Smells Like Business

On this episode Tom is having a chat with Mike Wise who is a cannabis activist, a film-maker and the owner of OG Labs Genetics, where he sells seeds and his cannabis oil. Mike talks about how he got into cannabis activism and how high THC cannabis oil changed his life.

Mike also tells us how he became friends with Rick Simpson as well as how he acquired the last autograph of the legendary Jack Herer. The episode finishes off discussing what the future of cannabis in Europe should look like, as well as the importance of cannabis activism, especially for those who really need it to live happy and healthy lives. 

Other topics discussed:

• Crohn’s disease and cannabis.
• How did “The Mike Wise Show” come to be?
• The “Illegally Alive” Documentary documentary.
• How did Mike learn how to make RSO or high THC cannabis oil?
• What is high THC cannabis oil, also known as the Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)?
• Why did Mike Wise leave the USA?
• What are the most challenging things about being a cannabis activist?
• What can you do to help legalise cannabis in Europe? 
• Lessons to learn from Colorado’s legalisation process.
• The impact of big pharma and politicians on the cannabis industry.
• The importance of activist organisations, such as Wolne Konopie in Poland, in the fight for legalisation.

Links:*

OG Labs Genetics Website

Mike Wise Show Facebook Page

Instagram: @mikewiseshow

"Illegally Alive" Movie

A Smells Like Business Episode with Natalia Janusz from Wolne Konopie: #8 - A cannabis economist’s view on legalization in Europe

*If you can't open the links through your podcast app, visit our Smells Like Business website!

On this episode Tom is having a chat with John Hedström, a hemp farmer from Sweden with his own brand called Hooly Hemp. John shares his story of moving away from corporate life to one where he is surrounded by nature. He talks about the ups and downs of growing hemp in Sweden and shares everything he has learnt from his own experience through trial and error, making it easier for you to start growing your own hemp.

Other topics discussed:

• How to start growing hemp in Sweden.
• What does an everyday life of a hemp farmer look like?
• Why did John decide to quit his job and set up a hemp farm?
• How did John find the right land to grow hemp on?
• What do you need to know before becoming a hemp farmer?
• How to get the permits to grow hemp in Sweden.
• How important is it to select the right strains to grow?
• What role does the weather play in the life of a hemp farmer?
• What can you produce from Hemp?
• The importance of preparation

Links:*

Hooly Hemp

Instagram: @hoolyhemp

Facebook

*If you can't open the links through your podcast app, visit our Smells Like Business website!

On this episode, Tom is having a chat with Thierry Florit, the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Green Times Brewing, the first CBD beer producer in the UK. Thierry started the company together with his friend Carl Boon. The company was founded in 2018 and they have since managed to create 3 different types of CBD infused beer that are both gluten-free and vegan, including an alcohol-free option. Thierry talks about the origin of their idea, their plans for the future, the importance of being environmentally conscious, and the ins-and-outs of running a business that is a part of two challenging markets - CBD and Alcohol. 

Other topics discussed:

• How long did it take to get from an idea to a finished product?
• Who are Green Times Brewing’s clients and customers?
• Is it hard to market and advertise CBD beer?
• What impact will the EU Novel Food Regulation have on CBD Beer?
• How and where is their CBD beer made?
• Why is Green Times Brewing using Broad-Spectrum CBD instead of CBD isolates?
• How did they manage to collaborate with Northern Monk Brewery?
• How has the company evolved since it's inception?
• What were the biggest challenges they had to overcome?

Links:*

Green Times Brewing

Instagram

Discount code: SUPER CHILLED

Eden Reforestation Projects

*If you can't open the links through your podcast app, visit our Smells Like Business website!

On this episode Tom is having a chat with Joe Oliver, the Director and Co-founder of LDN CBD and a serial entrepreneur. Joe is a recurring guest who we spoke to on our first episode about cannabis sustainability. Joe tells us how he and his friend, Aaron Horn, opened the first CBD shop in London, the obstacles they faced along the way, and what lessons they have learned including Covid-19. He also gives very good advice for anyone who is thinking of opening a CBD store anywhere in Europe and how to succeed in what is now a very saturated CBD market. 

Other topics discussed:

• Why did Joe and Aaron open the first high-street CBD shop?
• Why did LDN CBD get so much media exposure?
• Why did LDN CBD decide to make their own brand of CBD products?
• Should I test my CBD products?
• How difficult is it to start your own CBD brand?
• Why did LDN CBD decide to sell Broad Spectrum CBD, instead of Full Spectrum CBD or CBD Isolates?
• Is it legal to have THC in CBD in the UK?
• Who are their customers?
• What do I need to do to open a retail CBD store?
• What impact does Covid-19 have on CBD retail?
• What are the future plans for LDN CBD?
• How has the CBD market in Europe changed over the years?
• How will the new Novel Food Regulation impact the EU CBD industry?
• How to find the right location for a CBD store? 
• Advice for CBD beginners

Links:*

LDN CBD 

Instagram

Smells Like Business Episode #1 with Joe Oliver from FairCann - How to Build a More Sustainable and Fair Cannabis Industry

Smells Like Business Episode #5 with Craig Henderson from Extract Labs - How Starting a Business With a Clear Mission Can Lead to Success

*If you can't open the links through your podcast app, visit our Smells Like Business website!

On this episode Tom is having a chat with Niels Klintø, the CEO and one of the co-founders of Christiania Bryghus. Christiania Bryghus is a Danish brewery making tasty craft beer using hemp, and is based in Freetown Christiania, a magical place with an independent community in the heart of Copenhagen. Niels tells us how he, together with 3 other founders, came up with the idea to start a brewery, what it’s like to run a business inside Christiania, and how to incorporate hemp into beers. Niels shares an inspirational tale of Christiania Bryghus' challenging, but exciting beginnings. A great entrepreneurial story all together.

Other topics discussed:

• Where did the idea of starting a hemp beer brewery come from?
• How do you start brewing beer?
• How did the founders manage to get an approval from the Christiania community?
• What is it like to run a business inside Christiania?
• What is Christmas beer and why do Danes love it so much?
• How does it feel to become a hot commodity overnight?
• How to deal with high demand and low stock?
• How to use hemp in beer brewing?
• Is it a good idea to brew beer in a bunker?
• Should small breweries outsource some of the processes?
• Is CBD and beer a good mix?

Links:*

Christiania Bryghus

Facebook

Instagram

“Brewing a Community in Christiania” Video
 

*If you can't open the links through your podcast app, visit our Smells Like Business website!

On this episode Tom is having a chat with Jacek Kramarz, Partner and Director Of Business Development at HemPoland, the first privately owned Polish company to obtain a state license allowing it to grow and manufacture hemp in Poland. Jacek shares the story of why the company was formed, how they became pioneers and European leaders in the industry, and what lessons they learned along the way. He also dives into other topics such as the pros and cons to vertical integration, the importance of being organic and sustainable, and how fast R&D can put you ahead of the competition. 

Other topics discussed:

• How did HemPoland manage to acquire growing licenses from local authorities in Poland?
• Why did Maciej Kowalski decide to start HemPoland? 
• What was the thought process behind Jacek's decision to invest into HemPoland?
• How did HemPoland create their dream team?
• Why is HemPoland a vertically integrated company?
• How important is it to test your products in-house?
• Is it necessary for a CBD producer to grow their own hemp?
• What is the role of farmers in the hemp industry?
• Are there any elements of the hemp industry that are not sustainable?
• How did CannabiGold manage to get through to multiple European markets?
• How to achieve consistency in your products?

Links:

Smells Like Business - Copywriting
LinkedIn - Smells Like Business
Instagram - @smellslikebusiness

HemPoland
LinkedIn - HemPoland
CannabiGold UK
CannabiGold Poland

Similar Episodes:
#18 - The Largest Takeover Deal in the Hemp Industry in Europe - Jacek Kramarz from HemPoland
#25 - How Important Is It to Be Transparent in the CBD Industry? - Davina Kaonohi from Element Apothec
#32 - Should You Start Selling CBD Oil in Europe?

On this episode Tom continues his chat with Gonzo, a weed dealer from Bristol. Gonzo shares his thoughts and reasoning behind re-entering the world of illegal weed dealing, and explains his day-to-day operations. We get a peek into who his clients are and where he gets his supplies from. Gonzo also discusses the impact Covid-19 has had on the black market and shares his views on cannabis legalization in the UK. 

To learn more about Gonzo’s past check out Part 1 of our “Confessions of a Weed Dealer” series. 

Important note:
Smells Like Business® is not promoting or advocating any illegal activities.  We strongly advise you to wait until cannabis cultivation becomes legal in your country.

Similar Episodes:
#10 - Confessions of a Weed Dealer (Part 1) - Gonzo from Bristol, UK
#26 - Cooking With Cannabis and Other Psychoactive Ingredients - Noah Tucker from High Cuisine
#53 - Caring With Cannabis and Helping With Hemp - Simon Blackwell

On this episode Tom is having a chat with Gonzo, a weed dealer from Bristol. Gonzo tells us his story of how he entered the world of illegal weed dealing in the UK and why he is still doing it. We share his story because, as strong advocates of cannabis legalization, we believe it is important to understand the lives and views of people who are involved in the cannabis black market in Europe.

On the next episode, Tom and Gonzo will discuss Gonzo’s customers as well as his views on legalising cannabis in Europe.  But first - enjoy the story of Gonzo. And please, do not try this at home!

Important note:
Smells Like Business® is not promoting or advocating any illegal activities.  We strongly advise you to wait until cannabis cultivation becomes legal in your country.

Books mentioned in the episode:

• “The Doors of Perception” by Aldous Huxley (the author of “Brave New World”)
• “Confessions of an English Opium-Eater” by Thomas De Quincey

Similar Episodes:
#11 - Confessions of a Weed Dealer (Part 2) - Gonzo from Bristol, UK
#26 - Cooking With Cannabis and Other Psychoactive Ingredients - Noah Tucker from High Cuisine
#53 - Caring With Cannabis and Helping With Hemp - Simon Blackwell

On this episode Tom is having a chat with Dr. Jokubas Ziburkus, a neuroscientist and entrepreneur turned Chief Innovation Officer at MariMed. Dr. Žiburkus has been merging the world of science and cannabis for years, finding the best products and solutions for both recreational and medical cannabis users. Dr. Žiburkus’ views on how dispensaries of the future will (and should) look like, together with his top-notch advice on how to enter the cannabis industry, make this episode a must for anyone interested in starting a cannabis career.

 Other topics discussed:

• How did Dr. Jokūbas move from science to entrepreneurship?
• Why did Dr. Jokūbas decide to work with cannabis products and start Meditaurus? 
• What does it mean to be a Chief Innovation Officer at a company like MariMed?
• What do cannabis dispensaries look like now?
• What should the role of a budtender or a dispensary employee be?
• Should we approach cannabis like we approach wine?
• How hard is it to get a cannabis license?
• How will dispensaries of the future look like?
• How will cannabis be categorised and sold?
• Is the “sativa and indica” system outdated?
• Will regionality be a thing in the cannabis world?
• Should Luxembourg introduce an upper THC limit when they fully legalise cannabis?
• Do we need an age limit for cannabis consumption?
• What is a social consumption lounge?
• Should Europe import cannabis or grow its own?
• What lessons can we learn from the Covid-19 pandemic?
• How will the dispensaries look like in Europe?
• Is cannabis legal in Lithuania?
• What do you have to do to become a cannapreneur?

Links:
Smells Like Business - Copywriting
LinkedIn - Smells Like Business
Instagram - @smellslikebusiness

Marimed
TedTalk - Presentation on Epilepsy and Cannabis

Similar Episodes:
#28 - Taking the Pain Out of Growing Pains - Claire Poulos and Kyle Findley-Meier from Sky Colony Consulting
#44 - What Is the Endocannabinoid System? - Dr. Jokūbas Žiburkus from Adendox
#50 - What Are 420 Hotels? - Chris Chiari from 420 Hotels Inc.

On this episode Tom is having a chat with Natalia Janusz, a cannabis economist and activist based in Poland. Natalia has been fighting for the legalization of cannabis for years through her work at Wolne Konopie, her political engagements and her research. Natalia shares her views on the current and future state of cannabis in Europe as well as the economic and social benefits of cannabis legalization.

Other topics discusses:

• How did Natalia end up becoming a cannabis economist?
• What is Wolne Konopie?
• What is happening in Europe right now in regards to cannabis legalization? 
• What countries are leading the cannabis reform?
• What are the EU laws on the allowed amount of THC in hemp?
• How will legalization of cannabis look like in Europe?
• What are the positive and negative consequences of legalizing cannabis?
• Is legalizing cannabis protecting or endangering children and teenagers?
• What are the current cannabis market trends in Europe?
• Is the cannabis market in Europe saturated?
• How to enter the cannabis industry as a beginner?
• Why is Europe taking this long to legalize?
• What is the relationship between the coronavirus crisis and cannabis prohibition?

Links:
Smells Like Business - Copywriting
LinkedIn - Smells Like Business
Instagram - @smellslikebusiness

LinkedIn - Idea Listka
Facebook - Idea Listka

Wolne Konopie

Similar Episodes:
#12 - From Polish Pioneer to European Leader - Jacek Kramarz from HemPoland
#27 - 7 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Start a Cannabusiness in Europe
#51 - Transparency and Traceability in the European Cannabis Industry - Luc Richner from Cannavigia