The Ganjapreneur Podcast

In this episode of the Ganjapreneur podcast, host TG Branfalt connects with the multi-talented Ngaio Bealum. Ngaio is a true cannabis renaissance man—comedian, musician, writer, actor, and activist—known for his work as a host of numerous events and shows, including the International Cannabis Business Conference, and the Emerald Cup. In this engaging conversation, Ngaio shares his journey from performer to cannabis advocate, discussing how his background in activism and entertainment has shaped his approach to cannabis education and advocacy, what role entertainment plays in educating the public about cannabis, and more.

Brian Applegarth is the founder of Applegarth Strategies, an agency that operates at the intersection of cannabis and travel. He's also the head of the Cannabis Travel Association, leads the Cannabis and Task Force for the California Travel Association and Destinations International, serves as an industry consultant, and holds a certification as a Ganjier cannabis sommelier—a man of many talents and extensive expertise. In this episode, host TG Branfalt connects with Applegarth to explore the evolving landscape of cannabis tourism, delve into the unique challenges and opportunities within the industry, and revisit how the landscape has transformed since Brian's last visit to the show.

This episode of The Ganjapreneur Podcast features Tara Rosenblum, an investigative reporter for News 12, who has recently released a compelling documentary titled "Cannabis Contest." The documentary offers an in-depth look at the social equity aspects of cannabis licensing in New York City, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of hopeful licensees within the evolving legal landscape -- including another previous guest on the show, Jeremy Rivera. With nearly two decades of investigative reporting experience in the New York City market, Tara explores the community dynamics and the critical issues affecting residents and aspiring entrepreneurs. This episode dives into the complexities of cannabis policy, personal journeys of license applicants, and the broader societal implications as cannabis goes from underground economy to regulated business.

The Ganjapreneur Podcast is back! In this episode, host TG Branfalt welcomes Jeremy Rivera, co-founder and CEO of Terp Bros, a dispensary in Astoria, Queens. Rivera, a beneficiary of New York’s Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) program, shares his journey from the legacy market and facing multiple cannabis convictions to launching his own licensed cannabis business. He goes into detail about the nuances of the CAURD program, the competitive landscape of New York’s cannabis market, and the distinctive approach Terp Bros has taken to distinguish itself amid a sea of dispensaries. He also provides first-hand insight into the entrepreneurial spirit driving New York’s developing legal cannabis industry and the ongoing efforts to rectify past injustices.

For decades, cannabis research in the U.S. was hindered by steep federal requirements, foot-dragging enforcement agencies, and an archaic rule limiting the source of research-grade cannabis to just one cultivator in Mississippi. But thanks to a lawsuit against the DEA by Dr. Sue Sisley MD, a doctor who spent years trying to get federal approval for her study, which sought to investigate the therapeutic effects of cannabis for veterans with PTSD, the path to legitimate cannabis research has never been more clear.

Shane Pennington, the New York-based counsel for Vicente Sederberg LLP, was the attorney who worked pro bono with Dr. Sisley to see that lawsuit to fruition. In this podcast interview, our host TG Branfalt returns to discuss those developments with Shane as well as other significant rulings. Shane also discusses his background and experience from before he joined the cannabis cause, his advice for younger lawyers or law students who are interested in cannabis, and more.

Topics covered in this podcast:

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/legal-issues

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/dea

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/lawsuits

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/justice-department

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/usda

For a full transcript:

www.ganjapreneur.com/shane-pennington-suing-the-dea-to-unlock-cannabis-research/

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From transitioning out of a self-described "boring" career in finance to heading one of the East Coast's biggest multistate operators, to eventually moving to California to focus on team- and brand-building for Lowell Farms, few people have experience in the cannabis industry like George Allen.

In the latest Ganjapreneur.com Podcast interview, George and our host TG Branfalt discuss George's exit from a Wall Street finance career to join the cannabis industry, his time as the President of Acreage Holdings (during which he approached the former Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner about endorsing the cannabis legalization movement), as well as the eventual transition from working for an MSO to joining up with the California-focused Lowell Farms. The interview also covers advice for building a strong team in the cannabis space, the differences between medical and recreational cannabis markets, the importance of being passionate about the industry, and more!

Topics covered in this podcast:

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/california

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/investing

For a full transcript:

https://www.ganjapreneur.com/george-allen-the-importance-of-team-building-in-cannabis-business/

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Joseph Ori is co-founder of Six Labs, a Michigan-based manufacturer of craft cannabis products.

With nearly one million medical cannabis caregivers licensed in the state, Michigan is an often undersung hub of cannabis culture, cultivation, and industry expertise. In a recent interview covering entrepreneurship and the Michigan marketplace, Joseph and our podcast host TG Branfalt discuss the thought process behind Joe's pivot to the cannabis space, his company's scientific approach to cannabis cultivation, and the advantages of working with a versatile team. This interview also covers Six Labs' brand-building process, their prioritization of experience-focused cannabis products, and more!

Topics covered in this podcast:

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/michigan

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/illinois

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/cultivation

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/entrepreneurs

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/licensing

For a full transcript:

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TJ Stouder is the founder and CEO of MyHi, which offers stir STIKs containing water-soluble and fast-acting THC powder designed for a truly convenient and sociable cannabis experience.

As cannabis becomes more and more ubiquitous in social circles and even in public spaces, it's important for new cannabis products to collectively drive the industry's innovation and acceptance by more mainstream audiences. MyHi is especially in tune with that fact as a company and has dedicated a significant portion of its launch and brand identity to centering the conversation about social and convenient cannabis use.

In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com Podcast, our host TG Branfalt connects with MyHi's founder and CEO TJ Stouder to discuss the inspiration behind MyHi's patented stir STIKs, the benefits of being able to add its fast-acting and nano emulsified THC powder to any beverage, and how the product is changing perceptions of social cannabis use and the role cannabis should play in social drinking circles. The pair also discuss emerging cannabis markets and trends around the country, strategies for building a brand in the whirlwind cannabis industry, tips for entrepreneurs who are considering their own cannabis venture, and more!

Topics covered in this podcast:

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/california

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/edibles

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/marketing

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/social-use

For a full transcript:

www.ganjapreneur.com/tj-stouder-reimagining-cannabis-consumption-with-myhi/

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Chris Ray is the general manager for The Tree House, a cannabis dispensary in Anchorage, Alaska. In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com Podcast, Chris joins our host TG Branfalt to discuss the early days of Alaska's cannabis marketplace, Chris' transition from working in cultivation to the retail side of the industry, and strategies for improving foot traffic and the overall cannabis retail experience. The interview also covers unique Alaskan cannabis industry experiences — like flying on commercial airlines while carrying tens of thousands of dollars worth of cannabis products, because sometimes that's the only option — and the benefits of getting to know your customer base on a more personal level.

Topics covered in this podcast:

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/alaska

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/dispensaries

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/retail

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/entrepreneurs

For a full transcript:

https://www.ganjapreneur.com/chris-ray-navigating-change-in-alaskas-cannabis-industry/

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Keith Stephenson is the owner and founder of Purple Heart, the first Black-owned cannabis business to be licensed in the U.S. and the longest-running cannabis dispensary in Oakland, California. During the sweeping social justice protests last year, Purple Heart was hit by a series of burglaries that ultimately crippled the company — Keith is still working to build back his business.

In this podcast interview, our host TG Branfalt asks Keith about entering the cannabis space in the 1990s and launching one of the country's very first licensed cannabis businesses. This interview also covers Oakland's groundbreaking social equity provisions (which were largely based on Keith's suggestions), the early days of cannabis testing, how to achieve longevity in the frequently volatile cannabis space, and more!

Topics covered in this podcast:

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/california

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/entrepreneurs

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/licensing

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/regulations

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/social-equity

www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/taxes

For a full transcript:

www.ganjapreneur.com/keith-stephenson-legacy-and-longevity-in-the-volatile-cannabis-industry/

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