Most cannabis companies in the global supply chain aren't failing because of regulation — they're failing because they're running businesses like magpies. Chasing whatever's shiny. No strategy.

In this episode of the Cannabis Accounting Podcast, host Raymond Guns sits down with Atiyyah Ferouz, founder and CEO of AgCann Consultancy and one of the most globally connected compliance experts in the cannabis industry, to break down what really happens when producers try to move cannabis across borders — and why chasing the "export" buzzword is quietly bankrupting small operators.

Atiyyah has been in cannabis since Canada's 2018 legalization, starting as a tissue culture lab manager, scaling up to run a million-square-foot greenhouse, and then launching AgCann in 2020 with just $10,000 in the bank. Today she runs five cannabis businesses across three continents, is a certified pharmaceutical GMP professional, and has advised producers in emerging markets from Thailand to Colombia to Germany.

Atiyyah talks about:

🌍 Why your domestic price is often higher than what you'd get in Europe or Australia — and why most operators don't find out until it's too late

⚠️ The "Can I buy a GMP?" problem: Operators hear buzzwords like GMP, Germany, and export and chase them without understanding what any of it actually means. Small cultivators producing 200 kilos a year do not need to go GMP — and trying to will break them.

💸 The cash flow trap nobody warns you about: European payment terms are 60 to 90 days. A million dollars of flower can sit locked up for three months before you see a dime — and one buyer going bankrupt can take your company down with them.

✨What "magpie management" actually looks like — absorbing 15 parts of the supply chain, chasing every buzzword, and never building the strategy to sustain any of it

🚩 What has her concerned (Germany moving compliance goalposts mid-shipment) and genuinely excited (France, emerging markets, new primary producers coming online)

The global cannabis supply chain is still being built — and it'll probably take 30 to 40 years to fully mature. But the operators who survive this phase will be the ones who stop chasing trends, build real partnerships, and respect the fundamentals.

Subscribe for honest conversations about the business, legal, and financial side of cannabis every week. 🌱

👉 Connect with Atiyyah Ferouz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atiyyahferouz/

In this episode of the Cannabis Accounting Podcast, host Raymond Guns sits down with Jim Ickes, Partner at Frantz Ward and one of the most experienced cannabis and hemp attorneys in the country, to break down the legal and financial reality facing the hemp beverage industry right now — and why the longer arc still points toward normalization.

Jim has been practicing law for 26 years, working in cannabis for a decade, and has advised everyone from Ohio operators to the Greek Ministry of Agriculture on medical cannabis frameworks. Since 2023, hemp beverages have been his primary focus — which means he had a front-row seat to both the boom and the regulatory gut punch that followed.

Jim breaks down:

🍺 Why hemp beverages took off: Low-dose THC gave millions of people a friendlier way to enjoy cannabis without the paranoia. Five milligrams was the sweet spot — and the industry grew fast because of it.

⚖️ The law nobody saw coming: In November 2025, a 0.4 milligram THC cap was quietly attached to a must-pass government funding bill. Businesses that had spent hundreds of thousands building hemp brands woke up to a completely different market overnight.

🗺️ What is happening state by state: Minnesota and Texas are building their own programs. Ohio is already pulling products off shelves. The market is shifting fast — and mostly heading south.

💰 The 280E problem nobody is talking about: If a hemp product crosses the federal THC limit it could be treated the same as marijuana — bringing the same crushing tax rules that have hurt cannabis operators for years.

The hemp beverage category took a hit, but the industry has absorbed worse. Jim's been in this long enough to know the difference between a setback and an ending — and this isn't an ending.

Subscribe for honest conversations about the business, legal, and financial side of cannabis every week. 🌱

👉 Connect with Jim Ickes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-ickes-839a1113/

👉 Finance professionals looking to get into cannabis accounting, check out our free training here: https://go.dopecfo.com/specialized-cfo-vsl?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=specialized-cfo&utm_term=people+are+your+profits&utm_content=real+cost+bad+cannabis+hire

👉 Cannabis business owners looking for specialized accounting solutions, check out DOPE CFO here: https://www.dopecfo.us/

In this episode of the Cannabis Accounting Podcast, host Raymond Guns sits down with Stephanie Pow, founder of Emerald Lane Recruitment. Stephanie has one simple belief — your people are the reason your business wins or loses. Everything else comes second.

She has worked across 12 global cannabis markets for seven years. She has seen companies rise and fall. And she keeps seeing the same mistakes over and over again.

Stephanie talks about:

🌱 Lean teams are the new normal: The days of big departments and unlimited staff are gone. Today's cannabis companies need people who can do many jobs and learn fast. Is your team built for that?

🌍 Why cannabis keeps losing good talent: There is a gap between how the industry sees itself and how the outside world sees it. That gap is costing cannabis companies some of their best potential hires.

💰 Why new markets keep making the same hiring mistakes: Stephanie shares a story about a cannabis company that trusted the wrong person — and nearly lost everything because of it.

🤝 What a good recruiter actually does for you: It's not just about finding people. A great recruiting partner brings you market data, salary ranges, and honest feedback you simply can't get on your own.

This episode is for cannabis operators and investors who want to stop treating hiring as an afterthought.

Subscribe for deep dives on cannabis business, accounting, regs, and growth! 🔥

👉 Connect with Stephanie Pow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniepow-globalcannabisrecruiter/

👉 Finance professionals looking to get into cannabis accounting, check out our free training here: https://go.dopecfo.com/specialized-cfo-vsl?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=specialized-cfo&utm_term=inside+the+uk+cannabis+system&utm_content=europes+next+big+cannabis+market

👉 Cannabis business owners looking for specialized accounting solutions, check out DOPE CFO here: https://www.dopecfo.us/

In this episode of the Cannabis Accounting Podcast, host Raymond Guns sits down with Robert Jappie, Partner at Field Fisher and the lawyer who set up the UK's first dedicated cannabis regulatory department, to pull back the curtain on how one of the world's most closely watched medical cannabis markets actually works.

Robert has spent seven years advising cannabis companies at every stage of the UK supply chain — from cultivators and importers to pharmacies and clinics — making him one of Europe's most sought-after voices on cannabis regulation and compliance.

Robert talks about:

🏛️ The law that wasn't built for business: Legalization in 2018 was driven by mothers of epileptic children having their cannabis oils seized at the UK border — but the government's goal was compassion, not commerce, leaving operators to fight a restrictive environment for years.

📊 The 1.8 million patient gap: Only 100,000 legal patients after seven years, while 1.4–1.8 million people still self-medicate from the illicit market.

💼 Why capital is flowing back into European cannabis and what to expect for clinic M&A and IPOs through 2026 and 2027.

This episode is a must-watch for cannabis investors, operators, and finance professionals who want to understand how a market actually gets built from the inside out — the regulatory constraints, the supply chain economics, and the opportunity that still lies ahead.

Subscribe for deep dives on cannabis business, accounting, regs, and growth! 🔥

👉 Connect with Robert Jappie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-jappie-life-sciences-cannabis-food-agri-tech/

👉 Finance professionals looking to get into cannabis accounting, check out our free training here: https://go.dopecfo.com/specialized-cfo-vsl

👉 Cannabis business owners looking for specialized accounting solutions, check out DOPE CFO here: https://www.dopecfo.us/
In this episode of the Cannabis Accounting Podcast, host Raymond Guns sits down with Heidi Whitman, global cannabis consultant and co-founder of EmpowHer Cannabis Society, to dive into the evolving cannabis industry and what it takes to succeed in this competitive space. Heidi shares her journey from running a successful animal care business to becoming a global leader in cannabis strategy. With years of experience in both human and animal wellness, Heidi brings a unique perspective on building ethical, sustainable businesses in the cannabis world.
Heidi opens up about:
🔬 The heartbreaking reality: UK children with epilepsy—whose parent advocates sparked the medical cannabis movement—still denied NHS access, forced to buy illegally.
🌍 Evolving global supply chains: From Canadian imports to EU-GMP compliant trade with Thailand, Morocco, and regional UK grows.
⚖️ Regulatory musts: Why track-and-trace, governance, and ditching corner-cutting (faked COAs) are non-negotiable for longevity.
💪 Women's empowerment: Building the largest female-led cannabis network and championing underserved women's health trials.
📈 Long-term mindset: Rejecting "scale-and-sell" flips for ethical partnerships, subtle products (soft gels over flower), and normalization for everyday users.
This episode is a must-watch for cannabis entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals looking to gain actionable insights from a seasoned industry expert. Heidi’s stories and advice will inspire you to think bigger, act smarter, and build a lasting impact in the cannabis space.
Subscribe for deep dives on cannabis business, accounting, regs, and growth! 🔥
👉 EmpowHer Cannabis Society: https://empowhersociety.world/
📧 Heidi Whitman: https://heidi-whitman.com/

👉 Finance professionals looking to get into cannabis accounting, check out our free training here: https://go.dopecfo.com/specialized-cfo-yt

👉 Cannabis business owners looking for specialized accounting solutions, check out DOPE CFO here: https://www.dopecfo.us/
In this episode of the Cannabis Accounting Podcast, Andrew Hunzicker, founder of DOPE CFO, recaps the biggest cannabis industry news from March 2026.
Listen to learn about:
✅ The impact of rescheduling cannabis on federally funded medical research
✅ Federal rescheduling of cannabis: How moving to Schedule III will open doors to research, better regulations, and skyrocketing profits for cannabis businesses
✅ The battle between hemp and cannabis: Why THC products are dominating the market and what this means for operators and consumers
✅ Preparing for growth: How to position your business for mergers, acquisitions, and exits with clean books, strong controls, and audit-ready systems
Articles mentioned in the episode:
- https://www.marijuanamoment.net/marijuana-and-hemp-leaders-have-found-agreement-on-many-significant-policy-issues-op-ed/
- https://www.marijuanamoment.net/texas-officials-unveil-amended-hemp-rules-with-strict-total-thc-limits-but-lower-licensing-fee-than-previously-floated/
- https://themarijuanaherald.com/2026/03/tennessee-house-majority-leader-says-federal-rescheduling-could-help-open-door-to-medical-marijuana-legalization/
- https://themarijuanaherald.com/2026/03/georgia-lawmakers-introduce-resolution-urging-marijuana-rescheduling-to-schedule-iii/
- https://mjbizdaily.com/the-hardest-job-in-cannabis-and-the-most-lucrative-is-in-cultivation/614855/
- https://mjbizdaily.com/news/new-york-cannabis-sales-on-pace-to-beat-california-regulators-say/614850/
- https://themarijuanaherald.com/2026/03/trump-cannabis-descheduling/
- https://www.marijuanamoment.net/marijuana-businesses-cant-force-court-to-do-imaginary-rescheduling-review-to-exempt-them-from-280e-tax-irs-says/
- https://hightimes.com/news/politics/the-fda-is-done-ignoring-cbd-its-free-ride-may-be-over/
- https://www.marijuanamoment.net/alcohol-and-tobacco-are-more-damaging-to-users-and-society-than-marijuana-is-government-funded-study-concludes/
- https://www.marijuanamoment.net/federal-cbd-health-insurance-plan-will-reportedly-allow-thc-amount-far-exceeding-hemp-limit-signed-by-trump/
- https://themarijuanaherald.com/2026/03/whitney-economics-marijuana/
- https://mjbizdaily.com/georgia-poised-to-add-more-cannabis-permits-under-mmj-expansion/615130/
- https://ganjapreneur.com/kentucky-senate-proposal-would-expand-thc-beverage-sales-to-bars-restaurants/
- https://www.marijuanamoment.net/texas-voters-approve-marijuana-legalization-ballot-measure/
- https://www.marijuanamoment.net/florida-voters-support-marijuana-legalization-new-poll-shows-as-state-officials-defend-invalidation-of-ballot-signatures/
- https://x.com/thedalesreport/status/2034242708844519484
- https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/top-stories/news/15819180/2026-is-the-year-cannabis-operators-build-for-exit-even-if-theyre-not-selling-yet
- https://ganjapreneur.com/virginia-legislature-passes-cannabis-sales-bill/
- https://ganjapreneur.com/texas-ban-on-smokable-hemp-products-takes-effect-march-31/
- https://mjbizdaily.com/colorado-cannabis-retail-chain-purchase-signals-ma-shift/614866/

👉 Finance professionals looking to get into cannabis accounting, check out our free training here: https://go.dopecfo.com/specialized-cfo-vsl

👉 Cannabis business owners looking for specialized accounting solutions, check out DOPE CFO here: https://www.dopecfo.us/

In this episode of the Cannabis Accounting Podcast, host Raymond Guns sits down with Hirsh Jain, founder of Ananda Strategies, to explore the global cannabis market and the strategies businesses need to thrive in this evolving industry. Hirsh shares his journey from being arrested for cannabis in high school to becoming a Harvard-educated leader in cannabis policy and business strategy. With experience at McKinsey, Airbnb, and now Ananda Strategies, Hirsh offers a unique perspective on solving complex challenges in the cannabis space.

Watch to learn:

✅ How Germany’s medical cannabis program is setting a global standard and what the U.S. can learn from it
✅ Why Canada dominates the global cannabis export market and how U.S. businesses can compete
✅ The role of social clubs in Germany’s adult-use cannabis rollout and what it means for legalization
✅ Actionable strategies for cannabis operators to navigate licensing, compliance, and market expansion

👉 Finance professionals looking to get into cannabis accounting, check out our free training here: https://go.dopecfo.com/specialized-cfo-vsl

👉 Cannabis business owners looking for specialized accounting solutions, check out DOPE CFO here: https://www.dopecfo.us/

In this episode of the Cannabis Accounting Podcast, host Raymond Guns sits down with Samuel Fisher, co-founder of Green Dispensary Marketing, to discuss the unique challenges of marketing in the cannabis industry and how businesses can overcome them to drive growth and profitability. Samuel shares his journey from teaching history to becoming a marketing expert, helping dispensaries and cannabis brands navigate the complexities of compliance and visibility in a highly regulated market.

Watch to learn:

✅ Why traditional marketing strategies don’t work for cannabis businesses and how to adapt

✅ How to use SEO and local visibility to drive dispensary traffic and sales

✅ The impact of Schedule 3 rescheduling on cannabis marketing and what it means for the future

✅ Tips for tracking ROI and building sustainable marketing strategies that deliver results

👉 Finance professionals looking to get into cannabis accounting, check out our free training here: https://go.dopecfo.com/specialized-cfo-vsl
👉 Cannabis business owners looking for specialized accounting solutions, check out DOPE CFO here: https://www.dopecfo.us/
In this episode of the Cannabis Accounting Podcast, host Raymond Guns talks with Kenya Alexander, Marketing and Partnerships Lead at NECANN, about the vital role of community in the cannabis industry and how it drives success for businesses and individuals alike.
Watch to learn:
✅ How to leverage community connections to grow your cannabis business
✅ Why regional events are key to building meaningful relationships in the industry
✅ The importance of advocacy and staying informed about local regulations
✅ Tips for building deeper, more impactful professional relationships

👉 Finance professionals looking to get into cannabis accounting, check out our free training here: https://go.dopecfo.com/specialized-cfo-yt
👉 Cannabis business owners looking for specialized accounting solutions, check out DOPE CFO here: https://www.dopecfo.us/
In this episode of the Cannabis Accounting Podcast, Andrew Hunzicker, founder of DOPE CFO, recaps the biggest cannabis industry news from February 2026. Covering everything from federal rescheduling to state-level legalization efforts, Andrew breaks down the most important stories that shaped the cannabis and hemp industries last month.
Listen to learn:
✅ The latest on cannabis rescheduling to Schedule 3 and its potential impact on 280E taxes
✅ Updates on state-level legalization efforts in Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Virginia
✅ The ongoing debate around the hemp-derived THC ban and lobbying efforts to delay it
✅ Why 8 out of 10 Americans support cannabis access and what it means for politicians
Articles mentioned in this episode:
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/florida-attorney-general-withdraws-supreme-court-marijuana-review-request-after-state-says-campaign-fell-short-on-signatures/
https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/cannabis-rescheduling/news/15816461/the-rescheduling-of-marijuana-is-not-happening-any-time-soon-opinion
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/09/new-york-times-editorial-board-marijuana-legalization-00772213
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-farm-bill-released-by-gop-committee-chair-aims-to-reduce-hemp-industry-regulatory-burdens/
https://cannabis.net/blog/opinion/schedule-iii-was-always-a-trap-us-congressman-finally-says-the-quiet-truth-out-loud
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/marijuana-legalization-is-on-the-ballot-in-texas-during-the-primary-election-thats-happening-now/
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/gop-congressman-and-kentucky-agriculture-commissioner-urge-mcconnell-to-support-delaying-hemp-thc-ban
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/cannabis-infused-drinks-offer-consumers-a-harm-reduction-alternative-to-alcohol-study-shows
https://ganjapreneur.com/cannabis-legalization-bill-expected-soon-in-west-virginia/
https://ganjapreneur.com/pennsylvania-gov-again-calls-for-adult-use-cannabis-legalization-in-executive-budget/
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/virginia-house-lawmakers-amend-senate-passed-marijuana-sales-bill-setting-stage-for-bicameral-negotiations/
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/legalizing-marijuana-in-pennsylvania-would-generate-almost-half-a-billion-dollars-in-revenue-by-2028-under-governors-plan-state-analysis-finds/
https://ganjapreneur.com/state-of-the-market-2026-navigating-the-new-cannabis-landscape/