MITA Unshackled Cannabis Business Podcast

MITA Unshackled Cannabis Business Podcast

by MITA

Entrepreneurship Investing

Season 8

Say Goodbye to Clogged Vapes

Today's episode explores Byron's company and its innovative disposable vape that features a 10-second hit timer and a built-in cleaning function, preventing clogs and enhancing the vaping experience. We also delve into Byron's journey from opening a cannabis store in 2019 to establishing a processing facility in Michigan, focusing on quality over quantity. Highlights include the introduction of the "baller brush" for infusing pre-rolls and a unique wood-tip vape cartridge. We conclude with Byron's plans for expanding beyond Michigan, emphasizing their commitment to quality and innovation in the cannabis industry.

Is This the Secret Weapon for Perfect Cannabis? Inside the Game-Changing Grow Tech!

Join us at the final Hadley Flower Expo in Lansing, Michigan, where we dive into the fascinating world of cannabis cultivation technology! In this episode, Demetri Downing and his co-hosts bring you an exclusive interview with Jason Hadley from Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions. Discover how cutting-edge clean room technology, like the handheld particle counter—dubbed the "tricorder" of the cannabis industry—is revolutionizing the way growers maintain air quality and fight mold. With plenty of humor and "Star Trek" references, this video not only entertains but also provides valuable insights into the future of cannabis cultivation. Whether you're a grower looking to stay ahead of regulations or just a tech enthusiast, this is a must-watch!

The Art of the Plant

Join us behind the scenes at the Flower Expo in Michigan as we dive deep into the vibrant world of cannabis and creativity! Meet Cody, the dynamic guest experience manager from Liv Ferndale, who shares his passion for connecting people with the right cannabis products while championing mental health and artistic expression. From discussing the powerful synergy between cannabinoids and creativity to exploring Detroit's unique cultural landscape, this conversation is packed with insights, laughs, and a strong dose of inspiration. Whether you're a cannabis enthusiast, a creative soul, or just curious, this episode is a must-watch!

The Mysteries of Cannabis Extraction – What They Don’t Want You to Know!

Join us as we dive into the cannabis industry with Scotty from CannaBee Extracts. Scotty shares his journey from the early days of cannabis legalization in Michigan, where he played a key role in drafting ordinances and establishing the first licensed dispensaries. Learn about his passion for quality processing and how his brand has earned top accolades, including the 2023 High Times Cup. Discover the challenges and triumphs of maintaining high-quality standards in a market flooded with low-cost options. Scotty also discusses the importance of caregiver history in the cannabis community and shares his future plans for expanding Canab B Extracts beyond Michigan. Whether you're a cannabis connoisseur or just curious about the industry, this insightful conversation is one you won't want to miss!

Season 7

Women Leading the Cannabis Industry Revolution

The podcast features a discussion about the evolving cannabis industry, emphasizing its therapeutic and medicinal benefits. The hosts, supporters of medical cannabis, debate the role of recreational use as a form of therapy. They highlight the challenges in the cannabis sector and the importance of creating products that address specific needs, such as insomnia, rather than just for recreational purposes. The episode includes interviews with two successful female entrepreneurs, Alexa from Omega Equipment and Supply, and Tara from Gron. Alexa shares Omega's background as a subsidiary of a long-standing food service company and its pivot to serving the cannabis industry, focusing on cultivation, manufacturing, and extraction. She details her personal journey with cannabis as a medical patient, which helped her avoid severe health issues and find effective treatment. Tara talks about Gron, a company founded by Christine Smith, who transitioned from a stressful architecture career to cannabis edibles. Gron started with chocolate in Oregon and expanded to eight states with various product lines, including chocolates, gummies, and a new product called Pips. Tara praises the innovation and quality of their products, emphasizing their therapeutic effects, particularly for social situations and as an alternative to alcohol. The conversation touches on the importance of plant-based medicines and the need for continued advocacy and education in the cannabis industry. Both companies focus on high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients and are committed to advancing the industry through research and development. The hosts conclude by appreciating the contributions of these women-led companies and their impact on the industry and community.

Working at a Dispensary 101

This podcast features a discussion with Kurt from Seed Talent, focusing on his journey in the cannabis industry, the importance of education within the industry, and Seed Talent's role in it. Kurt shares his experience working for Green Thumb Industries (GTI) and witnessing the growth of major multi-state operators from their early days in Illinois. He emphasizes the need for continuous education and training for retail employees, particularly budtenders, to improve customer experience and industry standards. Seed Talent, Kurt's company, offers an employee enablement and training platform for the cannabis industry, working with over 1,500 dispensaries and 400 brands. Their goal is to create better-educated retail experiences by providing comprehensive training on cannabinoids, terpenes, sales practices, and product features. They also use operational data to tailor training and measure its effectiveness. Kurt discusses the significance of community and personal connection in the cannabis industry, noting that many individuals share a deep passion for the plant. He underscores the communal nature of cannabis and the importance of fostering knowledge and trust among industry participants.

Setting the Standard for Safety in the Cannabis Industry

This podcast discusses the importance of standards and regulation in the cannabis industry, particularly regarding product safety and quality. It highlights the role of the ASM International committee D37 on cannabis, which is developing consensus-based standards to ensure minimum safety requirements for cannabis products. The video also introduces the S3 Collective, a non-profit organization that aims to bridge the gap between evidence-based science and policy-making to drive harmonization and safety for cannabis consumers.

Co-Founder of Bianchi & Brandt - Laura Bianchi

In this podcast, a corporate attorney, Laura Bianchi, discusses her work in the highly regulated cannabis industry. Bianchi, a partner at Bianchi & Brandt, a prominent law firm in the national cannabis space, emphasizes the importance of having specialized legal guidance for businesses navigating the complex legal landscape of the cannabis industry. She highlights the need for a solid legal foundation from the beginning, which can save money and improve efficiency in the long run. This conversation touches on the evolving cannabis market, including potential federal legalization and its implications for interstate commerce, licensing, and international trade. Bianchi notes that her firm's broad skill set allows them to function across various regulated industries, not just cannabis.

Can The Cannabis Industry Be Saved?

This podcast centers around a discussion on the evolving cannabis industry, emphasizing the need to restore its community-focused roots amid increasing competition. The guest, Dawne Morris, a veteran of the industry and representative of Proteus 420 software, highlights the importance of education, regulatory compliance, teamwork, and operations in maintaining a thriving business. Dawne Morris software, described as an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system, supports businesses from cultivation to retail delivery, aiming to stay ahead of industry changes. She underscores the significance of proper education for budtenders, who are akin to pharmacists in the cannabis space, ensuring they provide accurate information to consumers. Dawne Morris shares her personal background in cannabis, influenced by her father’s use and cultivation for medicinal purposes. She advocates for the industry's growth, emphasizing the importance of consumer-focused business practices and continuous learning. Throughout the podcast, the spirit of community and mutual support in the cannabis industry is a recurring theme, with an emphasis on collaboration over competition.

Season 6

The Future of Cannabis Marketing: OneQ's Million-Strong Consumer Research Platform

The video features an interview with Mike Gasper from oneQ, a company providing consumer marketing research services. They have a proprietary panel of over 1 million US consumers, including cannabis users. OneQ offers survey and research capabilities to help brands understand consumer attitudes, perceptions, and preferences. The discussion highlights the importance of consumer insights in the cannabis industry, particularly for brand development, product innovation, and marketing strategies.

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