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 across Europe and beyond.

Ziel's latest innovation, the Rfx, is a compact and efficient RF solution designed by Richard Bruner, the renowned founder of Apple's Industrial Design group. The Rfx has been enthusiastically received in Europe, where GMP certification is essential for market entry. By offering significant return on investment and ensuring compliance with stringent regulations, the Rfx empowers cannabis operators to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Ziel recognizes the evolving regulatory landscape and the increasing importance of compliance. Their partnership with Porta Canna, achieving the first EU GMP certification for RF microbial control in cannabis, underscores their dedication to meeting the highest industry standards. Ziel's proactive approach to compliance, including the development of comprehensive turnover packages for prospective customers, positions them as a trusted partner for businesses navigating the complexities of the European market.

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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, including an analysis of the recent failed cannabis amendment vote. Trappe and the host dissect the campaign's shortcomings, such as the lack of a home-grow provision and ineffective messaging. Despite this setback, they express optimism for the future of cannabis retail in Florida, discussing Planet 13's strategy for transitioning Vitalcan locations into their brand and creating a unique shopping experience for patients.

Operational aspects of Planet 13's Florida ventures are also explored, including quality control, potential delivery services, and expansion plans for their retail network and indoor cultivation facility. The conversation touches on brand partnerships, strategies for the medical market, and the launch of their new topical product, Medezine, in Florida. Trappe emphasizes the importance of offering diverse cannabis modalities, like topicals, to cater to various patient needs.

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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 approach. AK highlighted the importance of offering value and differentiating Death Row Cannabis from other celebrity brands that have failed to gain traction. He stressed their commitment to accessibility, ensuring their products are affordable for a broad consumer base. The discussion also touched on the delicate balance of evolving the Death Row brand while honoring its legacy. AK shared details about a limited-edition cannabis collection inspired by Tupac Shakur and the challenges of living up to the expectations associated with such an iconic figure.

Their dispensary, Smoke Weed Every Day, located strategically in Los Angeles, offers a diverse product range. AK emphasized that all products, from the value tier to the high-end line, are personally vetted by Snoop Dogg, guaranteeing quality. They also discussed their plans for an exclusive menu, featuring infused joints and edibles, with aspirations to make it available worldwide.

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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 financial transparency. While the industry faces ongoing challenges like regulatory hurdles and banking limitations, LeafLink is committed to providing solutions that support the growth and stability of the cannabis market.

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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 shifting public opinion shaping the future of cannabis in America.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 rate cut, while potentially premature, could signal further reductions in borrowing costs, potentially fueling investment in the cannabis sector. While challenges persist in the industry due to factors like overbuilding and pricing pressures, the long-term growth trajectory remains strong, particularly in states like Ohio and Florida.

New Lake Capital Partners emphasizes the importance of due diligence for investors, highlighting the need to scrutinize a company's balance sheet and debt load before making investment decisions. Their strategic approach to real estate investment, combined with in-depth industry knowledge and the potential for regulatory and economic shifts, solidifies their position as a leader in the dynamic cannabis landscape.

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