Blunt Business welcomes Michael Wang, Co-CEO and CFO with ISPIRE, a company specializing in e-cigarettes and cannabis vaping products. Discussions included collaborations with Hidden Hills, new device launches like Switch One, and partnerships with Burna Boy. Safety measures, regulatory challenges, and quality assurance with ISO and GMP certifications were highlighted. Market trends indicated a rise in vaping products in cannabis sales, with projections of vaping reaching up to 50% of retail sal...
May 08, 2024•38 min
Blunt Business welcomes Sundie Seefried, CEO, Safe Harbor Financial to talk about Safe Harbor Financial's recent operations and future plans. Seefried highlights the company's successful earnings call, showcasing an 85.3% revenue increase in 2023 and strategic moves to expand services and launch new lending products. We delve into topics such as lines of credit for clients, challenges like 280E tax burdens, and the impact of rising interest rates. They explore underwriting requirements, lines of...
May 01, 2024•39 min
Sara Gullickson, Founder and CEO from CB Advisors offers a sneak peek into her upcoming presentation at the Lucky Leaf Expo, where she will unveil strategies for executing operational plans for a successful cannabis launch in Minnesota. As the state gears up to join the ranks of legalized cannabis territories, her expertise promises to shed light on navigating this burgeoning market. We also tackle the ongoing debate surrounding the licensing process in Minnesota. With the proposed changes aimin...
Apr 24, 2024•53 min
Blunt Business discusses standardizing laboratory practices in the cannabis industry for accurate testing. We welcome Breanna Neff, Founder and Chief Food Scientist at brelixi, who shares insights on vetting labs for data integrity. Breanna introduced brelixi's products like THC/CBD powders for fast-acting functional solutions in daily life. NFL-funded research on cannabinoids as pain management alternatives, with two trials approved, was discussed. Neff also detailed brelixi's customizable shak...
Apr 17, 2024•42 min
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 opportun...
Apr 10, 2024•41 min
We continue our discussion with Cat Packer, Director of Drug Markets and Legal Regulation, Drug Policy Alliance about the Biden Administration's proposal to reschedule cannabis from schedule one to schedule three under the Controlled Substances Act, arguing that while this move is significant, it falls short of the promise of decriminalization made by President Biden. We also the federal government's recent analysis acknowledging the medical uses of marijuana, but also emphasized the need for fu...
Apr 04, 2024•38 min
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 part...
Mar 27, 2024•38 min
Paula Savchenko, Esq. Founder, Cannacore Group discusses cannabis licensing and regulatory compliance and the challenges and opportunities therein. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Mar 20, 2024•51 min
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, we...
Mar 13, 2024•57 min
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 ...
Mar 06, 2024•50 min
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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...
Feb 28, 2024•49 min
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...
Feb 21, 2024•50 min
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 ...
Feb 21, 2024•51 min
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 th...
Feb 14, 2024•49 min
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 establishmen...
Feb 07, 2024•42 min
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 be...
Jan 24, 2024•51 min
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 ...
Jan 17, 2024•40 min
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 newes...
Jan 10, 2024•44 min
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 develo...
Jan 03, 2024•31 min
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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...
Dec 27, 2023•25 min
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 an...
Dec 20, 2023•50 min
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 chal...
Dec 13, 2023•46 min
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. ...
Dec 06, 2023•46 min
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 ...
Nov 29, 2023•51 min
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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...
Nov 22, 2023•43 min
Jesse Channon, Chief Commercial Officer of The Cannabist Company, discusses the recent rebranding of the company and its plans for national growth. The company, formerly known as Columbia Care, has changed its name to Cannabist to better reflect its focus on the cannabis industry. Channon explains that the rebranding represents a shift from a medical-focused brand to a more retail-oriented brand that serves a diverse consumer base. The company plans to consolidate its retail brands under the Can...
Nov 15, 2023•39 min
One of the major challenges faced by the legal cannabis industry in New York is the presence of a thriving illicit market. To discuss this we have a special guest, Jason Little, the lead of the cannabis practice team at Feral Fritz. As of October 4th, the State of New York has opened up the license application window once again. This time, there are five license types available: Cultivator, Processor, Distributor, Retail Dispensary, and Micro Business. Jason Little explains the background behind...
Nov 08, 2023•34 min
Pure Spectrum CBD Plays Ball with a Major League Baseball Team as we speak with their CEO Daniel Huerter. The Kansas City Royals are now one of the first MLB teams to officially partner with Pure Spectrum CBD. The new section of Kauffman Stadium isn’t just about cooling down. It’s also a new spot for Royals fans to learn about Dan Huerter’s Pure Spectrum CBD. Pure Spectrum will have ambassadors at the site to educate fans for free during all the Royals home games. Plus, we have a great discussio...
Nov 01, 2023•42 min
Lift Conferences and Expos Expands Into The United States and we learn more from their Director of Marketing Lisa Petty. The Lift Expo has been a staple in the Canadian cannabis scene since 2016, bringing different aspects of the industry together for networking, education, and merry-making at their annual Toronto and Vancouver events. The Expo has undergone several changes over the years, with new ownership and branding and, like all large events, a hiatus during COVID. The event remains the sa...
Oct 25, 2023•36 min
Mike McDonald is President at Dablicator and how their patented oil applicator continues to connect with more brands. Experienced in consumer products manufacturing, finance, marketing, and sales, Mike has guided Ammonite’s rapid development from a start-up to one of the most innovative hardware platforms in the cannabis industry. Originally created by one of California’s leading cannabis brands, Dablicator partners with vertically integrated operators and premium extract brands to deliver the e...
Oct 18, 2023•48 min
