Apartment 113 Cannabis & Psychedelics Industry Podcast

Episode 202 is the 65th episode of Season 3.Our guest for this episode is Sean Conley, CEO of MTXE Consulting & Merchant Processing. He is a longtime operator in payments, SaaS, and cannabis fintech.Sean joins the show to break down one of the least transparent but most critical layers of the cannabis industry: payment processing. With more than a decade of experience building and scaling sales, partnerships, and customer success teams across high-risk industries, Sean explains how cannabis businesses can get setup quickly for payment processing and what it takes to build something sustainable under federal prohibition.We talk about cashless ATM, ACH, POS systems, compliance risk, bank relationships, and why “plug-and-play” payment promises usually fall apart once volume scales. Sean also shares lessons from taking multiple startups from zero to multi-million-dollar revenue, what founders misunderstand about payments early on, and how smart operators can protect margins while staying operationally sane.This episode is a grounded look at payment processing in cannabis.Find out more at mtxeconsulting.comEnjoy the show!

Episode 201 is the 64th episode of Season 3.Our guests for this episode are Jeff Adams, Managing Director and Joseph Bancheri, Sales Manager at XRpure, a company building advanced X-ray decontamination systems for cannabis and other high-compliance industries.We dig into why microbial contamination is one of the biggest hidden risks in large-scale cannabis production and how post-harvest decontamination has become a critical step for operators trying to stay compliant, protect consumer health, and preserve product quality. Jeff and Joe break down how XR-based irradiation works, how it differs from traditional remediation methods, and why transparency in post-harvest processing matters more than ever as the industry matures.We also talk about automation, throughput, regulatory pressure, and how scaling cannabis responsibly requires more than just good cultivation. From shelf stability to safety standards, this conversation highlights why decontamination is becoming a permanent piece of the modern cannabis production puzzle.Find out more at xrpure.com.Enjoy the show!IG: apt_113apt113.com

Episode 200 is the 63rd episode of Season 3.We’re back with the January Special for Episode 200 of Apartment 113, featuring Matt Jerome, Founder of Meristem Consulting and Co-Founder of the Connoisseurship Roadshow. To mark the milestone, we dig into some of the biggest global cannabis stories shaping the start of 2026.Matt and I break down Germany’s explosive rise in medical cannabis interest, with search traffic jumping more than 200% following legalization changes. We talk about why adult-use reform is actually driving people toward the medical system, how regional politics like Bavaria’s strict enforcement are creating confusion and curiosity, and what this means for public education and access moving forward.We also unpack the chaos in U.S. pricing as mature markets race toward rock-bottom flower prices. From Michigan’s oversupply crash to California flirting with the cheapest ounces in the country, we explore how licensing structures, taxes, and market maturity are reshaping what consumers actually pay at the counter. Then we look north towards Canada’s stabilizing cannabis market, slowing price drops, rising retail sales, and what a maturing national system actually looks like after years of compression.From there we hit Missouri’s crackdown on out-of-state genetics, Texas tightening hemp drink regulations, Chicago banning hemp products while protecting liquor license holders, and the growing pushback against adult-use programs in states like Ohio, Maine, and Massachusetts. Is this about protecting craft cannabis, or is it just another power grab disguised as public health?In the second segment, Dwight Diotte joins the show for a deeper conversation on landraces, genetic preservation, cannabis culture, and how the plant connects to society, history, and human behavior in ways the modern industry often forgets.You can catch the audio as always on iTunes, Spotify, Audible, YouTube, or at apt113.com.Sit down, roll one up, and enjoy the ride.IG: apt_113

Episode 199 is the 62nd episode of Season 3.Our guest for this episode is Josh Rickey, founder of February Fire, Virginia’s homegrown cannabis cup built by and for the local craft community. What started on Reddit through r/RVA_Homegrown has grown into one of the most grassroots-driven cannabis competitions in the region, focused on education, connoisseurship, and community connection.We talk about the origins of February Fire, how homegrowers put their work on the line for real feedback, and why protecting small-scale craft cannabis matters as corporate interests continue to expand. Josh breaks down the event structure, the awards process, and what makes February Fire different from traditional cannabis cups.With the 2026 Awards Celebration set for February 28 at Homegrown VA in Richmond, this conversation highlights how local growers, breeders, and enthusiasts are building something authentic in Virginia’s emerging cannabis culture.Find out more at februaryfire.com.Enjoy the show!IG: apt_113apt113.com

Episode 198 is the 61st episode of Season 3.Our guest for this episode is David Sandelman, CTO and Co-Founder of VT Dry & Cure Technologies and the creator of Cannatrol Systems, a company leading the cannabis industry in precision drying, curing, and storage technology. With more than 35 years of experience in HVAC innovation and 17 US patents to his name, he brings serious engineering discipline to one of the most overlooked stages of cannabis production: post-harvest.We talk about the science behind Cannatrol’s patented Vaportrol technology, how vapor pressure control changes terpene preservation and shelf stability, and why drying and curing deserve the same level of precision as cultivation. With more than 14,000 Cannatrol systems now in use worldwide, this conversation dives into consistency, quality control, and how post-harvest innovation is raising the bar for flower across the industry.Find out more at cannatrols.com.Enjoy the show!IG: apt_113apt113.com

Episode 197 is the 60th episode of Season 3.We’re joined by Dwight Diotte, a cannabis genetics and research advisor with nearly four decades of experience working at the deepest roots of modern cannabis breeding. Dwight’s career spans the early European seed scene through today’s global cultivation landscape, with a focus on landraces, classic genetics from the 70s through 90s, and preservation over hype.Dwight began breeding cannabis in the mid 1980s and spent more than thirty years working with Nevil Schoenmakers at The Seed Bank, collaborating on foundational projects including some of the earliest ruderalis autoflower work. His background includes seed production, private medical consulting in Amsterdam, and long-term research into haze lines and heirloom cultivars that shaped much of today’s genetics.In this conversation, we talk about phenotype selection, genetic drift, modern breeding pitfalls, and why so much of today’s market has lost touch with historical context. Dwight shares his perspective on preservation, intentional breeding, and what it means to truly understand cannabis genetics beyond yield and branding. This is a grounded and technical discussion rooted in lived experience and deep respect for the plant.Enjoy the show!IG: apt_113apt113.com

Episode 196 is the 59th episode of Season 3.We’re joined by George Breiwa, inventor and founder of DynaVap, the company behind some of the most recognizable battery-free dry herb vaporizers on the market. George’s path into cannabis came from a simple frustration with smoking and a deeper curiosity around how small, efficient, and intentional a vaporization device could actually be.George shares the origin story of DynaVap, from early experimentation to the creation of an entirely new category he calls thermal extraction devices. We talk about separating heat from control, eliminating batteries, preserving flavor, and why modular design matters for both function and personal expression. His approach blends engineering discipline with a strong belief that cannabis consumption should be cleaner, more efficient, and more accessible.The conversation also touches on normalization, the shift away from combustion, and what George hopes to see as cannabis lounges and alternative consumption spaces continue to evolve. With multiple patents across global markets and a hands-on manufacturing philosophy, George offers a grounded perspective on innovation, product development, and building something useful without chasing hype.Find out more at dynavap.com.Enjoy the show!IG: apt_113apt113.com

Episode 195 is the 58th episode of Season 3.Part Two of our MJBizCon 2025 series continues with more conversations recorded live from the conference floor in Las Vegas NV. This episode features short-form interviews focused on edibles innovation, craftsmanship, and operational execution, captured in real time amid the pace and pressure of the largest cannabis business conference in the world.Max Vansluys – President, Dialed In GummiesMax Vansluys began his cannabis career as a budtender and now serves as President of Dialed In Gummies, one of the most respected edibles brands in the country. With operations across multiple states, Dialed In is known for its solventless rosin-infused gummies and strong emphasis on consumer education. We talk about scaling without sacrificing quality, why solventless matters, and how retail training plays a critical role in long-term brand success. Find out more at dialedingummies.com.Conlan Keller – Owner, Bonanza Cannabis CompanyConlan Keller is the owner of Bonanza Cannabis Company, a family-owned brand rooted in craftsmanship and consistency. Bonanza produces premium concentrates and edibles with a focus on integrity, people-first values, and community connection. In this conversation, we discuss building a brand that balances heritage with modern execution and what it means to grow deliberately in a competitive market. Find out more at bonanzacannabis.com.Mitch Barton – VP of Transformation, Sun TheoryMitch Barton is a business transformation leader with deep experience across cultivation, manufacturing, and retail operations. With a background in data, analytics, and Lean Six Sigma, Mitch brings a process-driven lens to cannabis operations. We talk about throughput, constraints, and why optimizing the wrong metric can quietly cost operators millions. This conversation focuses on practical execution, not theory. Find out more at suntheory.co.This wraps Part Two of our MJBizCon 2025 coverage. Enjoy the show!IG: apt_113apt113.comEpisode 195 is the 58th episode of Season 3.Part Two of our MJBizCon 2025 series continues with more conversations recorded live from the conference floor in Las Vegas NV. This episode features short-form interviews focused on edibles innovation, craftsmanship, and operational execution, captured in real time amid the pace and pressure of the largest cannabis business conference in the world.Max Vansluys – President, Dialed In GummiesMax Vansluys began his cannabis career as a budtender and now serves as President of Dialed In Gummies, one of the most respected edibles brands in the country. With operations across multiple states, Dialed In is known for its solventless rosin-infused gummies and strong emphasis on consumer education. We talk about scaling without sacrificing quality, why solventless matters, and how retail training plays a critical role in long-term brand success. Find out more at dialedingummies.com.Conlan Keller – Owner, Bonanza Cannabis CompanyConlan Keller is the owner of Bonanza Cannabis Company, a family-owned brand rooted in craftsmanship and consistency. Bonanza produces premium concentrates and edibles with a focus on integrity, people-first values, and community connection. In this conversation, we discuss building a brand that balances heritage with modern execution and what it means to grow deliberately in a competitive market. Find out more at bonanzacannabis.com.Mitch Barton – VP of Transformation, Sun TheoryMitch Barton is a business transformation leader with deep experience across cultivation, manufacturing, and retail operations. With a background in data, analytics, and Lean Six Sigma, Mitch brings a process-driven lens to cannabis operations. We talk about throughput, constraints, and why optimizing the wrong metric can quietly cost operators millions. This conversation focuses on practical execution, not theory. Find out more at suntheory.co.This wraps Part Two of our MJBizCon 2025 coverage. Enjoy the show!IG: apt_113apt113.com

Episode 194 is the 57th episode of Season 3.Kicking off a two part series featuring conversations directly from the conference floor of MJ Bizcon 2025 in Las Vegas NV, bringing real-time perspectives from operators, innovators, and leaders shaping the cannabis industry. This episode features short-form interviews focused on packaging, payments, and brand execution, recorded amid the energy and chaos of the largest cannabis business conference in the world.Simon Knobel – Co-Founder and CEO, Calyx ContainersSimon Knobel is the Co-Founder and CEO of Calyx Containers, a cannabis packaging company built around terpene preservation and material science. Inspired by the calyx of the cannabis plant itself, Simon breaks down how purpose-built packaging can protect potency, aroma, and brand integrity. We talk about why cannabis packaging should be engineered specifically for the plant, not adapted from other industries, and how Calyx has helped set early standards across legal markets. Find out more at calyxcontainers.comMichael Andrud – CEO, LütMichael Andrud is the CEO of Lüt, a modern payments platform serving both traditional and high-risk industries. With deep experience in banking, data, and financial technology, Michael shares how alternative payment rails, real-time payments, and closed-loop systems are reshaping commerce for cannabis operators. This conversation focuses on access, compliance, and what realistic payment solutions look like today. Find out more at mylut.com.Katie Mattox – VP of Marketing, SpherexKatie Mattox is the Vice President of Marketing at Spherex, a Colorado-based cannabis extraction company known for premium vapes and concentrates. We discuss compliant brand building, in-store presence, event marketing, and how science-forward products translate to consumer trust. Katie shares insights on balancing creativity with regulation in a competitive retail environment. Find out more at wearespherex.comPart Two continues the conversation with more voices from the show floor tomorrow, enjoy the show!IG: apt_113apt113.com

Episode 193 is the 56th episode of Season 3.Our guest is Carol Tyson, Director of Marketing at Jaunty, a New York based cannabis brand best known for its presence in the state’s vape category. Carol works across field marketing, retail partnerships and trade marketing, with a focus on brand execution in a regulated market.In this episode, we discuss practical marketing topics including retail relationships, wholesale strategy, event marketing and the realities of building brand visibility in New York’s adult use cannabis landscape.Find out more at jaunty.com.Enjoy the show!IG: apt_113apt113.com

Episode 192 is the 55th episode of Season 3.Our guest today is Ian Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer of Source CBD, a nationally recognized hemp product development company based in Sedona, Arizona. Ian has spent more than a decade building Source CBD into a trusted brand in the non-psychoactive cannabis space with a focus on quality, transparency and science-driven formulation.Source CBD develops a wide range of products including tinctures, chocolates, salves and vape liquids, while also providing white label product development for brands entering the hemp and herbal supplement markets. Ian brings a deep background in cannabis, consulting, genetics, development and regulatory navigation informed by years of hands on work across cultivation, product development and market research.In this episode, we talk about the evolution of the CBD market, product integrity, consumer education and what it takes to build trust in a crowded wellness category. Ian also shares insight into how science and storytelling intersect in hemp and cannabis product development.Learn more at sourcecbdhemp.comEnjoy the show!IG: apt_113apt113.com

Episode 191 is the 54th episode of Season 3.Our guest today is Jared Penner Sales Leader at Mobius, a Vancouver-based manufacturer of post harvest cannabis and hemp processing equipment that has helped redefine efficiency without sacrificing quality. At Mobius, Jared focuses on building real relationships with cultivators and processors while helping them solve some of the most persistent challenges in post harvest operations.Mobius made its mark with the release of the M108 trimmer and has since expanded its lineup to include buckers sorters and milling solutions designed for commercial scale operators who still care deeply about craft outcomes. Their work sits at the intersection of technology workflow and people, helping teams maintain product integrity while improving throughput profitability and consistency.In this episode, we talk about the realities of post harvest processing, why trimming is often the make or break moment for quality, and how thoughtful automation can support craft cannabis rather than erase it. Jared brings a practical, grounded perspective shaped by time spent in facilities listening first and designing solutions second.Learn more at mobiustrimmer.comEnjoy the show!IG: apt_113apt113.com

Episode 190 is the 53rd episode of Season 3.Our guest today is Angelique Zerillo, founder and editor of Bloom, a cannabis lifestyle magazine dedicated to guiding readers toward a healthier state of being. Bloom celebrates the people, products, and culture shaping modern cannabis, with a focus on education, wellness, and community.Angelique brings a thoughtful, grounded perspective to the conversation about normalization and conscious consumption. Through Bloom, she highlights local stories and approachable insights that help consumers connect with the plant in meaningful ways. Her work bridges design, storytelling, and advocacy, creating a publication that feels as authentic as it is aspirational.We talk about building a modern cannabis media brand, why storytelling matters in shaping perception, and how Bloom is helping readers navigate the space with clarity and confidence.Learn more at thenorthbloom.comEnjoy the show!IG: apt_113apt113.com

Episode 189 is the 52nd episode of Season 3.Our guest today is Zach Michelson, Chief Operating Officer at Sunderstorm, the parent company of KANHA, one of the nation’s leading edible brands. Zach brings a background in environmental science and operations management to the cannabis space, where he helps lead KANHA’s expansion into new markets and maintain its reputation for consistency and innovation.Founded in California in 2015, KANHA has become known for its precise formulations, natural ingredients and commitment to wellness-driven products. The company pioneered the first fast-acting edible and continues to set standards for safety, flavor and reliability. With operations now spanning multiple states and even Thailand, KANHA’s mission is to blend science, nature and joy into every experience.We talk with Zach about scaling quality across borders, staying true to a wellness ethos in a competitive market and what it takes to run one of the most recognizable edible brands in cannabis.Learn more at kanhatreats.comEnjoy the show!IG: apt_113apt113.com

Episode 188 is the 51st episode of Season 3.We’re back with the November 2025 Monthly Special for episode 188 of Apartment 113 featuring Co-Host Dustin Hoxworth, Founder of Fat Nugs Magazine. This month we break down one of the most dramatic turns the industry has seen in years as the federal government moves to ban intoxicating hemp products and reshape the national market from top to bottom. We walk through the new definition of hemp the 0.4 milligram THC limits the fallout across brands and states and what might happen before the rule takes effect in late 2026.We also take a close look at Missouri’s statewide investigation into unregulated hemp shops along with the latest legislative updates from Florida Massachusetts and Kentucky. From Glass House Farms reporting twenty six million in lost revenue to the Omaha Tribe rolling out its medical program to Brazil launching a twelve year national cannabis research initiative there is no shortage of big stories shaping the global landscape right now.And before we wrap up I share a rundown of my plans for MJ BizCon as we get ready for another year in Vegas and another wave of conversations shaping where the industry goes next.You can catch the audio as always on iTunes Spotify Audible, YouTube or apt113.comSit down roll one up and enjoy the ride.IG: apt_113apt113.com

Episode 187 is the 50th episode of Season 3.Our guest today is Stacy Litke, Vice President of Banking Programs at Green Check Verified, a leading fintech platform connecting cannabis businesses with trusted financial institutions. With more than two decades of experience in banking operations and technology, Stacy helps bridge the gap between cannabis operators and compliant financial services.In this episode we unpack the payments landscape for dispensaries and cannabis businesses. Stacy breaks down what options are actually available today, how compliance fits into every transaction, and where innovation is heading next. The conversation offers a rare inside look at how money really moves in the regulated cannabis economy and what Green Check Verified is doing to make it safer, smarter and more transparent.Learn more at greencheckverified.comEnjoy the show!IG: apt_113apt113.com

Episode 186 is the 49th episode of Season 3.Our guest today is Colin Fraser, founder and CEO of Upling, the first Black-owned delivery-focused cannabis app. Colin’s journey from survivor and returning citizen to entrepreneur and health equity advocate has shaped a mission rooted in accessibility and empowerment. What began as a personal response to his mother’s struggle with healthcare has grown into a platform reimagining how patients connect with cannabis.Upling recently introduced Bud-E, an AI-powered tool that uses patient health data to make personalized cannabis recommendations. The feature brings precision medicine to the cannabis experience, helping patients find the right strains for their specific needs. With service across Washington, D.C. and Maryland, Colin’s vision blends technology, compassion and lived experience to bridge gaps in care and equity.We talk about second chances, tech for social impact and the future of personalized cannabis.Learn more at upling.appEnjoy the show!IG: apt_113apt113.com

Episode 185 is the 48th episode of Season 3.Our guest today is Jordan Isenstadt, Senior Vice President at Marino, a leading strategic communications and public affairs agency working in cannabis. Jordan oversees campaigns across cannabis, higher education and labor and brings more than twenty years of experience spanning government, nonprofit and corporate sectors. He is known for shaping narratives that influence policy decisions and elevate brands in competitive regulated markets.Jordan is also the creator of Jews in Weed and their networking event series called Bagel Bash that mixes community, connection and carbs. The Bagel Bash has become a must attend gathering during MJBizCon featuring bagels caffeine and a room full of founders and operators who show up to schmooze, laugh and make deals before noon.In this episode Jordan shares insights into building community driven industry moments and why good storytelling remains the most powerful tool in cannabis.Find out more at MarinoPR.com and get your tickets to this year’s Bagel Bash in Las Vegas Dec 4th 8-11AM. Enjoy the show!IG: apt_113apt113.com

Episode 184 is the 47th episode of Season 3.We’re joined today by Jeremy Shechter, founder of Open Source Horticulture, a consulting and project management firm focused on advancing modern cultivation and controlled environment agriculture. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Jeremy brings over a decade of experience leading large-scale horticultural operations and cannabis facility projects across the country.Before launching Open Source Horticulture, Jeremy served as COO at Bickel Consulting and VP of Operations at Buckeye Relief, where he oversaw facility design, expansion, and performance optimization. With a background in engineering from The Ohio State University, he combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of systems, data, and process efficiency.At Open Source Horticulture, Jeremy’s mission is to revolutionize how cultivation facilities are built and managed, through transparency, collaboration, and data-driven solutions that help operators grow smarter and more sustainably.Learn more at opensourcehorticulture.com.Enjoy the show!IG: apt_113apt113.com

Episode 183 is the 46th episode of Season 3.We’re back with the October 2025 Monthly Special for episode 183 of Apartment 113. This month, we head to the mountains of Colorado for a conversation with Jimmy Brinkerhoff of Edun, a family-run cannabis company rooted in the land and built on a passion for natural farming.We’ll explore how the Brinkerhoff Family Farm combines horticultural experience with regenerative, no-till cultivation, blending old-world agricultural wisdom with modern greenhouse innovation. From living soils rich with native microbes to a deep respect for the plant and the planet, Edun is cultivating cannabis as it was meant to be, pure, intentional and alive.Jimmy’s vision for Edun is simple but profound: bring the craft back to cannabis. His approach champions sustainability, integrity, and the belief that great flower starts with great soil. What began as a family experiment in clean cultivation has grown into a movement that’s redefining what conscious cannabis can be in Colorado and beyond.You can catch the audio as always on iTunes, Spotify, Audible, or apt113.com, and you can also watch the full episode on YouTube along with our other monthly specials.Find out more about Edun at Edun.co and follow them on Instagram at @edun.educationSit down, roll one up, and enjoy the ride.IG: apt_113apt113.com