Qredible Broadcast

Cannabis Advocacy & Collective Growth with Shanita Penny

Shanita Penny, SVP at Forbes Tate Partners and founder of Budding Solutions, discusses her extensive experience in the cannabis industry with Brian Fitzpatrick, Qredible CEO.
She highlights the importance of bringing diverse professional skills to the sector, addressing social equity issues, and balancing legalization with criminal justice reform.
Penny emphasizes the need for improved workplace policies, data integrity in testing, and collaboration across industries. She advocates for destigmatization, inclusive policies, and the application of expertise from regulated industries to advance the cannabis sector responsibly.

The Past, Present, and Future of Industrial Hemp in America with Joseph Hickey, Sr.

Joseph Hickey, a long-time advocate for hemp farming, discusses his journey and efforts in reviving the hemp industry in Kentucky and the U.S.
He recounts discovering historical documents about hemp's significance in Kentucky, which inspired him to re-establish the Kentucky Hemp Growers Cooperative Association. Hickey emphasizes the differences between industrial hemp and marijuana, advocating for regulatory changes to treat hemp as an agricultural crop.
He also highlights the economic and environmental benefits of hemp, stressing the need for a robust supply chain and the role of major corporations in driving hemp's future growth.

Challenges Facing Medical Cannabis Operators with Christine Harrell

Christine Harrell, founder of Firefly Growth Solutions, joins Brian Fitzpatrick, CEO of Qredible, to discuss challenges and opportunities in the medical cannabis industry.
Christine shares her journey from advocating for cannabis to working at LeafLink and founding Firefly. They discuss the disconnect between medical professionals and cannabis patients, the impact of regulations, and the importance of education and technology in the industry.
They also explore the future of cannabis, emphasizing the need for better safety standards, consumer protections, and the potential role of pharmaceuticals.

GreenGenes Technology with Ryan Guzall

Ryan Guzall joins us to discuss GreenGenes Technology, a platform that matches cannabis consumers with products based on genetics and user experiences. It addresses issues in cannabis testing, including lab shopping and THC inflation.
The importance of standardized testing methods, terpene profiling, and product integrity is emphasized. The conversation covers challenges in different cannabis markets, including California, Michigan, and Canada.
Ryan and Brian stress the need for consumer education, reliable testing standards, and maintaining product provenance throughout the supply chain.

ASTM Committee Week Recap with David Vaillencourt

David Vaillencourt joins us again to discuss the ongoing efforts to reschedule cannabis in the U.S., highlighting the frustration with bureaucratic delays.
He then focuses on the ASTM International committee week in Louisville, where experts from various sectors of the cannabis industry gathered to develop standards and frameworks. The importance of quality, differentiation, and standardization in the evolving cannabis market is emphasized.
David and Brian stress the need for industry-wide collaboration to create a robust regulatory framework and prepare for potential market changes.

Anti-Money Laundering in the Cannabis Industry with Mark Wolfrey, Peter Su, and Steven Schain

This episode features a discussion among banking and legal experts Mark Wolfrey, Peter Su, and Steven Schain about cannabis banking.
They cover the challenges of providing financial services to cannabis businesses, the impact of potential legislation like the SAFE Banking Act, and the complexities of regulatory compliance. They discuss the need for specialized knowledge and third-party validation in cannabis banking programs, as well as the ongoing challenges despite potential legal changes.

Entrepreneurship in Cannabis with Faye Coleman

Faye Coleman, a seasoned operations executive with over 25 years of experience, is the founder and CEO of Pure Genesis, a company focused on cannabis and hemp products, services, consulting, and educational programming.
Faye detailed her personal connection to the industry. Challenges discussed include overcoming industry stigma, securing funding, and navigating the complexities of the cannabis market, with a focus on social equity.

Cannabis Marketing for Small Business with Laurie Parfitt

In this episode, Laurie Parfitt discusses her transition from finance to cannabis marketing, her passion for building impactful campaigns, and her experience in the cannabis sector, including her role at Forefront Ventures.
She emphasizes the importance of brand strategy, targeting prime prospects, and being scrappy with marketing budgets. Laurie also highlights the differences in marketing strategies between large multi-state operators and smaller brands in the cannabis industry.

Opportunities and Challenges in Cannabis Beverages with Paulo Sobral

In this episode featuring Paulo Sobral, we discuss the evolution of the cannabis beverage industry, challenges in manufacturing and distribution, and the importance of education and compliance. Paulo discusses his journey to the cannabis industry and his mission to destigmatize it.
We highlight high production costs and regulatory complexities, the potential for growth in the alcohol alternative market, and the need for robust supply chain vetting and compliance.

A Group Effort: Diagnosing Cannabis's Path Forward with David Vaillencourt

David Vaillencourt, a cannabis industry standards expert, is the founder of the S3 Collective, a nonprofit bridging safety, science, and standards in cannabis. He also leads the GMP Collective, focusing on production, quality, and compliance.
He emphasizes the need for consistent safety standards across states to ensure consumer trust and marketplace credibility and highlights the misregulation in the industry, advocating for a unified approach to regulation and enforcement.