Technology has undoubtedly become an indispensable part of our lives; From ordering a cup of coffee to getting around in driverless vehicles and everything in between, the age of the tech entrepreneur has seen humanity become more connected than ever before.

In every field there are key examples of how cutting edge innovations are successfully reimagining entire industries. When it comes to the CBD industry - one of America´s most promising - people like David Obasiolu, founder of Chow420 are leading the way as part of an ongoing technological revolution set to effect an industry which is projected to continue showing double digit growth in 2021; With research firm Brightfield Group expecting America´s hemp-based CBD market to surpass $12 billion by 2023.

As consumer habits continue undergoing a series of shifts, many have found that successfully navigating the regulatory environment can be a real challenge, and one that slows down commercial activity. For small and large business owners alike, being able to service nationwide customers who might prefer a particular CBD brand or product proved to be nothing short of an epic endeavor.

Given the fact that individual state CBD laws differ from each other, it is often complicated for CBD retailers to stay compliant online. However, Chow's founder, David Obasiolu has devised a way to automate compliance for both CBD retailers and customers by combining their age, location and state laws on Chow420's marketplace, helping democratize the space and allowing users and suppliers to connect like never before; Which in turn has made the company become a hot topic amongst institutional and retail investors alike.

Given the fact that explosive growth within the CBD industry has prompted the creation and marketing of countless brands, Chow's marketplace provides optimal transparency between retailers and customers by enforcing the public display of all necessary information about products from product content to lab results. By doing this, Chow believes they will be able to deliver the highest quality products for customers on a daily basis through retailers on the platform.

David has always stressed the importance of details, so it should come as no surprise that thanks to Chow420´S user-friendly interface and superior technology, for the first time online, customers can now learn about CBD, shop CBD and comply with all state laws and regulations online in real time. That ́s what makes Chow420 a game changer which expert analysts have predicted will be a driving force for extending e-commerce to all restricted sectors with a high level compliance in mind.

In a recent interview, founder David Obasiolu discussed the vision behind the company:

1. What has been your biggest milestone or achievement to date as the founder of Chow420?

The most significant milestone for Chow420 has been the compliance algorithm. Compliance with State laws and regulations is the biggest challenge that cannabis eCommerce stores face daily. Chow420 is an end-to-end platform that is paving the way for the CBD market. With the use of smart identities, the Chow420 algorithm promotes the acceptance and transparency of the marketplace with regulatory bodies online.

2. How do you believe the use of your technology will impact the CBD market as a whole?

Chow420 brings integrity for both customers and dispensaries involved in CBD transactions online. Our goal at Chow420 is to ensure that all CBD products sold through the Chow420 platform are safe and legal for use.

3. How did the company get its start, and where do you see it going?

We started small through an automated dispensary and an online marketplace. However, the pandemic emphasized challenges surrounding operational restrictions for CBD retailers online. With most of the market transferring to e-commerce stores, the team saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between CBD dispensaries and regulatory bodies. The goal at Chow420 is to become the go-to place for the emerging billion-dollar CBD industry.

When it comes to overcoming obstacles and accomplishing seemingly impossible goals, die hard entrepreneurs will stop at nothing.

Dan Bilzerian´s company Ignite is accomplishing goals to ensure the trust of customers globally. Being a horizontally integrated company, Ignite has solidified partnerships with exceptional growers and manufacturers in Canada, while thanks to unquestionable brand penetration and awareness, the company seems poised to capture a large share of the market.

Dan Bilzerian and his team are known to be product oriented, which accounts for Ignite´s cult-like social media following and the brand´s meteoric rise in the legal cannabis space.

Ignite's Global Head of Cannabis, Gene Bernaudo, discussed some of the challenges the brand has faced and how they are overcoming each, to show how consistent Ignite is in all aspects of the business.

Q: What was the process and timeline for CX Industries to sign the exclusive agreement with Ignite International Brands to supply premium cannabis & CBD products?

Bernaudo: As some may have heard, we are no longer doing business with CX Industries. I can’t really discuss the circumstances of the split. What I can tell you is, we have since partnered with CannMart a leading processor and distributor of cannabis in Canada. This was very strategic in nature. One of the reason we chose CannMart as a partner is because they do not have a grow. I bet you a bunch readers are scratching their heads right now. Yes, you read that right, we did not want to partner with a large commercial Licensed Producer, producing the same mediocre product as everyone else in the industry. A partnership with CannMart solidified processing and distribution channels which allowed my team and I to focus on sourcing product from craft growers who are producing small batch, high-end cannabis. With this strategy we were able to move very quickly. We finalized our partnership with CannMart in Dec 2019 and are launching Canada with 10 skus on March 13, 2020. We chose to start with the infamous BC market and scale our way across Canada.

Q: Canada’s ad industry has strict laws against celebrity endorsements for pot products. Did this play a factor in the naming of the company? Has Dan Bilzerian had to make any sacrifices to get Ignite into Canada?

Bernaudo: Dan is the CEO of Ignite International Brands, Ltd. This allows us some leeway in how he can speak about the products. I would say our approach is similar to the approach Bruce Linton took back in the early days when he was out doing roadshows and promoting Tweed. As far as sacrifices go, I wouldn’t call them sacrifices I would call them strategic adjustments. We have had to adjust the type of content we post and ensure we are compliant in all markets we do business in. To me this is a great sign, it means we continue to grow as a global brand and evolve as a business. At the end of the day, we are a cannabis company but we are also an International FMCG company (Fast moving Consumer Goods) which means we have to be able to pivot and adjust strategies based on regulations in jurisdictions we are doing business in. When you have one of the best marketing teams in the world backed by a social media genius it’s easier to get the job done.

Q: Ignite has plenty of celebrity endorsements posts on social platforms such as Nikita Dragun, Cardi B, and Jake Paul. Is this the most effective marketing strategy for Ignite? If so, how has Canada’s Cannabis Act been an issue?

Bernaudo: The celebrity endorsements you are referring to are not for our cannabis products. Most, if not all of your references endorse our CBD line and in the U.S. there is no rule against that. It’s a pretty level playing field up here, the only real issue the Cannabis Act has imposed on us is we cannot use our iconic Goat Head logo as it depicts an animal or fictional character and can be deemed to appeal to children. Rules are rules and we have been happy to abide by them.

Q: Dan Bilzerian highlighted having one proprietary device that holds THC, CBD, and Nicotine all in one so, he decided to attack the Juul market. How will this translate in Canada, knowing they have a temporary halt on the production of flavored e-cigarette pods?

Bernaudo: Great question, the vape market in Canada from a nicotine perspective has been a disaster from the start. I 100% agree with Health Canada’s stance here. Nicotine use amongst young people is the highest it’s ever been and its largely due to flavored e-liquid in all its forms. I don’t agree with a ban, but what I can tell you is Health Canada is consistent in how they regulate. Similar regulations will apply to nicotine. E-liquid flavors and or packaging/logos cannot “evoke a positive or negative emotion or ‘way of life’ such as one that includes glamour, recreation, excitement, vitality, risk or daring.” We do have a nicotine strategy for Canada, its largely based on waiting for regulations to be implemented, waiting for trade to open up again in China (due to Coronavirus) and of course, for the ban to be lifted. We have made major headway with the device in question and it will most likely be introduced first in Canada with THC and CBD pods as regulations permit its use.

Q: Dan Bilzerian markets Ignite Cannabis as an active lifestyle to sway from the original stigma of laziness. Canada’s Cannabis Act prohibits pot companies to “evoke a positive or negative emotion or ‘way of life’ such as one that includes glamour, recreation, excitement, vitality, risk or daring.” Luckily, Ignite is still able to conduct this kind of promotion in the US. Do you believe this was a loophole that helped the brand’s message reach Canadians?

Bernaudo: I think having a social reach of 43 million followers definitely helps get our message out there in any form we want to deliver it. I wouldn’t call it a loophole as we are not using it as such. We are an International company and post content and product placement ads on social channels conforming to regulatory requirements where the particular product we are advertising is being sold.

Q: What other obstacles have Ignite faced in expanding into Canada?

Bernaudo: The only obstacle we have faced in Canada is product procurement. The biggest challenge has been securing products out here that meet our team, including Dan’s, criteria. We are happy to recently have forged some solid partnerships with amazing craft growers that will ensure we are able to distribute quality, consistent cannabis products across Canada. All the retailers and Provincial boards have been very supportive, and we look forward to working closely with them to bring our products to consumers.

Q: What are Ignite’s launch plans for this week in Canada? Will Dan Bilzerian be in attendance?

Bernaudo: Our BC launch event will be held this Friday, March 13th, at Bar None in Downtown Vancouver. Dan will be on the ground the day prior to meet with partners and industry leaders as we continue to grow relationships north of the border. He will also attend the launch event alongside hundreds of partygoers eager to celebrate Ignite’s Canadian Launch.

Safety, convenience, product quality and better prices are a recipe for business success, especially within the growing legal cannabis industry which has seen an increment in users and therefore, an increment in product prices as well.

For the entrepreneurs behind Splitbud, the trusted legal cannabis bulk ordering service, it´s all about customer satisfaction.

With strong competitive advantages such as community-backed bulk pricing offers that reach discounts of up to 65%, a discreet and highly convenient delivery service and a vast selection of premium grade products, the company is quickly changing the rules of the game when it comes to the legal cannabis industry.


Cannabis users have chosen Splitbud due to the increased level of comfort and peace of mind the service offers, but also because thanks to the company´s innovative business model, savings are passed on to the customers. So light up, chill out and enjoy with your best bud.