Under the Microscope with Jenny

Jenny Germano

I am your host, Jenny Germano - the founder of ICS Consulting. With over 16 years of hands-on experience in the regulated cannabis Industry, I spent 6 years operating vertically integrated licensed facilities in Colorado and the last 10 years consulting nationally across the U.S. This podcast is dedicated to new and existing cannabis operators and those looking to launch a licensed cannabis business in one state or across multiple. Expect candid conversations on compliance, market-specific insights, startup pitfalls, operational strategies, and tips to manage the overwhelm that comes with launching and scaling in this complex industry. Join Jenny Germano every Wednesday at 12pm EST in navigating cannabis compliance and launching successful regulated cannabis operations. Whether you’re just entering the industry or scaling up, this is your go-to resource for real talk, real truths, expert insights, and actionable strategies. I've got a great line up of interviews, expert breakdowns and host insights.

  1. 2D AGO

    Ep. 43: Scams & Fraud Targeting Cannabis Operators & How To Protect Yourself

    🎙 In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano breaks down the growing wave of scams and fraud targeting licensed cannabis operators across the U.S. Drawing from her experience operating vertically integrated cannabis facilities in Denver since 2009 and her work through ICS Consulting for over the last 10 years, Jenny explains why cannabis businesses are uniquely vulnerable due to regulatory complexity, cash-heavy operations, evolving licensing frameworks, and limited banking access. The conversation outlines six major scam categories affecting operators nationwide - including regulator impersonation, fake licensing and social equity programs, payment diversion schemes, delivery and reporting fraud, and investment scams. Jenny walks through real-world examples and regulator alerts while highlighting common red flags like spoofed communications, urgent payment demands, threats of license action, and attempts to bypass internal controls. ✨ This episode delivers practical safeguards operators can implement immediately, including SOPs for verifying regulator communications, stronger payment controls, role-based employee training, and clear response protocols when scam attempts occur - helping cannabis businesses protect their licenses, finances, and teams in an increasingly complex environment.   🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting 🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com   ⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰ 03:39 National Scam Overview 06:52 Red Flags Basics 08:52 Regulator Scam Warnings 12:15 Colorado + other State Scams 13:14 Fake Licensing & Social Equity Scams 19:03 Investor Fraud & Phishing 24:22 Federal Investment Schemes 26:27 Building Scam Safeguards 28:01 Cybersecurity Essentials 28:30 Phishing & Phone Scams 29:43 Money Verification Controls 32:17 Verifying Regulators 33:56 Crypto Payment Red Flags 35:37 Recommended Controls & Drills 38:28 Payment & Licensing Protections 43:17 Frontline Staff Training 46:56 Accounting Scam Risks 50:46 Key Takeaways + Wrap-Up   𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

    54 min
  2. FEB 11

    Ep. 42: Operational Best Practices for Cannabis Retail Payments

    🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano sits down with Michael Andrud, CEO and Founder of Lüt., to break down operational best practices for cannabis retail payments. Michael shares his background in financial services and how that experience informs his approach to navigating payments in highly regulated cannabis environments. The conversation explores the real risks of cash-heavy operations, common misconceptions around payment processing, and the compliance and regulatory concerns tied to payment options like cashless ATMs. Jenny and Michael also discuss the importance of creating consistent customer payment experiences, aligning payment solutions with business models, and effectively implementing loyalty programs. They dive deeper into staff training, documentation, fraud prevention, transparency, and optimizing payment workflows to reduce risk and improve operational efficiency. This episode offers practical guidance and actionable insights for dispensary operators looking to strengthen their payment processes while navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.   🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting 🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com 🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Michael Andrud, CEO and Founder of Lüt 🌎 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://www.mylut.com   ⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰ 00:57 Guest Introduction: Michael Andrud 03:15 Challenges in Cannabis Payment Processing 05:33 Operational Risks of Cash Reliance 08:01 Common Payment Pitfalls for Dispensaries 10:00 Visa and MasterCard's Stance on Cannabis Payments 23:36 Customer Trust and Payment Consistency 27:47 Leveraging Loyalty Programs for Growth 35:09 Bank-to-Bank Transfer Programs 36:50 Risks of ACH Transactions 41:30 Staff Training and Payment Systems 48:35 AI and Fraud Prevention 54:54 Compliance Banking and Risk Mitigation 57:39 Best Practices & Wrap Up   𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

    52 min
  3. FEB 4

    Ep. 41: Raising the Bar and Preparing for the Cannabis Industry’s Next Phase

    In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano sits down with Alex Hearding, Founder and President of Red Wolf Risk, to break down what’s next for the cannabis industry. From upcoming federal rescheduling and the possibility of full descheduling in the future and what these shifts mean for day-to-day operations. The conversation focuses on how operators can prepare for a more regulated future. Alex explains why aligning with federal standards now is critical and dives into the role Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) will play as the industry matures. Together, they explore how proactive compliance can help operators stay competitive, strengthen operations, empower them to quickly adapt by lowering risk exposures and increase business value ahead of future mergers and acquisitions. Tune in to gain insights into what lies ahead for cannabis operators and positioning your business for the industry’s next phase.   🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting 🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com 🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Alex Hearding, Founder and President of Red Wolf Risk 🌎 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://redwolfrisk.com   ⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰ 01:07 Introducing the Guest: Alex Hearding 02:35 Discussion on Rescheduling and Federal Standards 04:33 Impact of Rescheduling on the Cannabis Industry 08:25 Compliance and Regulatory Shifts 25:09 Proactive Compliance and Future Challenges 33:02 The Benefits of Regulating Whole Plant Medicine 33:25 Federal vs. State Regulation 34:21 Interstate and International Commerce 35:02 Understanding GMP and Quality Management Systems 38:59 Document Management and Traceability 44:41 Impact on Operators, Patients, and Consumers 50:23 Preparing for GMP Compliance 55:34 Exit Strategies and Industry Consolidation 01:01:52 Future Outlook & Wrap Up   𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

    1h 5m
  4. JAN 28

    Ep. 40: Common Inventory Track & Trace Mistakes That Put Cannabis Operators at Risk

    🎙In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano delves into the topic of common inventory tracking mistakes that put cannabis operators at risk. With over 16 years of experience and helping cannabis facilities navigate the regulatory landscape across the United States, Jenny shares valuable insights into how to prevent common mistakes related to the Metrc seed-to-sale tracking system. She discusses the importance of maintaining accurate inventory records and preventing compliance violations, emphasizing daily reconciliation, proper staff training, and having robust inventory management standard operating procedures (SOPs). Jenny shares her practical tips for avoiding common inventory track and trace pitfalls and highlights her motto - bad data in equals bad data out. Learn about the risk exposure of poor inventory management, tips for better compliance, and recommendations for staying audit-ready in an industry that is under the microscope. Don't miss this essential episode for cannabis operators looking to improve their inventory management processes.   🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting 🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com   ⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰ 00:51 Common Inventory Pitfalls 02:59 Importance of Compliance and Training 11:32 Seed to Sale Tracking Explained 17:43 Physical Inventory and Best Practices 21:35 Common Metrc Mistakes and Solutions 29:50 The Importance of Naming Conventions 30:12 POS System Integration Challenges 32:04 The Handling of RFID Tags 34:17 Adjustments, Transfers and Manifest Errors 39:32 Late Reconciliation and Non-engagement with Reports 45:14 Staying Audit Ready 49:46 Best Practice Recommendations & Wrap Up   𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

    57 min
  5. JAN 21

    Ep. 39: The Growing Cannabis Recall Problem and What Operators Need to Know

    🎙In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano discusses the increasing issue of cannabis recalls with special guest Carly Bader, Director of Science at Willow Industries. Carly shares her experiences from working in both the cannabis industry and the field of infectious diseases. Jenny shares recall data from 2025, illustrating the scope of recalls across various states while Carly provides insights on why recalls are common in regulated markets and the major triggers for large-scale recalls. They discuss the importance of proper sanitation, regulatory compliance, and continuous environmental testing to prevent contamination and improve public safety and talk about the need for a centralized database for recall information. Tune in for an in-depth conversation that covers everything from microbial issues and pesticide recalls to the necessity of better public recall reporting systems. Both Jenny and Carly emphasize the significance of educating operators and the workforce to raise safety standards and minimize recalls in the evolving cannabis industry.   🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting 🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com   🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Carly Bader, Director of Science at Willow Industries 🌎 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: https://willowindustries.com 🌎 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗜: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carly-bader-4260b217a   ⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰ 00:43 Our Guest: Carly Bader 01:21 Cannabis Recall Statistics 03:09 Understanding the Increase in Recalls 06:20 Carly’s Background and Experience 10:05 Challenges in Cannabis Compliance 13:16 Issues Triggering Large Scale Recalls 19:08 Root Causes and Solutions for Recalls 29:07 Sanitation Standards in New Markets 30:12 Client Struggles with Microbial Testing 31:14 Importance of Proper Sanitation 33:35 Challenges in the Cannabis Industry 37:19 Employee and Consumer Safety 39:57 Issues with Recall Timeliness 44:53 Improving Contamination Control 52:59 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up   𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

    55 min
  6. JAN 14

    Ep. 38: Automating Cannabis Operations - How Robotics Improve Efficiency, Compliance, and Scalability

    🎙In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano welcomes Nohtal Partansky, the CEO and founder of Sorting Robotics, to discuss the impact of robotics on the cannabis industry. Nohtal shares his fascinating journey from aerospace engineering at NASA to pioneering automation solutions for cannabis manufacturers. The conversation covers key topics such as the economic benefits of robotics in production, the challenges of regulatory compliance, and the future role of AI in the industry. Jenny and Nohtal also offer practical advice for operators navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving market, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards and embracing technological advancements.   🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting 🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com   🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Nohtal Partansky, the CEO and founder of Sorting Robotics 🌎 𝗦𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀: https://www.sortingrobotics.com   ⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰ 01:21 Nohtal’s Journey from NASA to Cannabis 04:12 Challenges and Insights in Cannabis Manufacturing 16:42 Robotics ROI and Economic Benefits 20:53 Mature Markets and Future Outlook 29:32 Customization vs. Standardization in Cannabis Markets 30:21 Challenges of High Variability in Cannabis 42:30 Regulatory Compliance and Automation 46:54 The Role of AI and Robotics in Cannabis Manufacturing 49:13 Practical Advice for Cannabis Operators 52:42 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up   𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

    54 min
  7. JAN 7

    Ep. 37: Building Momentum for 2026 - How Smart Marketing Fuels Cannabis Operator Growth

    🎙In the first episode for 2026 of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano welcomes Cassie Tomaselli, Founder and Creative Director of Tomaselli Media and The Green Room, to discuss the critical role of a brand voice and effective marketing strategies for cannabis operators. They delve into the unique regulatory challenges faced by cannabis businesses across the US market, the importance of balancing educational versus promotional content, and innovative ways to build a strong personal brand and thought leadership in the industry. The conversation covers practical tips on email marketing, utilizing social media responsibly, supporting cannabis media, and leveraging trade shows and events effectively. Tune in to learn more insights as Jenny and Cassie emphasize the value of authentic storytelling and creating a community-centric approach to engage audiences.   🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting 🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com   🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Cassie Tomaselli, Founder & Creative Director of Tomaselli Media & The Green Room 🌎 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮: https://tomasellimedia.com 🌎 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺: https://the-green-room-b55c22.circle.so/the-green-room-open-enrollment-2025   ⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀 00:59 Guest Introduction - Cassie Tomaselli 03:54 Challenges in Cannabis Marketing 08:25 Importance of a Brand Voice 12:19 Organic Content vs. Paid Ads 15:15 Email Marketing Strategies 19:36 Balancing Educational and Promotional Content 24:24 Thought Leadership in Cannabis 27:06 The Importance of Personal Branding 27:38 Combating Cannabis Stigma Through Thought Leadership 29:00 Navigating Media Relations in the Cannabis Industry 31:29 Supporting Cannabis Media and Trade Shows 44:46 Opportunities in Mature Cannabis Markets 47:19 Building Personal Authority in the Cannabis Industry 51:43 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up   𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

    56 min
  8. 12/31/2025

    Ep. 36: Closing Out 2025 & How Cannabis Operators Can Prepare for a Compliant 2026

    🎙In the final episode of 2025, host Jenny Germano of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny' addresses preparation for a compliant 2026 for cannabis operators. Drawing from her extensive background, Jenny offers action steps on record-keeping standards, navigating the rescheduling processes, preparing for potential state and federal regulatory changes, and improving overall compliance best practices. She emphasizes the importance of meticulous business records management, staff training refreshers, understanding the evolving regulations, and being proactive with federal standards such as OSHA, QMS and ISO 9001. Additionally, she discusses the potential impacts of cannabis rescheduling and the essential steps operators can take to stay updated, diligent and ready. This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips to help cannabis businesses maintain compliance and readiness for a successful new year.   🌿Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting 🌎 ICS Consulting: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com   ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 01:12 Preparing for Year-End and 2026 03:33 Record Keeping Essentials 12:59 Rule Changes and Compliance 16:28 Operational Reset for 2026 30:42 Cannabis Rescheduling Insights 49:13 Wrap Up & Future Plans   Legal Disclaimer: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

    52 min

About

I am your host, Jenny Germano - the founder of ICS Consulting. With over 16 years of hands-on experience in the regulated cannabis Industry, I spent 6 years operating vertically integrated licensed facilities in Colorado and the last 10 years consulting nationally across the U.S. This podcast is dedicated to new and existing cannabis operators and those looking to launch a licensed cannabis business in one state or across multiple. Expect candid conversations on compliance, market-specific insights, startup pitfalls, operational strategies, and tips to manage the overwhelm that comes with launching and scaling in this complex industry. Join Jenny Germano every Wednesday at 12pm EST in navigating cannabis compliance and launching successful regulated cannabis operations. Whether you’re just entering the industry or scaling up, this is your go-to resource for real talk, real truths, expert insights, and actionable strategies. I've got a great line up of interviews, expert breakdowns and host insights.