High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast

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

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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.

THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.

When passion meets innovation, magic happens. Just ask Dr. Harold Han, Ben's partner at Vertosa and the maestro behind some of the most pioneering infusion technologies in the cannabis space. This episode isn't just a peek into the lab where homogenous and stable infused products are born; it's a heart-to-heart with the man whose influence extends far beyond emulsion chemistry, touching the very fabric of our personal and professional lives with love and gratitude.
Navigating the cannabis industry isn't for the faint of heart, but with a story that spans from China to the cutting edge of cannabis emulsion technology in the U.S., Harold exemplifies the bold spirit needed to forge new paths. We track the serendipitous events that shifted his focus from ddPCR technology to perfecting cannabis emulsions, and how a meeting with Ben morphed into Vertosa, a cornerstone for cannabis-infused brands. As we recount tales of early failures and learning curves, we underscore the importance of trust and transparency with partners – values that have not only fostered growth but also cemented our reputation in a market that's as diverse as it is demanding.
The future is bright, and it's infused with a plethora of possibilities. We wrap up by casting a gaze into the horizon of THC beverages, discussing how brands like Keef are riding the wave of multi-state expansion, and how advancements like fast-acting nanoemulsions are elevating consumer experiences. We're not just talking trends; we're living them, as Vertosa continues to craft wellness-focused, plant-derived emulsions that resonate with the health-conscious consumer. So, pour yourself a glass of innovation, tune-in, and keep your spirits high!

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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.

THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.

🌿🎙️ 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

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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.

THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.

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.

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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.

THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.

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.
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.