In Episode 6 — (Ep 73) of Coffee & Cannabis, Dr. Beast and political strategist Gretchen Gailey take a step back from guest interviews for a candid conversation between the two of them.

This episode is part recap, part reality check. After sitting down with policymakers, candidates, and stakeholders in recent weeks, Dr. Beast and Gretchen share what they’ve learned so far, where the conversations need to go next, and how the cannabis industry continues to wrestle with its biggest challenges…from lack of funding and political delays to unchecked egos, straight-up delusion in the marketplace and confusion in the political arena .

They also talk about the upcoming NECANN Atlantic City 2025, where Coffee & Cannabis will host a live show featuring a very special guest to close out the political series. Expect raw insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and a deep dive into the state of both cannabis and politics as the team gears up for one of the biggest conferences in New Jersey.

This is an unfiltered conversation about where the industry is headed, the lessons learned from past episodes, and why platforms like Coffee & Cannabis matter more than ever for building community, accountability, and change. Filming: The Other Side Dispensary, 36 Congress St, Jersey City NJ Full episode premieres Monday, August 18, 2025 at 11AM Don’t forget to subscribe, drop your thoughts in the comments, and let us know what YOU want us to cover at NECANN 2025.