Heady Chronicle Show Celebrates Women in NJ Cannabis Industry

Podcast host Dan Ulloa highlights progress and challenges for female entrepreneurs in New Jersey's growing legal cannabis market.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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Dan Ulloa, editor of the Heady NJ cannabis news site, is launching a new podcast called The Heady Chronicle. In this episode, he discusses the latest developments in New Jersey's cannabis industry, including the release of Jeffrey Epstein files that implicate a Jersey City dispensary owner. Ulloa is also hosting an event on March 14th to celebrate Women's History Month and highlight the experiences of female cannabis entrepreneurs in the state.

Why it matters

New Jersey's cannabis industry has seen rapid growth and evolution, with an increasing number of local, female, and minority business owners entering the market. Ulloa's podcast and event aim to amplify these voices and perspectives, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities facing women in the industry.

The details

Ulloa's new podcast, The Heady Chronicle, will feature discussions on the latest cannabis news and trends in New Jersey. In this episode, he touches on the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, which implicate a Jersey City dispensary owner named Benny Shabtai. Ulloa notes that Shabtai's connection to Epstein does not appear to be as extensive as President Trump's. The podcast host also discusses the ongoing progress in New Jersey's cannabis market, including the decline in flower prices and the growing acceptance of home grow among dispensary owners.

  • The Heady Chronicle podcast launched in March 2026.
  • New Jersey Governor Sherrill gave her first budget address on March 11, 2026, without mentioning cannabis.
  • The Women in NJ Cannabis show and party is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026.

The players

Dan Ulloa

The editor of the Heady NJ cannabis news site and host of the new podcast The Heady Chronicle.

Benny Shabtai

A part-owner of the Downtown Flower Dispensary in Jersey City, who is implicated in the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Matha Figaro

The CEO of Camp Ironman ButACake, a pioneer of legal infused edibles in New Jersey.

Ariel Mizrahi

The CEO of Bud to Bloom, a cannabis company operating in a town outside of the major liberal cities in New Jersey.

Wednesday Mayer

The Director of Community Engagement at Quality Cannabliss dispensary, a longtime member of the New Jersey cannabis community.

Nichelle Santos

The CEO of Canna Coverage, who works on insurance and legal issues in the New Jersey cannabis market, as well as with Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM) of New Jersey.

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What they’re saying

“We always got news about Jersey stories. You know, there's always more dispensaries, more brands, products coming along.”

— Dan Ulloa, Editor, Heady NJ (Heady NJ)

“We've always been for a diverse, inclusive cannabis market with a lot of locals, a lot of females, a lot of minority business owners. You know, a lot of Hispanic business owners, it's always a big thing for me, being a first-generation Peruvian.”

— Dan Ulloa, Editor, Heady NJ (Heady NJ)

What’s next

The judge in the Benny Shabtai case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

Ulloa's podcast and event highlight the growing prominence of female entrepreneurs in New Jersey's cannabis industry, showcasing the diversity and community-driven values that are shaping the state's legal market.