High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast

AnnaRae Grabstein and Ben Larson
  • 4.6 (7)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Hosts Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein serve up unfiltered insights, reveal their insiders' perspectives, and illuminate transformative ideas about the cannabis industry for people who want to make sense of it all.

  1. This Week in Cannabis (Dec 19, 2025) — Rescheduling, Rulemaking & What Comes Next

    3D AGO

    This Week in Cannabis (Dec 19, 2025) — Rescheduling, Rulemaking & What Comes Next

    Send us a text On this special This Week in Cannabis episode Presented by Cultivated Media, High Spirits hosts Ben & AnnaRae join Jay & Jeremy from Cultivated and Marc Hauser of Cannabis Musings to break down the biggest cannabis policy story of the year: the federal push to reschedule marijuana to Schedule III. Recorded live just days after the announcement, this conversation cuts through the hype to examine what actually changes—and what still hangs in the balance—for cannabis, hemp, banking, and dealmaking. Tune in Fridays at 9AM PT / 12PM ET at youtube.com/@CultivatedMedia. What You’ll Learn: What cannabis rescheduling to Schedule III actually does—and doesn’t—changeWhy 280E relief is the real financial unlock operators are watchingHow rulemaking, lawsuits, and Congressional action could still derail progressWhat this moment means for hemp-derived THC, CBD, and the Farm Bill fightWhy deal flow, M&A, and market volatility may surge in early 2026The myths around SAFE Banking, uplisting, and credit card acceptanceMeet the Panel: This episode features insights from Jay Rosenthal and Jeremy Burke of Cultivated Media, Marc Hauser of Cannabis Musings, alongside Ben Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein of High Spirits. Together, they bring perspectives from policy, media, finance, and operations to unpack one of the most consequential weeks in cannabis history. Why Tune In? If you’re a cannabis or hemp operator trying to separate real opportunity from political theater, this episode is essential listening. The headlines say “historic”—this conversation explains what survival, growth, and strategy actually look like next. -- 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.highspiritspod.com 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.

    36 min
  2. #118 - Year-End Wrap Up Part 1: Media Meltdown & 2026 Predictions

    4D AGO

    #118 - Year-End Wrap Up Part 1: Media Meltdown & 2026 Predictions

    Send us a text This episode of High Spirits is a little different. Recorded live just days before a major federal shakeup, hosts Ben & AnnaRae dive headfirst into the state of cannabis media, policy uncertainty, and what survival really looks like heading into 2026. From the collapse of trusted cannabis journalism to bold predictions around Schedule III, hemp legislation, M&A, and THC beverages, this conversation captures the raw, unfiltered realities of an industry that refuses to die—even when no one seems to be watching. Despite technical issues early in the live recording, the second half delivers a powerful, timely discussion. 🔍 What You’ll Learn Why the collapse of cannabis media creates real risks for operators and policymakersHow fewer reporters and less oversight impacts enforcement, compliance, and public perceptionWhat rescheduling to Schedule III might (and might not) actually changePredictions for 2026: M&A, receiverships, and alcohol’s move into THC beveragesWhy hemp and cannabis brands may need unified strategies to surviveThe unexpected optimism behind an industry that keeps adapting—cockroach-style🎙 About This Episode Ben and AnnaRae reflect on the responsibility of independent cannabis media amid newsroom layoffs at outlets like The Wall Street Journal, Politico, and MJBiz. They also highlight the importance of supporting investigative journalism from platforms like Weed Week and Cultivated—because when no one is watching, bad policy thrives. 🌱 Why Tune In? If you work in cannabis, hemp, beverages, or adjacent industries, this episode offers clarity, realism, and hard-earned optimism. It’s a reminder that even in chaos, this plant—and the people building around it—are shaping one of the next great American industries. Survival isn’t optional, but neither is hope. -- 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.highspiritspod.com 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.

    22 min
  3. #117 - Live from Las Vegas with Cultivated Media & Cannabis Musings Part 2

    DEC 15

    #117 - Live from Las Vegas with Cultivated Media & Cannabis Musings Part 2

    Send us a text Recorded live on December 5th from Las Vegas, this recording of "This Morning in Cannabis Live" brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts for candid conversations about the current state and future of cannabis and hemp. The hosts—Jay Rosenthal, AnnaRae Grabstein, Marc Hauser, and Jeremy Berke—guide discussions on rapid business growth, regulatory challenges, market innovation, and the importance of advocacy and data-driven decision-making. The episode features in-depth interviews with executives, attorneys, journalists, and scientists, offering insights into scaling cannabis businesses, navigating shifting policies, and driving product innovation. From the realities of launching new markets to the science of cannabinoids and the power of industry collaboration, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the evolving cannabis landscape. Guests and Timestamps: Kim Sanchez Rael (Azuca) Starts at ~2:06 Discusses Azuca’s growth, quality partnerships, ingredient branding, and the challenges of scaling in cannabis. Jason Tarasek (Vicente LLP) Starts at ~30:16 Covers Minnesota’s cannabis rollout, federal and state policy impacts, and the prospects for medical cannabis in Wisconsin. Jeremy Berke Arrives (Cultivated) Starts at ~52:00 Shares perspectives on industry trends, the capital crunch, and the role of journalism in cannabis. Rick Bashkoff (Lit Alerts) Starts at ~1:09:00 Explains how data is transforming cannabis business decisions and the need for industry-wide advocacy. Chris Emerson (LEVEL) Starts at ~1:22:00 Explores cannabinoid innovation, consumer education, and the challenges of multi-state expansion. Hosts: Jay Rosenthal, AnnaRae Grabstein, Jeremy Berke, Marc Hauser -- 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.highspiritspod.com 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.

    1h 52m
  4. #116 - Live from Las Vegas with Cultivated Media & Cannabis Musings Part 1

    DEC 12

    #116 - Live from Las Vegas with Cultivated Media & Cannabis Musings Part 1

    Send us a text Recorded Live on December 3rd from Las Vegas, this special episode of "This Week in Cannabis" brings together industry leaders and insiders to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the cannabis and hemp sectors.  We dive into federal policy, market expansion, retail innovation, and the evolving landscape of cannabis journalism. Featuring in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs, executives, and retailers, the episode offers a candid look at the state of the industry, from regulatory hurdles to product innovation and community building. Guests and Timestamps: Thomas Winstanley (Edibles.com) Starts at ~2:08 Discussion on hemp-derived THC, federal policy, and the future of edibles and consumer access.Vahan Ajamian (High Tide) Starts at ~23:23 Insights on High Tide’s expansion into Germany, the dynamics of the German cannabis market, and international retail strategy.John Prentice (JointCraft, "Pre-Roll King of Canada") Starts at ~39:39 Covers the evolution of pre-roll manufacturing, scaling production, quality control, and the importance of specialization in cannabis business.Chris Casacchia (Journalist, Cultivated/MJBiz) Starts at ~1:14:03 Explores the state of cannabis journalism, the impact of media coverage on the industry, and regulatory issues in New York and beyond.Elisa Keay (K's Pot Shop, Toronto) Starts at ~2:01:51 Shares lessons from running a community-focused cannabis retail store, navigating licensing, competition, and building customer loyalty.Hosts: Jay Rosenthal, Marc Hauser, AnnaRae Grabstein, Ben Larson, Jeremy Berke -- 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.highspiritspod.com 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.

    2h 41m
  5. #115 - Holiday Hiatus & High Spirits News

    DEC 2 · BONUS

    #115 - Holiday Hiatus & High Spirits News

    Send us a text The mics take a breather, but the cannabis market doesn’t. We’re wheels up for MJBizCon and our High Spirits Morning Mixer on Thursday, and then straight to BevNET, while state and federal moves reshape the map from Texas to Virginia to Minnesota to California. We start with Texas, where regulators approved nine new medical licenses in a historically tight program. It’s a modest step with big implications: recognition that demand is outpacing capacity, but who will be the winners? For operators eyeing long-term positioning, Texas remains a massive, underdeveloped prize where patience, compliance, and local partnerships can compound. Minnesota faces a different pressure: the looming federal hemp THC ban embedded in a congressional minibus. The state’s hemp-derived THC market—thousands of retailers and strong consumer buy-in—could be gutted overnight. The governor is exploring rapid rulemaking, carve-outs, and potential court challenges to protect businesses until adult use retail is fully stood up. How Minnesota responds may become the national playbook for preserving economic activity amid federal whiplash. Virginia looks ready to convert legalization on paper into real stores. A bill targeting adult use sales in 2026 would finally establish a regulated retail framework, address social equity, and balance political priorities after years of stalls and illicit market growth. If it moves, Virginia could become the first Southern state with full adult use, forcing regional recalculations and opening a high-potential market. And California turns the screws on packaging. With a new top regulator and CalRecycle implementing SB54, brands must enroll in a PRO, report packaging at the SKU level, plan for recyclability and compostability by 2032, and meet aggressive plastic recycling targets. Expect cost shifts, supplier consolidation, and innovation in materials, especially for vapes and multi-layer plastics. The winners will treat compliance as strategy, integrating sustainability into brand and supply chain decisions. Headed to Vegas? Come say hi at the High Spirits Morning Mixer on Thursday. If this breakdown helped you navigate the noise, follow, share, and leave a quick review—what state move should we unpack next? -- 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.highspiritspod.com 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.

    9 min
  6. #114 - What Comes Next for Hemp THC Beverages w/ Martín Caballero, Managing Editor at BevNET.com

    NOV 21

    #114 - What Comes Next for Hemp THC Beverages w/ Martín Caballero, Managing Editor at BevNET.com

    Send us a text We unpack the 365-day clock facing hemp-derived THC beverages, why the category exploded, and how a policy rider vaulted prohibition-style limits into law. Martín Caballero of BevNet joins us to map realistic paths forward, where coalition power lives, and what compromises might actually work. • why hemp-derived THC drinks resonated with mainstream shoppers • how a funding bill rider created the new 0.4 mg per package limit • why fragmented advocacy loses to unified, well-funded lobbies • lessons from retailers and distributors who want the shelf to stay • a pragmatic path: low-dose through three tiers, higher dose in cannabis channels • why beverages won’t simply shift to illicit markets or dispensaries • what data, packaging, and age-gating standards could secure legitimacy • the role of investors, timelines, and state-level regulators • scenarios for compromise without collapsing innovation If you've enjoyed this episode, please stop, like, subscribe, share, do all the things -- 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.highspiritspod.com 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.

    54 min
  7. #113 - From Blueberries To Regenerative Cannabis: How Coastal Sun Built A Profitable, Planet-First Brand w/ Darren Story

    NOV 19

    #113 - From Blueberries To Regenerative Cannabis: How Coastal Sun Built A Profitable, Planet-First Brand w/ Darren Story

    Send us a text We unpack the federal push to restrict hemp products, then turn to a grounded model for the future: regenerative organic cannabis. Darren Story from Coastal Sun shares how soil health lowers costs, why OCAL matters, and how compassion and affordability can scale. • hemp policy shock and what it means for access • lessons for advocacy and industry unity • Darren’s path from blueberries to cannabis • WAM partnership and medical-first roots • OCAL certification and consumer education • regenerative farming practices and cost • navigating DCC rules and animal integration • brand positioning and diverse consumers • greenhouse tech for organic at scale • expansion via teaching and partnerships • wellness ethos, leadership, and discipline • affordability, SP34 donations, and unit economics • measured growth and a five-year vision Sign up to apply for an invite: highspiritspod.com/morning-mixer If you've enjoyed this episode, please stop, like, subscribe, share, do all the things -- 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.highspiritspod.com 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.

    53 min
  8. #112 - Mapping Cannabis Patents, Power, And The Coming Wave Of Lawsuits w/ Dr. Ruth Fisher

    NOV 10

    #112 - Mapping Cannabis Patents, Power, And The Coming Wave Of Lawsuits w/ Dr. Ruth Fisher

    Send us a text We explore how local elections shape cannabis policy on the ground, then dive into the real map of cannabis patents with Dr. Ruth Fisher. She explains who holds the IP, why enforcement is scarce for now, and how one big verdict could change the industry overnight. • grounding in stoicism and local civic action • breaking news on recalls and lawsuits in New York and Florida • Dr. Ruth Fisher on 10,000+ cannabis patents and prior art • global patent holders across pharma, tobacco, academia, and government • patent thickets versus single filings and why enforcement is rare • plant patents, phenotype variation, and proof of similarity • synthetics, biomanufacturing with yeast, and conversion patents • damages explained: royalties versus lost profits and documentation • delivery tech surge, including emulsions and beverages • optimism for innovation, concern over fragmented regulation • case for descheduling and one coherent framework Get The Medical Cannabis Primer at medicalcannabisprimer.com or on Amazon. Connect with Ruth on LinkedIn. “If you've enjoyed this episode, please drop a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.” -- 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.highspiritspod.com 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.

    53 min
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4.6
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Hosts Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein serve up unfiltered insights, reveal their insiders' perspectives, and illuminate transformative ideas about the cannabis industry for people who want to make sense of it all.

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