Qredible Broadcast

The Southern Shift: Inside Georgia's Cannabis Movement - with Judson Hill

In this compelling Good Friday edition of Qredible Live, we’re joined by Judson Hill, Georgia Market President at Fine Fettle, one of only six licensed medical cannabis operators in the state. Judson walks us through his powerful personal journey—from fashion entrepreneur and tech startup founder to cannabis advocate and public health leader. With a bold mission to reshape the Southern cannabis landscape, Judson shares how Georgia’s medical program compares nationally, and what’s on the horizon for regulatory reform, patient access, and cannabis innovation in the region.
From lobbying his own father (former State Senator Judson Hill Sr.) to launching California-based pre-roll brands, Judson offers an inside look at policy wins, medical milestones, and the grassroots push to educate legislators.
🔑 Topics Covered:
Judson’s journey from e-commerce and fashion to medical cannabis leadership
The evolution of cannabis access and public health in Georgia
Why Georgia's cannabis law is among the strictest in the U.S.
Cannabis vs. hemp: The regulation and retail reality in the South
The opportunity in THC beverages as an alcohol alternative
How vertically integrated models affect product consistency and patient safety
Track-and-trace tech and why Georgia is doing things differently
The role of science, advocacy, and patient voices in shaping policy
🧠 Key Quotes:
“I had to lobby my own dad first — a sitting Georgia Senator — to see the medical benefits of cannabis.”
“Georgia has the opportunity to be a cannabis leader, not because we’re first, but because we’ve learned from every other state’s mistakes.”
“It’s not just about the industry. It’s about access, trust, and treating cannabis like real medicine.”
👥 Special Thanks To:
The Georgia Medical Cannabis Commission (GMCC)
Atlanta Sickle Cell Foundation, Atlanta Cancer Society
All participating legislators and patient advocates

Founder of CSAC, Pierre Killeen, talks on Standards, Self-Regulation & the Rise of Cannabis Quality Movements

In this insightful episode of Qredible Live, host Brian Fitzpatrick welcomes Pierre Killeen, a leading voice in Canadian cannabis policy and Executive Director of the Cannabis Standards Alliance of Canada (CSAC). Together, they unpack the growing crisis of trust in the cannabis industry—and how CSAC is tackling it head-on through standards, self-regulation, and industry collaboration.
🧭 What You’ll Learn
Segment 1: What is CSAC?
The origins and mission behind CSAC
Why the industry needs rigorous, science-based standards
The core pillars: Quality, Compliance, Certification, Empowerment
How CSAC differs from traditional regulators and labs
Segment 2: Inside the Standards Movement
Recap of CSAC’s first Standards Workshop
Who’s at the table: labs, licensed producers, industry leaders
The birth of the CSAC Quality Label and what it means for consumers
Key challenges in sampling, testing, and labeling THC
Segment 3: Canada vs. the U.S.
Why Canada’s federal model still has blind spots
The U.S. “patchwork” challenge: innovation meets inconsistency
Cross-border lessons: what each market can learn from the other
How CSAC could inspire global standardization efforts
Segment 4: The Road Ahead
Upcoming CSAC initiatives: proof of concept, certifications, education
Bringing transparency to medical cannabis patients
How digital tools and tech partnerships can drive change
How companies can join the movement via cansac.org
Segment 5: Final Thoughts
Pierre’s vision: A more trustworthy, transparent cannabis ecosystem
Why now is the moment for industry-led change
A call to action for labs, brands, and advocates to get involved
👥 Guest Spotlight: Pierre Killeen
Lawyer, public affairs veteran, cannabis policy expert
Former exec at HEXO and Cannabis Council of Canada
Now leading CSAC in developing and enforcing voluntary standards

Technology-Enabled Compliance with Jeff Wise from Newbold Advisors

In this insightful episode of the Qredible Live Broadcast, the team is joined by Jeff Wise, Managing Director at Newbold Advisors, to dive deep into the convergence of technology, compliance, and risk management — especially within the evolving cannabis industry. With decades of experience in financial services and risk leadership, Jeff brings unparalleled knowledge to the table, drawing parallels between the mortgage crisis and the current regulatory maturation of the cannabis space.
Together with Brian Fitzpatrick, the hosts break down:
The cannabis industry's “regulatory pendulum” and how it mirrors other industries’ evolution
The shift from firefighting mode to fire prevention via proactive compliance
Why many cannabis companies are still stuck in manual processes (Google Sheets, paper checklists!) — and what it’s costing them
The critical importance of enterprise tools vs. seed-to-sale tracking platforms
The massive role AI will play in compliance — and the governance risks it introduces
Third-party risk management, illustrated with real-world case studies (including vendor-related shutdowns)
How fractional CTOs and targeted tech assessments can offer ROI without huge spend
The importance of embracing “corporate process thinking” in an industry historically rooted in non-traditional ops
🔍 Key Topics:
🚨 Compliance in cannabis: Where companies are vulnerable
🧠 Tech & AI: Powerful, but risky without governance
🔧 Tech assessments: Knowing where to invest (and why)
💡 Lessons from the 2008 mortgage crisis for cannabis leaders
📉 The true cost of legacy workflows
⚖️ Fairness and artificial intelligence: A compliance landmine?
🔄 Managing third-party and vendor risks proactively
🛡️ How regulatory oversight is tightening — and what to do before it’s too late
🧠 Notable Quotes:
“You can outsource the function — but you can’t outsource the risk.”— Jeff Wise
“AI is an amazing tool, but garbage in, garbage out — your model is only as good as your data.”— Brian Fitzpatrick
“Technology isn’t the silver bullet — bad processes just become faster bad processes.”— Jeff Wise

Professionalizing the Cannabis Industry - with Michelle Whitmore

In this episode of Qredible Live, we welcome Michelle Whitmore, a dynamic HR leader and founding partner at H2 Talent. Michelle shares her journey into the cannabis industry, the challenges of integrating legacy operators with corporate professionals, and strategies for attracting and retaining top talent. With experience spanning companies like Sega of America, Comcast, and Canna Advisors, Michelle offers valuable insights on leadership, compliance, and the evolving workforce in cannabis.
Key Discussion Points:
Michelle’s transition from the high-tech industry to cannabis HR
Challenges in hiring from both inside and outside the cannabis industry
The cultural divide between legacy operators and corporate professionals
Strategies for bridging the "Roots vs. Suits" gap
The growing role of technology and digital transformation in cannabis operations
Predictions for the future of HR and recruitment in cannabis

State Lines & Bottom Lines: The Cannabis & Hemp Dilemma with Tyler Klimas

Join us for an insightful episode of the Qredible Live Broadcast featuring Tyler Klimas, the founder and principal of Leaf Street Strategies. With a wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors, Tyler has played a pivotal role in shaping cannabis policy nationwide. He discusses the evolution of cannabis regulation, the challenges faced by new and established markets, and the ongoing debate surrounding hemp and cannabis regulation.
Key Topics Discussed:
1. Introduction to Tyler Klimas
Founder of Leaf Street Strategies, a consulting firm specializing in cannabis and hemp regulatory compliance.
Former President of the Cannabis Regulators Association.
Inaugural Executive Director of the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board.
Experience in federal lobbying and state regulatory development.
2. Cannabis Regulation and Market Evolution
The role of the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board in establishing a sophisticated regulatory framework.
Challenges faced by cannabis markets, including licensing and compliance issues.
The impact of slow market rollouts on illicit market activity.
Lessons learned from Nevada’s regulatory journey and how other states can implement best practices.
3. New and Established Markets: Challenges and Opportunities
Speed to market and its significance in launching successful cannabis programs.
Social equity initiatives and the challenges in implementing them effectively.
The role of medical markets in facilitating adult-use cannabis transitions.
Notable state successes and struggles, including New York, Ohio, and Delaware.
4. The Hemp vs. Cannabis Debate
The regulatory gray areas surrounding hemp-derived THC products.
The challenges and conflicts between hemp and cannabis industries.
Potential solutions for a unified regulatory approach.
The role of product testing, consumer safety, and compliance.
5. Federal Cannabis Reform and Industry Predictions
The potential impact of federal rescheduling or descheduling.
The Trump factor and its influence on federal cannabis policy.
The need for regulatory refinement and alignment between state and federal policies.
The future of multi-state operators (MSOs) and how businesses are adapting to survive.
6. Emerging Market Trends and Innovations
The rise of cannabis beverages and alternative consumption methods.
Expanding consumer demographics and their purchasing behaviors.
The push for better education on terpenes, cannabinoids, and product quality.
Key Quotes from the Episode:
“Speed to market is crucial in preventing illicit activity and ensuring the success of new cannabis programs.”
“The biggest challenge for regulators is balancing consumer safety with business viability.”
“The industry is at a pivotal point where collaboration between hemp and cannabis is necessary for sustainable growth.”

The Great Hemp Debate: Who’s Really in Charge?

In this episode of The Qredible Live Broadcast, we welcome Jena Murray, the newly appointed President of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable. With over a decade of expertise in regulatory affairs, quality assurance, and industry advocacy, Jena has been a driving force in shaping the responsible growth of the hemp and CBD industries.
Join us as we dive into the current state of the hemp industry, regulatory challenges, and what the future holds for hemp-derived products. Jena shares her insights on the latest policy developments, sustainability efforts, and the ongoing debate over who truly controls the hemp market.
Topics Covered:
✅ Jena Murray’s journey and leadership in the hemp industry✅ The role of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable in advocacy and policy reform✅ Key regulatory challenges affecting hemp and CBD businesses✅ Sustainability and the future of hemp farming✅ Misinformation and the battle over market control✅ Action steps for industry stakeholders and consumers
Why You Should Listen:
If you’re a business owner, advocate, or consumer invested in the future of hemp and CBD, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the industry’s regulatory landscape and learn what’s next for hemp legalization and consumer protection.

Fintech, Fraud, and the Future of Payments with Noah Fitzgerald

In this episode of the Qredible Live Broadcast, we sit down with fintech pioneer Noah Fitzgerald, an industry leader in payment processing, compliance, and revenue strategy. Noah brings over 30 years of experience in payments, financial technology, and compliance, having held key roles at First Data, Chase Payment Tech, Vantiv, and World Pay.
As Chief Revenue Officer at Qredible, Noah is on a mission to transform high-risk industry payment processing by improving compliance and financial transparency. Today, we discuss the evolving world of payments, regulatory changes affecting merchants, and how Qredible is innovating to make compliance easier, faster, and more reliable for businesses.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How the payment processing game is changing – especially in regulated industries like CBD, hemp, and alternative markets✅ Why compliance matters more than ever – and how failing to meet regulations can shut down your business✅ The impact of regulatory shifts on financial services and what merchants need to do to stay ahead✅ How Qredible’s new innovations – including QVerify and MyCOA – are streamlining compliance and reducing risk✅ What happens when businesses don’t follow the rules – including getting placed on the “match list” (aka the industry’s “naughty list” 🚨)
Featured Guest:
💡 Noah Fitzgerald🔹 Chief Revenue Officer, Qredible🔹 Certified Payments Professional🔹 Expert in fintech, compliance, and revenue strategy🔹 Passionate about empowering small businesses and financial inclusion
Resources & Links
🔗 Learn more about Qredible & Compliance Solutions: www.qredible.com

The Robin Hood of Restricted Ads: Cannabis Marketing with Michael Gaman

In this week’s Qredible Live Broadcast, host Brian Fitzpatrick, CEO of Qredible welcomes Michael Gaman, the CEO of Yerbalist and a trailblazer in digital marketing for the cannabis industry. Known as the "Robin Hood of Restricted Ads," Michael shares his expertise on navigating strict advertising rules for regulated products like cannabis.
From unlocking social media's potential to amplifying digital strategies, Michael dives into the complexities and opportunities of cannabis marketing while sharing actionable advice for businesses. The discussion also touches on common missteps in the industry and the delicate balance between compliance and conversion.
Key Topics Discussed:
Introducing Michael Gaman
CEO of Yerbalist, specializing in digital marketing for cannabis dispensaries.
Over $40M managed in ad spend across regulated industries.
Tackling advertising restrictions and earning the title "Robin Hood of Restricted Ads."
Challenges in Cannabis Marketing
Navigating ad platform restrictions on Meta, Google, and others.
Avoiding shadow bans, ensuring compliance, and staying creative.
Common pitfalls in cannabis e-commerce: overcomplicated age-gating, excessive ID requirements, and poor website usability.
Michael’s Journey and Expertise
From legacy markets to modern cannabis advertising.
Insights into successful ad strategies for dispensaries and direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands.
The impact of the 2018 Farm Bill on hemp and CBD marketing.
How to Build a Winning Digital Strategy
Creating seamless customer experiences with simplified checkouts and accessible menus.
Leveraging organic social media, SEO, and digital ads to amplify success.
Why a solid foundation is critical before running paid ads.
The Compliance vs. Conversion Debate
Balancing legal requirements with user-friendly shopping experiences.
The unintended consequences of overly cautious compliance strategies.
Michael’s advice on optimizing websites and boosting conversions while staying compliant.
Audience Engagement and Growth Tips
Advertising within licensed jurisdictions.
Tips for small cannabis businesses to compete in a growing industry.
Insights on age-gating, ID verification, and keeping customers engaged.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for the Cannabis Industry
Modernizing digital practices to stay competitive.
The role of self-regulation and responsible advertising in cannabis.
Michael’s vision for the future of marketing in this evolving space.
Special Mentions:
Yerbalist: www.yerbalist.com
Connect with Michael Gaman on LinkedIn
Shoutout to cannabis beverage brands and their unique challenges.
Next Week’s Episode:Don’t miss a special mentorship-focused episode featuring Brian Fitzpatrick and Phil Huff from Focal Point Coaching. Tune in for insights and advice tailored for young entrepreneurs and emerging CEOs in the cannabis space.
Episode Links:
Qredible: www.qredible.com
 
Join the Conversation:Have a question for Michael or want to learn more about cannabis advertising? Connect with the team on social media or visit the Qredible website to stay updated.

What YOU Need to Know About Cannabis Law - with Aaron Pelley

In this insightful episode, host Brian Fitzpatrick welcomes Aaron Pelley, a distinguished attorney and cannabis law expert, to discuss the evolving landscape of cannabis regulation. Aaron, now with Harris Sliwoski, brings over 17 years of experience navigating the complexities of compliance, corporate governance, and litigation in highly regulated industries.
The conversation dives deep into the unique challenges cannabis businesses face, including multi-state compliance, tax burdens under Section 280E, and the potential impacts of cannabis rescheduling on the industry. Aaron also shares practical advice on the importance of legal compliance and governance for cannabis entrepreneurs aiming for long-term success.
Key Topics Covered:
Aaron Pelley’s background and transition to Harris Sliwoski
Compliance challenges in the cannabis industry, especially for multi-state operators
The impact of Section 280E on cannabis businesses and potential relief through Schedule III reclassification
The role of policy reform and federal legalization in shaping the industry
Strategic legal guidance for entrepreneurs, from startups to multi-state operators
The importance of proactive compliance to avoid costly litigation and prepare for funding or acquisition opportunities
Notable Quotes:
"Good legal work is like an insurance policy—it helps businesses avoid future problems." – Brian Fitzpatrick
"Compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about setting your business up for future growth and investment." – Aaron Pelley
"Federal legalization could bring both opportunities and significant competition. Businesses must be prepared." – Aaron Pelley
Resources & Links:
Connect with Aaron Pelley: LinkedIn
Learn more about Harris Sliwoski: Firm Website
Follow the Qredible Live Broadcast by subscribing to our YouTube channel for more industry insights
Connect with Us:
Host Joy Youell: LinkedIn
Host Brian Fitzpatrick: LinkedIn
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Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney for legal matters.

Ensuring Safety & Quality in the Cannabis Industry with Darwin Millard

This final episode of the year spotlights the urgent need for standardized safety and quality protocols in the cannabis industry. Darwin Millard, an experienced mechanical engineer and industry veteran, discusses the complexities of state-by-state regulations, consumer safety concerns, and the role of organizations like CSQ in establishing global benchmarks for product consistency and safety.
Key Topics:
Regulatory Patchwork: Current state-by-state discrepancies lead to inconsistent testing standards and potential consumer risks.
Global Standards Needed: Importance of uniform safety and quality measures, ranging from contaminants and potency to labeling and GMP compliance.
CSQ’s Role: How CSQ provides a framework for CGMP certification, helping cannabis businesses meet rigorous safety and quality standards across markets.
Technology Integration: Using digital tools (like Credible) to streamline compliance, reduce costs, and ensure ongoing operational excellence.
Future Outlook: Anticipation of federal reforms, the push for descheduling or rescheduling, and industry efforts to unify voices and establish international best practices.
Next Episode:
Returns Friday, January 10!
Takeaway: Industry-wide collaboration, adherence to global standards, and technology-driven solutions are essential for building consumer trust and ensuring a safer, more consistent cannabis market.