The Corner Office Podcast by AROYA

Cannabis policy is being rewritten in real time, and the next few weeks could reshape the industry far beyond hemp gummies at gas stations. In this episode, Greg Dunaway talks with Jeremy Berke, founder and editor-in-chief of Cultivated, about the hemp ban, Schedule III, and the growing split inside the GOP, and what it all means for operators, investors, and consumers.

Jeremy walks through how the 2018 Farm Bill created a hemp-derived THC market that exploded into Target aisles and convenience stores, why the current funding fight in Washington could shut that market down, and what happens to millions of dollars in inventory if a ban takes effect.

Topics covered:

Why the current hemp definition is so easy to exploit, and why lawmakers are trying to rewrite it. How a one-month delay in the continuing resolution could ripple through THC products, CBD products, and the businesses built around them. Why big cannabis operators might see a short-term win if hemp products disappear, but risk losing the mainstream normalization that helped grow the category. What's really driving the fight inside the Republican Party, from Ted Budd and social conservatives to Trump's more cannabis-friendly posture. And who may be applying pressure behind the scenes, including alcohol and pharma interests whose lobbying power dwarfs cannabis.

Jeremy also breaks down the DEA rescheduling hearings in Arlington, the court dynamics around the five-part medical use test, why cannabis has never quite fit that framework, and why a move to Schedule III followed by a long legal fight remains the most likely path forward, along with what that means for 280E, injunctions, exchange listings, and the MSOs racing to separate medical from recreational revenue before the rules change.

For anyone following cannabis stocks, hemp regulation, or federal policy, this conversation offers one of the clearest reads yet on where the industry stands, and where it's headed next.

A candid conversation exploring the real-world applications and limitations of artificial intelligence in the cannabis cultivation business. With nearly a decade of experience in machine learning and AI, the guest cuts through the noise of industry hype to discuss where AI genuinely delivers value — and where it falls short.

Topics covered include the risks of relying on AI models for precision irrigation and cultivation decisions, the importance of training data quality, and how to vet AI vendors by asking the right questions. The episode also highlights practical wins, including how AI-powered compliance automation reduced a task that once required two and a half full-time employees down to just minutes.

Whether you're a cannabis operator, tech enthusiast, or business owner curious about AI adoption, this episode offers a grounded, experience-driven perspective on separating legitimate AI solutions from empty claims.

In today’s episode of The Corner Office Podcast by AROYA, host Greg Dunaway sits down with Frank Colombo, Managing Director and Director of Data Analytics at Viridian Capital Advisors. As one of the most trusted names in cannabis investment, Frank brings decades of credit research and valuation expertise to help demystify the complex financial landscape of the industry.

Greg and Frank dive into the looming "debt cliff" of 2026, discussing which major operators are successfully navigating refinancing and which face more significant risks. They unpack the controversial strategy of accruing uncertain tax liabilities related to 280E—a move used by many large MSOs to preserve cash flow—and explore Frank’s proprietary credit scoring system that ranks companies based on liquidity, leverage, profitability, and size.

Frank also provides a masterclass in industry risk by comparing the current state of cannabis to the historical cycles of the airline industry, highlighting why consolidation is the key to mitigating brutal price compression. Looking ahead, he shares his bold outlook for 2026 as a potential turnaround year driven by new state markets like Virginia and Pennsylvania, while offering a candid take on the regulatory "Wild West" of the hemp market.

In today’s episode of The Corner Office Podcast by AROYA, host Greg Dunaway sits down with Jeremy Berke, one of the most respected journalists in the industry—formerly of Business Insider and now with Cultivated News. With sources spanning Capitol Hill and deep ties across the sector, Jeremy brings his trademark candor and insight to dissect the volatile intersection of our market and politics.

Greg and Jeremy discuss how presidential rhetoric, particularly from figures like Trump, affects the market and influences industry expectations. They unpack the political dynamics at play—discussing everything from the nuances of rescheduling, partisan divides, and the influence of lobbyists, to the reality of compliance in the wake of high-profile ICE raids. 

Jeremy also highlights what reporters often miss when covering the market, the challenges of testing infrastructure, and how grassroots energy is keeping the industry vibrant, despite federal uncertainty.

In this episode, host Greg Dunaway sits down with Amy Larson, a seasoned leader in cannabis marketing and operations, for a raw and insightful conversation about the state of the industry.

Together, they discuss the realities of market compression, eroding margins, and the painful lessons many brands and operators are facing in today’s cannabis landscape. Drawing from Amy's experience at companies like Tilt and RX Green, you'll hear candid reflections on what it really takes to survive and thrive—hint: it’s not just about chasing the next green rush or hoping for federal reform.

Greg and Amy also unpack the challenges of building authentic brands, surviving the race to the bottom in pricing, and navigating regulatory minefields with limited resources. They share hard-won advice for leaders and marketers, why authenticity and operational discipline matter more than ever, and what it means to be a cannabis advocate in both boardrooms and local communities.

Greg Dunaway and Beau Whitney discuss the decline in profitability. 

If you’re in this business and aren’t waking up to the reality that oversupply is killing your profitability, you are operating on borrowed time. Beau’s data exposes exactly how and why so many are being driven out. If you continue on blindly, you may not survive the next correction. Listen to this podcast right now and make critical adjustments —or join the growing list of failed operators.

00:00 Regulation: Evolving Strategies
03:58 Challenges of Federally Illegal Businesses
08:50 Oregon's Stagnant Market Challenges
12:16 Oversupply Risks for Small Businesses
13:56 Access Limitations
19:28 Federal Reform Needed in State Regulation
21:27 Investment Challenges
24:58 Market Oversupply Challenges
29:20 "National Legalization Stabilizes Market"
31:38 "Discipline and Community in Business"
35:24 Cannabinoid Market Valuation Reevaluation
41:41 Understanding Market Entry Strategies
44:19 Foresight in THC Beverage Trends
46:15 Global Market Analysis & Risk Evaluation

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Host Links:
📲Greg Dunaway, https://www.instagram.com/gregdunaway/
https://maplecreek.consulting

About: Greg Dunaway brings a unique blend of corporate savvy and cannabis industry grit to the mic. After 10 years in PR, marketing, and account management, he took a leap of faith into the cannabis space—leading a startup in Arizona through rapid growth and a successful exit. He then joined Grow Glide as employee #5, helping scale the company 20x, expand internationally, and navigate a high-profile acquisition.

Today, Greg is the founder of Cult Cannabis Co., a premium cultivation company based in Arizona. With clients on three continents and a deep network across the industry, he brings an insider perspective, real-world experience, and a passion for meaningful conversations that move the cannabis space forward.

Guest Links:
📲 Beau Whitney, https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwhitney/
📲 Whitney Economics, https://www.whitneyeconomics.com

‘Office Hours’ is an AROYA by Addium Inc. Podcast //
📲 Produced by Chris Ripley, https://www.instagram.com/_mrripleyc_

In this episode, host Greg Dunaway sits down with Timo Bongartz, co-founder and CEO of Cannavigia—a leading force in bringing transparency and compliance to the global cannabis market, with a special emphasis on Europe. Timo brings an unparalleled perspective, having navigated regulatory and operational challenges across Europe and beyond, including pioneering projects in Switzerland and adapting to complex EU regulations.

In this conversation, Greg and Timo dive into the explosive growth of Germany’s medical cannabis market, the evolving landscape of social clubs and home cultivation, and what it’s really like to attend “Mary Jane,” Berlin’s record-breaking cannabis festival. Timo offers a comprehensive overview of Germany’s two-tiered recreational and medical system, highlights trends shaping the broader EU industry, and explores the challenges and opportunities faced by domestic and international growers.

You’ll also get an insider’s view into the future of cannabis production, the key differences between growing in Europe versus the US, and how Cannavigia is revolutionizing compliance and data-driven decision-making for cultivators worldwide. Whether you’re an operator, investor, or just curious about cannabis in Europe, this episode delivers unique insights and candid analysis straight from one of the industry’s sharpest minds.

In today’s episode, Greg Dunaway sits down with none other than David Cohen—a name that’ll ring a bell for anyone in the cannabis or CEA space. David’s got three decades of experience scaling tech companies around the world. Still, you probably know him best as the guy who turned Fluence Bioengineering from a $15 million company into a $200 million industry giant, ultimately overseeing its massive $272 million sale.

Greg and David cover a ton of ground in this conversation. They get into what it was like for David to step into Fluence right as the “green rush” was taking off, and what it really takes to handle hypergrowth without spinning out of control. There’s some real talk about what makes a business survive in today’s competitive world—spoiler: it’s not just flashy tech, but ruthless efficiency, cost control, and building a brand that matters.

They also dive into where the legal cultivation and CEA industries are at now compared to those gold rush days, what the future could look like (Germany and the global scene included!), and the tech trends that actually make a difference on the ground. 

00:00 "Fluence Opportunity and Acquisition Journey"
03:55 Lighting Industry Rivalry & Acquisition
07:31 "Fluence: Leading Scaled Production"
11:08 CEA Market Insights
14:11 Strategic Scaling in Niche Markets
19:06 Aligning Tech with Customer Needs
21:00 Bridging Tech and Farming Needs
25:01 Europe's Evolving Patient-Driven Market
26:52 Market Growth in Germany
32:14 Podcast Insight: Scaling Indoor and Greenhouse Growing
33:52 Vision and Challenges in CEA Expansion
36:26 "Ruthless Efficiency in Cultivation"
39:50 Industry Consolidation and Efficiency
44:58 Passionate About Global Food Security
46:32 "Appreciation for David's Insights"

Welcome to another episode of AROYA Office Hours Special Edition, where we sit down with the movers and shakers who shape the industry from behind the scenes. 

In today’s episode, hosts Greg Dunaway and Bryan Passman—co-founder and CEO of Hunter Esquire, one of the leading talent acquisition firms in cannabis—pull back the curtain on the real state of hiring, leadership, and culture in the cannabis space.

Bryan shares his unique perspective as an industry insider trusted with sensitive executive decisions, discussing everything from the turbulence of hiring MSOs (Multi-State Operators) to why turnover is such an expensive—and yet common—problem. The conversation covers shifting trends, like the rise in demand for finance and operations leaders, and explores what positions are fading into the background, especially in HR. 

Bryan also delivers candid advice for job seekers, breaks down common hiring mistakes cannabis CEOs make, and shares his hopes for a smoother path forward in this challenging business.

00:00 Effective Executive Search Strategies

04:41 Advisement Challenges: Energizing and Unorthodox

08:13 Rapid Hiring and Turnover Norms

13:12 Finance and Operations Leadership Focus

14:57 HR Cuts Impact Company Culture

19:56 Cultural Shift in Corporate Hiring

23:08 Transparent Recruiting Practices

26:52 Misfit Talent from Top Corporations

29:37 Industry Caution: Choose Stability

31:57 Acquisition Challenges and Leadership Uncertainty

37:47 Accountability and Perseverance

39:57 A Compassionate World for All

41:56 Diversifying Beyond Industry

45:23 Grateful and Enjoyed Our Time

Links:
Bryan Passman
Hunter-Esquire

Greg Dunaway
Maple Creek Consulting

AROYA by Addium

On Office Hours Live Special Edition this week, host Greg Dunaway sits down with trailblazing executive Jamie Pearson. In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Jamie shares her unique journey from a childhood surrounded by cannabis culture to leading industry mainstays like Bang and shaping cross-border expansion strategies at New Holland Group.

00:00 Generosity and  Entrepreneurship

06:23 Forging Cross-Border Business Success

09:23 Market and Price Compression

10:49  Market Challenges

15:21 Investing in Niche Success

17:57 Pre-Revenue Investment Strategy

23:27 Talman Group Pitch Training Partnership

24:38 Companies Enter European Market

29:39 Germany's Pharma-Focused Regulations

34:04 Social Clubs and Hemp Debate

36:07 Montana Licensing Dispute: Liquor vs. Craft Beer

39:17 Join Forces for Legal THC

42:37 Networking in Markets

45:00 Appreciation for Greg