The Hybrid

Shawn Collins of THC Group and Erik Gundersen of ERG Strategies sit down with Willy Vlasic, founder of Vlasic Labs, to talk about building a cannabis brand with a name people already trust.Willy shares how he came up in cannabis from the ground level, why he chose not to chase the intoxicating hemp boom, and what it takes to build something durable in a fragmented, highly regulated market. The conversation also explores how cannabis compares to traditional consumer brands and where the industry is heading next.They also discuss Willy’s commitment to criminal justice reform through the Last Prisoner Project, including his advocacy around the case of jailed basketball player Jarred Shaw.🎧 New episodes drop regularly. Follow @TheHybridPod on Instagram for updates.🔎 Topics: cannabis industry, hemp vs cannabis, CBD, brand building, consumer trust, cannabis policy, criminal justice reform, Vlasic Labs, The Hybrid podcasthttps://www.lastprisonerproject.org/https://www.forgottenprisoner.org/https://freedomgrow.org/

Shawn Collins of THC Group and Erik Gundersen of ERG Strategies sit down with Jacques Santucci, founder of Opus Consulting, to unpack a side of the cannabis industry that rarely makes the headlines but is becoming increasingly common as markets mature: financial distress.Cannabis businesses are operating in a demanding environment. Wholesale prices have compressed in many states, capital has tightened, taxes remain high, and regulatory costs continue to shape the economics of running a licensed operation. Even capable operators can find themselves under serious pressure.Jacques works directly inside those moments. Through Opus Consulting, he advises cannabis companies, lenders, and investors on strategy, restructuring, and receiverships when businesses need to stabilize operations, protect assets, or prepare for sale.The conversation walks through why cannabis companies end up in distress, the warning signs owners often ignore too long, and how receiverships actually work inside a licensed and highly regulated industry. They also explore the role regulators play when a cannabis license holder runs into financial trouble and what policymakers should understand about the realities of distressed operators.They close by stepping back from individual cases to look at what the rise in restructurings says about the cannabis industry more broadly, including consolidation, operational discipline, and the next phase of market maturity.🎧 New episodes drop regularly. Follow @TheHybridPod on Instagram for updates.🔎 Topics: cannabis industry restructuring, cannabis receiverships, distressed cannabis companies, cannabis business strategy, cannabis regulation, cannabis finance, regulated markets, industry consolidation, Opus Consulting, The Hybrid podcast

Shawn Collins of THC Group and Erik Gundersen of ERG Strategies sit down with Mackenzie Slade of Cannabis Public Policy Consulting (CPPC) to unpack a phrase that gets thrown around in every cannabis hearing and rulemaking: “evidence-based policy.”They get specific. What does evidence look like when the best data is observational, the politics is loud, and the market evolves faster than regulators can write rules? The conversation moves through cannabis regulatory science, including emerging work using AI to approximate human affect ratings of cannabis imagery, and what that could mean for advertising review, compliance, and defensibility.From there, they dig into randomized controlled trials and why trial design matters for policy levers that actually move behavior, including taxes, labeling, and consumer trust. Switzerland’s adult-use public health experiments come up as a case study in what policy looks like when government treats research as infrastructure, not window dressing.They close with hemp through late 2026. Demand exists. Channels are shifting. Definitions and enforcement will decide who captures the spend, and who gets squeezed.Referenced in this episode:AI Study (medRxiv preprint): https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.11.14.25339699Swiss RCT Study Design (Frontiers in Psychiatry): https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1139325Swiss RCT Outcomes (Addiction): https://doi.org/10.1111/add.70080Verasight (representative sampling firm): https://www.verasight.io/🎧 New episodes drop regularly. Follow @TheHybridPod on Instagram for updates.🔎 Topics: cannabis regulatory science, evidence-based policy, AI and compliance, cannabis advertising rules, randomized controlled trials, policy experimentation, labeling and consumer trust, hemp-derived THC, market demand, regulatory governance, CPPC, The Hybrid podcast

Shawn Collins of THC Group and Erik Gundersen of ERG Strategies sit down with Adam Crabtree, Founder and CEO of NCS Analytics, to talk about a problem every cannabis regulator eventually runs into: the market generates mountains of data, but oversight still comes down to judgment, prioritization, and the ability to spot risk early.They break down what seed-to-sale tracking does well, where it creates false confidence, and why analytics is becoming the next layer of regulatory infrastructure. The conversation explores how anomaly detection and risk-based tools can help agencies focus inspections and investigations, surface potential diversion and tax irregularities, and translate messy operational signals into actionable oversight.They also dig into the harder questions. What happens when the data is incomplete or inconsistent? Where do dashboards mislead? How should agencies balance automation with human discretion? And what does effective, credible regulation look like when staff and resources are always finite?It’s an episode about scale, accountability, and the future of cannabis governance, told through the lens of the data systems quietly shaping how markets are supervised.Learn more about NCS Analytics: https://ncsanalytics.com🎧 New episodes drop regularly. Follow @TheHybridPod on Instagram for updates.🔎 Topics: cannabis analytics, seed-to-sale tracking, cannabis regulation, compliance analytics, diversion detection, cannabis taxation, risk indexing, regulatory oversight, data governance, enforcement strategy, NCS Analytics, The Hybrid podcast

Shawn Collins of THC Group and Erik Gundersen of ERG Strategies dig into an unexpected signal heading toward 2026: active ballot initiatives in Maine and Massachusetts that would roll back adult-use cannabis.They break down what the measures actually do, why they are emerging in mature early-adopter states, and what these campaigns reveal about the second act of legalization. The conversation explores how market maturity, regulatory friction, and public expectations collide, and why ballot initiatives often become a release valve for governance frustration. They also unpack the politics and mechanics of signature gathering, voter confusion, and the tension between what is procedurally legal and what feels legitimate to the public.It’s an episode about trust, governance, and regulatory reality, with a clear-eyed look at the risks these efforts create even if they never pass.🎧 New episodes drop regularly. Follow @TheHybridPod on Instagram for updates.🔎 Topics: cannabis ballot initiatives, Maine cannabis policy, Massachusetts cannabis regulation, adult-use repeal, cannabis legalization, ballot politics, signature gathering, public trust, governance, cannabis tax revenue, regulatory risk, compliance strategy, The Hybrid podcast

Shawn Collins of THC Group and Erik Gundersen of ERG Strategies lay out their predictions for the cannabis industry in 2026 using a simple framework: the bets they think will shape the year, and the tripwires that could force policy to move fast and sideways.The conversation breaks down five core dynamics, including evolving federal posture, the shift from building state programs to optimizing them, consolidation pressure in a capital-starved market, the coming tax fights in state capitols, and why Congress may revisit the hemp definition again with real consequences for intoxicating products and enforcement. Then they dig into the tripwires, the headline-driven and courtroom-driven events that regulators cannot schedule and operators cannot ignore, and how those shocks tend to reshape the operating environment overnight.It’s an episode about governance, market structure, and staying ahead of regulatory reality in a year that will reward preparation.🎧 New episodes drop regularly. Follow @TheHybridPod on Instagram for updates.🔎 Topics: 2026 cannabis forecast, cannabis policy, federal cannabis posture, state program optimization, cannabis consolidation, cannabis taxes, hemp definition, intoxicating hemp, regulatory risk, compliance strategy, enforcement dynamics, The Hybrid podcast

Shawn Collins of THC Group and Erik Gundersen of ERG Strategies sit down with Deirdra O’Gorman, CEO of Empyreal Logistics, to unpack the cannabis cash problem and why it still shapes the industry’s day-to-day reality.The conversation moves through banking friction, compliance mechanics, and the operational pressure that comes with moving money in a market built on legal contradictions. Deirdra walks through what “compliant” cash logistics actually looks like, why cash remains the default even in mature states, and what needs to change for cannabis commerce to start behaving like every other industry. It’s an episode about infrastructure, incentives, and the real-world cost of leaving a multibillion-dollar market stuck in the cash economy.🎧 New episodes drop regularly. Follow @TheHybridPod on Instagram for updates.🔎 Topics: cannabis banking, cannabis cash, cash logistics, Empyreal Logistics, Deirdra O’Gorman, compliance, public safety, cannabis regulation, federal-state policy gap, dispensary operations, The Hybrid podcast

Shawn Collins of THC Group and Erik Gundersen of ERG Strategies sit down for a Thanksgiving Special of The Hybrid, taking a lighter, more personal look at the world they came from - and the world they’re building now.The conversation moves through gratitude, governance, and the strange overlap between public service and holiday chaos. They draft their ideal Thanksgiving plates, revisit the lessons that shaped them as regulators, and celebrate the people and moments that brought them here. It’s an episode built on humor, honesty, and the quiet clarity that comes with looking back at the year.🎧 New episodes drop regularly. Follow @TheHybridPod on Instagram for updates.🔎 Topics: Thanksgiving special, cannabis culture, regulators, policy stories, side dish draft, Shawn Collins, Erik Gundersen, The Hybrid podcast

Shawn Collins of THC Group and Erik Gundersen of ERG Strategies sit down with Pamela Epstein, Chief Legal & Regulatory Officer at Terpene Belt, for an emergency conversation on Congress’s surprise move to restrict intoxicating hemp products nationwide.Tucked inside the federal government’s shutdown deal, the Senate added language that could redefine hemp and ban hemp-derived THC products across the country — a dramatic reversal from the 2018 Farm Bill that created the modern hemp market. It’s a political showdown now pitting Mitch McConnell against Rand Paul, with small businesses, farmers, and consumers caught in the crossfire.The discussion moves through shutdown politics, legislative maneuvering, and the uncertain future of hemp beverages, exploring how federal action might reshape the cannabis landscape heading into an election year. It’s a moment that asks what kind of hemp and cannabis market the U.S. wants to build — and who gets to decide.🎧 New episodes drop regularly. Follow @TheHybridPod on Instagram for updates.🔎 Topics: hemp regulation, intoxicating hemp ban, Farm Bill 2025, Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul, Pamela Epstein, hemp beverages, cannabis policy, shutdown bill

Shawn Collins of THC Group and Erik Gundersen of ERG Strategies sit down with Eric and Kristin Rogers, the husband-and-wife team behind LEVIA, to explore the rise of cannabis beverages and the rare journey of building a brand, selling it, and taking it back. They trace LEVIA from garage experiments to a statewide favorite, discuss what they learned inside a corporate structure, and share how their new venture, Second Act, reflects a vision for social, culinary, and wellness-forward cannabis.The conversation moves through culture, entrepreneurship, identity, and the evolution of social consumption. It is a story about creating something that feels personal, stepping away, and returning to finish the work on your own terms.🎧 New episodes drop regularly. Follow @TheHybridPod on Instagram for updates.🔎 Topics: LEVIA, cannabis beverages, founders, social consumption, Massachusetts cannabis, Second Act, entrepreneurship, cannabis culture

Shawn Collins of THC Group and Erik Gundersen of ERG Strategies sit down with Pamela N. Epstein, one of the nation’s leading cannabis and hemp policy experts, for a deep dive into intoxicating hemp, the Farm Bill, and the future of THC regulation. They unpack how we got here—the loopholes, the patchwork of state laws, the science—and where smart policy should go next.🎧 New episodes drop regularly. Follow @TheHybridPod on Instagram for updates.🔎 Topics: hemp regulation, Farm Bill 2025, THC policy, cannabis industry, delta-8, hemp vs marijuana, Pamela Epstein.

Shawn Collins of THC Group (www.homegrown-group.com) and Erik Gundersen of ERG Strategies (www.ergstrategies.com) chat with Carl Giannone, former Trade Roots leader, about his cannabis journey. With their expertise, they dive into regulatory challenges, social equity, and Massachusetts market shifts, sharing insider stories. They also compete in a trivia showdown. New episodes drop regularly. Follow @TheHybridPod on Instagram for more.

Shawn Collins of THC Group (www.homegrown-group.com) and Erik Gundersen of ERG Strategies (www.ergstrategies.com) explore cannabis testing with Stephanie McArdle of Orange Photonics (www.orangephotonics.com). With their expertise, they dive into field testing, data transparency, and reflect on consulting challenges. They also compete in a trivia showdown. New episodes drop regularly. Follow @TheHybridPod on Instagram for more.

Shawn Collins of THC Group (www.homegrown-group.com) and Erik Gundersen of ERG Strategies (www.ergstrategies.com) dive into the cannabis regulator's dilemma, exploring the clash of policy, politics, and public expectations. With their expertise, they share insider stories and reflect on regulatory challenges. They also break down recent headlines and compete in a trivia showdown. New episodes drop regularly. Follow @TheHybridPod on Instagram for more.

Shawn Collins of THC Group (www.homegrown-group.com) and Erik Gundersen of ERG Strategies (https://ergstrategies.com/) explore cannabis agency transparency with Steve Kemmerling, CEO of CRB Monitor (www.crbmonitor.com). They discuss its impact on financial institutions, CRB Monitor’s Transparency Scorecard, and share insider stories. They also tackle Texas’ THC ban and compete in a trivia showdown. New episodes drop regularly. Follow @TheHybridPod on Instagram for more.

Shawn Collins of THC Group (www.homegrown-group.com) and Erik Gundersen of ERG Strategies (www.ergstrategies.com/) explore the surprising similarities between cannabis and gaming policy with guest Mackenzie Slade of CPPC and GPPC. With their expertise, they uncover regulatory parallels and share insider stories. They also debate the best summer activity to pair with cannabis and compete in a trivia showdown. New episodes drop regularly. Follow @TheHybridPod on Instagram for more.

Shawn Collins of THC Group (www.homegrown-group.com) and Erik Gundersen of ERG Strategies (https://ergstrategies.com/) explore the future of medical cannabis in an adult-use world, sharing insider stories from their days as regulators. With their expertise, they offer fresh perspectives on policy shifts and industry challenges. They also draft notable figures to join the medical cannabis market—listen to hear their picks! New episodes drop regularly. Follow @TheHybridPod on Instagram for more.

Welcome to the premiere episode of The Hybrid, where cannabis policy collides with pop culture! Join hosts Shawn Collins (former Executive Director, MA Cannabis Control Commission) and Erik Gundersen (former Director, Maine Office of Cannabis Policy) as they kick things off with a bang. In this episode, we introduce ourselves and the podcast’s mission—to make dense cannabis policy as engaging as your favorite movie.We share behind-the-scenes insights from our years as regulators, tackling the highs and lows of shaping the cannabis landscape. Then, we dive into the hot topic of social consumption—think cannabis lounges and cafes—and what it could mean for the future. Plus, we try to stump each other with cannabis trivia, from historical tidbits to pop culture gems.