High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast

Let's be honest, it's been a solid run of shows this year for two busy CEO's self-producing and coordinating (and writing these descriptions). Travel schedule has definitely ramped back up and we somehow got to the beginning of this week and hadn't really thought about it! So we're falling back to our original inspiration for the show and recording our weekly check-in on all things cannabis business.

This week, we attended hashtag#Meadowlands, David Hua and Meadow's California-famous gathering for cannabis leaders amongst the redwoods in the Emerald Triangle. Ben spoke on Tuesday about ... wait for it ... HEMP BEVERAGES (big surprise), while AnnaRae took to the stage on Wednesday to school us on reinventing one's self, leadership, and business. The whole event was so incredibly beautiful with incredible guests and speakers, as it has for the last 8 years, and should provide plenty of fodder for Thursday's conversation.

𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲, 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿...
🌲 The famed 8th annual Meadowlands event in Mendocino
🍺 Hemp Beverages and their opportunity for unifying the cannabis and hemp movement
🦋 Reinventing oneself, leadership, and business amid shifting sands
🏪 The downfall of Harborside, the most consequential dispensary in cannabis
🚢 The port workers strike and potential impact to supply chains
🧑‍⚖️ The Trulieve defamation suit against the Amendment 3 opposition

Join us as we recap the weeks events and look towards Benzinga's Cannabis Capital Conference next week!

#highspirits #cannabiscommunity #californiacannabis #meadowlands 

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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.

Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.

Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?

Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.

THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.

Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.

Jeremy Berke, founder and editor-in-chief of Cultivated Media, joins us this week as our guest co-host. Despite juggling cannabis news coverage and MBA studies, Jeremy takes time out to share his experience and expertise in the space. Jeremy gives listeners an inside look at Cultivated, a daily newsletter dedicated to cannabis industry professionals, detailing how his journey from Business Insider led to his own entrepreneurial venture. 

In our deep dive into New York's cannabis market, we uncover the turbulent landscape marked by regulatory chaos and political scandals. With the indictment of Mayor Eric Adams and turmoil within the state's regulatory agency, the rollout of cannabis dispensaries in New York City has faced significant setbacks. However, there's hope on the horizon as we discuss the potential growth of the city's cannabis scene. We also examine Florida's Amendment 3, a heated ballot measure aiming to legalize cannabis, and the intense political dynamics shaping its campaign, including Trulieve's hefty financial investments and conflicting stances within the Republican Party.

Looking ahead, we explore the future of cannabis reform on both federal and state levels. With bipartisan support for rescheduling cannabis to Schedule 3, the upcoming presidential election could play a pivotal role in shaping national cannabis policy. We also scrutinize California's emergency regulations on hemp, which ban detectable THC in products, and discuss the implications for dispensary owners and consumers alike. Wrapping up, we reflect on the long-term potential and current challenges in the cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of being informed and adaptable in this rapidly evolving landscape. Don't miss out on these crucial insights—stay curious, stay informed, and keep your spirits high.

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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.

Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.

Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?

Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.

THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.

Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.

🌱🎙️ Join Ben & AnnaRae as we saddle up for another deep dive into the Texas cannabis scene. This time, we're exploring the booming hemp market with Benjamin Meggs, CEO of Bayou City Hemp Company and the beverage brand HOWDY . Ben's unique journey from the Oil and Gas industry to hemp cultivation and CBD retail has positioned him as a pivotal figure in shaping Texas's hemp landscape. In this episode, we'll uncover the challenges and opportunities of building a hemp business in the heart of Texas and what it means to extend a Texas-sized welcome across the US.

🤠 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗲’𝗹𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿:
• 𝘛𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘴 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘏𝘦𝘮𝘱: A look into how state policies are influencing the growth and operations of hemp businesses. 🌱
• 𝘉𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘉𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥: Learn how Bayou City Hemp crafts its distinctly Texan brands to appeal to markets beyond state lines. 👢
• 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯: Strategies for taking local success to a national level with a focus on cultivating brand identity rooted in Texas culture. 🇺🇸

🌟 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗴𝗴𝘀: Ben Meggs brings a wealth of experience from the Oil and Gas sector to the hemp industry, where he has become a pioneer in hemp retail and regulation. As CEO of Bayou City Hemp and Howdy, Ben is at the forefront of the industry’s expansion, driving technical oversight, operations, and ensuring top-quality production. His leadership is guiding his brands to capture the essence of Texas and deliver it to consumers across the country.

📅 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻? This episode is perfect for entrepreneurs, hemp enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the dynamics of regional branding and its impact on national markets. Whether you're a Texan at heart or just curious about the business of hemp, you'll find valuable insights and inspiring stories in our conversation with Ben.

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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.

Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.

Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?

Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.

THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.

Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.

🌿🎙️ Join Ben & AnnaRae this week as we explore the intricate world of cannabis compliance with Michael Johnson, CEO of Metrc. Now synonymous with seed-to-sale tracking, Metrc stands at the forefront of regulatory compliance in the cannabis industry. In this episode, we'll uncover the human element behind the platform, the challenges of balancing diverse stakeholder needs, and the future of cannabis compliance.

🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: To operators in the cannabis industry, Metrc is the backbone of daily operations and compliance. We'll peel back the layers of this often mistakenly maligned "necessary evil" to understand not just how it works, but who makes it work and why it is the way it is. Michael will share insights into the multi-sided nature of Metrc's business model, its interactions with state regulators, third-party software providers, and the licensed operators who rely on it every day.

💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

🔎 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘔𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘤: Get a closer look at the team and technologies driving this crucial compliance system.

⚖️ 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘈𝘤𝘵: Discover how Metrc manages the complex demands of regulators, tech partners, and cannabis businesses.

🌱 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘌𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: Review how compliance has transformed with the cannabis industry over time and where it’s heading.

🔮 𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: Speculate on future trends in cannabis compliance and technology with insights from the helm of the industry’s leading tracker.

🌟 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻: Appointed as CEO in 2022, Michael Johnson has rapidly steered Metrc toward innovative horizons. With a rich background as CFO at various technology and health firms, Michael brings a unique perspective to the cannabis compliance sector. His approach is not just about monitoring and regulation but fostering an ecosystem that supports safe, sustainable growth in the industry.

📅 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻? This episode is crucial for anyone involved in the cannabis industry, from regulators to entrepreneurs, and even tech enthusiasts curious about the intersection of technology and regulatory compliance. Whether you're grappling with Metrc’s systems or just keen to understand more about the regulatory landscape, this conversation promises to enlighten, inform, and inspire.

Tune in to High Spirits this Thursday on LinkedIn Live for an episode filled with deep insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and expert perspective on cannabis compliance.

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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.

Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.

Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?

Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.

THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.

Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.

🌿 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝟑𝟎 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬: 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐲'𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 🌿

Join Ben & AnnaRae on High Spirits as we delve into the whirlwind experience of the first 30 days following the launch of a brand new dispensary in New Jersey. Our guest, Tahir Johnson, CEO of Simply Pure Trenton NJ and President of the Minority Cannabis Business Association, shares his firsthand insights and the roller-coaster ride of opening one of the first Black-owned social-equity cannabis businesses in the state.

🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: In this episode, we explore the exhilarating first month of operations after years of preparation at Simply Pure Trenton. From regulatory hurdles to customer reactions and operational challenges, Tahir will dissect what it takes to launch and stabilize a new dispensary in an emerging market. Drawing from his extensive background in cannabis advocacy and business, Tahir reflects on the reality of starting a dispensary under New Jersey's adult-use cannabis framework and the personal journey that brought him to this point.

💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

🚧 𝘐𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴: Discover the unexpected hurdles and how they were navigated during the critical first month.

💡 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴: Gain insights into the strategic planning and adaptations required when reality hits post-launch.

💥 𝘚𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘌𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵: Understand the significance of launching one of the first Black-owned equity businesses in New Jersey’s cannabis market.

🌎 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: Discuss the broader implications for other entrepreneurs in similar markets drawing from Tahir's role as MCBA President.

🌟 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗿 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻: Tahir's journey in the cannabis industry is both personal and professional. With a history marked by advocacy and a personal narrative intertwined with the criminal justice system, his work extends beyond business, aiming to rectify the long-term impacts of the war on drugs. His leadership roles have equipped him with unique insights into the intersections of policy, social equity, and industry dynamics, making him a pivotal figure in shaping the future of cannabis in New Jersey and beyond.

Don’t miss this insightful discussion on what it really takes to launch and run a cannabis dispensary in a complex regulatory landscape. Tune in to High Spirits on Thursday for a session filled with real stories, professional insights, and valuable lessons.

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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.

Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.

Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?

Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.

THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.

Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.

Could the fragmented cannabis market in Latin America be the next big thing for savvy investors? Join us as we uncover the secrets of this untapped market with our special guest, Javier Hasse, the Managing Director at Benzinga and founder of El Planteo. In this episode, Javier shares his unique insights into the challenges and opportunities that exist within various Latin American countries, detailing how cultural acceptance and patient advocacy are reshaping the industry. With his extensive experience and a bestselling book on starting a cannabis business, Javier offers a wealth of knowledge you won't find anywhere else.

We also take a closer look at the essential role of cannabis conferences and how they serve as pivotal networking hubs. Hear firsthand stories about multi-billion-dollar deals and significant investments that have emerged from Benzinga's curated events. From the perspective of our hosts, we discuss the balance between professional travel and personal life, especially during the bustling conference season. With exclusive anecdotes, we highlight the distinct advantages of smaller, focused gatherings in fostering meaningful connections among industry professionals, investors, and businesses.

Lastly, we turn our attention to the latest trends and hurdles in the cannabis sector. Discover why THC-infused beverages are gaining traction and how brands like Cann are navigating the complex California market. We also tackle the recent delays in cannabis rescheduling decisions, evaluating the implications for investors and the broader industry. Despite the setbacks, there's a strong sense of progress and optimism as we explore the future of cannabis regulation. Tune in for a compelling discussion that spans from policy shifts to emerging market opportunities, providing a comprehensive view of the dynamic cannabis landscape.

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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.

Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.

Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?

Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.

THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.

Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.

Imagine launching your first business at just 13 years old. That's precisely what our special guest, Aaron Nosbisch, did, and his entrepreneurial spirit has only grown since. Aaron, now the founder and CEO of Breeze and Lucyd Media, joins us from an airport en route to Burning Man to share his incredible journey. From his early days in the fashion world to the intricate landscape of cannabis and hemp marketing, Aaron brings a wealth of knowledge and some really creative strategies.

Our conversation doesn't stop at marketing tactics. We dive deep into the importance of transparency and community engagement in building a brand, inspired by industry leaders. Aaron discusses the substantial investments—nearly a million dollars monthly—necessary for driving brand awareness and growth. By focusing on the value of sharing a brand's story publicly, we explore how a cooperative approach over competition can foster innovation and elevate the industry as a whole.

Navigating from direct-to-consumer to retail sales strategies, we examine the operational and marketing nuances essential for scaling a beverage startup. From customer acquisition costs to lifetime value, Aaron shares the metrics that drive real-time advertising decisions. We also discuss the complexities of cannabis legalization in Florida, emphasizing the need for equity and fair access to the market. As we wrap up, we express our anticipation for upcoming events like Benzinga in October and the High Spirits Morning Mixer in Vegas for MJBiz, ensuring you stay connected and informed.

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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.

Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.

Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?

Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.

THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.

Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.

🌿 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥'𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐮𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐚: 𝐔𝐧𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞'𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥 🌿

Join Ben and AnnaRae this week on High Spirits as we delve deep into Georgia’s newly launched cannabis program with Judson Hill, the Georgia Market President for Fine Fettle, one of the state’s six licensed operators. This episode will explore the current landscape of cannabis in Georgia, the emerging dynamics between cannabis and hemp, and what the future holds for patients and consumers in the state.

🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:
Georgia’s medical cannabis market is just sprouting, presenting unique opportunities and challenges. Judson Hill brings his insider perspective on navigating this nascent industry, from the legislative battles to the operational hurdles. We'll discuss the size, functionality, and potential growth of the market, and how Fine Fettle is positioning itself to serve Georgia's patient community.

💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸: Insight into the current state of Georgia's cannabis program and its future trajectory.

𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘴. 𝘏𝘦𝘮𝘱: Discussion on the interplay and competition between the cannabis and hemp markets in Georgia.

𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘐𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴: Learn about Fine Fettle's approach to lobbying, education, and market differentiation in a state with a complex regulatory landscape.

🌟 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝗱𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗹:
A native Atlantan and forward-thinking leader, Judson Hill is at the forefront of introducing medical cannabis to Georgia. With a background in fundraising and developing sales organizations across various industries, Judson now focuses on lobbying, government affairs, and educating Georgians about the benefits of medical cannabis. His work is pivotal in shaping a responsible and patient-centered cannabis market in his home state.

📅 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻?
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving cannabis industry, particularly in states with new or expanding programs. Whether you’re a patient, provider, industry stakeholder, or simply a curious listener, Judson’s experiences and insights offer a comprehensive look at what it takes to launch and lead a cannabis operation under complex regulatory conditions.

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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.

Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.

Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?

Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.

THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.

Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.

🎙𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝-𝐮𝐩!🌿

It's been another eventful week in the world of cannabis, and we're excited to talk about it. Here's some of the topics that are top of mind:

🇺🇸 Kamala taps Gov. Tim Walz of MN as her running mate
🌰 Ohio launches adult use sales
❌ Missouri bans Delta 8 and unlicensed retailers
📈 Q2 earnings are out and companies are refinancing their debt
➕ More!

As always, High Spirits is more than a podcast – it's a dynamic conversation among leaders in the cannabis industry. We film live, and your participation is what makes our discussion richer and more meaningful. We invite you to contribute to the conversation and let us know what's important to you! What topics should we delve into? We welcome your questions and comments, so drop them into the chat and join us as we dive into the current events of the cannabis industry!

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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.

Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.

Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?

Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.

THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.

Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.

🌿 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦? 🌿

Join Ben and AnnaRae this week on High Spirits as we delve into the potential impacts of Kamala Harris' leadership on the cannabis industry and criminal justice reform. With President Biden stepping aside, Kamala Harris' role could become pivotal in shaping the future policies that would significantly affect both the cannabis industry and ongoing criminal justice reform efforts.

🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:
As we navigate these changing political tides, our guest, Jason Ortiz, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Last Prisoner Project, brings a deeply personal and professional perspective to the discussion. We'll revisit Kamala Harris' stance during the 2020 campaign, examine the current state of criminal justice reform, and speculate on how Harris might influence future policies related to cannabis.

💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

𝘒𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘢’𝘴 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵: Explore what Kamala Harris' leadership could mean for future cannabis policies and criminal justice reform.

𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮: Gain insight into the intersection of cannabis legalization and criminal justice, particularly how federal and state levels are taking action (or inaction).

𝘈𝘥𝘷𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘤𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: Learn from Jason’s extensive experience in advocating for cannabis justice and how grassroots movements can influence significant policy changes.

🌟 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗝𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘇:
Jason Ortiz, a cannabis justice advocate, has turned personal adversity into a platform for change. From being arrested at 16 for simple cannabis possession to leading strategic initiatives for the Last Prisoner Project, Jason's journey is a testament to the power of advocacy and determination. His work with the Minority Cannabis Business Association and as a drafter of key legislation in Connecticut showcases his impact on creating equitable cannabis policies.

📅 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻?
This episode is crucial for anyone interested in the future of cannabis regulation, the dynamics of political leadership on social issues, and the ongoing efforts to reform criminal justice. Jason’s insights provide a unique look at the challenges and opportunities within the advocacy landscape, making this a must-listen for activists, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intersection of cannabis and justice.

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