#057 - Blunt Banter with Javier Hasse of Benzinga & El Planteo

Could the fragmented cannabis market in Latin America be the next big thing for savvy investors? Join us as we uncover the secrets of this untapped market with our special guest, Javier Hasse, the Managing Director at Benzinga and founder of El Planteo. In this episode, Javier shares his unique insights into the challenges and opportunities that exist within various Latin American countries, detailing how cultural acceptance and patient advocacy are reshaping the industry. With his extensive experience and a bestselling book on starting a cannabis business, Javier offers a wealth of knowledge you won't find anywhere else.We also take a closer look at the essential role of cannabis conferences and how they serve as pivotal networking hubs. Hear firsthand stories about multi-billion-dollar deals and significant investments that have emerged from Benzinga's curated events. From the perspective of our hosts, we discuss the balance between professional travel and personal life, especially during the bustling conference season. With exclusive anecdotes, we highlight the distinct advantages of smaller, focused gatherings in fostering meaningful connections among industry professionals, investors, and businesses.Lastly, we turn our attention to the latest trends and hurdles in the cannabis sector. Discover why THC-infused beverages are gaining traction and how brands like Cann are navigating the complex California market. We also tackle the recent delays in cannabis rescheduling decisions, evaluating the implications for investors and the broader industry. Despite the setbacks, there's a strong sense of progress and optimism as we explore the future of cannabis regulation. Tune in for a compelling discussion that spans from policy shifts to emerging market opportunities, providing a comprehensive view of the dynamic cannabis landscape.Have a question for us? Send us a text. We may answer it in the next show!--High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn. We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover? Visit our website www.highspiritspod.com and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations. Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.