Nathan Russell, CEO, CUSTOMPACKCO, The Lab

Sipping on the Green Wave: Exploring Cannabis Beverages with Paul Weaver of Boston Beer Company

In this engaging episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud," Bruce Eckfeldt leads a captivating conversation with Paul Weaver, Director, Head of Cannabis at the Boston Beer Company. The episode centers on the cannabis beverage industry, exploring regulatory changes, market intricacies, and challenges inherent in entering the cannabis sector. Weaver shares his professional journey from the beer industry to leading product innovation at Canopy Growth Corp, eventually spearheading a cannabis R&D department for the Boston Beer Company and successfully launching their cannabis-infused iced tea, Tea Pot.

Weaver emphasizes the social acceptability and powerful branding impact of cannabis drinks, incorporating personal anecdotes, insights into industry evolution, and considerations of potential competition with alcohol. The conversation covers critical factors such as flavor and potency stability, addressing both challenges and opportunities in crafting appealing cannabis products. Delving into disparities in cannabis and alcohol consumption, the dialogue explores onset times, potency variations, and the importance of responsible use.

The episode provides valuable insights into the cannabis beverage market, highlighting the rise of rare cannabinoids and the significance of low-dose products. Weaver and Eckfeldt unravel the intricacies of consumer education, particularly regarding onset times and moderation, drawing parallels between public consumption in the cannabis and alcohol industries. The discussion concludes with a focus on branding strategies, where Weaver emphasizes the necessity of exceptional products and discusses challenges stemming from cannabis marketing restrictions. He introduces a double-sale approach to foster brand loyalty by targeting both consumers and budtenders. In its entirety, the episode offers a thorough exploration of the dynamic landscape of the cannabis beverage market, providing considerations for navigating regulations and expanding into diverse markets.

www.instagram.com/drinkteapot

Budding Success: Crafting Cannabis Brands with Andrew DeAngelo and Christopher Peak

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.

https://www.instagram.com/andrew_deangelo
https://www.instagram.com/acv.consulting

Empowering Health: Debi Wimberley's Journey with Medical Cannabis and the Vision Behind Effective Cannabis Newsletter

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.

Debi Wimberley, the visionary founder of Effective Cannabis Newsletter, is an unwavering advocate for medical cannabis education and the empowerment of individuals in the pursuit of healthy living. Overcoming decades of chronic pain and lung disease, Debi's resilience and hope endured in the face of discouraging medical prognoses. Equipped with a background in medical technology, oncology, and hospital labs, she assumed control of her own well-being. Debi's adaptability and agility led her to secure certifications in Medical Cannabis applications, Patient Care, and professional communication, specializing in cannabis.
A genuine trailblazer, Debi is committed to revolutionizing the discourse surrounding medical cannabis. Collaborating with certified cannabis educators, health coaches, scientists, and medical professionals, she endeavors to centralize high-quality, accurate, and fact-based education. As the Founder of Effective Cannabis, an innovative website she is dedicated to studying, learning, and teaching how cannabis positively influences health outcomes, Debi spearheads the advancement of this crucial dialogue. Her impact extends beyond digital platforms, as evidenced by her compelling public speaking engagements, including an impactful TEDx talk.

https://www.instagram.com/ecnewsletter
https://www.linkedin.com/company/89833168/admin/feed/posts/

Navigating the Cannabis Landscape with Kris Walker Co-Founder at Hoodie

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.

Kris Walker is the Co-Founder, President, and Chief Commercial Officer at Hoodie. Hoodie tracks over 3.5MM daily unique offers in over 10,500+ dispensaries in the US & Canada, making Hoodie the largest and most impactful platform for next day insights into leading sales metrics such as cannabis pricing, promotion, stocking status, distribution and share of shelf. Hoodie combines this unparalleled coverage with first-of-its-kind, next-day insights so businesses can access market trends and data within hours. Kris leads Hoodie’s customer acquisition and customer experience efforts — overseeing sales, marketing, analytics, product strategy, and the delivery of successful client outcomes.

Prior to Hoodie, Kris was Senior Vice President and Global Client Leader for Nielsen, the S&P 500 firm and global leader in audience insights, data, and analytics that shape the future of media. At Nielsen, Kris drove product innovation, leveraging Nielsen's data marketplace and broad analytics capabilities to deliver exceptional value for clients' business performance worldwide. Kris is also the co-founder of Big Chalk Analytics, a technology-enabled analytics consulting firm that connects progressive companies with world-class analytics, insights, and talent — including individuals, teams, and suppliers through a proprietary talent network aligned with the most important analytics and insights issues facing the CPG/FMCG industry.

Kris is a passionate global executive with proven experience in transforming start-up and turnaround businesses. He’s awarded and recognized for leading through innovation, building enviable teams and clients, and leveraging strategic and analytical skills to consistently exceed revenue and EBITDA targets. Kris holds a Bachelors of Science in Commerce with Concentrations in Marketing and International Business from the University of Virginia.

https://www.hoodieanalytics.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hoodieanalytics/

Unveiling the green horizon: A conversation with Dan Huerter on CBD, Cannabis, and the Ever-Changing Landscape of Regulation and Business

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.

Daniel Huerter brings his entrepreneurial spirit back to the company he co-founded in 2016.

After graduating from University of Kansas in 2012, Huerter pursued a successful career with a Fortune 500 software company. He quickly gained the trust of high-level clients in the public sector like SMU, Cal Poly, and even The United States Senate.

His drive and passion to create something he believed in, helped push him to take the risk and leave that career behind - rolling the dice with a cannabis startup in the early days of the CBD boom.

Huerter would become the first person to ever speak about the benefits of CBD for athletes on national television, highlighting the company’s partnership with The CrossFit Games on CBS Sports in 2018. He would continue to help Pure Spectrum grow and achieve history - making milestones, before stepping down as COO in 2019.

After co-founding and helping run a hemp distribution company from 2019 to 2021. Huerter answered the call from his first company asking him to return and take over as CEO.

If Daniel isn’t at his desk at Pure Spectrum's headquarters, you might be able to find him at the music studio he co-founded, volunteering for organizations that help young entrepreneurs or crushing a workout before spending time with his family, girlfriend, and dog.

https://purespectrumcbd.com/
https://www.instagram.com/purespectrumhemp/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/purespectrumofficial/
https://www.instagram.com/danielblakehuerter/?hl=en

Cultivating Success: Inside the High-End Cannabis Industry with Joanne Wilson

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. 

Joanne is a successful early-stage angel investor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist with a diverse background in retail, wholesale, media, real estate, and technology. She has over 140 companies in her investment portfolio such as Food52, Eater, Just Works and Parachute Home, and has invested in several restaurants throughout downtown New York City. Joanne is the co-founder of Frame Home, a Brooklyn-based residential real estate development company that prioritizes sustainability with style. In addition to her business ventures, Joanne is actively involved in non-profits as she sits on the board of The Highline and The Public Housing Community Fund in NYC. Joanne's passion for innovation and community development is evident in this latest venture, GOTHAM, which she cannot wait to share with the city she loves.

IG @gotham.ny - https://www.instagram.com/gotham.ny/?hl=en
TikTok @gotham_nyc - https://www.tiktok.com/@gotham_nyc

Navigating New York's Cannabis Landscape: Insights from Legal Expert Katie Neer

In this episode of "Thinking Outside the Bud," host Bruce Eckfeldt welcomes Katie Neer, of counsel at Dickinson and Avella, to discuss 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.

Katie is a cannabis regulatory attorney and the go-to expert for cannabis industry players who need help navigating this legal minefield in New York and throughout the Northeast.

She serves as Of Counsel at Dickinson & Avella, a leading New York government affairs law firm, where she assists dozens of clients on NY regulatory compliance issues in heavily regulated industries, including cannabis, gaming, and financial services.

Until recently, Katie was the General Counsel and VP of Industry Affairs at Lantern, an e-commerce marketplace that facilitated the home delivery of cannabis in Massachusetts, Colorado, and Michigan.

Katie also previously worked as the Director of Government Affairs for Acreage Holdings, a public company with a portfolio of cannabis cultivation, processing, and dispensing operations in the U.S., and served as Chair of the New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association.

Website: https://www.dickinsonavella.com/
About Katie: https://www.dickinsonavella.com/katie-neer

Bridging Equity: A Journey through Cannabis Entrepreneurship with Annu Khot

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.

Annu Khot is an award-winning Founder, CEO, and Innovator who is transforming the cannabis industry to foster greater inclusivity and benefits for all. Driven by a commitment to acknowledge, value, and empower every individual, Khot is on a mission to bridge societal divides, create economic opportunities for underrepresented communities, and enhance well-being.

https://www.annukhot.io/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annukhot/
https://www.instagram.com/annukhot/
https://www.tiktok.com/@annukhot9?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Navigating Regulations and Reshaping the Industry Landscape with Leslie Bocskor

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.

Beloved by policymakers and growers, technologists and scientists, doctors and patients, Bocskor has curated the unrivaled network necessary to shepherd them all into achieving goals and prosperity.

Pundit status aside, when he’s not winning over crowds, Bocskor is courting politicians, industry leaders, and investors, who seek out his groundbreaking analysis and insight into the cannabis economy.

At Electrum Partners, Bocskor advises global concerns, businesses, policymakers and nonprofits, using his unique lens and understanding of what is, what will be, and what is needed. His gregarious presence is indispensable everywhere from the International Cannabis Economy Conference in Barcelona to the National Cannabis Industry association [NCIA] Conference in New York City, to ArcView Conferences around the country, Bocskor has become one of the most influential people in the cannabis space, guiding policy and reform.

Named most valued investor member of the ArcView Investor Group in 2015, and CEO of the year by The Weed Blog, the most highly trafficked industry trade publication, it fortified his former designation by The Cannabis Business Executive (CBE) as one of the top 100 most influential people in the industry.

As founding chairman of the Nevada Cannabis Industry Association, he hopes to create the model for regulation and policy around the world, as Nevada did with gaming. Leslie began his career at Lehman Brothers and later went on to co-found Mason Cabot, a New York based investment bank focused on emerging technologies and finance. In 2005, he served as Managing
Partner with Lennox Hill Partners.

https://indoorharvest.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliebocskor
https://twitter.com/lesliebocskor

From Challenges to Opportunities: A Deep Dive into the Cannabis Market with Paper Planes CEO, Paul Weiss

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.

Paul Weiss is the CEO of PaperPlanes, bringing passion, authenticity and skill to the role. After a career in financial services, Paul left the industry to focus on private equity investing in other sectors. Paul entered the cannabis space as an investor in 2018, and subsequently met PaperPlanes founder Carter Latimer in 2020. Over time Paul and Carter developed a shared vision of how to best develop and build Paper Planes into a world class brand, and Paul then joined the company as CEO in February of 2021.

As CEO, Paul works to keep the company adequately capitalized, raising $7 million since 2021 to secure the company’s operations. Additionally, Paul oversees PaperPlanes’ M&A activities and ensures the efficiency and quality of the company’s accounting, legal, governance and decision-making processes. Under Paul’s leadership, PaperPlanes has grown substantially, increasing revenue by millions of dollars and opening new cultivation and manufacturing operations while expanding the brand into several hundred dispensaries. As a leader, Paul is passionate about shaping the nascent cannabis industry into a great place for job-seekers to land.

Paul graduated from SUNY Purchase with a degree in economics. Beyond PaperPlanes, Paul spends time sculpting bonsai trees, practicing jiu-jitsu, golfing, and biking.

https://www.paperplanes-ca.com/
https://www.instagram.com/paperplanes.extracts/