The Cannabis Business Minds Show: Recent Episodes
Simone Cimiluca-Radzins, CPA
Upskill on your cannabis business, finance, and compliance skills! If you’re looking for quick, easy, and value-added information about doing business in the cannabis industry, then look no more. Each episode of Cannabis Business Minds will provide you with valuable tips and insight from industry leaders that you can apply to your own business or career. Hosted by CPA and Cannabis Advisor, Simone Cimiluca-Radzins, CPA.
In this episode, Simone unveils her latest focus, centered on the crucial elements of success: money, mindset, and business.
Simone explores the concept of achieving financial wholeness in the entrepreneurial journey, regardless of the industry you operate in. She emphasizes the need to build a business that supports you financially and allows you to realize a profit by adding value through your work.
Financially Whole is an amazing 90-day journey that you will go through together one-on-one and as a group that will transform how you show up in business, your money mindset, and give you the sales, money and business systems that can make a massive shift in your business.
Website: https://www.bewithsimone.com/
Financially Whole (program): https://www.bewithsimone.com/course/moneymastery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be.with.simone/
In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges faced by small businesses in the cannabis industry and the solutions that can help overcome them as Simone continues her conversation with Kenneth Mason, CEO of Equibis.
Kenneth shares his insights on the unique challenges faced by small businesses in the cannabis industry, from navigating legal requirements to accessing capital and banking services. He also talks about the importance of having a strong support system and building relationships with other businesses in the industry.
As a Chicago-based entrepreneur, Kenneth sheds light on what's happening in the cannabis business scene in the city, from new regulations to emerging trends and opportunities.
About Our Guest
Website: www.equibisaccounting.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethmasoncpamba/
LinkedIn (Equibis): https://www.linkedin.com/company/equibis-accounting/
Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/
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Website: cannabisbusinessminds.com
Instagram: cannabisbusinessminds
Youtube: cannabisbusinessminds
In this episode, we delve into the career transformation of Kenneth Mason, who went from being an accountant to becoming an entrepreneur empowering small businesses through Equibis.
Kenneth shares his insights on navigating entrepreneurship as an accountant and the lessons he learned along the way. He also talks about his first dip into entrepreneurship and how it led him to discover his true purpose.
Kenneth emphasizes the importance of staying true to his purpose and being clear on his end goal, which helped him overcome challenges and achieve success in his career.
About Our Guest
Website: www.equibisaccounting.com http://www.equibisaccounting.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethmasoncpamba/
LinkedIn (Equibis): https://www.linkedin.com/company/equibis-accounting/
Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/
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Website: cannabisbusinessminds.com
Instagram: cannabisbusinessminds
Youtube: cannabisbusinessminds
Do you have a cannabis business that needs to raise funds? The process of fundraising can be difficult and time-consuming, so it's crucial for startup founders to have a strategic approach.
In this episode, we delve deeper into business valuations and investing with Richard Bernard, Vice President of Houlihan Capital's Valuation and Financial Advisory Group. Here are some of the major topics we cover:
- How to begin the fundraising process for your company
- Tips for discussing fundraising with potential investors
- An explanation of the "SAFE agreement" and its key components
- Richard's insights on the current state and future of the cannabis industry, including perceived challenges
- Advice for anyone looking to enter the cannabis industry
- The most important lesson Richard learned when starting out
About Our Guest
Richard Bernard is a Vice President in Houlihan Capital’s Valuation and Financial Advisory Group. Mr. Bernard performs valuations for public and privately held businesses, business interests, gift and estate planning, financial accounting, and tax reporting purposes. His responsibilities include conducting due diligence, performing financial analyses, and drafting valuation reports.
Prior to joining Houlihan Capital, Mr. Bernard was an Analyst in the Valuation Advisory group of Duff & Phelps, where he focused on business enterprise and intangible asset valuations for financial reporting and tax compliance purposes and portfolio valuations focusing on alternative investments.
Website: https://www.houlihancapital.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-bernard-08502b38/
Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/
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Website: cannabisbusinessminds.com
Instagram: cannabisbusinessminds
Youtube: @cannabisbusinessminds
Business owners must take into account numerous factors that heavily influence a company’s value. In this episode, Richard Bernard, the Vice President of Houlihan Capital’s Valuation and Financial Advisory Group, sheds light on the process of valuing businesses within the cannabis industry. Some key takeaways include:
- Bernard's background and involvement in the cannabis industry and his work with Houlihan Capital
- An overview of the evolution of valuations over the years and the current state of the industry
- Common valuation techniques applied to the cannabis industry
- The impact of taxation and the role of 280e on a company's valuation
About Our Guest
Richard Bernard is a Vice President in Houlihan Capital’s Valuation and Financial Advisory Group. Mr. Bernard performs valuations for public and privately held businesses, business interests, gift and estate planning, financial accounting, and tax reporting purposes. His responsibilities include conducting due diligence, performing financial analyses, and drafting valuation reports.
Prior to joining Houlihan Capital, Mr. Bernard was an Analyst in the Valuation Advisory group of Duff & Phelps, where he focused on business enterprise and intangible asset valuations for financial reporting and tax compliance purposes and portfolio valuations focusing on alternative investments.
Website: https://www.houlihancapital.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-bernard-08502b38/
Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/
Connect with us!
Website: cannabisbusinessminds.com
Instagram: cannabisbusinessminds
Youtube: @cannabisbusinessminds
In this episode, we continue Simone’s conversation with Eric Canori and delve deeper into the topic of resilience and conquering hardships. Eric divulges his latest undertaking in cannabis cultivation in the New York market, the practices he adopted to cope with traumatic experiences, and his future aspirations.
Eric Canori's memoir, titled "Pressure," is a captivating account of his journey towards perseverance, resilience, and personal growth. Through his experiences with money, sex, and drugs, he seeks love and acceptance, and his story serves as an inspiration to re-examine one's own life. The book highlights the fundamental elements of life, including our connection with nature, ourselves, and those around us. It is a poignant reminder of what truly matters in life.
Website: https://www.ericcanori.com/
Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/
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Website: cannabisbusinessminds.com
Instagram: cannabisbusinessminds
Youtube: @cannabisbusinessminds
Before cannabis became legal in any state, Eric Canori was a prominent high-end cannabis dealer on the East Coast of the United States, responsible for smuggling over $300 million worth of the drug.
In this episode, Simone interviews Eric about his journey and transformation as a former high-end cannabis dealer turned author and legal entrepreneur. Eric discusses his experiences living a fast-paced lifestyle, burying gold bars, and paying his way out of prison. He also reflects on writing his book 'Pressure' and his current involvement in the legal New York cannabis market.
About Our Guest
Website: https://www.ericcanori.com/
Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/
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Website: cannabisbusinessminds.com
Instagram: cannabisbusinessminds
Youtube: @cannabisbusinessminds
In this episode, Jen Flanagan interviews hemp industry expert Shawn Hauser. As a partner at Vicente LLP and a co-chair of the firm's Hemp and Cannabinoids Department, Shawn helps businesses navigate the complex regulatory landscape of the hemp market.
Shawn shares insights into the differences between hemp and cannabis, and the unique challenges that hemp operators face in the industry. She discusses the current state of the hemp industry and provides valuable advice for anyone looking to start a hemp business.
About Our Guest
Website: https://vicentellp.com/
Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/
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Website: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/
Instagram: cannabisbusinessminds
Youtube: @cannabisbusinessminds
Join Jen Flanagan in this episode, where she talks to Sahar Ayinehsazian, a partner in Vicente LLP's Los Angeles office and co-lead for the firm’s Banking and Financial Services Access practice.
Sahar shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities in cannabis banking. Discover how to find a trustworthy banking partner, potential fees for cannabis operators, and the obstacles in cannabis banking. Sahar also provides valuable advice for cannabis operators and applicants seeking banking services.
About Our Guest
Website: https://vicentellp.com/
Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/
Connect with us!
Website: cannabisbusinessminds.com
Instagram and YouTube: @cannabisbusinessminds
In this episode, Jen Flanagan interviews Brian Vicente, Founding Partner of Vicente LLP and a pioneer in the cannabis industry.
From the inception of the cannabis industry, Brian has been at the forefront of shaping the regulated industry. He shares with us his insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the cannabis industry today for entrepreneurs and service providers alike and his vision for the future of this rapidly growing industry.
About Our Guest
Website: https://vicentellp.com/
Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/
Connect with us!
Website: cannabisbusinessminds.com
Instagram / YouTube: @cannabisbusinessminds
Join us as we kick off our four-part series with guest host Jen Flanagan. In this episode, we get insights and tips on cannabis compliance with Casey Leaver, the director of regulatory compliance at Vincente LLP. Casey is a compliance expert with years of experience under her belt. She knows what it takes to keep a cannabis business compliant in today's ever-evolving regulatory landscape.
We dive deep into the differences between laws and regulations and the common compliance issues that cannabis businesses face. Casey shares her insights on the biggest obstacles in cannabis compliance and how to overcome them.
About Our Guest
Website: https://vicentellp.com/
Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/
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Website: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/
Instagram: cannabisbusinessminds
Youtube: cannabisbusinessminds
In this episode, we get an insight of how the Massachusetts cannabis industry started from former Commissioner Jen Flanagan.
Commissioner Flanagan, currently the director of regulatory policy for Vicente LLP, shares her experience and perspective on her role as one of the appointed inaugural Commissioners on the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission in 2017. Some of the major highlights:
- What’s going on in Massachusetts
- How her background in mental health and substance abuse issues played a role
- Importance of studies, research, and consumer education
- Milestones during her time as Commissioner
- Her new role as Vicente LLP’s Director of Regulatory Policy
- Speed round
About Our Guest
Website: https://vicentellp.com/
Email: j.flanagan@vicentellp.com
Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/
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Website: cannabisbusinessminds.com
Instagram: cannabisbusinessminds
Youtube: cannabisbusinessminds
In this episode, we continue our conversation with Cannabis Law & Tax Specialist Paula Collins. We talked about her experience in working with cannabis business owners and how the New York Consortium of Cannabis Accountants are supporting social equity applicants.
Some major highlights from our conversation:
- What cannabis entrepreneurs should watch out for when it comes to taxes
- The fastest way entrepreneurs can get into trouble
- Raising entrepreneur awareness and workshops provided by NYCCA
- Bankruptcy and debt in the cannabis industry
- Her advice for anyone just starting to build their business and what she wished she knew then
About Our Guest
Paula Collins, CEO and Founder of The Morton Street Group, is obsessed with getting it right for the cannabis industry. Paula is an Enrolled Agent, MBA, Lawyer, and Education Specialist, with over 10 years' experience in tax preparation from non-profits to high net worth individuals. She is admitted to practice law in New York, New Jersey, and Missouri.
Website: www.mortonstreetgroup.com or www.paulacollinslaw.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/paulacollinsnyc
Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/
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Website: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/
Instagram: cannabisbusinessminds
Youtube: cannabisbusinessminds
In this episode, we continue our conversation with Cannabis Law & Tax Specialist Paula Collins on cannabis taxation. Some major highlights from our conversation:
- The current New York tax structure and the licensed market
- The best case scenario in the next 12 months
- Her proposed transitional license and work as a co-founder of the New York Consortium of Cannabis Accountants (NYCCA)
- Misinformation in tax and law in cannabis
About Our Guest
Paula Collins, CEO and Founder of The Morton Street Group, is obsessed with getting it right for the cannabis industry. Paula is an Enrolled Agent, MBA, Lawyer, and Education Specialist, with over 10 years' experience in tax preparation from non-profits to high net worth individuals. She is admitted to practice law in New York, New Jersey, and Missouri.
Website: www.mortonstreetgroup.com or www.paulacollinslaw.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/paulacollinsnyc
Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/
Connect with us!
Website: cannabisbusinessminds.com
Instagram: cannabisbusinessminds
Youtube: cannabisbusinessminds
In this episode, we get a deep dive on cannabis licensing and compliance with Cannabis Law & Tax Specialist Paula Collins.
Paula Collins, CEO and Founder of The Morton Street Group, is obsessed with getting it right for the cannabis industry. Paula is an Enrolled Agent, MBA, Lawyer, and Education Specialist, with over 10 years' experience in tax preparation from non-profits to high net worth individuals. She is admitted to practice law in New York, New Jersey, and Missouri.
Some major highlights from our conversation:
- How Paula started in the cannabis industry
- The struggles in pre-licensing phase, illicit shops and unlicensed operators
- Public awareness and due diligence
- Tax compliance for entrepreneurs
About Our Guest
Website: www.mortonstreetgroup.com or www.paulacollinslaw.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/paulacollinsnyc
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Website: cannabisbusinessminds.com
Instagram: @cannabisbusinessminds
Youtube: @cannabisbusinessminds
Because of you, Cannabis Business Minds is in the top 5 podcasts in the industry! Thanks so much for your support!
In today's episode, Simone gives an overview of what you can expect from the show from expert interviews to the simplest way to get your questions answered by an industry expert.
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Website: cannabisbusinessminds.com
Instagram: cannabisbusinessminds
Youtube: cannabisbusinessminds
Are you ready to end the year right? In this episode, Simone shares key financial tips for your cannabis business as we wrap up 2022 and how to lock in your 2023 business budget.
Haven't yet built a budget for your cannabis business? Make sure you get the 2023 budget template here: https://www.freedomsun.co/courses/businessbudget
Do you have business tips, insights, or stories you want to share to the Cannabis Business Minds community?
Apply here: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/contact/
Are you consuming cannabis or is it consuming you?
On this episode, we talk to Tarris Batiste on his journey from being a football jock to helping young adults, upcoming professionals, athletes, and cannabis curious individuals to use cannabis responsibly. Some major highlights:
- His story and how he turned his mess to a message through his book ‘Don’t Let It Smoke You’
- Discovering and understanding the power of responsible smoking
- Mindful consumption and not letting cannabis control you
- Tarris’ why, his vision, and how his 12-month goal
Book: Don’t Let It Smoke You: How to Create a Nontoxic Relationship with Cannabis (Amazon)
Email: dontletitsmokeyou@gmail.com
Website: https://cleverchief.org/
On this episode, we get an insider insight on the New York cannabis scene and dive into corporate transactions with Charles Alovisetti, Partner and Corporate Department Chair at Vicente Sederberg LLP. Some major highlights:
- The current state and foreseen challenges on the New York cannabis industry
- Cannabis license and licensing caps
- CLIMB Act and cannabis law insights
- Business financing and loans from a lender’s perspective
- What the cannabis industry would be by 2030
- Tips on getting started in the cannabis industry on the speed round
- His book on Cannabis Business 101: The Business of Cannabis: Understanding Law, Finance, and Governance in America’s Newest Industry
Links mentioned:
- VS Insight "Understanding the Current Legal Status of Psychedelics in the United States," May 27, 2022
- The Business of Cannabis: Understanding Law, Finance, and Governance in America’s Newest Industry By Charles S. Alovisetti, Cassia Furman
- Email: charlie@vicentesederberg.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesalovisetti/
Are you using data to make smarter decisions in your business? On today’s episode we talk about how you can start using data to build your business with profit in mind.
“Data can help all kinds of cannabis businesses operate smarter, make more money, and better serve their customers.” - Jeffrey Graham
On this episode, we talk to Jeffrey Graham, co-founder and CEO of Pistil Data, on how they are helping cannabis brands harness the power of data to grow faster. Some major highlights:
- How it all started, how Jeffrey’s expertise in analytics, data science and business intelligence came into play, and the parallels in tech versus cannabis industry
- Trends in the cannabis consumer market
- Pistil Data’s big vision
- Lessons on fundraising experience
- What’s next for Pistil Data
On this episode, Simone shares some basic business principles and strategic planning you can apply to your business today.
Join the Cannabis Business Mastermind Community at https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/.
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Instagram: @cannabisbusinessminds
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Linkedin: Cannabis Business Minds Podcast
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
Lack of cash control has put many companies into bankruptcy. For cannabis companies, filing for bankruptcy is not an option.
“You need to have a credit & collection policy to help grow your business.” - Sam Fensterstock
On this episode, we get a deep dive on credit and collections in the cannabis industry with Sam Fensterstock, SVP of Business Development at AG Adjustments (AGA) – a leading provider of 3rd party commercial collection services.
Links mentioned:
Why Your Delinquent Cannabis Related Accounts Require Swift Action
AG Adjustments (AGA) website - https://www.agaltd.com/
Email: samf@agaltd.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/slapshotsam/
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Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
How familiar are you with web3.0 and NFTs?
On this episode, we talk to Liz Wald about Web3 technologies and how it compelled her to co-found and launch thric3 -- an NFT-based membership community for people new or coming back to cannabis with an emphasis on wellness.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Website: https://www.thric3.io/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thric3
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thric3official/
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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“Big misconception is that you need multiple brokers to create transparency and get multiple quotes. This is not the case and invoking many brokers most times make it more challenging for the insured.”
In this episode, we uncover the nuances and myths in insuring cannabis-related businesses with Eric Schneider, co-founder of AlphaRoot – a full service insurance brokerage that focuses exclusively in the cannabis, hemp, and CBD space. Some major highlights:
- Different kinds of insurance coverages and what makes the most sense for your business
- Challenges in cannabis insurance
- How the AlphaRoot app enhances the customer experience
- Disruption and the effects of compliance and regulation (THC, delta-8, CBD)
- Validation process, cultivating trust and transparency between insurance carrier and insurer
- How businesses should budget for an insurance and when to insure a cannabis startup
- Cannabis sales and the current scene in New York
- Eric’s advice to someone starting in the cannabis industry
Links mentioned in this episode:
Website: https://alpharoot.com/
Web app: https://app.alpharoot.com/
Email: info@alpharoot.com / eric@alpharoot.com
Unlock the FREE webinar to increase your cash flow here: https://www.cbmnetwork.com/courses/financecoaching.
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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In this episode, Simone shares this timeless and insightful interview with Karim Webb for Cannabis Business Week back in July 2020 where they talk about:
- Karim’s journey to entrepreneurship and the impact his parents had
- Lessons on leadership, workplace culture, and community from his experiences in retail
- Challenges in operating competitive retail and improving outcomes
- How he got into the cannabis industry, 4thMVMT, and social equity
- The retail strategies to implement to attract and engage customers
- Mindset and more leadership lessons on the speed round
Access the free webinar to get actionable steps to increasing your cash flow today. https://www.cbmnetwork.com/courses/cashflow
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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In this episode, Simone talks about the challenges of cannabis startups from banking, cash flow, and taking action. Some major highlights:
- Lessons on cannabis banking
- Actions to take your business from the startup phase to launch phase
- Key areas to master for a successful cannabis startup
- Reflections on New York state cannabis tax scene
- Topics for the upcoming episodes (email us!)
- What do you want to accomplish in cannabis and what it takes
Access the Ultimate Cannabis Startup Checklist to get a roadmap to starting a profitable cannabis business. (https://www.cbmnetwork.com/courses/bizchecklist)
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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The key is in not spending time, but in investing it. In a 2015 Small Business Pulse Survey, business owners spend only 32% of their time on activities that lead to growth, improved profitability and increased morale.
In this episode, Simone challenges you to assess and rethink how you manage your time and tasks affecting your business and your personal life.
Grab the Ultimate Cannabis Startup Checklist to get a roadmap to starting a profitable business.
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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Are you having problems with prioritizing? There’s a quick tool that you can use to get out of being stressed and overwhelmed with the tasks that you have on your plate and being a proactive and mindful entrepreneur.
In this episode, Simone shares how the Eisenhower matrix, a simple decision-making tool, helps you prioritize better by making distinction between tasks.
Download the Ultimate Cannabis Startup Checklist to get a roadmap to starting a profitable business.
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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Cash flow is one of the biggest metrics in a cannabis business. In any business, the game is maximizing your cash flow and not just your revenue.
As a startup, how do you maximize your cash flow?
You can master cash flow by having your profit systems setup, having great terms with customers, and having a very clear understanding of your financial obligations.
- Cash flow reflects liquidity
- Importance of your profit systems setup
- Revenue growth is a big driver of cash flow
Join the Finance Mentorship to stay ahead of your taxes, grow your cash flow, and build more wealth for yourself.
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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If you’re just starting your cannabis business, you want to make sure that you are setting up your profit systems the right way.
Profit systems for your cannabis businesses include how you set up your accounting, how you set up your invoicing, and how you manage your cash flow through building and using an operating budget, and who is on your profit team.
Poor planning at the very beginning of your business will cost you money later.
In this episode, Simone shares what to focus on when building your profit plan for your business. Some major highlights:
- Getting your legal and admin ducks in a row
- Business and profit systems to implement
- Getting clear on your taxes
- Having the right people on your team
If you're interested in learning more about the ins and outs of running a profitable cannabis business, check out THC Accounting.
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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If you’re in the startup phase of building a cannabis business, or if cannabis legalization just passed in your state, you’ve got a lot on your plate. From building relationships, to filing permits, to raising capital.
A common myth among many founders is there is no money until you’ve got the cannabis license.
In this episode, Simone shares what you can do today to start making some money even before you get your cannabis license. Some major highlights:
- Getting involved in the community
- The value in building a brand
- Positioning your brand and bringing awareness
- Building your community
Grab the FREE Ultimate Cannabis Startup Checklist to get a roadmap to starting a profitable cannabis business.
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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In this episode, Simone shares content marketing strategies and how to measure success.
Download the FREE Ultimate Business Checklist to get a roadmap to starting a profitable business.
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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In this mini episode, Simone shares some insights on the key things for your profit systems if you’re starting up, operating, and even how to prepare for exit.
Still unsure about your business and profit plan? Join the Startup Profit Accelerator today and nail down your profits!
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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Get ready to be blown away in this jam packed episode with Lance Lambert, Marketing Expert, Cannabis Advocate, and the go to on the International Cannabis Scene.
Lance has spent years cultivating brands and telling stories, formerly in the mainstream digital media and marketing space prior to making the jump to the legal cannabis industry. Lambert joined the Denver Post team in late 2013, just as they were launching their cannabis industry-specific news site, The Cannabist. It was a natural fit for him to focus on media operations for the niche site. He has since stayed firmly in the cannabis industry lane and went on to head up media at WeedMaps, taking their content global before shifting to work in the ancillary side of the industry, focusing on international growth and diversification of several cannabis-centric companies.
Lance more recently brought his varied knowledge and passion-first attitude to Grove Bags, where he's been tasked with growing the company’s footprint with an eye toward moving into emerging markets around the globe. As a cancer survivor, and having grown up in Northern California, he has seen firsthand the benefits of cannabis, and how it can be an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. Having spent the past several years speaking at expos and conventions on nearly every continent, he enjoys connecting with other advocates who are interested in the different facets this blossoming industry has to offer.
If you need a solid and marketing strategy for your business, join the Startup Profit Accelerator today! https://www.cbmnetwork.com/courses/spa
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
Links:
Homework for Life | Matthew Dicks | TEDxBerkshires: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7p329Z8MD0
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanceclambert
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/805lance/
mg Magazine: https://mgmagazine.com/author/lance-lambert/
Cure To Consumption Podcast: https://www.hazeradionetwork.com/talkshows/%22Cure-To-Consumption%22-with-Lance-Lambert
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Blockchain, 150 million USD lost, and the fraudsters still haven’t been caught.
In this episode, we interview Alejandro Gil and discuss one of the biggest frauds in Cannabis to date: Juicy Fields. If you’re interested in reading more, check out Alejandro’s article in Investor Times https://investortimes.com/a-textbook-exit-scam-the-juicy-fields-case-in-detail/.
Ready to nail your business and profit plan? Join the Startup Profit Accelerator today! https://www.cbmnetwork.com/courses/spa
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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Every business experiences an ebb and flow but seasonal businesses experience these all the more.
In this mini episode, Simone shares how you can understand your business better to keep your seasonal business.
Ready to be more confident in your sales and marketing strategies? Join the waitlist today on Startup Profit Accelerator: https://www.cbmnetwork.com/courses/spa.
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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Revenue is one of the key metrics in any business.
In this mini episode, Simone talks about 3 different ways you can build more revenue in your business and increase your profitability.
If you’re interested in learning more sales and marketing techniques for a profitable business, join the waitlist on Startup Profit Accelerator: https://www.cbmnetwork.com/courses/spa.
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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In this mini episode, Simone challenges you to think out of the box and work on abundance.
Ready to make more profit in your business with the right mindset and strategies? Join the Startup Profit Accelerator today! https://www.cbmnetwork.com/courses/spa
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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In this mini episode, Simone talks about how you can quickly assess your profit to allow you to make smarter finance decisions in your business.
If you’re looking for best practices in cannabis accounting, make sure that you check out THC Finance Bootcamp (https://www.cbmnetwork.com/bundles/thc-bootcamp) which will give you access to tools, templates, and training on cannabis accounting.
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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Are you prepared for a cyber attack?
Did you know that 43% of cyber attacks are aimed at small businesses but only 14% are prepared to defend themselves?
In this episode, we interview cyber expert Corey White to give us a lowdown of cyberattacks and how small businesses can protect themselves and be cyber protected.
Corey White is a proven security industry veteran with more than 25 years of success building and implementing security strategies and leading consulting teams. His work encompasses virtually every industry, including government, high tech, hospitality, critical infrastructure, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Are you ready to start your cannabis business?
Download the FREE startup checklist here: https://resources.cbmnetwork.com/.
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @bizwithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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Eye cream cannabis? In this episode we unpack the benefits of what cannabis can do to your skin and building a cannabis skin care business in California with Bridget May and Kim Howard of Green Bee Botanicals. Some major highlights:
- How to stand out and show your brand in a crowded marketplace
- How cannabis can help with skincare
- Building a business in turbulent times in California
Cannabis wellness startup Green Bee Botanicals was founded by Bridget May, a botanist and chemist who left the biopharmaceutical industry to pursue her passion for cannabis medicine. She leveraged her biology degree, knowledge of plant medicine, and biopharmaceutical experience to formulate her first cannabis skincare products that went on to win the Emerald Cup, "the Academy Awards of Cannabis".
Kim Howard joined her childhood friend Bridget as co-founder in 2019. Prior to Green Bee, Kim was marketing VP for Silicon Valley analyst firm Infonetics Research, which she helped build and sell to analytics giant IHS Markit in 2014. She's also a former development director and grant writer for social justice and environmental conservation non-profits.
Are you ready to start your cannabis business?
Download the FREE startup checklist here: https://resources.cbmnetwork.com/.
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @bizwithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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A quick update from Portugal and what's in store for Cannabis Business Minds.
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Did you know that at 8% cannabis actually has a higher rate of female CEOs than most other industries? In a 2019 study, nearly 37% of executive-level positions in the field were held by women, whereas the national average for other industries is only 21%.
In this episode, we talk with Rachelle Gordon, a journalist and copywriter focused on cannabis and psychedelics. We dive deep into what’s happening in the cannabis and psychedelics industry, pain points, potential solutions, and how women can find their place in this market.
Rachelle has been featured in several outlets including High Times, Cannabis Now, Beard Bros, MG Retailer, Cannabis & Tech Today, and many more. She was also part of the The Women in Cannabis Study Report recently released on March 3rd. It's a culmination of over two years of research and helps guide the narrative of a more equitable industry. Check it out at https://www.womenincannabis.study/.
Are you ready to start your cannabis business?
Download the FREE startup checklist here: https://resources.cbmnetwork.com/.
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @bizwithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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Did you know that, on average, it takes 20 impressions for people to remember a brand?
In this episode, we talk to Liam McGreevy, a business executive with two decades of experience and a successful track record in developing businesses in disruptive market sectors, particularly in healthcare and wellness. Liam has established a reputation for finding
solutions to regulatory barriers, engaging effectively with legislators, and driving business
and brand growth.
We dive deep into getting into the cannabis market and how to differentiate your brand in this ever-growing and competitive industry.
To know more about our guest, check out his social media links below:
https://www.instagram.com/liammacriabhaigh
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-mcgreevy-5a808724https://www.facebook.com/mcgreevys25
Are you ready to start your cannabis business?
Download the FREE startup checklist here: https://resources.cbmnetwork.com/.
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @bizwithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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Illinois made history in January 2020, becoming the first state to prioritize a social equity program for business licenses in their cannabis legislation.
On today’s show, I talked with an amazing team who went through the social equity process.
From healthcare to starting and running a vertically integrated cannabis business, I get the pleasure of chatting with Nakia McAdoo, Maria Davis, and Crystal Anderson of MJO Farms. These amazing women have dedicated their careers to health and wellness, and are making the transition from the traditional acute care setting to an alternative wellness space.
While much work still needs to be done, in January 2021, Illinois legislators began reshaping the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act “to get more licenses out the door and into the hands of socially equitable applicants.”
We talk about what it takes to go through the licensing process, how to prepare, what questions to ask, and the importance of mentors even if you don’t have a cannabis license yet.
We spend a portion of the interview talking about funding and what it takes to get up in running in terms of capital.
For more information about MJ Organics, reach out to them at cmn@mjofarms.com.
Are you ready to start your cannabis business?
Download the FREE startup checklist here: https://resources.cbmnetwork.com/.
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @bizwithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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Did you know that it takes more than 20 touchpoints to engage with a prospective customer before they buy from you?
With so much noise in the digital space, the limits for cannabis businesses to advertise on traditional social mediums because cannabis is a schedule 1 substance and federally illegal in the US (come on META, get with the changing tide), you want to be creative and engaging with your marketing dollars in cannabis.
One of the most effective ways of engaging marketing is events.
Adelia Carrillo, CMO at EventHi, joins us in this episode as we talk about cannabis event marketing trends and what to expect this year.
Eventhi is an online ticketing platform for cannabis-related events. With Adelia’s professional experience she is set to help bring life to EventHi’s brand, vision and mission.
Adelia sits on the advisory board for the International Cannabis Business Women Association and is a board member for San Diego Americans for Safe Access.
In 2021, she co-founded Blunt Brunch with business partner Parisa Rad, an event series empowering and bringing women executives together in the industry to connect, build business relationships and empower each other through blunt conversations, and unique experiences.
Adelia’s first position in the cannabis industry was as CEO of Direct Cannabis Network. DCNis the leading digital B2B news network highlighting the latest tech, entrepreneurs and innovative companies in the cannabis industry.
With her roots in the corporate and consumer electronics industry, her passion for technology, business and marketing has been a key strength in her transition into the cannabis space. Adelia is building an inspiring yet prominent voice in the world on the topic of cannabis and the event industry.
To learn more about EventHi visit www.eventhi.io.
Need help in starting your business the right way?
Download the FREE startup checklist here: https://resources.cbmnetwork.com/.
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @bizwithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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Did you know that the annual cost of compliance to operate a cannabis business is estimated to be $200,000? Unfortunately, many cannabis businesses spend thousands of dollars on SOP books that are never used and don't understand how to implement compliance measures effectively in their business.
We get a veteran of the cannabis industry, Logan Goolsby originally worked on the regulatory side under four different Directors with the Marijuana Enforcement Division while the State of Colorado moved from medical marijuana to a retail or adult-use program. Working with LexisNexis, Logan codified and indexed the first Colorado Marijuana Laws and Regulations legal book in 2011. Now Logan serves the role of compliance specialist and officer; performing on-site inspections, reviewing sale transactions, security footage and working with federal, state, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies.
In this episode, we dive deep into building a compliance foundation for your cannabis business.
Need help in starting your business the right way?
Download the FREE startup checklist here: https://resources.cbmnetwork.com/.
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @bizwithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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Did you know that It’s not illegal for financial institutions to engage with legally operating cannabis related businesses – even if the CRB is not in the same state. The SAFE Act is only codifying what is already being done. CRBs have a right to the same banking services as other small businesses for their safety, peace of mind, and ability to scale their business.
Kevin Hart, Founder & President of Green Check Verified, Inc., joins us in this episode as we dispel myths and dive deep into all things banking in cannabis.
Ready to start a profitable cannabis business? Grab the FREE startup checklist here: https://resources.cbmnetwork.com/.
Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @bizwithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com.
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Every cannabis entrepreneur has a different exit strategy, and Debra Borchardt is a story for anyone who is looking to make the exit in cannabis. Although Debra is still working in her business, she is no longer an equity owner.
In this episode, I get to dive deep into Debra's journey with selling her company Green Market Report.
About Debra:Debra has covered the cannabis industry since its earliest stages when she recognized that the legalization story was the biggest business news story of the decade. As a senior producer and reporter at TheStreet.com, Debra was awarded an ASPBE.org (American Society of Business Publication Editors) in 2014 for Best Video - News, “Guess Where People Want To Buy Pot.” Debra is also a Co-Founder of the women’s cannabis executives networking group Industry Power Women and serves on the board of the cannabis newswire Axiswire.
She began her career in the securities industry where she was a Vice President at Bear Stearns holding three securities licenses. She left Wall Street to earn her Masters's Degree in Business and Economic Reporting from New York University. At that point, she embarked on a career as a financial journalist and spent eight years at TheStreet.com working daily with Jim Cramer. She is also a frequent panel moderator and guest at cannabis conferences. Looking ahead to 2019, Debra has big plans for GMR, which include the launch of additional websites. Following the successful Green Market Summit in 2018, she is planning her next Green Market Summit event in Chicago on May 7.
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This is the last lesson of the year, and it's important to feel confident about the cash flow and money management in your business.
In this episode, I give you a quick lesson on some of the basics of money management as an entrepreneur and invite you to join me live to get your money questions asked and answered live with me on December 28 @ 8am PST/ 11 am EST.
All you need to do is join me https://www.wisdom.audio/ and find my handle @bizwithsimone
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This episode helps you evaluate your business and entrepreneurship and gives you actionable tips to make sure you're filling your entrepreneurial bucket with the right stuff and how to prepare for a successful 2022.
You can download the year end business owner checklist here-> https://www.cbmnetwork.com/courses/bizchecklist
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As a small business owner, your cash flow is the most important metric in your business.
Cash helps you make smart business decisions, pay yourself as an owner, save for taxes, and is the main contributor to building a profitable business.
If you've been low on cash flow and haven't been seeing the profit you'd like in your business, you can apply these steps to start seeing results.
Now is the time to start thinking about your business operating budget for the next year. Here are 7 actionable steps to reducing your spending in your cannabis business.
1. Start analyzing where you spend your money
Before you can make any changes to your cash flow, you need to understand where you are spending. Set aside one day to review your purchases for the past 90 days.
You'll want to classify your purchases into different categories:
- Necessary for Business
- Not-Necessary
2. Create a Monthly Budget
Once you've become aware of where you are spending your money, you can determine where you can cut from your current operating expenses and create a budget for the month. You can break your budget into different categories of your business, such as your cost of goods/services, operating expenses, owner pay, taxes, and the amount you will allocate to profit.
3. Create Expenses Policies and Procedures to help reduce spend
Once you have an idea of where you are spending your money, it's important to start building policies to help you reduce business spending. Some areas that you will want to have in your policy are the rules and guidelines for travel and entertainment, competitive bidding with vendors, approval of spending, and reimbursable expenses.
4. Perform a Vendor Analysis
Assess who your major vendors are and create a preferred vendor list of those vendors that provide you the best service and for the best price. Make an effort to only purchase from your approved vendors, and make sure you've negotiated the best rates.
5. Consolidate your Payment Dates
Instead of paying vendor invoices when you get them, set a schedule to pay out twice a month. This practice will establish more control in your business and give you more time and freedom.
6. Automate routine tasks in your Business
Paper, excel files, and a business without systems is a business that will not be able to scale. Take time to evaluate the systems that you use and where you can automate them. Automation will help build an effective workflow and help build more cash reserves.
7. Invest in People
If you want to build a sustainable business that can live without you, you need to have a team. People matter and will drive your business to the next level. Even if you're a solopreneur, investing in a virtual assistant to help you with the administrative side of your business, will help you focus on activities that can move the needle to profit.
If you want to build a profitable strategy for your business and approach financial decision-making with ease, check out our Profit Builder Membership.
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In this episode, I talk with cannabis attorney Toni Forge about the importance of having access to capital when you're in the licensing phase of your cannabis business.
If you are a cannabis business owner, this is an episode that you cannot miss. We talk about:
- Changes to the California Cannabis Licensing Division and How that has impacted the California cannabis industry
- Best practices in building a cannabis business that gets funding
- How to apply corporate principles and structure into a cannabis business
- How your mindset and perspective is a game-changer when it comes to working in cannabis
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Hello Cannabis Business Mind!
If cannabis is legal in your state, you might be thinking about applying for a cannabis license and the steps it takes to go from an idea to open up a cannabis business.
Starting a licensed cannabis business doesn’t happen overnight — thousands of hours are invested in the planning, building, and launching of a cannabis business.
I walk you through some of the technical and non-technical things you can be doing!
Check out the Cannabis Startup Bootcamp if you're interested in getting started with a coach!https://www.cbmnetwork.com/bundles/SPA
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Just as we are wrapping up 2021, it's time for another season of Cannabis Business Minds.
This season we're focused on building more wealth into your life and will showcase some episodes on personal finance, business finance, stories from entrepreneurs who have built 7 figures in cannabis.
Make sure you check out the new courses on cbmnetwork.com and follow me on IG @bizwithsimone
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Starting a business requires some form of a startup budget. Depending on what your business is your fundraising strategy will be different. Preparing for fundraising requires effective planning, building your story, and of course, knowing your numbers.
In this episode we talk about:
- Why or why you might not need fundraising
- Lessons learned from fundraises I’ve been part of
- What you need as part of your arsenal if you go the fundraising route
- The people you want on your team during fundraising
As always, shot me an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com with any feedback, comments, or questions on this podcast and give me a shoutout on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cannabisbusinessminds/
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One of the most important things you can do as a business owner or entrepreneur working in the cannabis industry is getting a firm grasp on cannabis accounting.
You don't need to be an accounting expert or do your own bookkeeping. You need to feel empowered about the numbers behind your business and understand some of the common pitfalls of what could go wrong without a solid accounting foundation in place.
In this episode we talk about:
- What is cannabis accounting
- Why cannabis accounting is different
- What you should be focused on as a business owner
- The minimum people you need on your team to be successful financially
- How accounting can help you and your business grow
As always, shoot me an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com with any questions, and make sure you give me a shoutout on Instagram if you liked this episode. https://www.instagram.com/cannabisbusinessminds/
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Cannabis Business Minds!
What a few months it has been! And some very positive news for the cannabis industry.
This is a quick note on where I've been and what to expect for some upcoming episodes of the podcast.
As always, please shoot me an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com with any business podcasts you'd like to hear, feedback, and just to say hello!
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A behind the scenes peek into the individuals who pushed medical cannabis legalization forward in less than one year.
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A great conversation with Kyndra Miller on her evolution as a cannabis attorney, the work that is happening on a federal level, and some brainstorming on what it can take to build federal cannabis reform.
Here is Kyndra's website:
http://cannabusinesslaw.com/author/kyndracannabusinesslaw-com/
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On this episode, we talk with a Sébastien Béguerie, cannabis entrepreneur, and advocate. In 2011 he founded his brand Alpha-cat in Europe, manufacturing and providing
cannabinoid test kit and CBD products, distributed worldwide from the USA, Canada, Latin America, Jamaica, Australia, up to Japan.
In this new emerging Cannabis industry, Sebastien is one of the European expert leaders in medical cannabis science and quality control with now more than 10 years of experience in
cannabis production, regulation, education, and advocacy.
This was recorded in July 2020, and just this week (November 20), the verdict of Sebastien's lawsuit was annouced, making him a cbd pioneer and not a criminal!
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On this episode we talk with David Alport of Bridge City Collective about what it takes to build a multi state cannabis operation and the path to fundraising.
David started his cannabis career in 2009 as a commercial medical cannabis producer and cultivator in Oregon. In 2010, he founded Bridge City Collective, the idea for a nonprofit community resource, which evolved when he opened two of Portland, Oregon’s first licensed dispensaries in 2014. His role as CEO of Bridge City Collective has expanded to running vertical operations in new markets within the US.
David serves as Board President of The Oregon Retailers of Cannabis Association and on the Cultivation Committee of the MoCann Advisory Board, a trade association focused on Missouri’s fledgling cannabis industry.
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How knowledgable are you on your CBD laws and rules? Beyond "no health claims" are you aware of the legal areas that can impact your brand and your company? In this interview with talk with an expert attorney from the law firm #vicentesederberg about best ways to stay compliant in your #hempbusiness.
Other notes
- You can reach out to Michelle here: https://vicentesederberg.com/search/people/?name=michelle&service=&office=
Make sure that you check out Cannabis Finance Bootcamp to learn how to set up a cannabis business the right way.
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We talk about the need to pivot in this constantly changing industry, Josh's finance insight during a pandemic, and why Washington might be the last place to invest in the cannabis industry.
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Real talk with the Executive Director of the Michigan Cannabis program about the current market and regulation.
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We are one week away from dropping some serious knowledge that can impact your business and entrepreneurial journey in cannabis and hemp on Cannabis Business Minds. As we’re quickly approaching this live series, I want to make sure that your questions are asked so we can get them answered by our experts.
Here are some of the topics we’ll be discussing:
- Retail Strategies and the future of E-commerce
- Best practices in leading and building a retail chain
- Best practices in scaling multiple businesses
- Leadership and Mindset and Wellbeing
- Finance Best practices when it comes to running your Business
What questions do you have on these topics? Make sure to get them asked in our Facebook Group Roadmap to Success.
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We dive deep into how Mills McQueen built Mineral, a whole plant nutrition company, how to get started building your own brand and community, and why whole plant-based nutrition is the way to go from both a health and wellness perspective as well as a way to lead in consumer education.
Trivia: Do you know how many compounds the cannabis plant has?
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A great episode with industry veteran, entrepreneur, and game-changer Dr. Lakisha Jenkins. Dr. Lakisha Jenkins is paving the way for international cannabis reform and regulation and teaches us the importance of your message.
Find out more information on www.cannabisbusinessminds.com
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In this episode, we talk with Windy Borman, about her work as an award-winning documentarian and we uncover what she discovered in her film Women of Weed. We talk about some pretty deep subjects that are pertinent today. We talk about
- harassment, bias, bullying
- equity, parity, and equality
- How this can impact a business
THE FILM
Women are changing the face of today’s fastest-growing industry - cannabis. Join filmmaker Windy Borman as she discovers how they’re also changing the world in “Mary Janes: The Women of Weed.”
The film features a powerful interview from Grammy®-award-winning singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge.
“Mary Janes” has garnered “Best Documentary” and “Visionary” awards on the festival circuit and been featured in The Associated Press, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, Forbes, NBC, and ABC.
THE MOVEMENT
The first new industry to emerge in the 21st century is led by women. According to a 2015 Marijuana Business Daily study, women hold 36% of leadership positions across the marijuana industry. The national average is 23%. This means marijuana has the highest amount of gender parity in any industry in
the United States. In fact, Newsweek predicts that marijuana could be the first billion-dollar industry not dominated by men.
The people of North America have spoken. Oklahoma began the 30th state to legalize cannabis in the United States, and legal sales start in October 2018 throughout Canada. Clearly, we’re at a tipping point and “The Women of Weed” could make marijuana legal nationwide, reform the criminal justice system,
empower disenfranchised communities, and give life-saving medicine to children and veterans, all while building gender equality into a billion-dollar industry. We call this the Puffragette® Movement.
Question: What do you get when you combine gender parity, social justice, environmental sustainability and cannabis? Answer: A Puffragette® [pronounced puff-ruh-jet].
https://maryjanesfilm.com/
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Your customer engagement and experience strategy is a strategy that allows you to stay competitive in today's market when new competitors and products are emerging daily. In this episode, we talk about the importance of customer engagement and building a strategy that will help you whether you are just starting your business or leading a team.
Things to think about:
- How can you solidify your competitive advantage and stay
stronger, remain or become a leader in your market, and expand your brand - Defining who your customer is both in demographics and psychographics.
- Building an experience from marketing to sales that will leave the customer WOWed, empowered, and coming back for more.
Customers are the center of our businesses - without them, we wouldn't exist. A huge part of this is your customer engagement strategy.
Want to improve your customer engagement, sales, and marketing strategy? Our mentorship program will build an effective strategy that leaves you, your team, and your customers feeling empowered!
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Listen to Part 2 of the Consumer Trends Podcast!
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As cannabis business minds, it's our duty to stand up for social justice and equity. Here are some resources that I wanted to share with you this week.
#amplifymelanatedvoices
Please check out these resources:
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=272134207491609
https://guidetoallyship.com/
https://medium.com/@BarackObama/how-to-make-this-moment-the-turning-point-for-real-change-9fa209806067
https://minnesotafreedomfund.org/
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Are you ready to take your leadership to the next level and find a little more purpose in your day to day?
Join me in a leadership challenge and a challenge of being a true cannabis professional.
Head on over to challenge.cannabisbusinessminds.com for more information.
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Get the insight from the first Marijuana / Hemp specialist in the world on what it takes to run a compliant cannabis business and how to build a consulting agency in cannabis.
About our Expert:
Kim Stuck was the first Marijuana/Hemp specialist for a public health authority in the nation in Denver CO. She has a
bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition/Biochem and is a Certified Professional in Food Safety (CPFS), a Certified Quality
Auditor (CQA), and a leading expert in Cannabis food safety and compliance.
She is the Founder of Allay Consulting LLC, a
consulting firm that helps the Cannabis industry over-come compliance pitfalls in State Regulations, FDA, OSHA, and Fire
code. Allay now assists with cGMP and ISO Certification in the cannabis industry. She helps influence regulations and requirements in the cannabis industry by participating in these groups and speaking on behalf of the cannabis industry regularly.
She was also a judge for the Colorado Manufacturing Awards put on by Company Week Magazine who has recently added a Cannabis manufacturing product award. She was also honored to present the award to the winners during the award ceremony in 2019 and will do so again in 2020.
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On this episode we talk about actionable steps you can take in your business while dealing with uncertainty with Jonathan Teeters, MBA and Head of Business Development at Azuca.
We cover the subjects of team management in these times, adjustments being made as capital markets disappear, supply chains, and strategy needs to steer. We discuss how to address customers in a time of uncertainty and why leadership, business development, and content are key focus points during this time.
Jonathan has more than 20 years leading teams, building strategy, and developing relations. He has more than 6 years as a leader in the emerging cannabis and hemp industries, I've cultivated a deep set of relationships that I now use to effectively develop business opportunities, influence policy, support innovation, and increase access for underrepresented voices. Jonathan utilizes a broad set of technical and interpersonal skills to help stakeholders and customers meet their challenges and capitalize on an opportunity.
Behind the Scenes Interview
What is the best thing that is going on in your career right now?
Well, our company/brand is relatively well-positioned to come out of this CV thing in good shape. Strong partnerships emerging... otherwise it’s kinda weird these days.
Why are you part of the cannabis industry?
I like doing things that haven’t been done. I want to be able to look back in 20 years and say I helped build that. I love cannabis and what it can do for people, their physical and mental health, and Mother Earth.
What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a business owner that you can share with our audience?
How to have a positive outlook in uncertainty. Being nimble is a real thing now. Managing cash. Positioning in a changing landscape.
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On this episode of Cannabis Business Minds, we hear from Matt Markiewicz about cannabis stocks and insider tips for business owners.
Matt brings 22 years of financial industry experience to his current role in running Innovation Shares, the firm behind The Cannabis ETF (NYSE: THCX). Most recently he spent over six years spent at BlackRock as a Director within the iShares ETF business.
During his tenure at iShares, the firm launched 150 ETFs in the US supporting a global ETF franchise with AUM that exceeded $1 trillion. Prior positions involved various roles in equity research and institutional sales with VDM Specialists, a NYSE market- making firm, as well as with the global investment bank, UBS Warburg. Matt is a graduate of Boston College’s Wallace E. Carroll School of Management.
THCX holdings and portfolios are listed and current every day and weights are updated daily. The fund isn't just plant-touching businesses but also includes ancillary and hemp companies.
What we talk about on the show: * If cannabis stocks make a worthy investment for investors * The breakdown of institutional investors in the cannabis industry * The traits investors look for in businesses * The advantage of going public for a cannabis business (The costs of maintaining a public company are high) * The investment landscape in Canada * What businesses should be preparing for during a time of crisis
Behind the Scenes Interview What is the best thing that is going on in your career right now?
The opportunity to speak with financial advisors in order to educate them about the investment opportunity in the global legal cannabis industry. There is a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding out there and it feels good to bring some clarity to the cannabis investment landscape.
Why are you part of the cannabis industry?
It is exciting to be part of something that is emerging from legal and regulatory shadows and be able to promote the industry through a New York Stock Exchange-listed portfolio.
What is one entrepreneurial story or experience you'd like to share?
When we were going through the registration process of our cannabis ETF, THCX, there was a lack of understanding at the SEC as to what made hemp and marijuana different and why it mattered and how the products were used. It was quite shocking actually.
What is one piece of insight you'd like to share with the listeners
Not all publicly-traded cannabis companies are created equally so do your homework when investing.
What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a business owner that you can share with our audience?
Cannabis stocks have crashed since we launched THCX in July 2019. This unfortunate timing has made it very tough to market a fund with a negative performance especially in the face of a stronger broader US stock market. However, financial advisors are still interested in hearing "why cannabis and why now?"
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We talk with Kate Manson, founder of Tarot CBD about how she's applied creative marketing and negotiation techniques to get the first cannabis advertisement in the sky and to get her own products on the shelves of Saks 5th Avenue.
Kate Manson has had cannabis in her cards for many years. As the founder of Capsule and Tarot CBD, her 11-year journey in the cannabis industry has allowed her to share her passion for cannabis and CBD with a myriad of audiences. Before pursuing her own brand, Kate served as the VP of Experiential Marketing at Wikileaf where she learned the intricacies of effective cannabis marketing – her work has been featured in AD Age, Merry Jane, Herb.co, Seattle Met & Bloom Farms.
What is the best thing that is going on in your career right now? I launched a new company, Tarot CBD and am fully emerged in building the brand and driving sales.
Why are you part of the cannabis industry? I always have been. My parents are cannabis users and I started using and selling cannabis at a young age. I've always taken a less-traveled path and enjoy the challenges I face both personally and professionally working in a heavily regulated and stigmatized industry.
What is one entrepreneurial story or experience you'd like to share? I shared the Facebook landing page workaround with the CEO of a CBD brand and a week later Facebook was announcing that they would allow CBD topical companies to run ads. At this moment, I am not able to run ads for Tarot CBD and believe Facebook is approaching and denying based on ad budget and audience. I'd love to connect with businesses in similar situations to see how we can approach Facebook as a united front and get results.
What is one piece of insight you'd like to share with the listeners In cannabis marketing we often get told no more than yes. I believe that no is negotiable and that with enough education and persistence we have the power to shape the cannabis conversation.
What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a business owner that you can share with our audience? The biggest challenge I face currently is driving B2C sales in a saturated market and creating a unique and consistent brand story.
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The road of entrepreneurship is damn windy. There are ups, there are downs, there are curves, bumps, plateaus, crazy growth, and what can feel like long-lasting ebbs to the flow. In this episode, we chat about the importance of finding your why as an entrepreneur and a bit about my entrepreneurial journey.
We hear it all the time...WHY.
We hear it in boardrooms, we hear it with curious kids, we hear during that positive affirmation time at yoga class. Why. Why. Why.
The road of entrepreneurship is damn windy, and knowing your why is the way to stay grounded and focused during the ups, downs, curves, bumps, plateaus, crazy growth, and ebbs to the flow. The benefits of having a clear WHY are numerous and the effects tremendous, and entrepreneurs with a clear why are setting themselves up for success.
With a clear WHY you've got more clarity on business vision, purpose, and goals. With a clear why you can easily assess if something is not aligned such as business ventures and partners, business goals, and business partners.
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We’ve already seen our society move toward immersive experiences like virtual reality and augmented reality. And our society is using it every day - from the Instagram or snapchap filters to being immersed in a multi stacked immerisions in tours, music, and exhibits.
But take a moment and think about cannabis. What pops into your mind? Cannabis cafes? Cannabis lounges? Or something more?
We are at the forefront of what is to come with cannabis and entertainment. On today’s show, we talk with two partners at one of the most innovative and entrepreneurial focused law firms based in Los Angeles, California - Nolan Heimann.
About our Experts
Wendy Heimann-Nunes, a managing partner of Nolan Heimann LLP, is the only attorney to specialize in location-based entertainment. She began her career as a talent agent and proudly served as the Executive Director of the renowned landmark, The Chicago Theatre. After graduating from the University of Chicago Law School, Wendy practiced IP transactional law at the international law firm Mayer Brown. She sealed her intense passion for and commitment to immersive entertainment as head of Business and Legal Affairs for Universal Creative. In addition to her professional work, Wendy is a passionate drummer and regularly performs with her band Crinoline.
We also hear from Bryan Bergman, who we’ve had the show before. Bryan is a partner at Nolan Heimann and has nearly fifteen years’ experience in complex business transactions and civil litigation. He realized prior to the passage of Proposition 64 in California that the emerging cannabis industry presented both an opportunity and a challenge, as new cannabis businesses would require legal advice not only on swiftly changing cannabis legislation and regulations but also on basic legal issues that face any entrepreneurial venture and has been working with cannabis business since 2015 and leads the cannabis practice area at Nolan Heimann.
Show notes: http://www.cannabisbusinessminds.com/podcast/the-intersection-of-entertainment-and-cannabis.
Special thanks to Wendy's band, Crinoline, for the intro and outro music: https://crinolinetheband.com/
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On this episode we get back to the basics with Toni Forge from 4 Leaf Consulting about the current environment for cannabis operators. We talk about the inevitable shakeout and what businesses should be focused on to survive in California.
You can read more on kalogia.com/p/blog
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Cannabis businesses and consumers are producing a lot of environmental waste and much of it is plastic. With strict packaging regulation and an industry that is expected to be $30 billion by 2025 in the U.S. alone, this is an issue that must be addressed. On this episode, we hear from a family run cannabis business that is making a positive impact on our environment and has the mission of smoking our oceans clean.
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On today's episode of Cannabis Business Minds, we learn from the CEO of a mission driven company, on what it takes to spearhead innovation. From Cannabis and the Brain, to how to grow a cannabis product, Max Simon has created an ecosystem for online learning for all stages of the cannabis plant and cycle.
One of my favorite quotes from Max during our podcast interview was, "With so many places around the world legalizing, we need fair, sensible, and supportive regulations which only comes from proper education and not fear or ignorance."
Cannabis Business Minds, what are you doing to help move the legalization agenda forward?
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On this episode of Cannabis Business Minds we talk with Liz Blaz, principal and consultant at Just Blaz LLC, about the cannabis industry from Colorado to Oregon.
Liz specializes in building relationships and working with her strong network to identify and influence creative and strategic solutions. Her direct and varied experience in vertically integrated cannabis markets provides a unique perspective which translates to invaluable insight. Liz is known for her ability to catalyze connections and create energy around shared mission and vision.
She graduated cum laude with a BA in Economics and a minor in Chinese Studies from Wofford College.
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In this episode of Cannabis Business Minds, we speak with Dan Nicholls of ELLO.
Before joining ELLO, Dan was the Vice President of MJIC, where he advised cannabis companies on raising investment capital as well as analyzed and completed equity investments for MJIC’s investment fund. Previously, he worked at a boutique investment bank where he led more than $1 billion in healthcare M&A transactions.
Dan is also the creator of the Marijuana Index, a stock index that tracks the top cannabis stocks in the U.S. and Canada, which has been featured in the Washington Post, CNBC, Forbes and over 100 otherpublications. He is also the co-founder of CannaEvents, a Los Angeles-based cannabis events calendar.
Chat with Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielnicholls/
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On this episode of Cannabis Business Minds, we hear from Luke Zimmerman, ESQ on his thoughts on intellectual property as it relates to Canada legalizing cannabis.
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On this episode of cannabis business minds, Simone interviews Carolyn Parrs, an international coach working in the Green economy. Carolyn Parrs is an advocate for the planet and women, launched a brand and sold it before 25, and now consults for CEOS internationally. We talk about brand building, women in green,
Email Carolyn and mention "Cannabis Business Minds" : cparrs@mindovermarkets.com
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In this episode of cannabis business minds, we talk with Nurse Susan, founder of dearnursesusan.com about cannabis and medicine. As a licensed RN, BSN, PHN, Nurse Susan knows more about cannabis and health than the average nurse. Join me in this fun episode where we talk about how cannabis has helped many of Nurse Susan's clients.
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On this episode of Cannabis business minds, we talk with Shanel Lindsay about cannabis consumption methods and social justice in the cannabis industry.
With a background in business litigation and civil defense working for Fortune 500 Companies, Shanel loved the health and wellness benefits of cannabis and founded Ardent LLC. As the founder of Ardent LLC, Shanel is responsible for the innovation of the Company's pioneering technologies that drastically improve administration and effectiveness of cannabis.
Shanel is much more than just an inventor. She’s also heavily involved in regulation and helped draft the state of Massachusetts’ adult use cannabis law and is a founding member and co-chair of the Northeast Cannabis Coalition and counsel to the Massachusetts Patients Advocacy Alliance.
One of my favorite quotes from Shanel during our podcast interview, "Prohibition Stifles Innovation and Science."
This is another reason to legalize cannabis!
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Despite being legal in more than half the states of the US, cannabis, and hemp are still federally illegal and considered to have no medical benefit by the US government and listed as a Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substance Act. As it stands, farmers face several barriers to grow cannabis and hemp due to federal prohibition — including restricted access to banking, water rights, and crop insurance. This history of hemp and cannabis is incredible and dates back to 1619 with our founding fathers. In 1850, cannabis was added to US Pharmacopeia as a treatment for numerous afflictions, including tetanus, alcoholism, opiate addiction, anthrax, gout, convulsive disorders, excessive menstrual bleeding, among others. In 1933 alcohol prohibition ends, and "cannabis concerns" arise at the US Federal level. In 1934, The Garrison Act passed, which outlawed cannabis among other drugs. In 1936, medical Marijuana is replaced by other pain relievers and is removed on the US Pharmacopeia in 1937. From the 1950s-1980s, cannabis is listed as a controlled substance and the US implements very strict mandatory minimum sentences for cannabis possession. In 1996, California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana under prop 215. In 2014, Colorado was the first state to legalize adult use of cannabis. To date, more than 30 states have legalized cannabis.
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On today’s show we have the opportunity to talk with one of the most widely recognized female personalities in cannabis. According to Inc.com, Jane West isn’t in the cannabis business. She’s in the empire business.
With a reach of more than 4.5 million followers, Jane West has appeared on NPR, Forbes, Marie Claire, Viceland, Elle, and many more.
Jane is an international speaker, who I had the pleasure of speaking on stage with in Prague in 2017, a mom, an entrepreneur who has built multiple companies. Above all, Jane is a motivator for entrepreneurs and women in the cannabis space.’
Checkout her website: www.janewest.com
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If you had to invest money into sales or marketing to grow your business by 10 x, what would you do? Invest in a sales solution or branding and marketing?
On today’s episode of cannabis business minds, we’ll hear from two experts in the fields of sales and branding to answer the age old question, do we brand first or do we sell first? And.. HOW do we sell and brand right?
On today’s show, we have two top women in the field of sales and marketing. How did we meet, the good old facebook comment section when one of our guests asked, what is more important, marketing or sales.
Representing the sales side, we have Joanna Sapir, who is a Business Strategist and Coach, Commander-in-Chief of the Ginger Army, and a competitive Olympic-style Weightlifter. She has been a teacher and mentor her whole life from the classroom to the gym floor and now to businesses across the world - helping health & wellness practitioners and coaches that are skilled at their craft and passionate about what they do build successful and sustainable businesses.
Connect with Joanna at: joanna@joannasapir.com
Representing the marketing side, we have Kalah Haley, who is an entrepreneur and the CEO and Founder of Saint Rock Media, a full-service digital agency servicing clients across Colorado in Aviation, Financial Services, Auto and Real Estate. She specializes in brand strategy and running killer Facebook ads. Kalah is an early investor in blockchain technologies and is the subject of "Kalah Haley" a daily YouTube series documenting her experiences as a business owner and investor. When Kalah is not running her business, she is training and competing in Mixed Martial Arts and hosting her podcast "Girl Fight Talk". Connect with Kalah at: kalah.haley@saintrockmedia.com.
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On this episode of cannabis business minds, we talk with cannabis Entrepreneur, Founder & CEO of Direct Cannabis Network, Adelia Carrillo about entrepreneurship in the cannabis industry.
Direct Cannabis Network is the leading digital B2B news networking highlighting the latest tech, entrepreneurs and innovative companies in the cannabis industry.
Adelia is a voice for the upcoming startups and uniting the cannabis business community. Adelia's roots are in the corporate and consumer electronics industry. Adelia's passion for technology, startups, and innovation has been a key strength in her transition into the cannabis space.
In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and meditation. She is engaged to Ali Fakhri, a serial entrepreneur who is also in the cannabis industry. They currently reside in San Diego, California.
For more information on Adelia Carrillo or Direct Cannabis Network, you can visit. www.directcannabisnetwork.com
Twitter/Instagram: @_dcnetwork_ / @missadelia
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On this episode of cannabis business minds, we talk with Dr. Adie Poe about cannabis science and the important role cannabis has in fighting the US Opioid epidemic.
Adie Poe, PhD is a junior faculty member at the Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, MO. As a neuroscientist, she has been studying the addictive and pain-relieving properties of opioids and cannabinoids for the last 13 years. The National Institute on Drug abuse has consistently funded her cutting-edge work.
In addition to her academic research, Dr. Poe is the co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of habu health, a research group committed to instilling consumer confidence in cannabis purchases by harnessing scientific rigor. habu is actively enrolling participants in their studies: if you’d like to be a part of an exciting hybrid between citizen science and personalized medicine (and recreation), please visit http://www.habuhealth.com/pilot.
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It's 2018, and you now can buy cannabis in California!
Do you have a trip planned to Los Angeles? Thinking about stopping by a dispensary as a recreational patient to get an edible?
It might not be that easy.
Although Los Angeles is the largest cannabis market in the world, the cannabis regulations are not as far advanced as you'd think. There were a series of sting meetings between city council members and city hearings, and on December 6, a cannabis ordinance was finally passed.
On this episode of Cannabis Business Minds, we talk with Ruben Honig about cannabis regulation in the City of Los Angeles and his journey in the cannabis industry.
Ruben Honig, Executive Director of the Los Angeles Cannabis Task Force and is working to ensure the City of Los Angeles creates a fair and equitable cannabis licensing system. Ruben is a founder and principal at Ceres Strategies consultancy, and a recognized leader in the Los Angeles cannabis industry. At Ceres Strategies, Ruben specializes in local licensing, and governmental affairs throughout the state of California.
A Massachusetts native and medical cannabis patient, Ruben previously operated a successful national copywriting business and spent 3 years in sports and brand management. Ruben holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Emory University.
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On this episode of Cannabis Business Minds, we talk with Toni Forge, Esq. about entrepreneurship, work-life balance, and cannabis in the City of Los Angeles.
For over 25 years, Toni Forge has worked as a litigator, managing attorney, state mediator and associate general counsel. A graduate of Hastings College of the Law and the University of San Francisco, Toni is a leader in compliance and litigation management.
She has acted as a chief compliance officer for major Fortune 500 companies and has implemented several compliance programs for global insurance companies. As a former mediator for the State of Nevada, she possesses exceptional negotiation and mediation skills to aid the client in their ventures.
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The cannabis industry is ripe with innovation and every day we have new inventors, strategists, investors, and professionals entering the market. We all know that cannabis has been one of the fastest growing industries in America, and is poised to be a 22 billion dollar market according to some reports by 2021.
With so many people in the industry, the competitive landscape is also plentiful, and being unique and solving a true problem is the solution for sustainable success. You might have the best idea, product, or solution, however, without the right marketing or awareness, you might never be able to move forward.
Being an entrepreneur is hard. You’ve got to balance a ton of things like getting to market, finding funding, and building a team, while getting massive exposure. I get the pleasure to work with a lot of entrepreneurs in the cannabis space, and one thing all of them need help with is building their network. I decided to dedicate one episode a month on helping entrepreneurs tell their story on Cannabis Business Minds.
On this episode of Cannabis Business Minds, I have to pleasure of speaking with Jon Hurst of Stinky Bush. Jon is a veteran that served this country, and like many veterans suffer from PTSD. Jon is building a craft cannabis brand in Oregon with the goal of empowering the local and veteran community.
You can find Jon at jonhurst18@gmail.com
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How often do you wonder, what are the active ingredients in this delightful meal I’m having? For many Americans, knowing what is in the food or medicine we are consuming is a huge component of our purchasing decisions. Whether it’s gluten-free or non-GMO, to 100mg of Vitamin C - packaging and labeling are huge components of our consumer needs.
There are a number of agencies that are tasked with regulating packaging at the federal level. The Food & Drug Administration regulates food and drugs, the US Department of Agriculture regulates agriculture, meat, and poultry, the Alcohol, Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau regulates Wine, Malt Beverages, Distilled Spirits.
And so, the question many of you might have, is who regulates cannabis packaging? The answer is pretty simple until it is federally legal, the states regulate cannabis packaging.
Cannabis packaging requirements vary by state to state, although there are definitely some common nuances to each state. For example, some requirements include:
clearly labeling all products as a cannabis or marijuana product and making sure that the active ingredients THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids are included on the label
Ensuring that the packaging cannot be attractive to children,
A warning label that might say, GOVERNMENT WARNING: THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS CANNABIS, A SCHEDULE I CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.
One lesson I’ve learned while working in the cannabis space is that regulation and business doesn’t necessarily see eye to eye. Last year in the state of Oregon, Cannabis operators were required to go through several hurdles and changes as it related to packaging their cannabis products. The result - time and money wasted.
On this episode of Cannabis Business Minds, I interview Bill and Rick from Dank Creative. Dank Creative is a full-service graphic design firm located in the heart of the Green Mile in Portland Oregon. From concept to creation, Dank Creative is all about helping companies achieve their business goals. Dank Creative has over 40 years of combined experience in brand development, packaging, print, advertising, digital photography and graphic design.
This episode is jam-packed with some key takeaways on the Oregon cannabis market as well as learning why packaging and labeling can make or break your brand.
This podcast was recorded prior to the Emergency Regulations in California being released.
The state of California will begin issuing temporary cannabis licenses in December, with a very small transition period to permanent licensing. The costs of non-compliance with the new requirements is extreme -$30,000 for not having your books and records in place, labor fines for not classifying your employees correctly, and more intense rules on packaging, labeling, and testing. Support the show (https://scr.ck.page/products/cbm-podcast)
On this episode of Cannabis Business Minds, we talk about the importance of protecting your intellectual property with Luke Zimmerman. Luke is my cannabis mentor and a co-speaker at the Euro American Cannabis Conference in November 2017. Luke Zimmerman, Esq. LL.M is the founder and principal of The Law Office of Luke S. Zimmerman APC. Luke assists entrepreneurs in the emerging cannabis industry and helps them protect their intellectual property. A core mission of the Law Office of Luke S. Zimmerman is drug policy reform, which is why Luke volunteers on the Clemency Project 2014. Luke currently splits his time working with clients in Oregon and California, as well as nationally on trademark issues. Luke obtained his undergraduate degree in philosophy from the University of Oregon at Eugene and then graduated from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, in San Diego California, as a member of the Pro Bono Honors Society. His interest in international trade and investment law led him to the Netherlands where he obtained a Masters of Law from the University of Amsterdam. The focus of his master thesis was the effect of bi-lateral trade agreements on the harmonization of intellectual property standards, provided through the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights(TRIPS). His experiences living in Amsterdam and observations of the paradigm shift surrounding cannabis lead Luke to believe that the end of cannabis prohibition would be the future of The United States.
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Why Leadership Training, Employee Engagement and Management Training are the keys to successful companies.
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Pauli has had the privilege and honor to work with some of the best chemists, chemical engineers, and engineers developing new equipment and new standards for the cannabis industry. This is where he was able to learn and study about extraction methods.
Pauli then went on to be a beta tester for breeders and working directly with almost every breeder in Colorado. He’s been cultivating every strain that’s been out since it started in Colorado and would provide the Breeders with feedback on the strains they grow, ie the characteristics, cannabinoid concentration, terpene expressions, etc…
This ultimately led to Pauli cultivating and creating his own strains with the properties that he considered to be medicinal and of high value.
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She is a serial startup founder, skilled at survival, stress management, and team building. She is both the first Transgender Publicly traded marijuana company CEO and the first female one – Thunderbird Biomedical Inc (now EMH.v) was the 5th licensed Federally sanctioned Medical Marijuana company in Canada (and one of only a handful on the planet). Renee built the core team, created and executed on the business plan and raised $3.7 M in funding then took the company public ($25M Valuation at IPO)… She then went on to use this insight to create a diverse workforce with strong female leadership across the HollyWeed North Cannabis Inc. organization.
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“WOW! You work in the weed business? That’s so cool! You must be killing it!” If you have ever said that or thought that, you too, have fallen prey to the misconception. News coverage and reality TV shows make the cannabis industry appear as either the latest wealth generating commodity or an industry “full of stoner entrepreneurs making money peddling weed”.
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Dr. Malik Burnett works to advance the broader drug policy reform agenda with the goal of shifting US drug policy from framework based on criminal justice to one based on public health. He successfully co-chaired the Initiative 71 campaign, a ballot measure legalizing the possession of cannabis in the Nation’s Capital, garnering the support of 70% of voters as a policy manager at the Drug Policy Alliance’s Office of National Affairs. He continues to work with the local and state governments to advance drug policy reform legislation around the country.
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Learn how one entrepreneur launched her brand faster you can roll a joint on 420!
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When it comes to legal budgets, this is truly a David and Goliath story. Multinational Adhesive Corporation vs Internationally Acclaimed Cannabis Genetic Company. Let’s start with the basics: Gorilla Glue Adhesive Corporation is suing GG Strains, the creators of Gorilla Glue #4, #5 and #1, in Federal Court in Cincinnati Ohio for Dilution, Trademark infringement, Cyber Squatting and 2 other counts of trademark infringement.
To be honest, I wasn’t very surprised to hear of such a lawsuit. On the face of it, why would someone name their strain after a federally trademarked product? I WAS surprised to learn that it is by no means unheard of. For instance, Dove Chocolate and Dove Soap, or Delta Airlines and Delta Faucets. They coexist, because they are not competing in the same industry. What makes this instance any different?
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California Cannabis Regulation
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Today we are speaking with Mariellen Jurkovich, the Director of Humboldt Patient Resource Center, about the importance of Community, Compassion, and Company Culture
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Terry Blevins discusses his previous work in law enforcement as a police officer working in Maricopa County, Arizona to now providing security for the cannabis industry and how he has been actively educating government officials regarding the realities of legalization and decriminalization
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A cannabis delivery service? That offers luxury cannabis brands? Yes please. Learn about how this startup got started.
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Cannabis Science and Product testing with Dr. Jeff Raber, the CEO and CVO for The Werc Shop. Dr. Jeffrey Raber received his PhD in organic chemistry from The University of Southern California with an emphasis on developing new synthetic methodologies useful in scientific drug discovery and development efforts.
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If you are like most people in the US, you might be thinking, "What do you mean, there are bans on cannabis businesses, I thought cannabis was legalized ?", and you would be correct. However, local governments have the right to tax and regulate, or outright BAN cannabis businesses as they see fit.
On this episode, we discuss the various ways CPG’s manage to get consumers to purchase their products with zero human interaction guiding their decisions, and what cannabis manufacturers and retailers can learn. Grocery and retail stores have spent millions of dollars analyzing their customers' every move to determine their purchasing habits yet the cannabis industry still can't fully predict consumer buying decisions. Or can they?
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Listen to this episode with the head of Communications for the California cannabis regulatory authority of their thoughts on cannabis regulation in the 6th largest economy in the world.
Get demystified on seed to sale tracking and learn what the lifecycle/Lineage tracking is – from seed to lab to dispensary. You'll learn about some common misconceptions about seed to sale tracking are, the difference between barcodes and RFID, and the costs associated with seed to sale tracking. We also talk about some cashless solutions businesses can use.
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We talk with the CEO and Founder of Adherence Compliance, Steve Owens about cannabis and compliance. Steve is a highly accomplished, results-driven entrepreneur with a proven track record in developing, growing, and improving the profitability, performance and overall value of companies. He has more than 16 years of collaborative management experience with a deep knowledge of business and enterprise process architecture, Financials (Lead-to-Cash), Audits, CRM/ERP and cloud-based technologies. In 2014, Steve established Adherence Compliance – the cannabis industry’s first automated risk-based compliance solution platform and tracking software available on the Apple App Store. Steve is a former software executive with more than 17 years of enterprise IT and Financials solutions delivery experience. His previous work history includes Oracle, Alcatel-Lucent and AT&T. Steve is beyond knowledgable in the realm of business and cannabis compliance. For full show notes, go to: http://liv-consulting.com/cannabis-compliance-software-can-save-thousands/
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The cannabis industry has a SERIOUS problem with pesticides, and it's not just in unregulated states. Even in regulated states such as Oregon, the current testing requirements are only now shining a light on the residual pesticides leftover in cannabis products - and it is significant. Currently over 25% of concentrates and extracts are failing testing requirements for pesticides in Oregon. The prevalence of these toxic chemicals should require that regulation be tighter on cannabis operators, as this is a matter of public safety.
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What sets great companies apart? Operational Excellence. As a consulting group, we are lucky to see an array of business types, from startup operators to existing and established businesses. On this episode of cannabis business minds we talk about some of the pitfalls, shortcomings, and successes we've seen first hand in the cannabis industry.
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How big of a return can you expect while investing in something that is federally illegal? How do cannabis stocks compare to other industries? On this episode of Cannabis Business Minds we talk about cannabis and investing. We’ll dive deep into investing in the cannabis industry and some of the misconceptions about cannabis publicly traded companies. Our guest began his career on Wall Street in 1986, is the founder of 420 Investor, and a frequent speaker at industry conferences and is a leading source to the media, including the NY Times, the Wall Street Journal, Fox Business, and Bloomberg TV.
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On this episode of cannabis business minds we talk about the ins and outs of recruiting outside professionals into the cannabis industry. Finding top notch talent isn’t something that you can just find on craigslist, it requires due diligence, a stringent assessment of skills, and time. Just like you can’t find top talent at your local dive bar, not all recruiters are created equal.
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On this episode of Cannabis Business Minds we talk about insurance. With the results of the election, 9 more states have legalized some form of cannabis regulation, opening up the market even further. Insurance can be a daunting subject, albeit an essential one. Can you find insurance for your cannabis company, and are the premiums going to be massive? What can be insured, and what cannot? In an effort to better understand the misconceptions that surround the insurance industry.
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On this episode of Cannabis Business Minds we talk about how strategic thinking, having a talented and strong team, and a good company culture can take your business to the next level. Strategic planning, quarterly meetings, and budgets aren’t just a thing for corporate america, every business owner should be planning and thinking ahead. Our guest on today’s show has dedicated his professional life to medical cannabis.
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On this episode of Cannabis Business Minds, we talk about what emerging trends in the cannabis industry as of September 2016. The price of cannabis is dropping, tradeshows are on the rise, investors are more likely to do equity backed deals, and mergers and acquisitions in the cannabis industry are on the rise.
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On this episode of Cannabis Business Minds, we talk about what makes an infused product brand successful. Beyond just a tasty treat, cannabis infused products need to follow strict health, packaging, and labeling requirements. In California, there's not a lot of guidance on labeling requirements, and our guest has taken Self-Regulation to a new level. Our expert brings 20+ years of culinary work with cannabis and entrepreneurship in the health space and sheds some light on how she built a brand that is been on the High Times list of best edibles for multiple years.
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On this episode of Cannabis Business Minds, we talk about pharmaceuticals in Israel and the Israeli cannabis industry. In many ways, the United States is behind in cannabis research due to its federal illegality. Israel is one of the leading countries when it comes to cannabis research and science. Beginning in the 1960's the country started researching cannabis. Today, there are 8 major cannabis farms in Israel and the science and technology is driven by pharmaceuticals. In the next few months, Israel will significantly overhaul it's medical program and structure.
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On this episode of Cannabis Business Minds, we talk about how being social is the key to success for managing social media. In a day of information overload and so many social networking sites, how do you engage clients and customers through social media? Our guest gives insight and a reality check on what social media is, and what social media isn't. Amy Donohue breaks down the etiquette of social media and steps your business should take to be more social via social media.
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As the industry moves toward the cannabis consumer, understanding the different target customers is essential to building a strong brand. Co-founded by mother-son duo, Debbie and Trevor Smith, from Grannie Smith Organix discuss how they carved at a very specific niche.
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On this episode of Cannabis Business Minds, we talk about the medical cannabis industry in Latin America. Chile, Colombia, Uruguay all have some form of a regulated cannabis program, and Costa Rica currently has an initiative to legalize and regulate medical cannabis. Want to get a piece of the Latin American market? Listen to hear how you can!
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The cannabis industry is diverse and profound, and there are so many options on how you can get involved and make an impact. Even if you don’t have a green thumb or don't want to work in a dispensary, you can serve the industry in other ways (ancillary). However, getting started in the cannabis industry may seem overwhelming. Simone breaks down the 5 steps she used to get started in the cannabis industry.
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On this episode of Cannabis Business Minds, we talk about how to make your cannabis business more compliant. There’s a common saying in the regulated industry “If you’re in Cannabis, You’re in Compliance.” It is estimated that cannabis businesses spend approximately 30-40% of their budget on compliance (lawyers, accountants, consultants, etc.). Colorado collected more than $700,000 from cannabis operators in compliance fines in 2015. Our guest on today’s show will break down what cannabis compliance is, and how you can take steps in your business to become more compliant.
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