Canna Connect Show

There isn't one blueprint for building a cannabis business.

Regulations change from state to state. So do security requirements, technology needs, infrastructure costs and the challenges operators encounter once they actually open.

Munir Haque has watched those differences play out across cannabis markets around the country.

In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, Munir joins Stephen Eigenmann for a candid conversation about what Minnesota can learn from other states while building a market of its own.

They discuss security and technology requirements, the cost of compliance, Minnesota's relationship between craft beer and craft cannabis, the rollout of adult-use businesses, and why operators need the right partners around the table early.

Munir also shares an important perspective on social equity: a license creates an opportunity, but entrepreneurs still need education, resources and trusted people around them to turn that opportunity into a sustainable business. 

And because not every piece of cannabis technology belongs in every facility, Stephen puts Munir through Tech I'd Buy, Tech I'd Skip.

This episode is about technology, but it's really about something bigger:

How do we build cannabis businesses that actually work?

The Canna Connect Show connects Minnesota's cannabis community through conversations with the people building the industry.

Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network

Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

What should you know before starting a cannabis business in Minnesota?

Recorded live at CannaCon Midwest 2026 in Saint Paul, this episode of The Canna Connect Show brings together four people with firsthand experience building, operating, and supporting cannabis businesses:

Jonathan Hunt, Leech Lake Cannabis Company
Jacob Affeldt, Frostbite Dispensary
Brytany Melville, Forte Ops
Munir Haque, Cure8

The conversation starts with one of the simplest and most important lessons for anyone entering Minnesota cannabis: vet the people you work with.

Minnesota may be a new adult-use market, but the regulated cannabis industry isn't new. The panel discusses why entrepreneurs should learn from operators in mature markets, ask vendors for references, understand exactly what they're buying, and avoid assuming every person selling services to the cannabis industry has actually done the work.

Jonathan Hunt brings the cultivation perspective from Leech Lake Cannabis Company, taking the conversation inside the realities of commercial cannabis production. He discusses seed-to-sale compliance, scaling cultivation, maintaining quality, genetics, Minnesota's developing supply, and the challenges that come with operating in a regulated market that is still taking shape.

Jacob Affeldt shares what he and his wife learned while building Frostbite Dispensary, including years of business planning, controlling buildout costs, understanding their local customer, navigating banking and payment processing, working with Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management, and competing with the legacy market.

Brytany Melville brings the operational perspective, digging into the systems behind a successful dispensary. The conversation covers technology selection, marketing, employee training, SOPs, retention, margins, and why operators should think carefully before expanding simply for the sake of growth.

Munir Haque of Cure8 takes the conversation into cannabis technology, security, and infrastructure. He explains why IT, cybersecurity, cameras, access control, networking, electrical planning, and construction need to be considered together, especially before a facility is already built.

The final stretch looks beyond opening day.

What happens when prices fall? What happens as Minnesota's regulations evolve? How should operators protect their margins and employees? Will consolidation eventually reshape the market? And what could Minnesota cannabis look like five years from now?

This isn't a conversation about simply getting a cannabis license.

It's about building a business capable of surviving what comes next.

Recorded live at CannaCon Midwest 2026 in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The Canna Connect Show shares conversations with the entrepreneurs, operators, cultivators, and professionals building Minnesota's cannabis industry.

Visit www.cannaconnectmn.com for more episodes, events, Community Spotlights, and opportunities to connect with Minnesota's cannabis community.

Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network

Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

Some Canna Connect relationships go well beyond networking.

In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, Stephen Eigenmann sits down with longtime friend and collaborator Cory Lake of World Insurance for an honest conversation about what they're seeing as Minnesota's cannabis industry moves from planning into operation.

Stephen describes their relationship as somewhere between a brother and an uncle. That history makes this conversation different. Cory and Stephen can challenge each other, laugh about the journey, and get directly into the realities facing Minnesota cannabis businesses. 

Cory shares what has changed since moving from Lakes Group Insurance to World Insurance, including access to a national team focused on cannabis and additional resources for businesses ranging from startups to larger operations.

From there, the conversation expands.

They discuss insurance requirements for dispensaries, cultivators and vertically integrated businesses, facility site visits, state-by-state compliance, Minnesota's changing hemp market, cultivation supply and testing, and why Cory believes one of the biggest operational risks in cannabis is the human element.

Cory also shares lessons learned from real insurance claims, including a cultivation facility fire caused by improperly installed lighting equipment. The story underscores why SOPs, employee training, proper installation and risk management matter just as much as having an insurance policy. 

Stephen and Cory also look ahead at the Minnesota market and discuss where opportunity may still exist for entrepreneurs entering cannabis today.

This episode covers cannabis insurance, cultivation risk, hemp, compliance, testing, cash management, entrepreneurship and the relationships helping Minnesota's industry grow.

Canna Connect Partner Network

This episode is supported by What Rebates, helping Minnesota cultivators explore available energy-efficiency incentives and utility rebates for lighting, HVAC, dehumidification and other qualifying equipment.

Learn more about What Rebates

The episode also features Evolve Payment, a Twin Cities-based company helping cannabis businesses use ACH-based digital payments as an alternative to relying entirely on cash. 

Learn more about Evolve Payment

Canna Connect works with trusted organizations across insurance, energy, payments, technology and other areas of Minnesota's cannabis ecosystem.

Connect with Cory Lake 

Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore more episodes, Community Spotlights, events and members of the Canna Connect Network.

Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network

Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

Energy can be one of the largest operating costs in commercial cannabis cultivation, but Minnesota operators may have access to utility incentives that can significantly change the economics of a project.

Recorded live at CannaCon Midwest 2026 in Saint Paul, Alexis Dubourdieu of What Rebates and Tony Beman of the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) present the 2026 State of Utility Rebates in Minnesota.

Alexis and Tony walk through Minnesota's utility landscape, how facility location affects available incentives, and what cultivators should understand before purchasing equipment or committing to a buildout. They cover lighting rebates, energy efficiency, indoor cultivation eligibility, facility power requirements, inspections, rebate timelines, and the differences operators may encounter depending on their utility provider.

The presentation also includes real project examples demonstrating how energy-efficient lighting and available rebates can reduce upfront costs while creating significant long-term energy savings. 

Topics include:

•  Minnesota utility and cultivation rebate programs 
•  CEE and Xcel Energy incentives 
•  Choosing a facility based on utility territory and available power 
•  LED efficiency, PPE, and lighting rebates 
•  HVAC, dehumidification, and other qualifying equipment 
•  Microbusiness cultivation facilities 
•  Rebate reservations, inspections, and payment timelines 
•  Real-world cultivation rebate examples 
•  Why early energy planning matters 

For cultivators building or expanding in Minnesota, this session offers a practical look at an often overlooked part of facility planning: understanding the energy infrastructure and incentives before making major equipment decisions.

Recorded live at CannaCon Midwest 2026 in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network

Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

Before Minnesota legalized cannabis, Travis Cullen spent eight years in federal prison for cannabis offenses after being sentenced to 11 years at just 21 years old.

Today, Travis is a licensed cannabis operator, owner of Hopkins Dispensary, and one of Minnesota's strongest voices for social equity and cannabis justice.

In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, Stephen Eigenmann sits down with Travis to discuss his journey from the underground cannabis market to legal entrepreneurship, the realities of federal prison, Minnesota's legalization movement, and why he continues advocating for those still incarcerated because of outdated cannabis laws.

This conversation explores:

• Serving eight years in federal prison for cannabis
 • Life before and after legalization
 • Building Hopkins Dispensary
 • Minnesota's social equity program
 • Cannabis policy and criminal justice reform
 • Working with Freedom Grow and national advocacy organizations
 • Tribal partnerships and the future of Minnesota cannabis
 • Why legalization should never forget the people harmed by prohibition

Whether you're an entrepreneur, advocate, policymaker, or simply curious about Minnesota's evolving cannabis industry, this episode offers one of the most honest conversations we've had on the show.

Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping Minnesota cannabis.

Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network

Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

What separates a good cultivation facility from a great one?

According to Benjamin "Bench Plug Benny" Matsuda, it starts long before the first plant goes into the room.

Recorded live at CannaCon, Stephen Eigenmann sits down with Benjamin Matsuda of Grow Pros Solutions for one of the most in-depth cultivation conversations we've had on The Canna Connect Show. As a second-generation grower and one of the industry's leading cultivation consultants, Benny shares the mindset behind designing facilities that are built to succeed from day one.

The conversation goes far beyond lighting. Benny explains why HVAC and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) are often more important than growers realize, how automation should complement experience rather than replace it, and why successful cultivation comes from understanding how every system works together.

They also discuss:

• Designing cultivation facilities from the ground up
 • Why Grow Pros became a full-service solutions company
 • Vertical integration and reducing production costs
 • Minnesota energy rebates for cultivators
 • Crop steering, sensors, and environmental control
 • Greenhouse innovation and spectrum-controlled lighting
 • Lessons from California, Oklahoma, and emerging cannabis markets
 • Why listening to cultivators drives better product innovation

Whether you're building your first cultivation facility or looking to improve an existing operation, this episode is packed with practical insights from someone who's spent years helping growers solve real-world problems.

Special thanks to our partners:
• Center for Energy & Environment 
• Local 49 
• Trailhead Cannabis Company

Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network

Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

Minnesota's cannabis industry continues to evolve, but many consumers still have questions about how the market works and where it's headed.

In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, Stephen Eigenmann is joined by comedian Aidan McCluskey for an approachable conversation about cannabis, comedy, and Minnesota's adult-use market.

Together they discuss:

• Why cannabis costs more in Minnesota than neighboring states
 • Medical versus adult-use cannabis
 • Traveling with cannabis and understanding Minnesota law
 • How Minnesota compares to Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois
 • Why the state created a microbusiness-focused licensing system
 • Tribal cannabis programs and the future of legalization
 • Aidan's career in stand-up comedy

The episode also previews Canna Connect Brainerd, where Aidan will serve as event host while attendees experience four Community Pods designed to encourage meaningful conversations between consumers, entrepreneurs, operators, and industry professionals.

Whether you're exploring cannabis for the first time or have been following Minnesota's rollout from day one, this episode provides practical insights into today's market and what's coming next.

Our Partner Network

Canna Connect proudly partners with organizations that are helping build Minnesota's cannabis community.

Trailhead Cannabis Company is committed to creating an exceptional retail experience while supporting the growth of Minnesota's independent cannabis industry.

Dutchie provides the technology that powers modern cannabis dispensaries, making it easier for consumers to explore products and connect with licensed retailers.

Earl Giles continues to bring people together through hospitality, education, and community events that help normalize and celebrate cannabis culture in Minnesota.

Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network

Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

Where is Canna Connect headed next?

In this special State of the Show episode, Stephen Eigenmann sits down with Creative Director Spencer Ploessl to reflect on the growth of Canna Connect and share what's ahead for the organization.

Recorded just before Canna Connect Brainerd, the conversation explores how the team is rethinking traditional cannabis networking through Community Pods, expanding into Greater Minnesota, and creating original content that connects entrepreneurs, operators, and industry professionals throughout the state.

Stephen and Spencer discuss:

•  Why Brainerd and Duluth are important markets for Minnesota cannabis 
•  The inspiration behind Community Pods 
•  Lessons learned from hosting events across the state 
•  Why authentic storytelling has become one of Canna Connect's greatest strengths 
•  Building relationships before licenses are awarded 
•  The long-term vision for Canna Connect and its growing network 

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the ideas, conversations, and community helping shape the next chapter of Minnesota cannabis.

Grab tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/canna-connect-brainerd-a-community-event-for-minnesota-cannabis-tickets-1990901599277

Our Partner Network

Canna Connect is proud to collaborate with organizations that help strengthen Minnesota's cannabis ecosystem.

Dutchie supports dispensaries with modern retail technology that improves the customer experience and streamlines operations.

Local 49 represents the skilled workforce helping build Minnesota's cannabis infrastructure and supports employers and workers across the state.

Trailhead Cannabis Company continues to demonstrate what's possible for independent cannabis operators by building community and expanding access in Northern Minnesota.

Interested in joining the Canna Connect Network? Visit CannaConnectMN.com to learn more about upcoming events, podcast episodes, community spotlights, and partnership opportunities.

Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network

Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

Before a cultivator buys lights, orders HVAC equipment, or signs a lease, there are a few important questions worth asking.

Does the building have enough incoming power? Does the equipment qualify for a rebate? Is utility preapproval required? Could the project be built in phases so rebate funds from the first room help support the next?

Recorded live at CannaCon Midwest 2026 in Saint Paul, this episode brings together Alexis Dubourdieu, Chief Operating Officer at What Rebates, and Tony Beman, Sales Strategy Manager at the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) for a practical conversation about energy planning and utility rebates for Minnesota cannabis cultivation.

Alexis and Tony explain how LED grow-lighting rebates work, why available programs can differ by utility territory, and how cultivators can avoid common timing and documentation mistakes. They also explore incentives for HVAC systems, dehumidification, motors, fans, controls, and other energy-saving technologies.

But this conversation goes beyond rebates.

It's about helping Minnesota cultivators make smarter decisions before significant money is committed to a facility. From understanding available power to evaluating equipment and planning phased buildouts, early energy planning can help operators avoid costly surprises and build more efficiently for the long term.

Connect with Our Network

What Rebates helps businesses navigate utility incentive programs and identify potential rebates for energy-efficient equipment and facility improvements. Alexis and the What Rebates team work with operators to evaluate projects, available programs, and potential savings before equipment decisions are finalized.

Connect with What Rebates

Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) helps Minnesota businesses identify energy-efficiency opportunities and navigate qualifying programs. CEE's LED grow lighting rebate program provides a resource for eligible cultivation projects considering efficient lighting upgrades.

Explore CEE's LED Grow Lighting Rebates

The Canna Connect Show is supported by our growing network of partners, including What Rebates, CEE, and Evolve Payment.

Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network

Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

Minnesota's cannabis retail market is evolving quickly, and few people have had a front-row seat like Jacob Affeldt.

In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, Stephen Eigenmann sits down with the Vice-President and Co-Owner of Frostbite Dispensary to discuss what it actually takes to build a successful cannabis retail business in Minnesota.

Jacob shares how Frostbite prepared months ahead for 4/20, built relationships with cultivators across the state, launched cannabis delivery, navigated supply shortages, and created a customer experience that keeps people coming back.

The conversation also explores Minnesota's evolving cannabis regulations, delivery logistics, product availability, medical cannabis, and what the future may hold for independent dispensaries.

Whether you're a cannabis entrepreneur, operator, cultivator, or simply curious about Minnesota's emerging industry, this episode provides an honest look behind the scenes.

Topics include:
• Building Frostbite Dispensary
• Preparing for Minnesota's first major 4/20
• Working with local cultivators
• Cannabis delivery in Minnesota
• Vape shortages and testing delays
• Customer loyalty and retail strategy
• Medical cannabis and adult-use retail
• Federal rescheduling and 280E

Our Partner Network

This episode was produced by Canna Connect, Minnesota's cannabis business network connecting operators, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals.

Special thanks to our partners:

• Dutchie
• Cure8
• Comcast Business

Interested in joining the Canna Connect Network? Visit our website to learn more about upcoming events, educational resources, podcast episodes, and partner opportunities.

Subscribe for weekly conversations with the people building Minnesota's cannabis industry.

Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network

Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.