Joint Session: Diverse Voices in NYS Cannabis

On this episode of Joint Session, Herb is joined by Joshua Wilson, the General Manager of Culture House NYC. Josh shares his extensive experience in the cannabis industry, discussing his journey from California to New York. He delves into the evolution of the cannabis market in California, the challenges faced by operators, and the lessons that New York can learn from California's experience. Josh...

In this conversation, Herb Barbot is joined by Marc Shepard to talk about the upcoming NECANN conference in Rochester, NY. They discuss the evolution of NECANN, a cannabis industry convention that has been running since 2014. Mark shares the original motivations for creating NECANN, the shift from a focus on medical marijuana to adult use, and the challenges and opportunities present in the New Yo...

On this episode of Joint Session, Herb is joined by Brendan McKee, co-founder and COO of Silver Therapeutics. Brendan discusses the company's journey in the cannabis industry, employee retention strategies, multi-state expansion, and the importance of company culture. Brendan shares insights on the challenges faced during their growth, the evolution of the cannabis market, and his personal aspirat...

On this episode of Joint Session, Herb is joined by Beck Hickey and Erin Thurmond. Beck and Erin share a candid look inside New York’s cannabis licensing battle, focusing on the frustrations and uncertainty surrounding the December Queue . They break down how shifting rules, political decisions, and market analysis have left thousands of equity-focused applicants in limbo, while early license hold...

On this episode of Joint Session, Herb is joined by Leah Sera, Associate Dean and Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, to discuss the groundbreaking Graduate Studies in Medical Cannabis program. Leah outlines the program's structure, curriculum, and the diverse backgrounds of its students. Serra addresses the challenges of teaching evidence-based practices in a fie...

In this two-part episode of Joint Session , Herb unpacks one of the most consequential regulatory crises to hit New York’s legal cannabis industry. Part 1: Legal Insight and Legislative Fallout Herb Barbot is joined by cannabis attorneys Fatima Afia of Rudick Law and Benjamin Rattner of Cermele & Wood LLP to break down the legal and legislative chaos unleashed by New York State's recent enforc...

On this episode of Joint Session, Herb is joined by Chef Joshua Tepperberg, known as The Mediblist. Joshua discusses his journey into the cannabis culinary space, emphasizing the medicinal benefits of cannabis in food. He explains the concept of being a Mediblist, the importance of consistent dosing in cannabis-infused dishes, and shares his creative process for developing new recipes. Chef Joshua...

On this episode of Joint Session, Herb is joined by Gahrey Ovalle and Hugo Rivas from the Long Island Cannabis Coalition. They discuss the evolving landscape of cannabis legislation in New York, with a particular focus on Long Island. Concentrating on recent developments in local municipalities regarding cannabis retail, the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the industry, and the importance of...

On this episode of Joint Session, Herb is joined by Sheri Tarr JD, the founder and Chief Advisor at 68 Partners. Sheri is a compliance expert in the cannabis industry, who discusses the critical role of compliance in building sustainable cannabis businesses. She emphasizes the importance of understanding regulations, avoiding common compliance violations, and setting up proper procedures from the...

On this episode of Joint Session, Herb is joined by Nicolas Guarino, co-founder of Jaunty. Nicolas shares his journey from Venezuela to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the cannabis industry. He discusses the challenges of starting a business, the importance of branding and distribution, and the impact of his immigrant experience on his entrepreneurial spirit. Guarino emphasizes the significa...

On this episode, Herb is joined by Jay Randolph Wright, from Little Beach Harvest. They discuss the journey of the Shinnecock Nation into the cannabis market, emphasizing the importance of tribal sovereignty, community impact, and the unique advantages of operating outside the New York State cannabis regulations. He highlights the dispensary's tax-free sales, the challenges faced in collaborating...

In this episode, Herb welcomes a co-host, Velvet Kavanaugh, Founder of Phenologic, to host a panel discussion on brand marketing and business development for growing small cannabis companies in New York. On the panel are the founders of three distinct New York cannabis brands: Kristina Lopez from House of Puff, Alice Biano from Pinks, and Wyatt Harms from Flamer. They discuss their brand origins,...

In this episode, Herb is joined by Dobson sisters, Melany and Freya, co-founders of Hudson Cannabis. Melany and Freya open up about their roots as second-generation cannabis farmers in New York and how they’ve grown Hudson Cannabis into a bold, values-driven brand. They dive into what it really takes to build a business in one of the most regulated and misunderstood industries today, from navigati...

In this episode Herb is joined by Dr. Lissa Skitolsky PhD. Dr Skitolsky unpacks the deep roots between Judaism and the sacred herb—from ancient texts to modern rituals. We explore rabbinical debates, diaspora influence on cultivation, and how legalization is reshaping Jewish practices in Israel, Canada, and the U.S. A powerful conversation on healing, identity, and the spiritual side of cannabis....

In this episode, Herb is joined by Brian Applegarth, founder of Applegarth Strategies and the Cannabis Travel Association International. A recognized leader in cannabis and hemp tourism, Brian shares insights on how the industry has evolved, drawing lessons from early adopter states like Colorado and California. Together, they discuss how cannabis can be integrated into destination branding, the r...

In this episode, Herb is joined by Dr. Bridget Cole Williams, a board-certified family physician and medical cannabis specialist. Dr. Williams discusses her journey into the world of medical cannabis, the establishment of her mobile mocktail bar, the Blossom Bar, and the various medical conditions where cannabis has proven beneficial. She emphasizes the importance of proper dosing, patient educati...

In this episode, Herb is joined by Professor Rob Mejia, Adjunct Professor of Cannabis Studies at Stockton University. Professor Mejia discusses his journey into cannabis education and the various career opportunities available in the cannabis industry. He highlights the distinction between plant-touching and non-plant-touching jobs, the importance of certifications, and how individuals can transit...

In this episode, Herb is joined by Howie Rondinone. Howie shares his journey from the legacy cannabis market to becoming a licensed dispensary owner in New York. He discusses the lessons learned from his past experiences, the unique atmosphere he created at Nuna Harvest, and the importance of community engagement. Howie also reflects on the future of cannabis in New York and his plans for expansio...

In this episode, Herb is joined by Peter Su, Director of Specialty Banking at Hanover Bank, to explore the evolution of cannabis banking. With over 20 years of experience in banking and cannabis consulting, Peter offers a deep look into how cannabis banking programs have developed over the past decade and the real-world effects of federal regulations like the Cole Memo and FinCEN guidance. The con...

In this episode of Joint Session, host Herb Barbot is joined by Brian Farmer, former Deputy Director of Compliance, former Deputy Director of Business Incubation Programs at the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). Brian shares his insights on the cannabis industry, with a particular focus on his experiences at OCM in New York. He discusses the challenges and opportunities within th...

In this episode of Joint Session, host Herb Barbot is joined by Dasheeda Dawson, the former Founding Executive Director of Cannabis NYC, author of the bestselling 'How to Succeed in the Cannabis Industry' and Board Chair of the Cannabis Regulators of Color Coalition. Dasheeda discusses her journey in the cannabis industry, from her role as Cannabis Manager in Portland, Oregon, to founding Cannabis...

In this episode of Joint Session, host Herb Barbot welcomes Scheril Murray Powell Esq. She is a Cannabis, Agricultural, Dietary Supplement, Trade, Psychedelic, and Regulatory Attorney as well as a High Times Top 100 Cannabis Influencer. Herb and Scheril explore the complex history of cannabis prohibition in New York, focusing on the racial and cultural influences that shaped its trajectory. Scheri...

In this episode of Joint Session, host Herb Barbot welcomes Kristy Zielinski, who shares her journey from owning a limo company to becoming the owner of High Tide Dispensary in New York. She discusses the challenges and insights gained while navigating the cannabis industry, the impact of the Joint Session podcast on her journey, and the importance of community support and compliance in the evolvi...

In this episode of Joint Session, host Herb Barbot welcomes Tabitha Robinson, the new director of the Maryland Cannabis Administration to the podcast. Tabatha discusses her transition from New York's cannabis regulatory landscape to Maryland. She highlights her achievements in social equity initiatives in New York, the challenges facing small businesses in Maryland, and her vision for the future o...

In this episode of Joint Session, host Herb Barbot welcomes Dr Moe Afaneh, COO of BioTrack. They delve into the implementation of New York State's cannabis traceability system, focusing on the Seed to Sale Traceability System developed by BioTrack. Dr. Afaneh discusses the importance of this system for ensuring product safety, compliance, and preventing black market activity. The conversation also...