Unlock the complexity of hemp legislation's ever-changing landscape with the help of Michelle Bodian from Vicente LLP, who joins hosts AnnaRae and Ben in their exploration of new Farm Bill language and state level policy. In this whirlwind of an episode, we analyze the seismic shifts rocking the hemp industry. Brace yourself for a ride through the …

Discover the future of the cannabis industry through the eyes of Ian Dominguez from Delta Emerald Ventures. From the perplexing world of PPP loans to the seismic shift anticipated with Biden's Schedule 3 announcement, this episode is a journey through the current state of the cannabis industry. We're not just talking politics; we're breaking down i…

Chris Jackson of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus joins us to shed light on the fascinating and, at times, tumultuous world of the cannabis industry. Amid the buzz of finance and policy, we zero in on the unexpected resilience of smaller cannabis firms against their behemoth counterparts. The wide-reaching implications of shifts in policy infl…

Celebrate with us as we pop the cork on High Spirits' 41st episode and our brand new look, toasting to a groundbreaking shift in cannabis policy reform. Ben and AnnaRae guide us through the DEA's landmark decision to reschedule cannabis. You won't want to miss the insights gained from the recent draft of the Farm Bill and the vital discussions on t…

Embark on a journey into the heart of cannabis brand expansion with us, Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein, as we unravel the story of Kiva's bold foray beyond the Golden State. With the guidance of Colin Keeler from Kiva, we dissect the intricacies of spreading a rooted brand into new markets and the fresh challenges of the burgeoning hemp sector. T…

Experience the fusion of cannabis culture and community as AnnaRae and Ben engage with Joyce Cenali, COO of Sonoma Hills Farm and Big Rock, in a deep-rooted discussion on the nuances of California craft cannabis. We traverse Joyce's fascinating journey from growing for personal use, to deploying capital through Big Rock, and back to the fields of f…

Unlock the secret to thriving in the cannabis industry through the power of ESOPs, without getting tangled in the tax web of 280E. Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein, with the acumen of Darren Gleeman, bring you a timely tax season symphony that harmonizes the potential of Employee Stock Ownership Plans with the cannabis sector's unique challenges. A…

Discover the seismic shifts in the hemp THC retail sphere and the implications of a national market in our latest deep dive with David Gonzalez. As Total Wine and DoorDash venture into THC beverages, we peel back the layers on the political and societal impacts of this move, emphasizing the triumphs in low-dose hemp accessibility while advocating f…

Discover how the tides are turning in America's heartland as we navigate through the unexpected 'red wave' of cannabis legalization with Hirsh Jain, an incredibly seasoned cannabis strategist. In our lively discussion, we examine the churning political currents within states like Missouri, where traditional conservative views are being eclipsed by …

Discover the thrill and potential of the THC beverage market as we uncork the secrets behind a sparkling $10 million investment fund with Aaron Edelheit. Our spirited conversation with Aaron will not only pour you a glass of industry insights but will also reveal how he transitioned from trading small-cap stocks to betting big on cannabis-infused d…

Unlock the transformative strategies of retail excellence with Krista Raymer, the visionary behind Vetrina Group, as she joins AnnaRae. Together, they delve into the art of data-driven decision-making, pinpointing why focusing on your top revenue-generating customers can supercharge your business. We're not just celebrating International Women's Da…

Leap into the intricacies of cannabis regulation with us as we celebrate a special leap year episode of High Spirits, featuring the powerhouse duo of Gillian Shauer, PhD, Executive Director of CANNRA, and Nicole Elliott, Director of the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) in California. Prepare to have the veils lifted on the complexities that sta…

Join Ben Larson on a solo flight through High Spirits, as we navigate the ever-evolving cannabis landscape with industry luminaries Jocelyn Sheltraw and Claudio Miranda. Get ready to unravel the intricacies of cannabis consumerism, from the birth of Budist—a game-changing social review and rating platform—to the seismic shifts happening with brands…

When passion meets innovation, magic happens. Just ask Dr. Harold Han, Ben's partner at Vertosa and the maestro behind some of the most pioneering infusion technologies in the cannabis space. This episode isn't just a peek into the lab where homogenous and stable infused products are born; it's a heart-to-heart with the man whose influence extends …

Join Ben Larson and Anna Rae Grabstein for a spirited recount of CannaDataCon 2024 in Miami, where the mingling of cannabis industry titans led to a rich harvest of insights. Imagine a world where savvy discounts don't just cut costs; they build brand loyalty and encourage adventurous trials of new products. We toast to the innovation bubbling up i…

Embark on a voyage through the world of cannabis distribution with our esteemed guest, Will Brophy, COO of Nabis, who unveils the secrets of managing the ebb and flow of the wild world of cannabis in California. As AnnaRae and Ben Larson chat with Will, they dive into how Nabis is reshaping the distribution model by empowering brands to take charge…

It's Ben's birthday bash of an episode, and we're unwrapping the complexities of DEI, ESG, and CSR within the cannabis sector, with New Jersey's recent advancements serving as our case study. The brilliant Chirali Patel of Blaze Responsibly graces us with her insights, illuminating her influential work on expungement initiatives that both navigate …

Hosts Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein dive into the heart of the hemp revolution as we navigate the intricate waters of Minnesota's march towards cannabis legalization. Discover the strides made in the medical cannabis program, the booming hemp industry, and the anticipated arrival of adult-use cannabis. With Laura Monn Ginsburg and Leili Fatehi f…

Embark on this hemp-infused adventure with Ben & AnnaRae as we ring in 2024 with a burst of enthusiasm and a treasure trove of insights from the cannabis and hemp frontier. Promising an episode that will peel back the layers of the industry's legal landscape, we chat with Bob Hoban and Xavier Jaillet, whose expertise ignites a robust discussion on …

Strap in as we take you through a rollercoaster ride of market trends, legal battles, and news stories that defined 2023 and what Ben & AnnaRae believe it all means for 2024. From the interplay of live music and cannabis culture to the fiscal health of public companies, we've got you covered. We cover the broad topics of Finance, market Dynamics, C…

Discover how the world of cannabis is being reshaped by AI, with our revelatory exploration into the industry's most cutting-edge technology. Before diving into all things AI, join Ben and AnnaRae as they weigh-in on the buzz around Snoop Dogg’s Do It Fluid and Dr. Carl Hart's passionate advocacy for critical thinking in drug policy. We're joined b…

Are you ready to unlock the fascinating science of terpenes in cannabis and hemp? Hosts Ben Larson and AnnaRae bring the latest cannabis industry updates and delve into an engaging discussion with our esteemed guest from a leading terpene research company. We unravel the enigma that is terpenes, examining their potential benefits, their impact on y…

Grab a seat and prepare for a 360-degree view into the world of cannabis branding and marketing, as we welcome the CEO of leading cannabis brand Old Pal, Rusty Wilenkin. Rusty shares the rollercoaster ride of his professional journey, leading us from the bustling streets of New York to the vibrant West Coast. We dive into Rusty's successful creatio…

We're live in Las Vegas for MJBizCon 2023 and giving you the realtime update with some surprise guests. Join Ben and AnnaRae as they welcome Michael Cooper from MadisonJay Solutions and Chris Lindsey from ATACH. We discuss the main takeaways from the week and the general sentiment felt in and out of the conference and the numerous events surroundin…

The Gratitude Episode! Ever wondered why cannabis sales escalate during Thanksgiving week? Turns out, Green Wednesday, the day preceding the holiday, is one of the biggest revenue-generating days for dispensaries. Join AnnaRae and Ben as they discuss how this trend is shaped by consumers' desire for cannabis treats over the long weekend or as a cop…

Meet Erin Gore, the powerhouse behind Garden Society, a California-based brand and manufacturer that's making waves in the cannabis industry, and now expanding into Ohio and New Jersey. With an impressive background in chemical and biological engineering, and a track record of topping the charts of women in cannabis, Erin brings a wealth of knowled…

Picture this: You're standing in a liquor store in front of a new display. Instead of bottled beer and wine, you're looking at cannabis-infused beverages. Intrigued? So are we! This week, we're taking you on a journey through the unexpected twists and turns of big beverage companies like Boston Beer Company making their mark on the cannabis industr…

Ever wonder why cannabis delivery and many MSOs are missing from Washington State's cannabis industry, and how none of the operators in the market are carrying an AR balance? Tune-in as AnnaRae Grabstein and Ben Larson embark on an in-depth journey to uncover the fascinating dynamics of Washington's unique cannabis market, with special insights fro…

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the intricate world of hemp-derived cannabinoids? This episode promises a deep dive with Dave Neundorfer, the CEO of Open Book Extracts who has an intriguing tale to tell; from co-founding a leading Ohio medical marijuana company to leading his current venture. Open Book Extracts is a unique in…

Join us on a deep dive into the world of PR and marketing in the emerging cannabis industry with our guest, Rosie Mattio. As the founder of North America's largest cannabis-focused marketing and PR agency, Mattio Communications, Rosie's insights are invaluable to anyone looking to make a mark in this competitive field. We'll talk about how to estab…

Are you ready to grapple with the complex realities of business leadership during crises and the shocking truth of war as an economic boon for certain sectors? That's just the tip of the iceberg in this episode. Delve deeper with us as we explore the emotional aspect of leadership, offering empathy and support to teams, colleagues, and peers naviga…

Get ready for a spirited discussion with Ave Miller from Uncle Arnie's as we navigate the fascinating universe of cannabis beverages and the legacy consumer. We'll take you on a journey through the expansion of Uncle Arnie's into multiple markets, building a unique brand that defies the norm, and the keys to success in launching and growing a bever…

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the complex world of New York's regulated emerging cannabis market? In this episode we bring you powerhouse founders and CEOs Karli Miller-Hornick and Brittany Carbone, each a trailblazer in the cannabis industry. You'll learn about each leader's path to licensure, transitioning from a hemp business to an Adult …

Ready to navigate the unfolding drama in the New York cannabis market? We unpack the legal complications surrounding the MRTA adult use law and discuss challenges entrepreneurs and stakeholders face in the market, largely due to state government missteps. By sharing the compelling tales of those affected, we shine a light on the impact of the MRTA'…

Do you feel mystified by the complexities of hemp-derived product laws? We've got you covered. Join us as we deconstruct the intricate domain of hemp laws, alongside two industry leaders, Gary Kaminsky and Rod Kight. We dissect the myths and misconceptions clouding the hemp industry, bringing clarity to legal gray areas and shedding light on state-…

What if your understanding of the cannabis industry could be transformed with a single podcast episode? Buckle up, because we're about to dissect the implications of the recent Health and Human Services' recommendation to reclassify cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. We're thrilled to have Pamela Epstein, the CCIA board president and chief leg…

Ever wondered how the potency of your cannabis is determined, and how that determination directly impacts the price you pay? Join us in this thought-provoking episode of High Spirits Live as we uncover the state of lab testing in the US cannabis industry with SC Labs founder Josh Wurzer. We'll dive into the complex nuances of consumer behavior and …

Are you ready to venture into the enthralling world of cannabis data? Our guest, Joe Khoury, brings a fascinating perspective to the table. We explore his evolution of the cannabis industry, starting from a small advisory organization to becoming a multi-state operator. Joe shares his expert knowledge on the landscape of traceability, the various s…

To round-out the week, join Ben and AnnaRae as they explore the current events of the cannabis business world, placing a spotlight on hottest news of the day. It's a lively discussion on the topics that could very well influence your business. Ever wondered how the cannabis beverage industry is carving its unique niche in the market? This intriguin…

What are the implications of marijuana rescheduling under the Controlled Substances Act? Today, we are thrilled to host Khurshid Khoja, a notable cannabis industry expert, for a comprehensive conversation that shines light on this very topic. We're going to take you on a journey, navigating the decades-long efforts of advocacy groups like NORML to …

To round-out the week, join Ben and AnnaRae as they explore the current events of the cannabis business world, placing a spotlight on hottest news of the day. It's a lively discussion on the topics that could very well influence your business. Are you ready to become well-versed in the bustling world of cannabis business? This week, we take you on …

Join us on a lively journey as we unravel the intriguing world of seasonal cannabis products with Kristi Palmer, co-founder of Kiva, and Jake Bullock, co-founder and CEO of CANN. What if your business could create a buzz while supporting important social causes? This episode promises to provide fascinating insights into the strategic planning, bene…

Imagine a world where the top five companies are seizing control of the increasingly lucrative cannabis market. Intrigued? We, your hosts Anna Rae and Ben, take a hard look at the rapid consolidation of the cannabis industry. Using compelling BDSA data, we break down the dynamics of the industry, highlighting how five vertically integrated cannabis…