Shows
The Ganjapreneur PodcastShane Pennington: Suing the DEA to Unlock Cannabis ResearchFor decades, cannabis research in the U.S. was hindered by steep federal requirements, foot-dragging enforcement agencies, and an archaic rule limiting the source of research-grade cannabis to just one cultivator in Mississippi. But thanks to a lawsuit against the DEA by Dr. Sue Sisley MD, a doctor who spent years trying to get federal approval for her study, which sought to investigate the therapeutic effects of cannabis for veterans with PTSD, the path to legitimate cannabis research has never been more clear.
Shane Pennington, the New York-based counsel for Vicente Sederberg LLP, was the attorney who worked pro bono...2022-09-1536 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastJoseph Ori: Building a House of Cannabis Brands In MichiganJoseph Ori is co-founder of Six Labs, a Michigan-based manufacturer of craft cannabis products.
With nearly one million medical cannabis caregivers licensed in the state, Michigan is an often undersung hub of cannabis culture, cultivation, and industry expertise. In a recent interview covering entrepreneurship and the Michigan marketplace, Joseph and our podcast host TG Branfalt discuss the thought process behind Joe's pivot to the cannabis space, his company's scientific approach to cannabis cultivation, and the advantages of working with a versatile team. This interview also covers Six Labs' brand-building process, their prioritization of experience-focused cannabis products, and more!
Topics covered...2022-01-2046 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastTJ Stouder: Reimagining Cannabis Consumption with MyHiTJ Stouder is the founder and CEO of MyHi, which offers stir STIKs containing water-soluble and fast-acting THC powder designed for a truly convenient and sociable cannabis experience.
As cannabis becomes more and more ubiquitous in social circles and even in public spaces, it's important for new cannabis products to collectively drive the industry's innovation and acceptance by more mainstream audiences. MyHi is especially in tune with that fact as a company and has dedicated a significant portion of its launch and brand identity to centering the conversation about social and convenient cannabis use.
In this episode of the Ganjapreneur...2022-01-0635 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastChris Ray: Navigating Change In Alaska's Cannabis IndustryChris Ray is the general manager for The Tree House, a cannabis dispensary in Anchorage, Alaska. In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com Podcast, Chris joins our host TG Branfalt to discuss the early days of Alaska's cannabis marketplace, Chris' transition from working in cultivation to the retail side of the industry, and strategies for improving foot traffic and the overall cannabis retail experience. The interview also covers unique Alaskan cannabis industry experiences — like flying on commercial airlines while carrying tens of thousands of dollars worth of cannabis products, because sometimes that's the only option — and the benefits of getting to k...2021-12-0838 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastKeith Stephenson: Legacy and Longevity in the Volatile Cannabis IndustryKeith Stephenson is the owner and founder of Purple Heart, the first Black-owned cannabis business to be licensed in the U.S. and the longest-running cannabis dispensary in Oakland, California. During the sweeping social justice protests last year, Purple Heart was hit by a series of burglaries that ultimately crippled the company — Keith is still working to build back his business.
In this podcast interview, our host TG Branfalt asks Keith about entering the cannabis space in the 1990s and launching one of the country's very first licensed cannabis businesses. This interview also covers Oakland's groundbreaking social equity provisions (which we...2021-10-1245 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastJon O'Connor & Amy Cirincione O'Connor: Humboldt Cannabis TourismJon O’Connor and Amy Cirincione O’Connor are the co-founders of Humboldt Social, which offers pro-cannabis lodging, dining, and event spaces.
As cannabis reforms become more and more widespread, the traditional tourism industry has unfortunately been slow to accept the cannabis community. Even in Humboldt County, California — which is world-famous for its expert cannabis cultivators and cannabis-friendly climate — travelers can find it difficult to legally appreciate the region’s most archetypal crop.
In our latest podcast episode, our host TG Branfalt interviews Jon and Amy, who co-founded Humboldt Social earlier this year. This podcast episode covers their company launch, the latest...2021-10-0145 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastSebastien Centner: Luxury Cannabis EdiblesLuxury cannabis products constitute a peculiar segment for the cannabis industry: where many consumers might scoff at what they consider an overpriced product, there are many others for whom the added charm (and promise of excellence) is worth the extra cost. To learn more about the growing market for luxury cannabis products, we turned to Sebastien Centner, co-founder of Hervé—a Toronto-based, French cuisine-inspired cannabis brand that currently sells its infused edibles in the Nevada cannabis marketplace.
In this podcast interview, Sebastien joins our host TG Branfalt to discuss his jump from the hospitality industry to cannabis, what inspired the Her...2021-08-1947 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastReginald Stanfield: Roadmap for Launching a Successful Cannabis Cultivation FacilityReginald Stanfield is the CEO and head horticulturist of JustinCredible Cultivation, a Massachusetts cannabis cultivator.
To launch a successful cannabis cultivation facility, one requires a significant amount of planning, resources, and initiative. Launching during a worldwide pandemic, however, makes things infinitely harder but that was the unfortunate reality for Massachusetts-based JustinCredible Cultivation when they were finally approved to open last year.
Reginald recently joined our podcast host TG Branfalt to discuss his entrepreneurial journey toward the cannabis space, the lessons he learned along the way, and stories from the founding and creation of JustinCredible Cultivation, which is the first minority-owned...2021-07-1553 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastKathryn Blackwell & Chelsea Mulligan: The Advantages of Dispensary FranchisingWith Arizona's recent switch to an adult-use market, cannabis enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and investors are also scrambling to learn as much as possible about the state's new cannabis opportunities. The Open Dør is an Arizona-based cannabis dispensary franchise that specializes in providing a comfort-focused and modern retail experience.
In this podcast interview, our host TG Branfalt is joined by The Open Dør's CEO Kathryn Blackwell and COO Chelsea Mulligan to discuss their fateful meeting, translating mainstream franchising experience to the cannabis industry, and The Open Dør's emphasis on providing a clean, welcoming, and vibrant retail experience. They also dis...2021-05-2037 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastEdmund DeVeaux: Pushing for Equitable Cannabis Opportunities in New JerseyNew Jersey's cannabis legalization bid was a long-sought and hard-fought victory, only achieved through the collaboration of advocates, lobbyists, and lawmakers. As President of the New Jersey CannaBusiness Association — which works to promote jobs and growth in a sustainable, responsible cannabis industry — Edmund DeVeaux was closely attuned to the process.
In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, Edmund joins our host TG Branfalt to discuss his life and work as a cannabis industry lobbyist, New Jersey's exciting industry prospects, and his efforts to ensure fair and balanced cannabis industry opportunities for all. This interview also covers legalization in neighboring state...2021-05-0537 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastRyan Douglas: Advice for Planning & Scaling Your Cannabis Cultivation FacilityRyan Douglas is the author of the new book From Seed to Success: How to Launch a Great Cannabis Cultivation Business in Record Time, wherein he breaks down the process of starting and growing a successful cannabis cultivation business. Formerly the master grower for Tweed Inc., Ryan pivoted to cannabis industry consulting in 2016 and since then has gotten involved in scaling up the medical cannabis industry in Colombia with sights set on the international cannabis marketplace.
In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, Ryan describes how his years of experience in the horticulture industry growing flowers had made him...2021-04-1441 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastJohn McLeod: From Law Enforcement to Cannabis ProponentJohn McLeod is the co-founder of Michigan-based Cloud Cannabis Co. — which operates brick-and-mortar cannabis retailers in Ann Arbor, Muskegon, and Traverse City — and a former police officer for the city of Detroit.
In this podcast interview, John discusses how an on-duty leg injury ultimately opened his eyes to the effectiveness of cannabis medicine, how cannabis saved him from a plummet into opioid dependency, and the fateful founding of Cloud Cannabis Co., whose motto "Live Higher" embodies the company's vision of prioritizing patients over profits. John also talks about the need for more balanced representation in the cannabis industry, his former coll...2021-03-2439 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastAlvin Edwards & David Moss: Equity-Building Partnerships In CannabisAlvin Edwards is the founder of Fruits of Our Labor, which hires former prisoners to provide professional services; David Moss is the chief development officer for cannabis dispensary From the Earth. Together, they have created an equity-building partnership in the cannabis space. In this podcast interview, Alvin and David join our host TG Branfalt to discuss the strategic partnership between their organizations, wherein From the Earth dispensaries purchase and retail glassware made by Fruits of Our Labor; the project's social equity-driven goals; and the importance of driving the industry to focus on giving back to disenfranchised communities that were most...2021-03-0550 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastElliot Lewis: Competing Against Cannabis Venture Capital in Southern CaliforniaElliot Lewis is the owner and founder of Catalyst Cannabis Co., a competitive chain of cannabis retailers in Southern California.
As an entrepreneur, Elliot lives for — and loves — the competition of business. For the latest Ganjapreneur.com Podcast episode, he joins our host TG Branfalt to discuss the business philosophy that drives Catalyst Cannabis Co. and the exhilaration of pursuing and winning a new retail license in So-Cal's limited, competitive marketplace. This interview also covers the company's history, their industry "bad boy" reputation, how they manage to compete with MSOs and other brands with major investor backing despite having a sign...2021-02-2656 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastZappy Zapolin: The American Psychedelic ResurgenceZappy Zapolin is the filmmaker and activist behind The Reality of Truth, a documentary that follows Hollywood movie star Michelle Rodriguez and several of her friends through a journey of personal discovery fueled by psychedelics. Before finding success as a filmmaker, Zappy was a pioneering entrepreneur and domain name trader during the 1990s.
In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, Zappy joins our host TG Branfalt to discuss the resurgence of psychedelics in American politics and culture, drug decriminalization developments from last November's election, and the latest medicinal discoveries related to psychedelic substances including ketamine, psilocybin, and cannabis. The...2021-02-1145 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastBob Eschino & Derek Cumings: Building a Cannabis Edibles EmpireBob Eschino and Derek Cumings are co-founders of Medically Correct, a Colorado-based cannabis edibles firm that was founded in 2010. In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com Podcast, Bob (who is also the company's president) and Derek join our host TG Branfalt to discuss their various cannabis edibles brands, the early years of Colorado's cannabis industry, and how they helped shape cannabis regulations in Colorado and (as other states came online) beyond. Tune in to hear about the trials and difficulties that led to the company's founding; how a strong work ethic, an ever-present emphasis on compliance, and a continued focus...2021-01-2158 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastKenny Wright: How Smoke Shops Adapt to Cannabis ReformsKenny Wright is the co-owner of High Peaks Glassworks, an independently owned smoke shop in Saranac Lake, New York. In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, our host TG Branfalt catches up with Kenny to discuss how the smoke shop industry has adapted to changing times, what cannabis business owners can do to maintain good relationships with local authorities, tips for building a helpful and friendly business environment, Kenny's predictions for the smoke shop business model as cannabis prohibition continues to crumble, and more.
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/entrepreneurs/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com...2020-12-2345 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastAntonio Frazier: How Consumer Safety Helps Destigmatize CannabisIn any industry, consumer product testing is a key part of maintaining safe and trustworthy operations. While the cannabis industry is no different, there are often (and unfortunately) big differences between the testing labs that conduct consumer safety tests.
In this podcast interview, Antonio Frazier talks to our host TG Branfalt about the importance of laboratory accreditation — which is when a laboratory and its offerings are evaluated by a highly qualified third party — and what it means for the cannabis industry. Antonio also shares the story of how CannaSafe became the first lab in the country to link vitamin E aceta...2020-12-1450 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastWill Read: Normalization Through Smart Cannabis MarketingWill Read is the founder and president of CannaPlanners, a Vermont-based web design and marketing company that specializes in the needs of the cannabis industry.
Between strict regulations that vary from state to state and the long-lasting remnants of anti-cannabis rhetoric and stigmas, cannabis marketing is an inherently tricky job. The challenge, however, has prompted experts like Will to prioritize simple aspects of brand building, such as a professional and inclusive brand experience.
Will recently joined our podcast host TG Branfalt to discuss cannabis marketing strategies, the prospects for an adult-use cannabis market in Vermont and other New England states...2020-12-0334 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastShawn Gold: Encouraging Creativity with CannabisShawn Gold is the founder and CEO of Pilgrim Soul Creative, a cannabis lifestyle brand based on using cannabis to encourage creative thinking. For this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, Shawn joins our host TG Branfalt to discuss the relationship between cannabis and creativity and the recent success of Pilgrim Soul's Creative Thinking Journal, which contains a series of activities and exercises specially designed to encourage creative thinking while under the influence of cannabis. Shawn also shares his experiences transitioning from the corporate tech space to the cannabis industry, offers his advice for entrepreneurs, and more!
Topics covered in...2020-11-1944 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastTeddy Scott: The Complex World of Multi-State Cannabis OperationsAfter co-founding and leading Illinois' PharmaCann for several years, Teddy Scott departed to found Ethos Cannabis, a multistate cannabis operator based in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and East Coast regions.
Teddy recently spoke with our podcast host TG Branfalt about his experience and the complexities of founding and operating a multi-state cannabis company. Their conversation also explores the co-existence of corporate and craft cannabis, the rapid growth of cannabis business in the Midwest and East Coast regions of the U.S., the importance of effective social equity provisions, Teddy's advice for industry newcomers and entrepreneurs, and more!
Topics covered in...2020-10-2946 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastJen Jackson: Navigating the Corporate-to-Cannabis TransitionIt takes a lot of courage to found your first company — especially if you are leaving behind a comfortable and respected corporate IT position — but that didn't stop Jen Jackson, Founder and CEO of the Baltimore-based CBD brand Be Jubie.
In a recent podcast interview, Jen joined our host TG Branfalt to talk about why she founded Be Jubie, what it means to her to be an entrepreneur, and why she chose the tenets of wellness, restoration, and social justice to guide her company. The conversation also covers why Jen chose the CBD space for her first startup venture, how she n...2020-10-0733 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastJon Lowen: How to Reach Cannabis Consumers with Targeted MarketingBetween regulations and the still-dwindling stigma from decades of prohibition, cannabis companies have an inherently tricky job when it comes to advertising and growing their customer base. In a recent interview, Jon Lowen of Surfside joined our podcast host TG Branfalt to discuss the nature of cannabis advertising, what differentiates cannabis marketing from other industries, and how they use primary data sets to identify and target new potential customers. Jon also describes what first drew him to the cannabis space, offers his advice for industry newcomers, and more!
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/data/
https...2020-09-1038 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastNoel and Graham Abbott: The Origin Story of GanjapreneurNoel Abbott, CEO of Ganjapreneur, and Graham Abbott, our Chief Editor, are brothers native to the northwestern corner of Washington state who started blogging about cannabis in 2012. In 2014, they partnered with venture capitalist and digital-era entrepreneur Andrew Rosener to found Ganjapreneur.com, which has since grown into a multifaceted resource for cannabis professionals and is relied on for industry news by hundreds of thousands of people around the world.
Recently, Noel and Graham joined our podcast host TG Branfalt for a retrospective discussion about their backgrounds and Ganjapreneur's origin story. This conversation reveals many behind-the-scenes details: from the website's original...2020-08-2145 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastBrent & Barry Walker: Growing a Multi-State Cannabis BusinessBrent and Barry Walkers are the two brothers behind Dub Bros, a California-based cannabis company with a foothold in multiple state-legal marketplaces. This conversation with our podcast host TG Branfalt covers Dub Bros' early entrance to the space, the business strategies that have driven their success so far, transitioning out of the gray market as regulations come online, their push into new and burgeoning state markets, and more!
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/california/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/entrepreneurs/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/marketing/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/oklahoma/
For a full...2020-06-2640 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastJeremy O'Keefe: The Importance of Information Security in the Cannabis IndustryJeremy O'Keefe is the CEO of Yobi, a streamlined software platform that addresses the unique point of sale and seed-to-sale requirements of the cannabis industry. Jeremy and Ganjapreneur's podcast host TG Branfalt recently connected for a conversation about cannabis software, where many technology companies in the space have gone wrong, the importance of information security in the digital age, the advantages of using Yobi's software suite, and more!
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/security/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/entrepreneurs/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/technology/
For a full transcript:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/jeremy-okeefe-the-importance-of-information-security-in-the-cannabis-industry/
...2020-06-1729 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastMorgan Fox: Lobbying for the Future of CannabisFor his second appearance on the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, Morgan joins our host TG Branfalt to discuss federal cannabis policy progress in 2020 and in the post-coronavirus political landscape. In this episode, Morgan shares where he thinks industry lobbyists have succeeded so far, where more progress is needed, how cannabis businesses can utilize responsible messaging to bolster the industry as a whole, and more.
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/federal-policy/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/decriminalization/
http://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/entrepreneurs
For a full transcript:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/morgan-fox-lobbying-for-the-future-of-cannabis/
Subscribe to our newsletter:
https...2020-05-2832 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastKeegan Peterson: Cannabis Industry HR and Payroll SolutionsKeegan Peterson recently joined TG Branfalt, host of the Ganjapreneur.com Podcast, to share Wurk's vision for the cannabis space and to discuss major challenges and opportunities facing the industry, including high employee turnover rates, the slow but steady evolution of cannabis employee benefits, the importance of human resources and innovative payroll solutions, and more!
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/cannabis-employment/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/technology/
http://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/entrepreneurs
For a full transcript:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/keegan-peterson-cannabis-industry-hr-and-payroll-solutions/
Subscribe to our newsletter:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/subscribe/
Follow us on socials:
...2020-05-1433 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastAndi Novick & Brian Farmer: Fighting for Craft Cannabis In New YorkAndi Novick is a New York lawyer/activist combo and Brian Farmer is co-founder of the Cannabis Conservancy — together, they have partnered to help lead New York Small Farma in its push for regenerative and sustainable cannabis farming in the state of New York. For the latest Ganjapreneur.com podcast, the two joined our host TG Branfalt to discuss New York's legalization prospects, what they hope the Empire State's cannabis industry will look like, why it's important to specifically write opportunities for small farmers and craft cannabis businesses into state legislation, and more!
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ga...2020-05-0645 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastChris Treville: Maximizing Efficiency for Indoor Cannabis CultivationChris Treville is the Co-Founder of GrowEx, a high-tech cannabis cultivation company focused on improving and innovating indoor growing systems. Chris joined our podcast host TG Branfalt recently for a conversation about GrowEx and the company's high-tech cultivation capabilities. In this interview, Chris shares the story that brought him into the cannabis space, discusses the industry's need for more advanced indoor growing systems, explains what exactly the GrowEx system is capable of and how the company's innovations could revolutionize indoor cultivation practices, and more.
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/canada-cannabis/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic...2020-04-0249 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastBenjamin Jesse: Celebrating Australia's Cannabis IndustryBenjamin Jesse is the founder of the Australian Cannabis Awards, an event that celebrates Australia's cannabis industry and highlights successful leaders in the space. For the latest Ganjapreneur.com Podcast episode, Benjamin recently joined our host TG Branfalt to talk about Australia's cannabis progress in recent years. In this interview, Benjamin explains why it was important for him to launch the awards so early into the industry's lifespan, what the legalization process in Australia is likely to look like, and more!
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/activism/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/australia/
https://www...2020-01-2936 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastMara Gordon: Data-Driven Cannabis MedicineMara Gordon is the co-founder of Aunt Zelda's, a California medical cannabis brand that emphasizes a scientific understanding of cannabis's medicinal qualities. Mara recently joined podcast host TG Branfalt to talk about cannabis medicine, medical cannabis research developments from around the world, using data and technology to drive the medical cannabis space, how to harness the excitement surrounding this industry, and more.
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/california/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/data/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/entrepreneurs/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/medicine/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/technology/
For a full...2020-01-1546 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastChris Hagedorn: Cultivation Supplies for the Cannabis IndustryChris Hagedorn is the general manager for Hawthorne Gardening Company, a business venture that provides all the cultivation needs of a state-legal cannabis operator. Chris recently joined our podcast host TG Branfalt for an interview that ranges from broad entrepreneurialism to the latest federal cannabis policy developments. During their conversation, Chris discusses Hawthorne‘s status as a subsidiary to Ohio-based Scotts Miracle-Gro — the cultivation supplies powerhouse that has become a household brand throughout decades of success — and offers a unique look at his experiences coming from a more corporate environment at Scotts to the new and burgeoning cannabis space.
Topics covere...2019-12-0545 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastMarcus Pfeifer: CBD Supplements for PetsMarcus Pfeifer is the CEO of Homescape Pets, a natural hemp-derived pet supplements company based out of Colorado.
As the latest guest to come on the Ganjapreneur.com Podcast, Marcus recently joined our host TG Branfalt for a conversation about pets, pet health, and the burgeoning hemp industry. In this interview, Marcus discusses the lack of research into cannabinoid medicines for both humans and animals, shares the story of how he and his wife decided to enter the space after seeing first-hand the benefits that CBD had for their own dog, explains the company ethos and why they are patient...2019-11-0738 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastBrad Bogus: Simplifying Wholesale Cannabis ConnectionsBrad Bogus is the Vice President of Marketing for Confident Cannabis, a wholesale cannabis platform that connects cannabis cultivators, laboratories, and retailers. Brad recently joined our podcast host TG Branfalt for an in-depth interview ranging from cannabis journalism — Brad served nine months as general manager for The Cannabist, the once-vibrant cannabis news outlet powered by The Denver Post — to the latest discoveries regarding cannabis classification, including a new emphasis on terpene content, unique cannabinoids such as CBG and THCV, and more! Brad also shares the latest offering from Confident Cannabis, Connect, which is capable of 3D-mapping cannabis purchase and distribution tren...2019-10-1640 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastJason Ambrosino: Hemp CBD Flower for VeteransJason Ambrosino recently joined our podcast host TG Branfalt to talk about the New York hemp and cannabis markets, how CBD's influence has benefited countless military veterans (including Jason, himself), and more. This interview covers the public perception of hemp and cannabis and what industry operators can do to help educate the masses and break the ongoing stigma about cannabis use.
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/cbd/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/new-york/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/vermont/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/veterans/
For a full transcript:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/jason-ambrosino-cbd-hemp-flower-for-veterans/
Subscribe...2019-10-0442 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastMeg Sanders: Compassionate Dispensary ManagementMeg Sanders is co-founder of the Canna Provisions Group — a boutique dispensary in Lee, Massachusetts — and co-owner of the successful MiNDFUL dispensary brand in Colorado. Meg recently joined our podcast host TG Branfalt for an interview about cannabis dispensary management and the budding Massachusetts market. Their conversation stretches back all the way to the early days in Colorado, when Meg worked alongside lawmakers and the governor to find smart regulations for the industry and founded MiNDFUL, one of the state's early dispensaries, to the eventual founding of Canna Provision Group, a boutique adult-use dispensary in Lee, Massachusetts. Tune in to the...2019-09-2643 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastSteve Deangelo: Evolution of the Cannabis IndustrySteve DeAngelo — who is is nothing short of a cannabis industry icon, having co-founded Harborside, Steep Hill Labs, Arcview Group, and the NCIA — recently returned to the Ganjapreneur.com Podcast for an interview with our host TG Branfalt.
In this interview, Steve shares the experiences that led to his entry to the cannabis movement and eventually the professional cannabis space. From his earliest advocacy efforts, toking up in front of the White House at the annual 4th of July smoke-in, to the modern industry's launch following California's historic medical cannabis legalization, Steve shares the inspiration behind Harborside and explains how the...2019-09-1142 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastJonathan Menkes: Cannabis Product TrademarksJonathan Menkes, who specializes in trademark counseling and brand protection at Knobbe Martens, recently joined our podcast host TG Branfalt for an interview that focuses on what cannabis entrepreneurs can and should do to protect their brand and other intellectual properties, including specific products and even strains. In this interview, Jonathan offers advice for avoiding trademark infringement lawsuits, explains the history behind some of the biggest trademark infringement cases in the cannabis industry, discusses the small differences between trademark and copyright law, and more.
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/legal-issues/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic...2019-08-2941 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastJontae James: Offering Free-to-Use Cannabis Compliance SoftwareIn this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, Jontae joins our host TG Branfalt for an interview that covers the origins of NatureTrak, his transition into the cannabis space from a more mainstream tech background, and explains NatureTrak's decision to release its software free-of-charge. Jontae also shares his thoughts about social-equity programs that level the playing field for disadvantaged communities most affected by the war on drugs, offers advice for tech entrepreneurs hoping to make it in cannabis, and more!
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/california/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/data/
https://www.ganjapreneur...2019-08-1442 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastTravis Howard: The Business of Normalizing CannabisTravis Howard is the founder and Chief Strategy Officer for Shift, a Colorado-based cannabis producer and product manufacturer.
Travis recently joined our podcast host TG Branfalt for a conversation about his experience as an attorney in the early days of Colorado's cannabis market, his transition to entrepreneurship, and the journey of founding several cannabis companies. In this interview, Travis offers a candid look at the current state of cannabis, talks about the difference between the entrepreneurs who make up the majority of today's cannabis industry and the big investment dollars that are starting to come into the industry, where he...2019-07-2552 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastSister Kate: Forming a Sisterhood of Cannabis NunsActivism, healing, empowerment — these are important foundations for the Sisters of the Valley, a group of self-described cannabis nuns in Merced County, California that grow and distribute CBD products including salves, tinctures, oils, and more.
After the recent release of a documentary highlighting the sisterhood, founder Sister Kate joined our podcast host TG Branfalt to share her story and address some misconceptions perpetuated by the film. In the following interview, Sister Kate discusses her unique life story, talks about founding the religiously unaffiliated Sisters of the Valley, describes her many advocacy efforts and success stories, shares some of her more pa...2019-07-1048 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastLindsey Mintz: Combining Cannabis Education & RetailLindsey Mintz is the owner and managing partner of Smokin’ Gun Apothecary, a prohibition-themed and self-described “late-night” cannabis dispensary located in Glendale, Colorado. Lindsey is also a co-founder of Arcanum, a hemp CBD company that focuses on creating approachable CBD products for athletes, including unique offerings like CBD-infused kinesiology tape.
In this Ganjapreneur.com podcast episode, Lindsey and our host TG Branfalt dive into a discussion of Colorado’s retail cannabis industry and the day-to-day operations of running a cannabis dispensary. We hear about the Smokin’ Gun Apothecary’s brand mission to spread cannabis education and Lindsey shares some of her experien...2019-06-2830 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastKristen Yoder: Calling Out BS in the Cannabis IndustryKristen Yoder is CEO of cannabis business advisory firm Soil to the Oil and hosts The CannaBS Detector podcast.
As a veteran of California’s cannabis industry with professional experience in nearly every facet of the business, Kristen joined our own podcast host TG Branfalt for a chat about the state of cannabis as it moves out of the gray and into the heavily restricted legal marketplace. In this interview, we hear Kristen’s 14-year story of exploring the industry — from starting as a dispensary worker, advancing into cultivation, then edibles manufacturing, then as a project manager, and eventually becoming an ind...2019-05-2346 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastBlissiva: Bridging Cannabis and Women's MedicineDr. Leslie Apgar and career entrepreneur/investor Gina Dubbé are co-founders of Blissiva, a Maryland-based dispensary with a scientific approach to cannabis medicine and an emphasis on providing women with cannabis-based relief; Blissiva is perhaps best known, however, for designing and manufacturing particularly approachable vape pen products.
The two recently joined TG Branfalt on the Ganjapreneur.com podcast to discuss how, as business partners, Gina and Dr. Apgar made the leap from mainstream business and medicine into the medical cannabis industry. They also share stories of overcoming industry obstacles and finding success as women entrepreneurs in cannabis, their thoughts about M...2019-05-1337 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastDr. Jon Cachat: Training Future Cannabis Lab TechsDr. Jon Cachat is the Director of Laboratory Science & Undergraduate Research at Hocking College — the first institute of higher education in Ohio to satisfy the state’s medical cannabis testing lab needs.
In the latest episode of the Ganjapreneur.com Podcast, Dr. Cachat is welcomed back to the show by our host TG Branfalt to discuss the new and rigorous academic program. In this interview, Dr. Cachat describes the wide variety of students who are drawn to the program, how he has honed the curriculum to focus on more than just the chemistry of testing cannabis products, and his perception of h...2019-04-1842 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastMorgan Fox: A Federal Cannabis Policy UpdateMorgan Fox is the Media Relations Director for the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), the largest cannabis trade organization in the U.S. Ganjapreneur is a Sponsoring Member of the NCIA and we encourage all businesses operating in the cannabis industry to join and support organizations that lobby for sensible cannabis policy.
Morgan recently joined our podcast host TG Branfalt for a wide-ranging interview covering recent cannabis reform progress in legislatures at both the state and U.S. federal level. In this interview, we hear about the work that the NCIA is doing to benefit cannabis entrepreneurs, what the NCIA’s...2019-01-0932 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastTom Howard: The Many Legal Hurdles of Cannabis CommerceTom Howard is an Illinois-based attorney who specializes in banking and cannabis business, and he is an author who has written two works of historical fiction about the prohibition of cannabis.
In this Ganjapreneur.com podcast episode, Tom joined our host TG Branfalt to talk about the state of the cannabis industry; the hurdles that cannabis professionals, entrepreneurs, and attorneys still face; whether or not the industry should be concerned about a federal crackdown, and a whole lot more.
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/federal-policy/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/illinois/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com...2018-09-2731 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastAfzal Hasan: Cannabis Industry Investments and AcquisitionsAfzal Hasan is the President and General Counsel for CannaRoyalty, a Canada-based investment firm with cannabis acquisitions in Canada, California, Washington, Oregon, Florida, and Puerto Rico.
In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com Podcast, Afzal joins host TG Branfalt to discuss his transition into the cannabis space as a high-level corporate attorney; the strategies being used to grow CannaRoyalty’s business acquisitions; the state of the cannabis markets in Canada, California, and beyond; his recommendations for identifying a winning cannabis investment; and more!
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/california/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/canada-cannabis/
ht...2018-08-0248 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastJason Pirozzolo: Helping Doctors Understand Medical CannabisEditor’s note (4/8/21): Dr. Jason Pirozzolo is currently being investigated in relation to sex trafficking allegations against Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz. For more on that story: https://www.ganjapreneur.com/cannabis-entrepreneur-tied-to-rep-matt-gaetzs-sex-trafficking-scandal/
Dr. Jason Pirozzolo is a co-founder of The American Medical Marijuana Physicians Association, a collection of physicians and medical researchers who advocate for increased understanding and acceptance of cannabis as medicine.
In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, Dr. Pirozzolo joins podcast host TG Branfalt to discuss how mainstream medicine and medical cannabis have begun to intersect, the myriad potential benefits of medical cannabis for professional athletes, why me...2018-07-1930 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastFranco Brockelman: Collecting and Analyzing Cannabis Patient DataFranco Brockelman is the CEO and co-founder of Releaf App, a digital cannabis journal that enables users to record and share their cannabis consumption experiences so they can better experiment, track, and understand their relationship with the plant.
In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, Franco joins our host TG Branfalt to tell the personal origin story of Releaf (Franco’s own mother was the app’s original beta tester), discuss the lack of reliable patient data in the cannabis industry, and talk about some of the interesting and unexpected data points the company has gleaned so far.
Topics cove...2018-06-2132 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastCy Scott: How Data Can Help Startups Navigate Emerging Cannabis MarketsIt has been four years since adult-use cannabis legislation took effect in Washington and Colorado, and in that time the market landscape has evolved and shifted at breakneck speed. As emerging markets in California, Canada, and elsewhere begin to take off, entrepreneurs are bound to face even greater obstacles and competition.
In this special edition of the Ganjapreneur podcast, Headset co-founder and CEO Cy Scott joins Ganjapreneur co-founder and COO Noel Abbott for a conversation about how the first adult-use markets have evolved and matured over the past few years, and what entrepreneurs in emerging markets can learn from the...2018-06-0741 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastBeth Stravola: Operating a Multi-State Cannabis CompanyBeth Stavola is a serial cannabis industry entrepreneur who owns dispensaries in Arizona and Nevada; she is also the founder and CEO of Stavola Medical Marijuana Holdings and CBD For Life, and is a member of the New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association‘s Board of Trustees.
Beth recently joined our podcast host TG Branfalt to talk about her experience six years ago transitioning from a career in the upper echelons of Wall Street to the “wild west” of the burgeoning cannabis industry. They discuss the differences among state markets, how to work with politicians who still need to learn the benefi...2018-05-3135 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastDoug Esposito: Business Insurance for the Cannabis IndustryDoug Esposito is the Cannabis Practice Leader for Owen-Dunn Insurance Services, a Sacramento-based shared partners brokerage.
In the following interview, Doug joins our podcast host TG Branfalt to talk about insurance options for the cannabis industry as it continues to take root and grow into the mainstream. We hear from Doug what typical cannabis industry insurance options might look like, what hurdles cannabis companies can expect to face in the pursuit of smart insurance coverage, what insurance carriers and brokers can and can’t do to help alleviate some of those issues, and more!
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://ww...2018-05-1642 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastDerek Cloutier: Veterans, PTSD, and Medical CannabisDerek Cloutier is the president and co-founder of the New England Veterans Alliance, a non-profit organization that helps veterans reduce their dependency on pharmaceuticals and advocates on behalf of veterans for improved access to medical cannabis therapies.
In the following interview, Derek joins our host TG Branfalt to talk about the experience of veterans in the U.S., his own story of turning to medical cannabis as a treatment for PTSD, how the New England Veteran’s Alliance — which started as just a local group of veterans — has expanded to a community encompassing all of New England, and more!
Topics covere...2018-03-2934 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastTim Fair: Launching Vermont's First Cannabis Law FirmTim Fair is a Vermont-based cannabis consultant and the owner/founder of Vermont Cannabis Solutions, the state’s first cannabis law practice.
In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, Tim joins our podcast host TG Branfalt in his Vermont studio for a conversation about the landmark cannabis reform law passed earlier this year by Vermont’s legislature, the differences between legalization and decriminalization, the state’s vibrant hemp and CBD industry, and what the industry might look like when a tax-and-regulate system is eventually put in place.
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/decriminalization/
https://www.ga...2018-03-1434 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastBrittny Anderson & Brian Farmer: Encouraging Sustainable CannabisBrittny Anderson and Brian Farmer are co-founders of the Cannabis Conservancy, a sustainability certification group that helps consumers identify cannabis growers and producers who use responsible agricultural practices.
In this Ganjapreneur.com podcast episode, Brittny and Brian join our host TG Branfalt to talk about the founding and goals of the Cannabis Conservancy, the positive response they’ve seen from both growers and consumers, new markets opening up in Canada and the U.S., how they are expanding cannabis research and education through the Conservancy, and more!
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/canada-cannabis/
https://www.ga...2018-03-0146 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastBrian Applegarth: Cannabis Tourism in CaliforniaBrian Applegarth is the CEO and founder of Emerald Country Tours, founder of the Cannabis Trail, and founder of the California Cannabis Tourism Association.
Brian recently joined our podcast host TG Branfalt to talk about California's rich relationship with cannabis, how his company captures and shares that experience, the future of cannabis tourism in California and beyond, and more!
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/activism/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/california/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/education/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/san-francisco/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/legalization/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/tourism/
...2018-02-1447 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastMichael Brubeck: How to Identify a Winning Cannabis InvestmentMichael Brubeck is the founder and CEO of Centuria Foods and author of Tipping the Scales, a book about cannabis industry financing that helps canna-curious investors identify characteristics of a successful venture.
For this Ganjapreneur.com podcast episode, Michael joined our host TG Branfalt for an interview that covers his early time in the industry — where he encountered the very real threat of federal enforcement and a lengthy prison sentence — to today, where he has grown his company into a multinational and powerhouse provider of high-quality CBD hemp oil. The two also talk about Tipping the Scales, seeking to clarify some...2018-02-0934 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastEan Seeb: Balancing Business and Philanthropy in the Cannabis SpaceEan Seeb is co-founder and partner at Denver Relief Consulting and has been navigating Colorado’s medical and adult-use cannabis industries since the beginning.
In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, our host TG Branfalt sits down with Ean for a chat about Colorado’s early days, his two-time role as chairman for the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), how he has balanced smart business practices with an instinct for philanthropy, and some of the other cannabis-themed projects that he has recently gotten involved in — including the recent buyout of High Times and his strategic involvement in cannabis brands throug...2018-02-0234 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastJesse Peters: Responsible Cannabis Business PracticesJesse Peters is the owner and CEO of Eco Firma Farms and is a founding member of the Oregon Cannabis Association. In this Ganjapreneur.com podcast interview, Jesse joins our host TG Branfalt for a discussion about Eco Firma's long-term goal of becoming a 100% carbon neutral company, how cannabis entrepreneurs need to take responsibility in the industry and lobby for better regulations, and more!
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/legal-growers/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/entrepreneurs/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/oregon/
For a full transcript:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/jesse-peters-responsible-cannabis-business-practices/
Subscribe to our newsletter:
...2018-01-3044 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastDarcy Bomford: Acquiring a Cannabis License in CanadaDarcy Bomford is the CEO of True Leaf Medicine International, a Canadian company with one department in the national medical cannabis program and another that manufactures hemp-based wellness products for pets.
In this interview, Ganjapreneur.com podcast host TG Branfalt talks with Darcy about Canada’s medical cannabis program, the strict licensing process that producers undergo there, and what the country’s impending adult-use marketplace is expected to look like. Darcy, a career entrepreneur who launched his first company in the pet supplements industry, also explains how he has applied his experience in the pet products industry to the cannabis spac...2018-01-2533 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastMichael Senderovich: Identifying and Insuring Cannabis RisksMichael Senderovich is the founder and president of Zeyger Insurance Services, a California insurance brokerage working with cannabis companies despite the industry’s ongoing federal prohibition.
In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, Michael joins our host TG Branfalt to explain the nuances of insurance and how the mainstream industry generally operates, how insurers are beginning to interact with cannabis professionals, what cannabis business owners should be looking for in the insurance agents and brokers they choose to partner with, and a whole lot more!
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/insurance/
https://www.ganjapreneur.co...2017-12-2842 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastRuss Hudson: Debunking Cannabis Lies through LiteratureRuss Hudson is a cannabis consultant and author of the children’s book "What’s That Weed?," which helps parents provide a normalized perspective of cannabis to their children, and the autobiography Weed Deeds: From Seed to Sage. Russ recently joined our podcast host TG Branfalt in his Burlington, Vermont studio for an interview that covers the inspiration behind his books, the state of cannabis policy in his home state of Maine (and his other home in Barcelona, Spain), why strain names aren’t the best way to categorize cannabis, which subjects we can expect his future books to tackle, and mo...2017-12-2239 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastDr. Perry Solomon: Cannabis Education for the Mainstream Medical IndustryDr. Perry Solomon is the Chief Medical Officer of HelloMD, a telemedicine firm that connects would-be medical cannabis patients with canna-friendly doctors in California and New York.
In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, Dr. Solomon joins our podcast host TG Branfalt for a discussion about the results of HelloMD’s recent patient surveys (which have led to some revolutionary findings regarding the plant’s effectiveness as an opioid exit drug), what continues to hold the medical cannabis movement back from consolidating with the mainstream medical industry, why and how telehealth is important for increasing patient access to the plan...2017-12-0743 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastKyle Speidell: The Business of Cannabis RetailKyle Speidell is the co-CEO of The Green Solution, a popular cannabis retailer chain in Colorado.
In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, Kyle joins our host TG Branfalt to discuss Colorado’s retail cannabis market and share what it’s been like as one of the state’s earliest and most successful dispensary enterprises. This interview covers what changes Kyle would like to see to Colorado’s strict cannabis regulatory regime, the early migration from a medical to an adult-use market, and more.
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/colorado/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/en...2017-11-2942 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastJames Yagielo: Cannabis Industry Staffing & RecruitingJames Yagielo is the CEO of HempStaff, a cannabis industry staffing agency that offers recruitment services to cannabis companies and educational courses to prospective cannabis employees.
In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, James joins our host TG Branfalt to discuss the cannabis education and training courses that HempStaff has made available across the country and how recruitment services benefit both employers and potential employees. They also discuss which jobs in the cannabis industry are the most popular vs. the most difficult to fill, which upcoming cannabis markets are expected to make the biggest splash (and when), which cannabis...2017-11-2228 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastHeadset: Diving into Washington's Cannabis Market DataFor entrepreneurs in the volatile cannabis industry, keeping up to date on the market is a must. Due to volatility and competition, being aware of changes in the market as they are happening can spell the difference between success and failure for a cannabis startup. Since there are few reliable sources of historical data on cannabis market trends before legalization, business owners need to make the most of the data that exists since legalization took effect. Headset, a business intelligence software platform for the cannabis industry, aims to help them do just that.
In this special edition of the Ganjapreneur...2017-11-1629 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastMatt Rizzetta: Leveraging PR to Grow Household Cannabis BrandsMatt Rizzetta is the CEO of North 6th Agency, a public relations firm based in New York City and Toronto that serves cannabis and mainstream business clients nationwide.
In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, Matt joins host TG Branfalt to talk about the mainstream media’s evolving perception of cannabis, public relations strategies for companies in the cannabis space, the differences and similarities of cannabis compared to other industries, how education is the key to overcoming the plant’s stigma, and more!
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/canada-cannabis/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/mark...2017-11-1435 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastEli Harrington: Embracing a Small Business Cannabis LandscapeEli Harrington is the co-founder and managing editor of Heady Vermont, a cannabis news outlet dedicated to Vermont's medical cannabis industry and culture, and host of the Vermontijuana Podcast.
In this Ganjapreneur.com podcast interview, Eli joins our host TG Branfalt — who is currently a Vermont resident, as well — to discuss cannabis' entrepreneurial culture in Vermont and throughout the North Eastern states. The two also discuss Eli's organization efforts for Vermont's recent HempFest (and the event's many successes), talk about the endless possibilities of the industrial hemp revolution, swap stories about being cannabis journalists, and much more!
Topics covered in this...2017-11-0249 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastSpark the Conversation: Molly Peckler, Highly DevotedMolly Peckler is the creator of Highly Devoted, a matchmaking service for cannabis professionals.
In this episode of the Spark the Conversation podcast, Molly joins podcast host Bianca Green for a conversation at the 2017 Emerald Exchange in August. In this interview, Molly and Bianca discuss the founding of Highly Devoted — which began as a matchmaking service for cannabis professionals — and how it has evolved over time from a romantic matchmaking service to include corporate matchmaking, design consulting, and more for the cannabis space. They also discuss the importance of prioritizing social responsibility in the industry, the dwindling cannabis stigma, how educ...2017-10-2623 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastNeeraj Bhardwaj: Creating the Magnetic Induction VaporizerNeeraj Bhardwaj is President of Loto Labs, creator of the Loto Lux, the world’s first magnetic induction-based vaporizer.
Neeraj recently came on the Ganjapreneur.com podcast to talk with our host TG Branfalt about the magnetic induction technology used inside of the Loto Lux, how the experiences of his family and his own desire for a healthier lifestyle set him down the path to establishing a new and improved vaporizer technology, the company’s successful crowdfunding campaign, staying the course through fallout from unforeseen difficulties, and much more!
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/investing-in-cannabis/
http...2017-10-1832 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastPatrick Vo: Pioneering Seed-to-Sale Systems in Emerging MarketsPatrick Vo is the CEO of BioTrackTHC, a seed-to-sale software giant whose product can be found in dispensaries throughout the U.S. and beyond.
In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, Patrick joins our host TG Branfalt for an interview about BioTrack’s early days in Florida and the company’s transition into the cannabis space, Patrick’s own journey as BioTrack’s first employee to eventually becoming CEO of the company, the company’s role and goal when they are consulted by government officials about seed-to-sale tracking systems, and the many benefits to be had by hiring a diverse an...2017-10-1348 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastFrom Side-Hustle to Industry Leader: the Story of LeaflyIf you have ever looked up information about a particular cannabis strain online, there is a good chance you are familiar with the website Leafly.com. Leafly is one of the most widely-used and well-known web resources for cannabis enthusiasts and medical patients worldwide, and it has greatly influenced the world of visual design in the cannabis industry. The website was launched in 2010 by Cy Scott, Brian Wansolich, and Scott Vickers, three friends & coworkers who still had day jobs in the tech industry. Two years later, they sold the company to cannabis investment firm Privateer Holdings, and embarked on a n...2017-10-1039 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastMehka King: The Power of Grassroots Cannabis MediaMehka King is a journalist, host of the Cash, Color, and Cannabis podcast, and the filmmaker behind The Color Green: Cash, Color, and Cannabis — a documentary investigating racial disparities in the cannabis space.
In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, Mehka joins host TG Branfalt to discuss the evolution of popular media from print to online blogging to podcasts and video content, his experience documenting the cannabis movement, how celebrities — particularly hip-hop stars who have invested in the cannabis industry — could do more to speak up on issues with industry inclusion and fallout from the Drug War, and more!
Topics...2017-09-2842 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastJason Santos: Normalizing Cannabis through Video and MusicJason Santos is the CEO of Burn TV, a video/music network that was founded to help bridge and eliminate the gap between cannabis culture and the mainstream media.
In this Ganjapreneur.com podcast interview, Jason joins our host TG Branfalt to talk about his early forays into the cannabis industry, the important role that independent media groups play in this space, how cannabis is portrayed in the mainstream media — and how that affects cannabis enthusiasts and the movement as a whole — and much, much more!
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/entrepreneurs/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com...2017-09-2535 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastHazel Fruitman: Mobile Marketing Strategies for Cannabis BusinessesHazel Fruitman is the CEO of Cannabis Wallet, a company that specializes in unique mobile marketing strategies and customer engagement for companies operating in the cannabis space. Cannabis Wallet offers a mobile wallet pass that can be added to a mobile device and gives companies the ability to interact with their customers in a more tangible and personal way.
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/advertising/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/entrepreneurs/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/social-media/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/technology/
For a full transcript:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/hazel-fruitman-cannabis-wallet-mobile-marketing-strategies/
Subscribe to our...2017-09-0635 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastBen Ward: Expanding Internationally with MaricannBen Ward is the CEO of Maricann, a licensed medical cannabis operator in Canada who recently announced their international expansion into Germany’s nascent medical marijuana industry.
Ben recently joined Ganjapreneur.com podcast host TG Branfalt to discuss the intricacies and future of Canada’s cannabis industry, the recruitment of Maricann’s expert talent and executives, how using green technology has benefited the company’s cultivation facility, Ben’s thought process leading up to and throughout the company’s landmark expansion into Europe, and more!
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/canada-cannabis/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/cbd/
h...2017-08-1642 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastDanny Sloat: Self-Healing Through Clean Cannabis CultivationDanny Sloat is the owner of Alpinstash, a Colorado cannabis cultivator known for producing premium-quality cannabis with an emphasis on environmentally friendly growing practices.
In this Ganjapreneur.com podcast episode, Danny joins our host TG Branfalt to talk about the importance of his company’s eco-friendly production process, the therapeutic value of growing your own cannabis plants, exciting research and cannabis cloning techniques that are being pioneered in Colorado, how the state’s cannabis marketplace has evolved over the years since legalization took effect, and more!
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/cbd/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com...2017-08-1135 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastVanessa Corrales: Infusing an Edibles Brand with PersonalityVanessa Corrales is the founder of B-Edibles in San Diego, California, an infused edibles manufacturer that creates infused sugar products and is particularly well-known for offering medicated cotton candy.
This Ganjapreneur.com podcast episode features Vanessa and our host TG Branfalt in a how being a medical cannabis patient led to her pursuing a career as a medical cannabis entrepreneur and how B-Edibles’ bubbly and colorful branding plays to her desire to express uniqueness and her own personality in the cannabis space. The interview also covers a brand new project that Vanessa has taken up that is aimed at bringing a...2017-08-0941 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastAlex Hoggan: Staying the Course Amid Changing RegulationsAlex Hoggan is the founder of ChemHistory, a cannabis testing lab based outside of Portland, Oregon.
In this episode of the Ganjaprenuer.com podcast, Alex joins our host TG Branfalt to discuss the early days of Oregon's cannabis testing landscape, the intricacies of pesticide testing under Oregon's strict testing rules, the regulatory switch last October that nearly drove the state's marijuana industry to a grinding halt, and other issues related to entrepreneurship and running a successful and respectable laboratory.
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/entrepreneurs/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/oregon/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/t...2017-08-0743 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastJon Gowa: Robotics in the Cannabis IndustryJon Gowa is the founder and CEO of Bloom Automation, a company in Colorado that is designing and creating robots to assist the cannabis industry.
In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, our host TG Branfalt and Jon discuss Bloom Automation’s participation in the Boulder Canopy startup incubator, the various robotic designs they have tested and found most effective, what role robotics may play in the future of the cannabis industry, and more!
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/entrepreneurs/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/investing-in-cannabis/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/technology/
For a fu...2017-08-0329 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastDave Peck: Adapting Social Media Marketing Strategies to the Cannabis SpaceDave Peck is the Chief Marketing Officer for KIND Financial, a business offering seed-to-sale software technology to help cannabis companies stay compliant in the evolving marketplace.
In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, TG Branfalt hosts Dave for an interview just two short weeks after he left an executive position with PayPal to join KIND’s pioneering journey in cannabis compliance. In the interview, the two discuss Dave’s early impressions of the cannabis industry, the historical evolution of social media, how cannabis companies should change their marketing strategies based on which platform they are using, the importance of data...2017-07-2532 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastStephen Gold & Andy Yashar: Pioneers in Cannabis TechStephen Gold and Andy Yashar are co-founders of The Daily Leaf, a technology company that has partnered with dispensaries to find and list the best cannabis deals throughout Oregon cities — with plans to expand to Seattle, Las Vegas, and beyond.
In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, Stephen and Andy join host TG Branfalt to talk about the technology aspect of the cannabis space, launching a tech startup on a minimal budget, the importance of creating and maintaining a company image, and how — by focusing the efforts of a small, dedicated team — they have been able to create a truly...2017-07-1237 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastDr. Allen Miller: Using Cannabis to Kick Opioid DependencyDr. Allen Miller is the founder/owner of Doctors Cannabis Consulting and, in addition to being a licensed medical professional, is an enthusiastic patient and supporter of cannabis medicine.
In this episode of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, Dr. Miller joins our podcast host TG Branfalt to discuss using cannabis therapies as an exit strategy for opioid and alcohol addiction, how Dr. Miller’s own experience using medicinal cannabis shapes his conversations with patients, how the MMJ industry is beginning to interact with insurance companies, the future of cannabis medicine, and more!
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/to...2017-07-0648 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastJeffrey Hank: Pushing for a Michigan Adult-Use Victory in 2018Jeffrey Hank is the founder of MI Legalize, the Michigan advocacy group that is spearheading efforts for a 2018 bid for the statewide legalization of adult-use cannabis. Michigan is one of the last major states capable of enacting change via voter initiative that hasn't yet overruled the prohibition of cannabis — this means that a successful legalization initiative there would be a huge victory in the ongoing battle to reform cannabis laws.
In this episode of the Ganjapreneur Podcast, Jeffrey joins podcast host TG Branfalt to talk about organizing petitioners and activists in their effort to cement their initiative's place on the stat...2017-06-2353 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastKristi Knoblich Palmer: Navigating California's New RegulationsKristi Knoblich Palmer is the COO of Kiva Confections, a pioneering force in California’s cannabis edibles marketplace, and is a founding member of the California Cannabis Manufacturers Association (CCMA).
In the following episode, Ganjapreneur.com podcast host TG Branfalt speaks with Kristi about the founding of Kiva Confections, training to become an expert chocolatier, and California’s medical (and soon-to-be recreational) cannabis industry’s scramble towards a regulatory structure. The two also discuss the growing trend of micro-dosing cannabis, the founding and current goals of the CCMA, and much, much more.
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/to...2017-06-0933 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastSpark the Conversation: Jerred Kiloh, The Higher PathJerred Kiloh is president of the United Cannabis Business Association and owner of The Higher Path, an award-winning medical cannabis dispensary in Los Angeles. In this episode of the Spark the Conversation podcast, host Bianca Green interviews Jerred about creating one of the region’s best-known and most-loved dispensaries.
In the following interview, Jerred shares his own strategies for running a dispensary, which include an emphasis on employee fulfillment & retention, as well as community involvement and making sure that patients feel safe and comfortable during their visit. The two discuss best business practices for the cannabis industry — and according to Jerr...2017-04-1041 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastDavid Barakett: Growing a Multi-State Dispensary ChainDavid Barakett is the CEO of ShowGrow, a culture-focused dispensary chain with California locations in Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and Ramona. ShowGrow also runs a dispensary in Las Vegas, Nevada.
David recently joined our podcast host TG Branfalt for a chat about participating in the widening cannabis markets in California and Nevada. In this episode, David offers predictions for the new adult-use cannabis markets that will be opening after last November's election, describes how he is able to make his dispensary brand stand out in the modern cannabis industry by understanding who cannabis consumers are and what they care about...2017-03-2452 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastSpark the Conversation: Dale Sky Jones, The Oaksterdam StoryDale Sky Jones is the executive chancellor of Oaksterdam University, an internationally recognized cannabis education institution based out of Oakland, California.
In this podcast episode, Dale is interviewed by renowned cannabis advocate Bianca Green for the first episode of her Spark the Conversation podcast, produced in partnership with Ganjapreneur. This interview was recorded last fall during the Spark the Conversation bus tour across California, during which Bianca and her team bused around the state talking to cannabis advocates and experts in preparation for the November elections. This means that the conversation took place before California, Nevada, Maine, and Massachusetts voted...2017-03-0733 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastMarc Shepard: Preparing for Legalization in New EnglandMarc Shepard is an active member of NORML, MassCann, and the Patient Advocacy Alliance. He is also co-founder of the New England Cannabis Convention: an extensive and affordable cannabis industry business conference that is returning to Boston this April.
In the latest episode of our podcast, our podcast host TG Branfalt and Marc discuss the upcoming recreational markets in Massachusetts and Maine, what is likely to happen to the states' medical markets as recreational laws come online, how lawmakers and entrepreneurs are preparing for the changes, and more!
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/entrepreneurs/
https...2017-02-0138 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastFleurish Farms: Perfecting Indoor Sungrown CannabisIt takes a lot of energy to grow cannabis indoors, and as the legal industry has gained momentum, much attention has been paid to the energy footprint of producers who run indoor grow facilities. While arguments between indoor & outdoor growers have existed for some time, a regulated market brings a new level of public scrutiny to the issue. But what if growers could have the best of both worlds? What if you could beam sunlight indoors to combine natural lighting with the benefits of a controlled environment?
This is the question that Fleurish Farms, a cannabis cultivation firm based in...2016-11-2353 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastCasey Hubbs: Extraction Lab LivingCasey Hubbs is the extraction team leader and lab manager at Orgrow, a licensed cannabis producer and processor based out of Moxee, WA. Casey's story is one that illustrates exactly how the cannabis industry is made up of ordinary people who have made the extraordinary decision to jump head-first into an unstable industry. She recently joined our podcast host Shango Los for a discussion about how she got her job after majoring in herbal science, how she became the go-to source for advice about medical cannabis in her community, and what her average day in the lab consists of.
Topics...2016-05-2533 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastMartin Lee: Educating the Public About Medical CannabisMartin Lee is co-founder and director of the California-based Project CBD, a nonprofit dedicated to the promotion and publication of cannabis-focused research — particularly investigations into the medicinal applications of cannabidiol (CBD) and other components of the cannabis plant. Martin has worked as an award-winning investigative journalist, covering the development of medical cannabis for years in the pages of O’Shaughnessy’s. He also authored Smoke Signals: A Social History of Marijuana, and before that, Acid Dreams: The Complete Social History of LSD. He received the Pope Foundation Journalism Award award for his investigative journalism in 1994.
Martin recently joined Ganjapreneur podcast host S...2016-02-1032 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastMike West: Understanding Hemp-Derived CBDMike West is an advocate, researcher, and entrepreneur in the world of cannabis and hemp. Currently he serves as the director of manufacturing at Cresco, a cannabis production and processing company in Illinois that holds three of the states 21 cannabis licenses. Mike recently joined our host Shango Los for a discussion about hemp-derived CBD, which has appeared on the market in many forms and has been promoted by legitimate cannabis production companies as well as spammy, affiliate-driven marketing firms. In particular, hemp-derived CBD has been promoted as a means for delivering some of the benefits of medical cannabis to patients...2016-02-0343 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastChris Horyn: Micro-Producers are VitalAs the tide of legalization rolls forward and retail markets are established and regulated by state governments, what will become of the cottage industry of medical producers and farmers' markets that helped pave the way? This question is the focus of our latest podcast, in which our host Shango Los sits down with Chris Horyn of the Patient Cannabis Exchange, a cannabis producer's market for medical patients in Tacoma, Washington.
Recently, Washington State has moved to close down its loosely-regulated medical market and make more retail licenses available for their recreational market in an attempt to consolidate the two. However, t...2015-12-2930 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastJim Makoso: Pushing the Envelope in Vaporizer TechnologyJim Makoso is the Vice President of Business Development at Vuber Technologies, a vaporizer manufacturer based in Washington State. In this podcast, Shango and Jim discuss how vaporizing cannabis differs from smoking it, how carcinogens come into play when combustion occurs, and how Vuber Technologies has worked with physicists and extract producers to ensure a high-quality product and vaping experience.
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/advice/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/concentrates/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/technology/
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/vaporizers/
For a full transcript:
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/jim-makoso-vaporizer-technology/
Subscribe to...2015-09-0328 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastSusie Gress: Growing Green with Vashon VelvetWashington State’s legal cannabis market just celebrated its first anniversary. While there has been much debate about the merits and faults of I-502 (the initiative which created the state’s legal market), it is undeniable that the industry has gained momentum and many recreational growers are making a name for themselves in the market.
This week, Ganjapreneur heads out to Vashon Island to meet with Vashon Velvet founder Susie Gress who runs a licensed recreational cannabis grow operation that is woman-owned and operated and uses environmentally friendly growing techniques to produce exceptional flower.
Topics covered in this podcast:
https://www...2015-08-0331 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastJeff Church: Extraction Methods and the Rise of "Rosin Tech"“Rosin Tech” (or RosinTech, depending on who you ask) is a new form of home hash production which has taken Instagram by storm due to its simplicity and the quality of product it produces. Essentially, Rosin Tech involves using a hair straightener to combine heat and pressure as an extraction method — a process popularized by Instagram user Soilgrown. In our latest Ganjapreneur podcast, Shango Los sits down with Jeff Church (a.k.a. Reverend Cannabis) to discuss how the technique was born, how it has spread, and how it compares to other traditional hash manufacturing processes.
Jeff also discusses how Rosin...2015-06-1748 min
The Ganjapreneur PodcastEthan Russo: Endocannabinoid Deficiency and Medical CannabisWhen the acceptance of medical cannabis goes mainstream, the pharmaceuticals landscape will face the most significant disruption of its existence. Due to the federal classification of marijuana as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, researching possible medical uses for the plant has been difficult. However, this has not stopped some companies from conducting their own research and clinical trials of cannabis medicines.
Our latest podcast interview features Dr. Ethan Russo, formerly Senior Medical Advisor to GW Pharmaceuticals, who participated in three clinical trials of the drug Sativex. Dr. Russo recently left GW Pharmaceuticals and can now speak publicly for the first time...2015-06-1729 min