Kaya Cast

As a licensed attorney, Sumer Thomas offers a unique perspective on the legal landscape of the cannabis industry as well as a critical eye toward new laws. Thomas’ expertise in the evolution of cannabis regulation is bolstered by her law degree from the University of Florida. Her legal background in tax, business, and administrative law brings a broad perspective for solving businesses' complex problems.

Thomas has an in-depth understanding of mature and developing state cannabis markets, along with a global perspective gained while living abroad. Thomas speaks Chinese and is licensed to practice law in Florida and Colorado. She is a member of NORML, the State Regulations Committee of the NCIA, and the International Cannabis Bar Association, and she volunteers for Expunge Colorado, the NACDL, and the Last Prisoner Project.

As an advisor for cannabis operations in emerging markets, Sumer shares her insights into licensing and business operations in emerging cannabis markets. She also unpacks the results of the recent 2022 Mid-Term Elections and their impact on businesses.

She gives a road map for dispensaries to come online in new markets, and shares about her volunteer work with organizations like Expunge Colorado and the Last Prisoner Project.

Find out more about Canna Advisors

• Canna Advisors
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• Sumer Thomas
• Expunge Colorado

The holidays are among us, which means it’s time to make your list and check it twice. As we start making our way through our gift list, we all come across a handful of people for whom we just can’t quite figure out what to get.‍

Instead of going with the boring fuzzy socks or holiday mug this year, why not encourage your customers to opt for gifting something everyone on their list is sure to love.

This year is the year to give the gift of cannabis. So, while customers are hitting the shops to get their holiday shopping done, find out 5 tips to boost holiday sales at your dispensary.

Read the full blog here

Gary Cohen is the CEO of the most trusted award-winning POS brand in North America. He has met with nearly 2000 dispensary operators from coast to coast and leveraged expert knowledge to provide cannabis retailers the support they need to get a license, pass inspection, launch a store, and improve operations.

Cova Software has been the fastest-growing software solutions company in the history of legal cannabis and is now the #1 cannabis POS in North America.

Gary joins the Kaya Cast podcast to talk about the future of the cannabis and cannatech industry in North America. He shares how Cova is building a sustainable future for cannabis retailers to compete against the giant cannabis marketplaces, and how to leverage technology to grow you cannabis retail operation.

Find out more about Cova Software

• Cova Software
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• YouTube
• Twitter
• Gary Cohen

Live from MjBizCon 2022!

Tony Gallo is a licensed security consultant and Managing Partner for Sapphire Risk Advisory Group, named one of the Top 100 ancillary companies in the cannabis industry.

Tony has more than 30 years of retail experience in the Loss Prevention, Audit, Safety, and Risk/Emergency Management fields. He is considered one of the leading authorities in cannabis security, armed robberies and burglary investigations. Tony is a published author on cannabis security designs and over the last seven years has spoken at numerous cannabis business conferences across the country.

Tony shares insights from his 30 years of experience in the security field for how cannabis retailers and cultivators can mitigate the risks involved in running a cannabis business. This includes high tech security systems as well as training and monitoring of staff and customers.

Security starts with building a loyal community of customers and staff who will work together to help your business stay secure and thrive. He also shares insights into how Sapphire helps improve the odds of getting a cannabis license.

Find out more about Sapphire Risk:

• Website
• Facebook
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• Linkedin
• YouTube
• Twitter
• Tony Gallo

Live from MjBizCon 2022!

Toi Hutchinson served as an Illinois Senator, representing the 40th District from 2009 to 2019. During her time in the Senate, Hutchinson championed a variety of causes including protecting women and children from violence, modernizing the state’s tax structure, and legalizing cannabis. Prior to leaving the Senate, she served as the 46th president of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Toi is an original co-sponsor of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA), the first most equity-centric law in the nation to legalize adult-use cannabis.

In January 2022, Toi left the administration and became the first women President & CEO of the Marijuana Policy Project, an organization that’s solely focused on ending marijuana prohibition.

In this live conversation from MjBizCon 2022, Toi and Tom discuss the future of the cannabis industry and what policies need to change to create a more inclusive future for everyone involved. From changing laws in the remaining states where cannabis is still criminal, to empowering black and brown entrepreneurs to create new businesses, to embracing the power of strong women in the industry.

Toi is leading the charge to bring real change to the industry through the Marijuana Policy Project. Find out more here:

• Marijuana Policy Project
• Linkedin
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Toi Hutchinson

Christopher Violas is the CEO and Founder of Blaze. With a BA in Information Technology, Chris has built a best in class seed to sale cannabis platform that is making cannabis tech easy!

BLAZE is a cannabis software suite providing best-in-class tools for operators in the seed-to-sale supply chain. The BLAZE team is comprised of former operators and industry experts passionate about automating the day-to-day tasks and compliance needed to run a successful cannabis business.

During my conversation with Chris we discussed how Blaze is using cutting edge technology and security to help cannabis retailers blaze a new path forward in the cannabis industry. We also talked about some of the unique features which make Blaze the top choice for most cannabis companies.

Find out more about Blaze here:

• Blaze
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Linkedin
• YouTube
• Chris Violas

Have you been dreaming of starting a career in the cannabis industry but you’re not sure where to begin? It can be overwhelming changing careers or starting something new, especially in the ever changing cannabiz!

In this conversation with Tommy Truong we give practical steps to begin your journey into the cannabis industry. It begins with knowing what you want and where you want to be. Investigating potential employers and receiving the required certifications.

If you would like to get started in your career with Kaya Push check out the Kaya Push Careers page for open positions.

Christine Gervais has been a licensed CPA since 2010 using her skills to help small businesses grow and achieve their fullest potential.

With a Master’s degree in accounting, in addition to years of experience both in public accounting as well as serving as the CFO for large private organizations, Christine has the knowledge base to provide comprehensive accounting and consulting services to Cultivate’s clients.

Christine shares her insights into the importance of having a cannabis specific accountant who can advise you on rules and regulations in the ever changing industry. She also unpacks what cannabis retailers need to know about 280e and 471 tax codes.

Find out more about Christine and Cultivate Consulting:

• Cultivate Consulting
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• Christine Gervais

Patrick Grenier is the Coordinator of Marketing for PreRoll-Er out of Montreal, Quebec. PreRoll-Er specializes in the manufacturing of validated solutions for your pre-rolls or any other cannabis products. As a market leader in the manufacturing industry, their solutions have been tested and proven.

Patrick shares his insights into what dispensary owners need to be aware of when it comes to the quality of the cannabis product in their retail stores. His advice for business owners is to smoke your stuff so you know what’s good and what’s not.

There is an ongoing need for education with bud tenders and business owners to grow in their understanding and experience with the product they are selling. He also unpacks the manufacturing process of pre-rolls using the PreRoll-Er’s state of the art technology.

Find out more about Patrick Grenier and PreRoll-Er:

• PreRoll-Er
• PreRoll-Er Instagram
• PreRoll-Er Linkedin
• PreRoll-Er YouTube
• Patrick Grenier

Jon Bond is the Director of Partnerships at Dutchie. He has a long history in the Cannabis industry from launching a dispensary in the early days of legalization to working at the largest Cannatech company in the industry.

Jon shares his insights into building people first cannabis companies with the aim of training, growing, and investing in world class teams. Jon has been a part of developing the DNA of Dutchie which has grown to be one of the largest Cannatech companies. Investing in great people is the heart and soul of any growing organization.

He also shares insights into what it takes to grow a cannabis business and how technology can improve the efficiency of your retail operation.

Find out more about Jon Bond and Dutchie: