Kaya Cast

Most cannabis brands are advertising to the wrong people — and paying for it. In this episode of Kaya Cast, Tommy Truong talks with Jake Litke, founder of MediaJel and MJBiz Agency of the Year winner, about how cannabis advertising actually works when Google and Meta won't take your money.Jake breaks down building the first cannabis-approved programmatic ecosystem, why attribution is king, and how the right data corrects your audience assumptions fast — like the accessory brand whose best customers turned out to be sourdough-baking suburban moms. Practical, surprising, and full of steps you can apply to grow your dispensary. Find out more about MediaJel at:https://www.mediajel.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlitke/https://www.linkedin.com/company/mediajel/home/ 00:00 – Advertising's Money-Grab Problem00:30 – How Jake Got "Tricked Into" Cannabis02:00 – Two Problems: Ad Access & Attribution04:30 – Building Cannabis-Approved Ad Supply07:00 – Why One Ad Is Never Enough09:00 – Cannabis Ads on Connected TV10:00 – Where Cannabis Ads Actually Run11:00 – How Dialed-In Targeting Gets15:00 – The Sourdough Moms Surprise17:00 – What a Winning 90-Day Campaign Looks Like19:00 – Budgets & Audience Size21:00 – Fix This Before You Advertise24:00 – Building Landing Pages With AI25:00 – Display vs. Search vs. Social27:00 – The Funnel & Narrowing the Top30:00 – Storytelling & the Value Exchange32:00 – Why BMW Advertises to Its Own Customers35:00 – Find Jake + Agency of the Yearcannabis advertising, cannabis marketing, programmatic advertising for cannabis, dispensary advertising, how to advertise cannabis legally, cannabis ad attribution, MediaJel, Jake Litke, Kaya Cast podcast, cannabis brand marketing, open web advertising, connected TV cannabis ads, cannabis advertising compliance, ROAS for cannabis brands, cannabis audience targeting, geofencing and retargeting, cannabis marketing funnel, dispensary customer acquisition, why can't cannabis brands advertise on Google and Meta, best advertising channels for cannabis dispensaries, cannabis e-commerce conversion rate, how to run cannabis ads without getting shut down, cannabis marketing attribution platform, storytelling in cannabis branding #kayacast #cannabis #tips #cannabisadvertising #cannabisads #dispensaries #business #cannabispodcast

In this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Andrew Bish, president of the Hemp Feed Coalition, to navigate the regulatory labyrinth facing industrial hemp and the broader cannabinoid space. Andrew shares his front-row view on how federal policy—especially the 0.4 mg THC cap and the farm bill’s gaps—affects grain and fiber hemp, seed byproducts, and downstream products. They explore why Congress and federal agencies—from USDA to FDA—have struggled to create a practical regulatory pathway, the potential split between floral hemp and grain/fiber regulation, and what a realistic framework could look like. The conversation also covers White House actions and executive orders aimed at expanding CBD access, the politics of lobbying, and why industry unity matters more than ever. Importantly, Andrew emphasizes that his coalition is industrial hemp first and remains pro-cannabinoid, but that true progress will come from sensible rules that prioritize safety, testing, and rotational crops. Listeners will come away with a clearer view of what’s at stake, how to engage lawmakers effectively, and what to expect as regulation moves forward. Find out more about Hemp Feed Coalition at:https://hempfeedcoalition.org/https://bishenterprise.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbish/https://www.linkedin.com/company/hempfeedcoalition/ 00:00 Welcome to Kaya Cast00:26 Meet Andrew Bish00:56 The 0.4mg THC Cap02:24 Industry Unity Challenges03:15 Inside Washington Talks04:46 Hemp vs Intoxicants07:20 Farm Bill Gaps and FDA09:20 Where Congress Is Heading12:42 White House and CBD Push14:15 Call for Smart Regulation17:12 Safety and Testing Concerns19:11 Closing Thoughts and Outroindustrial hemp regulations, hemp feed, cannabinoid regulation, 0.4% THC cap, farm bill gaps, hemp seed byproducts, downstream hemp products, USDA hemp regulations, FDA hemp policies, federal hemp policy, hemp fiber vs floral regulation, hemp farming rules, hemp lobby, White House CBD policies, executive orders CBD access, hemp industry unity, hemp safety regulations, hemp testing requirements, rotational crops in hemp farming, hemp farming framework, hemp coalition advocacy, hemp farming politics, cannabis lobbying, hemp industry compliance, hemp market regulations, hemp feed coalition, hemp crop rotation benefits, hemp industry standards, CBD regulations, hemp in agriculture, hemp farm bill, cannabinoid policy challenges, hemp product safety, hemp testing labs, hemp THC threshold, hemp production laws, hemp processing rules, hemp regulatory uncertainty, cannabinoid safety testing, hemp for animal feed, hemp grain processing, hemp fiber industry, hemp as a commodity, hemp supply chain issues, hemp farming best practices, hemp production permits, hemp export regulations, hemp import policies, hemp compliance challenges, lobbying for hemp regulations, hemp farming sustainability, CBD access regulations, hemp-derived CBD, hemp product classification #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

On this Kaya Cast episode, host Tommy Truong sits down with Rob Sanchez of Apartment 113, a cannabis software veteran who began as a cultivator and hash maker before becoming one of the industry’s most sought-after tech consultants. Rob shares practical lessons from implementing software for more than 100 operators, focusing on day-to-day operator needs, end-to-end inventory, multi-location scaling, and how to avoid shiny object syndrome in a fast-changing market. He explains how to separate real value from buzzwords like AI, and why you should define your top pains, involve frontline users, and vet software partners on problem solving, urgency, and compliance. Drawing on experience across the United States, Colombia, and Canada, Rob discusses market maturity, cross-border considerations, and what a truly scalable cannabis software stack looks like—from two-way inventory to seamless roll-ups and analytics. He also shares the kinds of questions operators should ask when evaluating POS and ERP solutions, how to plan for growth from a single shop to a multi-store operator, and what it takes to get real ROI from your software. The episode reveals Rob’s origin story with Apartment 113 and his passion for solving frontline challenges—budtenders, inventory managers, and store crews who keep the industry running. Tune in for an insightful, no-fluff conversation about building software that actually moves the business, plus a rapid-fire Q&A closer to the end. Find out more about Apartment 113 at:https://apt113.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-sanchez-apt113/https://www.linkedin.com/company/apartment-113/ 00:00 Business Is the Work00:14 Meet the Guest01:37 Avoiding Buzzword Traps02:20 Demos With End Users03:59 POS Workflow Questions07:11 Scaling Multi Location10:36 Vendor Support Reality12:44 POS Economics and Monetization15:20 Define Your Pain Points17:34 AI Hype vs Real Value22:07 AI for Analytics Reporting24:01 Lean Ops and Global Culture25:04 Export-Driven Markets26:26 Canada Retail Reality27:04 Automation and Maturity29:15 Taxes and Transparency29:54 Solving Operator Pain31:22 Software Picks and Tradeoffs35:00 ERP Meets Cannabis35:53 Apartment 113 Origin38:04 Rapid Fire Stories41:54 Connoisseurship and Terpenes44:40 Lower Potency Future45:27 Where to Find Rob46:14 Closing Thankscannabis software, cannabis POS systems, cannabis ERP solutions, dispensary inventory management, end to end cannabis inventory, two way inventory sync, cannabis retail technology, multi location dispensary scaling, MSO software strategy, cannabis tech stack, compliant cannabis software, state cannabis compliance tracking, seed to sale software, METRC integration, BioTrack integration, cannabis analytics dashboard, real time cannabis reporting, dispensary KPI tracking, cannabis ROI from software, cannabis automation tools, AI in cannabis retail, cannabis AI reality vs hype, shiny object syndrome tech, cannabis operations management, budtender workflow optimization, cannabis inventory reconciliation, shrinkage reduction cannabis, cannabis purchasing controls, cannabis wholesale tracking, cannabis cultivation software insights, hash maker to tech consultant, Rob Sanchez Apartment 113, Apartment 113 consulting, cannabis implementation best practices, software rollout dispensary, frontline user adoption cannabis tech, change management cannabis retail, cannabis software vendor evaluation, POS vs ERP cannabis, cannabis data roll ups, multi store reporting cannabis, cross border cannabis operations, United States cannabis market, Canada cannabis market #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

On this Kaya Cast episode, host Tommy Truong sits down with Dr. Bonni Goldstein of Goldstein Wellness to unpack the science, medicine, and business of cannabis in epilepsy and beyond. Dr. Goldstein is the Chief Medical Advisor for Neurotech International, helping to develop effective cannabinoid-based formulations for autism and other pediatric neurologic conditions.From the endocannabinoid system to multimodal cannabinoids like CBD, CBDV, CBG and CBDA, they discuss how clinicians tailor regimens for pediatric and adult patients, why dosing is start low and go slow, and what the latest clinical data show about seizure reduction and quality of life. Bonni shares her journey from pediatric emergency medicine to medical cannabis, the Charlotte story that helped launch CBD in epilepsy, and practical dosing, safety, and drug interaction considerations. They also talk about the business side: educating clinicians, ensuring product quality, and Goldstein Wellness's free clinician education program with about 50 videos, plus a patient-facing network of vetted cannabis clinicians. If you’re a dispensary executive, grower, or clinician, this episode offers actionable insights on education, regulation, and patient-centered cannabis care. Find out more about Goldstein Wellness at:https://goldsteinwellness.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnigoldsteinmd/https://www.linkedin.com/company/goldstein-wellness/ 00:00 CBD Seizure Success00:17 Meet Dr Bonni00:58 From ER to Cannabis02:00 Cancer Patient Turning Point04:30 ECS Explained Simply08:16 Receptors and Evolution11:44 Dysfunction and Conditions13:40 Research Barriers and COVID16:42 CBD for Intractable Epilepsy19:51 Charlotte Figi Breakthrough24:13 How CBD Calms Seizures26:47 Dosing and Other Cannabinoids29:54 Beyond Seizure Control31:08 Medical vs Recreational Divide31:50 Medical vs Adult Use32:39 Teaching Cannabis Literacy34:26 Beyond CBD and THC34:53 CBG Effects and Dosing38:53 CBG Biomarkers Research41:16 CBN and Sleep Evidence43:32 CBDA Raw Anti Inflammatory46:55 CBDA vs CBD Decisions50:41 Future Biomarker Guided Care52:23 THCV Metabolism and Caution57:06 Synthetic Cannabinoid Risks01:00:03 Wrap Up and Resourcesmedical cannabis, cannabis for epilepsy, CBD for seizures, CBDV research, CBG benefits, CBDA cannabinoids, endocannabinoid system explained, pediatric epilepsy treatment, adult epilepsy cannabis, seizure reduction data, cannabinoid dosing guidelines, start low go slow cannabis, cannabis drug interactions, CBD drug safety, medical cannabis for autism, pediatric neurologic conditions, cannabinoid formulations, evidence based cannabis medicine, clinical data cannabis epilepsy, quality of life seizure patients, Dr Bonni Goldstein, Goldstein Wellness, Neurotech International, cannabinoid clinical trials, CBD epilepsy Charlotte story, Epidiolex discussion, cannabis and seizure disorders, neurologist cannabis education, clinician cannabis training, cannabis CME education, vetted cannabis clinicians network, patient centered cannabis care, cannabis compliance and regulation, dispensary education strategy, cannabis product quality standards, GMP cannabis manufacturing, lab tested cannabinoids, full spectrum vs isolate CBD, multimodal cannabinoids, entourage effect science, cannabis pharmacology, cannabis titration strategy, pediatric dosing cannabis, cannabis safety in children, cannabis and antiepileptic drugs, clobazam CBD interaction, valproate CBD interaction, liver enzyme monitoring cannabis, seizure frequency reduction, refractory epilepsy cannabis, Lennox Gastaut syndrome CBD, Dravet syndrome CBD, autism spectrum disorder cannabis research, neuroinflammation and cannabinoids, CB1 and CB2 receptors, endocannabinoid deficiency theory, cannabis telemedicine clinicians, state medical marijuana laws, Schedule III cannabis implications, dispensary operator insights #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

In this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Sara Gullickson of CB Advisors, a strategist who has helped secure more than 75 cannabis licenses and orchestrated successful exits. Sara breaks down the enduring licensing formula—local alignment, capital, industry know-how, and real estate—and shares why the four ingredients hold true whether a state uses a lottery or a merit based system. Learn how to avoid common traps like falling in love with the opportunity or overspending on builds, and how to structure projects that scale and endure beyond one founder.The conversation dives into AI and workflow automation for cannabis operations, from tracking legislative changes to turning dense statutes into actionable memos for investors and teams. Sara explains how she uses AI and open frameworks to streamline compliance, due diligence, and dealmaking, while keeping humans in the loop to protect interests and maximize value.You’ll gain practical insights on exit strategy, partnership models, and how to align capital with operators through joint ventures and licensing plays across markets. We explore 2026 opportunities in Virginia, Nebraska, Wisconsin, the Virgin Islands, and more, emphasizing the importance of local experts, community alignment, and market dynamics over chasing a single hot asset.Sara also shares her entrepreneurial pivots, the role of coaching and self-work in growing a cannabis business, and a candid look at her personal journey. Find Sara at saragullickson.com and cannabisbusinessadvisors.com. Find out more about CB Advisors at:https://thecannabisbusinessadvisors.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/saragullickson/https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecbadvisors/ 00:00 License Recipe Basics01:20 Avoiding Costly Mistakes01:57 Buildout and MVP Mindset03:29 Getting Started With AI06:07 AI for Research and Compliance10:57 Planning for an Exit17:28 What Buyers Look For19:55 Agentic Workflows in Cannabis23:10 Matchmaking and Social Equity24:54 Pivot to Policy26:01 Industry Talent Shift27:20 Why 2026 Matters29:21 License Recipe Basics30:55 Local Partners Win33:08 Real Estate Reality34:06 New Markets Education35:00 Predictions and Picks37:37 Florida and Texas Outlook39:43 Hardest and Best States41:21 AI and IP Efficiency42:13 Rolling Loud Rapidfire43:49 Cannabis Stories and Wrapcannabis licensing strategy, cannabis license application consulting, how to win a cannabis license, merit based cannabis licensing, cannabis license lottery strategy, local alignment cannabis, cannabis real estate strategy, cannabis capital stack, cannabis joint venture structure, cannabis exit strategy, cannabis M&A advisory, cannabis business advisors, Sara Gullickson CB Advisors, Tommy Truong Kaya Cast, cannabis workflow automation, AI for cannabis compliance, cannabis legislative tracking, cannabis due diligence process, cannabis deal structuring, cannabis investor alignment, cannabis partnership models, cannabis licensing formula, scaling a cannabis business, multi state cannabis expansion, cannabis market entry strategy, cannabis license consulting firm, cannabis regulatory strategy, cannabis statutes analysis AI, cannabis compliance memos, cannabis investor reporting automation, cannabis project finance, cannabis buildout budgeting, avoiding cannabis buildout overspend, cannabis operational scale, cannabis founder succession planning, cannabis governance structure, cannabis capital raising strategy #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast