Grassroots Marketing

Grassroots Marketing interviews James Krouse, Founder and CEO of Flower Power Genetics. James delves into the creation of "Adam," a hybrid cannabis strain developed from vintage seeds stored for over 30 years. This strain, a cross between a tropical Sativa and an Indica from the Middle East, aims to preserve genetic diversity and maintain medicinal properties while being adaptable to various climates. James discusses the challenges of hybridizing cannabis, emphasizing the importance of preserving pure genetics amidst the risk of erosion and disease susceptibility.

James also sheds light on the epidemic of 'Dud Disease' in cannabis plants, an RNA virus embedded in the plant's DNA, affecting over 90% of samples in California. This disease reduces yield, stunts growth, and diminishes the plant's psychoactive properties, posing a significant challenge for the industry as it cannot be detected through standard THC testing.

The conversation shifts to the pros and cons of indoor versus outdoor cannabis growing. James highlights that while indoor growing offers controlled environments, their genetics are adaptable to both settings. He notes their shorter harvest time of 60 days, specifically bred for medicinal purposes to reduce disease risks.

James shares user praise for their cannabis products, especially noting the high THCv content which offers benefits like appetite suppression. He explains the role of genetics in determining the plant's medicinal value and the challenges of maintaining high-THC genetics without compromising medicinal qualities. They also discuss the implications of the DEA's recent announcement to reschedule cannabis.

In this episode of Grassroots Marketing, we sit down with Brendan McKee, Co-Founder, CFO, and COO of Silver Therapeutics, to explore the unique challenges faced by the cannabis industry on Martha's Vineyard. Brendan provides insights into the stringent regulations that restrict cannabis sales on the island, impacting both medical and recreational users. He discusses the complexities of implementing various laws in specific geographical areas and anticipates potential legal disputes.

We also delve into the seasonality of retail cannabis in the northeast and Silver Therapeutics' expansion plans, aiming to balance quality and quantity. Brendan shares strategies for maintaining a craft cannabis feel within a multi-state operation and highlights their top-selling products, including flower and pre-rolls, which dominate their revenue.

The episode wraps up with a discussion on the legalization of medical cannabis in Massachusetts, focusing on law enforcement and patient transportation challenges, and a personal recount of Brendan’s experiences with the industry.

Aaron Bloom, CEO of DocMJ discusses the potential expansion of Florida's medical marijuana program to include adult use, the challenges faced by senior citizens in accessing medical marijuana, and the current state of the industry.

We look at the impact of the expansion on the medical marijuana program, and how it could create new opportunities for patients and MSOs alike.

We also emphasized the importance of education and accessibility for patients, particularly senior citizens, and highlighted the need for a clear framework for pharmacies to dispense cannabis products.

The Culinary Cannabis Company, founded by Kate and Dave Nadolski, specializes in cannabis-infused culinary products utilizing SEDDS technology for rapid effects. They emphasize precise dosing, taste, and potency while meeting FDA standards. Collaborating with dispensaries, they offer controlled-dosage selections ranging from 2.5mg to 10mg per serving, with a focus on allergen-free options. Their innovative approach integrates cannabis seamlessly into culinary creations, ensuring high-quality, safe products for consumers seeking sophisticated cannabis experiences.

Sol Care Rituals founder Marisol Ledezma shares how she launched her business about a year and a half ago and is approaching her two-year anniversary. She also speaks about her company's offerings for the mind, body, and soul, including a new line called Luna.

Sole Care's Founding and Marisol's Journey: Marisol shared her personal story behind her establishment of Sol Care, a wellness brand focused on self-care rituals. She explained that her experience in the corporate world became toxic, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading her to prioritize her mental wellbeing. Marisol highlighted her dedication to promoting mental health and her personal experience of how cannabis has improved her well-being. We also discuss Marisol's positivity as a key factor in her success, and Marisol confirmed that soul care rituals have been a defining factor in her recovery.

Quality Products and Mental Health Initiatives: Marisol also discusses their shared commitment to quality products and supporting mental health initiatives. Marisol also emphasized her personal philosophy of giving back and improving herself through meditation and a spiritual mindset, which led her to prioritize charitable contributions. She mentioned that she donates 3% of her products to organizations like the Wellness House for Cancer, which not only provides mental health services but also has a spiritual component.

Grassroots Marketing speaks with Kevin Brooks, CEO of Conception Nurseries who discussed the importance of quality and consistency in the cannabis industry, highlighting Conception's proprietary true clone technology, which guarantees genetically identical plants with consistent quality.

He also emphasized the benefits of tissue culture in addressing plant stress, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring compliance with good manufacturing practices.

Kevin discussed the company's services, including providing true clones, cold storage banking, and satellite lab services. They also touched upon the company's expansion and the growing demand for their services.

We conclude with an emphasis on risk reduction, revenue increase, sustainability, and the intricacies of the sterile tissue culture process.

We speak with Todd Polyniak, Sax LLP Head of Cannabis Practice, and a seasoned expert in the cannabis industry. We discussed the 471C tax code provision. This provision allows small businesses to identify specific inventory items for cost calculations that would otherwise be disallowed under 280E. However, utilizing 471C is risky, as it could trigger audits and penalties if the IRS disagrees.

They also discussed the potential implications of cannabis legalization, including the implementation of an excise tax similar to those on alcohol and tobacco, and the potential for challenges with rescheduling cannabis from a controlled substance to a less restricted category. While Todd is optimistic about the future of the cannabis market, Brasco believes that the IRS will find ways to recoup their tax write-off losses and that some companies might attempt to reclaim them through re-auditing, though the success of this strategy remains uncertain.

We interviewed Gary Long, CEO of Botanical Sciences. Gary shared his extensive background in healthcare and his transition into the cannabis industry. He noted the importance of legitimizing the cannabis industry, especially in Georgia where his company is based. Gary also detailed how they built a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and implemented contemporary technology to ensure the production of high-quality, pure, and effective medical cannabis products.

FDA Rescheduling of Cannabis and Implications: Gary discussed the recent FDA rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 and its implications for the medical and research communities. We highlighted the potential benefits of this move in advancing evidence-based medicine and the shift in public opinion and engagement by the medical community. Gary agreed and predicted the move would lead to increased interest from organizations, entities, and a focus on the science behind cannabinoids in medical training. There are still significant restrictions in place that could hinder the level of research, expressing uncertainty about the future until the official change in the law.

Georgia Marijuana Rescheduling and Expansion Concerns: We discussed the implications of the recent rescheduling of marijuana in Georgia. Gary highlighted that this change will allow independent pharmacies in Georgia to legally dispense medical marijuana, as per the state's law, without the fear of DEA reprisals. He emphasized that this change will make it possible to distribute the product to a wider population of patients across the state. We also raised concerns about how this rescheduling could potentially expand the medical marijuana program in Georgia, given the current number of registered patients. Gary clarified that the rescheduling itself wouldn't change Georgia's position on delivery methods.

Georgia's Ban on Smokeable Products and Market Trends: Gary clarified that the sale of smokeable products, including vape and flour, was prohibited in Georgia, a stance that would only change through the legislative process. He mentioned a product called S. 2, an edible option, as a possible alternative. Gary predicted that the market for medical cannabis would expand in the next few years, possibly including smokeable and vapeable products, and even move towards adult use given Georgia's growing population and progressive trend.

Partnership With Georgia Pharmacies for Medical Cannabis: Gary alsodiscussed their partnership with Georgia's independent pharmacies for the dispensing of medical cannabis to patients. Gary highlighted the growing interest in the initiative, with over 150 pharmacy operators now engaged, and emphasized the importance of transparent dialogue with pharmacy operators.

Nicole N'Diaye, a Principal at Bossiee Budz and board member of the Cannabis Association of NY, shared her journey from a medical cannabis user to an entrepreneur in the industry.

She emphasized proper cultivation practices, discussed educational opportunities for industry entrants, promoted homegrown cannabis initiatives, and highlighted the need for strategic planning and business acumen. We also covered obtaining licenses, educational initiatives, homegrown cannabis programs, engagement strategies, strategic business approaches, and industry growth and success stories.

Nicole also highlighted the recent changes in regulation allowing home grow for those 21 and older in New York State, and her plans to acquire a research license to conduct specific research types in New York, with cannabis being listed as an agricultural crop opening up funding opportunities. She also filled us in on their affiliate program to assist people in getting started with home-growing, including educational resources and equipment.

Christine Smith, the founder and CEO of Grön, discussed the origins of the name and Christine's background in architecture and land use entitlement. Over the course of 10 years, Gron has grown steadily, providing chocolate-infused products that have found success in a niche of the edible market dominated by gummies.

They discussed their company's expansion strategy, which operates under a reverse licensing model. This approach allows the company to partner with local entities, gaining control over production and ensuring meticulous oversight at every stage. Christine explained that the company does not grow or produce oil, but instead focuses on making edible products, using a blend of distillate and live rosin, and adding minor cannabinoids to create specific effects. The company's expansion plan is deliberate and strategic, targeting three new markets annually. They currently have six markets in Canada and one in the US, with plans to open in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida.