In this episode of Blunt Business, managing partners Ed Brown and Tucker Herndon of Burr & Forman discuss Georgia's sudden move to ban THC-infused drinks and restrict Delta-8 and Delta-9 products. As attorneys specializing in the food and beverage industry, they explore the potential impact on retailers, manufacturers, and the broader Southeast cannabis market. They also delve into the chilling effect on innovation, legal challenges, and strategies for businesses to navigate this evolving re...
Jul 09, 2025•35 min
Thomas Winstanley, EVP, General Manager of Edibles.com discussed the severe implications of Texas Senate Bill 3, which proposes a ban on hemp-derived THC products. He highlighted the bill's flawed reasoning, arguing that it disregards consumer demand for safe THC access and would lead to the closure of thousands of businesses and job losses for tens of thousands of workers. Winstanley criticized the political motivations behind the bill, suggesting they are not rooted in genuine health concerns ...
Jul 02, 2025•38 min
Terrence White, CEO and Founder of MONKO and Former Chairman of the I-71 Committee, explores the complex cannabis landscape in Washington D.C. Despite voter approval for legalization through Initiative 71, the Harris Rider restricts a regulated adult-use market, leading to a "gifting" model and lost tax revenue. The discussion delves into potential policy solutions beyond lifting the Rider, including replicating Maryland's successful market, revenue generation models, and strategies for federal ...
Jun 25, 2025•56 min
Khari Griffin, a Cannabis Attorney at Clark Hill Law, joins Blunt Business to delve into the complexities of inconsistent state regulations on THC products. Key issues highlighted included concerns over high potency, youth access, and the lack of federal oversight, particularly regarding the 2018 Farm Bill and FDA inaction. The discussion also explored the influence of lobbying and public opinion, using Texas and Georgia as case studies to illustrate varying legislative approaches and the challe...
Jun 18, 2025•42 min
Hanna Brand, co-founder and chief sales officer of Autumn Brands , talks about their commitment to sustainable cannabis cultivation, including their 100% spray-free practices using beneficial insects and their innovative water conservation methods, such as bio-swell systems and water reclamation from greenhouse runoff. Hanna also shared insights on the company's public farm tours, which aim to provide transparency and connect with the community. Additionally, she expressed concerns regarding pot...
Jun 11, 2025•32 min
We hear from Clark Wu, a partner with Bianchi and Brandt about the complexities of the cannabis and hemp legal landscape. The conversation covers regulatory hurdles, compliance issues, investment opportunities, and the impact of campaigns and FDA actions. Key challenges discussed include inconsistent federal and state regulations, securing capital, and landlord hesitancy. The discussion also highlights the importance of proactive compliance and the potential impact of the Safe Banking Act. Adver...
Jun 04, 2025•45 min
Barbara Vaughn, Founder and CEO of Cannabicity and co-founder Stefan Sanzi discuss the New York State cannabis market's social equity licensees face significant challenges, including lengthy licensing processes, predatory lending, and navigating complex grant applications. Cannabicity, founded by Barbara, launched the "Powered by Cannabicity" initiative to provide consulting, legal guidance, and funding (6-10% interest) to assist CAURD licensees in accessing and utilizing the $5 million grant pr...
May 28, 2025•33 min
We learn about Qredible 's compliance platform for the cannabis industry with Chairman and CEO Brian Fitzpatrick. The discussion highlights Qredible's use of blockchain technology and automated compliance checks, as well as its marketplace approach. Specific software solutions like Q Monitor, Q Transact, and My COA are detailed, along with the platform's ability to adapt to changing regulations. We also learn about Fitzpatrick's Credible Live podcast and discussed some of the topics covered, inc...
May 21, 2025•42 min
Terry Mendez, the new CEO of Safe Harbor Financial , the newly appointed CEO of Safe Harbor Financial, emphasizing their experience in the cannabis industry and business transformation . We discussed Safe Harbor's success in processing over $25 billion in cannabis-related funds, their strategies for navigating industry challenges (including regulatory hurdles and taxation), and their vision for expanding into a multifaceted fintech company offering various services beyond banking. Mendez highlig...
May 14, 2025•41 min
Anthony Coniglio of New Lake Capital Partners returns to Blunt Business to discuss the current state of the cannabis industry. Despite delays in federal reform and setbacks like the failed Florida ballot initiative, New Lake Partners maintains a strong financial position. Coniglio highlights the company's disciplined capital allocation strategy, focus on limited-licensed jurisdictions, and key performance indicators such as AFO and AFO payout ratio. The conversation also covers strategies for mi...
May 07, 2025•38 min
Zachary Kobrin, transactional and regulatory attorney at Saul Ewing LLP discusses the merging of the cannabis and alcohol industries, driven by shifting consumer preferences and the emergence of hemp-derived beverages. Kobrin discusses regulatory challenges such as stock exchange restrictions on cannabis companies and inconsistent federal regulations. The conversation also addressed the importance of compliance in restrictive states, regulatory transparency, and the limited impact of the Safe Ba...
Apr 30, 2025•45 min
Jason Schwent, cybersecurity attorney at Clark Hill, addresses the growing cyber security risks facing the cannabis industry. The discussion highlights the unique vulnerabilities of cannabis businesses due to heavy regulation, reliance on third-party vendors, and challenges with payment processing. Clark Hill wrote an article on The Growing Cybersecurity Risks in the Cannabis Industry An attorney specializing in cyber security emphasizes the importance of due diligence when selecting vendors, pa...
Apr 23, 2025•41 min
Zone Vapor CEO Josh Hoffman delves into the company's strategies for the 510 thread vape market, focusing on the innovative Zone Opto vaporizer. He highlights its customizable modes, user-friendly display, and quality commitment through a three-year warranty. Hoffman addresses concerns related to the vape crisis, emphasizing the safety of regulated products and the industry's focus on compliance. He also outlines Zone Vapor's marketing approach, which centers on influencer engagement and strateg...
Apr 16, 2025•36 min
Ryan Burke, COO at Carma HoldCo shares news of Tyson 2.0's expansion into South Africa, its 17th international market. We highlight the strategic decision to enter the South African market due to its legalized personal cannabis use and market potential. We also emphasize the importance of local partnerships for regulatory compliance, adapting business models to diverse legal environments, and tailoring product offerings to local consumer preferences. We also discuss challenges in maintaining qua...
Apr 09, 2025•28 min
Keshawn Warner of Dazed Cannabis and Emiliano Cuellar of Ganja Gang detailed their blockchain-based inventory management system, designed to combat revenue loss and enhance compliance in cannabis dispensaries. Their system utilizes smart contracts linked to inventory, preventing unauthorized sales and reducing human error. They emphasized the real-world utility of their project, moving beyond traditional NFT applications by providing tangible value and focusing on compliance. Keshawn also highli...
Apr 02, 2025•37 min
Blunt Business welcomes back Jonathan Robbins, head of the cannabis practice at Akerman , to talk about the cannabis industry's persistent hurdles, encompassing federal reform, banking complexities, and state-federal law discrepancies. The stalled DEA rescheduling and the need for a revised hemp bill were key points. Banking challenges, including debanking and prohibitive tax rates, were highlighted, with the Senate's limited progress in addressing these issues noted. The ongoing legislative bat...
Mar 26, 2025•46 min
Blunt Business explores the complexities of New York's nascent legal cannabis market through a conversation with Joshua Wilson, the general manager of Culture House , a dispensary located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The discussion illuminates the hurdles and successes encountered by social equity license holders, the regulatory challenges faced by established brands, the influence of the newly formed Trade Practices Bureau, the nuances of True Party of Interest (TPI) rules, and the day-to...
Mar 19, 2025•39 min
This interview with David Spradlin from Goldenhour Collective provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving cannabis industry, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by its transition from a patient-centric model to a more corporate, adult-use market. Spradlin’s insights, drawn from his extensive experience in the cannabis sector and his work with Goldenhour Collective, offer a valuable perspective on the industry’s past, present, and potential future, particularly concerning...
Mar 13, 2025•34 min
This interview with Tara Coomans, CEO of Avaans Media , explores the transformative influence of artificial intelligence on journalism and public relations, with a particular focus on the cannabis industry. The discussion delves into the potential benefits and challenges AI presents for cannabis businesses, emphasizing the enduring importance of human creativity, trust-building, and strategic adaptation in this rapidly evolving media landscape. Coomans offers insights into navigating the complex...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr
Paul Weaver, Director of Cannabis at the Boston Beer Company, shared insights into the company's Canadian Cannabis Division and their new product, Emerald Hour, a line of non-alcoholic cannabis cocktails designed for experienced consumers seeking a full-spectrum, solventless experience. The product launch strategy, focusing initially on the Ontario market due to its regulatory landscape, was discussed, along with plans for US expansion. The conversation highlighted the growing trend of consumers...
Feb 26, 2025•45 min
Rocco Del Priore, Co-Founder of Sweed POS , discusses the critical importance of compliance and enterprise-grade solutions within the evolving cannabis industry. The conversation centers around Sweed POS's commitment to data security, regulatory compliance, and robust platform functionality, highlighting their achievement of both SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type 2 certifications.1 The discussion begins with a deep dive into data security, a paramount concern given the sensitive nature of customer informatio...
Feb 20, 2025•37 min
Blunt Business explores the critical issues facing the cannabis industry, focusing on regulation, compliance, and investment, through the lens of the International Cannabis Bar Association (INCBA). David Ruskin, their newly appointed president, shared his insights on the organization's role and the evolving legal and regulatory landscape. Ruskin highlighted the INCBA's value as a network of experienced professionals dedicated to navigating the complexities of cannabis law. He emphasized the orga...
Feb 12, 2025•44 min
Luna Stower, Head of Impact at Ispire Technology, joined the conversation to discuss her role as a leader and advocate in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry. With a passion for social justice, regulatory reform, and technological innovation, Luna illuminated the path Ispire is forging to shape the future of cannabis. From groundbreaking partnerships with global icons to pioneering regulatory solutions, Luna shared insights into the company’s impact-driven mission and its commitment to inclus...
Feb 06, 2025•46 min
Blunt Business speaks with Dina Rollman, CEO of StrainBrain and board member of New Lake Capital Partners. The discussion explores the evolving landscape of the cannabis industry, the transformative potential of AI, and the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in this sector. Rollman shares her perspective on the uncertain legislative future of cannabis, acknowledging the political headwinds but remaining optimistic about potential progress, particularly in the area of rescheduling. Sh...
Jan 29, 2025•45 min
Tyler Priest, the Chief Revenue Officer at Greenleaf Business Solutions , delves into the complexities of managing HR and payroll within the cannabis industry's complex regulatory landscape. Tyler Priest emphasizes the ongoing conflict between state and federal cannabis laws, particularly concerning 401(k) plans for cannabis companies. He highlights the need for comprehensive HR and payroll solutions tailored to the unique challenges of this industry, including payroll processing, HR consulting,...
Jan 22, 2025•41 min
Socrates Rosenfeld, CEO and co-founder of Jane Technologies , explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the cannabis retail sector. Rosenfeld unveils "my high," a cutting-edge platform designed to enhance the in-store experience for both customers and budtenders. "My high" leverages AI to provide personalized product recommendations based on customer purchase history and preferences. This information empowers budtenders to offer tailored guidance, elevating customer ser...
Jan 15, 2025•44 min
This in-depth discussion with Jay Virdi, the Chief Sales Officer for Specialty Practices at Hub International , provides a comprehensive overview of the insurance landscape for the cannabis industry in 2025. The cannabis industry faces unique financial pressures, including inflation, rising interest rates, and specific tax burdens like the 280E tax code. Jay Virdi emphasizes the need for robust risk management strategies to navigate these challenges and ensure business continuity. He outlines th...
Jan 08, 2025•46 min
David Vaillencourt, CEO of GMP Collective, discusses the critical role of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in the cannabis industry. David and host [Brasco's Name] delve into the impact of GMP standards on consumer safety, international trade, and building a sustainable cannabis market. They explore the implications of the Cannabis Standards and Regulations Act (CSRA), a Senate bill pushing for ASTM standards and FDA oversight of cannabinoid manufacturers. This conversation addresses the chall...
Jan 01, 2025•38 min
Join industry experts in a comprehensive exploration of the evolving cannabis landscape with featured guest, Richard Zwicky, host of The Green Peak on Cannabis Radio. This in-depth discussion delves into the complex world of cannabis legalization, market trends, and social impact, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers alike. Experts analyze the impact of the new administration on cannabis legalization, weighing the potential influence of big pharma lobbying ag...
Dec 25, 2024•38 min
Ziel is a leading provider of microbial control solutions for the cannabis industry, specializing in high-throughput, non-ionizing radio frequency (RF) technology. Driven by a commitment to innovation and compliance, Ziel offers cutting-edge solutions that ensure product safety, maximize efficiency, and meet stringent regulatory requirements, particularly in the rapidly growing European market. Unlike competitors who rely on ionizing radiation or face frequent machine breakdowns, Ziel's RF techn...
Dec 18, 2024•42 min
