Best Cannabis Automation Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 20: Rolling Into the Future: Automation Strategies for Cannabis Operators 51:58

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13d ago51:58

51:58

In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano is joined by Shahar Yamay, CEO of Hefestus USA, to explore the role of automation in the cannabis industry. The conversation delves into Shahar's journey from food packaging automation to cannabis, and how his company is revolutionizing pre-roll automation. The episode covers essential t…

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Strategy Truths & Lies, Mature Industries Already Know ft. Mitchell Osak 56:08

4d ago56:08

56:08

Cannabis is chaotic by design. Vertical integration forces operators to run six or seven businesses at once — then replicate that model across states with different regulations, all without economies of scale. It’s no wonder the industry feels messy. The bigger problem? Too many companies are chasing the wrong metrics and ignoring the lessons other…

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Ep. 23: Beyond Compliance: Building Smarter Cannabis Operations 50:57

4d ago50:57

50:57

🎙 In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano welcomes Blaine Hatab, CEO of Distru, to discuss the evolving cannabis industry and key aspects of the industry from operations to compliance. They delve into the importance of technology in cannabis operations, the importance of staying data-driven, leveraging technology and how bette…

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When the Side Hustle Becomes the Real Hustle with Will Breakell 54:18

6d ago54:18

54:18

This week, Will Breaknell, CEO of Blazy Susan, joins the Cannabis Equipment News (CEN) podcast to discuss how he set out to clean up coffee tables with a novel smoking accessory and wound up launching one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S.—and it all started with a little product placement on CNN during the New Year's Eve Ball dro…

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THC Is an Ingredient, Where Pharma, MSOs & Hemp Collide, ft. Zach Edge 43:08

12d ago43:08

43:08

THC is an ingredient. Cannabinoids will be treated like standardized inputs across pharma, licensed cannabis, and hemp—and the future winners are hedging until there’s clarity. What got you here won’t get you there. The next phase needs a new playbook: ops tweaks aren’t enough; strategy has to change. Near term, expect Schedule III to unlock e-phar…

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Ep. 22: Five Compliance Challenges That Can Make or Break Your Regulated Cannabis Business 52:07

4h ago52:07

52:07

🎙 In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano dives into five primary compliance challenges that can make or break a regulated cannabis business. Jenny shares her extensive background in the cannabis industry, beginning in 2009, and the insights she has gained through her 16 years of working in the regulated market. She addresses …

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Sensory Science Unlocked, Beyond THC, Inside True Terpenes ft. Dan Cook 51:32

17d ago51:32

51:32

$8 billion in products hit shelves each year with True Terpenes inside. The real edge? Turning sensory science—backed by data—into products that connect and fill clear gaps in the market. We break down what cannabis can borrow from wine (shared language, guided discovery), where that analogy stops, and why toxicology and standards are the new trust…

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Ep. 21: How Training Builds Strong Cannabis Operations and Teams 57:48

6d ago57:48

57:48

🎙 In this episode of "Under The Microscope with Jenny Podcast," host Jenny Germano is joined by Maureen McNamara, Founder & Chief Facilitator at Cannabis Trainers, to explore the pivotal role of training in the cannabis industry. The conversation dives into Maureen’s journey as a leader in compliance and training, and how she is shaping the future …

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Dr. Greenhouse: The #1 Mistake Killing Your Plants ft. Nadia Sabeh 1:03:19

26d ago1:03:19

1:03:19

What if keeping the room a little too dry is killing your plants? Humidity—and the HVAC that controls it—drives plant health, but air isn’t uniform across the room. The fix isn’t more AC; it’s dialing VPD so humidity, lights, airflow, and irrigation work together. Get it wrong and you lose yield and fail tests; get it right and buds stay sticky, he…

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Chaos Breeds Opportunity with John Shute 1:00:59

18d ago1:00:59

1:00:59

This week, John Shute, CEO of PufCreative, joins the Cannabis Equipment News podcast to discuss how he creates marketing programs that move the needle for cannabis operators and the disruptive marketing tactics the industry can use to stand above the fray. Please make sure to like, subscribe and share the podcast. You could also help us out by givi…

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Richie Proud on the iAnthus Turnaround: Why Selling Arizona Fueled Core-Market Growth 55:05

1M ago55:05

55:05

What if the smartest growth move is cutting—on purpose? Turnarounds aren’t financial stories—they’re operational ones. Growth-at-all-costs is out. The new playbook: prune non-core assets, concentrate resources in high-return states, and speed the path from cultivation to checkout. This week we sit down with Richie Proud, CEO of iAnthus, to discuss:…

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Ep. 19: Compliance on Wheels: The Rules of the Road with Cannabis Transportation 53:52

26d ago53:52

53:52

In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano dives into the complexities of cannabis transportation with guest Joel Dickerson, CEO of GPS One LLC. Joel shares his journey from sports management to the cannabis industry, detailing his experiences working in vertically integrated cannabis operations in Colorado and the launch of Green …

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Unity Moves This Industry Forward with Aundre Speciale 1:03:35

25d ago1:03:35

1:03:35

This week, Aundre Speciale, owner of Cannabis Buyer's Club Berkley (CBCB), joins the Cannabis Equipment News podcast to discuss her legacy in the industry, which spans some 35 years of advocacy, retail, research and community building. Speciale was turned on to the cannabis industry by Jack Herer, author of "The Emperor Wears No Clothes." Herer was…

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Secrets Behind Failed Cannabis Builds: Where Every Team Needs to Look Now ft. David Fettner 49:36

1M ago49:36

49:36

Most cannabis facilities fail before the first wall goes up. Most assume it’s because of money — but they’re wrong. It’s because no one asked the right questions. The question you need to ask now is: Where should we be looking to set ourselves up for long-term success? Asking the right questions is critical — because decisions made for today can be…

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Ep. 18: Asset-Light, Market-Ready: Strategic Expansion for Cannabis Operators 50:12

28d ago50:12

50:12

In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano discusses asset-light, market-ready expansion for cannabis operators with guest Xavier Jaillet, an Associate Attorney at McDonald Hopkins Law Firm. Jenny and Xavier explore various models for expanding cannabis brands into new markets, including license acquisition, business purchases, and…

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Cannabis Banking Pro Started Career Slinging Shaved Ice to Swifties with Charlie Weiler 36:51

1M ago36:51

36:51

This week, Charlie Weiler, banking sales manager at LeafLink joins the Cannabis Equipment News podcast to discuss his journey from slinging shaved ice at Taylor Swift concerts (and pretty much every major event in the greater Kansas City area) to becoming a cannabis finance pro at Dama Finanancial, which LeafLink acquired in July 2024.…

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The ROI of Pre-Roll Automation: Scaling Quality, Reducing Labor, and Hitting 20K+ a Day ft. Shahar Yamay 39:00

2M ago39:00

39:00

Every investment is just an ROI calculator. Automation feels risky—until you run the numbers. It doesn’t kill craftsmanship—it scales it. Growing your pre-roll category usually means balancing sales growth with hand-filling teams to maintain quality. But what if you could do both? What if you could leverage best-in-class automation to hit your numb…

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Ep. 17: The High Cost of Compliance: Launching a Regulated Dispensary 55:46

1M ago55:46

55:46

In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano discusses the complexities and high costs of opening a regulated cannabis dispensary. With over 16 years of operations experience in the cannabis industry, she describes the various stages from licensing to the grand opening, emphasizing the importance of being organized and having an ex…

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The Industry Has Enough Snake Oil Products, This Isn't One of Them with Ryan Dohm and Dustin Dohm 52:25

1M ago52:25

52:25

This week, Ryan Dohm and Dustin Dohm, co-founders of GrowDefender, join the Cannabis Equipment News podcast to discuss their patented antimicrobial solution and how it can help prevent operators for failing testing. Please make sure to like, subscribe and share the podcast. You could also help us out by giving the podcast a positive review. Finally…

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Keep Your Eye on Ohio: Why California’s Failures Are Michigan’s Success, and the Global Cannabis Landscape ft. Hirsh Jain 56:44

2M ago56:44

56:44

What’s the real goal of a legal cannabis market? If it’s to replace the illicit market, create safe access, and drive tax revenue—then why is California, the world’s 4th largest economy, failing while Michigan is thriving? Despite California’s size and cultural dominance, cannabis sales are shrinking, cities are refusing to opt in, and the illicit …

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Ep. 16: The Backbone of Compliance: Management, People, and Systems 52:15

2M ago52:15

52:15

In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano discusses the essential components of compliance in the cannabis industry, focusing on management, people, and systems. Drawing from her extensive experience in the field, Jenny outlines the importance of strong leadership, clear accountability, and effective risk management. She also ex…

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Don't Skimp on Capex with David Loos 38:15

2M ago38:15

38:15

This week, David Loos, co-founder of Frontline Bud Foundation and the founder of Farmer Dave's Consulting joins the Cannabis Equipment News podcast to discuss the birth of Minnesota's cannabis market, why cannabis is a good industry to build a career and whether or not state cultivators can survive an open market. Oh, and why operators can't skimp …

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The Cannabis Titanic: The Reset Ahead, Matt Karnes on What the Numbers Say 43:04

2M ago43:04

43:04

Debt is coming due — and we’re approaching a point of no return. At this stage, it’s not if there will be fallout — it’s who survives it. The surface-level view of the cannabis industry hides deep financial issues that only become clear when you dig into the numbers. And that’s exactly what Matt Karnes has been doing for years. From cash flow strai…

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Ep. 15: Cannabis Operator Series | Fireside Chat with Jennifer McGuire COO & Co-Founder of CAMP Cannabis 42:16

2M ago42:16

42:16

In this next episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano dives into our Cannabis Operator Series featuring Jennifer McGuire, the COO and Co-Founder of CAMP Cannabis. CAMP is a craft cultivation and manufacturing operation based out of St. Louis, Missouri serving the Medical and Adult-Use market. Jenny sits down with Jennifer to d…

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Nurse Turns to Cannabis to Improve Patient Care with Marvina Thomas 38:47

2M ago38:47

38:47

This week, Marvina Thomas, founder and CEO of Fourtwenty Collections, joins the Cannabis Equipment News podcast to discuss her dispensary and consumption lounge retail location in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Please make sure to like, subscribe and share the podcast. You could also help us out by giving the podcast a positive review. Finally, to email t…

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Organigram’s Competitive Edge: Paolo De Luca on BAT, M&A Strategy, and the Cannabis Long Game 54:43

2M ago54:43

54:43

Built to last. That’s not just a slogan — it’s a strategy. In an industry driven by short-term survival, the cannabis space often feels like a rollercoaster. Financial pressures and market volatility push companies to chase quarters instead of building moats. But what if you could play the long game? What if you could invest in domain knowledge, de…

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Ep. 14: Mediation as a Compliance Strategy for Regulated Cannabis Operations 42:25

2M ago42:25

42:25

In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano is joined by Bethany Niebauer from Axial Resolutions to discuss mediation as a compliance strategy for regulated cannabis operations. Bethany shares about her decade-long experience in the cannabis industry, starting with writing license applications, and transitioning into mediation to he…

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The Michelin-Star Experience? Gibran Washington on What Customers Actually Want 49:52

2M ago49:52

49:52

What if buying cannabis felt more like a Michelin-star dining experience than a traditional retail transaction? Where the staff doesn’t just sell—they guide, educate, and tailor every recommendation to how you want to feel. No guessing. Just clarity, confidence, and trust—rooted in science-backed evidence. That’s the vision behind Ethos Cannabis. W…

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Ep. 13: The Hidden Hazards of Cannabis Operations and How to Prevent Them 51:27

2M ago51:27

51:27

🎙In this comprehensive episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano and returning guest Alex Hearding delve into the critical topic of workplace safety in the cannabis industry. They discuss the hidden hazards in cannabis operations and explore effective prevention strategies. The discussion covers essential OSHA regulations, the significa…

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AI in Cannabis Commerce Is Here — But Jane’s Doing It Their Way with Socrates Rosenfeld 50:02

3M ago50:02

50:02

AI is reshaping every corner of commerce — and in cannabis, where the pace is chaotic and change can be difficult, thoughtful integration is even harder. We’re in the middle of a digital transformation as profound as the rise of the internet. In a space where “speed and size” used to win, the new game is endurance. Because to finish first, you have…

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Ep. 12: Hiring Smart in Cannabis What Operators Get Wrong (and Right) 47:39

2M ago47:39

47:39

🎙 In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano chats with Christy and Preston Essex, founders of Seven Staffing and Employment Solutions, about the intricacies of hiring in the cannabis industry. Tune in to learn more about this dynamic team who were on the ground floor supporting new operators when the State of Missouri launched t…

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Trump, Texas SB3 & the Rescheduling Timeline: Jim Higdon on What Comes Next 48:46

3M ago48:46

48:46

Prohibition is dead — and Texas just proved it. The recent SB3 vote signaled the start of something much bigger. While hemp and cannabis operate in very different styles, both are ultimately pushing toward the same goal: a sensible framework for a one-plant solution. The how? I’ll leave that to people way smarter than me. But the genie is NOT going…

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Ep. 11: Cannabis Operator Series | Fireside Chat with Beatrice Carranza of Bachaz Mexican Gummies 48:12

3M ago48:12

48:12

In this episode of 'Under the Microscope Operator Series', host Jenny Germano sits down with Beatrice Carranza, Founder of Bachaz Mexican Gummies to discuss her journey into the cannabis industry. With a background in social work and hospitality, Beatrice talks about her motivation to create the first bilingual labeled edible product in Colorado, t…

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The Hidden Weakness in Most Cannabis Operations — What We Heard at Benzinga 43:41

3M ago43:41

43:41

The cannabis shakeout isn’t coming. It’s already here. Operators are bleeding, investors are disappearing, and the old playbook is falling apart. After Benzinga, one thing’s clear: the winners will be the ones who specialize, control every cost, and have visibility into every part of their business in real time. What happens when you pull back the …

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Ep. 10: Don’t Get Burned Out: The Real Talk on Cannabis Compliance 50:23

3M ago50:23

50:23

🎙In this special 10th episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano explores the critical issue of burnout among cannabis operators. She shares insights from her extensive experience in the cannabis industry, offers a detailed list of ten reasons why cannabis operators get burned out, and provides practical strategies to prevent and manage …

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Storytelling Is the Future of Cannabis IR ft Jesse Redmond 54:47

3M ago54:47

54:47

What if the most powerful investor pitch wasn’t a deck or a breakdown of earnings—but a story? Now, the idea of seeds in the ground to thriving plants is a tangible experience—one that finally captures the real narrative. Because in cannabis, the financials don’t always tell the full story. This week, we sit down with Jesse Redmond, Head of Investo…

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Ep. 9: Security Strategies | Protecting Your Cannabis Business from Application to Operation 42:02

3M ago42:02

42:02

In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano dives into the critical security strategies for cannabis businesses with guest Tony Gallo, a seasoned expert from Sapphire Risk Advisory Group. Tony shares his extensive experience in the cannabis industry, highlighting the importance of robust security measures during both the licensing…

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Fix the Process: Real Cannabis Manufacturing Tools & Optimization Techniques ft.: Murphy Murri 56:48

4M ago56:48

56:48

Most cannabis operators are reactive—drowning in checklists, flooded with data, and still missing the point. Compliance gets all the attention, while real operational signals—like handling variability and shifting process conditions—lead to execution gaps and reactive decision-making. Extraction process optimization is tricky, but when the actual r…

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Ep. 8: Breaking Through the Challenges of Banking for Cannabis Regulated Businesses 52:27

3M ago52:27

52:27

In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano discusses the nuances of banking for Cannabis Regulated Businesses (CRBs) with Erin O'Donnell and Michael Beird from the Association for Cannabis Banking. This episode explores the history, challenges, and future of cannabis banking. Learn about federal restrictions, compliance requireme…

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Brett Puffenbarger: The Future of Cannabis Will Look Like This… and Yes, It Will Shock You 54:49

4M ago54:49

54:49

What if we told you the future of cannabis looks less like dispensaries... and more like the milk aisle? Everyone’s chasing growth, market share, and the next hot product — but few are asking the deeper question: What will the cannabis industry actually become? While cannabis is certainly disruptive, its future likely follows a few predictable path…

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Ep. 7: An Inside Look at Cannabis Policy | What Operators Need to Know 56:09

4M ago56:09

56:09

🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano discusses cannabis policy and operations with guest Jordan Wellington from Strategies 64. The conversation delves into Jordan's extensive background in cannabis legislation and regulation. He shares his journey from New Jersey to Colorado, where he played a pivotal role in implementing Am…

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No Exits, No Capital, No Bullsh*t: Seth Yakatan on Cannabis Reality 45:37

4M ago45:37

45:37

There’s no exits. There’s no cash. There’s no buyers. So what do you do? Batten down the hatches. Crush your market. Squeeze out the little guys who can’t compete — and wait. This week, Seth Yakatan returns to discuss the following: • How he’s seeing the board • Why cannabis can’t hit reset like other industries • What operators need to do right no…

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Ep. 6: Licensing and Launching Cannabis Cultivation Facilities in Emerging Markets 58:22

4M ago58:22

58:22

In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano dives into the complexities of licensing and launching cannabis cultivation facilities in emerging markets. Joined by industry veterans Stuart Ware and Matt Best from Joywave Consulting, share their extensive backgrounds in the cannabis industry and offer an integral approach into common…

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Where’s the Cash? Visibility, Inventory & Profitable Growth with Tyler Nielsen 54:40

4M ago54:40

54:40

"Cash strapped" might be the most heard phrase in the cannabis industry right now. So… where’s the cash? Without disciplined forecasting and visibility into true costs, growth is meaningless. Most companies aren’t failing from bad ideas — they’re failing in execution. That’s where cash leaks into missed forecasts, bloated inventory, and lost opport…

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Ep. 5: Building a Strong Team in the Cannabis Industry | Overcoming the Common Challenges 46:51

4M ago46:51

46:51

Join host Jenny Germano on 'Under the Microscope' as she delves into the intricacies of building a successful team in the regulated cannabis market. Drawing from her extensive experience since 2009 in vertically integrated cannabis operations and a decade of consulting, Jenny discusses key factors behind the success and failures of cannabis busines…

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The Vermont Market Is Amazing with Kyle Sheridan 51:00

4M ago51:00

51:00

This week, Kyle Sheridan, owner of Sunny Gardens VT joins the Cannabis Equipment News podcast to discuss why he makes seeds, his role in the wholesale market, and the current state of Vermont's cannabis industry. Please make sure to like, subscribe and share the podcast. You could also help us out by giving the podcast a positive review. Finally, t…

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Why the Industry’s Premier Brands Choose The Flowery — and What’s Coming Next in New York & Florida ft. Ilya Shmidt 45:00

5M ago45:00

45:00

Florida and New York are massive markets — but they’re still early. Everyone’s fighting for attention, trust, and long-term positioning. So how did The Flowery rise to the top and become the go-to partner for the industry’s premier brands? 710 Labs. Wizard Trees. Preferred Gardens. Doja Pak the list goes on. These brands are some of the most sought…

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Ep. 4: Cannabis Operator Series | Fireside Chat with Dan Koogler of TS Labs 46:50

5M ago46:50

46:50

In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano launches the Podcasts Cannabis Operator Series, and fireside chat with Dan Koogler from TS Labs. They discuss Dan's journey from the military to the cannabis industry, detailing his experiences with navigating cannabis operations and ownership. Dan shares insights into building a successfu…

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The Hemp Industry Is Fed Up With Misconceptions with Kelly Burke 1:07:39

5M ago1:07:39

1:07:39

This week, Kelly Burke, COO and co-founder of Kifcure and CEO of Emerald Acres, joins the Cannabis Equipment News podcast to discuss how she helped build the largest industrial hemp grower in Illinois. Please make sure to like, subscribe and share the podcast. You could also help us out by giving the podcast a positive review. Finally, to email the…

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Big Tobacco Is Moving on Cannabis, the Global Strategy Is Unfolding, and Deepak Anand Reveals Where’s Next 48:42

5M ago48:42

48:42

Big Tobacco knows cigarettes are dead. They’re sitting on cash, looking for growth — and cannabis is the obvious move. They’re no longer silently watching from the sidelines. They’re investing, expanding — some through public acquisitions, others through quieter plays. But one thing is clear: it’s no secret anymore. Big Tobacco is here, leveraging …