In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano is joined by Shahar Yamay, CEO of Hefestus USA, to explore the role of automation in the cannabis industry. The conversation delves into Shahar's journey from food packaging automation to cannabis, and how his company is revolutionizing pre-roll automation. The episode covers essential topics, including the importance of planning, training, and maintaining high quality while scaling operations. Our Listeners will also gain insights into operational strategies, compliance, and the future of automation in cannabis. Highlights include discussions on the Dutch fold technique, integrating automation seamlessly into daily operations, and anecdotes from successful implementations. This episode is a must-listen for cannabis operators considering or optimizing automation in their facilities.

🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting 🌎 ICS Consulting: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com

🌿 Our Guest: Shahar Yamay, CEO of Hefestus USA 🌎 Hefestus USA: https://www.hefestus-tech.com/cannabis-packaging-automation

⏰ Timecodes ⏰

01:01 Shahar's Journey in Cannabis Industry 03:20 Discussion on Industry Changes and Challenges 05:46 Automation in Cannabis Operations 08:29 Training and Workforce in Automation 11:31 Scaling and Automation Benefits 26:25 The Importance of Smokeability 27:21 Infusion and Equipment Capabilities 28:28 Scaling and Quality Improvement 30:34 Operational Readiness for Automation 33:37 The importance of Training 35:51 Compliance and Integration 41:28 The Dutch Fold Technique 44:47 Successful Automation Transitions 49:22 Final Takeaways and Wrap Up

In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano dives into the complexities of cannabis transportation with guest Joel Dickerson, CEO of GPS One LLC. Joel shares his journey from sports management to the cannabis industry, detailing his experiences working in vertically integrated cannabis operations in Colorado and the launch of Green Parcel Service the first licensed cannabis transportation provider in the United States, and the birth of GPS One. The discussion covers the challenges of cannabis transport, including regulatory compliance, vehicle requirements, route planning, and dealing with unpredictable weather conditions. Joel emphasizes the importance of standardization, training, and documentation while sharing real-world stories of navigating the uniqueness of Colorado's transport landscape. This episode provides valuable insights for both existing operators and those considering entering the cannabis transport industry.

🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano 🌎 https://www.icsconsultingservice.com

🌿 Our Guest: CEO Joel Dickerson of GPS One LLC.

🌎 GPS One LLC: https://gpsone.delivery

🌎 Green Parcel Service: https://greenparcelservice.co

⏰ Timecodes ⏰

01:34 Joel's Journey into Cannabis Industry 05:02 Building Green Parcel Service & GPS One 06:42 Innovations in Cannabis Transportation 11:12 Compliance on Wheels: Rules of the Road 19:05 Challenges in Cannabis Transportation 21:25 Compliance Requirements for Cannabis Transport 29:12 Chain of Custody and Record Keeping 32:35 Digital Transport Manifests and Paper Reduction 36:10 Misconceptions About Cannabis Transport 37:34 Transport Logistics and Driver Protocols 43:06 Weather Challenges and Route Planning 49:42 Final Tips and Wrap Up

In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano discusses asset-light, market-ready expansion for cannabis operators with guest Xavier Jaillet, an Associate Attorney at McDonald Hopkins Law Firm. Jenny and Xavier explore various models for expanding cannabis brands into new markets, including license acquisition, business purchases, and licensing agreements. They dive deep into the benefits and challenges of partnering with existing operators, emphasizing the importance of due diligence, written agreements, and clear communication. The discussion aims to help cannabis operators navigate expansion strategies effectively while mitigating risks.

🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano 🌎 https://www.icsconsultingservice.com

🌿 Our Guest: Xavier Jaillet, Associate Attorney 🌎 Xavier on LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xjaillet

🌎 McDonald Hopkins Law Firm: https://www.mcdonaldhopkins.com

🌿Xavier is also the Chair Colorado Chapter and Secretary of The Board for The Cannabis Chamber of Commerce: https://www.thecannabischamber.com

⏰ Timecodes ⏰

01:33 Xavier's Journey in the Cannabis Industry 05:38 Challenges and Opportunities in Cannabis Expansion 08:35 Three Models for State License Products 15:47 Expansion by Licensing Agreements 22:09 The Realities of Partner Selection 27:03 Navigating State Regulations 27:42 Understanding Royalty Percentages and White Labeling 30:41 Vetting Potential Partners 38:51 Pitfalls and Written Agreements 41:41 Allocating Liability and Economic Terms 45:28 Starting Low and Going Slow in Business 48:40 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up

In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano discusses the complexities and high costs of opening a regulated cannabis dispensary. With over 16 years of operations experience in the cannabis industry, she describes the various stages from licensing to the grand opening, emphasizing the importance of being organized and having an experienced team. She discusses the common pitfalls such as overwhelming tasks, the lack of project management, the financial strains, drinking through the firehose syndrome, compliance issues, and the importance of thorough preparation.

Providing real examples from her consulting work, Jenny urges potential dispensary owners to take compliance seriously and understand their choices and the significant investment required, both financially and in terms of dedication. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the real challenges in the cannabis industry, while offering practical steps for aspiring dispensary owners.

🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano

🌎 https://www.icsconsultingservice.com

⏰ Timecodes ⏰

00:58 The Overwhelming Process of Opening a Dispensary 02:48 Cost Variations Across States 07:43 The Reality of Running a Dispensary 10:40 Financial Challenges and Misconceptions 31:34 The High Cost of Compliance 33:08 Challenges During Construction 34:21 Navigating Inspections and Licensing 36:06 Drinking Through the Firehose 45:20 Building the Right Team 53:00 The Importance of Compliance and Burnout Prevention 54:41 Key Takeaways & Wrap Up

In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano discusses the essential components of compliance in the cannabis industry, focusing on management, people, and systems. Drawing from her extensive experience in the field, Jenny outlines the importance of strong leadership, clear accountability, and effective risk management. She also explores creating a culture of compliance, the significance of proper documentation, and the role of communication in fostering a healthy work environment. The episode includes practical tips and examples, making it a valuable resource for anyone involved in or interested in the regulated cannabis market.

🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano 🌎 https://www.icsconsultingservice.com

⏰ Timecodes ⏰

01:10 The Role of Management in Compliance 05:44 Building a Culture of Compliance 12:44 Effective Management Strategies 13:57 Integrating Compliance into Daily Decisions 18:42 Accountability and Documentation Standards 23:26 Organizational Structure and Task Management 28:02 The Importance of Accountability and Documentation 28:39 People First: Leadership and Culture of Compliance 29:11 Choices and Their Impact on Business 32:42 Adaptive Management in the Cannabis Industry 43:02 The Role of Employees in Compliance 47:57 Effective Management and Avoiding Burnout 50:25 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up

In this next episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano dives into our Cannabis Operator Series featuring Jennifer McGuire, the COO and Co-Founder of CAMP Cannabis. CAMP is a craft cultivation and manufacturing operation based out of St. Louis, Missouri serving the Medical and Adult-Use market. Jenny sits down with Jennifer to discuss her journey from nursing to co-founding a regulated cannabis operation. Our conversation highlights some of the challenges launching in a new market, and the triumphs along the way, and the focus on growing and producing clean craft cannabis products. We also touch on the importance of safe operational standards, effective marketing strategies, the word of the day - pivot, and how vital team and community involvement is.

🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano

🌎 ICS Consulting

🌿 Our Guest: COO/Co-Founder Jennifer McGuire

🌎 CAMP Cannabis

⏰ Timecodes ⏰

00:45 Guest Introduction: Jennifer McGuire 01:11 Journey From Nursing to Cannabis 02:21 Co-Founding Camp Cannabis 05:15 Challenges and Successes 07:49 Building a Brand and Community 13:12 Clean Craft Cannabis Practices 18:44 Operational Growth and Product Development 23:26 Challenges of Expanding a Cannabis Brand 26:53 Navigating Social Media and Marketing Hurdles 33:10 Operational Realities and The Pivot 39:30 Tips for New Cannabis Operators

In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano is joined by Bethany Niebauer from Axial Resolutions to discuss mediation as a compliance strategy for regulated cannabis operations. Bethany shares about her decade-long experience in the cannabis industry, starting with writing license applications, and transitioning into mediation to help resolve industry conflicts. This episode delves into how mediation can be used for various disputes within cannabis businesses, including employee issues, vendor relations, how to prevent internal conflicts, and an added value for operational compliance. They highlight the importance of communication, and relational dynamics in maintaining compliance and operational efficiency. The discussion includes practical advice on incorporating ADR clauses in contracts, utilizing mediation to preserve business relationships in the long term and building a culture of trust.

🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano 🌎 https://www.icsconsultingservice.com

🌿 Our Guest: Bethany Niebauer, Founder of Axial Resolutions 🌎 https://axialresolutions.com

⏰ Timecodes ⏰

00:58 Guest Introduction 05:00 The Importance of Mediation in Cannabis 05:44 Understanding Mediation vs. Arbitration 10:09 Compliance and Relationships 18:43 Patterns, Pitfalls, and Prevention 24:40 Leadership and Management Challenges 26:34 Building Relational Trust in the Cannabis Industry 30:55 Tools and Tactics for Conflict Resolution 36:12 The Value of Mediation Clauses in Contracts 38:20 Changing the Culture & Wrap Up

🎙In this comprehensive episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano and returning guest Alex Hearding delve into the critical topic of workplace safety in the cannabis industry. They discuss the hidden hazards in cannabis operations and explore effective prevention strategies. The discussion covers essential OSHA regulations, the significance of worker safety programs, and the importance of creating a culture of safety. Jenny and Alex share their extensive experience and offer practical advice for operators, bringing attention to necessary safety plans, proper chemical storage, and the often overlooked OSHA compliance requirements. They emphasize the importance of employee engagement and training, providing actionable steps for operators to enhance workplace safety.

📢 Visit Jenny's Website: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com

🌿 Our Guest: Alex Hearding

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🎧 Listen On : Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio

Timestamps

00:00 Podcast Intro & Host Background 01:40 Guest Intro & Background 02:24 Understanding OSHA and Worker Safety 05:30 The General Duty Clause 09:57 Common Hazards in the Cannabis Industry 12:28 OSHA's Role in Cannabis Facilities 19:35 Core Components of a Safety Program 25:46 OSHA Respiratory Protection Program 27:09 Voluntary vs. Mandatory Respirator Use 29:30 Small Business OSHA Compliance 34:02 Fire and Electrical Safety in Cannabis Operations 38:26 OSHA Compliance and Record Keeping 41:17 Employee Engagement and Safety Culture 45:51 Wrap Up & Actionable Steps