Podcast appearances and mentions of karson humiston

Navigating the Missouri Cannabis Market with John PenningtonAfter a brief hiatus, Karson Humiston returns with an engaging conversation with John Pennington, the co-founder and CEO of Proper Cannabis in Missouri.  John shared his early entrepreneurial spirit, from shoveling driveways as a kid to running a business in high school and college. His transition into the cannabis industry was influenced by his work in real estate and his involvement in building Missouri's largest non-profit methadone treatment center. This experience opened his eyes to the potential of cannabis as a regulated industry.They discuss the importance of having a clear vision and mission, and how John successfully scaled Proper Cannabis from a preliminary idea to a leading company with over 450 employees. He emphasized the significance of writing down goals, empowering teams, and fostering a strong company culture. Proper Cannabis is known for its low turnover rate, which John attributes to the intentional culture they've built, where every team member feels valued and connected.John also highlighted the rapid growth of the Missouri cannabis market, which has expanded significantly since the legalization of adult-use cannabis. Proper Cannabis has become a market leader in various product categories, including pre-rolls, concentrates, and edibles.One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation was John's commitment to social justice. He teaches a class called "Business, Purpose, and the Bible" in the St. Louis County jail system, helping inmates find hope and purpose. This aligns with his broader mission to advocate for policy changes in Washington, D.C., and support re-entry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals.Looking ahead, John envisions Proper Cannabis expanding beyond Missouri and becoming a multi-state operator while maintaining its strong ethos and commitment to quality. His dedication to both business success and social impact makes him a standout entrepreneur in the cannabis industry.https://www.propercannabis.com/ Produce By PodConxWatch Video - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNZI8qZy0lKxLO4OTk6P-twKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Recorded on SquadcastSound Design by Jamie Humiston

"Navigating Highs and Lows with Aaron Miles: Verano's Investment Strategy Unveiled"In the latest episode of the "Proud to Work in Cannabis" podcast, listeners were treated to an engaging and insightful conversation with Aaron Miles, the Chief Investment Officer at Verano.Aaron talks to Karson Humiston about his unexpected journey into the cannabis industry, which began with a serendipitous text message while celebrating his 40th birthday in Italy. Despite initial skepticism, Aaron's curiosity about the industry's potential led him to pivot from a traditional corporate path at Pier One Imports to the dynamic world of cannabis at Cresco Labs, and eventually to his current role at Verano.Throughout the episode, Aaron provided a candid look into the complexities of taking a cannabis company public, the nuances of navigating the industry's unique challenges, and the strategic moves Verano has made to position itself for future opportunities, including uplisting to the CSE. He emphasized the importance of being prepared for the U.S. capital markets and the potential impact of federal legislative changes on the industry.Aaron also shared his personal connection to the medicinal benefits of cannabis, reflecting on a family member's struggle with addiction and how it shaped his perspective on the plant's potential as a safer alternative to opiates.The episode concluded with a discussion on the current scale of Verano, its operations across multiple states, and Aaron's optimistic outlook on the future of cannabis legislation. His passion for the industry was evident as he spoke about the broader implications of cannabis legalization, including job creation, community investment, and the potential for groundbreaking medical research.    https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-miles/     https://www.verano.com/ TIMESTAMPS00:00:00 - Podcast Introduction00:00:11 - Attempting to Connect with Aaron Miles00:00:28 - Aaron's Health and Company Challenges00:00:44 - Post-MJBiz Plague and COVID00:01:15 - Aaron's History with MJBiz00:01:26 - Comparing MJBiz Attendance00:01:36 - Aaron's Role as Chief Investment Officer00:01:54 - Unexpected Entry into Cannabis00:02:16 - Transition from Newspaper to Cannabis00:02:38 - A Text Message That Changed Everything00:03:09 - Analyzing the Cannabis Industry's Potential00:03:30 - Joining Cresco Labs00:04:01 - Learning the Cannabis Ropes00:04:12 - Moving to Verano00:04:34 - Verano's Stage When Aaron Joined00:04:48 - Verano's Late Public Market Entry00:05:30 - Preparing Verano for Public Listing00:06:34 - Aaron's Multifaceted Role at Verano00:06:59 - Readying for U.S. Capital Markets00:07:54 - Involvement in M&A and Capital Markets00:08:47 - Verano's Scale and Operations00:09:40 - The Role of a Chief Investment Officer00:09:50 - Verano's Current Business Scale00:12:04 - The Opportunity Post-Rescheduling00:12:29 - Anticipating DEA's Confirmation00:13:17 - Political Landscape and Cannabis00:13:50 - The Impact of Cannabis Legalization00:14:15 - The Frustration with Political Obstacles00:14:25 - The Potential of Rescheduling00:15:06 - Advocating for Cannabis in D.C.00:15:38 - The Misconceptions and Education Gap00:16:30 - The Absurdity of Political Opposition00:16:59 - The Future of Cannabis Legislation00:17:49 - Personal Stories and Political Influence00:18:11 - The Economic Impact of Cannabis00:19:08 - The Ripple Effect of Dispensary Spending00:20:02 - Conversations with Cory Booker00:20:37 - The Generational Divide in Cannabis Perception00:21:19 - Aaron's Personal Connection to Cannabis00:22:00 - Changing Family Perceptions on Cannabis00:22:47 - The Challenges of Cannabis Advertising00:23:28 - Business Strategy Post-Rescheduling00:24:10 - Verano's Financial Management00:24:53 - Preparing for Market Changes00:25:24 - Potential Growth in Key States00:26:06 - Verano's Expansion Plans00:26:38 - Uplisting and Capital Market Readiness00:27:15 - The Impact of Rescheduling on Operations00:27:59 - The Future of Cannabis Banking and Advertising00:28:48 - The Need for Cannabis Education00:29:28 - Aaron's Motivation in the Cannabis Industry00:29:54 - The Broader Impact of Cannabis Legalization00:30:25 - The Excitement of Working in Cannabis00:30:58 - The Dynamic Nature of the Cannabis Industry00:31:35 - The Opportunity to Influence the Industry00:32:09 - How to Follow Aaron and Verano Produce By PodConxWatch Video - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNZI8qZy0lKxLO4OTk6P-twKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Recorded on SquadcastSound Design by Jamie Humiston

"Navigating the Wild West of California Cannabis: A Founder's Journey"Live from MJBizCon 2023 in Las Vegas, Karson Humiston is joined by Dave Holmes, founder and CEO of Clade9. The conversation kicks off with a candid discussion about Dave's early exposure to cannabis, starting from a young age due to his older brother's involvement in selling weed. Dave shares how his upbringing around drugs shaped his perspective on the industry.As the discussion progresses, Dave delves into his journey in the cannabis business, from his initial experiences with cultivation to navigating the evolving legal landscape in California. He reflects on the challenges of transitioning from a low-profile operation to establishing Clade9 as a legitimate business in the industry.The conversation shifts to the current state of the cannabis market in California, with Dave highlighting the issues of high taxes, fierce competition from the illicit market, and the struggles faced by regulated operators. He emphasizes the need for tax reforms to level the playing field and make the market more competitive.Looking ahead, Dave shares his plans for expanding Clade9 to new markets, including New Jersey, and discusses the potential for interstate commerce in the cannabis industry. He touches on the importance of hiring passionate and dedicated individuals for his team, emphasizing the value of both cannabis-specific experience and traditional agricultural backgroundsThroughout the episode, Karson and Dave engage in a candid and insightful conversation, offering a glimpse into the realities of operating in the cannabis industry and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Their authentic and relatable dialogue creates a welcoming atmosphere for listeners, inviting them to connect with the personal experiences and perspectives shared on the podcast.https://clade9.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-holmes-95695810b/ TIMESTAMP:00:00:16 - Introduction at MJ BizCon 202300:01:31 - Early Experiences with Cannabis00:02:18 - Childhood Exposure to Cannabis00:03:32 - First Experience with Selling Cannabis00:04:13 - Transition to Academic Focus00:04:24 - Introduction to Indoor Growing00:06:25 - Evolution of Growing Operations00:08:19 - Formation of Clade900:09:18 - Early Days of Establishing the Business00:10:32 - Current Operations in South LA00:11:49 - Challenges in the California Market00:12:18 - Expansion Plans to New Jersey00:12:57 - Phased Expansion Approach00:13:14 - California Market Challenges00:13:33 - Issues with Taxes and Illicit Market00:14:16 - Consumer Behavior and Market Dynamics00:15:02 - Importance of Payment Convenience00:15:51 - Addressing Illicit Market Competition00:16:02 - Solutions for Market Competitiveness00:17:11 - Impact of Brand Saturation in California00:18:39 - Potential for Interstate Cannabis Shipping00:19:31 - Anticipated Industry Changes with Banking00:20:33 - Challenges in Hiring for Cannabis Operations00:22:35 - Hiring Criteria for Cultivation Managers00:24:37 - Utilization of Technology in Cultivation00:25:56 - Evolution of Tools and Technologies in Cannabis Industry00:26:28 - Hopes for Future Industry Developments Produce By PodConxWatch Video - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNZI8qZy0lKxLO4OTk6P-twKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Recorded on SquadcastSound Design by Jamie Humiston

Petalfast and the Evolution of Cannabis Distribution: A Conversation with Jason VegotskyIn this episode, CEO of Vangst, Karson Humiston, had the pleasure of sitting down with Jason Vegotsky, the visionary founder of Petalfast, a company that's revolutionizing the cannabis distribution landscape. Jason's journey is a fascinating one, and he shared insights into the challenges and triumphs of navigating the complex world of cannabis distribution, drawing parallels with the alcohol industry, and his own personal growth as an entrepreneur.Jason began by giving an overview of Petalfast, a distributor that outsources logistics and warehousing in certain states. He explained the core functions of a distributor in getting products into stores, handling customer relations, and ensuring brands are presented effectively to retailers. Petalfast operates with a selling organization and a field team that represents a portfolio of brands in California, Arizona, Massachusetts, and is looking to expand further as legalization progresses.The conversation delved into the three-tier system in alcohol, which separates producers, distributors, and retailers to prevent monopolistic environments and to facilitate tax collection. Jason highlighted the differences in cannabis, where vertical integration is common, but he believes that the breakdown of verticals is necessary for scaling and success.Jason shared his background, starting with a brief stint at Goldman Sachs, which he quickly realized wasn't for him. He then moved into alcohol beverage distribution, leveraging his father's experience in the industry. However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to partner with a beef jerky brand, where he learned valuable lessons in brand building and go-to-market strategies.An unexpected encounter at a Wegmans store led Jason to pivot from beef jerky to butane gas, a key component in cannabis oil production. Despite his initial reservations, he saw an opportunity in the cannabis industry and took a calculated risk that paid off when a hurricane in Texas disrupted butane supply, allowing his company to capture significant market share.Jason's success with butane gas led to a merger with KushCo, where he took on the role of president. At KushCo, he gained invaluable experience but realized the need for a better go-to-market strategy for cannabis distributors. This realization led to the creation of Petalfast, which he envisioned as a distributor that could sell to the alcohol industry without taking on inventory and accounts receivable risks.When building his team, Jason focused on hiring individuals with a mix of alcohol beverage experience and cannabis industry knowledge. He values the lessons learned from failure and seeks out those who have experienced setbacks to help guide Petalfast away from similar pitfalls.Looking ahead, Jason discussed the challenges facing the cannabis industry, including the need for consolidation and better regulatory frameworks. He emphasized the importance of being financially prudent, especially in the current climate where investment is scarce. Petalfast plans to pursue strategic M&A opportunities and continue to build its team with top talent.https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-vegotsky-138549102/https://petalfast.com/ Timestamps00:00:42 - Introduction to Petalfast00:00:55 - What Petalfast Does00:02:01 - Alcohol Three-Tier System vs. Cannabis Distribution00:02:28 - Vertical Integration in Cannabis00:04:59 - Jason's Background and Career Shift00:05:25 - Transition to Alcohol Beverage Distribution00:06:09 - Motivation and Entrepreneurial Drive00:06:20 - Chance Meeting and Beef Jerky Business00:07:23 - Learning from Business Failures00:07:58 - Combining Food and Alcohol Go-to-Market Strategies00:08:19 - Post-Beef Jerky Ventures and Cannabis Industry Entry00:09:06 - Introduction to the Cannabis Industry via Butane Gas00:10:10 - Summit Innovations and Hurricane Strategy00:12:01 - Merging with KushCo and Leadership Challenges00:13:07 - Jason's Preference for Startup Phases00:13:35 - Identifying a Gap in Cannabis Distribution00:14:08 - Petalfast's Business Model and Hiring Strategy00:15:36 - Fundraising and Belief in the Business00:16:01 - Storytelling and Investor Relationships00:17:39 - Hiring Philosophy and Team Building00:18:14 - Preparing for Alcohol Industry Entry into Cannabis00:20:32 - Financial Prudence and Future Plans00:21:52 - M&A Strategy and Self-Distributing Organizations00:22:56 - Expanding Sales Forces in California00:24:29 - Retail Relationships and Brand Support00:25:17 - Technology and Order Management00:26:05 - Industry Challenges and Future Outlook00:27:27 - Credit Rating Tools and Collections Strategy00:28:39 - Financial Management and Growth Plans00:29:02 - Closing Remarks and Future ExpectationsQuotes"I think it is the single biggest problem in the cannabis space and why most people fail." - 00:02:39-00:02:49"I'm not in alcohol beverage distribution. I'm in the tax collection business." - 00:03:32-00:03:43"I quickly realized that wasn't for me. And I pivoted and got into alcohol beverage distribution in New Jersey." - 00:05:15-00:05:25"I'm sure you have a similar experience of like, OK, I get up and I work every day, but am I motivated the way that I was motivated?" - 00:06:09-00:06:20"I met him at Wegmans and got in the next day. And geez, I've failed so incredibly miserably." - 00:07:12-00:07:23"I don't know if I or anybody else has enough money to be able to do each one of those verticals well." - 00:02:49-00:03:00"I'm going to Colorado for a week to figure this thing out. Can you come with me? Because I don't know any of the lingo." - 00:09:49-00:09:59"Hurricane hits Houston. There is no butane coming out of Houston for about three months. I had all of it." - 00:11:44-00:11:55"I like to go from zero to 10. I'm not 10 to 100, somebody else can do that." - 00:13:07-00:13:18"I specifically look for people that are coming off of failure." - 00:19:21-00:19:32 Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Recorded on SquadcastSound Design by Jamie Humiston

Navigating the Highs and Lows of Cannabis Business with Frank Perullo Broadcasting live from MJ BizCon in Las Vegas, Karson Humiston had the pleasure of sitting down with Frank Perullo, the co-founder of Ascend Wellness, a name that's become synonymous with success in the cannabis industry.They dove into a rich conversation about the evolution of the cannabis industry, Ascend's growth, and the challenges and triumphs of being a cannabis entrepreneur. Frank's journey began in 2012 when Massachusetts passed its medical cannabis law. As a political consultant and lobbyist, he saw an opportunity where others hesitated, leading to the creation of a cannabis practice that leveraged his expertise in land use and advocacy.The pivotal moment for Ascend came in 2018, as adult-use cannabis was on the horizon in Massachusetts. Frank teamed up with his business partner, Abner Curtin, to leverage their combined skills in investing and consulting within the cannabis space. They faced the daunting task of securing their first retail license in downtown Boston without any direct cannabis experience. Through strategic hiring and a relentless work ethic, they not only secured the license but also expanded into Illinois and Michigan, setting the stage for Ascend's presence in seven states.Frank shared insights on building a team that embodies intellectual curiosity, a high motor, and a customer-centric approach. He emphasized the importance of perseverance and the ability to navigate the industry's unique challenges and barriers.As Ascend grew, Frank transitioned into a director role, focusing on expanding into new markets and working with government partners to advance the industry. He stressed the significance of founders stepping back at the right time to allow their companies to flourish under new leadership.Reflecting on the state of the industry, Frank predicted that 2024 could be a monumental year, especially if the government removes the burdensome 280E tax code. He highlighted the importance of focusing on quality and customer service as key differentiators for successful companies.Frank also shared his perspective on state programs, praising New Jersey's rollout and critiquing New York's over-regulation. He advised politicians to create a regulatory framework that encourages a thriving, legal market.Looking ahead, Frank is excited about the job creation potential within Ascend and the broader industry. He expressed pride in working in cannabis, citing the plant's power to improve lives and the industry's unique community.In closing, Frank's passion for cannabis and his commitment to the industry's growth were palpable. His story is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the cannabis industry forward, and it's clear that Ascend Wellness is poised to continue making waves in the years to come.  https://www.awholdings.com/ TIMESTAMP:00:00:17 - Introduction to the Podcast00:00:27 - Frank Perullo and Ascend Wellness00:01:13 - Evolution of MJ BizCon00:01:23 - Changes in the Cannabis Industry00:01:34 - Frank's Background Before Cannabis00:01:48 - Frank's Entry into the Cannabis Industry00:02:50 - Formation of Ascend and Licensing00:03:53 - Pursuing the First Retail License00:04:52 - Recruitment and Licensing Challenges00:05:04 - Expansion of Ascend Wellness00:05:49 - Building a Hardworking Team00:06:24 - Traits of Successful Cannabis Industry Workers00:07:22 - Transitioning to a Director Role00:07:54 - Hiring a New CEO00:08:05 - Frank's Current Role at Ascend00:09:01 - Advice for Founders00:09:12 - Frank's Day-to-Day Activities00:10:21 - State of the Cannabis Industry in 202400:10:57 - Impact of 280E Tax Code on the Industry00:11:53 - Advice for Politicians on Cannabis Program Rollouts00:12:55 - Successful State Cannabis Programs00:13:58 - The Importance of Strategy in Business00:14:23 - The Future of Ascend Wellness00:15:30 - Creating Jobs in the Cannabis Industry00:16:33 - Lessons from Operating in Michigan00:20:34 - Frank's Excitement for Ascend's Future00:21:08 - Why Frank is Proud to Work in Cannabis QUOTES:"I think that cannabis founders, myself included, have a couple of loose screws, because who would sign up for this? It's a little crazy." - 00:01:34-00:01:44"And I thought the opportunity was right to sort of step into a place where those white shoe lobbyists, the more formal folks who wear the suit and ties every day, would not wait." - 00:02:10-00:02:20"And I remember calling you and saying, we need someone with real great retail and cannabis retail experience." - 00:04:04-00:04:15"It was hard to find talent. It was hard to get construction going. Everything was a challenge." - 00:05:14-00:05:24"You seem to have been an underdog who ultimately outperformed a ton of people, how did you scale that talent that you have to other people?" - 00:05:49-00:06:09"Are you intellectually curious? Do you have a high motor? Can you withstand lots of pivots and changes and not drive yourself crazy?" - 00:06:34-00:06:55"You have to stay level and you have to take the good with the bad and you have to realize that you got to get up the next day whether it was a great day or a terrible day and do it all over again." - 00:11:18-00:11:29"We walked away from the deal with MedMen in New York. You heard it here first." - 00:15:30-00:15:41"Strategy is what you don't do. So how you allocate capital and what you focus on really matters." - 00:16:33-00:16:44"I am most excited about the jobs we're going to create over the next coming years." - 00:21:08-00:21:19 Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Recorded on SquadcastSound Design by Jamie Humiston

Building a Cannabis Giant: Jason's Leap from Pharma to PotIn this episode of the Proud to Work in Cannabis podcast, host and fellow entrepreneur, Karson Humiston, sits down with Jason Wild, the chairman of TerrAscend one of the large publicly traded company in the cannabis industry. The episode is recorded live from MJBizCon in Las Vegas, Nevada.The conversation begins with Karson expressing admiration for entrepreneurs and their inspiring stories. She asks Jason to take the listeners back to the beginning of his career and share how he got started. Jason reveals that he had always been entrepreneurial, even in his teenage years, and had bounced ideas off his father, who was also an entrepreneur. He shares a story from his senior year of high school when he started a food delivery service for restaurants that didn't offer delivery. This experience, although challenging, set him up for the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the cannabis industry.Jason then discusses his path to becoming a pharmacist and how he discovered his talent for stock picking. He explains that he started investing in the stock market with $10,000 and quickly realized that he had a knack for it. In his first year as a pharmacist, he made over $400,000 in the stock market, which sparked his interest in pursuing a career in investing.After several successful years as a pharmacist and investor, Jason decided to start his own hedge fund. He shares the challenges and successes he experienced during this time, including a significant market crash in 2008 that led to a decrease in assets under management. However, he persevered and eventually built his fund back up.The conversation then shifts to Jason's entry into the cannabis industry. He explains that he was introduced to the industry through a banker in Canada who informed him about the legalization of medical cannabis. Intrigued by the potential growth of the industry, Jason made several trips to Canada to explore investment opportunities. He eventually invested in four cannabis companies which turned out to be highly successful investments.Inspired by his experiences in the cannabis industry, Jason decided to start his own cannabis company, TerrAscend. He shares how he convinced the company to take a $52 million private placement and co-invested with Canopy Growth. The stock price of TerrAscend skyrocketed, causing Jason to feel the pressure to deliver on the market's high expectations.To ensure the company's success, Jason made the strategic decision to pivot to the U.S. market, becoming one of the first Canadian LPs to do so. He explains that although they couldn't list on a U.S. exchange, he believed in the long-term potential of the U.S. cannabis market.The episode concludes with a teaser for part two, where Jason will discuss TerrAscend's entry into the U.S. market and his strategy moving forward.Overall, this episode provides listeners with an inside look into Jason Wild's entrepreneurial journey, his success in the stock market, and his transition into the cannabis industry. It highlights the importance of patience, perseverance, and seizing opportunities in the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship.    https://terrascend.com/management-board/jason-wild/ Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Recorded on SquadcastSound Design by Jamie Humiston

The National Cannabis Roundtable Discusses Historic Recommendation to Reschedule CannabisThe team from the National Cannabis Roundtable (NCR) joins the Karson Humiston to discuss the recent historic recommendation to reschedule cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. The episode begins with an overview of the background and context of the recommendation, including the previous speculation about the HHS recommendation and the release of hundreds of pages of documents confirming the recommendation.The NCR team, consisting of Saphira Galoob, Erin Moffet, and David Mangone, provides insights into the significance of the recommendation and its potential impact on the cannabis industry. They explain that the recommendation is a major milestone as it marks the first time a government entity has officially confirmed the need to move cannabis to Schedule 3. They emphasize that this recommendation aligns with the existing state programs and the growing acceptance of cannabis as a medical treatment.The discussion delves into the process of rescheduling cannabis, highlighting the eight-factor analysis conducted by the Health and Human Services (HHS) and the role of the DEA in implementing the recommendation. The team addresses concerns about potential negative reactions from the DEA and the impact on DEA funding. They explain that while there may be some opposition, the robust scientific analysis and the support from other federal agencies, such as the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), provide a strong foundation for the recommendation.The team also addresses questions about the timing of the DEA's response and the potential enforcement of the illicit market. They explain that the timing is uncertain, but the process is progressing steadily, and the DEA's response is expected to align with the HHS recommendation. Regarding enforcement, they clarify that the DEA's focus is primarily on illicit grows and that the rescheduling would not change the current restrictions on state-legal cannabis businesses.The episode concludes with a discussion about the future of the cannabis industry and the investment landscape. The team encourages investors to consider the long-term potential of the industry and the progress being made in terms of federal reform. They acknowledge the challenges and uncertainties but emphasize the historic nature of the current developments and the opportunities for growth and success in the industry.Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the recent recommendation to reschedule cannabis and offers insights into the potential implications for the cannabis industry. The NCR team's expertise and knowledge contribute to a nuanced and informative discussion that will be valuable for industry professionals, investors, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of cannabis policy.https://nationalcannabisroundtable.org/00:00:14 - Introduction to the Podcast00:00:25 - National Cannabis Roundtable Guests00:00:57 - HHS Recommendation on Cannabis Scheduling00:02:03 - Why Not Deschedule Cannabis?00:03:41 - Release of Documents Under FOIA00:05:07 - No Confirmation on DEA's Stance Yet00:05:58 - Historical Precedent for DEA Recommendations00:08:36 - Attorney General's Position on Cannabis Enforcement00:12:06 - HHS's Analysis and Schedule III Criteria00:13:04 - Significance of HHS's Acknowledgment of Medical Use00:16:16 - Audience Questions: DEA's Timeline and Public Comment Period00:22:16 - DEA Funding and Enforcement Post-Scheduling Change00:26:55 - Public Discourse Impact on DEA Reaction00:31:10 - Investment Considerations in the Cannabis Industry00:37:11 - DEA's Potential Reaction to Public Discourse and Illicit Market Enforcement00:40:09 - DEA Funding Concerns and Illicit Market Enforcement Post-Scheduling Change00:42:51 - DEA's Reaction to Public Discourse on Cannabis Scheduling00:48:12 - Investment Strategy in the Current Cannabis Industry Climate00:52:54 - How to Get in Touch with NCR and Closing RemarksQuotes:"Hey everybody and welcome back to another episode of the Proud to Work in Cannabis podcast." - 00:00:14-00:00:24"This is exciting because a lot of the work that we've been doing is starting to really start to pay off." - 00:00:35-00:00:46"So on Friday, the U.S. government released hundreds of pages of documents related to its ongoing review of cannabis status under federal law." - 00:01:07-00:01:18"This is really a big deal because this is the first time that a government entity has come out and confirmed that we want to move cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3." - 00:01:29-00:01:39"The fact that we did get confirmation from Health and Human Services that a Schedule III was a recommendation is not only historic and outstanding, but it really was what the criteria would have allowed us to get to." - 00:03:10-00:03:20"The release of the documentation was actually the result of a request under something called the Freedom of Information Act or FOIA." - 00:03:41-00:03:52"The largest health agency in the U.S., globally recognized, has determined a medical significance, its currently accepted medical use of cannabis, and gone through its analysis in our favor." - 00:05:17-00:05:28"I can't imagine a scenario where this would be different. Of course, there is a possibility, and in fact, this document even makes note of this on the first page." - 00:07:57-00:08:07"It is pretty illogical to think that his position would change now that there is this acknowledgment by another federal agency." - 00:09:24-00:09:34"This is unprecedented, where you have such an established regulated industry for something that is scheduled in this way, that then is trying to move, move down." - 00:13:15-00:13:25 Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Recorded on SquadcastSound Design by Jamie Humiston

From Assistant Store Manager to CEO: The Journey of Matt Darin in the Cannabis IndustryIn this episode of the "Proud to Work in Cannabis" podcast, Karson Humiston had the pleasure of interviewing Matt Darin, the CEO of Curaleaf, the largest public cannabis company in the United States. They recorded this episode live at MJBizCon, one of the biggest cannabis conferences in the industry.Matt shared his journey into the cannabis industry, starting back in 2014 when he read about Illinois passing a medical cannabis law in the newspaper. Intrigued by the potential of the industry, Matt and his partners decided to apply for licenses to open dispensaries in Illinois. Despite facing challenges and uncertainties, they successfully opened three stores in 2016 under the Greenhouse brand.From there, Matt and his team saw the opportunity to expand and become vertically integrated. They acquired a cultivation license and expanded into other states like Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Eventually, their business caught the attention of Curaleaf, and they decided to join forces. Matt stayed on as a regional president before becoming the CEO of Curaleaf in May 2022.During our conversation, Matt emphasized the importance of resilience in the cannabis industry. He shared stories of the early days when they would only see 15 patients in a 10-hour day and how they had to navigate the challenges of a pilot program and an unsupportive governor. Matt also highlighted the need for employees to have a genuine interest in the cannabis plant and the industry, as it is a unique and ever-evolving business.They discussed the scrappy and entrepreneurial spirit that has been ingrained in the cannabis industry since its early days. Matt emphasized the importance of maintaining that culture even as companies grow larger and face new challenges. He shared a recent example of how his team mobilized to reverse a potentially damaging decision by a regulatory agency in New Jersey, showcasing the power of a united and determined workforce.Looking ahead to 2024, Matt expressed optimism for the industry's future. He mentioned upcoming state-level catalysts, such as the launch of the adult-use market in New York and the potential growth of the European market, particularly in Germany. Matt also highlighted the importance of hiring top talent and encouraged listeners to explore the job opportunities available at Curaleaf.Overall, this episode provided valuable insights into the journey of building a successful cannabis business and the qualities that make employees thrive in the industry. Matt's story serves as an inspiration for those looking to enter or advance their careers in cannabis. TIMESTAMPS00:00:10 - Introduction to the podcast episode00:00:26 - Discussion about attending MJBizCon00:01:06 - Matt Darin's decision to get involved in the cannabis industry00:02:05 - The early days of starting a cannabis business00:03:56 - Opening the first dispensaries in Illinois00:06:49 - The acquisition of Grassroots by Curaleaf00:08:09 - Matt Darin joining the Curaleaf team and becoming CEO00:10:00 - Traits that make employees successful in the cannabis industry00:12:32 - Advancement opportunities and common threads among successful employees00:14:13 - The most challenging experience in the cannabis industry00:16:47 - Maintaining a scrappy and entrepreneurial culture in a growing company00:18:19 - Optimism and hopes for the cannabis industry in 202400:20:47 - Advice for Matt Darin's past self in 201300:22:20 - Conclusion and appreciation for the partnership with Vangst QUOTES"I'm doing great. How are you?" - 00:00:26"Yeah, I think this is number 10." - 00:00:31"I was thinking back to 2014 when I was here for my first MJBizCon." - 00:00:31"I had to be involved from the ground floor." - 00:01:06"We got to apply for these licenses. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." - 00:01:42"It was immediately fascinating and just the excitement about kind of being part of this new industry that was just developing was really unique." - 00:03:08"I remember working a 10-hour day in our dispensary where we might see literally 15 patients in 10 hours." - 00:05:14"The number one trait that I look at is resilience." - 00:10:26"I think it is somebody that is interested in being very knowledgeable about the cannabis plant and the industry that we're in and the consumer and that." - 00:13:35"I call it the entrepreneurial spirit and it's something that I have." - 00:17:54 Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Recorded on SquadcastSound Design by Jamie Humiston

Vangst Partners with the Cannabis Business Office to Launch a Technical Assistance ProgramIn this episode, Karson Humiston announces a breaking partnership between Vangst and the Cannabis Business Office to launch a new program. Karson is joined by Emma Howard, the program manager of the Cannabis Business Office, and Tristan Watkins, the Deputy Director for the Business Support Division.Emma provides an overview of the Cannabis Business Office, which was established in 2021 to provide access to capital and technical assistance programming for social equity cannabis businesses. The office offers grants, loans, and technical assistance programs to support business development in the cannabis industry.Karson and Tristan discuss the need for more specialized technical assistance for cannabis businesses. They highlight the gap in the market for expert-led courses on topics such as accounting, HR, compliance, cultivation, and more. The partnership between Vangst and the Cannabis Business Office aims to fill this gap by creating a program of 50 courses that provide real tactical business help and guidance.Emma explains the process for accessing the resources provided by the Cannabis Business Office. Clients need to contact the office with their social equity license or finding a suitability letter from the Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) to access the program.Tristan shares details about the loan program offered by the Cannabis Business Office. The program takes a unique approach by working with a lending group that specializes in character-based lending, focusing on the business's ability to repay rather than traditional metrics like credit and collateral. This approach reduces the risk for borrowers and allows for more flexible repayment structures.The conversation then shifts to the potential impact of rescheduling cannabis at the federal level. Emma and Tristan discuss the benefits, such as lessening the tax burden and opening up banking options, but also highlight the potential risks of larger businesses taking advantage and pushing out smaller businesses.In the final segment, Karson asks Emma and Tristan for their predictions for the cannabis industry in 2024. Emma predicts that federal legalization will be a major topic in the 2024 presidential election, bringing the industry closer to nationwide legalization. Tristan predicts an increase in high-quality, specialized products and a decrease in stigma as the market evolves.The episode concludes with Karson expressing excitement about the partnership and the opportunity to help entrepreneurs in the Colorado cannabis industry through the technical assistance program. Timestamp Chapters:00:00:00 - Introduction and Announcement of Partnership with Cannabis Business Office00:00:51 - Introduction of Guests and Overview of Cannabis Business Office00:03:21 - Discussion on the Need for Technical Assistance Programs00:06:13 - Process of Accessing Resources for Social Equity License Holders00:08:21 - Influence of Colorado's Social Equity Program on Other States00:09:29 - Overview of the Cannabis Business Office's Loan Program00:12:53 - Impact of Potential Rescheduling on the Cannabis Industry00:15:23 - Potential Benefits and Challenges of Rescheduling00:18:54 - Instructions for Accessing the Technical Assistance Program00:19:48 - Predictions for the Cannabis Industry in 202400:23:27 - Conclusion and Thanks for Partnership Quotes:"Vangst has partnered up with the cannabis business office to launch a program that we're going to talk all about today." - 00:00:00"We run three different types of programs for our clients. Those include grants, loans, and like I said, technical assistance, so business support, mentorship, training, anything that kind of falls under business development." - 00:01:11"We really needed to offer our constituency a more technical online learning content that would have the same easy to access feature as the Canada Business Foundations program." - 00:03:21"I think it really depends on the background of the individual running the business." - 00:05:31"We work really closely with our colleagues over at the Marijuana Enforcement Division, the MED, and they are actually the body that regulates the social equity license and handles all the eligibility criteria." - 00:06:44"We've had some really helpful conversations with Massachusetts and Oakland to learn from what they're doing." - 00:08:21"We found a really interesting way to structure where the state sort of reserved their own dollars for a loan program." - 00:09:29"I think it's a double-edged sword in a lot of ways." - 00:15:23"I think that cannabis is going to be a big topic of conversation in the 2024 presidential election." - 00:20:59"What I'm expecting coming out in 2024, is that the higher dollar per milligram products are going to start buying them out even more, which is only going to benefit the consumer." - 00:22:55   Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Recorded on SquadcastSound Design by Jamie Humiston

"Creating Economic Mobility in Low-Income Communities: The Urban Upbound Model"In this episode of the Proud to Work in Cannabis podcast, Karson Humiston is joined by Bishop Mitchell Taylor, the co-founder and CEO of Urban Upbound. They discuss the journey of Urban Upbound, a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking cycles of poverty in public housing neighborhoods. Bishop shares how his father's ministry inspired him to create a movement that addresses the socioeconomic issues faced by residents in public housing.Bishop explains that Urban Upbound focuses on four key areas: business development, career development, one-on-one financial counseling, and youth development. They also offer tax preparation services and have their own credit union. The organization aims to empower individuals and provide them with the tools and resources for economic mobility and self-sufficiency.The conversation then shifts to the topic of cannabis and how Urban Upbound decided to enter the industry. Bishop saw an opportunity to reduce their dependency on conventional philanthropy by opening a cannabis dispensary. He shares the challenges they faced in navigating the cannabis industry, including the unique requirements set by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) in New York.Bishop recounts the story of how they acquired a building for their dispensary on Steinway Street in Queens. Against all odds, they managed to purchase the building from a family that traditionally does not sell property. He also discusses the process of renovating the space and the importance of repurposing materials to save costs.They then delve into the hiring process for Urban Weeds and the importance of finding the right team members. Bishop expresses his gratitude for the assistance of Vangst and the team at Vangst in recruiting qualified candidates, including their new general manager, Desiree Sookoo. He emphasizes the focus on customer service and hospitality, ensuring that every customer has a personalized experience and leaves the store with something, even if they don't make a purchase.   He reminds people that there are job opportunities available, and interested individuals can visit vangst.com to apply.Overall, this episode showcases the inspiring journey of Urban Upbound and their foray into the cannabis industry with the opening of Urban Weeds. Bishop's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to making a difference in his community shine through, and listeners are encouraged to support this groundbreaking endeavor.  Timestamp Chapters:00:00:00 - Introduction and Background of Urban Upbound00:03:48 - Programs and Initiatives of Urban Upbound00:10:26 - Starting a Cannabis Business and the Decision to Open Urban Weeds00:12:06 - See a Problem, Solve a Problem Approach00:17:54 - Navigating the Cannabis Industry and Winning the License00:20:49 - Challenges and Successes in Acquiring a Building for Urban Weeds00:25:15 - Renovating and Building Out the Urban Weeds Dispensary00:30:04 - Hiring and Building the Urban Weeds Team00:34:57 - Focus on Customer Service and Hospitality at Urban Weeds00:38:19 - Details of the Soft Opening and Location of Urban Weeds00:39:55 - Job Opportunities at Urban Weeds and Future Projects QUOTES:"We wanted to create a movement and we did 20 years ago, that could break cycles of poverty in public housing neighborhoods by giving residents the tools and resources for economic mobility and self-sufficiency." - 00:01:00"We wanted to create something from the inside out and from the bottom up." - 00:01:00"Being in the business means being able to protect myself." - 00:23:33"A crisis is a terrible thing to waste." - 00:31:28"We're going to double and triple down on customer service and hospitality." - 00:38:01"We want you to have an experience. We want you to have education and we want you to have elevation." - 00:38:01"We're located right in the heart of Astoria. 3135 Steinway Street in between 31st Avenue and Broadway." - 00:39:13"Come out and be with us on January 12th." - 00:39:13"It's an incredible opportunity to join a cannabis company in New York where you will be working with, in my opinion, the best team in New York." - 00:39:55"I can't wait till you get here, Carson." - 00:39:58 Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Recorded on SquadcastSound Design by Jamie Humiston

Setting the Stage for MJBizCon 2023: Insider Tips with Jess TylerDiscover the insider insights you need for MJBizCon 2023 with Jess Tyler, Chief Revenue & Experience Officer at MJBiz, and host Karson Humiston,  CEO & Founder of Vangst's. Uncover expert tips on navigating the event, including dos, don'ts, and must-see features. Don't miss out on this dynamic episode shaping your MJBizCon experience!Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/MJBizCon - https://mjbizconference.com/Recorded on SquadcastSound Design by Jamie Humiston

How Chelsea Kossower Became PuffCo's VP of Global ExpansionDive into the extraordinary journey of PuffCo's success with Chelsea Kossower, who started as Employee #1. From humble beginnings to global expansion, Chelsea's story is a testament to dedication and innovation. Hosted by Karson Humiston, join us for an inspiring adventure in the cannabis industry.Join host Karson Humiston,  CEO & Founder of Vangst's in Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Chelsea Kossower -PuffCo -Recorded on SquadcastSound Design by Jamie Humiston

Lessons learned while working for a startup. Meet Claire Moloney, the first woman to work in cannabis tech and the first employee at LeafLink. Claire joins Karson Humiston to share her story and discuss her journey as LeafLink's first hire and all of the lessons she has learned along the way. Claire shares advice for other women looking to break into the cannabis industry and shares tips for how to be successful in a rapidly growing startup. Produced by PodConxProud To Work In Cannabis - https://podconx.com/podcasts/proud-to-work-in-cannabisKarson Humiston - https://podconx.com/guests/karson-humistonVangst - https://vangst.com/Claire Moloney - https://podconx.com/guests/claire-moloneyLeaflLnk - https://www.leaflink.com/

Unlocking $100 Million Success in Cannabis with Mood CEO David CharlesEmbark on a thrilling journey with David Charles as he reveals the incredible ascent of Mood, a Delta-8 cannabis ECommerce powerhouse set to achieve a remarkable $100 million in revenue. Join host Karson Humiston,  CEO & Founder of Vangst's in unraveling the secrets behind Mood's meteoric rise in the cannabis industry. This is a story of entrepreneurial tenacity and unrelenting commitment to quality and growth. Don't miss this extraordinary episode! Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/David Charles - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-charles-b105911a5/Mood - https://www.linkedin.com/company/hellomood/Recorded on SquadcastSound Design by Jamie Humiston

Charting a New Course: Cannabis Legislation's Future UnveiledExplore the future of cannabis legislation with Saphira Galoob, Executive Director of the National Cannabis Roundtable and host Karson Humiston,  CEO & Founder of Vangst's. From the recent strides made in SAFE Banking to the potential impact of cannabis rescheduling; discover the key insights shaping the cannabis industry's future in 2023.Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Recorded on SquadcastSound Design by Jamie Humiston

Unlocking the Cannabis Industry's Secrets with Christine HogdonDive into the intriguing world of cannabis with Christine Hogdon, COO of Highway Cannabis, as she joins host Karson Humiston  the CEO of Vangst.   Discover the hidden secrets behind the high turnover rates in the cannabis industry. Gain insights into leadership, culture, and the journey of thriving amidst challenges.Produced by PodConx  Karson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Christine Hogdon -https://www.linkedin.com/in/chodgdon/Highway Cannabis - https://highwaycannabis.com/Sound Design by Jamie Humiston

Hear from the Founder & CEO of Frontier Risk, the sole cannabis technology firm to secure VC funding in 2023. Step into the future of cannabis insurance with James Whitcomb, Founder & CEO of Frontier Risk, in this episode hosted by Karson Humiston  the CEO of Vangst.   Explore how Frontier Risk is reshaping the industry, tackling issues like limited capacity and data scarcity. James shares his journey from Wall Street to cannabis, emphasizing resilience in this dynamic field. With optimism for federal cannabis reform, James urges ongoing advocacy. Join Karson and James for invaluable insights into the evolving world of cannabis insurance.Produced by PodConx  Karson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/James Whitcomb - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshwhitcomb/Frontier Risk - https://www.frontierrisk.com/Sound Design by Jamie Humiston

A Milestone Episode with Kyle Sherman, CEO & Founder of FlowHubJoin host Karson Humiston the CEO of Vangst, as she celebrates 50 episodes, featuring special guest, Kyle Sherman, CEO & Founder of FlowHub. Journey through FlowHub's evolution, challenges, and triumphs as a pioneering cannabis tech company. Explore how Kyle's visionary leadership transformed struggles into profitable success. Embrace the transformative power of the cannabis industry's potential. Tune in now!Produced by PodConx  Karson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Kyle Sherman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylesherman/FlowHub - https://flowhub.com/ 

Unveiling Miss Grass: A Cannabis Brand Journey with Kate MillerDive into the captivating journey of Kate Miller, CEO & Founder of Miss Grass, as she unveils the secrets behind building a powerhouse cannabis brand. Discover her evolution, community empowerment, fundraising tactics, and more. Don't miss this insightful podcast episode with host Karson Humiston on the Proud to Work in Cannabis. Tune in now! Produced by PodConx  Karson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Kate Miller - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-miller-1352a418/Miss Grass - https://missgrass.com/

Inside GlassHouse's Cannabis Revolution: A Journey from Seed to AshtrayUncover the remarkable journey of Graham Farrar, President & Chief Cannabis Officer at GlassHouse, as he shares insights with host Karson Humiston. Join the cannabis industry's evolution, unity, and transformative strides. Tune in and be part of the thriving cannabis community!Produced by PodConx  Karson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Graham Farrar - https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamfarrar/GlassHouse - https://glasshousebrands.com/ 

The Story of How Brett Gelfand is Making Debt Collections CoolJoin host Karson Humiston in a captivating episode with Brett Gelfand, Founder & Managing Partner at CannaBIZ Collects, the first-ever full-service collections agency devoted to the cannabis industry. Discover how Brett's entrepreneurial journey paved the way for innovative debt collection solutions, ensuring dollar gains for cannabis businesses and transforming debt woes into dollar gains.Produced by PodConx  Karson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Brett Gelfand - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-gelfand/CannaBIZ Collects - https://www.cannabizcollects.com/

Karson Humiston  the CEO of Vangst, hosts an eye-opening episode featuring Beau Whitney, Chief Economist at Whitney Economics, and Jeremy Berke, Founder of Cultivated News. They delve into the detrimental effects of 280E on the cannabis industry, discussing the challenges faced by businesses and the urgent need for federal taxation reform. Discover the bleak reality of profitability, the cultural impact, and the potential solutions that can pave the way for a thriving cannabis industry.Produced by PodConx  Karson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Beau Whitney - https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwhitney/Whitney Economics - https://whitneyeconomics.com/Jeremy Berke - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyberke/Cultivated News - https://www.cultivated.news/ Recorded on Squadcast

Discover the inspiring journey of Wendy Bronfein and Rebecca Bronfein Raphael, the sisters behind Curio Wellness, as they share their success story in the Maryland cannabis market, including their instrumental role in the launch of the state's adult-use market. Join them and host Karson Humiston  the CEO of Vangst, for an inside look at how these dynamic sisters are making waves in the industry.Produced by PodConx  Karson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Wendy Bronfein - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wbronfein/Rebecca Bronfein Raphael, - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bronfein-raphael-448b9646/Curio Wellness - https://curiowellness.com/Recorded on Squadcast

In this episode, we welcome back friend of the show and Bills Mafia member Karson Humiston, Founder & CEO of Vangst. We talk about the current state of the cannabis industry, what led us here, what we think will happen throughout the remainder of the year, and if Josh Allen will lead the Buffalo Bills to the Super Bowl this year.

In this captivating episode hosted by Karson Humiston  the CEO of Vangst, dive into the success story of Missy Bradley, the Co-Founder and Head of Marketing & Sales at Ripple. Explore how Missy's entrepreneurial spirit propelled Ripple to become a dominant force in the cannabis industry. Gain insights into their innovative products, marketing challenges, and their vision for continued growth in this evolving market. Karson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Ripple - https://tryripple.com/Missy Bradley - https://www.linkedin.com/in/missybradley/Recorded on Squadcast 

Tracy Brady Sets the Record Straight on Multi-State Operators in CannabisTracy Brady, Senior VP of Global Communications at Curaleaf, debunks myths about multi-state operators (MSOs) in the cannabis industry. She joins Karson Humiston the CEO of Vangst to share her journey and emphasizes the power of storytelling. Tracy discusses navigating challenges, crisis communication, and fostering internal communication. She highlights the positive contributions of MSOs and advocates for federal-level progress. Join Tracy's episode on Vangst's podcast, "Proud to Work in Cannabis," to gain insights into the evolving industry and its potential. Karson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Tracy Brady - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-brady-40aa905/Curaleaf - https://ir.curaleaf.com/Recorded on Squadcast

Insights into the Current State of Cannabis From Todd Harrison's PerspectiveIn this episode of Proud to Work in Cannabis, host Karson Humiston interviews Todd Harrison, Founding Partner and Chief Investment Officer at CB1 Management. They discuss Todd's journey into the industry, the Mission [GREEN] campaign, insights into the current state of the cannabis industry, and his optimistic outlook for the future. Don't miss this inspiring episode!Karson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Todd Harrison - https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-harrison-487268/CB1 Management - https://www.cb1cap.com/Recorded on Squadcast

Unleashing the Power of Cannabis – Charlie Bachtell's Journey of Social Impact, Entrepreneurship, and AdvocacyJoin host Karson Humiston, CEO & Founder of Vangst, as she sits down with special guest Charlie Bachtell, CEO & Founder of Cresco Labs. Discover Charlie's inspiring journey into the cannabis industry, his passion for social impact, and his insights on driving the industry forward. Don't miss this empowering episode! Karson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Charlie Bachtell - Cresco Labs -Recorded on Squadcast

Changing the Game – How 1906 is Redefining the Cannabis IndustryJoin Peter Barsoom,, CEO & Founder of 1906, as he walks through the groundbreaking journey of building one of the cannabis industry's fastest growing edibles  companies.  With host Karson Humiston, this episode of Proud to Work in Cannabis is filled with insight into building one of the cannabis industry's most successful brands, and an inside look at the highs, lows, and oh-f moments in between. Get an exclusive inside look at the remarkable story of building 1906. Karson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Peter Barsoom - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pbarsoom/1906 - https://1906newhighs.com/Recorded on Squadcast 

Want to Know How Native Roots Transforms Cannabis Retail? Tune in to This Week's Episode of Proud to Work in CannabisWe're back with another exciting interview! This week, host Karson Humiston interviews Denise DeNardi, Chief Sales Officer at Native Roots Cannabis Co. Denise shares her journey into the cannabis industry, discusses transforming retail experiences, and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive employee training. Get valuable insights into the evolving cannabis landscape and discover opportunities in this dynamic field. Tune in now! Karson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Denise DeNardi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisedenardi/Native Roots Cannabis Co - https://nativerootscannabis.com/Recorded on Squadcast 

Insights from Karan Wadhera, Managing Partner at Casa Verde on Thriving in a Dynamic Business LandscapeIn this week's episode of Proud to Work in Cannabis, hosted by Karson Humiston, CEO & Founder of Vangst's, special guest Karan Wadhera, managing partner at Casa Verde, shares his journey from leaving his investment banking job in Asia to becoming a successful venture capitalist in the cannabis industry. He talks about his experience working with Snoop Dogg, growing Casa Verde from its early days to its current success, and provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs in the regulated cannabis industry.As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, Casa Verde and its unique approach to investments are poised to make a lasting impact. Don't miss this insightful episode of Proud to Work in Cannabis with Karan Wadhera, available now on Vangst's website and podcast platforms.Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Karan Wadhera - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karan-wadhera/Casa Verde - https://casaverdecapital.com/Recorded on Squadcast

Jennifer Fisher, Co-Chair of the cannabis practice at Goodwin, a leading law firm in San Francisco, and Vangst's personal lawyer, joins Karson Humiston. She discusses her background in handling complex cases for highly regulated industries, Jen shares her journey into the cannabis industry and her passion for supporting resilient clients. Learn about the challenges and opportunities of financing rounds, raising capital, and conducting due diligence in the cannabis space. Discover valuable advice for new cannabis companies, including the importance of clean corporate documents, sound finances, and staying updated with government regulations. Don't miss this insightful episode with an expert in cannabis law who is proud to work in the industry! Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Jennifer Fisher - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-briggs-fisher-14843a/Goodwin - https://www.goodwinlaw.com/enRecorded on Squadcast

Join host Karson Humiston on this week's episode of Proud to Work in Cannabis as she speaks with Bruce Barcott, creator of the 2023 Cannabis Jobs Report – The leading resource for cannabis employment data.Hear the fascinating story behind the report's inception, gain insight into the state-by-state analysis of this year's data, and learn about predictions for the future. Download the report now at vangst.com/reports/2023-jobs-report and tune in to this must-listen episode today. Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/2023 Cannabis Jobs Report - https://vangst.com/blog/2023-jobs-reportBruce Barcott - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-barcott-b43b5116/Recorded on Squadcast 

Join Vangst's Proud to Work in Cannabis podcast as host Karson Humiston chats with LeafLink's Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, Ryan Smith, and the company's President and CEO, Artie Minson, on how they achieved 50% market share in the cannabis industry. Discover how LeafLink's innovative marketplace technology replaced outdated transaction methods (i.e. text messages and google sheets), and how they recently raised $100 million in their series D round. Gain insights from their journey, challenges, successes, and future plans in this inspiring and informative episode. Don't miss out on this week's must-listen episode! Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Ryan Smith - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-g-smith/Artie Minson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/artie-minson/Leaflink - https://leaflink.com/ Recorded on Squadcast

Get ready for another insightful episode of Proud to Work in Cannabis, featuring special guest, Jeremy Berke, the Founder & Lead Write at Cultivated. He joins Karson Humiston, Founder & CEO of Vangst, to shares his experiences of building the Business Insider cannabis vertical from the ground up, and the best ways for cannabis companies to get noticed by the media. Jeremy also reveals the exciting story behind his decision to start his own media outlet, and leaves listeners with insider advice on how to grab the attention of top-tier outlets to give your brand the exposure it deserves. It's a journey filled with twists and turns, and one that we can't wait to share with you. Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Jeremy Berke - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyberke/Cultivated - https://www.cultivated.news/Business Insider - https://www.businessinsider.com/Recorded on Squadcast

At the intersection of marriage and business sits Karen and Matt Mayberry, CMO & CEO of Trym, who along with their third co-founder, Benjamin, have built a cannabis technology platform for growers and cultivators that has revolutionized the cannabis industry. And the best part? They're doing it together as a team, and loving every minute of it! In this week's episode of Proud to Work in Cannabis, host Karson Humiston, Founder & CEO of Vangst, interviews the duo behind Trym and uncovers the secrets to their success. Discover how they built a product that caters to the needs of the cannabis industry and how they navigate the ups and downs of fundraising, marketing, parenting, and marriage. Don't miss this inspiring story, tune in now!Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Trym - https://trym.io/Matt Mayberry - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-mayberry-trym/Karen Mayberry - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-mayberry-288b07154/Recorded on Squadcast  

Last quarter cannabis Venture Capitalist Emily Paxhia  was less than pleased with the response from SVB when talking about the financial potential of cannabis; now along with her brother, Morgan Paxhia, co-founder of Poseidon Asset Management, she's breaking down why SVB could have taken a lesson from the industry on this week's episode of Proud to Work in Cannabis.With host Karson Humiston, Founder & CEO of Vangst, listeners learn how SVB's risk management issue could have been avoided (spoiler: their Chief Risk Officer departed the company in April), advice for companies who service high risk businesses, and what the future of SAFE Banking may hold as a result of SVB's collapse. Overall, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of finance and cannabis.     Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Emily Paxhia  - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilypaxhia/Morgan Paxhia - https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganpaxhia/Poseidon Asset Management - https://www.poseidonassetmanagement.com/Recorded on Squadcast

At the center of the New York cannabis community sits a female changemaker who is walking the walk when it comes to creating space and opportunities for everyone.  On this week's episode of Proud to Work in Cannabis, Co-Founder & CEO of Humble Bloom and Honeypottt, Solonje Burnett, sits down with host Karson Humiston, Founder & CEO of Vangst, to talk about all things cannabis. From leading cannabis-centered reflection exercises at Lululemon retreats, to reinventing the traditional tradeshow and conference landscape, Solonje Burnett truly is the Queen of the Wild Wild East.  Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Recorded on Squadcast 

Five years ago, three female cannabis leaders learned the true power of women supporting women. The (unofficial) name of this group? “Rosilyon,” a combination of Rosie, Emily, and Karson – The names of the 3 leaders who make up the group.  This week on Proud to Work in Cannabis Founder & CEO of Mattio Communications, Rosie Mattio, and Poseidon Investment's Managing Director, Emily Paxhia, join host Karson Humiston, Founder & CEO of Vangst, to give listeners an inside look at what a conversation between three cannabis founders turned friends, really sounds like. From analyses of the current state of the economy, both in cannabis and beyond, actionable advice for cannabis businesses, and general recommendations for women who are looking to pursue professional dreams while growing their families, this episode is jam-packed with insightful direction for both women and men looking to make their mark on the cannabis industry.  Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Rosie Mattio - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosiemattio/Emily Paxhia - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilypaxhia/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Recorded on Squadcast  

From entry level sales rep to co-founder of one of cannabis industry's top data companies, in less than a decade, Taylor Jones has seen it all.  Taylor Jones, Pistil's Co-Founder & VP of Revenue, sits down with host, Karson Humiston, Vangst's CEO & Founder, on this week's episode of “Proud to Work in Cannabis,” where these long-time industry friends get frank about the current landscape of the industry. Jones also gives listeners an insider look into Pistil's successful go to market strategy, and relives how Vangst placed him in his last two cannabis roles which makes him Vangst's (unofficial) favorite success story.  Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Tyler Jones - https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-jones-cannabis-sales/Pistil - https://www.pistildata.com/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Recorded on Squadcast 

What happens when a neuroscientist, turned Employee #1 at one of the country's first cannabis brands, takes on a government role?  Find out on this episode of Proud to Work in Cannabis with host Karson Humiston, Vangst's Founder & CEO, featuring special guest Tristan Watkins, Program Manager at Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. In this episode, Watkins walks listeners through how he made the leap from neuroscience to being the first employee at LucidMoon, a cannabis brand established in 2015, and then selling that business and working in the Denver Cannabis Business Office. With inside perspective into every step of building a cannabis business, this is a must-listen episode.  Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Tristan Watkins  https://oedit.colorado.gov/tristan-watkinsVangst - https://vangst.com/Recorded on Squadcast

Have you ever wondered what two cannabis founders talk about on their monthly catch-up call?Founder & CEO of Vangst,  Karson Humiston, sits down with Founder & CEO of Headset.io, Cy Scott, to discuss the past, present, and future of cannabis. They also address the elephant in the room: layoffs. With a lack of federal momentum in banking for the cannabis industry, leaders are forced to make tough economic decisions for their businesses. Cy and Karson give deep insights into leading their organizations though these industry headwinds.Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/Cy Scott - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyscott/Headset.io - https://www.headset.io/

Put away your notions of what should have happened with cannabis at the federal level in 2022 and jump into the realities of what really did happen, because cannabis legalization is not a moment; it's a process.Saphira Galoob, Executive Director of the National Cannabis Roundtable and Principal & CEO of The Liaison Group, joined Vangst's CEO & Founder, Karson Humiston, on this week's episode of Proud to Work in Cannabis, to talk through the recent history of cannabis legislation, touching on topics such as the SAFE Banking Act, the Cole Memorandum, and 280E. Produce By PodConxKarson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/Vangst - https://vangst.com/

What happens when two Buffalo Bills fans get together to talk cannabis? Vangst Founder and CEO Karson Humiston is joined by New York Cannabis attorney, Joe Schafer from Lippes & Mathias LLP, for an update on what's happening in the New York cannabis market, in real-time. With the recent release of the regulations for the non-conditional licenses, in January 2023, there felt like no better time to get a refresher on the timeline of cannabis in New York, and to get a reminder of the bright future that the New York Cannabis market has ahead. Find more information on Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) at: https://cannabis.ny.gov/marihuana-regulation-and-taxation-act-mrtaProduced By PodConxhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/https://vangst.com/https://www.lippes.com/team/joseph-w-schafer-320https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-schafer-63339a90/

How a former NASA engineer built a cannabis robotics firm.Things are moving fast in the world of cannabis, and Nohtal Partansky is helping  both manufacturers and vertically integrated brands automate previously manual tasks — like infusing joints with live resin. The bonus for the workforce?  It provides the opportunity for upskilling, the Founder and CEO of Sorting Robotics told Vangst Founder and CEO Karson Humiston in this week's podcast. He's also hiring techs across the country as his AI-powered technology rolls out.Produced by PodConxProud To Work In Cannabis - https://podconx.com/podcasts/proud-to-work-in-cannabisKarson Humiston - https://podconx.com/guests/karson-humistonVangst - https://vangst.com/Sorting Robotics - https://www.sortingrobotics.com/contact-us 

Two prominent cannabis investors explain how the macroeconomy is affecting the industry.Cannabis VC deals have slowed dramatically in 2022. So far this year, only 41  cannabis-related companies — globally — have raised venture capital, making 2022 on track to see the smallest amount of deals and funding since 2017. $300 million has been raised in venture capital in 2022, while $1.6 billion was raised in 2017.  What's going on?Two of the cannabis industry's most prominent investors join Karson Humiston in this week's podcast to talk trends and strategy, and offer some analysis of this emerging market's seemingly rough year. Emily Paxhia, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Poseidon Asset Management and Ian Dominguez, Founder and Portfolio Manager of Delta Emerald Ventures join Vangst's Founder and CEO as she flips the script and gets to ask investors the tough questions.Produced by PodConxProud To Work In Cannabis - https://podconx.com/podcasts/proud-to-work-in-cannabisKarson Humiston - https://podconx.com/guests/karson-humistonVangst - https://vangst.com/Ian Dominguez - LinkedInEmily Paxhia - LinkedInDelta Emerald Ventures - https://www.deltaemerald.com/Poseidon Asset Management - https://www.poseidonassetmanagement.com/ 

Key to getting  a great job with an multistate cannabis companyYou don't need a resume to get a  job at  one of the nation's largest cannabis multistate operators — you just have to show you have the skills and personality to get the job done. "Meeting people where they're at" is just one way that Verano looks to differentiate itself from the competition. And it's also one way that a brand new industry can define itself when there's nothing to disrupt.Destiny Thompson, the Chief People Officer at the fifth-largest cannabis company by market cap, chatted with Vangst CEO  Karson Humiston to talk all things people, growth, and cannabis — and how Verano is helping to build an industry powered by people who truly are Proud to Work in Cannabis. Produced by PodConxProud To Work In Cannabis - https://podconx.com/podcasts/proud-to-work-in-cannabisKarson Humiston - https://podconx.com/guests/karson-humistonVangst - https://vangst.com/Destiny Thompson - https://podconx.com/guests/destiny-thompsonVerano - https://verano.com

This week we are joined by Karson Humiston, Founder & CEO at Vangst  to discussHow Vangst has become the largest supply of credentialed candidates in CannabisHiring Insights & SecretsScaling in an  Exploding Industry Vangst helps people find jobs in cannabis. https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/#Cannabis #Cannabisstaffing #Cannabiscommunity At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev) we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast  Contact us directly at info@8threv.com Bryan Fields: @bryanfields24 Kellan Finney: @Kellan_Finney 

This week we are joined by Karson Humiston, Founder & CEO at Vangst  to discussHow Vangst has become the largest supply of credentialed candidates in CannabisHiring Insights & SecretsScaling in an  Exploding IndustryVangst helps people find jobs in cannabis. https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/#Cannabis #Cannabisstaffing #Cannabiscommunity At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev) we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast  Contact us directly at info@8threv.com Bryan Fields: @bryanfields24 Kellan Finney: @Kellan_Finney 

This week we are joined by Karson Humiston, Founder & CEO at Vangst  to discussHow Vangst has become the largest supply of credentialed candidates in CannabisHiring Insights & SecretsScaling in an  Exploding Industry Vangst helps people find jobs in cannabis. https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/#Cannabis #Cannabisstaffing #Cannabiscommunity At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev) we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast  Contact us directly at info@8threv.com Bryan Fields: @bryanfields24 Kellan Finney: @Kellan_Finney 

The positive impact that cannabis companies are having on their communities.  Copperstate Farms is one of the largest cannabis companies in the state of Arizona and the largest employers in Navajo County Arizona.   General Manager,  Barb Hansen joins Karson Humiston to talk about how converting an abandoned tomato growing facility and hiring locally has helped Snowflake AZ transition from an economically depressed town into a vibrant community.  Produced by PodConxProud To Work In Cannabis - https://podconx.com/podcasts/proud-to-work-in-cannabisKarson Humiston - https://podconx.com/guests/karson-humistonVangst - https://vangst.com/Barb Hansen - https://podconx.com/guests/barb-hansenCopperstate Farms - https://www.copperstatefarms.com/

Transporting a quarter-million dollars in your mom's Prius is not a good idea   Customers must purchase cannabis with cash because federal laws prevent credit card companies from processing cannabis sales.   Excess cash is a serious security risk in the dispensary and while it is being transported.    Abbe Schnibbe the Co-Founder and CEO of  Plymouth Armor Group, New England's Leading Cannabis Cash and Product Transporter joins Karson Humiston to explain how they manage North East cannabis companies' transportation logistics for both cash and product.  Produced by PodConxProud To Work In Cannabis - https://podconx.com/podcasts/proud-to-work-in-cannabisKarson Humiston - https://podconx.com/guests/karson-humistonVangst - https://vangst.com/Plymouth Armor Group - https://www.plymoutharmorgroup.com/Abbe Schnibbe - https://podconx.com/guests/abbe-schnibbe

Vangst with Head of Community Partnerships, Kelsea Appelbaum today on Blunt Business with Jorge Hermida only on The Cannabis Radio. We welcome back a company that works with a wide array of cannabis companies, including large MSOs, single-state operators, and small mom-and-pop shops. They are able to support large cannabis operators and craft, boutique operators in different ways. We previously spoke with Karson Humiston, Founder & CEO back in 2019. We talk about the Vangst platform and how it has progressed today. As New Cannabis Ventures explained: The platform helps to pair prospective employees with cannabis companies. Candidates create a profile, and Vangst helps them to achieve the necessary credentials depending on the state. Cannabis companies can use Vangst to help find qualified candidates and maintain optimal levels of staffing, whether they need full-time employees, gig workers, or a mix of both. When a company finds a gig worker through Vangst, that person is a W-2 employee who clocks in and out and receives payment through the Vangst platform.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/blunt-business1131/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The High Rise podcast is once again on location, this time for the week of 4/20 at the Benzinga Cannabis Conference in beautiful Miami Beach Florida. Our hosts Cy and Emily set up poolside to have more laid back, data-backed conversations with some of the industry's movers and shakers. On this episode, we have Karson Humiston CEO over at Vangst join us to talk about her experience at Vangst, her own personal history with cannabis, and what the future might hold for this still nascent industry.Thank you as always for streaming in to the High Rise, be sure to rate and subscribe to the podcast and stay up-to-date on all the latest episodes! https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/https://mgretailer.com/business/human-resources/vangst-founder-ceo-karson-humiston/?doing_wp_cron=1650651088.8479700088500976562500

Helping to drive policy and consulting emerging businesses across the world.  Jay Czarkowski & Diane Czarkowski the founding partners of Canna Advisors join Karson Humiston to share their amazing cannabis journey.  They explain how they entered the industry before adult-use was legal in 2009 with a dispensary and a cultivation facility in Boulder Colorado.  They discuss helping cannabis entrepreneurs win licenses across the country and they provide insight into the industry's future. Produced by PodConxProud To Work In Cannabis - https://podconx.com/podcasts/proud-to-work-in-cannabisKarson Humiston - https://podconx.com/guests/karson-humistonVangst - https://vangst.com/Canna Advisors - https://thinkcanna.com/Jay Czarkowski - https://podconx.com/guests/jay-czarkowskiDiane Czarkowski - https://podconx.com/guests/diane-czarkowski

Lessons learned while working for a startup. Meet Claire Moloney, the first woman to work in cannabis tech and the first employee at LeafLink. Claire joins Karson Humiston to share her story and discuss her journey as LeafLink's first hire and all of the lessons she has learned along the way. Claire shares advice for other women looking to break into the cannabis industry and shares tips for how to be successful in a rapidly growing startup. Produced by PodConxProud To Work In Cannabis - https://podconx.com/podcasts/proud-to-work-in-cannabisKarson Humiston - https://podconx.com/guests/karson-humistonVangst - https://vangst.com/Claire Moloney - https://podconx.com/guests/claire-moloneyLeaflLnk - https://www.leaflink.com/

Building a sense of community within an organization   Maintaining an inclusive atmosphere is one of the biggest challenges for growing companies.  Ciera Parks, the Head of People Operations & Culture at Vangst is an expert at building diverse organizations.  She joins Karson Humiston to share techniques for companies to use to create an inclusive environment for their employees.Produced by PodConxProud To Work In Cannabis - https://podconx.com/podcasts/proud-to-work-in-cannabisKarson Humiston - https://podconx.com/guests/karson-humistonVangst - https://vangst.com/Ciera Parks - https://podconx.com/guests/ciera-parks

 Taking a step back to move forward  Unlike other seasoned professionals who move to cannabis, Natasha Lannerd understood that to fully understand how to apply her CPG expertise she first needed to understand the cannabis industry.   As the Director of Business Development at 1906 New Highs she joins Karson Humiston to discuss why she started her cannabis career by taking overqualified positions.   She explains how taking the time to learn the industry from the ground up has propelled her cannabis career. Produced by PodConx Proud To Work In Cannabis - https://podconx.com/podcasts/proud-to-work-in-cannabisKarson Humiston - https://podconx.com/guests/karson-humistonVangst - https://vangst.com/1906 New High - https://1906newhighs.com/Natasha Lannerd - https://podconx.com/guests/natasha-lannerd

The journal entry that led to a dream job.    Director of Social Impact at Green Thumb Industries, Jai Kensey joins Karson Humiston to explain why it is necessary to assist communities that have been devastated by The War On Drugs. She shares personal stories of how members of the black and brown communities have been torn apart.   They discuss the important work being done at GTI and how listeners can support their efforts.Produced by PodConx Proud To Work In Cannabis - https://podconx.com/podcasts/proud-to-work-in-cannabisKarson Humiston - https://podconx.com/guests/karson-humistonVangst - https://vangst.com/Green Thumb Industries - https://www.gtigrows.com/Jai Kensey - https://podconx.com/guests/jai-kensey

An ordained rabbi finds his calling in cannabis. Rabbi James Kahn was responsible for developing Holistic Industries corporate responsibility, a platform built upon 4 central pillars: social equity (repairing damage caused by the War on Drugs), diversity, cannabis education, and community service/philanthropy.  As Executive Director of Liberty Cannabis Cares (LCC), he joins Karson Humiston to explain why his responsibility to integrate the mission of Liberty Cannabis Cares into every aspect of Holistic's business is so important.Produced by PodConx Proud To Work In Cannabis - https://podconx.com/podcasts/proud-to-work-in-cannabisKarson Humiston - https://podconx.com/guests/karson-humistonVangst - https://vangst.com/Rabbi James Kahn - https://podconx.com/guests/james-kahnHolistic Industries - https://www.holisticindustries.com/

 The cannabis industry's leading female cannabis investor Meet Emily Paxhia, the Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Poseidon Asset Management. When Emily Paxhia co-founded Poseidon with her brother Morgan Paxhia in 2013, they were some of the first investors bringing much needed capital to the cannabis sector. Hear how Emily started her own fund and went onto investing in dozens of leading cannabis businesses. She joins Karson Humiston to  share how she decides which companies to invest in, how she interacts with founders, and what she is most excited about over the next five years. Don't miss it! Produced by PodConx Proud To Work In Cannabis - https://podconx.com/podcasts/proud-to-work-in-cannabisKarson Humiston - https://podconx.com/guests/karson-humistonVangst - https://vangst.com/ Emily Paxhia - https://podconx.com/guests/emily-paxhiaPoseidon Asset Management - https://www.poseidonassetmanagement.com/

Meet the first African American dispensary owner in the United States  When Wanda James  joined the cannabis industry 13 years ago, she and her husband were the first African American dispensary owners in America. She joins Karson Humiston to share stories about her brother's unjust 10 year cannabis prison sentence, her experiences in the early days of the industry, and what keeps her motivated day in and day out. Wanda shares tips for people looking to join the cannabis industry as well as how to remain mission driven.  Produced by PodConx Proud To Work In Cannabis - https://podconx.com/podcasts/proud-to-work-in-cannabisKarson Humiston - https://podconx.com/guests/karson-humistonVangst - https://vangst.com/Simply Pure - https://simplypure.com/Wanda James - https://podconx.com/guests/wanda-jamesWanda 4 CU - https://wanda4cu.com/

2:25 - First Entrepreneurship Experience3:33 - Golf Ball Business4:34 - Starting off to sell products5:30 - Views on College6:08 - First time for Cannabis6:54 - On-track Adventures8:24 - The name history10:16 - Get some Momentum10:55 - Early Lessons learned from Entrepreneurship13:20 - No past experience/ recruiting the recruiter14:55 - Advantage of not having recruiting experience16:40 - Art of recruiting17:11 - Legitimate side of Cannabis20:49 - Skills of a Good recruiter22:26 - Positioning of a Standard Recruiting Agency25:31 - Post Covid World26:06 - Work-Life Balance27:26 - Becoming a Vangster28:06 - What is Authenticity28:47 - Greatest Piece of Advice30:21 - Karson's North Star

In today's episode, I have the pleasure of talking with Karson Humiston. We talk about the cannabis industry, and what her company Vangst does. We talk about how they went from a recruiting agency to a full on platform connecting the cannabis industry together. We discussed the early stages of her involvement in recruiting for the cannabis industry. We talk about how she started recruiting fresh grads and interns to what Vangst is today. We dive into what happened in the cannabis industry over the past few years. We discuss how she didn't start with any funding, and did extremely well in her seed round, and becoming a Series A rapidly. We talk about what the future looks like for Vangst. Here's a closer look at the episode: What is Vangst The cannabis industry in the early days Challenges in hiring in the cannabis industry How did the recruitment company start From Graduana to Vangst Raising outside capital Raising Series A in 2019 The Cannasession in 2020 Resources: Website: https://vangst.com/ Vangst Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vangsttalent/ Vangst Twitter:https://twitter.com/vangsttalent Karson's Twitter: https://twitter.com/khumiston Karson's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/

In today's episode, I have the pleasure of talking with Karson Humiston. We talk about the cannabis industry, and what her company Vangst does. We talk about how they went from a recruiting agency to a full on platform connecting the cannabis industry together. We discussed the early stages of her involvement in recruiting for the cannabis industry. We talk about how she started recruiting fresh grads and interns to what Vangst is today. We dive into what happened in the cannabis industry over the past few years. We discuss how she didn't start with any funding, and did extremely well in her seed round, and becoming a Series A rapidly. We talk about what the future looks like for Vangst. Here's a closer look at the episode: What is Vangst The cannabis industry in the early days Challenges in hiring in the cannabis industry How did the recruitment company start From Graduana to Vangst Raising outside capital Raising Series A in 2019 The Cannasession in 2020 Resources: Website: https://vangst.com/ Vangst Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vangsttalent/ Vangst Twitter:https://twitter.com/vangsttalent Karson's Twitter: https://twitter.com/khumiston Karson's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/

Summary:In today's episode, I have the pleasure of talking with Karson Humiston. We talk about the cannabis industry, and what her company Vangst does. We talk about how they went from a recruiting agency to a full on platform connecting the cannabis industry together. We discussed the early stages of her involvement in recruiting for the cannabis industry. We talk about how she started recruiting fresh grads and interns to what Vangst is today. We dive into what happened in the cannabis industry over the past few years. We discuss how she didn't start with any funding, and did extremely well in her seed round, and becoming a Series A rapidly. We talk about what the future looks like for Vangst. Here's a closer look at the episode:What is VangstThe cannabis industry in the early days Challenges in hiring in the cannabis industry How did the recruitment company start From Graduana to Vangst Raising outside capital Raising Series A in 2019 The Cannasession  in 2020 Resources:Website: https://vangst.com/Vangst Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vangsttalent/Vangst Twitter:https://twitter.com/vangsttalentKarson's Twitter: https://twitter.com/khumistonKarson's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/

The cannabis industry is projected to hot more than $30 billion in legal sales by 2025, and with this projection comes increasing job opportunities. Even with the onset of COVID, cannabis job prospects remain optimistic as the cannabis industry has proven to be recession resistant in recent months. On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, Montel talks about these opportunities with Karson Humiston, founder & CEO of Vangst, the world largest recruiting platform focused specifically on the cannabis industry. https://vangst.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

In recent years, legal cannabis has become one of the fastest-growing industries and job creators in this country. So, how did this previously unconventional industry start attracting mainstream talent and employing some of the most advanced tech-driven recruitment platforms? Karson Humiston, the Founder, and CEO of Vangst, started her recruiting firm early into the legalization movement and has witnessed the evolution of the industry’s hiring trends since the very beginning. She dives into how market demands have shaped recruiting practices, how she was able to attract funding from mainstream investors, and what she believes cannabis companies can do to specifically address social injustice.

Karson Humiston is the Founder & CEO of Vangst, the cannabis industry’s recruiting platform. Since launching in 2016, Vangst has connected thousands of people with jobs at over leading cannabis businesses around the World. Karson was featured on the 2018 Forbes 30 under 30 list and Vangst was featured in Entrepreneur’s 100 Brilliant Companies of 2018. Prior to founding Vangst, Karson founded On Track Adventures, a student travel organization based out of St. Lawrence University.

Vangst is the cannabis industry's largest permanent and temporary employment company.   Founder and CEO Karson Humiston talks to Kyra Reed about the challenges she faced as a young woman building a fast growing company.   She talks about the inclusive, family environment at Vangst and how those principles guide her team when helping both their candidates find jobs and their employers find top talent.Produced By MJBulls 

COVID-19 has caused unemployment to surge across all industries including cannabis.    Karson Humiston the CEO of Vangst, the cannabis industry's  largest staffing company joins Larry Mishkin and Jim Marty to provide both a real-time cannabis employment report and future employment insight.Produced By MJBulls Cannabis Podcasts

What does reselling used golf balls, organizing weekend trips for college students, and fundraising for alumni relations have in common? They are just some of the things Entrepreneur Karson Humiston did before founding the go-to recruiting platform in Cannabis; Vangst. Joining us from Denver in March of 2020, Karson shares her founder's journey of hustle and perseverance turning a stack of business cards made in her college dorm room into the name in Cannabis recruiting. Show Notes: What You Need To Know About Vangst's New, Free Cannabis Recruitment Platform: https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/20/04/15877645/what-you-need-to-know-about-vangsts-new-free-cannabis-recruitment-platform Vangst Newsletter: https://blog.vangst.com/category/vangst-news/ St. Lawrence University, Calling All Saints: https://www.stlawu.edu/people/calling-all-saints The Tick Tock Inn: https://www.facebook.com/TickTockInn/ Galvanize: https://www.linkedin.com/school/galvanize-it/ Canna Brand: https://cannabrand.co/ Ryan G. Smith, CEO, Leaflink: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-g-smith/ Lerer Hippeau: https://www.lererhippeau.com/ Casa Verde Capital: https://www.casaverdecapital.com/ Jeremy Burke, Business Insider: https://twitter.com/jfberke Benzinga: https://www.benzinga.com/ MJBizDaily: https://mjbizdaily.com/ Vangst 2019 Salary Guide: https://info.vangst.com/vangst-2019-salary-guide Guest: Karson Humiston, CEO & Founder, Vangst https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/ https://twitter.com/khumiston https://vangst.com/ https://www.instagram.com/vangsttalent/ https://www.facebook.com/Vangsttalent/ https://twitter.com/vangsttalent https://www.linkedin.com/company/vangst/ Host: Brian Weber, Host, Lit Up: A Founder's Journey linkedin.com/in/briancweber/ www.litupfounders.com www.facebook.com/LitUpFounders/ www.instagram.com/LitUpFounders/ www.twitter.com/LitUpFounders www.linkedin.com/company/litupmedia/ Listen to the episode here or on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, or RSS to your favorite podcast app.

Four years ago, Karson Humiston had a vision. And now she’s Founder & CEO of Denver-based Vangst. It’s the recruiting platform created exclusively for the cannabis industry. Unless you’ve been under a rock (or leaf), you know that the cannabis field has created 300,000 new jobs in the past couple of years. And research projects that’ll triple again shortly. So she built Vangst to connect industry workers & employers. In the process, she was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. And Vangst was ranked amongst Entrepreneur Magazine’s 100 Brilliant companies. In this 20-minute interview, Karson reveals how she’s building the team that’s building one of the fastest-growing industries in history.  

Produced by Foundersuite.com, "How I Raised It" goes behind the scenes with startup founders who have raised capital. This episode is with Karson Humiston of Vangst. Vangst is an online recruiting platform focused specifically on the cannabis industry (www.vangst.com). The Company raised a $10 million Series A round led by Casa Verde Capital with participation from Lerer Hippeau Ventures, AFI Capital Partners and Phyto Partners. In this episode, Karson talks about how she got into the cannabis industry, why it's critical to form a capital plan -- i.e., what you need the capital for and how you will deploy it, how to set fundraising timelines and deadlines, and more. This series is produced by Foundersuite, makers of software to raise capital and manage investor relations. Learn more at www.foundersuite.com.

Karson Humiston is the founder of Vangst, a multi-state recruiting company focused on the cannabis space. Karson is on the Forbes list of The Top 30 Under 30 entrepreneurs on the rise. Listen in as Karson describes how to hire the perfect candidate to help your business grow. Karson also lays out how to create a successful career in the cannabis industry and what kind of candidates are getting hired. Key Takeaways: – How Snoop Dogg’s VC fund invested in Vangst – Common mistakes employers make hiring – The devastating math behind misfiring – How to ensure employees are successful in their new roles – Enticing executives from other industries Learn more at: https://vangst.com Important: What are the 5 trends disrupting the cannabis industry right now? Find out with your free report at http://www.cannaInsider.com/trends

Millennial entrepreneur, Karson Humiston, is the founder and CEO of the largest recruiting agency in the cannabis industry, Vangst. After being turned away by career services at St. Lawrence University for inquiring about careers in the cannabis industry, Karson decided to create a company that helps people secure careers in the fast emerging industry. Karson, age 25, now leads a team of over 30 people who have filled more than 5,500 positions to date. Before founding Vangst, Karson started On Track Adventures, a student travel organization which she sold in March 2015 before heading to Colorado where she currently lives. Prior to On Track Adventures, Karson started many small businesses growing up, including a resale golf ball company, where at the age of 11 Karson was employing two of her peers to help her collect, clean and resell golf balls. “Being persistent, having patience, really believing in your idea and yourself to a point where you don't give up after a few no's I just think is the number one thing. It's easier to just throw the towel in than to continue going and continue having people turn you down and continue overcoming challenges. And then being the real. I don't think people should pretend that they are something that they are not or pretend that they are smarter than they are or that they have experience that they don't have. I think it is important to be real with your clients, be real with your employees, to be real with your investors if you have investors. Just be real.”…[Listen for More] Click Here for Show Notes To Listen or to Get the Show Notes go to https://wp.me/p6Tf4b-6Ib

My guest today is Karson Humiston, the Founder and CEO of Vangst, the cannabis industry’s leading hiring resource. Through direct hire, Vangst Gigs, and its job board, Vangst successfully connects thousands of professionals with jobs in the cannabis industry. We checked, and Karson was correct about the number of jobs created in Colorado by the cannabis business. Learn more about Vangst and how they may help you: www.vangst.comTo learn more about cannabis for adults, visit our sponsor, Three Wells

Employment. According to some stats, cannabis job postings online have increased 693 percent from the end of 2016 to the end of 2017. Hayley talks with two experts in the field: Karson Humiston, founder of VAngst, which helps connect weed companies with potential employees; and Robert Chlala, a social equity researcher and policy organizer for UFCW Local 770, a leading union in the cannabis space in LA. Following Karson Humiston on Twitter at https://twitter.com/khumiston Find out more about Vangst at https://vangst.com Robert Chlala on Twitter at https://twitter.com/robertchlala Find out more about UFCW Local 770 at http://ufcw770.org or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/UFCW770 Follow Hayley on Twitter at https://twitter.com/epfox Support the show and TableCakes Productions at: https://www.patreon.com/tablecakes

Vangst founder and CEO Karson Humiston spoke with the Native Roots Director of HR (and Vangst placement) Christine Hodgdon about getting a job and hiring in cannabis!Seed to Sound presented by Vangst. A podcast for cannabis professionals. Produced by Catherine DeMuro and Hannah Holmgren. Music by Tyson Weigel.For more information, visit the Vangst blog.Follow us on Twitter!Support the show (https://vangst.com/)

In this interview with Vangst founder, Karson Humiston and business development lead, Amanda Guerrero, we uncover how Vangst broke into the emerging cannabis market and are skyrocketing growth.

KARSON HUMISTON w/ RYAN ESTEScashcroppodcast.comEpisode 1Karson Humiston is the Founder and President of Gradujuana, the cannabis industry’s premier staffing agency. Gradujuana connects great cannabis companies with the skilled talent they need. Gradujuana offers direct hire, contract to hire, and temporary staffing solutions to dispensaries, grow facilities, infused product and ancillary cannabis companies. Gradujuana presents candidates with their perfect employments opportunities. Based on candidates area of specialty.