High Class: Recent Episodes
Salwa Ibrahim
Welcome to High Class! This podcast is for the DIY cannabis hustlers who are just getting into the industry and are already frustrated with the hurdles, paperwork and political red tape.
I am your host Salwa Ibrahim! An Egyptian immigrant rooted in Oakland, who has been in the industry since 2008 and I am still passionate about every aspect of the cannabis industry.
Over the years I have been through it and I want to make it less confusing so you can have a smoother transition into entrepreneurial success. I will cover step-by-step instructions that show you how the system really works, and how to work within it. These are the things I wish I knew when I was starting out.
Most cannabis businesses permits are awarded through a RFP Request for Proposal or an RFQ Request for Qualifications process. In this episode I will teach you what an RFP is, what to expect when you are going through the process. How grading really works and breakdown what to include in every section. From business plan and operating plan to security and financials. This episode touches on all things in this process to prepare you for the competition ahead. So get your game face on and get ready for all things RFP to set you up for success.
This episode is inspired by a July 2022 Reuters article I found while googling cannabis trends 2022 and I mean this was in the top hits, so I was shocked when the headline popped up saying litigation is an emerging trend in cannabis for 2022. But then again I am in the middle of a partner dispute, myself. Hmm? Ok maybe it’s not just me. I mean most of us know that California is going through what feels like a complete industry collapse and that usually means that, even though business has blown up over the last decade, there just isn’t enough cash flow going around to make ends meet. So naturally most partnerships undergo a lot of stress and investors want to pull their money out and grab what they can and run, which usually is accompanied by some sort of litigation or lawsuit. Here are some of the lessons and tips I learned the hard way.
Welcome! I am your host Salwa Ibrahim and in this episode I briefly give an introduction into my career in cannabis and set the stage for what's to come. I've been working in cannabis since 2008, so you could say I've had a front row seat to the industry's evolution over the past decade and change, but 2022 itself has been loaded with changes for the cannabis industry.Some states are coming online while others, like California, are going through a market correction from a glut of excess product and over regulation and taxation. For some of us who are considered Legacy Operators it has been a year of financial hurdles that has caused many businesses to close. As a form of therapy I started this podcast to discuss the expensive lessons I learned, the moves that saved me from financial collapse and how I plan to move forward by learning from others so I can do it better the next time. Come learn alongside me as I navigate being the teacher and the student of the ever changing cannabis industry. This is High Class.
Most cannabis businesses permits are awarded through a RFP Request for Proposal or an RFQ Request for Qualifications process. In this episode I will teach you what an RFP is, what to expect when you are going through the process. How grading really works and breakdown what to include in every section. From business plan and operating plan to security and financials. This episode touches on all things in this process to prepare you for the competition ahead. So get your game face on and get ready for all things RFP to set you up for success.
Choosing the location of your dispensary is often the first and most expensive decision when starting your business or applying for a permit. These are the tips and tricks I use when shopping for retail locations! In this episode we talk about:
- the Green Zone,
-how to avoid crazy construction costs
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the benefits of keeping it small
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a lesson I learned from an unethical real estate broker
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important things to work into your lease that can make you money later on
Plus some bonus tips along the way!