In this episode of Higher Exchanges, we sit down with Sammy J, VP of Corporate Development at C21 Investments, to discuss the state of the cannabis industry four years into the Great Cannabis Drawdown. Sammy shares his insights on the key factors behind the market’s decline, including revenue drops, margin erosion, and overspending on growth.

We explore the potential catalysts for recovery, from value-driven opportunities to possible regulatory shifts with S3, SAFER banking, and the BSF lawsuit. Sammy also breaks down what investors should own when the next bull market hits—reform dependents vs. independents—and how the path to industry recovery may look different from past cycles.

Whether you’re an investor, operator, or industry watcher, this episode offers an in-depth look at what’s next for cannabis. 

In this episode of Higher Exchanges, we sit down with Scott Grossman, VP of Corporate Development at Turning Point Brands, to dive deep into the state of the regulated cannabis and hemp markets.

We explore:
✅ Scott’s role at TPB and how legacy brands like Zig-Zag provide unique market insights
✅ Which states are seeing strong unit growth—and which are struggling
✅ Why cannabis stocks are down 95% and the key drivers behind the downturn
✅ What needs to change for the industry to recover and grow again
✅ The most important reforms to watch—and when they might happen
✅ Why is the MSOS ETF selling Green Thumb Industries?

Plus, Morgan has another insightful ask Grok comparing the gold and cannabis industries. 

Morgan is fresh off the plane from Vegas, and we start the show by asking how Poseidon is approaching investing in cannabis beverages. We discuss opportunities, risks, and ways to get involved.

Twenty minutes in, we are joined by Craig "Lewie" Lewis, Founder and CEO of Flyers Cocktail Co., to explore the fast-growing non-alcoholic and hemp-infused beverage industry. Lewie shares his journey into the space, the "aha moment" that led to Flyer’s creation, and the surprising trends—like the fact that 54% of Gen Z legal drinkers have never tried alcohol. We dive into the market size, regulatory challenges, and federal lobbying efforts, including the latest on the Farm Bill and beverage carveouts. 

On the business front, we explore Flyer’s positioning in a crowded market, direct-to-consumer vs. wholesale strategies, and the role of AI in shaping product development. Plus, Lewie gives us a sneak peek into new product launches and key trends to watch in the next 18-24 months.

Jesse just joined LEEF Brands as Head of Investor Relations and Business Development. LEEF is one of the leading producers of bulk extracts in California, has a dispensary in Palm Desert, and a wellness line called LEEF Organics. 

LEEF CEO Micah Anderson joined Jesse and Morgan to discuss his background, the origins of LEEF, and the unique set of fundamental catalysts ahead for the company in 2025: 
1. Planting Salisbury Canyon Ranch
2. Advances in extraction technology
3. Out-of-state opportunities
4. Bitcoin treasury strategy

The show ends with the guys asking Grok if Salisbury Canyon Ranch may become the world's largest cannabis farm. 

This was a fun show, thanks for listening!

This week's show starts with a conversation about whether we are seeing signs of the bottom. Jesse and Morgan contrast sentiment with valuations, drawing parallels to the tech bubble and recovery. 

Kyle Sherman, CEO of Flowhub, joings the show to talk about his cannabis journey, insights from visiting dispensaries across the U.S., and key trends shaping the industry. We explore price sensitivity, differences between public and private companies, and how Flowhub’s data drives innovation. Plus, we discuss the potential role of cryptocurrency in cannabis and how companies like LEEF Brands are integrating Bitcoin into its ecosystem. 

Morgan wraps up the show with a timely Ask Grok about hemp beverages at concert venues. 

The first show of 2025 starts with Jesse and Morgan reviewing Senorita Beverages. This is Agrify's first hemp beverage acquisition, and the guys give their thoughts on the two flavors they tried and where they fit in the evolving beverage landscape. 

Jerry Derevyanny, Partner at Bengal Capital, joins to discuss what has gone wrong with the MSO model. The guys discuss cracks in the state-led growth story, particular challenges facing Florida, and which operators may have the most difficulties ahead. Jerry points out potential opportunities on the debt side, which gives investors greater security than equity investing. 

The conversation concludes with an analysis of how banning or approving intoxicating hemp may drive more revenue, and Morgan asks Grok about the economic impact of dry January. 

The boys are back for the final show of the year. This week, they discussed what they got wrong in their 2024 predictions and made fresh predictions for 2025. Topics covered include: 
- Rescheduling timeline
- Boies Schiller Flexner lawsuit
- Potential Republican reform
- Price compression
- Intoxicating hemp
- Potential M&A
- Dispersion in returns and stock prices
- The future of intoxicating hemp, and more...

Many thanks to everyone who listened this year, and we look forward to more conversations in the new year!

The guys are back from traveling and eager to share lessons learned from the road. Morgan was in Boston for the Boies Schiller Flexner oral arguments and explained what happened that day and the next steps for the case. Jesse went to MJBiz in Las Vegas and offered his take on sentiment, outlooks, and how intoxicating hemp has penetrated the Nevada market. 

The show also covers Verano Co-Founder Sammy Dorf joining Flora Growth as Executive Chairman to accelerarte entry into the THC-infused beverage market. Plus, there is a conversation about Texas potentially banning all THC products, which would damage its network of approximately 7,000 smoke shops. 

Finally, Morgan offers a thought-provoking Ask Grok about cannabis, mental health, and productivity.

This week's show focuses on the next steps with the Boise Schiller Flexner lawsuit. Oral arguments are on December 5th, and we are joined by Jason Wild, Emily Paxhia, Erik Luna, and Weldon Angelos to dive into the details. 

Topics covered: 
* Overview of the case.
* What's happening on December 5th? 
* Key parties involved. 
* Benefits of the case versus Schedule III and SAFE Banking.
* Potential outcomes and timelines. 

Please consider supporting the case. You can donate here: https://atach.org/constitutional-challenge/

This week's show begins with Morgan and Jesse talking about the evolution of Agrify. A once stale and forgotten business has new life with an investment from Green Thumb Industries and evolution into intoxicating hemp. The guys talk about the path to get here and how it may evolve. 

AYR Wellness Interim CEO Steven M. Cohen joins the show and shares his background and vision for the future. We cover the lost opportunity with Florida's failure to pass Amendment 3, and Cohen explains why AYR is still moving forward with cultivation expansion in the Sunshine State. 

We dig into how AYR can evolve in Ohio and New York and what other growth levers the business has. AYR has a large amount of debt, and Cohen gives his perspective on how they can service the debt and maximize the probability of refinancing it before 2026. The conversation closes with Cohen offering his perspective on the Trump administration and potential political progress in 2025.