PufCreativ Cares: Cannabis Marketing with a Charitable Mission
In an industry often defined by rapid growth and evolving regulations, PufCreativ stands apart by weaving social responsibility into the very fabric of their business. With the launch of PufCreativ Cares, they’re not just creating award-winning marketing campaigns—they’re creating meaningful change.
A Mission of Impact: $12 Million and Counting
Since their founding in 2017, PufCreativ has helped raise more than $12 million for nonprofits spanning cannabis advocacy, wellness initiatives, and community support programs. This impressive achievement wasn’t an afterthought—it was intentional, reflecting the company’s core philosophy that business success and social impact should grow together.
“At PufCreativ, we’ve always believed that our work should extend beyond driving results for clients,” says CEO John Shute. “By formally establishing PufCreativ Cares, we’re amplifying our commitment to leveraging our expertise and industry connections to uplift communities and champion causes that matter.”
Championing Recovery Through Partnership
This September, PufCreativ Cares is marking National Recovery Month through a powerful partnership with HoliHub, a Denver-based nonprofit reimagining recovery through inclusive, community-led healing programs.
For Shute, this partnership resonates deeply: “This collaboration with HoliHub represents a full-circle moment for me personally. Having witnessed friends and family struggle with opiate addiction, these experiences initially guided me toward a career in cannabis over a decade ago. Supporting accessible, stigma-free recovery pathways aligns perfectly with our mission.”
HoliHub’s innovative approach combines group support, personalized counseling, and holistic services—all delivered through an accessible sliding-scale model. In less than a year, they’ve supported over 500 individuals with an impressive 83% return rate, demonstrating the profound impact of their community-centered approach.
“Our partnership with PufCreativ represents a vital shift in how we talk about recovery, moving beyond stigma to a place of understanding and compassion,” explains Shimi Mermelstein, Founder and Executive Director of HoliHub. “Together, we’re opening the door for all voices to be heard, honored, and supported. That is true progress.”
A Holistic Approach to Industry Leadership
As a full-service cannabis marketing agency, PufCreativ brings together bold visual storytelling and data-driven strategy to help brands define their identity and thrive in a complex marketplace. Their client portfolio spans licensed dispensaries, product brands, multi-state operators, nonprofits, and advocacy groups, with a special focus on supporting women-led, BIPOC-led, LGBTQIA-led, and equity-focused teams.
PayRio and PufCreativ
We’re thrilled to have our own partnership with PufCreativ. Through this partnership, our aim is to empower cannabis businesses both financially and professionally. Together, we’re sparking visions, processing payments, and cultivating success in the cannabis industry.
This strategic alliance demonstrates PufCreativ’s commitment to holistic business solutions that address both the marketing needs and operational challenges facing cannabis entrepreneurs today.
Looking Forward: Expanding the Circle of Impact
With PufCreativ Cares, the company aims to inspire industry peers to contribute to causes that create lasting positive change. By centralizing their charitable efforts under one dedicated initiative, they’re amplifying impact while making it easier for partners and clients to engage with causes that align with their values.
Funds raised during their Recovery Month campaign will directly support HoliHub’s service expansion, helping build bridges between recovery and alternative wellness communities while championing inclusive healing pathways.
To learn more about PufCreativ Cares and their partnership with HoliHub for National Recovery Month, visit pufcreativ.com/pufcreativs-partnership-with-holihub-for-national-recovery-month.

Chasen Nightingale is the Head of Marketing at PayRio, where he leads all facets of marketing, including content strategy, demand generation, partnerships, and brand development. He oversees PayRio’s go-to-market efforts across digital channels, driving growth through social media, email marketing, SEO, and strategic partnerships.
Since joining PayRio, Chase has led the development of the company’s website and content engine, improving search rankings and increasing organic traffic through consistent, high-quality content. He manages multi-channel campaigns across LinkedIn, Twitter, and email, and produces marketing initiatives that strengthen brand visibility and engagement.
Chase also plays a key role in expanding PayRio’s presence in high-risk and regulated industries, including cannabis payments, by securing speaking opportunities, podcasts, and industry partnerships for leadership. His work sits at the intersection of marketing, sales, and fintech, helping scale PayRio’s reach and drive revenue growth.