Blunt Business

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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 includes providing tools for compliance, order and inventory management, sales processes, and financials. Leaf Link is also sunsetting the previous "post model" to introduce a new financial services strategy that guarantees payment to sellers and offers retailers options like Flex Pay through Leaf Link's Dharma banking service, while focusing on methodical technology partnerships to improve integrations.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 authorityAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 yet opportunity-rich landscape.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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, manufacturers, and retailers. It also bans the sale of certain products, such as smokable hemp flower and various THC-infused foods, and restricts sales to individuals 21 and older. Furthermore, the law mandates new labeling, packaging, and testing standards for all hemp products sold in the state.The lawsuit, Grassroots Association, Inc., et al. v. State of Georgia, argues that SB 494 is unconstitutional because it is preempted by the 2018 Farm Bill. A key point of contention is the state's new licensing and product testing requirements, which many business owners claim are overly burdensome and have significantly hurt their revenue. The law also bans the sale of certain products, such as smokable hemp flower and various THC-infused foods, and restricts sales to individuals over 21.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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.Key conference topics include AI applications, customer acquisition, retention strategies, and policy updates, highlighting AI's role in efficiency, cultivation, and understanding consumer behavior. The agenda also features evolving content, including discussions on psychedelics, reflecting the synergy between cannabis and plant medicine industries.MJBiz emphasizes policy and compliance, promoting proactive self-policing and offering state meetups for in-depth regulatory discussions. The Las Vegas experience is adapting with new attractions and cannabis consumption lounges, and MJBiz is committed to making the conference accessible through various affordable options. Collaboration opportunities, including podcasting and advertising services, have been proposed to further benefit MJBiz and its exhibitors.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 advertising strategies for client acquisition.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 that meeting higher compliance standards, such as GMP, can lead to more favorable insurance terms. The conversation further explored the regulatory complexities of insuring new products like THC beverages, where traditional product liability may not suffice, and the nascent psychedelics industry, where Relm aims to facilitate business models by finding viable coverage solutions.We learn about Relm Insurance's deliberate expansion into the AI insurance sector, a move Ziolkowski explained as a natural progression due to the similarities in underwriting new and emerging risks, including data governance challenges and underdeveloped legislative frameworks. He also noted AI's potential to improve efficiency in cannabis, such as in precision farming.Ziolkowski concluded by stressing Relm's core vision of "making innovation resilient" and their long-term commitment to supporting forward-looking industries like cannabis, psychedelics, and AI, distinguishing them in the insurance market through their dedication to these sectors.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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.We also covered Hall of Flowers' commitment to social equity, their strict vetting process for exhibitors and attendees, and the challenges of regulatory compliance.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 at the federal level, despite the Biden administration's recommendation. Political factors and potential internal resistance within the DEA were cited as reasons for the delay. We also noted that the federal government's current tax revenue from the existing 280E structure might act as a disincentive for reform.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 timeline, and the actions taken by states to ban or regulate intoxicating hemp-derived THC products.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Banking Act and amending Section 280E of the IRS code were identified as more effective solutions for addressing industry challenges.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 unique genetics and artist collaborations.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 concern was Minnesota's flawed social equity lottery system, which has created an uneven playing field for applicants and led to market saturation due to unlimited licensing. The discussion also covered the substantial capital requirements for success in the evolving cannabis market, which has shifted from a grassroots movement to one dominated by larger corporations.The meeting concluded with a look at the future of the cannabis industry, including the Treasury Department's proposal for financial data collection to combat money laundering. Gullickson underscored the importance of the industry establishing a clear path forward, advocating for either complete federal legalization or a merit-based, limited licensing system. There was also an optimistic outlook on the potential passage of some form of the Safer Banking Act under the current presidential administration.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy