Kaya Cast

On this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Carl Giannone, co founder of Trade Roots, the Massachusetts based pioneer behind the first vertically integrated social equity cannabis company. Carl walks us through his unlikely pivot from Wall Street to cannabis after a seed deck landed on a Thursday, and how that idea became a business spanning cultivation, manufacturing services a...

Krysta Jones, founder of The High Country Girls and leader of The Highly Connected, shares the real-world playbook for building cannabis brands that endure. From her organic start in Colorado to expanding across the U.S., Krysta explains how authentic community and a sharp focus on niche can beat broad, hype-driven marketing. Learn how to cultivate a tribe of rabid fans, leverage events and grassr...

On this episode of Kaya Cast, Tommy Truong continues the conversation with Ernest Toney, founder of BIPOCann, about the critical topic of raising capital for cannabis businesses. Ernest shares practical insights on crafting concise and compelling pitch decks that clearly articulate your market opportunity, competitive edge, team, financial projections, and use of funds—essential elements that reso...

In this insightful episode of Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Ernest Toney, founder of BIPOCann, to explore the journey of building a cannabis-focused business that champions social equity licensees. Ernest shares his transition from working with major cannabis trade shows to launching BIPOCann during the pandemic, driven by a passion to support underrepresented entrepreneurs n...

In this eye-opening episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Josh Swider, co-founder and CEO of Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs, to uncover the complex and often misunderstood world of synthetic cannabinoids in the cannabis and hemp industries. Josh draws on over a decade of experience as an analytical chemist to explain how synthetic cannabinoids like Delta-8, Delta-9, T...

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Anne Forkutza from BioTrack to unpack New York’s groundbreaking seed-to-sale system rollout and what it means for cannabis cultivators, processors, and retailers. Anne shares critical timelines for integration, explains how unique 16-digit digital ID tags work, and offers practical advice on how businesses can prepare for compli...

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Dan Serard, partner at Cannabis Creative Group, to dive deep into building a strong cannabis dispensary brand and marketing strategy from the ground up. Dan shares expert insights on when dispensary owners should start thinking about branding—highlighting the importance of beginning early, ideally months before opening day. They...

Running a dispensary isn’t just about selling cannabis — it’s about creating a brand that people trust, love, and recommend. In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Christa Peay from Greenery Spot in Johnson City, NY, to talk about how they built one of the most community-connected dispensaries in the state. Christa shares: - How strategic partnerships with local busi...

In this special solo episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong reflects on reaching the halfway mark of the podcast’s third year, sharing invaluable insights from his experience working with dispensaries and cannabis businesses. Tune in as Tommy discusses key strategies for scaling operations, common costly mistakes to avoid, and exciting plans ahead for Kaya Cast. Plus, hear about the u...

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy sits down with Haley Glover, a seasoned security expert with over 13 years in the cannabis space, to uncover the costly mistakes dispensary owners make during build-outs. From regulatory nightmares in Minnesota to the importance of backup generators and choosing the right security partner, Haley drops insider knowledge on how to stay compliant, save...

On this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Justin Johnson, founder of BudsFeed and Managing Partner at Dyspensr, to explore the evolving cannabis accessories market and how dispensaries can leverage it for growth. Justin shares the origin story of BudsFeed—a user-generated platform designed to connect the tight-knit cannabis community—and reveals how it led to the launch...

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Glenwood Ferguson, also known as "The Cannabis Doc," to dive into the evolving cannabis landscape in The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Oklahoma’s competitive market. Glenwood shares his firsthand experience launching medical cannabis programs, overcoming operational challenges, and building high-performing teams committed to educa...

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Scott Prisco, founder of Priscotty, to dive deep into the world of cannabis delivery services. Scott shares invaluable insights on when dispensaries should consider adding delivery — emphasizing the importance of having a solid tech stack, trained staff, and operational control before expanding. They explore the economics behind...

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Max Vansluys from Dialed In Gummies to explore the exciting frontier of minor cannabinoids and the rising popularity of rosin concentrates. Max breaks down key cannabinoids like THCV, CBN, CBG, CBC, and how their unique effects—from focus and appetite suppression to sleep aid—are reshaping consumer experiences beyond traditional...

On this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we sit down with Meilad Rafiei from WeCann, a seasoned cannabis industry expert with roots as a dispensary owner in California since 2014. Meilad shares his unique journey navigating the early days of legal cannabis amid competing with illicit operators, his strategic approach to buying and selling dispensaries, and insights on market timing to maximize bu...

In this insightful episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Tim Morland from Vertis to discuss the current state and future of the cannabis industry in California. Tim sheds light on the ongoing consolidation, market oversaturation, and the challenging retail landscape facing dispensaries today. They dive deep into the evolving hemp regulations, the potential for low-dose...

In this eye-opening episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Brett Gelfand, founder of Cannabiz Credit Association and a seasoned cannabis industry operator. Drawing from his unique background running dispensaries and brands in Colorado, Brett dives deep into the critical challenges cannabis businesses face around credit, cash flow, and collections. Listeners will discover why...

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 helpi...

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 u...

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 stumbli...

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Kaya Cast Podcast, where we delve into the ins and outs of managing a successful cannabis dispensary. Join us as we sit down with Chris Reid, an expert from Cova, who shares his extensive knowledge on setting up and scaling profitable cannabis retail businesses. In this episode, Chris challenges common assumptions about inventory and customer preferences,...

Welcome back to Kaya Cast, where we dive deep into the strategies and challenges of growing a cannabis business. This week, we're thrilled to bring you an insightful discussion with Dennis O'Malley, CEO Co-pilot and strategic advisor at Echtrai. Dennis, alongside his partner Hannah O'Brien, specializes in turning around and scaling up companies, bringing invaluable foresight and experience to lead...

In this insightful episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we welcome Michael Ziegler, an esteemed CPA, President of Cannabiz Advisor and owner-operator of the highly successful Indigo Dispensary in New Jersey.     As both an accountant and a dispensary owner, Michael brings a unique and invaluable perspective to navigating the financial and operational challenges within the cannabis industry. Tune in a...

In this transformative episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy welcomes Bryan Fields, a standout voice from Eighth Revolution and host of the Dime podcast. Bryan brings a deep well of expertise in cannabis industry trends and the groundbreaking role of technology in shaping the future of cannabis businesses. From the strategic implementation of AI to understanding efficiency beyond buzzwords,...

In this essential episode of Kaya Cast, we delve deep into the often overlooked but vital world of insurance for cannabis dispensaries. Join us as we sit down with Michael Sampson from Symphony Risk, a seasoned expert in crafting tailored insurance solutions for the cannabis industry. Michael brings his extensive experience and insights on why it's critical to secure the right insurance policies f...