There’s been a lot of buzz around grocery dark stores and ghost kitchens, but not a lot of people are talking about the growing number of cannabis dark stores. Here to tell us more is Jeff Sampson, founder and CEO of Everscore.

Everscore’s marketplace: everscore.com 

Everscore for brands: everscoreconnect.com

Key Takeaways:

[1:02] An inside look at Everscore, the first direct-to-consumer marketplace for THC and CBD products

[2:25] Jeff’s background and how he came to start Everscore

[4:33] How the current dispensary model works against new brands trying to enter the market

[7:45] The rise in cannabis dark stores and where Jeff sees this trend heading over the next few years

[11:56] How dark stores will even the playing field for small brands and help diversify the industry

[18:47] Everscore’s extensive analytics and ad network of 40,000+ lifestyle publishers

[25:97] How Everscore offers ultra-tailored fulfillment with its large network of brands, growers, and manufacturers

[32:50] Jeff’s plans to expand Everscore throughout the US to provide brands the biggest footprint possible

Is cannabis the largest investment trend of this generation? Here to tell us why we’re about to see a wave of capital move into the industry is Todd Harrison of CB1 Capital.

Learn more at https://www.cb1cap.com 

Key Takeaways:

[00:50] An inside look at CB1 Capital, a New York-based investment manager and advisor that specializes in the supply chain of cannabinoid-based wellness solutions, products, and therapies

[1:13] Todd’s background and how he came to start CB1 Capital

[3:46] How cannabis investing has progressed over the last few years and where Todd sees it heading

[6:30] What Todd is most excited about as an investor in the cannabis industry right now

[7:51] Characteristics that make for a successful MSO or multi-state operator

[10:02] Todd’s thoughts on the federal legislation timeline

[14:05] Why cannabis is the investment opportunity of this generation

[15:53] How the US compares to Canada in terms of cannabis investing opportunities

[17:41] Todd’s advice to investors looking to get into cannabis

[20:27] Who makes up CB1 Capital’s advisory board, from Governor Gary Johnson to Lorne Gertner

[22:03] Why Todd feels we’re about to enter the next stage of cannabis growth and signs to look out for

Banking is one of the toughest problems for the US cannabis industry, but one company is about to change all that. Here to tell us more is Cooraez Keshvani, CEO of ReThink.

Learn more at https://www.rethinkpay.com 

Key Takeaways:

[1:41] An inside look at ReThink, the leading blockchain financial platform for cannabis and other high-risk industries

[2:26] Cooraez's background in biomedical engineering and how he came to start ReThink

[4:41] The biggest obstacles in cannabis banking right now

[8:54] How ReThink's KYC, anti-money laundering, and built-in compliance make it safer than other blockchains

[14:31] ReThink's payment options for apps, online, and in-person

[16:47] How cannabis retailers can easily integrate ReThink into their point-of-sale software and delivery apps

[18:48] Where Cooraez sees lending in cannabis heading over the next few years

[20:04] How ReThink's fees compare to other cannabis payment processors 

[25:09] ReThink's efforts to create a standard global currency country by country

Can cannabis culture and big business co-exist? Here to help us answer that is Andrew DeAngelo, co-founder of Harborside and Last Prisoner Project.

Learn more at https://andrewdeangelo.com

Key Takeaways:

[1:32] A look back at Andrew's 38 years in cannabis and where he sees the industry heading

[7:45] Why corporate cannabis and legacy cannabis need each other and what it will take to build a productive relationship

[23:47] Issues with bad public policy and "NIMBYism" at the local level in cannabis-legal states

[30:04] Andrew's work with Last Prisoner Project, a nonprofit leading the charge in cannabis criminal justice reform

Despite a global pandemic, cannabis is one of the few industries that has grown throughout 2020 and 2021 — and that’s nothing compared to the gangbuster growth expected through 2025.

Here to tell us more is Chris Walsh, President and CEO of Marijuana Business Daily.

Learn more at https://mjbizdaily.com

Key Takeaways:

[1:05] An inside look at Marijuana Business Daily, the most trusted business news outlet for professionals in the cannabis industry

[1:41] Chris’ background in business journalism and how he came to be CEO of Marijuana Business Daily

[4:04] How cannabis regulations have changed over the last five years and what that could mean for the industry going forward

[7:36] Surprising reasons cannabis managed to survive and adapt during Covid-19

[10:51] Why cannabis retail sales could double to put the industry at a 38 to 45 billion valuation by 2025

[13:23] Aspects of the market Chris believes investors and business owners might be underestimating

[17:14] Surprising new trends that are quietly taking hold in cannabis right now

[23:43] How more legalization for recreational cannabis could diminish the medical cannabis market

[30:24] The last states standing between the US and full cannabis acceptance

[34:59] How job growth in cannabis doubled from 2019 to 2021 despite Covid-19’s economic recession and spiking unemployment rates

As the push for recreational cannabis picks up steam in southern states, one company is working hard to make sure brands are primed and ready to get out on top. Here to tell us more is Brittany Phillips of Shake Collaboration.

Learn more at https://www.shakecolab.com

Use promo code "CANNAINSIDER" to get 25% off your entire order at shopcbdandme.com 

Key Takeaways:

[1:24] An inside look at Shake Brands, a southern-based cannabis branding and product development company

[3:07] Brittany's background in design and what led her to enter the cannabis space

[8:40] How Shake Brands is different from other full-service groups

[13:56] The biggest pain points for cannabis startups right now and how to navigate them

[17:39] How to develop a strong visual identity despite restrictions on language and advertising

[19:27] How federal legalization will impact cannabis branding

[20:53] Shake Brands' new Arkansas-based CBD and wellness company, CBD & Me

[26:56] Trending cannabis products in AR and other southern states right now

[28:32] AR's recreational cannabis legalization timeline

A long-debated bill establishing new hemp rules just gained final approval in California, ​​but what does this mean for the market and how should we prepare? Here to help us answer that is Jeffrey Welsh, Partner at Vicente Sederberg & co-founder of Composite Agency. 

Learn more at https://vicentesederberg.com 

Key Takeaways:

[1:37] An inside look at Vicente Sederberg, one of the largest cannabis law firms in the US

[4:56] Jeffrey's decorated background in entertainment and how he came to join Vicente Sederberg

[12:04] Emerging growth opportunities in entertainment and cannabis

[16:46] How celebrity brands could help destigmatize cannabis and draw in more consumers

[21:57] The Trailer Bill and what this means for California's cannabis industry

[25:41] Assembly Bill 45 and the end of prohibition on smokable hemp in California

As new studies shed light on the benefits of these powerful plant compounds, terpenes could become the biggest thing in wellness since CBD. Here to tell us more is Kevin Koby, co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Abstrax Tech.

Learn more at https://abstraxtech.com 

Key Takeaways:

[1:03] Kevin's background in chemistry and how he came to start Abstrax

[1:55] An inside look at Abstrax Tech, the leading innovator in terpene sensorial experience

[2:44] A breakdown of terpenes and how this segment has evolved over the last couple of years

[4:44] How terpenes enhance the flavor and effects of cannabis through the entourage effect

[6:51] Abstrax's Type 7 licensed lab testing versus standard cannabis testing

[10:50] Exciting takeaways from Abstrax's "Man vs. Machine" experiment with Max Montrose

[14:02] How Abstrax's terpene research is taking cannabis to new heights

[17:07] Abstrax's terpene infusion products and the biggest trends Kevin sees among wholesale clients

[20:32] Where Kevin sees the terpene market heading over the next 3-5 years 

With the demand for cannabis testing services on the rise, one company has found a way to provide top-tier equipment at a quarter of the price. Here to tell us more is Yvette Pagano of GenTech Scientific, a supplier of quality refurbished laboratory equipment for the cannabis industry. 

Learn more at https://gentechscientific.com 

GenTech's $25K for 25 Years Giveaway: https://gentechscientific.com/25000-for-25-years

Key Takeaways:

[1:14] An inside look at GenTech Scientific

[1:52] Yvette's background in manufacturing and how she came to enter the cannabis space

[7:18] GenTech's biggest customers in cannabis and the company's wide selection of lab instruments

[10:26] Where GenTech sources its equipment

[12:48] How GenTech is able to save clients up to 70% on top tier lab equipment

[17:50] The first steps to starting a cannabis lab 

[20:48] GenTech's training and education programs for cannabis labs

[25:20] Where Yvette sees the cannabis testing market heading over the next few years

While not the most traditional path, equity crowdfunding can be a great way for cannabis brands to raise capital - but only if know what you’re doing. Here to walk us through how she’s successfully crowdfunding her CBD wellness brand is co-founder and CEO of Element Apothec Davina Kaonohi. 

Learn more at https://elementapothec.com 

Key Takeaways:

[1:05] Davina's background in e-commerce and how she came to start Element Apothec

[5:49] How Davina took inspiration from her aunt's homemade tinctures to formulate Element's CBD products

[7:48] Why Davina turned to equity crowdfunding and how she's successfully targeting investors

[11:36] Equity crowdfunding vs traditional crowdfunding

[13:38] How to create a killer marketing campaign through storytelling

[17:54] Element's efforts to bring transparency to CBD and do away with sketchy "proprietary blends" 

[24:04] Davina's goals to grow Element's product selection and expand the company over the next few years

[26:02] Where Davina sees the CBD skincare space heading over the next 3-5 years

What types of businesses are cannabis venture capitalists willing to fund, and how can you make yours one of them? Here to answer that question is Ross O'Brien of Bonaventure Equity.

Learn more at https://www.bvequity.com 

Key Takeaways:

[00:57] An inside look at Bonaventure Equity, a boutique venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in the cannabis space

[1:54] Ross' background and how he came to start Bonaventure

[5:35] The two-step process Ross follows when choosing which companies to invest in

[9:22] Ross' portfolio of investments in cannabis to date, from research and development to health tech 

[11:55] Attributes that Ross looks for in a company founder

[13:43] Ross' advice to entrepreneurs looking to raise capital 

[23:13] Common mistakes people make when putting together a pitch deck and how to avoid them

[25:58] Exciting developments in the cannabis healthcare space and where Ross sees it heading over the next 3-5 years

After earning a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2018, Scott Sundvor left a decorated career in the medical device industry to start a new venture in cannabis. In just three years, Space Coyote has become one of the top extract-infused pre-roll brands in all of California. Hear how he did it in this episode of CannaInsider.

Learn more at https://www.spacecoyote.org 

Key Takeaways:

[1:02] An inside look at Space Coyote, one of the best-selling high potency preroll brands in California

[1:46] Scott's background in the medical device industry and how he came to start Space Coyote

[12:32] Differences between Space Coyote's high potency infused pre-rolls and other pre-rolls on the market

[16:15] What customers are saying about Space Coyote

[17:26] How the company has developed strong brand loyalty through experiential events

[21:26] The pros and cons of a fully remote cannabis brand and how that influences work culture and performance

[25:27] Why Scott believes cannabis is an "infinite game"

[28:41] Space Coyote's efforts in sustainability and the best packaging options for cannabis brands right now

[34:12] Space Coyote's goals for the next few years, including a sativa preservation project and plans to expand to the east coast

With more states legalizing recreational cannabis and federal legalization on the horizon, the industry is gearing up for an influx of capital. Here to help us stay ahead of the curve is Jordan Tritt and Scott Berman of The Panther Group. 

Learn more at https://thepanthergroup.co 

Key Takeaways:

[00:56] An inside look at The Panther Group, a venture capital consulting firm for growth-stage cannabis companies

[1:42] Scott and Jordan's backgrounds in cannabis and how they came to start The Panther Group

[3:08] How cannabis investing is changing and the different factors driving those changes

[5:25] When we might see federal legalization in the US and how to prepare in advance

[6:48] How the SAFE Banking Act could impact cannabis investing over the next few years

[8:06] The characteristics Scott and Jordan look for when considering investing in a company

[10:22] The most promising sectors in cannabis right now

[12:32] The Panther Group's data-driven digital advertising approach

[15:44] The biggest pain points in digital advertising for cannabis companies and how to navigate them

[21:39] Interesting new gaps emerging in the cannabis marketplace right now

[27:05] Scott and Jordan's tips on how to develop a successful pitch

[28:54] What investors should look for in a pitch deck and where to spot red flags

On a mission to enter the cannabis space, siblings Marie Montmarquet and Allen Hackett left their homes in Tennessee to join the action in California. Just a few years later, they’re now co-founders of MD Numbers, one of the most successful vertically integrated cannabis brands in the country.

Learn more at https://www.mdnumbersinc.com

Key Takeaways:

[00:57] An inside look at MD Numbers and its subsidiaries, from MD Farms to Marie's Deliverables

[1:17] Marie and Allen's backgrounds in cannabis and how they came to start MD Numbers

[3:56] How Marie's Deliverables has evolved since its start in 2015

[6:24] Why Marie and Allen decided to launch MD Farms and how this has helped them better compete in the Socal market

[7:33] Consumer preferences in Southern California versus Northern California

[9:56] The types of strains and wholesale services provided at MD Farms

[12:41] MD Farms' mixed-light greenhouse facility and their plans for an extensive new indoor facility 

[17:52] MD Numbers' third company Legacy Coterie, a full-service cannabis consulting service focused on developing equity in cannabis

[18:44] The biggest compliance challenges cannabis brands face today and how to go about navigating them 

How can you use greenhouses and technology to take your cultivation to best in class? Here to tell us is Ryan Douglas, author of From Seed to Success.

Learn more at https://douglascultivation.com 

Key Takeaways:

[00:43] An inside look at Ryan's cultivation consulting company, Ryan Douglas Cultivation

[00:58] Ryan's background in cannabis cultivation

[1:41] The benefits of using a greenhouse to grow cannabis

[10:56] Why so many growers experience problems with mold and how to avoid this

[16:24] New greenhouse technologies in cannabis to look out for

[20:46] How to budget for an optimal greenhouse environment 

[22:28] Tricks of the trade Ryan has brought with him to cannabis from his long background in cultivation

[30:32] How Ryan sees greenhouses and automation changing cannabis cultivation in the next 3-5 years

What if you could turn your smartphone into a cannabis testing system that provides lab-accurate results in under ten seconds? Thanks to biotech company Purpl Scientific, such a device now exists. Here to tell us more is Purpl’s Global Sales Director, John Hunt.

Learn more at https://www.purplscientific.com 

Follow John on Instagram at @grimeygatsby

Key Takeaways:

[2:15] An inside look at Purpl Scientific, a portable testing device that measures cannabis potency with instant results

[3:46] John’s background in cannabis and what led him to join Purpl as Global Sales Director

[10:41] The college course John teaches on gaining certification to become a dispensary agent

[13:40] The Purpl Pro’s infrared spectroscopy and how it works to provide lab-accurate results 

[19:05] Advantages the Purpl Pro offers cultivators

[25:48] How the Purpl Pro stacks up against third party labs in terms of accuracy

[36:17] Purpl Scientific’s growing success in the Netherlands and the company’s goals to expand across Europe

[39:12] New upgrades to the Purpl Pro, from moisture content to extract measuring technology

[42:57] The Purpl Pro’s incredible ROI for everyone from cultivators to cannabis brokers

What are Delta-8 THC and 5-MeO-DMT and what's all the hype about? Here to help us understand is the cannabis whisper himself, Max Montrose of Trichome Institute.

Learn more at https://trichomeinstitute.com 

Key Takeaways:

[00:43] An inside look at Trichome Institute, the leading cannabis education company

[2:06] Delta-8 THC and how it differs from its better-known cousin delta-9 THC

[3:45] Why delta-8 is surging in popularity

[13:36] Where Max sees delta-8 THC heading over the next 3-5 years 

[16:44] Max's partnership with Abstrax, an industry leader in the study and production of cannabis and botanically-derived terpenes

[23:39] 5-MeO-DMT, a psychedelic found in a variety of plant species and the glands of the Sonoran Desert toad

[27:39] Max's work studying the Sonoran Desert toad and their unique venom glands

[41:12] How Max's experiences with 5-MeO-DMT and ayahuasca have changed his philosophies and way of life

The first cannabis event of its kind, MJ Unpacked places passionate retailers, THC CPG brands, and accredited investors at the center of it all with unique opportunities to connect, collaborate, and access capital.

Here to tell us more is revered cannabis executive and founder of MJ Unpacked, George Jage of Jage of Media.

Learn more at https://jagemedia.com and https://mjunpacked.com 

Key Takeaways:

[3:31] An inside look at Jage Media, a business to business company that produces distinctive events and focused content to help accelerate the growth and profitability of cannabis brands

[5:10] George’s background launching and leading some of the biggest media companies in the space 

[7:12] Exciting parallels between the tea and cannabis industries

[10:57] Lessons George took away from his time at MJBizDaily and Dope Magazine

[17:16] George’s new content platform MJ Brand Insights and the valuable intel it offers cannabis brands and retailers

[20:55] How brands can use generational marketing to target the best audience

[24:18] The thought-process behind MJ Unpacked’s unique format and what sets the conference apart from other CPG events

[28:05] What attendees can expect at this year’s MJ Unpacked, from investor pitches to a Blues Brothers concert

[34:19] George’s predictions for when cannabis will see its first national brand

[35:14] Things that take a pitch from good to great and George’s advice on how to secure investors

What happens when vertical farming meets cannabis? The highest quality, consistency, and yield at the lowest possible cost.​ 

Here to tell us more is Raymond Chang of Agrify, a developer of highly advanced grow solutions for the indoor agriculture marketplace.

Learn more at https://www.agrify.com 

Key Takeaways:

[1:01] An inside look at Agrify and its proprietary vertical farming solutions

[1:53] Raymond’s background as a serial entrepreneur and how he came to be CEO of Agrify

[4:17] The different components that make up Agrify’s automated cannabis grows, from vertical farmings units (VFUs) to advanced cultivation software  

[9:25] The ROI per square foot for a facility with vertical farming units versus one without

[11:45] The price range for Agrify’s vertical farming units and how they pay for themselves in less than a few months

[16:08] Agrify’s fine-tuned SaaS component and the insights growers are loving most

[19:45] Agrify University, a 3,500 square foot vertical farming facility in MA that offers extensive hands-on training for new Agrify growers

[20:27] Opportunities for cultivators to license their grow recipes to other cultivators through Agrify’s platform

[24:49] Where Raymond sees the cannabis’ grow tech and automation space heading over the next 3-5 years

Does indoor cannabis cultivation have to come with environmental drawbacks? Not anymore.

One company has found a way to minimize its emissions AND cut costs in half - all with the power of the sun. Here to tell us about it is Edward Dow of Solar Therapeutics, the first energy-independent dispensary in the world.

Learn more at https://solarthera.com 

Key Takeaways:

[2:17] An inside look at Solar Therapeutics, the world’s first energy-independent cannabis cultivation and retail facility based in Somerset, MA

[2:57] Ed’s background in engineering and what led him to become CEO of Solar Therapeutics

[5:55] Solar’s unique indoor cultivation facility, including its extensive solar arrays and centralized heating and cooling systems

[8:32] How Solar implemented its own microgrid to create a 100% self-sufficient, energy-independent facility

[10:40] How Ed was able to bootstrap what’s now a multi-million dollar operation entirely from private investors

[15:25] Solar’s collaboration with Fluence to earn over $1 million in energy efficiency rebates

[17:30] The advantages of broad-spectrum LEDs for energy costs and crop yields

[19:56] How Solar significantly offsets its costs through its heating and cooling systems

[22:36] Solar’s energy costs versus other similar vertically-integrated dispensaries

[25:15] The cannabis industry’s growing carbon footprint and what it will take for companies to implement more sustainable practices

[28:21] The best-selling products in Massachusetts and new trends to look out for

[30:12] Solar Therapeutics’ goals to become a multi-state operator, from Rhode Island to New York and beyond

While cannabis banking still has its challenges, Safe Harbor Financial is on course to make those challenges a thing of the past. Here to tell us about it is Safe Harbor CEO Sundie Seefried.

Learn more at https://shfinancial.org 

Key Takeaways:

[00:57] An inside look at Safe Harbor Financial, a fintech banking platform that provides cannabis companies a safe and 100% compliant place to bank

[1:22] Sundie’s background in the credit union industry and how she came to start Safe Harbor

[2:21] How cannabis banking has evolved over the last few years and where Sundie sees it heading

[4:46] The Safe Banking Act and what it means for cannabis banking

[7:36] Compliance challenges cannabis companies are facing right now

[9:08] What lending in cannabis banking could look like in the next few years

[14:06] How Safe Harbor Financial has grown since its inception in 2015 to manage over 500 cannabis banking accounts

[14:54] Safe Harbor’s onboarding process for new clients

[19:14] How cryptocurrency and stablecoin are changing the cannabis banking landscape

Some of California’s most sought-after cannabis flower also happens to come from one of the most sustainable companies in the US. Here to tell us about it and share a few of her secrets is Julia Jacobson of Aster Farms.

Learn more at https://www.asterfarms.com 

Key Takeaways:

[2:02] An inside look at Aster Farms, a sustainable cannabis brand based in northern California

[2:20] Julia’s background as an entrepreneur in the tech space and how she came to start Aster Farms

[3:40] Aster’s unique proprietary genetics and how they curate their popular line of flower

[7:49] The “5 phase approach” at Aster Farms and how this allows them to grow smaller, more high-quality batches

[11:29] The substantial damage Aster Farms suffered during the 2018 Mendocino Complex Fire and how the company successfully rebuilt themselves

[15:48] The pros and cons of being vertically integrated in the cannabis industry

[17:33] Why Aster Farms chooses more sustainable practices despite various challenges

[22:19] Why we’re seeing an upswing in craft cannabis brands across the US and where Julia sees this sector heading over the next few years

[25:08] The challenges in scaling a sustainable, small-batch cannabis company and how Aster Farms has gone about navigating this

[27:54] How Aster Farms differentiates themselves through unique branding and marketing

[29:58] Julia’s advice on how to build unbreakable brand loyalty

Planet 13 is the largest cannabis dispensary and retail experience in the world, and it just got bigger. Here to tell us about it is Co-CEO Bob Groesbeck.

Learn more at https://www.planet13lasvegas.com 

Key Takeaways:

[00:56] An inside look at Planet 13's 112,000-square-foot cannabis superstore in Las Vegas

[2:27] Bob's background and how he got into the cannabis space

[4:53] How Planet 13 merges cannabis and entertainment for a unique retail experience 

[9:30] The organizational tools Planet 13 uses to keep its dispensary running smoothly

[16:17] How Planet 13 decides which products to offer and the best ways to display them

[17:43] Surprising new consumer habits Bob has noticed over the last year

[21:19] Bob's predictions for when we'll see the first national brand in cannabis

Is cannabis the largest investment trend of this generation? Here to tell us why we’re about to see a wave of capital move into the industry is Todd Harrison of CB1 Capital.

Learn more at https://www.cb1cap.com 

Key Takeaways:

[00:50] An inside look at CB1 Capital, a New York-based investment manager and advisor that specializes in the supply chain of cannabinoid-based wellness solutions, products and therapies

[1:13] Todd’s background and how he came to start CB1 Capital

[3:46] How cannabis investing has progressed over the last few years and where Todd sees it heading

[6:30] What Todd is most excited about as an investor in the cannabis industry right now

[7:51] Characteristics that make for a successful MSO or multi-state operator

[10:02] Todd’s thoughts on the federal legislation timeline

[14:05] Why cannabis is the investment opportunity of this generation

[15:53] How the US compares to Canada in terms of cannabis investing opportunities

[17:41] Todd’s advice to investors looking to get into cannabis

[20:27] Who makes up CB1 Capital’s advisory board, from Governor Gary Johnson to Lorne Gertner

[22:03] Why Todd feels we’re about to enter the next stage of cannabis growth and signs to look out for

Maine cannabis sales are booming after dispensaries were finally given the green light to sell recreational cannabis last fall, but this new market isn't without its challenges.

Here to tell us about it is Brandon Pollock of Theory Wellness.

Learn more at https://theorywellness.org 

Key Takeaways:

[2:14] An inside look at Theory Wellness, a small batch cannabis company with recreational and medical dispensaries in Massachusetts and Maine

[2:57] Brandon’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Theory Wellness

[4:36] Lessons Brandon learned during his time working for Harborside and how they’ve influenced his approach at Theory Wellness

[7:11] The pros and cons of being vertically integrated in the cannabis industry right now

[8:53] Why Maine dispensaries are having a difficult time meeting their supply needs

[10:25] The best selling products in Maine right now

[11:25] Unique aspects of the east coast cannabis market and where Brandon sees it heading over the next few years

[13:53] What it means to be a “small batch” cannabis company and how that sets Theory Wellness apart from other dispensaries

[15:03] How Theory Wellness is expanding into new states despite difficulties scaling a small batch cannabis company

[17:38] The inspiration for Theory Wellness’ successful new product Hi5, a low-dose THC seltzer

[19:02] How Hi5 compares to similar alcoholic seltzers in onset and overall effect

[19:59] Why Brandon believes cannabis beverages like Hi5 will surpass alcohol over the next few years

[22:26] Challenges Theory Wellness has faced in distributing their cannabis drinks

[24:02] How Theory Wellness is helping more entrepreneurs get into the cannabis space through its social equity programs in Maine and Massachusetts

California is the world’s largest cannabis market, and that means navigating everything that’s happening on the legal and regulatory front can be tricky. Here to help us is Khurshid Khoja of Greenbridge Corporate Counsel.

Learn more at http://www.greenbridgelaw.com 

Key Takeaways:

[00:54] An inside look at Greenbridge Corporate Counsel, a California business and regulatory law boutique that provides industry-focused legal expertise to cannabis companies

[1:24] Khurshid’s day-to-day interfacing with Sacramento regulators and politicians to help his clients see what’s just around the corner

[3:54] California’s provisional licensing crisis and where Khurshid sees things heading over the next year

[7:53] How Governor Newsom’s potential recall could affect California’s cannabis industry

[9:14] The Budget Trailer Bill and why it’s important

[12:24] Why Khurshid believes California’s regulatory landscape will evolve to become much more streamlined over the next few years

[15:29] The pending legislation around veterinary cannabis products

[17:17] The current regulation and taxation for non-cannabis cannabinoids

[20:08] What Sacramento regulators are saying about delta-8 THC, a hemp-derived cannabinoid that some states are banning due to its close relation to delta-9 THC

[26:30] What California business owners are excited about right now and the big opportunities that lie ahead

A new hemp seed vodka is winning taste tests and garnering devotees across Texas. Here to tell us about it is Ben Williams, founder of Highway Vodka.

Learn more at https://www.highwayvodka.com

Key Takeaways:

[00:45] An inside look at Highway Vodka, the first vodka created from hemp

[1:12] Ben’s background in the restaurant and bar industry and how he came to start Highway Vodka

[2:11] Why hemp produces a smoother vodka than most traditional grains and how Ben figured this out over years of experimentation

[7:08] The permits required to sell hemp-based alcohol

[13:43] Highway vodka’s unique flavor profile and how it compares to other spirits

[18:44] How Highway Vodka contains virtually no congeners, making the drink low-calorie and less likely to cause a hangover

[24:27] Books that have had a big impact on Ben’s life and way of thinking

[28:16] Ben’s thoughts on legalization in Texas and other southern states

Some investors are seeing big opportunities in post-seed stage investing. Here to tell us about it is Patrick Rea of the Poseidon Garden Fund. 

Learn more at https://www.poseidonassetmanagement.com

Key Takeaways:

[00:44] An inside look at the Poseidon Garden Fund, a $50 million fund supporting post-seed stage cannabis businesses

[1:39] Patrick’s background in cannabis, including his popular business-accelerator and venture capital fund, CanopyBoulder

[2:49] The current cannabis investing landscape and Patrick’s advice to investors looking to enter the space

[7:02] The benefits of post-seed stage investing versus earlier stages

[10:08] How the Poseidon Garden Fund helps springboard companies through its mastermind groups and large network of industry leaders

[13:53] The Garden Fund’s process for follow-on investments

[15:08] Parallels between the cannabis and supplements industries, including a new trend in product technology

[16:40] The Garden Fund investments Patrick is most excited about right now

[21:19] Patrick’s advice to entrepreneurs on the dos and don’ts of pitching your company

The Michigan cannabis market isn’t on everyone’s radar, but it’s large and growing faster than you might think. Here to tell us about it is Fabian Monaco of Gage Cannabis.

Learn more at https://gageusa.com 

Key Takeaways:

[1:17] An inside look at Gage Cannabis, one of the largest vertically-integrated cannabis companies in Michigan

[1:45] Fabian’s background in investment banking and how he came to be president and CEO of Gage Cannabis

[3:01] Michigan’s history in medical marijuana and how the state’s cannabis market has evolved over recent years

[5:18] Why Fabian believes every cannabis brand needs to be vertically integrated right now

[7:05] The pros and cons of contract growing versus buying wholesale

[11:05] The most popular cannabis products in Michigan right now and surprising new trends to look out for

[17:49] How Gage Cannabis has successfully employed curbside pickup to gross almost 99 percent of their profit

[21:29] The importance of brand continuity and how this has helped Gage grow so quickly

[24:38] Cookies aka the “Coca-Cola of cannabis,” a popular California-based cannabis brand that has partnered with Gage to expand into Michigan

Despite a global pandemic, cannabis is one of the few industries that has grown throughout 2020 and 2021 — and that’s nothing compared to the gangbuster growth expected through 2025.

Here to tell us more is Chris Walsh, President and CEO of Marijuana Business Daily.

Learn more at https://mjbizdaily.com 

Key Takeaways:

[1:05] An inside look at Marijuana Business Daily, the most trusted business news outlet for professionals in the cannabis industry

[1:41] Chris’ background in business journalism and how he came to be CEO of Marijuana Business Daily

[4:04] How cannabis regulations have changed over the last five years and what that could mean for the industry going forward

[7:36] Surprising reasons cannabis managed to survive and adapt during Covid-19

[10:51] Why cannabis retail sales could double to put the industry at a 38 to 45 billion valuation by 2025

[13:23] Aspects of the market Chris believes investors and business owners might be underestimating

[17:14] Surprising new trends that are quietly taking hold in cannabis right now 

[23:43] How more legalization for recreational cannabis could diminish the medical cannabis market

[30:24] The last states standing between the US and full cannabis acceptance

[34:59] How job growth in cannabis doubled from 2019 to 2021 despite Covid-19’s economic recession and spiking unemployment rates

How do you stand out as a CBD company in a crowded and noisy market? Here to help us answer that question is Josh Haupt of Plant Love Naturals.

Learn more at https://plantlovenaturals.com 

Key Takeaways:

[1:17] An inside look at Plant Love, a USDA certified organic full spectrum hemp extract company based in Denver, Colorado

[1:31] Josh’s decorated background in cannabis, including his popular cannabis growing guide “Three A Light”

[4:36] The unique growing process behind Josh’s top-shelf cannabis flower that sets it apart from others on the market

[7:18] Why the price of CBD has dropped significantly over the last five years

[8:30] Common mistakes CBD companies make when trying to gain traction in today’s noisy industry

[9:35] Why Plant Love only sources its hemp from USDA certified organic farms

[11:04] How Plant Love’s subcritical extraction method preserves cannabinoids and terpenes better than the popular supercritical methods

[12:23] The growing interest in minor cannabinoids including THCV, CBG, and CBN

[13:36] How Josh uses CBD to successfully treat his epilepsy

We hear a lot about what’s going on in the west coast cannabis market, but what about the midwest? Here to fill us in is Tim Schuler of Cannalicious and Detroit Edible Company.

Learn more at:

www.cannaliciouslabs.com 

www.detroitediblecompany.com 

Key Takeaways:

[1:09] An inside look at Cannalicious and Detroit Edible Company, two of Michigan’s most successful cannabis businesses

[2:00] Tim’s background working for Anheuser Busch and how he got into the cannabis space

[3:42] How the cannabis market in Michigan has evolved over the last ten years

[8:35] How Tim and his team decide the best cannabis extracts to produce at Cannalicious

[11:23] The types of products sold at Detroit Edible Company, from gummies to brownies

[17:44] Detroit Edible’s latest partnership with Eaze and why the California-based delivery app is expanding into Michigan

[21:31] How Tim manages his inventory using LeafLink, cannabis’ largest wholesale management platform

[25:51] Where Tim sees the cannabis market in Michigan heading over the next 3-5 years

The products being purchased in cannabis retail stores are changing, and this leaves cannabis companies with two options: adapt and look ahead...or get left behind.

Here to help us stay on the right side of that equation is Cy Scott of Headset.

Learn more at https://www.headset.io 

Key Takeaways:

[00:55] An inside look at Headset, the leading cannabis data analytics company

[1:34] Cy’s background as a co-founder of Leafly and how that led him to start Headset

[3:43] The fast-evolving cannabis beverage market

[11:16] Cross-category attachment rates for cannabis drinks and the product categories that sell most frequently with beverages

[14:59] Why the California vapor pen market is becoming more and more popular among younger generations

[20:24] How new celebrity-led cannabis brands could influence the industry

[25:44] Cy’s advice to new brands trying to get shelf space in an increasingly competitive market

[30:26] How Headset helps businesses leverage real-time cannabis market data to grow and stay ahead of the curve

With extracted cannabis-derived products making up about 50 percent of all cannabis products sold, extraction equipment is in high demand. Here to tell us more is Nick Tennant of Precision Extraction.

Learn more at https://precisionextraction.com 

Key Takeaways:

[00:52] An inside look at Precision Extraction, the industry leader in cannabis extraction equipment, C1D1 lab planning, and extraction training

[1:40] Nick’s background in cannabis and what led him to start Precision Extraction

[4:28] Biomass and why it’s a critical component of cannabis extraction

[9:04] How Precision Extraction’s diverse line of equipment is designed to accommodate different production needs

[13:14] Shifting consumer trends in cannabis-derived products and how Precision Extraction’s clients are able to adapt more quickly 

[22:34] Why Precision Extraction freezes biomass before the extraction process

[25:09] The most common mistakes Nick sees new business owners make when trying to develop cannabis-derived products 

[27:32] How Precision Extraction’s premade C1D1 lab containers known as “Extraction Pods” are saving businesses time and money

[29:35] How Nick sees the cannabis extraction market evolving over the next 3-5 years

The Congo Club is one of the only places that carry the Red Congolese, an heirloom strain of cannabis that provides an electrifying, thought-provoking, and optimistic high.

Here to tell us more about it is Amber Senter, founder of The Congo Club and Breeze Distro.

Learn more at https://www.breezedistro.com 

Key Takeaways:

[1:11] An inside look at The Congo Club and Breeze Distro, a distributor of high-quality cannabis products in California

[2:31] Amber’s background and how she got into the cannabis space

[5:18] Unique characteristics of the Red Congolese strain and why it’s gained so much popularity

[11:04] Why California’s regulated market is struggling to compete with the unregulated market and what it will take to change that

[15:04] Amber’s latest venture EquityWorks! Incubator, one of Oakland’s first publicly-funded social equity manufacturing facilities

[19:23] The many different cannabis licenses required in California and the challenges they pose to everyone from cultivators to distributors

[25:40] How Amber sees the California cannabis landscape evolving over the next 3-5 years

If you have a business serving cannabis growers, it can be hard to get funding. Here to walk us through her nontraditional path to funding is Liz Wald of Good Earth Organics.

Learn more at goodearthorganics.com

Seedinvest: https://www.seedinvest.com/goodearthorganics/series.a

Email: liz@goodearthorganics.com

Key Takeaways:

[00:46] An inside look at Good Earth Organics, one of the nation’s leading organic soil brands

[1:05] Liz’s background and how she got into the cannabis space

[2:33] What today’s cannabis cultivators are looking for when purchasing soil

[7:59] Difficulties in shipping soil across the country and how Good Earth Organics is working to minimize these challenges

[12:15] Good Earth Organics’ history serving cannabis growers and why the company is the go-to choice for so many cultivators

[15:22] Lessons Liz learned during her time working for IndieGoGo and her advice to those interested in crowd-funding

[24:21] How Good Earth Organics is raising capital through crowd-funding for both product development and national expansion

[25:49] How inflation is affecting cannabis and why Liz believes “the upside opportunity is 10x the expected increase in cost”

How do you take the fragmented cannabis retail supply business and consolidate it to provide both commercial and home-growers with everything they want under one roof?

Here to help us answer that is Michael Salaman, president and co-founder of GrowGeneration. 

Learn more at https://growgeneration.com 

Key Takeaways:

[00:50] An inside look at GrowGeneration, the nation's largest chain of specialty hydroponic and organic garden centers

[1:33] Michael’s background and how he got into the cannabis space

[6:48] How GrowGeneration decides which states and cities to place their grow stores

[15:10] The difference in purchasing patterns between average customers and MSOs (multi-state operators)

[20:13] How GrowGeneration has created a resilient supply chain that can withstand market disruptions

[26:26] The fastest-evolving product categories at GrowGeneration and why Michael believes they're gaining traction

[32:24] How former Home Depot CEO Bob Nardelli has helped GrowGeneration as a strategic advisor

[34:48] What cannabis banking could mean for the industry over the next few years

For cannabis cultivators, failing microbial and pesticide testing can be a death sentence.

Here to show us how to pass these tests with flying colors is Shawn Grey of Gard’nClean.

Learn more at https://gardnclean.com 

Key Takeaways:

[00:47] An inside look at Gard’nClean, the world’s most user-friendly, point-of-use biocide for environmental sanitation

[1:18] Shawn’s background and how he got into the cannabis space

[4:33] The different government tests cannabis cultivators are required to pass

[6:53] Why so many cultivators fail these tests

[8:16] The most common mistakes cultivators make when trying to create a clean growing environment

[13:21] Chlorine dioxide and how it’s different from other cleaning agents

[16:10] How Gard’nClean yields pure chlorine dioxide to safely protect a grow environment with their just-add-water sachet technology

[21:46] The step-by-step process of cleaning a grow with Gard’nClean

[29:51] Shawn’s biggest takeaways for business owners and cultivators on how to keep grows clean and pass tests every time

How do you take lessons learned from Silicon Valley and apply them to cannabis POS software to help retailers save time and money? Here to help us answer that question is Barry Saik, CEO of Greenbits.

Learn more at https://www.greenbits.com 

Key Takeaways:

[00:53] An inside look at Greenbits, a cannabis retail POS software solution that provides compliance and marijuana inventory management

[1:07] Barry’s background working for Intuit and how he got into the cannabis space

[2:19] Greenbits versus other POS systems for cannabis retailers

[5:54] How Greenbits automates different workflows within a cannabis dispensary

[8:26] The types of platforms Greenbits integrates with, from online menu companies to delivery services

[9:31] Intuit’s “follow me home” strategy and how Barry is using it to optimize user experience at Greenbits

[15:18] Scaling challenges POS systems often face on 420 and how Greenbits has overcome those challenges

[19:42] How Covid-19 has changed how cannabis retailers use tech

Covid-19 has not only accelerated advancements in technology but also the types of jobs needed to support the cannabis industry. Here to tell us more is Yoko Miyashita, CEO of Leafly.

Learn more at https://www.leafly.com 

Key Takeaways:

[48:11] An inside look at Leafly, the world’s largest cannabis information resource

[1:41] Yoko Miyashita’s background as a lawyer and how she got into the cannabis space

[4:20] How consumer behavior has shifted in cannabis over the last five years and where Yoko sees it heading

[5:37] How dispensaries leverage Leafly to increase foot traffic and drive sales

[9:41] Leafly’s partnership with Jane Technologies to create the most comprehensive and customizable product catalog in cannabis

[13:20] Leafly’s annual jobs report and how it’s making jobs in cannabis more accessible

[15:39] How cannabis jobs have exploded over the last few years to outstrip professions in dentistry, electrical engineering, and more

[23:04] The most hirable skills in cannabis right now and Yoko’s advice for those looking to enter the space

At a time when most cannabis cultivators are competing on price, this company is commanding a premium on their sought-after flower. Here to tell us about it is Sam Ghods of Connected Cannabis.

Learn more at https://www.connectedcannabisco.com 

Key Takeaways:

[1:00] An inside look at Connected Cannabis, the largest branded flower company in California

[1:27] Sam’s background in tech and how he got into the cannabis space

[5:01] How Connected Cannabis commands a premium on their flower in a competitive market

[11:26] Differences between the cannabis market in California vs Arizona

[12:07] Connected Cannabis’ unique cultivation team

[15:37] Why most retailers don’t cultivate their own cannabis

[19:29] How California’s notorious black market is changing thanks to developments in the legal market

[21:37] The grow technology Sam finds most useful

[23:53] Where Sam sees cannabis cultivation heading in the next 3-5 years

What will the cannabis industry look like after COVID-19? CannaInsider host Matthew Kind forecasts the 7 disruptive changes that will take place in the years to come.

Check out an infographic on these 7 changes at https://www.cannainsider.com/covid 

Key Takeaways:

• How COVID-19 will impact cannabis in the next few years, including:
• Automated grow rooms
• Pathogen detection policies
• Contactless delivery and payment
• Pre-purchase of discounts cards and gift cards
• Results-only business partners
• Commercial drones for cultivation
• VR education

Commercial cannabis growers are notoriously tight-lipped when it comes to their growing methods, but not Ryan Douglas.

Today this master grower shares all the secrets you need to take your grow to the next level (including what not to do).

Learn more at https://douglascultivation.com/about 

Key Takeaways:

[00:54] An inside look at Ryan’s new book, From Seed To Success

[1:35] Ryan’s background as CanopyGrowth’s expert cultivator when the company was still named Tweed

[3:01] How Ryan helped CanopyGrowth get its start as one of Canada’s first and largest licensed growers

[6:05] How Ryan went about choosing the best genetics to grow at CanopyGrowth

[7:42] The efficiencies required for a large commercial grow

[11:37] The most common mistakes commercial growers make and how to avoid them

[14:33] Ryan’s advice on how to approach a commercial grow and determine what needs to be done on a high level

[17:22] How to determine a reasonable budget for your commercial grow

[19:02] Best hiring practices for commercial grows and what to look for in staff members

[20:34] How to mitigate pest issues

[26:34] The best type of lights for indoor grows

[27:57] Where Ryan sees commercial cannabis grows heading over the next 3-5 years

The end of federal prohibition of cannabis is on the horizon as we enter a new, more mature phase of growth for retailers and growers.

Here to tell us more is Matt Hawkins of Harborside and Entourage Effect Capital.

Learn more at https://shopharborside.com 

Key Takeaways:

[1:20] An inside look at Matt’s work as Chairman of Harborside and Managing Partner of Entourage Effect Capital

[3:56] How Matt’s background in private equity has helped him make Harborside a success

[8:14] The potential for reverse takeovers in cannabis over the next few years

[11:41] Why Matt urges cannabis companies to “be more humble and get deals done”

[14:16] What would happen to the cannabis market if we eliminated 280E, a regulation that prevents cannabis companies from deducting normal business expenses

[17:15] What the new administration in DC could mean for cannabis

[18:32] Vertical integration versus specialization and which will gain more popularity as the cannabis landscape continues to shift

[23:55] Why Matt predicts the first national cannabis brand will either be in the edible or liquid categories

How do you find real estate for cannabis businesses? Here to answer that question is Ryan George of 420 Property, the Zillow of cannabis.

Learn more at https://www.420property.com

Key Takeaways:

[1:43] An inside look at 420 Property, the world’s largest hemp and cannabis real estate marketplace

[2:06] Ryan’s background in cannabis and how he came to start 420 Property

[8:51] “Green zones” and where to find them

[10:06] Why both businesses and investors are choosing Ryan’s platform as the place to buy and sell cannabis and marijuana businesses

[11:36] The most active locations on 420 Property, including cities in California and Oklahoma

[15:15] Key considerations when selling a cannabis property and how to get your listing noticed

[18:20] Practical advice for buyers on what to look out for when searching for a cannabis property

[20:50] Where Ryan sees the cannabis retail space heading in the next few years

Retail design and brand identity are pivotal to creating a successful cannabis dispensary.

Here to give us some pointers is one of the industry’s top experts: Megan Stone of High Road Design Studio.

Learn more at https://www.highroadstudio.com 

Key Takeaways:

[00:46] An inside look at High Road Studio, an award-winning interior design, branding, and consulting studio for cannabis dispensaries

[1:20] Megan’s background in cannabis and how she came to start High Road

[4:08] How cannabis retail design has changed over the last five years

[8:02] The two big things you have to get right when creating a retail design

[8:51] The biggest mistakes Megan sees companies make in cannabis retail design

[12:26] The importance of leaving room for experimentation in retail design and how to do that in a safe way

[16:22] Challenges Megan encounters when moving from the design phase to the build-out phase and how she overcomes them

[20:58] What kind of budget you need to achieve a thriving retail environment and how to spend money for the biggest ROI

[31:40] Examples of brands that successfully resonate with their customers and what we can learn from them

[34:05] Where Megan sees cannabis retail heading over the next 3-5 years

Cannabis and hemp beverages are exploding, and it’s all thanks to new breakthroughs in infusion technology. Here to tell us about it is Harold Han of Vertosa.

Learn more at https://vertosa.com 

Key Takeaways:

[00:45] An inside look at Vertosa, the infusion technology startup behind Pabst’s new THC seltzers

[1:15] Harold’s background and how he came to start Vertosa

[4:31] How Vertosa creates water-soluble cannabinoids through advanced nanoemulsion

[9:05] Important factors Vertosa considers when creating infusions including bioavailability, clarity, and taste

[11:08] Vertosa’s partnership with Pabst to create low-dose THC seltzers 

[19:39] How Vertosa provides guidance to companies interested in entering the infused beverage market

[23:11] Can liners and their importance to the quality of cannabis drinks

[26:07] Vertosa’s different emulsion formulas and how they work with brands to create various products

[34:19] Where Harold sees the infused cannabis product space heading in the next 3-5 years

We just reached possibly one of the largest milestones in creating pure, consistent cannabinoids in a lab. Here to tell us about it is Kevin Chen of Hyasynth Bio.

Learn more at https://hyasynthbio.com 

Key Takeaways: 

[1:32] An inside look at Hyasynth Bio and its work creating biosynthesized cannabis compounds

[3:05] Hyasynth Bio’s first product, an ultra-pure CBD oil created using cultured cannabinoids

[7:44] How Hyasynth Bio is improving CBD production in terms of both speed and purity

[9:12] Why multinational companies are gravitating towards biosynthesized cannabinoids for better consistency and supply chain performance

[13:14] 

[16:55] How biosynthesized cannabinoids are paving the way for international cannabis brands and which products Kevin believes will go global first

[21:23] How cellular agriculture is giving us better access to rare cannabinoids

[27:48] Why cellular agriculture is easier to automate and how this might influence prices in the cannabis industry

[32:21] Hyasynth Bio’s strategy to profit primarily through intellectual property licensing

[36:24] Where Hyasynth Bio currently is in the capital-raising process

If you hand most people a cannabis drink, their first question is probably, “How high will this make me?” 

This one unknown might just be what’s holding cannabis beverages back. Until now.

Listen in as Luke Anderson of Cann discusses the state of cannabis drinks and where he sees the category heading.

Learn more at http://www.drinkcann.com/

Key Takeaways:

• Luke’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Cann
• An inside look at Cann and its mission to become the standard for cannabis-infused tonics
• Why Cann produces only low-THC tonics to target consumers that don’t wish to experience a high
• The type of effect consumers can expect from Cann’s social tonics
• Why Luke believes it’s important to take out the guesswork in cannabis beverages 
• Cann’s social tonics versus beer and wine in terms of time and effect
• How Cann decided on its unique THC/CBD concentration profile
• How Luke and his team overcame challenges with emulsion and dispersion to ensure consistency in every sip
• Where Luke sees cannabis micro-dosing heading in the next few years

While thousands of new cannabis products hit the market each year, most fail to create product-market fit due to a lack of differentiation or clear-cut benefits. 

Today’s guest is CEO of Dosist Gunner Winston, who has simplified cannabis consumption with targeted formulas and precise dosing to create a product that is catapulting cannabis into the wellness arena.

Learn more at https://dosist.com 

Key Takeaways:

• Gunner’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Dosist
• An inside look at Dosist and its mission to simplify cannabis consumption with innovative delivery devices
• How taking the guesswork out of cannabis is attracting more people to the category
• Variables that are important to luxury brand consumers
• Customer reactions to Dosist’s new dose pen and dose dial
• The thought process behind Dosist’s high-end yet minimalist retail environment
• Why Gunner believes brick and mortar stores remain valuable in the age of online shopping 
• Where Dosist is in the capital-raising process
• How Gunner is planning to evolve Dosist in the coming years as consumer preferences change

An area of the cannabis marketplace gaining steam in a big way is women’s health. Here to tell us more about it is Cyo Nystrom of Quim, CBD-infused products for vaginal health and sexual wellness.

Learn more at https://itsquim.com/shop/ 

Key Takeaways:

[00:43] An inside look at Quim, a line of CBD-infused lubricants and everyday proactive vaginal health products

[00:58] Cyo’s background and how she came to start Quim

[10:44] The benefits of cannabis for female vaginal health and sexual wellness

[13:05] How Quim's cannabis-infused lube increases vasodilation for heightened sensation and pleasure

[15:31] What customers are saying about Quim’s serums and oils

[18:47] How Cyo and her co-founder Rachel Washtien successfully bootstrapped Quim and landed a feature on Viceland

[25:17] Cyo’s plans to expand Quim both across the US and internationally

[30:40] Where Cyo sees the cannabis women’s health space heading over the next 3-5 years

A critical component of any cannabis cultivator’s business is establishing best practices around breeding plants. Here to tell us how to create thriving genetic nurseries is Matt Gaboury of House of Cultivar.

Learn more at https://www.seattlecannabis.co/house-of-cultivar/ 

Key Takeaways:

[1:04] An inside look at House of Cultivar, the largest cultivator in Seattle, WA

[2:03] Why Matt has shifted his focus from designing grow facilities to plant breeding

[4:51] Types of clients House of Cultivar works with, including I-502 licensed growers and processors

[7:24] A breakdown of propagation through cloning, mother plants, and tissue culture

[16:14] How House of Cultivar validates genetics to ensure they’re the best expression of the plant possible

[19:31] What it means to “reinvigorate” a plant

[24:11] The behind-the-scenes on how House of Cultivar delivers their clones to customers

[29:18] Where Matt sees the cannabis industry heading as it undergoes more specialization across the supply chain 

[33:17] How large-scale nurseries will revolutionize cannabis from home growers to commercial cultivators

[34:16] How grow room technology has evolved and where Matt sees it advancing in the next few years

Entrepreneurs are bringing pharmaceutical science to the cannabis world to create products that provide consistent and predictable benefits.

Here to tell us more about it is Andreas Boeckl, founder and CEO of Dispersa Labs.

Learn more at https://www.breathesula.com 

Key Takeaways:

[1:14] An inside look at Dispersa Labs, a biotech company using dry powder inhalation technology to create breathable cannabis

[1:54] Andreas’ background and how he came to start Dispersa Labs

[6:43] Why inhaling cannabis in powder form is better than smoking flower

[11:05] Spray-drying and why it’s important to Dispersa’s manufacturing process

[12:47] How Dispersa Labs suspends cannabinoids inside tiny aerosol particles to create Sula, a patented cannabis powder for pulmonary delivery

[14:15] Examples of commercial inhalants similar to Sula, including the popular asthma drug Advair

[22:20] How Sula is more discreet than other cannabis consumption methods

[31:42] Where Dispersa Labs currently is in the capital-raising process

What will the cannabis industry look like in the next few years? Paul Rosen of Global Go shares the nine trends shaping cannabis worldwide (and wait till you hear #4).

Learn more at https://globalgo.consulting 

Key Takeaways:

[2:22] An inside look at Global Go, one of the world’s leading consulting firms for cannabis and hemp businesses

[4:34] Paul’s background and how he got into the cannabis space

[10:03] The nine trends shaping cannabis on a global scale, beginning with catastrophic failure 

[16:20] The divergence of medical and recreational markets

[21:36] The end of Canadian domination in cannabis and the rise of the US

[29:02] New FDA rulings on CBD

[35:39] Biosynthesis and what it could mean for the cannabis industry

[40:57] Why “cash remains king” in cannabis

Is it better to produce your own cannabis products? Or outsource to expert manufacturers while you focus on your brand? Here to tell us is Alex Rowland, CEO of NewTropic.

Learn more at https://www.newtropic.com 

Key Takeaways:

[00:51] An inside look at NewTropic, a leading cannabis manufacturer based in Santa Rosa, California

[1:18] Alex’s background in cannabis and how he came to start NewTropic

[5:56] Examples of NewTopic’s average clientele - particularly unlicensed brands looking to overcome California’s strict regulatory hurdles 

[7:47] How NewTropic helps relieve two of the biggest pain points for cannabis companies: financial resources and compliance

[17:05] Why removing the regulatory overhead of fulfillment allows companies to focus their attention on core competencies

[18:45] NewTropic’s extensive onboarding process and how the company’s team works to ensure all your needs are met as a client

[20:30] Alex’s plans to expand NewTropic across the US

[25:21] The requirements a company needs to meet before working with NewTropic

[30:16] Alex’s advice to new entrepreneurs on how to develop a successful business plan and pitch to investors

[33:11] Alex’s thoughts on the federal rescheduling of cannabis and where he sees the industry heading in the next few years

As the cannabis industry matures, new and innovative ways are emerging that allow investors to capture a stake in the growth of young cannabis companies.

Here to tell us about it is Jeffrey Finkle of Arcview Ventures.

Learn more at https://arcviewgroup.com 

Key Takeaways: 

[00:52] An inside look at Arcview Ventures, the leading private investment network and market research firm in the cannabis space

[1:34] Jeffrey’s background and how he got into the cannabis space

[4:39] How Arcview’s new member-managed cannabis fund is giving investors access to deals with greater ease and flexibility 

[8:42] The requirements an investor needs to meet in order to join Arcview Collective Fund

[10:03] A breakdown of the different investor archetypes and how Arcview Collective Fund benefits each

[20:57] Jeffrey’s advice to entrepreneurs on how to successfully pitch their companies to investors

[25:33] Arcview’s process for follow-on investments and liquidity events

[31:03] Gaps emerging in the cannabis marketplace right now and where Jeffrey sees the industry heading over the next few years

We just reached possibly one of the largest milestones in creating pure, consistent cannabinoids in a lab. Here to tell us about it is Kevin Chen of Hyasynth Bio.

Learn more at https://hyasynthbio.com 

Key Takeaways: 

[1:32] An inside look at Hyasynth Bio and its work creating biosynthesized cannabis compounds

[3:05] Hyasynth Bio’s first product, an ultra-pure CBD oil created using cultured cannabinoids

[7:44] How Hyasynth Bio is improving CBD production in terms of both speed and purity

[9:12] Why multinational companies are gravitating towards biosynthesized cannabinoids for better consistency and supply chain performance

[13:14] 

[16:55] How biosynthesized cannabinoids are paving the way for international cannabis brands and which products Kevin believes will go global first

[21:23] How cellular agriculture is giving us better access to rare cannabinoids

[27:48] Why cellular agriculture is easier to automate and how this might influence prices in the cannabis industry

[32:21] Hyasynth Bio’s strategy to profit primarily through intellectual property licensing

[36:24] Where Hyasynth Bio currently is in the capital-raising process

Just as oil powered the old economy of atoms, data powers the new economy of bits. Here to tell us how to leverage our cannabis business data and market more effectively is Nicholas Paschal of Alpine IQ.

Learn more at https://alpineiq.com 

Key Takeaways: 

[1:02] An inside look at Alpine IQ, a data analytics and marketing platform for cannabis companies

[1:27] Nick’s personal background and how he got into the cannabis space

[7:24] Why it’s important for companies to take protective measures with their business data

[11:18] How Alpine IQ not only offers analytics tools but also helps businesses determine the best ways to act on data

[18:32] What companies can expect during Alpine IQ’s onboarding process, from integrating apps to ensuring compliance across the board

[21:36] Alpine IQ’s audience feature and how companies are using it to generate ROI

[31:45] How streamlining analytics tools using Alpine IQ can provide incredible value for cannabis companies

[35:35] Alpine IQ’s journey achieving product-market fit and how the company got its first customers

[39:26] Where Alpine IQ currently is in the capital-raising process

This startup took away all the complexity of growing your first cannabis plant at home and found product-market fit. Here to delve into the story of A Pot For Pot is founder Joshua Mezher.

Get a 10% discount by using the coupon code "insider" at check out at https://www.apotforpot.com

Key Takeaways: 

[00:59] An inside look at A Pot For Pot, the best outdoor and indoor growing kits for marijuana, cannabis, and other fresh herbs

[1:18] Joshua’s background and how he came to start A Pot For Pot 

[4:49] What comes with A Pot For Pot’s growing kits that make them the easiest to use for home growers

[8:54] How much plant A Pot For Pot can yield and why this makes it more cost-effective for the customer than purchasing flower

[11:49] What auto-flowering is and why it’s important for home growers

[17:44] Joshua’s advice to home growers on how to achieve the perfect harvest

[25:32] How Joshua successfully bootstrapped A Pot For Pot and the story behind how he got his first hundred customers

[32:47] What Joshua finds most interesting about the cannabis industry right now and where he sees it heading in the years to come

What will the cannabis industry look like after COVID-19? CannaInsider host Matthew Kind forecasts the 7 disruptive changes that will take place in the years to come.

Check out an infographic on these 7 changes at https://www.cannainsider.com/covid 

Key Takeaways:

• How COVID-19 will impact cannabis in the next few years, including:
• Automated grow rooms
• Pathogen detection policies
• Contactless delivery and payment
• Pre-purchase of discounts cards and gift cards
• Results-only business partners
• Commercial drones for cultivation
• VR education

Are cannabis and hemp beverages on the verge of explosion? It all comes down to the fickle whims of beverage consumers. Here to tell us more about it is Jonathan Schultz of Backyard Soda.

Learn more at https://www.backyardsodas.com 

Key Takeaways: 

[2:09] An inside look at Backyard Soda, a Denver-based startup creating all-natural, non-alcoholic, CBD-infused sodas and cocktail syrups

[3:28] Jonathan’s background and how he came to start Backyard Soda

[9:36] What beverage consumers are looking for in cannabinoid beverages right now

[14:44] Why Backyard Soda chooses to use whole ingredients even though this drives up price points for customers

[21:10] How Backyard Soda is partnering up with restaurants and hotels looking to add CBD cocktails to their menus

[23:46] Why Backyard Soda uses full-spectrum CBD unlike most other cannabis beverage brands that use CBD isolate

[29:03] The challenges of distributing CBD beverages and how Backyard Soda has overcome them

[37:38] Where Backyard Soda currently is in the capital-raising process

We’ve seen some hemp skincare products, but now entrepreneurs are developing skin and beauty products with THC above the 0.3% threshold.

Here to tell us about it is Bridget May of Green Bee Botanicals.

Learn more at https://greenbeebotanicals.com 

Key Takeaways:

[1:10] An inside look at Green Bee Botanicals and its mission to revolutionize the beauty and wellness industries

[2:27] Bridget’s background in the biopharmaceutical industry and how she came to start Green Bee Botanicals

[7:37] Why Bridget decided to formulate Green Bee’s products with more than 0.3% THC

[10:14] The most popular products at Green Bee Botanicals

[11:00] Why Green Bee creates “clean” products and how this sets the company apart from other skincare brands

[13:47] How Green Bee’s serums and lotions nourish skin from the inside out

[16:45] What customers are saying about Green Bee’s THC products

[24:04] Why skincare products with THC do not produce a high when applied to the skin

[25:27] Bridget’s advice to entrepreneurs on how to distribute their products

[28:11] What research is saying about CBG and its benefits for the skin

[29:49] Where Bridget sees the cannabis skincare space heading over the next 3-5 years

Green Bee Botanicals is partnering with the Clean Label Project which is a national nonprofit with the mission to bring truth and transparency to food and consumer product labeling.

Can you mix together compounds like caffeine and THC to create a thriving new market category? Here to help us answer that question is Peter Barsoom of 1906.

Learn more at https://1906newhighs.com 

Key Takeaways:

[00:48] An inside look at 1906 and its mission to redefine the edibles category with better-tasting, more effective products

[1:28] Peter’s background and how he came to start 1906

[3:19] How cannabis use changed after the Pure Food and Drugs Act of 1906

[4:12] 1906’s unique “drops” and how they’re formulated to meet different needs

[6:29] 1906 versus other wellness experience brands like LucidMood and Dosist

[11:15] Why Midnight Dark Chocolate for Sleep is the number one product at 1906

[13:29] How the products at 1906 provide a quicker onset than competing edibles

[16:48] 1906’s plans to create an extended-release formula of Midnight to help consumers not only fall asleep but stay asleep

[20:55] Where Peter sees the cannabis wellness experience category heading in the next 3-5 years

[24:28] Peter’s plans to expand 1906 beyond Colorado and Oklahoma

[25:57] Where 1906 currently is in the capital-raising process

Advertising cannabis is banned in most of the US, so how can a cannabis company get the word out?

Here to help us find solutions to this problem is Chad Bronstein of Fyllo.

Learn more at https://hellofyllo.com 

Key Takeaways:

[00:56] An inside look at Fyllo, the world's first single-solution regulatory technology for cannabis

[2:25] Chad’s background and how he came to start Fyllo

[3:53] How Fyllo’s data ecosystem helps cannabis companies streamline regulatory tasks and target customers legally

[9:51] What different cannabis companies can expect when using Fyllo

[13:07] Success stories Chad has seen so far and how clients are using Fyllo to advance their companies

[15:04] Chad’s advice on how to determine a good marketing budget for your brand

[16:34] How Fyllo provides direct access to cannabis audience data through the Lotame, the world's largest marketplace for second- and third-party data

[19:35] Requirements companies must meet before working with Fyllo, including becoming CCPA compliant

[20:25] Chad’s tips on how to build a dynamite marketing team for up-and-coming cannabis brands

[23:55] Where Chad sees customer acquisition and brand awareness evolving in cannabis over the next 3-5 years

While thousands of new cannabis products hit the market each year, most fail to create product-market fit due to a lack of differentiation or clear-cut benefits. 

Today’s guest is CEO of Dosist Gunner Winston, who has simplified cannabis consumption with targeted formulas and precise dosing to create a product that is catapulting cannabis into the wellness arena.

Learn more at https://dosist.com 

Key Takeaways:

• Gunner’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Dosist
• An inside look at Dosist and its mission to simplify cannabis consumption with innovative delivery devices
• How taking the guesswork out of cannabis is attracting more people to the category
• Variables that are important to luxury brand consumers
• Customer reactions to Dosist’s new dose pen and dose dial
• The thought process behind Dosist’s high-end yet minimalist retail environment
• Why Gunner believes brick and mortar stores remain valuable in the age of online shopping 
• Where Dosist is in the capital-raising process
• How Gunner is planning to evolve Dosist in the coming years as consumer preferences change

Cannabis delivery platforms are evolving quickly as they find better ways to retain customers and reduce churn, and Emjay might just have the best approach yet.

Here to tell us more about it is Chris Vaughn, CEO of Emjay.

Learn more at https://heyemjay.com 

Key Takeaways:

[00:51] An inside look at Emjay, a premier cannabis delivery and retail company in Los Angeles, CA

[1:48] Chris’ background in the alcohol industry and how he came to start Emjay

[12:27] Emjay’s hub-and-spoke business model and how the company functions both as a retailer and delivery service

[17:40] How Chris’ experience in the alcohol industry has influenced his approach to cannabis

[23:08] Unplanned versus planned purchases and how this differs between alcohol and cannabis

[26:25] The advantages of owning your own supply chain as a cannabis retailer or delivery service

[38:39] Regulations around the types of vehicles that can be used to deliver cannabis 

[40:12] Where Emjay currently is in the capital-raising process

While hemp is a huge and growing part of the cannabis legalization story, it’s often overlooked. 

Here to tell us why we should be paying closer attention to hemp is John Manlove, CEO of Bushel44.

Learn more at https://www.bushel44.com 

Key Takeaways:

[00:53] An inside look at Bushel44, a wholesale hemp software platform designed for businesses across the hemp supply chain

[1:51] John’s background and how he got into the hemp space

[4:16] How the hemp industry has evolved over the last few years and where it is right now

[5:53] How different types of businesses from farmers to retailers use Bushel44 

[10:35] Key differences between Bushel44 and Leaflink 

[14:23] Ways in which the hemp space is developing the same way cannabis did

[21:19] What buyers are looking for when purchasing hemp

[25:23] How Bushel44 is advancing the hemp industry by holding companies to higher standards 

[28:10] Why smokable hemp is trending and where John sees it heading

[33:01] Success stories John has seen at Bushel44 and his advice on how hemp companies can maximize the platform

Cannabis banking has long been heavily regulated, but one company is weaving through the regulatory madness to create a service that delights both businesses and customers.

Here to tell us about it is Tyler Beuerlein of Hypur.

Learn more at https://www.hypur.com 

Key Takeaways:

[1:25] An inside look at Hypur, a payment and banking technology platform for the cannabis industry

[1:51] Tyler’s background and how he got into the cannabis space

[6:27] Obstacles the cannabis industry has faced in payments and banking and how Hypur is working to overcome them

[10:32] Similarities between Hypur and Venmo

[17:13] How Hypur profits off merchants, banks, and credit unions

[19:44] Ways in which Hypur helps merchants market the service to customers 

[22:13] How cannabis retailers can easily integrate Hypur into their point-of-sale software and delivery apps

[23:22] Success stories Tyler’s seen among Hypur clients and his advice to retailers interested in using the service

Delivery and curbside pickup sales are booming as cannabis retailers seek new ways to accommodate customers during COVID-19. Here to tell us about it is Socrates Rosenfeld, CEO of I Heart Jane.

Learn more at https://www.iheartjane.com 

Key Takeaways:

[00:54] An inside look at I Heart Jane, the first cannabis e-commerce marketplace

[1:25] Socrates’ background and how he got into the cannabis space

[8:32] The type of retailer I Heart Jane typically works with and how the company has grown over the last year

[13:10] How I Heart Jane helps retailers streamline their businesses with automation and real-time integration

[15:50] How dispensary delivery and curbside pickup sales jumped from 17 to 50 percent overnight and what that means for the future of cannabis

[20:55] How I Heart Jane is helping retailers overcome obstacles with delivery and curbside pickup

[23:24] Why I Heart Jane’s business model is superior to GrubHub’s

[29:34] I Heart Jane’s integration services for retailers, including everything from point of sale to CRM

[34:31] Where Socrates sees cannabis e-commerce heading over the next 3-5 years

[39:46] Where I Heart Jane currently is in the capital-raising process

Founded in 2015, cannabis accessories company Hemper has quickly become an industry leader - and all thanks to their monthly subscription box. Here to tell us about it is Bryan Gerber, CEO of Hemper.

Learn more at www.Hemper.co

Key Takeaways:

[1:56] An inside look at Hemper, a premium monthly subscription box for smoking essentials

[2:25] Bryan’s background and how he got into the cannabis space

[7:39] How influencer marketing helped Hemper get its start

[10:59] Ways in which Hemper uses their subscription box to collect real-time data on customer behavior and preference

[21:39] How COVID is affecting the community aspect of smoking and ways in which Bryan plans to bolster that community virtually

[26:55] How Hemper became one of the largest pre-rolled cone manufacturers in the world

[38:01] Why Bryan believes you must control the price in order to secure your place in the market 

[40:56] How Hemper is working to become a leading manufacturer in different smoking accessory products

[41:46] Where Hemper currently is in the capital-raising process

A critical component of any cannabis cultivator’s business is establishing best practices around breeding plants.

Here to tell us how to create thriving genetic nurseries is Matt Gaboury of House of Cultivar.

Learn more at https://www.seattlecannabis.co/house-of-cultivar/ 

Key Takeaways:

[1:04] An inside look at House of Cultivar, the largest cultivator in Seattle, WA

[2:03] Why Matt has shifted his focus from designing grow facilities to plant breeding

[4:51] Types of clients House of Cultivar works with, including I-502 licensed growers and processors

[7:24] A breakdown of propagation through cloning, mother plants, and tissue culture

[16:14] How House of Cultivar validates genetics to ensure they’re the best expression of the plant possible

[19:31] What it means to “reinvigorate” a plant

[24:11] The behind-the-scenes on how House of Cultivar delivers their clones to customers

[29:18] Where Matt sees the cannabis industry heading as it undergoes more specialization across the supply chain 

[33:17] How large-scale nurseries will revolutionize cannabis from home growers to commercial cultivators

[34:16] How grow room technology has evolved and where Matt sees it advancing in the next few years

Can we deconstruct cannabis in the lab, reduce costs, and unlock a myriad of new applications and benefits? Here to help us answer this is Benjamin Chiarelli of Cellibre. 

Learn more at https://www.cellibre.com 

Key Takeaways:

[00:51] An inside look at Cellibre, a cellular agriculture company that specializes in cannabis

[3:10] Ben’s background and how he came to start Cellibre

[8:07] How Cellibre “mimics” the cannabis plant to make cells that create specific isolates

[13:02] How price points will shift in the cannabis industry as cannabinoid biosynthesis grows

[21:20] The evolution of cellular agriculture and the obstacles it’s faced in commodity industries like cannabis

[30:29] Why CBG will be the first product available from cellular agriculture

[33:03] Where Cellibre fits into the cannabinoid market

[35:51] Why Ben agrees cannabis is “the new vanilla”

[41:40] Where Cellibre currently is in the capital-raising process

With more and more dispensaries turning to Altopa's innovative oil blending platform Oblend, the company has decided to pivot from B2C to B2B.

Here to tell us about it is Nicole Wicker, CEO of Altopa.

Learn more at https://www.oblend.com 

Key Takeaways:

• Nicole's background and how she came to start Altopa
• An inside look at Altopa and its "portable dispensary device" Oblend
• How the Oblend creates CBD formulas for specific needs and preferences
• Why Altopa is transitioning from a consumer-focused company to a business-focused company
• How Altopa partners with dispensaries looking to implement the Oblend
• Increasing demand for the Oblend among healthcare providers, formulators, and patients 
• Where Altopa currently is in the capital-raising process and where Nicole sees the company heading in the next few years

Cannabis license holders are using an interesting new way to free up capital and grow their business. Here to give us the details is Anthony Coniglio of New Lake Capital Partners.

Learn more at https://www.newlake.com 

Key Takeaways:

• Anthony’s background in real estate and how he came to start New Lake
• An inside look at New Lake, a newly-formed Maryland real estate partner that leases industrial and retail properties to state-licensed cannabis operators
• Why cannabis has been deemed essential across the country and how this is influencing investors and license-holders
• Factors to consider when choosing the most valuable states and cities to buy real estate for the cannabis market 
• How New Lake has raised $100 million in capital to build its diversified portfolio
• How much New Lake’s investors can expect in returns and Anthony’s predictions for where dividends are heading in the next few years
• What Anthony looks for when considering cannabis operators looking to lease his properties, from their business strategy to their ability to raise capital
• How COVID-19 has affected the commercial real estate market in the US and where Anthony sees it heading

Technological advances not only bring efficiency, but they’re also profoundly deflationary. 

But could that deflation actually be key to an abundant future? Here to tell us is Jeff Booth, author of The Price of Tomorrow.

Jeff's book: https://www.amazon.com/Price-Tomorrow-Deflation-Abundant-Future/dp/1999257405

Jeff's Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffBooth

Key Takeaways:

• Goods and services that are inflationary versus those that are deflationary
• What a deflation economy looks like and examples of when we’ve seen deflation in the past
• The natural deflationary process that’s occurring right now thanks to advancing technologies like AI
• The deceptive power of exponential technologies and how they gain traction
• How central bankers are fighting a losing battle by taking on more debt to create inflation
• The power of network effects for business owners, investors, and employees
• Where Jeff sees bitcoin heading in the next few years and his advice for those looking to get in
• Why Jeff believes AI will eventually force us to embrace deflation and how that could benefit society as a whole

How can cannabis retailers adapt to the new post-pandemic environment and create customer comfort?

Here to help us answer this question is Matt Cutone of Seed Technology.

Learn more at http://www.getseed.io

Key Takeaways:

• Matt’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Seed Technology
• An inside look at Seed and how it provides dispensaries with in-store displays that improve customer experience
• How cannabis retailers have been impacted by the pandemic and what Seed is doing to help them adapt their retail environments
• Matt’s advice on how dispensaries can create a successful in-store “flow” and where curbside pickup fits into that
• How dispensaries can use handheld tablets to significantly increase profits and customer satisfaction
• The most popular cannabis products on the market right now
• How dispensaries can benefit from in-store displays
• The mature and emerging markets in the US and how they differ from state to state

What’s it like to immigrate from Nigeria, grow up in the US, and put yourself at the forefront of the cannabis industry in multiple states?

Here to help us answer that question is Seun Adedeji, CEO of Elev8 Cannabis.

Learn more at https://elev8cannabis.com 

Key Takeaways:

• Seun’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Elev8
• An inside look at Elev8 and its dispensaries across the US
• Where Elev8 currently is in the capital-raising process
• Why Seun decided to open dispensaries in Oregon, Massachusetts, and now Illinois
• Oregon’s shifting supply and demand and how Seun is working around it
• How Elev8 partners with local businesses to get customers in the door
• Seun’s advice to those trying to get into the cannabis industry
• Where Seun sees the cannabis market heading in the next few years

Taxes, regulations, a thriving black market, and then COVID-19. How can cannabis retailers in California survive in this environment and serve their community?

Here to help answer these questions is Dennis O’Malley, CEO of Caliva.

Learn more at https://www.gocaliva.com

Key Takeaways:

• Dennis’ background in cannabis and how he came to start Caliva
• An inside look at Caliva and how it compares to other cannabis dispensaries in California
• Why Dennis decided to end his partnership with Eaze and create his own delivery app for Caliva
• Pros and cons to using your own delivery app
• Why Dennis has partnered with Hypur to provide contactless payment options for customers
• How COVID-19 has impacted Caliva and where Dennis sees the company heading in the months ahead
• How cannabis consumer behavior has changed during COVID-19 including popular products and curbside pickup versus delivery
• Incentives and disincentives in the California marketplace that are making the black market three times bigger than the legal market
• Where Dennis sees cannabis heading in California and across the US in the next 3-5 years

Consumer packaged goods companies are in stealth mode waiting to capitalize on CBD the moment the regulatory fog clears. Here to tell us about it is Justin Singer of Caliper Foods.

Learn more at https://www.caliperfoods.life 

Key Takeaways:

• Justin’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Caliper Foods
• How Justin’s core brand Ripple has become the best-selling soluble cannabinoid powder in the US
• Why consumer packaged goods companies (CPGs) are waiting for regulatory clarity in the CBD industry
• How Caliper Foods provides soluble CBD ingredients at scale to some of the nation’s largest food, beverage, and supplement companies
• Where Justin sees CBD heading as an active ingredient comparable to caffeine
• An inside look at Caliper Foods and how it provides soluble CBD ingredients at scale to CPG manufacturers
• Caliper Foods’ research on how the solubility of CBD affects onset and impact
• Where Caliper Foods currently is in the capital-raising process

As cannabis cultivators pour billions of dollars into developing cutting-edge, efficient grows, we need to ask: is there a hidden disruptor that could steal their business in the years ahead?

Here to help us answer this is Kevin Chen of Hyasynth Bio, one of just a few companies experimenting with non-plant-derived cannabinoids.

Learn more at https://hyasynthbio.com 

Key Takeaways:

• Kevin’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Hyasynth Bio
• An inside look at Hyasynth Bio and its work with non-plant-derived cannabinoids
• A deep dive into biosynthesis and how Hyasynth Bio uses this process to grow cannabis compounds inside yeast cells
• How Hyasynth Bio has successfully overcome challenges with biosynthesis
• The history of biosynthesis and cannabis and where Kevin sees this relationship evolving in the years to come 
• The different types of end products we’ll start to see for sale in dispensaries that use biosynthesis
• How biosynthesis will affect cannabis prices
• Hyasynth Bio’s intellectual property strategy and how Kevin manages the company’s patents
• The traditional cannabis companies that are investing in biosynthesis
• Where Kevin sees cannabinoid biosynthesis heading in the next 3-5 years

Is the market for CBD and THC products saturated or is it just too much of the same products? Could it be a matter of creating a unique product and achieving product-market-fit?

Chris Abbott from Botanica is here today to help us answer these questions.

Learn more at https://www.mrmoxeys.com 

Key Takeaways:

• Chris’ background in cannabis and how he came to start Botanica
• An inside look at Botanica and its popular cannabis-mint brand Mr Moxey’s
• What to expect when you eat Mr Moxey’s mints
• Why microdosing is gaining popularity 
• When and why people typically eat Mr Moxey’s mints to enhance their state and take the edge off
• Mistakes Chris has made as an entrepreneur and what he learned from them
• Chris’ advice on how to get a brand into distribution and on retailers’ shelves
• Why Botanica uses a specific extraction process for the hemp oil that goes into Mr Moxey’s
• Where Chris sees cannabis and low-dose edibles heading over the next few years

While hemp-derived products are already big business, they’re set to skyrocket as hemp begins to take market share from traditional wellness and household brands. 

Here to tell us about it is Michael Cammarata of Neptune Wellness Solutions, one of Canada’s leading cannabinoid extraction companies.

Learn more at https://neptunecorp.com 

Key Takeaways:

• Michael’s background in hemp and how he came to be the CEO of Neptune Wellness
• An inside look at Neptune and how it’s evolved from biotech to health and wellness since founded in 1998
• Why hemp is becoming so popular as an ingredient in consumer packaged goods
• The most popular hemp-derived products in the wellness industry right now
• Neptune’s partnership with Jane Goodall and their upcoming line of hemp-derived hand sanitizers and essential oils
• How Neptune is innovating new technology that will make hemp goods more cost-effective for customers
• How COVID-19 is affecting the hemp wellness and household industries
• Where Michael sees the hemp industry heading over the next few years as it continues to make its way into the wellness arena

What will the cannabis industry look like after COVID-19?

CannaInsider host Matthew Kind forecasts the 7 disruptive changes that will take place in the years to come.

Check out an infographic on these 7 changes at https://www.cannainsider.com/covid 

Key Takeaways:

• How COVID-19 will impact cannabis in the next few years, including:
• Automated grow rooms
• Pathogen detection policies
• Contactless delivery and payment
• Pre-purchase of discounts cards and gift cards
• Results-only business partners
• Commercial drones for cultivation
• VR education

How is COVID-19 impacting investments in the cannabis space?

Here to tell us is Kimberly Kovacs of The Arcview Group, the leading private investment network and market research firm in the cannabis space. 

Learn more at https://arcviewgroup.com 

Key Takeaways:

• Kim’s background in cannabis and how she came to be CEO of The Arcview Group
• An inside look at Arcview and its mission to forge a principled and profitable industry from the ashes of cannabis prohibition
• How the coronavirus is impacting cannabis businesses and investor sentiment
• Kim’s advice to startups looking for funding right now
• Tips on how new investors can get started to set themselves up for long-term success
• Kim’s best investments and factors that played into her decision-making
• An update on what investors are currently funding most
• Important takeaways from Arcview’s recent data reports on the size and dynamics of the cannabis market
• What investors and entrepreneurs can gain from AV Access, Arcview’s new educational webinar series

With COVID-19 keeping people at home, cannabis delivery is booming.

Here to tell us more about it is Tim Conder of Blackbird Logistics, one of the industry’s leading software and operations companies.

Learn more at https://myblackbird.com 

Key Takeaways:

• Tim’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Blackbird
• An inside look at Blackbird and how the company facilitates the movement of cannabis products at each touchpoint of the supply chain
• How Blackbird fits in with its parent company TILT Holdings
• Ways in which cultivators, dispensaries, and brands can benefit from Blackbird
• How payment is being handled for home cannabis deliveries amid COVID-19
• Recent changes Tim has seen in cannabis delivery and where he sees it heading in the years to come
• How customer behavior is different than usual and the products people are ordering most
• Tim’s advice for cannabis companies trying to navigate COVID-19

Banking is one of the thorniest problems for the cannabis industry in the US - until now. Here to tell us how he’s created a solution to this problem is Dan Roda of Abaca.

Learn more at https://www.goabaca.com 

Key Takeaways:

• Dan’s background in law and how he came to start Abaca
• An inside look at Abaca and how it's providing a safe banking platform for US cannabis businesses 
• What dispensaries can expect when using Abaca
• The current state of merchant processing in cannabis and how Dan believes that will evolve over the next few years
• The most common questions clients ask Dan
• States that Abaca is currently operating in and where Dan sees the company expanding
• Abaca’s capital-raising process
• Where Dan sees the cannabis financial services market heading in the next 3-5 years and some emerging trends to keep an eye on

While hotels have prohibited cannabis use for years, it’s now considered a benefit many guests are demanding.

Here to tell us about it is Matthew Singer of tökr, an app that creates a personalized cannabis experience based on individual preferences.

Learn more at https://www.trytokr.com 

Key Takeaways:

• Matthew’s background in cannabis and how he came to start tökr 
• An inside look at tökr’s premium cannabis delivery marketplace
• How COVID-19 is affecting the cannabis environment in California and beyond
• How the hotel industry’s stance on cannabis use is changing in the US
• Ways in which boutique hotels are leading the charge for on-site cannabis use from trusted vendors
• Cannabis consumer behavior in hotels and what’s trending right now
• Matthew’s opinion on California’s black market problem and what needs to be done to fix it
• Why brands have a hard time telling their story in dispensaries and how tökr is working to solve this
• Where tökr currently is in the capital-raising process

It’s no secret that achieving a truly targeted effect is the holy grail of the cannabis industry, but how close are we to making this a reality? Are designer cannabis products on the horizon? 

Here to help answer this is Chris Emerson, co-founder and CEO of a unique company known as Level that’s working to disrupt the cannabis industry with products precisely tailored to every individual and every occasion.

Learn more at https://www.levelblends.com 

Key Takeaways:

• Chris’ background in chemistry and how it led him to the cannabis space
• An inside look at Level and its mission to provide a tailored cannabis experience to every patient and consumer
• How Chris’ extensive background in science allows him to think about cannabis products differently than most entrepreneurs in the industry
• Why Level sources its oils from strains high in CBD, CBG, and THCV and how this enhances the overall effect for consumers
• Chris’ efforts to find rare and unique cannabinoids for Level’s products and his discoveries to date
• A deep dive into Level’s tablinguals and pax vaporizer pods
• Chris’ work at Level determining new uses for cannabinoids, including everything from stimulants to hangover cures
• New and exciting initiatives at Level and Chris’ insight on what the cannabis industry will look like in the next 5-10 years

Is speed paramount when it comes to a good cannabis delivery service?

Not according to Sava founder Andrea Brooks, who shares with us how she’s gained more customer satisfaction and larger order sizes than her much faster competitors.

Learn more at https://www.getsava.com 

Key Takeaways:

• Andrea’s background in cannabis and how she came to start Sava
• An inside look at Sava and its mission to provide the highest quality cannabis products for delivery in the San Francisco Bay Area
• How Andrea won the AVG Best Pitch Award and what about her presentation resonated most with investors
• What investors need to know about unit economics and basket size
• Common obstacles in cannabis delivery and how Sava has overcome these to get ahead of other services like Ease and MedMen
• Ways in which Sava has gained so many repeat customers
• Sava’s generous compensation for drivers and how this impacts the company’s overall success
• Where Andrea sees the cannabis drink category heading in the next few years
• Andrea’s conservative approach to growth projections and meeting investor expectations
• Where Sava currently is in the capital-raising process and Andrea’s goals for the years ahead

If you’re concerned about the wildly fluctuating cannabis stocks, you’re not alone. But could there be a light at the end of the tunnel?

Here to answer this is returning guest Alan Brochstein, founder of New Cannabis Ventures and 420 Investor.

Learn more at https://www.newcannabisventures.com

Key Takeaways:

• Alan’s background in the cannabis stock space and how he came to start New Cannabis Ventures and 420 Investor
• A 10,000 ft view of the cannabis stock space and Alan’s predictions for the future
• The meteoric rise and fall of cannabis and pharmaceutical company Tilray
• Stocks Alan is asked about most and where he sees them heading
• Companies creating shareholder value and how that can set them apart
• Popular challenges and opportunities discussed among cannabis executives
• Alan’s views on sovereign debt, class warfare, and other issues threatening the economy
• Where Alan sees hemp and cannabis laws heading in his home state of Texas

A big problem for cannabis retailers is how to re-engage once enthusiastic customers.

CEO of Happy Cabbage Andrew Watson tells us how dispensaries are using his platform to rekindle customer relationships.

Learn more at https://www.happycabbage.io 

Key Takeaways:

• Andrew’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Happy Cabbage
• An inside look at Happy Cabbage, a data analytics and insights platform for the cannabis industry
• Ways Happy Cabbage re-engages previous dispensary customers with highly targeted, personalized messaging
• Analytic tools Happy Cabbage provides dispensaries that enable them to measure the success of their campaigns
• Generating customer excitement through experiential events
• Similarities between stripper economics and the economics of dispensary product placement
• Dispensaries currently working with Happy Cabbage and how they’re using the platform to re-engage their customer base
• Andrew’s experience with CanopyBoulder, a business accelerator and venture capital fund for the cannabis industry

With cannabis legalization in full swing, it’s easy to forget there’s a big difference in how legalization is unfolding between US states and countries around the world.

Here to help us contextualize the difference between markets is Michael Mayes of Quantum 9, an expert cannabis consulting firm with one of the highest success rates in the industry.

Learn more at https://quantum9.net 

Key Takeaways:

• Michael’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Quantum 9
• An inside look at Quantum 9 and its mission to help maximize the potential of cannabis cultivation, control, and dispensary businesses
• Tips on how to successfully pursue a cannabis brand license and the common misconceptions Michael sees among new clients
• Exciting new developments taking place in the Michigan and Illinois markets
• Illinois’ social equity program and what it means for cannabis businesses
• How Michael believes cannabis will affect alcohol market shares over the next few years
• How Michael is working to help states create systems that help both businesses and patients
• Where Michael sees cannabis heading in Illinois and beyond over the next 3-5 years

Making dispensary customers feel welcome and informed the moment they walk into the store is vital, and the company that knows how to do this best is Seed Technology.

Providing dispensaries with educational kiosks that help inform customers, Seed helps to achieve a customer experience that results in bigger purchases and repeat buyers.

In this episode, Seed CEO Matt Cutone shares with us the incredible return on investment Seed is providing dispensaries across the US and gives us his insights on the future of interactive kiosks.

Learn more at http://www.getseed.io

Key Takeaways

• Matt’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Seed Technology
• An inside look at Seed, including how the company’s in-store displays work and the experience they provide for the customer
• How Seed helps dispensaries integrate interactive kiosks and the customization required
• Ways in which Seed ensures an engaging customer interaction with little drop-off
• Mistakes Matt sees dispensaries make with their interactive kiosks and how to avoid them
• How Seed’s kiosks lead to larger purchases and more loyal customers
• Matt’s insights on the future of AI and how it will improve educational kiosks with greater customization

What will the cannabis industry look like in the next five years? CannaInsider host Matthew Kind reviews his past predictions and forecasts the five disruptive changes that will take place in the years to come. 

Considering how many Matthew got right in 2017, you don’t want to miss this.

Key Takeaways:

• Review of Matt’s previous forecasts from 2017
• Trend 1: AI-assisted product selection to improve significantly
• Trend 2: Fintech meets Cannabis
• Trend 3: Cannabinoid drinks put a double-digit dent in the alcohol market share
• Trend 4: Cost of cannabis flower decreases 50 to 80 percent 
• Trend 5: Autonomous car delivery with biometric verification

If you hand most people a cannabis drink, their first question is probably, “How high will this make me?” 

This one unknown might just be what’s holding cannabis beverages back. Until now.

Listen in as Luke Anderson of Cann discusses the state of cannabis drinks and where he sees the category heading.

Learn more at http://www.drinkcann.com/

Key Takeaways:

• Luke’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Cann
• An inside look at Cann and its mission to become the standard for cannabis-infused tonics
• Why Cann produces only low-THC tonics to target consumers that don’t wish to experience a high
• The type of effect consumers can expect from Cann’s social tonics
• Why Luke believes it’s important to take out the guesswork in cannabis beverages 
• Cann’s social tonics versus beer and wine in terms of time and effect
• How Cann decided on its unique THC/CBD concentration profile
• How Luke and his team overcame challenges with emulsion and dispersion to ensure consistency in every sip
• Where Luke sees cannabis microdosing heading in the next few years

To know where the cannabis market is going, we need to examine where it’s been and where it is right now. 

Here to help us is Cy Scott of Headset, a data-driven tech company that provides business intelligence for the cannabis industry.

Learn more at https://www.headset.io 

Key Takeaways:

• Cy’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Headset
• An inside look at Headset and its mission to help cannabis companies stay ahead of the curve
• Surprising trends Cy has observed in recent dispensary sales data 
• How data can help inform an entrepreneur looking to bring a new cannabis product to market
• Valuable takeaways from purchasing behavior data that have proven to maximize visitor engagement and drive sales
• How different products sell better on different days of the week as well as morning versus evening
• How purchasing patterns differ between generations
• What to expect in cannabis over the next few years based on Headset’s real-time data and market intelligence

Is California the Hunger Games of cannabis?

In the face of regulatory failure in California, black market cannabis thrives as licensed sellers and growers - much like the pledges in the Hunger Games - compete to survive in a dangerous world controlled by The Capitol (Sacramento).

So what happens next? Will state leaders see the error in their ways or will dispensaries and cultivators unite to force a change? Here to help us answer this is Seibo Shen, CEO of Hanu Labs.

Learn more at https://hanulabs.com 

Seibo Shen's new product The Hanu Stone from hanulabs.com

Key Takeaways:

• Seibo’s background and how he came to enter the cannabis space
• How California’s cannabis market has evolved over the last few years
• Disadvantages that licensed growers and dispensaries deal with compared to those in the black market
• How the black market has impacted the vaping crisis
• Why so many cannabis businesses are undergoing financial difficulties
• Slotting fees and why brands must pay to get their products on dispensary shelves
• An inside look at Hanu Labs and its new, award-winning personal vaporizer
• How Hanu Labs is unique to other big players in the pod manufacturing space
• Where Seibo sees California’s cannabis market heading in the next few years

With online shopping at an all-time high, dispensaries are looking for more and more ways to create retail experiences that inspire customers to shop in-store.

Today’s guest is Shryne Group Executive Chairman Jon Avidor, who will explain why customers line up for his cannabis dispensaries AND what experiential retail means for cannabis.

Learn more at https://shrynegroup.com

Key Takeaways:

• Jon’s background as a business attorney and what inspired him to enter the cannabis space
• An inside look at Los Angeles-based cannabis holding company Shryne Group Inc.
• Ways in which California’s cannabis market affects the rest of the country
• Why Jon believes it’s important for Shryne Group to be a vertically-integrated company in the cannabis industry
• How Jon has created experiential retail experiences so successful that customers line up at his dispensaries
• Jon’s advice on how to spark excitement in customers with fun attractions like Instagram pods, art murals for photo-taking, etc.
• The types of people dispensaries need on their team to achieve an exciting in-store environment
• Exciting things to expect from Shryne Group in the next 12 months

While thousands of new cannabis products hit the market each year, most fail to create product-market fit due to a lack of differentiation or clear-cut benefits. 

Today’s guest is CEO of Dosist Gunner Winston, who has simplified cannabis consumption with targeted formulas and precise dosing to create a product that is catapulting cannabis into the wellness arena.

Learn more at https://dosist.com 

Key Takeaways:

• Gunner’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Dosist
• An inside look at Dosist and its mission to simplify cannabis consumption with innovative delivery devices
• How taking the guesswork out of cannabis is attracting more people to the category
• Variables that are important to luxury brand consumers
• Customer reactions to Dosist’s new dose pen and dose dial
• The thought process behind Dosist’s high-end yet minimalist retail environment
• Why Gunner believes brick and mortar stores remain valuable in the age of online shopping 
• Where Dosist is in the capital-raising process
• How Gunner is planning to evolve Dosist in the coming years as consumer preferences change

California is arguably the cannabis industry’s most impactful market with more and more developments taking place each month.

Here to tell us about it is Khurshid Khoja, a business attorney constantly interfacing with Sacramento regulators and politicians to help his clients see what’s just around the corner. 

Learn more at http://www.greenbridgelaw.com 

Key Takeaways:

• Khurshid’s background in business law and how he came to start Greenbridge Corporate Counsel
• How the California cannabis market is coping with high taxes and restrictive regulations 
• The biggest obstacles the cannabis industry faced in 2019 and those to come in 2020
• The Interstate Commerce Clause and how it’s affecting the cannabis market
• How Oregon passed SB 582 and the doors it opens for licensed businesses in-state 
• Exciting new developments Khurshid foresees taking place in 2020 as well as areas to practice caution
• Whether or not Sacramento politicians can remedy the budget deficit and debt situation in California
• Khurshid’s advice to those looking to enter the California cannabis market