Cannabis Tech Talks

Cannabis & Tech Today

Cannabis Tech Talks is a high-spirited and informative 10-20 minute discussion with cannabis industry leaders about the business, science, and tech topics moving the industry forward! The podcast is produced by the team behind the award-winning quarterly publication Cannabis & Tech Today.

  1. 18h ago

    Episode 241: ICIA’s Rob Pero Talks Tribal Sovereignty, Global Cannabis & Indigenous Opportunity

    Recorded at ICBC Berlin 2026, Chuck sits down with Rob Pero of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association to discuss the expanding role of Indigenous nations in the global cannabis economy. Pero explains why ICBC has become an important destination for international dealmaking, relationship building, and conversations about the industry’s future. He shares how ICIA represents Indigenous communities within those discussions while advocating for meaningful participation in industrial, medicinal, and commercial cannabis markets. The conversation explores tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, international commerce, and the misconceptions companies may bring into partnerships with tribal nations. Pero emphasizes that cannabis development within Indigenous communities requires patience and diligence because these decisions can influence health care, education, infrastructure, employment, and long-term economic stability. Pero also discusses the authenticity of Indigenous plant medicine, the importance of community-centered development, and the potential for Indigenous nations across North America and around the world to collaborate. He highlights ICIA’s efforts to establish international working groups, improve First Nations inclusion, and connect communities with responsible partners. The episode concludes with Pero’s perspective on preserving cannabis as medicine and using the plant to create sustainable opportunities for Indigenous communities. 🔥 Topics Covered • Why ICBC Berlin matters for the global cannabis industry • ICIA’s role as an advocate for Indigenous communities • International trade and economic opportunities • Diversifying revenue for tribal nations • Tribal sovereignty and treaty rights • Misconceptions surrounding tribal cannabis commerce • Building responsible partnerships in Indian Country • Cannabis, community health, and economic development • The authenticity of Indigenous plant medicine • Connecting Indigenous nations around the world • Creating ICIA’s first international working group • First Nations inclusion in Canada’s cannabis market • Collaboration across tribal communities • Preserving cannabis as medicine • How companies and individuals can support ICIA 👤 Guest Rob Pero, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association 🌐 Learn More Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association: https://www.indigenouscannabis.org ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:43 ICBC’s growing importance in Europe 01:58 Why ICIA came to Berlin 02:31 International trade and economic opportunity 03:39 Strategic partnerships and tribal sovereignty 05:08 Community-centered cannabis development 06:04 Responsible growth and Indigenous authenticity 07:06 Defining success at an international event 07:43 Creating ICIA’s first international working group 08:31 Building momentum through collaboration 09:43 Preserving cannabis as medicine 10:24 How to connect with ICIA 11:05 Future collaboration with Cannabis & Tech Today 💬 What do you think? How can the cannabis industry create international opportunities for Indigenous nations while respecting tribal sovereignty, culture, and community priorities? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! #RobPero #ICIA #IndigenousCannabis #TribalSovereignty #NativeBusiness #CannabisIndustry #CannabisMedicine #ICBCBerlin #CannabisBusiness #CannabisTechTalks WEBSITE: https://cannatechtoday.com/ Make sure to follow our other social media platforms to stay up-to-date on all things Cannabis & Tech Today. https://twitter.com/cannatechtoday https://www.facebook.com/CannaTechToday https://www.instagram.com/cannatechtoday

  2. 2d ago

    Episode 240: Emerald Lane’s Stephanie Pow Talks Cannabis Hiring, Global Talent & AI

    Recorded live at ICBC Berlin 2026, Chuck sits down with Stephanie Pow of Emerald Lane Recruitment to explore the people building the global cannabis industry. Pow explains why human capital remains the foundation of every successful cannabis company and shares her unconventional journey from Canadian government and health care work to Humboldt County, cannabis recruitment, and international talent acquisition. She also reflects on the industry’s early “billion-dollar years,” when companies hired aggressively, and how today’s leaner market demands adaptable employees who can thrive in startup environments. The conversation examines how Emerald Lane helps cannabis companies fill critical positions, conduct confidential executive searches, develop compensation plans, and enter unfamiliar markets. Pow discusses the importance of referrals, reputation, regional expertise, language skills, and ensuring that every placement works for both the company and the candidate. The episode also explores Europe’s pharmaceutical cannabis model, the increasingly international supply chain, emerging opportunities across Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America, and Emerald Lane’s new fractional recruiter model. Pow concludes by discussing the recruitment technology and artificial intelligence tools already changing how talent professionals work. 🔥 Topics Covered • Why people remain the foundation of cannabis companies • Stephanie Pow’s journey from health care to Humboldt County • The cannabis industry’s early hiring boom • Recruiting in emerging and mature cannabis markets • Identifying candidates who can thrive in startups • Reputation, referrals, and specialized industry experience • How Emerald Lane approaches critical and confidential searches • Creating job descriptions, compensation plans, and organizational structures • Why hiring should be a two-way conversation • International cannabis recruitment • Europe’s pharmaceutical cannabis framework • Language skills and regional business knowledge • Building lean teams across the global supply chain • Emerald Lane’s fractional recruiter model • Artificial intelligence and recruitment technology 👤 Guest Stephanie Pow, Emerald Lane Recruitment 🌐 Learn More Emerald Lane Recruitment: https://emeraldlanerecruitment.com Stephanie Pow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniepow-globalcannabisrecruiter ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:58 The people behind the cannabis industry 02:20 Why human capital determines success 03:02 From government and health care to Humboldt County 04:24 What makes cannabis recruitment different 05:56 Experience, reputation, and startup risk tolerance 06:16 Why cannabis employees need a startup mentality 07:33 How Emerald Lane’s recruitment process works 08:57 Building talent networks through referrals and headhunting 10:06 Making hiring a two-way conversation 11:01 Recruiting across international cannabis markets 11:33 Europe’s pharmaceutical cannabis framework 12:10 The evolving international supply chain 12:59 Language, culture, and regional business knowledge 14:22 Germany’s growth and emerging global markets 15:16 Connecting with Emerald Lane Recruitment 15:50 The fractional recruiter model 16:55 Artificial intelligence and recruitment technology 💬 What do you think? What matters most when hiring in cannabis: direct industry experience, startup adaptability, or knowledge of the local market? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! #EmeraldLaneRecruitment #StephaniePow #CannabisCareers #CannabisJobs #CannabisIndustry #GlobalRecruitment #TalentAcquisition #ICBCBerlin #CannabisBusiness #CannabisTechTalks WEBSITE: https://cannatechtoday.com/ Make sure to follow our other social media platforms to stay up-to-date on all things Cannabis & Tech Today. https://twitter.com/cannatechtoday https://www.facebook.com/CannaTechToday https://www.instagram.com/cannatechtoday

  3. Aug 27

    Episode 239: Blimburn Seeds CEO Sergio Martinez Talks Genetics, Legalization, AI & Global Cannabis

    Recorded live at ICBC Berlin 2026, Chuck sits down with Sergio Martinez, CEO of Blimburn Seeds and BBG Projects, to discuss the evolution of one of the cannabis industry’s most established international seed companies. Martinez shares how an unexpected opportunity brought him into the industry more than two decades ago and eventually led to the creation of Blimburn Seeds. What began as a European wholesale operation has since evolved into a global e-commerce, logistics, and cannabis genetics business, with the United States becoming one of its largest markets. The conversation explores Germany’s legalization and its impact on seed sales, the enduring importance of home cultivation, and why Martinez expects other European countries to follow Germany’s lead. He also explains how Blimburn supports growers through direct-to-consumer service, educational resources, fresh genetics, and detailed online grow diaries. Martinez also discusses the growing role of artificial intelligence within the company, why human oversight remains essential, and how economic uncertainty is shaping Blimburn’s conservative approach to expansion. The episode concludes with a look at Latin America’s long-term potential and the regulatory challenges facing cannabis companies operating across international markets. 🔥 Topics Covered • The origins of Blimburn Seeds and BBG Projects • Building a cannabis company in Europe • Blimburn’s expansion into the United States • Managing a catalog of more than 1,000 genetics • Germany’s legalization and its effect on seed sales • Why home cultivation remains important • The future of cannabis legalization across Europe • Building a business around trust and long-term relationships • Direct-to-consumer sales, education, and logistics • How Blimburn uses artificial intelligence • Why human oversight remains essential with AI • Navigating economic and regulatory uncertainty • The potential of Latin American cannabis markets • Blimburn’s educational grow diaries 👤 Guest Sergio Martinez, CEO of Blimburn Seeds and BBG Projects 🌐 Learn More Blimburn Seeds: https://blimburnseeds.com ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introducing Sergio Martinez at ICBC Berlin 00:37 The evolution of Blimburn Seeds 01:09 Martinez’s unexpected path into cannabis 02:15 Entering the United States market 02:53 Building a global genetics catalog 03:12 Germany’s legalization and seed market 03:56 The importance of home cultivation 04:47 Will the rest of Europe follow Germany? 05:43 Trust, friendship, and building the company 06:04 Blimburn’s direct-to-consumer model 07:31 Using artificial intelligence in cannabis 08:37 Navigating a period of industry transition 09:37 Blimburn’s international customer base 10:09 The potential of Latin America 11:13 The role of BBG Projects 12:29 Grow diaries and customer education 12:50 Final thoughts 💬 What do you think? Will home cultivation continue growing as cannabis legalization expands across Europe, or will easier access to regulated products reduce demand? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! #BlimburnSeeds #SergioMartinez #CannabisGenetics #CannabisSeeds #HomeGrowing #CannabisLegalization #CannabisTechnology #ICBCBerlin #CannabisIndustry #CannabisTechTalks WEBSITE: https://cannatechtoday.com/ Make sure to follow our other social media platforms to stay up-to-date on all things Cannabis & Tech Today. https://twitter.com/cannatechtoday https://www.facebook.com/CannaTechToday https://www.instagram.com/cannatechtoday

  4. Aug 24

    Episode 238: Denver Rapper Ray Reed Talks Dialed In Gummies & Colorado Hip-Hop

    Denver hip-hop artist Ray Reed joins Cannabis & Tech Today to discuss his collaboration with Dialed In Gummies for The Summer Set, a campaign celebrating Colorado’s independent music scene through limited-edition rosin gummies, merchandise, performances, and original content. At the center of the collaboration is Yesterday, a sativa-dominant rosin gummy inspired by Reed’s hit single of the same name. He explains how the song’s energy, artwork, and more than 2 million streams helped shape the product, along with what it means to legally partner with a cannabis company after witnessing the industry’s dramatic evolution. Reed also discusses using cannabis for back pain and to find the right headspace before recording or bringing his high-energy performance style to the stage. The conversation explores Denver’s hungry hip-hop scene, the importance of authentic partnerships between artists and cannabis brands, and the new music, videos, live performances, and creative projects Reed has on the horizon. This episode is powered by Shopline. 🔥 Topics Covered • How Ray Reed joined Dialed In Gummies’ Summer Set • Creating the limited-edition Yesterday rosin gummy • Connecting the gummy’s flavor, color, and effects to his music • What entering the legal cannabis industry means to Reed • Cannabis and his creative process • Using cannabis for back pain and before performing • Supporting independent artists through brand partnerships • The growing Denver hip-hop community • Technology and video editing • Reed’s preferred ways to consume cannabis • Upcoming music, videos, performances, and events • Why new listeners should begin with “Yesterday” 👤 Guest Ray Reed, Denver hip-hop artist 🌐 Learn More Ray Reed: https://www.instagram.com/rayreed2/ Dialed In Gummies: https://dialedingummies.com/colorado/ ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:52 How the Dialed In Gummies collaboration began 01:18 Reed’s relationship with cannabis and edibles 02:08 Entering the legal cannabis industry 03:14 Supporting local artists through authentic partnerships 04:05 Creating the Yesterday gummy 05:00 Why Reed chose a sativa-dominant gummy 05:32 Cannabis and the creative process 06:19 Colorado’s connection between music and cannabis 07:37 Technology and video editing 08:28 Reed’s preferred consumption method 08:44 Inside Denver’s growing hip-hop scene 11:03 New music, performances, and future plans 13:15 The perfect song to pair with the gummy 💬 What do you think? Can partnerships between cannabis brands and independent musicians help local artists reach larger audiences? What Ray Reed track are you pairing with the Yesterday gummy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! #RayReed #DialedInGummies #TheSummerSet #DenverHipHop #ColoradoMusic #CannabisCulture #CannabisAndTechToday #RosinGummies #IndependentArtists #HipHop WEBSITE: https://cannatechtoday.com/ Make sure to follow our other social media platforms to stay up-to-date on all things Cannabis & Tech Today. https://twitter.com/cannatechtoday https://www.facebook.com/CannaTechToday https://www.instagram.com/cannatechtoday

  5. Aug 20

    Episode 237: Martian Grow Is Sending Cannabis Seeds to Space to Create the Next Generation of Genetics

    Recorded live at ICBC Berlin 2026, Chuck sits down with the team behind Martian Grow, an ambitious international research initiative that's sending cannabis seeds into orbit aboard a SpaceX mission to study how cosmic radiation and microgravity influence cannabis genetics. Partnering with biotechnology researchers in Slovenia and aerospace companies developing microsatellites, Martian Grow aims to become the first organization to apply proven space agriculture research protocols to cannabis. The project could unlock new cannabinoid profiles, increased yields, unique terpene expressions, shorter flowering cycles, and entirely new genetic traits that simply can't be replicated on Earth. The conversation explores the science behind space-induced mutations, why seeds are the ideal medium for the experiment, and how similar research has already produced stronger food crops around the world. The team also discusses their vision of creating a collaborative research platform where breeders, cultivators, scientists, and consumers can all play a role in shaping the future of cannabis genetics. Whether you're fascinated by cannabis science, space exploration, plant genetics, or groundbreaking agricultural research, this episode offers a fascinating look at one of the industry's most innovative projects. 🔥 Topics Covered • Why cannabis seeds are being sent to space • How cosmic radiation affects plant genetics • SpaceX launch and polar orbit mission details • Why seeds are better than tissue cultures for research • Previous space agriculture successes with food crops • Potential for new cannabinoids and terpene profiles • Increasing cannabis yields through space research • Why space conditions can't truly be recreated on Earth • The future of cannabis research and innovation • Building a collaborative cannabis genetics program 👤 Guests Martian Grow Team 🌐 Website: https://MartianGrow.com ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:19 Sending cannabis genetics into space 00:57 How the project began 01:32 Why they're sending seeds instead of plants 02:06 What space agriculture has already achieved 02:58 How the seeds will reach orbit 03:43 The origin of the project 04:31 Becoming the first cannabis space genetics experiment 05:23 Why space can't be replicated on Earth 06:02 Choosing a high-radiation polar orbit 06:34 Selecting and tracking cannabis genetics 07:28 What researchers hope to discover 08:03 Why the cannabis industry needs more research 09:00 Where to learn more about Martian Grow 09:31 Dreaming of mutant cannabis strains 10:07 Building a collaborative genetics community 💬 What do you think? If space can improve crops like wheat, rice, and peppers, could it revolutionize cannabis genetics too? What would you be most excited to see from cannabis grown from space-exposed genetics? Higher yields, new cannabinoids, unique terpene profiles, or entirely new strains? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #CannabisTech #SpaceAgriculture #CannabisResearch #MartianGrow #CannabisScience #SpaceX #CannabisInnovation #ICBCBerlin #PlantScience #CannabisGenetics WEBSITE: https://cannatechtoday.com/ Make sure to follow our other social media platforms to stay up-to-date on all things Cannabis & Tech Today. https://twitter.com/cannatechtoday https://www.facebook.com/CannaTechToday https://www.instagram.com/cannatechtoday

  6. Aug 18

    Episode 236: Berner Talks Splash City, Cannabis, Music & His Move Into Filmmaking

    Rapper, entrepreneur, and Cookies founder Berner joins Cannabis & Tech Today to discuss Splash City, his gritty new crime thriller set in San Francisco. Berner explains how the Bay Area’s “bippin” scene inspired the film and takes us through the process of developing its characters, self-financing the production, co-directing, and securing a distribution partnership with Lionsgate. He also discusses the classic crime dramas that influenced the project, including Menace II Society, Boyz n the Hood, Juice, and Belly. The conversation explores how Berner’s music career shaped the film’s soundtrack, why he decided to rescore much of the movie in four days, and how shooting on location allowed San Francisco to become a character of its own. He also shares how cannabis influences his creative process, why CBD played an unexpected role on set, and what he hopes audiences take away from the story. For Berner, Splash City represents more than a first film. It is the beginning of an effort to bring edgy, culturally authentic crime movies back to the screen while shining a brighter light on Bay Area stories. 🔥 Topics Covered • The inspiration behind Splash City • Berner’s transition from music and cannabis into filmmaking • Developing the characters and story • Self-financing and retaining ownership of the film • Partnering with Lionsgate • Classic crime films that influenced Splash City • Filming throughout San Francisco • Creating the soundtrack and rescoring the movie • Cannabis and Berner’s creative process • Using CBD during smoking scenes • Cameos and organic product placement • The consequences of negative influences and small decisions • Berner’s plans for future Bay Area films • The film’s video-on-demand and streaming plans 👤 Guest Berner, rapper, entrepreneur, Cookies founder, and co-director of Splash City 🌐 Learn More Splash City: https://www.instagram.com/splashcitythemovie/ Berner: https://www.instagram.com/berner415/ ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:18 The inspiration behind the film 00:36 Berner’s role in creating and directing the movie 01:32 Learning filmmaking from the ground up 01:48 Consistency, persistence, and creative entrepreneurship 02:22 Self-financing the film and partnering with Lionsgate 03:17 Building a movie for an established audience 03:55 The classic crime films that inspired Splash City 04:43 Reflecting on the finished film 05:19 Building the soundtrack 05:36 Rescoring the movie in four days 07:03 Drawing from Berner’s San Francisco experiences 07:35 Cameos and product placement 08:09 How CBD helped on set 08:42 Making San Francisco part of the story 08:57 Cannabis and Berner’s creative process 09:38 What audiences should take away from Splash City 10:32 Theatrical, video-on-demand, and streaming plans 11:10 Why audiences should support the film 💬 What do you think? Can Splash City help bring gritty, authentic crime dramas back to the screen? What other Bay Area stories would you like to see Berner tackle next? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! #Berner #SplashCity #Cookies #CannabisCulture #CannabisAndTechToday #BayArea #SanFrancisco #Lionsgate #CrimeThriller #Filmmaking WEBSITE: https://cannatechtoday.com/ Make sure to follow our other social media platforms to stay up-to-date on all things Cannabis & Tech Today. https://twitter.com/cannatechtoday https://www.facebook.com/CannaTechToday https://www.instagram.com/cannatechtoday

  7. Aug 4

    Episode 235: Broken Lizard Comedy Group Talks about Super Troopers 3, Cannabis, AI & Comedy

    The Broken Lizard crew joins Cannabis & Tech Today for an exclusive conversation celebrating Super Troopers 3, diving into the creative process behind one of comedy's most beloved franchises. From writing while high (and knowing when to stop), to how cannabis legalization has changed comedy, the group shares hilarious stories about brainstorming, improvisation, and why the best jokes often happen long after the writing session ends. They also discuss AI, creativity, police fans, and what audiences can expect from the next chapter of the Super Troopers universe. The conversation is packed with behind-the-scenes stories, classic Broken Lizard banter, and an honest look at how the comedy team has stayed funny for more than two decades. Whether you're a longtime Super Troopers fan, interested in comedy writing, cannabis culture, or curious about how AI fits into creative work, this episode is full of laughs and behind-the-scenes insight. 🔥 Topics Covered • The creative process behind Super Troopers 3 • Writing comedy with and without cannabis • Why brainstorming high can work (sometimes) • The evolution of cannabis culture since 2001 • How legalization changed stoner comedies • Improvisation and crafting memorable dialogue • AI, ChatGPT, and comedy writing • Why Broken Lizard isn't worried about AI replacing writers • Behind-the-scenes stories from filming the franchise • What fans can expect from Super Troopers 3 👤 Guests Broken Lizard Comedy Group 🌐 Learn More: https://www.searchlightpictures.com/super-troopers-3 ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:24 Meeting Broken Lizard 00:43 Creating Super Troopers 3 01:39 Cannabis and the writing process 02:33 When to write high—and when not to 02:53 Brainstorming and developing ideas 03:53 Capturing jokes before they're forgotten 05:14 Writing authentic comedy dialogue 06:45 How cannabis culture has changed since Super Troopers 07:54 Legalization and the future of stoner comedy 09:17 Why cops and stoners both love Super Troopers 11:37 Technology, AI, and ChatGPT 13:47 Can AI ever write great comedy? 15:14 What Super Troopers 3 is all about 16:17 Bringing back the R-rated comedy experience 💬 What do you think? Has cannabis legalization changed comedy for the better, or do you miss the rebellious spirit of the early stoner films? And do you think AI will ever be able to write a genuinely funny comedy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! #SuperTroopers3 #BrokenLizard #Comedy #CannabisCulture #CannabisTech #AI #ChatGPT #MovieInterview #BehindTheBadge #CannabisAndTechToday WEBSITE: https://cannatechtoday.com/ Make sure to follow our other social media platforms to stay up-to-date on all things Cannabis & Tech Today. https://twitter.com/cannatechtoday https://www.facebook.com/CannaTechToday https://www.instagram.com/cannatechtoday

  8. Aug 4

    Episode 234: Alibi Founder Marianne Cursetjee on Building an Award-Winning Cannabis Brand with Purpose

    Recorded live at ICBC Berlin 2026, Chuck sits down with Marianne Cursetjee, founder of Alibi, to discuss how a personal battle with cancer inspired one of the cannabis industry's most respected brands. From Oregon to New York, Alibi has built a reputation for producing award-winning flower and pre-rolls while staying committed to quality, employee wellbeing, and authentic cannabis experiences. Marianne shares how the company has navigated highly competitive markets, why premium flower matters, and what it takes to stand out in today's rapidly evolving cannabis industry. The conversation also explores European cannabis regulations, the future of international expansion, why cannabis should be treated as medicine, and the importance of cultivating clean flower instead of relying on remediation technologies. Whether you're interested in cannabis cultivation, entrepreneurship, premium products, or the future of the global cannabis market, this episode offers valuable insights from one of the industry's most passionate founders. 🔥 Topics Covered • Building Alibi from a personal healing journey • Expanding from Oregon to New York • Winning top cannabis awards in multiple states • Creating award-winning pre-rolls • Why premium flower always comes first • Paying employees a living wage in cannabis • European cannabis regulations and medical markets • The debate over cannabis remediation • International expansion opportunities • The future of premium cannabis brands 👤 Guest Marianne Cursetjee Founder, Alibi 🌐 Website: https://alibicannabis.com/ ⏱️ CHAPTERS 01:05 First impressions of Europe's cannabis market 01:40 The story behind Alibi 02:14 Expanding from Oregon to New York 03:05 What makes Alibi different 03:57 Building a people-first company 04:13 Winning Best Flower and Best Pre-Roll 04:29 The secret to award-winning pre-rolls 05:35 Creating a lifestyle cannabis brand 06:24 The future of Alibi 07:41 European cannabis and medical access 08:19 Why remediation concerns cultivators 09:37 New products and fashion collaborations 10:28 Where to learn more about Alibi 💬 What do you think? Should cannabis brands focus on producing the highest-quality flower, even if it means charging a premium? And as more countries embrace medical cannabis, do you think the U.S. should adopt more of Europe's approach to patient access? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #CannabisTech #CannabisCultivation #CannabisBusiness #Alibi #CannabisInnovation WEBSITE: https://cannatechtoday.com/ Make sure to follow our other social media platforms to stay up-to-date on all things Cannabis & Tech Today. https://twitter.com/cannatechtoday https://www.facebook.com/CannaTechToday https://www.instagram.com/cannatechtoday

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Cannabis Tech Talks is a high-spirited and informative 10-20 minute discussion with cannabis industry leaders about the business, science, and tech topics moving the industry forward! The podcast is produced by the team behind the award-winning quarterly publication Cannabis & Tech Today.

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