🎙 In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano continues her Cannabis Operator Series with Joey Coleman, Founder and CEO of KAI Dispensary. Joey shares how a paragliding accident in Colombia that caused a severe spinal injury led him to cannabis and ultimately into the industry. He discusses transitioning from operating a 40-acre hemp/CBD farm and extraction business to launching an adult-use dispensary in Grand Junction, Colorado. Joey walks through winning a license via lottery, building from the ground up, and navigating complex zoning, planning, and permitting delays. The conversation explores what sets KAI apart: thoughtful architectural design by his brother, a light-filled retail space with a courtyard and sawtooth roofline, curated merchandising including a “smell bar,” and strong community engagement through local artist partnerships and First Friday events. Joey also shares candid lessons on staffing, compliance systems, capital constraints, supply chain logistics to the Western Slope, and building a hospitality-driven culture without micromanaging. They close by previewing KAI’s one-year anniversary celebration in March, highlighting how intentional operations and community connection help a single-store operator compete in Colorado’s mature market. Listeners will walk away with practical insights on navigating licensing and delays, building a differentiated retail experience, and leading with both compliance and hospitality at the forefront.

🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting

⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰

00:57 Joey’s Origin Story

𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

🎙 In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano breaks down the growing wave of scams and fraud targeting licensed cannabis operators across the U.S. Drawing from her experience operating vertically integrated cannabis facilities in Denver since 2009 and her work through ICS Consulting for over the last 10 years, Jenny explains why cannabis businesses are uniquely vulnerable due to regulatory complexity, cash-heavy operations, evolving licensing frameworks, and limited banking access.

The conversation outlines six major scam categories affecting operators nationwide - including regulator impersonation, fake licensing and social equity programs, payment diversion schemes, delivery and reporting fraud, and investment scams. Jenny walks through real-world examples and regulator alerts while highlighting common red flags like spoofed communications, urgent payment demands, threats of license action, and attempts to bypass internal controls.

✨ This episode delivers practical safeguards operators can implement immediately, including SOPs for verifying regulator communications, stronger payment controls, role-based employee training, and clear response protocols when scam attempts occur - helping cannabis businesses protect their licenses, finances, and teams in an increasingly complex environment.

🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting

🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com

⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰

03:39 National Scam Overview

𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano sits down with Michael Andrud, CEO and Founder of Lüt., to break down operational best practices for cannabis retail payments. Michael shares his background in financial services and how that experience informs his approach to navigating payments in highly regulated cannabis environments. The conversation explores the real risks of cash-heavy operations, common misconceptions around payment processing, and the compliance and regulatory concerns tied to payment options like cashless ATMs. Jenny and Michael also discuss the importance of creating consistent customer payment experiences, aligning payment solutions with business models, and effectively implementing loyalty programs. They dive deeper into staff training, documentation, fraud prevention, transparency, and optimizing payment workflows to reduce risk and improve operational efficiency. This episode offers practical guidance and actionable insights for dispensary operators looking to strengthen their payment processes while navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting

⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰

00:57 Guest Introduction: Michael Andrud

𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano sits down with Alex Hearding, Founder and President of Red Wolf Risk, to break down what’s next for the cannabis industry. From upcoming federal rescheduling and the possibility of full descheduling in the future and what these shifts mean for day-to-day operations. The conversation focuses on how operators can prepare for a more regulated future. Alex explains why aligning with federal standards now is critical and dives into the role Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) will play as the industry matures. Together, they explore how proactive compliance can help operators stay competitive, strengthen operations, empower them to quickly adapt by lowering risk exposures and increase business value ahead of future mergers and acquisitions. Tune in to gain insights into what lies ahead for cannabis operators and positioning your business for the industry’s next phase.

🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting

⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰

01:07 Introducing the Guest: Alex Hearding

𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

🎙In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano delves into the topic of common inventory tracking mistakes that put cannabis operators at risk. With over 16 years of experience and helping cannabis facilities navigate the regulatory landscape across the United States, Jenny shares valuable insights into how to prevent common mistakes related to the Metrc seed-to-sale tracking system. She discusses the importance of maintaining accurate inventory records and preventing compliance violations, emphasizing daily reconciliation, proper staff training, and having robust inventory management standard operating procedures (SOPs). Jenny shares her practical tips for avoiding common inventory track and trace pitfalls and highlights her motto - bad data in equals bad data out. Learn about the risk exposure of poor inventory management, tips for better compliance, and recommendations for staying audit-ready in an industry that is under the microscope. Don't miss this essential episode for cannabis operators looking to improve their inventory management processes.

🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting

⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰

00:51 Common Inventory Pitfalls

𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

🎙In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano discusses the increasing issue of cannabis recalls with special guest Carly Bader, Director of Science at Willow Industries. Carly shares her experiences from working in both the cannabis industry and the field of infectious diseases. Jenny shares recall data from 2025, illustrating the scope of recalls across various states while Carly provides insights on why recalls are common in regulated markets and the major triggers for large-scale recalls. They discuss the importance of proper sanitation, regulatory compliance, and continuous environmental testing to prevent contamination and improve public safety and talk about the need for a centralized database for recall information.

Tune in for an in-depth conversation that covers everything from microbial issues and pesticide recalls to the necessity of better public recall reporting systems. Both Jenny and Carly emphasize the significance of educating operators and the workforce to raise safety standards and minimize recalls in the evolving cannabis industry.

🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting

🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Carly Bader, Director of Science at Willow Industries

🌎 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗜: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carly-bader-4260b217a

⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰

00:43 Our Guest: Carly Bader

𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

🎙In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano welcomes Nohtal Partansky, the CEO and founder of Sorting Robotics, to discuss the impact of robotics on the cannabis industry. Nohtal shares his fascinating journey from aerospace engineering at NASA to pioneering automation solutions for cannabis manufacturers. The conversation covers key topics such as the economic benefits of robotics in production, the challenges of regulatory compliance, and the future role of AI in the industry. Jenny and Nohtal also offer practical advice for operators navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving market, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards and embracing technological advancements.

🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting

🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Nohtal Partansky, the CEO and founder of Sorting Robotics

⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰

01:21 Nohtal’s Journey from NASA to Cannabis

𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

🎙In the first episode for 2026 of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano welcomes Cassie Tomaselli, Founder and Creative Director of Tomaselli Media and The Green Room, to discuss the critical role of a brand voice and effective marketing strategies for cannabis operators. They delve into the unique regulatory challenges faced by cannabis businesses across the US market, the importance of balancing educational versus promotional content, and innovative ways to build a strong personal brand and thought leadership in the industry. The conversation covers practical tips on email marketing, utilizing social media responsibly, supporting cannabis media, and leveraging trade shows and events effectively. Tune in to learn more insights as Jenny and Cassie emphasize the value of authentic storytelling and creating a community-centric approach to engage audiences.

🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting

🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Cassie Tomaselli, Founder & Creative Director of Tomaselli Media & The Green Room

🌎 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺: https://the-green-room-b55c22.circle.so/the-green-room-open-enrollment-2025

⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀

00:59 Guest Introduction - Cassie Tomaselli

𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

🎙In the final episode of 2025, host Jenny Germano of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny' addresses preparation for a compliant 2026 for cannabis operators. Drawing from her extensive background, Jenny offers action steps on record-keeping standards, navigating the rescheduling processes, preparing for potential state and federal regulatory changes, and improving overall compliance best practices. She emphasizes the importance of meticulous business records management, staff training refreshers, understanding the evolving regulations, and being proactive with federal standards such as OSHA, QMS and ISO 9001. Additionally, she discusses the potential impacts of cannabis rescheduling and the essential steps operators can take to stay updated, diligent and ready. This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips to help cannabis businesses maintain compliance and readiness for a successful new year.

🌿Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting

⏰ Timecodes ⏰

01:12 Preparing for Year-End and 2026

Legal Disclaimer:

The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business.

Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

🎙In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano sits down with Jessica Velazquez, CPA, CFE, and Principal Cannabis Practice Leader at Beach Fleischman. Jessica shares her extensive background and experience as a CPA in the cannabis industry. Jenny and Jessica dive into some of the challenges faced by cannabis businesses in 2025, the impact of market trends, and the significance of proactive financial planning. The conversation covers key financial trends from 2025, the importance of regular communication with financial professionals, and the critical role of the power of planning and adapting to industry changes. They also discuss specific strategies for aligning operations with accounting, managing cash flow, and preparing for tax liabilities in the evolving cannabis market. Tune in to gain insights into minimizing tax surprises and optimizing business performance for the year ahead and navigate the complexities of the cannabis industry. 

🌿Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting

⏰ Timecodes ⏰

00:44 Introduction Jessica Velazquez

Legal Disclaimer:

The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.