Joint Session: Diverse Voices in NYS Cannabis

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...

In this episode of Joint Session, host Herb Barbot welcomes Joe Rossi, a prominent figure in New York's cannabis industry and founder of Modern Advocacy LLC. They discuss the evolution of the cannabis market in New York after 4 years of the MRTA, the challenges faced by licensed operators, and the importance of social equity in the industry. Rossi shares insights on regulatory changes, legislative...

In this episode Herb speaks with Axel Bernabe , inaugural Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Director for the New York State Office of Cannabis Management.  Axel, a partner at Manatt Health in NYC, was health counsel to former NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo.  In that role, Axel helped negotiate the groundbreaking Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act with the NYS Legislature.   Our Licensee Highlight seg...

In this episode Herb speaks with Tavian Crosland , New York Director of the Social Equity Empowerment Network .  Tavian is an impassioned and thoughtful advocate for ensuring that the path to cannabis legalization and commercialization does not leave behind those communities and individuals who were disproportionately impacted by criminal enforcement.  Tavian, a former legacy operator, shares deep...

In this episode Herb speaks with New York City Council Member Julie Menin. Council Member Menin represents New York City’s District 5 which covers the Upper East Side of Manhattan, as well as East Harlem, Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island, Carnegie Hill, and Yorkville. Council Member Menin’s broad history serving NYC residents as the City’s Census Director, Commissioner of Consumer Affairs, as well as C...

In this special two-part series Herb speaks with former NYS Office of Cannabis Management colleagues – Aaron Ghitelman , Benjamin Sheridan, and Matthew Greenberg . The group holds nothing back in a wide-ranging discussion reviewing events from enactment of the NYS Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act on March 31, 2021, through the following three years. In a conversation sure to raise eyebrows, t...

In this special two-part series Herb speaks with former NYS Office of Cannabis Management colleagues – Aaron Ghitelman , Benjamin Sheridan, and Matthew Greenberg . The group holds nothing back in a wide-ranging discussion reviewing events from enactment of the NYS Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act on March 31, 2021, through the following three years. In a conversation sure to raise eyebrows, t...

In this episode Herb speaks with cannabis real estate attorney Kristin Jordan about Kentucky’s medical marijuana applications, the impetus for creating the Asian Cannabis Roundtable , and the real estate challenges facing New York’s cannabis market. Our Licensee Highlight segment features Reggie Keith, founder Buffalo’s Canna-House , a premiere cannabis event club, lifestyle brand, and resource ce...

The measure of injuries and fatalities on the country’s roadways following cannabis legalization has been haphazard and inconclusive.  In this episode Herb speaks with Chuck DeWeese , former head of the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, former chair of the national Governors’ Highway Safety Association, and founder/CEO of Connecting Clients Consulting LLC.  In addition to the res...

New York State’s cannabis program has been a magnet for lawsuits that have stymied progress in issuing licenses and growing the industry. Is the problem the agency’s implementation of the governing law, or is it the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act itself that is the problem? In this episode Herb speaks with attorney Fatima Afia and covers the full range of lawsuits that have been filed again...

In this episode Herb briefly covers news items from across the country, and locally in New York, where a major report in The City , by Rosalind Adams, detailed that OCM officials repeatedly raised alarms to Governor Hochul’s team over private equity loan deal. Also, shuttered unlicensed shop owners joined to bring a class action lawsuit against New York City claiming the closures are unconstitutio...

In this episode Herb describes his concerns with the turmoil at the NYS Office of Cannabis Management and how that might impact the momentum in the state’s evolving cannabis industry.  In the first segment, Herb speaks with Jennifer Cabrera, Esq. , a partner at Vicente, LLP, a law firm focused on cannabis law and policy.  Jennifer’s work with cannabis license applicants in NY and NJ provides us wi...