Episoder
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What if the latest moves by a major cannabis company could set off a chain reaction across the entire industry? Unravel the implications of Vireo's strategic transformation under the astute leadership of Tyson McDonald. We dive into the latest maneuvers by Vireo, who is making headlines with a game-changing capital influx and the acquisition of four profitable single-state operators. As we gather at Ben's festive office, we discuss the potential ripple effects of these no-cash deals and speculate whether this could ignite a wave of consolidation reminiscent of past industry-shaking investments.
The cannabis landscape is shifting, and 2024 has been a year of both tumult and triumph. Despite the downfalls of California giants like MedMen and High Times, there's a silver lining as we witness the resilience of companies that have managed to refinance and keep the gears turning. Meanwhile, the rise of cannabis-infused beverages is rewriting the rule book, capturing the attention of consumers and opening new doors in the alcohol market. We explore the exciting possibilities in this burgeoning sector, while also contemplating the ongoing challenges posed by federal hemp policies and potential farm bill delays.
Looking forward to 2025, we are filled with optimism for the hemp beverage industry and its potential to reshape the mainstream market. The conversation turns to the foundational strategies needed to capitalize on these opportunities, emphasizing education, influence, and team alignment. As we nurture a culture of peak performance, we remain committed to fostering authentic collaborations that drive positive outcomes. Join us as we embrace the dedication and passion of our team and partners, and gear up for bold moves that could redefine the competitive landscape in the coming year.--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high. -
๐ฟ ๐๐๐๐ข๐ณ๐๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐๐๐ฉ: ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ฌ๐ก๐จ๐ฐ, ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก ๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ฑ๐๐ซ, ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฒ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ฟ
Join us for a special episode of High Spirits, where your hosts Ben & AnnaRae share their experiences and insights from MJBizCon 2024 in Las Vegas. Fresh from hosting the High Spirits Morning Mixer, they're ready to dive deep into the event's highlights, key takeaways, and the future of cannabis trends they witnessed.
๐ ๐ช๐ต๐ ๐ง๐๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐ป? Whether you're a cannabis industry professional who missed the event, or an enthusiast eager to catch up on the latest trends, this episode promises a comprehensive recap with personal flair. Get the scoop on what's next for the cannabis industry from two of its most passionate advocates.
Tune into High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast this Wednesday on LinkedIn Live for an episode packed with insights, laughter, and the best of MJBizCon.
#MJBizCon #CannabisIndustry #HighSpirits #CannabisCommunity--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high. -
Manglende episoder?
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๐๐๐จ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐๐๐ค ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ง๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ง๐ง๐๐๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐-๐ฎ๐ฉ!๐ฟ
It's been another eventful week in the world of cannabis, and we're excited to talk about it.
In this week's episode, we discuss...
๐จ Minnesota's botched social equity lottery application (read robbery)
๐ธ GTI's big bet on beverage through Agrify's acquisition of Seรฑorita
๐ฟ What the new Senate draft of the Farm Bill means for hemp
๐ต Paywalls and supporting your cannabis media and niche news sources
Tune-in to find out, or simply wait for the podcast to air. As always, High Spirits is more than a podcast โ it's a dynamic conversation among leaders in the cannabis industry. We film live, and your participation is what makes our discussion richer and more meaningful. We invite you to contribute to the conversation and let us know what's important to you! What topics should we delve into? We welcome your questions and comments, so drop them into the chat and join us as we dive into the current events of the cannabis industry!--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high. -
Explore the cutting-edge world of cannabis technology with Socrates Rosenfeld, the CEO and co-founder of Jane Technologies. Prepare to be intrigued by the potential shifts in federal cannabis reform as we discuss the surprising nomination of Matt Gaetz for US Attorney General by President-elect Trump. Join AnnaRae Grabstein as she recounts the latest developments in the cannabis industry from the Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight and Agrify's strategic acquisition of Seรฑorita, marking a bold entry into the hemp beverage market.
Discover how Jane Technologies is reshaping the cannabis e-commerce landscape like no other. Socrates and AnnaRae (in Ben's absence) dive into the sophisticated digital infrastructure that aligns with consumer needs while keeping service costs low, unlike the pitfalls faced by giants like Uber and DoorDash. We tackle the importance of data standardization, the power of e-commerce automation, and the nuances of personalizing the cannabis shopping experience through Jane's innovative MyHigh initiative. Learn how these technological advancements are not only optimizing retail operations but also enhancing consumer engagement through personalized product recommendations.
Wrapping up, our conversation takes a reflective turn as we consider the evolution of the cannabis industry through various political administrations. We emphasize the resilience of this movement and its continued commitment to expanding access to cannabis. With insights drawn from leading a remote team and fostering innovation, this episode is a tribute to the pioneers who have shaped the industry and a call to stay united in pursuing sustainable growth amid a shifting political landscape. Tune in to embrace the dynamic world of cannabis technology and its promising future.--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high. -
Join Ben and AnnaRae on Thursday for a special post-election recording of High Spirits as we unpack Tuesday's election results, focusing specifically on the presidential race, various state ballot measures related to cannabis, and the broader implications for hemp and cannabis policy. We're thrilled to welcome back Hirsh Jain, one of our industry's brightest policy minds, for an in-depth analysis of what these results might mean for the future of cannabis legalization and regulation.
๐ ๐๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ: In this special post-election breakdown, Hirsh Jain from Ananda Strategy will help us navigate through the various state results, including the six cannabis-related ballot measures. We'll explore the potential for federal cannabis legalization in the next four years, the ongoing hemp versus cannabis debate, and the public's current stance on cannabis.
๐ก ๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐'๐น๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ป:
๐๐ณ๐ฆ๐ด๐ช๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ต๐ช๐ข๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ข๐ค๐ต: How the results of the presidential election could influence federal cannabis policy.
๐๐ต๐ข๐ต๐ฆ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐ฐ๐ต ๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ด๐ถ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ด: Detailed insights into the six state ballot measures and their implications for local and national cannabis policy.
๐๐ถ๐ต๐ถ๐ณ๐ฆ ๐๐ณ๐ฆ๐ฅ๐ช๐ค๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ด: Predictions for cannabis legislation in the coming years and potential shifts in public opinion and political strategy.
๐ ๐ ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐๐ต ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป: Returning guest Hirsh Jain (๐ด๐ฆ๐ฆ ๐๐ฑ. 36 - ๐๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ด๐ฆ๐ณ๐ท๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ท๐ฆ ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ข๐ฃ๐ช๐ด: ๐๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐ท๐ฆ; ๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ฆ ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ณ ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ด๐ต ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ญ๐ข๐ณ ๐ฆ๐ฑ๐ช๐ด๐ฐ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ด) is a leading policy expert and strategic consultant in the cannabis industry. With deep roots in advocacy and policy reform, Hirsh brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective on the intersection of cannabis legislation and industry dynamics.
๐ ๐ช๐ต๐ ๐ง๐๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐ป? This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the political landscape of cannabis, from industry stakeholders to policy enthusiasts. Get a comprehensive understanding of the election's impact on cannabis policy and what it could mean for consumers and businesses alike.
Tune in to High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast this Thursday on LinkedIn Live for a dynamic discussion full of insights and predictions.#CannabisPolicy
#ElectionResults
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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high. -
Join us for this week's recording of ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐, where we're diving into the intricate world of Wana Brands, North America's leading edibles brand. We're sitting down with Joe Hodas, the recently appointed President of Wana, to discuss the brand's innovative strategies and his journey from Chief Marketing Officer to President.
๐ ๐๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ: In this discussion, Joe Hodas shares his experiences and the dynamic shifts within Wana Brands following its acquisition by Canopy Growth Corporation. We'll explore Wana's expansive approach across both cannabis and hemp markets, the inception of their new hemp marketplace, Wanderous, and the differences between the Canadian and U.S. markets.
๐ก ๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐'๐น๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ป:
๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ด๐ฉ๐ช๐ฑ ๐๐ณ๐ข๐ฏ๐ด๐ช๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ: Insight into Joe's transition from CMO to President and his unique leadership style.
๐๐ข๐ณ๐ฌ๐ฆ๐ต ๐๐น๐ฑ๐ข๐ฏ๐ด๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ: The strategy behind Wana's multi-market presence and the launch of the Wanderous marketplace.
๐๐ค๐ฒ๐ถ๐ช๐ด๐ช๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ข๐ค๐ต: How the acquisition by Canopy Growth has influenced Wana Brands' operations and strategies.
๐๐ถ๐ญ๐ต๐ถ๐ณ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐ช๐ง๐ง๐ฆ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ๐ด: An exploration of the operational and cultural differences between the U.S. and Canadian cannabis markets.
๐ ๐ ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐: With a rich background in marketing and strategic leadership across various industries, Joe brings a wealth of experience to his role at Wana Brands. From pioneering marketing initiatives to steering major corporate transitions, Joe's expertise has been pivotal in shaping Wana's market dominance.
๐ ๐ช๐ต๐ ๐ง๐๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐ป? This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the business of cannabis, from industry insiders to budding entrepreneurs. Learn from one of the leading figures in the cannabis edibles market and gain insights into managing a top brand through significant industry changes.
Tune in to High Spirits this Thursday on LinkedIn Live and join Ben and AnnaRae for an episode packed with valuable insights and expert discussions.#CannabisIndustry
#WanaBrands
--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high. -
Curious about the exciting world of cannabis beverages and how it's reshaping consumer habits? We sit down with Diana Eberlein, a leading figure in the industry and current president of the Cannabis Beverage Association. Diana shares her journey from cannabis beverage consumer to chair of the Coalition for Adult Beverage Alternatives, shedding light on the strategic moves being made to align with the alcohol industry. With a recent move to Washington DC, Diana is at the forefront of policy advocacy, ensuring that cannabis beverages are both celebrated and understood.
The cannabis beverage landscape is ripe with potential, but not without its hurdles. Diana takes us through the intricacies of marketing and regulation, emphasizing the importance of consumer education to navigate the subtleties of dosage and intoxication levels. As the industry grapples with limited distribution channels, the conversation explores the potential of direct-to-consumer sales, despite the challenges it presents. Drawing comparisons with the alcohol sector, Diana shares valuable insights on collaborative marketing strategies and the nuanced relationship that cannabis beverages have with traditional alcohol products.
Join us on this enlightening journey as Diana reveals the role of passion and community in driving innovation within this niche market. We touch on the collaborative efforts of organizations like the Cannabis Beverage Association and Hemp Beverage Alliance that unite the industry to tackle regulatory challenges. From legislative education to forming strategic coalitions, discover the creative strategies being deployed to integrate low-dose beverages into mainstream consumption and the shared vision driving the industry forward.--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high. -
Seth Yakatan, a key player and influencer in cannabis finance and M&A, joins us to unravel the financial intricacies of the cannabis industry. Gain invaluable insights as Seth shares his extraordinary journey from health and wellness to becoming a significant figure in raising capital and selling companies within the cannabis sector. Discover how his unique experiences provide a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today.
Embark on a journey through the landscape of cannabis finance as we explore the infusion of new talent from traditional sectors like alcohol and tobacco. We discuss the potential integration of hemp beverages into the Texas alcohol supply chain and celebrate the harvest in the Emerald Triangle, highlighting the hard work of cultivators. The conversation shifts to the delicate art of data gathering and pattern recognition, emphasizing the power of transparency and truth-telling amidst the polite faรงades of venture capital.
Prepare for an insightful discussion on the looming challenges and future consolidation strategies within the cannabis industry. We delve into the structural deficiencies in capital flow and the potential for strategic refinancing as companies face a daunting "debt wall." Despite these hurdles, there's optimism for growth through acquisition amid regulatory changes and market consolidation. Engage with us on LinkedIn to continue this conversation and share your thoughts on the promising future of cannabis.--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high. -
What if cannabis businesses could harness the power of AI to revolutionize their operations? Join us as we uncover this fascinating intersection and other topics in our first CEO roundtable following the close of Benzinga Chicago with industry leaders Cameron Clarke of Sunderstorm, Michael Murphy of Prelude, Heather Molloy of Speedwell Partners, and your hosts, Ben Larson of Vertosa and AnnaRae Grabsteinf of Wolf Meyer. In a rapidly evolving landscape, they share their strategies for navigating global expansion, leveraging AI in dispensary operations, and crafting investment approaches in a market contending with ongoing federal restrictions. From the excitement of product expansion into new territories to the intricacies of strategic retail partnerships, this discussion offers a front-row seat to the future of cannabis.
As the cannabis market continues to grow, understanding the dynamics between the hemp, illicit, and licensed sectors becomes essential. Our guests dive deep into how legalization is reshaping the industry and the role that hemp, especially in the beverage industry, plays in attracting new consumers. They share insights on predicting market shifts, the importance of strategic foresight, and the surprising growth in unexpected regions like Texas. This conversation emphasizes the need for business flexibility and forward-thinking strategies to stay ahead of regulatory challenges and consumer behavior trends.
What are the unique challenges of operating in a federally illegal market, and how can companies optimize their supply chains despite these hurdles? Discover the answers as we explore the competitive landscape, the role of AI in customer experience enhancement, and the financial complexities of the industry. Our experts discuss software innovations, such as Acumatica, for cost-effective operations and exciting prospects for global partnerships. Listen to this episode for an enlightening look at how cannabis companies can strategically harness technology and policy insights to thrive in this burgeoning sector.--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high. -
Let's be honest, it's been a solid run of shows this year for two busy CEO's self-producing and coordinating (and writing these descriptions). Travel schedule has definitely ramped back up and we somehow got to the beginning of this week and hadn't really thought about it! So we're falling back to our original inspiration for the show and recording our weekly check-in on all things cannabis business.
This week, we attended hashtag#Meadowlands, David Hua and Meadow's California-famous gathering for cannabis leaders amongst the redwoods in the Emerald Triangle. Ben spoke on Tuesday about ... wait for it ... HEMP BEVERAGES (big surprise), while AnnaRae took to the stage on Wednesday to school us on reinventing one's self, leadership, and business. The whole event was so incredibly beautiful with incredible guests and speakers, as it has for the last 8 years, and should provide plenty of fodder for Thursday's conversation.
๐๐ป ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ, ๐๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ...
๐ฒ The famed 8th annual Meadowlands event in Mendocino
๐บ Hemp Beverages and their opportunity for unifying the cannabis and hemp movement
๐ฆ Reinventing oneself, leadership, and business amid shifting sands
๐ช The downfall of Harborside, the most consequential dispensary in cannabis
๐ข The port workers strike and potential impact to supply chains
๐งโโ๏ธ The Trulieve defamation suit against the Amendment 3 opposition
Join us as we recap the weeks events and look towards Benzinga's Cannabis Capital Conference next week!
#highspirits #cannabiscommunity #californiacannabis #meadowlands--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high. -
Jeremy Berke, founder and editor-in-chief of Cultivated Media, joins us this week as our guest co-host. Despite juggling cannabis news coverage and MBA studies, Jeremy takes time out to share his experience and expertise in the space. Jeremy gives listeners an inside look at Cultivated, a daily newsletter dedicated to cannabis industry professionals, detailing how his journey from Business Insider led to his own entrepreneurial venture.
In our deep dive into New York's cannabis market, we uncover the turbulent landscape marked by regulatory chaos and political scandals. With the indictment of Mayor Eric Adams and turmoil within the state's regulatory agency, the rollout of cannabis dispensaries in New York City has faced significant setbacks. However, there's hope on the horizon as we discuss the potential growth of the city's cannabis scene. We also examine Florida's Amendment 3, a heated ballot measure aiming to legalize cannabis, and the intense political dynamics shaping its campaign, including Trulieve's hefty financial investments and conflicting stances within the Republican Party.
Looking ahead, we explore the future of cannabis reform on both federal and state levels. With bipartisan support for rescheduling cannabis to Schedule 3, the upcoming presidential election could play a pivotal role in shaping national cannabis policy. We also scrutinize California's emergency regulations on hemp, which ban detectable THC in products, and discuss the implications for dispensary owners and consumers alike. Wrapping up, we reflect on the long-term potential and current challenges in the cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of being informed and adaptable in this rapidly evolving landscape. Don't miss out on these crucial insightsโstay curious, stay informed, and keep your spirits high.--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high. -
๐ฑ๐๏ธ Join Ben & AnnaRae as we saddle up for another deep dive into the Texas cannabis scene. This time, we're exploring the booming hemp market with Benjamin Meggs, CEO of Bayou City Hemp Company and the beverage brand HOWDY . Ben's unique journey from the Oil and Gas industry to hemp cultivation and CBD retail has positioned him as a pivotal figure in shaping Texas's hemp landscape. In this episode, we'll uncover the challenges and opportunities of building a hemp business in the heart of Texas and what it means to extend a Texas-sized welcome across the US.
๐ค ๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ช๐ฒโ๐น๐น ๐๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ:
โข ๐๐ฆ๐น๐ข๐ด ๐๐ฐ๐ญ๐ช๐ต๐ช๐ค๐ด ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฑ: A look into how state policies are influencing the growth and operations of hemp businesses. ๐ฑ
โข ๐๐ถ๐ช๐ญ๐ฅ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ข ๐๐ณ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ: Learn how Bayou City Hemp crafts its distinctly Texan brands to appeal to markets beyond state lines. ๐ข
โข ๐๐ข๐ณ๐ฌ๐ฆ๐ต ๐๐น๐ฑ๐ข๐ฏ๐ด๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ: Strategies for taking local success to a national level with a focus on cultivating brand identity rooted in Texas culture. ๐บ๐ธ
๐ ๐ ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ป ๐ ๐ฒ๐ด๐ด๐: Ben Meggs brings a wealth of experience from the Oil and Gas sector to the hemp industry, where he has become a pioneer in hemp retail and regulation. As CEO of Bayou City Hemp and Howdy, Ben is at the forefront of the industryโs expansion, driving technical oversight, operations, and ensuring top-quality production. His leadership is guiding his brands to capture the essence of Texas and deliver it to consumers across the country.
๐ ๐ช๐ต๐ ๐ง๐๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐ป? This episode is perfect for entrepreneurs, hemp enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the dynamics of regional branding and its impact on national markets. Whether you're a Texan at heart or just curious about the business of hemp, you'll find valuable insights and inspiring stories in our conversation with Ben.--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high. -
๐ฟ๐๏ธ Join Ben & AnnaRae this week as we explore the intricate world of cannabis compliance with Michael Johnson, CEO of Metrc. Now synonymous with seed-to-sale tracking, Metrc stands at the forefront of regulatory compliance in the cannabis industry. In this episode, we'll uncover the human element behind the platform, the challenges of balancing diverse stakeholder needs, and the future of cannabis compliance.
๐ ๐๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ: To operators in the cannabis industry, Metrc is the backbone of daily operations and compliance. We'll peel back the layers of this often mistakenly maligned "necessary evil" to understand not just how it works, but who makes it work and why it is the way it is. Michael will share insights into the multi-sided nature of Metrc's business model, its interactions with state regulators, third-party software providers, and the licensed operators who rely on it every day.
๐ก ๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐'๐น๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ป:
๐ ๐๐ฏ๐ด๐ช๐ฅ๐ฆ ๐๐ฆ๐ต๐ณ๐ค: Get a closer look at the team and technologies driving this crucial compliance system.
โ๏ธ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ค๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐๐ค๐ต: Discover how Metrc manages the complex demands of regulators, tech partners, and cannabis businesses.
๐ฑ ๐๐ฏ๐ฅ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ณ๐บ ๐๐ท๐ฐ๐ญ๐ถ๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ: Review how compliance has transformed with the cannabis industry over time and where itโs heading.
๐ฎ ๐๐ถ๐ต๐ถ๐ณ๐ฆ ๐๐ณ๐ฆ๐ฅ๐ช๐ค๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ด: Speculate on future trends in cannabis compliance and technology with insights from the helm of the industryโs leading tracker.
๐ ๐ ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ ๐ ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฎ๐ฒ๐น ๐๐ผ๐ต๐ป๐๐ผ๐ป: Appointed as CEO in 2022, Michael Johnson has rapidly steered Metrc toward innovative horizons. With a rich background as CFO at various technology and health firms, Michael brings a unique perspective to the cannabis compliance sector. His approach is not just about monitoring and regulation but fostering an ecosystem that supports safe, sustainable growth in the industry.
๐ ๐ช๐ต๐ ๐ง๐๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐ป? This episode is crucial for anyone involved in the cannabis industry, from regulators to entrepreneurs, and even tech enthusiasts curious about the intersection of technology and regulatory compliance. Whether you're grappling with Metrcโs systems or just keen to understand more about the regulatory landscape, this conversation promises to enlighten, inform, and inspire.
Tune in to High Spirits this Thursday on LinkedIn Live for an episode filled with deep insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and expert perspective on cannabis compliance.--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high. -
๐ฟ ๐๐ก๐ ๐ ๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฌ: ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ฐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐๐ฒ'๐ฌ ๐๐๐ง๐ง๐๐๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐๐ซ๐ค๐๐ญ ๐ฟ
Join Ben & AnnaRae on High Spirits as we delve into the whirlwind experience of the first 30 days following the launch of a brand new dispensary in New Jersey. Our guest, Tahir Johnson, CEO of Simply Pure Trenton NJ and President of the Minority Cannabis Business Association, shares his firsthand insights and the roller-coaster ride of opening one of the first Black-owned social-equity cannabis businesses in the state.
๐ ๐๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ: In this episode, we explore the exhilarating first month of operations after years of preparation at Simply Pure Trenton. From regulatory hurdles to customer reactions and operational challenges, Tahir will dissect what it takes to launch and stabilize a new dispensary in an emerging market. Drawing from his extensive background in cannabis advocacy and business, Tahir reflects on the reality of starting a dispensary under New Jersey's adult-use cannabis framework and the personal journey that brought him to this point.
๐ก ๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐'๐น๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ป:
๐ง ๐๐ฏ๐ช๐ต๐ช๐ข๐ญ ๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐จ๐ฆ๐ด: Discover the unexpected hurdles and how they were navigated during the critical first month.
๐ก ๐๐ต๐ณ๐ข๐ต๐ฆ๐จ๐ช๐ค ๐๐ฏ๐ด๐ช๐จ๐ฉ๐ต๐ด: Gain insights into the strategic planning and adaptations required when reality hits post-launch.
๐ฅ ๐๐ฐ๐ค๐ช๐ข๐ญ ๐๐ฒ๐ถ๐ช๐ต๐บ ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ข๐ค๐ต: Understand the significance of launching one of the first Black-owned equity businesses in New Jerseyโs cannabis market.
๐ ๐๐ณ๐ฐ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ณ ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ญ๐ช๐ค๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ด: Discuss the broader implications for other entrepreneurs in similar markets drawing from Tahir's role as MCBA President.
๐ ๐ ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ ๐ง๐ฎ๐ต๐ถ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ต๐ป๐๐ผ๐ป: Tahir's journey in the cannabis industry is both personal and professional. With a history marked by advocacy and a personal narrative intertwined with the criminal justice system, his work extends beyond business, aiming to rectify the long-term impacts of the war on drugs. His leadership roles have equipped him with unique insights into the intersections of policy, social equity, and industry dynamics, making him a pivotal figure in shaping the future of cannabis in New Jersey and beyond.
Donโt miss this insightful discussion on what it really takes to launch and run a cannabis dispensary in a complex regulatory landscape. Tune in to High Spirits on Thursday for a session filled with real stories, professional insights, and valuable lessons.--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high. -
Could the fragmented cannabis market in Latin America be the next big thing for savvy investors? Join us as we uncover the secrets of this untapped market with our special guest, Javier Hasse, the Managing Director at Benzinga and founder of El Planteo. In this episode, Javier shares his unique insights into the challenges and opportunities that exist within various Latin American countries, detailing how cultural acceptance and patient advocacy are reshaping the industry. With his extensive experience and a bestselling book on starting a cannabis business, Javier offers a wealth of knowledge you won't find anywhere else.
We also take a closer look at the essential role of cannabis conferences and how they serve as pivotal networking hubs. Hear firsthand stories about multi-billion-dollar deals and significant investments that have emerged from Benzinga's curated events. From the perspective of our hosts, we discuss the balance between professional travel and personal life, especially during the bustling conference season. With exclusive anecdotes, we highlight the distinct advantages of smaller, focused gatherings in fostering meaningful connections among industry professionals, investors, and businesses.
Lastly, we turn our attention to the latest trends and hurdles in the cannabis sector. Discover why THC-infused beverages are gaining traction and how brands like Cann are navigating the complex California market. We also tackle the recent delays in cannabis rescheduling decisions, evaluating the implications for investors and the broader industry. Despite the setbacks, there's a strong sense of progress and optimism as we explore the future of cannabis regulation. Tune in for a compelling discussion that spans from policy shifts to emerging market opportunities, providing a comprehensive view of the dynamic cannabis landscape.--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high. -
Imagine launching your first business at just 13 years old. That's precisely what our special guest, Aaron Nosbisch, did, and his entrepreneurial spirit has only grown since. Aaron, now the founder and CEO of Breeze and Lucyd Media, joins us from an airport en route to Burning Man to share his incredible journey. From his early days in the fashion world to the intricate landscape of cannabis and hemp marketing, Aaron brings a wealth of knowledge and some really creative strategies.
Our conversation doesn't stop at marketing tactics. We dive deep into the importance of transparency and community engagement in building a brand, inspired by industry leaders. Aaron discusses the substantial investmentsโnearly a million dollars monthlyโnecessary for driving brand awareness and growth. By focusing on the value of sharing a brand's story publicly, we explore how a cooperative approach over competition can foster innovation and elevate the industry as a whole.
Navigating from direct-to-consumer to retail sales strategies, we examine the operational and marketing nuances essential for scaling a beverage startup. From customer acquisition costs to lifetime value, Aaron shares the metrics that drive real-time advertising decisions. We also discuss the complexities of cannabis legalization in Florida, emphasizing the need for equity and fair access to the market. As we wrap up, we express our anticipation for upcoming events like Benzinga in October and the High Spirits Morning Mixer in Vegas for MJBiz, ensuring you stay connected and informed.--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high. -
๐ฟ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐ฅ'๐ฌ ๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐ข๐: ๐๐ง๐ฉ๐๐๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ก ๐๐ญ๐๐ญ๐'๐ฌ ๐๐๐ง๐ง๐๐๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ง๐ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฌ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ฟ
Join Ben and AnnaRae this week on High Spirits as we delve deep into Georgiaโs newly launched cannabis program with Judson Hill, the Georgia Market President for Fine Fettle, one of the stateโs six licensed operators. This episode will explore the current landscape of cannabis in Georgia, the emerging dynamics between cannabis and hemp, and what the future holds for patients and consumers in the state.
๐ ๐๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ:
Georgiaโs medical cannabis market is just sprouting, presenting unique opportunities and challenges. Judson Hill brings his insider perspective on navigating this nascent industry, from the legislative battles to the operational hurdles. We'll discuss the size, functionality, and potential growth of the market, and how Fine Fettle is positioning itself to serve Georgia's patient community.
๐ก ๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐'๐น๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ป:
๐๐ข๐ณ๐ฌ๐ฆ๐ต ๐๐ท๐ฆ๐ณ๐ท๐ช๐ฆ๐ธ: Insight into the current state of Georgia's cannabis program and its future trajectory.
๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ข๐ฃ๐ช๐ด ๐ท๐ด. ๐๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฑ: Discussion on the interplay and competition between the cannabis and hemp markets in Georgia.
๐๐ต๐ณ๐ข๐ต๐ฆ๐จ๐ช๐ค ๐๐ฏ๐ช๐ต๐ช๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ท๐ฆ๐ด: Learn about Fine Fettle's approach to lobbying, education, and market differentiation in a state with a complex regulatory landscape.
๐ ๐ ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐๐ฑ๐๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐น๐น:
A native Atlantan and forward-thinking leader, Judson Hill is at the forefront of introducing medical cannabis to Georgia. With a background in fundraising and developing sales organizations across various industries, Judson now focuses on lobbying, government affairs, and educating Georgians about the benefits of medical cannabis. His work is pivotal in shaping a responsible and patient-centered cannabis market in his home state.
๐ ๐ช๐ต๐ ๐ง๐๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐ป?
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving cannabis industry, particularly in states with new or expanding programs. Whether youโre a patient, provider, industry stakeholder, or simply a curious listener, Judsonโs experiences and insights offer a comprehensive look at what it takes to launch and lead a cannabis operation under complex regulatory conditions.--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high. -
๐๐๐จ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐๐๐ค ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ง๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ง๐ง๐๐๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐-๐ฎ๐ฉ!๐ฟ
It's been another eventful week in the world of cannabis, and we're excited to talk about it. Here's some of the topics that are top of mind:
๐บ๐ธ Kamala taps Gov. Tim Walz of MN as her running mate
๐ฐ Ohio launches adult use sales
โ Missouri bans Delta 8 and unlicensed retailers
๐ Q2 earnings are out and companies are refinancing their debt
โ More!
As always, High Spirits is more than a podcast โ it's a dynamic conversation among leaders in the cannabis industry. We film live, and your participation is what makes our discussion richer and more meaningful. We invite you to contribute to the conversation and let us know what's important to you! What topics should we delve into? We welcome your questions and comments, so drop them into the chat and join us as we dive into the current events of the cannabis industry!--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high. -
๐ฟ ๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ง ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ง๐ง๐๐๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ? ๐ฟ
Join Ben and AnnaRae this week on High Spirits as we delve into the potential impacts of Kamala Harris' leadership on the cannabis industry and criminal justice reform. With President Biden stepping aside, Kamala Harris' role could become pivotal in shaping the future policies that would significantly affect both the cannabis industry and ongoing criminal justice reform efforts.
๐ ๐๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ:
As we navigate these changing political tides, our guest, Jason Ortiz, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Last Prisoner Project, brings a deeply personal and professional perspective to the discussion. We'll revisit Kamala Harris' stance during the 2020 campaign, examine the current state of criminal justice reform, and speculate on how Harris might influence future policies related to cannabis.
๐ก ๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐'๐น๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ป:
๐๐ข๐ฎ๐ข๐ญ๐ขโ๐ด ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ข๐ค๐ต: Explore what Kamala Harris' leadership could mean for future cannabis policies and criminal justice reform.
๐๐ฏ๐ฅ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ณ๐บ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐๐ฆ๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ๐ฎ: Gain insight into the intersection of cannabis legalization and criminal justice, particularly how federal and state levels are taking action (or inaction).
๐๐ฅ๐ท๐ฐ๐ค๐ข๐ค๐บ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐๐ค๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ: Learn from Jasonโs extensive experience in advocating for cannabis justice and how grassroots movements can influence significant policy changes.
๐ ๐ ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ป ๐ข๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐:
Jason Ortiz, a cannabis justice advocate, has turned personal adversity into a platform for change. From being arrested at 16 for simple cannabis possession to leading strategic initiatives for the Last Prisoner Project, Jason's journey is a testament to the power of advocacy and determination. His work with the Minority Cannabis Business Association and as a drafter of key legislation in Connecticut showcases his impact on creating equitable cannabis policies.
๐ ๐ช๐ต๐ ๐ง๐๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐ป?
This episode is crucial for anyone interested in the future of cannabis regulation, the dynamics of political leadership on social issues, and the ongoing efforts to reform criminal justice. Jasonโs insights provide a unique look at the challenges and opportunities within the advocacy landscape, making this a must-listen for activists, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intersection of cannabis and justice.
Tune in to High Spirits every Thursday, live on LinkedIn, and join the conversation!--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high. -
Join Ben and AnnaRae on High Spirits for a lively discussion with Nico Richardson, CEO of Texas Original (fka Compassionate Cultivation), the leading medical marijuana and cannabis dispensary in Texas. This episode delves into the complex landscape of hemp and cannabis in the Lone Star State, exploring the regulatory, economic, and societal challenges that shape this rapidly evolving market.
๐ ๐๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ:
Texas is at a crossroads with its hemp and cannabis policies, creating a dynamic battleground for legislation and public opinion. Nico Richardson will share his firsthand experiences and insights into the challenges faced by the cannabis industry in Texas, where subtle differences between hemp and cannabis under the law can have significant implications. We'll discuss the ongoing lobbying efforts, the current state of affairs at the Texas Capitol, and what the future holds for both markets in one of America's most conservative states.
๐ก ๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐'๐น๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ป:
๐๐ข๐ท๐ช๐จ๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐๐ถ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ณ๐ฌ๐ฆ๐ต๐ด ๐งญ: Understand the key differences and challenges between the hemp and cannabis industries in Texas.
๐๐ฐ๐ฃ๐ฃ๐บ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐๐ง๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ๐ต๐ด ๐ณ๏ธ: Hear about the intense lobbying on both sides of the hemp vs. cannabis debate and its potential impacts on future legislation.
๐๐ฏ๐ฅ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ณ๐บ ๐๐ฏ๐ด๐ช๐จ๐ฉ๐ต๐ด ๐: Gain insights from the perspective of Texasโs largest medical cannabis operator on how these issues affect business operations and patient access.
๐๐ถ๐ต๐ถ๐ณ๐ฆ ๐๐ณ๐ฐ๐ด๐ฑ๐ฆ๐ค๐ต๐ด ๐ฎ: Explore the possible outcomes of this heated debate and what it means for the broader cannabis industry in Texas.
๐ ๐ ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ ๐ก๐ถ๐ฐ๐ผ ๐ฅ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐๐ผ๐ป:
Nico Richardson is a seasoned leader and advocate in the cannabis industry, with extensive experience navigating the complex regulatory environments of conservative markets. As CEO of Texas Original, Nico has been at the forefront of efforts to expand patient access to medical cannabis while advocating for sensible cannabis reforms in Texas. His deep understanding of the political and business landscapes makes him a pivotal figure in the ongoing discussions about cannabis policy in the state.
๐ ๐ช๐ต๐ ๐ง๐๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐ป?
This episode is essential for anyone interested in the intersection of cannabis and hemp, especially in a state as pivotal as Texas. Whether you're a cannabis entrepreneur, policy maker, patient advocate, or curious about the evolving legal landscape, Nicoโs insights offer a valuable perspective on the complexities of operating in a restrictive market.--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high. - Vis mere
