Sparq Cannabis is located in North Adams, Massachusetts. In this episode, we’re joined by Shawn Depietro, head of cultivation, along with his right-hand man, Liam Bannon Esparrago, and occasional insights from Art, the owner of Sparq Cannabis. Although Art carries the “owner” title, he emphasizes that everyone at Sparq works as equals, collaborating as a cohesive team—a dynamic that’s infused into every product they send out.

From Connecticut to Mendocino County, California, and from grunt worker to grower, Shawn’s journey took him on a path of deepening knowledge and cultivation. Just four days after graduating, he left Connecticut and drove to Mendocino County, beginning a journey that would eventually lead him back east to Sparq Cannabis. In this episode, we explore the passion and dedication that drive Shawn and his team to deliver consistent, high-quality harvests.

We also discuss what it means to be "Certified Remediation Free" and how this certification reflects Sparq’s commitment to ethical, consumer-centered cannabis cultivation.

Meet Michael Marinaro, a seasoned cannabis cultivator, and Tara Hopper, a skilled lawyer. No, Mike didn’t catch another case—together, they’re building a cannabis cultivation business in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts. Bada Bloom started as an idea that evolved into a brand, combining Michael’s cultivation expertise with Tara’s legal know-how. We discuss the "right place, right time" moments that brought them together and how they raised funds, turning investors into a supportive extended family.

With a provisional license and construction underway, they’ve had time to observe the industry they’re about to enter. We dive into the challenges they’ve noticed that are holding the industry back, what consumers don’t know, and the limited information available to them about cannabis products. Michael and Tara share their commitment to producing a high-quality product, one they believe will help them stand out in a struggling market. We also explore the current climate for cannabis consumers in Massachusetts and ask the question: do people really know what’s dank?

Meet Yasha Kahn from MCR Labs, the man with the data. In this episode, we discuss how a friend's donation of an HPLC machine, combined with $200 spent on eBay to test weed before legalization, eventually led to the founding of the first licensed cannabis testing lab on the East Coast. Yasha, his brother Mike, and their friend Scott turned that early curiosity into a groundbreaking business.

Yasha shares the journey of building a successful lab, detailing the highs, the lows, and the pivotal events between MCR Labs and the Cannabis Control Commission that pushed him toward a data-driven mission. His goal? To transform an industry plagued by rapid fraud into one where consumers can trust the Certificates of Analysis (COAs) provided by labs. We also dive into the data Yasha obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, which clearly reveals how fraudulent labs operate. He highlights the serious public health risks that come with inaccurate COA reporting and explains the steps he's taken—and continues to take—to urge regulators to enforce testing regulations to protect consumers in Massachusetts.

Sit back, relax, and take a toke of the finest you can find, because we're about to embark on a thrilling journey through drug smuggling, Indy car racing, and the transformation of a life sentence into a powerful story of advocacy and redemption. Randy Lanier shares how he went from being a small-town kid with a modest pot-dealing operation to one of the most notorious cannabis smugglers in U.S. history, moving entire mountainsides of Colombian Gold into the country.

Randy’s story is full of twists and turns, and we get an intimate look at both the highs and the lows. From his rise to becoming Indy 500 Rookie of the Year, to forging unexpected friendships in some of the toughest places, his journey is nothing short of extraordinary. We also dive into his life after prison, discssing the advocacy work he’s passionate about and his involvement with FreedomGrow.Org, a non-profit dedicated to supporting individuals incarcerated for nonviolent cannabis-related offenses.

Meet Ben, Andy, and Colby from the Most Dangerous Men Alive Band. The band was brought to life 11 years ago when Ben and a current band member reached out to Andy to take on the role of lead guitarist. We dive into their journey, from playing in a basement in a small town in southeastern Massachusetts, performing cover songs at local venues from New Bedford, MA, to Providence, RI.

Over time, they transitioned from playing covers to writing, performing, and recording their own original music. Their performance at Hemp Fest six years ago was a key milestone, and now they are set to perform at the 35th Annual Boston Freedom Rally at Boston Common on September 21st from noon until 8 PM. The rally will feature live music, licensed cannabis brands, and everything related to cannabis culture. In this episode, we also discuss one-hit wonders, the loss of a close friend, and wrap things up with the band playing acoustic versions of a few unreleased tracks, including Paradigm, Women & Whiskey, and Loose Fries.

In this episode, we are joined by Jeff Demers, the mastermind behind New England Compost, based in Danbury, Connecticut. Jeff shares his journey into the composting business and how New England Compost has become a leader in small-batch, craft compost, certified for growing organic products. We delve into the composting process from start to finish, exploring where some of the key inputs originate and how Jeff has cultivated valuable relationships over the years. These connections have helped him source unique feedstocks that set his compost apart from the competition.

Jeff also discusses the expansion of his business, moving from small local farms to licensed cannabis cultivators across New England. One of their standout products is "Black Number 13," a calcium-enriched mix specifically designed for cannabis cultivation. Jeff explains what makes this mix ideal for cannabis growers and how you can get your hands on it. Jeff explains why New England Compost is the go-to choice and he shares his relentless pursuit of the next best mix and how he's continually working to improve his products.

In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Oliveira from Luxury Leaf, a hemp clothing brokerage based in East Providence, Rhode Island. Discover how a simple college project evolved into a thriving hemp clothing company, founded by a group of friends with a shared vision. We delve into the incredible versatility of hemp, exploring some of its 50,000 uses and uncovering fascinating historical facts. Did you know that one of the oldest known artifacts is a piece of hemp fabric dating back 10,000 years? Or that Henry Ford once built a car made from hemp and powered by hemp biodiesel?

Join us as we trace hemp’s journey from being a cornerstone of American industry—where 80% of the world’s garments were once made from hemp—to its eventual ban in the United States. We also explore how the textile industry’s powerful players used hemp’s close cousin, cannabis, to push for its prohibition. Kyle shares insights into the sustainable practices of hemp production and the unique benefits of hemp garments, shedding light on how this eco-friendly textile stacks up against other materials. Don’t miss this eye-opening episode that uncovers the past, present, and future of hemp in the world of fashion and beyond.

Join us for an information-packed episode with Matt Iarussi from Canna Klean. Are you struggling with failing microbial tests and tired of constantly remediating flower? Are you against lab shopping just to pass testing and want to provide clean, safe products to consumers? Your facility might be the issue.

In this episode, Matt shares his wealth of knowledge on mold in the Facility. He is a longtime advocate and cultivator who has been involved in the cannabis business for many years. Canna Klean, based in Franklin, MA, specializes in facility mold remediation and restoration services specific to the cannabis industry. Matt discusses the various ways mold can infiltrate buildings, the environmental conditions and food sources mold needs to thrive, and the different types of molds and their harmful effects on consumers if inhaled or ingested.

We'll also explore the range of services Canna Klean provides, from consulting on facility health pre-construction to restoration and their post-harvest cleaning services.

Don't miss this insightful conversation on maintaining a clean and safe cannabis production environment.