High Rise: Cannabis MSOs, Products & Market Analysis

Headset, Inc.

A laid-back, data-backed discussion on the cannabis market with notable industry leaders. read less

Our Editor's Take

Cannabis has inched further into the American mainstream. More states legalize it, or at least decriminalize it, each year. High Rise: Cannabis MSOs, Products & Market Analysis is a legitimate market-related podcast. The fact it exists suggests the popularity of the modern cash crop will continue to trend upward.

High Rise focuses on market data and several other aspects of the cannabis industry. It does so in a fun way that never feels pretentious or boring like some other market-minded podcasts.

Those who do not work in the cannabis industry are unlikely to understand its complexity. The intricacy of the market stems from so many states enforcing their own distinct laws. As areas legalize, the industry must try to keep up with the demand. It's often hard to do a lot of research and put significant infrastructure in place in a short amount of time. High Rise helps put those complex systems of a growing industry into context.

Hosts Cy and Emily discuss new cannabis products on each episode of the show. They also spend time predicting where they think the market will go next. They're so knowledgeable about this topic because they've both worked in the cannabis industry for many years. The result is a fun, smart podcast about the business side of an industry that gains more clout each day.

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Episodes

E161 - A Post-Earnings Verano Deep-dive with George Archos and Aaron Miles
6d ago
E161 - A Post-Earnings Verano Deep-dive with George Archos and Aaron Miles
Hey Headsetters, we're back with a new interview episode, this time with Verano's George Archos and Aaron Miles. We cover their wholesale strategy, a unique approach to loyalty and visions for the future.  Listen closely and you might actually catch the date that Schedule 3 is scheduled to happen (not really).In this conversation, George Archos and Aaron Miles from Verano discuss their company's performance in Q1 and their position in the cannabis industry. They talk about Verano's footprint, retail composition, and brands. They also discuss their focus on customer loyalty and the launch of their exclusive membership program, the Cabbage Club. The conversation touches on the growth of Verano's wholesale business, particularly in markets like New Jersey and Illinois. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities of opening doors in different markets and the importance of data-driven decision-making. The conversation concludes with a discussion about Verano's plans for expansion in Ohio and Florida. Verano Holdings is preparing for the launch of adult-use cannabis in Ohio and expects to see significant demand in both their stores and the wholesale market. TakeawaysVerano has a sizable footprint in the cannabis industry and is celebrating its 10th year anniversary.Verano focuses on high-quality products and has a range of brands catering to different market segments.Verano places a strong emphasis on customer loyalty and has launched the exclusive membership program, the Cabbage Club.Verano has seen growth in its wholesale business, particularly in markets like New Jersey and Illinois.Opening doors in different markets can be challenging, but Verano has been successful by building relationships and offering unique, innovative products.Verano is planning for expansion in Ohio and Florida, with expectations of significant sales growth in these markets. Verano Holdings is preparing for the launch of adult-use cannabis in Ohio and expects significant demand in both their stores and the wholesale market.Verano focuses on creating their own brands rather than acquiring existing ones, but they may consider acquisitions in the future.They are cautious about entering the hospitality aspect of the cannabis business, such as music festivals and lounges, due to regulatory hurdles and the difficulty of making the economics work.Verano is excited about the potential benefits of rescheduling cannabis, including being treated like a normal business, accessing banking services, and improving their marketing capabilities.They anticipate better polling numbers in Florida and potential news on Pennsylvania.Verano is well-positioned for future opportunities and is focused on being prepared for inclusion in the capital markets.KeywordsVerano, Q1 performance, cannabis industry, footprint, retail composition, brands, customer loyalty, Cabbage Club, wholesale growth, opening doors, data-driven decision-making, expansion, Verano Holdings, adult-use cannabis, Ohio, wholesale market, product offerings, acquisitions, hospitality aspect, regulatory hurdles, rescheduling cannabis, banking services, marketing capabilities, Florida, Pennsylvania, future opportunities, capital marketsHeadset
E160 - 4/30 is the new 4/20! What we know about Schedule 3
May 2 2024
E160 - 4/30 is the new 4/20! What we know about Schedule 3
In this conversation, Cy and Emily discuss the recent announcement by the DEA that they will recommend rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III. They explore the potential implications of this decision, including its impact on the capital markets, banking reform, and the ongoing Commerce Clause case. They also touch on the significance of this shift in the federal government's view of cannabis and the challenges that lie ahead in the implementation process. Overall, they express cautious optimism about the future of cannabis legalization in the United States.TakeawaysThe DEA's recommendation to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III represents a significant shift in the federal government's view of cannabis and acknowledges its potential positive benefits.While rescheduling alone does not immediately change the criminality around cannabis or allow for uplisting and banking reform, it sets a strong foundation for future progress.The rescheduling decision may pave the way for discussions on capital markets and banking reform, as well as potential memos from the DOJ and the impact of the Commerce Clause case.The implementation process and potential challenges, including legal battles and administrative procedures, will play a crucial role in determining the actual impact of rescheduling.Despite the uncertainties and challenges, there is a sense of cautious optimism about the future of cannabis legalization in the United States.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview03:02 DEA Recommends Rescheduling Cannabis to Schedule III09:26 The Trauma and Optimism of Cannabis Legalization13:49 The Implications of Rescheduling16:13 The Commerce Clause Case and Fair Application of the CSAKeywordsDEA, rescheduling, cannabis, Schedule III, capital markets, banking reform, Commerce Clause case, implementation process, federal government, legalizationHeadset
E144 - From Politics, to Crab Cakes, to Pot: Maryland's Evolving Cannabis Narrative
Sep 13 2023
E144 - From Politics, to Crab Cakes, to Pot: Maryland's Evolving Cannabis Narrative
In this episode, Cy and Emily discuss the shifts in Maryland's cannabis scene. They reference a Brookings Institute study which highlights surprising support for cannabis in the state's November '22 election. Interestingly, even traditionally conservative regions in Maryland backed the move to legalize cannabis, proving that the topic transcends typical political lines.Maryland's approach to cannabis equity stands out. The state's decision to open its first adult-use marijuana license applications exclusively for social equity businesses is noteworthy. These changes also come with a new outlook on regulations, including the significant step of not allowing police searches based on marijuana odor.On the sales front, Maryland has seen an impressive uptick in numbers, especially since recreational sales began. Price trends show increased costs in specific product categories, hinting at changing consumer preferences. The episode also sheds light on top-performing cannabis brands in Maryland, including the likes of SunMed, which has ties to the established Van Wingerden greenhouse legacy, and others such as Curio Wellness and gLeaf.Tune in with Cy and Emily to get an insightful overview of the evolving cannabis market in Maryland.https://www.brookings.edu/articles/marylands-cannabis-politics-offers-insights-for-the-nation/https://crabcakescannabis.comhttps://www.headset.io/markets/marylandHeadset