Cannainsider - Interviews With The Leaders Of The Legal Cannabis - Marijuana Industry

The products being purchased in cannabis retail stores are changing, and this leaves cannabis companies with two options: adapt and look ahead...or get left behind. Here to help us stay on the right side of that equation is Cy Scott of Headset. Learn more at https://www.headset.io  Key Takeaways: [00:55] An inside look at Headset, the leading cannabis data analytics company [1:34] Cy’s background as a co-founder of Leafly and how that led him to start Headset [3:43] The fast-evolving cannabis beverage market [11:16] Cross-category attachment rates for cannabis drinks and the product categories that sell most frequently with beverages [14:59] Why the California vapor pen market is becoming more and more popular among younger generations [20:24] How new celebrity-led cannabis brands could influence the industry [25:44] Cy’s advice to new brands trying to get shelf space in an increasingly competitive market [30:26] How Headset helps businesses leverage real-time cannabis market data to grow and stay ahead of th

With extracted cannabis-derived products making up about 50 percent of all cannabis products sold, extraction equipment is in high demand. Here to tell us more is Nick Tennant of Precision Extraction. Learn more at https://precisionextraction.com  Key Takeaways: [00:52] An inside look at Precision Extraction, the industry leader in cannabis extraction equipment, C1D1 lab planning, and extraction training [1:40] Nick’s background in cannabis and what led him to start Precision Extraction [4:28] Biomass and why it’s a critical component of cannabis extraction [9:04] How Precision Extraction’s diverse line of equipment is designed to accommodate different production needs [13:14] Shifting consumer trends in cannabis-derived products and how Precision Extraction’s clients are able to adapt more quickly  [22:34] Why Precision Extraction freezes biomass before the extraction process [25:09] The most common mistakes Nick sees new business owners make when trying to develop cannabis-derived products  [27:32] How Prec

The Congo Club is one of the only places that carry the Red Congolese, an heirloom strain of cannabis that provides an electrifying, thought-provoking, and optimistic high. Here to tell us more about it is Amber Senter, founder of The Congo Club and Breeze Distro. Learn more at https://www.breezedistro.com  Key Takeaways: [1:11] An inside look at The Congo Club and Breeze Distro, a distributor of high-quality cannabis products in California [2:31] Amber’s background and how she got into the cannabis space [5:18] Unique characteristics of the Red Congolese strain and why it’s gained so much popularity [11:04] Why California’s regulated market is struggling to compete with the unregulated market and what it will take to change that [15:04] Amber’s latest venture EquityWorks! Incubator, one of Oakland’s first publicly-funded social equity manufacturing facilities [19:23] The many different cannabis licenses required in California and the challenges they pose to everyone from cultivators to distributors [25:40] H

If you have a business serving cannabis growers, it can be hard to get funding. Here to walk us through her nontraditional path to funding is Liz Wald of Good Earth Organics. Learn more at goodearthorganics.com Seedinvest: https://www.seedinvest.com/goodearthorganics/series.a Email: liz@goodearthorganics.com Key Takeaways: [00:46] An inside look at Good Earth Organics, one of the nation’s leading organic soil brands [1:05] Liz’s background and how she got into the cannabis space [2:33] What today’s cannabis cultivators are looking for when purchasing soil [7:59] Difficulties in shipping soil across the country and how Good Earth Organics is working to minimize these challenges [12:15] Good Earth Organics’ history serving cannabis growers and why the company is the go-to choice for so many cultivators [15:22] Lessons Liz learned during her time working for IndieGoGo and her advice to those interested in crowd-funding [24:21] How Good Earth Organics is raising capital through crowd-funding for both product dev

How do you take the fragmented cannabis retail supply business and consolidate it to provide both commercial and home-growers with everything they want under one roof? Here to help us answer that is Michael Salaman, president and co-founder of GrowGeneration.  Learn more at https://growgeneration.com  Key Takeaways: [00:50] An inside look at GrowGeneration, the nation's largest chain of specialty hydroponic and organic garden centers [1:33] Michael’s background and how he got into the cannabis space [6:48] How GrowGeneration decides which states and cities to place their grow stores [15:10] The difference in purchasing patterns between average customers and MSOs (multi-state operators) [20:13] How GrowGeneration has created a resilient supply chain that can withstand market disruptions [26:26] The fastest-evolving product categories at GrowGeneration and why Michael believes they're gaining traction [32:24] How former Home Depot CEO Bob Nardelli has helped GrowGeneration as a strategic advisor [34:48] What ca

For cannabis cultivators, failing microbial and pesticide testing can be a death sentence. Here to show us how to pass these tests with flying colors is Shawn Grey of Gard’nClean. Learn more at https://gardnclean.com  Key Takeaways: [00:47] An inside look at Gard’nClean, the world’s most user-friendly, point-of-use biocide for environmental sanitation [1:18] Shawn’s background and how he got into the cannabis space [4:33] The different government tests cannabis cultivators are required to pass [6:53] Why so many cultivators fail these tests [8:16] The most common mistakes cultivators make when trying to create a clean growing environment [13:21] Chlorine dioxide and how it’s different from other cleaning agents [16:10] How Gard’nClean yields pure chlorine dioxide to safely protect a grow environment with their just-add-water sachet technology [21:46] The step-by-step process of cleaning a grow with Gard’nClean [29:51] Shawn’s biggest takeaways for business owners and cultivators on how to keep grows clean and

How do you take lessons learned from Silicon Valley and apply them to cannabis POS software to help retailers save time and money? Here to help us answer that question is Barry Saik, CEO of Greenbits. Learn more at https://www.greenbits.com  Key Takeaways: [00:53] An inside look at Greenbits, a cannabis retail POS software solution that provides compliance and marijuana inventory management [1:07] Barry’s background working for Intuit and how he got into the cannabis space [2:19] Greenbits versus other POS systems for cannabis retailers [5:54] How Greenbits automates different workflows within a cannabis dispensary [8:26] The types of platforms Greenbits integrates with, from online menu companies to delivery services [9:31] Intuit’s “follow me home” strategy and how Barry is using it to optimize user experience at Greenbits [15:18] Scaling challenges POS systems often face on 420 and how Greenbits has overcome those challenges [19:42] How Covid-19 has changed how cannabis retailers use tech

Covid-19 has not only accelerated advancements in technology but also the types of jobs needed to support the cannabis industry. Here to tell us more is Yoko Miyashita, CEO of Leafly. Learn more at https://www.leafly.com  Key Takeaways: [48:11] An inside look at Leafly, the world’s largest cannabis information resource [1:41] Yoko Miyashita’s background as a lawyer and how she got into the cannabis space [4:20] How consumer behavior has shifted in cannabis over the last five years and where Yoko sees it heading [5:37] How dispensaries leverage Leafly to increase foot traffic and drive sales [9:41] Leafly’s partnership with Jane Technologies to create the most comprehensive and customizable product catalog in cannabis [13:20] Leafly’s annual jobs report and how it’s making jobs in cannabis more accessible [15:39] How cannabis jobs have exploded over the last few years to outstrip professions in dentistry, electrical engineering, and more [23:04] The most hirable skills in cannabis right now and Yoko’s advice f

At a time when most cannabis cultivators are competing on price, this company is commanding a premium on their sought-after flower. Here to tell us about it is Sam Ghods of Connected Cannabis. Learn more at https://www.connectedcannabisco.com  Key Takeaways: [1:00] An inside look at Connected Cannabis, the largest branded flower company in California [1:27] Sam’s background in tech and how he got into the cannabis space [5:01] How Connected Cannabis commands a premium on their flower in a competitive market [11:26] Differences between the cannabis market in California vs Arizona [12:07] Connected Cannabis’ unique cultivation team [15:37] Why most retailers don’t cultivate their own cannabis [19:29] How California’s notorious black market is changing thanks to developments in the legal market [21:37] The grow technology Sam finds most useful [23:53] Where Sam sees cannabis cultivation heading in the next 3-5 years

What will the cannabis industry look like after COVID-19? CannaInsider host Matthew Kind forecasts the 7 disruptive changes that will take place in the years to come. Check out an infographic on these 7 changes at https://www.cannainsider.com/covid  Key Takeaways: How COVID-19 will impact cannabis in the next few years, including: Automated grow rooms Pathogen detection policies Contactless delivery and payment Pre-purchase of discounts cards and gift cards Results-only business partners Commercial drones for cultivation VR education

Commercial cannabis growers are notoriously tight-lipped when it comes to their growing methods, but not Ryan Douglas. Today this master grower shares all the secrets you need to take your grow to the next level (including what not to do). Learn more at https://douglascultivation.com/about  Key Takeaways: [00:54] An inside look at Ryan’s new book, From Seed To Success [1:35] Ryan’s background as CanopyGrowth’s expert cultivator when the company was still named Tweed [3:01] How Ryan helped CanopyGrowth get its start as one of Canada’s first and largest licensed growers [6:05] How Ryan went about choosing the best genetics to grow at CanopyGrowth [7:42] The efficiencies required for a large commercial grow [11:37] The most common mistakes commercial growers make and how to avoid them [14:33] Ryan’s advice on how to approach a commercial grow and determine what needs to be done on a high level [17:22] How to determine a reasonable budget for your commercial grow [19:02] Best hiring practices for commercial grows

The end of federal prohibition of cannabis is on the horizon as we enter a new, more mature phase of growth for retailers and growers. Here to tell us more is Matt Hawkins of Harborside and Entourage Effect Capital. Learn more at https://shopharborside.com  Key Takeaways: [1:20] An inside look at Matt’s work as Chairman of Harborside and Managing Partner of Entourage Effect Capital [3:56] How Matt’s background in private equity has helped him make Harborside a success [8:14] The potential for reverse takeovers in cannabis over the next few years [11:41] Why Matt urges cannabis companies to “be more humble and get deals done” [14:16] What would happen to the cannabis market if we eliminated 280E, a regulation that prevents cannabis companies from deducting normal business expenses [17:15] What the new administration in DC could mean for cannabis [18:32] Vertical integration versus specialization and which will gain more popularity as the cannabis landscape continues to shift [23:55] Why Matt predicts the first

How do you find real estate for cannabis businesses? Here to answer that question is Ryan George of 420 Property, the Zillow of cannabis. Learn more at https://www.420property.com Key Takeaways: [1:43] An inside look at 420 Property, the world’s largest hemp and cannabis real estate marketplace [2:06] Ryan’s background in cannabis and how he came to start 420 Property [8:51] “Green zones” and where to find them [10:06] Why both businesses and investors are choosing Ryan’s platform as the place to buy and sell cannabis and marijuana businesses [11:36] The most active locations on 420 Property, including cities in California and Oklahoma [15:15] Key considerations when selling a cannabis property and how to get your listing noticed [18:20] Practical advice for buyers on what to look out for when searching for a cannabis property [20:50] Where Ryan sees the cannabis retail space heading in the next few years  

Retail design and brand identity are pivotal to creating a successful cannabis dispensary. Here to give us some pointers is one of the industry’s top experts: Megan Stone of High Road Design Studio. Learn more at https://www.highroadstudio.com  Key Takeaways: [00:46] An inside look at High Road Studio, an award-winning interior design, branding, and consulting studio for cannabis dispensaries [1:20] Megan’s background in cannabis and how she came to start High Road [4:08] How cannabis retail design has changed over the last five years [8:02] The two big things you have to get right when creating a retail design [8:51] The biggest mistakes Megan sees companies make in cannabis retail design [12:26] The importance of leaving room for experimentation in retail design and how to do that in a safe way [16:22] Challenges Megan encounters when moving from the design phase to the build-out phase and how she overcomes them [20:58] What kind of budget you need to achieve a thriving retail environment and how to spend m

Cannabis and hemp beverages are exploding, and it’s all thanks to new breakthroughs in infusion technology. Here to tell us about it is Harold Han of Vertosa. Learn more at https://vertosa.com  Key Takeaways: [00:45] An inside look at Vertosa, the infusion technology startup behind Pabst’s new THC seltzers [1:15] Harold’s background and how he came to start Vertosa [4:31] How Vertosa creates water-soluble cannabinoids through advanced nanoemulsion [9:05] Important factors Vertosa considers when creating infusions including bioavailability, clarity, and taste [11:08] Vertosa’s partnership with Pabst to create low-dose THC seltzers  [19:39] How Vertosa provides guidance to companies interested in entering the infused beverage market [23:11] Can liners and their importance to the quality of cannabis drinks [26:07] Vertosa’s different emulsion formulas and how they work with brands to create various products [34:19] Where Harold sees the infused cannabis product space heading in the next 3-5 years

We just reached possibly one of the largest milestones in creating pure, consistent cannabinoids in a lab. Here to tell us about it is Kevin Chen of Hyasynth Bio. Learn more at https://hyasynthbio.com  Key Takeaways:  [1:32] An inside look at Hyasynth Bio and its work creating biosynthesized cannabis compounds [3:05] Hyasynth Bio’s first product, an ultra-pure CBD oil created using cultured cannabinoids [7:44] How Hyasynth Bio is improving CBD production in terms of both speed and purity [9:12] Why multinational companies are gravitating towards biosynthesized cannabinoids for better consistency and supply chain performance [13:14]  [16:55] How biosynthesized cannabinoids are paving the way for international cannabis brands and which products Kevin believes will go global first [21:23] How cellular agriculture is giving us better access to rare cannabinoids [27:48] Why cellular agriculture is easier to automate and how this might influence prices in the cannabis industry [32:21] Hyasynth Bio’s strategy to pro

If you hand most people a cannabis drink, their first question is probably, “How high will this make me?”  This one unknown might just be what’s holding cannabis beverages back. Until now. Listen in as Luke Anderson of Cann discusses the state of cannabis drinks and where he sees the category heading. Learn more at http://www.drinkcann.com/ Key Takeaways: Luke’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Cann An inside look at Cann and its mission to become the standard for cannabis-infused tonics Why Cann produces only low-THC tonics to target consumers that don’t wish to experience a high The type of effect consumers can expect from Cann’s social tonics Why Luke believes it’s important to take out the guesswork in cannabis beverages  Cann’s social tonics versus beer and wine in terms of time and effect How Cann decided on its unique THC/CBD concentration profile How Luke and his team overcame challenges with emulsion and dispersion to ensure consistency in every sip Where Luke sees cannabis micro-dosi

While thousands of new cannabis products hit the market each year, most fail to create product-market fit due to a lack of differentiation or clear-cut benefits.  Today’s guest is CEO of Dosist Gunner Winston, who has simplified cannabis consumption with targeted formulas and precise dosing to create a product that is catapulting cannabis into the wellness arena. Learn more at https://dosist.com  Key Takeaways: Gunner’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Dosist An inside look at Dosist and its mission to simplify cannabis consumption with innovative delivery devices How taking the guesswork out of cannabis is attracting more people to the category Variables that are important to luxury brand consumers Customer reactions to Dosist’s new dose pen and dose dial The thought process behind Dosist’s high-end yet minimalist retail environment Why Gunner believes brick and mortar stores remain valuable in the age of online shopping  Where Dosist is in the capital-raising process How Gunner is planning t

An area of the cannabis marketplace gaining steam in a big way is women’s health. Here to tell us more about it is Cyo Nystrom of Quim, CBD-infused products for vaginal health and sexual wellness. Learn more at https://itsquim.com/shop/  Key Takeaways: [00:43] An inside look at Quim, a line of CBD-infused lubricants and everyday proactive vaginal health products [00:58] Cyo’s background and how she came to start Quim [10:44] The benefits of cannabis for female vaginal health and sexual wellness [13:05] How Quim's cannabis-infused lube increases vasodilation for heightened sensation and pleasure [15:31] What customers are saying about Quim’s serums and oils [18:47] How Cyo and her co-founder Rachel Washtien successfully bootstrapped Quim and landed a feature on Viceland [25:17] Cyo’s plans to expand Quim both across the US and internationally [30:40] Where Cyo sees the cannabis women’s health space heading over the next 3-5 years

A critical component of any cannabis cultivator’s business is establishing best practices around breeding plants. Here to tell us how to create thriving genetic nurseries is Matt Gaboury of House of Cultivar. Learn more at https://www.seattlecannabis.co/house-of-cultivar/  Key Takeaways: [1:04] An inside look at House of Cultivar, the largest cultivator in Seattle, WA [2:03] Why Matt has shifted his focus from designing grow facilities to plant breeding [4:51] Types of clients House of Cultivar works with, including I-502 licensed growers and processors [7:24] A breakdown of propagation through cloning, mother plants, and tissue culture [16:14] How House of Cultivar validates genetics to ensure they’re the best expression of the plant possible [19:31] What it means to “reinvigorate” a plant [24:11] The behind-the-scenes on how House of Cultivar delivers their clones to customers [29:18] Where Matt sees the cannabis industry heading as it undergoes more specialization across the supply chain  [33:17] How large