Cheech & Chong Announce Technology Partnership with Flowhub
In the latest episode of Trade To Black presented by Flowhub, hosts Shadd Dales and Anthony Varrell break down the escalating cannabis battle in Ohio after Governor Mike DeWine told marijuana advocates to “stop whining” about new GOP-backed restrictions. What does this mean for Ohio’s adult-use cannabis rollout? Are new regulations reshaping the voter-approved legalization framework? In our second segment, Kyle Sherman, CEO of Flowhub, joins us alongside Jonathan Black, CEO of Cheech & Chong’s Cannabis Co., to discuss the brand’s expansion of its retail tech stack through Flowhub. As highlighted by Access Newswire and Forbes, Cheech & Chong are doubling down on independent dispensaries with a bold new retail strategy.
Anthony Varrell opened with a blunt assessment of Attorney General Pam Bondi’s six-hour appearance before the House Judiciary Committee, expressing sharply diminished confidence in her ability to advance cannabis rescheduling. He questioned whether Bondi is prioritizing the issue at all, particularly with the FDA having already missed a deadline on synthetic cannabis and the 90-day mark from President Trump’s December 18th executive order fast approaching.
In Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine recently told cannabis advocates to “stop whining” about restrictions included in SB56, which is set to take effect on March 20th. While both hosts acknowledged that banning intoxicating hemp products would benefit the licensed cannabis market, they highlighted ongoing frustrations with Ohio’s regulatory environment — including the inability to sell eighths, restrictions on out-of-home marketing and signage, a THC cap lowered to 35%, and pending lawsuits. Despite generating $836 million in recreational sales last year, Ohio’s cannabis operators continue to face significant bureaucratic headwinds.
Kyle Sherman, CEO of FlowHub, and Jonathan Black, CEO of Cheech and Chong, Inc., announced a new partnership to support independent dispensaries. The collaboration combines FlowHub’s retail technology platform — including point-of-sale, loyalty programs, and e-commerce capabilities — with Cheech and Chong’s iconic branding, product distribution, and economies of scale. Black explained that the initiative began in rural markets, where single operators often juggle numerous roles, and is now expanding to major cities including Chicago and New York. The long-term goal is to reach 250 to 400 partner dispensaries and eventually pursue an IPO on a major U.S. exchange. Sherman emphasized that FlowHub’s open API philosophy enables independent shops to compete on a level playing field with larger multi-state operators.
This and more when you tune in to the full episode.
