What if the latest moves by a major cannabis company could set off a chain reaction across the entire industry? Unravel the implications of Vireo's strategic transformation under the astute leadership of Tyson McDonald. We dive into the latest maneuvers by Vireo, who is making headlines with a game-changing capital influx and the acquisition of four profitable single-state operators. As we gather at Ben's festive office, we discuss the potential ripple effects of these no-cash deals and speculate whether this could ignite a wave of consolidation reminiscent of past industry-shaking investments.

The cannabis landscape is shifting, and 2024 has been a year of both tumult and triumph. Despite the downfalls of California giants like MedMen and High Times, there's a silver lining as we witness the resilience of companies that have managed to refinance and keep the gears turning. Meanwhile, the rise of cannabis-infused beverages is rewriting the rule book, capturing the attention of consumers and opening new doors in the alcohol market. We explore the exciting possibilities in this burgeoning sector, while also contemplating the ongoing challenges posed by federal hemp policies and potential farm bill delays.

Looking forward to 2025, we are filled with optimism for the hemp beverage industry and its potential to reshape the mainstream market. The conversation turns to the foundational strategies needed to capitalize on these opportunities, emphasizing education, influence, and team alignment. As we nurture a culture of peak performance, we remain committed to fostering authentic collaborations that drive positive outcomes. Join us as we embrace the dedication and passion of our team and partners, and gear up for bold moves that could redefine the competitive landscape in the coming year.

--
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.

🌿 𝐌𝐉𝐁𝐢𝐳𝐂𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐩: 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 🌿

Join us for a special episode of High Spirits, where your hosts Ben & AnnaRae share their experiences and insights from MJBizCon 2024 in Las Vegas. Fresh from hosting the High Spirits Morning Mixer, they're ready to dive deep into the event's highlights, key takeaways, and the future of cannabis trends they witnessed.

📅 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻? Whether you're a cannabis industry professional who missed the event, or an enthusiast eager to catch up on the latest trends, this episode promises a comprehensive recap with personal flair. Get the scoop on what's next for the cannabis industry from two of its most passionate advocates.

Tune into High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast this Wednesday on LinkedIn Live for an episode packed with insights, laughter, and the best of MJBizCon.

#MJBizCon #CannabisIndustry #HighSpirits #CannabisCommunity

--
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. 

In this week's episode, we discuss...
🚨  Minnesota's botched social equity lottery application (read robbery)
🍸  GTI's big bet on beverage through Agrify's acquisition of Señorita
🌿  What the new Senate draft of the Farm Bill means for hemp
💵  Paywalls and supporting your cannabis media and niche news sources

Tune-in to find out, or simply wait for the podcast to air. 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!

--
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.

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.

--
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 

--
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 

--
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.

--
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.

--
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.

--
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 

--
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.