Blunt Business welcomes the CEO of Motif Labs Founder Mario Naric. We discuss the current state of the Canadian cannabis market, with Mario sharing insights on Motif Labs' success in the vapes and infused pre-rolls market. We highlight the significance of the upcoming review of the 2018 Cannabis Act, while later discussing the ongoing review of the Federal Cannabis Act and its impact on public health, consumption patterns, and indigenous communities. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities of navigating cannabis regulations in Canada, emphasizing the importance of compliance and exploring potential export opportunities.

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Cat Packer, Director of Drug Markets and Legal Regulation, Drug Policy Alliance joins Blunt Business for a 2-part interview where we first discuss the need for a comprehensive approach to cannabis policy reform that prioritizes social equity and harm reduction. We talk about the importance of addressing social equity concerns, such as the concentration of unlicensed activity in local jurisdictions, and responsible and equitable enforcement strategies to encourage consumers and businesses to participate in the legal market.

We also delve into Cat's experience from her previous tenure where she served as the first executive director of the city of Los Angeles Department of cannabis regulation, leading efforts to advise and implement cannabis business Licensing and Regulation in the world's largest cannabis market.

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Paula Savchenko, Esq. Founder, Cannacore Group discusses cannabis licensing and regulatory compliance and the challenges and opportunities therein.

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Robert Hoban, Chair, Cannabis Practice, Clark Hill discusses the current state of cannabis legalization and industry development. We also discuss recent halts in licensing due to court decisions and Robert sharing his firm's expansion into the European Union. We also highlight discussed difficulties faced in New York's licensing process, challenges in social equity licensing, and legal and regulatory obstacles. We also debate the impact of scheduling marijuana on businesses and public health, weighting potential benefits while raising concerns..

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Blunt Business welcomes Jeffrey Harris, the CEO of springbig to discuss the importance of loyalty programs in the cannabis industry, We follow up on Springbig's growth and expansion to over 3000 retail locations. We also look into the challenges and opportunities in the industry, including investment strategies, regulatory changes, and tax benefits. Both emphasized the need for convenient payment solutions and loyalty programs to drive industry growth.

We go through Cannabis industry gift cards and loyalty programs, loyalty rewards program design., retailer loyalty programs and bonus points during holidays., loyalty programs and customer expectations in business., The challenges of taking a company public during a stock market downturn and Cannabis industry growth and challenges

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Adam Wilks, CEO of Carma HoldCo is back on Blunt Business to talk about his work operating his global licensing company behind the nation’s fastest-growing celebrity brands, working with icons like Mike Tyson (Tyson 2.0), Ric Flair (Ric Flair Drip and Wooo Energy drinks), Future (EVOL) and Hulk Hogan (Immortal) to turn their cannabis brands into lucrative businesses.

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Blunt Business speaks with the dynamic managing partners of Galaxy 1, Rick and Michelle Ringold. We hear about their option to enter the Illinois cannabis market through the social equity pathway given met the qualifying criteria but has set a new standard. Join us as they share their insights into building craft grow facilities that support non-multi-state operators, emphasizing their commitment to social equity in the cannabis industry.

Discover how some MSOS could take advantage of struggling social equity licensees can bypass the Illinois social equity cannabis lottery program by buying their licenses. As the first independent social equity craft cannabis grower to commence operations in Illinois, Galaxy 1 is making waves, with a grand opening scheduled for February.

Learn about Rick Ringold's military background and status as a disabled veteran, and business insights from Michelle Ringold, a certified public accountant with her own firm. Together, they offer a powerful combination of expertise, experience, and dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable cannabis landscape.

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David Standa, partner at Greenspoon Marder, takes us on a journey through the intricacies of Minnesota's adult-use cannabis rollout. As a seasoned advisor in the cannabis industry, Mr. Standa shares insights into the challenges faced by the state, from issues of illegal possession to delayed dispensary openings and the crucial role played by the Cannabis Control Board.

Delving into the peculiarities of Minnesota's cannabis program, Mr. Standa sheds light on social equity licensing, the need for a comprehensive licensing system, and unique features that set Minnesota apart from other states. Anticipating demand-driven success, he discusses the potential for dispensaries in northern Minnesota near state borders, including Fargo-Moorhead, Duluth, St. Cloud, and Mankato.

Backed by a study revealing high cannabis consumption rates among Minnesotans, Mr. Standa explores the state's unique social equity requirements, including the 100% ownership mandate for applicants, and the challenges they face in securing financing, recognized by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).

The podcast also touches on the potential legislative amendments suggested by the OCM, aiming to address financing hurdles for social equity applicants. Mr. Standa provides insights into Minnesota's ability to implement a competitive licensing system and the slow pace of government decision-making.

Discover the impact of social equity provisions on Indigenous tribes in Minnesota, allowing them autonomy in opening dispensaries and cultivating cannabis. Uncover the dynamics of home growth and possession in the state, with a focus on the challenges faced by rural areas with limited dispensaries.

The episode concludes with fascinating stories of success from tribal nation dispensaries, featuring Red Lake Nation's triumph despite geographical challenges and high demand leading to the shutdown of online sales.

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Blunt Business speaks with Christian Chavez, the seasoned CEO of Statis Cannabis Co., who brings 17 years of real estate expertise, including a robust 5-year stint in the cannabis industry. We delve deep into the intricate world of cannabis licensing, funding, and social equity challenges, specifically focusing on the burgeoning cannabis scene in New York.

The discussion unfolds through key topics such as social equity licensing, obstacles faced in obtaining cannabis licenses in New York, and the unique challenges posed by the bustling metropolis of New York City. Christian shares invaluable insights into the complexities of operating cannabis retail dispensaries in the city and sheds light on his journey navigating the social equity fund landscape for cannabis businesses in New York.

The episode also addresses a poignant story from NPR, highlighting the financial struggles faced by social equity licensees in New York, grappling with high interest rates on loans and mounting legal fees. Christian opens up about the slow and frustrating process of obtaining the $200 million social equity fund in New York, providing a firsthand account of the hurdles and setbacks.

As the conversation unfolds, the podcast explores diverse perspectives on cannabis social equity funding from investors, with opinions ranging from acknowledging the high-risk nature of the industry to critiquing it as potentially predatory.

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Blunt Business gets an exclusive account on Opening a Dispensary After Winning The Illinois Social Equity Cannabis Lottery with one of those social equity applicants. Shankar Ramakrishnan is COO of Indus365, the company behind Mystic Greenz. . Central Illinois has been transformed by the opening of Mystic Greenz’ inaugural dispensary in Macon County, marking a significant shift in the region’s cannabis landscape. Located near the Decatur Conference Center and Interstate 72, this new establishment is poised to become a prominent hub for individuals in the Greater Decatur vicinity who are keen on exploring cannabis offerings. Shankar fills us in on the obstacles of going through the lottery process.,

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Blunt Business speaks with Dr. Benjamin Caplan, a distinguished family medicine doctor and member of the American Medical Association, who has overseen the healthcare journey of over 250,000 patients exploring the benefits of medical cannabis. Dr. Caplan recently published "The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook," delving into the safe use of cannabis for managing various conditions like cognitive decline, cancer, chronic pain, depression, diabetes, insomnia, and headaches. Discover the effort behind building this comprehensive guide and gain valuable insights into incorporating cannabis treatment into everyday health.

Learn about the recent scientific review recommending the reclassification of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, potentially opening new medical possibilities. Dr. Caplan shares his perspective on the implications this could have, including the potential end of IRS Section 280e restrictions.

Addressing federal scientists catching up with medical knowledge, Dr. Caplan reflects on whether the recent conclusions align with what doctors have known for years. Finally, hear Dr. Caplan's response to criticisms highlighted by The New York Times, addressing concerns about the strength and frequency of marijuana use, its ties to psychiatric problems, and the evolving landscape of therapeutic claims.

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Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con fills us in on details of their upcoming Indoor Ag-Con, the premier trade show and conference dedicated to vertical farming, greenhouse, and controlled environment agriculture. Returning to Caesars Forum in Las Vegas on March 11-12 for its 11th annual event  

For the first time, Indoor Ag-Con introduces a dedicated Cannabis Conference track for cultivators. Sullivan provides a sneak peek into the exciting sessions lined up, covering topics such as the evolving cannabis landscape, vertical racking systems for efficiency, MSO evolution, terpene excellence, and integrating cannabis cultivation with traditional horticulture.

The conference agenda places a significant focus on Controlled Environmental Agriculture (CEA), reflecting the evolving landscape of crops grown indoors. Sullivan discusses how agricultural technology advancements and the growing demand for local food are driving this evolution across North America

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Blunt Business welcomes back Arthur de Cordova, CEO & Co-Founder of Ziel, who takes us on a journey through the remarkable advancements since our last encounter, specifically highlighting APEX 7. This seventh-generation technology stands as an organic natural kill step, effectively annihilating harmful bacteria in cannabis with minimal THC loss and an impressive 3x throughput compared to competitors. Join us as we explore the fascinating evolution of APEX and the introduction of Ziel's newest RFX solution

We also delve into a recent investigation by NY Cannabis Insider, uncovering risks associated with outdoor cultivation in states like New York. With revelations of high levels of contaminants in products reaching consumers, we explore the regulatory landscape and discuss the apparent violations reported by the publication. How does this impact the industry, and what are the potential risks?

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Blunt Business delves into the concept of Fractional CMOs and Prioritizing Marketing Strategy and Execution with Laurie Parfitt, CEO & Principal: of LKP Impact Consulting. 

Laurie works with cannabis and consumer products companies on brand strategy/design, consumer insights, and commercial go-to-market strategy. Parfitt’s background includes experience in large-scale, integrated cross-channel marketing and experience campaigns, including a background in traditional marketing, category development, and sales strategy in an omnichannel environment.

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Blunt Business reflects the ongoing congressional gridlock of federal legalization efforts and the need for more voices to reach a larger public to counteract the constant attacks made by lobbying efforts and the negative media coverage. We also look forward to the pending DEA schedule change and what it will bring to the industry in 2024.

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Cannabis Podcasts Compared and Contrasted and the pressing subjects as we speak with Sean Hocking, owner of the Karma Koala Podcast and Cannabis Law Report, National Interdisciplinary Cannabis Symposium. 

Sean Hocking boasts a rich and accomplished career spanning over 25 years in the professional and legal publishing, as well as bookselling industry.

His journey began in the late 80s when he took his first steps behind the counter at the Aus Law Book Company Bookshop. Demonstrating dedication and ambition, Sean quickly progressed in his career, taking on the roles of Manager and salesperson for Sydney's indie legal bookseller, "Point of Law," during the early 90s.

In 1996, Sean's career took an international turn as he ventured to London to serve as the Sales Manager for Legalease (UK) until 1999. Returning to Sydney in late 1999, he embarked on an entrepreneurial endeavor, founding Australia's inaugural independent legal news and legal book-selling website, "Excata." Sean's innovative platform gained recognition and was eventually acquired by Lexis Nexis.

His tenure with Lexis Nexis continued until a profound moment during the events of 9/11 prompted Sean to reevaluate his life's priorities. This pivotal realization led him to make a significant decision: upon the birth of his son, he chose to stay at home and channel his energy into launching "Law Librarians News" and "Practice Source.com."

In the years 2018 and 2019, Sean assumed the role of Director at BenchTV / Benchmark Legal Education Sydney, contributing his wealth of knowledge and expertise to these ventures. Beyond his legal publishing ventures, Sean expanded his portfolio by publishing the "Cannabis Law Rpt" and "Law Jnl," managing www.practicesource.com, and establishing himself as the founder of the independent record label, Metal Postcard Records.

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Todd Davis, CEO of the Index Corporation and founder of CBD Unlimited, discusses the journey of getting CBD products into major drugstores and the challenges faced along the way. He emphasizes the importance of hiring the right people and collaborating with mass retail buyers to pave the way for CBD products to be accepted on store shelves. Todd also highlights the difficulties of advertising CBD products due to strict regulations and the limitations of social media platforms. Despite these challenges, CBD Unlimited has become a leading brand in the industry, with a high rebuy rate and a strong presence in major retailers. Todd also discusses the acquisition of Hyla, a non-nicotine vape company, and the potential growth of the CBD and vape markets.

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Blunt Business welcomes Keshawn Warner, the co-founder of Dazed Cannabis who Went From originally Being Arrested For Cannabis To Leading A Multi-Million Dollar Dispensary in Dazed Cannabis. 

Taking cues from legendary hip-hop moments, the atmosphere and branding of Dazed Cannabis infuse old-school vibes with bright and modern elements. From dope merch, curated playlists, celebrity-hosted events, and meet & greets, the brand is bridging the gap between cannabis, entertainment, art, and music. Dazed is a space where you can unwind, have a great time, and connect with like-minded individuals.

Dazed Cannabis is on the precipice of a major brand expansion, with three new dispensaries opening across New York City and Massachusetts this Fall. Additionally, the brand has several collaborations upcoming with like-minded brands across multiple vertices from art, to streetwear, to cannabis. Watch this space.

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Katie Neer, Of Counsel at Dickinson & Avella joins us on Blunt Business to discuss New York State and Their Cannabis Compliance Challenges. We go in-depth on a NY Cannabis Insider investigation which found labs were reportedly breaking rules for reporting pesticides and other contaminants as well as companies misreporting numbers and selling cannabis that has failed tests.

We also talk about the education, training, and licensing of social equity applicants and the possibilities that legacy operators can have to participate. Katie is an attorney with a leading New York government affairs law firm, where she assists dozens of clients on NY regulatory compliance issues in heavily regulated industries, including cannabis, gaming, and financial services.

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DC Legacy Operators Fight for Cannabis Legalization and Social Equity. Today to dive into this our guest is Terence White, the CEO and founder of the cannabis lifestyle brand Monko and the chairman of the I 71 Committee. We'll be discussing the unique challenges and opportunities of operating a cannabis business in Washington, DC, and the implications for the wider industry.

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