Episodios

  • Ep. 11: Cannabis Operator Series | Fireside Chat with Beatrice Carranza of Bachaz Mexican Gummies
    Jun 25 2025

    In this episode of 'Under the Microscope Operator Series', host Jenny Germano sits down with Beatrice Carranza, Founder of Bachaz Mexican Gummies to discuss her journey into the cannabis industry. With a background in social work and hospitality, Beatrice talks about her motivation to create the first bilingual labeled edible product in Colorado, targeting the Hispanic community. She shares the challenges and triumphs she’s faced, from the lengthy licensing process, educating and demystifying the stigma of cannabis in her community, and getting her authentic Mexican-flavored gummies into dispensaries after launching. Beatrice also emphasizes the importance of dedication and perseverance for small businesses and the value of building relationships with dispensaries. The episode culminates with insights into operating a regulated manufacturing business and advice to budding cannabis entrepreneurs.

    👉 Check out my website: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com

    👉 Our Guest: Beatrice Carranza 🌎 https://bachaz.com/

    Subscribe & Rate this Podcast ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    🎧 Follow Me : Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio & Pandora Radio

    Time Stamps

    00:00 Introduction and Host Background 00:49 Guest Introduction: Beatrice Carranza 01:39 Creating a Bilingual Cannabis Brand 02:56 Winning the THC Classic Award 04:30 Challenges and Triumphs of a Small Business 06:21 The Importance of Flavor and Cultural Connection 07:08 The 'Why' Behind the Bachaz Gummies 09:11 Navigating Regulations and Compliance 10:00 The Journey to Operational Readiness 17:53 The Reality of Running a Cannabis Business 23:13 Budgeting and Financial Challenges 25:25 Challenges of Payment Terms in the Cannabis Industry 26:04 Navigating Dispensary Relationships 26:40 The Impact of Payment Delays on Small Businesses 30:32 Introducing Authentic Mexican Flavors 34:10 Marketing Strategies and Customer Engagement 38:12 Overcoming Industry Challenges 44:25 Reflecting on the Journey and Future Advice 46:14 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up

    Más Menos
    48 m
  • Ep. 10: Don’t Get Burned Out: The Real Talk on Cannabis Compliance
    Jun 18 2025

    🎙In this special 10th episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano explores the critical issue of burnout among cannabis operators. She shares insights from her extensive experience in the cannabis industry, offers a detailed list of ten reasons why cannabis operators get burned out, and provides practical strategies to prevent and manage burnout. Jenny stresses the importance of having a 'why,' being proactive, creating a compliance program, and maintaining a positive mindset. This episode is a must-listen for both new and existing cannabis operators aiming to thrive long-term in this challenging industry.

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

    Timestamps

    00:00 Introduction and Milestone Celebration 00:30 The Importance of Avoiding Burnout 01:04 Jenny's Background in the Cannabis Industry 02:19 Defining Burnout and Its Impact 02:50 Top 10 Reasons Cannabis Operators Get Burned Out 17:23 The Reality of Running a Cannabis Business 22:47 The Importance of Having a Why 25:32 The Uncertainty of the Cannabis Industry 26:06 Adapting to Change is Critical 27:02 Six Strategies to Avoid Burnout 28:42 Be Proactive, Not Reactive 31:52 Recommitting to Your Why 34:06 Managing the Buckets of Compliance 37:28 Have the Right Support 38:45 Know Where You Are 45:13 Eliminate the Overwhelm 48:11 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up

    Más Menos
    50 m
  • Ep. 9: Security Strategies | Protecting Your Cannabis Business from Application to Operation
    Jun 11 2025

    In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano dives into the critical security strategies for cannabis businesses with guest Tony Gallo, a seasoned expert from Sapphire Risk Advisory Group. Tony shares his extensive experience in the cannabis industry, highlighting the importance of robust security measures during both the licensing and operational phases. Key discussion points include the necessity of a comprehensive security plan for license approval, the pitfalls of underestimating security requirements, the significance of employee training to prevent internal theft, and the benefits of ongoing security assessments. The episode emphasizes the importance of honesty, compliance, and thorough vetting of security partners to ensure the long-term success and safety of cannabis operations.

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

    📢 Our Guest: Tony Gallo from Sapphire Risk Advisory Group

    Timestamps

    00:00 Introduction and Host Background

    00:49 Guest Introduction

    02:34 Importance of Security in Cannabis Licensing

    07:37 Common Mistakes in Security Planning

    14:40 The Pitfalls of Using Gun Safes

    19:02 Vetting Your Security Company

    23:17 Common Mistakes Applicants Make

    24:56 The Impact of Lottery-Based Licensing

    28:08 Designing an Effective Security Plan

    29:32 Implementing Security Plans Post-License

    31:30 Preventing Employee Theft in Cannabis Operations

    37:21 Maintaining Security and Compliance

    41:06 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up

    Más Menos
    42 m
  • Ep. 8: Breaking Through the Challenges of Banking for Cannabis Regulated Businesses
    Jun 4 2025

    In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano discusses the nuances of banking for Cannabis Regulated Businesses (CRBs) with Erin O'Donnell and Michael Beird from the Association for Cannabis Banking. This episode explores the history, challenges, and future of cannabis banking. Learn about federal restrictions, compliance requirements, and the tiered risk system designed to manage these CRB’s. Discover practical advice for cannabis operators and hear why education and compliance are crucial for bridging the gap between bankers and cannabis professionals. Don’t miss this brass tacks discussion packed with expert knowledge and industry specific guidance.

    👉 Visit Jenny's website: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com

    📢 Our Guest Info: Founders Erin O'Donnell and Michael Beird

    Association for Cannabis Banking

    ✨New Book: Cannabis Banking: Legal Frameworks and Practical Solutions for Cultivating Compliance

    🙏 Subscribe to my Youtube Channel

    Subscribe & Rate this Podcast ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Introduction and Host Background 00:43 Guest Introductions and Backgrounds 03:51 Challenges in Cannabis Banking 04:25 Federal Restrictions and Their Impact 07:06 Current Financial Institutions Serving Cannabis 11:36 Banking Regulations and Compliance 15:15 Understanding FinCEN Guidelines 24:20 Risk Levels in Cannabis Banking 27:36 Understanding Revenue Streams in Cannabis Banking 27:56 Compliance Risks for Banks in Cannabis Industry 32:11 Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) Explained 36:35 Challenges and Solutions in Cannabis Banking 38:52 CRB Fees and Compliance Costs in Cannabis Banking 43:59 Tips for Cannabis Operators Seeking Banking Services 49:12 Educational Resources and Wrap Up

    Más Menos
    52 m
  • EP. 7: An Inside Look at Cannabis Policy | What Operators Need to Know
    May 28 2025

    🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano discusses cannabis policy and operations with guest Jordan Wellington from Strategies 64. The conversation delves into Jordan's extensive background in cannabis legislation and regulation. He shares his journey from New Jersey to Colorado, where he played a pivotal role in implementing Amendment 64. Jordan provides insights into the legislative process, misconceptions about cannabis regulations, the importance of stakeholder engagement and the nuances of navigating policy changes. The episode also addresses challenges and frustrations faced by operators, emphasizing the importance of professional engagement with regulators. Tune in to learn about effective strategies for navigating cannabis policy and fostering constructive dialogue in the industry.

    Check out my website: ICS Consulting

    Our Guest: Jordan Wellington, from Strategies 64

    Subscribe & Rate this Podcast ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Follow Me : Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio & Youtube

    Time Stamps

    00:00 Episode Introduction and Host Background

    00:37 Guest Introduction: Jordan Wellington

    00:56 Jordan's Journey into Cannabis Policy

    01:49 Implementing Amendment 64 in Colorado

    04:51 Regulating Adult Use Marijuana

    09:31 Understanding Cannabis Policy

    15:06 Misconceptions About Cannabis Policy

    21:53 Regulations being too Restrictive aka The Concentrate Flyer

    28:30 Customer Frustrations and Information Distribution

    29:17 Policy Changes and Labeling Challenges

    34:01 Overregulation in Emerging Markets

    37:36 Colorado's Regulatory Evolution and Lessons Learned

    46:56 Engaging with Regulators Effectively

    54:29 Wrap Up

    Más Menos
    56 m
  • Ep. 6: Licensing and Launching Cannabis Cultivation Facilities in Emerging Markets
    May 21 2025

    In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano dives into the complexities of licensing and launching cannabis cultivation facilities in emerging markets. Joined by industry veterans Stuart Ware and Matt Best from Joywave Consulting, share their extensive backgrounds in the cannabis industry and offer an integral approach into common licensing challenges, facility planning, compliance, budgeting, and the latest improvements in cultivation technology. Core topics include the obtaining licenses across different states, effective strategies for planning and designing cultivation facilities, and the critical components of compliance, scalability, and budgeting. The conversation also highlights the significant advancements in cultivation equipment, the importance of a robust market strategy, and the top mistakes new operators often make. This detailed and perceptive episode is jam packed with valuable guidance for anyone looking to enter into the emerging cannabis market.

    🌱 Our Guests: www.joywaveconsulting.com (Matt Best & Stuart Ware)

    👉 Check out my website: ICS Consulting

    👉 Subscribe to my Youtube Channel: Under The Microscope with Jenny

    🎧 Follow Me : Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio

    Tune in every Wednesday for a new episode. 📆

    Subscribe & Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Time Stamps

    00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:41 Guest Introductions and Backgrounds 03:31 Licensing for Cannabis Cultivation Operations 08:10 Types of Cultivation Licenses 15:01 Planning and Designing Cultivation Facilities 17:07 Balancing Compliance and Budget Considerations 20:27 Having a Phased Approach to Cultivation 26:32 Financing Variables for Cannabis Cultivation 30:34 Understanding the Costs of Operating Cultivation Facilities 32:34 Indoor vs. Outdoor Cultivation: Key Differences 34:26 Navigating Construction and Compliance 38:06 Advancements in Cultivation Equipment 46:09 The Importance of Marketing Strategy 51:27 Top Mistakes in the Cannabis Industry 56:35 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up

    #cannabisdispensary #cannabisoperations #cannabisindustry #cannabistalk101 #cannabiseducation #cannabis #cannabiscompliance #openacannabisbusiness #cannabisoperators #cannabisdaily #marijuananews #cannabisbusiness #podcast #cannabispodcast #cannabiscultivation #cultivation #cannabiseducation #cannabisgrowers

    Más Menos
    58 m
  • Ep. 5: Building a Strong Team in the Cannabis Industry | Overcoming the Common Challenges
    May 14 2025

    Join host Jenny Germano on 'Under the Microscope' as she delves into the intricacies of building a successful team in the regulated cannabis market. Drawing from her extensive experience since 2009 in vertically integrated cannabis operations and a decade of consulting, Jenny discusses key factors behind the success and failures of cannabis businesses. Learn why effective business planning, cash flow management, market experience, leadership, operational management, adaptability, compliance, and marketing are crucial. Plus, discover invaluable steps and insights for assembling and managing a team that can navigate the dynamic landscape of the cannabis industry.

    👉Check out my website: ICS Consulting

    Subscribe & Rate this Podcast ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    🙏 Follow Me : Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio & Youtube

    Time Stamps

    00:00 Introduction and Host Background

    01:29 Diving into the Topic: Building a Team

    02:54 Challenges in the Cannabis Industry

    09:06 Importance of Compliance and Adaptability

    13:59 Marketing and Branding Strategies

    19:21 Hiring the Right Talent

    24:02 Roles and Responsibilities in Cannabis Operations

    29:48 Steps to Building a Successful Team

    42:05 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up

    #cannabisdispensary #cannabisoperations #cannabistalk101 #cannabiseducation #cannabis #cannabiscompliance #openacannabisbusiness #cannabisoperators #cannabisdaily #marijuananews #cannabiscultivation

    Más Menos
    47 m
  • Ep. 4: Cannabis Operator Series | Fireside Chat with Dan Koogler
    May 7 2025

    In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano launches the Podcasts Cannabis Operator Series, and fireside chat with Dan Koogler from TS Labs. They discuss Dan's journey from the military to the cannabis industry, detailing his experiences with navigating cannabis operations and ownership. Dan shares insights into building a successful cannabis business in Denver, Colorado. Listen in and discover strategies to confront regulatory hurdles, facility construction challenges, the value of a committed work ethic, and adapting to market demands. The conversation highlights the importance of consumer data, hiring the right team, and maintaining high product quality. Practical advice for new operators includes understanding local regulations, having sufficient capital, and fostering relationships with regulatory bodies. The episode serves as an informative guide for current and aspiring cannabis operators, offering real-world examples and solutions to common industry challenges.

    🎙 Our Guest Info: Dan Koogler from TS Labs

    👉 Check out my website: ICS Consulting

    Subscribe & Rate this Podcast ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    📢 Follow Me : Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio & Youtube

    #cannabisdispensary #cannabisoperations #cannabistalk101 #cannabiseducation #cannabis #cannabiscompliance #openacannabisbusiness #cannabisoperators #cannabisdaily #marijuananews #cannabiscultivation

    Time Stamps

    00:00 Introduction and Host Background

    00:48 Guest Introduction: Dan Koogler of TS Labs

    01:00 Dan's Background and Journey into Cannabis

    04:42 Challenges in Getting Operational

    12:40 Product Line and Market Adaptation

    16:01 Lessons Learned and Advice for New Operators

    19:29 Building Relationships with Regulators

    22:42 Consumer Feedback and Product Quality

    23:37 Challenges in the Colorado Market

    24:08 Regulatory Changes in Colorado's Cannabis Industry

    25:46 Challenges Faced by Cannabis Businesses

    27:59 Financial Struggles and Payment Issues in the Cannabis Market

    32:22 Building a Dedicated Team

    37:43 Veterans in the Cannabis Industry

    40:38 Commitment and Quality in Cannabis Production

    42:15 Innovations and Trends in Cannabis Products

    45:15 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up

    Más Menos
    47 m