To Be Blunt

“If you create those relationships and you just show that like, Hey, I really am trying. Sometimes that's all it takes ‘cause so many people are not trying at all.” - Kim Stuck

Welcome back to the To Be Blunt podcast! In this episode, Shayda Torabi welcomes Kim Stuck of Allay Consulting. As the first cannabis specialist for the Denver Department of Environmental Health and now a leading compliance expert, she gives an insider perspective on cannabis regulation and certification standards. She offers actionable advice on best practices to be certified, including how to improve facilities, ensure consumer safety, and build relationships with regulators. 

[00:00 - 11:49] Top Stories in Our Industry

[11:50- 19:57] Becoming a Cannabis Public Health Inspector

[19:58 - 31:59] Good Cannabis Manufacturing Practices and Causes for Recalls

[32:00 - 39:04] The Challenges in Regulating Marijuana and Hemp

[39:03 - 45:42] Cultivating a Culture of Compliance

[45:43 - 1:01:47] How to be GMP-Certified and Other Certifications You Need to Know

[1:01:47 - 1:14:32] Investing in Compliance and Handling Issues Ethically

Kim Stuck is the founder and CEO of Allay Consulting, a compliance strategy, and services provider serving the hemp, cannabis, and psychedelic industries nationwide. She brings a regulator’s keen eye and wide-reaching knowledge on evolving compliance and safety mandates to support businesses in tightly regulated industries. Previously, she held a pioneering role as the nation’s first cannabis and hemp specialist for a major metropolitan public health authority. She also holds numerous accreditations, such as certified quality auditor and certified professional of food safety, among others.  

Connect with Kim!

Visit allayconsulting.com!

 

Top Stories in Our industry:

• https://uk.news.yahoo.com/female-led-cannabis-companies-receive-205422591.html 
• https://www.marijuanamoment.net/apple-lets-users-search-for-marijuana-and-pharmaceutical-interactions-in-latest-iphone-health-update/ 

 

Watch this episode on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Z5tO9qc3LI

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 epi

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

“If Germany goes recreational,  everybody's going to follow them to some extent. If the leader says, look, this is how I'm addressing the product, the issue that I see at hand, you can pretty much be sure all the bigger countries will come in line like France, Portugal… And a few others are going to really move quickly because there's no reason for them to be disadvantaged if the rules are already set.” - Michael Sassano

Welcome back to the To Be Blunt podcast! In this episode, Shayda Torabi welcomes Michael Sassano of SOMAI Pharmaceuticals to take a broader look at the global cannabis market. He brings his wealth of experience to dive deep into European cannabis production, innovation, and legalization and juxtaposes the current landscape with what’s happening in North America. He also talks about SOMAI and how they are producing high-quality medical cannabis treatments for patients all over the world.

 

[00:00 - 09:05] Thoughts on My Germany Trip

[09:06- 21:10] Europe's Leading Cannabis Markets

[21:11 - 37:04] Regularization and Comparing Recreational vs. Medicinal

[37:05 - 46:52] The Pharmaceutical Industry and Innovation

[46:53 - 53:42] Marketing Cannabis to European Consumers

[53:43 - 1:03:41] What It Takes to Be Licensed and to Operate in Europe

[1:03:42 - 1:14:40] A Look at the US Market and The Future of SOMAI

 

Michael is the CEO and Chairman of the Board for SOMAI Pharmaceuticals LTD, a European pharmaceutical and biotech company centered on manufacturing in Lisbon, Portugal, and distribution of EU GMP-certified cannabinoid-containing pharmaceuticals throughout the European Union and globally. SOMAI emphasizes scientific pharmacology applications with EU-GMP standards to deliver treatments to the endocannabinoid system, effectively and with consistency across all markets. Taking with him the product development knowledge honed in the competitive American market, SOMAI is the largest and most advanced cannabinoid manufacturing facility across legal European markets producing medicines products and registered API's.

Connect with Michael!

Check out somaipharma.eu!

 

Watch this episode on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66yTNFlh20M

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.

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

“You’ve probably been consuming alcohol since you were a young person and you know a lot more about how your body reacts to it than how your body's going to react to cannabis. So having that platform for new consumers to be able to be introduced to our products and then move their way up the scale so that we're kind of holding their hand a little bit and saying, ‘It's totally cool. You want to try one milligram and see where you're going?’ We encourage that in a lot of ways.” - Lauren Gockley

 

Welcome back to the To Be Blunt podcast! In this episode, Shayda Torabi welcomes Lauren Gockley of Coda Signature. A classically trained chocolatier, she reflects on her transition to the cannabis space and what’s it like to build a brand in Colorado. She also discusses the innovation that goes into their products and how microdosing is changing and improving the cannabis experience.

 

[00:00 - 15:21] Elevating Cannabis Edibles

[15:22- 24:07] Opportunities in Emerging Markets and the Challenges in the California Landscape

[24:05 - 33:03] Innovation and Preparing for Legalization

[33:04 - 46:16] The Importance of Microdosing

[46:17 - 1:02:23] Curating Experiences through Minor Cannabinoids

[1:02:22 - 1:17:08] Getting the Product to both Buyers and Budtenders

[1:07:09 - 1:13:08] What’s Next for Coda Signature

 

Lauren co-founded Coda Signature in 2015 and currently serves as its Chief Innovation Officer.  She is responsible for driving product development and refinement, establishing best manufacturing practices, managing supply chain dynamics, and maintaining strict quality standards across all product lines. She taps into her rich background in Michelin-starred restaurants and European patissiere to craft infused confections renowned for their artistry, consistency of experience, and unparalleled fine ingredients. She is also named one of Dessert Professional's Top 10 Chocolatiers in North America.

 

Connect with Lauren!

Follow her on LinkedIn and go to CodaSignature.com.

 

Watch this episode on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yyxKtmXFjw

 

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.

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

“People relate more to user-generated content than they do an influencer telling them they should buy a product because there's no authenticity from the brand to the influencer. When you've got a UGC creator, they make the content, give it directly to the brand, and then the brand directly puts it out.” - Maggie Wilson

Welcome back to the To Be Blunt podcast! In this episode, Shayda Torabi welcomes Maggie Wilson of FRUIT SLABS, California’s first kosher-certified and vegan edible. We get to know how she went from growing up anti-cannabis to becoming a cannabis marketing expert and joining FRUIT SLABS to serve the health and wellness community. She also dives deep into UGCs and why it is the solution to boost brand reach and savings.

[00:00 - 08:14] Top Stories in Our Industry

[08:15 - 13:08] Paving the Way for Kosher-Certified Edibles

[13:09- 31:31] Finding a Place in the Cannabis Health and Wellness Space

[31:32 - 38:26] The Colorado vs. California Market 

[38:27 - 48:14] Label Differentiation and Intellectual Property

[48:15 - 1:06:10] Co’slab’orators and Why Brands Should Leverage UGCs

[1:06:11 - 1:12:05] Non-Traditional Marketing Tactics

Maggie Wilson is the best-selling author of The Metaphysical Cannabis Oracle Deck, the 1st black woman cannabis sommelier, and Chief Marketing Officer for FRUIT SLABS. Recognized for her breakthrough work by both the industry and her peers, she is a member of Black Marketers Association of America and has a top-rated international Apple podcast. She brings unparalleled energy, transformative thinking, and innovative ideas to the forefront of each conversation.

 

Connect with Maggie!

Find her on LinkedIn and check out FRUITSLABS.com.

Top Stories in Our industry:

• https://mjbizdaily.com/top-cbd-companies-experience-market-share-drop-as-online-sales-soften/ 
• https://ktla.com/news/california/ap-california-oks-bill-to-protect-workers-who-use-pot-at-home/ 
• https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cv25ex5e30lo 

 

Watch this episode on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-kP2hiFwZ0

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 wel

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

“Find what makes you tick. Find what's authentic to you. Focus in that world and be impactful in that world because it’s a big enough world as it is that you don't need to do everything.” - Jon Spadafora

Welcome back to the To Be Blunt podcast! In this episode, Shayda Torabi welcomes Jon Spadafora of Veritas Fine Cannabis, the first recreational wholesaler in Colorado. He shares how they have differentiated themselves from the competition by offering variety and curating unique experiences for consumers. He also gets real about the challenges cannabis businesses face on social media and how they’re creatively finding ways to reach their target audience.

[00:00 - 10:12] Top Stories in Our Industry

[10:13 - 20:41] Leading Cannabis Cultivation in Colorado

[20:42 - 29:47] On Diversifying the Menu and Creating Desire 

[29:48 - 35:51] Harnessing Data to Understand the Consumer

[35:52 - 52:09] How to Navigate the Social Media Minefield

[52:10 - 1:10:52] Authentic Connections through Collaboration and Experiential Events 

[1:10:53 - 1:17:16] Cannabis in the Workplace: Trust and Empowerment 

 
Jon Spadafora is a cannabis industry veteran with an extensive history in brand initiation, brand operations, and marketing strategy. His knowledge of best practices for experiential marketing strategy and curating innovative consumer events has helped establish Veritas as one of Colorado’s most recognizable and sought-after cannabis brands. As President, Jon is responsible for day-to-day operations, business profitability, investor relations, and ensuring that the brand adheres to its core values as it continues to expand operations. 

 
Connect with Jon!

Visit VeritasCannabis.com.

Top Stories in Our industry:

• https://mjbizdaily.com/how-cannabis-industry-can-curb-budtender-turnover/
• https://mjbizdaily.com/midyear-state-cannabis-sales-a-mixed-bag-across-the-us/ 
• https://www.marijuanamoment.net/feds-issue-first-refunds-for-cannabis-products-that-were-deceptively-marketed-to-consumers/

 

Watch this episode on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q4y15I50KQ 

 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

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

“We didn't see anybody else in the industry who was studying the effects of the product in humans. We wanted to come from a place of truth. That's always been very important to us, that we were the truth-tellers in the industry.” - Missy Bradley

Welcome back to the To Be Blunt podcast! In this episode, Shayda Torabi welcomes Missy Bradley, VP of Marketing and co-founder of Ripple. She takes us through their pioneering research to formulate a water-soluble form of THC, proven to hit 2x faster than the competitor. She also talks about their commitment to consistency and how they are building longevity by connecting with the consumers and dispensaries.  

[00:00 - 10:37] What’s Trending + Q & A

[10:38 - 18:26] Everything Can Be an Edible

[18:27 - 21:03] Consistency in Experience, Quality, and Messaging

[21:04 - 33:20] Investing in Innovation and Research

[33:21 - 33:53] Marketing through Meaningful and Truthful Conversations

[33:54 - 1:02:14] Staying Relevant on the Shelf and Surviving the Colorado Market

[1:02:15 - 1:10:01] On Promotions, Packaging, and Partnerships

Prior to her work with Ripple, Missy Bradley was a senior producer at The Climate Reality Project where she led creative initiatives centered around climate change awareness and action. She is a former journalist and holds an MA in journalism from the University of Missouri and a BA in English from the University of Michigan. She lives in Boulder with her husband, John, her kids, Max and Ella, and her dog, Princess Beadie Wigglebottom.

Connect with Missy!

Check out TryRipple.com and find her on LinkedIn.

 

Resources:

https://mjbizdaily.com/several-state-marijuana-legalization-initiatives-could-make-fall-ballot/

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/feds-seek-contractor-to-help-test-marijuana-compounds-in-peoples-breath/ 

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cannabis-100-billion-opportunity-tilray-ceo-124914518.html

  

Watch this episode on YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woXDVtCRmyU&t=3s

 
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.

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

“Everyone is really dedicated to the cannabis industry as a whole and wants to advance legalization, education, and access to cannabis, and really believes in what we're doing as a brand to bring something that's really high quality, that's more premium, that's flavor first.” - Katherine Wolf

Welcome back to the To Be Blunt podcast! In this episode, Shayda Torabi welcomes Katherine Wolf of Malek's Premium Cannabis to discuss how to build a strong brand that stands out from the competition, how to keep up with industry trends, and more. She believes that collaborations can help the brand connect with different businesses and consumers, and she emphasizes the importance of education as a way to promote the unique story behind the product.

 
[00:00 - 07:24] What’s Trending + Q & A

[07:25 - 16:00] Putting a High-Quality Product in Front of the Consumers

[16:01 - 21:03] The Path to Being a Cannabis Brand Marketer

[21:04 - 28:13] Education and Fostering Relationships with Dispensaries

[28:14 - 33:53] Inspirations for Compelling Cannabis Content

[33:54 - 45:06] Malek’s Team, Brand Story, and the Idea Behind the Iconic Pink

[48:09 - 1:04:49] Collaborations and Connecting with Consumers

Katherine Wolf is a published cannabis writer, branding specialist, and the Chief Marketing & Operations Officer of Malek's Premium Cannabis. Malek's is a passion-driven brand growing small-batch, flavor-first flowers in Denver, Colorado. With a background in Marketing & Economics and over five years of experience working with brands in tech, manufacturing, and hospitality, she shifted to the cannabis industry in 2020. Today, she is passionate about advocating for women in cannabis leadership and safe access to cannabis education and products for all.

Connect with Katherine!

Find her on LinkedIn and visit Malek’s Premium Cannabis.

 

Resources:

https://coloradosun.com/2022/08/10/colorados-cannabis-industry-sustained-decline-2022/

https://mjbizdaily.com/how-cannabis-testing-labs-help-put-undue-focus-on-thc-potency/

panelpicker.sxsw.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QF77HTYPs_Y&t 

 

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

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

“People and consumers are getting smarter in identifying the companies that are just trying to take advantage of the situation. And I think why we've serviced millions of customers in the last seven years is because we really truly provide value. We always make it a hundred percent satisfaction guarantee.” - Bryan Gerber

Welcome back to the To Be Blunt podcast! In this episode, Shayda Torabi welcomes the “King of Cones” Bryan Gerber of Hemper and Hara Supply. He and his team have produced over 85 million pre-rolled cones per month in the cannabis industry and today, he gets candid about their crazy journey to success. He also gives an inside look at manufacturing pre-rolled cones and glass products and discusses how they are navigating a fragmented industry and providing the best quality to their customers. 

[00:00 - 09:50] From Subscription Box to Cannabis Lifestyle Brand

[09:51 - 23:52] Scaling and Becoming the Leading Pre-rolled Cones Manufacturer

[23:53 - 33:53] The Challenges of Cannabis eCommerce and Digital Marketing

[33:54 - 37:17] Surviving the Industry Consolidation

[37:18 - 48:08] The Realities in Manufacturing Cannabis Ancillary Products

[48:09 - 1:00:28] Glassware and Setting up an In-House Production

 

After graduating from George Washington University School of Business, as a cannabis user seeking a solution to a routine problem for the average smoker, Bryan Gerber ultimately ended up revolutionizing the entire industry. Through his entrepreneurship, he is on track to produce 1 billion cones per year, provided by his company Hara which he helped in creating and making it to be the largest distributor of pre-rolled cones in the globe.

Dedicated to proving himself through his hard work and ingenuity, he has paved the path to sustain his businesses’ growth and longevity, while constantly discovering innovative ways to reach new consumers all sustaining his loyal and happy customer base.

 

Connect with Bryan!

Check out Hemper.co to know more about their products and services.

 

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

 

Key Quote:

“The biggest difference between working with us is that we stand by our quality and you're not going to run into a contamination issue. You're not going to run into a pesticide or heavy metal problem. And God forbid you run into a recall situation. A lot of these big cannabis companies are trying to save that half a penny by going with the smaller guy. It's not worth cutting the corner for a half-cent.”  - Bryan Gerber

 

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

RESTART CBD is an education-first CBD wellness brand shipping nationwi

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

“We spoke with hundreds of people and the response was overwhelming. It was like, how has this not been in my life already? How come somebody hasn't invented it? And so from that, we decided to build the product. The need is out there. We have the ability to fulfill it. Let's go for it.” - Peichen Chang

Welcome back to the To Be Blunt podcast! In this episode, Shayda Torabi welcomes Peichen Chang, co-founder & CEO at tCheck. tCheck is a device that helps home edible makers and DIY cannabis growers measure the potency of their flower and infused oils such as butter, coconut oil, and EVOO. He digs deep into what problem they saw in the market, how they were able to create a convenient device for potency testing, and what marketing strategies they are utilizing as an ancillary business.

[00:00 - 14:00] Potency Testing at Your Fingertips

[14:01 - 20:42] A Faster and More Affordable Option for Home Bakers and Cultivators

[20:41 - 26:45] Engineering a Simple and Scalable Solution for the Market

[26:46 - 39:15] Building a Brand and Marketing as a Cannabis Technology Company

[39:16 - 44:00] What’s Next for tCheck: Expanding Their Customer Base and Helping Farmers Stay Compliant

[44:01 - 54:11] App Development and the Best Ways to Optimize tCheck

 

Prior to joining tCheck, Peichen Chang was a software developer and product manager for companies such as Emulex/Broadcom, TD Ameritrade, and HP. He grew up as a DoD brat on the tropical island of Okinawa, Japan before moving to snowy upstate New York for his B.S. in Electrical Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.  Afterwards, he went on to Oregon State University for his master’s in business administration. Today, he lives in the Sacramento area with his wife, 3 boys, a dog, and too many cats.

Connect with Peichen!

Follow him on LinkedIn and visit the tCheck website.

 

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

 

Key Quote:

“Their number one goal is to solve whatever health problem it is that they have. They couldn't care one bit, one iota about a spectrometer. They simply don't care. They're like, how do I make my pain go away? That's the only thing they care about. And so how do you solve that problem for the customer and this other problem, which is, this is a device that has never existed in the market before, this technology which is a kind to magic at this point. How do these two come together?” - Peichen Chang
 

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
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

“Nature is our muse. Those ratios that are found naturally in the plant, well, let's recreate that so that you can consistently have that same experience every time you have a product. so that you're not buying a product one month and then three months later, and you're like, was that the same product? And that's happening because of that lack of consistency which now we're able to solve and  I think what's going to help lay the foundation for this industry to reach its potential.” - Nicole Brown

Welcome back to the To Be Blunt podcast! In this episode, Shayda Torabi welcomes Open Book Extract’s Chief Innovation Officer, Nicole Brown to talk about the science of cannabis and cannabinoids. She discusses the extensive research and testing that goes behind the scenes in order to develop and bring to market better cannabis products that are going to improve people’s quality of life.

[00:00 - 03:48] Life Update: Working Through Change and Chaos

[03:49 - 20:23] Crafting Cannabis Products and Navigating Legalization in North Carolina

[20:24 - 30:55] The Chemistry of Cannabinoids

[30:56 - 44:19] Formulation Development and Delivering Consistent and Effective Outcomes

[44:18 - 58:22] How Technology is Transforming the Cannabis Industry 

[58:23 - 1:07:21] The Future Landscape: Brands and New Categories Emerging

 

Nicole Brown serves as Chief Innovation Officer for North Carolina-based Open Book Extracts, a foremost ingredient manufacturer, product development house, and supplier focused on cannabinoid-enabled health and wellness. She channels data-driven consumer insights into a long-term course of action, delivering immediately usable product innovation, and also drives awareness and thought leadership by overseeing strategic marketing efforts, including PR, event marketing, advertising, and partnerships. Nicole is committed to a spirit of sustainability and social impact and has built and led best-in-class teams to foster an open culture to learn from one another.

 

Connect with Nicole!

Head over to the Open Book Extracts website.

 

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

 

Key Quote:

“The whole reason to go after THCV was quite obvious. The journey to actually figure out how to do it was intensive. It required a team of scientists that I am humbled by every day with how they're able to take on these challenges and be like, okay, we're going to figure out all the laws of science and chemistry and what is going to take to be able to bring to market what we think is a very important cannabinoid.” - Nicole Brown

 

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