real-time analytics and market insights. According to a press release, the addition of Flowhub’s technology gives dispensaries in the network an “integrated toolkit designed to drive better decisions, stronger margins, and sustainable growth.”
Cheech and Chong may be from the old school weed scene, but that doesn’t mean they’re stuck in the past. By integrating cutting-edge technology into their retail operations, the duo remains firmly committed to the community while ensuring independent businesses can compete.
