High Spirits AnnaRae Grabstein and Ben Larson

Embark on a journey into the heart of cannabis brand expansion with us, Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein, as we unravel the story of Kiva's bold foray beyond the Golden State. With the guidance of Colin Keeler from Kiva, we dissect the intricacies of spreading a rooted brand into new markets and the fresh challenges of the burgeoning hemp sector. Tune in and gain insight into the strategic partnerships and carefully curated product suites that have propelled Kiva's presence from California to the national stage, ensuring they remain a household name in an industry that's as varied as it is regulated.

Our conversation traverses the unpredictable terrain of the hemp marketplace, where rapid legislative changes and consumer preferences demand agility and foresight. Relive the moment Minnesota unexpectedly legalized hemp, revealing the impact of swift policy shifts on the industry. Discover how Kiva navigates these waters with a commitment to safety and consistency, setting a benchmark in child-resistant packaging and meticulous product testing. You'll be equipped with a deeper understanding of the complexities Kiva faces, from maintaining brand integrity to innovating within the confines of diverse state laws.

As we gaze into the crystal ball of cannabis and hemp's future, we illuminate the regions ripe for explosive growth, with a nod to the Northeast's untapped potential. Reflect on how the cutthroat California market has sharpened Kiva's edge for success in states like Massachusetts, New York, and the eagerly anticipated markets of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. We close our session with a note of gratitude and a call for shared wisdom, inviting you to stay engaged, enlightened, and elevated with High Spirits as we navigate the evergreen adventure of cannabis entrepreneurship.
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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.

Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.

Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?

Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.
THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.

Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.

Experience the fusion of cannabis culture and community as AnnaRae and Ben engage with Joyce Cenali, COO of Sonoma Hills Farm and Big Rock, in a deep-rooted discussion on the nuances of California craft cannabis. We traverse Joyce's fascinating journey from growing for personal use, to deploying capital through Big Rock, and back to the fields of farming, uncovering the organic movement's influence on cannabis and the unique terroir that sets California apart. Unpacking the hustle of event season, we reveal how community ties and personal stories shape the industry, lending insight into the symbiotic relationship that exists between the growers, the land, and the consumers who cherish their craft.

Venture behind the scenes of cannabis cultivation with us, as we navigate the complexities of California's OCal program and how it's elevating standards for sun-grown, organic cannabis. As regulations evolve, we consider the future of cannabis branding in the wake of potential scheduling shifts and the delicate balance of cultivating both hemp and regulated cannabis. Our conversation opens up a world of possibilities, from the promise of full-spectrum hemp products to the agricultural innovations waiting on the horizon—each poised to redefine wellness and efficacy in the industry.

Finally, sip and savor the cross-pollination of cannabis with the hospitality realm, where chefs and creators push boundaries despite stringent regulations. We highlight successful partnerships that have birthed cannabis-infused culinary sensations, creating a ripple effect across high-end dining and community interaction. Amidst these culinary adventures, we also spotlight the Cannabis Media Council's mission to reshape the public narrative of cannabis, aiming for normalization and fair representation within mainstream media, and ultimately, the hope for a Super Bowl moment that celebrates the plant in all its glory. Join us on this explorative episode where agriculture meets branding, and community converges with the culinary arts.
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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.

Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.

Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?

Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.
THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.

Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.

Unlock the secret to thriving in the cannabis industry through the power of ESOPs, without getting tangled in the tax web of 280E. Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein, with the acumen of Darren Gleeman, bring you a timely tax season symphony that harmonizes the potential of Employee Stock Ownership Plans with the cannabis sector's unique challenges. As we navigate the vibrant landscape ranging from solar eclipses to surges in beverage trends, our conversation turns to the strategic utilization of ESOPs, not just as a financial tool but as a beacon of bipartisan agreement. 

Imagine a scenario where employees morph into owners, engaging in the wealth creation dance without the usual fiscal footwork, thanks to the ESOP's deft choreography. We'll walk you through the financial scaffolding and intricate steps that could let your accountant take a well-deserved bow. From seller notes to borrowing terms that sing, we’ll orchestrate the complex score of ESOPs, making it as comprehensible as it is compelling. Our guest Darren Gleeman illuminates the path that cannabis businesses can follow to turn this intricate melody into a harmonious reality.

Finally, feel the pulse of why ESOPs garner nods from Bernie Sanders to Mitch McConnell. As we unwrap this ownership model, we highlight its role as a catalyst for reinvestment and evolution, revealing when venture capital may steal the spotlight instead. Whether you're an employee with big dreams or a business owner plotting your next move, this episode is your backstage pass to mastering ESOPs in the cannabis sector's ever-evolving fiscal opera.
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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.

Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.

Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?

Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.
THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.

Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.

Discover the seismic shifts in the hemp THC retail sphere and the implications of a national market in our latest deep dive with David Gonzalez. As Total Wine and DoorDash venture into THC beverages, we peel back the layers on the political and societal impacts of this move, emphasizing the triumphs in low-dose hemp accessibility while advocating for continued strides in cannabis decriminalization. We also analyze how the convergence of hemp and cannabis under potential new regulatory frameworks could reshape the industry landscape.

Tune into a riveting conversation exploring the strategic advantages of e-commerce for hemp companies, with Hemp House at the forefront of innovation. The national market for hemp products is changing consumer behavior, and we're here to dissect how businesses like Hemp House are leveraging platforms like Shopify and USPS to reach customers across state lines. We also consider how online analytics drive smarter marketing, and the clever moves for dominance in both local and national markets, setting the stage for a new era of cannabis success.

The episode culminates with a forward-looking analysis of Hemp House's national and international expansion strategies. We discuss the ins and outs of entering new markets, the importance of infrastructure and industry alliances, and the potential of an omnichannel approach, mixing e-commerce with brick-and-mortar. Hemp House's journey is a blueprint for growth, charting a course that could redefine the THC beverage sector and leave a lasting imprint on the global cannabis stage. Join us as we conclude with our bold predictions for the future of Hemp House and the strategic maneuvers they may deploy to conquer new territories.
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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.

Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.

Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?

Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.
THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.

Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.

Discover how the tides are turning in America's heartland as we navigate through the unexpected 'red wave' of cannabis legalization with Hirsh Jain, an incredibly seasoned cannabis strategist. In our lively discussion, we examine the churning political currents within states like Missouri, where traditional conservative views are being eclipsed by progressive cannabis policies. This wave isn't just making waves; it's rewriting the playbook on industry growth and political discourse in regions once deemed impervious to such change.

Wade into the intricate battle for cannabis reform in Florida, where the stakes are high and the rules are stringent. We peel back the layers of the state's single subject rule and Supreme Court reviews, considering the monumental task of meeting a 60% approval threshold for ballot initiatives. Yet, there's a palpable buzz of optimism in the air, fueled by the resounding success of Florida's medical cannabis program. Join us as we entertain the possibility of a domino effect across the nation, should Florida's green surge become a reality.

Our journey doesn't stop at state lines; we cast our net wide, theorizing how local legislative shifts could send shockwaves through the corridors of federal power. From the role of state supreme courts to the influence of economic imperatives and political heavyweights, we dissect the complex interplay of forces shaping the future of cannabis reform. Tune in as we stitch together a tapestry of change, where even the smallest state initiative could be the thread that pulls national and global cannabis policy forward.
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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.

Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.

Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?

Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.
THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.

Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.

Discover the thrill and potential of the THC beverage market as we uncork the secrets behind a sparkling $10 million investment fund with Aaron Edelheit. Our spirited conversation with Aaron will not only pour you a glass of industry insights but will also reveal how he transitioned from trading small-cap stocks to betting big on cannabis-infused drinks. As we tour through cannabis culture at events like the Budist launch party and Hall of Flowers, you'll get a taste of how THC is blending with mainstream social gatherings, promising a heady mix of innovation and investment.

During our chat, Aaron elaborates on the disruptive power of legal hemp-derived THC products, especially within Minnesota's receptive market. We unravel the complex legalities and rapid growth within the sector, and why heavy hitters like Döhler are teaming up with market leaders like Vertosa to fortify their presence in the beverage ingredient space. Aaron's enthusiasm is infectious, and his insights are a must-listen for anyone eyeing the potential upheaval of the colossal alcohol industry. 

We wrap up the episode by dissecting the evolving dance between cannabis and alcohol distribution dynamics, where hemp beverages are making a splash and altering consumer habits. We'll share tales of alcohol distributors finding new rhythms in the hemp space, freed from traditional constraints, and how this is shaking up industry standards. Lastly, we toast to strategic partnerships and management adaptability in a market that remains as fluid as the products it creates. Join us for this candid and in-depth discussion that not only forecasts the future of cannabis but also celebrates the communal benefits of a responsibly expanding industry.
--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.

Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.

Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?

Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.
THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.

Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.