The Canna Connect Show

CannaConnect

The Canna Connect Show provides an open window to the Canna Connect brand. 

Episodes

  1. 9H AGO

    A Minnesota Farmer’s Cannabis Reality: Andrew Johnmeyer on Policy, Power & the Cost of the Rollout

    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 Timestamps 0:00 – 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

    56 min
  2. 12/31/2025

    From Boveda to Vivi: Drew Emmer on the Science of Freshness

    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 Link Enjoyed the show? Leave us a review on Apple or Spotify and subscribe for more deep dives into the world of cannabis.

    1h 5m

About

The Canna Connect Show provides an open window to the Canna Connect brand.