Cannainsider - Interviews With The Leaders Of The Legal Cannabis - Marijuana Industry

With more states legalizing recreational cannabis and federal legalization on the horizon, the industry is gearing up for an influx of capital. Here to help us stay ahead of the curve is Jordan Tritt and Scott Berman of The Panther Group.  Learn more at https://thepanthergroup.co  Key Takeaways: [00:56] An inside look at The Panther Group, a venture capital consulting firm for growth-stage cannabis companies [1:42] Scott and Jordan's backgrounds in cannabis and how they came to start The Panther Group [3:08] How cannabis investing is changing and the different factors driving those changes [5:25] When we might see federal legalization in the US and how to prepare in advance [6:48] How the SAFE Banking Act could impact cannabis investing over the next few years [8:06] The characteristics Scott and Jordan look for when considering investing in a company [10:22] The most promising sectors in cannabis right now [12:32] The Panther Group's data-driven digital advertising approach [15:44] The biggest pain points in

On a mission to enter the cannabis space, siblings Marie Montmarquet and Allen Hackett left their homes in Tennessee to join the action in California. Just a few years later, they’re now co-founders of MD Numbers, one of the most successful vertically integrated cannabis brands in the country. Learn more at https://www.mdnumbersinc.com Key Takeaways: [00:57] An inside look at MD Numbers and its subsidiaries, from MD Farms to Marie's Deliverables [1:17] Marie and Allen's backgrounds in cannabis and how they came to start MD Numbers [3:56] How Marie's Deliverables has evolved since its start in 2015 [6:24] Why Marie and Allen decided to launch MD Farms and how this has helped them better compete in the Socal market [7:33] Consumer preferences in Southern California versus Northern California [9:56] The types of strains and wholesale services provided at MD Farms [12:41] MD Farms' mixed-light greenhouse facility and their plans for an extensive new indoor facility  [17:52] MD Numbers' third company Legacy Coteri

How can you use greenhouses and technology to take your cultivation to best in class? Here to tell us is Ryan Douglas, author of From Seed to Success. Learn more at https://douglascultivation.com  Key Takeaways: [00:43] An inside look at Ryan's cultivation consulting company, Ryan Douglas Cultivation [00:58] Ryan's background in cannabis cultivation [1:41] The benefits of using a greenhouse to grow cannabis [10:56] Why so many growers experience problems with mold and how to avoid this [16:24] New greenhouse technologies in cannabis to look out for [20:46] How to budget for an optimal greenhouse environment  [22:28] Tricks of the trade Ryan has brought with him to cannabis from his long background in cultivation [30:32] How Ryan sees greenhouses and automation changing cannabis cultivation in the next 3-5 years

What if you could turn your smartphone into a cannabis testing system that provides lab-accurate results in under ten seconds? Thanks to biotech company Purpl Scientific, such a device now exists. Here to tell us more is Purpl’s Global Sales Director, John Hunt. Learn more at https://www.purplscientific.com  Follow John on Instagram at @grimeygatsby Key Takeaways: [2:15] An inside look at Purpl Scientific, a portable testing device that measures cannabis potency with instant results [3:46] John’s background in cannabis and what led him to join Purpl as Global Sales Director [10:41] The college course John teaches on gaining certification to become a dispensary agent [13:40] The Purpl Pro’s infrared spectroscopy and how it works to provide lab-accurate results  [19:05] Advantages the Purpl Pro offers cultivators [25:48] How the Purpl Pro stacks up against third party labs in terms of accuracy [36:17] Purpl Scientific’s growing success in the Netherlands and the company’s goals to expand across Europe [39:12] N

What are Delta-8 THC and 5-MeO-DMT and what's all the hype about? Here to help us understand is the cannabis whisper himself, Max Montrose of Trichome Institute. Learn more at https://trichomeinstitute.com  Key Takeaways: [00:43] An inside look at Trichome Institute, the leading cannabis education company [2:06] Delta-8 THC and how it differs from its better-known cousin delta-9 THC [3:45] Why delta-8 is surging in popularity [13:36] Where Max sees delta-8 THC heading over the next 3-5 years  [16:44] Max's partnership with Abstrax, an industry leader in the study and production of cannabis and botanically-derived terpenes [23:39] 5-MeO-DMT, a psychedelic found in a variety of plant species and the glands of the Sonoran Desert toad [27:39] Max's work studying the Sonoran Desert toad and their unique venom glands [41:12] How Max's experiences with 5-MeO-DMT and ayahuasca have changed his philosophies and way of life

The first cannabis event of its kind, MJ Unpacked places passionate retailers, THC CPG brands, and accredited investors at the center of it all with unique opportunities to connect, collaborate, and access capital. Here to tell us more is revered cannabis executive and founder of MJ Unpacked, George Jage of Jage of Media. Learn more at https://jagemedia.com and https://mjunpacked.com  Key Takeaways: [3:31] An inside look at Jage Media, a business to business company that produces distinctive events and focused content to help accelerate the growth and profitability of cannabis brands [5:10] George’s background launching and leading some of the biggest media companies in the space  [7:12] Exciting parallels between the tea and cannabis industries [10:57] Lessons George took away from his time at MJBizDaily and Dope Magazine [17:16] George’s new content platform MJ Brand Insights and the valuable intel it offers cannabis brands and retailers [20:55] How brands can use generational marketing to target the best a

What happens when vertical farming meets cannabis? The highest quality, consistency, and yield at the lowest possible cost.​  Here to tell us more is Raymond Chang of Agrify, a developer of highly advanced grow solutions for the indoor agriculture marketplace. Learn more at https://www.agrify.com  Key Takeaways: [1:01] An inside look at Agrify and its proprietary vertical farming solutions [1:53] Raymond’s background as a serial entrepreneur and how he came to be CEO of Agrify [4:17] The different components that make up Agrify’s automated cannabis grows, from vertical farmings units (VFUs) to advanced cultivation software   [9:25] The ROI per square foot for a facility with vertical farming units versus one without [11:45] The price range for Agrify’s vertical farming units and how they pay for themselves in less than a few months [16:08] Agrify’s fine-tuned SaaS component and the insights growers are loving most [19:45] Agrify University, a 3,500 square foot vertical farming facility in MA that offers exten

Does indoor cannabis cultivation have to come with environmental drawbacks? Not anymore. One company has found a way to minimize its emissions AND cut costs in half - all with the power of the sun. Here to tell us about it is Edward Dow of Solar Therapeutics, the first energy-independent dispensary in the world. Learn more at https://solarthera.com  Key Takeaways: [2:17] An inside look at Solar Therapeutics, the world’s first energy-independent cannabis cultivation and retail facility based in Somerset, MA [2:57] Ed’s background in engineering and what led him to become CEO of Solar Therapeutics [5:55] Solar’s unique indoor cultivation facility, including its extensive solar arrays and centralized heating and cooling systems [8:32] How Solar implemented its own microgrid to create a 100% self-sufficient, energy-independent facility [10:40] How Ed was able to bootstrap what’s now a multi-million dollar operation entirely from private investors [15:25] Solar’s collaboration with Fluence to earn over $1 million

While cannabis banking still has its challenges, Safe Harbor Financial is on course to make those challenges a thing of the past. Here to tell us about it is Safe Harbor CEO Sundie Seefried. Learn more at https://shfinancial.org  Key Takeaways: [00:57] An inside look at Safe Harbor Financial, a fintech banking platform that provides cannabis companies a safe and 100% compliant place to bank [1:22] Sundie’s background in the credit union industry and how she came to start Safe Harbor [2:21] How cannabis banking has evolved over the last few years and where Sundie sees it heading [4:46] The Safe Banking Act and what it means for cannabis banking [7:36] Compliance challenges cannabis companies are facing right now [9:08] What lending in cannabis banking could look like in the next few years [14:06] How Safe Harbor Financial has grown since its inception in 2015 to manage over 500 cannabis banking accounts [14:54] Safe Harbor’s onboarding process for new clients [19:14] How cryptocurrency and stablecoin are chang

Some of California’s most sought-after cannabis flower also happens to come from one of the most sustainable companies in the US. Here to tell us about it and share a few of her secrets is Julia Jacobson of Aster Farms. Learn more at https://www.asterfarms.com  Key Takeaways: [2:02] An inside look at Aster Farms, a sustainable cannabis brand based in northern California [2:20] Julia’s background as an entrepreneur in the tech space and how she came to start Aster Farms [3:40] Aster’s unique proprietary genetics and how they curate their popular line of flower [7:49] The “5 phase approach” at Aster Farms and how this allows them to grow smaller, more high-quality batches [11:29] The substantial damage Aster Farms suffered during the 2018 Mendocino Complex Fire and how the company successfully rebuilt themselves [15:48] The pros and cons of being vertically integrated in the cannabis industry [17:33] Why Aster Farms chooses more sustainable practices despite various challenges [22:19] Why we’re seeing an upswin

Planet 13 is the largest cannabis dispensary and retail experience in the world, and it just got bigger. Here to tell us about it is Co-CEO Bob Groesbeck. Learn more at https://www.planet13lasvegas.com  Key Takeaways: [00:56] An inside look at Planet 13's 112,000-square-foot cannabis superstore in Las Vegas [2:27] Bob's background and how he got into the cannabis space [4:53] How Planet 13 merges cannabis and entertainment for a unique retail experience  [9:30] The organizational tools Planet 13 uses to keep its dispensary running smoothly [16:17] How Planet 13 decides which products to offer and the best ways to display them [17:43] Surprising new consumer habits Bob has noticed over the last year [21:19] Bob's predictions for when we'll see the first national brand in cannabis

Is cannabis the largest investment trend of this generation? Here to tell us why we’re about to see a wave of capital move into the industry is Todd Harrison of CB1 Capital. Learn more at https://www.cb1cap.com  Key Takeaways: [00:50] An inside look at CB1 Capital, a New York-based investment manager and advisor that specializes in the supply chain of cannabinoid-based wellness solutions, products and therapies [1:13] Todd’s background and how he came to start CB1 Capital [3:46] How cannabis investing has progressed over the last few years and where Todd sees it heading [6:30] What Todd is most excited about as an investor in the cannabis industry right now [7:51] Characteristics that make for a successful MSO or multi-state operator [10:02] Todd’s thoughts on the federal legislation timeline [14:05] Why cannabis is the investment opportunity of this generation [15:53] How the US compares to Canada in terms of cannabis investing opportunities [17:41] Todd’s advice to investors looking to get into cannabis [20

Maine cannabis sales are booming after dispensaries were finally given the green light to sell recreational cannabis last fall, but this new market isn't without its challenges. Here to tell us about it is Brandon Pollock of Theory Wellness. Learn more at https://theorywellness.org  Key Takeaways: [2:14] An inside look at Theory Wellness, a small batch cannabis company with recreational and medical dispensaries in Massachusetts and Maine [2:57] Brandon’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Theory Wellness [4:36] Lessons Brandon learned during his time working for Harborside and how they’ve influenced his approach at Theory Wellness [7:11] The pros and cons of being vertically integrated in the cannabis industry right now [8:53] Why Maine dispensaries are having a difficult time meeting their supply needs [10:25] The best selling products in Maine right now [11:25] Unique aspects of the east coast cannabis market and where Brandon sees it heading over the next few years [13:53] What it means to be

California is the world’s largest cannabis market, and that means navigating everything that’s happening on the legal and regulatory front can be tricky. Here to help us is Khurshid Khoja of Greenbridge Corporate Counsel. Learn more at http://www.greenbridgelaw.com  Key Takeaways: [00:54] An inside look at Greenbridge Corporate Counsel, a California business and regulatory law boutique that provides industry-focused legal expertise to cannabis companies [1:24] Khurshid’s day-to-day interfacing with Sacramento regulators and politicians to help his clients see what’s just around the corner [3:54] California’s provisional licensing crisis and where Khurshid sees things heading over the next year [7:53] How Governor Newsom’s potential recall could affect California’s cannabis industry [9:14] The Budget Trailer Bill and why it’s important [12:24] Why Khurshid believes California’s regulatory landscape will evolve to become much more streamlined over the next few years [15:29] The pending legislation around veteri

A new hemp seed vodka is winning taste tests and garnering devotees across Texas. Here to tell us about it is Ben Williams, founder of Highway Vodka. Learn more at https://www.highwayvodka.com Key Takeaways: [00:45] An inside look at Highway Vodka, the first vodka created from hemp [1:12] Ben’s background in the restaurant and bar industry and how he came to start Highway Vodka [2:11] Why hemp produces a smoother vodka than most traditional grains and how Ben figured this out over years of experimentation [7:08] The permits required to sell hemp-based alcohol [13:43] Highway vodka’s unique flavor profile and how it compares to other spirits [18:44] How Highway Vodka contains virtually no congeners, making the drink low-calorie and less likely to cause a hangover [24:27] Books that have had a big impact on Ben’s life and way of thinking [28:16] Ben’s thoughts on legalization in Texas and other southern states

Some investors are seeing big opportunities in post-seed stage investing. Here to tell us about it is Patrick Rea of the Poseidon Garden Fund.  Learn more at https://www.poseidonassetmanagement.com Key Takeaways: [00:44] An inside look at the Poseidon Garden Fund, a $50 million fund supporting post-seed stage cannabis businesses [1:39] Patrick’s background in cannabis, including his popular business-accelerator and venture capital fund, CanopyBoulder [2:49] The current cannabis investing landscape and Patrick’s advice to investors looking to enter the space [7:02] The benefits of post-seed stage investing versus earlier stages [10:08] How the Poseidon Garden Fund helps springboard companies through its mastermind groups and large network of industry leaders [13:53] The Garden Fund’s process for follow-on investments [15:08] Parallels between the cannabis and supplements industries, including a new trend in product technology [16:40] The Garden Fund investments Patrick is most excited about right now [21:19]

The Michigan cannabis market isn’t on everyone’s radar, but it’s large and growing faster than you might think. Here to tell us about it is Fabian Monaco of Gage Cannabis. Learn more at https://gageusa.com  Key Takeaways: [1:17] An inside look at Gage Cannabis, one of the largest vertically-integrated cannabis companies in Michigan [1:45] Fabian’s background in investment banking and how he came to be president and CEO of Gage Cannabis [3:01] Michigan’s history in medical marijuana and how the state’s cannabis market has evolved over recent years [5:18] Why Fabian believes every cannabis brand needs to be vertically integrated right now [7:05] The pros and cons of contract growing versus buying wholesale [11:05] The most popular cannabis products in Michigan right now and surprising new trends to look out for [17:49] How Gage Cannabis has successfully employed curbside pickup to gross almost 99 percent of their profit [21:29] The importance of brand continuity and how this has helped Gage grow so quickly [24:

Despite a global pandemic, cannabis is one of the few industries that has grown throughout 2020 and 2021 — and that’s nothing compared to the gangbuster growth expected through 2025. Here to tell us more is Chris Walsh, President and CEO of Marijuana Business Daily. Learn more at https://mjbizdaily.com  Key Takeaways: [1:05] An inside look at Marijuana Business Daily, the most trusted business news outlet for professionals in the cannabis industry [1:41] Chris’ background in business journalism and how he came to be CEO of Marijuana Business Daily [4:04] How cannabis regulations have changed over the last five years and what that could mean for the industry going forward [7:36] Surprising reasons cannabis managed to survive and adapt during Covid-19 [10:51] Why cannabis retail sales could double to put the industry at a 38 to 45 billion valuation by 2025 [13:23] Aspects of the market Chris believes investors and business owners might be underestimating [17:14] Surprising new trends that are quietly taking hol

How do you stand out as a CBD company in a crowded and noisy market? Here to help us answer that question is Josh Haupt of Plant Love Naturals. Learn more at https://plantlovenaturals.com  Key Takeaways: [1:17] An inside look at Plant Love, a USDA certified organic full spectrum hemp extract company based in Denver, Colorado [1:31] Josh’s decorated background in cannabis, including his popular cannabis growing guide “Three A Light” [4:36] The unique growing process behind Josh’s top-shelf cannabis flower that sets it apart from others on the market [7:18] Why the price of CBD has dropped significantly over the last five years [8:30] Common mistakes CBD companies make when trying to gain traction in today’s noisy industry [9:35] Why Plant Love only sources its hemp from USDA certified organic farms [11:04] How Plant Love’s subcritical extraction method preserves cannabinoids and terpenes better than the popular supercritical methods [12:23] The growing interest in minor cannabinoids including THCV, CBG, and CB

We hear a lot about what’s going on in the west coast cannabis market, but what about the midwest? Here to fill us in is Tim Schuler of Cannalicious and Detroit Edible Company. Learn more at: www.cannaliciouslabs.com  www.detroitediblecompany.com  Key Takeaways: [1:09] An inside look at Cannalicious and Detroit Edible Company, two of Michigan’s most successful cannabis businesses [2:00] Tim’s background working for Anheuser Busch and how he got into the cannabis space [3:42] How the cannabis market in Michigan has evolved over the last ten years [8:35] How Tim and his team decide the best cannabis extracts to produce at Cannalicious [11:23] The types of products sold at Detroit Edible Company, from gummies to brownies [17:44] Detroit Edible’s latest partnership with Eaze and why the California-based delivery app is expanding into Michigan [21:31] How Tim manages his inventory using LeafLink, cannabis’ largest wholesale management platform [25:51] Where Tim sees the cannabis market in Michigan heading over the