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  • The world of cannabis isn't isolated from global economic shifts—it's deeply embedded in them. When the Trump administration announced sweeping new tariffs against major trading partners, from China to Canada, few analysts considered how these protectionist measures would impact an industry that's already entirely domestic by legal necessity.

    In this deep-diving conversation, Ben and Anna Rae unpack the paradox at the heart of cannabis economics: an industry that already achieves the "domestic manufacturing" goal that tariffs supposedly promote, yet still struggles with profitability and scale. The new trade war creates a perfect storm of upward pressure on manufacturing costs while simultaneously dampening consumer confidence and purchasing power.

    The ripple effects of these tariffs expose fundamental tensions in the cannabis industry. Labor costs will rise while consumers become more price-conscious. Smaller craft operations will face greater challenges than larger, more efficiently scaled businesses, likely accelerating consolidation. Value products will gain market share as premium offerings struggle to justify higher price points to budget-conscious consumers.

    Most importantly, this economic moment highlights the urgent need for regulatory convergence between hemp and cannabis frameworks and the breaking down of state barriers to create true economies of scale. As the hosts note, "If you're in the business of strengthening or building walls, you might be on the wrong side of history."

    Whether you're an industry operator navigating these challenging waters or simply curious about how global economic policies affect niche markets, this episode provides critical context for understanding cannabis as both a product category and a business ecosystem. The path forward requires both responding to immediate economic pressures and advocating for sensible policy reform that centers consumer needs while allowing businesses to operate efficiently.

    Ready to join the conversation about the future of cannabis in this changing economic landscape? Listen now and discover why smart industry leaders are thinking globally while acting locally.

    --
    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 on High Spirits as Ben & AnnaRae dive into a hot topic that's reshaping the landscape of the cannabis beverage industry. As states begin to align hemp beverage regulations with those governing alcohol, the implications for brands, manufacturers, distributors, and consumers are significant. This episode explores the legislative shift that is integrating hemp beverages into the alcohol regulatory framework, spotlighting new challenges and opportunities within the industry, and breaking down some of the common contract language found in this environment.

    🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: In this discussion, we're joined by Neil M. Willner, Counsel at Vicente LLP. Neil brings his extensive expertise in cannabis regulatory and compliance matters, focusing particularly on the evolving intersection of hemp and regulated marijuana industries. With states like Arkansas, Arizona, Illinois, and several others proposing legislation that would treat hemp beverages similarly to alcohol, Neil will unpack what these changes mean for the future of the industry.

    💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

    𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑳𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒆: An overview of recent state proposals that could redefine hemp beverage regulations.

    𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔: How the new regulatory environment might affect everyone from small producers to large distributors.

    𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒄 𝑨𝒅𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔: Insight into how companies can navigate and thrive under the new regulations.

    𝑭𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔: Expert debate on the long-term effects of these legislative changes on the hemp and broader cannabis markets.

    🌟 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝗶𝗹 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝗿: A prominent figure in cannabis law, Neil's work spans regulatory challenges, policy advocacy, and industry compliance. His insights have informed policymakers and industry leaders alike, making him a pivotal voice in discussions about cannabis legislation.

    📣 Use code HIGHSPIRITS at kitprint.co to get 10% off.

    #HighSpirits #CannabisRegulation #HempBeverages #drinkcannabis

    --
    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.



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    Akışı yenilemek için buraya tıklayın.

  • In today’s discussion, we explore the evolution of Bengal Capital from a hedge fund to a more hands-on private equity firm that doesn't just invest but actively participates in steering companies towards success. We'll unravel the layers of Bengal’s unique approach to cannabis investing, focusing on smaller, often overlooked entities rather than the larger MSOs, and how this strategy sets them apart in a saturated market.

    💬 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:

    𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘭 𝘊𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭’𝘴 𝘐𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘌𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯:
    ‣ Transition from passive investments to a proactive role in portfolio companies.
    ‣ Insights into Bengal’s operational involvement with companies like Grown Rogue.

    𝘘4 𝘌𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸:
    ‣ A deep dive into the latest financial disclosures from major MSOs.
    ‣ Analysis of the impacts of financial strategies like the cessation of 280E tax payments.

    𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘴 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺:
    ‣ Examination of the persistent over-optimism in market projections.
    ‣ Discussion on the shift from growth-centric to profitability-focused investor expectations.

    𝘏𝘦𝘮𝘱'𝘴 𝘙𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘴 𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘦:
    ‣ Debating the disruptive potential of hemp-derived THC and its impact on traditional cannabis markets.
    ‣ Perspectives on MSOs diversifying into hemp and its beverages.

    𝘓𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘈𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥: 𝘐𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘴’ 𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦:
    ‣ The potential for craft cannabis to replicate the craft beer revolution.
    ‣ Speculations on the impact of federal legalization and interstate commerce.

    🎙️ 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿: Gerald Derevyanny, Partner at Bengal Capital
    Jerry brings a wealth of knowledge from his legal background and his deep dive into cannabis investing. His insights are not just theoretical; they are built on real-world experiences and the gritty realities of navigating a tumultuous industry.

    #HighSpirits #CannabisIndustry #CannabisInvesting #BengalCapital

    --
    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.



  • 🌿🎙️ 𝟏𝟏 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝟕 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬?! 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! 🌼🌈✌️

    Join hosts Ben & AnnaRae on High Spirits as they dive into the world of launching a THC-infused beverage company with the founders of Hippie Water. We're thrilled to welcome Sasha Pieterse Sheaffer and Taylor Eileen Sewell to discuss the dynamic launch and rapid expansion of their brand in the competitive hemp beverage market.

    In this episode, we explore the journey of launching Hippie Water, a brand co-founded by best friends. From conception to hitting shelves across 11 states in just seven months, learn how they've navigated the challenges of a crowded market while leveraging a celebrity edge, a strong partnership, and a beautifully crafted beverage.

    💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:
    𝘊𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘐𝘯𝘧𝘭𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱: The role of Sasha's public persona in shaping brand identity and consumer reception.

    𝘐𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵 𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵: Taylor’s approach to creating a THC beverage that sets new standards for taste and experience.

    𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘙𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘈𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴: Strategies behind their aggressive rollout and how they managed regulatory landscapes.

    𝘉𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘉𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘖𝘯𝘦𝘴: The dynamics of working closely with significant others and maintaining professional and personal balance.

    🌟 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀:
    Sasha Pieterse Sheaffer, CEO of Hippie Water, combines her Hollywood charisma with a keen business acumen to promote wellness and empowerment through her cannabis ventures.

    Taylor Eileen Sewell, the "Beverage Queen," brings her extensive background in food science to revolutionize THC beverages, making Hippie Water a beloved brand for health-conscious consumers.

    #HighSpirits #CannabisCulture #HippieWater #THCBeverages #drinkcannabis

    --
    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.



  • Note to our listeners: Apologies for the poor sound quality on this episode. We experienced a bit of a technical snafu in the recording. We will be back on track next week!

    🎙𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐩!🌿

    It's been another eventful month in the world of cannabis, and we're excited to talk about it. Tune-in to find out what's top of mind for us, thus what should be top of mind for you. For this episode, that includes the following:

    🏛️ Tariff Impacts: With increasing COGS, how will your business respond?

    📈 Business Fundamentals: Isn't it time we focus on running profitable businesses?

    🍸 MSOs Hedge with Hemp Bev: Will hemp beverages provide a lifeline to MSOs?

    🤠 Texas Hemp Ban: What is Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick up to, and what are the chances he'll succeed?

    As always, High Spirits is more than a podcast – 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!

    #highspirits

    #cannabis

    #hemp

    #podcast

    --
    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 Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein on High Spirits as they explore the journey of transforming a hemp marketplace and media site into a multi-state cannabis brand with a strong community focus. We'll be joined by Kate Miller, co-founder and CEO of Miss Grass , who has masterfully steered the brand from its roots as a hemp marketplace to a prominent player in the regulated cannabis market.

    🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: In this deep dive, Kate will share her strategies for cultivating a dedicated community, the challenges and triumphs of scaling in a highly competitive industry, and the pivotal decisions that have shaped Miss Grass. We’ll explore everything from the early days of building brand loyalty through education and content to the complexities of navigating multi-state operations.

    💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

    𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑳𝒐𝒚𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒚: Discover the strategies Miss Grass used to build and scale its community, and how focusing on education and content creation has fueled brand loyalty.

    𝑫𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕-𝒕𝒐-𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒚𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒄𝒔: Learn about the challenges and advantages of maintaining direct relationships with consumers, and how these insights have influenced product development.

    𝑵𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: Gain insights into the strategic decisions behind market expansion, dealing with competition from larger operators, and how Miss Grass has adapted its approach to maintain brand integrity.

    𝑶𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑬𝐟𝐟𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒎𝒑 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆: Understand the differences between the state-regulated cannabis industry and the hemp marketplace from a go-to-market and operational perspective.

    🌟 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗞𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: Kate Miller is the co-founder and CEO of Miss Grass, a brand at the forefront of transforming cannabis culture. Her journey from New Jersey to the West Coast and back again has been marked by bold leadership and a keen eye for market dynamics. Kate’s unique approach to business and her commitment to community, education, and quality have established Miss Grass as a leader in the cannabis industry.

    Tune into High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast this week to get an inside look at the cannabis industry through the lens of one of its most innovative leaders.

    #HighSpirits #CannabisCommunity #MissGrass #Entrepreneurship #HempIndustry

    --
    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 & AnnaRae on High Spirits as we delve into the world of cannabis retail with Christopher Violas, CEO of BLAZE®. This episode explores how cutting-edge technology and strategic market insights are reshaping the cannabis industry from the ground up.

    🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: In this discussion, we'll cover the impact of technology and operational efficiency in cannabis retail. Christopher Violas shares his insights on a range of topics including:

    𝘙𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺: Discover how centralizing decision-making and automating processes are helping retailers do more with less.

    𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘳 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴: Understand how regional preferences and economic models affect product demand and retail strategies.

    𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺: Learn about the move towards holistic solutions that connect POS, e-commerce, and inventory management under one roof.

    𝘌-𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦: Explore the shift towards online ordering and how cannabis retailers are optimizing for delivery and pickup.

    𝘈𝘐 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘢 𝘪𝘯 𝘙𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭: Get insights into how AI is revolutionizing inventory management, customer retention, and personalized marketing.

    𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘉𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘴: Discuss Blaze’s strategic moves into hemp, CBD, and other retail arenas.

    𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘋𝘺𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘴: Gain perspective on managing a diverse, remote workforce and scaling a high-tech business in a rapidly evolving industry.

    💡 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘀: Christopher Violas is not only the CEO of BLAZE® but also a visionary who has seamlessly blended technology with cannabis retail. From founding a cannabis delivery service to leading a tech-driven revolution in the cannabis industry, Chris brings a wealth of experience and innovation. Under his leadership, Blaze has processed over $1 billion in annual cannabis sales and expanded its footprint to support hundreds of dispensaries across North America.

    📅 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻? This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and cannabis retail. Whether you're an industry veteran, a budding entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of cannabis markets, you'll find valuable insights that could shape your view of the industry.

    Tune in to High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast to catch all the action and learn how the cannabis retail landscape is evolving to meet the future head-on.

    --
    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.



  • 🌿 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐬 🌿

    Join us on this week's episode of High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast, where we delve deep into the verdant fields of Humboldt County with Scott Vasterling, the visionary founder of Humboldt Family Farms. Discover the rich legacy of cannabis cultivation and the promising future of sungrown cannabis in one of the industry's most storied regions.

    🌞 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: In an industry that's rapidly evolving, there's a growing appreciation for the artisanal quality and sustainable practices of sungrown cannabis. Scott Vasterling brings his extensive background in health, wellness, and agricultural leadership to discuss how Humboldt Family Farms is pioneering innovations that could reshape the cannabis market. From the early days of the back-to-the-land movement and Prop 215 to the complexities of Prop 64, we explore how sungrown cannabis is being redefined from "outdoor weed" to a premium, craft category.

    💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

    Craft Cultivation Insights: The importance of unique strains and genetics in crafting a superior consumer experience. 🧬

    Agricultural Branding: Could a unified brand representing small farms be the answer to the commoditization challenge? 🏷️

    Policy Impact: How would interstate commerce change the game for West Coast cannabis farmers? 📜

    Sustainability in Cannabis: The advantages of traditional farming techniques in today's market. 🚜

    🌱 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁 𝗩𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴: With a foot in both the corporate world of Johnson & Johnson and the grassroots of Humboldt's farming community, Scott's dual expertise offers rare insights into the intersections of health, wellness, and cannabis cultivation. As Chair of the CA DCC Cannabis Advisory Committee and a staunch advocate for family farms, Scott's leadership is helping to steer the industry towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

    📅 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻? This episode is a must for anyone interested in the future of cannabis, the potential of sungrown products, and the stories of those who are leading the way in one of America's most iconic regions for marijuana cultivation. Whether you're an industry veteran, a cannabis connoisseur, or simply curious about the evolution of cannabis markets, join us for a conversation that promises to enlighten and inspire.

    Tune into High Spirits this Thursday on LinkedIn Live, where Ben and AnnaRae Grabstein bring the conversations with cannabis pioneers like

    --
    High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.

    Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.

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    Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.



  • Tune in to our next episode of 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘀 as we unravel the complexities of receivership and the intricacies of bankruptcy within the cannabis and hemp industries. We're joined by Ted Lanes, the "𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙥𝙚𝙧" of finance, to shed light on what these financial states mean for businesses and creditors alike.

    🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: We delve deep into the financial mechanisms that companies in the cannabis industry often have to navigate, particularly focusing on why traditional bankruptcy isn't an option and how receivership becomes a path many find themselves on. Ted Lanes, a seasoned receiver and financial expert, brings clarity to this often murky topic, discussing everything from the role of a receiver to strategic debt restructuring.

    💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

    • Receivership vs. Bankruptcy: Understand the fundamental differences and why bankruptcy isn't available for cannabis companies.

    • Role of a Receiver: Explore how receivers are appointed and their responsibilities in managing a company's assets and operations during financial distress.

    • Legal and Ethical Considerations: Learn about the legal framework surrounding receiverships and the ethical obligations of receivers.

    • Actionable Advice for Vendors and Operators: Practical tips for businesses on both sides of a receivership—how to protect your interests and navigate the process.

    🌟 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀: With a wealth of experience spanning over 30 years across various industries, Ted Lanes of Lanes Management Services has become a pivotal figure in managing complex receiverships and financial restructurings. His background includes significant roles such as the interim CFO of MedMen and advisory positions in multimillion-dollar funds, making him a respected authority on financial crisis management.

    #Bankruptcy #Receivership #HighSpirits #cannabisindustry #hempindustry

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  • 🌿 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬 🌿

    Dive into a thrilling new episode of 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘀 as we explore the intersection of peak performance in high-stakes environments with Melanie Curtis, a professional skydiver, world record holder, and acclaimed performance coach. Join us as we unravel the parallels between excelling in extreme sports and thriving in the volatile cannabis industry.

    🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: Melanie Curtis brings her unique expertise from thousands of skydives and high-impact coaching sessions to discuss what it takes to achieve peak performance in any field. We'll discuss a wide range of topics from managing change, bravery in decision-making, and the art of leadership in uncertain times to practical advice on stress management, overcoming fear, and maintaining mental clarity amidst chaos.

    💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

    𝑷𝒖𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒅𝒈𝒆𝒔: How pushing boundaries in skydiving translates to innovation in cannabis.

    𝑬𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚: The courage required to start new ventures and make tough decisions.

    𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕: Strategies for navigating volatility in cannabis.

    𝑰𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝑶𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔: The importance of self-care and continuous learning for sustained high performance.

    𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕: Building and maintaining trust within teams to achieve common goals.

    𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑭𝒆𝒂𝒓: Techniques to conquer fear and harness it to fuel growth and success.

    🌟 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀: Melanie's life mission goes beyond skydiving. She leverages her experiences to coach individuals and teams on achieving their highest potential, making her a sought-after speaker and consultant. With her vibrant energy and profound insights, Melanie inspires audiences to embrace challenges and transform their lives and workplaces.

    📚 Books mentioned in this episode:

    -Man's Search For Meaning
    -The Four Agreements
    -The Power of Habit
    -Atomic Habits
    -No Bad Parts

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    High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.

    Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.

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    Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.



  • 𝘞𝘦𝘦𝘦𝘦'𝘳𝘳𝘳𝘳𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘦𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘢𝘢𝘢𝘢𝘢𝘢𝘤𝘬! Join us for the first episode of the year on 𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙨, where we scope out the evolving world of cannabis beverages through the lens of Craig (Lewie) Lewis 🥃🏆, the CEO & Co-Founder of Flyers Cocktail Company. We're kicking off 2025 by diving into the category dominating our minds and the airwaves.

    📣 Quick shout out to our title sponsor, KitPrint, the cannabis operator’s production design partner. Use code HIGHSPIRITS when you sign up and get 10% off your first two months. To learn more, go to kitprint.co to book a call with their team.

    🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: In this episode, Lewie shares his exhilarating journey from skydiving to shaking up the beverage industry with Flyers Cocktail Company, an award-winning brand that's redefining how we celebrate moments, big and small. We’ll explore the challenges and triumphs of capital raising in the competitive beverage landscape, discuss the strategic moves that have made Flyers one of the most decorated names in the space, and get Lewie's fearless predictions for the industry in 2025.

    💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

    𝘊𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘙𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘋𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: Learn how Flyers has navigated the bustling market of cannabis beverages and stood out from the crowd.

    𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥-𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘺: Unpack whether product awards are merely vanity or offer real value to brands in this sector.

    𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘴: Discover the importance of supporting distributors and how Flyers Cocktail Co. ensures mutual success.

    𝘌𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴: Gain insights into Lewie’s leadership philosophy and his approach to steering a leading brand in a rapidly evolving market.

    2025 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: Hear what the future may hold for hemp beverages and the broader non-alcoholic segment in the new year.

    🌟 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 Craig (Lewie) Lewis 🥃🏆: Not just the CEO of Flyers Cocktail Co., Lewie is a TEDx speaker, avid adventurer, and a visionary in both his professional and personal life. With a background that spans from high-stakes skydiving to high-profile brand activations, Lewie brings a unique blend of excitement and expertise to the cannabis beverage industry.

    📅 Catch this high-flying episode of 𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙨 this Thursday on LinkedIn Live for an invigorating discussion packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories.

    #CannabisBeverages #DrinkCannabis #HighSpirits #DrinkFlyers

    --
    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 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.

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    High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.

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    Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.



  • 🌿 𝐌𝐉𝐁𝐢𝐳𝐂𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐩: 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 🌿

    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.

    📅 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻? 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.

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    Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.



  • 🎙𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝-𝐮𝐩!🌿

    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...
    🚨 Minnesota's botched social equity lottery application (read robbery)
    🍸 GTI's big bet on beverage through Agrify's acquisition of Señorita
    🌿 What the new Senate draft of the Farm Bill means for hemp
    💵 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 – 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.

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    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 Señorita, 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.

    🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: 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.

    💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

    𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵: How the results of the presidential election could influence federal cannabis policy.

    𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘔𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴: Detailed insights into the six state ballot measures and their implications for local and national cannabis policy.

    𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: Predictions for cannabis legislation in the coming years and potential shifts in public opinion and political strategy.

    🌟 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗛𝗶𝗿𝘀𝗵 𝗝𝗮𝗶𝗻: Returning guest Hirsh Jain (𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘌𝘱. 36 - 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘴: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘥 𝘞𝘢𝘷𝘦; 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘴) 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.

    📅 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻? 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

    --
    High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.

    Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.

    Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.

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    Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.



  • Join us for this week's recording of 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘀, 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.

    🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: 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.

    💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

    𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: Insight into Joe's transition from CMO to President and his unique leadership style.

    𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯: The strategy behind Wana's multi-market presence and the launch of the Wanderous marketplace.

    𝘈𝘤𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵: How the acquisition by Canopy Growth has influenced Wana Brands' operations and strategies.

    𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘋𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴: An exploration of the operational and cultural differences between the U.S. and Canadian cannabis markets.

    🌟 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗝𝗼𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘀: 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.

    📅 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻? 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 façades 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.