High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast

Chris Jackson of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus joins us to shed light on the fascinating and, at times, tumultuous world of the cannabis industry. Amid the buzz of finance and policy, we zero in on the unexpected resilience of smaller cannabis firms against their behemoth counterparts. The wide-reaching implications of shifts in policy influence and industry reform are at the forefront of our discussion, offering a glimpse into the current maze of the cannabis business landscape.
Venturing into the Michigan market, we discuss the ironic twists of the free economy as it relates to cannabis, where saturation and consumer preferences are major players. With insights into the craft cannabis wave and the impact of safe banking and rescheduling, we uncover parallels with Michigan's thriving brewery scene and the strategies emerging for businesses navigating these waters without vast financial resources. This segment dives into the nitty-gritty of market trends, the importance of creative partnerships, and the pressing need for systemic reform.
Wrapping up the episode, we highlight the significance of industry representation in government and the ongoing battle for equity within the cannabis sector. As the NCIA Lobby Days approach, we underscore the value of these engagements for educating Congress and furthering policy. We also contemplate the necessity for personal growth and community development within the industry, to cultivate progress and maintain unity in the face of potential fragmentation. Join us for this thought-provoking exploration into the complexities of advocating for a robust and equitable future in the realm of cannabis.

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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 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.

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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 could Kamala Harris mean for Cannabis and Criminal Justice Reform? 🌿
Join Ben and AnnaRae this week on High Spirits as we delve into the potential impacts of Kamala Harris' leadership on the cannabis industry and criminal justice reform. With President Biden stepping aside, Kamala Harris' role could become pivotal in shaping the future policies that would significantly affect both the cannabis industry and ongoing criminal justice reform efforts.
🚀 About This Episode:
As we navigate these changing political tides, our guest, Jason Ortiz, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Last Prisoner Project, brings a deeply personal and professional perspective to the discussion. We'll revisit Kamala Harris' stance during the 2020 campaign, examine the current state of criminal justice reform, and speculate on how Harris might influence future policies related to cannabis.
💡 What You'll Learn:
Kamala’s Impact: Explore what Kamala Harris' leadership could mean for future cannabis policies and criminal justice reform.
Industry and Reform: Gain insight into the intersection of cannabis legalization and criminal justice, particularly how federal and state levels are taking action (or inaction).
Advocacy and Action: Learn from Jason’s extensive experience in advocating for cannabis justice and how grassroots movements can influence significant policy changes.
🌟 Meet Jason Ortiz:
Jason Ortiz, a cannabis justice advocate, has turned personal adversity into a platform for change. From being arrested at 16 for simple cannabis possession to leading strategic initiatives for the Last Prisoner Project, Jason's journey is a testament to the power of advocacy and determination. His work with the Minority Cannabis Business Association and as a drafter of key legislation in Connecticut showcases his impact on creating equitable cannabis policies.
📅 Why Tune In?
This episode is crucial for anyone interested in the future of cannabis regulation, the dynamics of political leadership on social issues, and the ongoing efforts to reform criminal justice. Jason’s insights provide a unique look at the challenges and opportunities within the advocacy landscape, making this a must-listen for activists, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intersection of cannabis and justice.
Tune in to High Spirits every Thursday, live on LinkedIn, and join the conversation!

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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.

Leap into the intricacies of cannabis regulation with us as we celebrate a special leap year episode of High Spirits, featuring the powerhouse duo of Gillian Shauer, PhD, Executive Director of CANNRA, and Nicole Elliott, Director of the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) in California. Prepare to have the veils lifted on the complexities that state regulators face in the shadow of absent federal guidance, and discover how the human element shapes an industry at the crossroads of growth and governance.
Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein navigate our 33rd episode through the nuanced waters of cannabis policy, where the knowledge shared by Gillian and Nicole illuminates the unspoken challenges of crafting state-specific frameworks. We engage in a candid exchange about public safety, market success, and the sometimes surprising influence of lobby groups on the legislative process, offering a rare glimpse into the machinery of change.
As we cast our gaze towards the future, we muse on the budding potential of interstate commerce and the quest for market fairness in the cannabinoid space, with California at the helm. The episode wraps with a call to action for data transparency and stakeholder engagement, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and respectful dialogue in refining a diverse and safe cannabis market. Join us for an enlightening journey through the corridors of regulation, where each revelation paves the way for more informed and impactful participation in the cannabis community.

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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.

We kick off with insights from CANNRA, a thrilling event where regulators and industry leaders unite to tackle the pressing challenges in cannabis and hemp regulation. Hear firsthand accounts from AnnaRae and Ben about the local market dynamics and the need for robust legislation to steer the industry toward a prosperous future.
This episode features the inspiring Wendy Berger, a board member at Green Thumb Industries (GTI) and an ardent supporter of women entrepreneurs. Wendy shares her remarkable journey from CEO to investor, to a pivotal role at GTI, revealing how her passion for plant-based medicine led to a transformative partnership with Ben Kovler. We delve into the complexities of board accountability, compensation, and the indispensable role of risk management in an industry fraught with uncertainty and rapid evolution.
Our discussion highlights the significance of diverse board representation, backed by compelling data from S&P and Harvard studies. Wendy sheds light on GTI's strategic recruitment efforts, including the addition of high-profile and diverse voices to their board. We also explore the burgeoning relationship between the cannabis and alcohol industries and discuss innovative strategies employed by companies like GTI to maintain a competitive edge. Tune in for a comprehensive insights-packed episode that promises to broaden your understanding of the cannabis industry's board dynamics and regulatory landscape.

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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.