High Spirits: The Cannabis Business podcast

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تمت الإضافة منذ قبل two أعوام

المحتوى المقدم من AnnaRae Grabstein and Ben Larson, AnnaRae Grabstein, and Ben Larson. يتم تحميل جميع محتويات البودكاست بما في ذلك الحلقات والرسومات وأوصاف البودكاست وتقديمها مباشرة بواسطة AnnaRae Grabstein and Ben Larson, AnnaRae Grabstein, and Ben Larson أو شريك منصة البودكاست الخاص بهم. إذا كنت تعتقد أن شخصًا ما يستخدم عملك المحمي بحقوق الطبع والنشر دون إذنك، فيمكنك اتباع العملية الموضحة هنا https://ar.player.fm/legal.

Netflix Sports Club Podcast

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America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Season 2 - Tryouts, Tears, & Texas 32:48

منذ 19 يومًا32:48

التشغيل لاحقا

قوائم

إعجاب

احب

32:48

America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is back for its second season! Kay Adams welcomes the women who assemble the squad, Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell, to the Netflix Sports Club Podcast. They discuss the emotional rollercoaster of putting together the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Judy and Kelli open up about what it means to embrace flaws in the pursuit of perfection, how they identify that winning combo of stamina and wow factor, and what it’s like to see Thunderstruck go viral. Plus, the duo shares their hopes for the future of DCC beyond the field. Netflix Sports Club Podcast Correspondent Dani Klupenger also stops by to discuss the NBA Finals, basketball’s biggest moments with Michael Jordan and LeBron, and Kevin Durant’s international dominance. Dani and Kay detail the rise of Coco Gauff’s greatness and the most exciting storylines heading into Wimbledon. We want to hear from you! Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/NetflixSportsClub Find more from the Netflix Sports Club Podcast @NetflixSports on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X. You can catch Kay Adams @heykayadams and Dani Klupenger @daniklup on IG and X. Be sure to follow Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammel @kellifinglass and @dcc_judy on IG. Hosted by Kay Adams, the Netflix Sports Club Podcast is an all-access deep dive into the Netflix Sports universe! Each episode, Adams will speak with athletes, coaches, and a rotating cycle of familiar sports correspondents to talk about a recently released Netflix Sports series. The podcast will feature hot takes, deep analysis, games, and intimate conversations. Be sure to watch, listen, and subscribe to the Netflix Sports Club Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Tudum, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes on Fridays every other week.…

High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast

منزل السلاسل•Feed

Hosts Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein serve up unfiltered insights, reveal their insiders' perspectives, and illuminate transformative ideas about the cannabis industry for people who want to make sense of it all.

94 حلقات

#Entrepreneur #Business #News #AnnaRae Grabstein and Ben Larson #AnnaRae Grabstein #Ben Larson #Cannabis #Hemp #Marijuana #Investing #Trading #Business News #THC #CBD #Psychedelic #Cannabinoid

High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast

updated منذ 8 أيام

منزل السلاسل•Feed

94 حلقات

#Entrepreneur #Business #News #AnnaRae Grabstein and Ben Larson #AnnaRae Grabstein #Ben Larson #Cannabis #Hemp #Marijuana #Investing #Trading #Business News #THC #CBD #Psychedelic #Cannabinoid

كل الحلقات

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#095 - Smelly Frog Soup & Big Ugly Bills: TX, NC, CA and DC Get Topsy Turvy with Hemp & Cannabis w/ Ben & AnnaRae 47:22

منذ 8 أيام47:22

47:22

Send us a text The cannabis industry faces an existential crisis as political developments threaten businesses across multiple fronts despite growing public acceptance. State and federal politics are creating contradictory and often hostile environments for cannabis operators while simultaneously claiming to support legalization. • Texas Governor Abbott vetoed SB3, preserving the hemp industry with a special session starting soon to determine the regulatory framework • North Carolina scaled back hemp restrictions to focus on age limits and synthetic cannabinoid prohibitions • Federal appropriations bills contain language that could redefine hemp and effectively ban all intoxicating products • Senate bill provisions could strip protections preventing federal enforcement against state-legal cannabis programs • California implemented a 25% excise tax increase on cannabis while Governor Newsom made performative promises to stop it • California's cannabis tax collections are down 11% year-over-year as the industry contracts under regulatory pressure • Stanley Brothers (Charlotte's Web founders) are pursuing FDA approval for THC medicines, potentially creating billion-dollar pharmaceutical applications • Epidiolex, a CBD-based FDA-approved medicine, generated $972 million in sales last year • Potential cannabis rescheduling to Schedule III could open doors for medical applications while providing tax relief • Connected Cannabis filed a lawsuit challenging California's punitive testing requirements for aspergillus -- High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer . Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein . Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn . We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover? Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows. THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations. Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.…

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#094 - The Leadership Journey: From Prop 215 to Pioneering CEO with AnnaRae Grabstein and Sabrina Noah 38:43

منذ 13 يومًا38:43

38:43

Send us a text In this special episode of High Spirits, we share with you AnnaRae's guest appearance on Practical Politics with friend and Lobbyist Lady Sabrina Noah . From brewing espresso during California's groundbreaking Prop 215 campaign to revolutionizing cannabis quality standards, AnnaRae Grabstein's journey through the cannabis industry offers a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership. Her story begins in the Castro district of San Francisco, where as a teenager she witnessed the birth of medical cannabis advocacy from the AIDS crisis—planting seeds that would later blossom into pioneering entrepreneurship. Combining her natural business acumen with formal education, she co-founded Steep Hill Lab—the world's first cannabis testing laboratory—while simultaneously pursuing her MBA. This groundbreaking venture not only introduced scientific methodology to cannabis evaluation but created an entirely new sector within the industry. The conversation reveals profound insights about the delicate balance between ambitious vision and practical execution that defines successful cannabis leadership. AnnaRae candidly shares how early leadership challenges taught her the importance of mentorship and honest feedback—experiences that now inform her work as a strategic advisor through her firm Wolf Meyer. Her three-pillared approach helps cannabis companies define their purpose, establish clear objectives with quantifiable goals, and develop aligned KPIs that enable everyone in the organization to understand what winning looks like. Perhaps most valuable is AnnaRae's perspective on being a "truth teller" in an industry where executive teams often lack honest outside voices. Whether helping companies transition to employee ownership or realigning compensation structures for profitability, her ability to deliver difficult messages while driving meaningful transformation demonstrates the unique value strategic advisors bring to cannabis businesses navigating complex challenges. -- High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer . Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein . Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn . We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover? Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows. THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations. Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.…

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#093 - From Wharton to Weed: Tiffany Chin's Journey with Snoop and Death Row 52:09

منذ 20 يومًا52:09

52:09

Send us a text Ever wondered what it takes to build a cannabis empire that remains authentic while scaling across multiple states, countries, and product categories? Tiffany Chin pulls back the curtain on her journey as the strategic mastermind behind Snoop Dogg's cannabis ventures, revealing the delicate balance of business savvy and cultural understanding that drives their success. When Snoop purchased Death Row Records in 2022, he didn't just acquire a music label – he saw an opportunity to transform a 30-year legacy brand into something forward-thinking within cannabis. Tiffany shares how she answered Snoop's persistent calls to lead this vision, despite having left the industry for another career path. What followed was a complete reimagining of celebrity cannabis, with a fundamental commitment to quality that breaks industry norms. "One thing my head of operations likes to say about what we're trying to do is 'unboof' celebrity cannabis," Tiffany explains, detailing their rigorous standards that ensure Snoop actually smokes the products bearing his name. The conversation takes us behind the scenes of their diversified approach – from strategic retail locations that follow a "Hard Rock Cafe model" rather than saturating markets, to hemp-derived products democratizing access across state lines, to beverage innovations based on the simple insight that "we're all born knowing how to drink." Throughout, Tiffany illustrates how her unique background combines Wharton business education with hands-on cannabis cultivation experience, creating what she calls the perfect balance of "suits and roots" – business acumen married with cultural authenticity. What emerges is a masterclass in building a cannabis brand designed for longevity in an industry defined by constant change. Tiffany's team stays nimble by placing strategic bets across multiple channels while maintaining unwavering quality standards and cultural relevance. The result isn't just a celebrity cannabis brand – it's the foundation for a multi-generational legacy that honors both the plant and the culture that surrounds it. Ready to experience Death Row Records Cannabis for yourself? Check out trydeathrownow.com for hemp products if you're in a legal state, or visit a Swede dispensary to experience the authentic vision Tiffany and Snoop have crafted together. -- High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer . Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein . Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn . We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover? Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows. THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations. Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.…

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#092 - How Leaders are Failing Themselves and their Teams w/ Andrea Baillo 53:10

منذ 21 يومًا53:10

53:10

Send us a text Ever found yourself paralyzed by uncertainty in the cannabis industry? You're not alone. This episode with leadership coach Andrea Baillo reveals why waiting for perfect clarity is the surest path to stagnation, and what to do instead. Andrea, who transitioned from cancer biology to executive roles at Green Thumb Industries and Open Book Extracts before founding Rooted for Success, shares her provocative insight that leaders need only "30% certainty and 100% courage" to move forward effectively. The conversation explores how cannabis executives can create clarity rather than waiting for it, especially crucial in an industry characterized by regulatory whiplash and financial pressure. We dive deep into why behavior-based metrics deserve as much attention as financial KPIs. While companies track revenue religiously, they often neglect measuring how leaders build trust, communicate effectively, and display integrity—the very behaviors that form the backbone of successful organizations. Andrea offers practical frameworks for having difficult conversations, creating psychological safety, and recognizing when defensiveness is derailing progress. The episode also features fascinating market insights: while cannabis prices are compressing, unit sales continue climbing. Consumers aren't using less cannabis—they're just paying less for it. Pre-rolls (especially infused varieties) are steadily gaining market share over flower as convenience becomes paramount for busy consumers. Perhaps most powerful is Andrea's exploration of perception and control. Her forthcoming book examines how the stories we tell ourselves about situations often limit our potential more than external circumstances. As she puts it: "You are in the driver's seat. The only thing you can control is your next action and how you react to what's happening." Ready to transform your leadership approach? Listen now and discover why, as Andrea concludes, "If you're not leading with intention and attention, you're just leading by accident." -- High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer . Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein . Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn . We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover? Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows. THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations. Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.…

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#091 - Cannabis at a Crossroads: Where We Go from Here w/ Ben & AnnaRae 56:56

منذ 30 يومًا56:56

56:56

Send us a text The path to cannabis normalization has never been straightforward, but as our industry faces critical regulatory crossroads, a fundamental truth emerges: consumers want cannabinoids. The "great hemp experiment" initiated by the 2018 Farm Bill has conclusively demonstrated mainstream appetite for these products across political spectrums and geographic boundaries. Our wide-ranging conversation examines this pivotal moment through both strategic and philosophical lenses. We unpack the implications of the appropriations bill threatening hemp's future while reflecting on how regulatory uncertainty shapes business strategies. For cannabis entrepreneurs navigating this landscape, we identify markers of resilience: purpose-driven leadership, operational efficiency, and the ability to adapt continuously as market conditions evolve. Those building successful cannabis companies today display distinct characteristics—they maintain realistic planning horizons (typically 6-12 months rather than speculative multi-year forecasts), track metrics like revenue-per-employee, and cultivate leadership teams capable of wearing multiple hats. Most importantly, these organizations build cultures where purpose permeates from top leadership through every aspect of operations. As we observe, "When a leader truly metabolizes values into their actions daily, it becomes pretty easy to filter that down through the company." The conversation explores potential exit strategies for well-positioned operators, from strategic acquisitions (particularly in the beverage category) to employee ownership models that preserve company culture. Despite ongoing challenges, we remain fundamentally optimistic about cannabis's trajectory—public sentiment continues improving, with unprecedented mainstream support emerging even during regulatory battles. For industry participants committed to this journey, remember that resilience isn't just surviving today's challenges but building organizations designed to thrive within uncertainty. As we conclude, "We can do hard things," and the future, while uncertain in its timeline, remains bright for those who maintain focus on building sustainable businesses while advocating for sensible regulation. -- High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer . Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein . Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn . We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover? Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows. THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations. Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.…

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#090 - The Great Reshuffle: Hemp, Alcohol, and the Future of THC Access w/ Andrew Livingston 54:36

منذ 6 weeks54:36

54:36

Send us a text AnnaRae Grabstein and economist Andrew Livingston explore the economic impact of cannabis legalization across America and examines the complex regulatory challenges facing both cannabis and hemp businesses in today's market. Through analysis of state markets, policy trends, and business dynamics, Andrew reveals why some markets thrive while others struggle to compete with illicit alternatives. • Over $24.7 billion in cannabis tax revenue generated since adult-use legalization began • For cannabis markets to succeed, they need the "three A's": accessibility, affordability, and assortment of products • Texas attempting modest medical cannabis expansion while simultaneously banning hemp-derived THC products • The "alcoholization" of hemp beverages would integrate products into alcohol distribution systems but limit direct-to-consumer sales • Court cases like Canna Provisions vs. Garland may create a judicial path to cannabis reform alongside legislative efforts • The Farm Bill remains in continuing resolution, creating ongoing regulatory uncertainty for hemp businesses • Indigenous tribal governments represent an overlooked laboratory of democracy with over 100 cannabis and hemp programs Look out for Andrew Livingston's forthcoming report on indigenous cannabis programs across the United States. Indigenous communities have significant experience regulating products like tobacco, gaming and alcohol, providing valuable insights for cannabis regulation. -- High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer . Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein . Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn . We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover? Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows. THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations. Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.…

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#089 - This Industry Is Overly Optimistic: Cannabis Realism w/ Marc Hauser 55:08

منذ 7 weeks55:08

55:08

Send us a text Cannabis industry experts discuss the stark contrast between Texas's recent ban on hemp-derived THC products and New York's efforts to strengthen its regulatory framework through a new track and trace program. Mark Hauser shares insights on market maturity, regulatory challenges, and the uncertain future facing both hemp and cannabis businesses. • Texas just passed SB3, banning hemp THC products despite an estimated $8 billion marketplace • Lieutenant Governor leveraged teacher wages and school funding to push prohibition against public opinion • Texas Compassionate Use Program remains woefully inadequate with only about 8,000 patients served statewide • New York implementing track and trace starting in August to address product diversion concerns • Industry faces fundamental challenge of parallel regulatory structures for "hemp" and "non-hemp" cannabis • Successful operators focus on tight margins, compliance excellence, and clear market positioning • Mark predicts more debt restructuring for cannabis companies and a potential Farm Bill passage • The cannabis industry may evolve into an "hourglass shape" with large players at top, craft producers at bottom • Regulatory chaos at state level may be necessary to eventually drive rational federal policy • Yiddish wisdom: "Trying to understand the cannabis industry logically is like trying to pick up a dead body with cups" -- High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer . Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein . Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn . We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover? Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows. THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations. Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.…

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#088 - Why C-Stores Could Shape the Future of Cannabis & Hemp Beverages w/ Melissa VonderHaar, Managing Director of iSee TradeWorks 54:08

منذ 8 weeks54:08

54:08

Send us a text Convenience stores are positioned to introduce cannabis to a new wave of consumers with their unmatched retail footprint of 150,000 locations nationwide and accessibility to 90% of Americans within a 10-minute drive. • Convenience stores have evolved from selling "gas, cokes, and smokes" to embracing new categories as tobacco sales decline • Lower-dose (5mg) THC products outperform higher-dose options in convenience, indicating these stores attract cannabis newcomers • The National Association of Convenience Stores now allows hemp-derived THC beverage companies to join as supplier partners • Convenience retailers process more ID checks daily than the TSA, with strong age-verification technology to ensure compliance • C-stores sell mostly single-serve beverages (over 60% of cold vault purchases), creating perfect entry points for cannabis trial • Nielsen data tracking THC beverage sales in convenience shows 345% growth as the category establishes itself • Brands succeeding in convenience demonstrate both brand leadership and category leadership with educational merchandising • Legislative challenges remain with some states attempting to exclude convenience from hemp retail • The convenience channel could become the largest retailer of hemp-derived cannabinoids with its established infrastructure • Industry experts predict major convenience retailers will fully embrace THC products within the next six months -- High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer . Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein . Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn . We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover? Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows. THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations. Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.…

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#087 - From Hedge Funds to Hash: Inside Cannabis IR with Jesse Redmond 50:16

منذ 9 weeks50:16

50:16

Send us a text Jesse Redmond, Head of Investor Relations and Business Development at Leaf Brands, brings his unique perspective as a former Wall Street investor and cannabis dispensary owner to discuss the challenging landscape of public cannabis companies. His insights reveal why certain companies are weathering the storm better than others and how innovative strategies like Bitcoin treasury reserves and strategic farm investments are positioning some for future growth despite industry headwinds. • Cannabis public markets have experienced a brutal 95% decline since February 2021, creating unprecedented challenges for companies and investors • Successful cannabis companies focus on operational excellence rather than regulation-dependent growth strategies • Leaf Brands is developing a 187-acre cannabis farm expected to dramatically reduce production costs from $20-40/lb to approximately $10/lb • First cannabis company to implement a Bitcoin treasury strategy to strengthen their balance sheet against dollar devaluation • The high cost of maintaining public company status ($80-100K monthly) is driving some cannabis companies to consider going private • State-by-state regulatory changes create complex strategic decisions, particularly around hemp/THCA cultivation versus traditional cannabis • Personal connection to cannabis's medical benefits keeps many professionals committed despite financial challenges • Investors should be selective rather than taking a "buy the basket" approach, focusing on companies with strong balance sheets and clear growth catalysts If you enjoyed this episode, please drop us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Until next time, stay curious, stay informed, and keep your spirits high. -- High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer . Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein . Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn . We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover? Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows. THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations. Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.…

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#086 - Cannabis Business News Roundup: DEA gets a new head, Organigram acquires Collective Projects, SBA loans for hemp & more! 49:30

منذ 9 weeks49:30

49:30

Send us a text Ben and AnnaRae explore the latest cannabis market developments across multiple states and at the federal level, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges. They dissect New York's comprehensive market report showing local brands outperforming multi-state operators while California cannabis businesses organize against impending tax increases. • Ben shares insights from Atlantic City's MJ Unpacked conference where New Jersey operators display optimism while cautious veterans observe from experience • AnnaRae visits Coastal Sun Farm, a certified organic cannabis and blueberry farm embracing traditional agricultural techniques and environmental stewardship • Federal developments include DEA nominee Terrence Cole stating cannabis rescheduling would be "one of his first priorities" despite previous anti-marijuana stance • New York's cannabis market shows improvement with 513 brands operating and top five NY-based companies capturing 21% of sales • California cannabis businesses rally against excise tax increase from 15% to 19%, with Los Angeles dispensaries reportedly considering a tax boycott • Canadian company Organigram acquires beverage brand Collective Projects, highlighting international opportunities unavailable to US companies • SBA confirms hemp businesses remain eligible for federal loans while marijuana businesses are excluded regardless of state legality Join NCIA lobby days in Washington DC on May 13-15 to engage with lawmakers and help shape cannabis policy. -- High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer . Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein . Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn . We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover? Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows. THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations. Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.…

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#085 - 4/20 By The Numbers and Data-Driven Decision Making w/ Kris Walker, President & CCO @ Hoodie Analytics 57:09

منذ 11 weeks57:09

57:09

Send us a text Kris Walker from Hoodie Analytics joins us to decode cannabis market trends following 4/20, revealing how competing holidays, demographic shifts, and pricing strategies impacted this year's sales performance. Data shows 4/20 sales dipped 12% year-over-year, highlighting the industry's need for smarter decision-making beyond reflexive discounting. • 4/20 fell on Sunday this year, competing with Easter and Passover celebrations • Retailers spread promotions across the entire week rather than concentrating on a single day • Demographic differences showed younger urban areas maintained stronger 4/20 performance than suburban regions • The 45-54 age demographic (original 4/20 celebrators) saw a 20% drop in participation • Price compression continues to challenge industry profitability despite oversupply opportunities • Retailers can improve profitability by maintaining consistent pricing despite lower wholesale costs • Premium pricing strategies work when brands create emotional connections with consumers • Effective category management helps brands become trusted retail partners • Customer segmentation enables more strategic resource allocation and personalized engagement • Distribution, shelving, merchandising and pricing (DSMP) are the key leading indicators of sales success Kris Walker is the Co-Founder, President, and Chief Commercial Officer at Hoodie Analytics, where he leads customer acquisition, product strategy, and the delivery of data-driven insights to some of the cannabis industry's top operators. With a career rooted in CPG, retail, and global analytics — including leadership roles at Nielsen and Big Chalk Analytics — Kris brings a wealth of experience in turning data into action. His mission at Hoodie is clear: help brands and retailers make smarter decisions, drive growth, and maximize ROI in one of the most complex consumer landscapes today. -- High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer . Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein . Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn . We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover? Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows. THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations. Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.…

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#084 - Less Hype, More Grit: Mitchell Osak on the Cannabis Industry 46:41

منذ 12 weeks46:41

46:41

Send us a text Mitchell Osak, veteran cannabis consultant and founder of Cannabis Management Review, joins us to share insights on navigating the complex cannabis business landscape and finding success through fundamental business principles. • Hemp and cannabis policy debates highlight the challenges of finding middle ground in an increasingly polarized environment • Cannabis business dynamics parallel historical precedents from Renaissance trading states to modern boom-bust cycles • Companies that focus on core fundamentals like capital efficiency and operational excellence are weathering industry challenges best • Successful cannabis leaders like Mike DiGiulio (Village Farms) and Zach George (SNDL) demonstrate the value of understanding your business and strong governance • Execution matters more than strategy in today's competitive cannabis market • Pricing strategy remains a critical challenge with many companies trapped in a race-to-the-bottom dynamic • Corporate culture suffers when profitability remains elusive • The global cannabis market offers promising alternative models to North American approaches Be brave. This industry is getting harder before it gets better, but when it improves, it will be amazing. Look at cannabis through clear eyes without rose-colored glasses as it becomes a real industry requiring real business fundamentals. -- High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer . Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein . Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn . We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover? Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows. THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations. Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.…

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#083 - From Bongs to Beverages: Leading in Cannabis Through 20 Years of Change w/ Dave Daily, Founder of Grav 58:00

منذ 13 weeks58:00

58:00

Send us a text Dave Daly, founder of Grav Labs, shares his 20-year journey from creating the original Gravitron in his parents' garage to building an iconic cannabis accessories brand that's now expanding into THC beverages. • Building a differentiated product with the original all-glass gravity bong in 2004 • Growing through innovation when a simple taster product helped save the company from debt • Navigating the evolution from a single-product company to a full accessories line • Making the transition from founder-CEO to bringing on a 50-50 partner • Creating legal agreements that discourage litigation through requiring neutral arbitration • Expanding into new categories with a glass-bottled THC beverage that "tastes and feels like you smoked weed" • Developing distribution strategies through existing smoke shop channels while exploring liquor store opportunities • Bringing valuable product expertise to the board of a public cannabis company • Dealing with supply chain challenges from the recent US-China tariff increases Visit grav.com to try the new Grav cannabis spirit beverage, a full spectrum product that captures the authentic cannabis experience. -- High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer . Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein . Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn . We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover? Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows. THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations. Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.…

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#082 - How The Tariff War Will Reshape the Cannabis Industry w/ Ben & AnnaRae 46:48

منذ 14 weeks46:48

46:48

Send us a text The world of cannabis isn't isolated from global economic shifts—it's deeply embedded in them. When the Trump administration announced sweeping new tariffs against major trading partners, from China to Canada, few analysts considered how these protectionist measures would impact an industry that's already entirely domestic by legal necessity. In this deep-diving conversation, Ben and Anna Rae unpack the paradox at the heart of cannabis economics: an industry that already achieves the "domestic manufacturing" goal that tariffs supposedly promote, yet still struggles with profitability and scale. The new trade war creates a perfect storm of upward pressure on manufacturing costs while simultaneously dampening consumer confidence and purchasing power. The ripple effects of these tariffs expose fundamental tensions in the cannabis industry. Labor costs will rise while consumers become more price-conscious. Smaller craft operations will face greater challenges than larger, more efficiently scaled businesses, likely accelerating consolidation. Value products will gain market share as premium offerings struggle to justify higher price points to budget-conscious consumers. Most importantly, this economic moment highlights the urgent need for regulatory convergence between hemp and cannabis frameworks and the breaking down of state barriers to create true economies of scale. As the hosts note, "If you're in the business of strengthening or building walls, you might be on the wrong side of history." Whether you're an industry operator navigating these challenging waters or simply curious about how global economic policies affect niche markets, this episode provides critical context for understanding cannabis as both a product category and a business ecosystem. The path forward requires both responding to immediate economic pressures and advocating for sensible policy reform that centers consumer needs while allowing businesses to operate efficiently. Ready to join the conversation about the future of cannabis in this changing economic landscape? Listen now and discover why smart industry leaders are thinking globally while acting locally. -- High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer . Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein . Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn . We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover? Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows. THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations. Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.…

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#081 - How Will Alcohol Regulations Impact the Future of THC Drinks? w/ Neil Willner, Counsel at Vicente. 58:56

منذ 15 weeks58:56

58:56

Send us a text 🌿🎙️ Join us on High Spirits as Ben & AnnaRae dive into a hot topic that's reshaping the landscape of the cannabis beverage industry. As states begin to align hemp beverage regulations with those governing alcohol, the implications for brands, manufacturers, distributors, and consumers are significant. This episode explores the legislative shift that is integrating hemp beverages into the alcohol regulatory framework, spotlighting new challenges and opportunities within the industry, and breaking down some of the common contract language found in this environment. 🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: In this discussion, we're joined by Neil M. Willner , Counsel at Vicente LLP . Neil brings his extensive expertise in cannabis regulatory and compliance matters, focusing particularly on the evolving intersection of hemp and regulated marijuana industries. With states like Arkansas, Arizona, Illinois, and several others proposing legislation that would treat hemp beverages similarly to alcohol, Neil will unpack what these changes mean for the future of the industry. 💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻: 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑳𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒆: An overview of recent state proposals that could redefine hemp beverage regulations. 𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔: How the new regulatory environment might affect everyone from small producers to large distributors. 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒄 𝑨𝒅𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔: Insight into how companies can navigate and thrive under the new regulations. 𝑭𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔: Expert debate on the long-term effects of these legislative changes on the hemp and broader cannabis markets. 🌟 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝗶𝗹 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝗿: A prominent figure in cannabis law, Neil's work spans regulatory challenges, policy advocacy, and industry compliance. His insights have informed policymakers and industry leaders alike, making him a pivotal voice in discussions about cannabis legislation. 📣 Use code HIGHSPIRITS at kitprint.co to get 10% off. #HighSpirits #CannabisRegulation #HempBeverages #drinkcannabis -- High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer . Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein . Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn . We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover? Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows. THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations. Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.…

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