This insightful interview delves into the intricacies of Samson Extracts' operations, including their focus on ethanol extraction, overcoming bottlenecks in the production process, and the strategic implementation of automation. Kyle discusses the importance of employee engagement, optimizing workflows, and adapting lean manufacturing principles to the hemp industry. He also shares his experiences in identifying and addressing production challenges, such as winterization and managing significant amounts of waste byproduct.

Discover how Samson Extracts is maximizing efficiency, minimizing environmental impact, and exploring new avenues for utilizing hemp waste in the creation of fertilizers and other valuable products. Tune in to learn how this innovative company is scaling its operations while maintaining a commitment to quality and sustainability in the evolving hemp extraction landscape.

Steven and Richard analyze the current state of the cannabis industry, with a focus on Germany and North America. They discuss the influx of new players, the importance of patient acquisition, and the potential for industry consolidation. They also examine the progress of cannabis clubs and pilot programs in Germany, emphasizing the need for effective regulation and control in this evolving market. The conversation explores the potential for cannabis legalization in 2025, particularly in California, and the implications of interstate commerce. Steven provides insights from the upcoming Prohibition Partners global cannabis report, highlighting the European model as a potential gold standard for standardization and global trade. They also discuss the potential impact of the UN's rewording of drug schedules and the growth of cannabis markets in Brazil, Australia, and Poland.

Steven and Richard delve into the current state of the cannabis industry, focusing on cultivation and supply chain opportunities. They discuss the potential for Latin American and Asian countries to lead in quality production, the challenges of Canadian protectionism, and the importance of innovation and cost reduction. They also highlight the availability of distressed assets and the potential for global growth in the industry. The discussion highlights upcoming cannabis events in June, including European Cannabis Week, Cannabis Europa in London, and the Business of Cannabis Berlin event. Both Richard and Steven emphasize the importance of these events in facilitating industry connections and driving business development.

This insightful conversation provides a comprehensive overview of the global cannabis landscape, offering valuable perspectives on its future trajectory.

She highlighted significant market growth in Europe, particularly Germany, and South America, with a 30-40% drop in the US market due to high THC concentrations. 

Ludwig emphasized the importance of systems and compliance, particularly with the PACT Act affecting vapor product reporting. She advised companies to prepare thoroughly for M&A, ensuring brand integrity and smart investment. Ludwig also noted potential growth in Australia's medical market.

They delve into financial hurdles such as cash flow management, access to capital, and navigating tax complexities. They also explore the intricacies of market dynamics, emphasizing the importance of product mix, pricing strategies, and retailer education.

Guillermo underscores the need for robust financial forecasting and planning, along with proactive sales accountability, as critical components for success. The conversation highlights the ongoing challenges of operating within a rapidly evolving regulatory and economic environment, underlining the importance of adaptability and financial prudence for cannabis businesses.

Tyler delves into his distinguished career as a Chief Business Development Officer at Hyper, where he facilitated a phenomenal half a billion in transactions and helped open an astounding 1,000 cannabis bank accounts.

Tyler's transformative journey to Safe Harbor is unveiled, highlighting his pivotal role as a liaison for the cannabis industry in dire need of banking services.

Smoke shared his experiences with overcoming personal challenges to find inner happiness, emphasizing that true happiness comes from within. Richard agreed, adding that one in four people in North America has experienced abuse as a child, which can be a barrier to happiness. Both stressed the importance of addressing these challenges to achieve long-term happiness. They also briefly discussed their work schedules before returning to discuss Schedule 3 in the last purchase.

Richard and Smoke discussed the common desire to prove oneself and overcome challenges, which can be tied to mental health struggles. Smoke explained that many people experience trauma early in life that manifests later, causing them to seek external validation through achievement. However, true happiness comes from within, not from possessions or accomplishments. They emphasized accepting one's past without defining oneself by it.

Richard and Smoke discussed the challenges and setbacks that occur in life, emphasizing that being present does not always imply responsibility or control. They agreed on the importance of taking agency and viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Smoke suggested that our perception of the world influences our reality, and we can change our thoughts to create a desired future. Richard agreed, insisting that we are what we think, and our thoughts shape our tomorrow.

Richard and Smoke discussed the readiness of entrepreneurs to incorporate mindfulness practices into their lives. Richard noted that many entrepreneurs he has worked with become more receptive to mindfulness after experiencing success or failure in their ventures. Smoke agreed, sharing their own experience and suggesting that it's never too late to start a mindfulness practice. They both emphasized the benefits of making mindfulness a daily habit, even from a young age. The discussion also touched on the value of coaching and support in facilitating personal growth.

Richard and Smoke discussed the potential impacts of rescheduling to Schedule 3 and the changing dynamics in the industry due to pharmaceutical requirements and the EPA's involvement. Smoke expressed optimism about the imminent legalization, a shift from previous predictions, and highlighted the significance of this change for the economy. They also touched on the initial investment in Canopy and the losses incurred, suggesting that the change in schedule could positively impact such investments.

Jordan emphasizes transparency and preparation for shifts, while Richard Zwicky shares insights on strategic business structures. 

Richard Zwicky highlighted the system's importance amid funding challenges and discussed compliance issues with EPA standards., plus they investigate legal aspects and implications of different schedules under EPA regulations.

Richard talks to Rebecca about Ascend Wellness's recent earnings results, revenue growth, market penetration, and potential expansion plans for new stores or markets.

They address topics like tax strategy, upcoming refinancing of a term loan, and an outlet retail strategy for value-oriented products. Richard mentions potential consolidation within the industry due to aggressive price normalization, noting state-imposed caps that may restrict further opportunities.

They conclude by discussing implications for the industry over the next twelve to eighteen months, including consolidation possibilities and challenges posed by regulatory changes.

Rebecca provides insights into Ascend Wellness Holdings' current performance and future outlook in the cannabis industry, covering strategic initiatives and market dynamics. Plus, they discuss financial results, growth strategies, expansion plans, and potential barriers to entry. They analyze the impact of state-imposed caps on industry consolidation and future challenges arising from regulatory changes.

Dustin Robinson, Esq., CPA, is managing principal of psychedelics venture capital firm Iter Investments; founding partner of psychedelics and cannabis law firm Mr. Cannabis Law; and co-founder of psychedelics non-profit Mr. Psychedelic Law; for your consideration on any stories that you may working on.

Robinson’s venture capital firm is an investor in MAPS and has worked closely with the organization, and his law firm represents many clinics and therapists that are planning to use MDMA once approved.

As a starting point, Robinson said, “MAPS PBC New Drug Application submission to the FDA is a tremendous milestone for the psychedelic industry. It is the first NDA submission for psychedelic therapy and brings us one step closer to a paradigm shift in mental health. My expected timeline is FDA approval around August 2024; DEA approval by end of 2024; first patient dosed by mid-2025; private insurance coverage by the end of 2025; and MDMA-Assisted Therapy at scale in 2026. With MAPS PBC Phase 3 trial results demonstrating a significant improvement over current medicines for PTSD, I expect MDMA-Assisted Therapy to be a game-changer for veterans and others suffering from PTSD

Discover the mission of Mind Medicine Australia, acting as the central hub connecting academia, government, medical practitioners, technology, philanthropy, and culture. Dive into the innovative approaches to treating mental health and promoting psychological well-being through the development of these groundbreaking medicines.

The conversation touches on studies supporting the potential health benefits of alternative cannabinoids, particularly CBG and CBC in combating cancer and having anti-inflammatory characteristics. David highlights the challenge of consumer education in a market that tends to focus on high THC percentages. He also discusses the need for presenting consumers with options that offer a more holistic approach to medicinal use, considering various cannabinoids' potential benefits.

The interview also explores how Tennessee's regulatory landscape differs from other states, creating opportunities for FlowGardens to innovate and potentially sell products in non-legal states. David expresses optimism about the evolving market in Tennessee despite its current restrictions, and the conversation ends with a mention of the state's governor not being very favorable toward the cannabis industry in the past.

The reclassification of cannabis, which in the future will no longer be considered a narcotic even when it’s prescribed for medicinal purposes, also has a great deal of significance. This will be a milestone for doctors, patients and all other industry participants. The course has been set for better medical care and growth within the medical cannabis sector. By removing the bureaucratic hurdles associated with previously classifying cannabis as a narcotic, the legislation forecasts that pharmaceutical wholesalers trading medicinal cannabis can save an average of 2.3 million Euros annually. In the case of medical practices, the legislation estimates that the compliance costs will be reduced by around 719,000 Euros per year. This increase in efficiency will also benefit the patients, who will have access to medicinal cannabis at more affordable price points.

She is considered a pioneer in her efforts to help Quebecers access medical cannabis. Now, she is looking to improve accessibility to medical cannabis for patients across Canada with the launch of Sora Care, of which she is also President and Co-founder.

A climate scientist and founder of New Climate Culture, Lewis leads a think tank that designs “disaster-proof” human environments using biomimicry and low-cost, high-yield protocols.

According to their update, the legal United States cannabis market is expected to grow 12% by the end of 2023, reaching $29.6 billion. By 2027, the U.S. is forecast to deliver $45 billion in total legal sales. The total global legal cannabis industry is predicted to reach $36.7 billion in 2023 (with 80% of sales from U.S. markets), growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13% from 2022 to 2027.

Dean Harris has an extensive background building brands and businesses. He has served as the Head of Marketing/Chief Marketing Officer for HotJobs, Vonage, Kayak, kgb and BlueCava, Three of these brands went public and two were acquired. Before his CMO work, he co-founded and ran a full-service ad agency in New York City and Connecticut with accounts that included: Coca-Cola, J&J, Citi and Sotheby’s.

The company’s customized solutions include Native E-Commerce Websites, Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), SEO Strategy, Google My Business Optimization (GMB), Analytics and Reporting, and more. Through conversion focused websites, and Pay-Per-Click (PPC) and SEM compliant campaigns, Rank Really High creates high conversion dispensary websites designed to drive organic search traffic and reach cannabis dispensary buyers. Dan's background draws from the automotive industry and he can discuss strategies and marketing tactics cannabis companies can utilize that mimic big box retailers like Walmart and Target.

While most MSOs are scuttling for brand equity and sales in prominent, oversaturated markets, MariMed has strategically built out its operations in locations that have been traditionally underserved. Through careful market research and planning, the company has excelled in building its presence in promising emerging markets ahead of the curve and building out and aligning its vertical operations effectively.

While other MSOs are constantly shuffling their consumer brands and SKUs, MariMed's brands are time-tested and new products brought to market are intentional and innovative. Also, MariMed has avoided a lot of the price compression that has plagued the industry over the past year-plus. Of note, MariMed’s Nature’s Heritage  flower remains the #1 selling flower in Massachusetts and prices have not decreased.

GreenCarbon is a breakthrough decarbonization company, specializing in the world’s first scalable and carbon negative production of Advanced Carbon Materials (ACM).

GreenCarbon provides an alternative and sustainable method of creating high-value, cost-effective, materials from various agricultural waste streams, rich in photosynthesized carbon, reducing the concentration of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. 

GreenCarbon reduces industrial input costs and eliminates dependencies on transcontinental imports by sourcing waste domestically, enabling the continued reduction of emissions for millennia.

We also discuss the predictions he penned in a Rolling Stone article that gave his 2023 Cannabis And Psychedelic Forecast.

This year, Germany also announced its policy towards legalization for adult use, even though it is more of a decriminalization than actual legalization. The conference is a great opportunity for those interested in the cannabis industry to learn about the latest developments, as well as to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere the Barbecue venue offers.

They discussed two great shows coming up, and the 8th annual European Cannabis Report was recently published. This report explores the trends happening in each market, issues with the supply chain, and major regulatory reform for both medical and adult use. The report also highlights the growth of medical cannabis in Europe, as well as minor tweaks happening in mature markets that have a greater effect. Ultimately, the report shows that there is no one size fits all policy in cannabis, as each market has its own regulations and procedures.

He co-founded NewLake in 2019 and continues to serve as Chief Executive Officer following the merger with GreenAcreage in March 2021. Prior to co-founding NewLake, Mr. Coniglio was the Chief Executive Officer of Primary Capital Mortgage (PCM), a residential mortgage company. 

Prior to PCM, he was a Managing Director at JPMorgan, leading various businesses, including a start-up platform, to leadership positions and helping grow business line profitability exponentially. 

During his 14 years at JPMorgan, Anthony was named by Dealmaker Magazine as “Top 40 under 40 on Wall Street” and led complex transactions, such as the financial-crisis restructurings for GMAC and Chrysler Financial, as well as AmeriCredit’s $3.5 billion sales to General Motors. Mr. Coniglio has led numerous initial public offerings for REITs and corporations, including MasterCard’s $5.3 billion initial public offerings.

KIVA does this by crowdfunding loans and unlocking capital for the underserved, improving the quality and cost of financial services, and addressing the underlying barriers to financial access around the world. Through Kiva's work, students can pay for tuition, women can start businesses, farmers are able to invest in equipment and families can afford needed emergency care.

They believe lending alongside thousands of others is one of the most powerful and sustainable ways to create economic and social good. Lending on Kiva creates a partnership of mutual dignity and makes it easy to touch more lives with the same dollar. Fund a loan, get repaid and fund another.

Purissima has sustainably and effectively recreated 60+ natural ingredients, including those rare or hard to access, at a fraction of the cost and without adverse environmental, varietal, or supply chain impact. The brand's patented and proprietary biotechnology advances critical plant-derived health + wellness solutions while preserving Earth's biodiversity and natural resources.

In the sometimes-choppy waters of real estate, Pelorus Equity Group provides financing to keep property owners on course for their investment objectives, when traditional providers are unable or unwilling to help. 

They are experts in the rapidly growing cannabis build-out sub-sector, where demand for financing capital far outstrips supply, and many traditional lenders are unable to act efficiently or lend the required amounts necessary to complete tenant improvements. Through their real estate loans, they are able to provide income to their investors through the Pelorus Fund, their tax-advantaged Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).

He began his career with Scotts in 2007 and has held positions of increasing responsibility in strategy, M&A, enterprise risk management, process transformation, and IT; including serving as the CIO. Prior to joining Scotts Miracle-Gro, Mark spent 15 years in management consulting focused on business transformation to drive growth and productivity.

Mark serves on the Board of Directors of the regional health insurance company SummaCare and the Audit and Compliance Committee of their parent Summa Health. He completed the Advanced Management Program at the Wharton School, has a master’s in Industrial Engineering from Cleveland State University, and a bachelor’s in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan.

Along the way, he got to know what was working and what wasn’t when it comes to high-quality premium cannabis production. Calum knew he needed to do something meaningful and helpful with all that experience and knowledge.

He also brings a deep passion to help people struggling with mental health issues. The same holds true for the rest of our team. They share that passion while representing the very best across a diverse range of sectors: medicine, pharmaceuticals, cannabis R&D, Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI), innovative production, product development, and sustainable business growth.

With the backing of The Cronos Group, they offer reliable, high-quality, and fully traceable contract growing, extraction, and manufacturing solutions to the hemp and cannabis industry worldwide.

Their state-of-the-art, GMP-designed cultivation and extraction facilities are located on the highlands of the Andes mountains, close to the equator, in one of the few places on earth where natural tropical conditions make year-round sun-grown cultivation possible.

Rootwurks' mission is to help hemp and cannabis businesses of all sizes grow and thrive in the industry while instilling a culture of safety and compliance in their daily operations. They do this by way of the Rootwurks Learning Experience Platform (LXP), which combines world-class educational resources and a suite of sophisticated digital tools to go through your compliance needs with a fine-toothed comb.

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In July 2020, Michael led a merger of the cannabis cultivation company he built called Solaris Farms, with The Sanctuary, a Las Vegas brand operating two dispensaries and an extraction facility. In the four years prior, Michael was able to build Solaris out from a bare lot of land with private equity into one of the largest and most well-respected cannabis cultivation operations in the state of Nevada. As a result of the merger, Solaris is now one of the top ten private vertically-integrated cannabis companies in the state.

Michael remains on the advisory board of Solaris and will help sell the new vertical to a larger company in the future. Otherwise, he has shifted focus to his role as CEO and Chairman of the Board for Somai Pharmaceuticals LTD, an Ireland-based company centered on the cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution of GMP-certified cannabinoid-containing pharmaceutical products throughout the European Union. Taking with him the cultivation and product development knowledge honed in the competitive American west coast market, Somai is one of the first American-run companies operating across legal European markets.

Christian played an integral role in the passage and implementation of Colorado’s historic cannabis legalization initiative in 2012 and was nominated by Gov. John Hickenlooper to represent the campaign on the Amendment 64 Implementation Task Force. He also sat on the executive committee of the Committee for Responsible Regulation, which coordinated the campaign to establish statewide excise and sales taxes on the sale of adult-use marijuana in Colorado.

Christian currently serves on the board of Colorado Leads, and he previously served as a board member for the United States Cannabis Council, Cannabis Trade Federation, and National Cannabis Industry Association. He was included in the National Law Journal’s inaugural list of “Cannabis Law Trailblazers,” as well as the Cannabis Business Executive 100, a list of the 100 most influential people in the global cannabis industry and policy reform movement. Since 2020, Christian has been recognized as one of the nation's top cannabis lawyers by the prestigious Chambers and Partners USA. He was named a top corporate lawyer in 2021-2023's The Best Lawyers in America© and has been included in 5280’s list of “Denver’s Top Lawyers” every year since 2015. 

Chris served as the founding editor of Marijuana Business Daily during the company’s launch in 2011, becoming the first journalist in the United States to focus exclusively on covering the business of cannabis. He now oversees the company’s day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives. Chris has been quoted as one of America’s foremost cannabis industry analysts by dozens of media outlets, including Harvard Business Review, NPR, CNBC, and the New York Times. He earned an MBA in international business from Regis University.

They do not grow, harvest, sell or distribute cannabis or any substances regulated under United States law such as the Controlled Substance. Even with the legalization of marijuana, many license holders have had extreme difficulty securing property and creating relationships with the surrounding community.

The company’s mission is to produce innovative, high-quality cannabis products known for purity, precision, and wide accessibility. Providing consumers with an outstanding selection of products, Tyson 2.0 is an extraordinary balance of premium and affordable, full-spectrum cannabis flower, concentrates, and consumables available at retailers nationwide. Mike Tyson is creating a completely different and authentic experience, and has positioned himself as a true ambassador for cannabis products.”

A 39-year credit union industry veteran, Seefried was the former CEO of Partner Colorado Credit Union (PCCU). Established in 2015 by PCCU, Safe Harbor was formed to provide an unmet need – compliant banking and financial services to the rapidly growing U.S. cannabis industry.

Built on his four pillars of healthy cannabis businesses – Strong Startup, System Design & Implementation, Brand Development & Deployment, Growth & Scaling – Waggoner designed Higher Yields Consulting to solve the most complex and problematic issues in the cannabis industry.

She has interviewed over 100 cannabis brands and growers and she also represents a publication designed to familiarize readers with top products, help them find the brands that fit their needs, and provide timely information about the craft culture of cannabis. AskGrowers is a legal cannabis product and marketing website that provides readers with regional grower and manufacturer profiles, top brands and products (everything from flowers to cookies), where to buy them, and informative customer reviews.

Prior to joining Schwazze, he played a critical role in the private equity consortium that acquired national grocery chain Albertsons, Inc., where he led company expansion with more than $40 billion in acquisitions, divestitures, and real estate transactions. During Mr. Dye's tenure at Albertsons, sales grew from approximately $10 billion to more than $60 billion.

He has truly transcended the practice of law and is regularly involved in assembling and structuring large-scale cannabis industry M&A transactions – over $1B in M&A activity since his entry into the cannabis sector over a dozen years ago. Bob has consistently been recognized as one of the most influential people in the global cannabis industry by a variety of organizations and publications over the course of the past dozen-plus years.

Growing up, Sarah was always fascinated with face masks, salt baths, and anything pertaining to skincare. In 2006 she began work as an esthetician, and it was around that time she began a deep dive into learning about ingredients. Having sensitive skin myself, Sarah knew first-hand how irritating and harmful ingredients could cause the skin to be reactive on a surface and superficial level, but as she did more research, Sarah began to learn more about the effects on a person’s overall health and body.

Prior to joining the 22nd Century, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Purisys, a synthetic cannabinoid API, ingredients and solutions provider to pharmaceutical and consumer products companies, and Noramco, a global leader in the production of controlled substances for the pharmaceutical industry.

These experiences have taught them to be nimble, creative, and—most of all—look for other high-integrity people who are passionate about the plant. Kevin spent his 20-year career in both corporate finance and fund management roles.

Mr. Mazarakis co-founded Chicago Atlantic Group in April 2019 and has served as our Executive Chairman since our inception. As a proven entrepreneur and operator with successful ventures in real estate, retail, and hospitality.

Mr. Mazarakis brings over 20 years of entrepreneurial, operational, and managerial experience. He has built a 30+ restaurant chain with more than 1,200 employees, established a real estate portfolio of over 30 properties, developed over 1 million square feet of commercial real estate, and completed multiple real estate financing transactions, at a cumulative annual growth rate exceeding 25%.

Cannaland’s Metaverse has an innovative approach to community building, revenue generation, and product marketing, manufacturing, and merchandising for cannabis brands looking to distinguish themselves in an increasingly crowded physical marketplace opening the landscape for the globalization of current and future cannabis brands.

Cannaverse Technologies, the creator of Cannaland, the world’s first cannabis Metaverse pioneer. They are supporting cannabis product marketing, manufacturing, and merchandising with an innovative blockchain payment system.

Cannaverse is empowering cultivators, growers, testing labs, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, medical dispensaries, and consumption lounges with the ability to scale and monetize their brands while directly addressing the existing gaps in the cannabis industry.

Cannaversetech’s meta marketplace on the blockchain revolutionizes the global cannabis industry by connecting every facet of the cannabis and hemp communities in a Metaverse environment.

Matthew Morgan is the co-founder of many different companies including, Reef Dispensaries, Slapps Underwear, Ignite Cannabis Co, Tryke companies, Bloom Dispensaries, Green Axis Capital Corp. as well as many others.

On the business side, companies have shut down, farms have failed, workers have lost their jobs, and consumers face high prices. Why has legal weed failed to deliver on many of its promises? Can Legal Weed Win? takes on the euphoric claims with straight dope and a full dose of economic reality.

This book delivers the unadulterated facts about the new legal segment of one of the world's oldest industries. In witty, accessible prose, economists Robin Goldstein and Daniel Sumner take readers on a whirlwind tour of the economic past, present, and future of legal and illegal weed.

Drawing upon reams of data and their own experience working with California cannabis regulators since 2016, Goldstein and Sumner explain why many cannabis businesses and some aspects of legalization fail to measure up, while others occasionally get it right.

Their stories stretch from before America's first medical weed dispensaries opened in 1996 through the short-term boom in legal consumption that happened during COVID-19 lockdowns. Can Legal Weed Win? is packed with unexpected insights about how cannabis markets can thrive, how regulators get the laws right or wrong, and what might happen to legal and illegal markets going forward.