The Canna Connect Show

Cannabis in Minnesota isn’t just about business.It’s about people, culture, and creating something that reflects the community it serves.In this episode, recorded live at Lucky Leaf Expo, we sit down with the team behind NativeCare to talk about what it means to build with intention in a new market.Terrell Charnoski and Shyanne McDaniel share their perspective on launching in Minnesota, the importance of representation, and how NativeCare is approaching cannabis differently.This isn’t just about opening doors. It’s about doing it the right way.We talk about: What NativeCare is building in Minnesota  The role of culture and community in cannabis  Navigating a brand new market as it unfolds  Why collaboration matters more than competition right now As the industry grows, the voices shaping it matter.This is one of those voices.Listen in and stay connected with the community.

Before products hit shelves, before brands grow, before consumers ever walk into a store, there’s a system behind it all.This episode pulls back the curtain.Recorded at Lucky Leaf Expo, we sit down with Chad Stout and Brock Friesen to talk about Tokahe Distribution and the broader ecosystem being built through Prairie Island’s cannabis operations.From cultivation to manufacturing to distribution, this is one of the most ambitious vertically integrated efforts in Minnesota.And it’s happening in real time.We get into: Building a cannabis operation across multiple business units  The reality of scaling from startup to full organization  How tribal cannabis is entering and shaping the state market  The challenges of compliance, logistics, and distribution  Why timing matters when launching in a new market This conversation captures what it looks like to build the infrastructure of an industry while it’s still forming.Minnesota cannabis is coming to life, and distribution is a big part of that story.Listen in and stay connected with the community.

Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you never planned for.In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, we sit down with Teresa Sorensen, founder of Unwind, to talk about how a 33-year career in banking unexpectedly led her into Minnesota’s cannabis industry.What started with THC beverages selling quickly inside her liquor store turned into something much bigger. As regulations changed and consumer demand grew, Teresa saw an opening to build a new kind of retail experience centered around relaxation, education, and a different relationship with adult beverages.That vision became Unwind.In this conversation, Teresa shares what it was like to pivot from traditional banking into entrepreneurship, navigate a fast-changing market, and build a cannabis retail brand in real time.We also discuss: The early THC beverage boom in Minnesota  Why consumers are seeking alternatives to alcohol  Transitioning from corporate leadership into cannabis  Building a brand around lifestyle and wellness  What it takes to adapt in an emerging industry This is a story about paying attention, trusting your instincts, and building when opportunity shows up.Listen in and stay connected with the community.Join the conversation: #CannaConnectMN

Some people find cannabis. Others build their life around it.Bridgette Pinder has done both.In this episode, recorded live at Lucky Leaf Expo, we sit down with the founder of Grounded Gardens to talk about what it really takes to grow something from nothing in Minnesota’s cannabis space.From purchasing her great grandparents’ land in Hutchinson to building a vertically integrated hemp operation, Bridgette shares the real story behind the work. The long days, the setbacks, and the constant need to adapt in an industry that changes by the week.This conversation goes deeper than business. It’s about resilience, community, and choosing a different path when the odds aren’t in your favor.We also get into: Building a cannabis business rooted in family land  The early days of hemp farming in Minnesota  Navigating challenges like banking, websites, and regulation  Why community has always been at the center of the movement Minnesota cannabis didn’t just appear. It was built by people like Bridgette, one step at a time.Listen in and stay connected with the community.

Ryan Ogorek didn’t plan on building a career in cannabis, but once he found it, everything clicked.In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, recorded live at Lucky Leaf Expo, Ryan shares his journey from traditional sales into the cannabis industry and how that shift gave him a sense of purpose and direction.Now with Sweed, he’s working directly with dispensary operators across the country, helping them simplify operations, stay compliant, and actually scale their businesses in an industry that moves fast and changes even faster.This conversation explores what cannabis retail looks like behind the counter, from pricing shifts in mature markets like Colorado to the early opportunities taking shape in Minnesota.Ryan also breaks down how Sweed is rethinking point of sale by building a fully integrated system that connects marketing, e-commerce, inventory, and payments into one place. The goal is simple: make it easier for operators to run a smarter, more efficient business.Along the way, we talk about AI in cannabis retail, the importance of community in Minnesota’s market, and why every operator should be thinking about both growth and exit strategy from day one.If you’re building in cannabis or planning to, this episode offers a grounded, real-world perspective on what it actually takes to succeed.Listen in and stay connected with the community.

Cannabis markets move fast.One year ago, Minnesota was still asking basic questions about supply, access, and who would enter the space. Today, the conversation is evolving into something more complex.In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, recorded live at Lucky Leaf Expo, Gus Sevastos from Dutchie shares a grounded perspective on what happens after a market launches and begins to mature.Gus has worked across multiple cannabis markets and brings insight from both emerging and established states. He breaks down how early-stage chaos turns into structured operations, and why having the right systems in place becomes critical as competition grows.We also explore how Dutchie is helping operators manage everything from compliance and inventory tracking to e-commerce and customer engagement, all within one connected platform.Along the way, we talk about product shortages, pricing shifts, and the importance of strong community in building a sustainable cannabis industry.If you’re operating in cannabis or preparing to enter the space, this episode offers a real-world look at what it takes to build for the long term.Listen in and stay connected with the community.

Most cannabis businesses don’t fail because of product.They fail because of what’s underneath it.The systems. The people. The infrastructure.Live from Lucky Leaf in Minneapolis, we sat down with Shawn Wirth from Paragon Payroll to talk about the side of cannabis that doesn’t always get attention, but affects everything.From payroll disruption to employee experience, this conversation is really about what happens when businesses grow faster than their foundation.Shawn shares his path into cannabis, what drew him to Paragon, and why he believes most operators are still too reactive when it comes to HR and payroll.Learn more about Shawn in our Community SpotlightWe get into:• Why payroll issues impact real people, not just operations  • How poor infrastructure can cause businesses to collapse under growth • What Human Capital Management actually looks like in practice • Why most cannabis operators wait too long to fix internal systems • The importance of building proactively instead of reacting to problemsOne of the biggest takeaways?The businesses that last are the ones that invest in their people and their systems early.Everything else builds on top of that.

There’s a moment where every cannabis business has to get serious.Not about branding. Not about product.About the numbers.Live from Lucky Leaf in Minneapolis, we sat down with Mark Waller and Betsy Mooreham of SAX Advisory Group to talk about what it really takes to build a sustainable cannabis business from a financial perspective.This conversation starts with their transition from Moore & Waller CPAs into SAX, a national firm with a growing cannabis practice. But what it turns into is something bigger.A conversation about scale, support, and what operators actually need as this industry matures.We get into:• Why joining a larger firm unlocks better tax strategy and support  • How stronger financial infrastructure leads to better decision making • The reality of tax planning in cannabis and why it’s still evolving • What rescheduling could mean for cash flow and compliance • Why the most successful operators think like business owners firstOne of the biggest takeaways?The operators who succeed in cannabis aren’t just passionate about the plant.They understand the business.

Most people don’t think about insurance until something goes wrong.At Lucky Leaf in Minneapolis, that conversation came to the forefront in a way that felt real, grounded, and necessary.Cory Lake of World Insurance and Jim McErlean of Cannasure joined us to talk about what it actually takes to protect a cannabis business in today’s environment. Not just policies on paper, but real-world risk, real claims, and the reality operators are navigating every day.We talked about theft being the most common claim, why cannabis businesses are held to higher standards than pharmacies, and how the lack of shared data across the industry continues to shape pricing and coverage. It’s also a story about growth.As operators scale, their risks evolve. And as the industry matures, so does the need for better infrastructure, stronger partnerships, and smarter protection.This is one of those conversations that might change how you think about building in cannabis.Listen in.

Most dispensary websites look good. But they don’t actually work.In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, we sat down with Dan Mondello and Alex Abrams of Rank Really High to unpack one of the biggest missed opportunities in cannabis right now: your website.From invisible menus to broken data tracking, they explain why most operators are investing time and money into systems that Google can’t even see. And more importantly, what it looks like to fix it.This conversation dives into native e-commerce, customer funnel visibility, and why your website should be your most powerful revenue driver, not just a digital brochure. We also get into real operator stories, early adoption lessons, and how AI is starting to reshape how cannabis businesses connect with customers.If you’ve ever wondered why traffic isn’t converting, this episode will change how you think about your entire digital strategy.

There’s something about operators from places like Buffalo and Minneapolis. They understand what it takes to build through pressure.In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, we sat down with Nate Geary of Range Marketing at Lucky Leaf in Minneapolis to talk about what it really looks like to grow a cannabis business in emerging markets.Nate breaks down the realities behind dispensary marketing, from navigating local competition to understanding how market size changes everything. What works in Brooklyn won’t work in Buffalo. And what works in theory often falls apart in practice.We also get into the overlooked challenges operators face, like licensing timelines, real estate pressure, and the hidden cost of just getting open. This is a conversation about adapting, staying realistic, and building something that actually lasts.If you're an operator, marketer, or just trying to understand where this industry is headed, this one hits.

There’s a moment in every new market where things start to click.You can feel it in the conversations. You can see it in the rooms. And you definitely feel it at events like Lucky Leaf.Live from the Minneapolis Convention Center, we sat down with Mackenzie Ziegler from Surfside to talk about what’s actually happening behind the scenes as Minnesota steps into adult-use cannabis.This isn’t just a conversation about marketing.It’s about how brands find their customers in a space where the rules are still being written.Mackenzie has spent over a decade in cannabis and nearly five years with Surfside, helping operators across the country connect data, advertising, and real customer behavior.And what she shares here is something a lot of people are still trying to figure out.In this episode, we get into:• Why cannabis marketing is more restricted and more complex than most industries • How Surfside helps brands reach real consumers across mobile, apps, and connected devices  • The power of data and why measurement is everything for operators • What makes Minnesota’s market unique right now • Why testing and compliance are still major bottlenecks • How retailers can actually generate new revenue through retail media • The story behind Surfside’s “Third Thursday” events and why community still mattersOne of the biggest takeaways from this conversation:Cannabis businesses are expected to operate at a higher level of compliance, with fewer tools, and less historical data than almost any other industry.And yet, they’re still building something real.📍 Recorded live at Lucky Leaf 2026 📍 Minneapolis Convention CenterStay connected with the Canna Connect community https://cannaconnectmn.comGot thoughts on this episode? Tag us and join the conversation using #CannaConnectMN

At Lucky Leaf Expo in Minneapolis, we sat down with Oliver Gutierrez-Garcia, Client Relationship Manager, and Paul Ranisate, AVP and Treasury Management Officer at Union Bank & Trust.Between the two of them, there’s a deep understanding of what cannabis operators actually deal with day to day. Compliance. Risk. Moving money safely. And figuring it all out while the industry is still taking shape.Oliver brings a background in branch operations, compliance, and risk management, helping businesses get set up the right way from the start. Paul works closely with operators on treasury management, helping them understand how to move money, protect their accounts, and build systems that actually scale.This conversation goes beyond surface-level banking talk.We get into: Why most cannabis businesses are still learning as they go  What treasury management actually means in real terms  How Minnesota is shifting from early “dreamer” energy to real operators  Why Union Bank & Trust chose to keep fees low and focus on long-term growth There’s also a bigger story here.As a bank backed by labor unions in the Twin Cities, their approach is rooted in supporting working people and building something sustainable within cannabis.If you’re operating in Minnesota or preparing to enter the space, this episode gives a clear, honest look at what banking can look like when it’s done right.🎧 Listen now 📺 Full video drops at 4:20 PM New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday

We sat down with Scott Miller, CEO of United Prairie Bank, for a conversation that gets into the realities of cannabis banking in Minnesota.This was our first time working directly together, and it was clear right away that the focus is on doing things the right way. Supporting operators, understanding the risks, and building systems that actually hold up.One theme came up throughout the conversation.Compliance.As Scott put it, if you don’t get compliance right, regulators can step in and shut things down. That reality shapes how banks approach this industry and what operators need to be prepared for before they ever walk through the door.We also talk through:• Why some operators hear “no” early in the process (“dream crushing”)• The three things banks look for: commercial experience, working capital, and business acumen• How United Prairie approached cannabis by building compliance first, before opening accounts or lending• Why cannabis banking is ultimately a risk management decisionThis is a straightforward conversation for people who are actually building.Appreciate Scott and the United Prairie team for taking the time and being part of it.

We sat down with Tony Beeman and Brad Obermueller from the Center for Energy & Environment at Lucky Leaf to talk about one of the most overlooked parts of building a cannabis business in Minnesota.Energy.From LED rebates to real estate challenges, this conversation breaks down how early decisions around power, lighting, and facility setup can impact cost, timelines, and long-term success.We also discuss: Xcel Energy territory and eligibility  Six-figure rebate opportunities  Real estate challenges in Minnesota  How operators can avoid costly delays If you're building or planning in Minnesota, this is a conversation worth paying attention to.Real Estate Map Referenced in the Episode#CannaConnectMN

We sat down with Ed Wells from Cannatrol at Lucky Leaf for a conversation that started with life and quickly moved into one of the most overlooked parts of cannabis production.Drying and curing.Ed breaks down how small inefficiencies after harvest can lead to meaningful losses for operators, especially in emerging markets like Minnesota where pricing is still strong.We also talk about consistency, and why it’s one of the most important factors in building a cannabis brand that people come back to.In this episode: What most growers get wrong after harvest  How drying impacts yield, quality, and profitability  Why consistency is what separates brands long term  The role of process and standardization in scaling operations  New Cannatrol products and what’s coming next This episode is part of our Live from Lucky Leaf series, where we’re documenting the people building Minnesota cannabis in real time.Connect with Cannatrol: https://www.cannatrols.comFollow Canna Connect for more conversations like this: https://cannaverse-newsletter.beehiiv.com/

In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, we sit down with Benjamin Mike and Dan Gilbert of Local 49 at Lucky Leaf Expo 2026 in Minneapolis.With nearly 100 years of history, Local 49 is stepping into the Minnesota cannabis industry with a focus on partnership, worker protection, and simplifying benefits for business owners.We cover pensions vs 401k plans, Labor Peace Agreements, microbusiness support, and how unions are positioning themselves in cannabis and hemp.If you’re an operator, builder, or just curious about where labor fits into this industry, this conversation offers a grounded perspective.Chapters: 0:00 Disclaimer 0:44 Introduction 1:35 The 100-Year History of Local 49 2:17 Benjamin Mike’s Career Path 4:22 Benefits Provided by Local 49 5:08 “We Were Told 401k’s Were the Future” 8:05 Goals in the Cannabis Industry 9:45 How Unions Entered Hemp & Cannabis 11:00 Craft Brewery & Hemp Beverage Involvement 12:26 Supporting the Cannabis Industry 13:40 What Local 49 Offers Business Owners 16:36 Labor Peace Agreements Explained 20:30 Mental Health Support & Benefits 23:20 How to Get in Touch with Local 49

Minnesota cannabis is still being shaped in real time and few people are closer to that process than Carol Moss.In this episode of the Canna Connect Show, Stephen Eigenmann sits down with Carol from Hellmuth & Johnson to talk about what it really means to practice law in a brand new industry.From interpreting unclear statutes to helping clients navigate risk without a clear roadmap, Carol shares the realities behind the work. As she explains, there is no scoreboard until enforcement happens and that creates a constant balancing act for both attorneys and operators. The conversation also breaks down a major recent win where her team challenged an OCM policy that attempted to restrict direct shipping of hemp products. The outcome reinforced an important idea that has been true since the early days of hemp in Minnesota: access matters, and so does protecting in-state businesses.This episode covers: • The challenges of practicing cannabis law in Minnesota • How legal interpretation shapes the industry • The story behind the OCM shipping case • Why collaboration across operators and attorneys matters • The importance of rural access and local economies • What the future of Minnesota cannabis could look likeAt its core, this is a story about people building something new together. From early community meetups to courtroom decisions, every step is shaping what comes next.Connect with us at the next event. Tag us to be featured and join the community using #CannaConnectMN

In this episode of The Canna Connect Show I sit down with Chris Hanna, Director of Sales Engineering at Comcast Business. During the interview we discuss his background as a North Saint Paul native, with hobbies that include cars, in-line skating, and gardening. Chris has worked at Comcast Business for over 13 years and he currently serves as a Sales Engineer, helping connect the customer with the technology solution required. During the interview he shares best practices around phishing scams, what connectivity means in 2026, and how Comcast can serve cannabis entrepreneurs today in Minnesota. Beyond the basics we get into the, "Internet of Things" as well as hooking up and connecting cameras, kiosks, order fulfillment, and RFID tracking for small, medium, and large businesses. I also learn more from Chris about cyber security and how Comcast Business is already serving the cannabis industry today. This is a great interview if you want to learn more about how a Fortune 50 company is already serving the cannabis industry through ancillary products and services. It's also worth listening to the end to hear where I think we'll see more growth in Minnesota's cannabis industry. And as always, we touch on compliance. Thank you so much to Comcast Business for sponsoring Canna Connect's Official Lucky Leaf After Party at Earl Giles. For more information on how you can get in touch with Comcast Business click here: 

Jason Tarasek is a knowledgeable cannabis partner at Vicente LLP. He has been working in the Minnesota hemp and cannabis industry since 2018. In 2019 he served as Minnesota’s Political Director for Marijuana Policy Project, where he helped orchestrate the state’s first-ever legislative hearing on cannabis legalization. As a cannabis policy advocate, Jason has spent many hours at the Minnesota State Capitol. In 2022, Jason successfully lobbied in favor of Minnesota’s “edible cannabinoid product” law, which sparked an explosion in the popularity of hemp-derived THC beverages throughout Minnesota and the United States. In 2023, he advocated for Minnesota’s passage of an adult-use cannabis bill. Today, Jason continues to strive for sensible policy as Minnesota implements its adult-use cannabis program while expanding its trailblazing hemp-derived THC beverage industry. In this episode, I sit down with Jason and talk about our long history of working together to connect and improve Minnesota cannabis for hemp entrepreneurs, homegrowers, tribal businesses, consumers, and medical patients. We discuss how Vicente got started, and why it might not be a good idea to have more dispensaries than Starbucks in the Twin Cities. We cover Jason’s optimism and his hope for equilibrium in 2026 as it relates to supply and demand within Minnesota’s cannabis industry. We also touch on the Wisconsin cannabis industry, or lack thereof, and his work with Tribal organizations who are interested in the Minnesota model and how they can replicate something similar in their state. The only problem? Wisconsin doesn’t even have a medical cannabis program! Lastly, we clear up a misconception around one of Jason’s clients and his involvement in the delay of the social equity lottery. This is a really great episode if you’re interested in the Minnesota cannabis industry and the greater opportunity across the midwest. Thanks for listening. 

In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, we sit down with Cory Lake, CEO of Lake Group Insurance, to break down the real challenges facing Minnesota’s cannabis and hemp businesses, from rising insurance premiums and compliance pressure to market volatility and the federal hemp ban. Cory shares insight on the future of the Minnesota cannabis industry, what dispensaries and hemp operators need to prepare for next, and how his recent merger with World Insurance Associates expands resources for cannabis operators. The conversation also touches on industry consolidation, MSOs, offering a clear look at cannabis insurance, risk management, and business survival in Minnesota.

Getting licensed is just the beginning. In Minnesota’s newly opened adult-use market, the real challenge is staying operational in a supply-strained, high-expectation environment.In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, host Stephen Eigenmann sits down with Gus Sevastos of Dutchie to unpack what Minnesota cannabis operators are actually facing as the market enters 2026.As the early “gold rush” gives way to the grind, Stephen and Gus break down the realities behind the headlines—from limited wholesale supply and testing bottlenecks to why culture and community are becoming survival tools for dispensaries.In this episode, we cover:Why 40+ Minnesota retailers are competing for product from a handful of wholesalersHow operators can manage overhead in a margin-tight marketWhat Dutchie is changing in its platform to support supply-constrained statesWhy “Names to Faces” networking matters more than menus and marketingThe difference between getting licensed—and building something that lastsPlus: a quick football detour, because culture still matters off the clock tooWhether you’re an operator, aspiring entrepreneur, or industry professional watching Minnesota’s rollout closely, this conversation offers a clear-eyed look at what it really takes to succeed after the doors open.__________________________________________________________________________________________________🔗 Connect with Gus SevastosDutchie: https://business.dutchie.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gus-sevastos__________________________________________________________________________________________________📬 Join The CannaverseGet Minnesota cannabis insights, event announcements, and industry updates delivered straight to your inbox: 👉 https://cannaverse-newsletter.beehiiv.com__________________________________________________________________________________________________🎙 Sponsored by the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE)In a market where every dollar counts, CEE helps cannabis operators lower overhead through free energy consultations and LED lighting rebates. Learn more: https://www.mncee.org/growLED__________________________________________________________________________________________________🌱 About Canna Connect MNCanna Connect is Minnesota’s community hub for cannabis education, networking, and growth—bringing together operators, professionals, and consumers through trusted conversations and real-world events.

Rachelle Gordon is the editor of GreenState, a cannabis news and lifestyle media outlet. An award-winning cannabis journalist, Emerald Cup judge, and Budist critic, Rachelle began her weed writing journey in 2015. She has been featured in High Times, CannabisNow, Beard Bros, MG, Skunk, and many other industry publications. Rachelle was the recipient of the Cannabis Journalist of the Year award at the 2025 Emjays and the Community Cultivator trophy at the 2024 Women's Canna Awards. She is also the two-time host of the California Cannabis Awards at the California State Fair. Follow Rachelle on Instagram @rachellethewriter

Luke McCapes has been part of Canna Connect since January 2024, when he first connected with Stephen about the need for cannabis education and event programming in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Born in California and a proud graduate of Brainerd High School and the University of Minnesota Crookston, Luke brings a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a passion for people, compliance, and community building. As Canna Connect’s Event Director, he helps shape inclusive events, strengthens partnerships, and represents our mission across Minnesota.In this episode, Luke opens up about his story, his evolving relationship with alcohol, how cannabis became medicine for him, and why accessible education matters. Stephen shares field insights from product research and testing, and the two dig into homegrow, compliance, low-dose edibles, and how acceptance is growing across the state.Connect with LukeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-mccapes-85024b249/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luke.mccapesJoin The Cannaversehttps://cannaverse-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribeIf this episode helped you, share it with a friend and tag us so we can amplify your story. Use #CannaConnectMN and connect with the community.Disclaimer This content is for adults 21+ and educational purposes only. Nothing here is medical, legal, or financial advice. Always follow local laws and regulations.

In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, host Natalie Campion sits down with the legendary Cat Seven, also known as Cat Franklin—globally recognized as the Godmother of Gorilla Glue #4.Cat shares the true, accidental origin story behind one of the most famous strains in cannabis history, including how a sticky phone call led to a cultural phenomenon—and eventually, a high-stakes federal trademark lawsuit. From there, the conversation widens into Cat’s 30-year journey through cannabis: operating in the underground market, leading licensed facilities as a Director of Operations and CEO, and navigating the realities of scaling cannabis businesses in highly regulated states.Now back in her home state of Minnesota, Cat is focused on normalization, education, and building sustainable operations through Süga Canna Co. She breaks down what actually separates strong operators from struggling ones, the differences between medical and adult-use markets, and what Minnesota must get right as the industry continues to take shape.This episode is a must-listen for operators, legacy growers, and anyone interested in how cannabis moves from the shadows into legitimate, compliant, and scalable businesses.

On this episode of The Canna Connect Show, host Stephen Eigenmann sits down with Andrew Johnmeyer of Green Machine Farm for a wide-ranging, deeply personal conversation about cannabis, agriculture, and what really happened during Minnesota’s cannabis rollout.Andrew’s story begins long before legalization headlines. As a farmer, activist, and home grower, he traces his journey from Minnesota’s early medical cannabis days to becoming a hopeful applicant in the adult-use market—only to watch the system shift beneath his feet. This episode captures the growing disconnect between state-level policy decisions and the realities faced by farmers, small cultivators, and rural communities.Throughout the conversation, Stephen and Andrew unpack:Andrew’s activist roots and early exposure to cannabis policyMinnesota’s medical cannabis beginnings and the promise of legalizationRed flags for small cultivators as rules and taxes changed mid-processCannabis as medicine, cannabinoids, terpenes, phenohunting, and home-grow geneticsThe social equity license program and microbusiness restrictionsLocal government resistance, county-level ordinances, and agricultural conflictsThe role of the League of Cities and breakdowns in county communicationWhen and why Andrew ultimately walked away from pursuing a Minnesota licenseThis episode is not about hype or shortcuts. It’s about documenting lived experience, understanding how well-intentioned policy can create unintended harm, and preserving the voices of those who felt excluded from shaping Minnesota’s cannabis future.If you care about cannabis policy, agricultural inclusion, or the long-term health of Minnesota’s legal market, this is a conversation worth hearing.⏱️ Episode Timestamps0:00 – Disclaimer 0:45 – Welcome & episode preview 1:30 – Interview begins 2:05 – Andrew’s activist beginnings 2:55 – Minnesota’s medical cannabis beginnings 4:38 – Farming background: livestock, chickens, eggs 9:00 – Red flags for small cultivators 13:20 – The tax jump from 10% to 15% 14:45 – Understanding cannabinoids 16:55 – Home growing process 18:25 – Cannabis as medicine 19:59 – Terpenes 20:38 – Access to cannabinoids over time 21:11 – Phenohunting 22:35 – Creating new genetics & regional growing conditions 23:27 – Minnesota’s social equity license 24:55 – When things changed as an applicant 28:00 – Microbusiness restrictions 30:30 – Social equity lottery delays 35:10 – Local government regulation challenges 40:00 – Goodhue County communication issues 41:45 – League of Cities involvement 44:00 – Anti-agriculture outcomes of county statutes 45:25 – OCM formation amid medical & hemp market imbalance 46:16 – Walking away from licensure 49:11 – Speaking directly to county government

 A fast, operator focused conversation on turning Metrc requirements into clean daily workflows. Learn how to launch well in your first 30 days, avoid common mistakes, build barcode habits that hold up under pressure, choose integrations that reduce manual entry, stay secure, and keep books clean with a simple month end rhythm.  If this helped, share it with a Minnesota operator who is getting started. Tag your takeaways with #CannaConnectMN and subscribe for upcoming podcasts and panels. 

What does a high-end cigar have in common with a premium cannabis bud? More than you might think. In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, host Stephen Eigenmann sits down with Drew Emmer—the man who helped bridge the gap between Boveda’s legendary moisture control and the burgeoning cannabis industry.Drew shares the origin story of his journey with Boveda, starting in a cigar lounge in Minnetonka, and discusses the brand's evolution into the newly launched Vivi Cure Packs. We explore why moisture isn’t just about weight—it’s about protecting the "Ethic of the Plant" and ensuring that every consumer has an incredible experience, every time.In this episode, you’ll learn:The Science of Vivi: How the new Vivi Cure Packs differ from traditional Boveda packs and why they are a game-changer for homegrowers and commercial facilities alike.The Philosophy of Branding: Why the best marketing focuses on the feeling of a product rather than the specs.Cannabis for Good: Drew’s advocacy for veterans and the power of cannabis as medicine for PTSD and recovery.Market Trends: A look at the "Velocity of Vivi," the low-dose market, and the comparison between cannabis and alcohol culture.Whether you’re a legacy grower or a curious consumer, Drew’s "people-first" approach to the industry offers a refreshing look at where the market is headed in 2026 and beyond.⏳ Episode Chapters:[00:00] Disclaimer & Introduction[01:34] Interview Begins: The Boveda Origin Story[04:34] The Trifecta: Cigars, Guitars, & Cannabis[06:11] The Birth of Vivi: Evolving the Boveda Legacy[09:18] Respecting the Ethic of the Plant[12:44] Drew’s Personal History with Recovery & Advocacy[15:04] Why Quality Control is the Best Marketing[22:30] Understanding the "Velocity" of Vivi Cure Packs[29:10] The Deep Science: How Vivi Protects Terpenes[33:20] Storage Solutions: EVaults and the Future of CVaults[41:35] Lessons from the Field: The Woody Nelson Story[44:10] If Boveda Were a Car Brand, What Would It Be?[52:53] Cannabis as Medicine & Veterans’ Rights[57:40] Why the Homegrower is the Heart of the Industry[1:01:00] Closing Thoughts & Featured Journalist Rachelle Gordon🔗 Resources Mentioned:Shop Vivi Cure Packs: vivipacks.comConnect with Drew Emmer: LinkedInSubscribe to The Cannaverse: Newsletter LinkEnjoyed the show? Leave us a review on Apple or Spotify and subscribe for more deep dives into the world of cannabis.