Emerald Insights

Cannabis licensing is a key indicator of market growth. Knowing where and how many were issued tells you exactly where your new business opportunities exist. In this episode, Ed will discuss cultivation, manufacturing, and retail/dispensary licensing across the U.S. to inform your 2026 strategy.

In this episode of the Cannacurio Podcast, Ed Keating speaks with Dotan Melech, Co-Founder & CEO of CTrust. They explore the evolving world of risk analysis, financial restructuring, and bankruptcy management in the cannabis industry. Dotan shares insights from his extensive experience helping companies navigate complex financial landscapes, manage risk, and leverage technology to create more resi...

In this episode of the Cannacurio Podcast, Ed Keating speaks with Tiffany Maggard, Vice President of Sales at Heffernan Insurance Brokers. They dive into the complexities of cannabis insurance—from coverage gaps and product recalls to cyberattacks and vault security. Tune in to hear real claims, practical advice, and industry insights. Heffernan considers themselves problem solvers. No matter what...

In this episode of the Cannacurio Podcast, Ed Keating interviews Coleman Retzlaff, National Sales Director at Quest Climate. Coleman shares how Quest’s high-efficiency dehumidifiers revolutionize cannabis cultivation, discusses energy-saving innovations, and reveals common grower mistakes. Dive into this episode for expert tips on boosting yields and sustainability! Quest's dehumidifiers have set...

On this episode of the Cannacurio Podcast, Ed Keating chats with Brett Gelfand, founder of CannaBIZ Collects and the Cannabiz Credit Association. They discuss Brett's journey from Colorado's cannabis market to pioneering solutions for credit and collection challenges in the industry. Learn how these organizations are transforming financial practices by leveraging data and collaboration to drive sm...

On this episode of the Cannacurio Podcast, Ed Keating sits down with Nohtal Partansky, CEO of Sorting Robotics, to explore how automation is transforming the cannabis industry. Nohtal shares the story of his evolution from working with NASA, to developing cutting-edge robotic systems designed to streamline cannabis production. Head over to http://www.cannabiz.media/cannacurio for a full transcript...

On this episode of the Cannacurio Podcast, Ed Keating interviews Joseph Lustberg, Managing Partner at Upwise Capital. They discuss Upwise’s journey, beginning just before COVID-19 and their expertise in cannabis financing, as well as insights on the types of loans offered, the challenges faced by cannabis operators, and how Upwise helps businesses secure capital. Head over to http://www.cannabiz.m...

In this episode of the Cannacurio Podcast, Ed Keating sits down with Bret Worley, CEO of MC Nutraceuticals, to explore the rapidly evolving cannabinoid industry. Bret shares his expertise on navigating the complexities of different US markets and highlights the importance of flexible regulation and compliance for industry growth. He also delves into MC Nutraceuticals' extensive global footprint, a...

On this episode of the Cannacurio Podcast, Ed Keating sits down with Brett Puffenbarger. Brett shares his unique journey to the cannabis industry, coining the tagline "from bong to boardroom." He delves into his passion for marketing operations, the importance of radical transparency in fostering genuine change in the cannabis sector, and also highlights the complexities of the industry, from the...

On this episode of the Cannacurio podcast, host Ed Keating interviews Guillermo Rodriguez, a Virtual CFO specializing in the cannabis industry. They discuss various topics including the roles and benefits of a Virtual CFO, the challenges of managing cash flow, the impact of 280E, and so much more! Head over to http://www.cannabiz.media/cannacurio for a full transcription and find us on social medi...

In this episode of the Cannacurio podcast, host Ed Keating interviews Kevin Brooks, the CEO of Conception Nurseries, the world's largest cannabis plant provider. They discuss his transition from Silicon Valley to the cannabis industry, how they are revolutionizing the cannabis industry with their innovative tissue culture techniques, and so much more! Head over to http://www.cannabiz.media/cannacu...

On this episode of the Cannacurio Podcast, Ed Keating chats with Shahbaaz Kara-Virani, Principal at SKVentures. They dive into Shahbaaz's unique career journey from Salesforce to the cannabis industry and discuss the key challenges and trends in cannabis business operations and technology. Head over to http://www.cannabiz.media/cannacurio for a full transcription and find us on social media for mo...

On this episode of the Cannacurio Podcast, Ed Keating chats with Patricia Rosi, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at Acreage Holdings. Their conversation touches on the evolution of cannabis brands, operational excellence, and the impact of federal policy changes. Tune in to learn about the key factors driving growth and innovation in the cannabis sector. Head over to http://www.cannabiz.media/...

On this episode of the Cannacurio podcast, host Ed Keating sits down with Chris Violas, CEO and founder of Blaze. Chris shares his journey into the cannabis industry, dating back to 2010 when he co-founded his first dispensary with his father during California's Prop 215 days. Drawing from his firsthand experience, Chris discusses how his time as a cannabis operator inspired him to create Blaze, a...

Cannabiz Media’s Chief Data Officer, Ed Keating, leads a discussion with industry leaders on how they survived 2023, and what they plan for 2024, for the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Series. Head over to http://www.cannabiz.media/cannacurio for a full transcription and find us on social media for more clips of new and upcoming episodes. Visit http://www.cannabiz.media to join thousand...

Cannabiz Media’s Chief Data Officer, Ed Keating, recaps the growth of the cannabis industry by providing insight into new licensing activity in 2023 for cultivation, manufacturing, and retail/dispensary licenses, including a regional breakdown. Head over to http://www.cannabiz.media/cannacurio for a full transcription and find us on social media for more clips of new and upcoming episodes. Visit h...

On this Cannacurio episode, Ed and Lou Rinaldi, a cannabis patient advocate, discuss how he got his start in this very public advocacy role, the truth about cannabis testing and the expose that blew the lid off of testing lab standards, the state of movement in Connecticut, and so much more! Head over to http://www.cannabiz.media/cannacurio for a full transcription and find us on Visit http://www....

On this Cannacurio episode, Ed and Jacques Santucci of Opus Consulting discuss his years of leadership experience that eventually lead him into the cannabis space, his success in working with Indigenous American tribes, the current state of the market and what trends we should be looking out for, and so much more! Head over to http://www.cannabiz.media/cannacurio for a full transcription and find...

On this Cannacurio episode, Ed and Lisa Buffo of the Cannabis Marketing Association discuss how she got her start in marketing, why she decided to start CMA, the benefits of being a member, their awards program, and so much more! Head over to http://www.cannabiz.media/cannacurio for a full transcription and find us on Visit http://www.cannabiz.media to join thousands of reputable companies from ar...

On this Cannacurio episode, Ed and Liesl Bernard of CannabizTeam discuss her start as a CPA and how she got her initial start in Recruiting, the current state of hiring within the industry, how they are approaching the market here in the US and beyond, and so much more! Head over to www.cannabiz.media/cannacurio for a full transcription and find us on Visit www.cannabiz.media to join thousands of...

On this Cannacurio episode, Cannabiz Media’s Chief Data Officer, Ed Keating recaps the Dispensary & Retailer, Cultivation and Manufacturing licensing activity & leaderboards for Q2 2023. Plus he touches on the unlicensed market, and the current moratoriums in place. Head over to http://www.cannabiz.media/cannacurio for a full transcription and find us on Visit http://www.cannabiz.media to join tho...

On this Cannacurio episode, Ed and David Friedman of Panther Capital discuss his background in finance and how they’re entering the cannabis space, all things mergers and acquisitions in the software space, trends that we should be looking out for, and so much more! Head over to http://www.cannabiz.media/cannacurio for a full transcription and find us on Visit http://www.cannabiz.media to join tho...

In honor of this Juneteenth, Cannabiz Media’s Chief Data Officer, Ed Keating sat down with Kaliko Castille of the Minority Cannabis Business Association. The MCBA is the largest national trade association dedicated to serving the needs of minority cannabis businesses and our communities. It represents minority and allied cannabis businesses, aspiring entrepreneurs, and supporters who share a visio...

On this Cannacurio episode, Cannabiz Media’s Chief Data Officer, Ed Keating, does a recap of the new store, cultivation, and manufacturing licensing activity & leaderboards by state between January-March 2023. He also discusses what the heck is going on with Oklahoma.

On this Cannacurio episode, Ed Keating is joined by Michael Piermont, President & CRO of Leaf Trade, to discuss how Leaf Trade is leading the wholesale cannabis marketplace and digital payment infrastructure within the cannabis industry, the merger with Sweed, the state of the current market, and more!