High Rise: Cannabis MSOs, Products & Market Analysis

Live from 4/20/2026 — Cy Scott (Headset) and Emily Paxhia (Poseidon) break down the fully-closed 420 weekend (Fri 4/17 – Sun 4/19) across every connected US and Canadian market in the Headset sample. Plus the culture, the myths, and what Grok 4.20 has to do with any of this.

Data: Headset connected-retailer sample, US & Canada, 4/17–4/19/2026. Baseline = average of prior four Fri-Sat-Sun weekends.

Headset

Cy Scott and Emily Paxhia are back for a no-guest 4/20 special. They start in Alabama, where the state's first dispensary is set to open on May 4 with a menu that includes "gelatinous cubes" but no flower, no vapes, and no pre-rolls.

From there, they move through Virginia's latest legalization delay, Texas's temporary win for smokable hemp, Colorado's market correction, and fresh movement in North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

In the back half of the episode, they shift into the big 4/20 block: why a Monday 4/20 changes the sales pattern, what Headset's real-time dashboard will show, which categories historically win, how discounting can distort the headlines, and which markets they're watching most closely once the weekend lights up.

In this episode:

• Alabama is finally opening its first medical cannabis dispensary, but the legal product mix is so constrained that Cy calls out the absurdity of "gelatinous cubes" replacing the products patients actually buy in nearby Mississippi.
• Virginia is still inching toward an adult-use market, but not without more delay and a proposed tax increase.
• Texas gets a temporary reprieve after a judge blocks new rules that would have effectively wiped out smokable hemp.
• Colorado's market correction keeps getting harsher, with layoffs, consolidation, and more evidence that mature markets are entering a tougher phase.
• North Carolina and Pennsylvania remain two of the most important holdout stories to watch.
• The 4/20 segment is the centerpiece: dashboard strategy, category winners, discounting behavior, and the markets Cy and Emily think will be most interesting this year.

Links mentioned:

• Cy Scott on Alabama's "gelatinous cubes"
• Callie's Apothecary
• Virginia amendments bill coverage
• Texas hemp ruling coverage
• Colorado market comedown
• PharmaCann Denver layoffs
• North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis
• Pennsylvania legalization support poll
• Headset annual 4/20 analysis
• Headset real-time 4/20 dashboard

Headset

This week on The High-Rise: The US Army drops marijuana barriers for recruits while DHS deports people for possession — the federal hypocrisy is getting surreal. The White House schedules emergency CBD policy meetings, Ohio breweries go to war over hemp drinks, and Michigan’s new 24% tax is already cratering sales. Plus: Headset data shows 10 of 15 states declining, but cannabis beverages might be the bright spot. Cy and Emily break down the numbers and the nonsense.

Hosts: Cy Scott (Headset) & Emily Paxhia (Poseidon)

Sources & Links:

• White House CBD Meetings — Marijuana Moment
• US Army Enlistment Changes — The Guardian, NYT
• DHS “Worst of the Worst” List — Marijuana Moment
• Rescheduling Update — Marijuana Moment, Cannabis Business Times
• Ohio Hemp Beverages — Marijuana Moment
• WSWA Regulate Hemp — wswa.org/regulate-hemp
• Michigan Cannabis Tax — Cannabis Business Times, MI Public Radio
• Mississippi Medical Cannabis — Marijuana Moment
• Dormant Commerce Clause — Law360, Reuters
• MSO Earnings — MMJ Daily
• SCOTUS & Guns — SCOTUSblog, NBC News
• Market Data — Headset Insights

Follow The High-Rise:
Newsletter: cyscott.substack.com
Twitter/X: @TheHighRisePod
Web: headset.io

Headset

Headset

Headset

The Bluegrass State is joining the green rush—but in true Kentucky fashion, they're doing it their own way. Join Emily Paxhia (Poseidon) and Cy Scott (Headset) as they break down Kentucky's cautious entry into medical cannabis, and what it means for operators, investors, and entrepreneurs.

In this episode, our hosts dive deep into:

• Kentucky's unique approach to medical cannabis (spoiler: leave your rolling papers at home)
• Why most licenses went to out-of-state operators, and what that means for the market
• How Kentucky stacks up against Missouri, Mississippi, and Florida
• Where the real opportunities lie for entrepreneurs who missed the licensing lottery
• Market projections and investment potential that might surprise you

Whether you're an MSO executive, an ancillary business owner, or an investor eyeing the next frontier market, this episode offers critical insights into one of the newest medical markets in the United States. Plus, Emily and Cy share their signature market analysis on whether Kentucky could follow Florida's highly profitable path or face Mississippi's growing pains.

Pour yourself a bourbon (or your favorite alternative), and join us for an hour of market intelligence, strategic insights, and maybe even a table flip or two. 🥃

Headset

In this year-end edition of The High-Rise, Cy Scott (Headset) and Emily Paxhia (Poseidon) revisit their 2024 cannabis industry predictions to see where they hit the mark and where reality diverged from their forecasts. They delve into the growth (and growing pains) of key state markets—highlighting Ohio’s adult-use ramp-up, New York’s steady climb in retail availability, and the stalled progress in Florida and Pennsylvania. They also discuss the swirling uncertainties around hemp-derived THC products, as states implement—or contemplate—stringent regulations to keep these products out of unregulated channels and away from children.

Cy and Emily reflect on the year’s challenges, including the ongoing push for federal reform that has yet to materialize, and look ahead to 2025. Will next year bring long-awaited legislative clarity, or will states continue to forge their own unique paths in managing adult-use cannabis and hemp-derived products? Tune in to hear their insights, data-backed analysis, and predictions for what the next chapter of cannabis legalization might hold.

Topics Covered:

• 2024 Prediction Recap: Reviewing last year’s forecasts for Ohio’s adult-use sales, Florida’s ballot efforts, and Pennsylvania’s stalled legalization push.
• Progress in Key Markets:
  • Ohio: Adult-use launch and near-$100M monthly sales targets.
  • New York: Steady increase in licensed cannabis retail and brand growth amidst ongoing legal and regulatory challenges.
• Hemp-Derived THC Products: Exploring how intoxicating hemp sales exploded in 2024 and the ensuing state-by-state crackdowns on unregulated sales, with particular attention to recent actions in California, Texas, Tennessee, and Illinois.
• State-Level Regulations vs. Federal Stasis: States forging ahead with their own rules to protect consumers, while federal reforms remain elusive.
• Looking to 2025: Predictions on potential movement from the new administration, the Supreme Court case, and what evolving hemp regulation frameworks might mean for the broader cannabis industry.

If you’re looking for a clear-eyed, data-driven year-end wrap-up and a practical preview of the cannabis industry’s future, this episode offers valuable insights. Cy and Emily’s grounded perspectives will help investors, operators, and stakeholders navigate the uncertainty and identify trends to watch in 2025.

Show Notes:
- Headset Vapor Pen Data (Bringing the Receipts)

Headset

Cy & Emily return fresh (or maybe not so fresh) from MJ BizCon in Las Vegas to dish on their 25-second meetup, cowboys everywhere, and what happens when you mix cannabis conference attendees with rodeo folks and AWS techies! 🤠

Plus:

• Green Wednesday numbers are in! Beverages went absolutely bonkers with a 130% spike (Cy may have helped with that...)
• The scoop on a game-changing brand that's "making cannabis fun again"
• Texas says "y'all need to stop" to thousands of hemp-derived THC stores
• Canada flexes on the illegal market with some seriously impressive stats
• Pennsylvania considers state-run cannabis stores (Emily has thoughts™️)

Fun fact of the episode: OnlyFans started as a recipe and DIY website! Who knew? 👩‍🍳

Bonus: Listen for Cy's attempt at a "news broadcast" sound effect - it's... something!

Join us for another laid-back, data-backed conversation about all things cannabis, from MSOs to LPs, products and market analysis. Whether you're an industry veteran or just cannabis curious, pull up a chair and hang with us! 🎧

#cannabis #data #industry #MSO #retail #cannabisbusiness #MJBizCon

Show notes:
- CAKE: She hits different
- Headset's Green Wednesday Retailer Benchmarking Tool

Headset

If you have any information on a weed burrito, be sure to contact Washington Township NJ police department at 856-589-0330! 

In this conversation, Cy Scott and Emily Paxhia discuss the significance of Green Wednesday in the cannabis industry, particularly during the Thanksgiving holiday week. They analyze sales data from previous years, highlighting trends in consumer behavior, discounting practices, and the impact of Thanksgiving on overall sales. The discussion also delves into promotional strategies that retailers can adopt to maximize sales during this period, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer preferences and market dynamics. The conversation also touches on a humorous delivery incident involving marijuana disguised as food, and concludes with their personal plans for Thanksgiving, emphasizing the role of cannabis beverages in their celebrations.

Links:
- Weed burritos in New Jersey [ABC 27 News]
- Judge halts cannabis licensing in MN [Minnesota Public Radio News]

Headset

In this episode of The High Rise, Cy Scott and Emily Paxia discuss the latest developments in the cannabis industry, focusing on the implications of the Farm Bill and its potential revisions. They explore the impact of intoxicating 'hot hemp' products on the legal market and the ongoing legislative efforts to address these issues. Next, a look at Ohio's burgeoning cannabis market, analyzing sales data and the dynamics of local operators. 

Links

• Local Moratoriums for Ohio Adult Use Marijuana Operator (OSU)
• Headset data presentation (Headset)

Takeaways

• The Farm Bill's language may need revisions to address intoxicating hemp products.
• Ohio's cannabis market is experiencing significant growth following legalization.
• Local operators in Ohio are gaining market share despite overall market challenges.
• The cannabis industry is still evolving, with many opportunities for growth.
• Regulatory frameworks vary significantly by state, impacting market dynamics.
• The importance of understanding local market conditions and consumer preferences.
• Moratoriums on cannabis sales exist in various jurisdictions, affecting access.
• The cannabis market is not a monolith; different operators have unique strategies.
• The potential for job creation in the cannabis industry is significant.
• Future legislative actions will shape the landscape of the cannabis market.

Sound Bites

• "We're back, baby."
• "Hot hemp?"
• "Time will tell."

Chapters

00:00
The Farm Bill and Its Implications

15:51
Ohio's Cannabis Market Overview

18:23
The Growth of the Cannabis Market

24:42
Competitive Pricing and Market Dynamics

30:49
Understanding Moratoriums in Ohio

37:00
Community Impact and Economic Benefits of Cannabis

42:21
Looking Ahead: Future of the Cannabis Industry

46:20
hr-outro.mp3

Headset