CannaBiz Conversations

In this episode of CannaBiz Conversations, host Sean Welsh interviews Willie McKenzie, a prominent figure in the cannabis industry. Willie shares his origin story, revealing his involvement in cannabis since the late 90s, from selling weed in high school to becoming an outdoor cultivator in the regulated market. Willie's transition from the legacy side to the legalized side in California and his move to Michigan is also discussed. Tune in to learn more about Willie's journey and his insights on the industry.

[00:02:29] Outdoor cultivation in Michigan.

[00:06:19] No remediation and high-quality flower.

[00:07:34] Mold in food and testing.

[00:11:31] Early stages of medical cannabis.

[00:15:16] Starting a business in Michigan.

[00:19:17] Mental health and addiction.

[00:20:48] Managing addiction and excess.

[00:24:24] Addiction and mental health.

[00:27:50] Addiction to social media.

[00:29:59] Blowing up content distribution.

[00:33:08] Mental health and work-life balance.

[00:36:04] Micromanagement and employee turnover.

[00:40:43] Marketing in the cannabis space.

[00:43:06] Cannabis-only social media platform.

[00:47:47] Cannabis events in Michigan.

[00:49:08] Lack of oversight in cannabis market.

[00:54:57] Elite Cannabis Operators Mastermind.

[00:57:50] Federal legalization prospects.

[00:59:12] State Banking Act and marijuana.

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In this episode of CannaBiz Conversations, host Sean Welsh interviews Seth Yakatan, a prominent figure in the cannabis industry. Seth shares his cannabis origin story, recounting how he first discovered the plant in college and later realized its therapeutic potential through his work in the biopharmaceutical industry. He discusses his fascination with GW Pharmaceuticals, a company that successfully transformed cannabis into an FDA-regulated medicine. This engaging conversation sheds light on the journey that led Seth to become a respected figure in the cannabis space.

[00:03:17] Late bloomer and cannabis use.

[00:04:18] Cannabis use and legality.

[00:09:03] Investment strategy and failures.

[00:13:57] Frustration and finding success.

[00:19:18] Cannabis industry's future and challenges.

[00:20:48] Challenges in the cannabis industry.

[00:24:12] Social justice inequality in cannabis.

[00:29:17] Cannabis legalization and conspiracy theories.

[00:32:25] Sensitization of cannabis with kids.

[00:35:42] Authenticity and LinkedIn growth.

[00:38:48] Using social media for business.

[00:42:49] Honest voices in the industry.

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In this episode of CannaBiz Conversations, host Sean Welsh is joined by Jeffrey Hoffman, a prominent cannabis attorney in New York. They discuss the recent retail application period in New York and the opportunities it presents for those interested in the cannabis industry. They delve into the unique and equitable implementation of the cannabis law in New York, with a focus on providing opportunities to individuals who have traditionally been marginalized. Tune in to learn more about the application process and the efforts being made to create a fair and inclusive cannabis market in New York.

[00:01:21] Equitable implementation of cannabis law.

[00:04:00] Vertical integration in cannabis.

[00:10:29] Transition and career transformation.

[00:12:26] Expungement laws and judicial issues.

[00:18:00] The filibuster rule.

[00:19:31] Senate filibuster rule and cannabis legalization.

[00:23:52] Tax revenue discussion and small businesses.

[00:26:55] The fix for the illicit market.

[00:28:23] Taking down illicit stores.

[00:31:56] Cannabis industry equity.

[00:36:51] Red states and tribal nations.

[00:38:05] Unscheduling cannabis.

[00:41:04] Cannabis cultivation and community.

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In this podcast, host Sean Welsh interviews Blake Villa, the founder of Qwik Liquids, a company specializing in water-soluble cannabis beverages. Blake shares his journey in the cannabis industry, starting with his involvement in acquiring licenses for popular cannabis brands in California. He explains how he recognized the potential of cannabis beverages and eventually launched Qwik Liquids in May 2021. The inspiration behind creating water-soluble cannabis beverages came from his mom's positive experience with them, which led him to believe there was a market for a different demographic of consumers.

00:02:22 Water-soluble cannabis beverages are in demand.
00:10:17. Affordable cannabis beverages are needed.
00:14:21 Cannabis beverages are gaining popularity.
00:15:31 Consumer-driven market for cannabis.
00:20:25 Water-soluble technology for cannabis.
00:31:33 Importance of cannabis for women's health.
00:39:47 Legacy growers need business diversification.
00:44:07 California cannabis market is overpriced.
00:49:14 Cannabis industry needs less packaging.
00:57:02 Value human connection and empathy.

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In this episode of CannaBiz Conversations, host Sean Welsh is joined by executive producer Tim Rowe to talk about why they launched the CannaBiz Conversations podcast and their motivation for the project.

[00:04:14] Cannabis as a medicine.

[00:06:24] Dealing with migraines and cannabis.

[00:11:45] Addiction and gateway drugs.

[00:15:07] Parenting and cannabis exposure.

[00:16:07] The dangers of cannabis illegality.

[00:19:48] Niche B2B podcast success.

[00:24:06] The incentive for undertaking.

[00:24:16] Growing marijuana unexpectedly.

[00:28:07] Moving the marijuana grow.

[00:31:46] Integration of plants for PTSD.

[00:32:10] Mind-expanding substances and experiences.

[00:36:29] Self-serving interests and religion.

[00:41:36] Illegal operation of Weed World.

[00:43:36] Green business and growth.

[00:47:40] The cost of education.

[00:48:34] Disassociating from money.

[00:51:31] Last mile funding.

[00:55:13] Scary deal breakers.

[00:58:00] Utilizing the podcast platform.

[01:00:01] Legalizing the plant and putting it on its platform.

[01:03:05] The power of helping others.

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In this episode of Cannabis Conversations, host Sean welcomes Aaron Raskin, the founder of Lobo Canager, a prominent brand in the cannabis industry. Sean dubs Aaron the "Marlboro Man" due to the widespread recognition and appeal of the Lobo Cannagar brand. The two discuss their past collaborations and how they've unlocked success in collaboration. Aaron shares his cannabis origin story, recalling his early involvement in cannabis activism and participating in normal marches in Washington D.C. 

[00:04:52] Cannabis culture and High Times.

[00:08:52] Medicinal value of CBD hemp.

[00:15:47] New York's wild bodega market.

[00:27:28] Toxic mold and health issues.

[00:33:15] Minnesota's unique legalization approach.

[00:37:25] App development and censorship.

[00:42:22] The hybrid app and small business.

[00:43:23] Shoppable curated content experience.

[00:48:58] Highlighting bud tenders.

[00:50:36] Elevating the cannabis plant.

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In part 2 of this episode of CannaBiz Conversations, host Sean Welsh interviews Damian Solomon, a prominent figure in the cannabis nutrient scene. Damian Solomon, a prominent figure in the cannabis nutrient scene. Damian continues exploring topics like...

[00:00:10] Localized food production systems.

[00:01:28] Indoor vertical growing.

[00:06:26] Balancing different personality types.

[00:09:01] AI-driven efficiencies in agriculture.

[00:13:26] Testing 3D modeling in agriculture.

[00:16:07] Plant selection and efficiency.

[00:19:31] AI in agriculture.

[00:23:23] Scaling up in commercial agriculture.

Connect with Damian on LinkedIn here https://www.linkedin.com/in/damian-solomon-4a516386/

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In this episode of CannaBiz Conversations, host Sean Welsh interviews Damian Solomon, a prominent figure in the cannabis nutrient scene. Damian shares his origin story, explaining how his passion for plants led him to a career in horticulture and eventually to the cannabis industry.

He discusses his experience in traditional agriculture and greenhouse vegetables and highlights his long-time connection to cannabis. Damian also talks about his transition into the commercial cannabis space and the opportunities it presented. Tune in to learn more about Damian's journey and his insights into the cannabis industry.

Connect with Damian on LinkedIn here https://www.linkedin.com/in/damian-solomon-4a516386/

[00:02:01] State-of-the-art facility disappointment.

[00:07:11] The global cannabis industry.

[00:09:47] Transferring knowledge to Europe.

[00:12:06] Higher costs in the European market.

[00:17:55] Mold as it relates to cannabis.

[00:22:13] Mold prevention and processes.

[00:24:04] National distribution vs local production.

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In the finale of this episode of Cannabis Conversations, host Sean Welsh is joined by Dustin Hoxworth, the founder and editor at large of Fat Nugs Magazine. Sean describes Dustin as our generation's Hugh Hefner of weed, praising the beauty and curation of the magazine. They discuss why Dustin started Fat Nugs Magazine and his passion for elevating the cannabis plant. Tune in to learn more about Dustin's journey and the impact he is making in the industry.

Check Out Fat Nugs Magazine at https://www.fatnugsmag.com/

[00:01:45] The state of the industry.

[00:04:41] The Oregon story.

[00:06:06] Aspergillus and cannabis testing.

[00:10:16] Jamaica cannabis experience.

[00:19:14] Mushroom tea and smoothies.

[00:24:04] A peaceful plant medicine retreat.

[00:27:14] Elevating the plant in society.

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Subscribe and share this episode with someone who loves the CannaBiz!

In this episode of Cannabis Conversations, host Sean Welsh is joined by Dustin Hoxworth, the founder and editor at large of Fat Nugs Magazine. Sean describes Dustin as our generation's Hugh Hefner of weed, praising the beauty and curation of the magazine. They discuss why Dustin started Fat Nugs Magazine and his passion for elevating the cannabis plant. Tune in to learn more about Dustin's journey and the impact he is making in the industry.

Check Out Fat Nugs Magazine at https://www.fatnugsmag.com/

[00:01:23] Why start Fat Nugs Magazine?

[00:11:19] Corporate cannabis and community.

[00:15:36] Independent investors in the industry.

[00:17:29] Corporate cannabis concerns.

[00:22:32] Advertising and distribution growth with dispensaries.

[00:29:34] The consumer experience in dispensaries.

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