Company: Blunt Strategies, Minneapolis, MN
Nomination Submitted by: Grasslands: A Journalism-Minded Agency
Company Description: Blunt Strategies is Minnesota’s first government relations and strategic consultancy developed exclusively for the cannabis industry. The company was the driving force behind MN is Ready, the successful unified strategic campaign that legalized adult-use cannabis in Minnesota, and is on the frontlines of the next era of U.S. legalization advocacy. Learn more at bluntstrategies.com.
Nomination Category: Company/Organization Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Startup of the Year - Business Services Industries
 Nomination Title: Blunt Strategies
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes, explaining the achievements since July 1, 2022 of the nominated organization, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video. If you are submitting written answers to the questions for this category, provide them in the appropriate spaces below:
- Briefly describe the nominated organization: history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 184 words used.
Blunt Strategies is a women-owned public benefit corporation that has been instrumental in Minnesota’s cannabis legalization efforts. Founded by veteran strategists Laura Monn Ginsburg and Leili Fatehi, Blunt Strategies provides expertise in government relations, public affairs, regulatory strategy, strategic communications, and marketing. The firm played a crucial role in integrating social equity principles into Minnesota’s cannabis legislation, ensuring practical opportunities for social equity licensees. Their efforts provide a model for other states, creating a regulatory framework that supports independent small businesses.
Beyond legislation, Blunt Strategies has established itself as a thought leader in the cannabis industry, providing strategic advice to new cannabis businesses and advocating for policies that promote equity and sustainability. Additionally, the firm founded the Minnesota Women’s Cannabusiness Network (MWCN) to empower women in the industry with essential entrepreneurial and leadership resources.
This network has grown significantly, fostering a supportive community for women entrepreneurs and contributing to a more inclusive industry landscape. Also, half of Blunt Strategies’ clients are women-owned/led businesses. Blunt Strategies’ holistic approach combines advocacy, strategic consulting, and community building, making it a standout organization in the business services industry.
- Outline the organization's achievements since July 1 2022 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 234 words used.
On August 1, 2023, Minnesota’s cannabis legalization law took effect, marking the success of Blunt Strategies' four-year advocacy effort. The firm developed, managed, and led the MN is Ready campaign that brought together the largest and most diverse coalition of cannabis policy stakeholders in Minnesota – including hundreds of local industry members, aligned advocacy groups, labor unions, community advocates, and other supporters – to engage grassroots constituencies, elect pro-legalization candidates to the Minnesota legislature, and work directly with lawmakers to enact full cannabis legalization.
In the months that led up to the 2022 November elections, Blunt Strategies started a PAC and raised tens of thousands of dollars for legislators running on pro-cannabis legalization platforms, contributing to the DFL trifecta voted into office that Election Day.
Post-legalization, the firm continues to provide strategic advice and marketing services to new cannabis businesses, focusing on women entrepreneurs through the MWCN. The network, founded in 2019, has grown to a mailing list of 300 and an average event attendance of 70, supporting businesses preparing for retail cannabis sales in 2025. MWCN offers free programs and resources, fostering equity in the cannabis industry and connecting entrepreneurs with legislative leaders.
Additionally, Blunt Strategies has been instrumental in creating Minnesota's unique market for hemp-derived cannabinoids, providing local businesses with a competitive edge and fostering greater economic equity. These achievements highlight the firm's commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive industry environment.
- Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 139 words used.
“Expectations for Minnesota’s adult-use marijuana market: Q&A with women behind state’s legislation” on MJBiz Daily https://mjbizdaily.com/minnesota-adult-use-marijuana-expectations/
“Minnesota has legal weed thanks to these women” on Weedmaps https://weedmaps.com/news/2023/09/minnesota-legal-weed/
“Pot Talk - Minnesota women are helping each other navigate the legal pot biz” in the Star Tribune https://t.e2ma.net/message/n9jr3tc/bg1fbwjg
“Lessons from Blunt Strategies: Effectively Launching & Growing a Cannabis Business” on Order.Co https://www.order.co/spend-insights/lessons-from-blunt-strategies-effectively-launching-growing-a-cannabis-business/
“Exploring Minnesota's Green Rush: Blunt Strategies Delves into the Emerging Cannabis Market in MN” on Cultivated Media https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeB7htDtY9E
“Leili Fatehi & Laura Monn Ginsburg On Blunt Strategies' Efforts To Elevate Minnesota” on Respect My Region https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztWiq_cjt3M
“As new industry takes off, dozens participate in cannabis business networking event for women entrepreneurs” on WCCO-TV (CBS News Affiliate) https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/as-new-industry-takes-off-dozens-participate-in-cannabis-business-networking-event-for-women-entrepreneurs/
- Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 216 words used.
Most states that have legalized cannabis followed regulatory models from early adopters like Colorado, California, and Oregon, which often overlooked systemic inequalities and limited local entrepreneurs' opportunities, particularly for social equity licensees. According to MJBiz Magazine, only 39% of cannabis executives were women in 2023, indicating significant room for improvement. Blunt Strategies ensured Minnesota’s legislation included robust social equity provisions, creating a more inclusive regulatory model. The firm’s proactive approach in integrating women’s insights into the regulatory framework sets Minnesota apart.
Unlike other states where large multi-state operators dominate, Minnesota’s approach prioritizes local businesses and social equity applicants, ensuring a diverse and dynamic market. Additionally, Minnesota's thriving market for hemp-derived cannabinoids, established through strategic legislative efforts, has provided local businesses with a competitive edge and fostered greater economic equity. Blunt Strategies also advocated successfully for state law to mandate the expungement of cannabis convictions for 70,000 Minnesotans, as well as prioritization in licensing for applicants with prior cannabis convictions, a significant step toward social justice.
This strategic focus on inclusivity and local empowerment makes Blunt Strategies’ achievements unique, yet still replicable as a model for other states considering legalization. The firm’s efforts have shaped legislation and fostered a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs, positioning Minnesota as a leader in equitable cannabis policy and business development.
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