Highly Enlightened, hosted by Jon Purow

Christine Apple is the Founder and CEO of Grön, one of the fastest-growing edibles brands in the U.S.Before launching Grön from her basement in Oregon, Christine spent years working with jurisdictions and regulators, developing an early grasp of compliance that proved invaluable as the cannabis sector evolved.Her leadership has been marked by impressive expansion and product innovation. Grön was early to single-serve edibles with its “Mega” line and a pioneer in minor cannabinoid formulations. More recently, Christine has leaned into rosin-based edibles, reflecting a broader trend toward plant-forward, connoisseur products.In this episode, Christine and I discuss her transition from architect to cannabis entrepreneur, the philosophy behind Grön’s growth strategy, and the balance between innovation and regulation. We also explore trends in consumer demand — from sleep-focused products to high-dose edibles — and what it takes to scale a brand in one of the fastest-moving industries today.

Samuel Brill is the CEO of Ascend Wellness Holdings, where he first served as Lead Independent Director and now leads the charge at one of the country’s largest multi-state operators.  He is a veteran of capital markets, private equity, and corporate transformation - with nearly three decades of experience guiding businesses through high-stakes moments.Before stepping into the cannabis space, Sam led private equity efforts at Seventh Avenue Investments, managing the portfolio for a multibillion-dollar single-family office focused on turning around underperforming businesses. He’s also served as CIO at Weismann Capital, overseeing investments across credit, real estate, and structured deals.Sam’s fingerprints are on a range of industries - from medical devices to distressed debt - and he currently chairs the board of Invacare Holdings while advising companies through his consultancy, S Brill LLC. Across it all, he’s been the steady hand in the boardroom, the turnaround strategist behind the scenes, and the one asked to lead when stakes are highest.In this episode, Sam and I discuss his transition to CEO of Ascend Wellness Holdings, focusing on applying private equity and CPG principles to the cannabis industry, particularly in enhancing branding and packaging. We also explore the development of new product lines, the importance of understanding diverse consumer needs, and strategies for achieving success in a rapidly evolving market.

 In this second round of One Hitters, I hit the floor with quick, punchy interviews from some of the most interesting voices in cannabis. From brand builders to community leaders, each guest brings a fresh perspective — all in under five minutes. If you want a fast take on where the industry’s heading, this episode’s got you.Featured Guests:Jordan Mackenzie WhittakerThe Weedaker GroupMitch PfeiferDirector of Community Relations, ActiveSheila FeyMarketing Director, Elevated RootsIan PowellFounder, Loud Minds TVPaul VanceaKosmik BrandsHost:Jon Purow

As the former CEO of both Cookies Management and Connected Cannabis, Kevin Brooks recognized early on that plant health was the largest vulnerability in the cannabis supply chain.His experience building one of the largest vertically integrated cannabis companies in California, as they successfully developed some of the most well-known, super-premium cannabis products on the market, led him to form Conception Nurseries. Conception is the only company in California capable of offering commercial-scale tissue culture to the cannabis industry. In addition to their own extensive catalog of cultivar clones, Conception also offers remediation, cold storage, and exclusive production services. Kevin’s history of leadership and successful exits in the highly regulated technology space havefueled the success of Sacramento-based Conception Nurseries. Recent notable milestonesinclude:● Recipient of the Ready to Invest™ award at The Arcview Group‘s inaugural InvestorIntelligence Conference.● Selected as exclusive nursery for COOKIES Fam Genetics for California and Oregonmarkets● Over $40M raised since inception in 2019.

"One Hitters Compilation – Volume 1"In this fast-paced compilation episode of Highly Enlightened, host Jon Purow hits the road—capturing quick, insightful interviews with leading voices across the cannabis industry. Filmed at MJ Unpacked Missouri 2024, the WomenGrow Leadership Summit 2025, and the Benzinga New Jersey Cannabis Market Spotlight, this lineup showcases perspectives from founders, marketers, security experts, and more. These "One Hitters" may be short, but they pack a punch—perfect for a snapshot of where cannabis is going next.Featured Guests (in order of appearance):1. Precious Osagie-Erise Founder, Precious Cannabis Co. 📍 Filmed at WomenGrow Leadership Summit 20252. Corey Bix Director of Business Development, Silverstar Protection Group 📍 Filmed at MJ Unpacked Missouri 20243. Tawnie Scarborough Principal, Fox Foot Inc. 📍 Filmed at WomenGrow Leadership Summit 20254. Amna Shamim Director of Content Marketing, The Cannabis Community 📍 Filmed at WomenGrow Leadership Summit 20255. Tor Hamer CEO, Green Nexus 📍 Filmed at WomenGrow Leadership Summit 20256. Ben Burstein Corporate Development Manager, LeafLink 📍 Filmed at Benzinga New Jersey Cannabis Market Spotlight7. Sarah Trent Founder & CEO, Valley Wellness NJ 📍 Filmed at Benzinga New Jersey Cannabis Market Spotlight8. David Zelinger Partner, Canis Major Partners 📍 Filmed at Benzinga New Jersey Cannabis Market Spotlight9. Bran Noonan CEO, OGeez! 📍 Filmed at Benzinga New Jersey Cannabis Market SpotlightHost: Jon Purow

Ricky Williams won a Heisman Trophy at Texas and rushed for over 10,000 yards in 11 NFL seasons.  He is now the President and Co-Founder of Highsman, a lifestyle brand that Ricky personally curates from the cannabis to the accessories.  Ricky launched Highsman to provide communities of sports fans and herb enthusiasts everywhere with a platform to own their relationship with cannabis and its ability to unlock true, personal greatness.  Highsman merged with a hemp brand based out of North Carolina, which has extended Highsman’s reach nationwide into hemp products, as well as the state-licensed markets that it is expanding further into.

Bryan Gerber ("King of Cones") is the founder and CEO of HARA Supply, directly operating over 250,000 square feet of the highest-quality pre-rolled cone production using the world’s finest European rolling papers. It spans 15 facilities with over 4,000 personnel based in India, along with HQ office and warehouse located in Las Vegas, NV. They currently produce over a billion pre-rolled cones per year for the cannabis industry’s largest entities. Gerber is also the founder and CEO of HARA Brands, a four-time inc. 5000 company, which includes: Hemper, the largest subscription business in the cannabis industry with more than 1 million boxes sold, as well as Hemper Tech and Goody Glass, providing high quality smoking accessories and related products. 

Jonathan Black is an accomplished business attorney and entrepreneur, with experience in real estate, entertainment, tech, retail, cannabis, and law. Jonathan earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of San Diego and after completing law school, he founded Weston Law Group PC. In 2010, he took on the role as compliance director and advisor. As compliance director and advisor, the company gained larger government contracts and greatly expanded their employee and consumer bandwidth. Since 2012 Jonathan has established a real estate fund with over 200 million in assets, and produced two films in Hollywood. In 2019, Jonathan became the COO of MediaJel, a cannabis Adtech company. With multiple successive exits Jonathan still retains ownership and board positions in companies he has founded or been an executive with. Jonathan resides in the Bay Area with his amazing wife and three beautiful children.

Socrates Rosenfeld is the Co-Founder and CEO of Jane Technologies. A U.S. Army veteran and former Apache helicopter commander, he turned to cannabis to help re-acclimate to civilian life after leaving active duty in 2011. Frustrated by the lack of legal access in Massachusetts and the unreliable black market, he co-founded Jane Technologies with his brother Abraham to create a trusted e-commerce solution for cannabis retailers. Since its 2017 launch, Jane has become the industry’s leading digital provider, powering over 2,500 dispensaries and brands across 39 U.S. states and Canada with e-commerce, market analytics, payments, and point-of-sale technologies. Under Socrates' leadership, Jane has earned recognition from Forbes’ The Cannabis 42.0 (2023), Inc. Power Partner (2023), and Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 (2022), while also being featured at major industry events like SXSW and MJBizCon. Before founding Jane, Socrates was an associate at McKinsey & Company, and he holds a degree from the United States Military Academy as well as an MBA in entrepreneurship from MIT.

Tiffany Chin has 13 years of experience in the entertainment space, working with world famous talent including Snoop Dogg, Eddie Murphy, and Martha Stewart. She has helped artists and talent traverse out of their traditional lane(s) of fame by way of strategic branding partnerships, including brands such as Adidas, AirBnB, Reddit, Tanqueray, Netflix and HBO.In working closely with Snoop Dogg, Chin co-founded Casa Verde Capital in 2014, as well as Leafs By Snoop (LBS) in 2015, the first widely available celebrity cannabis brand and Snoop Dogg’s first venture into the branded cannabis space.Chin guest lectures at UCLA for MBA marketing classes, and has consulted with many cannabis agencies and brands – and most recently debuted the Death Row Records Cannabis line in California in 2023. In 2024, Chin launched two cannabis shops alongside Snoop Dogg named S.W.E.D. – which stands for Smoke Weed Every Day (one in Inglewood and a coffeeshop in Amsterdam). She received her business degree at the Wharton School of Business from the University of Pennsylvania.

In this episode of Highly Informed, host John Puro speaks with Michael Johnson, CEO of Metrc, the leading provider of cannabis regulatory technology in the U.S. With over 345,000 users, Metrc's solutions ensure the safety and security of the legal cannabis market by tracking products from growth to sale.Michael discusses the challenges of cannabis regulation, the importance of compliance, and how technology fosters trust and confidence among consumers. Drawing on his extensive experience in scaling tech businesses and driving growth at Metrc, he shares valuable insights into the future of the cannabis industry.About Michael Johnson: Michael Johnson is the CEO of Metrc, the foremost provider of cannabis regulatory technology in the United States. Under his leadership, Metrc has become a trusted partner for ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s legal cannabis market, serving over 345,000 users across various sectors, including growers, dispensaries, and law enforcement. With a strong background in scaling hyper-growth technology businesses, Michael has a proven track record of driving significant organizational growth and efficiency. Prior to joining Metrc, he served as CFO of InformedDNA and CM Group, where he implemented strategic initiatives that led to sustained growth and profitability. A certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Michael is committed to shaping the future of the cannabis industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage01:06 The Role of Metric in the Cannabis Industry06:03 Proactive vs. Reactive: Metric's Approach12:10 Customer Experience and Internal Metrics17:52 Leadership Insights and Personal Experiences23:53 Success Stories and Compliance Challenges29:48 Emerging Technologies and Future Trends37:47 Predictions for the Cannabis IndustryGuest:Michael Johnson, CEO of Metrc, https://www.metrc.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-johnson-41458115/Host:Jon Purow, Partner - Greenspoon Marderhttps://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/jon-purow/

Peter Barsoom, founder and CEO of 1906, discusses the mission of his cannabis edibles company and the importance of ending the prohibition of cannabis. He explains how 1906 products are designed to mimic the effects of smoking cannabis, with a focus on fast-acting, specific effects, and high-quality ingredients. Barsoom also discusses the incorporation of minor cannabinoids and other supplemental ingredients to create a personalized entourage effect. He emphasizes the importance of innovation and rethinking traditional products, such as pills and gummies, to make them more consumer-friendly. Barsoom predicts that the future of the cannabis industry involves online sales and a distinction between high-dose cannabis sold in dispensaries and low-dose cannabis sold online. Takeaways:1906 products are designed to mimic the effects of smoking cannabis, with a focus on fast-acting, specific effects, and high-quality ingredients.Incorporating minor cannabinoids and other supplemental ingredients creates a personalized entourage effect.Rethinking traditional products, such as pills and gummies, can make them more consumer-friendly.The future of the cannabis industry involves online sales and a distinction between high-dose cannabis sold in dispensaries and low-dose cannabis sold online.Guest: Peter Barsoom, Co-Founder and CEO of 1906 https://1906.shop/pages/about https://www.linkedin.com/in/pbarsoom/ Host: Jon Purow, Partner - Greenspoon Marder https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/jon-purow/ #cannabis, #edibles, #prohibition, #effects, #smoking, #fast-acting, #specific #effects, #high-quality #ingredients, #cannabisinsider #cannabinoids, #entourage #effect, #innovation, #pills, #gummies, #onlineshopping, #sales, #dispensaries, #low-dosecannabis

In this episode of the Highly Informed, Mattio Communications Rosie Mattio and host Jon Purow talk about the evolution of Mattio Communications and the cannabis industry - its past,present and future.Guest:Rosie MattioFounder & CEO of Mattio CommunicationsHost:Jon Purow, Partner - Greenspoon Marderhttps://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/jon-purow/

In this episode, host Jon Purow interviews Arthur de Cordova, CEO of Ziel, about the company's microbial reduction technology for the cannabis industry. They explore Arthur's diverse background, the adaptation of Ziel's technology from textiles to cannabis, and the evolution of their business model. The conversation delves into regulatory challenges across states, the importance of microbial control in the supply chain for safety and compliance, and the financial risks of contamination. They also discuss market dynamics, such as oversupply and price compression, and look at the evolving European cannabis market. Guest:Arthur de Cordova, CEO & Co-Founder of ZielHost:Jon Purow, Partner - Greenspoon Marderhttps://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/jon-purow/

In this episode, host Jon Purow and guest Harrison Bard, CEO and Co-Founder of Custom Cones USA and DaySavers, discuss the pre-roll supply and packaging industry. Custom Cones USA started in 2017 and has since become the most comprehensive pre-roll supply company in the industry. They offer a wide array of pre-rolled cones, custom branding options, and full-service pre-roll capacity.Guest:Harrison Bard, CEO and Co-Founder of Custom Cones USA and DaySaversHost:Jon Purow, Partner - Greenspoon Marderhttps://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/jon-purow/

Summary  In this episode, we cover various cannabis and psychedelic news stories. The highlight stories include the regulation of psychoactive hemp-derived cannabinoids, the potential rescheduling of cannabis, and the progress of psychedelic legalization. The golden nugget stories highlight California's cultivator capacity, the impact of cannabis legalization on Canadian beer sales, and Washington's regulation of high potency cannabis products. The federal news covers President Biden's stance on cannabis, clemency for nonviolent cannabis offenders, and Vice President Kamala Harris' cannabis reform event. The state news includes updates on cannabis legalization in Virginia, Hawaii, and Washington. The international news covers Germany's cannabis legalization delay, Thailand's reversal on cannabis legalization, and Costa Rica's progress in legalizing medical cannabis and hemp. Lastly, the cannabis science and medical news includes studies on the effects of CBD on menstrual symptoms, the use of cannabis for female orgasmic disorder, and the safety of CBD for dogs.Host:Jon Purow, Partner - Greenspoon Marderhttps://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/jon-purow/Takeaways ·        Regulation of psychoactive hemp-derived cannabinoids is a topic of interest, with many states considering making certain hemp-derived cannabinoids illegal.·        The potential rescheduling of cannabis to schedule three is being discussed, with conflicting rumors about the timeline.·        There is growing momentum for psychedelic legalization, with widespread acceptance of the medical benefits of psychedelics.·        Various states are making progress in cannabis legalization, with Virginia legalizing cannabis sales and Hawaii considering automatic expungement of cannabis convictions.·        International cannabis news includes Germany's delay in legalization, Thailand's reversal on cannabis legalization, and Costa Rica's progress in legalizing medical cannabis and hemp.·        CBD is linked to reductions in menstrual symptoms, and there is a push to make female orgasmic disorder a qualifying condition for medical cannabis.·        Studies show that CBD is safe for long-term use in dogs.

Kristina Lopez, founder of House of Puff, discusses her journey in building a brand that offers stylish and accessible cannabis accessories.She shares how her background in the art world and her own experience as a consumer of cannabis inspired her to create products that cater to different demographics.Kristina highlights the importance of collaborating with artists and giving back to the community. She also discusses the challenges and opportunities in the New York cannabis market.TakeawaysBuilding a successful cannabis brand requires creating stylish and accessible products that cater to different demographics.Collaborating with artists and giving back to the community can create meaningful and powerful brand experiences.The New York cannabis market presents challenges and opportunities, with delays in regulatory processes and the presence of illicit stores.Low-dose products and innovative form factors, such as sprays, can appeal to a wide range of consumers and help normalize cannabis use.Navigating distribution, marketing, and regulatory restrictions in the cannabis industry requires creativity and adaptability.Host:Jon Purow, Partner - Greenspoon Marderhttps://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/Guest:Kristina Lopez, CEO and Founder of House of PuffDisclaimer:Any views that Jon states during an episode are his own, and notthose of his law firm Greenspoon Marder LLP or Benzinga.

In this episode of the Highly Informed, Jon interviews 4 key players from the cannabis industry. They cover hardware manufacturing, product customization, safety considerations, branding, and market share. They also explore the potential of cannabis-infused beverages and their role in social acceptance and economic activity. The conversation highlights the importance of infrastructure in the cannabis industry and the need for education and community engagement. The speakers express optimism about the future of the industry and emphasize the role of convenience and innovation in driving its growth.Takeaways:Customization and safety are key considerations in the cannabis hardware industry.Cannabis-infused beverages have the potential to drive social acceptance and economic activity.Infrastructure plays a crucial role in the growth and development of the cannabis industry.Education and community engagement are important for overcoming stigmas and building trust in the industry.Convenience and innovation will be key drivers of the cannabis industry's future success.Host:Jon Purow, Partner - Greenspoon Marderhttps://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/Guests:Jacob Anderson, Partner & Senior Sales Associate, BOLD CartsDiana Eberlein, VP of Marketing & Business Development, SõRSE TechnologyDonny Moskovic, Retail & Cannabis Real Estate. Seasoned Cannabis EntrepreneurJordan Tritt, CEO, The Panther GroupDisclaimer:Any views that Jon states during an episode are his own, and not those of his law firm Greenspoon Marder LLP or Benzinga._____________________________________________________________________Check out www.benzinga.com for complete coverage along with all the latest financial news and data!PRO TOOLS:pro.benzinga.comFree 2 week trial, no credit card requiredGET 25% OFF BENZINGA PROhttps://benzinga.grsm.io/benzingalive🙌Follow us Online!Instagram: www.instagram.com/benzingaFacebook: www.facebook.com/BenzingaTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@benzingaTwitter: twitter.com/Benzinga#HighlyInformed #Cannabis

In this episode of Highly Informed, Jon talks with Scott Jordan, Founder of Alternative Finance Network, Blake Villa Founder of Qwik Liquids and Jocelyn Tse and Eric Frape, Co-Founders of Sweet Justice.Host:Jon Purow, Partner - Greenspoon Marderhttps://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/Guests:Scott Jordan -Founder of Alternative Finance NetworkBlake Villa - Founder of Qwik LiquidsJocelyn Tse and Eric Frape - Co-Founders of Sweet JusticeDisclaimer:Any views that Jon states during an episode are his own, and not those of his law firm Greenspoon Marder LLP or Benzinga._____________________________________________________________________Check out www.benzinga.com for complete coverage along with all the latest financial news and data!PRO TOOLS:pro.benzinga.comFree 2 week trial, no credit card requiredGET 25% OFF BENZINGA PROhttps://benzinga.grsm.io/benzingalive🙌Follow us Online!Instagram: www.instagram.com/benzingaFacebook: www.facebook.com/BenzingaTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@benzingaTwitter: twitter.com/Benzinga#HighlyInformed #Cannabis

In this episode of Highly Informed, Jon talks with Jason Nelson, Former CEO of BeLeaf Medical, discusses the transition of Missouri's cannabis market from medical to adult use. He highlights the unique aspects of Missouri's market, including a relatively large number of licenses and robust retail and cultivation operations. Nelson also discusses the regulatory challenges faced by the industry, such as a crackdown on distillate products and packaging and labeling requirements. He explains the different brands and product lines of BeLeaf Medical, including their focus on affordability and inclusivity. Nelson predicts that Missouri's adult use market will continue to grow, but consolidation and expansion are expected in the coming years.Host:Jon Purow, Partner - Greenspoon Marderhttps://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/Guest:Jason Nelson, Former CEO - BeLeaf MedicalDisclaimer:Any views that Jon states during an episode are his own, and not those of his law firm Greenspoon Marder LLP or Benzinga._____________________________________________________________________Check out www.benzinga.com for complete coverage along with all the latest financial news and data!PRO TOOLS:pro.benzinga.comFree 2 week trial, no credit card requiredGET 25% OFF BENZINGA PROhttps://benzinga.grsm.io/benzingalive🙌Follow us Online!Instagram: www.instagram.com/benzingaFacebook: www.facebook.com/BenzingaTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@benzingaTwitter: twitter.com/Benzinga#HighlyInformed #Cannabis

In this episode, Jon discusses the potential rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III and the implications it would have for the industry. He also highlights the importance of the Farm Bill 2023 and its potential impact on the market. Jon covers federal news, state news from Florida, Virginia, Minnesota, and New York, as well as business news and international news from Germany and Thailand.Takeaways:-The potential rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III could have significant implications for the industry, including the elimination of 280E and increased access to banking services.-The Farm Bill 2023, which was supposed to be passed in 2023 but has been delayed, is a crucial piece of legislation that could shape the future of the industry.-States like Florida, Virginia, Minnesota, and New York are expected to make significant progress in cannabis legalization.-The cannabis industry is facing challenges in terms of oversupply and market compression, but there are also opportunities for growth and investment.-Germany is a key player in the European cannabis market, and there are ongoing discussions about comprehensive cannabis reform in the EU.-Thailand's decision to backtrack on cannabis legalization highlights the need for careful regulation and oversight in the industry.-The psychedelics industry is experiencing rapid growth, with more states legalizing the use of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Background03:13 Playing Tokadamus or Smokadamus for 202406:25 Highlight Story: Potential Rescheduling of Cannabis10:24 Golden Nugget Story: Farm Bill 202315:39 Federal News: Safe Banking Act17:40 State News: Florida19:09 State News: Virginia20:09 State News: Minnesota20:39 State News: New York24:08 Business News25:08 International News: Germany26:08 International News: Thailand28:08 Psychedelics News29:37 Conclusion_____________________________________________________________________Check out www.benzinga.com for complete coverage along with all the latest financial news and data!PRO TOOLS:pro.benzinga.comFree 2 week trial, no credit card requiredGET 25% OFF BENZINGA PRO

Guest:Jason Wild, Executive Chairman of Terrascend and Founderand CIO of JW Asset ManagementDescription:In the PREMIERE episode of the new Highly Informed podcast, Jon Purow sits down for some dope discourse with Jason Wild, Executive Chairman of Terrascend and Founderand CIO of JW Asset Management.Jason and Jon discuss diverse topics such as:Terrascend’s strategy in becoming listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange,TerrAscend’ssuccessful foray into the Maryland recreational market,thoughts on upcoming potential federal developments as the rescheduling of cannabis.Disclaimer:Please note that this interview was recorded on October 30, 2023. In our humble (and completely unbiased) opinion, Jason’s knowledge bombs and insights are timeless, and so we have edited lightly.Disclaimer:Any views that Jon states during an episode are his own, and notthose of his law firm Greenspoon Marder LLP or Benzinga.