Shows
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#093 - From Wharton to Weed: Tiffany Chin's Journey with Snoop and Death RowSend us a textEver wondered what it takes to build a cannabis empire that remains authentic while scaling across multiple states, countries, and product categories? Tiffany Chin pulls back the curtain on her journey as the strategic mastermind behind Snoop Dogg's cannabis ventures, revealing the delicate balance of business savvy and cultural understanding that drives their success.When Snoop purchased Death Row Records in 2022, he didn't just acquire a music label – he saw an opportunity to transform a 30-year legacy brand into something forward-thinking within cannabis. Tiffany shares how she answered Snoop's persistent calls to...2025-06-2052 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#092 - How Leaders are Failing Themselves and their Teams w/ Andrea BailloSend us a textEver found yourself paralyzed by uncertainty in the cannabis industry? You're not alone. This episode with leadership coach Andrea Baillo reveals why waiting for perfect clarity is the surest path to stagnation, and what to do instead.Andrea, who transitioned from cancer biology to executive roles at Green Thumb Industries and Open Book Extracts before founding Rooted for Success, shares her provocative insight that leaders need only "30% certainty and 100% courage" to move forward effectively. The conversation explores how cannabis executives can create clarity rather than waiting for it, especially crucial in...2025-06-1953 min
Free Spirits: Insights on Functional BeveragesBen Larson: Revolutionizing the Cannabis Beverage Industry with Emulsion TechnologyIn this episode of the Free Spirits Podcast, we dive into the evolving cannabis beverage industry with Ben Larson, CEO of Vertosa. Discover how Vertosa leads the way in emulsion technology for infused beverages, impacting popular brands like Collective Project, Wunder, and Pabst High Seltzer. Ben shares his incredible journey from startup accelerator founder to navigating the complexities of the functional beverage landscape. Packed with insights on key trends like 'mood modulation' and the challenges of regulation in infused beverages, this episode is essential listening for anyone interested in...2025-06-1644 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#090 - The Great Reshuffle: Hemp, Alcohol, and the Future of THC Access w/ Andrew LivingstonSend us a textAnnaRae Grabstein and economist Andrew Livingston explore the economic impact of cannabis legalization across America and examines the complex regulatory challenges facing both cannabis and hemp businesses in today's market. Through analysis of state markets, policy trends, and business dynamics, Andrew reveals why some markets thrive while others struggle to compete with illicit alternatives.• Over $24.7 billion in cannabis tax revenue generated since adult-use legalization began• For cannabis markets to succeed, they need the "three A's": accessibility, affordability, and assortment of products• Texas attempting modest medical cannabis expansion while simultaneously bannin...2025-05-3054 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#089 - This Industry Is Overly Optimistic: Cannabis Realism w/ Marc HauserSend us a textCannabis industry experts discuss the stark contrast between Texas's recent ban on hemp-derived THC products and New York's efforts to strengthen its regulatory framework through a new track and trace program. Mark Hauser shares insights on market maturity, regulatory challenges, and the uncertain future facing both hemp and cannabis businesses.• Texas just passed SB3, banning hemp THC products despite an estimated $8 billion marketplace• Lieutenant Governor leveraged teacher wages and school funding to push prohibition against public opinion• Texas Compassionate Use Program remains woefully inadequate with only about 8,000 patients served statew...2025-05-2355 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#088 - Why C-Stores Could Shape the Future of Cannabis & Hemp Beverages w/ Melissa VonderHaar, Managing Director of iSee TradeWorksSend us a textConvenience stores are positioned to introduce cannabis to a new wave of consumers with their unmatched retail footprint of 150,000 locations nationwide and accessibility to 90% of Americans within a 10-minute drive.• Convenience stores have evolved from selling "gas, cokes, and smokes" to embracing new categories as tobacco sales decline• Lower-dose (5mg) THC products outperform higher-dose options in convenience, indicating these stores attract cannabis newcomers• The National Association of Convenience Stores now allows hemp-derived THC beverage companies to join as supplier partners• Convenience retailers process more ID checks daily than the TSA...2025-05-1654 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#087 - From Hedge Funds to Hash: Inside Cannabis IR with Jesse RedmondSend us a textJesse Redmond, Head of Investor Relations and Business Development at Leaf Brands, brings his unique perspective as a former Wall Street investor and cannabis dispensary owner to discuss the challenging landscape of public cannabis companies. His insights reveal why certain companies are weathering the storm better than others and how innovative strategies like Bitcoin treasury reserves and strategic farm investments are positioning some for future growth despite industry headwinds.• Cannabis public markets have experienced a brutal 95% decline since February 2021, creating unprecedented challenges for companies and investors• Successful cannabis companies focus on o...2025-05-0950 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#085 - 4/20 By The Numbers and Data-Driven Decision Making w/ Kris Walker, President & CCO @ Hoodie AnalyticsSend us a textKris Walker from Hoodie Analytics joins us to decode cannabis market trends following 4/20, revealing how competing holidays, demographic shifts, and pricing strategies impacted this year's sales performance. Data shows 4/20 sales dipped 12% year-over-year, highlighting the industry's need for smarter decision-making beyond reflexive discounting.• 4/20 fell on Sunday this year, competing with Easter and Passover celebrations• Retailers spread promotions across the entire week rather than concentrating on a single day• Demographic differences showed younger urban areas maintained stronger 4/20 performance than suburban regions• The 45-54 age demographic (original 4/20 celebrators) saw a 20% drop in parti...2025-04-2557 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#084 - Less Hype, More Grit: Mitchell Osak on the Cannabis IndustrySend us a textMitchell Osak, veteran cannabis consultant and founder of Cannabis Management Review, joins us to share insights on navigating the complex cannabis business landscape and finding success through fundamental business principles.• Hemp and cannabis policy debates highlight the challenges of finding middle ground in an increasingly polarized environment• Cannabis business dynamics parallel historical precedents from Renaissance trading states to modern boom-bust cycles• Companies that focus on core fundamentals like capital efficiency and operational excellence are weathering industry challenges best• Successful cannabis leaders like Mike DiGiulio (Village Farms) and Zach George...2025-04-1846 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#083 - From Bongs to Beverages: Leading in Cannabis Through 20 Years of Change w/ Dave Daily, Founder of GravSend us a textDave Daly, founder of Grav Labs, shares his 20-year journey from creating the original Gravitron in his parents' garage to building an iconic cannabis accessories brand that's now expanding into THC beverages.• Building a differentiated product with the original all-glass gravity bong in 2004• Growing through innovation when a simple taster product helped save the company from debt• Navigating the evolution from a single-product company to a full accessories line• Making the transition from founder-CEO to bringing on a 50-50 partner• Creating legal agreements that discourage litigation through requiring...2025-04-1158 min
SANITY PodcastSANITY: Ben Larson
In this engaging podcast episode, hosts Alisyn and Dave explore the burgeoning world of THC beverages with Ben Larson, CEO of Vertosa. They discuss the evolution of cannabis drinks, personal anecdotes about alcohol consumption, and the benefits of THC as an alternative to alcohol. Ben shares insights into the science behind THC drinks, the legal landscape surrounding cannabis, and offers advice for newcomers to the THC beverage market. The conversation is lively, informative, and filled with humor as they navigate the complexities of this emerging industry. In this conversation, Ben Larson from Vertosa discusses the emerging market of cannabis...2025-03-2836 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#081 - How Will Alcohol Regulations Impact the Future of THC Drinks? w/ Neil Willner, Counsel at Vicente.Send us a text🌿🎙️ Join us on High Spirits as Ben & AnnaRae dive into a hot topic that's reshaping the landscape of the cannabis beverage industry. As states begin to align hemp beverage regulations with those governing alcohol, the implications for brands, manufacturers, distributors, and consumers are significant. This episode explores the legislative shift that is integrating hemp beverages into the alcohol regulatory framework, spotlighting new challenges and opportunities within the industry, and breaking down some of the common contract language found in this environment.🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: In this discussion, we're joined by Neil M. Willner, Counsel at Vicente LLP. Neil brings his extensive expertise in cann...2025-03-2858 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#079 - Launching a THC Beverage with Hippie Water ft. CEO, Sasha Pieterse Sheaffer, and CPO, Taylor Eileen SewellSend us a text🌿🎙️ 𝟏𝟏 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝟕 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬?! 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! 🌼🌈✌️Join hosts Ben & AnnaRae on High Spirits as they dive into the world of launching a THC-infused beverage company with the founders of Hippie Water. We're thrilled to welcome Sasha Pieterse Sheaffer and Taylor Eileen Sewell to discuss the dynamic launch and rapid expansion of their brand in the competitive hemp beverage market.In this episode, we explore the journey of launching Hippie Water, a brand co-founded by best friends. From conception to hitting shelves across 11 states in just seven months, learn how they've navigated the challenges of a crowded market while leveraging a celebrity edge, a strong partnership, and a beautifully crafted beverage.💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:𝘊𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘐...2025-03-1357 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#077 - Multi-State Brand Building with Miss Grass w/ CEO and Co-Founder, Kate MillerSend us a textJoin Ben Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein on High Spirits as they explore the journey of transforming a hemp marketplace and media site into a multi-state cannabis brand with a strong community focus. We'll be joined by Kate Miller, co-founder and CEO of Miss Grass , who has masterfully steered the brand from its roots as a hemp marketplace to a prominent player in the regulated cannabis market.🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: In this deep dive, Kate will share her strategies for cultivating a dedicated community, the challenges and triumphs of scaling in a highly competitive industry, and the pivotal decisions that have shaped Miss Grass...2025-02-2848 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#076 - High Tech, High Returns: The Evolution of Cannabis Retail w/ Chris Violas, CEO of BlazeSend us a textJoin Ben & AnnaRae on High Spirits as we delve into the world of cannabis retail with Christopher Violas, CEO of BLAZE®. This episode explores how cutting-edge technology and strategic market insights are reshaping the cannabis industry from the ground up.🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: In this discussion, we'll cover the impact of technology and operational efficiency in cannabis retail. Christopher Violas shares his insights on a range of topics including:𝘙𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺: Discover how centralizing decision-making and automating processes are helping retailers do more with less.𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘳 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴: Understand how regional preferences and economic models affect product demand and retail strategies.𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺: Learn about the move towards holistic solutions that connect POS, e-commerce, and inventory management under one roof.𝘌-𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘤...2025-02-2159 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#075 - Legacy of Cannabis Cultivation and Bringing Sungrown to Market w/ Scott Vasterling of Humboldt Family FarmsSend us a text🌿 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐬 🌿Join us on this week's episode of High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast, where we delve deep into the verdant fields of Humboldt County with Scott Vasterling, the visionary founder of Humboldt Family Farms. Discover the rich legacy of cannabis cultivation and the promising future of sungrown cannabis in one of the industry's most storied regions.🌞 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: In an industry that's rapidly evolving, there's a growing appreciation for the artisanal quality and sustainable practices of sungrown cannabis. Scott Vasterling brings his extensive background in health, wellness, and agricultural leadership to discuss how Humboldt Family Farms is pioneering innovations that could reshape the cannabis market. From the early days of the back-to-the...2025-02-1354 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#074 - Understanding Receivership & Bankruptcy in Cannabis & Hemp w/ Ted LanesSend us a textTune in to our next episode of 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘀 as we unravel the complexities of receivership and the intricacies of bankruptcy within the cannabis and hemp industries. We're joined by Ted Lanes, the "𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙥𝙚𝙧" of finance, to shed light on what these financial states mean for businesses and creditors alike.🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: We delve deep into the financial mechanisms that companies in the cannabis industry often have to navigate, particularly focusing on why traditional bankruptcy isn't an option and how receivership becomes a path many find themselves on. Ted Lanes, a seasoned receiver and financial expert, brings clarity to this often murky topic, discussing everything from the role of a receiver to strategic debt restruc...2025-01-2452 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#073 - Reaching Peak Performance in 2025 w/ Melanie Curtis, Performance Coach and World Record-Holding Pro SkydiverSend us a text🌿 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬 🌿Dive into a thrilling new episode of 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘀 as we explore the intersection of peak performance in high-stakes environments with Melanie Curtis, a professional skydiver, world record holder, and acclaimed performance coach. Join us as we unravel the parallels between excelling in extreme sports and thriving in the volatile cannabis industry.🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: Melanie Curtis brings her unique expertise from thousands of skydives and high-impact coaching sessions to discuss what it takes to achieve peak performance in any field. We'll discuss a wide range of topics from managing change, bravery in decision-making, and the art of leadership in uncertain times to practical advice on stress management, overcoming fear, and maintaining mental clarity amidst chaos.💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:𝑷𝒖𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒅𝒈𝒆𝒔: How pushing boundaries in skydiving translates to innovation in cannabis.2025-01-1755 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#072 - Flying High with Hemp Beverages in 2025 w/ Craig 'Lewie' Lewis, CEO of Flyers Cocktail Co.Send us a text𝘞𝘦𝘦𝘦𝘦'𝘳𝘳𝘳𝘳𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘦𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘢𝘢𝘢𝘢𝘢𝘢𝘤𝘬! Join us for the first episode of the year on 𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙨, where we scope out the evolving world of cannabis beverages through the lens of Craig (Lewie) Lewis 🥃🏆, the CEO & Co-Founder of Flyers Cocktail Company. We're kicking off 2025 by diving into the category dominating our minds and the airwaves.📣 Quick shout out to our title sponsor, KitPrint, the cannabis operator’s production design partner. Use code HIGHSPIRITS when you sign up and get 10% off your first two months. To learn more, go to kitprint.co to book a call with their team.🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: In this episode, Lewie shares his exhilarating journey from skydiving to shaking u...2025-01-1052 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#068 - The Future of Cannabis Tech w/ Socrates Rosenfeld, CEO of Jane TechnologiesSend us a textExplore the cutting-edge world of cannabis technology with Socrates Rosenfeld, the CEO and co-founder of Jane Technologies. Prepare to be intrigued by the potential shifts in federal cannabis reform as we discuss the surprising nomination of Matt Gaetz for US Attorney General by President-elect Trump. Join AnnaRae Grabstein as she recounts the latest developments in the cannabis industry from the Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight and Agrify's strategic acquisition of Señorita, marking a bold entry into the hemp beverage market.Discover how Jane Technologies is reshaping the cannabis e-commerce landscape like n...2024-11-1753 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#067 - Election Recap w/ Returning Guest, Hirsh Jain of Ananda StrategySend us a textJoin Ben and AnnaRae on Thursday for a special post-election recording of High Spirits as we unpack Tuesday's election results, focusing specifically on the presidential race, various state ballot measures related to cannabis, and the broader implications for hemp and cannabis policy. We're thrilled to welcome back Hirsh Jain, one of our industry's brightest policy minds, for an in-depth analysis of what these results might mean for the future of cannabis legalization and regulation.🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: In this special post-election breakdown, Hirsh Jain from Ananda Strategy will help us navigate through the various state results, including the six cannabis-related b...2024-11-0858 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#066 - At the Helm of North America's #1 Edibles Brand w/ Joe Hodas, President at Wana BrandsSend us a textJoin us for this week's recording of 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘀, where we're diving into the intricate world of Wana Brands, North America's leading edibles brand. We're sitting down with Joe Hodas, the recently appointed President of Wana, to discuss the brand's innovative strategies and his journey from Chief Marketing Officer to President.🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: In this discussion, Joe Hodas shares his experiences and the dynamic shifts within Wana Brands following its acquisition by Canopy Growth Corporation. We'll explore Wana's expansive approach across both cannabis and hemp markets, the inception of their new hemp marketplace, Wanderous, and the differences between the Canadian and U.S. markets.💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻...2024-11-0153 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#065 - Launching the Coalition of Adult Beverage Alternatives w/ Diana EberleinSend us a textCurious about the exciting world of cannabis beverages and how it's reshaping consumer habits? We sit down with Diana Eberlein, a leading figure in the industry and current president of the Cannabis Beverage Association. Diana shares her journey from cannabis beverage consumer to chair of the Coalition for Adult Beverage Alternatives, shedding light on the strategic moves being made to align with the alcohol industry. With a recent move to Washington DC, Diana is at the forefront of policy advocacy, ensuring that cannabis beverages are both celebrated and understood.The cannabis...2024-10-2557 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#064 - The Watchful Eye of Seth YakatanSend us a textSeth Yakatan, a key player and influencer in cannabis finance and M&A, joins us to unravel the financial intricacies of the cannabis industry. Gain invaluable insights as Seth shares his extraordinary journey from health and wellness to becoming a significant figure in raising capital and selling companies within the cannabis sector. Discover how his unique experiences provide a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today.Embark on a journey through the landscape of cannabis finance as we explore the infusion of new talent from traditional sectors...2024-10-1859 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#063 - CEO Roundtable at Benzinga w/ Sunderstorm, Prelude, Speedwell, Wolf Meyer, & VertosaSend us a textWhat if cannabis businesses could harness the power of AI to revolutionize their operations? Join us as we uncover this fascinating intersection and other topics in our first CEO roundtable following the close of Benzinga Chicago with industry leaders Cameron Clarke of Sunderstorm, Michael Murphy of Prelude, Heather Molloy of Speedwell Partners, and your hosts, Ben Larson of Vertosa and AnnaRae Grabsteinf of Wolf Meyer. In a rapidly evolving landscape, they share their strategies for navigating global expansion, leveraging AI in dispensary operations, and crafting investment approaches in a market contending with ongoing...2024-10-1156 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#062 - Blunt Banter with Ben & AnnaRae | Meadowlands, Hemp Beverages, Reinventing Yourself, Harborside, Port Workers Strike, Trulieve Defamation SuitSend us a textLet's be honest, it's been a solid run of shows this year for two busy CEO's self-producing and coordinating (and writing these descriptions). Travel schedule has definitely ramped back up and we somehow got to the beginning of this week and hadn't really thought about it! So we're falling back to our original inspiration for the show and recording our weekly check-in on all things cannabis business.This week, we attended hashtag#Meadowlands, David Hua and Meadow's California-famous gathering for cannabis leaders amongst the redwoods in the Emerald Triangle. Ben spoke...2024-10-0352 min
High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast#061 - Cannabis Business News Roundup w/ Guest Co-Host, Jeremy BerkeSend us a textJeremy Berke, founder and editor-in-chief of Cultivated Media, joins us this week as our guest co-host. Despite juggling cannabis news coverage and MBA studies, Jeremy takes time out to share his experience and expertise in the space. Jeremy gives listeners an inside look at Cultivated, a daily newsletter dedicated to cannabis industry professionals, detailing how his journey from Business Insider led to his own entrepreneurial venture. In our deep dive into New York's cannabis market, we uncover the turbulent landscape marked by regulatory chaos and political scandals. With the indictment of M...2024-09-3050 min