Kaya Cast

Hosted by KayaPush

Business Management

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Episodes

186

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-CA

About the show

Dive into Kaya Cast each week for candid conversations with the visionaries shaping the cannabis landscape. We sit down with industry trailblazers to uncover their hard-earned insights and incredible experiences—arming retail entrepreneurs with the know-how and motivation to build a cannabis business they'll love.

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August 4, 2026Episode 18536 min

Your Cannabis Customer Isn't Who You Think: The Real Playbook for Cannabis Ad Targeting & ROI

Most cannabis brands are advertising to the wrong people — and paying for it. In this episode of Kaya Cast, Tommy Truong talks with Jake Litke, founder of MediaJel and MJBiz Agency of the Year winner, about how cannabis advertising actually works when Google and Meta won't take your money. Jake breaks down building the first cannabis-approved programmatic ecosystem, why attribution is king, and how the right data corrects your audience assumptions fast — like the accessory brand whose best customers turned out to be sourdough-baking suburban moms. Practical, surprising, and full of steps you can apply to grow your dispensary. Find out more about MediaJel at: https://www.mediajel.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlitke/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/mediajel/home/ 00:00 – Advertising's Money-Grab Problem 00:30 – How Jake Got "Tricked Into" Cannabis 02:00 – Two Problems: Ad Access & Attribution 04:30 – Building Cannabis-Approved Ad Supply 07:00 – Why One Ad Is Never Enough 09:00 – Cannabis Ads on Connected TV 10:00 – Where Cannabis Ads Actually Run 11:00 – How Dialed-In Targeting Gets 15:00 – The Sourdough Moms Surprise 17:00 – What a Winning 90-Day Campaign Looks Like 19:00 – Budgets & Audience Size 21:00 – Fix This Before You Advertise 24:00 – Building Landing Pages With AI 25:00 – Display vs. Search vs. Social 27:00 – The Funnel & Narrowing the Top 30:00 – Storytelling & the Value Exchange 32:00 – Why BMW Advertises to Its Own Customers 35:00 – Find Jake + Agency of the Year cannabis advertising, cannabis marketing, programmatic advertising for cannabis, dispensary advertising, how to advertise cannabis legally, cannabis ad attribution, MediaJel, Jake Litke, Kaya Cast podcast, cannabis brand marketing, open web advertising, connected TV cannabis ads, cannabis advertising compliance, ROAS for cannabis brands, cannabis audience targeting, geofencing and retargeting, cannabis marketing funnel, dispensary customer acquisition, why can't cannabis brands advertise on Google and Meta, best advertising channels for cannabis dispensaries, cannabis e-commerce conversion rate, how to run cannabis ads without getting shut down, cannabis marketing attribution platform, storytelling in cannabis branding #kayacast #cannabis #tips #cannabisadvertising #cannabisads #dispensaries #business #cannabispodcast

April 7, 2026Episode 18420 min

White House Orders: What It Means for Industrial Hemp

In this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Andrew Bish, president of the Hemp Feed Coalition, to navigate the regulatory labyrinth facing industrial hemp and the broader cannabinoid space. Andrew shares his front-row view on how federal policy—especially the 0.4 mg THC cap and the farm bill’s gaps—affects grain and fiber hemp, seed byproducts, and downstream products. They explore why Congress and federal agencies—from USDA to FDA—have struggled to create a practical regulatory pathway, the potential split between floral hemp and grain/fiber regulation, and what a realistic framework could look like. The conversation also covers White House actions and executive orders aimed at expanding CBD access, the politics of lobbying, and why industry unity matters more than ever. Importantly, Andrew emphasizes that his coalition is industrial hemp first and remains pro-cannabinoid, but that true progress will come from sensible rules that prioritize safety, testing, and rotational crops. Listeners will come away with a clearer view of what’s at stake, how to engage lawmakers effectively, and what to expect as regulation moves forward. Find out more about Hemp Feed Coalition at: https://hempfeedcoalition.org/ https://bishenterprise.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbish/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hempfeedcoalition/ 00:00 Welcome to Kaya Cast 00:26 Meet Andrew Bish 00:56 The 0.4mg THC Cap 02:24 Industry Unity Challenges 03:15 Inside Washington Talks 04:46 Hemp vs Intoxicants 07:20 Farm Bill Gaps and FDA 09:20 Where Congress Is Heading 12:42 White House and CBD Push 14:15 Call for Smart Regulation 17:12 Safety and Testing Concerns 19:11 Closing Thoughts and Outro industrial hemp regulations, hemp feed, cannabinoid regulation, 0.4% THC cap, farm bill gaps, hemp seed byproducts, downstream hemp products, USDA hemp regulations, FDA hemp policies, federal hemp policy, hemp fiber vs floral regulation, hemp farming rules, hemp lobby, White House CBD policies, executive orders CBD access, hemp industry unity, hemp safety regulations, hemp testing requirements, rotational crops in hemp farming, hemp farming framework, hemp coalition advocacy, hemp farming politics, cannabis lobbying, hemp industry compliance, hemp market regulations, hemp feed coalition, hemp crop rotation benefits, hemp industry standards, CBD regulations, hemp in agriculture, hemp farm bill, cannabinoid policy challenges, hemp product safety, hemp testing labs, hemp THC threshold, hemp production laws, hemp processing rules, hemp regulatory uncertainty, cannabinoid safety testing, hemp for animal feed, hemp grain processing, hemp fiber industry, hemp as a commodity, hemp supply chain issues, hemp farming best practices, hemp production permits, hemp export regulations, hemp import policies, hemp compliance challenges, lobbying for hemp regulations, hemp farming sustainability, CBD access regulations, hemp-derived CBD, hemp product classification #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

March 31, 2026Episode 18346 min

Scale with Confidence: A No-Nonsense Guide to Cannabis Software Adoption

On this Kaya Cast episode, host Tommy Truong sits down with Rob Sanchez of Apartment 113, a cannabis software veteran who began as a cultivator and hash maker before becoming one of the industry’s most sought-after tech consultants. Rob shares practical lessons from implementing software for more than 100 operators, focusing on day-to-day operator needs, end-to-end inventory, multi-location scaling, and how to avoid shiny object syndrome in a fast-changing market. He explains how to separate real value from buzzwords like AI, and why you should define your top pains, involve frontline users, and vet software partners on problem solving, urgency, and compliance. Drawing on experience across the United States, Colombia, and Canada, Rob discusses market maturity, cross-border considerations, and what a truly scalable cannabis software stack looks like—from two-way inventory to seamless roll-ups and analytics. He also shares the kinds of questions operators should ask when evaluating POS and ERP solutions, how to plan for growth from a single shop to a multi-store operator, and what it takes to get real ROI from your software. The episode reveals Rob’s origin story with Apartment 113 and his passion for solving frontline challenges—budtenders, inventory managers, and store crews who keep the industry running. Tune in for an insightful, no-fluff conversation about building software that actually moves the business, plus a rapid-fire Q&A closer to the end. Find out more about Apartment 113 at: https://apt113.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-sanchez-apt113/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/apartment-113/ 00:00 Business Is the Work 00:14 Meet the Guest 01:37 Avoiding Buzzword Traps 02:20 Demos With End Users 03:59 POS Workflow Questions 07:11 Scaling Multi Location 10:36 Vendor Support Reality 12:44 POS Economics and Monetization 15:20 Define Your Pain Points 17:34 AI Hype vs Real Value 22:07 AI for Analytics Reporting 24:01 Lean Ops and Global Culture 25:04 Export-Driven Markets 26:26 Canada Retail Reality 27:04 Automation and Maturity 29:15 Taxes and Transparency 29:54 Solving Operator Pain 31:22 Software Picks and Tradeoffs 35:00 ERP Meets Cannabis 35:53 Apartment 113 Origin 38:04 Rapid Fire Stories 41:54 Connoisseurship and Terpenes 44:40 Lower Potency Future 45:27 Where to Find Rob 46:14 Closing Thanks cannabis software, cannabis POS systems, cannabis ERP solutions, dispensary inventory management, end to end cannabis inventory, two way inventory sync, cannabis retail technology, multi location dispensary scaling, MSO software strategy, cannabis tech stack, compliant cannabis software, state cannabis compliance tracking, seed to sale software, METRC integration, BioTrack integration, cannabis analytics dashboard, real time cannabis reporting, dispensary KPI tracking, cannabis ROI from software, cannabis automation tools, AI in cannabis retail, cannabis AI reality vs hype, shiny object syndrome tech, cannabis operations management, budtender workflow optimization, cannabis inventory reconciliation, shrinkage reduction cannabis, cannabis purchasing controls, cannabis wholesale tracking, cannabis cultivation software insights, hash maker to tech consultant, Rob Sanchez Apartment 113, Apartment 113 consulting, cannabis implementation best practices, software rollout dispensary, frontline user adoption cannabis tech, change management cannabis retail, cannabis software vendor evaluation, POS vs ERP cannabis, cannabis data roll ups, multi store reporting cannabis, cross border cannabis operations, United States cannabis market, Canada cannabis market #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

March 24, 2026Episode 1821 hr 3 min

Endocannabinoid System Demystified: Dr. Bonni's Guide to Medicinal Cannabis

On this Kaya Cast episode, host Tommy Truong sits down with Dr. Bonni Goldstein of Goldstein Wellness to unpack the science, medicine, and business of cannabis in epilepsy and beyond. Dr. Goldstein is the Chief Medical Advisor for Neurotech International, helping to develop effective cannabinoid-based formulations for autism and other pediatric neurologic conditions. From the endocannabinoid system to multimodal cannabinoids like CBD, CBDV, CBG and CBDA, they discuss how clinicians tailor regimens for pediatric and adult patients, why dosing is start low and go slow, and what the latest clinical data show about seizure reduction and quality of life. Bonni shares her journey from pediatric emergency medicine to medical cannabis, the Charlotte story that helped launch CBD in epilepsy, and practical dosing, safety, and drug interaction considerations. They also talk about the business side: educating clinicians, ensuring product quality, and Goldstein Wellness's free clinician education program with about 50 videos, plus a patient-facing network of vetted cannabis clinicians. If you’re a dispensary executive, grower, or clinician, this episode offers actionable insights on education, regulation, and patient-centered cannabis care. Find out more about Goldstein Wellness at: https://goldsteinwellness.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnigoldsteinmd/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/goldstein-wellness/ 00:00 CBD Seizure Success 00:17 Meet Dr Bonni 00:58 From ER to Cannabis 02:00 Cancer Patient Turning Point 04:30 ECS Explained Simply 08:16 Receptors and Evolution 11:44 Dysfunction and Conditions 13:40 Research Barriers and COVID 16:42 CBD for Intractable Epilepsy 19:51 Charlotte Figi Breakthrough 24:13 How CBD Calms Seizures 26:47 Dosing and Other Cannabinoids 29:54 Beyond Seizure Control 31:08 Medical vs Recreational Divide 31:50 Medical vs Adult Use 32:39 Teaching Cannabis Literacy 34:26 Beyond CBD and THC 34:53 CBG Effects and Dosing 38:53 CBG Biomarkers Research 41:16 CBN and Sleep Evidence 43:32 CBDA Raw Anti Inflammatory 46:55 CBDA vs CBD Decisions 50:41 Future Biomarker Guided Care 52:23 THCV Metabolism and Caution 57:06 Synthetic Cannabinoid Risks 01:00:03 Wrap Up and Resources medical cannabis, cannabis for epilepsy, CBD for seizures, CBDV research, CBG benefits, CBDA cannabinoids, endocannabinoid system explained, pediatric epilepsy treatment, adult epilepsy cannabis, seizure reduction data, cannabinoid dosing guidelines, start low go slow cannabis, cannabis drug interactions, CBD drug safety, medical cannabis for autism, pediatric neurologic conditions, cannabinoid formulations, evidence based cannabis medicine, clinical data cannabis epilepsy, quality of life seizure patients, Dr Bonni Goldstein, Goldstein Wellness, Neurotech International, cannabinoid clinical trials, CBD epilepsy Charlotte story, Epidiolex discussion, cannabis and seizure disorders, neurologist cannabis education, clinician cannabis training, cannabis CME education, vetted cannabis clinicians network, patient centered cannabis care, cannabis compliance and regulation, dispensary education strategy, cannabis product quality standards, GMP cannabis manufacturing, lab tested cannabinoids, full spectrum vs isolate CBD, multimodal cannabinoids, entourage effect science, cannabis pharmacology, cannabis titration strategy, pediatric dosing cannabis, cannabis safety in children, cannabis and antiepileptic drugs, clobazam CBD interaction, valproate CBD interaction, liver enzyme monitoring cannabis, seizure frequency reduction, refractory epilepsy cannabis, Lennox Gastaut syndrome CBD, Dravet syndrome CBD, autism spectrum disorder cannabis research, neuroinflammation and cannabinoids, CB1 and CB2 receptors, endocannabinoid deficiency theory, cannabis telemedicine clinicians, state medical marijuana laws, Schedule III cannabis implications, dispensary operator insights #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

March 17, 2026Episode 18148 min

The 4-Ingredient Cannabis Licensing Formula That Wins Everywhere

In this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Sara Gullickson of CB Advisors, a strategist who has helped secure more than 75 cannabis licenses and orchestrated successful exits. Sara breaks down the enduring licensing formula—local alignment, capital, industry know-how, and real estate—and shares why the four ingredients hold true whether a state uses a lottery or a merit based system. Learn how to avoid common traps like falling in love with the opportunity or overspending on builds, and how to structure projects that scale and endure beyond one founder. The conversation dives into AI and workflow automation for cannabis operations, from tracking legislative changes to turning dense statutes into actionable memos for investors and teams. Sara explains how she uses AI and open frameworks to streamline compliance, due diligence, and dealmaking, while keeping humans in the loop to protect interests and maximize value. You’ll gain practical insights on exit strategy, partnership models, and how to align capital with operators through joint ventures and licensing plays across markets. We explore 2026 opportunities in Virginia, Nebraska, Wisconsin, the Virgin Islands, and more, emphasizing the importance of local experts, community alignment, and market dynamics over chasing a single hot asset. Sara also shares her entrepreneurial pivots, the role of coaching and self-work in growing a cannabis business, and a candid look at her personal journey. Find Sara at saragullickson.com and cannabisbusinessadvisors.com. Find out more about CB Advisors at: https://thecannabisbusinessadvisors.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/saragullickson/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecbadvisors/ 00:00 License Recipe Basics 01:20 Avoiding Costly Mistakes 01:57 Buildout and MVP Mindset 03:29 Getting Started With AI 06:07 AI for Research and Compliance 10:57 Planning for an Exit 17:28 What Buyers Look For 19:55 Agentic Workflows in Cannabis 23:10 Matchmaking and Social Equity 24:54 Pivot to Policy 26:01 Industry Talent Shift 27:20 Why 2026 Matters 29:21 License Recipe Basics 30:55 Local Partners Win 33:08 Real Estate Reality 34:06 New Markets Education 35:00 Predictions and Picks 37:37 Florida and Texas Outlook 39:43 Hardest and Best States 41:21 AI and IP Efficiency 42:13 Rolling Loud Rapidfire 43:49 Cannabis Stories and Wrap cannabis licensing strategy, cannabis license application consulting, how to win a cannabis license, merit based cannabis licensing, cannabis license lottery strategy, local alignment cannabis, cannabis real estate strategy, cannabis capital stack, cannabis joint venture structure, cannabis exit strategy, cannabis M&A advisory, cannabis business advisors, Sara Gullickson CB Advisors, Tommy Truong Kaya Cast, cannabis workflow automation, AI for cannabis compliance, cannabis legislative tracking, cannabis due diligence process, cannabis deal structuring, cannabis investor alignment, cannabis partnership models, cannabis licensing formula, scaling a cannabis business, multi state cannabis expansion, cannabis market entry strategy, cannabis license consulting firm, cannabis regulatory strategy, cannabis statutes analysis AI, cannabis compliance memos, cannabis investor reporting automation, cannabis project finance, cannabis buildout budgeting, avoiding cannabis buildout overspend, cannabis operational scale, cannabis founder succession planning, cannabis governance structure, cannabis capital raising strategy #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

March 10, 2026Episode 18049 min

Education + Community = Your Breakthrough Cannabis Brand

On this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Jake Kuczeruk of ILGM to unpack why education, community, and old-school cannabis genetics matter in building a sustainable cannabis business. Jake describes ILGM's Grow Club—a nationwide program of home-grow workshops, local mentors like Danny Danko in New York, Jungle K in Chicago, and Christina Wong in LA, plus an online hub that helps hobbyists become confident growers, troubleshoot with experts, and connect with fellow plant lovers. They discuss the magic of home growing, the hands-on relationship with the plant, and how growing at home sharpens your palate for quality cannabis in the market. Beyond cultivation, Jake shares his philosophy as a super connector who mentors founders, builds partnerships, and educates on fundraising, pitching, and navigating policy. They dive into old-school genetics and the craft-beer mindset for cannabis, why age statements and landrace beans deserve shelf space, and how education can de-stigmatize health-focused, wellness oriented cannabis products such as THCV to reach more people. From California as an innovation hub to the emerging markets across the country, they cover growth strategy, the Farm Bill landscape, and what it takes to launch a brand—from assembling the right team to in real life events, PR, and long-term planning. Jake offers candid thoughts on Schedule 3, interstate commerce, and empowering social equity players. If you’re a retailer, cultivator, or founder, this episode shares practical lessons, real-world anecdotes, and a reminder that education and community are the engines of growth in cannabis. Find out more about ILGM at: https://ilgm.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuczeruk/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/i-love-growing-marijuana/ 00:00 Two Industries, One Tiny Cannabis World (Networking & Community) 00:34 Welcome to Kaya Cast + Meet Jake, the Multi-Hat Cannabis Pro 01:24 Why Home Grow Matters: A Human Right & the Plant-Person Bond 02:52 Grow Club Origins: Closing the Education Gap for New Home Growers 05:24 How Grow Club Works: Local Leaders, Mentors, Online Support & Seed Safety Net 06:36 Making Cannabis Education Social Again (Post-COVID Events Without Cliques) 07:50 The Plant Is Magic: How Growing Changes Consumers (Terps, Freshness, Quality) 10:15 From Solo Cup to Craft Beer: De-stigmatizing Grow With Simple Starts 11:20 Renaissance Man: Writing, Reviews, Policy, Fundraising & Being a Super-Connector 14:05 Where to Build a Cannabis Career in 2026: Why LA Is the Pressure Cooker 16:29 California Terroir & the Rise of Cannabis Regions (Emerald Triangle to Santa Barbara) 17:45 Starting a California Brand: The First Five Moves (Team, Ops, PR, Events, Strategy) 23:18 Pitching That Actually Works: Test Outside Your Bubble & Iterate Fast 24:42 Old-School Genetics as a Brand Angle: ‘Ancient Strains’ and the Craft Narrative 25:27 Old-School Genetics Are Back: Landraces, Long-Flower Strains & the Pendulum Swing 27:17 Why Bud Aero Stands Out (and Why Retailers Struggle to Stock It) 28:22 Breaking the THC-Percent Obsession: Freshness, Terps & the Everclear Analogy 29:53 Across-State Markets & Building in Public: Grow Clubs, Storytelling, and Community 32:36 Schedule III Reality Check: 280E, MSO Advantage, and Consolidation Ahead 35:37 The Wild West of Hemp/Interstate Shipping & Regulatory Uncertainty 38:38 How Jake Chooses Projects: Values, “Lifers,” and Cannabis as a Healing Industry 40:33 Health & Wellness as the Next Wave: THCV, Low-Anxiety Products, and New Consumers 45:43 Upcoming Grow Club Events + Where to Find ILGM (Closing) #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

March 3, 2026Episode 17948 min

Tap to Pay: The Cashless Future of Cannabis Retail

On this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Lucas Gould, co founder and CEO of Spendr, to unpack breaking cannabis news and what it means for operators across the country. They dive into the federal move to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III, its potential impact on medical vs recreational markets, banking, 280E tax relief, research funding, interstate commerce, and what rules might follow as the dust settles. Will state lines stay drawn or start to blur? How might federal oversight influence medical cannabis programs? Then the conversation shifts to Spendr, the cannabis payments and loyalty platform. Lucas explains how Spendr started to solve cash payments and has evolved into turning payments into a retention channel. Learn how end users sign up, fund a digital wallet, and pay with a tap or QR code in store, and how Spendr automatically retargets customers with personalized offers from the dispensaries they shop at. See how Spendr helps 200 plus locations in 13 markets drive loyalty, while being POS agnostic and revenue positive for merchants. The episode also covers growth, hiring, maintaining quality during rapid expansion, and the importance of brand, employee training, and exceptional customer experience in building lasting loyalty. Whether you’re a dispensary operator, investor, or supplier, you’ll come away with practical ideas to boost retention, streamline payments, and position your brand for a post regulatory change cannabis economy. Find out more about Spendr at: https://www.spendr.com/business?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=linkedin-page-button https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-gould-b67b8311b/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/getspendr/about/ 00:00 Breaking News: Trump Admin Moves to Reschedule Cannabis to Schedule III 01:11 What Schedule III Could Mean: 280E Relief, Research, and the Medical vs. Rec Gray Area 04:23 Banking & Capital Access: How Compliance Burdens Might Ease Under Schedule III 05:24 Interstate Commerce Reality Check + Pharma Cannabinoid Opportunities 07:05 Meet Lucas & Spendr: Cashless Payments + Loyalty Platform for Dispensaries 10:19 The Original Pain Point: Fixing Cash Payments, Then Evolving Into Retention 12:23 Turning Payments Into a High-Intent Marketing Channel 14:05 Winning Attention: Relevancy Over Spam (and Why Utility Beats “Marketing Apps”) 18:44 How Spendr Works End-to-End: App Setup, QR Pay, Rewards, and Merchant Flow 20:57 Repeat Customers on Autopilot: Enrollment, Retargeting, and Multi-Store Behavior 23:56 Marketplace vs. Inventory: What Spendr Tracks (and What It Doesn’t) 24:36 How Spendr Works at Checkout (Online vs In-Store QR Pay) 25:15 Merchant Fees & Why Spendr Sells Loyalty, Not Payments 26:56 Marketplace vs Revenue Channel: Subsidized Prices & More Repeat Visits 28:57 The Future of Dispensary Loyalty: Experience, Communication & Brand Promise 34:07 Why Budtenders Matter: Training, Reviews, and the Personal Nature of Cannabis 35:26 Cannabis Buying Is Advisory: Mood, Variety, and Always Trying Something New 39:48 2026 Milestones: Scaling to More States Without Losing Quality Support 44:49 Founder Mindset: Infinite Problem-Solving, Medical Roots, and Staying Alive 47:11 Where to Find Spendr + What’s Next (Wrap-Up) cannabis rescheduling, Schedule III cannabis, federal cannabis news, cannabis legalization update, 280E tax relief, cannabis banking reform, SAFE Banking Act, cannabis compliance, cannabis regulations, federal cannabis policy, medical vs recreational cannabis, cannabis market trends, interstate cannabis commerce, cannabis research funding, DEA rescheduling, cannabis tax reform, dispensary operations, dispensary retention strategies, cannabis payments platform, cashless cannabis, cannabis digital wallet, QR code payments cannabis, tap to pay cannabis, cannabis fintech, Spendr, Lucas Gould, Tommy Truong, Kaya Cast Podcast #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

February 24, 2026Episode 17853 min

Lean SKUs, Big Wins: Building a Sustainable Cannabis Brand

Join Kaya Cast host Tommy Truong for a deep dive with Ryan Hunter of Spherex Labs. From Colorado to multi-state expansion, Ryan shares the playbook behind a disciplined, retailer-focused cannabis brand. Learn how Spherex wins at the shelf through authentic budtender relationships, in-store merchandising, and a full-stack marketing program that travels with retailers across markets. Discover why they keep a lean SKU set, how they iterate products—from rosin cartridges to a sleep gummy—tied to a relentless focus on quality hardware and reliable manufacturing. See how field marketing cadence, retailer partnerships, and data-driven programs drive sell-through and reduce over-assortment risk in a cash-constrained industry. The conversation also covers leadership, overcoming imposter syndrome, meditation and personal development, and how their consulting work intersects with cannabis entrepreneurship. If you’re a dispensary or brand looking to scale sustainably—without chasing every trend—this episode offers actionable GTM and partnership insights you can apply right away. Find out more about Spherex Labs at: https://www.wearespherex.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanhunter/ linkedin.com/company/6614091/ 00:00 Net Promoter Score (NPS) Explained + Why It Matters 00:51 Podcast Intro + Meet Ryan (Background & How He Entered Cannabis) 03:02 What Drove Spherex’s Growth: Team, Discipline, and Relationships 04:27 Marketing Personas & The Budtender-First Strategy 06:44 Retail Partnerships, Road Game, and Scaling to New Markets 10:55 Customer Journey Thinking: Community, Experimentation, and Iteration 12:39 Sales + Marketing Shaping Product: Tight SKU Strategy & Quality Control 15:04 Why Launch a Rosin Sleep Gummy: Market Insight + Smart Rollout 21:57 Budtender Education Playbook + Measuring Impact with NPS 26:23 What Sets Spherex Apart in a Commoditized Vape Cartridge Market 27:24 Flavor Formulation + Hardware Quality: The Product Fundamentals 28:22 Winning Budtenders: The Real Decision-Makers in Dispensaries 31:35 Staying Top-of-Mind: Store Visit Cadence & Relationship Building 32:14 The Over-Assortment Problem: Sell-Through, Payment Terms & Industry AR 33:36 A Costco-Style Dispensary Model? Curating Fewer Brands for Better Turns 34:13 Anti-Gravity Consulting: From Go-To-Market Strategy to Coaching & Psychedelics 36:28 Imposter Syndrome & Unworthiness: What Shows Up in Coaching 38:24 Psychedelic Facilitation (Cannabis): Softening Ego & Reworking Identity 40:12 Meditation as the Antidote: Losing Anxiety, Not Your Edge 48:56 Attention in a Dopamine World: Mindfulness, ADHD, and Social Media Boundaries 51:13 Savoring & Presence: Relearning Joy in Everyday Moments 52:56 Where to Find Ryan + Podcast Wrap-Up cannabis retail strategy, cannabis brand expansion, multi-state cannabis brand, Colorado cannabis market, cannabis merchandising strategy, dispensary shelf strategy, cannabis sell-through optimization, cannabis retail partnerships, budtender relationships, budtender engagement strategy, dispensary product merchandising, cannabis go-to-market strategy, cannabis GTM playbook, cannabis SKU optimization, lean SKU strategy cannabis, cannabis product assortment planning, dispensary inventory strategy, cannabis manufacturing reliability, cannabis hardware quality, rosin vape cartridges, cannabis rosin carts, cannabis sleep gummies, infused sleep gummies cannabis, cannabis product innovation, cannabis brand scaling, cannabis retailer marketing programs, dispensary field marketing, cannabis field marketing cadence, cannabis brand consulting, cannabis entrepreneurship, cannabis leadership development, cannabis founder mindset, cannabis business growth strategy, cannabis retail expansion strategy, cannabis brand partnerships, dispensary sales enablement, cannabis retail analytics, cannabis data-driven retail, cannabis merchandising analytics, dispensary sell-through metrics, cannabis inventory turnover, cannabis retail operations strategy, cannabis retailer loyalty programs, cannabis brand positioning, cannabis product quality strategy, cannabis packaging strategy, cannabis compliance manufacturing, cannabis supply chain reliability, cannabis distribution strategy, dispensary category management, cannabis category optimization, cannabis retail marketing strategy, dispensary marketing partnerships, cannabis consulting services, cannabis operator insights, cannabis podcast insights, Kaya Cast podcast, cannabis industry leadership, cannabis personal development, cannabis founder meditation, cannabis imposter syndrome leadership #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

February 17, 2026Episode 17740 min

Turning a Passion into a Platform: Cultivated News with Jeremy Berke

On this episode of the Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong chats with Jeremy Berke, founder of Cultivated News, about turning a passionate cannabis beat into a full-fledged media platform. From launching Cultivated News from a Substack in 2023 to building a daily briefing, live streams, and a growing community, Jeremy shares the founder’s journey, the emotional realities of leading a cannabis business, and how their coverage supports operators, brands, and investors. The conversation delves into New York’s MRTA rollout, the tension between social equity goals and heavy regulation, and the ripple effects on dispensaries and service providers. They unpack federal hemp policy chaos, including the looming hemp-derived THC ban and what it means for products, retail, and capital. The episode also surveys state-level dynamics—from Florida ballot efforts to Pennsylvania and Virginia—and offers practical takeaways for navigating policy uncertainty, capital access, and growth in a volatile market. Jeremy also offers personal reflections on staying even-keeled as a founder and why compliance and quality matter. If you’re involved in cannabis operations, investing, or media, this episode provides a journalist’s perspective on policy, markets, and the work it takes to build in this evolving industry. For more, subscribe to Cultivated News and follow Jeremy Berke on social and LinkedIn. Find out more about Cultivated Media at: https://www.cultivated.news/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyberke/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cultivated-news/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:18 Jeremy's Journey: From Business Insider to Cultivated News 02:28 Challenges and Rewards of Running a Cannabis Media Business 04:34 New York Cannabis Market: Opportunities and Obstacles 14:06 Federal and State Hemp Regulations: A Complex Landscape 22:57 Hemp Industry Challenges 24:39 State-by-State Cannabis Legalization 26:37 Cannabis Legalization in Red States 31:33 Federal Cannabis Rescheduling 35:05 Challenges in the Cannabis Industry 40:55 Rapid Fire Questions on Cannabis 44:48 Conclusion and Contact Information #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

February 10, 2026Episode 17659 min

Taste Like a Treat: How Good Feels Optimized Flavor and Potency

On this Kaya Cast episode, host Tommy Truong chats with Jason Reposa, founder of Good Feels, the team behind the Good Vibes fast-acting tinctures and hemp beverages. Jason shares his founder journey—from selling a media business to embracing a mission-driven cannabis tech company—and how a focus on liquid formats delivers fast, precise dosing across high- and low-dose customers. Learn how Good Feels evolved from early beverage experiments to a syrup-based, drink-friendly delivery that can be dosed from 5 mg to 1000 mg per one-ounce bottle, with onset in roughly 10–15 minutes. The discussion covers product iteration, taste optimization, and the balance between consumer education and regulatory realities in Massachusetts, including hemp versus cannabis rules and COA transparency. Jason offers candid perspectives on marketing versus sales, in-store partnerships, sampling strategies, and the need for strong branding to stand out in a crowded market. If you’re a dispensary owner, buyer, or brand founder, you’ll gain actionable insights on product development, category positioning, retailer partnerships, and building a brand that makes people feel good—and empowers them to do more good. Find out more about Good Feels at: https://getgoodfeels.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonreposa/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/good-feels/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 00:29 Journey into the Cannabis Industry 01:37 Product Development and Market Reception 03:34 Personal Motivation and Business Evolution 13:33 Challenges and Innovations in the Beverage Market 22:32 Marketing Strategies and Consumer Insights 30:33 Target Audience: High Dose Consumers 31:59 Product Development Journey 33:24 Challenges in the Cannabis Market 35:49 Product Improvement and Feedback 39:55 Cannabinoid Innovations and Regulations 46:55 Marketing and Retail Partnerships 53:40 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights 57:13 Mission and Vision of Good Feels Kaya Cast podcast, Kaya Cast episode, cannabis business podcast, cannabis industry podcast, hemp beverage podcast, fast acting cannabis tinctures, liquid cannabis dosing, fast onset THC products, fast acting hemp drinks, cannabis beverage innovation, cannabis tincture technology, liquid cannabis delivery systems, precise THC dosing, low dose THC products, high dose THC tinctures, microdose cannabis products, high potency hemp tinctures, syrup based cannabis beverages, drink friendly cannabis syrup, 10 to 15 minute onset cannabis, fast acting hemp tincture Massachusetts, cannabis beverage market trends, cannabis product development insights, cannabis founder journey, cannabis startup story, mission driven cannabis brands, cannabis branding strategy, cannabis category positioning, dispensary product buying insights, dispensary buyer education, cannabis retail partnerships, in store cannabis sampling strategies, cannabis sales versus marketing, cannabis consumer education, cannabis regulatory compliance Massachusetts, hemp versus cannabis regulations MA, cannabis COA transparency, hemp COA compliance, cannabis beverage dosing accuracy, cannabis tincture taste optimization, cannabis product iteration process, cannabis innovation leadership, cannabis beverage manufacturing, hemp beverage formulation, cannabis syrup formulation, cannabis liquid formats, cannabis drink additives, cannabis wellness beverages, functional cannabis drinks, cannabis brand differentiation, standing out in cannabis retail, dispensary shelf strategy, cannabis merchandising insights, cannabis buyer decision making, cannabis retailer partnerships US, cannabis distribution strategy Massachusetts, Massachusetts cannabis market insights #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast