Latest news with #CBD-based
Int'l Business Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
Innerbloom Holdings: The Advocators-Turned-Entrepreneurs Spearheading a CBD Mass Market Revolution
What began as a bold mission to disrupt the cannabis market in Mexico has transformed into something even more scalable, and possibly far more impactful. Innerbloom Holdings, LLC, originally launched with the intent of becoming a vertically integrated cannabis company in Latin America, has pivoted into a wellness powerhouse with a singular goal: to bring CBD to the masses. And with its flagship brand, Tía María, the founding team believes they've cracked the code. Image Credit: Innerbloom At the heart of Innerbloom are its founders, a collective of legal, entrepreneurial, and activist minds that includes Ralph Schulke, Gregory Brucia, Alejandro de la Peña Martínez, Jiangsu Wongpec, and Julio Zenil. These are not outsiders chasing hype; they are seasoned veterans and cultural insiders who have spent years laying the legal, social, and operational groundwork for the industry's next major leap. Innerbloom was born in Mexico, where Schulke saw an opportunity to help pioneer a nascent cannabis industry. Backed by a team with deep legal and market expertise, Schulke envisioned a company that would touch every aspect of the cannabis value chain, from cultivation to distribution. But Mexico's regulatory rollercoaster threw those plans into disarray. "In 2017, we were poised to become one of the first international licensees to enter the Mexican cannabis market," Schulke recalls. "The outgoing president legalized it. Then the new administration reversed everything. That forced us to pivot, not just as entrepreneurs, but as advocates." Together, they founded the Latin American Cannabis Alliance ( A.L.C.A.N.N. ), a nonprofit advocacy group focused on cannabis legalization and policy reform. They lobbied, built partnerships with institutions, and gave voice to a movement that had long been marginalized. Schulke shares, "To be able to do business in this industry, we had to fight to make it legal first." The experience deepened their understanding of Latin American markets and regulatory landscapes and ultimately laid the foundation for what came next. Innerbloom's current form reflects a major strategic pivot. The company is now laser-focused on CBD-based wellness products, starting in Mexico but with global ambitions. From CBD-infused pain and inflammation products, deodorants, and toothpaste to skincare, shampoos, and sunscreens, to name a few, the Innerbloom team aims to normalize CBD as a household ingredient. "This is a mass-market consumer goods company," Schulke explains. "We're not chasing trends. We're delivering high-quality, affordable products that integrate CBD into people's daily routines." The timing couldn't be more critical. As Schulke points out, the CBD hype cycle in the US has deflated, and what's left is a massive underserved market, especially across Latin America, where regulatory environments are evolving, but the demand for accessible wellness solutions is real. "What we're doing is accelerating that trend. We're making it affordable now, especially in a market like Mexico that's ready for it," Schulke adds. Innerbloom's leadership team brings a rare combination of regulatory expertise, branding acumen, and grassroots credibility. Martínez is one of the influential figures within the Mexican marketing and artificial intelligence industry. On the other hand, Wongpec's media and activist background strengthens the company's storytelling and public education for hemp and CBD. With over 20 years of experience as a business attorney, Brucia provides the company with unparalleled legal expertise, ensuring it remains adaptable in an evolving regulatory landscape. And Schulke, with an instinct for untapped opportunity and expertise in the hemp and cannabis industry, brings it all together. In conjunction, they've built what Schulke calls 'a turnkey leadership team,' one ready to take advantage of a massive market shift that few others are even noticing. "We've survived where many haven't," he says. For investors, distributors, and consumers looking to be part of CBD's next big wave, Innerbloom can be a blueprint for what sustainable, culturally intelligent entrepreneurship looks like in a post-hype era.
Time Business News
13-06-2025
- Time Business News
How to Choose a Reliable MacBook Repair Shop in Singapore (2025 Edition)
When your MacBook starts acting up — a flickering screen, unresponsive keyboard, failing battery, or a soaked logic board — your productivity can come to a grinding halt. In Singapore, where tech-savvy consumers rely on their devices for work, study, and daily life, choosing the right repair shop is not just a matter of convenience — it's a matter of not all repair shops are created equal. Some use substandard parts. Others lack proper diagnostic tools or employ general technicians without experience in Apple-specific repair protocols. And then there's the risk of data loss, inflated pricing, or worse — voided warranties due to improper handling. So how do you find a reliable MacBook repair provider in Singapore that offers real value without risking your device? This 2025 guide breaks it all down so you can make an informed decision before handing over your MacBook. – Battery degradation – swelling or rapid drain– Screen damage – cracked glass, flickering, or dead pixels– Keyboard and trackpad failure – often caused by wear or minor spills– Overheating or loud fans – could indicate internal dust or cooling failure– Liquid damage – spilled drinks or water causing logic board shorting– No charging or power-on issues – could be a dead charging port or board failure For example, a student at NUS might experience a sudden shutdown during exams due to battery failure, while a CBD-based executive may spill coffee and damage their logic board mid-presentation. These real scenarios are why fast and skilled repair matters. Not all repair shops are Apple experts. Some focus on Windows PCs or mobile phones. MacBooks, especially the newer M1 and M2 models, require specialized tools and board-level these key questions:– Do you work on MacBook Air and Pro models regularly?– Do you handle logic board repairs or just part replacements?– What testing tools and software do you use post-repair? – Are your parts original-grade or high-quality compatible replacements? – Free or low-cost diagnostics– Clear pricing breakdown before repairs start– Part types and warranty durations are disclosed– No surprise fees after repair completion A MacBook owner in Jurong was once quoted $350 for a screen replacement, only to later find out another shop in Tampines was offering the same repair for $240 — with warranty. Transparency saves you money and stress. – Chinatown – for CBD professionals needing lunch break fixes– Tampines – convenient for residents in the East– Bugis / Sim Lim – close to city shoppers and students– Jurong / Westgate – suitable for the West-side tech crowd– Hougang / Serangoon / AMK – look for shops offering flexible booking or pick-upMany reliable shops also offer:– On-the-spot repair for batteries and screens– Same-day turnaround for common faults – WhatsApp live support or online booking tools ▲ Citri Mobile technician repairing a MacBook at our Chinatown workshop. Reliable service providers will have a public trail of positive reviews. Look for consistent high ratings (4.5★ and above) on:– Google Reviews– Facebook– Carousell (for local presence)– HardwareZone forums– Reddit Singapore (for organic mentions)Pay attention to reviews that highlight fast turnaround, data safety, and clear communication — these are signs of experienced shops that value customer satisfaction. If you're currently exploring options, one place to start is this trusted MacBook repair service in Singapore that has earned strong feedback for clear diagnostics, fast service, and honest pricing. Citri Mobile, for example, maintains a 4.8-star Google rating, is an award-winning Carousell Preferred Partner, and is widely recommended by customers across Tampines and Chinatown for reliable MacBook repairs. While YouTube tutorials may make it seem easy to replace a battery or SSD, modern MacBooks are designed with glued-down components, tri-point screws, and tightly packed logic boards. Improper handling can lead to:– Irreversible motherboard damage– Data loss– Screen calibration issues– Short-circuits due to missed grounding If you're in Singapore, it's often safer and more economical to use a certified third-party repair shop for these tasks. A customer in Serangoon damaged their touchpad ribbon cable during DIY battery replacement, turning a $150 repair into a $400 logic board job. – Do you preserve files during logic board or SSD work?– What's your backup policy in case of accidental data loss?– How long is the warranty? (30–90 days is ideal) – Can I return if something goes wrong after the fix? Most battery and screen replacements take 30 to 60 minutes. Logic board repairs may require 1–2 working days, depending on parts. A trustworthy shop will avoid wiping your MacBook unless absolutely necessary. Always ask about data protection and back up your files. Yes. Independent repair shops typically offer 30–60% lower prices, especially for out-of-warranty devices. Most use a mix of original-grade, OEM, and aftermarket parts. Always ask about quality levels and warranty coverage. Most accept walk-ins, but booking ahead (especially in Chinatown or Tampines) ensures faster service and avoids long queues. When choosing between various MacBook repair shops in Singapore, it's helpful to compare a few critical factors side-by-side. Some shops prioritize speed, while others focus on premium parts or budget pricing. Here's a rough breakdown:– Citri Mobile (Chinatown & Tampines): Excellent reputation, 4.8★ reviews, Apple repair expertise, original-grade parts, same-day turnaround– Shop A (Sim Lim Square): Known for affordability, but quality and warranty vary by technician– Shop B (Jurong East): Great for West-side customers, moderate pricing, but slower parts availability– Official Apple Service Centre: Genuine parts and diagnostics, but long queues and high out-of-warranty costs Pro tip: Independent shops like Citri Mobile often strike the best balance between speed, quality, and price — especially if your MacBook is no longer under warranty. Ever wonder what happens once you hand over your MacBook? Here's a typical repair workflow at a professional shop:1. Initial inspection – The technician checks power, screen, and overall condition.2. Diagnostics – Tools like ASD (Apple Service Diagnostics) or custom logic board testers are used.3. Part recommendation – You're given a breakdown of parts, repair time, and cost upfront.4. Approval & repair – Upon your go-ahead, the shop proceeds with repairs using proper tools.5. Final testing – They reassemble, clean, and retest everything — including keyboard, display, and battery health.6. Warranty briefing – You'll get documentation showing coverage for 30–90 days (depending on the part). This transparent process builds trust — and protects you from future surprises. Your MacBook is an essential tool — whether you're editing videos, working remotely, or studying. A quick fix might be tempting, but trust, quality, and safety matter more than price choosing a repair shop with Apple repair experience, transparent pricing, real reviews, and convenient local presence, you're not just fixing a device — you're protecting your digital life. And in a fast-paced city like Singapore, getting your MacBook back quickly and safely can make all the difference. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Tampa smoke shop raided; business owner says he sells only legal, licensed products
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Hillsborough County business owner is facing felony charges after the Tampa Police Department raided his business. Smokey Jones on Hillsborough Avenue sells THC and CBD-based products, but an attorney for the business owner said it's a licensed facility that complies with all state law and should never have been raided. Hernando High teacher charged with giving student Kratom 'They took over $200,000 worth of product, not only THC Hemp, not only THC Hemp Flower that they tested, but a bunch of other things that they just assumed may have been illegal products, including CBD dog treats,' said attorney Michael Minardi. The attorney said the raid is highly unusual for a licensed marijuana business in Florida. 'This is the first instance where they went in and they took product and they took money,' Minardi said. Business owner Dannie Jones said the raid has been devastating for his business and the employees who were handcuffed during the raid. 'I haven't did anything wrong and to be accused of something like that, I think it's ridiculous,' Jones said. The state contends there were illegal products seized. On Monday, a Hillsborough County judge set bond in the case and Jones was taken into custody. The defense said they will fight the charges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
More CBD offices, fewer CBD homes, less decentralised office stock
[SINGAPORE] While many premier office buildings are clustered in Singapore's bustling Central Business District (CBD), there are established decentralised office nodes islandwide in areas such as Alexandra Road, Buona Vista, Jurong, Novena, Paya Lebar and Tampines. However, the growth of decentralised office locations suffered a blow when the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) did not award the master developer white site at Jurong Lake District (JLD). Developing the 6.5 hectare JLD site was envisaged to yield at least 1.5 million square feet (sq ft) of office space, up to 1,700 homes, and close to 800,000 sq ft of space for other uses such as retail and food and beverage; and help propel the development of Singapore's largest business district outside the CBD. A five-party consortium – comprising CapitaLand Development, City Developments Limited , Frasers Property , Mitsubishi Estate and Mitsui Fudosan (Asia) – submitted two concept proposals for the JLD site. However, in September 2024, URA said while one proposal was shortlisted, the tendered price – which worked out to about S$640 per square foot (psf) per plot ratio – was deemed to be too low. Certainly, other parties can try snagging the JLD white site with a suitable proposal and a higher bid price or the five-party consortium could submit a higher bid for the site. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Tuesday, 12 pm Property Insights Get an exclusive analysis of real estate and property news in Singapore and beyond. Sign Up Sign Up However, as uncertainties over US trade tariffs weigh on business outlook and economic growth, chances that a group will try to secure the mega site with a stronger bid appear slim. Perhaps, the authorities should rethink whether the JLD site needs to have a large office component and if it should push hard on developing decentralised office locations. Sure, transport connectivity at JLD will be good. Still, some residents living in the east may be reluctant to spend possibly more than an hour commuting by public transport to work at JLD. Working in the CBD Indeed, the CBD's pre-eminence as Singapore's choice office location may impede the development of decentralised office locations. One, as the CBD is centrally located, residents living all over the island can easily access it. Thus, a business located in the CBD is well-positioned to draw talent from all across Singapore. Two, the CBD is an established business location. Maintaining a CBD office can provide an entity credibility with potential employees as well as business partners at home and abroad. Three, it offers businesses easy access to various businesses and professional services. Also, CBD-based knowledge workers find its location convenient for networking with industry peers. Four, the CBD is hardly sterile. It has Michelin-starred restaurants, popular hawker centres, cafes, bars, gyms, recreational amenities, retail outlets, as well as a range of hotels and cultural spaces. On weekends, when the office crowd disappears, the CBD can transform to host sporting and other events. Certainly, decentralised office locations may tempt businesses with lower rents versus the CBD. However, rental might not be an overriding consideration for many businesses when choosing an office location. After all, businesses may prefer being in the CBD to better draw talent and for prestige. Crucially, if companies and knowledge workers like working out of the CBD, the government should consider selling more CBD office sites. Could a CBD office site be on the confirmed list of the government land sales programme for the second half? Singapore's CBD office market recovered well post pandemic and is still seeing positive momentum. Amid flight to quality with space users, CBD Grade A spaces have outperformed. Following four consecutive quarters of flat rental growth, core CBD Grade A office rents here rose 0.8 per cent from the previous quarter in Q1, as gross effective rents in this most-coveted subsector reached an average of S$12.05 psf per month, consultancy CBRE indicated. It noted that top corporations and companies in private wealth asset management showed a strong preference for office spaces in prime locations with premium specifications. While CBRE's research team was cautious about global trade conflicts and tariffs, it projects core CBD Grade A office rental growth of 2 to 3 per cent this year mainly due to limited supply. Raising the supply of high-quality CBD office spaces can help meet the need for such spaces and boost Singapore's competitiveness in attracting businesses to set up shop or expand operations amid a tough business climate. Businesses looking to house high-value functions here might welcome greater choice of efficiently planned, modern and sustainable CBD work spaces, and more competitive rental rates for premier CBD office spaces due to greater supply of such spaces. Moreover, if CBD office stock increases, businesses seeking to operate from multiple locations for risk management purposes can find it easier to be at multiple locations within the CBD. Living outside the CBD Concurrently, the government may wish to pause ambitions to grow housing inventory in the CBD. Locals may be lukewarm to living in the CBD. And the popularity of long-stay serviced apartments in the CBD, with a three-month minimum stay requirement, is uncertain. Given Singapore is small and has excellent public transport, many people working in the CBD seem fine living outside of it in more established residential enclaves. Families with children might choose neighbourhoods that are close to sought-after schools. Childless households could prefer locales that offer a more residential rather than office vibe for lifestyle reasons. Over recent months, numerous homes at One Shenton and The Sail @ Marina Bay in the CBD, with initial 99-year land leases, were transacted at under S$2,000 psf. In contrast, the capital values of premier office buildings nearby, with initial 99-year land leases, can be much higher. Sure, the CBD is livelier on weekends if more people live in it. Nonetheless, Singapore can be great for 'live, work and play', with many people working in the CBD but living outside of it. Singapore can aspire to have a vibrant office-centric CBD, alongside highly liveable housing-centric suburbs. Growing the CBD serves evolving workspace needs, while going slow on office decentralisation and building homes in the CBD ensures land use is optimised according to the preference of space users.
