Welcome to this transformative episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, where we delve into the exhilarating world of scaling cannabis businesses. In today's session, we're joined by Leah Heise, the seasoned cannabis expert from Wolf Meyer, who brings her extensive background in scaling multi-faceted cannabis operations to the forefront.

Leah shares her incredible journey, starting from her role in helping establish and scale the operations at Forefront—an endeavor that catapulted the company to a public exit within just over two years. She articulates the rapid challenges faced during such fast-paced growth, including the crucial development of infrastructure across departments like finance, compliance, and human resources amidst incessant acquisitions.

Key to our discussion is the importance of building robust organizational structures, understanding the nuances of communication within expanding teams, and navigating the pitfalls common in the race to revenue and public listings. Leah's insights on implementing solid decision-making frameworks, such as RACI models, which clarify roles and drive efficient team dynamics, are particularly enlightening.

Moreover, Leah stresses the transformational potential of proper scaling strategies—emphasizing how even a business poised on the brink of operational chaos can systemize towards success when coherent plans and scalable infrastructures are set in place.

Whether you're running a startup that's hitting its first $15 million mark or steering an established entity towards $100 million, the principles revealed in this episode are golden. Also, Leah touches upon the shifting dynamics of the cannabis industry and offers a seasoned perspective on mergers, acquisitions, and the critical assessments prospective buyers should undertake.

For all cannabis entrepreneurs, investors, and enthusiasts aiming to understand the critical elements of scaling up without losing control, this episode with Leah Heise is an indispensable resource. Join us to unpack the strategies that could elevate your cannabis business from foundational floundering to phenomenal success.

Find out more about Wolf Meyer at:
https://www.leahheise.com/
https://wolf-meyer.com/

00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts on Scaling
00:50 Joining Forefront and Early Challenges
01:56 Rapid Growth and Public Exit
03:33 Lessons Learned in Scaling
03:56 Building Effective Communication Structures
06:28 Organizational Chart and Strategic Planning
14:27 Consulting and Helping Businesses Scale
17:40 Needs Assessment and Strategic Vision
23:56 Scaling Your Business: When to Implement HRIS Systems
24:28 Tech Stack Assessments: Keeping Up with Rapid Changes
25:24 Establishing a Rhythm of Business
27:49 The Importance of Mission and Vision Alignment
28:53 Cool Projects and Decision-Making Pitfalls
31:27 Key Considerations for Acquisitions
37:24 Current State of the Cannabis Industry
42:18 AI Adoption in the Cannabis Industry
44:10 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this illuminating episode of Kaya Cast, we dive deep into the transformative journey of Nikki Lawley, known widely at Nikki and The Plant. After a severe workplace injury altered her life and traditional medications failed her, Nikki stumbled upon cannabis, which not only alleviated her chronic pain but also revolutionized her perspective on healthcare.

As "the terpene lady," Nikki enlightens us on the significance of terpenes, the aromatic compounds in cannabis, explaining how they influence the effects of the plant far beyond just being indica or sativa. We explore how these insights can drastically change dispensary sales approaches, focusing on symptom relief rather than just seeking high THC content.

Sales tactics, deep dives into terpene profiles, and how dispensaries can enhance customer experience by focusing on educating both consumers and staff—all these topics are covered in this candid discussion. Whether you're a dispensary owner looking to refine your business model or a cannabis enthusiast eager to learn more about the medicinal benefits of the plant, this episode is a must-listen!

Subscribe to Kaya Cast Podcast to discover more ways to grow and scale your cannabis business with insights from industry insiders and experts!

Find out more about Nikki and The Plant at:
https://www.nikkiandtheplant.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-lawley/
https://www.instagram.com/nikkiandtheplant/

Highlights:
00:00 Introduction to Cannabis Journey
00:25 Life-Changing Injury and Discovery of Cannabis
03:57 First Medical Experience with Cannabis
06:10 Challenges in Accessing Medical Cannabis
09:07 Becoming the Terpene Lady
14:05 Understanding Terpenes and Their Effects
20:07 Educating on Terpenes and Cannabis
26:57 The Importance of Knowledge in Cannabis Sales
27:57 Effective Sales Techniques for Cannabis
28:53 Understanding Consumer Preferences
33:01 The Science of Cannabis Consumption
35:14 Cannabinoids and Their Effects
38:23 Increasing Dispensary Traffic
40:16 Targeting Specific Demographics
48:49 Medical Cannabis and Safety
51:47 Conclusion and Contact Information

#kayacast #nikkiandtheplant #cannabis #dispensary

In this game-changing episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we sit down with Theresa Dobrash from Seligson Law, a firm that specializes in guiding cannabis dispensaries through the legal labyrinth of the cannabis industry. Theresa, an expert in cannabis compliance, shares a wealth of knowledge that is essential for any dispensary owner aiming to navigate the complexities of regulations without stumbling.

Dive into the ABCs of compliance as Theresa explains how to structure a robust compliance playbook that keeps your operation running smoothly and legally. Find out why it's crucial to appoint an accountability agent within your setup, understand the boundaries of compliance, and ensure your chain of custody is foolproof to avoid legal pitfalls.

We'll also delve deep into practical strategies for handling surprise inspections and enforcement, designing efficient floor plans compliant with regulations, and setting up internal audits to keep your dispensary in check at all times. Theresa does not stop there; she reveals her insights on setting up SOPs that are comprehensive yet flexible enough to allow operational fluidity and growth.

This episode is loaded with actionable strategies to fortify your dispensary's compliance structure, avoid common pitfalls, and set you on a path to success in the cannabis industry. Whether you're setting up shop or looking to refine your existing operations, this discussion with Theresa Dobrash is your roadmap to compliance confidence.

Tune in to ensure you're not just surviving but thriving by staying compliant, efficient, and prepared for anything the regulatory landscape throws your way!

Don't miss this comprehensive guide to navigating cannabis compliance with expert Theresa Dobrash – equip your dispensary for success today!

Find out more about Seligson Law at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-dobrash/
https://seligsonlaw.com/professionals/theresa-dobrash/
theresa@seligsonlaw.com

Highlights:
00:00 Introduction to Enforcement in Cannabis Compliance
00:32 Welcome to the Kaya Cast
00:57 The ABCs of Compliance
01:18 Designating a Compliance Officer
03:45 Setting Up a Compliance Program
05:13 Preparing for Opening Day
06:33 Common Compliance Challenges
11:44 Creating Effective SOPs
18:03 Adapting SOPs for Growth
20:31 The Role of Compliance Officers
21:59 Boundaries in Compliance
22:59 Understanding Compliance and Chain of Custody
23:54 Inventory Management in Dispensaries
25:08 The Importance of Documentation
28:14 Preparing for Inspections and Audits
32:37 Floor Plan and Operational Changes
37:51 Effective Inventory Counting Strategies
41:18 Balancing Compliance and Practicality
41:52 Conclusion and Contact Information

#kayacast #cannabis