The Higher Enlightenment Cannabis Podcast

Cannabis has been popularized globally by Amsterdam and the US, but there are numerous other markets out there doing interesting things to further the industry. In this episode, we speak to Yogesh Jhamtani of Buffalo Extract Systems, Dr. David Katerere, a pharmacist and researcher at Tshwane University of Technology in South Africa, and Cory Waggoner, CEO of Higher Yields Consulting and cannabis industry OG. Listen in as we dive into three of the most interesting emerging markets in cannabis: Thailand, Germany, and South Africa. 

Cannabis cultivations don't often think about air quality until there's a problem. Yet, air quality affects everything within your cultivation, including your plant health, your staff's health, and your operating efficiency and costs. In this episode, we'll dive into how air quality can impact your operational efficiency and what technology you should have in place from the very start of designing and building your cultivation facility. 

Currently, there are billions of grams of product sitting in surplus in Canada. On the surface, this may look like a great situation for Canada to be in – having a stockpile of in-demand product. But the reality is much less hopeful. In this episode, we'll dive into the details of the Canada situation, how it's affecting cannabis businesses around the world, and what possible ramifications we can expect long-term so that you can plan accordingly. 

In the cannabis industry, it's important to take advantage of opportunities as quickly as they arise and solidify your foothold in emerging markets. Minnesota is one such emerging market that you want to be aware of. Tune in to this episode where we speak with HYC's startup and applications expert, Shannon O'Mara, and Dutchie's Director of Market & Sales Intelligence, Matt Cox about what you need to know to have the highest chances of success in Minnesota! 

Now in our 50th episode of the Higher Enlightenment Podcast, Higher Yields Consulting is announcing new initiatives, new innovations, and new ways to help elevate the cannabis industry to all facets of higher yields! In this episode, we speak with our CEO Cory Waggoner, our CRO Anthony Adkins, and our COO Tom Waggoner about what "higher yields" really means and what you can leverage from us to maximize your yields, revenue, and growth. 

There have been a number of recent changes in states around the country that are dramatically impacting indoor agriculture, including California Title 24. While these measures aren't specific to cannabis, they're impacting cultivations in a severe way by imposing new requirements for energy efficiency and indoor air management. On this episode, we talk with Ryan Doyle of Agxano, Dan Collins of Camaraderie, and our very own Cory Waggoner, CEO of Higher Yields Consulting. With these experts in controlled environment horticulture, we cover how to future-proof your business by building a sustainable cultivation operation while meeting new legislative requirements.

Recently, several states around the country have made legislative changes requiring businesses to lower their energy demands by improving the efficiency of their operations – including cannabis cultivations, which require a great deal of energy. Whether you need to meet the latest requirements implemented in California, Illinois, or Massachusetts, or you want to cut back on your energy demands in order to lower your overhead operating costs, it's absolutely critical that you optimize your lighting efficiency to maximize your yields and your profits. In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Vilgiate and Ryan Doyle of Agxano, as well as our own Cultivation Expert, Clay Kramm of Higher Yields Consulting to discuss everything you need to know about maximizing your lighting efficiency. 

Every cannabis business – whether it's a cultivation, extraction facility, manufacturing operation, or retail dispensary – depends on a healthy and plentiful grow. In this episode, we dive into the latest technology that is advancing cannabis cultivation and allowing growers to achieve higher yields than ever before. With the lighting experts at Fohse, we will introduce you to the Pisces, Cobra, and HPS replacement options that can most dramatically affect your outputs. We also talk with Brian Hesterman of InSpire about how these lights directly affect the plants we depend on to give us the highest yields. We also discuss what cannabusinesses need to do to not only sustain their operations, but to evolve and scale their businesses. 

From startup cannabusinesses to multi-state operators, finances and investing in the business's growth are universal concerns. However, many cannabis operators aren't aware of or don't understand the financial opportunities that can help them level-up their operation without such a heavy monetary lift. On this episode, we'll talk to tax experts, solar experts, and energy efficiency experts about federal tax credits, tax exemptions, capital asset off-sets, and outside-the-box possibilities that can help your operation do more with less.

We all know the cannabis industry is changing at a rapid pace. But so are the industries surrounding cannabis that have a direct impact on costs, compliance, and quality control. Most people who jump into the cannabis industry are shortsighted and focus too much on immediate rewards and profits – including MSOs. But if you want to succeed long-term, then you need to future-proof your business. That starts with controlling your overhead costs, of which one of the biggest is rising energy costs. In this episode, we interview Anders Peterson of PIPP Racking Systems, Justin Miller of High Life Solar, and Sam Milton of Climate Resources Group to answer your questions on how you can future-proof your business and proactively protect your grow against rising energy costs. 

Improving the analysis of testing can dramatically increase consumers' experiences, as well as operators' return on investment. But most cannabis business owners are intimidated by the data and don't know how to use it to drive smart, leading edge business growth. In this episode, we talk to Len May of Endocanna Health and Matt Kurtzman of Canold about how data can support business development, as well as improve the customer experience in drastic, never-before-seen ways.

The cannabis industry is booming with opportunity – and as small businesses gain their footing, grow, and scale, company leaders are able to step out of the day-to-day operations and into true executive roles. But what does it really take to be an executive in the cannabis industry? How does one get started? And what should existing businesses look for when choosing to bring a new voice of leadership into the fold? In this episode, we speak with Alexandra Ruby, the Founder and CEO of Happy Gnome HR, about what professionals need to know about the cannabis industry, how to be successful, and how to find your right-fit place as a cannabis executive.

In this episode of the Higher Enlightenment Podcast, we're talking with facility design, engineering, and construction experts about how to build the best grow houses and manufacturing and extraction facilities that produce higher yields. Taking a cannabis grow house from concept to certificate of occupancy is no small feat; it takes a team of experts working through the theory and transforming great ideas into a physical structure in practice. Listen in and learn the key elements of building efficient and successful grow houses and other facilities for cannabis product production. 

In this episode, we talk with Will Bowden (Grasshopper Farms) and Justine Calvino (Emerald Road) about the challenges of outdoor growing of cannabis. In addition to the environmental challenges these expert growers have to overcome, they're also both working to alter the misconceptions about outside grow operations by producing a high-quality "craft" product.

With so many cannabis and CBD brands emerging on the market today – and so many consumers reporting mediocre first experiences – quality testing is more important than ever. Not only can quality testing help build trust in your brand's quality and trustworthiness, but there are many other ways accurate and reliable testing can add value to your brand. Join us in this episode as we discuss cannabis testing, research, and R&D with the experts at RM3 Labs and Nano Labs. 

Multistate operators often confuse operating the business with developing the business. The two are not the same. In other words, it's the difference between working on the business and working in the business. In this episode, we'll talk about when a company can recognize the need to separate its business operations from its business development and how this strategic move can have a dramatic impact on everything from cost savings to time savings to revenue growth, brand recognition, demand generation, and more.

Branding and marketing in the cannabis industry is a slippery slope. Make one false move and you may have to reorder an entire line of product packaging, pull your advertising, and watch thousands of go down the drain. We're equipping you to avoid all of those costly pitfalls by telling you what the industry doesn't: what not to do in marketing and branding!

Cannabis companies with big aspirations inevitably grow to the point that they need business development consultants to come in and see the finer details of optimization, growth, and scaling. During this episode, we cover everything from hiring to scaling, efficiency, logistics, product diversification, ERP, BPO, ROI, and more – all from the perspective of helping you hire the right people who can move the needle forward in your established cannabusiness. 

In the final episode of this three-part series, we're looking at the pressures of the psychedelic market. Like hemp, psychedelics got caught up in the smear campaign waged against cannabis in the ‘60s and ‘70s. But now people around the world are realizing that psychedelics are not only far less harmful than they were once made to believe, but also they can be used for some incredible benefits, including spiritual experiences, healing from trauma, and overcoming grief. In this episode, we explore the emergence of psychedelics and whether they're worth exploring as a revenue stream right now.

In the second episode of this three-part series, we're looking at the pressures of the hemp market. Historically, hemp went through a terrible chapter where it was falsely equated with cannabis and all the allegedly-harmful effects of cannabis. Fearful parents and community leaders did everything they could to keep cannabis – and, by extension, hemp – out of their communities. Now, hemp is starting to win back its reputation, little by little. The industry is making major strides by proving just how diverse and valuable hemp is, including by leveraging the powers of the plant to create sustainable versions of everyday goods like batteries, plastics, paper, clothing, and construction materials. In this episode, we explore how hemp is making a come back and the potential for cannabis businesses to leverage the re-emergence of hemp to build new revenue streams.

In the first episode of this three-part series, we're looking at the pressures of the THC market. Companies like Budweiser are expanding into the infused drink market with their Beyond Beer product line. While THC has historically been associated with smoking, vaping, and edibles, we're now seeing major labels expand the marketing into beverages. In this episode, we explore how this expansion will impact the cannabis market and what, if anything, smaller cannabis businesses can and need to do in order to remain competitive and relevant.

Many emerging cannabis businesses treat their branding like an afterthought. Worse, still, they act as though cannabis branding is easy. Because of the industry's natural association with the plant itself, they assume their brand should include green, a pot leaf, and/or a green cross. Yet, by just slapping the obvious associated symbols together and calling it a brand, you're missing out on a major opportunity. In this episode, we talk about why branding is so important to the success of your business and how you can position your business for success and generate demand purely based on the strength of your brand. 

The southern states have been hold-outs in the emerging cannabis economy. However, they're starting to dip their toes in the waters of strengthening their state economies with the help of revenue and stability from cannabis businesses. In this episode, we dive into states like Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisiana to give you, our listeners, the best guidance possible in choosing which state is right for you and which opportunities will be the most lucrative in coming years.

In this episode, we're diving into the mysterious topic of the UN's so-called “secretive body” and the “cannabis initiative” it's been tasked with. The UN is a major controlling agency on the global stage. As such, this new initiative may have far-reaching implications for international cannabis deals, operations, and commerce, particularly in Latin America. Listen to HYC experts Cory Waggoner, Anthony Edward, and Emily Seelman discuss this riveting development and what cannabusinesses need to know to make the best moves for their futures.  

Here at Higher Yields Consulting, we talk a lot about what we do for our clients, what's going on in the cannabis industry, and how you can stabilize, grow, and scale your cannabusiness – but we don't talk much about ourselves and why we do what we do! Today, we're giving you a peek behind the scenes to get to know the origins of HYC and the expertise our team members bring to the table.

SummaryAt Higher Yields Consulting, we get a lot of requests from hemp growers looking to grow their businesses in the CBD market. While CBD may be a popular option because the product itself is hot with consumers right now, CBD may not be the most lucrative path for your hemp business. Have you ever considered getting into industrial hemp? Listen to our experts – Cory Waggoner and Anthony Edward – as we explore when you should consider getting into industrial hemp.

In this episode of the Higher Enlightenment Podcast, our host Adam Kolbach and our guests, Mercedes Woods, Marissa Cortez, and Emily Seelman explore the state of cannabis in the western states, covering California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. They discuss the legal status of recreational and medicinal cannabis in the westerns states including social equity programs, regulations, and the competitive nature of licensing on the West Coast.

In this episode of the Higher Enlightenment Podcast, our host Adam Kolbach and our guest, HYC's senior technical writer Emily Seelman, explore the state of cannabis in the southern states, covering Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Alabama. They discuss the current legal status of recreational and medicinal cannabis in each state, including social equity programs and expungement initiatives, as well as application dates.

On this episode of the Higher Enlightenment Podcast, our host Adam Kolbach interviews Cory Waggoner, CEO of Higher Yields, Sherri and Madison Marzario owners of Tumbleweed Dispensaries, and Brian Ruden, founder and CEO of Starbuds. They discuss the ins and outs of being multi-state operators (MSOs), from what its like going from mom and pop to multi-store operations, to what the hardest part of being an MSO is. The guests reflect on their first dispensaries, and much more.

In this episode of the Higher Enlightenment podcast, our host Adam Kolbach sits down with guests Natascha Neptune and Belicia Royster of the Social Equity Empowerment Network (SEEN), as well as Emily Seelman and Mercedes Woods of HYC. They discuss which states on the East Coast are doing legalization and social equity correctly, and which states could be doing more. They also cover market opportunities in different states as well as barriers to entry.

On this episode on the Higher Enlightenment podcast, we are discussing the “International Cannabis Supply Chain,” with our CEO and Founder Cory Waggoner, HYC Business Development Director Anthony Adkins, and Jay Fentress Head of Development at Mid-American Growers Inc. HYC (Higher Yields Consulting) has worked in over 11 countries assisting in writing federal regulation, licensing, and cannabis business development. This episode focuses on the challenges of the cannabis supply chain on an international scale, the potential of scaling, building strong industry relationships, as well as where our guests' predict the international industry is going.

In this episode of the Higher Enlightenment Podcast, our host Adam Kolbach discusses the intersection of cannabis branding and e-commerce. Our featured experts are Courtney Wu, founder and CEO of Amnesia Media, Sunni Marsden, Executive Account Manager here at HYC, and Anthony Adkins, HYC's Director of Business Development. They examine the different cannabis products currently trending in e-commerce, why they're trending, and the different consumers they're being marketed to.

In this episode of the Higher Enlightenment Podcast, our host Adam Kolbach interviews experts Mercedes Woods, Marissa Cortez, and Emily Seelman about New York's new cannabis laws. They discuss the seemingly rushed March 31, 2021 legalization and some of the issues surrounding it. These include the earmarking of some of the tax revenue to social equity programs. They also cover competitive vs noncompetitive markets, which of these categories new York will fall into, and much more!

In this episode of the Higher Enlightenment podcast, our host Adam Kolbach interviews HYC's senior technical writer Emily Seelman and in-house METRC expert and program manager Marissa Cortes about medical marijuana. They discuss how to get into the medical cannabis market and whether or not it's too late. They also cover changes in profit from medicinal dispensaries when a state also introduces adult use, as well as start up costs and much more.

In this episode of Higher Enlightenment, our host Adam Kolbach interviews two of our in-house industry experts Marissa Cortes, Director of Compliance, and Anthony Adkins. The episode covers reparative services in the cannabis industry and what they look like. Reparative services refers to the services rendered to operators who were possibly not as proactive as necessary with maintaining state compliance. They discuss the areas in which cannabusinesses typically struggle the most, the different types of reparative services, as well as how and why operators and producers should use cannabis consultants. They also touch on how Higher Yield's years of experience with reparative services can offer a helping hand with a wide scope of compliance issues.

In this episode of the Higher Enlightenment Podcast our guests Emily Seelman, Senior Technical Writer here at HYC, and Cory Waggoner, CEO of HYC discuss cannabis licensing in newly legal states. They discuss the steps for potential cannabis license applicants, the differences between working with an attorney and a consultant while appraising the licensing process, and which types of licenses are most profitable. They also cover how to streamline to application process and how to become the ideal cannabis client.

In this week's episode of the Higher Enlightenment podcast, our host, Adam Kolbach, interviews Cory Waggoner, CEO of Higher Yields Cannabis Consulting, Dionne Carroll, our Build and Design Project Manager, and Jesse Larson, one of our in-house compliance specialists. Our guests discuss the characteristics of cannabis grow/ cultivation, greenhouses, and outdoor growing. They also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of growing indoor vs outdoor, which is a better investment for home-growers vs commercial growers, and fundamental business factors of cannabis cultivation, as well as much more.

In this episode of the Higher Enlightenment podcast, our host Adam Kolbach interviews Higher Yields' Director of Business Development, Anthony Adkins. They discuss the most important considerations when evaluating a canna-business deal, the role technology plays in plant touching businesses as well as customer facing businesses, how to develop a cannabusiness, and much more.

In this episode of Higher Yields Higher Enlightenment podcast, our experts discuss the state of METRC in California. Our host Adam Kolbach interviews Kittrick Jefferies, Marissa Cortes, and Mercedes Woods, three of our in-house METRC experts, about the pitfalls of METRC implementation in California. They discuss the current issues plaguing regulation, what California could have done to avoid these issues, and what can be done to fix them. They also cover what other states like Oklahoma can do to avoid similar conflicts. Our METRC team is one of the most experienced in the cannabis industry, our metrc consultants are known for helping struggling dispensaries and cannabis businesses with their federal compliance.

In this episode of the Higher Enlightenment Podcast, our host interviews industry experts Kieryn Wang from Almost Consulting and Courtney Wu from Amnesia Media. They discuss the effect mass incarceration and the war on drugs have had on the cannabis industry.  They also cover the lack of representation of BIPOC in the cannabis industry, how the industry can make an effort to employ more consciously, and what the industry is already doing to foster inclusion.

On this episode of the Higher Enlightenment Podcast we are discussing Emerging Cannabis States and Cannabis Markets with Stephanie Till, Founder and CEO, of Green Rush Indexed Data and also leads the MIRA Project. The M.I.R.A. Project is the collection effort to build M.I.R.A., the Marijuana Industry Research Archive. We also have Peter Privo, Senior Business Consultant of BridgeWest CPAs. We talk through the effects that COVID-19 has had on the cannabis legalization and which states have decided to get cannabis on their ballots!

For this episode of the Higher Enlightenment Podcast, we are discussing the Cannabis Industry Experience as a Veteran. We are speaking with our own HYC veterans Jesse Larson, Design Build Project Manager and Matt O'Neil, Hemp Specialist, with the special guest Joshua Littrell from Veterans For Cannabis. Each with amazing stories and insight this podcast on a veteran's experience in the cannabis industry is one you soon won't forget! Thank you for your service!

The Illinois Debacle On this episode of the Higher Enlightenment Podcast, we are discussing the Illinois Licensing Debacle. The Illinois Licensing Debacle is a huge issue in regard to the application process for social equity applicants in IL that is ongoing with little coverage. We have brought our Higher Yields Consulting experts to speak on this and shed some light on the situation. Cory Waggoner- Founder & CEODionne Carroll- HYC Design and Build Team EngineerEmily Seelman- Senior Technical Writer, Licensing and Legal Mercedes Woods- Government Relations Coordinator Marissa Cortes- Compliance Director Listen in to hear what HYC is doing to help these applicants with our newest service, The Pivot Program!

Legalization Vs. Decriminalization

In this episode of our Higher Enlightenment Podcast, our host Tess Yancey brings on Kieryn Wang of ALMOSTCONSULTING, a women owned and oriented consulting firm, as well as Courtney Wu of AMNESIA media, an expert on compliance, AI, and marketing for cannabis and CBD based influencers. All three are social-equity minded women of color, speaking on issues involving BIPOC and self-identifying womxn in today's thriving cannabis industry.Issues touched on include mindful marketing and branding for companies that target BIPOC in both employment and advertising, as well as how businesses can engage in spaces where inclusivity is lacking while working to increase inclusivity and diversity.Additionally, Courtney, Kieryn, and Tess cover the best ways for businesses and brands to diversify in ways that are original and authentic, matching intention with impact, and avoiding performative practices and righteous allyship (in both social and business engagements) for non-BIPOC business owners and members.As well as ethical business practices in the realm of social equity, Kieryn and Courtney discuss cannabis businesses that are either already making strides in accountability, inclusivity and representation, but also other BIPOC owned and operated businesses. For more information, check out Cannaclusive's database, InclusiveBase, for BIPOC owned cannabis/ ancillary businesses, as well as businesses that are keeping their business and their actions accountable.

On this double-length episode we speak with Erik Range of Minorities for Medical Marijuana and HYC about social equity and diversity in the cannabis industry. The second half of this episode features a round table with other members of HYC.Guests:Erik Range - Director of Social Equity HYC and Minorities for Medical MarijuanaJohn Valdez - HYC Vice PresidentMercedes Woods - Compliance HYCKeith Gigliotti - Director of Marketing and Design HYCMinorities for Medical Marijuana:https://minorities4medicalmarijuana.org/For info please be sure to read:https://higheryieldsconsulting.com/minorities-cannabis-social-equity/

On this episode our CEO and founder, Cory Waggoner, speaks with some of our friends, partners, and clients across the globe.Our guests include:Rutger John Hayben (“RJ”) (Netherlands/European Union): RJ lives in the Netherlands and has been a leading member for the development of the “cannabis test program” that includes 10 LP licenses. He hopes that this program can create a scalable framework to be replicated across the European Union.https://www.420consultancy.nlHector Franco (Mexico): Hector has worked as a politician in Mexico and last year worked with the government to develop the regulations and standards for cannabis and hemp in Mexico. Hector has had a ton of success in Mexico and just last week opened his first store.https://twitter.com/hectorfrancol?lang=bgCarl Esprey (UK): CEO and Founder of Euro-Cann and Afri-Cann. Last year Carl began to develop a cannabis manufacturing operation spanning from Africa to Europe and is currently seeking other opportunities across the globe.https://www.euro-can.eu/team/Randall Lee(Canada): Randall is located in Canada and has helped HYC with licensing applications.Erik Range (USA - Florida): Erik is a board member and chapter leader of the Minorities for Medical Marijuana here in the USA and has been an advocate for social equity across the USA for the cannabis industry.https://minorities4medicalmarijuana.org/For more information on Higher Yields cannabis Consulting please visit:https://higheryieldsconsulting.com

Our host, Adam speaks with our guests today about the commercial cannabis real estate market and how it's been affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Our guests include:Kris Teegardin - HYC's Director of Government AffairsShannon Bustos - Real Estate Team Manager & Executive Account ManagerJohn Valdez - HYC Vice President and Director of Real EstateMark Fisher - HYC Real Estate PartnerFor more information on Higher Yields cannabis Consulting please visit:https://higheryieldsconsulting.com

Our host, Adam speaks with our guests today about cannabis and how it can boost local economies. Topics discussed include, job creation, tax revenue, community engagement, cannabis empowering other small businesses, and much more.Our guests include:Kris Teegardin - HYC's Director of Government AffairsJim Marty - Founder and CEO of Bridge West CPAsMark Fisher - A Partner of the HYC Cannabis Real Estate NetworkJohn Valdez - HYC Vice President and Director of Real EstateFor more information on Bridge West CPAs and their team of cannabis experts please visit:bridgewestcpas.com/For more information on Higher Yields cannabis Consulting please visit:higheryieldsconsulting.com

Our host Adam, speaks with the Higher Yields Cannabis Team about adjusting to the COVID-19 outbreak in personal life and their working lives. Guests include:Cory Waggoner - Founder and CEOJohn Valdez - Vice President & Real Estate DirectorMarissa Cortes - Compliance DirectorJay Fentress - Director of Business DevelopmentKris Teegardin - Director of Government RelationsAdam P. Kolbach - Podcast Host & Creative Design TeamKeith Gigliotti - Marketing & Creative Design TeamsTo learn more about the COVID-19 pandemic and protecting yourself and others from the virus itself please visit:https://www.cdc.gov/To learn more about Higher Yields Cannabis be sure to visit:https://higheryieldsconsulting.com/To learn more about how COVID-19 may affect the cannabis industry be sure to check out the following:https://higheryieldsconsulting.com/covid-19-businesses-impact-cannabis-industry/To signup for the podcast newsletter or to become a guest or sponsor please contact us at (844) HI-YIELD or visit the following link:https://higheryieldsconsulting.com/the-higher-enlightenment-cannabis-podcast/

Our host, Adam Kolbach, had a chance to sit down with Derek Porter recently to discuss the basics of Cannabis Business Security for beginners. Derek is a partner with Cannabis Security Experts and also the owner of Dynamic Warriors.