Plant Prophets

David Miller, Chief Strategy Officer at Flow Gardens, joins host Vern Davis to discuss the challenges and opportunities of operating a cannabis business in Tennessee. They also delve into the current state of cannabis legislation, including the potential rescheduling of marijuana and the impact of the Farm Bill. David shares insights into the brand-building strategies of Flow Gardens, emphasizing the importance of customer service and quality assurance. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the growing trend of cannabis-infused beverages and their potential in the market.

Seth Yakatan, co-founder and partner of Yakatan Associates International, shares his journey into the cannabis industry and why he is passionate about working with early-stage startup businesses. He discusses the importance of innovation and the potential for growth in the cannabis sector. Seth also provides insights into the current state of the industry and his optimism for the future, highlighting the need for regulatory changes and the potential for significant investment opportunities.

Kris Krane, the Director of Cannabis Development at KCSA Strategic Communications, shares his journey in the cannabis industry and discusses the challenges faced by social equity licensees. He emphasizes the importance of making banking and traditional lending available to these licensees to ensure their success. Kris also highlights the impact of 280E, a tax code that prevents cannabis businesses from deducting standard business expenses, and the need for states to ease the tax burden on these businesses. He concludes by discussing the role of KCSA in providing public relations and investor relations services to cannabis companies.

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Bill Panagiotakopoulos, CEO of Safe Supply, and Ronan Levy, President of Safe Supply. Safe Supply is a pioneering company that invests in the legal and regulated supply of drugs that were traditionally only accessible through illicit markets. In this thought-provoking conversation, we delve into the complexities of the drug ecosystem, the need for policy reform, and the potential impact of Safe Supply's innovative approach to investing in drugs.

Rob Sechrist discusses the recent achievements of Polaris Equity Group and the Polaris Fund, including obtaining the highest credit rating ever issued in the cannabis industry and completing the first securitization in the sector. He also shares his insights on the potential rescheduling of cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug and the impact it could have on the industry. Sechrist believes that the Biden administration wants this to happen by next year to gain political support. He also mentions the possibility of the Safe Banking Act being passed in 2024, as there are indications that there are enough votes in the Senate to support it.

Banking challenges faced by the cannabis industry are an extremely important topic especially with how much the cannabis industry is growing. To better understand this we sat down with Jontae James, The Cannabis Banker at Greenbax Marketplace. Jontae explains how working with influential individuals, including athletes and entertainers can help with financial literacy programs in disadvantaged communities.

Aaron Nosbisch shares his entrepreneurial journey, from starting a clothing company in his teens to co-founding Lucid, the largest cannabis social advertising agency. He discusses how he cracked the code for advertising cannabis products on platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Aaron also talks about his latest venture, Breeze, a unique cannabis and mushroom-infused beverage that aims to provide a fun and social experience without the negative effects of alcohol.

Harrison Bard, co-founder of Custom Cones USA, joins host Vern Davis to discuss the future of the pre-roll industry and the importance of compliance in the cannabis space. They explore the growing popularity of pre-rolls among recreational consumers and the potential for cannabis beverages to become a significant segment of the market. Harrison also shares insights into Custom Cones USA's commitment to sustainability and their efforts to educate and support their customers in the pre-roll manufacturing business.

David Sandelman, the co-founder of VT Dry and Cure Technologies and the creator of Cantrol systems, shares his journey in the HVAC industry and how he stumbled upon the idea of using his technology for drying and curing cannabis. He explains the importance of maintaining a specific water activity level in cannabis flowers to prevent mold and microbial growth. David discusses how Cantrol systems work and how they can be used for both home and commercial purposes. He also highlights the benefits of using Cantrol systems, such as preserving the quality and characteristics of cannabis flowers and reducing labor and guesswork in the drying and curing process.

A foundation in civil rights and racial justice has shaped our guest's approach to her work in the cannabis industry, where she sees a clear connection between equity and the pursuit of justice. In today's episode, we have a special guest, Shahiedah Shabazz, the Executive Director of the International Cannabis Bar Association (Incba). 

Shahiedah brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, with a background in law and a passion for social equity in the cannabis industry. In this thought-provoking conversation, we delve into the mission of Incba, the challenges facing the industry, and the steps being taken to improve diversity and standardize practices. Join us as we explore the exciting world of cannabis law and its potential for growth and change.