Under the Microscope with Jenny

🎙In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano is joined by Andy Shelley the Founder of CannXperts to discuss the critical issue of receivership in the cannabis industry. Andy, a former Law Enforcement Officer and Oregon Liquor Control Commission Regulator turned cannabis consultant, delves into his transition into the industry. The conversation focuses on the nuances of receivership, an alternative to bankruptcy, and why it is particularly relevant in the cannabis sector due to federal restrictions on bankruptcy filings. Jenny and Andy talk about the causes leading to receivership, the warning signs, the operational and regulatory challenges, and the steps companies can take to avoid this route. Through detailed explanations and real-life examples, listeners can gain valuable insights into the complexities of financial difficulties in the cannabis industry, the importance of vigilance, and the steps to ensure business sustainability.

🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano

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01:12 Andy Shelley's Background in 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 this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano welcomes Ernest Toney, founder of BIPOCann, to discuss the keys to building a sustainable cannabis business by focusing on working on the business and not just in it. Ernest shares his journey from working in sport health and wellness to entering the cannabis industry and founding BIPOCann in 2020. Jenny and Ernest cover a wide range of topics, from the importance of having a business plan, navigating regulatory frameworks and authentic storytelling to working through challenges related to funding and access to capital, especially for minority and underrepresented entrepreneurs. They discuss the significance of relationship building and the unique value propositions that can set a cannabis business apart in a competitive market. Whether you're an aspiring cannabis entrepreneur or a seasoned operator, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical best practices.

🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting

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01:20 Ernest's Early Career and Transition 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 this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano welcomes her guest, Alex Hearding from Red Wolf Risk, who brings expertise in environmental science and worker safety. Alex and Jenny explore critical topics of protecting employees in cannabis cultivation operations by understanding Worker Protection Standards. Their discussion covers the specifics of Worker Protection Standards (WPS) and the critical need for compliance with EPA regulations on pesticide use, including the roles and requirements for workers and handlers, the importance of training, PPE, emergency assistance, maintaining decontamination stations and common violations. This episode provides practical tips and best practices to help operators ensure compliance and protect their workers, making this a valuable resource for anyone involved in cannabis cultivation.

🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting

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02:55 Understanding Worker Protection Standards (WPS)

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 top compliance mistakes that cannabis operators commonly make and provides insights on how to prevent them. With over a decade of experience in cannabis operations, Jenny covers a broad range of topics including the top violations in the US, the importance of maintaining a culture of compliance, and best practices for avoiding common pitfalls such as poor record-keeping, labeling errors, and seed-to-sale tracking systems. She dives into the significance of violations issued across 29 states and over $10 million in fines issued in 2024. 

Jenny also provides best practices for each of the top violations, emphasizing the importance of a compliance-centered company culture. Listeners can learn about proper inventory tracking, record-keeping, packaging, and employee training to avoid the common infractions and ensure their cannabis business operates within regulatory standards. Tune in to learn more, and how to navigate the regulatory landscape to keep your cannabis business compliant.

🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting

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01:27 Compliance Risks in Cannabis Operations

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 Jeremy  Shechter, founder of Open Source Horticulture, who shares his extensive experience in cannabis and horticulture. The conversation covers Jeremy's unique background in aquaponics, the key principles for cultivation, common pitfalls in facility design, the importance of staff satisfaction, and the future of cultivating cannabis. They also discuss practical aspects like preventative equipment maintenance, biosecurity in facility design and the critical role of structured communication in managing a successful cultivation operation. This episode is packed with valuable tips for both new and experienced cannabis operators.

🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting

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01:06 Jeremy's Background in Horticulture and 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 this episode of 'Under The Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano welcomes Jennifer Makris the Founder of Cannabis Cash Consultants, who shares her journey and expertise in cannabis cash management. Jennifer explores the evolution of her career from transportation logistics to managing financial systems for Brinks, and discusses her role in pioneering cannabis-friendly financial institutions and cash handling solutions. They discuss key topics such as the challenges of handling cash in the cannabis industry, the importance of efficient cash management systems, the risks associated with cash transactions, and the impact of potential regulatory changes on cash usage in the future. Jennifer also highlights best practices, training needs, and technological solutions to improve cash management efficiency and security for dispensary operators. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the complex world of cannabis cash management and practical advice for safeguarding their business operations.

🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting

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00:18 Jennifer's Journey into 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 this episode of 'Under the Microscope Cannabis Operator Series’, host Jenny Germano welcomes Shawn Honaker, CEO of Yeti Farms, a Medical and Adult-Use Cultivation and Manufacturing Facility. The discussion dives into Shawn's unexpected journey into the cannabis industry, starting from his roots in central Indiana, to running a financial planning firm, and eventually founding Yeti Farms.

Shawn shares his experiences including challenges in the oil field industry, overcoming personal struggles with alcohol, and the journey of establishing a successful cannabis business. The talk touches on his diverse career, innovative ventures in cannabis extraction, cultivation practices, and insights into navigating the regulatory and financial challenges of the cannabis industry. Shawn also provides a realistic perspective on the current state and future of the cannabis market, emphasizing lessons learned and the importance of adapting to changing circumstances.

🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting

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01:10 Shawn's Early Life and Work Ethic

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 welcomes Blaine Hatab, CEO of Distru, to discuss the evolving cannabis industry and key aspects of the industry from operations to compliance. They delve into the importance of technology in cannabis operations, the importance of staying data-driven, leveraging technology and how better tech can make a difference for Cannabis operators. 

The conversation covers the unique challenges faced by cannabis operators, the pivotal role of technology, particularly ERP systems, in optimizing operations, and the potential but limited impact of AI on the industry. Jenny and Blaine explore strategies for better inventory management, fostering buyer-operator relationships, and addressing market oversupply issues. 

This episode is packed with valuable information for both current and aspiring cannabis operators. Tune in for practical advice and strategies to strengthen your position in this competitive market.

🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting

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00:35 Guest Introduction 

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 dives into five primary compliance challenges that can make or break a regulated cannabis business. Jenny shares her extensive background in the cannabis industry, beginning in 2009, and the insights she has gained through her 16 years of working in the regulated market. She addresses why she often focuses on the industry's hurdles, and the importance of being prepared, the role of regulations along with the five key compliance challenges operators will face. Jenny provides practical advice, including the necessity of thorough training, and the significance of understanding every single aspect and moving piece of the cannabis business. This episode is crucial for both new entrants and existing operators in the cannabis industry, offering valuable insights and strategies to navigate and mitigate these challenges.

🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting

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

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00:59 The Reality of Cannabis Industry Challenges

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 Podcast," host Jenny Germano is joined by Maureen McNamara, Founder & Chief Facilitator at Cannabis Trainers, to explore the pivotal role of training in the cannabis industry. The conversation dives into Maureen’s journey as a leader in compliance and training, and how she is shaping the future of cannabis operations. Jenny and Maureen cover essential topics, including the importance of training for compliance, safety, and building strong teams, as well as strategies for engaging adult learners and fostering a positive company culture. Listeners will gain actionable insights into operational best practices, compliance challenges, and the impact of ongoing education on business success. This episode is a must listen for cannabis operators, team leaders, and anyone looking to elevate their operations through effective training and compliance strategies.

🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting

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01:15 - Maureen’s Journey: From Hospitality to Cannabis Training

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.