From Pot to Popular - Gary Santo: Beyond donation: how MSOs can make cannabis a more equitable space

Gary Santo: Beyond donation: how MSOs can make cannabis a more equitable space

10/13/21 • 20 min

Social equity and the cannabis industry go hand-in-hand. Given cannabis’ controversial and discriminatory past, it is essential for leading operators to give back to communities that have been the most impacted by the War on Drugs. In this episode, Gary Santo, CEO of TILT Holdings, talks about his company’s unique approach to partnerships and supply chain and delves into the historic partnership TILT has created with the Shinnecock Nation of New York. He explains how MSOs like TILT can do more for social equity than just donations, and can go further by creating sustainable solutions that bring marginalized communities into the cannabis space and help them thrive for years to come.

Previous Episode

Cathy Corby Iannuzzelli: How streamlined payment methods pave the way for cannabis growth

In a fledgling industry like cannabis, unexpected challenges can arise as retailers work to maximize their full potential. One such issue is that of payment. Cannabis is a traditionally cash-based industry and many mainstream credit cards will not allow for the purchase of a federally illegal product. ATMs at dispensaries are at risk of transaction fees and scammers, and only accepting cash can inhibit a retailers’ ability to upsell. In this episode, Cathy Corby Iannuzzelli, Co-Founder and Chief Payments Officer at KindTap, explains the ways in which her company works to fix this broken system within the cannabis space. By facilitating payment for the diverse cannabis consumer demographic, KindTap aims to make paying for cannabis purchases as seamless as buying any mainstream product.

Next Episode

Troy Datcher: What can cannabis learn from traditional CPG?

There are brands that have lasted for a hundred years. Household names like Procter and Gamble or Clorox are prime examples of traditional CPG companies that continue to succeed because of their strong foundation. With the right strategies and a strong team, CPG brands in cannabis can establish the same names for themselves. In this episode, Troy Datcher, CEO of The Parent Company, shares his insights on what the cannabis industry can learn from CPG, and vice versa. With 30 years of experience leading big-name brands, Troy explains the pillars of a long-lasting brand, the power of partnerships, and his long-term vision for bringing The Parent Company brands into the mainstream.