Navigating the cannabis industry without outside investment is challenging, but Cristy Aranguiz, CEO of Cannabis and Glass, has built a thriving business just that way. In this episode, Cristy shares how her and her partner Tate launched their first dispensary with just $10,000, scaled a business while maintaining full ownership, and prioritized af…

With more states beginning to open legal cannabis markets, the needs of dispensaries are shifting, and technology providers have struggled to keep up. Evolving consumer demands and regulations require retailers to stay agile and efficient, and ineffective software can hamper a business's scalability and long-term growth. In this episode, Kyle Sherm…

The pace of innovation and change in the cannabis industry is relentless, so remaining eager and adaptable is key to ensuring success. As regulations evolve at the state and federal levels, opportunities have arisen for operators to attract new customers, educate both experienced and inexperienced consumers on cannabis, and provide memorable and el…

Midterm elections are drawing closer while voters are preparing for ballot initiatives on cannabis in Maryland, Arkansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri and Oklahoma. The upcoming votes may carry large implications when forecasting the future for the legalization of cannabis in the United States. What’s the next move for U.S. policymakers if …

With every passing moment, emerging industry innovators are looking for new ways to penetrate the market and create new distribution channels. As the cannabis space continues to develop, new businesses continue to pop up, but how exactly does a 150-year-old brand adapt and identify a path to success? In this episode, Scott Grossman, corporate devel…

Cannabis entrepreneurs face a number of challenges with cash management while navigating a strict financial framework preventing most major banks from working with the cannabis industry. Passing the SAFE Banking Act would open doors for more financial institutions to assist cannabis operators, but will that immediately solve all of the industry’s p…

The success of any industry is largely dependent on those who work in it and the cannabis industry is certainly not exempt. Dynamic leaders in the human resources field are needed to put the best candidates in a position to succeed as a company grows and evolves. In this episode, Tyneeha Rivers, chief people officer at Curaleaf, highlights the qual…

The cannabis beverage sector is becoming increasingly competitive with each new product, offering a wide variety of seltzers and infusions to consumers across the company. With this in mind, brands looking to break into the beverage space must enter with a unique, distinguishing perspective to stand out. In this episode, Warren Bobrow, founder of K…

Inconsistent regulations, ever-evolving markets and rapid growth across sectors mean that cannabis companies do not and cannot operate in the same way as traditional, mainstream brands. In this episode, Aaron Miles, chief investment officer at Verano, discusses his experience in taking two cannabis companies public, expanding the brands nationally …

Cannabis brands and dispensaries have traditionally lacked access to retail data in comparison to mainstream industries. In this episode, Pistil Data CEO Jeffrey Graham explains how he combined his expertise in analytics with his experience at Twitter and Google to revolutionize the way cannabis brands pinpoint promising sales opportunities and und…

The cannabis industry has experienced astounding growth over the past several years, but has done so with both hands tied behind its back. Cannabis operators are still barred from accessing institutional capital, thanks to the plant’s federally illegal status. Fortunately, there are a number of lenders navigating around these challenges and connect…

Taking your cannabis dreams from idea to reality takes many more steps than entrepreneurs realize, starting with an often complicated licensing process. In this highly regulated industry, the guidance of a cannabis-focused lawyer can make all the difference. In this episode, Dina Rollman, SVP of Government and Regulatory Affairs at Green Thumb Indu…

The cannabis industry is nothing without its cultivators. With increasing demand around the country, it is more essential than ever to optimize cultivation operations and provide top-tier expansion capabilities. In this episode, Sam Andras, executive vice president of professional services at urban-gro, discusses how urban-gro sets itself apart in …

As the cannabis industry matures and more states come online for recreational sales, it is more essential than ever that leaders from around the country collaborate, network and share solutions for cannabis pain points. Like traditional CPG industries, trade shows are an effective and essential avenue to bring together the leaders of the cannabis i…

Women make up a significant consumer demographic in cannabis, yet remain underrepresented in both positions of leadership and product selection on dispensary shelves. Female entrepreneurs in cannabis are essential to pave the way for future leaders and create products designed specifically for women. This episode features Olivia Alexander, CEO of K…

Raising capital in an industry that is federally illegal is no easy feat. Fortunately, commercial real estate lenders have allowed the industry to grow and thrive by providing reliable fundraising alternatives to cannabis ventures unable to access institutional capital. This episode features Travis Goad, managing partner at Pelorus Equity Group, th…

Like cannabis, the stigmas around intimate health—especially for those with vaginas—often keep consumers from purchasing products that would improve their daily lives. At the intersection of these two sectors, brands like Quim work to break down barriers and develop products that leverage plant-based wellness to address the sexual health issues fac…

How does an Oregon edibles brand become one of the leading brands in the United States? In this episode, Ben Gaines, director of marketing at WYLD, discusses how the brand grew their simple concept of a quality cannabis gummy to a coveted national brand. He outlines the essential company qualities that bring a vision to reality, including responsiv…

When it comes to product innovation in cannabis, it is essential to keep science at the forefront to ensure quality and consistent experiences. Considering how numerous patients and consumers use cannabis in their daily routines, it is vital to fully leverage existing cannabinoid research and the expertise of cannabis scientists during the R&D proc…

While many industries have been grappling with the “Great Resignation,” employees around the country are clamoring for cannabis employment in all sectors. With this influx of interest comes a need for state-of-the-art human resources and human capital management to support cannabis operators and their employees. In this episode, Scott Kenyon, CEO o…

Like any emerging industry, legal cannabis will not be able to reach its full potential without the support of lawyers in all sectors. In this episode, T. Andrew Brown, president of AWH New York and president of the New York State Bar Association, offers his unique perspective as an attorney on the future of cannabis in the state of New York and be…

The cannabis retail ecosystem is nearly unrecognizable compared to its earliest iterations, and much of the sector’s growth can be attributed to LeafLink, the industry’s largest B2B wholesale platform. In this episode, Ryan G. Smith, co-founder and CEO of LeafLink, discusses his early days as an entrepreneur, why cannabis was a thrilling prospect f…

Despite its presence as a major emerging industry in the United States, cannabis has long lacked a key component to legitimizing its place in the mainstream business community: streamlined banking. In this episode, Len Tannenbaum, Founder and CEO of AFC Gamma, discusses his journey to becoming the head of the largest NASDAQ-listed cannabis investme…

Federal cannabis regulation in the United States is not an “if,” but a “when.” With legislation like the SAFE Banking Act still on the table in Congress, access to traditional financial services for cannabis operators is inching towards being a reality. In this episode, Brady Cobb, policy advocate and CEO of Bluma Wellness, explains where cannabis …

How does a brand go from being a startup to the largest MSO in its industry? In cannabis and beyond, it takes intelligent leadership and a constant feedback loop with consumers to grow to such impressive heights. In this episode, Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve, talks about how Trulieve prioritizes connecting with their consumers to ensure customer tru…

The cannabis industry faces a multitude of challenges, from sporadic legalization across states to inconsistent regulations. The lack of federal legalization has created a glaring problem in the financial sector of the industry. Without access to banking and payment opportunities, cannabis operators often struggle to expand the way that they want t…

All established industries have some level of baseline best practices. But with cannabis only a decade into its legal years, new recruits entering the space often lack experience, knowledge and basic proficiencies from the start, making it difficult for all industry players to be on the same page. Max Simon, CEO and founder of Green Flower, recogni…

There are brands that have lasted for a hundred years. Household names like Procter and Gamble or Clorox are prime examples of traditional CPG companies that continue to succeed because of their strong foundation. With the right strategies and a strong team, CPG brands in cannabis can establish the same names for themselves. In this episode, Troy D…

Social equity and the cannabis industry go hand-in-hand. Given cannabis’ controversial and discriminatory past, it is essential for leading operators to give back to communities that have been the most impacted by the War on Drugs. In this episode, Gary Santo, CEO of TILT Holdings, talks about his company’s unique approach to partnerships and suppl…

In a fledgling industry like cannabis, unexpected challenges can arise as retailers work to maximize their full potential. One such issue is that of payment. Cannabis is a traditionally cash-based industry and many mainstream credit cards will not allow for the purchase of a federally illegal product. ATMs at dispensaries are at risk of transaction…

Up to 90% of cannabis consumed is inhaled—people just prefer smoking. With vaporizers gaining more and more traction in the cannabis space, new technology is needed to keep safety at the forefront of the trend. In this episode, Mladen Barbaric, Founder and CEO of Airgraft, explains his company’s unique approach to vape innovation and their push to …

Gathering around a few drinks with friends is an elemental part of our social lives. While alcohol has a foothold in the adult beverage category, the cannabis beverage sector is growing, giving consumers another option for their drink of choice in a social or private setting. In this episode, Matt Melander, President and CFO of LEVIA, the brand beh…

The cannabis industry in the United States has deep roots in Black American culture, and yet the growing legal market lacks representation of the very communities that built these foundations. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential that BIPOC cannabis professionals, as well as those interested in breaking into the industry, are involv…

As brands grow in scale and expand into new markets, it can be challenging to maintain a consistent level of product quality. All too often, expanding is a big risk for businesses—executives need to be strategic in order to help their product succeed in new markets. Vishal Rungta, CFO, President, and Co-Founder of C3 Industries, is an expert on suc…

Legal cannabis businesses are being met with unmatched consumer and investor interest as the industry continues to mature, but many companies are still hampered by archaic regulations. Many entrepreneurs in the space continue to advocate for sweeping regulatory reforms, but which laws will actually allow cannabis companies to operate like their mai…

Work ethic, accountability, and pushing through challenges—all lessons from a life as an athlete that translate to the world of cannabis entrepreneurship. Everett Smith started his career as a professional basketball player before transitioning to the cannabis space, carrying this athlete mentality with him the whole way. In this episode, Everett S…

By now, most people know about CBD products and its many potential benefits, but only one third of those individuals have actually given cannabinoids a try. This statistic reflects a major opportunity for CBD brands to fill in that gap and bring the benefits of CBD to a much wider audience. In this episode, Chondita Dayton, CEO of Liweli and Steady…

Sustainability and best business practices are not mutually exclusive. In the highly competitive California cannabis market, creating quality products with sustainable cultivation techniques is one way to differentiate your brand from thousands of competitors. In this episode, Graham Farrar, President and Co-Founder of Glass House Group, talks abou…

Not many investors can say that they’ve been in the cannabis space since the days of penny stocks. A volatile market with booming highs and deep lows, it takes a pro to successfully navigate cannabis investments. In this episode, Jason Spatafora, long-time cannabis investor and “the Wolf of Weed Street” on Twitter, shares his journey within the can…

The stigmas that still surround cannabis usage often alienate women from enjoying its benefits and partaking in the culture. With rising trends advertising the wellness aspects of cannabis, it is important to remember that cannabis is also used for fun. In this episode, Brett Heyman, Founder of Edie Parker, discusses the ways in which her fashion b…

Since 2014, CBD has grown from a relatively unknown ingredient to one of the most sought-after products on the market. While CBD has become a mainstream product, many science-backed brands are striving to develop a set of standards to set the industry up for long-term success. In this episode, Stuart Tomc, SVP of Business Development at CV Sciences…

As cannabis becomes an increasingly mainstream industry, brands in this space are also developing more accessible consumption methods for everyday customers. In recent years, infused products have exploded in popularity, especially in the beverage sector. In this episode, we sit down with Ben Larson, CEO of Vertosa, to talk about how his company is…

Consumers and investors alike have begun rallying around the U.S. cannabis industry, and several top multi-state operators are stepping into the spotlight. In this episode, we talk to Jonathan Rubin from Phyto Partners about the driving forces behind the U.S. market’s exponential growth, as well as difficult lessons investors and business leaders l…

There’s no doubt that cannabis legalization is sweeping the globe, but the rate at which regions are opening and the priorities of countries varies greatly. Europe’s market and infrastructure lags behind the U.S. and the focus continues to be on the medical market. But with U.S. MSOs like Curaleaf acquiring cannabis companies in Europe, momentum is…

When you think about premium cannabis, what comes to mind? Meticulously grown flower with a sweet aroma and distinct terpene profile? Luxurious THC-enriched body oils to soothe everyday aches and pains? What if we told you that the future of premium edibles may lie in French pastry? In this episode, we speak to Sebastien Centner, co-founder of Herv…

Producing consistent yields has been a longstanding challenge for even the most experienced cultivators. Agrify, a developer of premium grow solutions, aims to make the cultivation process as streamlined and predictable as possible. In this episode, we talk to President and CEO Raymond Chang about the importance of utilizing technology to establish…

CBD has become one of the most popular wellness products among mothers, and Ashley Reynolds, was an early advocate for the holistic properties of cannabis when she co-founded Elmore Mountain Therapeutics in 2017. In this episode, we talk to Ashley about how her own postpartum experience led her to CBD, how small private businesses can create a blue…

An appreciation for craftsmanship often emerges as certain consumer industries become more developed and sophisticated, and cannabis is no exception. Just like with wine, spirits, and coffee, cannabis is gaining a steady following of connoisseurs seeking out premium experiences. In this episode, we speak to Sam Ghods, CEO of Connected Cannabis Co.,…

While cannabis consumers seemingly have endless products and brands to choose from these days, brand discovery and engagement are still significant obstacles for legal companies. Since 2015, Nugg has been finding novel ways to improve patient and consumer retail experiences. The company first created NuggMD, the nation’s largest cannabis telemedici…

LeafLink, the go-to wholesale marketplace for retailers, brands and distributors, has played an integral role in the maturation of the industry. In this episode, we talk to the company’s first hire, Claire Moloney about the greatest shifts in the wholesale market and how retail insights are being leveraged by policymakers. As LeafLink’s current Sen…