Canna Connect Show

Canna Connect
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Entrepreneurship

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

  1. Audio Version | Tara Falk (Aim & Fire) | Cannabis Marketing, Events & Building Brands in Minnesota | S02E01

    1d ago

    Audio Version | Tara Falk (Aim & Fire) | Cannabis Marketing, Events & Building Brands in Minnesota | S02E01

    What does it take to build a cannabis brand that stands out? Season 2 of The Canna Connect Show kicks off live from CannaCon St. Paul with the return of Tara Falk, Founder of Aim & Fire. In her second appearance on the show, Tara joins Stephen Eigenmann to discuss the evolving cannabis marketplace, experiential marketing, retail activations, and why Minnesota continues to emerge as one of the country's most unique cannabis markets. The conversation explores:  Building authentic cannabis brands  Retail activations and field marketing  Lessons from the Hemp Beverage Expo and Ignite  Minnesota's evolving hemp and adult-use cannabis market  Why community matters in emerging industries  The future of cannabis events and networking  How Aim & Fire helps brands scale through strategic execution Tara also shares why she continues returning to Minnesota, why she's optimistic about the future of the industry, and why organizations like Canna Connect are helping strengthen the cannabis community through education and connection. 🤝 Featured Community Partners This episode was recorded live from CannaCon St. Paul, where Minnesota's cannabis community came together to connect, collaborate, and learn. Special thanks to the organizations helping strengthen Minnesota's cannabis industry: Aim & Fire – Experiential marketing and retail activation for cannabis and hemp brands. Open Window Productions – Production partner helping bring The Canna Connect Show to life. Elite Capture Studio – Creative content and media production supporting the Canna Connect network. Interested in becoming part of the Canna Connect Community Network? Visit CannaConnectMN.com to learn more. Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

    24 min
  2. Episode 37 | How Minnesota Cannabis Businesses Are Saving Thousands on Cultivation Buildouts | Brad Obermueller, CEE

    Jun 24

    Episode 37 | How Minnesota Cannabis Businesses Are Saving Thousands on Cultivation Buildouts | Brad Obermueller, CEE

    As Minnesota's cannabis industry moves from licensing into active cultivation, operators are discovering that power, energy efficiency, and facility planning can make or break a project. In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, Steven Eigenmann sits down with Brad Obermueller of CEE (Center for Energy and Environment) to discuss how Minnesota cannabis cultivators are navigating facility buildouts, utility requirements, lighting rebates, and energy planning. Brad shares what CEE is seeing across dozens of cultivation projects, why the Builder's Call Line is one of the most important resources available to growers, and how energy-efficient lighting systems can unlock significant savings for licensed operators. The conversation also explores Minnesota's emerging craft cultivation ecosystem, lessons learned from early cultivation projects, and how growers can position themselves for long-term success. Topics include: • Minnesota cannabis cultivation infrastructure  • Energy-efficient grow facility design  • LED lighting rebates for cannabis businesses  • The Builder's Call Line and utility planning  • Frost Leaf's cultivation project case study  • Craft cannabis cultivation in Minnesota  • Home grow lighting rebates  • Power consumption and cultivation planning  • Building trust within the cannabis industry  • The future of Minnesota cannabis cultivation Meet Brad & the CEE Team at CannaCon Brad and the CEE team will be exhibiting at CannaCon St. Paul on June 26-27, 2025. If you're planning a cultivation facility or exploring energy rebates for your cannabis business, stop by their booth and learn how CEE can help reduce project costs and improve long-term efficiency. Connect with Canna Connect: 🌐 https://cannaconnectmn.com Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

    32 min
  3. Episode 36 | The Future of Cannabis Jobs in Minnesota with Local 49's Patrick Doran & Benjamin Mike

    Jun 17

    Episode 36 | The Future of Cannabis Jobs in Minnesota with Local 49's Patrick Doran & Benjamin Mike

    What role should organized labor play in Minnesota's emerging cannabis industry? In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, Stephen Eigenmann sits down with Patrick Doran and Benjamin Mike of Local 49 to discuss workforce development, employee protections, apprenticeship programs, labor peace agreements, and the future of cannabis employment in Minnesota. As the state's cannabis market continues to take shape, the conversation explores how employers and workers can build sustainable businesses, develop skilled career pathways, and create opportunities that benefit both companies and employees. Local 49 brings more than a century of experience supporting Minnesota workers, and this episode explores how that experience may translate into one of the state's newest industries. The guests also discuss craft cannabis, hemp beverages, workforce training, regulatory uncertainty, and why collaboration will be critical as the market matures.  Get in touch with Local 49  https://cannaconnectmn.com/contact Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

    45 min

  4. Jun 10

    Episode 35 | Tanner Berris Returns: The Past, Present & Future of Minnesota Cannabis

    What has changed in Minnesota cannabis over the past year? In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, Stephen Eigenmann reconnects with longtime friend, former co-host, and Minnesota cannabis historian Tanner Berris for their first recorded conversation together in nearly a year. The discussion explores how Minnesota's cannabis industry has evolved since legalization, including hemp beverages, licensing, compliance, home grow rights, cannabis advocacy, and the role of the Office of Cannabis Management. Drawing on years of experience covering Minnesota cannabis policy and culture, Tanner shares his perspective on where the industry stands today and the challenges that still lie ahead. Topics include: • Minnesota cannabis history and legalization • Hemp beverages and federal policy • Home grow rights and advocacy • OCM regulations and compliance • Cannabis licensing and market development • Community building and cannabis culture • The future of Minnesota's cannabis industry For listeners who have followed Minnesota cannabis over the past several years, this episode serves as both a reflection on how far the industry has come and a conversation about what comes next. Guest: Tanner Berris Follow Tanner's Substack: https://tannerberris.substack.com/ The Canna Connect Show highlights the entrepreneurs, advocates, policymakers, and community leaders helping shape Minnesota cannabis from the ground up. Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

    1h 18m
  5. Episode 34 | Jen Reise on The Biggest Challenges Facing Minnesota Cannabis Businesses

    Jun 3

    Episode 34 | Jen Reise on The Biggest Challenges Facing Minnesota Cannabis Businesses

    As Minnesota’s cannabis industry moves closer to a fully operational adult-use market, operators are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape of legislation, licensing, compliance, and competition.  In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, Stephen Eigenmann sits down with Jen Reise, Founder of North Star Cannabis Consulting, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing cannabis businesses across Minnesota.  The conversation covers:  Legislative updates and proposed cannabis policy changesSupply chain challenges for medical and adult-use operatorsThe future of cannabis events and consumption loungesCapital access and barriers facing small businessesThe North Star Accelerator program and supporting emerging operatorsHow dispensaries can compete in a crowded marketplaceCraft cannabis, customer experience, and local marketingFederal rescheduling and the future of cannabis regulationHemp legislation and what it could mean for Minnesota businessesJen also shares her perspective on where Minnesota's cannabis market is headed as more licenses are awarded, more dispensaries open, and competition increases.  One of the biggest themes throughout this episode is that success in cannabis won't simply come from having a license, it will come from building strong businesses, creating exceptional customer experiences, and adapting to a market that is changing faster than ever. Sign-up for Jen's newsletter: https://northstarcannabis.beehiiv.com/ Chapter Markers 00:00 Intro & Cannabis Industry Disclaimer 01:13 Minnesota Legislative Session Update & Cannabis Priorities 02:02 Event Licenses: Adoption Challenges & Future Opportunities 03:05 Public Consumption, Event Licensing & Consumption Lounges 04:10 Medical vs Adult-Use Supply Chains Explained 05:08 Why Unifying the Supply Chain Matters for Small Operators 06:32 Vireo, GTI & the Challenges of Medical Market Reform 07:05 Federal Rescheduling, DEA Hearings & What Comes Next 08:14 Rescheduling vs Descheduling: The Future of Cannabis Policy 09:17 Hemp, Marijuana & Why Cannabis Needs One Definition 10:34 Launching a Minnesota THC Beverage Brand 11:30 Jen Reise's Journey from Attorney to Cannabis Consultant 12:45 Building North Star Cannabis Consulting & Industry Education 13:15 Inside the North Star Accelerator Program 15:05 Opening a Dispensary Is Just the Beginning 15:40 Will Minnesota Have Too Many Dispensaries? 23:00 Consumer Education & Supporting Local Cannabis Businesses 27:24 How Small Cannabis Operators Can Compete and Win 30:00 Social Equity, Capital Access & Industry Challenges 35:00 The Future of Hemp Beverages & the Federal Hemp Debate Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

    39 min
  6. Episode 33 | Mark Carlson on Cannabis Packaging, Leadership & Building Brands in Minnesota

    May 27

    Episode 33 | Mark Carlson on Cannabis Packaging, Leadership & Building Brands in Minnesota

    What role does packaging play in the future of cannabis? In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, Steven Eigenmann sits down with Mark Carlson of The John Roberts Company to talk about the intersection of packaging, branding, entrepreneurship, and Minnesota cannabis culture. After decades working in printing and packaging across markets like Colorado, California, Oregon, and Washington, Mark witnessed firsthand how cannabis evolved into a billion-dollar industry and how packaging became a major part of compliance, branding, and customer experience. The conversation explores:  Cannabis packaging and compliant branding  Minnesota’s growing hemp-derived THC beverage market  Why packaging matters in a competitive cannabis industry  Leadership lessons from athletics and business  Mentorship, trust, and relationship-building  Supporting small cannabis businesses  The evolution of print and packaging technology Mark also reflects on his time at the University of Minnesota, learning from leaders like Tony Dungy and Mike Shanahan, and why trust remains the foundation of both business and leadership. The Canna Connect Show highlights the builders, innovators, and community leaders helping shape Minnesota cannabis from the ground up. Chapter Markers 00:00 Disclaimer  00:45 Introducing Mark Carlson of The John Roberts Company  01:00 Minnesota Cannabis Growth & Hemp Beverage Packaging  02:55 Early Exposure to Cannabis Packaging Through Heidelberg  04:20 Watching Cannabis Markets Grow Across the U.S.  05:40 Why Packaging Matters in Cannabis Branding  06:35 Supporting Cannabis Businesses Through Print & Packaging  07:45 Joining The John Roberts Company After 34 Years  09:25 Growing Up in Chicago & Winning a State Championship  11:20 Leadership Lessons from Sports & Business  12:00 Tony Dungy, Recruitment & the Big Ten  14:25 Mike Shanahan & Coaching Leadership  16:30 Athletics, Business & Life Lessons  18:20 How Printing & Media Have Changed  19:00 Leadership, Mentorship & Building Trust  22:00 75 Years of The John Roberts Company  23:00 Packaging for Minnesota Cannabis Brands  24:00 Why Customer Service Still Wins  25:00 Hemp Beverages Are Exploding in Minnesota  25:30 The Future of Cannabis Packaging & Regulation Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

    32 min
  7. Episode 32 | Brandon Padget on Cannabis Banking, Compliance & Building Careers in Minnesota Cannabis

    May 20

    Episode 32 | Brandon Padget on Cannabis Banking, Compliance & Building Careers in Minnesota Cannabis

    What does it actually take to bank a cannabis business in Minnesota? In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, Stephen Eigenmann talks with Brandon Padget, Chief Deposit Officer at Union Bank & Trust, about the realities of cannabis banking and the infrastructure needed to support a growing legal market. Brandon shares the story behind Union Bank & Trust’s approach to cannabis, why their team believes banking should be accessible for entrepreneurs, and how thoughtful financial systems can help businesses grow sustainably. The conversation explores:  Cannabis banking compliance  Supporting cannabis entrepreneurs in Minnesota  Banking fees and financial accessibility  Workforce development and union values  Building long-term cannabis careers  The role of community partnerships  Cannabis as a professional and skilled industry This episode offers an inside look at one of the least understood but most important parts of the cannabis industry: access to financial services and the people working to make that access better. The Canna Connect Show highlights the builders, advocates, entrepreneurs, and organizations shaping Minnesota cannabis culture from the ground up. #CannaConnectMN #MinnesotaCannabis #CannabisPodcast #CannabisBanking Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

    28 min
  8. Episode 31 | Tony Beman on Cannabis Energy Costs, Grow Lighting & Minnesota’s Infrastructure Challenge

    May 13

    Episode 31 | Tony Beman on Cannabis Energy Costs, Grow Lighting & Minnesota’s Infrastructure Challenge

    The cannabis industry in Minnesota is evolving quickly, and behind every cultivation facility is a major conversation about energy, infrastructure, and long-term sustainability. In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, Stephen Eigenmann is joined by Tony Beman of the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) to explore how cannabis businesses can reduce costs through lighting rebates, energy-efficient systems, and smarter facility planning. Tony shares insights on:  LED lighting rebates for cannabis businesses  Why energy infrastructure matters more than most operators realize  Real estate challenges facing Minnesota cultivators  The economics of cannabis cultivation  How Xcel Energy programs support microbusinesses  Long-term planning for cannabis entrepreneurs  Why efficient grow design can dramatically improve runway and profitability This conversation offers a practical look at the business side of cannabis and the systems helping shape Minnesota’s emerging market. The Canna Connect Show highlights the people, businesses, and conversations building Minnesota cannabis culture from the ground up. #CannaConnectMN #MinnesotaCannabis #CannabisPodcast Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

    20 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Canna Connect
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Canna Connect Show
  • Show Website
    Canna Connect Show