From Pot to Popular

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 affordability for consumers in a competitive market. She also shares how her Cuban-American upbringing shaped her entrepreneurial drive, the challenges of breaking into the industry as a Latina CEO, and her advocacy work with the National Hispanic Cannabis Council. Cristy discusses her approach to hiring, company culture, and why she believes social equity programs need to be restructured to create real opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs.Cannabis and Glass 

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 Sherman, Founder and CEO of Flowhub, discusses the cannatech company's new intuitive, flexible, and performant solution — Flowhub Maui — focused on helping cannabis retailers increase profits, operate more efficiently, and create superior customer experiences. Kyle also talks about his journey to launching Flowhub, the company's efforts to support federal legalization and how social equity programs move the industry forward.

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 elevated experiences through consumption lounges. With lounges set to open in Nevada this year, operators are looking to create safe, clean atmospheres for guests to enjoy cannabis in a fun and engaging setting. In this episode, Brandon Wiegand, chief operating officer at Thrive Cannabis Marketplace, discusses the future of cannabis consumption lounges, the delicate balance between catering to tourists vs. locals, and how lounges can differentiate themselves in the market. Brandon also talks about the challenges of competing against a robust illicit market, what growth looks like for Thrive, and why there are benefits to waiting for federal legalization.

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 cannabis becomes legal in 25 states? In this episode, Brian Vicente, Founding Partner of Vicente Sederberg LLP, discusses lessons learned from his time writing the legislation that brought cannabis legalization to Colorado in 2012 and explains how his firm grew to be one of the largest in cannabis law. He also offers insights on this year's November ballot initiatives and tells us why the opening of adult-use stores in New York is a major milestone for cannabis policy worldwide.

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 development vice president for Turning Point Brands, reflects on his early experiences in the cannabis reform space, emphasizes the importance of brand building and discusses the evolution of the iconic Zig-Zag brand. He also offers insight regarding his transition from a more behind-the-scenes role in business investment to a public corporate development role with Turning Point Brands. Along the way, Rosie and Scott talk about what excites them in different cannabis markets across the U.S.

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 payment processing problems? In this episode, Daniel Muller, CEO and Founder of Aeropay, explains how his company evolved from providing payment solutions to local businesses in Chicago to applying the same technologies to process compliant digital cannabis payments. He discusses how Aeropay differs from cashless ATM payments and shares his vision for the growing payments ecosystem and the rapidly evolving technology within the cannabis space.

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 qualities she looks for in a potential Curaleaf team member, discusses the retention strategies needed to retain high-performing talent and examines what the future holds for her company. Rivers also explains how the 25 years of human resources experience she gained from working for the Philadelphia 76ers, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, Curio Wellness and various Fortune 500 companies has prepared her for role at Curaleaf. Before concluding this in-depth discussion about human resources in the cannabis industry, Rivers offers advice to those looking to enter the cannabis job market and highlights the need for diverse workspaces as the industry continues to expand.

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 Klaus, discusses how his brand's cannabis beverages differ from the rest. He emphasizes the need for simplicity in recipes and sourcing high-quality ingredients from around the world to create the best-tasting beverage possible. Leveraging his mixologist expertise, Warren explains the nuances of craft cannabis and his goal of creating a new dialogue around beverages in the space.

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 and navigating industry pain points. He highlights the necessary changes cannabis companies must make in order to run efficiently and shares the nuances of industry challenges in regards to aspects like banking, federal and local regulation, raising capital and more. Miles also shares how Verano's new partnership with Mission Green will further efforts to assist companies whose success has been inhibited by cannabis prohibition.

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 understand their local competition through targeted data. Jeffrey also shares his insights on successfully fundraising at this stage of the industry and his outlook on future growth opportunities.

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 connecting cannabis businesses to the capital they need to thrive. In this episode, George Mancheril, CEO of Bespoke Financial, discusses his company's mission to leverage fintech expertise to provide non-dilutive financing options to companies across the supply chain. He explains how Bespoke operates as a bridge between capital and cannabis, illuminating the challenges faced in cannabis financing and predicting the role that financial institutions will play when cannabis is finally legalized.

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 Industries, discusses the critical role she played in building up cannabis in the Midwest through litigation and fostering diversity in the space. She explains that rising operators need to apply for licensing with their vision and story in mind, and that barriers like money and access often hinder the success of social equity applicants. Dina also emphasizes the importance of lifting up others through programs like Illinois Women in Cannabis and LEAP at GTI, which work with aspiring cannabis professionals to help them break into the industry in a variety of ways.

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 the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) sector. Providing a spectrum of CEA offerings including facility design, engineering, integrated cultivation systems and more, urban-gro is a leader in cannabis cultivation support. Sam explains the importance of building a knowledgeable, experienced team in an evolving industry as well as the necessity of services like urban-gro in allowing cannabis cultivators to be flexible in their designs and collaborate with the client to bring their cultivation goals to fruition.

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 industry and discuss the issues of today. In this episode, Kim Jage, co-founder of Jage Media, the creators of the MJ Unpacked trade show, discusses how their unique event pushes cannabis into the future. She explains the cannabis industry's need for collaboration amongst top industry executives, facilitated by events like MJ Unpacked that foster meaningful conversation and solution-oriented innovation. Kim also talks about their upcoming New York City event and the topical issues that will be discussed, including brand-building via licensing, how CPG and retail brands translate coast to coast and what restorative justice in cannabis looks like.

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 Kush Queen, a female-focused luxury cannabis brand. Olivia shares her journey from budtender to CEO and explains the importance of women breaking barriers in the male-dominated industry. She talks about the ways in which cannabis can benefit women specifically, how small companies drive cannabis innovation and how business can meet the rising demand for ethical cannabis business and consumption.

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, the longest-running commercial real estate lender in the cannabis sector. Travis discusses the company's unique approach to funding cannabis businesses as well as the opportunities for real estate within the industry. He also underscores the importance of identifying your company's niche and excelling in that area to entice investors and facilitate mergers.

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 faced by many. In this episode, Cyo Nystrom, co-founder and CEO of Quim, talks about her journey from making homemade topical products to scaling a successful cannabis-based sexual health brand. She explains her strategy for messaging and raising capital while highlighting the importance of empowering consumers to take control of their own personal health.

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 responsiveness, passion, integrity and commitment to consumer engagement. He also explains WYLD's dedication to social impact and clear steps to make a difference in social equity and sustainability in the cannabis industry while sharing his priorities in authentically marketing a top-tier brand.

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 process. In this episode, Ari Mackler, chief product officer at PLUS Products, discusses how his expansive background in science, academia and medicine prepared him to bring evidence-based approaches to cannabis product innovation. He explains how PLUS uses science to define its products and emphasizes the need for further clinical research to enhance the industry's scientific understanding of cannabis.

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 of Wurk, shares key insights as the leader of the largest payroll and HCM software provider in cannabis. He shares how cannabis business human resources needs have evolved while advising companies on maintaining engaging, supportive company culture.

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 beyond. As New York begins to establish the framework of its legal market, he emphasizes the importance of embedding social equity components into legislation to address the impact of cannabis prohibition head-on. He explains the ways in which AWH is working to create meaningful and equitable legislation and support efforts in record-sealing, expungement, education and more to build up the communities most affected.

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 for his next venture and how the company has successfully scaled and matured alongside the industry. Touching on the importance of building the strongest team possible and how social equity standards can be achieved in the industry, Ryan shares key insights as a pioneer in cannabis tech.

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 investment firm and an influential figure in cannabis banking. Len explains AFC's goals of bringing tailored expertise into the cannabis banking space and the need for safe, efficient institutional banking to support cannabis as the industry continues its rapid growth.

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 stands in Congress and what needs to happen in order for the SAFE Banking Act to pass. As a successful cannabis entrepreneur, he also shares his advice for aspiring cannabis business owners on the skills needed and challenges to prepare for when entering markets and scaling a brand.

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 trust and allow the business to take root in a variety of markets. She discusses the necessity of embracing the changes and fast-paced nature of the industry, innovating based on consumer feedback and adapting to the many different types of markets throughout the states.

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 to, thus hindering the growth of the industry as a whole. In this episode, Josh Radbod, co-founder and CEO of the PBC Conference, explains the ways in which the public and private sectors can work together to solve the problems of banking, compliance and payments in cannabis. He explains how the PBC Conference brings these groups together to better propel the industry forward.

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, recognized this problem and created the tools to address it. In this episode, Max talks about the need for standardized baseline knowledge for all professionals entering cannabis. He elaborates upon the types of training that Green Flower provides and how such training can help to fix many of the problems that the industry currently faces.

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 Datcher, CEO of The Parent Company, shares his insights on what the cannabis industry can learn from CPG, and vice versa. With 30 years of experience leading big-name brands, Troy explains the pillars of a long-lasting brand, the power of partnerships, and his long-term vision for bringing The Parent Company brands into the mainstream.

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 supply chain and delves into the historic partnership TILT has created with the Shinnecock Nation of New York. He explains how MSOs like TILT can do more for social equity than just donations, and can go further by creating sustainable solutions that bring marginalized communities into the cannabis space and help them thrive for years to come.

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 fees and scammers, and only accepting cash can inhibit a retailers' ability to upsell. In this episode, Cathy Corby Iannuzzelli, Co-Founder and Chief Payments Officer at KindTap, explains the ways in which her company works to fix this broken system within the cannabis space. By facilitating payment for the diverse cannabis consumer demographic, KindTap aims to make paying for cannabis purchases as seamless as buying any mainstream product.

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 create an affordable product amidst a competitive market. He talks about the need for trustworthy vape offerings in the market, the importance of safe heating hardware, and how consumers can choose quality products that suit their own lifestyles and preferences.

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 CTO of LEVIA, talks about the explosive growth of the sector and the ways in which cannabis beverages appeal to consumers across demographics. He explains how cannabis beverages seamlessly fit into the social norms established by alcohol and how beverages have the potential to facilitate universal cannabis normalization in the near future.

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 involved in the development of the very policies that will affect them. In this episode, Kristi Price, founder of KRMA Media Inc. and the Black CannaConference and Expo, discusses how she works to “fill the gap.” She explains the importance of highlighting the stories of POC within the cannabis space, and shares her goals for this year's Black CannaConference in November—bringing together minority entrepreneurs and allies alike to discuss how to create an inclusive and impactful cannabis space.

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 successful brand expansion and quality control. In this episode, Vishal gives his insight on developing a unique brand experience and the importance of having a foundation of high quality products. He emphasizes the need for consistency throughout all operations in order to scale in a manner that does not sacrifice quality and elaborates on his strategies on expanding into new markets.

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 mainstream counterparts? In this episode, Jigar Patel, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of NorCal Cannabis Co., discusses the advantages of having legacy knowledge of the cannabis industry in the state where the legal market began. He explains the changes he hopes to see in terms of the tax reform that would free industry operators from the red tape of regulation.

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 Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of Presidential Cannabis Co., gives his advice on identifying needs in the market, building a premium brand, and engaging with consumers directly. From in-store promotions to building relationships with world-class raw goods growers, Everett discusses how he was able to build a multimillion dollar brand in California.

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 State Brands, discusses her accessibility-based philosophy to creating daily CBD wellness products. She dives into what major indicators are key to brand-building potential in the cannabinoid space and shares her perspective on effective brand-building for long-term success.

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 about how his company was able to become the second highest selling flower in California last year. By integrating sustainable practices that maximize efficiency and minimize cost, Farrar explains how Glass House Group successfully cultivates products that consumers keep coming back for.

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 cannabis markets. He discusses his predictions for the industry as legalization approaches, advises new investors on success in the industry, and shares his hopes for cannabis in the coming years.

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 brand has expanded into the cannabis industry with the aim of “making it okay for women to use cannabis.” She talks about how her team pushed through the challenges faced by cannabis brands to welcome women into the cannabis space with their high-quality, vintage-inspired, and fun cannabis accessories.

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, discusses the importance of trustworthy and transparent labeling, what types of extracts and dosages consumers should look for and how CV sciences became the first brand to prove the safety and efficacy of CBD.

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 changing the industry with their understanding of nano-emulsion technology in cannabis products. Ben discusses how Vertosa’s technology is able to “unlock the power of the plant” and how his team supports other brands by creating the most reliable and forward-thinking ingredients on the market.

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 learned from Canada’s adult-use rollout. Jonathan also shares his insights about the future of ancillary businesses and the most compelling investment opportunities that are on his team’s radar.

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 building. In this episode, Stephen Murphy, Co-founder and Managing Director of Prohibition Partners discusses what the current cannabis landscape looks across Europe and what opportunities are ripe for investors and companies.

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 Hervé Luxury Edibles, the world’s first luxury cannabis edibles company. Sebastien walks us through the time-intensive process of developing consistent and quality edibles, why Las Vegas was the optimal market to launch a premium product and how luxury products can pique the interest of the everyday cannabis consumer.

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 cannabis as the next CPG space and the global opportunities in store for cannabis cultivation.

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 blueprint for industry-wide standards and the power of community in the cannabis space.

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., one of the top premium brands in California. Sam shares how he leveraged his vast expertise in the tech startup space to scale Connected, and how his team has embraced the complexities of the plant to cultivate industry-leading consumer products.

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 telemedicine platform and recently launched Nugg Club, the industry’s first true cannabis subscription box, in Southern California. In this episode, we talk to co-founder and CMO Alex Milligan about the critical role customer feedback has played in the company’s growth and how subscription boxes complement the digital future of cannabis retail.

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 Senior East Coast Regional Director, Claire also shares what consumers may expect in this emerging market and how regulators can set up these future businesses for success.

Cannabis businesses often say they are in the business of nurturing the well-being of their patients and customers, but how does that translate within their own corporate culture? In this episode, we talk to Stevens Sainte-Rose and Fanny Sheumaker from Parallel, one of the fastest-growing MSOs in the country, about how their team is creating a corporate benefits and rewards ecosystem that is supporting the next generation of cannabis workers. Stevens and Fanny discuss how companies can better serve the growing millennial workforce, what dictates company culture and where new cannabis hires are coming from.