Latest CannaInsider episodes

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 audience [24:18] The thought-process behind MJ Unpacked’s unique format and what sets the conference apart from other CPG events [28:05] What attendees can expect at this year’s MJ Unpacked, from investor pitches to a Blues Brothers concert [34:19] George’s predictions for when cannabis will see its first national brand [35:14] Things that take a pitch from good to great and George’s advice on how to secure investors

What happens when vertical farming meets cannabis? Here to tell us 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 extensive hands-on training for new Agrify growers [20:27] Opportunities for cultivators to license their grow recipes to other cultivators through Agrify’s platform [24:49] Where Raymond sees the cannabis’ grow tech and automation space heading over the next 3-5 years

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 in energy efficiency rebates [17:30] The advantages of broad-spectrum LEDs for energy costs and crop yields [19:56] How Solar significantly offsets its costs through its heating and cooling systems [22:36] Solar’s energy costs versus other similar vertically-integrated dispensaries [25:15] The cannabis industry’s growing carbon footprint and what it will take for companies to implement more sustainable practices [28:21] The best-selling products in Massachusetts and new trends to look out for [30:12] Solar Therapeutics’ goals to become a multi-state operator, from Rhode Island to New York and beyond

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 changing the cannabis banking landscape

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 upswing in craft cannabis brands across the US and where Julia sees this sector heading over the next few years [25:08] The challenges in scaling a sustainable, small-batch cannabis company and how Aster Farms has gone about navigating this [27:54] How Aster Farms differentiates themselves through unique branding and marketing [29:58] Julia’s advice on how to build unbreakable brand loyalty

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 [20:27] Who makes up CB1 Capital’s advisory board, from Governor Gary Johnson to Lorne Gertner [22:03] Why Todd feels we’re about to enter the next stage of cannabis growth and signs to look out for

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 a “small batch” cannabis company and how that sets Theory Wellness apart from other dispensaries [15:03] How Theory Wellness is expanding into new states despite difficulties scaling a small batch cannabis company [17:38] The inspiration for Theory Wellness’ successful new product Hi5, a low-dose THC seltzer [19:02] How Hi5 compares to similar alcoholic seltzers in onset and overall effect [19:59] Why Brandon believes cannabis beverages like Hi5 will surpass alcohol over the next few years [22:26] Challenges Theory Wellness has faced in distributing their cannabis drinks [24:02] How Theory Wellness is helping more entrepreneurs get into the cannabis space through its social equity programs in Maine and Massachusetts

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 veterinary cannabis products [17:17] The current regulation and taxation for non-cannabis cannabinoids [20:08] What Sacramento regulators are saying about delta-8 THC, a hemp-derived cannabinoid that some states are banning due to its close relation to delta-9 THC [26:30] What California business owners are excited about right now and the big opportunities that lie ahead

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] Patrick’s advice to entrepreneurs on the dos and don’ts of pitching your company