High Minded with McCarter

In Episode 80, McCarter sits down with Zack York, the knowledgeable inventory manager behind Colorado’s Lightshade Dispensary chain. With four locations under his watch, Zack provides a behind-the-scenes look at managing cannabis inventory, navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance, and ensuring dispensary shelves are stocked with top-quality products. The conversation dives into industry trends, operational strategies, the role of social media, and so much more!

This episode is sponsored by Good Trees, McCarter's new favorite rosin brand in Colorado! They press their premium rosin through stainless steel—never nylon—so you don’t have to worry about micro-plastics. Pick it up at The Trust Cannabis Co. in Boulder, CO and use "MCCARTER" for a 20% discount!

Shannon Donnelly, an adjunct professor at MSU Denver’s School of Hospitality, is a trailblazer in cannabis education and social equity. Recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in Weed, she combines 14 years of industry experience with a passion for creating inclusive and sustainable business models. In episode 79, we discuss her work advancing social equity in Colorado cannabis, designing education programs to diversify the industry, and empowering women through ventures like Health Honeys. Shannon shares her vision for a more equitable future in cannabis and the role education plays in achieving it. Watch the full episode on YouTube here.

This episode is sponsored by my favorite vape battery, the OPTO by Zone Vapor ~ the OPTO comes equipped with a puff counter so you’ll never run out of battery unexpectedly, a protective cartridge cover, and a 3-year warranty. Use "MCCARTER" to save 15% on the only 510-thread vape battery you'll ever need at ZoneVapor.com!

On-camera rosin pressing? Yes, please. Episode 78 with Mikey Morris might me the best episode yet! Mikey (@mikeydabsit / @mikeywashesit on Instagram) aka the Hard Lord graces us with his third time on the podcast (second time solo), bringing with him his pressing equipment all so that I can press my own homegrown flower! We discuss his stainless steel pressing philosophy, his move over to the Good Trees brand full time, and the incredible products he's helping them put out currently on the Colorado market. His great wealth of knowledge and his sincerity make him the perfect guest!

This episode is sponsored by Good Trees ~ find their yummy rosin, gummies and other products at local Colorado dispensaries such as The Trust Cannabis Co in Boulder, CO (use "MCCARTER" to save 20% on your entire first purchase). I'm using my favorite new electric dab rig, the Bomb eRig, use "MCCARTER" to save at BombOfficial.com!

We all want to get "points" when we shop somewhere consistently, right? Because loyalty matters! Sandra Bergman of ESBE Marketing joins McCarter for episode 77 to discuss all things dispensary loyalty programs, including text and email marketing. You wouldn't believe the data you can track about people, their demographics and their purchases when you have a loyal customer coming back time and time again. Sandra shares her interesting story about how she got into the industry and founded her niche business. Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn, and watch the full episode here on YouTube!

This episode is sponsored by The Trust Cannabis Co. in Boulder, CO. Mention "McCarter" for 20% off your entire first purchase!

A warm, cannabis-infused chocolate chip cookie? Yes, please! McCarter is joined by Lucie Iannaccone, the owner of Sweet Mary Jane Bakery, a female-owned and operated cannabis edibles business in Boulder, Colorado. Lucie shares how she’s carrying on her mother’s legacy of creating high-quality, delicious infused treats: think popcorn, brownies, cookie dough and more. We discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of running a cannabis bakery in Colorado and how Sweet Mary Jane balances flavor, potency and compliance with state regulations. If you’re curious about Colorado’s small-batch edible scene or want insider tips from an established local brand, this episode is for you. Find more information about Sweet Mary Jane Bakery at sweetmaryjanebakery.com & on Instagram @SweetMaryJaneBakery. Adults with valid ID can purchase their products at The Trust Cannabis Co. off Pearl St in Boulder, CO!

Watch the full episode on YouTube here!

Episode 75 is here & it's not one to miss! In this episode, McCarter chats with cannabis pioneer Jane West, founder of "Women Grow" and owner of Jane West accessories brand. We discuss the latest innovations in cannabis products and the growing influence of women in the industry. Discover how women like Jane are shaping the future of cannabis! Find her female-focused cannabis accessories at www.janewest.com & on Instagram @betterwithjane.

Watch the full episode on YouTube!

In episode 74, we take an in-depth look at The Trust Cannabis Company, a family-owned dispensary in Boulder that prioritizes quality and community. Discover how their unique approach to customer service and product selection sets them apart in a crowded market. We’ll share real stories from customer interactions and explore the behind-the-scenes practices that ensure top-tier cannabis quality and safety. Whether you’re curious about cannabis or a seasoned user, you’ll gain fresh insights into what makes The Trust a standout choice. Join us for a conversation that goes beyond the basics and highlights the heart of this local favorite! Visit The Trust off Pearl St. in downtown Boulder and drop "McCarter" for a 20% discount on your first purchase!

This episode is sponsored by Puffs from HeadSnacks ~ if you don't live in a legal state, get these yummy THC puffs delivered right to your door!

What is a Chamber of Commerce? On episode 73, John Svoboda joins us from the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, a localized networking and community group for the local cannabis industry here in Colorado. Not in Colorado? Not to worry! John discusses all the chapters in every market in the US! Tune in for this interesting discussion about John's journey through the cannabis industry in California and Colorado, and what he does now for the Chamber to bring people together to share insights, connections and more. Collaboration over competition! Watch the full episode here on YouTube.

This episode is sponsored by Texas Freedom CBD (use "MCCARTER20" to save) and Explore Sherpa (use "MCCARTER" to save).

Tune in for an interesting and science-driven episode 72 with Julia Bramante! We discuss her career in cannabis testing with the state of Colorado, pushing the industry forward in more ways than one. Julia shares her journey and insights from working on the front lines of cannabis regulation, detailing how rigorous testing ensures product safety and protects public health. We explore how state policies are evolving to meet the challenges of new hemp-derived and cannabis-derived products. Join us for an eye-opening conversation about the critical role of testing in the booming cannabis industry and its impact on our communities and ecosystems.

Watch the full interview on YouTube here!

What is cannabis journalism? In episode 71, Denver Westword's News and Cannabis Editor Thomas Mitchell sits down with us for a fun chat! We discuss how Tommy got into his role at the 47-year old magazine, what his day to day is like, and his various preferences for strains and cannabis brands across the state of Colorado. With a circulation of around 67,000 people plus thousands more eyeballs online, his job is just as important as ever with the Colorado industry facing some serious turbulence. Join us as we explore his journey through the evolving media landscape, the challenges of covering cannabis and current events, and his vision for impactful journalism in Denver. Watch the full interview on YouTube here.