Blunt Business

Blunt Business welcomes back Paul Weaver, Director and Head of Cannabis at the Boston Beer Company, to Blunt Business to discuss the expansion of their Emerald Hour cannabis line, which now includes cocktail-inspired THC gummies made with live rosin, launching in Ontario and Alberta following last year's beverage debut.

Paul explained the company’s bifurcated cannabis strategy, focusing on Teapot for mainstream consumers and Emerald Hour for experienced users, capitalizing on the gummy category's larger market size compared to beverages.

We also covered the market validation of cannabis beverages, the high-growth demographics of younger consumers an...

Jackson Rund, a recipient of the DaySavers Higher Potential Scholarship and co-founder of Higher State Brands, shared his journey in the cannabis industry. He overcame felony charges at 17 to pursue his passion, earning dual bachelor's degrees in cannabis chemistry and business.

Rund's company, Higher State Brands, focuses on technology and beverages, including dispensary software and a hemp-derived protein drink, aiming to position cannabis as a wellness product. He advocates for student voices and university partnerships in cannabis research. 

LeafLink CEO Ashwin Raj discusses the changes for their customers involve a shift back to a flat-fee pricing model from a usage-based structure.

discuss the company's shift in its pricing model. Leaf Link is reverting from an unpopular usage-based structure back to a flat-fee structure and simplifying its product tiers from three to a Starter and a Pro package.

We also discuss Ashwin's background in scaling commerce and fintech platforms at companies like Visa, Amazon, and Lyft, explained Leaf Link's strategy to use technology to navigate the cannabis industry's complex regulatory environment.

This...

Founder and Chief Communications Officer of Cornbread Hemp and Cornbread Mafia Author Jim Higdon discusses the critical federal threat to the $28.4 billion hemp industry posed by a minibus appropriations bill seeking to ban hemp-derived THC nationwide, noting the government shutdown provides a temporary advocacy opportunity and highlighting that Florida has three congressional members on the relevant conference committee. They also covered Florida's failed House Bill 7027, the appeals court ruling that cannabis odor is insufficient for probable cause, state-level restrictions on intoxicating hemp cannabinoids, and the need for the FDA to regulate the hemp market through a bill giving it...

Daniela Williams, Chief Growth Officer for Paylient, discusses the critical role of HR and the benefits of the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) model in the cannabis industry.

Daniela detailed how PEOs like Paylient manage HR complexities, ensure compliance with labor laws, and mitigate risks through a co-employment model, allowing businesses to offload administrative tasks while retaining operational control.

She further explained that Paylient enhances employee morale and retention by providing Fortune 500-level benefits and HR technologies, offering significant benefits to small businesses, and differentiating PEOs from ASOs by providing shared liability and EPLI.

Shabbaz K Virani, Co-Founder of The Cannabis Collective and a key speaker at the upcoming Business of Cannabis NY event, delves into the dynamic New York cannabis market.

We cover the market's rapid growth, compliance and regulatory hurdles, the crucial role of Dr. June Chin, the new Chief Medical Officer at the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, and the modernization of medical cannabis programs.

SKV also highlights strategies for integrating legacy operators into the legal framework and the importance of curated networking to drive industry success. Discover actionable insights to navigate this complex...

Zakiya Watson-Caffe, principal attorney at Watson Law LLC, and Rancheros Fortune, Founder and CEO of Good Fortune Group, discussed the lawsuit "Grassroots Association Incorporated versus the state of Georgia."

This lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of the Georgia Hemp Farming Act (SB 494) due to federal preemption, burdensome licensing requirements, and significant revenue losses experienced by businesses.

The Georgia Hemp Farming Act (SB 494) is a law that significantly tightens regulations on the hemp industry in Georgia. The amended 2019 bill, which went into effect on October 1, 2024, introduces strict new requirements for businesses, including mandatory licensing for growers, processors...

MJBizCon is evolving to offer a more consumer-focused experience, introducing initiatives like the MJBowl, a bi-coastal cannabis competition, and hosting offsite consumption events at NuWu. This shift aims to gather consumer feedback and integrate the consumer aspect into the "seed to sale" lifecycle. Emilie Lewis, Senior Vice President & Brand Leader, MJBiz and VP of Sales Harrison Radie share the latest details.

The conference is dedicated to inclusive industry representation, actively expanding partnerships to celebrate all segments of the cannabis industry. MJBiz strives to be a year-round resource, adapting its strategy based on community needs and industry maturation.<...

Jason Little, Lead of The Cannabis Practice Team at Farrell Fritz, returns to discuss the recent federal appeals court ruling that New York State's cannabis licensing criteria, which excluded individuals with federal or out-of-state cannabis convictions from receiving priority, were likely unconstitutional.

They also discussed how tariffs impact the cannabis industry and how potential federal tax relief from an end to IRS code 280E could offset increased costs from tariffs. Additionally, they considered the less discussed benefit of declassification: the increased ability for research and development dollars to flow into the cannabis market.

Blunt Business welcomes Darren Gleeman, author of "The Cannabis ESOP Architect," to discuss how Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) offer a revolutionary, IRS-approved, zero-tax exit strategy for cannabis businesses, making the 280E tax irrelevant.

Darren explained that ESOPs are the only significant M&A activity in the cannabis sector, fostering employee engagement and retention by turning them into owners with bulk payouts upon leaving, while increased cash flow from tax savings fuels company growth. He also stated that federal rescheduling would enhance ESOP benefits, and discussed the book's role in educating the industry and his interest in...

Blunt Business welcomes Melissa Hanson, Flowhub's new VP of Operations, to discuss their new e-commerce platform, which aims to power online cannabis retail growth.

Melissa, leveraging her 20 years of retail experience, explained that the platform was designed by former Wayfair experts to streamline dispensary operations by removing the need for multiple vendors and ensuring live inventory and deal syncing.

Flowhub emphasizes a client-centric approach, viewing clients as partners and actively incorporating their feedback for future updates.

Corinne Butler discusses Azuca's "2025 Edibles Premiumization Report," which highlights that premium cannabis is defined by efficacy and that consumers are willing to pay more for fast-acting edibles due to their predictability and consistent experience.

Corinne detailed how Azuca's encapsulation method ensures fast-acting effects (5-15 minutes) and preserves Delta-9 THC, addressing common inconsistencies in traditional edibles.

We also covered the clean label movement in cannabis, women driving the shift to cannabis beverages, and concerns about the 2026 Farm Bill potentially impacting hemp-derived CBD products.

Joe Ziolkowski, CEO of Relm Insurance delves into the evolving landscape of insurance for emerging and high-risk industries. They specifically addressed the significant insurance gaps for THC beverages and the prevalent underinsurance within the broader cannabis sector. Ziolkowski highlighted Relm Insurance's strategic diversification within the cannabis market, expanding its operations and achieving 50-state Managing General Agent (MGA) status to enhance accessibility and direct engagement with clients.

The discussion also covered critical issues like climate change risks impacting cannabis cultivation, underscoring the necessity of robust data collection and compliance for accurate risk modeling and premium setting. Ziolkowski emphasized...

Rama Mayo, the Founder of Hall of Flowers, discussed the upcoming Hall of Flowers events coming to Santa Rosa, California (site of their very first event) as well as hosting their first New York show and its significance for the cannabis industry. Hall of Flowers, a B2B cannabis trade show, has garnered significant praise, particularly for its California events.

Rama shares his and his team's connection to New York City and provided updates on event preparations, including the number of brands and retailers, and highlighted the strategic location and offerings of the New York event.

Cannabis Tax Attorney James B Mann highlights the ongoing frustration within the cannabis industry due to persistent delays in legalization and reform, particularly concerning the SAFER Banking Act and Section 280E.

James addresses the perceived ineffectiveness of current lobbying efforts and explores various legal challenges to Section 280E, noting instances where companies have successfully disputed its application and received tax refunds.

We underscore the critical need for more impactful strategies, including broader public outreach and the implementation of a simpler tax structure, to drive meaningful change in the cannabis sector.

Blunt Business welcomes Joshua Horn, co-chair of Fox Rothschild's LLP's cannabis law practice. We addressed several key issues impacting the cannabis industry, including the detrimental impact of California's upcoming cannabis tax increase, the challenges posed by the persistent illicit market, and the lack of state enforcement against it.

We also addressed the stalled federal rescheduling of cannabis, attributing it to political factors and potential resistance within the DEA, while briefly touching on Pennsylvania's legalization efforts and frustrations with the lack of clear federal regulation.

We also focused on the lack of progress in rescheduling cannabis...

Anthony Coniglio, CEO at NewLake Partners returns to discussed a possible shifting to an optimistic outlook on cannabis policy, noting concerns about Rand Paul's efforts to strip hemp language from the agriculture appropriations bill and a proposed DOJ rule classifying cannabis users as "dangerous to society."

We also covered DEA Administrator Terrence Cole's confirmation, his strategic priorities not including cannabis rescheduling, and the potential impact of Schedule 3 reclassification on addressing transnational criminal organizations, with Anthony clarifying that the DEA's priorities align with the National Drug Threat Assessment.

The participants also discussed the rescheduling process and...

Joshua Bauchner, chair of the Cannabis, Hemp and Psychedelics Practice Group of Mandelbaum Barrett, P.C., discusses the intricacies of medical cannabis use and its legal implications. While some states provide protections for medical cannabis users, federal law does not, limiting the scope of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The inconsistency between state and federal laws creates additional challenges for both employers and employees. The discussion further explored the potential impacts of DEA rescheduling or descheduling cannabis, including possible changes to ADA protections and tax implications for cannabis businesses. Ultimately, prioritizing the passage of the Safe B...

Blunt Business welcomes back Nishant Reddy to talk about the launch of Phases and Smack Studios as extensions of A Golden State, aiming for approachable pricing while maintaining quality across vaporizers, edibles, and infused pre-rolls.

Nishant highlighted the challenges in California's cannabis market due to taxation and regulation, but noted the success of their brands due to a focus on quality and the unique consumer experience offered at their flagship retail store.

The conversation covered brand strategies, market trends, and frustration with California's business environment, while also introducing the new brand Smack Studios with its...

Blunt Business welcomes back with Sara Gullickson, founder and CEO of CB Advisors, regarding the current landscape of the cannabis industry. Key topics included the inconsistent regulations across different states, particularly in the Southeast, and the significant challenges faced during Minnesota's cannabis program rollout. Gullickson emphasized the detrimental effects of unregulated hemp-derived cannabinoid products on legitimate cannabis businesses and the critical need for better industry oversight and sufficient capital for businesses to thrive.

The conversation highlighted the complexities of federal intervention versus industry self-regulation, drawing parallels to existing regulatory frameworks. A major point of...

In this episode of Blunt Business, managing partners Ed Brown and Tucker Herndon of Burr & Forman discuss Georgia's sudden move to ban THC-infused drinks and restrict Delta-8 and Delta-9 products.

As attorneys specializing in the food and beverage industry, they explore the potential impact on retailers, manufacturers, and the broader Southeast cannabis market.

They also delve into the chilling effect on innovation, legal challenges, and strategies for businesses to navigate this evolving regulatory landscape.

Thomas Winstanley, EVP, General Manager of Edibles.com discussed the severe implications of Texas Senate Bill 3, which proposes a ban on hemp-derived THC products. He highlighted the bill's flawed reasoning, arguing that it disregards consumer demand for safe THC access and would lead to the closure of thousands of businesses and job losses for tens of thousands of workers. Winstanley criticized the political motivations behind the bill, suggesting they are not rooted in genuine health concerns and would instead foster an unregulated illicit market. He emphasized that an outright ban fails to address underlying issues in the hemp industry...

Terrence White, CEO and Founder of MONKO and Former Chairman of the I-71 Committee, explores the complex cannabis landscape in Washington D.C. Despite voter approval for legalization through Initiative 71, the Harris Rider restricts a regulated adult-use market, leading to a "gifting" model and lost tax revenue.

The discussion delves into potential policy solutions beyond lifting the Rider, including replicating Maryland's successful market, revenue generation models, and strategies for federal advocacy.

White addresses integrating cannabis into D.C.'s tourism sector, data on economic potential, recent changes in the "gray market," and the impact of...

Khari Griffin, a Cannabis Attorney at Clark Hill Law, joins Blunt Business to delve into the complexities of inconsistent state regulations on THC products. Key issues highlighted included concerns over high potency, youth access, and the lack of federal oversight, particularly regarding the 2018 Farm Bill and FDA inaction.

The discussion also explored the influence of lobbying and public opinion, using Texas and Georgia as case studies to illustrate varying legislative approaches and the challenges faced by the hemp industry.

We also emphasized on the need for future action from the FDA to establish clear standards...

Hanna Brand, co-founder and chief sales officer of Autumn Brands, talks about their commitment to sustainable cannabis cultivation, including their 100% spray-free practices using beneficial insects and their innovative water conservation methods, such as bio-swell systems and water reclamation from greenhouse runoff.

Hanna also shared insights on the company's public farm tours, which aim to provide transparency and connect with the community. Additionally, she expressed concerns regarding potential tax increases in the cannabis industry and advocated for clearer labeling regulations to distinguish between organically grown cannabis and cannabis grown without any sprays.

We also highlighted Autumn...

We hear from Clark Wu, a partner with Bianchi and Brandt about the complexities of the cannabis and hemp legal landscape. The conversation covers regulatory hurdles, compliance issues, investment opportunities, and the impact of campaigns and FDA actions.

Key challenges discussed include inconsistent federal and state regulations, securing capital, and landlord hesitancy. The discussion also highlights the importance of proactive compliance and the potential impact of the Safe Banking Act.

Barbara Vaughn, Founder and CEO of Cannabicity and co-founder Stefan Sanzi discuss the New York State cannabis market's social equity licensees face significant challenges, including lengthy licensing processes, predatory lending, and navigating complex grant applications. 

Cannabicity, founded by Barbara, launched the "Powered by Cannabicity" initiative to provide consulting, legal guidance, and funding (6-10% interest) to assist CAURD licensees in accessing and utilizing the $5 million grant program;  Stefan reported that the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is improving communication and streamlining the application process, though challenges remain.

We learn about Qredible's compliance platform for the cannabis industry with Chairman and CEO Brian Fitzpatrick. The discussion highlights Qredible's use of blockchain technology and automated compliance checks, as well as its marketplace approach. Specific software solutions like Q Monitor, Q Transact, and My COA are detailed, along with the platform's ability to adapt to changing regulations. 

We also learn about Fitzpatrick's Credible Live podcast and discussed some of the topics covered, including regulatory challenges, fintech innovation, and market integration.

Terry Mendez, the new CEO of Safe Harbor Financial, the newly appointed CEO of Safe Harbor Financial, emphasizing their experience in the cannabis industry and business transformation . We discussed Safe Harbor's success in processing over $25 billion in cannabis-related funds, their strategies for navigating industry challenges (including regulatory hurdles and taxation), and their vision for expanding into a multifaceted fintech company offering various services beyond banking. 

Mendez highlighted several new initiatives, such as debt restructuring, new programs (employee banking, Safe Harbor Connects), and the development of a lending platform,  while emphasizing the company's NASDAQ listing and data-driven approach to...

Anthony Coniglio of New Lake Capital Partners returns to Blunt Business to discuss the current state of the cannabis industry.

Despite delays in federal reform and setbacks like the failed Florida ballot initiative, New Lake Partners maintains a strong financial position. Coniglio highlights the company's disciplined capital allocation strategy, focus on limited-licensed jurisdictions, and key performance indicators such as AFO and AFO payout ratio.

The conversation also covers strategies for mitigating risks, monitoring market conditions, and exploring future opportunities tied to potential federal regulation and increased institutional investor interest.

Zachary Kobrin, transactional and regulatory attorney at Saul Ewing LLP discusses the merging of the cannabis and alcohol industries, driven by shifting consumer preferences and the emergence of hemp-derived beverages.

Kobrin discusses regulatory challenges such as stock exchange restrictions on cannabis companies and inconsistent federal regulations.

The conversation also addressed the importance of compliance in restrictive states, regulatory transparency, and the limited impact of the Safe Banking Act on financial issues for cannabis businesses.

Hemp-derived beverages were highlighted as a promising market opportunity, and frustration was expressed regarding the slow progression of cannabis r...

Jason Schwent, cybersecurity attorney at Clark Hill, addresses the growing cyber security risks facing the cannabis industry. The discussion highlights the unique vulnerabilities of cannabis businesses due to heavy regulation, reliance on third-party vendors, and challenges with payment processing. Clark Hill wrote an article on The Growing Cybersecurity Risks in the Cannabis Industry

An attorney specializing in cyber security emphasizes the importance of due diligence when selecting vendors, particularly point-of-sale systems, and stresses the need for robust security protocols to protect sensitive customer data, including government IDs and medical information.

We also explore the potential...

Zone Vapor CEO Josh Hoffman delves into the company's strategies for the 510 thread vape market, focusing on the innovative Zone Opto vaporizer. He highlights its customizable modes, user-friendly display, and quality commitment through a three-year warranty.

Hoffman addresses concerns related to the vape crisis, emphasizing the safety of regulated products and the industry's focus on compliance. He also outlines Zone Vapor's marketing approach, which centers on influencer engagement and strategic retail partnerships.

Furthermore, Hoffman shares his insights on future vape technology trends and draws upon his extensive experience in product development and brand management within...

Ryan Burke, COO at Carma HoldCo shares news of Tyson 2.0's expansion into South Africa, its 17th international market.

We highlight the strategic decision to enter the South African market due to its legalized personal cannabis use and market potential.

We also emphasize the importance of local partnerships for regulatory compliance, adapting business models to diverse legal environments, and tailoring product offerings to local consumer preferences.

We also discuss challenges in maintaining quality standards across global markets and future expansion plans within Africa and other global markets.

Keshawn Warner of Dazed Cannabis and Emiliano Cuellar of Ganja Gang detailed their blockchain-based inventory management system, designed to combat revenue loss and enhance compliance in cannabis dispensaries. Their system utilizes smart contracts linked to inventory, preventing unauthorized sales and reducing human error.

They emphasized the real-world utility of their project, moving beyond traditional NFT applications by providing tangible value and focusing on compliance. Keshawn also highlighted the use of zero-knowledge proofs for age verification, ensuring consumer privacy and anonymity.

They also discussed blockchain's potential to facilitate the transition of legacy operators into the legal...

Blunt Business welcomes back Jonathan Robbins, head of the cannabis practice at Akerman, to talk about the cannabis industry's persistent hurdles, encompassing federal reform, banking complexities, and state-federal law discrepancies. The stalled DEA rescheduling and the need for a revised hemp bill were key points.

Banking challenges, including debanking and prohibitive tax rates, were highlighted, with the Senate's limited progress in addressing these issues noted. The ongoing legislative battles between branches of government, the impact of specific senators, and the necessity of grassroots advocacy were emphasized.

The conversation also underscored the importance of legal and...

Blunt Business explores the complexities of New York's nascent legal cannabis market through a conversation with Joshua Wilson, the general manager of Culture House, a dispensary located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The discussion illuminates the hurdles and successes encountered by social equity license holders, the regulatory challenges faced by established brands, the influence of the newly formed Trade Practices Bureau, the nuances of True Party of Interest (TPI) rules, and the day-to-day operations of a cannabis retailer in New York City.

Joshua's firsthand experience as a social equity license holder underscores the demanding journey from...

This interview with David Spradlin from Goldenhour Collective provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving cannabis industry, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by its transition from a patient-centric model to a more corporate, adult-use market. Spradlin’s insights, drawn from his extensive experience in the cannabis sector and his work with Goldenhour Collective, offer a valuable perspective on the industry’s past, present, and potential future, particularly concerning the role of legacy operators and the impact of evolving regulations.

Spradlin’s journey in the cannabis industry began in 2006 on the grow side, eventually leading him to ret...

This interview with Tara Coomans, CEO of Avaans Media, explores the transformative influence of artificial intelligence on journalism and public relations, with a particular focus on the cannabis industry. The discussion delves into the potential benefits and challenges AI presents for cannabis businesses, emphasizing the enduring importance of human creativity, trust-building, and strategic adaptation in this rapidly evolving media landscape. Coomans offers insights into navigating the complexities of AI-driven content generation, maintaining authenticity, and effectively reaching target audiences, particularly women, in the age of algorithms and deepfakes.

The conversation begins by acknowledging the increasing prevalence of AI...

Paul Weaver, Director of Cannabis at the Boston Beer Company, shared insights into the company's Canadian Cannabis Division and their new product, Emerald Hour, a line of non-alcoholic cannabis cocktails designed for experienced consumers seeking a full-spectrum, solventless experience.

 The product launch strategy, focusing initially on the Ontario market due to its regulatory landscape, was discussed, along with plans for US expansion. The conversation highlighted the growing trend of consumers, particularly younger generations, shifting away from alcohol and towards cannabis-infused beverages, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as "cali sober." 

This demographic shift is driving innovation in...