Blunt Business

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 against the administration's disruptive agenda. They examine the likelihood of federal legalization through legislative action versus court rulings, and discuss the implications of rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III.A thorough examination of the cannabis market's explosive growth is provided, with projections exceeding $50 billion in sales within three years. The discussion explores investment opportunities, particularly in dispensaries, and the role of technology, including AI and automation, in shaping the in

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 technology guarantees industry-leading throughput with no downtime. This allows processors to treat up to 500 pounds of cannabis in a single 24-hour shift, ensuring a continuous flow of safe, high-quality product. Ziel's technology, rooted in decades of proven science and refined through seven generations of innovation, preserves the integrity of cannabinoids and terpenes, maintaining the natural characteristics of the plant. This commitment to quality has earned Ziel a strong reputation and a loyal customer base acr

This insightful interview on CannabisRadio.com's "Blunt Business" podcast features Jeffrey Trappe, Chief Operating Officer of Florida Operations for Planet 13 Holdings Inc. Trappe and the host delve into a wide range of topics surrounding Planet 13's current operations and future plans in the Florida cannabis market.The conversation begins with Trappe's vision for cannabis consumption lounges in Florida, drawing on his experience with Planet 13's successful Las Vegas lounge. He envisions a space that incorporates food, music, and entertainment, creating an immersive experience for consumers. This segues into a discussion about the evolving cannabis retail landscape, with a focus on experiential concepts that go beyond the traditional dispensary model. Trappe highlights Planet 13's acquisition of Excel dispensary and their plans for smaller retail locations alongside their flagship superstore in Las Vegas.The interview then takes a deeper dive into Florida's cannabis landscape,

Travis "Shaggy" Marshall and AK, key players in the Death Row Cannabis operation, sat down for an insightful interview exploring the brand's journey. Shaggy, with his deep roots in the music industry as Snoop Dogg's long-time sound engineer, and AK, a respected legacy cultivator, discussed their roles in transforming the iconic Death Row Records into a multi-faceted brand encompassing cannabis. They emphasized their commitment to quality, highlighting premium products like liquid diamond-infused pre-rolls and their focus on delivering an exceptional user experience. AK, who began his cannabis journey assisting friends with cultivation projects, stressed the importance of quality and consistency in their offerings. Shaggy, who transitioned from an engineer at Doggy Style Records to overseeing product development, acts as a proxy for Snoop, visiting facilities and ensuring their cannabis meets the highest standards.Navigating the competitive California cannabis landscape requires a strategic app

Matt Hutchinson discussed LeafLink's new payment on sell-through model, which addresses the $3.8 billion in unpaid bills in the cannabis industry. This model guarantees payment for sold products and provides real-time insights to brands and retailers. It aims to alleviate cash flow issues by aligning cash inflows with outflows. The system is currently available in Michigan, Mississippi, and Colorado, with plans to expand. Hutchinson emphasized the importance of accurate inventory management and the benefits of this model for both retailers and brands. He also touched on the broader industry challenges, including the impact of delinquent payments and the need for legislative changes. LeafLink's new payment model aims to solve the pervasive problem of unpaid bills in the cannabis industry by guaranteeing payment for sold products and providing real-time insights to brands and retailers. This innovative approach aligns cash inflows with outflows, improves inventory management, and offers greater financia

In the wake of the 2024 U.S. elections, cannabis reform has reached a crossroads, marked by victories and setbacks that reveal the complexities of the legalization landscape. Florida’s Amendment 3 garnered majority support at 56%, but due to the state’s 60% supermajority requirement, it narrowly failed, showing the strong yet complicated path for recreational legalization in traditionally conservative states. Meanwhile, Nebraska achieved a significant win with Initiatives 437 and 438, which introduced medical cannabis legalization and a regulatory framework for businesses, despite potential delays from legal challenges. In the Dakotas, efforts to pass recreational measures fell short, with North Dakota’s Measure 5 and South Dakota’s Measure 29 both defeated. The broader election results underscore a mixed national stance on cannabis reform—where medical use frameworks continue to expand, yet recreational legalization encounters legal and political barriers. This episode unpacks the progress, resistance, and s

Jahmila Edwards, co-founder of Stash Queens, a woman-owned cannabis brand, discusses their journey and commitment to social equity. Edwards highlights the brand's focus on quality and accessible cannabis products for all communities, prioritizing these values over luxury branding. She also shares insights into navigating New York's complex cannabis market, including the challenges faced by social equity applicants and the disparities in access to medical dispensaries.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bryan Barash, Senior Director, Assistant General Counsel at Dutchie discusses the potential impact of the 2024 Presidential election on cannabis legalization, emphasizing the importance of social equity in Florida’s cannabis market and the need for federal relief to address corruption and ensure fair competition. The challenges posed by the absence of a SAFE banking act were highlighted, emphasizing the need for compliance to maintain consumer trust. Bryan introduced its Dutchie 2.0 platform, which aims to enhance the customer experience, drive revenue, and streamline operations, with a focus on compliance and advanced payment solutions. The conversation also explored the ongoing DEA rescheduling process, potential policy changes like the MORE Act and Safe Banking Act, and the differing approaches of Democratic and Republican-led states. Additionally, optimism about upcoming state ballot measures in Ohio and Pennsylvania was expressed, alongside recognition of hurdles in more conservative regions.Advertising

Gibran Washington, CEO of Ethos Cannabis, shares his unique journey from the food and beverage industry to leading a major cannabis company. He discusses his focus on operational efficiency, brand building, and customer satisfaction, drawing parallels between his experience in both industries. The article also delves into the complexities of cannabis taxation, featuring insights from Todd Polyniak, Head of Cannabis Practice at Sax LLP. Polyniak explains the potential benefits and risks of utilizing the 471C tax code provision, which allows small businesses to deduct certain inventory costs but can also trigger IRS audits if not applied carefully.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

BJ Carretta, Senior Vice President of TerrAscend, joins us to explore the complexities of maintaining brand consistency across various state markets in the cannabis industry. Emphasizing personalized marketing strategies, BJ highlighted the importance of leveraging customer data to create tailored experiences while navigating state-by-state regulations. The conversation delved into marketing challenges, including inventory management, supplier relationships, and the evolving landscape of digital marketing. BJ also shared insights on the potential changes in cannabis advertising with the possible rescheduling of cannabis, outlining both opportunities and obstacles ahead.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Blunt Business welcomes back Anthony Coniglio, the CEO and co-founder of NewLake Capital Partners. New Lake Capital Partners has distinguished itself in the cannabis industry by providing non-diluted capital to operators through property acquisition and long-term leasing. With a diverse portfolio of 32 properties, including cultivation facilities and dispensaries, New Lake is a key player in the cannabis real estate market. Their expertise in underwriting credits and properties within this unique industry, coupled with potential regulatory changes like the reclassification of cannabis, positions them for continued success.The potential shift in tax regulations could lead to substantial savings for cannabis operators, potentially exceeding half a billion dollars across the sector. Such savings could bolster balance sheets, attract new investors, and positively impact the net present value of future cash flows, making the cannabis business more attractive to the investment community.The recent Federal Reserve r

Christian Fea, co-founder and CEO of Monarch Technologies, discussed the launch of their closed-loop mobile app, BFLI, designed for the cannabis industry. BFLI aims to reduce cash transactions, which currently constitute 50% of cannabis payments, by offering a compliant, digital payment solution. FEA highlighted the challenges of cannabis banking, with only 200-250 banks accepting cannabis accounts. He also mentioned partnerships with cities like Desert Hot Springs for tax collection and compliance, and the potential for future lending services. The app, available on Apple and Google, is designed to streamline payments and tax processes, offering a more secure and efficient alternative to cash transactions.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Blunt Business welcomes Angela Pih, the Global Chief Marketing Officer at CCELL, She tells us about the future of CCELL and the cannabis industry as a whole. They emphasized the importance of understanding consumer behavior, the unique dynamics of the cannabis industry, and the vital role of "bud tenders" in retail stores. They also discussed the necessity of improved training and education for bud tenders, consumers, and patients. The conversation further touched on the significance of authenticity and brand meaning, the rapid pace of change in the cannabis industry, and the potential for disruptive brands and companies.Angela also spoke about her new role at CCELL, where she'll be focusing on the non-plant touching side of the business, expressing excitement about developing new standards and exploring new opportunities to support CCELL's customers in the cannabis industry. Their ongoing efforts to drive consumer education and awareness were also discussed, with an emphasis on creating effec

Blunt Business speaks with Connie Pechmann, professor of marketing with UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business and an expert in consumer behavior. She is the lead author of a paper that published in Addiction about research that focuses specifically on the California cannabis retail market, examining purchasing trends and product preferences among young adults (age 21-24) in comparison to older adults (age 25+) from 2018-2021.Connie shared that the University of California, Irvine, has a long-standing center for research in cannabis, and she wanted to reach a broader audience by publishing her findings in Addiction. She also revealed that her research was funded by a grant from the Bureau of Cannabis Control in California, which allowed her team to obtain data from retailers without having to purchase cannabis for research purposes.Connie also discussed the analysis of a large dataset on retail sales, focusing on the purchasing patterns of customers with loyalty cards. They noted that this approach allowe

Blunt Business explores the multifaceted landscape of the cannabis industry, focusing on both labor challenges and market dynamics with Marc Rodriguez, Co-Founder and CEO of Green Leaf Business Solutions. We delve into the complexities of high employee turnover rates, ongoing unionization efforts, and the critical need for specialized job training within the sector. The conversation also highlights the current state of the market, including delayed investments due to regulatory uncertainty, the ongoing consolidation of businesses, and the significant growth potential in emerging markets, particularly those legalizing adult-use cannabis. Additionally, experts touch on the potential impact of federal rescheduling and the subsequent tax benefits for companies. The dialogue underscores the dynamic nature of the cannabis industry, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt and innovate in order to thrive amidst a rapidly evolving landscape.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out:

Blaze CEO Chris Violas discussed Blaze’s newly updated retail point-of-sale (POS) system, which was designed with efficiency and user-friendliness in mind. The system offers features that enable front-of-house employees to get trained within five to ten minutes and check inventory levels quickly, which makes it highly intuitive. A key feature of this system is its hardware-agnostic nature, allowing dispensaries to use their existing hardware without needing to invest in new equipment. The development of the system took three years and was heavily influenced by customer feedback, ensuring that it addresses the needs of dispensaries. Early feedback from users has been very positive, with many praising the system's speed and ease of use. This positive reception indicates that the system successfully meets the needs of dispensaries, providing them with a seamless migration path to upgrade their current systems.The system’s integration with state-regulated systems is a significant advancement, offering benefit

Blunt Business welcomes Tucker Herndon, managing partner at Burr & Forman, who addressed the FTC and FDA's issuance of cease and desist letters to companies marketing Delta-8 THC products that mimic children's snacks. This raises compliance concerns with the Federal Trade Commission Act and the Food Drug Act, highlighting the lack of a clear regulatory framework for hemp-derived products. Herndon noted the potential risks of federal oversight that could override state regulations and emphasized the importance of companies adjusting their marketing practices to prioritize consumer safety over profit. The discussion concluded with Herndon outlining Burr & Forman’s services in regulatory compliance, urging industry players to adhere to laws and proactively engage with authorities to mitigate risks associated with potential regulatory changes.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Pete Sahani, the newly appointed CEO of the Blinc Group, is at the forefront of several groundbreaking initiatives aimed at addressing challenges within the cannabis vaping industry. One of the key strategies introduced under his leadership is a revamped supply chain system designed to mitigate issues faced by smaller companies due to long lead times and international shipping disruptions. This innovative strategy allows customers to order smaller quantities without the burden of large deposits or extended wait times. By maintaining a live inventory in the US, the Blinc Group offers a more responsive and flexible supply chain, ensuring a 60-day supply buffer based on customer needs. This approach not only improves inventory management but also significantly enhances customer satisfaction by providing more reliable and timely access to products.Sahani has placed a strong emphasis on vape safety and compliance, reinforcing the Blinc Group’s commitment to setting industry standards. The company is actively invol

Blunt Business welcomes Autumn Shelton, co-founder and Chief Financial Officer of Autumn Brands. Shelton shares her journey in cultivating 100% pesticide-free cannabis using beneficial insects to maintain a healthy ecosystem. We explore the recent LA Times investigation exposing widespread pesticide use in California's legal cannabis market and discuss the critical role of responsible cultivation practices. Shelton offers insights into the challenges of transitioning to a pesticide-free approach and emphasizes the importance of compliance and consumer safety. Join us as we navigate the complexities of the regulated cannabis industry and highlight the need for stricter regulations to promote a cleaner, more sustainable market.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Larry Scheffler, co-CEO of Planet 13, reveals ambitious plans to propel the cannabis giant into the mainstream limelight through strategic partnerships, innovative product expansion, and aggressive market penetration. Collaborating with UFC star Chito Vera, Planet 13 seeks to fuse its cannabis credibility with a fresh lifestyle brand, tapping into sports, fashion, music, and entertainment realms. This move includes expanding into apparel, accessories, and potentially MMA gear, leveraging the star power of athletes and influencers.Planet 13's growth strategy also encompasses a multi-pronged approach in Florida, with a rapid expansion plan targeting 10 stores by year-end and a focus on prime locations like Miami for their superstore concept. Additionally, the company is investing in consumption lounges, podcast studios, and unique experiences like a Mike Tyson-themed VIP room.Scheffler remains optimistic about the future of cannabis in Florida, especially with the potential passage of Amendment 3. He envisi