Plant Prophets

Metrc has been proclaimed the Backbone of Legal Cannabis, boasting the world's most robust regulatory supply chain technology system. We're joined by the CTO of Metrc, Sam Peterson. Peterson brings more than 25 years of experience in technology leadership and has an extensive background in executing SaaS growth strategies and software and product development. Before joining Metrc, he served as CTO at Boats Group, a Florida-based advertising and software company for the marine industry. 

In that role, Peterson led a global team of engineers and technology professionals to deliver a world-class shopping experience and big data insights to the recreational boating industry. Prior to that, he served as CTO at both Overstock and Open English, where he led their technology teams to drive the enhancement and development of the company's respective software.

C3 Industries with CEO and co-founder Ankur Rungta today on Plant Prophets with Vern Davis only on Cannabis Radio. Ankur Rungta is co-founder and CEO of C3 Industries. Ankur brings years of experience as a corporate attorney and investment banker to the company, with a specific focus on corporate finance, real estate, media, and cannabis. Together with his co-founders, Vishal Rungta and Joel Ruggiero, Ankur’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for producing high-end, quality cannabis products have led C3 Industries to be one of the leading cannabis brands in Michigan and Oregon.

Lifted Made is a premier producer of innovative hemp-CBD products known for cutting-edge aesthetics and packaging and wide-ranging appeal. It’s a rapidly expanding company that has managed to retain its personal, small business ethos, as its products are crafted in small batches from hemp grown locally by Midwestern farms. We expand on that distinction about being a small business and Midwestern grown.

Benzinga recently reported that “Cannabis is the botanical gift that keeps on giving. A veritable plant powerhouse, cannabis is packed with more than 500 different compounds, at least 100 of which are cannabinoids. Anyone who hasn’t been living under a rock for the past two years is likely acquainted with the major cannabinoids, THC, and CBD.

Vern Davis welcomes MJBizDaily founding editor Chris Walsh. Since 2011, MJBizDaily has been the most trusted business (B2B) news source for the cannabis industry in the US and Canada.

Exclusively written by professional journalists, we serve the information needs of large-scale cultivators, processors, testing labs, infused product makers, financial services, major investors, dispensaries and recreational retailers, and the related businesses that serve them.

They also produce MJBizCon – the multiple award-winning trade show and expo for cannabis professionals, held annually in Las Vegas and online. MJBizDaily is headquartered in the Denver, Colorado area with editorial staff nationwide.

Chris served as the founding editor of Marijuana Business Daily during the company’s launch in 2011, becoming the first journalist in the United States to focus exclusively on covering the business of cannabis. He now oversees the company’s day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives. Chris has been quoted as one of America’s foremost cannabis industry analysts by dozens of media outlets, including Harvard Business Review, NPR, CNBC, and the New York Times. He earned an MBA in international business from Regis University.

Lisa is the President of Happi, the first THC-infused beverage to launch in the state of Michigan, which she co-founded and leads with her partner Joe Reynolds. Happi’s all-natural sparkling water beverages are made with simple ingredients and organic fruit, they are vegan and have just 15-25 calories. Designed for the canna-curious woman, Happi combines Lisa’s passion for microdose products and her desire to help more women see cannabis as an alternative to pharmaceuticals and alcohol.

Prior to Happi, Lisa was the Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Grassroots Cannabis, a multi-state operator based in Illinois. At Grassroots, Lisa built the marketing function across Grassroots vertical operation in 12 states, developed the product innovation pipeline, and the retail vision, and launched 4 brands in under 2 years. Lisa’s role went beyond marketing as she architected the company’s data & analytics platform and infrastructure, designed the packaging supply chain, and launched numerous new product innovations prior to Grassroots’ sale to Curaleaf in July 2020 for $830MM.

In the rapidly evolving cannabis industry, effective public relations (PR) is crucial for businesses to navigate the complex landscape and establish a strong brand presence. PR firms play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of cannabis programs and ensuring that clients from various sectors of the industry are seen in a positive light. 

In this thought-provoking interview, we had the pleasure of speaking with Jordan Isenstadt, Senior VP at Marino PR, a leading PR firm in New York. Jordan shared his insights on the challenges and opportunities of PR in the cannabis industry, as well as the importance of destigmatization and normalization. Let's dive into the key themes discussed and explore their implications for the future of the cannabis industry.

One of the main challenges faced by the cannabis industry is the negative perception and stigma associated with cannabis use. Jordan emphasized the importance of humanizing cannabis brands to counter these stereotypes and showcase the human-driven nature of the industry.

Alex Boone, the Managing Director at Botani, joins Vern Davis on Plant Prophets to discuss how rolling paper brands can develop new product lines and compete in the cannabis industry. Botani, a subsidiary of SWM International, leverages its 400 years of experience in paper making to create sustainable and innovative rolling paper products for the cannabis market. 

By listening to the voice of the customer and staying ahead of market trends, Botani aims to provide brands with unique and visually appealing rolling paper options that complement their products. Alex also shares insights into the challenges of building a business within a large corporation, the importance of talent acquisition, and the impact of industry regulations on growth.

Botani, a subsidiary of SWM International, was created with the vision of leveraging their parent company's 400 years of experience in paper making to bring a unique voice to the cannabis industry. Unlike other brands, Botani focuses on serving as a business-to-business (B2B) supplier, providing the necessary components and accessories for cannabis brands to bring their products to market.

Sarah Patel, CEO and founder of Kelia, joins us to discuss her journey in the cannabis industry and the creation of her cannabis beverage brand. Sarah shares how her personal experience with anxiety led her to develop a product that combines the benefits of cannabis with the socialization of a beverage. She explains that her non-carbonated beverages are designed to appeal to women and promote a healthier lifestyle. Sarah also discusses the challenges of launching a new product in the cannabis market and the importance of education and diversity in the industry.

Sarah's passion for cannabis began in her teenage years when she found comfort and calmness in the plant. After taking a break during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she rediscovered the benefits of cannabis for anxiety relief. This realization sparked an idea to create a beverage that could capture the calming effects of cannabis for other women. Choosing to focus on beverages was a strategic decision for Sarah. She recognized that many people were curious about cannabis but didn't want to smoke it. By creating a beverage, she could provide an alternative consumption method that would be more accessible and socially acceptable.

Sarah Patel, CEO and founder of Kelia, joins us to discuss her journey in the cannabis industry and the creation of her cannabis beverage brand. Sarah shares how her personal experience with anxiety led her to develop a product that combines the benefits of cannabis with the socialization of a beverage. She explains that her non-carbonated beverages are designed to appeal to women and promote a healthier lifestyle. Sarah also discusses the challenges of launching a new product in the cannabis market and the importance of education and diversity in the industry.

Sarah's passion for cannabis began in her teenage years when she found comfort and calmness in the plant. After taking a break during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she rediscovered the benefits of cannabis for anxiety relief. This realization sparked an idea to create a beverage that could capture the calming effects of cannabis for other women. Choosing to focus on beverages was a strategic decision for Sarah. She recognized that many people were curious about cannabis but didn't want to smoke it. By creating a beverage, she could provide an alternative consumption method that would be more accessible and socially acceptable.

Eric Block, the Chief Revenue Officer at Wana Brands, discusses the success and mission of the company. Wana Brands is focused on serving the community and creating high-quality, innovative cannabis products. Eric emphasizes the importance of passion, adaptability, and hard work in the cannabis industry. He also highlights the company's commitment to education and responsible packaging. Wana Brands is constantly innovating and expanding its product portfolio to meet the diverse needs of consumers.

Eric Block is the Chief Revenue Officer at Wana Brands, the top gummy business in North America. With a background in technology and international management, Eric brings a unique perspective to the cannabis industry. He is passionate about serving the community and creating innovative products that enhance people's lives.