CMX Media Group Launches CannaMarcom Xchange: Global Media Exchange & Advocacy Platform

A new era begins today for the cannabis, hemp, and psychedelic sectors with the official formation of CMX Media Group and the launch of its flagship online platform, CannaMarcom Xchange (CMX). Guided by the principle, “Find Your Voice. Expand Your Reach.” CMX enters the market as the industry’s dedicated media exchange and its largest integrated business and advocacy network.

Born from a singular mission - to elevate the authentic voice of the cannabis community - CMX Media Group is designed to help entrepreneurs in navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving marketplace. By bridging the gap between sophisticated marketing and grassroots advocacy, CMX is dedicated to advancing industry success through public education and the direct empowerment of cannabis entrepreneurs.

"We aren't just providing a platform; we are cultivating a mutually supportive ecosystem that any member of the community can tap into," said Mike Ballard, CEO and Founder. "Success in this industry shouldn't be a gatekept secret. CMX provides the tools, the network, and the megaphone for entrepreneurs to turn their vision into a legacy."

CMX came about through a partnership between Mike Ballard, former executive at Leafwire Media, and Theresa Yarbrough, the Founder and Director of the Georgia Cannabis Industry Alliance. Yarbrough began posting on Leafwire in 2024. Ballard recognized her talent as a writer, and began to promote her content. It was around that time that Ballard was leading an effort at Leafwire to produce more original content, so the timing was perfect. When Leafwire closed its doors at the end of 2025, it made sense to join forces, with Theresa coming on as the CMX managing editor.

“CMX Media Group is officially kicking into high gear. We’re building more than a platform—we’re building a cultural engine, a storytelling hub, and a media force centered on cannabis, community, and the people shaping this movement from the ground up.” said Theresa.“ Every announcement, every interview, every new project is another step in the rise of a media empire with a clear voice and a clear mission. The momentum is real, and it’s accelerating.”

A Comprehensive Growth Ecosystem

CannaMarcom Xchange offers a robust suite of promotional and professional services designed to help cannabis, hemp and psychedelic businesses grow with intention and credibility. 

Core offerings include:

• Targeted Outreach: High-engagement email newsletters and strategic marketing campaigns that connect brands with the audiences that matter.

• Authority Building: Thought‑leadership development, professional press release distribution, and visibility tools that elevate operators as trusted voices in the industry.

• Marketing Support: Essential business marketing and advertising services tailored to the unique needs of cannabis and hemp operators, ensuring access regardless of company size or stage.

• The CMX Ecosystem: A solid and ever-growing core of the finest marketing services providers in the industry, including data, sales enablement, website development, SEO, press releases, print, programmatic advertising, and more.

Commitment to Equity & Advocacy

At the heart of CMX is its dedicated nonprofit division, focused on expanding access and breaking down barriers to entry. This arm provides critical business services to under‑served communities and social equity entrepreneurs, reinforcing CMX’s commitment to ensuring that the cannabis movement remains inclusive, representative, and rooted in the people who built its foundation.

Power Players podcast series

As part of its commitment to elevating the authentic voices of the cannabis movement, CMX Media Group is launching its signature Power Player Interviews—a national conversation series featuring the leaders, innovators, and cultural anchors shaping the future of cannabis, hemp, and psychedelics.

An Open Invitation

CMX Media Group welcomes cannabis, hemp, and psychedelic entrepreneurs of all experience levels into the CannaMarcom Xchange ecosystem. Whether you’re a startup seeking your first breakthrough or an established brand ready to expand your influence, CMX provides the infrastructure, visibility, and support to help you grow.

For more information about CMX Media Group or to join the CannaMarcom Xchange, please visit www.cmxmedia.org.

About CMX Media Group

CMX Media Group is the premier media and advocacy powerhouse for the cannabis, hemp, and psychedelic industries. Through its platform, CannaMarcom Xchange, the company provides an interconnected ecosystem of marketing, education, and support services. CMX is committed to the principle of "Find Your Voice. Expand Your Reach," ensuring that entrepreneurs have the resources they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving global market.

About Mike Ballard

Mike Ballard recently ended his tenure as interim CEO of Leafwire, Inc. He started at Leafwire in 2020 as Head of Sales, and oversaw record ad sales, including record-breaking sales revenues in 2023. From there, sales revenues dropped and never stopped. When Mike took over as CEO in 2024, the writing was on the wall. For the next few years, he did everything he could to keep things going, but Leafwire finally dissolved in December of 2025. Mike always believed in the mission of what Leafwire was trying to accomplish, and decided to start CMX as a way to continue serving the industry.

Media Contact: Mike Ballard, CEO & Founder

Email Contact

www.cmxmedia.org