Bryan Barash, Senior Director, Assistant General Counsel at Dutchie discusses the potential impact of the 2024 Presidential election on cannabis legalization, emphasizing the importance of social equity in Florida’s cannabis market and the need for federal relief to address corruption and ensure fair competition. The challenges posed by the absence of a SAFE banking act were highlighted, emphasizing the need for compliance to maintain consumer trust.

Bryan introduced its Dutchie 2.0 platform, which aims to enhance the customer experience, drive revenue, and streamline operations, with a focus on compliance and advanced payment solutions. The conversation also explored the ongoing DEA rescheduling process, potential policy changes like the MORE Act and Safe Banking Act, and the differing approaches of Democratic and Republican-led states.

Additionally, optimism about upcoming state ballot measures in Ohio and Pennsylvania was expressed, alongside recognition of hurdles in more conservative regions.

Gibran Washington, CEO of Ethos Cannabis, shares his unique journey from the food and beverage industry to leading a major cannabis company. He discusses his focus on operational efficiency, brand building, and customer satisfaction, drawing parallels between his experience in both industries. The article also delves into the complexities of cannabis taxation, featuring insights from Todd Polyniak, Head of Cannabis Practice at Sax LLP. Polyniak explains the potential benefits and risks of utilizing the 471C tax code provision, which allows small businesses to deduct certain inventory costs but can also trigger IRS audits if not applied carefully.

BJ Carretta, Senior Vice President of TerrAscend, joins us to explore the complexities of maintaining brand consistency across various state markets in the cannabis industry. Emphasizing personalized marketing strategies, BJ highlighted the importance of leveraging customer data to create tailored experiences while navigating state-by-state regulations. The conversation delved into marketing challenges, including inventory management, supplier relationships, and the evolving landscape of digital marketing. BJ also shared insights on the potential changes in cannabis advertising with the possible rescheduling of cannabis, outlining both opportunities and obstacles ahead.