The Ganjapreneur Podcast

In this episode of The Ganjapreneur Podcast, Damien Cornwell — President of the Cannabis Association of New York and owner of Just Breathe dispensary in Binghamton — joins host TG Branfalt for an unfiltered conversation about what it takes to survive and lead in New York's chaotic cannabis landscape. Drawing from his background in logistics, media, and community activism, Damien offers a candid perspective on the state's troubled rollout, liquidity crunch, and lack of banking access, and why systemic change still feels within reach, despite the obstacles. Cornwell also reflects on what makes the cannabis space so personal: from his work supporting addiction recovery and affordable childcare to his role as a voice for equity and reason in a deeply fractured market. With wit, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility, he makes the case for solidarity, smarter policy, and not forgetting why many joined the industry in the first place.

In this compilation episode of Highly Enlightened, host Jon Purow hits the road—capturing quick, insightful interviews with leading voices across the cannabis industry. Recorded at MJ Unpacked Missouri 2024, the WomenGrow Leadership Summit 2025, and the Benzinga New Jersey Cannabis Market Spotlight, this lineup showcases perspectives from founders, marketers, security experts, and more. Featured Guests: Jordan Mackenzie Whittaker The Weedaker Group Mitch Pfeifer Director of Community Relations, Active Sheila Fey Marketing Director, Elevated Roots Ian Powell Founder, Loud Minds TV Paul Vancea Kosmik Brands

When cannabis fails a microbial test, the consequences can be costly—lost product, damaged reputations, and in some cases, a total recall. But what if the entire process could be de-risked? In this episode, Jeff Adams, founder and managing director of XR Pure, and national sales manager Joseph Bancheri join TG Branfalt for a conversation about how their X-ray-based decontamination tech is offering a clean, consistent solution for cultivators. With deep roots in X-ray engineering and cannabis sales respectively, they make a compelling case for proactive remediation as a standard step in cannabis operations.

In this episode of The Ganjapreneur Podcast, host TG Branfalt speaks with Laura Trujillo and Amanda Terpstra, co-founders of BestBuds, a woman- and Hispanic-owned dispensary based in Woodbury, New Jersey. Lifelong friends turned business partners, Laura and Amanda share their remarkable story of bootstrapping a licensed cannabis retail business from the ground up—navigating community pushback, lawsuits, zoning battles, and a grueling fundraising process along the way. Together, they break down how their complementary skills, entrepreneurial drive, and deep community engagement helped them overcome early resistance in a small-town setting. The conversation touches on fundraising challenges for women and minority founders, the changing product landscape in New Jersey, and why staffing and personality fit are critical to cannabis retail success. It's an inspiring and highly practical look at what it really takes to open—and sustain—a dispensary in today's regulated environment.

Kevin Brooks, former CEO of Cookies Management and Connected Cannabis, identified plant health as a key vulnerability in the cannabis supply chain based on his experience leading vertically integrated cannabis operations in California. This insight led him to establish Conception Nurseries, a Sacramento-based company that provides commercial-scale tissue culture services to the cannabis industry. In addition to maintaining a large catalog of cultivar clones, Conception offers remediation, cold storage, and exclusive production services. Brooks brings prior leadership experience and successful exits from the regulated tech sector to his role at Conception.

In this fast-paced compilation episode of Highly Enlightened, host Jon Purow hits the road—capturing quick, insightful interviews with leading voices across the cannabis industry. Filmed at MJ Unpacked Missouri 2024, the WomenGrow Leadership Summit 2025, and the Benzinga New Jersey Cannabis Market Spotlight, this lineup showcases perspectives from founders, marketers, security experts, and more. These "One Hitters" may be short, but they pack a punch—perfect for a snapshot of where cannabis is going next. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): 1. Precious Osagie-Erise Founder, Precious Cannabis Co.

When it comes to moving federal cannabis policy forward, progress requires coordination, persistence, and strategic advocacy. In this episode of The Ganjapreneur Podcast, Edward Conklin, Executive Director of the U.S. Cannabis Council, and Saphira Galoob, Executive Director of the National Cannabis Roundtable — join host TG Branfalt to discuss the historic merger of their organizations into the U.S. Cannabis Roundtable. This conversation dives into what commercial entities are doing to lobby Congress for meaningful reform, including the uphill battle to pass safe banking legislation, the real implications of cannabis rescheduling to Schedule III, and the importance of building trust with lawmakers. Galoob and Conklin also share insider perspectives on why some legislation stalls, how policy change actually happens in D.C., and what entrepreneurs can do to get involved at the local and national levels.

Ricky Williams won a Heisman Trophy at Texas and rushed for over 10,000 yards in 11 NFL seasons. He is now the President and Co-Founder of Highsman, a lifestyle brand that Ricky personally curates, from the cannabis to the accessories. Ricky launched Highsman to provide communities of sports fans and herb enthusiasts everywhere with a platform to own their relationship with cannabis and its ability to unlock true, personal greatness. In this episode of Highly Enlightened, syndicated by Ganjapreneur, host Jon Purow speaks with Ricky about the principles that have guided his journey — from challenging the stigma around cannabis as an athlete to becoming a founder and advocate within the industry. Ricky shares hard-earned wisdom on leadership, the deeper meaning of cannabis, the spiritual and practical lessons from his career, and how staying true to his values shaped his personal and professional evolution. This episode is a thoughtful, philosophical conversation that touches on resilience, the power of perspective, and why Ricky believes cannabis is more than just a product — it's a tool for personal and societal transformation.

In this episode of Highly Enlightened, host Jon Purow connects with Bryan Gerber, the founder and CEO of HARA Supply, a supplier of custom preroll cones and packaging. HARA Supply spans 15 facilities with over 4,000 personnel based in India, along with HQ office and warehouse located in Las Vegas, NV. They currently produce over a billion pre-rolled cones per year for some of the cannabis industry's largest entities. Gerber is also the founder and CEO of HARA Brands, a four-time inc. 5000 company, which includes: Hemper, the largest subscription business in the cannabis industry with more than 1 million boxes sold, as well as Hemper Tech and Goody Glass, providing high quality smoking accessories and related products.

Insurance is a crucial yet often overlooked corner of the cannabis and psychedelic industries. As businesses navigate complex regulations, raise capital, and manage risk, securing proper coverage can make the difference between success and failure. In this episode of the Ganjapreneur Podcast, Joe Ziolkowski, CEO and founder of Relm Insurance, shares insights on the unique challenges cannabis and psychedelic companies face in the insurance market. With a background in alternative risk transfer and a focus on emerging industries, Joe has built Relm into a forward-thinking insurance provider willing to cover businesses that traditional insurers avoid. From the impact of federal policy changes to the role of radical transparency in securing investment, this conversation sheds light on a side of the industry few talk about—but all businesses need to understand.

In this episode of Highly Enlightened, host Jon Purow interviews Jonathan Black, the CEO of Cheech and Chong's Global, a seasoned business attorney and entrepreneur with expertise across real estate, entertainment, tech, retail, cannabis, and law. After earning his degree at the University of San Diego and completing law school, Jonathan founded Weston Law Group PC. Over the years, he has also worked on securing government contracts, managed a real estate fund with over $200 million in assets, and produced two Hollywood films. In 2019, he became the COO of MediaJel, a cannabis Adtech company, and, through multiple successful exits, continues to hold ownership and board positions in various ventures. Jonathan resides in the Bay Area with his wife and three children. You can find more episodes of Highly Enlightened on Buzzsprout.

In this episode of Highly Enlightened, Jon Purow is joined by Socrates Rosenfeld, the Co-Founder and CEO of Jane Technologies. A U.S. Army veteran and former Apache helicopter commander, he turned to cannabis to help re-acclimate to civilian life after leaving active duty in 2011. Frustrated by the lack of legal access in Massachusetts and the unreliable black market, he co-founded Jane Technologies with his brother Abraham to create a trusted e-commerce solution for cannabis retailers. Since its 2017 launch, Jane has become a leading digital provider in the industry, powering over 2,500 dispensaries and brands across 39 U.S. states and Canada with e-commerce, market analytics, payments, and point-of-sale technologies. Under Socrates' leadership, Jane has earned recognition from Forbes' The Cannabis 42.0 (2023), Inc. Power Partner (2023), and Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 (2022), while also being featured at major industry events like SXSW and MJBizCon. Before founding Jane, Socrates was an associate at McKinsey & Company, and he holds a degree from the United States Military Academy as well as an MBA in entrepreneurship from MIT. Listen to the episode below or wherever you get your podcasts -- you can find more episodes of Highly Enlightened on Buzzsprout.

In this episode of The Ganjapreneur Podcast, host TG Branfalt is joined by Regina Smith, founder and co-owner of The Plant, a licensed dispensary in Yonkers, New York. Regina shares her journey from a background in retail and baking to navigating the challenges of the cannabis industry. She discusses the complex social equity licensing process in New York, how The Plant is building trust and community in a competitive market, and the importance of education and customer service in the evolving cannabis landscape. Regina also touches on the role of legal dispensaries in the community, and how creative partnerships with local businesses are key to success. Tune in below to hear her inspiring story and insights on the future of cannabis retail, or scroll down for the full transcript!

Ganjapreneur is pleased to introduce our first syndicated episode of Highly Enlightened, hosted by Jon Purow. With this show, Jon interviews cannabis business leaders and investors to shed light on what it takes to survive and thrive in this industry. You can find more episodes of Highly Enlightened on Buzzsprout. Tiffany Chin has 13 years of experience in the entertainment space, working with world famous talent including Snoop Dogg, Eddie Murphy, and Martha Stewart. She has helped artists and talent traverse out of their traditional lane(s) of fame by way of strategic branding partnerships, including brands such as Adidas, AirBnB, Reddit, Tanqueray, Netflix and HBO. In working closely with Snoop Dogg, Chin co-founded Casa Verde Capital in 2014, as well as Leafs By Snoop (LBS) in 2015, the first widely available celebrity cannabis brand and Snoop Dogg's first venture into the branded cannabis space. Chin guest lectures at UCLA for MBA marketing classes, and has consulted with many cannabis agencies and brands – and most recently debuted the Death Row Records Cannabis line in California in 2023. In 2024, Chin launched two cannabis shops alongside Snoop Dogg named S.W.E.D. – which stands for Smoke Weed Every Day (one in Inglewood, and a coffeeshop in Amsterdam). She received her business degree at the Wharton School of Business from the University of Pennsylvania.

In this episode of the Ganjapreneur podcast, host TG Branfalt is joined by Brandon Wyatt, Esq. and Todd Hughes, co-founders of BCB Mastermind, an executive training program designed to propel minority-owned cannabis and hemp businesses to new heights. In this episode, they discuss the critical barriers that entrepreneurs face in the cannabis space, from access to capital and regulatory challenges to the overlooked potential of industrial hemp. With backgrounds in law, engineering, and advocacy, Brandon and Todd bring a holistic approach to business strategy, emphasizing community-driven solutions, policy reform, and the power of sustainable innovation. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersections of social equity, business leadership, and the future of hemp beyond consumption.

In this episode of the Ganjapreneur Podcast, host TG Branfalt is joined by Josh Wurzer, co-founder of SC Labs, one of the longest-running cannabis testing laboratories in the industry. In this episode, they explore the evolution of cannabis testing, from measuring cannabinoids and terpenes to detecting contaminants like pesticides and mold. Josh shares insights into regulatory challenges, lab fraud, the importance of terpene profiles, and how the industry can better educate consumers to prioritize quality over THC percentages. For anyone curious about cannabis testing and analysis, this episode offers an enlightening look at the critical role labs play in ensuring cannabis safety and integrity.

In this episode of the Ganjapreneur podcast, host TG Branfalt is joined by Witt Rabon, co-founder and COO, and Jamar Brown, co-founder and President of Brand Development for DRO, a Colorado-based cannabis lifestyle brand that has been redefining cannabis culture since its launch in 2014. DRO stands out by weaving authentic storytelling, cultural identity, and bold design into its clothing and cannabis products. In this episode, Witt and Jamar share the origins of DRO, reflecting on how their personal journeys—from professional sports and corporate branding to a shared love for cannabis—helped shape the company's unique voice and vision. They delve into how DRO transitioned from an idea sparked during their time as coworkers to a thriving lifestyle brand blending cannabis and fashion. Other topics discussed in this interview include: The importance of connecting with consumers through authentic, relatable stories The role of design in bridging cannabis culture with mainstream audiences The importance of advocacy, social equity, expungement, and using their platform for cannabis education DRO's approach to licensing deals, and the challenges and opportunities of entering big-box retailers And more! This episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of cannabis, culture, and business, highlighting DRO's journey as a brand that honors legacy culture while helping shape the current landscape of the legal cannabis industry. Learn more about DRO: https://drolife.com https://droflower.com

In this episode of the Ganjapreneur Podcast, host TG Branfalt speaks with Tom Lauerman, better known as Farmer Tom, a longtime cannabis advocate, organic cultivator, and educator. As the founder of Farmer Tom Organics, Tom has worn many hats in his cannabis career, from medical grower and activist to consultant and federal educator. In this insightful conversation, Tom reflects on his decades-long journey in the world of grassroots cannabis activism, including being arrested for cultivation in California, connecting with early pioneers like Dennis Peron and Brownie Mary, teaching federal scientists about organic cannabis farming, and more. Tom also dives into the future of cannabis, offering his thoughts on the potential impact of federal rescheduling, the rise of pharmaceutical involvement in the industry, and the importance of patient rights and home grows. Whether you're a home cultivator, medical patient, or curious about how the federal government is preparing for a change in policy, this episode delivers a wealth of knowledge.

In this episode, TG Branfalt sits down with Morgan Fox, Political Director for NORML, one of the nation's leading cannabis advocacy organizations. Morgan brings over a decade of experience in cannabis policy reform to the conversation, discussing the Biden administration's announcement on cannabis rescheduling and the real-world impact it may—or may not—have on the cannabis industry, consumers, and criminal justice. Morgan also sheds light on the intricate political dynamics that influence cannabis policy at the federal level, from potential barriers in the rescheduling process to the ongoing battle for meaningful reform in Congress. Whether you're interested in cannabis law, industry tax issues, or the future of legalization, this episode offers deep insights into the current state and future possibilities of cannabis policy in the United States.

In this episode of the Ganjapreneur Podcast, host TG Branfalt sits down with Jessica McElfresh, Chair of the Cannabis Law Institute and board member of the International Cannabis Bar Association, to explore the evolving landscape of cannabis law. Jessica shares her experiences practicing cannabis regulatory law in Southern California since 2010 and provides insights into the critical role attorneys play as the industry grows and federal rescheduling looms on the horizon. Jessica also discusses the Cannabis Law Institute conference, which took place in Chicago over the summer, where legal experts tackled pressing issues like state and federal cannabis policies, social equity, and the potential impact of rescheduling on taxes, financing, and business operations. Whether you're a legal professional or cannabis entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how to navigate the complex legal landscape of the cannabis industry and what could be in store as federal policy changes. (Note: this episode was recorded in June, before the event. To sign up for updates about the 2025 event, visit the International Cannabis Bar Association's website: https://incba.org/)

In this episode of the Ganjapreneur Podcast, host TG Branfalt is joined by LJ Dawson, the Editor-in-Chief of The Outlaw Report, a Washington, DC-based cannabis news outlet covering the dynamic cannabis landscape in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region. LJ shares her journey from criminal justice reporting to leading an independent cannabis-focused publication, offering unique insights into the intersection of cannabis policy, business, and social justice in one of the most politically charged regions in the country. LJ discusses the complex challenges of reporting on cannabis in a region where local, state, and federal laws often clash, creating a complicated and ever-evolving market. She also delves into the ongoing efforts to expand DC's medical cannabis market amidst competition from unlicensed operators, and the broader implications of cannabis enforcement across the DMV. For anyone interested in cannabis policy, journalism, or the intricacies of the DMV cannabis market (regulated and otherwise), this episode provides a nuanced inside look at the current state of the industry.

In this episode of the Ganjapreneur podcast, host TG Branfalt is joined by Dr. Sean Myles, an associate professor of agriculture at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, who brings a wealth of knowledge on plant genetics. While Dr. Myles has made significant contributions to the study of plant varieties in apples and grapes, today's focus is on his groundbreaking work in cannabis research. Within the unique intersection of agriculture, genetics, and the culture and policy of cannabis legalization, Dr. Myles sheds light on how cannabis labeling, genetic diversity, and breeding practices are shaping the future of the industry.

In this episode of the Ganjapreneur podcast, host TG Branfalt connects with the multi-talented Ngaio Bealum. Ngaio is a true cannabis renaissance man—comedian, musician, writer, actor, and activist—known for his work as a host of numerous events and shows, including the International Cannabis Business Conference, and the Emerald Cup. In this engaging conversation, Ngaio shares his journey from performer to cannabis advocate, discussing how his background in activism and entertainment has shaped his approach to cannabis education and advocacy, what role entertainment plays in educating the public about cannabis, and more.

Brian Applegarth is the founder of Applegarth Strategies, an agency that operates at the intersection of cannabis and travel. He's also the head of the Cannabis Travel Association, leads the Cannabis and Task Force for the California Travel Association and Destinations International, serves as an industry consultant, and holds a certification as a Ganjier cannabis sommelier—a man of many talents and extensive expertise. In this episode, host TG Branfalt connects with Applegarth to explore the evolving landscape of cannabis tourism, delve into the unique challenges and opportunities within the industry, and revisit how the landscape has transformed since Brian's last visit to the show.

This episode of The Ganjapreneur Podcast features Tara Rosenblum, an investigative reporter for News 12, who has recently released a compelling documentary titled "Cannabis Contest." The documentary offers an in-depth look at the social equity aspects of cannabis licensing in New York City, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of hopeful licensees within the evolving legal landscape -- including another previous guest on the show, Jeremy Rivera. With nearly two decades of investigative reporting experience in the New York City market, Tara explores the community dynamics and the critical issues affecting residents and aspiring entrepreneurs. This episode dives into the complexities of cannabis policy, personal journeys of license applicants, and the broader societal implications as cannabis goes from underground economy to regulated business.

The Ganjapreneur Podcast is back! In this episode, host TG Branfalt welcomes Jeremy Rivera, co-founder and CEO of Terp Bros, a dispensary in Astoria, Queens. Rivera, a beneficiary of New York's Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) program, shares his journey from the legacy market and facing multiple cannabis convictions to launching his own licensed cannabis business. He goes into detail about the nuances of the CAURD program, the competitive landscape of New York's cannabis market, and the distinctive approach Terp Bros has taken to distinguish itself amid a sea of dispensaries. He also provides first-hand insight into the entrepreneurial spirit driving New York's developing legal cannabis industry and the ongoing efforts to rectify past injustices.

For decades, cannabis research in the U.S. was hindered by steep federal requirements, foot-dragging enforcement agencies, and an archaic rule limiting the source of research-grade cannabis to just one cultivator in Mississippi. But thanks to a lawsuit against the DEA by Dr. Sue Sisley MD, a doctor who spent years trying to get federal approval for her study, which sought to investigate the therapeutic effects of cannabis for veterans with PTSD, the path to legitimate cannabis research has never been more clear. Shane Pennington, the New York-based counsel for Vicente Sederberg LLP, was the attorney who worked pro bono with Dr. Sisley to see that lawsuit to fruition. In this podcast interview, our host TG Branfalt returns to discuss those developments with Shane as well as other significant rulings. Shane also discusses his background and experience from before he joined the cannabis cause, his advice for younger lawyers or law students who are interested in cannabis, and more. Topics covered in this podcast: www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/legal-issues www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/dea www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/lawsuits www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/justice-department www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/usda For a full transcript: www.ganjapreneur.com/shane-pennington-suing-the-dea-to-unlock-cannabis-research/ Subscribe to our newsletter: www.ganjapreneur.com/subscribe/ Follow us on socials: Instagram - www.instagram.com/ganjapreneur Facebook - www.facebook.com/ganjapreneur LinkedIn - bit.ly/linkedin_gjpr Twitter - www.twitter.com/ganjapreneur YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/ganjapreneur Visit our homepage: www.ganjapreneur.com

From transitioning out of a self-described "boring" career in finance to heading one of the East Coast's biggest multistate operators, to eventually moving to California to focus on team- and brand-building for Lowell Farms, few people have experience in the cannabis industry like George Allen. In the latest Ganjapreneur.com Podcast interview, George and our host TG Branfalt discuss George's exit from a Wall Street finance career to join the cannabis industry, his time as the President of Acreage Holdings (during which he approached the former Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner about endorsing the cannabis legalization movement), as well as the eventual transition from working for an MSO to joining up with the California-focused Lowell Farms. The interview also covers advice for building a strong team in the cannabis space, the differences between medical and recreational cannabis markets, the importance of being passionate about the industry, and more! Topics covered in this podcast: www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/california www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/investing For a full transcript: https://www.ganjapreneur.com/george-allen-the-importance-of-team-building-in-cannabis-business/ Subscribe to our newsletter: www.ganjapreneur.com/subscribe/ Follow us on socials: Instagram - www.instagram.com/ganjapreneur Facebook - www.facebook.com/ganjapreneur LinkedIn - bit.ly/linkedin_gjpr Twitter - www.twitter.com/ganjapreneur YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/ganjapreneur Visit our homepage: www.ganjapreneur.com

Joseph Ori is co-founder of Six Labs, a Michigan-based manufacturer of craft cannabis products. With nearly one million medical cannabis caregivers licensed in the state, Michigan is an often undersung hub of cannabis culture, cultivation, and industry expertise. In a recent interview covering entrepreneurship and the Michigan marketplace, Joseph and our podcast host TG Branfalt discuss the thought process behind Joe's pivot to the cannabis space, his company's scientific approach to cannabis cultivation, and the advantages of working with a versatile team. This interview also covers Six Labs' brand-building process, their prioritization of experience-focused cannabis products, and more! Topics covered in this podcast: www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/michigan www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/illinois www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/cultivation www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/entrepreneurs www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/licensing For a full transcript: Subscribe to our newsletter: www.ganjapreneur.com/subscribe/ Follow us on socials: Instagram - www.instagram.com/ganjapreneur Facebook - www.facebook.com/ganjapreneur LinkedIn - bit.ly/linkedin_gjpr Twitter - www.twitter.com/ganjapreneur YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/ganjapreneur Visit our homepage: www.ganjapreneur.com

TJ Stouder is the founder and CEO of MyHi, which offers stir STIKs containing water-soluble and fast-acting THC powder designed for a truly convenient and sociable cannabis experience. As cannabis becomes more and more ubiquitous in social circles and even in public spaces, it's important for new cannabis products to collectively drive the industry's innovation and acceptance by more mainstream audiences. MyHi is especially in tune with that fact as a company and has dedicated a significant portion of its launch and brand identity to centering the conversation about social and convenient cannabis use. In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com Podcast, our host TG Branfalt connects with MyHi's founder and CEO TJ Stouder to discuss the inspiration behind MyHi's patented stir STIKs, the benefits of being able to add its fast-acting and nano emulsified THC powder to any beverage, and how the product is changing perceptions of social cannabis use and the role cannabis should play in social drinking circles. The pair also discuss emerging cannabis markets and trends around the country, strategies for building a brand in the whirlwind cannabis industry, tips for entrepreneurs who are considering their own cannabis venture, and more! Topics covered in this podcast: www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/california www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/edibles www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/marketing www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/social-use For a full transcript: www.ganjapreneur.com/tj-stouder-reimagining-cannabis-consumption-with-myhi/ Subscribe to our newsletter: www.ganjapreneur.com/subscribe/ Follow us on socials: Instagram - www.instagram.com/ganjapreneur Facebook - www.facebook.com/ganjapreneur LinkedIn - bit.ly/linkedin_gjpr Twitter - www.twitter.com/ganjapreneur YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/ganjapreneur Visit our homepage: www.ganjapreneur.com

Chris Ray is the general manager for The Tree House, a cannabis dispensary in Anchorage, Alaska. In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com Podcast, Chris joins our host TG Branfalt to discuss the early days of Alaska's cannabis marketplace, Chris' transition from working in cultivation to the retail side of the industry, and strategies for improving foot traffic and the overall cannabis retail experience. The interview also covers unique Alaskan cannabis industry experiences — like flying on commercial airlines while carrying tens of thousands of dollars worth of cannabis products, because sometimes that's the only option — and the benefits of getting to know your customer base on a more personal level. Topics covered in this podcast: www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/alaska www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/dispensaries www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/retail www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/entrepreneurs For a full transcript: https://www.ganjapreneur.com/chris-ray-navigating-change-in-alaskas-cannabis-industry/ Subscribe to our newsletter: www.ganjapreneur.com/subscribe/ Follow us on socials: Instagram - www.instagram.com/ganjapreneur Facebook - www.facebook.com/ganjapreneur LinkedIn - bit.ly/linkedin_gjpr Twitter - www.twitter.com/ganjapreneur YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/ganjapreneur Visit our homepage: www.ganjapreneur.com

Keith Stephenson is the owner and founder of Purple Heart, the first Black-owned cannabis business to be licensed in the U.S. and the longest-running cannabis dispensary in Oakland, California. During the sweeping social justice protests last year, Purple Heart was hit by a series of burglaries that ultimately crippled the company — Keith is still working to build back his business. In this podcast interview, our host TG Branfalt asks Keith about entering the cannabis space in the 1990s and launching one of the country's very first licensed cannabis businesses. This interview also covers Oakland's groundbreaking social equity provisions (which were largely based on Keith's suggestions), the early days of cannabis testing, how to achieve longevity in the frequently volatile cannabis space, and more! Topics covered in this podcast: www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/california www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/entrepreneurs www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/licensing www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/regulations www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/social-equity www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/taxes For a full transcript: www.ganjapreneur.com/keith-stephenson-legacy-and-longevity-in-the-volatile-cannabis-industry/ Subscribe to our newsletter: www.ganjapreneur.com/subscribe/ Follow us on socials: Instagram - www.instagram.com/ganjapreneur Facebook - www.facebook.com/ganjapreneur LinkedIn - bit.ly/linkedin_gjpr Twitter - www.twitter.com/ganjapreneur YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/ganjapreneur Visit our homepage: www.ganjapreneur.com

Jon O'Connor and Amy Cirincione O'Connor are the co-founders of Humboldt Social, which offers pro-cannabis lodging, dining, and event spaces. As cannabis reforms become more and more widespread, the traditional tourism industry has unfortunately been slow to accept the cannabis community. Even in Humboldt County, California — which is world-famous for its expert cannabis cultivators and cannabis-friendly climate — travelers can find it difficult to legally appreciate the region's most archetypal crop. In our latest podcast episode, our host TG Branfalt interviews Jon and Amy, who co-founded Humboldt Social earlier this year. This podcast episode covers their company launch, the latest cannabis tourism trends as society emerges from COVID-19 restrictions, California's limited opportunities for social use, and more! Topics covered in this podcast: www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/tourism www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/california www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/emerald-triangle www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/social-use www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/normalization For a full transcript: https://www.ganjapreneur.com/jon-oconnor-amy-cirincione-oconnor-humboldt-cannabis-tourism/ Subscribe to our newsletter: www.ganjapreneur.com/subscribe/ Follow us on socials: Instagram - www.instagram.com/ganjapreneur Facebook - www.facebook.com/ganjapreneur LinkedIn - bit.ly/linkedin_gjpr Twitter - www.twitter.com/ganjapreneur YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/ganjapreneur Visit our homepage: www.ganjapreneur.com

Luxury cannabis products constitute a peculiar segment for the cannabis industry: where many consumers might scoff at what they consider an overpriced product, there are many others for whom the added charm (and promise of excellence) is worth the extra cost. To learn more about the growing market for luxury cannabis products, we turned to Sebastien Centner, co-founder of Hervé—a Toronto-based, French cuisine-inspired cannabis brand that currently sells its infused edibles in the Nevada cannabis marketplace. In this podcast interview, Sebastien joins our host TG Branfalt to discuss his jump from the hospitality industry to cannabis, what inspired the Hervé brand, launching the company's first product line of handcrafted THC-infused macarons, what attracted Hervé to the Nevada marketplace, the maturation of the edibles market, and more! Topics covered in this podcast: www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/edibles www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/nevada www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/las-vegas www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/canada For a full transcript: https://www.ganjapreneur.com/sebastien-centner-luxury-cannabis-edibles/ Subscribe to our newsletter: www.ganjapreneur.com/subscribe/ Follow us on socials: Instagram - www.instagram.com/ganjapreneur Facebook - www.facebook.com/ganjapreneur LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/ganjapreneur Twitter - www.twitter.com/ganjapreneur YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/ganjapreneur Visit our homepage: www.ganjapreneur.com

Reginald Stanfield is the CEO and head horticulturist of JustinCredible Cultivation, a Massachusetts cannabis cultivator. To launch a successful cannabis cultivation facility, one requires a significant amount of planning, resources, and initiative. Launching during a worldwide pandemic, however, makes things infinitely harder but that was the unfortunate reality for Massachusetts-based JustinCredible Cultivation when they were finally approved to open last year. Reginald recently joined our podcast host TG Branfalt to discuss his entrepreneurial journey toward the cannabis space, the lessons he learned along the way, and stories from the founding and creation of JustinCredible Cultivation, which is the first minority-owned general business applicant to open a cannabis cultivation facility on the East Coast. This interview also covers securing investments, Reginald's tips for building a scrappy and effective C-suite team, what he looks for when hiring new employees, and more! Topics covered in this podcast: www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/massachusetts www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/cultivation www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/investing www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/entrepreneurs For a full transcript: www.ganjapreneur.com/reginald-stanfield-roadmap-for-launching-a-successful-cannabis-cultivation-facility Subscribe to our newsletter: www.ganjapreneur.com/subscribe/ Follow us on socials: Instagram - www.instagram.com/ganjapreneur Facebook - www.facebook.com/ganjapreneur LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/ganjapreneur Twitter - www.twitter.com/ganjapreneur YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/ganjapreneur Visit our homepage: www.ganjapreneur.com

With Arizona's recent switch to an adult-use market, cannabis enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and investors are also scrambling to learn as much as possible about the state's new cannabis opportunities. The Open Dør is an Arizona-based cannabis dispensary franchise that specializes in providing a comfort-focused and modern retail experience. In this podcast interview, our host TG Branfalt is joined by The Open Dør's CEO Kathryn Blackwell and COO Chelsea Mulligan to discuss their fateful meeting, translating mainstream franchising experience to the cannabis industry, and The Open Dør's emphasis on providing a clean, welcoming, and vibrant retail experience. They also discuss more broadly the advantages for entrepreneurs who choose to work with a cannabis dispensary franchise, the power of entrepreneurial determination, their advice for cannabis industry startups, and more! Topics covered in this podcast: http://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/arizona http://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/retail http://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/dispensaries http://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/entrepreneurs For a full transcript: https://www.ganjapreneur.com/kathryn-blackwell-chelsea-mulligan-the-advantages-of-dispensary-franchising/ Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.ganjapreneur.com/subscribe/ Follow us on socials: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ganjapreneur Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ganjapreneur LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/ganjapreneur Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/ganjapreneur YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/c/ganjapreneur Visit our homepage: https://www.ganjapreneur.com

New Jersey's cannabis legalization bid was a long-sought and hard-fought victory, only achieved through the collaboration of advocates, lobbyists, and lawmakers. As President of the New Jersey CannaBusiness Association — which works to promote jobs and growth in a sustainable, responsible cannabis industry — Edmund DeVeaux was closely attuned to the process. In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, Edmund joins our host TG Branfalt to discuss his life and work as a cannabis industry lobbyist, New Jersey's exciting industry prospects, and his efforts to ensure fair and balanced cannabis industry opportunities for all. This interview also covers legalization in neighboring states including New York, the nature of political compromises, his advice for budding cannabis entrepreneurs, and more! (Note: This interview was recorded after the approval of cannabis legalization in New Jersey but before the governor officially signed the bill into law). For a full transcript: https://www.ganjapreneur.com/edmund-deveaux-cannabis-business-opportunities-in-new-jersey/

Ryan Douglas is the author of the new book From Seed to Success: How to Launch a Great Cannabis Cultivation Business in Record Time, wherein he breaks down the process of starting and growing a successful cannabis cultivation business. Formerly the master grower for Tweed Inc., Ryan pivoted to cannabis industry consulting in 2016 and since then has gotten involved in scaling up the medical cannabis industry in Colombia with sights set on the international cannabis marketplace. In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, Ryan describes how his years of experience in the horticulture industry growing flowers had made him uniquely qualified to run an industrial cannabis grow operation, tips for entrepreneurs who are considering a cannabis cultivation start-up, his predictions for the international medical cannabis marketplace, and more! For a full transcript: https://www.ganjapreneur.com/ryan-douglas-advice-for-planning-scaling-your-cannabis-cultivation-facility/

John McLeod is the co-founder of Michigan-based Cloud Cannabis Co. — which operates brick-and-mortar cannabis retailers in Ann Arbor, Muskegon, and Traverse City — and a former police officer for the city of Detroit. In this podcast interview, John discusses how an on-duty leg injury ultimately opened his eyes to the effectiveness of cannabis medicine, how cannabis saved him from a plummet into opioid dependency, and the fateful founding of Cloud Cannabis Co., whose motto "Live Higher" embodies the company's vision of prioritizing patients over profits. John also talks about the need for more balanced representation in the cannabis industry, his former colleagues' reactions to him having launched a cannabis business, Michigan's rather recent transition into an adult-use marketplace, and more!

Alvin Edwards is the founder of Fruits of Our Labor, which hires former prisoners to provide professional services; David Moss is the chief development officer for cannabis dispensary From the Earth. Together, they have created an equity-building partnership in the cannabis space. In this podcast interview, Alvin and David join our host TG Branfalt to discuss the strategic partnership between their organizations, wherein From the Earth dispensaries purchase and retail glassware made by Fruits of Our Labor; the project's social equity-driven goals; and the importance of driving the industry to focus on giving back to disenfranchised communities that were most heavily affected by the destructive drug war. Their interview covers Alvin's journey as a young entrepreneur, David's insistence on centering philanthropy as a core value for his business, and more! For a full transcript:

Elliot Lewis is the owner and founder of Catalyst Cannabis Co., a competitive chain of cannabis retailers in Southern California. As an entrepreneur, Elliot lives for — and loves — the competition of business. For the latest Ganjapreneur.com Podcast episode, he joins our host TG Branfalt to discuss the business philosophy that drives Catalyst Cannabis Co. and the exhilaration of pursuing and winning a new retail license in So-Cal's limited, competitive marketplace. This interview also covers the company's history, their industry "bad boy" reputation, how they manage to compete with MSOs and other brands with major investor backing despite having a significantly smaller war chest, and more. For a full transcript:

Zappy Zapolin is the filmmaker and activist behind The Reality of Truth, a documentary that follows Hollywood movie star Michelle Rodriguez and several of her friends through a journey of personal discovery fueled by psychedelics. Before finding success as a filmmaker, Zappy was a pioneering entrepreneur and domain name trader during the 1990s. In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, Zappy joins our host TG Branfalt to discuss the resurgence of psychedelics in American politics and culture, drug decriminalization developments from last November's election, and the latest medicinal discoveries related to psychedelic substances including ketamine, psilocybin, and cannabis. The conversation also covers Zappy's transition from an early digital era pioneer to an activist filmmaker, how psychedelics can help society recover from the collective trauma caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and more! For a full transcript:

Bob Eschino and Derek Cumings are co-founders of Medically Correct, a Colorado-based cannabis edibles firm that was founded in 2010. In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com Podcast, Bob (who is also the company's president) and Derek join our host TG Branfalt to discuss their various cannabis edibles brands, the early years of Colorado's cannabis industry, and how they helped shape cannabis regulations in Colorado and (as other states came online) beyond. Tune in to hear about the trials and difficulties that led to the company's founding; how a strong work ethic, an ever-present emphasis on compliance, and a continued focus on cannabis as medicine has driven their success; and more! For a full transcript:

Kenny Wright is the co-owner of High Peaks Glassworks, an independently owned smoke shop in Saranac Lake, New York. In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, our host TG Branfalt catches up with Kenny to discuss how the smoke shop industry has adapted to changing times, what cannabis business owners can do to maintain good relationships with local authorities, tips for building a helpful and friendly business environment, Kenny's predictions for the smoke shop business model as cannabis prohibition continues to crumble, and more. Click for a full transcript of this podcast interview:

In any industry, consumer product testing is a key part of maintaining safe and trustworthy operations. While the cannabis industry is no different, there are often (and unfortunately) big differences between the testing labs that conduct consumer safety tests. In this podcast interview, Antonio talks to our host TG Branfalt about the importance of laboratory accreditation — which is when a laboratory and its offerings are evaluated by a highly qualified third party — and what it means for the cannabis industry. Antonio also shares the story of how CannaSafe became the first lab in the country to link vitamin E acetate to last year's vape lung disease crisis, his experience as a Black executive in the predominantly white cannabis industry, and more! For a full transcript:

Will Read is the founder and president of CannaPlanners, a Vermont-based web design and marketing company that specializes in the needs of the cannabis industry. Between strict regulations that vary from state to state and the long-lasting remnants of anti-cannabis rhetoric and stigmas, cannabis marketing is an inherently tricky job. The challenge, however, has prompted experts like Will to prioritize simple aspects of brand building, such as a professional and inclusive brand experience. Will recently joined our podcast host TG Branfalt to discuss cannabis marketing strategies, the prospects for an adult-use cannabis market in Vermont and other New England states, Will's advice for what makes a strong cannabis brand, and more! For a full transcript:

Tim Fair is the founder of Vermont Cannabis Solutions and an attorney who advises hemp and cannabis businesses in Vermont and defends individuals accused of cannabis-related crimes. In this podcast interview, Tim joins our host TG Branfalt to discuss prospects for a future Vermont cannabis marketplace after the state became the first to legalize cannabis via the legislature (but stopped short of establishing adult-use sales), the state of its medical cannabis and hemp CBD industries, the meddling of federal law enforcement agencies in local cannabis issues, and more. For a full transcript: https://www.ganjapreneur.com/tim-fair-vermonts-path-to-an-adult-use-cannabis-market/

Shawn Gold is the founder and CEO of Pilgrim Soul Creative, a cannabis lifestyle brand based on using cannabis to encourage creative thinking. For this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, Shawn joins our host TG Branfalt to discuss the relationship between cannabis and creativity and the recent success of Pilgrim Soul's Creative Thinking Journal, which contains a series of activities and exercises specially designed to encourage creative thinking while under the influence of cannabis. Shawn also shares his experiences transitioning from the corporate tech space to the cannabis industry, offers his advice for entrepreneurs, and more! For a full transcript:

After co-founding and leading Illinois' PharmaCann for several years, Teddy Scott departed to found Ethos Cannabis, a multistate cannabis operator based in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and East Coast regions. Teddy recently spoke with our podcast host TG Branfalt about his experience and the complexities of founding and operating a multi-state cannabis company. Their conversation also explores the co-existence of corporate and craft cannabis, the rapid growth of cannabis business in the Midwest and East Coast regions of the U.S., the importance of effective social equity provisions, Teddy's advice for industry newcomers and entrepreneurs, and more! For a full transcript:

It takes a lot of courage to found your first company — especially if you are leaving behind a comfortable and respected corporate IT position — but that didn't stop Jen Jackson, Founder and CEO of the Baltimore-based CBD brand Be Jubie. In a recent podcast interview, Jen joined our host TG Branfalt to talk about why she founded Be Jubie, what it means to her to be an entrepreneur, and why she chose the tenets of wellness, restoration, and social justice to guide her company. The conversation also covers why Jen chose the CBD space for her first startup venture, how she navigates the stigma against the cannabis plant as a parent, the need for social equity programs in legal cannabis markets, Maryland's current medical cannabis landscape, and more! For a full transcript:

Between regulations and the still-dwindling stigma from decades of prohibition, cannabis companies have an inherently tricky job when it comes to advertising and growing their customer base. In a recent interview, Jon Lowen of Surfside joined our podcast host TG Branfalt to discuss the nature of cannabis advertising, what differentiates cannabis marketing from other industries, and how they use primary data sets to identify and target new potential customers. Jon also describes what first drew him to the cannabis space, offers his advice for industry newcomers, and more! For a full transcript: ganjapreneur.com/jon-lowen-how-to-reach-cannabis-consumers-with-targeted-marketing/