Best Cannabis Policy Discussions Podcasts (2025)

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Chris Ball: Betting It All — What It Really Takes to Build a Brand With Your Name on It: Pain, Patience, and Relentless Faith 56:26

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3d ago56:26

56:26

Building something that lasts takes more than money — it takes self-belief, grit, and the willingness to keep pushing forward when easier options present themselves. Putting your name on it only adds to the weight — and the responsibility — to make it work. As with anything worth doing, there are difficult moments along the journey that demand a le…

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MJBizCon 2025: Evolution, Inclusivity, and Future Directions 38:16

5d ago38:16

38:16

MJBizCon is evolving to offer a more consumer-focused experience, introducing initiatives like the MJBowl, a bi-coastal cannabis competition, and hosting offsite consumption events at NuWu. This shift aims to gather consumer feedback and integrate the consumer aspect into the "seed to sale" lifecycle. Emilie Lewis, Senior Vice President & Brand Lea…

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$28.4 Billion Dollar Hemp Industry Can’t Be Put Back in the Bottle ft Jim Higdon 47:52

10d ago47:52

47:52

California wants to ban hemp. Texas is protecting it. Spritz and Big Alcohol are lobbying to crush it. The enemy of my enemy is my friend? Not in the cannabinoid space. The hemp industry stands at a crossroads. With federal clarity still missing, states pulling in opposite directions, and Big Alcohol leaning on lawmakers, billions are at stake in h…

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Federal Court Ruling, Tariffs, and Declassification with Jason Little 43:58

12d ago43:58

43:58

Jason Little, Lead of The Cannabis Practice Team at Farrell Fritz, returns to discuss the recent federal appeals court ruling that New York State's cannabis licensing criteria, which excluded individuals with federal or out-of-state cannabis convictions from receiving priority, were likely unconstitutional. They also discussed how tariffs impact th…

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Largest Medical Cannabis & Cancer Study Ever: Can These Findings Push Rescheduling? ft Ryan Castle 48:40

18d ago48:40

48:40

If you were given some of the worst news in the world, wouldn’t you expect your doctors to use every tool available? What if one of those tools could save millions of lives—and the science is already here? The world’s largest medical cannabis and cancer study—10,000 papers, ranked in the top 5% globally—shows overwhelming evidence that cannabis has…

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,The Cannabis ESOP Architect Darren Gleeman 44:05

19d ago44:05

44:05

Blunt Business welcomes Darren Gleeman, author of "The Cannabis ESOP Architect," to discuss how Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) offer a revolutionary, IRS-approved, zero-tax exit strategy for cannabis businesses, making the 280E tax irrelevant. Darren explained that ESOPs are the only significant M&A activity in the cannabis sector, fosterin…

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Strategy Truths & Lies, Mature Industries Already Know ft. Mitchell Osak 56:08

25d ago56:08

56:08

Cannabis is chaotic by design. Vertical integration forces operators to run six or seven businesses at once — then replicate that model across states with different regulations, all without economies of scale. It’s no wonder the industry feels messy. The bigger problem? Too many companies are chasing the wrong metrics and ignoring the lessons other…

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Melissa Hanson on Flowhub POS Native E-commerce Solution 21:12

26d ago21:12

21:12

Blunt Business welcomes Melissa Hanson, Flowhub's new VP of Operations, to discuss their new e-commerce platform, which aims to power online cannabis retail growth. Melissa, leveraging her 20 years of retail experience, explained that the platform was designed by former Wayfair experts to streamline dispensary operations by removing the need for mu…

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THC Is an Ingredient, Where Pharma, MSOs & Hemp Collide, ft. Zach Edge 43:08

1M ago43:08

43:08

THC is an ingredient. Cannabinoids will be treated like standardized inputs across pharma, licensed cannabis, and hemp—and the future winners are hedging until there’s clarity. What got you here won’t get you there. The next phase needs a new playbook: ops tweaks aren’t enough; strategy has to change. Near term, expect Schedule III to unlock e-phar…

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Corinne Butler discusses Azuca's 2025 Edibles Premiumization Report 36:27

1M ago36:27

36:27

Corinne Butler discusses Azuca's "2025 Edibles Premiumization Report," which highlights that premium cannabis is defined by efficacy and that consumers are willing to pay more for fast-acting edibles due to their predictability and consistent experience. Corinne detailed how Azuca's encapsulation method ensures fast-acting effects (5-15 minutes) an…

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Sensory Science Unlocked, Beyond THC, Inside True Terpenes ft. Dan Cook 51:32

1M ago51:32

51:32

$8 billion in products hit shelves each year with True Terpenes inside. The real edge? Turning sensory science—backed by data—into products that connect and fill clear gaps in the market. We break down what cannabis can borrow from wine (shared language, guided discovery), where that analogy stops, and why toxicology and standards are the new trust…

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Relm Insurance Insuring Innovation and Emerging Risks in Cannabis, Psychedelics, and AI 35:49

1M ago35:49

35:49

Joe Ziolkowski, CEO of Relm Insurance delves into the evolving landscape of insurance for emerging and high-risk industries. They specifically addressed the significant insurance gaps for THC beverages and the prevalent underinsurance within the broader cannabis sector. Ziolkowski highlighted Relm Insurance's strategic diversification within the ca…

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Dr. Greenhouse: The #1 Mistake Killing Your Plants ft. Nadia Sabeh 1:03:19

2M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

What if keeping the room a little too dry is killing your plants? Humidity—and the HVAC that controls it—drives plant health, but air isn’t uniform across the room. The fix isn’t more AC; it’s dialing VPD so humidity, lights, airflow, and irrigation work together. Get it wrong and you lose yield and fail tests; get it right and buds stay sticky, he…

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Hall of Flowers Hosts Inaugural New York City Event 47:10

2M ago47:10

47:10

Rama Mayo, the Founder of Hall of Flowers, discussed the upcoming Hall of Flowers events coming to Santa Rosa, California (site of their very first event) as well as hosting their first New York show and its significance for the cannabis industry. Hall of Flowers, a B2B cannabis trade show, has garnered significant praise, particularly for its Cali…

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Richie Proud on the iAnthus Turnaround: Why Selling Arizona Fueled Core-Market Growth 55:05

2M ago55:05

55:05

What if the smartest growth move is cutting—on purpose? Turnarounds aren’t financial stories—they’re operational ones. Growth-at-all-costs is out. The new playbook: prune non-core assets, concentrate resources in high-return states, and speed the path from cultivation to checkout. This week we sit down with Richie Proud, CEO of iAnthus, to discuss:…

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Addressing Cannabis Reform Delays and 280E Challenges with James B Mann 36:13

2M ago36:13

36:13

Cannabis Tax Attorney James B Mann highlights the ongoing frustration within the cannabis industry due to persistent delays in legalization and reform, particularly concerning the SAFER Banking Act and Section 280E. James addresses the perceived ineffectiveness of current lobbying efforts and explores various legal challenges to Section 280E, notin…

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Secrets Behind Failed Cannabis Builds: Where Every Team Needs to Look Now ft. David Fettner 49:36

2M ago49:36

49:36

Most cannabis facilities fail before the first wall goes up. Most assume it’s because of money — but they’re wrong. It’s because no one asked the right questions. The question you need to ask now is: Where should we be looking to set ourselves up for long-term success? Asking the right questions is critical — because decisions made for today can be…

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A Critical Look at Cannabis Policy: Taxes, Illicit Markets, and Stalled Federal Reform 42:18

2M ago42:18

42:18

Blunt Business welcomes Joshua Horn, co-chair of Fox Rothschild's LLP's cannabis law practice. We addressed several key issues impacting the cannabis industry, including the detrimental impact of California's upcoming cannabis tax increase, the challenges posed by the persistent illicit market, and the lack of state enforcement against it. We also …

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Ben Meggs and the Battle for Texas 18:27

2M ago18:27

18:27

Jonathan Miller interviews Ben Meggs, Co-founder and CEO of the Bayou City Hemp Company, about the continuing hemp battle in Texas. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at [email protected]. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: Who is behind the Bayou City Hemp Company, and what …

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The ROI of Pre-Roll Automation: Scaling Quality, Reducing Labor, and Hitting 20K+ a Day ft. Shahar Yamay 39:00

2M ago39:00

39:00

Every investment is just an ROI calculator. Automation feels risky—until you run the numbers. It doesn’t kill craftsmanship—it scales it. Growing your pre-roll category usually means balancing sales growth with hand-filling teams to maintain quality. But what if you could do both? What if you could leverage best-in-class automation to hit your numb…

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Anthony Coniglio of NewLake Partners on Optimistic Cannabis Policy, Rescheduling, and State Hemp Regulations 41:51

2M ago41:51

41:51

Anthony Coniglio, CEO at NewLake Partners returns to discussed a possible shifting to an optimistic outlook on cannabis policy, noting concerns about Rand Paul's efforts to strip hemp language from the agriculture appropriations bill and a proposed DOJ rule classifying cannabis users as "dangerous to society." We also covered DEA Administrator Terr…

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Keep Your Eye on Ohio: Why California’s Failures Are Michigan’s Success, and the Global Cannabis Landscape ft. Hirsh Jain 56:44

2M ago56:44

56:44

What’s the real goal of a legal cannabis market? If it’s to replace the illicit market, create safe access, and drive tax revenue—then why is California, the world’s 4th largest economy, failing while Michigan is thriving? Despite California’s size and cultural dominance, cannabis sales are shrinking, cities are refusing to opt in, and the illicit …

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Challenges in Detecting Cannabis Impairment in the Workplace with Joshua Bauchner 51:04

2M ago51:04

51:04

Joshua Bauchner, chair of the Cannabis, Hemp and Psychedelics Practice Group of Mandelbaum Barrett, P.C., discusses the intricacies of medical cannabis use and its legal implications. While some states provide protections for medical cannabis users, federal law does not, limiting the scope of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The inconsist…

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The Cannabis Titanic: The Reset Ahead, Matt Karnes on What the Numbers Say 43:04

3M ago43:04

43:04

Debt is coming due — and we’re approaching a point of no return. At this stage, it’s not if there will be fallout — it’s who survives it. The surface-level view of the cannabis industry hides deep financial issues that only become clear when you dig into the numbers. And that’s exactly what Matt Karnes has been doing for years. From cash flow strai…

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Nishant Reddy on A Golden State, Phases, and Smack Studios 33:24

3M ago33:24

33:24

Blunt Business welcomes back Nishant Reddy to talk about the launch of Phases and Smack Studios as extensions of A Golden State, aiming for approachable pricing while maintaining quality across vaporizers, edibles, and infused pre-rolls. Nishant highlighted the challenges in California's cannabis market due to taxation and regulation, but noted the…

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Organigram’s Competitive Edge: Paolo De Luca on BAT, M&A Strategy, and the Cannabis Long Game 54:43

3M ago54:43

54:43

Built to last. That’s not just a slogan — it’s a strategy. In an industry driven by short-term survival, the cannabis space often feels like a rollercoaster. Financial pressures and market volatility push companies to chase quarters instead of building moats. But what if you could play the long game? What if you could invest in domain knowledge, de…

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Expert Insights on the Evolving Cannabis Industry: Regulation, Capital, and Future Prospects 39:32

3M ago39:32

39:32

Blunt Business welcomes back with Sara Gullickson, founder and CEO of CB Advisors, regarding the current landscape of the cannabis industry. Key topics included the inconsistent regulations across different states, particularly in the Southeast, and the significant challenges faced during Minnesota's cannabis program rollout. Gullickson emphasized …

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The Michelin-Star Experience? Gibran Washington on What Customers Actually Want 49:52

3M ago49:52

49:52

What if buying cannabis felt more like a Michelin-star dining experience than a traditional retail transaction? Where the staff doesn’t just sell—they guide, educate, and tailor every recommendation to how you want to feel. No guessing. Just clarity, confidence, and trust—rooted in science-backed evidence. That’s the vision behind Ethos Cannabis. W…

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Georgia's Cannabis Crackdown - A Southeast Ripple Effect? 34:35

3M ago34:35

34:35

In this episode of Blunt Business, managing partners Ed Brown and Tucker Herndon of Burr & Forman discuss Georgia's sudden move to ban THC-infused drinks and restrict Delta-8 and Delta-9 products. As attorneys specializing in the food and beverage industry, they explore the potential impact on retailers, manufacturers, and the broader Southeast can…

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AI in Cannabis Commerce Is Here — But Jane’s Doing It Their Way with Socrates Rosenfeld 50:02

3M ago50:02

50:02

AI is reshaping every corner of commerce — and in cannabis, where the pace is chaotic and change can be difficult, thoughtful integration is even harder. We’re in the middle of a digital transformation as profound as the rise of the internet. In a space where “speed and size” used to win, the new game is endurance. Because to finish first, you have…

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Texas Hemp Bill 3 and Edibles.com's Vision with Thomas Winstanley 37:39

3M ago37:39

37:39

Thomas Winstanley, EVP, General Manager of Edibles.com discussed the severe implications of Texas Senate Bill 3, which proposes a ban on hemp-derived THC products. He highlighted the bill's flawed reasoning, arguing that it disregards consumer demand for safe THC access and would lead to the closure of thousands of businesses and job losses for ten…

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Trump, Texas SB3 & the Rescheduling Timeline: Jim Higdon on What Comes Next 48:46

4M ago48:46

48:46

Prohibition is dead — and Texas just proved it. The recent SB3 vote signaled the start of something much bigger. While hemp and cannabis operate in very different styles, both are ultimately pushing toward the same goal: a sensible framework for a one-plant solution. The how? I’ll leave that to people way smarter than me. But the genie is NOT going…

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Navigating D.C. Cannabis Crossroads with Terrence White 56:04

4M ago56:04

56:04

Terrence White, CEO and Founder of MONKO and Former Chairman of the I-71 Committee, explores the complex cannabis landscape in Washington D.C. Despite voter approval for legalization through Initiative 71, the Harris Rider restricts a regulated adult-use market, leading to a "gifting" model and lost tax revenue. The discussion delves into potential…

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How are states taking up key health care issues? Part II 34:06

4M ago34:06

34:06

AMA President Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, with this panel of AMA Advocacy Resource Center attorneys continues their conversation on how the AMA is working with national, state and specialty medical societies to address these key legislative priorities. How are the key issues of prior authorization, scope of practice, and physician wellness playing out? Wh…

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The Hidden Weakness in Most Cannabis Operations — What We Heard at Benzinga 43:41

4M ago43:41

43:41

The cannabis shakeout isn’t coming. It’s already here. Operators are bleeding, investors are disappearing, and the old playbook is falling apart. After Benzinga, one thing’s clear: the winners will be the ones who specialize, control every cost, and have visibility into every part of their business in real time. What happens when you pull back the …

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Khari Griffin on THC Regulation and the Future of the Hemp Industry 42:01

4M ago42:01

42:01

Khari Griffin, a Cannabis Attorney at Clark Hill Law, joins Blunt Business to delve into the complexities of inconsistent state regulations on THC products. Key issues highlighted included concerns over high potency, youth access, and the lack of federal oversight, particularly regarding the 2018 Farm Bill and FDA inaction. The discussion also expl…

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Justin Swanson and Federal Efforts to Ban Hemp 15:52

4M ago15:52

15:52

Jonathan Miller interviews Justin Swanson, President of the Midwest Hemp Council, about legislation being considered by the House Appropriations Committee that could ban most consumable hemp products. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at [email protected]. Hemp Industry questions covered…

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How are states taking up key health care issues? Part I 24:56

4M ago24:56

24:56

Months into the 2025 state legislative sessions, how are the key issues of prior authorization, scope of practice, and physician wellness playing out? What themes are emerging and how are they different than those of previous years? Led by AMA President Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, this panel of AMA Advocacy Resource Center attorneys talks about how the AM…

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Storytelling Is the Future of Cannabis IR ft Jesse Redmond 54:47

4M ago54:47

54:47

What if the most powerful investor pitch wasn’t a deck or a breakdown of earnings—but a story? Now, the idea of seeds in the ground to thriving plants is a tangible experience—one that finally captures the real narrative. Because in cannabis, the financials don’t always tell the full story. This week, we sit down with Jesse Redmond, Head of Investo…

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Autumn Brands and Sustainable Cannabis: Water Conservation, Spray-Free Practices, and More with Hanna Brand 32:14

4M ago32:14

32:14

Hanna Brand, co-founder and chief sales officer of Autumn Brands, talks about their commitment to sustainable cannabis cultivation, including their 100% spray-free practices using beneficial insects and their innovative water conservation methods, such as bio-swell systems and water reclamation from greenhouse runoff. Hanna also shared insights on …

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Fix the Process: Real Cannabis Manufacturing Tools & Optimization Techniques ft.: Murphy Murri 56:48

4M ago56:48

56:48

Most cannabis operators are reactive—drowning in checklists, flooded with data, and still missing the point. Compliance gets all the attention, while real operational signals—like handling variability and shifting process conditions—lead to execution gaps and reactive decision-making. Extraction process optimization is tricky, but when the actual r…

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Clark Wu on the Cannabis Legal Landscape: Challenges, Compliance, and Opportunities 45:28

4M ago45:28

45:28

We hear from Clark Wu, a partner with Bianchi and Brandt about the complexities of the cannabis and hemp legal landscape. The conversation covers regulatory hurdles, compliance issues, investment opportunities, and the impact of campaigns and FDA actions. Key challenges discussed include inconsistent federal and state regulations, securing capital,…

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Frank Santos and What's Next for Hemp in Texas 16:56

4M ago16:56

16:56

Jonathan Miller interviews Austin, Texas lobbyist Frank Santos, about the ever-changing state of play for hemp policy in Texas. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at [email protected]. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What is Senate Bill 3 and how did it pass the legislatur…

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Brett Puffenbarger: The Future of Cannabis Will Look Like This… and Yes, It Will Shock You 54:49

5M ago54:49

54:49

What if we told you the future of cannabis looks less like dispensaries... and more like the milk aisle? Everyone’s chasing growth, market share, and the next hot product — but few are asking the deeper question: What will the cannabis industry actually become? While cannabis is certainly disruptive, its future likely follows a few predictable path…

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The Powered by Cannabicity initiative with Barbara Vaughn and Stefan Sanzi 32:47

5M ago32:47

32:47

Barbara Vaughn, Founder and CEO of Cannabicity and co-founder Stefan Sanzi discuss the New York State cannabis market's social equity licensees face significant challenges, including lengthy licensing processes, predatory lending, and navigating complex grant applications. Cannabicity, founded by Barbara, launched the "Powered by Cannabicity" initi…

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No Exits, No Capital, No Bullsh*t: Seth Yakatan on Cannabis Reality 45:37

5M ago45:37

45:37

There’s no exits. There’s no cash. There’s no buyers. So what do you do? Batten down the hatches. Crush your market. Squeeze out the little guys who can’t compete — and wait. This week, Seth Yakatan returns to discuss the following: • How he’s seeing the board • Why cannabis can’t hit reset like other industries • What operators need to do right no…

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Qredible and Blockchain Compliance in Cannabis 41:48

5M ago41:48

41:48

We learn about Qredible's compliance platform for the cannabis industry with Chairman and CEO Brian Fitzpatrick. The discussion highlights Qredible's use of blockchain technology and automated compliance checks, as well as its marketplace approach. Specific software solutions like Q Monitor, Q Transact, and My COA are detailed, along with the platf…

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Addressing the maternal health crisis, Part II 23:03

5M ago23:03

23:03

Join this continued discussion on how to the AMA is working to address maternal mortality in the U.S.. The conversation is led by Dr. Willie Underwood III, Urologist and immediate past chair of the AMA board of trustees. Panelists include experts Maryanne C. Bombaugh, MD, MBA, MSc, member of the AMA Council on Legislation, Michael Rakotz, MD, vice …