In this episode of Thinking Outside the Bud, host Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Jason Ambrosino, founder and CEO of Veterans Holdings. Jason shares his journey from Army officer to cannabis entrepreneur, discussing his personal experience with cannabis as an alternative to VA medications. He delves into the challenges of entering New York's cannabis market, the founding of Veterans Hemp Market, and his company’s mission to provide affordable, accessible cannabis products for veterans. Jason also offers insights into the current state of the New York cannabis industry, its rapid growth, and his strategies for staying competitive and adaptable in a dynamic market.

In this episode of Thinking Outside the Bud, host Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Max Majot, expert grower at Royal Queen Seeds. Max shares his journey into the cannabis industry, beginning with his early exposure to tribal cannabis cultivation in New Caledonia and his passion for the plant’s therapeutic benefits. He discusses Royal Queen Seeds’ innovative approach to cannabis breeding, particularly their focus on F1 hybrids, which offer greater consistency and quality in cannabis cultivation.

Max explains the challenges of maintaining genetic stability in an evolving market, highlighting the complexity of producing consistent cannabis plants for both medical and recreational use. He emphasizes the importance of technological advancements, like in-vitro storage and breeding programs, in creating standardized plants that meet industry demands.

The conversation also delves into global market trends, with Max comparing the differences between home-growing cultures in Europe and the U.S. He explores the future of the cannabis industry, predicting that research-based breeding will drive the next phase of cannabis cultivation, especially in the medical sector. Max concludes by discussing the shifting consumer preferences in cannabis flavors and aromas and how Royal Queen Seeds is adapting to meet these trends.

In this episode of Thinking Outside the Bud, host Bruce Eckfeldt interviews David Kostiner, CEO and Co-Founder of Lumenary, and Robbie Schneider, Inventor and CTO. David and Robbie share the story of their innovative journey in the cannabis industry, highlighting the development of the Beam laser vaporizer—a cutting-edge device that leverages laser technology to offer a purer, healthier vaping experience. They discuss the challenges of pioneering this new technology, the meticulous process of prototyping and perfecting the product, and their strategy to position the Beam as a game-changer in the market. The conversation also touches on their plans for future product developments, the importance of safety in cannabis devices, and how they aim to revolutionize the industry with their technology-driven approach.

In this episode of Thinking Outside the Bud, host Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Harrison Bard, Co-Founder of Custom Cones USA. Harrison shares his journey from working at Amazon to diving into the cannabis industry, driven by a passion for innovation. They explore the evolution of Custom Cones USA, from its humble beginnings selling custom-branded pre-rolled cones to becoming a leader in the pre-roll and packaging market. Harrison discusses the importance of quality control, compliance, and innovation in creating a wide variety of products for companies of all sizes. He also delves into the technical challenges and advancements in the industry, the growing trend of infused pre-rolls, and the company's approach to developing new products that enhance the consumer experience.

In this episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud," host Bruce Eckfeldt sits down with Tracey Lancaster Miller, Executive Vice President at Peake ReLeaf. Tracey shares her journey from academia to the cannabis industry, highlighting the early days of Colorado’s market and the lessons she brought back to Maryland. They discuss the founding of Peake ReLeaf, navigating the complex regulatory landscape, and the challenges of balancing medical and adult-use cannabis products. Tracey emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy, the evolution of Maryland’s cannabis market, and the critical role of teamwork in building a successful business. She also touches on the future of the industry, including the potential for expansion and the impact of changing regulations.

In this episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud," host Bruce Eckfeldt welcomes David Zelinger, a board member at CLS Holdings and founder of Canis Major Partners. David shares his journey from being a chef to working in finance, eventually transitioning into the cannabis industry. He highlights the compliance-heavy nature of both finance and cannabis sectors and discusses the opportunities and challenges in the evolving cannabis market, particularly in New York. The conversation covers the importance of scalable systems and procedures, the volatility of the market, and the strategic positioning within the supply chain to mitigate risks. David also touches on how different states' regulatory environments impact the industry's growth and the potential future federal developments in the U.S. cannabis market.

n this episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud," host Bruce Eckfeldt welcomes Alexandra Chong, CEO and Co-Founder of Jacana, a wellness company integrating cannabis, CBD, and psilocybin. They discuss Jacana's evolution from a tech founder to a cannabis entrepreneur, driven by Jamaica's rich botanical heritage. Alexandra highlights their journey, challenges in regulatory shifts, and strategic pivots, emphasizing values like sustainability and purity. They delve into Jacana's expansion, resilience amidst market changes, and their pioneering work with psilocybin in Jamaica's less regulated landscape. Alexandra outlines future prospects and strategic uncertainties, particularly in navigating global cannabis and psychedelics regulations.

In this episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud," host Bruce Eckfeldt engages in a conversation with Pankaj, a seasoned executive renowned for driving growth and innovation across diverse industries such as technology, cybersecurity, compliance, and SaaS. Pankaj's leadership roles in companies like McAfee, Compliance Online, and MentorCloud highlight his adeptness at scaling businesses, fostering revenue growth, and orchestrating successful exits. Notable for his strategic vision, Pankaj has transformed struggling enterprises into thriving ventures, earning recognition through prestigious awards. Moreover, his commitment to mentoring and advising startups underscores his passion for nurturing future business leaders. With a solid academic foundation and a wealth of experience, Pankaj assumes the role of President & CEO at Renaissance Park Corporation, where his strategic prowess and mentoring skills promise to navigate the challenges of today's dynamic business landscape effectively.

In this episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud," join host Bruce Heckfelt as he sits down with Kyle Loucks, Founder and CEO of RollPros, to explore the cutting-edge TruRoll technology revolutionizing the cannabis industry. Kyle shares his journey from engineering roles at tech giants like Hewlett-Packard to founding RollPros, driven by the mission to automate and elevate pre-roll production. Discover how RollPros' innovative approach is reshaping the landscape, delivering consistent, high-quality joints at scale while streamlining operations for cannabis businesses.

In this episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud" with Bruce Eckfeldt, Colton Keluche, Director of Marketing at Würk, shares insights into the challenges faced by cannabis businesses and how Würk provides tailored solutions. Colton discusses Würk's mission to normalize payroll and HR services, addressing state regulations and banking issues. He emphasizes scalability and tools for success, highlighting Würk's services across the employee lifecycle. Colton also previews Würk's upcoming initiatives, including data-driven empowerment and new product offerings, while considering the potential impact of federal legalization. This engaging discussion offers valuable insights into the evolving cannabis industry and Würk's role in supporting its growth.

In this episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud," Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Guillermo Rodriguez, a virtual CFO specializing in the cannabis industry. Guillermo shares insights into the complexities of cannabis accounting, discussing operational challenges, tax regulations, and the importance of strategic financial management. As they explore Guillermo's journey into the industry and his passion for health and wellness, listeners gain valuable insights into navigating the dynamic landscape of cannabis business.

In this podcast episode, Bruce Eckfeldt chats with Matha Figaro, CEO of ButACake, a cannabis edibles company. Matha shares her journey from culinary arts to cannabis entrepreneurship, discussing her motivation for entering the industry and her experience as one of the first black women to obtain a cannabis license in New Jersey.

She talks about transitioning from selling butter cakes to edibles, navigating licensing challenges, and her product lineup, including peanut butter and jelly brownies. Matha emphasizes her commitment to affordability and social equity in the cannabis industry, concluding with excitement about launching New Jersey's first legal pot brownie.

In this podcast episode, Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Christine De La Rosa, CEO and co-founder of the People's Ecosystem and founding member of the People's Group. They delve into the world of cannabis and hemp, discussing the current state of the industry, recent developments, and future prospects. Christine shares her personal journey into the cannabis space, driven by her own health challenges and the transformative power of cannabis in her life.

Christine highlights the importance of honoring the legacy of those who have risked much to provide cannabis as medicine. She emphasizes the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the cannabis industry, not only as a moral imperative but also as a business strategy to serve a broader range of consumers.

The conversation explores the concept of the People's Ecosystem, a collaborative network of companies within the cannabis industry that work together to leverage resources and maximize impact. Christine discusses the challenges and opportunities in the hemp sector, including regulatory issues and the potential for direct-to-consumer sales via platforms like TikTok.

Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the cannabis and hemp industries, highlighting the importance of community, innovation, and social responsibility.

In this podcast episode, Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Darren Gleeman, managing partner at MBO Ventures, about Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) in the cannabis industry. ESOPs enable owners to sell to employees without upfront capital, thanks to IRS subsidies, offering tax advantages like deferred capital gains tax and tax-free status. Structured as trusts, ESOPs allocate stock based on vesting schedules, promoting retention. While rare in cannabis due to awareness, successful implementations yield tax savings and employee benefits. Gleeman encourages exploring ESOPs as alternative exit strategies.

In this episode of Thinking Outside the Bud, Bruce Eckfeldt hosts Filip Luneski, VP Head of Marketing at Lucid Green, a company revolutionizing the cannabis industry through data and supply chain organization. Bruce and Filip discuss the intricate landscape of the cannabis industry, including state-by-state regulations and challenges in brand development and consumer engagement. Filip shares his transition from the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector to cannabis, emphasizing Lucid Green's groundbreaking technology, such as Lucid IDs—unique QR codes transforming the industry. These Lucid IDs enable brands to enhance production efficiency, monitor inventory in real-time, and directly engage with consumers via the Lucid Connect platform. With a commitment to transparency and authenticity, Lucid Green is leading the charge towards a more interconnected and transparent cannabis market. Join Bruce and Filip as they explore the future of cannabis and the pivotal role of technology in catalyzing industry-wide transformation.

In this episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud," host Bruce Eckfeldt welcomes Brian Bergman, owner of the Law Offices of Brian Bergman, to discuss cannabis consumption lounges. They delve into the complexities of licensing, regulations, and the potential growth of the cannabis industry through social consumption. Brian shares insights into the evolution of cannabis legalization and the significance of public consumption. They explore various state approaches to consumption lounges, touching on licensing types and regulatory challenges. The conversation covers arguments for and against consumption lounges, including public safety concerns and the potential benefits for tourism. They also discuss the response of the liquor industry and the importance of public education to address stigma. Overall, the episode provides a thorough examination of the landscape of cannabis consumption lounges and the opportunities and challenges they present for businesses and regulators.

In this podcast episode, Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Izzy Kirsh, CEO of mode, a company specializing in innovative cannabis consumption devices. They delve into various aspects of the cannabis industry, exploring consumer trends, product innovation, and market challenges. Izzy opens up about his background in product design and technology startups, motivated by personal experiences with chronic pain. Despite facing funding challenges due to regulatory hurdles, mode successfully developed a sophisticated dosing platform integrated with a mobile app. They emphasize the importance of user-friendly design and catering to both medical and recreational users while maintaining a health-focused brand image. The conversation also touches on data collection for enhancing dosing recommendations and mode's ambitious vision for international expansion and potential diversification into related industries. Despite acknowledging marketing challenges, Izzy expresses unwavering optimism about the future of the cannabis industry.

In this episode of Thinking Outside the Bud, Bruce Eckfeldt engages in a captivating discussion with Paul Weaver. Paul, currently serving as the Director and Head of Cannabis at The Boston Beer Company, played a pivotal role in the company's strategic move in 2021. Boston Beer set up an R&D division in Canada with the foresight of crafting top-notch cannabis beverages in anticipation of legalization in the United States. This forward-looking approach resulted in the creation of TeaPot, a new line of cannabis-infused iced teas. Remarkably, TeaPot earned the distinction of being voted the best new product of 2023 by discerning Canadian consumers.

Before his tenure at The Boston Beer Company, Paul demonstrated his innovation leadership skills in key positions at both Canopy Growth Corporation and Molson Coors. Currently residing in Toronto, Paul shares his life with his wife and two children, contributing his expertise and experience to the dynamic landscape of the cannabis industry.

In this episode of Thinking Outside the Bud, Bruce Eckfeldt, the host, welcomes two guests, Andrew DeAngelo, founder of Andrew DeAngelo Consulting, and Christopher Peak, SVP of Retail Development at ACV Consulting. The discussion revolves around the challenges and innovations in the cannabis industry, particularly focusing on new products and solutions. Andrew, with his background in the vertically integrated cannabis company, Harbor Side, highlights the industry's crossroads and the influx of professionals from diverse backgrounds. Christopher, drawing from his extensive experience in retail development for Universal Studios and Apple, discusses the significance of branding in creating a meaningful and honest connection with consumers. The conversation touches upon the current state of the cannabis industry, the urgency of branding, and the need for sophisticated marketing solutions. Both guests share insights into their advisory business, emphasizing the importance of branding for cannabis companies to survive and thrive in a competitive market. The episode provides a glimpse into the evolving landscape of the cannabis industry and the pivotal role that branding plays in its development.

In this episode of Thinking Outside the Bud, your host Bruce Eckfeldt welcomes Debi Wimberley, the visionary founder of Effective Cannabis Newsletter. Debi, a resilient advocate for medical cannabis education, shares her journey of overcoming chronic pain and lung disease. With a background in medical technology, oncology, and hospital labs, she seized control of her well-being. The episode delves into how Debi, equipped with certifications in Medical Cannabis applications and patient care, is revolutionizing the discourse around medical cannabis. Collaborating with experts in cannabis education, health coaching, and medical professionals, Debi centralizes high-quality, accurate, and fact-based education on her innovative platform, Effective Cannabis. The conversation touches on challenges in the cannabis industry, the need for accurate information, and the importance of education. Join Bruce and Debi in this insightful discussion on the impactful present and promising future of medical cannabis.

In this episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud," Bruce Eckfeldt welcomes Kris Walker, President and Co-founder at Hoodie, as the special guest. Together, they navigate the intriguing intersection of cannabis and data analytics, delving into the evolving landscape of the cannabis industry. The conversation explores how data insights are transforming various aspects of cannabis businesses, from product sales to strategic decision-making. Kris Walker, with a wealth of experience in data analytics and technology, sheds light on the unique challenges and opportunities within the cannabis space. The episode unveils how Hoodie is pioneering a revolution by making data as comfortable as a favorite hoodie, empowering businesses to thrive in the dynamic cannabis market. Join them for an insightful discussion on the current and future dynamics of cannabis and data

Join us as Bruce explores the dynamics of the hemp and cannabis industry with Dan Huerter, CEO of Pure Spectrum CBD, unraveling the complexities of regulations, business challenges, and the transformative power of CBD in health and wellness.

In this episode, we have Joanne Wilson, Founder and CEO of Gotham NYC, a prominent cannabis dispensary in New York. Joanne shares her professional journey, highlighting her venture into the cannabis industry and the challenges faced within the New York regulatory landscape. The conversation delves into the intricacies of building a distinctive brand, emphasizing the need for a high-end luxury experience for customers. Joanne discusses the dynamic nature of the cannabis market, reflecting on her vision for the future, potential expansion into other states, and the incorporation of psilocybin products.

In this episode Katie Neer, Counsel at Dickinson & Avella, discusses the world of cannabis with a focus on the New York market. The conversation covers various aspects of the cannabis industry, including the challenges and opportunities it presents. Katie shares insights into her journey from law school to becoming involved in the cannabis sector, emphasizing the complexities of the legal landscape and the unique challenges faced by cannabis businesses. The discussion delves into the New York market, its regulatory environment, and efforts to address the illicit cannabis market. Katie provides a detailed overview of New York's social equity initiatives, highlighting the state's strong commitment to reinvesting tax revenue into communities disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition.

Tune in as Annu Khot shares her journey, challenges faced in the cannabis business, and insights into the evolving market dynamics. Emphasizing social equity, Annu shares her experiences employing individuals from impacted communities and explores efforts to rehabilitate those with cannabis-related convictions. The episode concludes with a forward-looking perspective on the industry's future, addressing product trends, regulatory changes, and the need for more research and education. Don't miss this insightful exploration of the multifaceted cannabis landscape.

Tune in to this conversation with Leslie Bocskor, Chairman of Indoor Harvest and Executive Chairman at Electrum Partners. Delve into Lesley's seasoned perspective on the cannabis market's current state, regulatory challenges, and the potential impact of federal rescheduling. Gain valuable insights as Lesley discusses multi-state operations, historical parallels, and strategic approaches to position for success in this dynamic industry. Don't miss this thought-provoking exploration of the green frontier.

Beginning with market opportunities and challenges, Paul Weiss shares his journey, emphasizing the importance of a balanced management team. The discussion delves into the intricacies of cannabis products and operations, with a focus on strategic decisions, data-driven choices, and the challenges posed by industry volatility. Uncover the challenges and opportunities specific to the California cannabis market, addressing issues like liquidity, regulatory complexities, and the impact of illicit markets. Gain valuable insights into Paper Planes' growth strategy and their perspective on federal legalization.

In this episode we are joined by Roy Bingham, the Co-founder and CEO of BDSA, to discuss the dynamic world of cannabis. Roy shares insights into the data-driven analysis that BDSA provides, drawing on his extensive background in data usage for brand building. This conversation covers the challenges faced by cannabis companies, market trends, and the evolution of the industry.

In this episode, join us for an insightful conversation with Lex Corwin, the CEO and Founder of Stone Road. We delve into sustainable cannabis cultivation practices and Stone Road's journey of market expansion. Lex shares his experiences, including his background in farming and how his brand has thrived in various states, focusing on community engagement, unique branding strategies, and business growth. Explore the world of cannabis and gain valuable insights from Lex Corwin's extensive experience in the industry.

In this episode, Evan Eneman, Founder and CEO of Sands Lane and Harmony Craft Beverages, shares his insights about the evolving world of cannabis. Evan discusses the importance of cannabis branding, lifestyle attributes, and navigating the complex regulatory environment. Evan shares his personal journey into the cannabis industry and explores the diverse range of cannabis products and their impact on consumers. Tune in to gain valuable insights into this dynamic and rapidly growing industry.