Cannabis capital has not disappeared, but investors and lenders have changed the rules.

In this episode of The Industry Voice, mg Magazine examines what cannabis businesses must demonstrate to secure funding today, including positive cash flow, clean financials, credible management, and a business model that can succeed without federal reform.

The discussion explores why revenue alone is no longer enough, how Section 280E, banking restrictions, price compression, and weak financial discipline can undermine a business, and why the 13-week rolling cash-flow forecast has become an essential management tool.

Listeners will also learn how investors use “mistake data” from failed companies, why some struggling operators continue receiving capital, and how the market is separating disciplined cannabis businesses from those still relying on hype and future potential.

Based on mg Magazine’s article, “Cannabis Capital: What Investors and Lenders Expect Now.”

Congress may be moving to expand veterans’ access to medical cannabis, but conflicting federal action could stall the regulatory process operators are counting on. In this episode of Industry Voice, we examine the collision between VA cannabis policy, federal rescheduling, 280E tax relief, and political uncertainty in Washington. The discussion explores what these mixed signals could mean for veterans, medical cannabis operators, investors, and executives planning for the next 12 to 24 months.

For cannabis operators, the problem isn't cash — it’s the lack of transparency. Banking executives reveal the specific operational 'red flags' that trigger account closures and how to build a partnership that lasts.

This episode of mg Magazine’s Industry Voice explores one of the most important shifts facing the cannabis industry: federal rescheduling and the potential elimination of 280E tax burdens.

We break down what rescheduling could mean for cannabis operators, including changes to tax liability, cash flow, and long-term financial strategy. More importantly, we outline how businesses should be preparing now—from accounting adjustments and compliance considerations to positioning for improved profitability.

Whether you’re an operator, investor, or advisor, this conversation provides a clear, practical look at what’s ahead and how to navigate a rapidly changing regulatory landscape.

Only 39% of cannabis workers participate in their 401(k) — well below the national average — even when auto-enrollment is offered. We dig into why, and what employers can do about it. Data sourced from mg Magazine.

Wil Walker is the President of Display Dispensary and is featured on the cover of mg Magazine's April 2023 issue. 

mg Magazine's publisher, Darren Roberts, engaged in a brief conversation with Wil about the importance of integrating functional design into the retail space.

Display Dispensary is a division of Econoco Corporation, which has been a leading manufacturer of custom displays and fixtures for the retail industry since 1925. Econoco offers over 2,000 inventoried displays and fixtures and serves many of today's leading national chain stores and brand marketers. Display Dispensary utilizes Econoco's extensive experience to provide services that improve the retail environment for the cannabis industry and increase revenue.

Lance Lambert is the chief marketing officer of Grove Bags, a leading manufacturer of curing and storage packaging.

He began his cannabis career in 2014 with the Denver Post where he helped launch the website The Cannabist. Since then, Lance has worked with several market-leading companies such as Weedmaps and Boveda and is now the chief marketing officer for the Cleveland-based Grove Bags.

Lance is a seasoned industry veteran and an active speaker, writer, and advocate and it’s our honor to share with you this conversation between Lance Lambert and mg Magazine’s Jeff Hale.

The Industry Voice is a collection of conversations with cannabis-industry leaders conducted by mg Magazine’s editorial team. Since 2015, mg’s award-winning print and digital platforms have set new standards in business journalism and serve as a leading industry resource dedicated to advancing communication, progress, and leadership. To learn more visit

Jesce Horton is the co-founder and CEO of the cannabis brand “LOWD”. Based in Portland, Oregon, LOWD has not only won several awards but is considered to be one of the top producers in the Pacific Northwest. Jesce is also the co-founder of two industry non-profit organizations, the Minority Cannabis Business Association, and the NuProject.Jesce is both an entrepreneurial visionary and an inspirational leader. It’s our honor to share with you this conversation between mg Magazine’s Jeff Hale and Jesce Horton.

The Industry Voice is a collection of conversations with cannabis-industry leaders conducted by mg Magazine’s editorial team. Since 2015, mg’s award-winning print and digital platforms have set new standards in business journalism and serve as a leading industry resource dedicated to advancing communication, progress, and leadership.

To learn more visit mgmagazine.com.

Jeff Hale is the digital editor and content strategist of mg Magazine. He earned his MBA at Chapman University’s George L Argyros School of Business and Economics and has spent the last sixteen years in the media and communications industry.

Not only does Jeff have extensive experience in the field of writing, but he is also a talented guitarist. In addition to touring with a variety of bands across North America, Jeff was once Fender Guitars endorsed musician, which is a noteworthy accomplishment.

In this interview, Inc Media’s CEO Darren Roberts speaks with Jeff about the ways Google and Search Engine Optimization have disrupted journalism and the business of the written word.

The Industry Voice is a collection of conversations with cannabis-industry leaders conducted by mg Magazine’s editorial team. Since 2015, mg’s award-winning print and digital platforms have set new standards in business journalism and serve as a leading industry resource dedicated to advancing communication, progress, and leadership. To learn more visit mgmagazine.com.