In this episode of The Hoban Minute, Bob and Xavier discuss how the first 6 months of 2023 have gone for the cannabis industry. From new marijuana markets in the US to legalization abroad, Bob and Xavier cover the hottest topics of 2023 so far and put on their wizard hats to predict what might happen on the back half of 2023. Hint - SAFE Banking probably isn't it.

Tune in for a recap of the year to date and to hear what Xavier and Bob think comes next!

In this episode of The Hoban Minute Bob and Xavier hop on Zoom for a chat with Kevin Schultz, Co-Founder and President of 357 Company, a leading global logistics provider serving the cannabis industry. The three discuss Kevin’s journey into cannabis and the opportunity he saw that led to the creation of 357 Company; along with covering some of the challenges and opportunities around the domestic and international cannabis logistics industry. Tune in to learn more about moving legal cannabis products around the world!

In this episode of THM, Xavier and Bob are joined by Bryan Passman, co-founder and head "hunter" of Hunter + Esquire, a boutique cannabis recruiting and staffing firm that also provides human capital advisement services. Tune in to hear Xavier, Bryan and Bob discuss Bryan's journey in cannabis to date, the state of the cannabis industry job market, how individuals with non-cannabis experience can jump into the industry, how cannabis compensation has normalized - but still has a way to go, and, finally, Bryan's experience founding Hunter + Esquire with his wife, Jessica. c

In another exclusive interview straight from the NOCO 9 trade show in Colorado Springs, Xavier speaks with Liz Geisleman, CEO at Rocky Mountain Reagents; David Vaillencourt, CEO at The GMP Collective; and Darwin Millard, CSO of Final Bell and, as some know him, The Spock of Cannabis. The four have an in-depth conversation about the role of ancillary service providers in the hemp and cannabis industries; particularly how those companies must support the ongoing growth of those industries and not just “take a cut” of the (not so) green rush. Without operators, ancillary services simply can’t survive, and it is high time that ancillary services support their clients in more ways than just providing a good or service. Xavier, Liz, David, and Darwin then discuss the importance of standards for the future success of both the hemp and cannabis industries. Finally, Darwin shares some exciting updates out of the lab.

Episode 172 Description:

Tune into this episode of The Hoban Minute to hear Bob and Xavier interview Summer Westerbur, principal of Kairos Insurance Agency. Summer is a long-time cannabis industry professional that started offering insurance and benefit packages to cannabis operators early on in Colorado’s recreational market. Summer, Bob, and Xavier discuss their experience at NOCO the week before; explore the contours of cannabis insurance – good, bad, and ugly; drop some helpful tips to cannabis operators looking to reduce cost; and Summer shares some information about her kosher CBD business and another exciting cannabis venture. Listen to find out!

Episode 171 Description:

Spark 'em if you got 'em! In this special 4/20 episode, Bob and Xavier myth bust the origins of the phrase "420," discuss the significance of the date and number to the cannabis industry, and wish listeners a happy 4/20!

In this week’s NOCO-themed episode, Xavier is joined by The Hoban Minute’s former host Eric Singular. Focusing on the hemp space, Eric and Xavier catch up on what Eric has been doing since he departed from the show; discuss the value of hemp industry trade shows and how they provide meaningful opportunities for growth and alignment; explore the many applications of industrial hemp; and Eric gives Xavier a crash course on carbon credits. Tune in today for a great companion episode for NOCO week!

Episode 168 Description:

In this week’s episode of The Hoban Minute, Bob and Xavier speak to MLB legend Steve Garvey. Steve played for the Dodgers and Padres from the late 60s through the late 80s and is a 10-time All-Star, a World Series champion, a NL MVP, and a four-time Golden Glove recipient. Steve’s most recent venture is as Ambassador for Level Select, a CBD product line focused on recovery and maintenance for athletes. Bob, Steve, and Xavier discuss product formulation – with Steve disclosing his secret sauce for developing topical products – and the legacy of Steve’s career in the MLB. They also discuss the impact of MLB’s recent partnership with Charlotte’s Web and how athletes deserve access to safe and natural methods of recovery.

Episode 167 Description:

In this episode of THM, Bob and Xavier speak with Adam Bierman, cannabis advocate and former CEO of MedMen, the cannabis industry’s first unicorn. Adam discusses his tenure at the company with candor and drops valuable wisdom to any current operators in the space: it’s inevitable that some segments of society will be pissed at you, so keep your head high and stay true to your core values. Adam, Bob, and Xavier also cover the current retail cannabis experience and how MedMen set out to revolutionize the public conception of the cannabis industry by providing welcoming, clean storefronts that consumers would be proud to visit. Finally, Adam shares his thoughts on the current state of the industry and how operators can navigate choppy waters. Hint: keep innovating. For more information on Adam’s tenure with MedMen, please see Benzinga’s exclusive interview with Adam from January 2022.