Metrc has been proclaimed the Backbone of Legal Cannabis, boasting the world's most robust regulatory supply chain technology system. We're joined by the CTO of Metrc, Sam Peterson. Peterson brings more than 25 years of experience in technology leadership and has an extensive background in executing SaaS growth strategies and software and product development. Before joining Metrc, he served as CTO at Boats Group, a Florida-based advertising and software company for the marine industry. 

In that role, Peterson led a global team of engineers and technology professionals to deliver a world-class shopping experience and big data insights to the recreational boating industry. Prior to that, he served as CTO at both Overstock and Open English, where he led their technology teams to drive the enhancement and development of the company's respective software.

C3 Industries with CEO and co-founder Ankur Rungta today on Plant Prophets with Vern Davis only on Cannabis Radio. Ankur Rungta is co-founder and CEO of C3 Industries. Ankur brings years of experience as a corporate attorney and investment banker to the company, with a specific focus on corporate finance, real estate, media, and cannabis. Together with his co-founders, Vishal Rungta and Joel Ruggiero, Ankur’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for producing high-end, quality cannabis products have led C3 Industries to be one of the leading cannabis brands in Michigan and Oregon.

Lifted Made is a premier producer of innovative hemp-CBD products known for cutting-edge aesthetics and packaging and wide-ranging appeal. It’s a rapidly expanding company that has managed to retain its personal, small business ethos, as its products are crafted in small batches from hemp grown locally by Midwestern farms. We expand on that distinction about being a small business and Midwestern grown.

Benzinga recently reported that “Cannabis is the botanical gift that keeps on giving. A veritable plant powerhouse, cannabis is packed with more than 500 different compounds, at least 100 of which are cannabinoids. Anyone who hasn’t been living under a rock for the past two years is likely acquainted with the major cannabinoids, THC, and CBD.

Vern Davis welcomes MJBizDaily founding editor Chris Walsh. Since 2011, MJBizDaily has been the most trusted business (B2B) news source for the cannabis industry in the US and Canada.

Exclusively written by professional journalists, we serve the information needs of large-scale cultivators, processors, testing labs, infused product makers, financial services, major investors, dispensaries and recreational retailers, and the related businesses that serve them.

They also produce MJBizCon – the multiple award-winning trade show and expo for cannabis professionals, held annually in Las Vegas and online. MJBizDaily is headquartered in the Denver, Colorado area with editorial staff nationwide.

Chris served as the founding editor of Marijuana Business Daily during the company’s launch in 2011, becoming the first journalist in the United States to focus exclusively on covering the business of cannabis. He now oversees the company’s day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives. Chris has been quoted as one of America’s foremost cannabis industry analysts by dozens of media outlets, including Harvard Business Review, NPR, CNBC, and the New York Times. He earned an MBA in international business from Regis University.

Lisa is the President of Happi, the first THC-infused beverage to launch in the state of Michigan, which she co-founded and leads with her partner Joe Reynolds. Happi’s all-natural sparkling water beverages are made with simple ingredients and organic fruit, they are vegan and have just 15-25 calories. Designed for the canna-curious woman, Happi combines Lisa’s passion for microdose products and her desire to help more women see cannabis as an alternative to pharmaceuticals and alcohol.

Prior to Happi, Lisa was the Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Grassroots Cannabis, a multi-state operator based in Illinois. At Grassroots, Lisa built the marketing function across Grassroots vertical operation in 12 states, developed the product innovation pipeline, and the retail vision, and launched 4 brands in under 2 years. Lisa’s role went beyond marketing as she architected the company’s data & analytics platform and infrastructure, designed the packaging supply chain, and launched numerous new product innovations prior to Grassroots’ sale to Curaleaf in July 2020 for $830MM.

In the rapidly evolving cannabis industry, effective public relations (PR) is crucial for businesses to navigate the complex landscape and establish a strong brand presence. PR firms play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of cannabis programs and ensuring that clients from various sectors of the industry are seen in a positive light. 

In this thought-provoking interview, we had the pleasure of speaking with Jordan Isenstadt, Senior VP at Marino PR, a leading PR firm in New York. Jordan shared his insights on the challenges and opportunities of PR in the cannabis industry, as well as the importance of destigmatization and normalization. Let's dive into the key themes discussed and explore their implications for the future of the cannabis industry.

One of the main challenges faced by the cannabis industry is the negative perception and stigma associated with cannabis use. Jordan emphasized the importance of humanizing cannabis brands to counter these stereotypes and showcase the human-driven nature of the industry.

Alex Boone, the Managing Director at Botani, joins Vern Davis on Plant Prophets to discuss how rolling paper brands can develop new product lines and compete in the cannabis industry. Botani, a subsidiary of SWM International, leverages its 400 years of experience in paper making to create sustainable and innovative rolling paper products for the cannabis market. 

By listening to the voice of the customer and staying ahead of market trends, Botani aims to provide brands with unique and visually appealing rolling paper options that complement their products. Alex also shares insights into the challenges of building a business within a large corporation, the importance of talent acquisition, and the impact of industry regulations on growth.

Botani, a subsidiary of SWM International, was created with the vision of leveraging their parent company's 400 years of experience in paper making to bring a unique voice to the cannabis industry. Unlike other brands, Botani focuses on serving as a business-to-business (B2B) supplier, providing the necessary components and accessories for cannabis brands to bring their products to market.

Sarah Patel, CEO and founder of Kelia, joins us to discuss her journey in the cannabis industry and the creation of her cannabis beverage brand. Sarah shares how her personal experience with anxiety led her to develop a product that combines the benefits of cannabis with the socialization of a beverage. She explains that her non-carbonated beverages are designed to appeal to women and promote a healthier lifestyle. Sarah also discusses the challenges of launching a new product in the cannabis market and the importance of education and diversity in the industry.

Sarah's passion for cannabis began in her teenage years when she found comfort and calmness in the plant. After taking a break during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she rediscovered the benefits of cannabis for anxiety relief. This realization sparked an idea to create a beverage that could capture the calming effects of cannabis for other women. Choosing to focus on beverages was a strategic decision for Sarah. She recognized that many people were curious about cannabis but didn't want to smoke it. By creating a beverage, she could provide an alternative consumption method that would be more accessible and socially acceptable.

Sarah Patel, CEO and founder of Kelia, joins us to discuss her journey in the cannabis industry and the creation of her cannabis beverage brand. Sarah shares how her personal experience with anxiety led her to develop a product that combines the benefits of cannabis with the socialization of a beverage. She explains that her non-carbonated beverages are designed to appeal to women and promote a healthier lifestyle. Sarah also discusses the challenges of launching a new product in the cannabis market and the importance of education and diversity in the industry.

Sarah's passion for cannabis began in her teenage years when she found comfort and calmness in the plant. After taking a break during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she rediscovered the benefits of cannabis for anxiety relief. This realization sparked an idea to create a beverage that could capture the calming effects of cannabis for other women. Choosing to focus on beverages was a strategic decision for Sarah. She recognized that many people were curious about cannabis but didn't want to smoke it. By creating a beverage, she could provide an alternative consumption method that would be more accessible and socially acceptable.

Eric Block, the Chief Revenue Officer at Wana Brands, discusses the success and mission of the company. Wana Brands is focused on serving the community and creating high-quality, innovative cannabis products. Eric emphasizes the importance of passion, adaptability, and hard work in the cannabis industry. He also highlights the company's commitment to education and responsible packaging. Wana Brands is constantly innovating and expanding its product portfolio to meet the diverse needs of consumers.

Eric Block is the Chief Revenue Officer at Wana Brands, the top gummy business in North America. With a background in technology and international management, Eric brings a unique perspective to the cannabis industry. He is passionate about serving the community and creating innovative products that enhance people's lives.

Socrates Rosenfeld is the Co-Founder and CEO of Jane Technologies. After leaving active duty in 2011 as a U.S. Army veteran and Apache helicopter commander, Socrates turned to cannabis to re-acclimate to civilian life. Because cannabis wasn’t legal at the time in Massachusetts where he lived, he was forced to rely on the black market, where he couldn’t be sure about the quality of the cannabis he was buying.

The frustration of that experience, coupled with the lack of access to cannabis for his fellow vets, led Socrates to co-found Jane Technologies with his brother Abraham.Socrates and his team at Jane have been recognized with multiple distinctions including Forbes’ The Cannabis 42.0 (2023), Inc. 5000's Fastest-Growing Companies in the Pacific (2023) and Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 (2022), in addition to participating on panels at SXSW and MJBizCon.

Prior to starting Jane, Socrates was an associate at McKinsey & Company. He graduated from the United States Military Academy and earned an MBA in entrepreneurship from MIT. CEO and Co-Founder Socrates Rosenfeld has had a fascinating journey from Army Veteran and MIT graduate. He can speak to growth strategies, advertising in cannabis, the importance of data, and more.

Anne Forkutza started her career in customer experience and digital strategy at the age of 18, delivering award-winning campaigns for big brands such as Starbucks, Electronic Arts, and Nike. She has since pivoted to cannabis retail and has worked with some of the most influential cannabis retailers in the industry. As Head of Strategic Partners & Industry Relations at Dutchie, Anne plays a key role in new market expansion opportunities.

Sundie Seefried runs a fintech platform with a 9-year track record of facilitating banking and lending services to the US cannabis industry.

Safe Harbor Financial is among the first service providers to offer compliance, monitoring, and validation services to financial institutions, providing traditional banking services to cannabis, hemp, CBD, and ancillary operators, making communities safer, driving growth in local economies, and fostering long-term partnerships.

Currently managing approximately 1000 cannabis-related relationships, Safe Harbor Financial, through its financial institution clients, implements high standards of accountability, transparency, monitoring, reporting, and risk mitigation measures while meeting Bank Secrecy Act obligations in line with FinCEN guidance on cannabis-related businesses. Over the past eight years, Safe Harbor Financial has facilitated more than $18 billion in deposit transactions for businesses with operations spanning over 40 states and US territories with regulated cannabis markets. For more information, visit www.shfinancial.org.

Sands Lane Holdings is comprised of a purpose-driven venture studio (Sands Lane Ventures), creative, marketing & media agencies (Sands Lane Agency Group), and an investment management platform (Sands Lane Capital). They leverage three primary verticals to drive value across the ecosystem, Brand Incubation & Agency Services, Strategic Advisory & Operations Management, and Financial Advisory & Principal Investments. 

Sands Lane Holdings has developed an industry-leading ecosystem to identify, de-risk and add value to clients and portfolio companies. They are focused on incubating, investing in, and taking a hands-on approach with early-stage consumer brands, activating opportunities through a unique and comprehensive lens, de-risking their business models, and adding long-term value through our ecosystem.

The GreenSpacePro platform helps franchise operators manage projects, assets, and compliance. GreenSpacePro provides software solutions for regulated industries, including operators, regulators, and financial institutions.

State-sanctioned cannabis in the U.S. is the fastest-growing industry in the world, expected to top $40 billion by 2025. The long-term viability of this rapidly growing space hinges on its ability to operate efficiently and remain compliant with evolving regulations.

They are developing technology platforms for an efficient and compliant cannabis industry, and GreenSpacePro is doing it in close collaboration with those who live it day-to-day.

Mike Wilson is the Founder and President of Temeka Group. He utilizes his strong leadership and management skills to oversee the job, from design to installation. Temeka Group was founded in 1991 and focuses on turnkey services, conceptual designs, precise fabrications, and premium installations.

Steve is a former HM Customs and Excise Officer, involved in a wide sphere of work, from becoming a Civil Service Accredited Teacher/Trainer to receiving Commendations for Bravery in Undercover Work. During that time Steve assumed various legal roles including representing HMRC at Magistrates courts and in a leading role in a number of high-profile prosecutions. He spent some six years as an investigator in London and the UK before leaving in 2000.

After leaving his Government role, Steve moved to KPMG, where he was later to head up their Producer Responsibility – European Environment Law Team (2000 – 2005), advising clients including Sony, Harley Davidson, Manchester United, and Booker.

Steve left KPMG to set up his own business and to read for a Degree, where he proved academically gifted, receiving the 14 “subject prizes” while an undergraduate, culminating in the award of the Academy Prize and the Quantum LLP Prize (each in 2010). Steve has worked as a visiting lecturer for both undergraduate and postgraduate master’s students specializing in Business Law, Employment law, Contract law, and European law. In 2011 he became a member of the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP).

Guy Rocourt is the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer for Papa & Barkley, a leading California cannabis wellness company. 

At P&B Guy is responsible for optimizing production practices, ensuring the company complies with rigorous testing and lab standards, and developing the product roadmap as the brand continues to expand into different areas of the cannabis marketplace.

Previously Guy designed and built manufactured infused product facilities (MIPs) in multiple states, making him an expert in Cannabis science, tech, strategy, and production. Due to his vast experience, he is an asset to those hoping to invest in the space. He also has experience caring for patients with Cannabis. Guy graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology and is a U.S. Navy veteran.

RIV Capital is a cannabis investment and acquisition firm. At RIV Capital, they do more than provide capital – we help build sustainable businesses. their mission is to acquire, invest in, launch, and/or develop U.S. operators and brands across financially and strategically attractive states to create multistate platforms. They have a strong balance sheet, existing domain expertise, strategic relationships, and commitment to making the cannabis industry stronger, faster, better, and smarter. Their goal is to leverage our assets and expertise to accelerate the growth of their investments and acquisitions and return value to their shareholders. Mark Sims is the President and Chief Executive Officer of RIV Capital. Prior to joining RIV Capital, Mark served as Senior Vice President, Strategy and M&A at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, one of the world’s leading marketers of branded consumer lawn and garden as well as hydroponic and indoor growing products. In this role, he was responsible for leading the corporate strategy department which provides comprehensive strategy support for strategic intelligence, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, and internal consulting. He began his career with Scotts in 2007 and has held positions of increasing responsibility in strategy, M&A, enterprise risk management, process transformation, and IT; including serving as the CIO. Prior to joining Scotts Miracle-Gro, Mark spent 15 years in management consulting focused on business transformation to drive growth and productivity. Mark serves on the Board of Directors of the regional health insurance company SummaCare and the Audit and Compliance Committee of their parent Summa Health. He completed the Advanced Management Program at the Wharton School, has a master’s in Industrial Engineering from Cleveland State University, and a bachelor’s in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan.

Khari has spent over 25 years of his professional career in public and government service, working for several elected officials, non-profit organizations, and city agencies where he focused on strengthening communities by advocating and addressing racial, health, and civic disparities. He spent his career as a connector and relishes the role of a problem solver.

As the Head of Corporate Responsibility, he provides strategic leadership in creating a culture of inclusion. Ayr Wellness is committed to providing avenues of opportunity in the cannabis industry and his role is to create the road map as well as build strong pillars to achieve that goal.

Rianna Young is the CEO + Founder of Happy Hounds CBD, a premium Pet Treat and Tincture company on a mission to help our furry family members thrive. Happy Hounds is a CBD is the Future of Pet Care. A Pet Treat & Tincture company combining healthy, tasty, and unique ingredients so your pets can thrive. 

Happy Hounds CBD began out of our Founder, Rianna's vision for ingredient-rich calming solutions for pets after her childhood dog, a genius Jack Russell named Angel was hit by a car. After this accident, the smart, spotted terrier was withdrawn and the only option, at that time, was traditional anti-anxiety and pain medication. They robbed Angel of her spunky, hilarious personality.