Highly Informed

Benzinga
Highly Informed

A weekly podcast about cannabis stocks and investments.

Episodes

  1. How Technology is Revolutionizing the Cannabis Industry with Metrc CEO Michael Johnson

    SEP 23

    How Technology is Revolutionizing the Cannabis Industry with Metrc CEO Michael Johnson

    In this episode of Highly Informed, host John Puro speaks with Michael Johnson, CEO of Metrc, the leading provider of cannabis regulatory technology in the U.S. With over 345,000 users, Metrc's solutions ensure the safety and security of the legal cannabis market by tracking products from growth to sale. Michael discusses the challenges of cannabis regulation, the importance of compliance, and how technology fosters trust and confidence among consumers. Drawing on his extensive experience in scaling tech businesses and driving growth at Metrc, he shares valuable insights into the future of the cannabis industry. About Michael Johnson: Michael Johnson is the CEO of Metrc, the foremost provider of cannabis regulatory technology in the United States. Under his leadership, Metrc has become a trusted partner for ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s legal cannabis market, serving over 345,000 users across various sectors, including growers, dispensaries, and law enforcement. With a strong background in scaling hyper-growth technology businesses, Michael has a proven track record of driving significant organizational growth and efficiency. Prior to joining Metrc, he served as CFO of InformedDNA and CM Group, where he implemented strategic initiatives that led to sustained growth and profitability. A certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Michael is committed to shaping the future of the cannabis industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 01:06 The Role of Metric in the Cannabis Industry 06:03 Proactive vs. Reactive: Metric's Approach 12:10 Customer Experience and Internal Metrics 17:52 Leadership Insights and Personal Experiences 23:53 Success Stories and Compliance Challenges 29:48 Emerging Technologies and Future Trends 37:47 Predictions for the Cannabis Industry Guest: Michael Johnson, CEO of Metrc, https://www.metrc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-johnson-41458115/ Host: Jon Purow, Partner - Greenspoon Marder https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/jon-purow/

    50 min
  2. Highly Informed Interview with Peter Barsoom, Co-Founder and CEO of 1906

    SEP 3

    Highly Informed Interview with Peter Barsoom, Co-Founder and CEO of 1906

    Peter Barsoom, founder and CEO of 1906, discusses the mission of his cannabis edibles company and the importance of ending the prohibition of cannabis. He explains how 1906 products are designed to mimic the effects of smoking cannabis, with a focus on fast-acting, specific effects, and high-quality ingredients. Barsoom also discusses the incorporation of minor cannabinoids and other supplemental ingredients to create a personalized entourage effect. He emphasizes the importance of innovation and rethinking traditional products, such as pills and gummies, to make them more consumer-friendly. Barsoom predicts that the future of the cannabis industry involves online sales and a distinction between high-dose cannabis sold in dispensaries and low-dose cannabis sold online. Takeaways: 1906 products are designed to mimic the effects of smoking cannabis, with a focus on fast-acting, specific effects, and high-quality ingredients.Incorporating minor cannabinoids and other supplemental ingredients creates a personalized entourage effect.Rethinking traditional products, such as pills and gummies, can make them more consumer-friendly.The future of the cannabis industry involves online sales and a distinction between high-dose cannabis sold in dispensaries and low-dose cannabis sold online.Guest: Peter Barsoom, Co-Founder and CEO of 1906 https://1906.shop/pages/about https://www.linkedin.com/in/pbarsoom/ Host: Jon Purow, Partner - Greenspoon Marder https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/jon-purow/ #cannabis, #edibles, #prohibition, #effects, #smoking, #fast-acting, #specific #effects, #high-quality #ingredients, #cannabisinsider #cannabinoids, #entourage #effect, #innovation, #pills, #gummies, #onlineshopping, #sales, #dispensaries, #low-dosecannabis

    35 min
  3. News Rehash

    MAR 20

    News Rehash

    Summary   In this episode, we cover various cannabis and psychedelic news stories. The highlight stories include the regulation of psychoactive hemp-derived cannabinoids, the potential rescheduling of cannabis, and the progress of psychedelic legalization. The golden nugget stories highlight California's cultivator capacity, the impact of cannabis legalization on Canadian beer sales, and Washington's regulation of high potency cannabis products. The federal news covers President Biden's stance on cannabis, clemency for nonviolent cannabis offenders, and Vice President Kamala Harris' cannabis reform event. The state news includes updates on cannabis legalization in Virginia, Hawaii, and Washington. The international news covers Germany's cannabis legalization delay, Thailand's reversal on cannabis legalization, and Costa Rica's progress in legalizing medical cannabis and hemp. Lastly, the cannabis science and medical news includes studies on the effects of CBD on menstrual symptoms, the use of cannabis for female orgasmic disorder, and the safety of CBD for dogs. Host: Jon Purow, Partner - Greenspoon Marder https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/jon-purow/ Takeaways   ·        Regulation of psychoactive hemp-derived cannabinoids is a topic of interest, with many states considering making certain hemp-derived cannabinoids illegal. ·        The potential rescheduling of cannabis to schedule three is being discussed, with conflicting rumors about the timeline. ·        There is growing momentum for psychedelic legalization, with widespread acceptance of the medical benefits of psychedelics. ·        Various states are making progress in cannabis legalization, with Virginia legalizing cannabis sales and Hawaii considering automatic expungement of cannabis convictions. ·        International cannabis news includes Germany's delay in legalization, Thailand's reversal on cannabis legalization, and Costa Rica's progress in legalizing medical cannabis and hemp. ·        CBD is linked to reductions in menstrual symptoms, and there is a push to make female orgasmic disorder a qualifying condition for medical cannabis. ·        Studies show that CBD is safe for long-term use in dogs.

    30 min
  4. One-Hitters: Exploring Trends, Market Dynamics,  and Social Acceptance

    MAR 6

    One-Hitters: Exploring Trends, Market Dynamics, and Social Acceptance

    In this episode of the Highly Informed, Jon interviews 4 key players from the cannabis industry. They cover hardware manufacturing, product customization, safety considerations, branding, and market share. They also explore the potential of cannabis-infused beverages and their role in social acceptance and economic activity. The conversation highlights the importance of infrastructure in the cannabis industry and the need for education and community engagement. The speakers express optimism about the future of the industry and emphasize the role of convenience and innovation in driving its growth. Takeaways: Customization and safety are key considerations in the cannabis hardware industry.Cannabis-infused beverages have the potential to drive social acceptance and economic activity.Infrastructure plays a crucial role in the growth and development of the cannabis industry.Education and community engagement are important for overcoming stigmas and building trust in the industry.Convenience and innovation will be key drivers of the cannabis industry's future success.Host: Jon Purow, Partner - Greenspoon Marder https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/ Guests: Jacob Anderson, Partner & Senior Sales Associate, BOLD Carts Diana Eberlein, VP of Marketing & Business Development, SõRSE Technology Donny Moskovic, Retail & Cannabis Real Estate. Seasoned Cannabis Entrepreneur Jordan Tritt, CEO, The Panther Group Disclaimer: Any views that Jon states during an episode are his own, and not those of his law firm Greenspoon Marder LLP or Benzinga. _____________________________________________________________________ Check out www.benzinga.com for complete coverage along with all the latest financial news and data! PRO TOOLS: pro.benzinga.com Free 2 week trial, no credit card required GET 25% OFF BENZINGA PRO https://benzinga.grsm.io/benzingalive🙌 Follow us Online! Instagram: www.instagram.com/benzinga Facebook: www.facebook.com/Benzinga TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@benzinga Twitter: twitter.com/Benzinga #HighlyInformed #Cannabis

    31 min
  5. Highly Informed With  Special Guest Jason Nelson

    FEB 21

    Highly Informed With Special Guest Jason Nelson

    In this episode of Highly Informed, Jon talks with Jason Nelson, Former CEO of BeLeaf Medical, discusses the transition of Missouri's cannabis market from medical to adult use. He highlights the unique aspects of Missouri's market, including a relatively large number of licenses and robust retail and cultivation operations. Nelson also discusses the regulatory challenges faced by the industry, such as a crackdown on distillate products and packaging and labeling requirements. He explains the different brands and product lines of BeLeaf Medical, including their focus on affordability and inclusivity. Nelson predicts that Missouri's adult use market will continue to grow, but consolidation and expansion are expected in the coming years. Host: Jon Purow, Partner - Greenspoon Marder https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/ Guest: Jason Nelson, Former CEO - BeLeaf Medical Disclaimer: Any views that Jon states during an episode are his own, and not those of his law firm Greenspoon Marder LLP or Benzinga. _____________________________________________________________________ Check out www.benzinga.com for complete coverage along with all the latest financial news and data! PRO TOOLS: pro.benzinga.com Free 2 week trial, no credit card required GET 25% OFF BENZINGA PRO https://benzinga.grsm.io/benzingalive🙌 Follow us Online! Instagram: www.instagram.com/benzinga Facebook: www.facebook.com/Benzinga TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@benzinga Twitter: twitter.com/Benzinga #HighlyInformed #Cannabis

    24 min
  6. News Rehash

    FEB 15

    News Rehash

    In this episode, Jon discusses the potential rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III and the implications it would have for the industry. He also highlights the importance of the Farm Bill 2023 and its potential impact on the market. Jon covers federal news, state news from Florida, Virginia, Minnesota, and New York, as well as business news and international news from Germany and Thailand. Takeaways: -The potential rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III could have significant implications for the industry, including the elimination of 280E and increased access to banking services. -The Farm Bill 2023, which was supposed to be passed in 2023 but has been delayed, is a crucial piece of legislation that could shape the future of the industry. -States like Florida, Virginia, Minnesota, and New York are expected to make significant progress in cannabis legalization. -The cannabis industry is facing challenges in terms of oversupply and market compression, but there are also opportunities for growth and investment. -Germany is a key player in the European cannabis market, and there are ongoing discussions about comprehensive cannabis reform in the EU. -Thailand's decision to backtrack on cannabis legalization highlights the need for careful regulation and oversight in the industry. -The psychedelics industry is experiencing rapid growth, with more states legalizing the use of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:13 Playing Tokadamus or Smokadamus for 2024 06:25 Highlight Story: Potential Rescheduling of Cannabis 10:24 Golden Nugget Story: Farm Bill 2023 15:39 Federal News: Safe Banking Act 17:40 State News: Florida 19:09 State News: Virginia 20:09 State News: Minnesota 20:39 State News: New York 24:08 Business News 25:08 International News: Germany 26:08 International News: Thailand 28:08 Psychedelics News 29:37 Conclusion _____________________________________________________________________ Check out www.benzinga.com for complete coverage along with all the latest financial news and data! PRO TOOLS: pro.benzinga.com Free 2 week trial, no credit card required GET 25% OFF BENZINGA PRO https://benzinga.grsm.io/benzingalive🙌 Follow us Online! Instagram: www.instagram.com/benzinga Facebook: www.facebook.com/Benzinga TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@benzinga

    30 min

About

A weekly podcast about cannabis stocks and investments.

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada