MiCannaCast

In this powerful MiCannaCast episode, Cannadave, Groovee, and Summer Sky welcome Jenna Mullins, Chief People Officer at Muha Meds, for an unfiltered conversation about breaking barriers in cannabis HR, growing a national brand, and what it really means to put people first in a fast-paced and evolving industry.

Jenna shares her personal cannabis story — how Cannabis changed her life — and dives into her journey from traditional HR into the green frontier. You'll hear about the explosive growth of Muha Meds, the challenges of HR in a multi-state cannabis company, her thoughts on government policy, and yes — some wild HR stories 👀

Whether you're in the cannabis industry or just passionate about it, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and some real talk about the business side of the bud 🌿💼

⏱️ Timestamps:

• 0:00 – Intro: Meet Jenna Mullins, CPO of Muha Meds
• 1:05 – Jenna’s cannabis origin story: Chronic pain, stigma, and finding relief
• 2:50 – How RSO changed her life and opened the door to the cannabis world
• 4:15 – From HR director to cannabis: Corporate life vs. cannabis culture
• 6:00 – Why the cannabis industry needs real HR leadership
• 7:30 – Joining Muha Meds: Vision, culture, and multi-state ambition
• 9:00 – Women in cannabis: Leadership, respect, and challenges
• 10:30 – Muha Meds’ product lineup: Gummies, vapes, flower & more
• 12:30 – Company growth: From 36 to 586 employees in 2 years 😲
• 13:30 – Benefits in cannabis? Yes! 401(k), healthcare & more
• 15:00 – The human side: Employee passion and purpose in cannabis
• 17:00 – Muha’s Michigan retail expansion + March 15th sneaker ball
• 18:40 – Michigan market challenges & tax concerns
• 20:00 – What happens if taxes increase? The first thing to go: Benefits
• 21:30 – HR meets advocacy: Why leadership must protect employees
• 23:00 – Working in a male-dominated industry as a woman in HR
• 25:30 – Wild HR stories from the cannabis world (yes, sabotage included!)
• 28:00 – Managing HR across 5+ states: Laws, hiring, and chaos
• 30:30 – What makes working in cannabis HR so unique
• 32:00 – The hidden artists of cannabis: Cultivators, processors, and passion
• 33:30 – Market volatility & price wars: Why scaling is survival
• 35:00 – New Muha flavors, vape hardware, and NFTs (yes, really)
• 38:00 – Jenna’s NFT story & the “Muha Monkey”
• 40:00 – Missouri expansion: Building jobs and excitement in new states
• 42:00 – California compliance vs. Michigan’s free market
• 44:00 – Launching in new states: SOPs, analytics, and people-first mindset
• 46:00 – HR myth-busting: There’s no such thing as a “small” issue
• 48:00 – Layoffs done wrong: The human cost of leadership laziness
• 50:00 – RSO, family, and how cannabis helped Jenna’s mom with kidney failure
• 53:30 – Florida dreams, future markets, and the call for cannabis access
• 54:30 – If Jenna had one wish? SAFE Banking reform, now
• 55:30 – Final shoutouts & closing thoughts

Introduction & Guest BackgroundHosts CannaDave, Groovee, and Summer Sky welcome their special guest, Jess Jackson, a leader in cannabis advocacy, social equity, and entrepreneurship. Jess has worked on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives for over 20 years and is the founder of Copper House, a cannabis-friendly Bed & Breakfast in Detroit. The discussion covers Jess’s journey into the cannabis industry, her social equity work, the Minnesota and Michigan markets, and mental health in entrepreneurship.

Jess Jackson’s Journey into Cannabis first became interested in cannabis through a sorority sister in LA who launched a luxury cannabis accessories brand. While working on her MBA, she realized that the cannabis industry had significant economic opportunities, yet those most affected by prohibition were often locked out of the legal market.This inspired her to advocate for equitable access to the industry, leading her to return to Michigan and start hosting cannabis-related education and community events. She quickly recognized barriers preventing marginalized communities from entering the industry, such as:

• Lack of business education
• Expensive licensing & compliance requirements
• Stigma against cannabis use

Creating Copper House & Community-Driven Cannabis Spaces Jess launched Copper House in 2019 as a Bud & Breakfast in Detroit. The goal was to create a safe space for cannabis consumption in a market where most hotels and rentals prohibited use. Key phases of Copper House:

• Initially, an Airbnb model, allowed visitors to consume in a judgment-free environment.
• Expanded to host infused dinners, community events, and education programs.
• Shifted during COVID-19 to outdoor gatherings and advocacy work.
• Now operates as a long-term rental space for individuals in need of affordable housing.

Jess also discusses the economic realities of running a cannabis-adjacent business, explaining that:

• 27% of cannabis businesses are profitable, with even lower success rates in Michigan due to price compression.
• The cost of licensing, real estate, and legal compliance is too high for many entrepreneurs.
• She chose community-driven business models to remain sustainable.

Mental Health, Self-Care & Publishing Her BookJess shares her journey with mental health, discussing how she:

• Wrote the book Sis, Your Copper: An Alchemy to Shine to help others navigate challenges.
• Struggled with depression and anxiety, especially after losing her job, gaining weight, and facing personal setbacks.
• Ended up in a psychiatric ward for 10 days after experiencing severe suicidal ideation.

Her book focuses on resilience, self-care rituals, and finding balance in an unpredictable world. She emphasizes the importance of:

• Daily habits like journaling, therapy, and mindfulness.
• Reconnecting with community and personal passions.
• Breaking the stigma around mental health in the cannabis industry.

Minnesota vs. Michigan Cannabis MarketJess breaks down the differences between the two states’ cannabis markets:✔ Minnesota’s “Craft Cannabis” Model:

• Limited large-scale cultivation (Max 15,000 plants per license) vs. Michigan’s high-volume licenses.
• Strict regulations prevent vertical integration, meaning growers can’t own retail stores.
• Low-dose THC beverages are widely available in bars, restaurants, and even salons.

✔ Michigan’s Oversaturated Market:

• Large-scale production has led to price crashes (pounds selling for $300).
• Heavy competition makes it difficult for small businesses to survive.
• Many Black entrepreneurs struggle to gain ownership (only 2% of businesses are Black-owned).

Social Equity, Tribal Cannabis Markets & The Future Jess discusses the impact of social equity programs and tribal sovereignty in cannabis:

• Tribal-owned cannabis businesses have a first-to-market advantage in Minnesota.
• The state is negotiating compacts to allow tribal growers to supply legal dispensaries.
• The importance of partnerships and coalitions to create a more inclusive industry.

She also highlights barriers to entry for social equity applicants, such as:

• Legal battles delaying program rollouts.
• Difficult compliance requirements that favor well-funded corporations.

Consumption Lounges, Cooperative Housing & The Future of Copper House shares her future business vision, which includes:

• Developing cannabis-friendly cooperative housing.
• Creating a farm-based Bud & Breakfast with event spaces for weddings and retreats.
• Advocating for consumption lounges and more public cannabis spaces.

Final Thoughts & The “Ganja Genie” Question If Jess could change one thing about the cannabis industry, she would:

• Increase Black ownership and equity in the market.
• Ensure the communities most harmed by prohibition benefit from legalization.

She ends by shouting out key mentors and partners who have supported her in the industry.

📍 [00:00 - 05:00] – Introduction & Guest Welcome

• Hosts introduce Jess Jackson and her work in cannabis advocacy and social equity.
• How she got involved in cannabis activism and business.

📍 [05:00 - 10:00] – Barriers to Entry in Cannabis

• Jess shares how she entered the industry and the challenges marginalized communities face.
• Discussion on licensing costs, regulations, and stigma.

📍 [10:00 - 15:00] – Founding Copper House

• The origin of Copper House, a cannabis-friendly Bud & Breakfast in Detroit.
• Transition from Airbnb to an event space and community hub.

📍 [15:00 - 20:00] – Shift to Affordable Housing & Community Support

• Copper House evolves into a long-term affordable housing solution.
• Challenges of shared living spaces and rental affordability.

📍 [20:00 - 25:00] – Mental Health & Self-Care

• Jess shares struggles with depression, anxiety, and major life transitions.
• Writing her book "Sis, Your Copper: An Alchemy to Shine" to help others navigate adversity.

📍 [25:00 - 30:00] – Minnesota vs. Michigan Cannabis Markets

• Minnesota’s small-business-focused market vs. Michigan’s oversaturation.
• Price drops, limited cultivation licenses, and industry struggles.

📍 [30:00 - 35:00] – Cannabis Beverages & Stigma Reduction

• Minnesota’s legal cannabis beverage market in bars and restaurants.
• Why beverages help normalize consumption for non-smokers.

📍 [35:00 - 40:00] – Social Equity & Tribal Cannabis Markets

• The impact of tribal cannabis businesses and their agreements with the state.
• Challenges for minority-owned cannabis businesses.

📍 [40:00 - 45:00] – Consumption Lounges & Future Business Plans

• Potential for cannabis consumption lounges in Minnesota.
• Jess’s vision for cooperative cannabis-friendly housing and farm-based retreats.

📍 [45:00 - 50:00] – The "Ganja Genie" Question – Industry Changes

• If Jess could change one thing, she would increase Black ownership in cannabis.
• Discussion on equity, representation, and industry barriers.

📍 [50:00 - 55:00] – Final Thoughts & Shoutouts

In this electrifying episode of MiCannaCast, CannaDave, Groovee, and Summer Sky sit down with Anthony, the dynamic Sales & Marketing Lead at Light Sky Farms! 🎙️🔥🌿 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
✅ The roots of Light Sky Farms – from early industry days to becoming an award-winning brand (🏆 50+ awards!)
✅ Anthony’s wild journey – from the black market hustle to becoming a leader in the legal cannabis space (including a SWAT raid story! 🚔💨)
✅ The evolution of cannabis culture, including insights into the Michigan market, corporate cannabis, and the struggles of maintaining authenticity
✅ Light Sky Farms' legendary products – bubble hash-infused joints, live rosin donuts, high-terpene carts, and exclusive landrace strains
✅ The battle between quality and pricing in the dispensary space 💰 vs. 🌱
✅ An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Light Sky Farms' ultra-clean grow facility 🌱🔬
✅ Marketing strategies, branding challenges, and the future of premium cannabis🚀

Whether you're a cannabis connoisseur, an industry insider, or love a great entrepreneurial story, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and exclusive knowledge! 🌿🎙️🔗 Follow Light Sky Farms: @LightSkyFarms (If you can find them—damn shadowbans! 😆)

🔗 Follow Micannacast for more 🔥 episodes: @micannacast🎧 Listen now & light up with us!

🌲💨Timestamps for Key Moments:

⏱️ 0:00 - 3:00 | Intro & Guest Introduction – Meet Anthony from Light Sky Farms! 🚀
⏱️ 3:01 - 8:30 | Anthony’s Journey in Cannabis – From trapping to legal sales, plus the wild SWAT raid story! 🚔
⏱️ 8:31 - 14:00 | Light Sky Farms’ Rise to Success – Winning 50+ awards & what makes their products stand out 🏆
⏱️ 14:01 - 20:00 | Inside the Grow Facility – The cleanest grow we've seen, R&D strains, and landrace genetics 🌱🔬
⏱️ 20:01 - 25:30 | Secrets of High-Quality Vape Carts – What makes Light Sky Farms’ live resin carts special? 🔥
⏱️ 25:31 - 30:15 | Michigan Cannabis Market Talk – Price wars, the struggle of small brands, & corporate cannabis 💰
⏱️ 30:16 - 36:00 | Infused Joints, Live Rosin Donuts & Hash Culture – The science of solventless & premium extracts 🌿💨
⏱️ 36:01 - 42:00 | CBD & The Entourage Effect – The power of 2:1 THC-CBD strains & medical benefits 🌿🧠
⏱️ 42:01 - 48:30 | Branding & Sales in Cannabis – How to stand out in a saturated market & keep a culture brand alive
⏱️ 48:31 - 54:30 | Challenges in the Industry – Transparency, accountability, & what needs to change 🔎
⏱️ 54:31 - 60:00 | The Future of Light Sky Farms – New product drops, expansion plans, & what’s next 🚀
⏱️ 60:01 - 62:00 | Final Thoughts & Closing – Where to find Light Sky Farms & last words from the crew 🎤

In this in-depth episode, CannaDave and Groovee sit down with Michigan Matt, a seasoned cannabis cultivator and event organizer, to explore his incredible journey in the cannabis industry. From his early days as a caregiver to becoming a leader in Michigan's burgeoning cannabis culture, Matt shares insights, lessons, and stories that both inspire and inform. Key Topics:0:00–10:00 Origins of a Passion for Cannabis

• Matt recalls discovering cannabis in the early 2000s and transitioning to Michigan's medical program in 2008.
• The challenges of learning to grow high-quality cannabis during an era of limited resources.

10:01–25:00 Scaling Up and Becoming a Commercial Grower

• Matt discusses the leap from small caregiver grows to larger commercial operations.
• Navigating the transition while maintaining quality and compliance.

25:01–35:00 Lessons Learned in Leadership and Cultivation

• Reflecting on early failures and how perseverance shaped his success.
• Mentorship and the importance of teaching the next generation of cultivators.

35:01–50:00 Cannabis Culture Events: Bridging Business and Community

• The evolution of his events, from Growers Galas to Halloween-themed celebrations.
• Collaboration over competition and fostering community through shared passion.

50:01–1:10:00 Industry Challenges and Controversies

• Critiques of the overemphasis on THC percentages in marketing.
• Challenges with lab inconsistencies, the lack of federal banking, and the stigma surrounding cannabis.

1:10:01–1:25:00 Vision for Michigan as a Cannabis Leader

• Michigan’s emergence as a leader in cannabis sales and culture.
• The importance of professionalism, innovation, and mentorship in solidifying Michigan’s reputation.

1:25:01–1:31:00 Closing Thoughts

• Gratitude to his team, family, and supporters.
• A call for unity and collaboration to drive the industry forward.

Why Listen? This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the cannabis industry, from home growers to industry professionals. Matt’s candid storytelling, combined with his wealth of experience, offers unique insights into the challenges and rewards of working in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.🌟 

#CannabisCulture #CannabisBusiness #MichiganCannabis #GrowersLife #CannabisEvents