Kaya Cast

KayaPush
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Dive into Kaya Cast each week for candid conversations with the visionaries shaping the cannabis landscape. We sit down with industry trailblazers to uncover their hard-earned insights and incredible experiences—arming retail entrepreneurs with the know-how and motivation to build a cannabis business they'll love.

  1. How to Foolproof your Dispensary Before Day One (Or After You've Opened)

    3D AGO

    How to Foolproof your Dispensary Before Day One (Or After You've Opened)

    In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Warren Harasz, Chief Compliance Officer at Cannaspire, an end-to-end cannabis consulting firm that helps operators license, design SOPs, source vendors, build facilities, and stay compliant. Warren brings 18 years of cultivation experience and a professor’s approach to turning complex regulations into practical, living playbooks. The conversation covers how to get SOPs off the shelf and into daily operations—from employee handbooks and disciplinary policies to state and municipal reporting—and why consistency in enforcement is essential to avoid costly lawsuits. Learn why cannabis-specific templates are scarce, how to write flexible SOPs that survive equipment changes, and the art of rolling out policies with buy-in from the GM and operations leaders. The episode also dives into staffing strategies before opening (lean staffing, six weeks of prep, two weeks of onboarding), how often to audit and update SOPs (annual reviews and triggers like code changes or new processes), and who should own SOPs in cultivation, manufacturing, and retail. Practical, actionable guidance for dispensaries aiming to scale while staying compliant. For more, visit cannaspire.com. Find out more about Cannaspire at:https://cannaspire.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/warren-harasz-72a022b0/https://www.linkedin.com/company/35626647/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:06 Cannaspire's Role and Services01:08 Warren's Background and Industry Experience02:38 Key Processes for New Cannabis Operators02:47 Importance of Employee Management03:52 Creating Effective SOPs07:23 Compliance and Regulatory Considerations09:06 Operationalizing SOPs15:58 Reviewing and Updating SOPs29:51 Hiring and Training Best Practices38:28 Final Thoughts and Contact Information #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    39 min
  2. Tighten Costs Early or Exit: Hard Truths from a Pioneering Operator

    SEP 30

    Tighten Costs Early or Exit: Hard Truths from a Pioneering Operator

    On this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Carl Giannone, co founder of Trade Roots, the Massachusetts based pioneer behind the first vertically integrated social equity cannabis company. Carl walks us through his unlikely pivot from Wall Street to cannabis after a seed deck landed on a Thursday, and how that idea became a business spanning cultivation, manufacturing services and retail. He shares the hard lessons learned along the way, from thinking that good weed sells itself to the realities of vertical integration, cash flow, and cost of goods. The conversation dives into why manufacturing services became the biggest revenue driver, why marketing and branding matter even for a commodity, and how to obsess over your customer and your KPIs in a highly regulated, price sensitive market. You’ll hear blunt advice for operators at any stage: tighten costs early, get product on the shelf to create cash flow, and stay relentlessly focused on the brand and the customer. Carl also offers a pragmatic view of the industry’s future, including federal legalization, interstate commerce, craft style products, and what it means for new market entrants. If you are launching or growing a cannabis business, this episode is packed with real world, experience driven insights from someone who has lived every challenge. Find out more about Trade Roots at:https://shop.traderoots.buzz/location/trade-roots/https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlgiannone/https://www.linkedin.com/company/trade-roots-ma/ 00:00 Introduction to Kaya Cast00:16 From Wall Street to Cannabis01:35 The Birth of a Vertically Integrated Cannabis Business03:39 Challenges and Learning Curves06:43 Entering the Cannabis Market12:24 Mistakes and Lessons Learned21:32 Navigating the Cannabis Industry27:00 The Value of Early Investment in Business27:23 Challenges in the Cannabis Market29:31 Advice for New Cannabis Entrepreneurs32:07 The Future of Cannabis Regulations44:30 Creative Problem Solving in the Cannabis Industry48:25 Final Thoughts and Contact Information #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    53 min
  3. Why Authentic Community Beats Hype in Cannabis Marketing

    SEP 23

    Why Authentic Community Beats Hype in Cannabis Marketing

    Krysta Jones, founder of The High Country Girls and leader of The Highly Connected, shares the real-world playbook for building cannabis brands that endure. From her organic start in Colorado to expanding across the U.S., Krysta explains how authentic community and a sharp focus on niche can beat broad, hype-driven marketing. Learn how to cultivate a tribe of rabid fans, leverage events and grassroots strategies, and build a personal brand that delivers a consistent customer experience. The conversation covers participation over pursuit, running events with intentional follow-through, and measuring success through data, CRM, and post-event engagement. Krysta breaks down the unit economics of events, budgeting guidance (a starting point of five to ten thousand dollars monthly in marketing), and how to scale without diluting impact. She also explains how she collaborates with mom-and-pop brands, public companies, and investors, and how The Highly Connected helps pair the right partners for long-term value. If you’re a cannabis brand, retailer, or marketer aiming to grow sustainably, this episode offers a practical framework for community-building, profitable partnerships, and lasting growth.Thanks to your support, we've been nominated for the Emjays for Content Creator of the Year! Vote for Tommy Truong here: https://a.cstmapp.com/promotions/participate/1000967/287542 Find out more about THC Girls & The Highly Connected at:https://www.thehighcountrygirls.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/krysta-jones-860b50132/https://www.linkedin.com/company/thc-girls/ 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:09 Building Brands and Community00:37 Effective Marketing Strategies02:50 Starting a Brand in Today's World05:13 Importance of Personal Branding05:35 Challenges in the Cannabis Industry06:39 Participation and Support in Business08:33 Understanding and Developing Your Brand11:50 Working with Different Business Stages14:19 The Organic Growth of THC Girls19:39 Expanding to New Markets22:40 Event Hosting and Follow-Through24:57 Effective Networking Strategies25:38 Unit Economics of Hosting an Event26:09 Budgeting for Marketing Success28:39 Building Long-Term Partnerships34:29 Event Follow-Up Strategies41:21 Leveraging Technology for Event Success44:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    49 min
  4. From Struggle to Success: Lessons for Growing Dispensaries | Part 2

    SEP 16

    From Struggle to Success: Lessons for Growing Dispensaries | Part 2

    On this episode of Kaya Cast, Tommy Truong continues the conversation with Ernest Toney, founder of BIPOCann, about the critical topic of raising capital for cannabis businesses. Ernest shares practical insights on crafting concise and compelling pitch decks that clearly articulate your market opportunity, competitive edge, team, financial projections, and use of funds—essential elements that resonate with investors. They dive into the importance of framing your business in a way that de-risks the investment and reflects genuine market research. Ernest also discusses the persistence needed during fundraising, often requiring dozens of investor meetings, and how this process sharpens your business understanding. Finally, Ernest touches on the importance of entrepreneurial mindset, continuous learning, and mental resilience in navigating the challenges of growing a cannabis company. Whether you’re seeking funding or simply refining your business strategy, this episode offers invaluable guidance for social equity applicants, startups, and seasoned operators alike. Connect with Ernest at BIPOCann.com or on LinkedIn to learn more and jumpstart your cannabis business journey. Find out more about BIPOCann at:https://bipocann.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernestltoney/https://www.linkedin.com/company/bipocann/ 00:00 Introduction and Recap of Part One00:54 The Science of Raising Money01:37 Creating an Effective Pitch Deck07:52 Understanding Your Market and Competition13:30 The Reality of Raising Capital17:17 Final Thoughts and Advice for Entrepreneurs20:50 Conclusion and Contact Information #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    23 min
  5. From Struggle to Success: Lessons for Growing Dispensaries | Part 1

    SEP 9

    From Struggle to Success: Lessons for Growing Dispensaries | Part 1

    In this insightful episode of Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Ernest Toney, founder of BIPOCann, to explore the journey of building a cannabis-focused business that champions social equity licensees. Ernest shares his transition from working with major cannabis trade shows to launching BIPOCann during the pandemic, driven by a passion to support underrepresented entrepreneurs navigating the complex cannabis industry. They dive deep into the unique challenges startup and scaling cannabis businesses face—especially those related to licensing, financing, marketing, and managing unexpected regulatory hurdles. Ernest offers valuable advice on goal setting, prioritizing impact-driven work, and building strong community support to achieve sustainable growth. Plus, hear about BIPOCann’s successful mentorship accelerator programs and impactful stories of businesses securing funding and winning pitch competitions. Whether you’re just launching or looking to scale your cannabis venture, this episode is packed with practical insights to help dispensaries and cannabis brands thrive in a dynamic market. Tune in and learn how to position your cannabis business for long-term success! Find out more about BIPOCann at:https://bipocann.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernestltoney/https://www.linkedin.com/company/bipocann/ 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:15 Ernest's Background and Journey into Cannabis Industry02:48 Challenges and Opportunities in the Cannabis Industry04:54 The Evolution of BIPOCANN06:40 Supporting Social Equity License Holders09:01 Helping Startups vs. Scale-ups13:58 Common Challenges for New Cannabis Entrepreneurs22:08 Strategic Planning and Goal Setting40:47 Access to Capital and Funding46:20 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    49 min
  6. How Synthetic Cannabinoids Are Putting Dispensaries at Risk

    SEP 2

    How Synthetic Cannabinoids Are Putting Dispensaries at Risk

    In this eye-opening episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Josh Swider, co-founder and CEO of Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs, to uncover the complex and often misunderstood world of synthetic cannabinoids in the cannabis and hemp industries. Josh draws on over a decade of experience as an analytical chemist to explain how synthetic cannabinoids like Delta-8, Delta-9, THCP, and others are created, the safety risks posed by unknown byproducts, and why many products on the market today may not be derived from actual plants. They discuss the challenges facing regulators, how consumers can distinguish synthetic versus natural cannabinoids, and the alarming lack of enforcement and safety standards—especially in states without legalized cannabis. Josh also shares practical advice for extraction businesses on improving yields and maintaining quality through rigorous testing and process control. This episode is a must-listen for dispensary owners, manufacturers, and cannabis professionals committed to product safety, consumer education, and the future of a responsible cannabis industry. Find out more about Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs at:https://infinitecal.com/michigan/https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-swider/https://www.linkedin.com/company/infinitecal/?viewAsMember=true 00:00 Introduction to Kaya Cast00:22 Meet Josh Swider: Background and Expertise01:04 The Evolution of the Hemp Industry02:00 Synthetic Cannabinoids: A Growing Concern05:37 The Chemistry Behind Synthetic Production09:25 Safety and Regulation in Synthetic Cannabinoids14:09 Consumer Awareness and Industry Challenges20:37 Regulatory Landscape and Future Outlook22:29 The Importance of Buying from the Right Vendor23:11 Dangers of Mislabeling and Contaminants24:56 Legal and Regulatory Challenges26:41 Health Risks and Synthetic Compounds29:19 Trusted Providers in the Hemp Beverage Industry31:27 Safety Concerns in Synthetic Production36:31 Improving Extraction Yields42:32 Final Thoughts and Industry Standards #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    44 min
  7. How AI + Technology Can Skyrocket Your Cannabis Business Growth

    AUG 26

    How AI + Technology Can Skyrocket Your Cannabis Business Growth

    In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Anne Forkutza from BioTrack to unpack New York’s groundbreaking seed-to-sale system rollout and what it means for cannabis cultivators, processors, and retailers. Anne shares critical timelines for integration, explains how unique 16-digit digital ID tags work, and offers practical advice on how businesses can prepare for compliance and avoid costly mistakes. They also dive into the transformative role AI is playing in the cannabis industry—from streamlining workflows and training to elevating marketing and customer service with virtual budtenders. Whether you’re navigating changing regulations or exploring cutting-edge tech to scale your cannabis business, Anne’s insights and BioTrack’s resources provide must-know guidance to set you up for success. Tune in to learn how to leverage technology and team collaboration to thrive in this evolving market. Find out more about BioTrack at:https://biotrack.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/anneforkutza/https://www.linkedin.com/company/biotrackthc/ 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene00:13 New York Cannabis Industry Updates00:45 BioTrack's Seed-to-Sale System Rollout02:31 Steps for Cannabis Licensees03:05 Support and Training for BioTrack Users08:32 Importance of Accurate Inventory Management17:49 Leveraging AI in the Cannabis Industry19:36 Practical AI Applications and Personal Experiences27:44 Future of AI in Cannabis and Final Thoughts37:35 Conclusion and Contact Information #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    39 min
  8. Don’t Open Your Store Without Doing This First (90-Day Marketing Rule)

    AUG 19

    Don’t Open Your Store Without Doing This First (90-Day Marketing Rule)

    In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Dan Serard, partner at Cannabis Creative Group, to dive deep into building a strong cannabis dispensary brand and marketing strategy from the ground up. Dan shares expert insights on when dispensary owners should start thinking about branding—highlighting the importance of beginning early, ideally months before opening day. They explore how to craft a compelling brand identity that goes far beyond just a logo, emphasizing the critical role of messaging, customer experience, and consistency across all touchpoints.  Listeners learn about foundational marketing essentials such as developing a native e-commerce website, the power of SEO and Google My Business for driving foot traffic, and the strategic use of email, SMS, and social media marketing. Dan breaks down what a successful launch campaign looks like and offers practical advice on balancing customer acquisition and retention efforts post-opening. The conversation also touches on navigating emerging technologies like AI-driven search and the importance of ongoing SEO management for sustained growth. Whether you’re a new dispensary owner seeking guidance on branding or a seasoned operator wanting to sharpen your marketing approach, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you build a memorable brand, attract loyal customers, and thrive in the ever-evolving cannabis market. Find out more about Cannabis Creative Group at:https://cannabiscreative.com/linkedin.com/in/dserardlinkedin.com/company/cannabis-creative-group/ 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:21 Starting Your Marketing Strategy Early01:57 Developing Your Brand Identity04:30 Integrating Brand Identity with Retail Experience05:48 Importance of Consistency in Branding10:12 Long-term Brand Planning11:07 Top Tips for Creating a Brand16:49 Launching Your Marketing Campaign21:36 Navigating Modern Marketing Challenges23:31 The Importance of SEO in Business24:29 Setting Up a Retail Website: Must-Haves and Best Practices26:25 Navigating Online Ordering and Delivery Systems28:09 Optimizing Your Website for SEO31:24 Creating an Effective SEO Strategy38:04 The Role of PR in a Successful Business Launch41:39 Driving Traffic and Revenue Post-Launch45:04 Conclusion and Contact Information #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    46 min
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About

Dive into Kaya Cast each week for candid conversations with the visionaries shaping the cannabis landscape. We sit down with industry trailblazers to uncover their hard-earned insights and incredible experiences—arming retail entrepreneurs with the know-how and motivation to build a cannabis business they'll love.

Information

  • Creator
    KayaPush
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    161
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © KayaPush
  • Show Website
    Kaya Cast