High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast

Explore the cutting-edge world of cannabis technology with Socrates Rosenfeld, the CEO and co-founder of Jane Technologies. Prepare to be intrigued by the potential shifts in federal cannabis reform as we discuss the surprising nomination of Matt Gaetz for US Attorney General by President-elect Trump. Join AnnaRae Grabstein as she recounts the latest developments in the cannabis industry from the Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight and Agrify's strategic acquisition of Señorita, marking a bold entry into the hemp beverage market.

Discover how Jane Technologies is reshaping the cannabis e-commerce landscape like no other. Socrates and AnnaRae (in Ben's absence) dive into the sophisticated digital infrastructure that aligns with consumer needs while keeping service costs low, unlike the pitfalls faced by giants like Uber and DoorDash. We tackle the importance of data standardization, the power of e-commerce automation, and the nuances of personalizing the cannabis shopping experience through Jane's innovative MyHigh initiative. Learn how these technological advancements are not only optimizing retail operations but also enhancing consumer engagement through personalized product recommendations.

Wrapping up, our conversation takes a reflective turn as we consider the evolution of the cannabis industry through various political administrations. We emphasize the resilience of this movement and its continued commitment to expanding access to cannabis. With insights drawn from leading a remote team and fostering innovation, this episode is a tribute to the pioneers who have shaped the industry and a call to stay united in pursuing sustainable growth amid a shifting political landscape. Tune in to embrace the dynamic world of cannabis technology and its promising future.

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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 and AnnaRae on Thursday for a special post-election recording of High Spirits as we unpack Tuesday's election results, focusing specifically on the presidential race, various state ballot measures related to cannabis, and the broader implications for hemp and cannabis policy. We're thrilled to welcome back Hirsh Jain, one of our industry's brightest policy minds, for an in-depth analysis of what these results might mean for the future of cannabis legalization and regulation.

🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: In this special post-election breakdown, Hirsh Jain from Ananda Strategy will help us navigate through the various state results, including the six cannabis-related ballot measures. We'll explore the potential for federal cannabis legalization in the next four years, the ongoing hemp versus cannabis debate, and the public's current stance on cannabis.

💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵: How the results of the presidential election could influence federal cannabis policy.

𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘔𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴: Detailed insights into the six state ballot measures and their implications for local and national cannabis policy.

𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: Predictions for cannabis legislation in the coming years and potential shifts in public opinion and political strategy.

🌟 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗛𝗶𝗿𝘀𝗵 𝗝𝗮𝗶𝗻: Returning guest Hirsh Jain (𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘌𝘱. 36 - 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘴: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘥 𝘞𝘢𝘷𝘦; 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘴) is a leading policy expert and strategic consultant in the cannabis industry. With deep roots in advocacy and policy reform, Hirsh brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective on the intersection of cannabis legislation and industry dynamics.

📅 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻? This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the political landscape of cannabis, from industry stakeholders to policy enthusiasts. Get a comprehensive understanding of the election's impact on cannabis policy and what it could mean for consumers and businesses alike.

Tune in to High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast this Thursday on LinkedIn Live for a dynamic discussion full of insights and predictions.

#CannabisPolicy 

#ElectionResults 

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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 for this week's recording of 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘀, where we're diving into the intricate world of Wana Brands, North America's leading edibles brand. We're sitting down with Joe Hodas, the recently appointed President of Wana, to discuss the brand's innovative strategies and his journey from Chief Marketing Officer to President.

🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: In this discussion, Joe Hodas shares his experiences and the dynamic shifts within Wana Brands following its acquisition by Canopy Growth Corporation. We'll explore Wana's expansive approach across both cannabis and hemp markets, the inception of their new hemp marketplace, Wanderous, and the differences between the Canadian and U.S. markets.

💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: Insight into Joe's transition from CMO to President and his unique leadership style.

𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯: The strategy behind Wana's multi-market presence and the launch of the Wanderous marketplace.

𝘈𝘤𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵: How the acquisition by Canopy Growth has influenced Wana Brands' operations and strategies.

𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘋𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴: An exploration of the operational and cultural differences between the U.S. and Canadian cannabis markets.

🌟 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗝𝗼𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘀: With a rich background in marketing and strategic leadership across various industries, Joe brings a wealth of experience to his role at Wana Brands. From pioneering marketing initiatives to steering major corporate transitions, Joe's expertise has been pivotal in shaping Wana's market dominance.

📅 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻? This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the business of cannabis, from industry insiders to budding entrepreneurs. Learn from one of the leading figures in the cannabis edibles market and gain insights into managing a top brand through significant industry changes.

Tune in to High Spirits this Thursday on LinkedIn Live and join Ben and AnnaRae for an episode packed with valuable insights and expert discussions.

#CannabisIndustry 

#WanaBrands 

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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.

Curious about the exciting world of cannabis beverages and how it's reshaping consumer habits? We sit down with Diana Eberlein, a leading figure in the industry and current president of the Cannabis Beverage Association. Diana shares her journey from cannabis beverage consumer to chair of the Coalition for Adult Beverage Alternatives, shedding light on the strategic moves being made to align with the alcohol industry. With a recent move to Washington DC, Diana is at the forefront of policy advocacy, ensuring that cannabis beverages are both celebrated and understood.

The cannabis beverage landscape is ripe with potential, but not without its hurdles. Diana takes us through the intricacies of marketing and regulation, emphasizing the importance of consumer education to navigate the subtleties of dosage and intoxication levels. As the industry grapples with limited distribution channels, the conversation explores the potential of direct-to-consumer sales, despite the challenges it presents. Drawing comparisons with the alcohol sector, Diana shares valuable insights on collaborative marketing strategies and the nuanced relationship that cannabis beverages have with traditional alcohol products.

Join us on this enlightening journey as Diana reveals the role of passion and community in driving innovation within this niche market. We touch on the collaborative efforts of organizations like the Cannabis Beverage Association and Hemp Beverage Alliance that unite the industry to tackle regulatory challenges. From legislative education to forming strategic coalitions, discover the creative strategies being deployed to integrate low-dose beverages into mainstream consumption and the shared vision driving the industry forward.

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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.

Seth Yakatan, a key player and influencer in cannabis finance and M&A, joins us to unravel the financial intricacies of the cannabis industry. Gain invaluable insights as Seth shares his extraordinary journey from health and wellness to becoming a significant figure in raising capital and selling companies within the cannabis sector. Discover how his unique experiences provide a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today.

Embark on a journey through the landscape of cannabis finance as we explore the infusion of new talent from traditional sectors like alcohol and tobacco. We discuss the potential integration of hemp beverages into the Texas alcohol supply chain and celebrate the harvest in the Emerald Triangle, highlighting the hard work of cultivators. The conversation shifts to the delicate art of data gathering and pattern recognition, emphasizing the power of transparency and truth-telling amidst the polite façades of venture capital.

Prepare for an insightful discussion on the looming challenges and future consolidation strategies within the cannabis industry. We delve into the structural deficiencies in capital flow and the potential for strategic refinancing as companies face a daunting "debt wall." Despite these hurdles, there's optimism for growth through acquisition amid regulatory changes and market consolidation. Engage with us on LinkedIn to continue this conversation and share your thoughts on the promising future of cannabis.

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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 if cannabis businesses could harness the power of AI to revolutionize their operations? Join us as we uncover this fascinating intersection and other topics in our first CEO roundtable following the close of Benzinga Chicago with industry leaders Cameron Clarke of Sunderstorm, Michael Murphy of Prelude, Heather Molloy of Speedwell Partners, and your hosts, Ben Larson of Vertosa and AnnaRae Grabsteinf of Wolf Meyer. In a rapidly evolving landscape, they share their strategies for navigating global expansion, leveraging AI in dispensary operations, and crafting investment approaches in a market contending with ongoing federal restrictions. From the excitement of product expansion into new territories to the intricacies of strategic retail partnerships, this discussion offers a front-row seat to the future of cannabis.

As the cannabis market continues to grow, understanding the dynamics between the hemp, illicit, and licensed sectors becomes essential. Our guests dive deep into how legalization is reshaping the industry and the role that hemp, especially in the beverage industry, plays in attracting new consumers. They share insights on predicting market shifts, the importance of strategic foresight, and the surprising growth in unexpected regions like Texas. This conversation emphasizes the need for business flexibility and forward-thinking strategies to stay ahead of regulatory challenges and consumer behavior trends.

What are the unique challenges of operating in a federally illegal market, and how can companies optimize their supply chains despite these hurdles? Discover the answers as we explore the competitive landscape, the role of AI in customer experience enhancement, and the financial complexities of the industry. Our experts discuss software innovations, such as Acumatica, for cost-effective operations and exciting prospects for global partnerships. Listen to this episode for an enlightening look at how cannabis companies can strategically harness technology and policy insights to thrive in this burgeoning sector.

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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.

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.