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

With the recent global surge in industrial hemp, scientists are moving into the hemp and cannabis space to provide cultivators the technologies and best practices of other industries.

Helping lead the movement is Dr. Jon Vaught, CEO and founder of Front Range Biosciences, an agricultural biotechnology company that specializes in tissue culture cloning for cannabis and other high-value crops.

In this episode, Dr. Jon shares how Front Range Biosciences is revolutionizing cloning methods to not only produce robust, healthy plants but also create new varieties that could disrupt the dietary and pharmaceutical industries.

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

Key Takeaways:

• A breakdown of Front Range Biosciences and the revolutionary biotechnology it’s bringing to the cannabis industry
• Dr. Jon’s background in biotechnology and what led him to start Front Range Biosciences
• The differences between cannabis and hemp
• A deep dive into Front Range Biosciences’ services, including its Clean Stock Nursery Program
• The ins and outs of tissue culture laboratories and the benefits they offer researchers and cultivators alike
• How to avoid common mistakes in cultivation, including exposing plants to disease
• Dr. Jon’s goals to create new plant varieties and cannabinoid profiles for the purposes of dietary supplements, nutraceutical products, and even pharmaceutical products
• Our current understanding of the cannabis genome and the exciting new discoveries Dr. Jon anticipates in the years to come

Roy Bingham is the CEO of BDS Analytics, which produces the leading market trends reports, analyses, and consumer research in the cannabis industry.

Not only does Roy know EXACTLY what is selling in dispensaries, but he also has definitive data on which cannabis product trends are accelerating and which are fading.

In this interview, Roy shares his insight on where cannabis is heading in the months and years ahead.

Learn more at https://bdsanalytics.com

Key Takeaways:

• Shifts and trends that are beginning to take hold in cannabis
• BDS Analytics’ statistical modeling methodology and how the company projects accurate market data
• Roy’s clientele at BDS Analytics and how they benefit from the company’s market data
• How much CBD is selling and how this currently varies by geography
• New cannabis delivery systems and Roy’s projections for their success
• BDS Analytics’ latest insights on cannabis consumer behavior
• Acceptors and rejectors and why they are important to the cannabis industry
• BDS Analytics’ recent partnership with leading data provider IRI
• How cannabis has evolved over the decades and Roy’s insight on the industry’s future

If you are interested in what it takes to be a profitable, cutting-edge, commercial cannabis cultivator, you’ll love this interview with expert grower Nick Hice of Denver Relief.

Key Takeaways:

[0:55] – Nick gives his background in Horticulture.
[2:43] – Nick explains what is meant by a flood table.
[6:49] – Size of Denver Relief’s facility.
[7:14] – The life of a cultivator.
[10:20] – Nick explains an ideal yield per square foot.
[12:56] – Are there different growing speeds between the different strains?
[14:10] – Nicks explains how to take care of cannabis plants.
[17:21] – Advantages on using fabric containers.
[21:17] – The ways the canopy and roots communicate to optimize a plant.
[23:15] – Nick explains NPK.
[23:52] – Nick explains common mistakes cultivators make.
[27:29] – The transition between indoor growing facilities and greenhouses.
[32:29] – Nick talks about optimal temperatures and humidity ranges.
[35:08] – Nick explains how CO2 is administered in a cultivation facility.
[36:28] – Nick talks about pests and diseases.
[44:29] – Nick talks about trends and technology in cultivation.
[49:35] – Contact info for Denver Relief and Denver Relief Consulting.

Hemp and cannabis are getting ready to disrupt one of the biggest industries in the world: beauty and skincare.

Here to tell us about it is Melissa Jochim of High Beauty, a cannabis-infused cosmetics brand that’s hitting shelves in stores across the world, including the multinational beauty chain Sephora.

Use promo code “Insider” for a discount on your purchase at https://highbeauty.com 

Key Takeaways:

• Melissa’s background in cannabis and how she came to start High Beauty
• An inside look at High Beauty and its mission to make canna-beauty products mainstream
• Current perceptions surrounding cannabis in the beauty and skincare space
• How hemp benefits the health and appearance of our skin
• The different products High Beauty now has to offer from masks to moisturizers
• A breakdown of the chemistry involved in creating cannabis-infused cosmetics
• Where High Beauty is available for purchase, including Sephora and Macy’s
• How Melissa sees the canna-beauty market evolving over the next few years

Could mushrooms be the next cannabis? Here to answer this and provide us some key insights into the fascinating world of psilocybin is Max Montrose, President of Trichome Institute.

https://www.cannainsider.com/go-trichome-classes

===> use coupon code: insider for 10% off

DISCLAIMER: DO NOT USE ANY DRUGS OR SUBSTANCES WITHOUT CONSULTING A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. THIS IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.

Key Takeaways:

• Max’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Trichome Institute
• An inside look at Trichome Institute and its mission to set the highest standard for science, education, and certification in cannabis 
• Counterfeit cannabis strains and why the products you’re buying may not be what you think they are
• Why Max believes we need to change our terminology for sativa and indica
• Factors that determine a strain’s potency and why THC isn’t everything
• Trichomes and Max’s recent discovery of a seventh cannabis trichome
• Terpenes and the importance of smell in deducing good terpene chemistry
• What the term “OG” actually means
• The Trichome Institute’s new Interpening book and what sets it apart from other books on cannabis
• A deep dive into psilocybin mushrooms and their life-changing benefits
• How the decriminalization of psychedelic mushrooms is gaining traction and what that could mean for you
• Common misinformation surrounding psilocybin
• Max’s advice on how to achieve an optimal mushroom experience
• Where Max sees psychedelic mushrooms heading over the next 5-10 years

In today’s ever-evolving hemp and cannabis space, Eran Sherin has set out on a mission to empower farmers, processors, manufacturers, and developers through a unique, New York-based hemp ecosystem known as urbanXtracts.

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

Key Takeaways:

• Eran’s background in cannabis and how he came to start urbanXtracts
• An inside look at urbanXtracts and what the company offers as a seed-to-sale hemp service provider
• How urbanXtracts was awarded licenses to grow and process hemp in New York
• Why Eran chooses to work with contract farmers instead of growing his own plants
• How urbanXtracts is converting a former prison into an extraction facility where the company will help in providing jobs to residents of Warwick, NY
• The types of products urbanXtracts provides, including raw materials, crude hemp oil, and isolates
• Eran’s philosophy behind his company’s collaborative, WeWork-style environment
• Where urbanXtracts currently is in the capital-raising process
• How Eran sees the hemp market evolving over the next 3-5 years

Have we seen the last of the Pot Com bust in cannabis stocks? Or should we expect to see more downside ahead?

Here to help us answer this is Andrew Zatlin of SouthBay Research, the cannabis industry's rising leader in unconventional investment data tracking.

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

Key Takeaways: 

• Andrew’s background in economic forecasting and how he came to start SouthBay Research
• An inside look at SouthBay Research and its mission to provide best-in-class macroeconomic forecasting and actionable insights
• Andrew’s insight on cannabis stock valuations and where we currently are in the Pot Com bust
• The vice index and why it’s important to the cannabis industry
• Shocking similarities between alcohol, gambling, and cannabis
• Reasons why cannabis might start looking like Kentucky's whiskey industry
• The types of businesses that Andrew foresees excelling in cannabis
• When and how cannabis brands will begin to emerge
• Andrew’s advice on how cannabis investors and entrepreneurs can best position themselves for the years ahead

With hemp in growing demand, scientists are hard at work determining ways to increase plant yield. Here to tell us about it is Han Chen from ZeaKal, a plant science company revolutionizing hemp cultivation.

Learn more at https://www.zeakal.com 

Key Takeaways:

• Han’s background in cannabis and how he came to start ZeaKal
• An inside look at ZeaKal and its mission to vastly improve cannabis crop efficiency
• Problems in hemp cultivation that ZeaKal is working to solve
• How hemp cultivation compares to other crops like corn and soy
• Secondary metabolites and why they’re important to hemp
• Hemp’s potential to produce a more sustainable plant oil
• ZeaKal’s dynamic with other industry players in the hemp ecosystem
• How drones are proving useful for data collection in hemp cultivation
• Where Han sees his research and the hemp industry as a whole progressing over the next 3-5 years

While many cannabis investors are feeling underwhelmed with publicly-traded cannabis companies, opportunities still abound for investors willing to look past the headlines. Here to tell us more is Codie Sanchez from Entourage Effect Capital, a private equity investment firm dedicated to investing in cannabis.

Learn more at https://entourageeffectcapital.com​

Key Takeaways:

• Codie’s background in cannabis and what led her to become a partner at Entourage Effect Capital
• An inside look at Entourage Effect Capital and how it’s evolved since it was founded in 2014
• New ways to invest in cannabis and opportunities that still remain untapped
• How valuations for private cannabis investments have changed over the last couple years
• The vaping crisis and how Codie believes it will impact the industry long-term
• How MSOs are responding to the Pot Com bust
• The investments Codie is most excited about right now
• Codie’s tips for entrepreneurs on how to pitch to investors
• Where Codie sees the cannabis industry heading over the next few years

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

Where do you start the search for your next cannabis product? Here to tell us how customers are starting their cannabis search (and what they’re searching for) is Dan Nelson of Wikileaf, the industry’s leading price comparison platform.

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

Key Takeaways:

• Dan’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Wikileaf
• An inside look at Wikileaf and its mission to help customers save money while making informed purchases
• Consumer trends and the types of products that are gaining traction
• Differences and similarities between Wikileaf and Leafly
• How Wikileaf creates perceived value to attract buyers without cutting price
• Dan’s advice to entrepreneurs on how to go to market to ensure the best chance of success
• Wikileaf’s ad policy for brands looking to stand out in a crowded market
• Where Dan sees dispensary offerings and consumer preferences heading in the months ahead

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

It’s no secret cannabis cultivation is going global. Here to tell us why and how he’s expanding into Africa is Jonathan Summers of EXMceuticals, a medical cannabis firm that aims to become the largest volume, lowest cost producer of wholesale cannabis in the world.

Learn more at https://exmceuticals.com (CSE: EXM) (FSE: A2PAW2) 

Key Takeaways:

• Jonathan’s background in cannabis and how he came to be Executive Chairman of EXMceuticals
• An inside look at EXM and its mission to become the largest volume, lowest cost producer of wholesale cannabis ingredients
• Jonathan’s insight on Brexit and how it will affect London as a financial hub
• Why EXM cultivates cannabis in Africa before processing, selling, and distributing in Portugal 
• What cannabis cultivation in Africa could mean for the country’s economy and job market
• Differences between the cannabis industry in Europe versus the U.S. 
• The products Jonathan foresees gaining traction in Europe over the next few years 
• What Dixie Elixir’s Tripp Keber is bringing to the table as a strategic advisor for EXM
• How EXM is working to support African communities through nonprofit funds and increased employment
• Inspiration Jonathan draws from lectures given by English philosopher Alan Watts
• Where Jonathan sees EXM and cannabis heading in the next few years

What happens when biotechnology and cannabis collide? Here to answer this is Ronan Levy of Trait Bio, a biotech company that just cracked the code on how to create flavorless, water-soluble cannabinoids - and without using nanoemulsion. 

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

Key Takeaways:

• Ronan’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Trait Bio
• An inside look at Trait Bio and its mission to make hemp and cannabis into purer, safer products 
• The value of water-soluble cannabinoid products and where Trait Bio is in the process of achieving this
• The risks versus benefits of using nanoemulsion in the manufacturing of cannabis products 
• Glycosylation and how Trait Bio is using this instead of nanoemulsion to create water-soluble cannabinoid products
• How trait amplification works to increase the yield of cannabinoids in hemp and cannabis plants
• Trait Bio’s work with minor cannabinoids and why the industry is beginning to take more interest in them
• How yield differs between yeast and trait application
• Ronan’s long-term goals for Trait Bio and where the company currently is in the capital-raising process
• Where Ronan sees biotech and cannabis heading in the next five years

Could mushrooms be the next cannabis? Here to answer this and provide us some key insights into the fascinating world of psilocybin is Max Montrose, President of Trichome Institute.

https://www.cannainsider.com/go-trichome-classes

===> use coupon code: insider for 10% off

DISCLAIMER: DO NOT USE ANY DRUGS OR SUBSTANCES WITHOUT CONSULTING A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. THIS IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.

Key Takeaways:

• Max’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Trichome Institute
• An inside look at Trichome Institute and its mission to set the highest standard for science, education, and certification in the cannabis industry
• Counterfeit cannabis strains and why the products you’re buying may not be what you think they are
• Why Max believes we need to change our terminology for sativa and indica
• Factors that determine a strain’s potency and why THC isn’t everything
• Trichomes and Max’s recent discovery of a seventh cannabis trichome
• Terpenes and the importance of smell in deducing good terpene chemistry
• What the term “OG” actually means
• The Trichome Institute’s new Interpening book and what sets it apart from other books on cannabis
• A deep dive into psilocybin mushrooms and their life-changing benefits
• How the decriminalization of psychedelic mushrooms is gaining traction and what that could mean for you
• Common misinformation surrounding psilocybin
• Max’s advice on how to achieve an optimal mushroom experience
• Where Max sees psychedelic mushrooms heading over the next 5-10 years

By making investments in other companies, large cannabis brands are attempting to capture exponential growth within specific corners of the marketplace.

This not only works to increase ROI for investors, but it also provides these companies the chance to form strategic partnerships with rising startups ahead of the curve.

Here to tell us all about this is Narbé Alexandrian of Canopy Rivers, a cannabis venture capital firm and the $1 billion investment arm of the largest cannabis company in the world, Canopy Growth.

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

Key Takeaways:

• Narbé’s background in cannabis and how he became CEO of Canopy Rivers
• An inside look at Canopy Rivers and how it works to identify strategic partnerships with Canopy Growth’s large portfolio of companies
• Vertical integration and why Narbé doesn’t believe in it
• A breakdown of the thirteen segments Narbé has identified in the cannabis value chain and which ones he predicts will be most profitable
• Narbé’s advice on the do’s and don'ts for entrepreneurs looking to pitch to investors
• Narbé’s investment philosophy and what he takes into consideration when deciding where to invest
• A deep dive into some of Narbé’s biggest investments to date, including PharmHouse and Headset Inc.
• Narbé’s shocking insight on the falling prices of products including dry flower, isolates, and extracts
• Where Narbé sees the industry heading over the next few years

Since launching in 2016, LeafLink has quickly become the largest e-commerce wholesale cannabis platform with $1 billion in annualized sales as of June 2019. 

In this episode, LeafLink CEO Ryan Smith gives us an inside look at what’s happening in the industry’s busiest marketplace.

Learn more at https://leaflink.com  

Key Takeaways:

• Ryan’s background in cannabis and how he came to start LeafLink
• An inside look at LeafLink and the ways in which it helps brands and retailers streamline the ordering process
• A breakdown of the companies using LeafLink and the number of new brands launching each week
• How the marketplace on LeafLink has evolved over the last two years
• A snapshot of the bestselling products on LeafLink and Ryan’s insight on up-and-comers
• The data points Ryan finds most interesting about today’s cannabis marketplace
• Ryan’s advice to entrepreneurs interested in creating a new cannabis product
• Ways in which brands and retailers can differentiate themselves in the competitive cannabis space
• Products LeafLink offers cannabis brands and retailers, including streamlined ordering, CRM, reporting tools, and fulfillment and shipment queues
• Where LeafLink is currently at in the capital-raising process
• Where Ryan sees LeafLink and the cannabis marketplace heading over the next few years

Widely known as the “Guru of Ganja,” Ed Rosenthal is a leading cannabis horticulture authority, author, educator, and legalization pioneer.

He’s the most renowned cannabis cultivator in the world and has authored numerous books on the topic, including Marijuana Grower’s Handbook (which Oaksterdam University uses as their cultivation textbook to this day) as well as his newest book, Marijuana Garden Saver.

In this episode, Ed shares his advice to growers looking to achieve the perfect grow and discusses new and exciting discoveries in cultivation like creating cannabis compounds with yeast – a topic we recently discussed on the show with Kevin Chen of Hyasynth Bio.

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

Key Takeaways

• Ed’s celebrated background in cannabis and how he’s seen the industry evolve throughout the years
• The most common mistakes Ed sees among new growers
• Ed’s thoughts on traditional lighting vs LEDs and what he believes to be the optimal lighting arrangement
• How to design the best grow space from scratch
• The best methods for trimming and manicuring commercial grows
• Simple solutions to common problems Ed sees among new and seasoned cultivators alike, including how to avoid mold growth
• The up and coming practice of growing cannabinoids in yeast
• Ed’s insights surrounding the future of terpenes and different cannabinoids like CBN
• Where Ed predicts cannabis trending in the years ahead
• An inside look at Ed’s new book, Marijuana Garden Saver: A Field Guide to Identifying and Correcting Cannabis Problems

What happens when big data meets cultivation? Here to help us answer that is David Kessler of TriGrow, a leading cultivation solutions provider that just launched a grow chamber that will change cannabis as we know it.

Learn more at https://trigrow.com 

Key Takeaways:

• David’s background in cannabis and how he became Senior Vice President of TriGrow
• An inside look at TriGrow and its turnkey systems approach to help cultivators achieve the highest consistency and quality possible
• The different types of technology and automation at TriGrow, including their real-time monitoring software and stackable grow chambers
• A breakdown of TriGrow’s state-of-the-art grow chambers and how they work to create a maximum of six canopy levels
• How TriGrow’s stackable grow chambers impact comfortability in working with the plants
• The precision with which TriGrow’s chambers can be optimized for different strains 
• How TriGrow uses data to provide growers a reproducible environment for greater consistency in quality and yield
• David’s insight on the future of smart growing and the significant role it will play in standardizing cannabis over the next 3-5 years

Efficacy and rate of absorption are important variables when taking CBD, but the reality is most products on the market aren’t fast-acting and don’t have the best bioavailability.

That’s why William Kleidon set out on a mission to crack the code on a delivery method that could provide both instant relief and optimal absorption, and he did not disappoint.

With their patented immediate absorption technology, William and his team at Ojai Energetics are going where no company has gone before: water-soluble full-spectrum CBD.

The result? A highly absorbable, precisely targeted oil that's disrupting the cannabinoid drink industry.

Learn more at https://www.cannainsider.com/ojai  

Key Takeaways:

• Will’s background in CBD and how he came to start Ojai Energetics
• An inside look at Ojai Energetics and its mission to offer the most targeted, bioavailable CBD on the market
• A breakdown of water-soluble CBD versus traditional fat-soluble CBD
• How Ojai Energetics achieved its rapid 30-second onset
• The many challenges Ojai has overcome to create a water-soluble full-spectrum CBD oil 
• How Ojai’s water-soluble technology has overcome dosage and consistency issues with CBD drinks
• Ojai’s bitter-to-sweet dosing method and how it allows consumers to achieve their optimal dose through taste
• Will’s thoughts on intellectual property in the cannabis space and his focus on licensing Ojai’s IP versus using it solely for the company’s own products
• Where Ojai Energetics is currently at in the capital-raising process
• Where Will sees Ojai heading in the next few years and how the company’s water-soluble technology will mark the beginning of new and improved CBD drinks

When outfitting a modern cultivation facility, lighting is one of the most important investments.

With the right combination of spectrum and power, good lighting not only maximizes yield but also optimizes plant quality for home and commercial growers alike.

But how do you stay up to date on all the advancements of indoor lighting and determine the best scheme for your facility?

Here to help us tackle this is Noah Miller of Black Dog LED, makers of the best full-spectrum LED grow lights on the market.

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

Key Takeaways:

• Noah’s background in pharmaceuticals and how he came to enter the cannabis space
• An inside look at Black Dog LED and its mission to offer cannabis growers the best lighting possible
• A breakdown of LED lighting vs. traditional lighting solutions like HID including efficiency, cost, and ROI
• The evolution of indoor lighting in the cannabis industry and why LED has become the standard
• Noah’s advice on indoor lighting for home growers versus commercial growers
• Mistakes Noah sees growers make when trying to create a successful cultivation facility
• Misconceptions and myths surrounding LED lighting and Noah’s continual efforts to change public perception
• Black Dog’s research on LED efficiency and ways in which the company is working to optimize facility lighting for greater yields
• Where Noah sees indoor lighting heading in the next few years and what that could mean for home and commercial growers

Just as we’re becoming comfortable with the massive changes in cannabis legalization there enters a disruptive new technology called “Cannabinoid Biosynthesis” that has prompted a lot of interest among industry insiders.

Here to tell us more about it is Jason Poulos of Librede, a synthetic biology company and leader in cannabinoid biosynthesis based in Southern California.

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

Key Takeaways:

• Jason’s background in biology and how it led him into the cannabis space
• A deep dive into cannabinoid biosynthesis and how it’s disrupting the industry
• An inside look at Librede and how the company has taken the lead in cannabinoid biosynthesis
• The intricate work involved in designing a molecular drug that efficiently binds with its target
• Exciting new discoveries surrounding the potential of cannabinoids beyond CBD and THC
• The importance of CB1 and CB2 receptors and how they interact
• The relationship between synthetic cannabinoids and cannabinoids found in nature and how Jason believes that relationship will grow
• Ways in which we could misuse synthetic cannabinoids that we need to avoid
• Where Jason sees the cannabinoid biosynthesis business heading in the next 3-5 years and how it will affect the cannabis industry

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

Justin Singer is the co-founder of Still Water Brands, a company focused on cannabis consumers that really don’t see themselves as cannabis consumers because they feel uncomfortable with the existing methods of consumption.

For example, it is very confusing for a first-time cannabis consumer to understand why they don’t want to eat a 100mg infused chocolate bar, but instead, need to break it up into 10 or 20 pieces. First-time consumers ask, “wait, why do I need to break this bar up, isn’t a bar one dose?”

Justin and his team at Stillwater initially focused on rituals consumers are already comfortable with such as making a cup of tea. Stillwater’s water-soluble beverage additives including their best seller Ripple have resonated with a traditionally unrecognized and underserved market category.

Now Stillwater is going to offer their infused additives to other businesses.

This is a riveting interview you won’t want to miss.

Learn more at:
http://stillwater.life/

The Canadian cannabis market continues to mature and flourish under a liberal national legalization policy, and here to help us understand the latest trends in Canada is Ben Kaanta, COO of licensed producer Westleaf Inc.

As a vertically integrated Canadian cannabis company, Westleaf has significant assets operating under development across the value chain. The company builds and operates cultivation, extraction, processing, manufacturing, research and development, and wholly-owned retail. 

This includes Westleaf’s new retail brand Prairie Records, a unique dispensary that creates an unparalleled purchasing experience celebrating the inherent tie between music and cannabis.

In this episode, Ben shares with us an inside look at Prairie Records and where he sees the Canadian cannabis market heading in the next few years.

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

Key Takeaways:

• Ben’s background in mechanical engineering and how he came to enter the cannabis space
• Differences Ben has observed between the cannabis market in the US versus Canada
• How Westleaf has evolved since it was founded in 1992, including the scope of its grow operation and the products it currently manufactures
• How Westleaf came up with the idea to create a record store retail experience
• A deep dive into Westleaf’s strategy in determining where to position its dispensaries
• An inside look at the Prairie Records dispensary and the unique customer experience it works to create
• The capital-raising process involved in launching Prairie Records
• Westleaf’s upcoming initiatives and Ben’s insight on what Canadian cannabis will look like in the next 5 years

Harry Resin has a column in High Times Magazine with a focus on cannabis cultivation topics. Listen in as he shares his ideas on how to improve your grow and his thoughts on where the industry is heading.

Key Takeaways:
[2:08] – Harry talks about his background
[4:25] – Harry discusses what he does when he is not writing for High Times
[5:31] – Harry talks about the assisted breeder project he’s working on
[7:53] – Harry’s advice on starting a commercial grow
[9:58] – Rookie mistakes when starting a grow
[11:12] – Harry discusses the importance of airflow
[14:14] – How to contain cannabis odor
[14:53] – Harry discusses nutrients
[17:35] – Harry talks about PH levels
[19:49] – What are Smart Bee Controllers
[24:24] – Clones and grow room management
[29:26] – How to minimize pests and disease
[33:36] – Harry talks about how each region differs
[34:47] – What is dabbing
[38:11] – Evolution of concentrates
[40:10] – Harry talks about conditions cannabis treats well
[41:38] – Harry talks about lighting
[44:16] – Harry talks about his favorite soil for growing
[46:19] – Harry discusses upcoming technologies
[47:42] – Harry’s book and web application recommendation
[49:26] – Harry’s contact details

Learn more at:
http://hightimes.com/author/harry-resin/

Matt Gaboury is head of Design and Systems for Calyx King. Listen in as Matt describes the most high-tech and efficient grow rooms he creates. He also describes the grow room of the future.

Key Takeaways:
[0:59] – What is Calyx King
[1:57] – Matt’s background
[3:21] – Matt talks about what his work entails
[4:57] – Planning a cannabis grow facility
[11:02] – Biggest mistakes when planning a cannabis grow facility
[13:55] – Matt talks about technology in optimizing workflow
[16:53] – Matt talks about carbon neutral growing
[21:56] – Using intellectual property to help clients
[22:44] – Matt talks about mistakes amateurs make in writing SOPs
[23:31] – Matt’s partners
[24:24] – Grow room of the future
[27:34] – Pursuing a cultivation license
[28:52] – Matt answers some personal development questions
[33:20] – Contact details for Calyx King

Learn more at http://calyxking.com/

The hemp and CBD market are going global in a big way, and renowned hemp pioneer Paul Benhaim is here to help us navigate the waters.

Now the founder and CEO of CBD brand Elixinol, Paul has been involved in the hemp industry since 1993. His first commercial endeavor in the space was a hemp-based nutritional bar that quickly moved from a few thousand bars per year to multi-millions and is now sold under numerous labels across the world.

This lead Paul to found the industry-leading brand Hemp Foods Australia, which continues to provide the highest quality hemp food products available.

In this episode, Paul shares with us his insight on the market and the products he sees gaining momentum worldwide, including CBD powders and liposomes.

Learn more at https://www.elixinol.com
Cannainsider listeners get 10% discount of CBD with coupon code "insider"

Key Takeaways:

• Paul’s personal journey through the hemp industry and how he came to start Elixinol
• An inside look at Elixinol and its mission to provide the highest-quality CBD products in the world
• The most profitable products around the world and Paul's predictions for future bestsellers
• Japanese customer behavior versus that of American customers
• Paul’s insight on different markets including Latin America
• How Paul believes 2018’s Farm Bill will significantly change cannabis’ global mobility
• Where Paul sees the price of hemp shifting in the next 1-3 years, especially as more and more companies move online
• New hemp-based protein and food innovations Paul is developing through his Hemp Foods line
• Paul’s advice on how to build customer interest and loyalty through packaging without overspending
• Paul’s insights on what the cannabis and hemp landscape will look like globally over the next 5-10 years

Warren Bravo is CEO of Green Relief in Ontario Canada. Warren and his partners embarked on a 2.5-year journey to master growing cannabis in an aquaponics system.

Most remarkable is Warren’s ability to leverage his aquaponics system to produce cannabis for under one dollar per gram. Growers of tomorrow or going to be competing with people like Warren and will most likely go out of business unless they are planning now to produce quality cannabis at massive scale.

Key Takeaways:
[1:25]: Warren Bravo’s background and operation
[5:30]: What is aquaponics?
[11:59]: The business side of aquaponics
[19:13]: Other sustainability measures
[27:00]: Nanobubbling and other aquaponics grow details
[33:00]: University Light Study [36:19]: Extraction technology
[40:30]: Advice for innovators and entrepreneurs
[43:10]: Warren’s recommendations and words of wisdom

Learn more at
https://www.greenrelief.ca/

Roy Bingham is the CEO of BDS Analytics, which produces the leading market trends reports, analyses, and consumer research in the cannabis industry.

Not only does Roy know EXACTLY what is selling in dispensaries, but he also has definitive data on which cannabis product trends are accelerating and which are fading.

In this interview, Roy shares his insight on where cannabis is heading in the months and years ahead.

Learn more at https://bdsanalytics.com

Key Takeaways:

• Shifts and trends that are beginning to take hold in cannabis
• BDS Analytics’ statistical modeling methodology and how the company projects accurate market data
• Roy’s clientele at BDS Analytics and how they benefit from the company’s market data
• How much CBD is selling and how this currently varies by geography
• New cannabis delivery systems and Roy’s projections for their success
• BDS Analytics’ latest insights on cannabis consumer behavior
• Acceptors and rejectors and why they are important to the cannabis industry
• BDS Analytics’ recent partnership with leading data provider IRI
• How cannabis has evolved over the decades and Roy’s insight on the industry’s future

Dr. Ethan Russo a neurologist and psychopharmacology researcher. If you are in the cannabis industry or looking to be, this episode will help you to understand the most important scientific aspects of the cannabis plant. Specifically, you will learn how terpenes radically change how you experience cannabis. Learn more about the benefits and science of cannabis terpenes.

Key Takeaways:
[1:00] – Dr. Ethan Russo’s background
[4:26] – Dr. Ethan’s study of cannabis
[6:15] – How does cannabis affect migraines
[8:35] – Dr. Ethan’s take on why cannabis was put on Earth
[9:38] – The endocannabinoid system
[12:44] – What is a receptor
[13:37] – Differences between indica and sativa
[17:56] – Dr. Ethan talks about the interplay between terpenes and cannabinoids
[24:11] – What does cannabis smoke do to the lungs
[27:01] – Rescue shots if you get “too high”
[28:31] – Dr. Ethan discusses the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis
[30:50] – What does cannabis do to the human body
[37:18] – How does cannabis help with chemotherapy
[39:37] – Dr. Ethan talks about CBD
[41:10] – What is THCV
[43:43] – Dr. Ethan answers some personal development questions
[48:28] – Dr. Ethan Russo’s contact info

As the cannabis retail environment gets more competitive, retailers are looking for ways to stand out and make a statement.

Here to tell us more about this is Ron Basak-Smith, CEO and Co-founder of a new company known as Sana Packaging that’s providing cannabis retailers with sustainable hemp-based packaging solutions.

In this episode, Ron shares with us an inside look at Sana Packaging and how the company is working to fix the cannabis packaging problem and eliminate pollution.

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

Key Takeaways:

• Ron’s personal background and journey in the cannabis space
• An inside look at Sana Packaging and its mission to make cannabis more sustainable with eco-friendly packaging solutions
• Sana Packaging’s two different packaging products, including 100% plant-based hemp plastic and reclaimed ocean plastic
• Why packaging for cannabis retail is broken and how Sana is working to fix it
• The cost of Sana Packaging’s sustainable products versus traditional packaging
• Sana Packaging’s current retail clients and where Ron sees the company expanding in the years to come
• Ron’s experience at CanopyBoulder, a seed-stage business accelerator that helped Ron start Sana Packaging
• Ron’s insights on what the cannabis packaging landscape will look like in the next 3-5 years

Incredible biotech developments are starting to bring new and exciting products to the cannabis market that would have seemed like science fiction just a few years ago.

Here to tell us about it is Cameron Keluche, founder and CEO of sublingual cannabis tablet company SUM Microdose and president and CEO of KelSie Biotech, an innovation and intellectual property holding company in Boulder, CO.

In this episode, Cameron shares with us a breakdown of KelSie’s “Bubble Drying” technology and how it’s quickly revolutionizing both the pharmaceutical and cannabis industries.

Learn more at https://www.kel-sie.com and https://www.summicrodose.com

Key Takeaways:

• Cameron Keluche’s personal background and journey in the cannabis space
• An inside look at KelSie Biotech and SUM Microdose and their mission to bring cannabis into the pharmaceutical market
• How KelSie Biotech is applying Bubble Drying - the same technology used to create a dry measles vaccine - to formulate the world’s most stable cannabis powder
• Ways in which KelSie Biotech’s dry cannabis powder can be used as an inhalant for optimal bioavailability
• An explanation of “excipients” and how they help the body pull in cannabinoids more effectively than oil constituents
• Ways in which inhalants are superior to other cannabis delivery methods
• How SUM Microdose uses KelSie Biotech’s Bubble Drying technology to create sublingual cannabis tablets designed for different purposes including mood and sleep
• Ways in which KelSie and SUM are bridging the gap between the pharmaceutical biotech and cannabis spaces and Cameron’s goals for the years ahead

Most entrepreneurs create a product or service before determining ways to build a customer base, but Drake Sutton-Shearer has taken a different route.

Currently generating over 2 million unique visitors a month, Drake’s new cannabis content distribution network PRØHBTD allows him to market his own products while simultaneously bridging the gap between cannabis and mainstream culture.

In this episode, Drake shares with us how PRØHBTD’s unique business model uses entertainment to broaden the cannabis niche and create a diverse group of informed, loyal customers.

Learn more at https://prohbtd.com

Key Takeaways:

• Drake’s background in cannabis and how he came to start PRØHBTD
• An inside look at PRØHBTD and the company’s content strategy
• Drake’s advice on how to create informative yet digestible content that keeps people engaged and coming back for more
• Obstacles PRØHBTD overcame to land groundbreaking partnerships with Apple TV and Amazon
• Ways in which PRØHBTD is breaking barriers and reducing the stigma that surrounds cannabis
• PRØHBTD’s capital-raising process and Drake’s projections for the months ahead
• Doing business in New Zealand versus the U.S.
• Drake’s goals for PRØHBTD and insights on the future of cannabis