High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis
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High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast
AnnaRae Grabstein and Ben Larson
Frequency: 1 episode/8d. Total Eps: 86

Hosts Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein serve up unfiltered insights, reveal their insiders' perspectives, and illuminate transformative ideas about the cannabis industry for people who want to make sense of it all.
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🇨🇦 Canada - entrepreneurship
11/05/2025#74🇩🇪 Germany - newsCommentary
26/03/2025#89🇩🇪 Germany - newsCommentary
25/03/2025#73🇩🇪 Germany - newsCommentary
24/03/2025#59🇩🇪 Germany - newsCommentary
23/03/2025#47
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#087 - From Hedge Funds to Hash: Inside Cannabis IR with Jesse Redmond
Episode 87
vendredi 9 mai 2025 • Duration 50:16
Jesse Redmond, Head of Investor Relations and Business Development at Leaf Brands, brings his unique perspective as a former Wall Street investor and cannabis dispensary owner to discuss the challenging landscape of public cannabis companies. His insights reveal why certain companies are weathering the storm better than others and how innovative strategies like Bitcoin treasury reserves and strategic farm investments are positioning some for future growth despite industry headwinds.
• Cannabis public markets have experienced a brutal 95% decline since February 2021, creating unprecedented challenges for companies and investors
• Successful cannabis companies focus on operational excellence rather than regulation-dependent growth strategies
• Leaf Brands is developing a 187-acre cannabis farm expected to dramatically reduce production costs from $20-40/lb to approximately $10/lb
• First cannabis company to implement a Bitcoin treasury strategy to strengthen their balance sheet against dollar devaluation
• The high cost of maintaining public company status ($80-100K monthly) is driving some cannabis companies to consider going private
• State-by-state regulatory changes create complex strategic decisions, particularly around hemp/THCA cultivation versus traditional cannabis
• Personal connection to cannabis's medical benefits keeps many professionals committed despite financial challenges
• Investors should be selective rather than taking a "buy the basket" approach, focusing on companies with strong balance sheets and clear growth catalysts
If you enjoyed this episode, please drop us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Until next time, stay curious, stay informed, and keep your spirits high.
--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.
THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.
#086 - Cannabis Business News Roundup: DEA gets a new head, Organigram acquires Collective Projects, SBA loans for hemp & more!
Episode 86
lundi 5 mai 2025 • Duration 49:30
Ben and AnnaRae explore the latest cannabis market developments across multiple states and at the federal level, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges. They dissect New York's comprehensive market report showing local brands outperforming multi-state operators while California cannabis businesses organize against impending tax increases.
• Ben shares insights from Atlantic City's MJ Unpacked conference where New Jersey operators display optimism while cautious veterans observe from experience
• AnnaRae visits Coastal Sun Farm, a certified organic cannabis and blueberry farm embracing traditional agricultural techniques and environmental stewardship
• Federal developments include DEA nominee Terrence Cole stating cannabis rescheduling would be "one of his first priorities" despite previous anti-marijuana stance
• New York's cannabis market shows improvement with 513 brands operating and top five NY-based companies capturing 21% of sales
• California cannabis businesses rally against excise tax increase from 15% to 19%, with Los Angeles dispensaries reportedly considering a tax boycott
• Canadian company Organigram acquires beverage brand Collective Projects, highlighting international opportunities unavailable to US companies
• SBA confirms hemp businesses remain eligible for federal loans while marijuana businesses are excluded regardless of state legality
Join NCIA lobby days in Washington DC on May 13-15 to engage with lawmakers and help shape cannabis policy.
--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.
THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.
#077 - Multi-State Brand Building with Miss Grass w/ CEO and Co-Founder, Kate Miller
Episode 77
vendredi 28 février 2025 • Duration 48:43
Join Ben Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein on High Spirits as they explore the journey of transforming a hemp marketplace and media site into a multi-state cannabis brand with a strong community focus. We'll be joined by Kate Miller, co-founder and CEO of Miss Grass , who has masterfully steered the brand from its roots as a hemp marketplace to a prominent player in the regulated cannabis market.
🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: In this deep dive, Kate will share her strategies for cultivating a dedicated community, the challenges and triumphs of scaling in a highly competitive industry, and the pivotal decisions that have shaped Miss Grass. We’ll explore everything from the early days of building brand loyalty through education and content to the complexities of navigating multi-state operations.
💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:
𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑳𝒐𝒚𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒚: Discover the strategies Miss Grass used to build and scale its community, and how focusing on education and content creation has fueled brand loyalty.
𝑫𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕-𝒕𝒐-𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒚𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒄𝒔: Learn about the challenges and advantages of maintaining direct relationships with consumers, and how these insights have influenced product development.
𝑵𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: Gain insights into the strategic decisions behind market expansion, dealing with competition from larger operators, and how Miss Grass has adapted its approach to maintain brand integrity.
𝑶𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑬𝐟𝐟𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒎𝒑 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆: Understand the differences between the state-regulated cannabis industry and the hemp marketplace from a go-to-market and operational perspective.
🌟 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗞𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: Kate Miller is the co-founder and CEO of Miss Grass, a brand at the forefront of transforming cannabis culture. Her journey from New Jersey to the West Coast and back again has been marked by bold leadership and a keen eye for market dynamics. Kate’s unique approach to business and her commitment to community, education, and quality have established Miss Grass as a leader in the cannabis industry.
Tune into High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast this week to get an inside look at the cannabis industry through the lens of one of its most innovative leaders.
#HighSpirits #CannabisCommunity #MissGrass #Entrepreneurship #HempIndustry
--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.
THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.
#076 - High Tech, High Returns: The Evolution of Cannabis Retail w/ Chris Violas, CEO of Blaze
Episode 76
vendredi 21 février 2025 • Duration 59:01
Join Ben & AnnaRae on High Spirits as we delve into the world of cannabis retail with Christopher Violas, CEO of BLAZE®. This episode explores how cutting-edge technology and strategic market insights are reshaping the cannabis industry from the ground up.
🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: In this discussion, we'll cover the impact of technology and operational efficiency in cannabis retail. Christopher Violas shares his insights on a range of topics including:
𝘙𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺: Discover how centralizing decision-making and automating processes are helping retailers do more with less.
𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘳 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴: Understand how regional preferences and economic models affect product demand and retail strategies.
𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺: Learn about the move towards holistic solutions that connect POS, e-commerce, and inventory management under one roof.
𝘌-𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦: Explore the shift towards online ordering and how cannabis retailers are optimizing for delivery and pickup.
𝘈𝘐 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘢 𝘪𝘯 𝘙𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭: Get insights into how AI is revolutionizing inventory management, customer retention, and personalized marketing.
𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘉𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘴: Discuss Blaze’s strategic moves into hemp, CBD, and other retail arenas.
𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘋𝘺𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘴: Gain perspective on managing a diverse, remote workforce and scaling a high-tech business in a rapidly evolving industry.
💡 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘀: Christopher Violas is not only the CEO of BLAZE® but also a visionary who has seamlessly blended technology with cannabis retail. From founding a cannabis delivery service to leading a tech-driven revolution in the cannabis industry, Chris brings a wealth of experience and innovation. Under his leadership, Blaze has processed over $1 billion in annual cannabis sales and expanded its footprint to support hundreds of dispensaries across North America.
📅 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻? This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and cannabis retail. Whether you're an industry veteran, a budding entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of cannabis markets, you'll find valuable insights that could shape your view of the industry.
Tune in to High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast to catch all the action and learn how the cannabis retail landscape is evolving to meet the futu
--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.
THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.
#075 - Legacy of Cannabis Cultivation and Bringing Sungrown to Market w/ Scott Vasterling of Humboldt Family Farms
Episode 75
jeudi 13 février 2025 • Duration 54:01
🌿 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐬 🌿
Join us on this week's episode of High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast, where we delve deep into the verdant fields of Humboldt County with Scott Vasterling, the visionary founder of Humboldt Family Farms. Discover the rich legacy of cannabis cultivation and the promising future of sungrown cannabis in one of the industry's most storied regions.
🌞 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: In an industry that's rapidly evolving, there's a growing appreciation for the artisanal quality and sustainable practices of sungrown cannabis. Scott Vasterling brings his extensive background in health, wellness, and agricultural leadership to discuss how Humboldt Family Farms is pioneering innovations that could reshape the cannabis market. From the early days of the back-to-the-land movement and Prop 215 to the complexities of Prop 64, we explore how sungrown cannabis is being redefined from "outdoor weed" to a premium, craft category.
💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:
Craft Cultivation Insights: The importance of unique strains and genetics in crafting a superior consumer experience. 🧬
Agricultural Branding: Could a unified brand representing small farms be the answer to the commoditization challenge? 🏷️
Policy Impact: How would interstate commerce change the game for West Coast cannabis farmers? 📜
Sustainability in Cannabis: The advantages of traditional farming techniques in today's market. 🚜
🌱 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁 𝗩𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴: With a foot in both the corporate world of Johnson & Johnson and the grassroots of Humboldt's farming community, Scott's dual expertise offers rare insights into the intersections of health, wellness, and cannabis cultivation. As Chair of the CA DCC Cannabis Advisory Committee and a staunch advocate for family farms, Scott's leadership is helping to steer the industry towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
📅 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻? This episode is a must for anyone interested in the future of cannabis, the potential of sungrown products, and the stories of those who are leading the way in one of America's most iconic regions for marijuana cultivation. Whether you're an industry veteran, a cannabis connoisseur, or simply curious about the evolution of cannabis markets, join us for a conversation that promises to enlighten and inspire.
Tune into High Spirits this Thursday on LinkedIn Live, where Ben and AnnaR
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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.
THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.
#074 - Understanding Receivership & Bankruptcy in Cannabis & Hemp w/ Ted Lanes
Episode 74
vendredi 24 janvier 2025 • Duration 52:29
Tune in to our next episode of 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘀 as we unravel the complexities of receivership and the intricacies of bankruptcy within the cannabis and hemp industries. We're joined by Ted Lanes, the "𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙥𝙚𝙧" of finance, to shed light on what these financial states mean for businesses and creditors alike.
🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: We delve deep into the financial mechanisms that companies in the cannabis industry often have to navigate, particularly focusing on why traditional bankruptcy isn't an option and how receivership becomes a path many find themselves on. Ted Lanes, a seasoned receiver and financial expert, brings clarity to this often murky topic, discussing everything from the role of a receiver to strategic debt restructuring.
💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:
• Receivership vs. Bankruptcy: Understand the fundamental differences and why bankruptcy isn't available for cannabis companies.
• Role of a Receiver: Explore how receivers are appointed and their responsibilities in managing a company's assets and operations during financial distress.
• Legal and Ethical Considerations: Learn about the legal framework surrounding receiverships and the ethical obligations of receivers.
• Actionable Advice for Vendors and Operators: Practical tips for businesses on both sides of a receivership—how to protect your interests and navigate the process.
🌟 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀: With a wealth of experience spanning over 30 years across various industries, Ted Lanes of Lanes Management Services has become a pivotal figure in managing complex receiverships and financial restructurings. His background includes significant roles such as the interim CFO of MedMen and advisory positions in multimillion-dollar funds, making him a respected authority on financial crisis management.
#Bankruptcy #Receivership #HighSpirits #cannabisindustry
--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.
THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.
#073 - Reaching Peak Performance in 2025 w/ Melanie Curtis, Performance Coach and World Record-Holding Pro Skydiver
Episode 73
vendredi 17 janvier 2025 • Duration 55:24
🌿 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬 🌿
Dive into a thrilling new episode of 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘀 as we explore the intersection of peak performance in high-stakes environments with Melanie Curtis, a professional skydiver, world record holder, and acclaimed performance coach. Join us as we unravel the parallels between excelling in extreme sports and thriving in the volatile cannabis industry.
🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: Melanie Curtis brings her unique expertise from thousands of skydives and high-impact coaching sessions to discuss what it takes to achieve peak performance in any field. We'll discuss a wide range of topics from managing change, bravery in decision-making, and the art of leadership in uncertain times to practical advice on stress management, overcoming fear, and maintaining mental clarity amidst chaos.
💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:
𝑷𝒖𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒅𝒈𝒆𝒔: How pushing boundaries in skydiving translates to innovation in cannabis.
𝑬𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚: The courage required to start new ventures and make tough decisions.
𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕: Strategies for navigating volatility in cannabis.
𝑰𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝑶𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔: The importance of self-care and continuous learning for sustained high performance.
𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕: Building and maintaining trust within teams to achieve common goals.
𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑭𝒆𝒂𝒓: Techniques to conquer fear and harness it to fuel growth and success.
🌟 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀: Melanie's life mission goes beyond skydiving. She leverages her experiences to coach individuals and teams on achieving their highest potential, making her a sought-after speaker and consultant. With her vibrant energy and profound insights, Melanie inspires audiences to embrace challenges and transform their lives and workplaces.
📚 Books mentioned in this episode:
-Man's Search For Meaning
-The Four Agreements
-The Power of Habit
-Atomic Habits
-No Bad Parts
--
High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.
THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.
#072 - Flying High with Hemp Beverages in 2025 w/ Craig 'Lewie' Lewis, CEO of Flyers Cocktail Co.
Episode 72
vendredi 10 janvier 2025 • Duration 52:27
𝘞𝘦𝘦𝘦𝘦'𝘳𝘳𝘳𝘳𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘦𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘢𝘢𝘢𝘢𝘢𝘢𝘤𝘬! Join us for the first episode of the year on 𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙨, where we scope out the evolving world of cannabis beverages through the lens of Craig (Lewie) Lewis 🥃🏆, the CEO & Co-Founder of Flyers Cocktail Company. We're kicking off 2025 by diving into the category dominating our minds and the airwaves.
📣 Quick shout out to our title sponsor, KitPrint, the cannabis operator’s production design partner. Use code HIGHSPIRITS when you sign up and get 10% off your first two months. To learn more, go to kitprint.co to book a call with their team.
🚀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: In this episode, Lewie shares his exhilarating journey from skydiving to shaking up the beverage industry with Flyers Cocktail Company, an award-winning brand that's redefining how we celebrate moments, big and small. We’ll explore the challenges and triumphs of capital raising in the competitive beverage landscape, discuss the strategic moves that have made Flyers one of the most decorated names in the space, and get Lewie's fearless predictions for the industry in 2025.
💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:
𝘊𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘙𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘋𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: Learn how Flyers has navigated the bustling market of cannabis beverages and stood out from the crowd.
𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥-𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘺: Unpack whether product awards are merely vanity or offer real value to brands in this sector.
𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘴: Discover the importance of supporting distributors and how Flyers Cocktail Co. ensures mutual success.
𝘌𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴: Gain insights into Lewie’s leadership philosophy and his approach to steering a leading brand in a rapidly evolving market.
2025 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: Hear what the future may hold for hemp beverages and the broader non-alcoholic segment in the new year.
🌟 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 Craig (Lewie) Lewis 🥃🏆: Not just the CEO of Flyers Cocktail Co., Lewie is a TEDx speaker, avid adventurer, and a visionary in both his professional and personal life. With a background that spans from high-stakes skydiving to high-profile brand activations, Lewie brings a unique blend of excitement and expertise to the cannabis beverage industry.
📅 Catch this high-flying episode of 𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙨 this Thursday on LinkedIn Live for an invigorating discussion packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories.
#CannabisBeverages #DrinkCannabis #HighSpirits #DrinkFlyers
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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.
THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.
#071 - End of Year Wrap-Up: Vireo's Bold Moves, Rise of Hemp Beverages, and 2025 Predictions
Episode 71
vendredi 20 décembre 2024 • Duration 52:52
What if the latest moves by a major cannabis company could set off a chain reaction across the entire industry? Unravel the implications of Vireo's strategic transformation under the astute leadership of Tyson McDonald. We dive into the latest maneuvers by Vireo, who is making headlines with a game-changing capital influx and the acquisition of four profitable single-state operators. As we gather at Ben's festive office, we discuss the potential ripple effects of these no-cash deals and speculate whether this could ignite a wave of consolidation reminiscent of past industry-shaking investments.
The cannabis landscape is shifting, and 2024 has been a year of both tumult and triumph. Despite the downfalls of California giants like MedMen and High Times, there's a silver lining as we witness the resilience of companies that have managed to refinance and keep the gears turning. Meanwhile, the rise of cannabis-infused beverages is rewriting the rule book, capturing the attention of consumers and opening new doors in the alcohol market. We explore the exciting possibilities in this burgeoning sector, while also contemplating the ongoing challenges posed by federal hemp policies and potential farm bill delays.
Looking forward to 2025, we are filled with optimism for the hemp beverage industry and its potential to reshape the mainstream market. The conversation turns to the foundational strategies needed to capitalize on these opportunities, emphasizing education, influence, and team alignment. As we nurture a culture of peak performance, we remain committed to fostering authentic collaborations that drive positive outcomes. Join us as we embrace the dedication and passion of our team and partners, and gear up for bold moves that could redefine the competitive landscape in the coming year.
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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.
THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.
#070 - MJBizCon Recap: Ben & AnnaRae catch-up on everything from Disneyland Magic to THC-Infused parties
Episode 70
vendredi 13 décembre 2024 • Duration 45:32
🌿 𝐌𝐉𝐁𝐢𝐳𝐂𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐩: 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 🌿
Join us for a special episode of High Spirits, where your hosts Ben & AnnaRae share their experiences and insights from MJBizCon 2024 in Las Vegas. Fresh from hosting the High Spirits Morning Mixer, they're ready to dive deep into the event's highlights, key takeaways, and the future of cannabis trends they witnessed.
📅 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻? Whether you're a cannabis industry professional who missed the event, or an enthusiast eager to catch up on the latest trends, this episode promises a comprehensive recap with personal flair. Get the scoop on what's next for the cannabis industry from two of its most passionate advocates.
Tune into High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast this Wednesday on LinkedIn Live for an episode packed with insights, laughter, and the best of MJBizCon.
#MJBizCon #CannabisIndustry #HighSpirits #CannabisCommunity
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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.
Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.
Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover?
Visit our website www.highspirits.media and listen to all of our past shows.
THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations.
Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.









