To Be Blunt

"The only difference between an entrepreneur who's successful and an entrepreneur who is not successful is that an entrepreneur who's successful doesn't quit." - Willie McKenzie

Ever wondered what it takes to thrive in the ever-evolving world of cannabis entrepreneurship?

Join Shayda as she interviews Willie Mackenzie, an experienced cannabis entrepreneur. Willie, CEO of Left Coast Holdings, discusses his transition from legacy to regulated markets, essential strategies like branding and vertical integration, and pressing industry issues. He also announces the launch of a mastermind group for aspiring entrepreneurs. Tune in for enlightening insights into the world of cannabis!

[00:00 - 07:46] Celebrating 3 Years of Trailblazing Cannabis Conversations on the To Be Blunt Podcast

[07:47 - 15:30] Navigating the Difficulties of Transitioning from Medical to Recreational Cannabis in California and Michigan

[15:31 - 22:46] Adapting to Regulatory Challenges and Market Shifts in the Cannabis Industry

[22:46 - 29:49] Michigan's Cannabis Market and the Battle Against the Illicit Industry

[29:49 - 36:53] From Legacy to Regulated: Understanding the Transition to Vertically Integrated Cannabis Businesses

[36:53 - 43:31] Marketing Success in the Cannabis Industry: The Benefits of Events, Brand Storytelling, and Vertical Integration

[43:31 - 50:11] Harnessing the Power of Events in the Cannabis Industry

[50:11 - 56:46] Insights, Support, and Resilience for Entrepreneurial Success

[56:46 - 59:35] Cultivating Connections and Cannabis Insights

Willie McKenzie is CEO and co-founder of Left Coast Holdings, a vertically integrated cannabis firm based in Michigan. After founding the company in 2020, he scaled the business quickly to achieve 8 figure top-line revenue in 2021 and beyond. A seasoned entrepreneur, he has led his business successfully, despite challenging market conditions in the state of Michigan.

Willie is passionate about mentorship and loves helping others find success in their business.

Connect with Willie!

Go to his Linkedin

Go to his webpage: https://www.leftcoastholdings.com/

Shayda Torabi has been called one of the most influential Women in WordPress and now she’s one of the women leading the cannabis reformation conversation building one of Texas’ premier CBD brands. She's currently the CEO and Co-Founder of RESTART CBD, a female-run education first CBD wellness brand. And has formerly held marketing positions at WP Engine and WebDevStudios. Shayda is the host of a podcast for cannabis marketers called To Be Blunt, where she interviews top cannabis brands on their most successful marketing initiatives. When Shayda's not building her cannabiz in Texas, you can find her on the road exploring the best hikes and spots for vegan ice cream. Follow Shayda at @theshaydatorabi

SPONSORSHIP is brought to you by Restart CBD. Check them out for your CBD needs

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to join me for episodes featuring some serious cannabis industry by sharing this episode or click here to listen to past episodes

RESTART CBD is an education-first CBD wellness brand shipping nationwide.

Check out my new website 👇🏼

theshaydatorabi.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tobebluntpod.substack.com

"Know your why. Who is your target audience, and what is your why? Not your what, not your how." - Christina Wong

Embark on an inspiring journey with Christina Wong, a cannabis business owner and brand marketer. Discover how she transitioned from publicist to content creator for cannabis brands. Gain insights into cannabis content creation, marketing strategies, and navigating the industry's highs and lows and the upcoming Cannabis Marketing Summit. Don't miss out on Christina's valuable tips for successful content creation and managing an idea bank. Tune in now for an enlightening discussion!

[00:00 - 07:55] Introducing Christina Wong of Fruit and Flower

[07:55 - 14:59] Christina Wong: From Baked Baker to Cannabis Creator, Writer, and PR Consultant

[15:00 - 22:19] Discovering the Benefits of Diversifying Content Creation Platforms

[22:20 - 29:25] How to Use Social Media to Build Loyalty and Reach Your Target Audience

[29:25 - 36:34] How Christina is Killing It with Content Creation

[36:34 - 43:57] From Breakup to Cannabis Business: Shayda's Journey of Content Creation and Self-Care

[43:58 - 50:23] Mashing Up PR and Content Creation

[50:24 - 57:23] How to Build a Successful Brand with Limited Funds and Resources

[57:24 - 03:19] Exploring Cannabis Culture, Food, and Healing with Christina

Christina Wong is a cannabis food, drink, and travel writer, creator, and baked baker in Los Angeles, California. She’s the founder & CEO of Fruit + Flower Co. and the host of Fruit + Flower Unfurled, a newsletter, and podcast for culinary cannabis enthusiasts. Additionally, she’s co-host of Mogu Magu, an AAPI culture, food, and cannabis collective; and partner & culinary editor of The Clever Root, a food lover’s guide to modern cannabis. Her work has been featured in Thrillist, High Times, Cherry Bombe, CannaCurious, and Kitchen Toke magazines.

Connect with Christina!

LinkedIn, Instagram, Tik Tok

Go to https://www.fruitandflower.co/

Shayda Torabi has been called one of the most influential Women in WordPress and now she’s one of the women leading the cannabis reformation conversation building one of Texas’ premier CBD brands. She's currently the CEO and Co-Founder of RESTART CBD, a female-run education first CBD wellness brand. And has formerly held marketing positions at WP Engine and WebDevStudios. Shayda is the host of a podcast for cannabis marketers called To Be Blunt, where she interviews top cannabis brands on their most successful marketing initiatives. When Shayda's not building her cannabiz in Texas, you can find her on the road exploring the best hikes and spots for vegan ice cream. Follow Shayda at @theshaydatorabi 

SPONSORSHIP is brought to you by Restart CBD. Check them out for your CBD needs

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to join me for episodes featuring some serious cannabis industry by sharing this episode or click here to listen to past episodes

RESTART CBD is an education-first CBD wellness brand shipping nationwide.

Check out my new website 👇🏼

theshaydatorabi.com

Check out my new website 👇🏼

theshaydatorabi.com

Let's work together

Free 20 min session

https://calendly.com/theshaydatorabi/free15?back=1&month=2022-12

60 min Ask Me Anything

https://calendly.com/theshaydatorabi/60min?back=1&month=2022-12

Social Media Audit

RESTART CBD

RESTART CBD is an education first CBD wellness brand shipping nationwide. restartcbd.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tobebluntpod.substack.com

"For a customer and for a consumer who's looking for a really consistent experience you need to be able to deliver that dosage consistency. And I think that's the thing that has really differentiated us against other products and where we continue to push towards" - Robert Holland

Welcome to a captivating episode of the To Be Blunt Podcast featuring Robert Holland, the visionary behind Tempo and its mouthwatering, budget-friendly savory edibles launched in California. Robert shares his enthralling journey while unveiling savvy strategies for launching a cannabis product that embraces market trends. Discover the art of understanding customer desires, harnessing CPG data, exploring innovative flavors and packaging, pricing tactics that entice customers, captivating with visual packaging, and cultivating fruitful dispensary partnerships.

Join us and get all the details you need in order to make an impact in the cannabis industry with your own product!

[00:00 - 08:11] New Rules to Reschedule Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids on Sine Die Day in Texas

[08:12 - 15:41] Introducing Robert Holland, Founder & CEO of Tempo: Disrupting the Edibles Market with Savory Snacks

[15:42 - 23:06] Robert Holland: From Texas Snack Capital to Cannabis Entrepreneur and Founder of Tempo Crackers - A Data-Driven Journey

[23:07 - 30:27] Navigating the Cannabis Market: From Micro-Dosing to High-Dose Snacks

[30:27 - 37:39] A Cost-Effective Approach to New Flavors and Market Trends

[37:39 - 44:48] Building Loyalty Through Innovative Flavors and Consistent Dosing

[44:48 - 51:52] Discovering the Story Behind Tempo Edibles

[51:53 - 59:03] Exploring the California Cannabis Market: Direct to Consumer Options, Retail Partnerships, and Budtender Education

[59:03 - 01:07:34] Passion for developing products with financial and artistic background

Tempo Crackers Founder, Robert Holland, is a snack strategist, entrepreneur, and finance professional. Robert launched Tempo based on a simple question: why can’t edibles be savory instead of sweet? Growing up in the Texas snack belt next to the headquarters of Frito Lay, Robert spent his early life enthralled by the intense flavor profiles and out of this world texture of modern snacks. He wanted to bring that same joy to his edible experience in California. He is also the VP of Finance and Strategy at Eaze, California-based cannabis delivery app.

Connect with Robert!

LinkedIn

E-mail: [email protected]

Go to: tempocrackers.com

Shayda Torabi has been called one of the most influential Women in WordPress and now she’s one of the women leading the cannabis reformation conversation building one of Texas’ premier CBD brands. She's currently the CEO and Co-Founder of RESTART CBD, a female-run education first CBD wellness brand. And has formerly held marketing positions at WP Engine and WebDevStudios. Shayda is the host of a podcast for cannabis marketers called To Be Blunt, where she interviews top cannabis brands on their most successful marketing initiatives. When Shayda's not building her cannabiz in Texas, you can find her on the road exploring the best hikes and spots for vegan ice cream. Follow Shayda at @theshaydatorabi 

SPONSORSHIP is brought to you by Restart CBD. Check them out for your CBD needs

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to join me for episodes featuring some serious cannabis industry by sharing this episode or click here to listen to past episodes

RESTART CBD is an education-first CBD wellness brand shipping nationwide.

Check out my new website 👇🏼

theshaydatorabi.com

RESTART CBD

RESTART CBD is an education first CBD wellness brand shipping nationwide. restartcbd.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tobebluntpod.substack.com

"What they would do is they would come to a tissue culture lab, like conception, and then we create a clone through a different process than traditional cloning. It's done in a lab, It's done with hormones, mixtures. It's a sterile environment. And through this process, you can actually turn back the clock. It's like you're growing from a seed every time, but you're getting a true DNA replication of that plant every single time." - Kristian Andreassen

This episode of the To Be Blunt Podcast features an exclusive conversation with Kristian Andreassen, a cannabis business owner and brand marketer with over a decade of experience in breeding, commercial cultivation, and brand development of cannabis products. Kristian has recently joined Conception Nurseries as Senior Product Director to support the initiative of building a diverse group of cannabis breeders to meet the expanding market needs.

Tune in to hear Kristian's journey in the industry, from tissue culture cultivation to working with brands to protect their genetics and applying traditional agricultural practices to cannabis.

[00:00 - 08:12] Introducing Kristian Andreassen: Pioneering Cannabis Tissue Culture and Cultivation for 15 Years

[08:13 - 16:50] Exploring the Journey of Cannabis Cultivation and the California Market

[16:50 - 25:38] Unravelling the Complexities of Cannabis Breeding, Genetics, Seeds and Tissue Culture

[25:38 - 34:04] Benefits of Restart CBD's Cannabis Tinctures, Topicals, Edibles & Hemp Derived Delta Nine THC Products

[34:05 - 42:18] Benefits of Tissue Culture Cloning for Commercial Cannabis Cultivators

[42:18 - 53:08] Conception Nurseries Paving the Way for Tissue Culture Adoption in Cannabis Markets

Andreassen’s decade-plus expertise spans breeding, commercial cultivation, and brand development, garnering numerous Emerald Cup and High Times awards for flowers, pre-rolls, concentrates, and genetics. He is a respected fixture of the cannabis industry thanks to a long track record of working with breeders through the medium of tissue culture. He is widely acknowledged to be a pioneer of cannabis tissue culture, introducing stable, high demand genetics to the commercial cannabis marketplace.

Connect with Kristian!

LinkedIn, Instagram

Go to https://conceptionnurseries.com/

Shayda Torabi has been called one of the most influential Women in WordPress, and now she’s one of the women leading the cannabis reformation conversation building one of Texas’ premier CBD brands. She's currently the CEO and Co-Founder of RESTART CBD, a female-run education first CBD wellness brand. And has formerly held marketing positions at WP Engine and WebDevStudios. Shayda is the host of a podcast for cannabis marketers called To Be Blunt, where she interviews top cannabis brands on their most successful marketing initiatives. When Shayda's not building her cannabiz in Texas, you can find her on the road exploring the best hikes and spots for vegan ice cream. Follow Shayda at @theshaydatorabi 

SPONSORSHIP is brought to you by Restart CBD. Check them out for your CBD needs

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to join me for episodes featuring some serious cannabis industry by sharing this episode or click here to listen to past episodes

RESTART CBD is an education-first CBD wellness brand shipping nationwide.

Check out my new website 👇🏼

theshaydatorabi.com

Check out my new website 👇🏼

theshaydatorabi.com

Let's work together:

Free 20 min session

https://calendly.com/theshaydatorabi/free15?back=1&month=2022-12

60 min Ask Me Anything

https://calendly.com/theshaydatorabi/60min?back=1&month=2022-12

Social Media Audit

RESTART CBD

RESTART CBD is an education first CBD wellness brand shipping nationwide. restartcbd.com

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2023-05-17/editorial-stop-producing-cannabis-edibles-that-look-like-candy-because-its-hurting-kids

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/marijuana-needs-a-federal-regulator-and-theres-one-agency-right-for-the-job-alcohol-industry-exec-says-op-ed/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tobebluntpod.substack.com

"It is on us to push this industry forward." - Guy Rocourt

"What got us here what got us through a prohibition is what was grown in grandma's garden and made in grandma's kitchen natural simple formulations." - Guy Rocourt

This episode of the To Be Blunt podcast features an insightful conversation with Guy Rocourt, co-founder and CEO of Papa and Barkley, a California-based wellness company that believes in the whole plant as medicine and safe access to cannabis. Guy talks about misinformation in the industry, artificial separations foisted on us by prohibition, advocating for cannabis through public speaking, and creating safe access to cannabis products as well as one of the first Class 1 labs in Colorado. His journey through the industry highlights the importance of doing research, speaking truth when entering the cannabis industry, and advocating for responsible adult decision making.

[00:00 - 07:35] Shayda Torabi and Guy Rocourt Discuss the Future of Cannabis

[07:36 - 14:28] The Story of a Cannabis Advocate's Journey to the Legal Market

[14:29 - 21:22] Shame on Misinformation

[21:22 - 28:03] Drug Testing and Cannabis

[28:03 - 35:57] Uncovering the Misinformation Around CBN

[35:58 - 42:48] Understanding the Consumer Journey and Overcoming "Cannabis Shame"

[42:49 - 49:31] Navigating California's Cannabis Industry

[49:31 - 56:18] Understanding Cannabis, Hemp, and Essential Oils

[56:19 - 63:44] "Discover the Benefits of Sun-Grown Cannabis with Papa & Barkley on the To Be Blunt Podcast"

[03:09 - 03:44] Stay Connected with To Be Blunt and the Shayda Torabi for Cannabis Conversations!

Guy Rocourt is the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer for Papa & Barkley, a leading California cannabis wellness company. At P&B Guy is responsible for optimizing production practices, ensuring the company complies with rigorous testing and lab standards, and developing the product roadmap as the brand continues to expand into different areas of the cannabis marketplace.Previously Guy designed and built manufactured infused products facilities (MIPs) in multiple states, making him an expert in Cannabis science, tech, strategy, and production. Due to his vast experience he is an asset to those hoping to invest in the space. He also has experience caring for patients with Cannabis. Guy graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology and is a U.S. Navy veteran.

Rocourt uses his keen understanding of the Cannabis plant, Cannabis culture, and business acumen to craft a variety of wellness products and is on a mission like P&B to unlock the power of the plant to improve people’s lives. Rocourt is passionate about advocating for Cannabis through public speaking and maintaining an authentic space within Cannabis Culture even as Papa & Barkley continues to grow.

Connect with Guy!

Go to: https://www.papaandbarkley.com/

LinkedIn

Shayda Torabi has been called one of the most influential Women in WordPress and now she’s one of the women leading the cannabis reformation conversation building one of Texas’ premier CBD brands. She's currently the CEO and Co-Founder of RESTART CBD, a female-run education first CBD wellness brand. And has formerly held marketing positions at WP Engine and WebDevStudios. Shayda is the host of a podcast for cannabis marketers called To Be Blunt, where she interviews top cannabis brands on their most successful marketing initiatives. When Shayda's not building her cannabiz in Texas, you can find her on the road exploring the best hikes and spots for vegan ice cream. Follow Shayda at @theshaydatorabi 

SPONSORSHIP is brought to you by Restart CBD. Check them out for your CBD needs

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to join me for episodes featuring some serious cannabis industry by sharing this episode or click here to listen to past episodes

RESTART CBD is an education-first CBD wellness brand shipping nationwide.

Check out my new website 👇🏼

theshaydatorabi.com

Check out my new website 👇🏼

theshaydatorabi.com

RESTART CBD

RESTART CBD is an education first CBD wellness brand shipping nationwide. restartcbd.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tobebluntpod.substack.com

"It was something that could help people feel better. And so I thought involved and basically went state to state to state. I helped entrepreneurs put together their request for proposal request for application, and then I helped the legislators craft a lot of the rules in the regulations back in the day because nobody really knew what was going on." - Sara Gullickson

In this episode of To Be Blunt, host Shayda Torabi dives into the complexities of cannabis licensing and operations. She invites Sara Gullickson and Maxime Kot, CEO, and President respectively of The Cannabis Business Advisors (CB Advisors), to discuss their experience in helping clients obtain cannabis licenses in states such as Oklahoma, Colorado, California, New Mexico, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, New York, Alabama, Delaware, Kentucky, and Missouri. Through their conversation, we learn about the varying processes that take place state by state to operate legally in the cannabis industry. They also provide tips for standing out in a competitive applicants' market and cover topics such as strategy, buying power, local influence, and catering to the community. Tune in for an informative episode packed full of insights into the world of cannabis licensing!

[00:00 - 07:12] Exploring the Merging of Hemp and Cannabis Industries

[07:13 - 14:19] Navigating the Cannabis Licensing Process

[14:19 - 21:49] Discovering a Passion for Cannabis Licensing

[21:49 - 29:06] Navigating the Nuances of Licensing Programs Across Different States

[29:06 - 36:23] Financial Barriers and Opportunities for Small Business Owners

[36:23 - 44:04] Winning a Cannabis License: What it Takes to Stand Out in a Competitive Market

[44:04 - 51:20] Securing Cannabis Licenses

[51:20 - 58:14] Exploring the Licensing Process in Texas' Cannabis Industry

[58:15 - 08:02] Exciting Developments in Cannabis Licensing Applications and Operations

Sara Gullickson is a multi-state cannabis license holder and CEO and Founder at The Cannabis Business Advisors and How to Open a Dispensary. At age 27, she founded her first cannabis venture before ultimately selling it to a publicly traded company. Gullickson has presented alongside Tony Robbins in the U.S. and Canada and has six cannabis licenses that are minority or women-owned. She has more than a decade of experience building and scaling businesses, including a tech platform and turnkey retail model tailored to the cannabis industry.

Maxime Kot is president and part owner of the national consulting firm The Cannabis Business Advisors. A cannabis licensing and compliance expert with six years of direct industry experience, Kot has built a proven track record securing multiple cannabis licenses across 17 state markets. Kot’s strategic approach and in-depth knowledge on government policy and rulemaking has led her to excel in the highly regulated market. As president, Kot oversees client relations at The Cannabis Business Advisors and serves as company lead on projects involving application and licensing preparation, operational analysis, policy and procedures, and business development planning. With a keen understanding of cannabis market trends, Kot evaluates new opportunities and builds complex business cases encompassing opportunity sizing, competitive strategy, functional requirements, and execution timelines for license applications.

Connect with Sara!

LinkedIn

Website: https://thecannabisbusinessadvisors.com/

Connect with Maxime

LinkedIn

Website: https://thecannabisbusinessadvisors.com/

Shayda Torabi has been called one of the most influential Women in WordPress and now she’s one of the women leading the cannabis reformation conversation building one of Texas’ premier CBD brands. She's currently the CEO and Co-Founder of RESTART CBD, a female-run education first CBD wellness brand. And has formerly held marketing positions at WP Engine and WebDevStudios. Shayda is the host of a podcast for cannabis marketers called To Be Blunt, where she interviews top cannabis brands on their most successful marketing initiatives. When Shayda's not building her cannabiz in Texas, you can find her on the road exploring the best hikes and spots for vegan ice cream. Follow Shayda at @theshaydatorabi

SPONSORSHIP is brought to you by Restart CBD. Check them out for your CBD needs

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to join me for episodes featuring some serious cannabis industry by sharing this episode or click here to listen to past episodes

RESTART CBD is an education-first CBD wellness brand shipping nationwide.

Check out my new website 👇🏼

theshaydatorabi.com

Check out my new website 👇🏼

theshaydatorabi.com

Let's work together:

Free 20 min session

https://calendly.com/theshaydatorabi/free15?back=1&month=2022-12

60 min Ask Me Anything

https://calendly.com/theshaydatorabi/60min?back=1&month=2022-12

Social Media Audit

RESTART CBD

RESTART CBD is an education first CBD wellness brand shipping nationwide. restartcbd.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tobebluntpod.substack.com

"The amount of consumers in America that don't consume alcohol has been relatively consistent for the last 50 years. Consumer habits are shifting, but alcohol consumption's not going away. I don't think it will out. Our hope is that consumers are making more responsible choices and that we're engaging with a whole new group of consumers." - Jason Dayton

In this episode, we delve deep into the cannabis beverage market in Minnesota and how it's changing consumer habits. My conversation with Jason Dayton revolves around the marketing and education of low-dose cannabis-infused beverages, which are becoming more widely available in various retail locations beyond just dispensaries, and emphasizes the importance of education and responsible practices in the cannabis beverage industry as we look toward legalization across states. We wrap up this episode by discussing industry standardization and transparency in dosing practices. 

[00:00 - 07:08] Minnesota's Thriving Cannabis Beverage Market

[07:08 - 14:12] Minnesota's Unique Approach to Cannabis Beverages

[14:13 - 21:13] Analyzing the Education and Marketing of Cannabis Beverages in Minnesota's Emerging Market

[21:13 - 28:30] Navigating the Co-Mingling of Alcohol and Cannabis in Minnesota

[28:30 - 35:11] Cannabis Beverages and Alcohol in the Market

[35:11 - 42:18] Exploring the Dosage and Occasion of Cannabis Beverages

[42:18 - 49:24] Dosing and standardization of the Minnesota cannabis industry

[49:24 - 53:47] Trail Magic discusses the impact of cannabis legalization on the hemp industry and their plans for growth

Jason Dayton is the Co-Founder at Trail Magic and Minneapolis Cider Co. Jason studied entrepreneurship and political science at the University of Minnesota in addition to studying abroad in London during his junior year. During that time abroad, he fell in love with the cider culture of the United Kingdom. Upon returning to Minnesota, he co-founded Minneapolis Cider Company as part of Entrepreneurship in Action In 2019, the company opened its 30,000 square-foot cidery in Northeast Minneapolis, featuring handcrafted food, cider, cocktails, four indoor pickleball courts, and a 7,000 square-foot private events venue. In 2022, the company launched Minnesota's first THC-Infused beverage brand, Trail Magic. Prior to the opening of the taproom, Jason also worked in the local food and beverage industry at General Mills and Target.

Connect with Jason!

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasondayton/

Go to: https://drinktrailmagic.com/

Shayda Torabi has been called one of the most influential Women in WordPress and now she’s one of the women leading the cannabis reformation conversation building one of Texas’ premier CBD brands. She's currently the CEO and Co-Founder of RESTART CBD, a female-run education first CBD wellness brand. And has formerly held marketing positions at WP Engine and WebDevStudios. Shayda is the host of a podcast for cannabis marketers called To Be Blunt, where she interviews top cannabis brands on their most successful marketing initiatives. When Shayda's not building her cannabiz in Texas, you can find her on the road exploring the best hikes and spots for vegan ice cream. Follow Shayda at @theshaydatorabi 

SPONSORSHIP is brought to you by Restart CBD. Check them out for your CBD needs

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to join me fo

RESTART CBD
RESTART CBD is an education first CBD wellness brand shipping nationwide.
restartcbd.com

Support the show

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tobebluntpod.substack.com

"With cannabis being inhaled directly rather than eating it, a small amount of contaminants can have a lot, potentially more toxic effect in your body than if you ate those same contaminants. So I think it's really important, and I think now the upside is we have one of the cleanest consumer products even with some of the issues" - Josh Wurzer

Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast, where we delve into the world of cannabis testing and its impact on the infused products category. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of lab testing in the cannabis industry, highlighting the need for standardization, transparency, and compliance to ensure safe products for consumers.

Join us as we explore how testing has revolutionized the industry, making it accessible to casual consumers through accurate dosing and consistent potency!

[00:00 - 07:27] The Importance of Lab Testing in the Cannabis Industry.

[07:27 - 14:09] The Evolution of Cannabis Testing and the Impact on the Industry.

[14:09 - 20:53] Navigating the Challenges of Lab Testing in the Cannabis Industry.

[20:53 - 27:54] The Importance of Clean and Safe Cannabis Testing in the Industry.

[27:54 - 35:06] SC Labs sets new standards for trust and testing certification in the cannabis industry.

[35:06 - 42:29] Advocating for Quality and Transparency in the Cannabis Testing Industry.

[42:29 - 49:13] Navigating State-Specific Regulations and Testing Requirements in the Hemp Industry.

[49:14 - 56:30] The Challenges of Testing and Regulating New Cannabinoids in the Cannabis Industry.

[56:30 - 1:03:33] The Importance of Greater Oversight and Testing in the Cannabis Industry.

[1:03:33 - 1:05:37] Cannabis and Hemp Industry Stabilizing, Slowly Trending in the Right Direction.

Josh Wurzer has operated cannabis testing labs for over 12 years and has been a cultivator in the medical system since the early 2000s. He is a strong advocate for safe and clean cannabis but he also understands the financial and regulatory challenges faced by businesses within the industry. He believes that regulations should strike a balance of maximizing consumer safety while minimizing the burden on an industry that is getting squeezed from several directions. Today, Josh manages research and development, regulatory compliance, and laboratory expansion at SC Labs, the most trusted and fastest growing lab in the US.

Connect with Mitch!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshwurzer

Go to: https://www.sclabs.com/

Top Stories In Our Industry:

• https://www.mygrasslands.com/cannabis-marketing/the-history-and-evolution-of-420-marketing

• https://biv.com/article/2023/04/uber-eats-add-cannabis-its-bc-platform

• https://www.businessinsider.com/legal-cannabis-retail-sales-eclipse-chocolate-sales-in-us-2023

RESTART CBD
RESTART CBD is an education first CBD wellness brand shipping nationwide.
restartcbd.com

Support the show

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tobebluntpod.substack.com

“Any day that goes by that someone is arrested for marijuana possession, it's a day of injustice. And if for no other reason, but that I'm happy to do whatever I can to legalize marijuana.” - Jason Tarasek

In this episode, Jason Tarasek, founder of Minnesota Cannabis Law, shares his legal expertise and insights on the current state of marijuana legalization in Minnesota. We delve into the challenges and concerns facing the hemp industry with the new proposed legalization bill, the emergence of THC beverage and edible markets in Minnesota, and the potential for expanding the state's medical marijuana program. Join us as we discuss the legislative process, the coexistence of hemp and marijuana, and the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

[00:01 - 07:36] Cannabis Legislation Updates: Minnesota, Germany, and Florida

[07:37 - 14:52] Minnesota's Proposed Marijuana Legalization Bill: Impact on Hemp Industry

[14:53 - 22:05] Minnesota's Legalization Journey and Emerging THC Beverage Industry

[22:06 - 29:00] Low-Dose THC Edibles and Beverages Now Legal in Minnesota

[29:01 - 36:21] Profitable Hemp-Derived THC Market Ahead of Legalization in Minnesota

[36:21 - 43:05] Minnesota's THC Beverage Market Grows Ahead of Adult-Use Legalization

[43:06 - 53:20] Minnesota's Cannabis Bill: Regulating Licensees and Canopy to Meet Market Demand

Jason Tarasek is a highly experienced attorney who founded Minnesota Cannabis Law in 2018 to cater to the needs of the hemp, cannabinoid, medical-marijuana and adult-use marijuana markets in the Upper Midwest. With almost 20 years of legal experience as a transactional attorney and litigator, Jason is a highly regarded legal expert in his field. Prior to founding Minnesota Cannabis Law, Jason served as the Minnesota Political Director for the Marijuana Policy Project, where he played a key role in drafting legislation to legalize recreational marijuana for adults in Minnesota. Jason frequently speaks on legal matters related to hemp, CBD, and marijuana, sharing his expertise with audiences around the country.

Shayda Torabi has been called one of the most influential Women in WordPress and now she’s one of the women leading the cannabis reformation conversation building one of Texas’ premier CBD brands. She's currently the CEO and Co-Founder of RESTART CBD, a female-run education first CBD wellness brand. And has formerly held marketing positions at WP Engine and WebDevStudios. Shayda is the host of a podcast for cannabis marketers called To Be Blunt, where she interviews top cannabis brands on their most successful marketing initiatives. When Shayda's not building her cannabiz in Texas, you can find her on the road exploring the best hikes and spots for vegan ice cream. Follow Shayda at @theshaydatorabi 

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“By making something illegal, you're making it more dangerous. It's a classic effect of that. It's similarly with cannabis and what we were talking about with THC, it's about the lack of education and telling people just don't do any drugs, don't do anything.” - Miyabe Shields

In this episode, Miyabe Shields shares insights on cannabis as medicine and healing. She discusses the challenges of studying cannabis in the US, biosynthetic and synthetic cannabinoid production, and the importance of proper dosing. Join us as we break down the science behind cannabis and explore its potential benefits.

[00:00 - 07:55] Personal Health and Cannabis Industry Breakthroughs

[07:56 - 15:05] Cannabis Medicine, Healing, and Spiritual Insights

[15:06 - 21:54] Studying Cannabis in the US: A Researcher's Story

[21:55 - 28:51] Cannabis Research at the Intersection of Academia and Industry

[28:52 - 35:22] Future of Cannabinoids: Biosynthetic, Synthetic, and Natural Pathways

[35:23 - 42:18] THC Education and Content Creation amid Censorship

[42:19 - 49:29] Neurodiversity, Cannabis, and Science Advocacy

[49:30 - 56:23] Exploring Nature's Medicine Cabinet: A Scientist's Journey

[56:23 - 01:05:48] Cannabis Bioavailability and Dosing Protocols Uncovered

My name is Dr. Miyabe Shields, PhD and I support the responsible, intentional use of any drug from natural products to pharmaceutical prescriptions. (What is responsible?)

Cannabis saved my life and continues to save my life to this day; psychedelics made me grateful for it. My personal experience fueled my passion for biochemistry and molecular biology which lead me to my PhD in drug discovery in the system in the brain that interacts with cannabis – the endocannabinoid system. During my PhD, I was lucky to study under formative cannabinoid scientists like Dr. Alexandros Makriyannis, PhD and Dr. Torbjorn Jarbe, PhD, and was honored to receive a PhD research award from the International Cannabinoid Research Symposium in Poland in 2016.

After completing my dissertation in 2018, I worked in the cannabis industry starting in demographic research and eventually co-founding my former company Real Isolates LLC where I studied the unique chemistry of cannabis smoke, developed a novel extraction technology which resulted in a method patent, and formulated products that showed unique effects.

In 2021 I began using my personal social media page to share my knowledge of pharmacology and destigmatize natural products. I was shocked by how many people were not just interested, but yearning for more knowledge; I was shocked by how tapping into the community made me realize where I was personally lacking knowledge. It’s now 2023 and I want to advocate for fixing that – let’s start the conversation!

Shayda Torabi has been called one of the most influential Women in WordPress and now she’s one of the women leading the cannabis reformation conversation building one of Texas’ premier CBD brands. She's currently the CEO and Co-Founder of RESTART CBD, a female-run education first CBD wellness brand. And has formerly held marketing positions at WP Engine and WebDevStudios. Shayda is the host of a podcast for cannabis marketers called To Be Blunt, where she interviews top cannabis brands on their most successful marketing initiatives. When Shayda's not building her cannabiz in Texas, you can find her on the road

RESTART CBD
RESTART CBD is an education first CBD wellness brand shipping nationwide.
restartcbd.com

Support the show

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tobebluntpod.substack.com