High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast

While most operators treat California as an impossible market, Big Oil Co. is scaling past $26M in revenue and setting its sights on $100M—completely bootstrapped.In this episode of High Spirits, hosts Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein sit down with John LaFata, CEO and co-founder of Big Oil Co. (parent company of Bear Labs). John pulls back the curtain on processing 16,000+ pounds of biomass monthly, navigating customer concentration risks, and building an operational fortress in the world’s most competitive cannabis market. He also shares a contrarian operator’s view on why federal Schedule III and the repeal of 280E could trigger unforeseen challenges for independent producers.What You’ll LearnThe "No Deal" Strategy: How strict 50% target margins and saying "no" to small or unprofitable contracts keeps a bootstrapped business thriving.Extraction & Co-Packing at Scale: The operational realities of running hydrocarbon and solventless extraction while processing up to 1 million white-label units monthly.The Dark Side of 280E Repeal: Why a Schedule III shift might reopen the floodgates for deep-pocketed capital willing to sustain long-term losses to grab market share.Transitioning from Micromanager to CEO: How empowering key leaders and leaning on dedicated HR helped John step back from daily firefighting to focus on long-term strategy.Meet the Guest John LaFata is an entrepreneur and cannabis industry veteran with nearly two decades of experience dating back to California's Prop 215 era. He is the founder and CEO of Big Oil Company, a premier California cannabis manufacturing, extraction, and distribution firm known for its Bear Labs brand and extensive white-label B2B partnerships. Drawing on a background in finance, John brings rigorous operational discipline, margin focus, and supply chain consistency to large-scale hydrocarbon and solventless extraction.Why Tune In? If you want a raw, fluff-free look at how a legacy-rooted operator builds a multi-million-dollar B2B and retail engine without taking on predatory capital, this conversation is essential listening.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. 

The cannabis and hemp industries are navigating a pivotal crossroads where federal timelines, policy battles, and high-stakes corporate maneuvering collide.In this episode of This Week in Cannabis Live, host Jay Rosenthal (Cultivated), Ben Larson (High Spirits) and Marc Hauser (Cannabis Musings) unpack a week packed with major regulatory and commercial shifts. The crew breaks down what the short-term CR extension means for hemp operators, how MSO strategies are evolving around public M&A, and the harsh lessons coming out of state-level tax policy.What You’ll Learn:The Federal Hemp Lifeline: What the 30-day CR extension actually means for hemp beverages and operators, and why the real policy battle lies in the upcoming December funding deadline.Capital, M&A & Optionality: Insights from Verano’s leadership on footprint reinvestment, share repurchases, and why preserving optionality remains the ultimate survival strategy while waiting for federal clarity.Curaleaf vs. Aurora Takeover Drama: A front-row look at the rare, public hostile takeover attempt playing out in real-time—and what it signals for the future of cannabis consolidation.The Diminishing Returns of High Taxes: Why Michigan’s tax hike to 24% severely missed revenue projections, offering a stark reminder to state legislators about tax elasticity.Why Tune In:Navigating federal regulatory uncertainty while managing capital requires real-time insights from industry experts who understand both policy mechanics and balance sheets. Tune in to get a clear breakdown of where the market is moving, how operators are positioning themselves for the end of the year, and what these legislative delays mean for your business strategy heading into Q4.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. 

As business leaders settle back into fall routines, the cannabis industry is undergoing its own massive season of spring cleaning, federal audits, and regulatory reckoning.In this episode of High Spirits, hosts Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein dive into the latest headlines shaping the cannabis and hemp landscapes. From Glasshouse's historic NYSE listing to the DEA's bizarre new operator questionnaires, they break down what recent policy moves mean for operators on the ground. Plus, they examine the real-world fallout of tax hikes in Michigan and the high-stakes lobbying battle surrounding the federal continuing resolution and hemp regulations.What You’ll LearnWhy Glasshouse’s NYSE listing marks a major milestone for cannabis legitimization.What the DEA’s new 26-question operator audit signals about federal intentions and interstate commerce.How predatory AI whistleblower lawsuits are forcing cannabis software companies to repay PPP loans.The unintended economic consequences of state tax hikes on retail markets like Michigan.Why Tune In? Get clear, expert commentary on the shift in federal oversight, tax policy, and federal funding fights so you can navigate the dynamic road ahead for your business.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. 

Is the DEA's surgical strategy at the rescheduling hearing setting the stage for Schedule III? On this edition of This Week in Cannabis Live, the gang unpacks the massive 2,500-page rescheduling transcript, the ongoing corporate proxy battle between Curaleaf ($CURA) and Aurora ($ACB), and how mainstream anti-cannabis PR is shaping public opinion.Plus, the crew sits down with special guest Rachel Bell, Curator of High Art at Gotham, to discuss her recent profile in The New Yorker, how to build viral, narrative-driven content within strict state marketing restrictions, and driving foot traffic without showing a single gram of flower on Instagram.What You’ll Learn:Behind the 2,500-Page Transcript: How the DEA lawyers narrowly tailored their arguments for Schedule III and where the opposition’s medical testimony hit home.PR Strategy vs. Public Opinion: Why anti-cannabis reform groups are winning mainstream media headlines while the industry stays hyper-focused on balance sheets.The $CURA vs.$ACB Hostile Push: Inside Curaleaf's potential "bear hug" offer for Aurora Cannabis and what international consolidation signals for M&A.Creative Marketing Under Restrictions: How Gotham’s Rachel Bell leverages lifestyle storytelling to drive real retail foot traffic and brand awareness.Why Tune In:As policy decisions and market consolidation reshape the cannabis landscape, staying ahead requires understanding both the legal maneuvers in D.C. and the cultural shifts on the ground. Tune in to get sharp, unfiltered analysis on where the industry is heading and how operators can adapt their strategy right now.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. 

As capital markets reset and the hype cools, the cannabis industry isn’t collapsing—it’s maturing. So, what does it take to deploy institutional capital and build a resilient business in today’s environment?About This EpisodeIn this episode of High Spirits, hosts Ben Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein sit down with Tiby Erdely, Founding Partner at Key Investment Partners. Drawing from his institutional private equity background at Goldman Sachs and Partners Group, Tiby breaks down how Key has deployed tens of millions into cannabis and why he believes the industry is still only in the "bottom of the first inning." The trio dives into market cycles, red flags in founder diligence, hostiles takeovers, and why a strict "no assholes policy" is vital for long-term venture success.What You’ll LearnThe Valuation Bubble & Reset: Why the 2022–2023 venture capital exit happened and how to spot real value among distressed assets.Mastering Investor Diligence: What private equity firms look for in management teams and how to survive a 4-month vetting process.Navigating Market Uncertainty: How federal delays, intoxicating hemp bans, and state-by-state regulatory dynamics shape investment strategy.Expanding Beyond Cannabis: How institutional investment frameworks apply to adjacent frontier technologies like quantum, aerospace, and energy.Meet the GuestTiby Erdely is a Founding Partner at Key Investment Partners, a Denver-based private equity firm co-founded in 2018. Over the past eight years, Key has deployed between $80M and $100M across more than a dozen plant-touching and ancillary cannabis companies. Before entering the cannabis sector, Tibi honed his fundamental equity and private market experience at Goldman Sachs and Partners Group.Why Tune In?Whether you’re an operator trying to raise capital, an investor navigating regulatory shifts, or an executive planning your next strategic move, this candid conversation provides an unvarnished insider look at what institutional financiers are actually seeing—and backing—on the ground.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. 

The cannabis landscape is shifting rapidly, and global moves are redefining M&A. Join us for a high-stakes breakdown with the Cultivated and Cannabis Musings crew as we digest Curaleaf’s hostile takeover bid for Canadian OG Aurora Cannabis ($ACB)—a calculated $4 per share push targeting prized EU GMP export assets.High Spirits Host AnnaRae Grabstein teams up with Jay Rosenthal, Jeremy Berke (Cultivated), and Marc Hauser (Cannabis Musings) to unpack what this aggressive play signals for international trade, domestic valuations, and the reality of US export timelines. Plus, the team dives into congressional pressure surrounding rescheduling, the DEA’s surprising admissions, and why media narratives around cannabis legalization continue to polarize.What You’ll Learn:The Curaleaf ($CURLF) vs. Aurora ($ACB) Playbook: Why EU GMP-certified assets are worth a hostile proxy fight and what it reveals about European vs. US market growth trajectories.The EU Export Reality Check: Why converting US cultivation to EU GMP standards is nearly impossible—and why buying existing infrastructure beats building.Rescheduling & Federal Friction: What the recent Congressional letters and DEA administrative hearing filings signal for operators, state regulators, and capital markets.Data & AI Integration in Cannabis: How Model Context Protocol (MCP) and Cloud AI tools are quietly revolutionizing how operators process POS and BDSA market intelligence.Why Tune In:Whether you're an operator scaling footprint, an investor evaluating depressed valuations, or an executive tracking federal policy moves, this conversation delivers raw, hype-free analysis on where the capital and supply chains are actually moving.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. 

What happens when a craft alcohol company accidentally builds one of the fastest-growing hemp THC beverage brands in America? As federal regulations loom and state lines shift, the traditional beverage world and hemp supply chains are colliding faster than ever.In this episode of High Spirits, hosts Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein sit down with Jason Dayton, Co-Founder of Minneapolis Cider Company and Trail Magic—Minnesota’s first hemp-derived THC beverage. Jason shares the wild 19-day sprint that launched Trail Magic, how his team acquired national hard cider brand Crispin from Molson Coors to hack three-tier distribution, and why Minnesota’s two-tier model might just be the blueprint for federal cannabis regulation.What You’ll LearnThe 19-Day Launch: How Trail Magic went from a "Vegas epiphany" to Minnesota’s first-on-shelf THC beverage.The Three-Tier Hack: Why acquiring Crispin Cider from Molson Coors gave Trail Magic a national distribution footprint ahead of the competition.High-Dose vs. Low-Dose Realities: What taproom and retail data actually reveal about who buys 3mg vs. 10mg+ THC drinks.Navigating the Federal Ban: How brands are restructuring operations, 280E strategies, and supply chains ahead of impending federal policy shifts.Meet the GuestJason Dayton is the Co-Founder of Minneapolis Cider Company and Trail Magic. What started as a University of Minnesota class project in 2015 has scaled into a two-time Inc. 5000 honoree and one of the nation's fastest-growing beverage companies. Under Jason’s leadership, Trail Magic won Best Infused Ready-to-Drink Beverage at the 2024 High Spirits Awards and expanded into over 20 states via traditional alcohol distribution networks.Why Tune In?Whether you're an operator navigating changing state rules, an executive weighing direct-to-consumer vs. three-tier distribution, or a founder preparing for federal uncertainty, Jason provides an unmatched, real-time masterclass on building a resilient beverage brand in today’s volatile market.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. 

In a California market defined by ruthless price compression and distressed assets, how does a quiet operator scale to $73M in retail sales while commanding nearly double the average market price?About This EpisodeIn this solo-hosted episode, AnnaRae Grabstein sits down with Anna Willey, Founder and CEO of California Artisanal Medicine (CAM). Anna reveals the operational strategy behind building California's #2 branded flower line, why she completely avoids buying distressed assets, and how CAM maintains high margins through tight distribution control and vertical integration. Before the conversation, AnnaRae breaks down the week's biggest headlines, including Curaleaf’s unsolicited takeover bid for Aurora Cannabis and new federal hemp beverage legislation.What You’ll LearnThe "Everyday Value" Pricing Strategy: How CAM holds a $7.50/gram average without relying on deep retailer discounting or race-to-the-bottom pricing.In-House Distribution vs. 3PLs: Why managing their own 12-van distribution fleet keeps operational costs down to just 3% of sales.Why Distressed Assets Are a Trap: The real financial and human costs of buying struggling cultivation facilities instead of building from scratch.The Inter-State Commerce Long Game: How CAM is quietly positioning its massive 2,500-light Sacramento footprint for future federal rescheduling and state-to-state shipping.Meet the GuestAnna Willey is the Founder and CEO of CAM (California Artisanal Medicine). A pioneer in the space, she opened one of Colorado's first dispensaries in 2009 as the first female dispensary owner in the state. After launching CAM in California in 2018, she has grown the company into the #2 flower brand in the state with over $73 million in annual retail sales and a 2,500-light cultivation footprint in Sacramento.Why Tune In?If you are an operator, executive, or investor trying to figure out how to build a profitable, debt-free cannabis brand in the country's most competitive market, this episode offers a masterclass in disciplined growth, real estate strategy, and operational execution.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. 

As California crosses its eighth year of adult-use legalization, operators find themselves caught between a stubborn illicit market and rigid regulatory oversight. In this pivotal episode of High Spirits, hosts Ben Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein sit down with Clint Kellum, Director of the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), to unpack the structural friction facing the world’s largest cannabis economy.From the rollout of an innovative AI-powered image analyzer for packaging compliance to a massive transition away from individual plant tagging, Clint gives an insider’s look at how the regulatory body is trying to ease operational burdens. The conversation takes a sharp turn into the future, exploring the fallout of the state's intoxicating hemp ban, an immediate crackdown on testing loopholes for 14 new pesticides, and California’s long-term play as federal rescheduling under Schedule III looms.What You’ll LearnAI & Packaging Overhaul: How the DCC is implementing an AI image analyzer to cut down on label compliance friction and protect against child-appealing packaging rules.The Death of Plant Tags: Inside the regulatory shift toward group plant tagging launching next year and how the state is navigating the recent worker safety debate around metric tags.The 2028 Hemp Deadline: What the implementation of AB8 means for the future integration of hemp-derived cannabinoids into the licensed California supply chain.Rescheduling & Border Control: Why the DCC is actively leaning on the DEA for formal guidance regarding interstate commerce and the preservation of the California cannabis brand.Meet the GuestClint Kellum is the Director of the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), where he guides state licensing, compliance, public health policy, and enforcement efforts. Bringing over 18 years of public service experience rooted in state budgeting and organizational leadership, Clint previously served as the DCC’s Chief Deputy Director starting in January 2025. Prior to regulating the cannabis market, he served as the Chief Deputy Executive Director of the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) and worked extensively as a cannabis coordinator for the Department of Finance immediately following the passage of Prop 64.Why Tune In?If you are an entrepreneur or executive trying to out-maneuver the regulatory complexity of the cannabis supply chain, this episode provides direct clarity straight from the state’s top enforcement official. Tune in to understand where the compliance goalposts are moving next so you can keep your business secure, compliant, and ready for federal shift parameters.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. 

The cannabis landscape is shifting at light speed, and navigating the turbulence requires more than just keeping up—it demands rigorous strategic alignment and radical organizational transparency. In this one on one, business news roundup episode of High Spirits, hosts Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein sync up for a dynamic news and culture roundup, pulling back the curtain on the internal mechanics of building an agile corporate structure before unpacking the industry's latest macro shifts.Ben shares firsthand insights on leading a team through rapid market volatility by implementing 360-degree customer feedback loops and employee transparency surveys. They discuss the critical shift from a traditional "leader-follower" model to an empowered "leader-leader" framework, explaining how clarity in strategic intent eliminates operational bottlenecks. Moving to macro updates, they break down the structural realities of Vireo Growth’s recent multi-state distressed asset roll-up, the operational metrics of the shrinking Colorado market, and the critical legal nuances of the DEA's Schedule III hearings—specifically contrasting the legacy five-part test with the newly introduced two-part test for medical efficacy.What You'll Learn:The Leader-Leader Framework: How to deconstruct executive bottlenecks, empower middle management to act autonomously, and transition away from high-stress "zero-based budgeting" cycles.The Anatomy of a Distressed Asset Deal: A look into how operators like Vireo Growth leverage strategic debt restructuring to acquire massive retail footprints without absorbing unsustainable legacy liabilities.The Five-Part vs. Two-Part Test Battle: A breakdown of the crucial legal arguments inside the DEA’s Schedule III hearings and how the definition of "Currently Accepted Medical Use" (CAMU) dictates the timeline of federal rescheduling.The Impending Interstate Commerce Conflict: Why the regional battle over state borders and protectionist supply chains will soon eclipse the hemp vs. regulated cannabis debate for multi-state operators.Why Tune In? Get the unfiltered, executive-level analysis on the exact cultural frameworks, macro trends, and regulatory shifts that will redefine cannabis supply chains, balance sheets, and corporate valuations heading into the upcoming strategic planning season.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. 

It was a massive week in cannabis policy — and we're breaking it all down live with the teams from Cultivated, High Spirits and Cannabis Musings, Friday at 12 PM ET.On the docket:🏛️ The DEA's rescheduling hearing wraps up — what did we learn, and what happens next?📜 One day later, Senate Democrats reintroduced the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act — led by Sens. Booker, Schumer, and Wyden — which would fully deschedule cannabis, expunge low-level federal convictions, and stand up a federal regulatory framework across FDA, ATF, and TTB. 🚫 Pennsylvania does it again: another legislative session ends without adult-use over the line. What's actually blocking the sixth-largest state?📈 Ascend Wellness preps for an uplisting — what it signals for capital markets and who might follow.💰 ICYMI: Cultivated teamed up with Moby for a webinar on the shifting landscape of cannabis investing — we'll share the highlights.🎬 Plus, a bonus segment: Jay's interview with Melissa Henry of Kiva Confections on the brand's work with the Conan O'Brien show — a case study in cannabis breaking into mainstream entertainment.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. 

Are you running your cannabis business on gut instinct or hard numbers? In a volatile, state-by-state landscape where headlines rarely tell the whole story, relying on assumptions is a fast track to getting left behind.In this episode of High Spirits, hosts Ben Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein are joined by Leah Spokojny, Chief Revenue Officer of BDSA, the industry’s leading market research and analytics firm. Together, they dive deep into the changing dynamics of mature versus emerging markets, the shifting consumer preferences of Gen Z versus Millennials, and how cutting-edge AI integrations like Claude’s Model Context Protocol (MCP) are transforming how operators interact with market intelligence.What You’ll LearnThe Inhalable Divide: Why Gen Z is flocking to vapes while Millennials still prefer rolling their own joints, and what this means for your product development.Deciphering the Hemp THC Boom: A realistic look at the retail future of hemp-derived THC beverages and whether they act as a gateway or a threat to traditional dispensaries.SaaS vs. Raw Data Quality: Why user interfaces are taking a backseat to clean, structured data as AI and conversational LLMs become the ultimate analytical assistants.State-by-State Realities: Under-the-hood insights into Michigan’s relentless price compression, California’s category shifts, and Virginia's trajectory toward 2030.Meet the GuestLeah Spokojny is the Chief Revenue Officer at BDSA, where she leads the charge in translating complex, fragmented cannabis market data into actionable retail and brand strategy. Bringing over a decade of foundational experience in mainstream CPG and healthcare market research, Leah joined the cannabis sector in 2019. Since then, she has focused on pioneering methodology and consumer insights to help brands, retailers, and investors successfully navigate the industry's messiest data challenges.Why Tune In?If you want to stop guessing your market position and start pricing, packaging, and scaling with precision, this episode provides the data-backed roadmap you need to gain a true competitive edge.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. 

The rules of the cannabis economy are being rewritten right now in a small, secure federal courtroom in Northern Virginia. While July usually signals a summer slowdown for the industry, the exact opposite is happening.In this week's live episode breakdown, AnnaRae Grabstein (Co-Host of High Spirits) steps into the arena alongside Jay Rosenthal (Cultivated) and legal analyst Marc Hauser (Cannabis Musings). Together, they pull back the curtain on the opaque DEA administrative hearings regarding the federal rescheduling of adult-use marijuana.From the bizarre bifurcation of medical versus adult-use policy to Virginia’s impending local market launch, this conversation cuts through the legal jargon to deliver the raw, unvarnished market realities that mainstream headlines completely miss.💡 What You’ll Learn:The Schedule III Mystery: Why the federal government took pains to fit medical cannabis into a specific DEA buy/sell framework, yet left adult-use trapped in administrative purgatory.The Litigation Chess Match: Why the seemingly dry, "bibliography-style" DEA hearings are actually a methodical setup for the massive federal court battles ahead.The Interstate Commerce Catch-22: How shifting to Schedule III without explicit DEA registration might keep state-line walls up—and why top law firms won't bless exchange up-listing just yet.Virginia for Virginians?: A realistic look at the Commonwealth’s upcoming 2027 market, skyrocketing license values, and whether states can truly box out major Multi-State Operators (MSOs).The Capital Gap: Why state-level, SBA-style funding—not just local protectionism—is the only real way independent craft operators can survive against heavily funded players.🚀 Why Tune In?If you are a cannabis or hemp operator, entrepreneur, or executive trying to forecast where your capital and supply chains should go over the next 24 months, you cannot afford to guess. This episode offers an expert-level breakdown of the legal mechanics and regulatory hurdles shaping the future of retail, investment, and interstate trade. Tune in to get the strategic insights you need to navigate an increasingly complex, fragmented marketplace.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. 

While most multi-state operators are racing to build massive houses of brands, one independent Ohio operator made the exact opposite bet—and won.About This Episode: In this episode of High Spirits, hosts Ben Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein sit down with Zach Weprin, President of Certified Cultivators, to unpack how his family-owned, vertically integrated company captured an impressive 7% market share in Ohio. Zach shares the raw, behind-the-scenes journey of transforming a former auto parts warehouse into a top-tier cultivation facility, navigating the shift from medical to adult-use, and why they choose to double down on a single brand name across flower, vapes, edibles, and beverages.What You’ll Learn:The Single-Brand Strategy: Why Certified rejected the "house of brands" model and how putting all their equity into one name drove massive consumer trust.Wholesale vs. Retail Economics: Why Zach is prioritizing a robust wholesale engine over retail footprint saturation in a limited-license market.The Three Pillars of Cultivation Success: How balancing genetics, environmental control, and team culture creates "lightning in a bottle."Bootcamp for Cannabis: Why a background in the high-stakes hospitality and restaurant industry is the ultimate foundation for scaling a cannabis business.Meet the Guest:Zach Weprin is the co-founder and President of Certified Cultivators, one of the premier independently owned, vertically integrated cannabis companies in Ohio. Before entering the cannabis industry in 2017 alongside his father, Zach spent a decade building a highly successful fast-casual sushi chain. His deep hospitality background shapes Certified’s focus on culture, operational efficiency, and community-driven brand building, cementing their spot at the top of the rapidly growing Ohio market.Why Tune In? If you are an operator, entrepreneur, or investor trying to navigate market compression and brand differentiation, this conversation provides a masterclass on capital efficiency, vertical integration tactics, and true brand discipline in a shifting regulatory 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. 

What happens when a 115-year-old family farm bets its entire legacy on the future of cannabis? You get New York’s top-selling beverage and vape brand, bringing in over $75M in retail sales.In this episode of High Spirits, host AnnaRae Grabstein holds down the fort while Ben Larson is away on paternity leave. She sits down with Eddie Brennan, CEO of ayrloom, to dissect their meteoric rise in the New York market and how they utilized centuries of agricultural and alcohol distribution expertise to dominate cannabis. Plus, the episode kicks off with an exclusive, boots-on-the-ground debrief from Laura Fogelman, Chief of Staff at PAX, who sharing her firsthand, unfiltered notes from inside day one of the historic DEA rescheduling hearings.What You’ll LearnThe DEA Hearing Inside Scoop: Why the recent DEA hearings had tighter security than a fortress, who was actually in the room, and how the DEA is vigorously defending Schedule III.The Blueprint for $75M in Retail Sales: How ayrloom scaled to millions of units in New York by prioritizing true vertical integration and agricultural consistency.Borrowing from Big Alcohol: Why hiring from CPG giants like Anheuser-Busch and Proctor & Gamble beats relying solely on cannabis industry transplants.Navigating the Looming Hemp Cliff: Eddie’s candid, changing outlook on the future of the hemp-derived THC beverage market ahead of upcoming November regulations.Meet the GuestsEddie Brennan is the President of Beak & Skiff and the CEO of ayrloom. As a fifth-generation leader of a 1,000-acre New York apple orchard, Eddie successfully pivoted the legacy farm into a top 10 national hard cider brand (1911 Established) before betting the farm on regulated cannabis and hemp-derived beverages.Laura Fogelman is the Chief of Staff and Head of Strategic Communications at PAX. With a deep background in public affairs and brand strategy, Laura sits at the intersection of product innovation and federal cannabis policy reform.Why Tune In?Whether you are trying to navigate shifting state regulations or scale a beverage brand across state lines, this conversation delivers an essential masterclass in applying institutional CPG discipline to the chaotic realities of modern cannabis.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. 

The cannabis industry is sprinting toward major U.S. stock exchanges, but a high-stakes showdown in Washington could completely rewrite the rules of the game. On this episode of This Week in Cannabis Live, host Jay Rosenthal and the Cultivated Media team (Jeremy Berke) are joined by regular panel experts AnnaRae Grabstein (High Spirits) and Marc Hauser (Cannabis Musings) to break down a massive transparency battle unfolding at the DEA.As major operators find creative new legal pathways to land on the NYSE, the federal government is preparing to hold its historic Schedule III rescheduling hearings entirely behind closed doors. From "prohibitionist theater" in DC to trade association collapses in Canada, the panel cuts through the noise to show operators, entrepreneurs, and executives where the industry is actually heading.What You’ll Learn:The "Medical-Until-Retail" Loophole: How Glass House Brands followed Trulieve's fast follow to the NYSE by deconsolidating its supply chain, and what it means for up-supply chain operators.The DEA’s Secret Hearings: Why the public and media are being locked out of the historic Schedule III rescheduling trial, and the grassroots legal effort to force a live stream.The Skepticism Behind Schedule III: Will the DEA actually defend cannabis reform in court, or are we witnessing performative prohibitionist theater?Why Trade Associations are Failing: What the sudden shutdown of the Cannabis Council of Canada teaches us about fractured supply chain desires and industry normalization.The Federal Lobbying Boom: Why Washington lawyers and lobbyists are the biggest financial winners of the current regulatory whiplash.Meet the Panel:Jay Rosenthal & Jeremy Berke: Co-founders of Cultivated Media, the leading daily briefing for cannabis business and policy professionals. AnnaRae Grabstein: Regular panel guest, cannabis compliance expert, and co-host of High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast. Marc Hauser: Cannabis legal strategist and author of Cannabis Musings. Why Tune In?If you are an operator trying to project your 2026 tax burden, a hemp brand surviving daily regulatory whiplash, or an investor tracking macro capital inflows, this breakdown is essential. The Cultivated panel uncovers the hidden structural risks of asset deconsolidation and gives you a front-row seat to the most consequential federal drug policy battle in fifty years.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. 

Live from the media stage at IgniteIt Chicago, High Spirits co-host AnnaRae Grabstein conducts five lightning-round interviews with the industry’s sharpest minds. From the realities of major M&A integration and enterprise AI deployment to a wild on-stage metaphor involving a literal caterpillar, this special bonus episode captures the exact energy, momentum, and anxiety of the current market. Featuring insights from Patrick Lane, Ed Keating, Sarah McLaughlin, Jordan Eisenstat, and Dr. Lucas McCann.What You’ll Learn:Data-Driven AI: How Claude and custom AI tools are replacing manual analytics for conference organizers and content creators.Navigating Consolidation: The operational reality of merging with your top competitor and how to manage staff during a surprise buyout.Formulation & Hemp Risk: Why the upcoming November hemp regulations are forcing a strategic pivot for edible and beverage brands.The Global Opportunity: How Canadian export data shows a clear survival blueprint for lean American operators looking overseas.Why Tune In? Get a seat on the expo floor and hear exactly how top cannabis executives, PR strategists, and scientists are preparing their businesses for the next 12 months of federal policy changes.Timestamps: 0:00 - Live Podcast Kickoff with Patrick Lane (IgniteIt) 5:30 - M&A Data & Vendor Shakeouts with Ed Keating (Emerald Intel) 14:25 - Why Gummies Dominate the Market with Sarah McLaughlin (Melt Make) 20:45 - AI Disrupting PR Workflows with Jordan Eisenstat (Marino PR) 29:20 - Bold Policy Forecasts & Global Markets with Dr. Lucas McCann (CannDelta) 36:30 - Final Wrap-UpHave 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. 

The federal government has officially rewritten the history books by shifting medicinal cannabis to Schedule III—and Glass House Brands is making a massive, unprecedented chess move to capitalize on it.About This EpisodeIn this episode of High Spirits, hosts Ben Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein sit down with Graham Farrar, Co-Founder, President, and Chief Cannabis Officer of Glass House Brands. Graham breaks down Glass House’s recent structural deconsolidation to position itself as a 100% medicinal company ready for a historic NYSE up-listing. The trio dives deep into why the DEA's recent actions aren't standard bureaucracy, how the Dormant Commerce Clause will eventually force a 50-state open market, and why the West Coast is uniquely positioned to dominate the global cannabis stage.What You’ll LearnThe Deconsolidation Strategy: Why Glass House split its retail operations from cultivation to align with federal Schedule III protections and target a major US stock exchange listing.Reading the DEA’s Playbook: Inside the unexpected speed, proactive drug code updates, and "pendency rules" that show the current administration’s true intention to move fast.The Dormant Commerce Clause & Interstate Trade: Why state-level protectionism will inevitably fall, and how shipping bulk, non-final form cannabis circumvents current regulatory gridlocks.The European Premium: Graham's key takeaways from Berlin on why international markets are willing to pay a premium for California culture and sun-grown genetics.Meet the GuestGraham Farrar is the President, Co-Founder, and Chief Cannabis Officer of Glass House Brands (NEO: GLAS.A.U) (OTCQX: GLASF), one of the largest vertically integrated cannabis companies in the United States. A serial entrepreneur and tech alumnus (including being part of the founding teams at Software.com and Sonos), Graham has spent the last decade building Glasshouse into a powerhouse that operates the largest legal greenhouse facility in the world in Carpinteria, California. Beyond cannabis, he is a dedicated music enthusiast who served on the board of the Santa Barbara Bowl for 18 years.Why Tune In?If you are an operator, investor, or executive waiting for "the other shoe to drop" on scheduling, this episode is a blueprint for proactive leadership. Learn how the biggest players are shifting from a defensive posture to an offensive, global scale strategy before the ink on federal reform is even dry.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. 

Cannabis Business News Roundup w/ Ben & AnnaRaeThe landscape of cannabis and hemp policy is shifting beneath our feet faster than ever, forcing operators to constantly adapt to changing regulatory enforcement and market expansions. In this rapid-fire roundup, hosts Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein dial in from across the country to break down the massive institutional shifts happening this week in public markets, state enforcement, and national policy.In this episode, Ben joins directly from a break at the invitation-only CANRA (Cannabis Regulators Association) meeting in Oklahoma City to share what regulators are saying behind closed doors about cannabinoid access. Together, they unpack the structural drag of Metric track-and-trace fees, the strategic pivot toward debt over equity capital, and the industry-altering milestone of Trulieve listing on the New York Stock Exchange. They also discuss California's clunky new voluntary AI packaging review tool, state-level updates from Louisiana and Idaho, and a hopeful push toward contiguous, multi-state laboratory testing standards.What You’ll Learn:Behind the Scenes at CANRA: What state regulators really think about where hemp and cannabis cannabinoids should be sold.The Track-and-Trace Financial Drag: Why operators and regulators alike are pushing back against the operational costs of Metric data-point fees.Trulieve on the NYSE: What Trulieve’s historic New York Stock Exchange debut means for cannabis public equities and broader market liquidity.AI vs. Regulatory Reality: A critique of the California DCC's new voluntary AI image tool designed to flag youth-appealing packaging.Why Tune In? This conversation delivers unfiltered, executive-level context on the financial and regulatory infrastructure changes that will dictate how your business secures capital, designs packaging, and moves product across state lines.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. 

As the cannabis industry matures, the conversation is shifting from basic intoxication to precise, effect-based wellness. But how do we bridge the gap between consumer anecdotes and true scientific validation for minor cannabinoids?About This EpisodeIn this episode of High Spirits, Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein sit down with Alleh Lindquist, CEO of FloraWorks, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of minor cannabinoids. Alleh shares how FloraWorks transitioned from a wholesale supplier to a clinical research pioneer, paving the way for CBN to become a mainstream, trusted ingredient in the global wellness market. They dive deep into the regulatory hurdles of the upcoming hemp landscape, the reality of running a 1,000+ person clinical trial, and the incredible therapeutic potential of CBN beyond sleep.What You’ll LearnThe Clinical Blueprint for Cannabinoids: Why a 50mg dose of pure CBN outperformed melatonin in a landmark double-blind, placebo-controlled sleep study—and what this means for product formulation.Navigating the Regulatory Gray Zone: How to structurally and legally position structure-function claims (like "improving sleep quality") on product packaging without triggering FDA disease claims.The Future of Cannabinoid Research: A look into FloraWorks’ ground-breaking collaboration with the Salk Institute, where CBN is showing massive potential in reversing age-related cognitive decline and protecting neural pathways.Embracing Uncertainty as a Leader: Actionable advice on how operators can survive current market instability while building a 10-year vision for a stigma-free, mature industry.Meet the GuestAlleh Lindquist is the CEO of FloraWorks, a specialized cannabinoid data and technology company dedicated to the clinical verification and commercialization of minor cannabinoids. Under his leadership, FloraWorks has standardized its patented manufacturing processes to approach FDA dietary ingredient pathways and pioneered massive real-world evidence trials. Alleh is a recognized voice in navigating frontier markets, dedicated to collaborating with researchers, clinicians, and major brands to professionalize the cannabinoid supply chain.Why Tune In?If you are an operator, entrepreneur, or investor looking to understand how the cannabinoid market will survive shifting regulations and integrate into the broader healthcare and dietary supplement spaces, this conversation provides the ultimate scientific and strategic roadmap.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. 

This week on This Week in Cannabis Live, Jay Rosenthal, Jeremy Berke (Cultivated), plus Ben Larson of High Spirits and Marc Hauser of Cannabis Musings, break down the biggest stories in cannabis business and policy.New York's fiscal 2027 state budget locks in roughly $10 million for the seed-to-sale track and trace system — a win Cultivated first reported after an interview with Assemblymember Landon Dais. Curaleaf announced a 1-for-3 reverse stock split ahead of a potential Nasdaq uplisting, with CEO Boris Jordan targeting a major U.S. exchange as the company consolidates its share price. And a federal judge dismissed SAM's lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's Medicare hemp coverage program, ruling the group lacked standing to challenge the CMS initiative covering up to $500 in hemp-derived products annually for eligible patients.Plus, Jay shares highlights from Thursday's Midwest Cannabis Forum in Chicago.This Week in Cannabis Live airs every Friday at noon ET/9 AM Pacific on LinkedIn and YouTube. Subscribe at cultivated.news!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. 

Nothing in the cannabis and hemp markets moves in a straight line, and lately, the operational whiplash has been more intense than ever. In this unpolished and deeply personal episode, hosts Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein step away from the usual guest format to unpack what it actually takes to lead when the industry forces you to slam on the brakes.About This EpisodeIn Episode 139, Ben and AnnaRae pull back the curtain on their own recent business realities, reflecting on the transition from the hyper-growth of hemp beverages in '24 and '25 to the pragmatism required in 2026. They dive into the personal tax of saying "yes" to the wrong revenue, the power of setting firm operational boundaries, and how the introduction of AI is fundamentally restructuring executive advisory teams. This raw conversation offers a real-time case study in founder reinvention, governance, and maintaining a high-spirits mindset during economic and regulatory contraction.What You’ll LearnThe Power of Discernment: When turning down high-dollar contracts can actually create the critical operational space needed to support your core portfolio.Surviving the Whiplash: Strategic tactics for transitioning your leadership style from an optimistic growth founder to a pragmatic, survivalist CEO.AI as an Executive Advisory Board: How to build a digital brain trust to rapidly stress-test business decisions without the overhead of expanded human teams.What "Adulting" in Cannabis Means: Why consistency, transparency, and building data-backed trust with your board outweighs performative professionalism in volatile markets.Why Tune In?If you are a cannabis or hemp operator currently navigating market realignments, board dynamics, or shifting regulatory headwinds, this episode provides the grounded validation and strategic fundamentals necessary to trade fear-based opportunism for sustainable, long-term business health.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. 

In an industry squeezed tight by relentless global price compression, cannabis operators can no longer afford to pay a premium for operational inefficiency. Yet, an invisible enemy is quietly draining up to 40% of cultivation yields across the country.About This EpisodeIn this episode of High Spirits, hosts Ben Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein go back to the roots of the industry to explore the critical, often misunderstood world of plant genetics and pathogen prevention. They sit down with Melanie Nash, CEO of TUMI Genomics, to pull back the curtain on how commercial operations are inadvertently spreading devastating crop diseases and why treating pathogen management as a business system—rather than a crisis response—is the ultimate lever for protecting wholesale profit margins.What You’ll LearnThe Invisible Profit Killers: The big three pathogens—Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd), Fusarium, and Pythium—and why HLVd alone is costing untested facilities roughly 1 in every 10 pounds produced.The Tissue Culture Myth: Why standard tissue culture is just "mini-cloning" and the crucial scientific difference behind true apical meristem tissue culture for cleaning genetics.Ag-Style Operational Infrastructure: How sophisticated cultivators are shifting away from risky, time-consuming in-house pheno-hunting to focus on strict quarantine and preventative testing protocols.CEO Evolution & Scaling with AI: How Melanie transitioned from a hands-on COO to a strategic CEO using the EOS framework, while leveraging data and AI to build predictive pathogen tracking models.Meet the GuestMelanie Nash is the Chief Executive Officer of TUMI Genomics. She brings over a decade of deep operational infrastructure experience across the cannabis supply chain, moving from early retail management to leading large-scale nursery operations in California. Previously serving as COO at Dark Heart Nursery—where her team first identified Hop Latent Viroid in cannabis—and later as COO at Purple City Genetics, Melanie possesses a rare blend of deep scientific credibility, operational instinct, and a passion for helping cultivators build scalable, disease-free business models.Why Tune In?If you are a cannabis executive, entrepreneur, or cultivation director, this episode is a masterclass in operational risk management. You will walk away with actionable insights on how to secure your supply chain, audit your testing lab’s scientific validity, and stop catastrophic crop losses before they hit your P&L.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. 

Join the teams from Cultivated, High Spirits, and Cannabis Musings for your weekly roundup of the biggest stories in cannabis.The DEA just announced it's opening a new registration window for cannabis manufacturers, growers, labs, and distributors — and with nearly 400 dispensary applications already in the pipeline, the race is on. We break down what operators need to know before applying, including the disclosure questions that are most likely to sink an application.Then we're joined by Judson Hill of Fine Fettle for a live segment on what Georgia's newly signed medical cannabis expansion means on the ground — what changed, who it affects, and what comes next for one of the more closely watched state programs in the country.We'll also get into:Brazil's opening cannabis market — the regulatory frameworks, foreign capital flooding in, and why local partnerships are everythingIndiana's Republican push for medical cannabis in 2027 — and how Trump's rescheduling move is giving political cover to fence-sittersThe East Coast Eighth Index — four of five tracked states hit all-time pricing lows in May, and price convergence is accelerating across the regionEarnings season recap — what we learned (and didn't) from a busy week of cannabis financials, including our conversation with Cronos Group CEO Mike GorensteinThis Week in Cannabis News is produced by Cultivated, your daily source for cannabis industry intelligence. Subscribe at  https://cultivated.news.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. 

Is the "Christmas of BevAl" about to change forever? While federal policy looms like a shadow, the world’s largest retailers and data giants are leaning into a category that is proving to be 100% incremental to the bottom line.About This Episode: In this episode, Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein dive deep into the numbers with Jason Zelinski, VP of North American Retail at NielsenIQ. As one of the most prominent voices translating THC beverage performance for mainstream retail, Jason shares exclusive insights into why Target is expanding its hemp-derived drink program and how data is finally legitimizing the cannabis-adjacent market.What You’ll Learn:The "Target" Strategy: Why a $107B retailer is expanding into 300+ stores just six months before a potential federal ban.The Incrementality Argument: Proof that THC beverages aren't just "robbing Peter to pay Paul" but are actually bringing net-new customers to retail.The $11 Billion Prediction: Jason breaks down the "back of the napkin" math on how big this category could truly become with full distribution.Consumer Trends: Why 10mg is becoming the new "sweet spot" for shoppers and why soda is the leading form factor for new adopters.Meet the Guest:Jason Zelinski is the VP of North American Retail at NielsenIQ. With two decades of experience at the intersection of retail and data—including a ten-year tenure in merchandise operations at Walmart and Sam’s Club—Jason has become a critical bridge between the emerging THC market and traditional CPG. He is a leading expert on how grocery, convenience, and mass-market channels are adapting to the explosion of hemp-derived beverages.Why Tune In?If you are an operator or investor, this is the data-backed roadmap you’ve been waiting for. Learn how to speak the language of "Category Management" to get your products on mainstream shelves and understand the critical benchmarks for the industry as we head toward the 2026 "July 4th Christmas."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. 

The DEA has finally spoken, but the path forward for cannabis operators is far from simple. As we move into a post-rescheduling world, the industry is bracing for a complex, bifurcated future that could redefine winners and losers overnight.About This Episode: On this episode of High Spirits, hosts Ben & AnnaRae go deep into the technical and human sides of the rescheduling order with two of the industry’s sharpest minds: Gail Rand (Founder of Grand Consulting) and Michael Harlow (National Cannabis Lead at CohnReznick). We explore the potential for retroactive 280E relief, the looming battle for market share, and why your business fundamentals matter more now than ever before.💡 What You’ll Learn:The 280E Retroactivity Debate: Can operators actually expect tax refunds for prior years, and how should you be planning your cash flow today?The Bifurcation Challenge: Why the industry might split into distinct Medical vs. Adult Use silos and what that means for your licensing strategy.M&A and the Horizontal Shift: How the move toward Schedule III could trigger a wave of consolidation and a departure from the traditional vertical integration model.Operational Readiness: Why "cleaning up your books" is the most critical move you can make while waiting for federal agencies to harmonize their rules.🌟 Meet the Guests:Gail Rand is a CPA and the Founder of Grand Consulting, bringing over 30 years of finance expertise to the industry. Her journey began as a patient advocate, helping pass Maryland’s medical cannabis legislation to secure access for her son, and she eventually became the CFO of the state’s first cultivation licensee.Michael Harlow is the Managing Partner of CohnReznick’s DC Metro office and leads the firm’s National Cannabis Practice. With a decade of experience advising everyone from single-site dispensaries to the largest MSOs, Michael is a preeminent expert on the tax, accounting, and regulatory hurdles facing cannabis businesses.📅 Why Tune In?If you are an operator or investor trying to make sense of the "gobbledygook" of federal policy, this conversation provides the roadmap you need. Ben & AnnaRae cut through the noise to help you understand how to protect your margins and position your business for the next era of American cannabis.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. 

It's been one week since cannabis rescheduling to Schedule III was announced — and the questions keep multiplying. Jay Rosenthal, Marc Hauser, and Ben Larson unpack the real-world implications for operators, lawyers, accountants, and states navigating this seismic shift.In this episode:The DEA registration question: does it matter for 280E relief?The "Schrödinger's Cannabis" problem — how the same product can be Schedule I and Schedule III simultaneouslyState-level ripple effects: South Carolina, Nevada, Indiana, Texas, and moreThe 60-day application window and what it means (or doesn't)Congressional pushback: an appropriations bill that could defund rescheduling?Political dynamics: Trump, Kim Rivers, and the hemp connection4/20 data: pre-rolls dominate, infused pre-rolls surge nationallyPlus clips from Mike Feldman (NABIS General Counsel) and Rick Bashkoff (Lit Alerts) on what rescheduling means operationally and at retail.Hosts:Jay Rosenthal, CultivatedMarc Hauser, Cannabis MusingsBen Larson, High SpiritsStreamed live May 1, 2026Join us every Friday at 12PM ET / 9AM PT🔔 Subscribe for weekly cannabis industry analysis, news, and live conversations.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. 

Is it time to get giddy or stay skeptical? The federal rescheduling of cannabis is the biggest regulatory shift in decades, but it comes with a complex web of DEA registrations and international treaty considerations. Join Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein as they sit down with top legal minds Alyssa Samuel (Husch Blackwell), Eric Berlin (Dentons), and Michael Cooper (Madison J Solutions) to unpack what happens when the DEA portal opens and how you can position your business to be a winner in this new era.💡 What You’ll Learn:The DEA Registration Roadmap: How the new 60-day registration window works and why being "deemed compliant" is the first step toward federal legality.The Interstate Commerce Conflict: Will Schedule III trigger the Dormant Commerce Clause and finally break down the "closed-loop" state systems?Banking & Capital Markets: Why Schedule III status could be the "mic drop" moment for NASDAQ listings, SBA loans, and institutional investment.The Future of Adult-Use: The legal hurdles involving international drug treaties and the upcoming June hearing that could decide the fate of recreational markets.🌟 Meet the Guests:Alyssa Samuel: An attorney at Husch Blackwell with over a decade of experience in the Colorado and multi-state markets, specializing in complex regulatory compliance.Eric Berlin: Lead of the US and Global cannabis sector at Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, bringing 18 years of specialized cannabis legal expertise.Michael Cooper: Founder of MadisonJay Solutions and Chair of Policy for the NCIA, Michael is a leading voice in regulatory strategy for cannabinoids and spirits.📅 Why Tune In?The "Knife Fight" for survival just got a lot more technical. If you are a cannabis operator, investor, or policy wonk, this episode provides the direct legal clarity you need to navigate the next six months of federal transition without falling for industry misinformation.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. 

What does rescheduling really change — in the next 90 days, the next year, and the next decade? Jay Rosenthal and Jeremy Berke  from Cultivated are joined by AnnaRae Grabstein and Ben Larson from the High Spirits podcast and Marc Hauser from Cannabis Musings for a live breakdown of the  stories that defined this week in cannabis.Rescheduling: We're bringing in a special guest to help cut through the noise — what does moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III actually change for operators? What happens to 280E? What does it mean for banking, for institutional investment, for the broader legitimacy of the industry? And critically: what doesn't change at all?Subscribe → https://cultivated.newsHave 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. 

Is the "growth at all costs" era of the MSO officially over? According to Richie Proud, success in today's cannabis market isn't about having the most square footage—it’s about operational efficiency, consumer engagement, and a "flower-first" mentality.About This Episode: On this episode of High Spirits, hosts Ben Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein sit down with Richie Proud, CEO of iAnthus. Since taking the helm in 2023, Richie has led a strategic restructuring of one of the industry's most storied public companies. He shares how his background in high-stakes retail at Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister is shaping the way iAnthus connects with consumers in complex medical markets like Florida and emerging adult-use hubs in the Northeast.💡 What You’ll Learn:The "Flower-First" Strategy: Why iAnthus is prioritizing craft-quality genetics and cultivation over sheer canopy size to drive brand loyalty.Operational Restructuring: How Richie moved the company from a regionalized model to a "centralized strategy, localized execution" framework.The Florida Market Deep Dive: Insights into the unique medical consumer demographic and why patients "vote with their feet" in a vertical-only state.Transitioning from Big Retail: How to adapt traditional CPG playbooks to the unpredictable and highly regulated world of cannabis without failing.🌟 Meet Richie Proud:Richie Proud is the CEO of iAnthus, a vertically integrated MSO with a significant footprint across the East Coast. With over two decades of experience in retail leadership—including executive roles at Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, and Curaleaf—Richie brings a consumer-obsessed, data-driven approach to cannabis. He is currently focused on steering iAnthus toward sustainable EBITDA expansion and refining its portfolio of brands like The Vault and Cheetah.📅 Why Tune In?If you are an operator or investor looking for a masterclass in the "stabilize and grow" phase of the cannabis business cycle, this conversation is essential. Richie provides a transparent look at how a public MSO can pivot from legacy baggage to become a lean, consumer-centric competitor in 2026.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. 

On This Week in Cannabis Live, High Spirits hosts Ben Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein join the team at Cultivated for a high-stakes news roundup. From the logistical nightmare of surging oil prices to the "race to the bottom" for cannabis pricing on the East Coast, the crew breaks down the macro-trends hitting operators' bottom lines right now. Plus, a look at the latest hemp-derived THC legislation and the "de-banking" saga that proves no one is safe from the whims of big banks.💡 What You’ll Learn:The Logistics Crunch: How $110 oil is forcing distributors like Nabis to use AI and "secure roots" just to keep trucks moving.The "Massachusetts Effect": Why East Coast markets are rapidly compressing toward $23 eighths and how operators must find efficiency to survive.Hemp vs. The Farm Bill: A breakdown of the Klobuchar-Rand Paul hemp bill and whether "gas station weed" can actually survive federal scrutiny.The De-Banking Reality: Why even non-plant-touching media companies are getting shut down by Chase and the critical need for financial redundancy.🌟 Meet the Panel:This episode features a "full house" of industry experts, including hosts Ben Larson (Vertosa) and AnnaRae Grabstein(Wolf Meyer), alongside Jay Rosenthal and Jeremy Berke of Cultivated, and Marc Hauser of Cannabis Musings. This group combines deep expertise in cannabis investment, media, legal policy, and supply chain operations.📅 Why Tune In?Whether you're an MSO executive or a craft hemp brand, the "difficulty level" of the cannabis industry just increased. Tune in to hear how the top minds in the space are navigating the current "knife fight" for profitability and where they see the biggest wins (and losses) heading into the rest of the year.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. 

The hemp beverage industry is thriving, but a federal "cliff" in November could bring it all to a screeching halt. With a looming ban on products over 0.4mg of THC, the stakes have never been higher for operators and consumers alike.About This Episode:In this episode of High Spirits, hosts Ben Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein sit down with Dawson Hobbs, EVP of Government Affairs at the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA). As a key player representing 80% of the nation’s wine and spirits distribution, Dawson provides a high-stakes look at the legislative battle in Washington D.C., the push for a three-tier regulatory model, and why the industry must choose between strict regulation or total extinction.💡 What You’ll Learn:The November 2026 Deadline: Why federal funding bills currently threaten to criminalize nearly every hemp beverage on the market.The Power of the Three-Tier System: How the alcohol model of "Producer-Distributor-Retailer" can provide the safety guardrails Congress is demanding.Legislative Strategy for 218 Votes: Why standalone bills matter and how to find champions on the Hill who prioritize public safety over "gas station weed."The "Perfect vs. Good" Trap: Why the hemp industry must stop suing over state regulations if it wants to survive at the federal level.🌟 Meet Dawson Hobbs:Dawson Hobbs is the EVP of Government Affairs for the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA). With over two decades of experience navigating alcohol policy, Dawson is one of the most influential voices in Washington regarding the intersection of traditional beverage and emerging THC categories. He leads advocacy efforts for over 380 member companies, bridging the gap between legacy distribution and the future of hemp-derived intoxicants.📅 Why Tune In?Whether you are a hemp operator, a cannabis MSO, or a beverage investor, this conversation is your roadmap for the next six months. Dawson breaks down the exact "proof of concept" the industry needs to present to Congress to ensure THC beverages stay on shelves and out of the shadows.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. 

Is the "show me" state actually showing the rest of the country how to build a sustainable, high-growth cannabis market? In an era where many MSOs are struggling to stay afloat, one family-owned operator is proving that technical expertise and operational discipline are the ultimate competitive advantages.On this episode of High Spirits, hosts Ben Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein are joined by Boston Dickerson, Founder and CEO of Show Me Organics. Boston shares the incredible journey of scaling a "backwards vertical" business—starting with retail and manufacturing before moving into cultivation—and how he grew the company from a two-person startup to a 350-employee powerhouse across Missouri and Kentucky.💡 What You’ll Learn:The "Backwards" Vertical Strategy: Why starting with retail and manufacturing provided a unique advantage in understanding consumer demand before touching a single plant.The Reality of the "Knife Fight": How oversupply in Missouri shifted power to retailers and what it takes for a brand to survive pricing pressure.Winning with Process: The transition from "founder-led hustle" to using EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) for clarity and accountability at scale.Breaking into Kentucky: The challenges and opportunities of operating in a new, highly restrictive medical market and the importance of localized pride.🌟 Meet Boston Dickerson:Boston Dickerson is the Founder and CEO of Show Me Organics, one of Missouri’s premier vertically integrated cannabis operators. With a background in biochemistry and a passion for the plant, Boston and his brother Montana have built a diverse portfolio including Blue Sage Dispensaries, Vivid, and Missouri’s Own Edibles. Known for his disciplined approach to capital and operations, Boston is currently leading the company's expansion into Kentucky and eyeing future growth in limited-license markets like Texas.📅 Why Tune In?If you are an operator trying to navigate the messy transition from startup hustle to enterprise-level scaling, this conversation is a masterclass. Boston provides a rare, transparent look at the "nos" it takes to get a "yes," the discipline required to raise capital in a down market, and why your business plan shouldn't rely on rescheduling as a lifeline.Keep your spirits high!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. 

"Stop shaming my sex and drugs."On this episode of High Spirits, hosts Ben Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein sit down with the incomparable Tanya Griffin, a multihyphenate entrepreneur who is rewriting the rulebook on what it means to be a "professional" in the cannabis industry. From building the first vertically integrated national franchise to navigating the "crash landing" of the Illinois social equity market, Tanya’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, systems-building, and radical honesty.We dive deep into the brutal reality of the Illinois retail landscape—where MSOs use MSAs to bypass store caps—and explore Tanya’s provocative thesis: that "dropping into flow states" through cannabis, intimacy, and wellness isn't just a lifestyle choice, it’s a competitive advantage for scaling high-growth companies.💡 What You’ll Learn:The Illinois "Muddled Mess": An inside look at the X2Vets LLC lawsuit and how MSOs are consolidating power in one of the country's most expensive markets.Franchising vs. Mom & Pop: Can a franchise model provide the operational backbone that social equity operators need to survive against giants like GTI and Cresco?Scaling Sexual Wellness: The "soup-to-nuts" journey of building oOYes, a brand at the intersection of women's health, cannabinoids, and dismantling sexual shame.The Power of Bootstrapping: Why Tanya owns 100% of her companies and her "Crawl, Walk, Run" advice for surviving a market with zero access to traditional capital.🌟 Meet Tanya Griffin:Tanya Griffin is the founder of Water and Trees, a growth management firm, and the visionary behind brands like oOYes and Uh huh Honey. With over 35 years of experience building retail companies (from midwifery clinics to dispensaries), she is a prominent deal-maker and consultant in the Illinois market. Tanya is also a fierce advocate for harm reduction through her nonprofit, Save My Life, which provides free Narcan throughout Illinois.📅 Why Tune In?This isn't your average business podcast. If you’re tired of the corporate "suit and tie" narrative in cannabis and want to hear how raw authenticity and lean operations can win against billion-dollar MSOs, this conversation with Tanya Griffin is required listening.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. 

On this episode of High Spirits, hosts Ben Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein are joined by Elliot Lane, Co-Founder and President of IgniteIt. After years of building the cannabis vertical at Benzinga, Elliot and his team are striking out on their own to create a more intentional, high-impact space for cannabis leaders. From navigating the "pure terror" of entrepreneurship to the tactical secrets of building a world-class B2B network, Elliot shares how Ignite It is cutting through the noise to provide the financial and strategic clarity the industry desperately needs in 2026.💡 What You’ll Learn:The Ignite It Origin Story: Why the team moved on from Benzinga to build a focused, niche ecosystem for emerging markets.Tactical Business Development: How Elliot uses curiosity and "leading with value" to crack open relationships in new state markets.The Future of Cannabis Media: How to build a platform that serves as an industry dashboard without adding to the "headline noise."Founder Reality Check: A candid look at the mix of fear, imposter syndrome, and excitement that comes with being a first-time founder in cannabis.🌟 Meet Elliot Lane:Elliot Lane is a seasoned media and events leader and the Co-Founder of IgniteIt. Previously the head of product and sales for Benzinga Cannabis, Elliot was instrumental in turning their conferences into "must-attend" rooms for the industry's elite. With a background in New York City hospitality and the performing arts, he brings a unique ability to read a room and foster genuine human connection, making him one of the most effective networkers in the cannabis and hemp sectors.📅 Why Tune In?Whether you are looking to scale your B2B networking strategy or want an inside look at how the industry’s premier events are actually built, this conversation is a goldmine. 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. 

On This Week in Cannabis Live, host Jay Rosenthal and Jeremy Berke (Cultivated.news) lead a high-stakes roundtable featuring Ben Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein (High Spirits) and Marc Hauser (Cannabis Musings). Special guest appearance by Bryan Fields of The Dime Podcast.The panel dives into the messy reality of cannabis earnings season, where "creative writing" often masks the bottom line. From the crushing price compression in mature markets like Massachusetts and Colorado to the legislative stalls in Florida and Pennsylvania, the group analyzes who is actually built to survive 2026.💡 What You’ll Learn:The Earnings Illusion: Why "Adjusted EBITDA" is the industry’s favorite smoke screen and how to spot the real financial health of an operator.Price Compression Pain Points: Understanding the data behind $4 grams in Massachusetts and what it means for the future of premiumization.Legislative Gridlock: A deep dive into why Florida’s legalization has stalled and why Pennsylvania’s Governor Shapiro is still "beating the drum" without results.The "Mega-Farm" Factor: How massive 180-acre operations like LEEF are shifting the competitive math for craft growers.Hemp’s Faustian Bargain: A debate on the three-tier distribution system—is it a necessary path to the mainstream or a trap for small brands?🌟 Meet the Panel:This episode features a powerhouse of cannabis insights led by Jay Rosenthal and Jeremy Berke, the editorial voices behind Cultivated. They are joined by Ben Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein, the strategic minds behind the High Spirits podcast, and Marc Hauser, the legal and economic voice of Cannabis Musings. Together, they provide a 360-degree view of the policy, capital, and operational hurdles facing the industry today.📅 Why Tune In?Whether you are an MSO executive or a craft operator, this TWICL roundtable is a masterclass in separating signal from noise. This conversation provides the strategic foresight needed to understand how state-level retail shifts and federal policy uncertainty will impact your bottom line this year.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. 

On this episode of High Spirits, hosts Ben & AnnaRae forgo the guest chair for a candid, deep-dive conversation into the shifting tides of the industry. From the sobering reality of Tilray’s latest $44M acquisition to the "perfect enforcement" threat of AI, this episode explores the evolution of cannabis leadership and the grit required to stay in the game.💡 What You’ll Learn:The Tilray Strategy: Is Tilray still a cannabis company, or a global CPG powerhouse in disguise? We break down their acquisition of BrewDog and their $850M+ revenue split.AI and "Perfect Enforcement": How agentic AI could shift cannabis regulation from "imperfect oversight" to surgical, automated enforcement of every law on the books.Women in Cannabis: In honor of Women’s History Month, a reflection on leadership, "leaping to freedom," and why process automation is a secret superpower.The Hemp Cliff: A reality check on the looming November deadline and why the industry must stop arguing about concessions and start listening to Congress.🛡️ Why Tune In?If you are an operator or investor trying to make sense of the "fallen from grace" public stocks or the looming technological shifts in regulation, this episode provides a grounded perspective. Ben & AnnaRae cut through the noise to discuss what a "durable" cannabis company actually looks like in 2026.Stay curious, stay informed, and keep your spirits high.“I did not fall from Grace. I lept to freedom.” — AnnaRae sharing the Autobiography of Eve in honor of Women's Month.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. 

From New York’s bold $4.6 billion market forecast to the unlikely intersection of the Second Amendment and cannabis at the Supreme Court, the team explores the shifting tectonic plates of the U.S. industry. Are we witnessing the "locus of the cannabis world" moving East, or does California still hold the crown?💡 What You’ll Learn:The New York Surge: Why the OCM’s new leadership is projecting a $4.6B market by 2028—and how that stacks up against California.SCOTUS & The Second Amendment: The surprising "habitual drunkard" logic being used to debate cannabis users’ gun rights.Brand Power Rankings: Why edible brands like Wild and Wyld are climbing the charts while flower faces a systemic decline.The Louisiana "Golden Ticket": Analyzing the controversial proposal to give medical licensees a 3-year monopoly on adult-use sales.Cultural Flashpoints: A look at the "smell of weed" debate and why conservative backlash is becoming a key political narrative.🌟 Meet the Guest Panel:This episode features insights from Jeremy Berke (founder of Cultivated), Marc Hauser (cannabis attorney and author of Cannabis Musings), and Jay Rosenthal. Together with Ben & AnnaRae, they provide a cross-disciplinary look at the legal, financial, and cultural trends defining the current cannabis landscape.📅 Why Tune In?Whether you're a multi-state operator (MSO) tracking New York's messy but massive rollout, or a brand strategist wondering why consumers are ditching flower for gummies, this conversation provides the macro context you need to stay ahead. We cut through the political noise to find the real economic signals.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. 

The federal government has finally acknowledged the "accepted medical use" of cannabis—but for millions of patients, the battle for true integration into the US healthcare system is just beginning. As we face a shifting regulatory landscape, is Schedule III a victory or a trap?About This Episode:In this episode of High Spirits, hosts Ben Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein are joined by Steph Sherer, the powerhouse Founder and Executive Director of Americans for Safe Access (ASA). With nearly 25 years of advocacy under her belt, Steph provides a masterclass on the political realities of rescheduling, the critical need for a "Schedule 6" designation, and why the cannabis industry must stop "waiting" for policy to happen to them.From the fallout of the CannaBev Summit in Miami to the nuances of the recent executive orders, this conversation cuts through the noise of social media to reveal what is actually happening in the halls of DC.💡 What You’ll Learn:The Schedule III vs. Schedule 6 Debate: Why moving cannabis to Schedule III helps businesses with taxes but fails to provide the federal framework patients actually need.The "Triage" of State Programs: How current state medical markets were designed as temporary fixes and why it’s time to move toward national integration.The Redefinition of Medicine: Why the FDA's current pathway is broken for complex botanicals and how the proposed Office of Medical Cannabis Control could fix it.The Power of "The Patient": Why simply mentioning the word "patient" remains the most effective tool for shifting the perspective of federal regulators.🌟 Meet Steph Sherer:Steph Sherer is a pioneer in the medical cannabis movement, having founded Americans for Safe Access in 2002 in response to federal raids on California dispensaries. She has trained over 100,000 advocates, worked with the World Health Organization to change international drug treaties, and is currently leading ASA’s "second act" to fully integrate cannabis into the US healthcare system. Steph is widely recognized as one of the most influential advocates in the history of the movement.📅 Why Tune In?Whether you are a hemp operator worried about the Farm Bill or a cannabis executive navigating rescheduling, Steph Sherer explains why the "patient perspective" is the ultimate leverage for long-term industry stability. If you want to understand the difference between social media rumors and DC reality, this episode is essential.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. 

Chicago Atlantic's Steven Ernest, Head of Originations, pulls back the curtain on institutional cannabis lending — from how his firm evaluates operators and underwrites deals, to navigating distressed assets, ESOPs, and the murky road ahead for rescheduling and 280E. If you want to understand how capital really flows in this industry, this is the episode.But before we talk to Steven, a quick catch up: Ben's back from Maui, AnnaRae just returned from Kauai as the newly minted president of organic farming nonprofit WWOOF USA, and both are already packing bags again for the Canna Bev Summit in Miami. They hit two sobering news items: a reefer-madness-flavored California hearing where Assembly member Jaqui Irwin is gunning for tighter cannabis packaging and dosing rules in an already struggling market, and Michigan's 8.3% year-over-year sales drop — a one-two punch of a new 24% wholesale tax and record winter storms hammering operators across the Northeast.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. 

The 2026 Farm Bill draft is finally on the table, and while the "hemp loophole" remains untouched for now, the industry is already looking toward a post-cliff future. As big tobacco backs Canadian giants in Europe and stadiums open their doors to THC, the landscape of cannabis distribution is shifting under our feet.In this week's edition of This Week in Cannabis Live (TWICL), hosts Jay Rosenthal and Jeremy Berke of Cultivated are joined by Ben Larson (High Spirits) and Marc Hauser (Cannabis Musings) to break down the latest legislative and market movements. From Organigram’s massive €250M move into Germany to the potential for THC beverages to hit New York liquor stores, the panel explores whether the industry is finally moving toward a "layered" regulatory reality.What You’ll Learn:The Farm Bill First Look: Why the initial draft’s silence on hemp-derived THC is both a relief and a warning for operators.The "Canadian Advantage" 2.0: How federal coherence and tobacco backing (BAT) are allowing Canadian LPs to dominate the European medical market.Stadium Status: The significance of the United Center's 3-year THC beverage deal and what it means for consumer discovery.Retail Convergence: A deep dive into the New York bill that could pit liquor stores against dispensaries—and why brands are cheering for it.Risk vs. Revenue: A debate on whether regional distributors will keep moving products if the "hemp cliff" recriminalizes certain cannabinoids.Meet the Panel:This episode features a powerhouse of cannabis experts led by Jay Rosenthal and Jeremy Berke, the editorial voices behind Cultivated. They are joined by Ben Larson, host of High Spirits and seasoned venture catalyst, and Marc Hauser, the legal mind behind Cannabis Musings, to provide a 360-degree view of the industry's most complex hurdles.Why Tune In?Whether you are an MSO executive or a hemp beverage startup, the rules of distribution are being rewritten this month. This episode provides the strategic foresight needed to understand how federal policy, international M&A, and state-level retail shifts will impact your bottom line in 2026.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. 

THC% might be the most overused number in cannabis—and it’s not helping consumers make better choices. In this episode, Ben nerds out with Dr. Riley Kirk on what actually drives effects, why “nose knows” matters, and how cannabis science can (and should) live outside academic journals.-Ben Larson (solo this week while AnnaRae is off-grid in Kauai) welcomes Dr. Riley Kirk—PhD cannabis scientist, educator, and author of Reefer Wellness—for a conversation that bridges plant chemistry, consumer behavior, and real-world harm reduction. They unpack why flower delivers a “natural ratio” of compounds that’s hard to replicate in modern formulations, why skunky/gassy aromas often come from sulfur compounds (not terpenes), and how consumers can use sensory cues to find the right experience.They also dig into the realities of cannabis education in the social media era—how Dr. Kirk built a massive audience on TikTok during COVID, what censorship changed, and why she ultimately pushed her science into a book deal with Penguin Random House. Plus: the surprising data behind why ~1 in 5 people may not feel edibles, and what the industry should be funding if it wants better labeling, better products, and better outcomes.💡 What You’ll LearnWhy THC% is a weak predictor of effects—and how to shop using aroma (“nose knows”)What creates skunky, gassy, and fruity profiles (and why it’s not always terpenes)Why Dr. Kirk believes flower offers a “natural ratio” vs. ultra-fortified vapes and formulationsThe roles of CBG and CBC—and why combusting CBC can convert it into CBLWhy ~20% of people may not feel edibles, and the leading metabolism/genetics explanationHow dry herb vaping can be a practical harm-reduction alternative to combustionWhat real-world data studies can reveal when you connect consumer experience to COAsHow Dr. Kirk used short-form education to land a major publishing deal—and what surprised her about book marketing today🌿 Meet the Guest: Dr. Riley KirkDr. Riley Kirk is a cannabis scientist and educator focused on plant chemistry and real-world consumer research. She co-founded the nonprofit Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP), teaches Cannabis as Medicine at Vermont State University, and hosts cannabis science content online as @CannaBiChem. She’s also the author of Reefer Wellness, published by Penguin Random House, translating cannabis science into accessible guidance for everyday consumers.🎧 Why Tune In?Whether you’re building products, educating customers, or just trying to find cannabis that reliably works for your body, this episode delivers a smarter framework than “highest THC wins.” Ben and Dr. Kirk connect the science, the shelf, and the story—showing why cannabis literacy is the next competitive advantage for regulated markets.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. 

The cannabis industry is getting squeezed from every angle—state AGs, ballot fights, and a federal regulator that can’t hit a deadline. On this week’s High Spirits business news roundup, Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein break down the stories shaping operator strategy right now.Episode #125 dives into Ohio’s escalating “legalization meets enforcement” showdown, including an antitrust lawsuit targeting major MSOs—and the messy split between regulated cannabis and hemp interests. Then it’s down to Texas, where the medical program is finally showing real growth… even as adult-use remains politically off-limits. We close with the FDA’s missed hemp guidance deadline and a notable bright spot: $15M raised to scale THC beverages nationwide.What You’ll LearnWhat Ohio’s MSO antitrust lawsuit could mean for vertical integration and pricing scrutinyWhy limited-license, vertically integrated markets create “accidental collusion” incentivesHow Texas’ medical program expansion changes the opportunity (and risk) for operatorsWhat recent ballot wins/losses in Maine, Florida, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania signal for 2026Why the FDA’s missed deadline adds more uncertainty for hemp cannabinoids and enforcementWhat Willlie’s Remedy’s $15M raise says about where capital still believes in cannabis-adjacent growthHave 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. 

From Olympic hockey banter to Washington politics and THC drinks at major arenas, this episode proves there’s never a slow week in cannabis. AnnaRae joins a familiar roundtable to unpack policy signals, market stress, and why beverages keep stealing the spotlight.About This EpisodeOn this week’s edition of This Week in Cannabis Live, Jay Rosenthal is joined by Jeremy Berke, Marc Hauser, and AnnaRae Grabstein for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of the industry. Topics include Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s candid take on cannabis reform, GTI/Rhythm’s THC beverages landing at the United Center, MSO financial distress, and a surprise capital raise from Willie Nelson’s THC beverage brand.AnnaRae also digs into what these headlines mean for operators navigating policy uncertainty, capital constraints, and shifting consumer behavior.💡 What You’ll LearnWhat Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s comments signal about cannabis reform under a Trump administrationWhy THC beverages are breaking into arenas, concerts, and hospitality venuesHow MSO distress (including asset sales and forbearance agreements) reflects a broader industry resetWhy Willie’s Remedy raising $15M surprised many investorsWhat New York’s Brand Power Rankings reveal about local vs. national cannabis brandsHow policy uncertainty is freezing capital—and where momentum still existsHave 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. 

THC beverages are officially hitting the big leagues—and Chicago’s United Center is the proof point. In Episode 124 of High Spirits, hosts Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein sit down with Rick Schepp (GM of Beverage, Señorita & RYTHM) and Charles Bieler (Co-Founder, Señorita) to unpack what it really takes to build hemp-derived THC drinks that can scale into major venues, national retail, and mass culture.From on-premise conversion and the power of sampling, to effect-led product strategy and the looming “hemp ban” uncertainty, this conversation gets into the operational reality behind the headlines—and why low-dose beverages may be the clearest bridge between cannabis and everyday consumers.What You’ll LearnHow the United Center deal came together—and what it signals for concerts, sports, and mainstream adoptionWhy sampling is the #1 lever for driving trial and repeat purchases in THC beveragesWhat “scale” actually requires: supply chain readiness, retailer support, and customer-first executionThe difference between hemp retail vs. dispensary channels—and how dosage shapes the lineHow Rhythm is approaching effect-based beverages (uplift vs. wind-down) to mirror real cannabis use casesHow leaders are scenario-planning for 2026 policy uncertainty without freezing growthMeet the GuestsRick Schepp is the General Manager of Beverage at RYTHM, where he leads strategy, innovation, and commercialization for its THC beverage portfolio, including Señorita. With prior leadership roles at Beam Suntory and experience at Boston Consulting Group, Rick brings a rare blend of CPG rigor and cannabis-specific insight to one of the industry’s fastest-growing categories.Charles Bieler is a veteran beverage entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Señorita. Best known for his award-winning wine portfolio at Bieler Wines, Charles applies decades of winemaking expertise—flavor structure, ingredient integrity, and balance—to THC margaritas, helping elevate cannabis beverages from novelty to legitimate category.Why Tune In?If you’re building in cannabis, hemp, or beverages, this episode is a practical roadmap for navigating retail realities, policy turbulence, and the cultural shift toward low-dose alternatives—without losing sight of what consumers actually want.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. 

Policy and regulation across cannabis and hemp are shifting fast—and operators don’t get to pause the business while Washington debates definitions.On Episode 123 of High Spirits, Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein sit down with Thomas Winstanley, EVP of edibles.com, to unpack what it actually looks like to build and operate through policy uncertainty. From the urgency of 2026 (“do or die”) to the reality that “waiting for clarity” isn’t a strategy, Thomas shares how his team is planning in scenarios, engaging policymakers, and pushing for a framework that preserves consumer access while drawing a real line between good actors and bad actors.They also zoom out to the market signals shaping this moment—like United Center’s multi-year THC beverage deal with GTI and the rise of employee ownership structures (ESOPs)—and why curated product strategies (not endless SKU sprawl) may be the most resilient way to grow.What You’ll LearnWhere advocacy is actually being focused as federal hemp policy heats upHow to “operate while the rules are still being written” without losing business momentumWhy Thomas sees 2026 as a defining year—and what a realistic path forward could includeHow to plan with contingencies (worst / middle / best case) when the regulatory floor could shiftWhy unity across competing interests matters—and how to have the hard conversations productivelyThe consumer shift toward low-dose, ratioed products (THC + CBD) as a mainstream on-rampWhy Tune In? If you’re leading a cannabis or hemp business right now, this conversation is a tactical gut-check: how to stay proactive, keep building, and engage in advocacy without getting pulled off mission—especially when certainty isn’t on the table.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. 

In this edition of This Week in Cannabis Live, our host Ben Larson joins Jay Rosenthal & Jeremy Berke of Cultivated and Marc Hauser of Cannabis Musings for a fast-moving, no-BS conversation on the biggest stories shaping cannabis right now. From Schedule III claims and missed DOJ deadlines to a surprise hemp bill, New York’s track-and-trace chaos, and the realities behind M&A headlines, this episode is all signal, no fluff.What You’ll Learn:Why cannabis rescheduling is still very much unfinished businessWhat the new “CBD bill” could mean for hemp, THC limits, and regulatory convergenceHow FDA inaction continues to stall real market clarityThe hidden costs and legal risks of New York’s delayed track-and-trace rolloutWhether 2026 will truly be an M&A boom—or just distressed deal-makingWhy regulatory capture, compliance costs, and IP disputes are becoming defining industry risksMeet the Panel:Jay Rosenthal (Cultivated), Jeremy Berke (Cultivated), Marc Hauser (Cannabis Musings), and Ben Larson (High Spirits) bring investor, legal, operator, and media perspectives together for a grounded, sometimes skeptical, always informed take on the week in cannabis. This is real-time analysis from people deeply embedded in the industry’s policy and business trenches.Why Tune In?If you want to understand what’s actually changing—and what’s just being marketed as progress—this episode delivers context, candor, and critical insight every cannabis operator, executive, and investor needs right now.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. 

Cannabis is leaving its “startup era”—and the next phase won’t be won by hype. It’ll be won by operators who can build trust, standardize the experience, and run tighter businesses in a margin-crushed market.On Episode 122 of High Spirits, hosts Ben & AnnaRae sit down with Ashwin Raj, CEO of LeafLink, to unpack what he’s seeing from the center of cannabis wholesale—where billions in transactions reveal the real signals of industry health. Ashwin draws sharp parallels to ride-sharing and e-commerce, and makes the case that consumer education, product standards, and tech-driven compliance are the keys to unlocking the next wave of growth.They also go inside LeafLink’s pricing-model backlash (and reversal), the strategic logic behind acquiring DAMA Financial, and why the industry’s biggest bottlenecks aren’t just regulatory—they’re operational.What You’ll LearnWhy consumer education + product standards are still a massive gap in cannabis (especially vs. alcohol)The “signals from the middle” LeafLink sees that predict operator distress before it hits the headlinesHow policy decisions (like license caps or overload) drive price compression and market instabilityWhat Ashwin learned from the LeafLink pricing uproar—and why predictability matters in cannabisHow the DAMA Financial acquisition connects payments, AR/AP, and compliance into one systemVerticalization vs. specialization: what’s winning now—and what likely wins long-termMeet the GuestAshwin Raj is the CEO of LeafLink, a platform at the center of cannabis wholesale powering billions in transactions across thousands of companies. Before cannabis, Ashwin led in industries that scaled ahead of regulation—holding leadership roles at Lyft, Amazon, and ezCater across marketplaces, payments, and operational infrastructure. He brings a “build for the long term” mindset to cannabis, with a clear emphasis on listening to customers, simplifying complexity, and using tech to turn compliance into confidence.Why Tune In?Because this episode isn’t about wishful thinking—it’s about what the data actually says. If you’re an operator, brand, retailer, or investor trying to survive (and win) the next phase of cannabis, Ashwin’s “middle-of-the-market” view will sharpen your strategy fast.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. 

Two of the most durable edibles brands in cannabis just joined forces—and the backstory is pure “mature-market grit.” On Episode 121 of High Spirits, hosts Ben Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein sit down with Aaron Morris (Founder & CEO of Wyld) and Draper Bender (President of Grön) for their first interview together following Wyld’s acquisition of Grön.They unpack why Oregon breeds profitable operators, how “market compressions” shape winning playbooks, and what it takes to build a real national platform in cannabis without hype, bankers, or venture-fueled burn. Plus: a rapid-fire policy rundown—from the federal “Baird bill” hemp delay to state-by-state adult-use pushes and rollback campaigns—setting the stage for what 2026 could mean for operators.What You’ll LearnWhy Oregon’s repeated price compressions create tougher (and better-prepared) brandsHow Wyld and Grön scaled with distribution-first strategy and strong retail relationshipsWhat “one plus one equals five” actually looks like when two profitable operators combineThe real role of form factor + product consistency in consumer loyalty (and why “innovation” is often overrated)How they think about hemp vs. regulated cannabis distribution—and what’s changing fast in 2026Why most cannabis M&A dies at the finish line… and how this one got doneMeet the GuestsAaron Morris is the CEO of Wyld, one of the largest edibles companies in the U.S., known for disciplined execution, quality, and a distribution engine built to scale. Draper Bender is the President of Grön, the brand behind the iconic Pearls and Megas—playful products with serious operational rigor and deep retail relationships.Why Tune In?If you’re building in cannabis through margin pressure, policy whiplash, and retail gatekeeping, this episode is a masterclass in durability, distribution, and dealmaking the hard way—from two operators who’ve already survived multiple rounds of compression and came out bigger.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. 

What actually changes for cannabis in 2026—and what’s still just wishful thinking? Join the teams from Cultivated Media, High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast, and Cannabis Musings for This Week in Cannabis Live | 2026 Prediction Show. From rescheduling realities and 280E implications to M&A strategy, hemp-derived beverages, and where not to start a cannabis business, this conversation cuts through the noise with grounded, operator-first insight.What You’ll Learn:Why rescheduling may help strong operators—but won’t save bad businessesAnnaRae’s take on why “Big CPG is coming” is still mostly hype for 2026Whether 2026 is the year to buy cannabis assets—or stay patientWhat actually gets easier if 280E goes away (and what stays broken)The uncertain future of hemp-derived THC beverages and low-dose carveoutsWhich parts of the cannabis value chain to avoid entirely right nowWhy Tune In? If you’re a cannabis or hemp operator trying to separate real opportunity from recycled narratives, this episode delivers clarity. AnnaRae’s predictions aren’t about hype—they’re about timing, discipline, and surviving long enough to win.Catch This Week in Cannabis Live on LinkedIn with Cultivated every Friday @ 9AM PT / 12PM ET.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.