"I didn't respect the plant, and when I finally learned to respect it and appreciate it, I was then able to find love and appreciation in myself to feel better and become a better version of me." - Kim Flores

Everyone needs a minute, even if you're one of the top cannabis influencers. In this episode, Kim Flore shares how she started making treats for herself and her neighbors to founding The Hemp Housewife. She discusses the differences between marketing and advertising alcohol and cannabis, the need for regulation when it comes to cannabis, navigating social media platforms while trying to market it, and the importance of building relationships with customers. This conversation also touches on the effects of alcohol and how cannabis can be a better alternative, as well as the challenges content creators face when trying to build an audience. With inspiring stories and valuable insights, this podcast episode will surely provide listeners with an invaluable look into the cannabis world - so tune in now!

[00:00 - 15:27] How Cannabis Helped Kim Find Love and Appreciation in Herself

[15:28 - 26:19] Alcohol and Cannabis: Experiences, Perspectives, and Tips

[26:20 - 35:16] Tips and Tricks to Avoid Flagging and Demonization on Social Media

[35:17 - 39:17] Texas Cannabis Meetup at MJBizCon

[39:17 - 47:07] Exploring the Possibilities of Canada's Beverage Industry and Texas Cannabis

Guest bio

Hey Y'all! My name is Kim; however, I'm known by many as the Hemp Housewife, and you might recognize me from my catchy tagline, 'Mamma Needs a Minute,' which has evolved into a cannabis brand tailored explicitly to uplift and empower women.

With a community of over 75,000 'Canna-besties' following my journey on social media, I aim to be more than just an influencer in the cannabis sphere. My features on Yahoo Finance in the past year for outstanding brand partnerships are testaments to that. 

My role, however, isn't limited to partnerships and collaborations. As a cannabis marketing expert, I've poured my heart into creating iconic content for top-tier cannabis brands and events. My driving force? Breaking down the barriers and negative perceptions that surround women who find solace and wellness in cannabis.

Website:

https://www.thehemphousewife.com

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 "Our mission is to bring cannabis back to its pre-prohibition status, where it's a widely accepted plant medicine." –  Peter Barsoom  

What does it take to be a pioneering brand in the rapidly changing cannabis industry?

In this episode, I chat with Peter Barsoom, co-founder of 1906 New Highs. Tracing 1906’s origin story and unique path through the emerging cannabis industry, Peter shares an inside look at the vision, values, and strategic choices that have set his company apart. From a commitment to quality and consumer education to leveraging the latest legislation, Peter shares the story behind 1906 New Highs’ creation, their goal of providing more tailored cannabis experiences, and the thoughtful formulation that goes into their products that blend THC and CBD with other botanicals. We also discuss critical choices that 1906 has made along the way, like shifting to pills and achieving national distribution, illustrating how brands can adapt and take advantage of opportunities amid regulatory changes. 

[00:00 - 13:34]  Peter Barsoom on the Evolution of 1906 and the Rise of Microdosing

[13:35 - 25:07] How Peter's Vision Shaped a New Era of Cannabis Consumption

[25:08 - 32:49] Cannabis Market Expansion and Drops vs. Capsules: The Manufacturing Complexity Behind Cannabis Products 

[32:50 - 39:13] 1906's Nationwide Home Delivery of 100% Federally Legal Microdose Cannabis

[39:14 - 52:25] The Evolving Landscape of Hemp and Cannabis: Legislation and Consumer Access

Peter Barsoom is the CEO and Co-Founder of 1906 New Highs, a leading cannabis company producing the country’s #1 cannabis pill. The company’s collection of patented, fast-acting, pharma-grade capsules combines a low dose of THC, CBD, and other effective medicinal plants to deliver a functional, targeted effect for daily use. Prior to founding 1906 in 2015, Peter had an extensive career in finance and business strategy, holding senior management positions at American Express, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Blue Mountain Capital, and Intercontinental Exchange. 

Peter currently serves on the board of several leading cannabis industry associations, including the Marijuana Industry Group, the Cannabis Trade Federation, Colorado Leads, the New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association, and the Florida Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee. In September 2018, Peter was recognized by Entrepreneur magazine as one of the Top 100 Leaders in Cannabis. 

Website: https://1906.shop/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1906newhighs/

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"We push boundaries far past the status quo. We're not going to accept the status quo, but we choose to do that in a safe and calculated manner." – Chris Fontes  

In this episode, Shayda chats with Chris Fontes about his career journey in hemp, from initiating Hemp Exchange in 2018 to navigating challenges and market shifts. His innovations led him to pioneer hemp-derived Delta 9 edibles and later transition to the growing hemp beverage sector with High Spirits Beverages. Throughout the conversation, they stress clear distinctions in the cannabis industry, particularly the 0.3% Delta 9 THC threshold distinguishing hemp from marijuana. They advocate for consumer access to cannabis products, emphasizing safety and proper regulations over prohibitions. 

Shayda and Chris delve into the gray areas of hemp laws, the balance industry pioneers must strike, and the future potential of cannabinoids, notably Type 2 cannabis. Chris underscores the synergy between CBD and THC and the necessity for informed discussions in the industry, emphasizing consumer safety and product efficacy.   

[00:00 - 10:02] From Stabilizing Hemp Supply Chains to Revolutionizing Edibles 

[10:03 - 28:38] Beyond 0.3% Delta 9 THC: A Dive into Hemp, Marijuana, and Industry Semantics

[28:39 - 40:05] Pushing Legal Boundaries and Insights on the Hemp and Cannabis Industry's Legal Challenges and Ethical Responsibilities

[40:06 - 52:23] What About the Future of Cannabis? Legalization, Consolidation, and Consumer Safety

[52:24 - 1:11:05] From Beverage Packaging to the Rise of Type 2 Cannabis: Chris Shares His Vision for the Industry 

Chris Fontes is the founder and CEO of Trojan Horse Cannabis, a company that creates high-quality products from Delta 9 THC, which everyone can enjoy. He desires to educate people about hemp and deliver an unforgettable experience for customers.

He is passionate about helping the cannabis industry return to what it used to be. He also wants people to be educated, exposed, and have the opportunity to see the difference and know that there are other options for them to choose from.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisfontes/

Website: https://trojanhorsecannabis.com/author/cfontes/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trojan_horse_cannabis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trojanhorsecbd/ 

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“We produce cannabis where it should be produced and we sell cannabis where it should be sold – That's our thesis. That's what we've been fighting for. That’s our strategic pathway.” – Andrés Fajardo

In my chat with Andrés Fajardo of Clever Leaves, we discuss how this Colombian-based company excels in the international cannabis market. Clever Leaves focuses on producing high-quality pharmaceutical-grade cannabis, backed by EU GMP-certified sites. Their global expansion journey involves navigating complex regulations and adapting to diverse markets, including Germany, Australia, Brazil, and Israel, where they prioritize medical cannabis products tailored to meet specific regulations and patient needs.

Clever Leaves actively shapes regulations in Colombia and fosters strong relationships with international regulators. They also collaborate with industry associations to influence policies. Their commitment to quality and compliance has been key to their success in the global cannabis landscape.

[00:00 - 20:47] Understanding the Legal Landscape: Cannabis in Colombia, EU Regulations, and Global Trade

[20:48 - 29:44] How Clever Leaves Adapts Cannabis Products for Global Markets with Diverse Regulations 

[29:45 - 39:14] Managing Compliance Across the Globe 

[39:15 - 45:35] Colombia’s Cannabis Legalization and Medical Use

[45:36 - 53:55] Challenges and Opportunities in Regulatory Compliance

Andres Fajardo is co-founder and CEO of Clever Leaves and has previously served as Managing Director, President, and Chairman of the Board. He has led the development of its first 18 Hectares of GACP and EU-GMP certified cultivation and post-harvest facilities, the design and construction of a GMP certified extraction and formulation plant, and the development of a robust pipeline of clients and brands. Andres oversees the development, expansion, and marketing plans globally.

Prior to Clever Leaves, Mr. Fajardo was a Founding Partner of Mojo Ventures, a unique late-stage company builder focused on working with startups and small companies to achieve unprecedented growth and profitability. Before being an entrepreneur, he was President/CEO at IQ Outsourcing, a leading Colombian business process outsourcing firm that is part of the Sanford Group of Companies.

Prior to joining IQ, Andres was a Principal Member at Booz & Company, a management consulting firm, based in Mexico City. Sponsored by Booz Allen, he obtained an MBA at Harvard Business School. He earned a B.S. Industrial Engineering and B.S. Economics, with honors, from Los Andes University in Colombia.

https://cleverleaves.com

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“It was basically a perfect storm – There was only the black market. There was nothing legal about cannabis whatsoever. And so, thus began a fourteen-year journey of acquiring, dispensing, packaging, and transporting; Everything all in one. We were everything.” – Barry Foy

Barry Foy, CEO of Gentlemen Smugglers, began his involvement in the cannabis industry in the early '70s by supplying soldiers from a South Carolina training base. As his operations grew significantly, so did the target on his back by Reagan’s war on drugs. 

In my conversation with Barry, we talk about how he faced an 11-year sentence amidst an aggressive anti-cannabis sentiment in the 1970s, his experiences spanning the transformation of the market from its unregulated days, and navigating cannabis from the other side – Regulations and all its challenges. 

We dive into the evolution of cannabis through the eyes of one of its most intriguing advocates.

[00:00 - 10:39] How Barry Foy Started in the 1970s Trade, Served 11 Years in Prison, and Now Advocates for its Acceptance.

[10:40 - 20:44] How Cannabis Choice in Texas's Legacy Market Has Evolved in Terms of Product Variety, Quality, and Marketing.

[20:45 - 26:57] From Black Market to Regulation: Insight Through Cannabis History and the War on Drugs

[20:45 - 34:35] Barry's Journey Through the Legal Labyrinth and Return to the Cannabis Scene 

[34:36 - 41:46] Why Massachusetts? The Social Equity Factor & Benefits of Transitioning from Illicit to a Regulated Market

[41:47 - 52:01] Lessons Learned Operating on the Regulated Side

Connect with Barry!

LinkedIn

Instagram

Or go to: GentlemenSmugglers.com

Gentlemen Smugglers is inspired by one of America's true legends, Barry Foy. Barry ran a tight ship, and his Smugglers were notorious for sailing from Jamaica to Colombia to Lebanon, dominating the East Coast cannabis market. For over a decade, Foy's operation played cat and mouse with the FBI, DEA & Interpol. In many ways, they served as the dispensaries of their era. However, Operation Jackpot, the initial phase of President Reagan’s War on Drugs, eventually led to their downfall. Barry Foy was charged with kingpin status and spent 11 years behind bars. Interestingly, many of the markets he once supplied are now legally operational. This inspired the re-establishment of the Gentlemen Smugglers brand to deliver quality cannabis to the public legally, emphasizing social equity reinvestment and unparalleled storytelling at its heart.

Resources MentionedThe Outlaw Digest Newsletter

Book: Jackpot by Jason Ryan

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"I think Texas has one of the most accountable medical programs in the country. Meaning we can tell you who prescribed that prescription, what their pain program was, who bought it, what day it was bought, and who provided it." - Pat Davis

Tune in with Pat Davis from Weeds as he talks about the rigorous data analysis shaping the future of Texas' notable medical cannabis program! Explore Texas' moves to broaden policies and the insights gleaned from New Mexico's experiences. Learn about the challenges, the expanding conditions, and the open call for more licenses. Kurt urges listeners to voice their perspectives and interact with decision-makers on cannabis legislation in Texas.

Are we near a revolution in Texas' medical cannabis policies? Tune in!

[00:00 - 07:25] Texas Expands Compassionate Use Program to Elevate Medical Cannabis Accessibility

[07:25 - 13:58] Examining Data to Create a Comprehensive Medical Cannabis Program in Texas

[13:58 - 21:05] A Look at How Policy is Changing and Police Officers Adapting

[21:05 - 27:55] Advocacy, Expansion, and Education in Texas and New Mexico

[27:55 - 34:41] Exploring the Possibilities and Understanding the Data of Texas Compassionate Use Program

[34:41 - 41:28] Texas Cannabis Industry: Balancing Existing Operators with New Small Businesses

[41:28 - 48:23] Texas Medical Cannabis Program: Achieving Accountability and Access for Patients

[48:24 - 54:20] Texas’ Comprehensive Approach to Medical Cannabis - Tracking, Transparency, and Future Licensing Decisions

Connect with Pat!

Linkedin

Or go to https://weeds.team/about-us/

Pat Davis is a former police officer and now a cannabis consultant. He was appointed by Governor Lujan Grisham to lead the New Mexico Governor's Working Group on legalization, where he helped to draft the state's roadmap for transitioning from a medical to an adult-use market. After legalization, he co-founded Weeds, the state's largest licensing and compliance firm, where they have helped some of the state's largest brands and new startups license facilities and stay compliant. In 2023, their firm was selected by the State of Texas to provide technical assistance in evaluating the state's medical program for potential expansion.

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"We were able to successfully train a system that could predict reasonably the outcomes that you might expect to feel from an arbitrary profile. And today we utilize that to do recommendation in store." - Joshua Mallett

Ever wondered about the DNA testing or the power of terpenes in shaping your experience?

In this episode, Joshua Mallet of BudBoard takes us behind the scenes of Albuquerque's trailblazing cannabis menu service. Understand their AI-driven recommendation system to personalize your cannabis experience. From New Mexico's cannabis market and how they had to navigate around marketing regulations while still being able to talk about the effects to understanding terpenes, this episode is packed with insights. Discover how mood plays a role in picking the right strain and how DNA tests, raw data from C O A's, and terpenes have an impact on the effect of products.

Tune in to hear more about what it takes to produce tailored cannabis!

[00:00 - 07:38] Trailblazing the Path to Professionalizing Cannabis

[07:38 - 15:10] How BudBoard Evolved to Accommodate New Consumers and Effects-Based Marketing

[15:11 - 22:13] Navigating the Regulatory Landscape

[22:14 - 29:29] The Power of Machine Learning to Create Custom Cannabis Products Based on User Data and DNA Tests

[29:29 - 37:24] Discovering Trends in Sleep, Anxiety, and Pain Relief

[37:25 - 44:35] A Model for Consistent Cannabis Experiences Across State Lines

[44:35 - 52:32] The Science Behind Cannabis Derived Terpenes and Botanical Terpenes: Are They the Same Thing?

[52:32 - 58:54] Distillate vs. Extract & Budboard's Personalized Vision

Connect with Joshua!

Linkedin

Or go to https://www.budboard.co/

As the Chief Innovation Officer and a co-founder of BudBoard, Joshua Mallett is an integral part of a passionate quartet leading a revolutionary change in the cannabis industry. Following a sports injury in high school that led him to explore the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, Mallett grew fascinated with understanding the complex interplay between cannabis compounds and their varied effects. His obsession, combined with over a decade of entrepreneurial and technical problem-solving experience, drove him to co-develop an innovative data collection and machine learning platform at budboard. This tool draws correlations between the chemical makeup of cannabis products, their effects, and market appeal. Today, budboard is recognized for its distinctive expertise in the industry.

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"We have this new appreciation for combining the CBD and the THC; historically, we made it a big deal to separate them. And it turns out when you put them together, the brain receptors like it." - Dr. Morris of Duber Medical

From the early days of 1996 to the intricate landscapes of cannabis in medicine today, Dr. Morris delves deep into the transformative potential and challenges of cannabis. 

Discover the evolution of cannabis for therapeutic success, the shattered societal stigmas, and the complexities surrounding its use during pregnancy. 

She also briefly touches on terpenes, their therapeutic effects, and how they can help with sleep. This conversation outlines the current state of cannabis in medicine and focuses on advocating for it since 1996. She provides an in-depth look at the improvements that have been made in terms of quality control and scientific research. 

Additionally, Dr. Morris shares her thoughts on the stigmas surrounding cannabis as a medicine and how physicians are becoming increasingly open to discussing its use. It is crucial to spread awareness about the benefits of cannabis products through professional associations and networks. 

This isn't just about recreation; it's about revolutionizing healthcare.

Timestamps

[00:00 - 09:59] Cannabis as a Medicine: From 1996 to Now, Quality Control and Therapeutic Success

[10:00 - 19:40] How Medical Professionals are Promoting Cannabis for Chronic Pain Management

[19:41 - 30:54] Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of Medical Marijuana

[30:55 - 38:11] Benefits, Risks, and Regulations of Medical Marijuana

[38:12 - 44:30] How Different States Are Handling Medical Marijuana

[44:31 - 52:41] Exploring the Variations of Cannabis Use Across States 

[52:42 - 54:09] The Future of Duber

Guest bio

Dr. Morris is the Chief Medical Officer of Duber Medical. Her physician and woman-owned practice works with a diverse population of more than 8,000 patients across 11 states, gaining first-hand knowledge of the clinical benefits of medical marijuana! With more than 30 years of medical experience, Dr. Gabrielle Morris possesses a BS in Chemistry from West Virginia University and a Doctorate of Medicine from Marshall University. She is board-certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons, the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners, and the National Board of Medical Examiners. Her career spans a myriad of specialties, including Neurological Surgery, Trauma, Complex Orthopedic Spinal Surgery, and Emergency Medicine.

Connect with Dr. Morris!

Website: https://www.dubermedical.com

Email: [email protected] 

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"People should be able to make an informed choice about what they consume, especially when it has a potential therapeutic benefit." - Lara Fordis

Knowing your target market is the first step in every successful business.

In this episode, Lara Fordis, a consumer market research consultant specializing in insights related to CPG and the cannabis industry, discusses how to navigate market research for small and large businesses. 

With 25 years of experience in the cannabis industry, Lara provides tips on ensuring accuracy with qualitative and quantitative data. She also shares insights into the importance of considering point-of-sale data when conducting market research and how it can be inaccurate due to people buying for others or not considering invisible shoppers. Lara also emphasizes that low-dose edibles can help people have a good experience with cannabis without worrying about getting too high and the potential therapeutic benefits that cannabis offers. Finally, she provides an overview of the trends in sales data across different states regarding motivations for using cannabis, such as pain management or avoiding opioids. 

Tune into this episode to learn more about conducting informed market research for businesses in the cannabis industry!

[00:00 - 09:13] Navigating Consumer Market Research in the Cannabis Industry

[09:14 - 15:56] Uncovering the Nuances of Market Research

[15:57 - 24:37] Exploring the Benefits of Working with Bud Tenders

[24:38 - 31:43] Understanding the Challenges of Conducting Cannabis Market Research

[31:44 - 42:15] How to Safely Introduce the Canna-Curious to Microdosing and Low-Dose Alternatives

[42:16 - 56:02] Examining State-by-State Variations in Motivations for Trying Cannabis

Lara Fordis, founder of Fordis Consulting, is a renowned market research expert and consultant specializing in consumer insights and data-driven decision-making. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Lara excels in designing and executing cost-effective solutions that enhance various aspects of business, from product development to marketing and brand optimization. She possesses a unique blend of qualitative and quantitative research expertise, allowing her to deliver comprehensive and impactful strategies to her clients.

Connect with Lara!

LinkedIn

Go to www.FordisConsulting.com 

Email: [email protected] 

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"I'm a free market guy, but I look at this much like alcohol where you don't want 10 distributors of Bud Light in a specific market. So it's very similar to that." - John Mueller

Jump into the latest 'To Be Blunt' episode with Shayda Torabi and cannabis bigwig John Mueller, co-founder and CEO of Greenlight - a vertically integrated, multi-state cannabis operator with over 180,000 square feet of cultivation and manufacturing and 550 employees, as they navigate the high-stakes world of cannabis licensing. Unpack the impacts of Twilio and MasterCard's policies, dive into state-specific regulations, and learn why winning licenses beats buying.

With bonus insights on protecting license values and state recreational programs, this is a must-listen episode!

[00:00 - 08:10] Twilio Cuts Services to Cannabis Industry Operators: What Does This Mean for the Future?

[08:10 - 15:36] A Huge Blow to Cannabis Operators and a Setback for the Industry

[15:36 - 22:40] Navigating the Cannabis Industry in Different States

[22:40 - 30:40] Partnering with Establishments for Credibility

[30:40 - 37:38] Connections, Cultivation, and Compliance with Greenlight

[37:38 - 44:29] Converting Illicit Cannabis Consumers to Regulated Markets in Missouri and Beyond

[44:29 - 51:38] Exploring the Black Market

[51:38 - 1:01:11] From Founding Members to Expanding Horizons in the Cannabis Industry

Connect with John!

Linkedin,

Or go to

https://greenlightdispensary.com/

John Mueller is the Co-Founder and CEO of Greenlight, a vertically-integrated, multi-state operator with 3 in-house brands, over 180,000 square feet of cultivation and manufacturing, and more than 550 employees. Through John’s expertise in scaling businesses, Greenlight is tracking over $200 million in annualized revenue and is positioned to have 40 dispensaries open by Q1 of 2024.

Resources Mentioned:

https://mjbizdaily.com/text-messaging-provider-twilio-cuts-service-to-cannabis-industry/

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/28/business/mastercard-debit-cannabis-transactions.html

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