NJ Cannabis Spotlight: Meet The 'Weed Auntie' Shaking Up The Industry

Solonje Burnett, co-founder and chief culture and community officer of Erven, has been announced as a speaker at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight event in New Jersey.

Known as the “Weed Auntie,” Burnett is celebrated for her efforts in fostering community connections within the cannabis industry.

At Erven, a data collaboration platform, she works to provide brands and retailers with actionable insights for sustainable growth. Burnett's work emphasizes inclusive and intersectional approaches to well-being and community building.

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Extensive Experience

Burnett's multifaceted career spans brand strategy, cultural curation, and nonprofit work. She has been involved in fundraising and event production for organizations like the Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network and the Harlem School of the Arts.

In 2012, she founded Den Entertainment, a boutique firm specializing in culture curation, and has played a key role in promoting diversity and inclusion in various industries.

Emphasizing Trust and Transparency

In a previous Benzinga article, Burnett highlighted the importance of trust and transparency in the cannabis industry.

She explained that Erven builds genuine relationships with customers, especially social equity brands and smaller operators, to foster trust in their data exchange services.

"We don't want to be a traditional tech company that hides behind the data and gives it away," Burnett stated.

Impact Beyond Cannabis

Beyond her work in cannabis, Burnett is an active performer with the Resistance Revival Chorus and serves on several advisory boards, including CUNY's Cannabis to Culinary program and Broccoli Magazine's Floret Coalition. Her commitment to social equity and community empowerment is evident in her various roles and initiatives.

Join the Conversation

The Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight event in New Jersey will feature Burnett alongside other industry leaders. This event, held at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, promises to be an essential gathering for those interested in New Jersey's cannabis market. Tickets are available, and businesses are encouraged to apply for the Canna Founders Pitch Competition by May 28.

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