Freedom increasesan all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting cannabis inmates and their families, is entering a new phase of impact, bringing together advocacy, community and culture through strategic partnerships, national events and retail-led fundraising initiatives.

This expansion comes under new leadership, with Bill and Jeff Levers, founders of Beard Bros. Pharms and Beard Bros. Mediastepping in as CEO and COO, bringing with him a clear and purposeful vision: to significantly increase awareness, visibility and industry participation in Freedom Grow’s mission.

Since its founding, Freedom Grow has been on the front lines of cannabis justice reform, working tirelessly to support individuals incarcerated for non-violent cannabis offences. Through its signature Wish program, the organization provides commissary funds, books, educational materials and family outreach, ensuring that those still behind bars are not forgotten.

What began as a lifeline for incarcerated individuals has evolved into a broader movement—one based on compassion, awareness, and real, measurable action.

A legacy built on advocacy and human impact

Freedom Grow has supported countless individuals and families navigating the harsh realities of cannabis incarceration, providing emotional and financial relief during and after incarceration. At the same time, the organization continues to raise awareness by amplifying the voices and stories of those still serving sentences for cannabis-related offences.

This work is ongoing, deeply personal, and far from finished.

Leadership that drives a new era of visibility

With decades of combined experience in cannabis, media and advocacy, Bill and Jeff Levers are using their platforms and network to elevate Freedom Grow to a new level of national visibility.

Their leadership marks a strategic shift that goes beyond traditional non-profit outreach and embedding Freedom Grow directly into the fabric of the legal cannabis industry through media, partnerships and hands-on experiences. Their goal is simple but urgent: make sure people who still pay the price of prohibition are impossible to ignore.

Scaling the mission through events, partnerships and retail activation

Freedom Grow is now expanding its reach by connecting with platforms that bring advocacy directly to the heart of the cannabis industry and culture.

Through its involvement with Seshn eventsFreedom Grow is helping to create immersive, community-driven experiences that combine education, networking and purpose by turning industry gatherings into opportunities for awareness and action.

In parallel, Freedom Grow continues to participate in high-impact initiatives such as Vlasic Classic Charity Golf Tournament series, which brings together cannabis leaders, brands and operators to raise funds and support reform efforts. These events have become a powerful tool for uniting the industry around a shared responsibility: ensuring that no one remains imprisoned for cannabis while the legal market thrives.

Retail Enablement: A Scalable Path to Impact

Looking forward, one of Freedom Grow’s most important areas of focus is activating dispensaries and retail brands as direct contributors to the mission.

The organization is actively working with distributors in legal markets to implement point-of-sale bundled donation programs, allowing consumers to contribute directly to Freedom Grow at the checkout. This initiative creates a simple yet powerful way for everyday cannabis purchases to drive meaningful change.

To support this effort, Freedom Grow has already been approved and verified Dutchione of the leading retail technology platforms in the cannabis industry. This integration enables seamless adoption of rolled-up campaigns across participating dispensaries, making it easier than ever for retailers to align with a cause that reflects the industry’s true roots.

Beyond retail, brands can also engage directly through Freedom Grow’s Lidh Commissariat Programan initiative designed to create meaningful and ongoing support for incarcerated individuals. Through Commissary Connects, brands have the opportunity to fund commissary accounts, sponsor care initiatives and align their business with tangible and human impact, turning brand participation into direct support for those still serving.

Together, these initiatives create a full-circle ecosystem – where retailers, brands and consumers can all play an active role in advancing cannabis justice.

More than events: A movement in motion

These efforts represent more than partnerships, they signal a shift in how advocacy is integrated into the modern cannabis ecosystem.

Encompassing its mission in events, retail environments and everyday transactions, Freedom Grow is:

• Expanding awareness beyond traditional advocacy channels
• Creating ongoing and scalable fundraising opportunities
• Strengthening alignment between the legal industry and its responsibility to those affected by the ban

Looking Forward

As the cannabis industry continues to grow, Freedom Grow remains grounded in a simple but urgent truth: legalization without justice is incomplete.

Through its ongoing support programs, strategic partnerships, retail initiatives and community-driven events, Freedom Grow is committed to ensuring that those who have paid the price for prohibition are not left behind.

Because this isn’t just about cannabis, it’s about people, responsibility and making sure the industry remembers where it came from.

About Freedom Grow

Freedom Grow is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping cannabis inmates regain their freedom and supporting them and their families through financial assistance, outreach and public education. Learn more at freegrow.org.

Belleville, NJ – Nevaeh Verde DispensaryBelleville’s premier cannabis destination, is celebrating its first anniversary with a Cannaversary community event on March 21, marking a major milestone for the locally owned business that has quickly become known for its superior retail experience and dedication to cannabis education.

Located in the heart of Belleville, Nevaeh Verde was founded with the goal of creating a cannabis retail environment that feels welcoming, sophisticated and informative. Since opening its doors, the dispensary has focused on helping customers make intentional and informed purchasing decisions by featuring high-quality cannabis brands, artisan growers and products grown using organic and living soil methods.

“Our goal has always been to enhance the cannabis retail experience,” said Sasha Huetz, Manager of Nevaeh Verde Dispensary. “We wanted to create a space where people feel comfortable asking questions, learning about the plant and discovering products that really support their needs.” To celebrate its first year in business, Nevaeh Verde will host a Cannaversary party on March 21, featuring:

• Live DJ
• Local food vendors
• Brand activation
• Gift of products
• Community engagement with cannabis brands and educators

The dispensary will continue the celebration with a special 4/20 event on April 18, giving customers and the surrounding community an opportunity to come together ahead of the national cannabis holiday.

These events reflect Nevaeh Verde’s broader mission of building a community-centered cannabis culture rooted in education, access and quality products. As New Jersey’s cannabis industry continues to grow, Nevaeh Verde remains committed to providing a retail experience that combines knowledge, hospitality and carefully curated cannabis products.
Members of the media are invited to attend the Cannaversary celebration or schedule interviews with the Nevaeh Verde team.

Event details:
Cannaversary Celebration, March 21, 2026, 1-7pm Nevaeh Verde Dispensary 176 Belmont Avenue Belleville, NJ

Celebration Event 4/20, April 18, 2026, 1-7pm Nevaeh Verde Dispensary Belleville, NJ
Location: 176 Belmont Avenue Belleville, NJ 07109

For Media Contact:
Darla Huetz
info@nevaehverdedispensary.com

Efforts to modernize cannabis policy are spreading across Europe at an increasing pace, with Germany continuing to serve as the continental cannabis policy and industry leader. As Germany’s legal industry and other European markets continue to expand, the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) remains at the center of it all.

ICBC is once again bringing Europe’s largest and longest-running B2B cannabis event to Berlin on April 13-15, 2026. ICBC Berlin 2026 will be held in Germany’s largest conference and entertainment center, the iconic Hotel Estrel Berlin. of schedule for ICBC Berlin 2026 will be published soon and is sure to be packed with insightful and timely presentations from renowned experts in their respective fields.

Cannabis policy and market momentum

The medical cannabis industry in Germany continues to be the biggest winner of the passage of the CanG law, thanks to the removal of cannabis from Germany’s Narcotics List. Between the first quarter of 2024 and the third quarter of 2025, imports of medical cannabis products in Germany have increased. The legal medical cannabis industry in Germany imported almost 57 tons of cannabis in the third quarter of 2025 alone alone.

Ancillary sectors of Germany’s emerging cannabis industry continue to benefit from the country’s landmark CanG 2024 law, which allows adults to cultivate, possess and consume personal quantities of cannabis. Companies offering products and services focused on home cultivation and consumption are experiencing tremendous growth in Germany.

The cannabis industry in Germany is continuing its impressive growth, including the association sector of growing cannabis for adults. Since November 2025local regulatory authorities in Germany had approved 357 adult cultivation associations. Hundreds of other applications for cultivation associations are being processed throughout Germany.

Europe’s largest B2B cannabis conference

Competition is increasing significantly within the German industry and across Europe, and the best way to learn how to maximize your opportunities and network with industry leaders is at ICBC Berlin. recording is now open and you can get discounted early bird prices. Register before ticket prices go up on November 19.

Sponsorship and exposure at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin is an unparalleled opportunity to position your brand in front of the international cannabis industry. ICBC Berlin has added a wide range of sponsorship opportunities and the ICBC team is here to support exhibitors throughout their journey in the industry.

In addition to putting the company’s brand in front of attendees and offering space on the exhibit floor, ICBC has created an exhibitor portal on the event’s official app. Exhibitors can customize their profiles on the application portal and gain additional visibility throughout the conference.

Learn more and register at: internationalcbc.com/exhibit-form

What’s new in 2026

ICBC is bringing buyers on the show, so visitors can make the best deals and connect directly with the people who matter most.

• Cannabis pharmacies
  It was a huge success last year, so ICBC is offering again free tickets for everyone German cannabis pharmacies – unification of the medical community.

• Cultivation Associations / Social Clubs
  We are also giving free tickets for everyone With German license cultivation associations because of the vital role they play in Germany’s industrial model.
• Grow stores
  ICBC is giving free tickets for everyone store growth in Europe – ensuring that the farming community is fully present.

Other new features

• ICBC Network Atrium
  A central hub to meet and connect.
• Growing / Cultivation Pavilion
  Cultivation leaders from around the world will be in Growing / Cultivation Pavilion.
• Treasure hunt game
  Want to win prizes while exploring the exhibit? Join me Treasure hunt game.
• VIP reception
  Ready to meet key decision makers before the event? Take part in VIP reception the night before the conference (April 13).

Continuing to bring people together

• Appointment at the pharmacy
  Do you want direct access to dispensaries, pharmacies and clinics? Take part in exclusive Appointment at the pharmacy.
• Medical Farm Area
  Medical professionals from the global industry will gather at Medical Farm Area.
• Network speed zone
  Want to make more connections quickly and easily? Try Network speed zone.
• Lounges with food and drinks
  Need a break to bond over food and drink? Relax in salons located throughout the exhibition.
• Hall of Consumption
  of Lounge for outdoor consumption offers a unique, open-air environment for socializing and networking.

Industry growth and opportunities

At the latest International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin in April 2025, leading international cannabis economist Beau Whitney presented data noting that the total addressable global market value of the international industrial hemp industry could be as high as $456.2 billion. Additionally, Mr. Whitney estimated that the total addressable global market value for medical and adult cannabis consumables is approximately $237.8 billion.

A vast majority of the current global demand for hemp, medical and adult-use products remains untapped, with many markets either unregulated or still in the early stages of regulation. You can learn how to get in on the ground floor of the most exciting industry on the planet at ICBC Berlin 2026.

About the International Cannabis Business Conference

The International Cannabis Business Conference is the premier B2B cannabis event series on the planet, with previous conferences taking place in multiple locations on multiple continents. The event series is owned and operated by cannabis advocates who believe in celebrating cannabis culture in addition to providing world-class cannabis industry education and networking opportunities.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to gain a competitive edge in the growing international cannabis industry and it is vital for people to get their ideas, products and services in front of the right people at the right time. With industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, policy makers and service providers converging from across the planet, the ICBC B2B trade show event in Berlin is the perfect place to put cannabis ideas on the global cannabis stage.

Over 5,000 cannabis leaders from over 80 countries are expected to be represented at ICBC Berlin 2026, and this includes representatives from every sector of the industry, as well as key international cannabis policy makers and industry service providers. Bring your company to the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin to network with the best and take your industry research to the next level.

Learn more and register at: Internationalcbc.com/berlin.

Register before ticket prices increase on January 28.

contacts:

Director of Marketing, ICBC
Elizaveta Zharikova
liza@internationalcbc.com