CannaInsider - Interviews with the Business Leaders of The Legal Cannabis, Marijuana, CBD Industry

Governments around the world tell us we need to simply accept inflation and the destruction of the purchasing power of our money, today's guest shows why deflation, not inflation, is the key to an abundant future in both your cannabis business and your personal life. Listen in as Jeff shares how surging the trends are shaping our lives are accelerating. Here to tell us is Jeff Booth, author of The Price of Tomorrow. Jeff’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Price-Tomorrow-Deflation-Abundant-Future/dp/1999257405 Jeff’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffBooth Key Takeaways: Goods and services that are inflationary versus those that are deflationary What a deflation economy looks like and examples of when we’ve seen deflation in the past The natural deflationary process that’s occurring right now thanks to advancing technologies like AI The deceptive power of exponential technologies and how they gain traction How central bankers are fighting a losing battle by taking on more debt to create inflation The power of network effects for business owners, investors, and employees Where Jeff sees bitcoin heading in the next few years and his advice for those looking to get in Why Jeff believes AI will eventually force us to embrace deflation and how that could benefit society as a whole

Is it better to produce your own cannabis products? Or outsource to expert manufacturers while you focus on your brand? Here to tell us is Alex Rowland, CEO of NewTropic. Learn more at https://www.newtropic.com Key Takeaways: [00:51] An inside look at NewTropic, a leading cannabis manufacturer based in Santa Rosa, California [1:18] Alex’s background in cannabis and how he came to start NewTropic [5:56] Examples of NewTopic’s average clientele – particularly unlicensed brands looking to overcome California’s strict regulatory hurdles [7:47] How NewTropic helps relieve two of the biggest pain points for cannabis companies: financial resources and compliance [17:05] Why removing the regulatory overhead of fulfillment allows companies to focus their attention on core competencies [18:45] NewTropic’s extensive onboarding process and how the company’s team works to ensure all your needs are met as a client [20:30] Alex’s plans to expand NewTropic across the US [25:21] The requirements a company needs to meet before working with NewTropic [30:16] Alex’s advice to new entrepreneurs on how to develop a successful business plan and pitch to investors [33:11] Alex’s thoughts on the federal rescheduling of cannabis and where he sees the industry heading in the next few years

If you hand most people a cannabis drink, their first question is probably, “How high will this make me?” This one unknown might just be what’s holding cannabis beverages back. Until now. Listen in as Luke Anderson of Cann discusses the state of cannabis drinks and where he sees the category heading. Learn more at http://www.drinkcann.com/ Key Takeaways: Luke’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Cann An inside look at Cann and its mission to become the standard for cannabis-infused tonics Why Cann produces only low-THC tonics to target consumers that don’t wish to experience a high The type of effect consumers can expect from Cann’s social tonics Why Luke believes it’s important to take out the guesswork in cannabis beverages Cann’s social tonics versus beer and wine in terms of time and effect How Cann decided on its unique THC/CBD concentration profile How Luke and his team overcame challenges with emulsion and dispersion to ensure consistency in every sip Where Luke sees cannabis microdosing heading in the next few years

While thousands of new cannabis products hit the market each year, most fail to create product-market fit due to a lack of differentiation or clear-cut benefits. Today’s guest is CEO of Dosist Gunner Winston, who has simplified cannabis consumption with targeted formulas and precise dosing to create a product that is catapulting cannabis into the wellness arena. Learn more at https://dosist.com Key Takeaways: Gunner’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Dosist An inside look at Dosist and its mission to simplify cannabis consumption with innovative delivery devices How taking the guesswork out of cannabis is attracting more people to the category Variables that are important to luxury brand consumers Customer reactions to Dosist’s new dose pen and dose dial The thought process behind Dosist’s high-end yet minimalist retail environment Why Gunner believes brick and mortar stores remain valuable in the age of online shopping Where Dosist is in the capital-raising process How Gunner is planning to evolve Dosist in the coming years as consumer preferences change

Is speed paramount when it comes to a good cannabis delivery service? Not according to Sava founder Andrea Brooks, who joins us to share how she’s gained more customer satisfaction and larger order sizes than her much faster competitors. Learn more at https://www.getsava.com Key Takeaways: Andrea’s background in cannabis and how she came to start Sava An inside look at Sava and its mission to provide the highest quality cannabis products for delivery in the San Francisco Bay Area How Andrea won the AVG Best Pitch Award and what about her presentation resonated most with investors What investors need to know about unit economics and basket size Common obstacles in cannabis delivery and how Sava has overcome these to get ahead of other services like Ease and MedMen Ways in which Sava has gained so many repeat customers Sava’s generous compensation for drivers and how this impacts the company’s overall success Where Andreas sees the cannabis drink category heading in the next few years Andrea’s conservative approach to growth projections and meeting investor expectations Where Sava currently is in the capital-raising process and Andrea’s goals for the years ahead

Cannabis banking has long been heavily regulated, but one company is weaving through the regulatory madness to create a service that delights both businesses and customers. Here to tell us about it is Tyler Beuerlein of Hypur. Learn more at https://www.hypur.com Key Takeaways: [1:25] An inside look at Hypur, a payment and banking technology platform for the cannabis industry [1:51] Tyler’s background and how he got into the cannabis space [6:27] Obstacles the cannabis industry has faced in payments and banking and how Hypur is working to overcome them [10:32] Similarities between Hypur and Venmo [17:13] How Hypur profits off merchants, banks, and credit unions [19:44] Ways in which Hypur helps merchants market the service to customers [22:13] How cannabis retailers can easily integrate Hypur into their point-of-sale software and delivery apps [23:22] Success stories Tyler’s seen among Hypur clients and his advice to retailers interested in using the service

If you hand most people a cannabis drink, their first question is probably, “How high will this make me?” This one unknown might just be what’s holding cannabis beverages back. Until now. Listen in as Luke Anderson of Cann discusses the state of cannabis drinks and where he sees the category heading. Learn more at http://www.drinkcann.com/ Key Takeaways: Luke’s background in cannabis and how he came to start Cann An inside look at Cann and its mission to become the standard for cannabis-infused tonics Why Cann produces only low-THC tonics to target consumers that don’t wish to experience a high The type of effect consumers can expect from Cann’s social tonics Why Luke believes it’s important to take out the guesswork in cannabis beverages Cann’s social tonics versus beer and wine in terms of time and effect How Cann decided on its unique THC/CBD concentration profile How Luke and his team overcame challenges with emulsion and dispersion to ensure consistency in every sip Where Luke sees cannabis microdosing heading in the next few years

This startup took away all the complexity of growing your first cannabis plant at home and found product-market fit. Here to delve into the story of A Pot For Pot is founder Joshua Mezher. Get a 10% discount off your purchase by using coupon insider at https://www.cannainsider.com/reviews/www.apotforpot.com Key Takeaways: [00:59] An inside look at A Pot For Pot, the best outdoor and indoor growing kits for marijuana, cannabis, and other fresh herbs [1:18] Joshua’s background and how he came to start A Pot For Pot [4:49] What comes with A Pot For Pot’s growing kits that make them the easiest to use for home growers [8:54] How much plant A Pot For Pot can yield and why this makes it more cost-effective for the customer than purchasing flower [11:49] What auto-flowering is and why it’s important for home growers [17:44] Joshua’s advice to home growers on how to achieve the perfect harvest [25:32] How Joshua successfully bootstrapped A Pot For Pot and the story behind how he got his first hundred customers [32:47] What Joshua finds most interesting about the cannabis industry right now and where he sees it heading in the years to come

What happens when vertical farming meets cannabis? The highest quality, consistency, and yield at the lowest possible cost.​ Here to tell us more is Raymond Chang of Agrify, a developer of highly advanced grow solutions for the indoor agriculture marketplace. Learn more at https://www.agrify.com Key Takeaways: [1:01] An inside look at Agrify and its proprietary vertical farming solutions [1:53] Raymond’s background as a serial entrepreneur and how he came to be CEO of Agrify [4:17] The different components that make up Agrify’s automated cannabis grows, from vertical farmings units (VFUs) to advanced cultivation software [9:25] The ROI per square foot for a facility with vertical farming units versus one without [11:45] The price range for Agrify’s vertical farming units and how they pay for themselves in less than a few months [16:08] Agrify’s fine-tuned SaaS component and the insights growers are loving most [19:45] Agrify University, a 3,500 square foot vertical farming facility in MA that offers extensive hands-on training for new Agrify growers [20:27] Opportunities for cultivators to license their grow recipes to other cultivators through Agrify’s platform [24:49] Where Raymond sees the cannabis’ grow tech and automation space heading over the next 3-5 years

Is it better to produce your own cannabis products? Or outsource to expert manufacturers while you focus on your brand? Here to tell us is Alex Rowland, CEO of NewTropic. Learn more at https://www.newtropic.com Key Takeaways: [00:51] An inside look at NewTropic, a leading cannabis manufacturer based in Santa Rosa, California [1:18] Alex’s background in cannabis and how he came to start NewTropic [5:56] Examples of NewTopic’s average clientele – particularly unlicensed brands looking to overcome California’s strict regulatory hurdles [7:47] How NewTropic helps relieve two of the biggest pain points for cannabis companies: financial resources and compliance [17:05] Why removing the regulatory overhead of fulfillment allows companies to focus their attention on core competencies [18:45] NewTropic’s extensive onboarding process and how the company’s team works to ensure all your needs are met as a client [20:30] Alex’s plans to expand NewTropic across the US [25:21] The requirements a company needs to meet before working with NewTropic [30:16] Alex’s advice to new entrepreneurs on how to develop a successful business plan and pitch to investors [33:11] Alex’s thoughts on the federal rescheduling of cannabis and where he sees the industry heading in the next few years

Entrepreneurs are bringing pharmaceutical science to the cannabis world to create products that provide consistent and predictable benefits.  Here to tell us more about it is Andreas Boeckl, founder and CEO of Dispersa Labs. Learn more at https://www.breathesula.com  Key Takeaways: [1:14] An inside look at Dispersa Labs, a biotech company using dry powder inhalation technology to create breathable cannabis [1:54] Andreas’ background and how he came to start Dispersa Labs [6:43] Why inhaling cannabis in powder form is better than smoking flower [11:05] Spray-drying and why it’s important to Dispersa’s manufacturing process [12:47] How Dispersa Labs suspends cannabinoids inside tiny aerosol particles to create Sula, a patented cannabis powder for pulmonary delivery [14:15] Examples of commercial inhalants similar to Sula, including the popular asthma drug Advair [22:20] How Sula is more discreet than other cannabis consumption methods [31:42] Where Dispersa Labs currently is in the capital-raising process  

Just as oil powered the old economy of atoms, data powers the new economy of bits. Here to tell us how to leverage our cannabis business data and market more effectively is Nicholas Paschal of Alpine IQ. Learn more at https://alpineiq.com  Key Takeaways:  [1:02] An inside look at Alpine IQ, a data analytics and marketing platform for cannabis companies [1:27] Nick’s personal background and how he got into the cannabis space [7:24] Why it’s important for companies to take protective measures with their business data [11:18] How Alpine IQ not only offers analytics tools but also helps businesses determine the best ways to act on data [18:32] What companies can expect during Alpine IQ’s onboarding process, from integrating apps to ensuring compliance across the board [21:36] Alpine IQ’s audience feature and how companies are using it to generate ROI [31:45] How streamlining analytics tools using Alpine IQ can provide incredible value for cannabis companies [35:35] Alpine IQ’s journey achieving product-market fit and how the company got its first customers [39:26] Where Alpine IQ currently is in the capital-raising process

While cannabis banking still has its challenges, Safe Harbor Financial is on course to make those challenges a thing of the past. Here to tell us about it is Safe Harbor CEO Sundie Seefried. Learn more at https://shfinancial.org Key Takeaways: [00:57] An inside look at Safe Harbor Financial, a fintech banking platform that provides cannabis companies a safe and 100% compliant place to bank [1:22] Sundie’s background in the credit union industry and how she came to start Safe Harbor [2:21] How cannabis banking has evolved over the last few years and where Sundie sees it heading [4:46] The Safe Banking Act and what it means for cannabis banking [7:36] Compliance challenges cannabis companies are facing right now [9:08] What lending in cannabis banking could look like in the next few years [14:06] How Safe Harbor Financial has grown since its inception in 2015 to manage over 500 cannabis banking accounts [14:54] Safe Harbor’s onboarding process for new clients [19:14] How cryptocurrency and stablecoin are changing the cannabis banking landscape

What are Delta-8 THC and 5-MeO-DMT and what’s all the hype about? Here to help us understand is the cannabis whisper himself, Max Montrose of Trichome Institute. Learn more at https://trichomeinstitute.com Key Takeaways: [00:43] An inside look at Trichome Institute, the leading cannabis education company [2:06] Delta-8 THC and how it differs from its better-known cousin delta-9 THC [3:45] Why delta-8 is surging in popularity [13:36] Where Max sees delta-8 THC heading over the next 3-5 years [16:44] Max’s partnership with Abstrax, an industry leader in the study and production of cannabis and botanically-derived terpenes [23:39] 5-MeO-DMT, a psychedelic found in a variety of plant species and the glands of the Sonoran Desert toad [27:39] Max’s work studying the Sonoran Desert toad and their unique venom glands [41:12] How Max’s experiences with 5-MeO-DMT and ayahuasca have changed his philosophies and way of life

Pioneer investors with more traditional backgrounds in finance are beginning to plant their flags firmly and confidently in the cannabis space, and here to tell us about this is Codie Sanchez. Codie is a managing partner at Cresco Capital Partners, a private equity fund in the legalized cannabis space. She previously lead First Trust’s Latin America Investment business and held positions at Goldman Sachs, State Street, and Vanguard. In this episode, Codie shares her insights on the future of cannabis and some invaluable advice for traditional investors looking to enter the industry. Learn more at https://www.crescocapitalpartners.com. Key Takeaways: Codie’s background in the cannabis space and her best investments to date Why Codie believes there’s more opportunity than risk in cannabis investment How investors, entrepreneurs, and funds can overcome the stigma surrounding cannabis and get their audiences on board Codie’s advice to investors on how to go about navigating the difficulties that come with pioneering an industry like cannabis The ratio of over-valued, fairly-valued, and undervalued deals Codie is witnessing in cannabis right now The most noteworthy acquisitions and investments in cannabis over the last 12 months Codie’s advice to entrepreneurs trying to raise capital and the do’s and don’ts for pitching decks Where Codie sees cannabis going over the next 3-5 years and the opportunities that excite her the most

The Michigan cannabis market isn’t on everyone’s radar, but it’s large and growing faster than you might think. Here to tell us about it is Fabian Monaco of Gage Cannabis. Learn more at https://gageusa.com Key Takeaways: [1:17] An inside look at Gage Cannabis, one of the largest vertically-integrated cannabis companies in Michigan [1:45] Fabian’s background in investment banking and how he came to be president and CEO of Gage Cannabis [3:01] Michigan’s history in medical marijuana and how the state’s cannabis market has evolved over recent years [5:18] Why Fabian believes every cannabis brand needs to be vertically integrated right now [7:05] The pros and cons of contract growing versus buying wholesale [11:05] The most popular cannabis products in Michigan right now and surprising new trends to look out for [17:49] How Gage Cannabis has successfully employed curbside pickup to gross almost 99 percent of their profit [21:29] The importance of brand continuity and how this has helped Gage grow so quickly [24:38] Cookies aka the “Coca-Cola of cannabis,” a popular California-based cannabis brand that has partnered with Gage to expand into Michigan

With extracted cannabis-derived products making up about 50 percent of all cannabis products sold, extraction equipment is in high demand. Here to tell us more is Nick Tennant of Precision Extraction. Learn more at https://precisionextraction.com  Key Takeaways: [00:52] An inside look at Precision Extraction, the industry leader in cannabis extraction equipment, C1D1 lab planning, and extraction training [1:40] Nick’s background in cannabis and what led him to start Precision Extraction [4:28] Biomass and why it’s a critical component of cannabis extraction [9:04] How Precision Extraction’s diverse line of equipment is designed to accommodate different production needs [13:14] Shifting consumer trends in cannabis-derived products and how Precision Extraction’s clients are able to adapt more quickly  [22:34] Why Precision Extraction freezes biomass before the extraction process [25:09] The most common mistakes Nick sees new business owners make when trying to develop cannabis-derived products  [27:32] How Precision Extraction’s premade C1D1 lab containers known as “Extraction Pods” are saving businesses time and money [29:35] How Nick sees the cannabis extraction market evolving over the next 3-5 years

A new hemp seed vodka is winning taste tests and garnering devotees across Texas. Here to tell us about it is Ben Williams, founder of Highway Vodka. Learn more at https://www.highwayvodka.com Key Takeaways: [00:45] An inside look at Highway Vodka, the first vodka created from hemp [1:12] Ben’s background in the restaurant and bar industry and how he came to start Highway Vodka [2:11] Why hemp produces a smoother vodka than most traditional grains and how Ben figured this out over years of experimentation [7:08] The permits required to sell hemp-based alcohol [13:43] Highway vodka’s unique flavor profile and how it compares to other spirits [18:44] How Highway Vodka contains virtually no congeners, making the drink low-calorie and less likely to cause a hangover [24:27] Books that have had a big impact on Ben’s life and way of thinking [28:16] Ben’s thoughts on legalization in Texas and other southern states

Johann Hari is the author of Chasing the Scream, The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs. Johann walks us through all the alarming and rarely mentioned ways the war on drugs hurts societies and how ending prohibition brings order. Johann details how countries around the world are ending prohibition and the amazing results they are seeing as a result.   Key Takeaways: [1:31] – Why rats only choose drugs when they are alone and unhappy [10:37] – What happens to the drug market in MD when a dealer gets arrested? [14:40] – Johann discusses Arnold Rothstein and Rosalio Reta [22:31] – Do humans have an innate desire to experience altered reality [37:34] – The results of drug decriminalization in Switzerland and Portugal [45:13] – How to find Johann’s Book, Chasing The Scream.  

Banking is one of the thorniest problems for the cannabis industry in the US. Here to tell us how he’s creating a solution to this problem is Dan Roda of Abaca. Learn more at https://www.goabaca.com  The Zillow of Cannabis? Just like Zillow lets you browse for properties to buy or rent onlineThere is a company doing the same thing in the cannabis and hemp space. 420property.com lets you browse cannabis and hemp real estate and even businesses that are for sale.  Get started for free at 420property.com, that’s 420property.com Key Takeaways: Dan’s background in law and how he came to start Abaca An inside look at Abaca and how it’s providing a safe banking platform for US cannabis businesses  What dispensaries can expect when using Abaca The current state of merchant processing in cannabis and how Dan believes that will evolve over the next few years The most common questions clients ask Dan States that Abaca is currently operating in and where Dan sees the company expanding Abaca’s capital-raising process Where Dan sees the cannabis financial services market heading in the next 3-5 years and some emerging trends to keep an eye on