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/

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

In this episode of the Highly Informed, Mattio Communications Rosie Mattio and host Jon Purow talk about the evolution of Mattio Communications and the cannabis industry - its past,present and future.

Guest:

Rosie Mattio

Founder & CEO of Mattio Communications

Host:

Jon Purow, Partner - Greenspoon Marder

https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/jon-purow/

In this episode, host Jon Purow interviews Arthur de Cordova, CEO of Ziel, about the company's microbial reduction technology for the cannabis industry. They explore Arthur's diverse background, the adaptation of Ziel's technology from textiles to cannabis, and the evolution of their business model. The conversation delves into regulatory challenges across states, the importance of microbial control in the supply chain for safety and compliance, and the financial risks of contamination. They also discuss market dynamics, such as oversupply and price compression, and look at the evolving European cannabis market.

Guest:

Arthur de Cordova, CEO & Co-Founder of Ziel

Host:

Jon Purow, Partner - Greenspoon Marder

https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/jon-purow/

In this episode, host Jon Purow and guest Harrison Bard, CEO and Co-Founder of Custom Cones USA and DaySavers, discuss the pre-roll supply and packaging industry. Custom Cones USA started in 2017 and has since become the most comprehensive pre-roll supply company in the industry. They offer a wide array of pre-rolled cones, custom branding options, and full-service pre-roll capacity.

Guest:

Harrison Bard, CEO and Co-Founder of Custom Cones USA and DaySavers

Host:

Jon Purow, Partner - Greenspoon Marder

https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/jon-purow/

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.

Kristina Lopez, founder of House of Puff, discusses her journey in building a brand that offers stylish and accessible cannabis accessories.

She shares how her background in the art world and her own experience as a consumer of cannabis inspired her to create products that cater to different demographics.

Kristina highlights the importance of collaborating with artists and giving back to the community. She also discusses the challenges and opportunities in the New York cannabis market.

Takeaways

• Building a successful cannabis brand requires creating stylish and accessible products that cater to different demographics.
• Collaborating with artists and giving back to the community can create meaningful and powerful brand experiences.
• The New York cannabis market presents challenges and opportunities, with delays in regulatory processes and the presence of illicit stores.
• Low-dose products and innovative form factors, such as sprays, can appeal to a wide range of consumers and help normalize cannabis use.
• Navigating distribution, marketing, and regulatory restrictions in the cannabis industry requires creativity and adaptability.

Host:

Jon Purow, Partner - Greenspoon Marder

https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/

Guest:

Kristina Lopez, CEO and Founder of House of Puff

Disclaimer:Any views that Jon states during an episode are his own, and notthose of his law firm Greenspoon Marder LLP or Benzinga.

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.

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