In this week’s episode of YouShouldTalkTo, Tony Billmeyer and Daniel Weiner dive into what it’s like to create and execute marketing strategies in the cannabis industry. The cannabis industry is standing at a pivotal moment. With federal legalization looming as a possibility, the question is less about “if” and more about “when.” Timing and structure will shape the path forward, but the real advantage belongs to the businesses preparing today. Preparation means more than waiting for the green light. It means looking ahead, thinking about how your brand should show up years from now, and setting the foundation for scale.
Recognition and awards may look great on paper, but they’re not what drives true impact. The most meaningful conversations in the boardroom or with clients aren’t about trophies - they’re about the work itself, the insights that shaped it, and the measurable results it delivered. Clients and partners want to know how the work will move their business forward, and that’s the story marketers need to tell.
Of course, none of this happens without resilience. Social platforms and digital ecosystems are constantly changing the rules of engagement, sometimes with little warning. For cannabis brands especially, navigating unpredictable restrictions has become a way of life. But these challenges can become opportunities. The businesses that thrive are the ones that balance compliance with creativity, diversifying platforms, strengthening owned media, and adapting in real time when the rules shift.
Tune into Tony’s episode to learn more about how he and his team adapt in an industry that can shift drastically from one day to the next.
Guest-at-a-Glance
💡 Name: Tony Billmeyer, CMO at Show-Me Organics
💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn
Key Insights:
Legalization as a Growth Catalyst
Let’s legalize it! The future of the cannabis industry and cannabis marketing depends not just on legalization itself but on how it’s rolled out. A new federal law could unlock enormous potential for growth, particularly through interstate commerce and the ability to streamline operations across markets. For companies already positioned as leaders, this creates a massive opportunity, one that they're ready and prepared for.
Innovation as a Marketing Lifeline:
The most inspiring marketing teams to Tony are those that push beyond communication basics and focus on innovation. Whether it’s launching new product lines, experimenting with seasonal packaging, or exploring creative ways to connect with customers, these forward movers spark energy within their organizations. Stagnant or overly focusing on traditional tactics often lead to missed opportunities. Smart leaders recognize that creativity fuels relevance, and relevance fuels growth.
Navigating Social Media Platform Challenges:
Social media platforms can be both a blessing and a challenge for marketers. With ever-changing rules and unpredictable enforcement, cannabis brands in particular often find themselves walking a fine line. Account suspensions and sudden restrictions are real challenges, but they also push teams to get smarter, safer, and more creative with their strategies. It can be a pain to navigate, but successful marketers know that agility is everything. By staying proactive, brands can adapt quickly to ever changing algorithms and policies while still making an impact on their audience.
