Innovating Cannabis Podcast

Robert Head served over five years in the Army, including on the front lines of Iraq. In 2016, he entered the cannabis industry and bought a farm in Maine to cultivate cannabis. Robert has also devoted his time to helping communities understand that cannabis plays a big role in the veteran's healing process through events and speaking engagements. In late 2022, he and another veteran, Todd Scattini, founded the non-profit, Hemp for Victory to bring attention to the need for plant medicine to heal our veterans.https://hemp4victory.info/https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberthead76/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tara Misu, a NJ native, has been kicking around cannabis industry for 15 years. She is the owner of the edibles company Blazin' Bakery, known for its brownie mix with the right formulation for making DIY pot brownies. The company previously sold at Spencer Gift Stores across the country, but is focusing on the cannabis edibles market now.Tara has studied extraction science in California and Colorado and is about to open the doors to her manufacturing facility, Alchemy Green, so that she can continue to innovate with cannabis edibles.Learn more about this and Tara's big plans for the NJ cannabis market on all major podcast platforms and YouTube.https://blazinbakery.blazinbrands.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamtaramisu/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today, we are talking SEO with Samuel Fisher from Green Dispensary Marketing. Sam and his team help dispensaries manage their online web presence and build traffic-generating assets. Sam explains why you should dump WeedMaps and Leafly. Green Dispensary Marketing will help maximize your traffic and ensure it converts to sales. The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

KEY TALKING POINTS· German Cannabis Market: Germany has decriminalized possession up to 25 grams and allows home cultivation of up to three plants. Consumers can also join cannabis social clubs starting July 1st.· Medical Cannabis: Medical cannabis in Germany has become more accessible, with reduced barriers to prescription and health insurance coverage for severely ill patients under specific conditions.· Pharmacy Role in Medical Cannabis:Pharmacists follow specific recipes for tea infusions, grinding, and serving preparation.Pharmacists receive formal training and specialize in combining ingredients.Cannabis is treated as another ingredient in their portfolio.· Vape Devices and Methods:Herb vaporizing is integrated into the system, but cartridge vaping is still separate.Various methods like using metal cushions for extracts in vape devices.Medical environment requires a combination of device and extract.Doctors need to specifically prescribe, and pharmacies need to prepare accordingly.Complexity in coordinating between doctors and pharmacies for vape products.· Cannabis Product Innovation:Opportunity for creative supply to pharmacists.Development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for further processing.Companies creating kits for creams, suppositories, and inhalers.· Medical Community Involvement:Importance of training medical professionals in cannabis formulations.Potential for pharmaceutical companies to develop finished cannabis medicines.· German Market and Regulations:The market is still focused on products from five years ago with limited innovation.Government initiatives for more formal training and development.Legal and fair trade possibilities with countries like Morocco for high-quality products.· Recreational Use and Pillar Two:Germany's Pillar Two focuses on scientific evaluation of commercial cannabis processes.Studies on market acceptance, price sensitivity, and economic impact.Potential for importation of products under the scientific pillar, seen in Switzerland with brands like Banna.· Future of Cannabis Research:Increased scientific research opportunities in agriculture and medical fields.Exploring potential adaptogens and highly specialized medical applications.Long-term view on unlocking the full potential of cannabis for healthcare.· Investment and Market Dynamics:Early investment by companies can lead to competitive advantages.Need for collaboration among industry players and governments.Importance of tangible case studies and pilot projects for market development. The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Meet Kirsten Velasco, the inventor of VapeNProp. One of the first cannabis-themed products to enter the promotional products category. It's a vape pen accessory that holds your pen upright to keep it safe from leaks, clogs, and dropping and breaking.Kirstin is running out of the gate with Curaleaf as her first customer. They are celebrating 420 by giving away VapeNProps as gifts in their Ohio, North Dakota, PA, and Illinois stores.Kirsten talks about her journey in inventing, designing, and launching VapeNProp.https://vapenprop.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenvelascocannabisadvocate/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

KEY TALKING POINTS:• Recent Developments and Market Dynamics:o Discusses the significance of Germany's move towards cannabis legalization.o Believes Germany's decision is a tipping point that will influence other countries.o Notes the impact of global politics on the cannabis industry, particularly inEurope.• Medical vs. Recreational Cannabis:o Highlights differences between U.S. and EU medical cannabis programs.o EU medical programs are integrated into the healthcare system, unlike the U.S.o Anticipates home grow and picks-and-shovels industries will see significantgrowth in Germany.• Supply Chain and Market Opportunities:o Discusses the complexity of supply chain management in the cannabis industry.o Mentions the necessity of EU GMP certification for pharmaceuticalmanufacturing.o Predicts robust growth in seeds, clones, and home grow supplies due to newregulations.• Strategic Insights and Predictions:o Foresees increased cannabis trade and home grow activities in Germany.o Expects other EU countries to follow Germany's lead due to economic incentives.o Notes that cannabis brands will emerge differently in Europe compared to theU.S.• Industry Adaptation and Innovation:o Anticipates creative workarounds to regulatory challenges in the EU market.o Excited about future developments and the potential for significant industry shifts.• Form Factors of Cannabis Products:• Different consumption methods including:o Melting on the tongueo Inhalation• Various products catering to different needs such as vaginal suppositories for menopause,period pain, and anal suppositories for lubrication and relief after sex.• European Market Opportunities:• Medical Market:o Significant potential in the medical market, especially in the UK and Germany.o Possibility to enter through compound pharmacies and doctor prescriptions.• Recreational Market:o Limited immediate opportunities for non-traditional products like vaginalsuppositories in the recreational market.o Future potential as the market evolves.• Market Entry Strategies for American Brands:• Wait and Watch:o Advisable for smaller brands to wait and let larger players pave the way.o First-mover advantage might be overhyped in a nascent industry.• Branding and Adaptation:o Importance of local expertise to understand cultural nuances.o Tailor branding strategies to specific European regions (e.g., Munich vs. Berlinvs. Cologne).• Challenges and Considerations:• Cultural Differences:o Success in the US doesn’t guarantee success in Europe.o Need for localized marketing and understanding regional variations.• Pharmaceutical and Medical Aspects:o Removal of cannabis from the narcotics list in Germany will ease research andprescriptions.o Pharmacies, particularly compounding ones, will play a crucial role in the medicalcannabis market.• Investment and Market Dynamics:• Institutional Investment:o Currently cautious, waiting for market stabilization and pilot programs to unfold.o Investment more likely in supporting industries (e.g., lighting, nutrients,packaging).• Education and Information:o Significant need for educational resources for both consumers and professionals.o Companies like Leafly could play a crucial role in market education.• Excitement and Future Potential:• Growth Areas:o Education platforms, seed companies, grow equipment, and packaging/branding.o Monitoring for key players who could become the leaders in the Europeancannabis industry.• Cultivation Concerns:o Potential risks for cultivation investments due to future competition fromcountries like Colombia once imports are allowed.o Current focus on domestic cultivation with a view to adapt as the market evolves. The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cherissa Jackson is a 23-year veteran of the Air Force as an officer and nurse who has seen combat three times in Iraq and Afghanistan. She is now the Founder and CEO of WeDecode. It provides DNA testing to determine deficiencies in a person's endocannabinoid system and match cannabis products that will help them achieve homeostasis. Many apps are available that track consumer experience with specific cannabis products, but identifying deficiencies in a person's endocannabinoid system is a game-changer and the future of precision cannabis medicine. https://wedecode.me/about/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherissa-jackson-37957060/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kieve works with US cannabis companies to expand their product line to Latin America. He shares market insights and which country in South America he is the most bullish on for brand expansion. He got his start in the cannabis industry in California with the launch of Heavy Grass, a portfolio of pre-roll brands. He expanded the product line into Mexico, built relationships throughout Latin America, and is a frequent guest speaker at B2B Conferences in Mexico and Columbia. Kieve Huffman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kievehuffman/ Engager Global: www.kievehuffman.com The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Puffco has dominated the hash space with its cutting-edge hardware for ten years. Today, we meet Chelsea Kossower, their VP of global expansion, to learn how she is elevating the hash culture around the world, spreading the Puffco brand, and building community. Chelsea Kossower : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-kossower/Puffco: https://www.puffco.com/pages/about-us The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Rogers has been a cannabis activist on the West Coast since the 1990s and has worked under people like Jack Herer, to name a few. He moved to Europe and continued his quest to legitimize cannabis. In 2017, he took the chance and started what has become one of the best-known cannabis B2B trade shows in Europe, The International Cannabis Business Conference, which is held in multiple countries each year. His next show is in Barcelona on March 15th in partnership with Spannabis. Tune in to hear Alex give us insights and opportunities in the EU market, especially given Germany's big step toward legalization last week.The International Cannabis Business Conference.The Talman Group The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Peter Homberg is a partner in the Dentons Berlin law office and heads up the European Cannabis Division. Peter joined The Mary Jane Society podcast to share his insights about Germany's recent step toward cannabis legalization and what it means for businesses in the US looking to enter the European market. https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-homberg-90618519/https://www.dentons.com/en/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ross Hunsinger is the director of food and beverage innovation at Abstrax Hops. In 2023, Abstrax Tech added an official hops division at Ross's suggestion, and they are now on track to disrupt the beer industry by introducing cannabis to the equation. They partnered with many of the best cultivators and brewers to study their cannabis and hops profiles to create the world's most advanced terpene formulations using botanicals.The consumer trend toward non-alcoholic drinks is causing brewers to figure out where they fit in and how to stay relevant and forcing them to change.The team at Abstrax Hops is stewarding the conversation about how brewers should adopt cannabis into their product lines. Abstrax Hops: https://abstraxhops.comRoss Hunsinger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-hunsinger-b747bb264 The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

2024 could be a big year in so many ways for the cannabis industry aside from rescheduling. Hish Jain breaks it down for us on the latest episode of the Mary Jane Society podcast. Hirsh is the founder of Ananda Strategy. He is a cannabis industry consultant and government policy expert and helps guide a company's competitive licensing efforts, expansion strategy, regulatory compliance, M&A activity, and venture capital raises.Hirsh shares current policy developments unfolding in key states around the country and how they may affect a cannabis business strategy. We are lucky to have Hirsh share his knowledge and welcome him to the show. The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is there a future for strain-based drinks? Flower is the number one selling category in the country. Legacy growers, connoisseurs, and enthusiasts are obsessed with the nuances of the plant and how it can make you feel. Of course, there are significant challenges to maintaining consistency, quality, and scalability when manufacturing these beverages. Our guest today is Randy Reed; he recently exited successfully from an infused beverage company and is now the VP of Scientific Solutions at AVD. He is an award-winning commercial cannabis scientist with over twenty first-place finishes across multiple product categories. He's created novel products like CO2 Live Resin and "Terp Tonics," the world's first cultivar-specific beverage at the time. This episode is jam-packed with information.Randy Reed, Co-Founder, High Level Coffee www.HighLevelCoffee.com @HighLevelCoffee Randy Reed, VP Scientific Solutions, Advanced Vapor Devices (AVD)- https://avd710.com The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael Sassano, a former Wall Street banker turned real estate developer, is known in the US for building 16 large-scale cultivation facilities in Nevada. He left for Europe in 2019 to get a head start in the European cannabis market and launched Somai, a cannabinoid pharmaceutical company based in Lisbon, Portugal. Michael shares their strategy and readiness for Europe's impending cannabis legalization and his predictions for 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/company/somaipharmahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsassano3/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Many of you probably have heard of our next guest, A.C. Moon. She has been toiling away in the California cannabis industry for about 25 years where she earned a degree in horticulture, endured raids, and dealt with a federal indictment. She has opened dispensaries and developed one of the first line of edibles, back in the day.A.C. is also a multi-patented inventor, educator, and Emerald Cup judge. Her international work is expansive, but in the past few years, she has worked in the Caribbean teaching cultivation and helping farmers protect their genetics, and family recipes through intellectual property.A.C's company: https://www.indicainnovations.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/a-c-moon-cameron-709a73bb/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jason Reposa is the founder of Good Feels, a line of cannabis beverages in Massachusetts. We talked about his manufacturing operations, his business challenges, and how he is using a hemp version of Good Feels to build national brand awareness. He is constantly tinkering in his R&D lab to produce the best beverages on the market and is taking his time growing with the industry.Good FeelsJason Reposa The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Meet Wendy Bronfein, co-founder and policy director at Curio Wellness.Curio Wellness has been operating in Maryland's medical market since 2018 before they recently flipped to adult use. They are a family-owned vertical operation and are on the move with expansion plans by offering franchise opportunities with their Far & Dotter dispensary business model. They expanded cultivation facilities in Missouri as a stepping stone into that state. Their scientific advisory board is behind the development of patented products and they are active on Capital Hill by educating lawmakers on the benefits of the plant.0:35: Who is the Maryland cannabis consumer + Curio Wellness + Far & dotter?9:37: How are beverages doing in Maryland?12:36: Why is everyone excited about the Maryland market and what policy changes are needed?15:35: Curio Wellness scientific advisory board and how they are developing and acquiring patented cannabinoid products.23:30: Curio’s partnership with Clemson University in cultivation program.24:44: Far&Dotter’s franchise operations.31:45: Curio’s expansion plans.35:42: What are the future plans for Curio Wellness? Wendy’s focus on policy to move the industry forward and working with Congress. The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Activism, cannabis, and the queer culture are at the heart of NYC's Flamer pre-roll brand. Co-founders Wyatt, Matias, and Khalil met through NYC's gay community and discovered they shared a passion for activism during their involvement with the Black Lives Matter movement during COVID-19.Flamer is a brand built out of authenticity and influenced by the trio's experience in the NYC queer community. When marketers talk about the benefits of branding from authenticity, this is what they mean.https://www.heyflamer.com/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our latest guest is Paul Weaver, who is head of R&D for Boston Beer's cannabis division based in Toronto. They are the creators of TeaPot, a THC-infused iced tea brand they are testing and perfecting in Canada with plans to launch in the US when the time is right. So far, they are accruing accolades and awards for Teapot. Great name. The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Christian Chavez, CEO and co-founder of Statis Cannabis Co., is the first dispensary to open in the Bronx just a few months ago. Christian tells us how he went from running a successful construction and real estate business to being a dispensary owner with plans to open more around the city. Statis represents urban luxury and plans to elevate the culture in the Bronx. Find out how things are going for Christian and his team so far. https://statiscannabis.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian... The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Colin Decker was born and raised in Upstate NY and has been growing cannabis since he was about 13 when his mother gifted him with a tin of seeds a Dutch friend gave her. Colin went from legacy to legal and launched his preroll brand, 7 Seaz. He is determined to be a dominant brand in the state and is innovating with a triple-infused preroll called the Tsunami.Colin is giving back to the community with a non-profit he started that will eventually help to subsidize cannabis farmers in need of funding. And his packaging is made of recycled plastic retrieved from the ocean. Hear how Colin is carving a path in NY's cannabis industry. https://www.7seazco.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-decker-senseigrowth The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today I speak with Hirsh Jain, founder of Ananda Strategy. Hirsh is a cannabis industry consultant and expert in government policy. He helps guide a company's competitive licensing efforts, expansion strategy, regulatory compliance, M&A activity, and venture capital funds across North America and Western Europe.Hirsh shares current policy developments happening state-by-state and how they can affect a cannabis business strategy. https://www.linkedin.com/in/hirsh-jain/https://anandastrategy.com/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Adrian Adams, Ed. D. is the NY Director for Minorities For Medical Marijuana and has spent years working as an advocate for the social equity community in many ways. And once again, he is looking for innovative ways to uplift those who deserve a chance to thrive in the cannabis industry. Adrian is brokering deals to bring together successful business owners and license holders who need their expertise to attract investor capital.It's a solution that will give investors the confidence to invest in social equity entrepreneurs and give everyone a fair shake in the industry. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ontogenbotanicals/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When entrepreneurs decide they want to start a cannabis-based business, most likely they get distracted with the arduous process of applying for a license. However not getting the layout and design of their facility right can cost more to fix in the long run due to the legal complexities of the industry. Today we meet Brian Anderson, co-founder of Massachusetts-based architectural firm, Anderson Porter. In addition to designing dispensaries, they have experience building pharmaceutical-grade and compliant facilities that require safe and secure protocols. Brian shares valuable insights into what you need to consider when building a cannabis facility of any type. https://www.linkedin.com/in/bdanderson/https://www.andersonporter.com The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Many know Nikki Lawley in the cannabis industry for sharing her true story about how she used cannabis to help her heal from a brain trauma injury. Nikki is on a mission to help bridge the gap between the medical and recreational communities and get both sides communicating instead of the hateful rant toward corporate cannabis. Nikki is shining a light on both entities hoping they will find a way to work together to build the cannabis industry. Nikki and I take a deep dive into NY's medical program and how it will evolve now that medical dispensaries are about to enter NY's recreational market.https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-lawleyhttps://www.nikkiandtheplant.org/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thank you to our SHOW SPONSOR-- WWW.ARVANNA.COM A well-known cattle rancher and craft lettuce farmer in the tiny town of Millerton, NY, teamed up to join the cannabis industry and launched the brand, Alchemy Pure. I spoke to Chris Regan, Alchemy Pure's head grower and co-founder. We talk about what makes them stand out, their plans for launching a line of tinctures and gummies into the marketplace, and how they plan to establish their brand and compete with West Coast cultivators once the borders open up. They are a small, but mighty farm that is determined to make it in NY's turbulent industry rollout. Alchemy Pure The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thank you to our show sponsor--- ARVANNA This Cannabis Franchise Is Making Inroads In The North EastPartnering with a franchise is a great way to fast-track a business, and get a built-in team of professionals, especially in the highly regulated cannabis industry.Sweet Spot Farms, a franchise in the NE has been quietly building cultivation facilities and dispensaries to support its franchise operations. They have licenses in Vermont, Rhode Island, NJ, Maine, and Maryland.Franchise veteran Eugenia T. heads up their operations and joined the podcast to share their plans for becoming the top cannabis franchise operation in the country. https://sweetspotfarms.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugenia-tzoannopoulos The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thank you to this show's sponsor: ARVANNA ( https://arvanna.com/ ) Ruben Lindo is well known as someone working hard to make sure that everyone gets a fair shake in the cannabis industry. He started down the path of medical school and ended up developing a CBD-based product to help his daughter battle a disease that was causing her hair to fall out. It worked and that's when he launched Phoenix Nutraceutical. He went on to start a THC brand in Michigan called Balk Mar Farms and is eyeing his home state of NY for his next venture. But that won't be for a while given the mess NY is in with their cannabis rollout. Ruben has so many irons in the fire and has his heart in the right place. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruben-lindo19/ https://herbncouture.com/ https://blakmarfarms.com/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Interview with Gary George, CEO of The Real Canna ConsultingFrom a long career in the music industry as a recording rap artist, audio engineer, and marketing agency owner, Gary George stepped into the cannabis industry when his son asked him for help applying for a NJ dispensary license. He ended up consulting and writing applications for other social equity entrepreneurs and launched a yearly conference to support their business growth called The Real Cannabis Entrepreneur. It's a two-day business boot camp and will have its 5th show in Newark, NJ, on October 4th and 5th.Gary knows the NJ cannabis industry inside and out. and shares hot tips on how to navigate the marketplace.Listen in!Gary George, founder of The Real Cannabis Entrepreneur Conference in New Jersey. The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jaime Gorman and Laurel Mason. Two great women from Upstate NY that love making bubble hash and have jumped into the gummy game by launching hash rosin gummies in NY (Soccer mom alert!). They are self-taught and inspired by the late Frenchy & Madame Cannoli, Mila the Hash Queen, among others. Solventless extraction products have been very popular on the West Coast for years, and NY is about to catch up thanks to these ladies from Highland Goat. https://www.linkedin.com/company/highland-goat/people/https://highlandgoat.com/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we meet Robert Beasley, the CEO of Fluent, a Florida-based vertically integrated cannabis company with operations also in Pennsylvania and Texas, and more on the way.He felt his company missed out on opportunities the last two years when the rest of the industry was flying high, and MSOs were scooping up licenses in a state-by-state expansion frenzy. But, actually, Fluent may have dodged the bullet.While companies were on a spending spree, Robert was brought in to restructure Fluent and scale down operations. Now, as the rest of the industry is tightening operations, Fluent is fiscally sound and has its eyes on expansion. Hit play to hear more. https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-beasley-1972fluent/https://getfluent.com/dispensaries/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we meet Hayley Dineen and Lana Van Brunt, the ladies behind the cannabis lifestyle brand and design company Sackville & Co. They both have years of experience in luxury product design and brand development. They stepped into the cannabis y introducing a line of accessories that speaks to the Gen-Z and Millennials. And they have forged partnerships with the likes of Sundae School and Playboy to create cannabis branded accessories. We talk about their approach to branding a whole new industry and how they are helping cannabis users learn to have a new relationship with the plant now that we don't have to hide our stash in drawers. We talk about the different consumer archetypes in cannabis and the opportunities to reach them through branding. https://sackville.co The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Universities across the country are working in all areas of research and development to advance cannabis cultivation, medicine, drug delivery and technology. But these innovations are collecting dust because universities are not in the business of business and taking products to market.Today we meet Lance Anderson he is a partner at the law firm Dickinson Wright and is uniquely positioned to play matchmaker to research universities, entrepreneurs, and VC s to help them create partnerships and uncover cannabis innovations they could adopt through partnerships.Mr. Anderson has a technical background in life sciences, including proprietary plants, genetics, and plant-derived products. He also served as in-house counsel and lead IP attorney for both a large public research university system and an early-stage venture capital company, overseeing numerous facets of research and development enterprise and intellectual property development, management, and commercialization.https://www.dickinson-wright.com/our-people/k-lance-anderson?tab=0https://www.linkedin.com/in/k-lance-anderson-b6175a2/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sensory science is the next step to elevate product development for cannabis brands. Today we meet Dr. Ed Szczygiel. He is an expert in sensory science and head of product development at Cambium Analytica, where he partners with cannabis brands to create products based on sensory science.Ed has created one of the first Cannabis Aroma Lexicons to assist brands in developing unique and standout products based on sensory science. He claims that terpenes are just one class of hundreds of aroma-active compounds in cannabis. Lets meet Dr. Ed to learn more.Cambium Analytica is a leading research organization focused on leveraging its expertise in drug discovery and method development. It is a research partner for new innovative companies in the botanical medicines space.New research suggests that cannabis products are well-situated to become luxury goods. Our focus is on applying analytical techniques in combination with sensory, product development, and consumer research to drive advancement in natural product quality and innovation.Cambium Analytica created a Cannabis Aroma Lexicon to assist brands in developing standout products (luxury) based on sensory science analytics. They want to streamline the public perception of what constitutes a high-quality cannabis product and how it affects you.https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-szczygiel-0a304848/https://www.cambiumanalytica.com/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we meet Corinne Devine, a biochemist and Director of Lab and Product Development for Bristol Extracts, a cultivation, processing, and manufacturer in Upstate NY. Corinne walks us through the seed-to-sale operations for their Senior Moment product line. Why they chose to focus on seniors and how their products are specifically formulated for this demographic and how they are rolling things out in NY!https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinne-devine/https://www.bristolextracts.com/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Franny Tacy is laying the groundwork in Asheville, NC, for when the state turns recreational. She began as a hemp farmer, added a 420-friendly B&B to her property, opened a handful of CBD stores, started a franchise that spans multiple states, and has a line of hemp-based pasta she said she can't keep in stock. Franny is a smart and strategic businesswoman diversifying and waiting for the cannabis industry in North Carolina. Let's see how she is doing it. https://www.linkedin.com/in/franny-ta... https://frannysfarmacy.com/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we dig into the science behind cannabinoid treatment for the elderly with Dr. Swathi Varanasi. She is an Integrative Health and Medical Cannabis Pharmacist and the co-founder of CBD company Element Apothec. She has spent significant time educating providers and physicians, speaking at events such as the Cannabis Science Conference to, lecturing at pharmacy schools and medical schools, and working with organizations like the American Psychiatry Association and National Kidney Foundation.Available on all major podcast platforms and YouTube: https://bit.ly/3Iw3FSthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/swathi-varanasi/https://elementapothec.com/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thinking about regulations is the least sexy part of the cannabis industry, says CEO Marion Mariathasen of Simplifya. But it's necessary for cannabis businesses to use compliance tools to stay one step ahead of regulators. We discuss the repercussions and how easy and cost-effective it is with tools like Simplifya.We talk about their challenges, partnerships, and the work they are doing with regulators and banks in preparation for national legalization.https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionmariathasan/https://www.simplifya.com/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is New York State doing social equity entrepreneurs a favor by putting them first in line for cannabis business licenses that will cost them millions to launch? It's clear from the recent news that CAURD license holders signed a public letter claiming their extreme concern about the state's fumbled role out of the social equity program.Meet Dezo El, born and raised in the projects in Brownsville, Brooklyn, a legacy grower, cannabis activist, and someone who has served time because of it. Dezo wants to participate legally in the industry and benefit from the plant that unjustly jailed many in his community, but, he realized the high financial risk it would be if he tried to open a dispensary or cultivation facility. He decided to take things into his own hands to enter the legal market without NYS's help and the exhorbitant cost to participate.He obtained a hemp nursery license and opened a storefront in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and hopes to enter the recreational market once he builds his brand, BMilk Grow Supplies. He gives classes twice a week on how to grow cannabis at home and sells all the supplies you need to get started. He aims to provide the tools to people who can benefit from cannabis but can't afford it by educating them on how to grow it. WWW.BmilkGrowSupplies.com The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we meet Willie McKenzie, founder and CEO of Left Coast Holdings, a vertically integrated operation in Michigan. He started growing in the medical market in Northern California, but after building a costly cultivation infrastructure in preparation for the recreational market, he discovered that his property was not properly zoned. This decreased the value significantly, and in addition to the taxes and regulations, Willie decided to uproot his business to Michigan, where everything was more affordable.It was good move because he now has a vertical operation with three dispensaries and is surviving the downturn of the Michigan market.https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-mckenzie-ceo/https://www.leftcoastholdings.com/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nathan Johnson, CEO of Verne Bioanalytics, an innovator in cannabis genetic and pathogen testing and analysis. They work with seasoned and new cultivators to educate them on the dangers and pitfalls of pathogens, and they help cultivators obtain the cannabinoid genetics they are specifically looking for.Nathan is also the CTO of the company Cannabisque. They are building a database of known cannabinoids based on scientific literature and cataloging their effects on the body. They use AI to create a label for products based on its COA to show how the product may work in your body. More precise than other platforms documenting user experience for specific products. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-t-johnson/https://vernebio.com/https://www.cannabisque.org The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What Does It Take To Start A Cannabis TV Channel?A few have tried, but the industry was too new, and the general public was still adjusting to cannabis being legal. Today we meet Kerri Accardi, she has been documenting the cannabis industry since 2014. She has knocked on the doors of mainstream networks and made deals with the likes of CBS to produce educational cannabis content. Kerri talks about how she launched Cannected TV, the challenges she faces, who she is working with, and her plans for the future of cannabis TV. The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There are many challenges to getting the cannabis industry off the ground, and one is getting doctors on board to study the endocannabinoid system. But getting overworked doctors to study is a challenge.After working for 15 years in a VA Hospital treating many veterans whose health and wellness had been compromised by alcohol abuse, Dr. Jordan Tishler, a Harvard-educated medical doctor, started to explore cannabis medicine as an alternative treatment. Today he is a cannabis activist and practicing cannabinoid specialist.He started InhaleMD, where he and his team treat patients through cannabis therapeutics. And he is the President of The Association of Cannabis Specialists.https://inhalemd.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-tishler-md/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ben Gilbert was a journalist and editor at the Business Insider newspaper before he burned out on the work and pivoted to cannabis to start the media company ALL CAPS™, where he specifically works with the LEGACY market in New York.Ben said that All Caps is not only a MEDIA AGENCY that produces EVENTS, GHOSTWRITING, MARKETING and PUBLIC RELATIONS but an incubator or accelerator program that helps the person growing weed to be a person who is operating a legitimate company.Ben kicked off All Caps last year with the inaugural NY Growers Cup that was featured in the NY Times.Ben also gives us a recap of his trip to Barcelona for Spannabis. https://www.thisisallcaps.com/what-is-all-capshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminrgilbert/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it take to go from legacy to legal in Arizona?Meet Chris Martin, he grew up in foster care in Kansas and moved to Arizona, where he was busted for cannabis, served time, and had another brush with the law and faced life in prison.Most people would crush under these circumstances, but Chris fought back for himself and his family. He now owns multiple cannabis CPG brands, a non-profit, and was recently awarded licenses for a vertical operation in NM. He claims Arizona is not welcoming to mom-and-pop or legacy operators because operating costs are prohibitive for anyone other than a well-funded corporation. Lots to talk about!Www.ChrisMartinstory.comWww.zonkamiles.worldHempfulfarmsCBD.com is our CBD website Www.ogzonka.com is our cannabis brand website 2019-Www.hatersmakemefamous.com is our podcast/book/documentary The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we speak to Joe Schafer, a lawyer with Lippes Mathias Law Firm in Buffalo, NY, for his insights into how entrepreneurs are dealing with the states slow industry rollout. We talk about the legal injunction holding up social equity licenses, and why Upstate NY urgently needs dispensaries open for farmers and brands to sell their products and to get money flowing through the marketplace. Farmers are sitting on 300,000 pounds of cannabis crop from their last harvest and are at risk of losing one billion dollars in resale value if they don't sell it.Meet Joe Schaefer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-schafer-63339a90/Joe's Law Firm: https://www.lippes.com/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you have a website and running an e-commerce business, you need SEO to drive website traffic and build brand awareness. I interviewed Efrain Sanchez, CEO of Growth Logiq, a cannabis-focused SEO company that will get your brand ranking high on Google. We talk about:* How to make Sure Your Website Content Has Topical Authority on Google.* The lack of content quality in the cannabis space.* How websites are killing their SEO with duplicate content.* The importance of knowledge graphs.* Symantec keyword research tactics and more...https://growthlogiq.co/https://www.linkedin.com/in/efrain-sanchez/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today our guest is Thanisorn Boonsoong, the young CEO of Eastern Spectrum Group. He is from a family of manufacturers at the helm of one of Thailand's few integrated hemp cultivation and manufacturing facilities. They plan to lead the world in producing industrialized hemp and to be Thailand's top-producing seed-to-sale CBD manufacturer. The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nohtal Partansky is a former NASA engineer turned cannabis entrepreneur who raised a few million dollars to start his company, Sorting Robotics. He invented a patent-pending infused pre-roll machine and recently introduced automated robot machines that can fill and cap vape pens. My favorite part of the conversation was when he explained how infusing pre-rolls changes the physics when it burns, and how he sees the market moving toward rosins and why you get the most out of rosin when infused in pre-rolls.Nohtal explains how highly variable IOT manufacturing is the future and his plans to build it. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nohtal/https://www.sortingrobotics.com/ The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with [email protected]   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.