Kaya Cast

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we are joined by Summer Thorn and Angelita Green, two experts in the cannabis accounting field. They share their insights on how New York's recent decoupling from 280e allows cannabis business owners to take deductions on their state tax return, and the importance of having an industry-specific accountant to navigate the ever-changing regulations. Summer a...

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we welcome Tommy Truong, CEO of Kaya Push, as he shares his insights on the importance of having the right team and strategy in place to scale your cannabis dispensary business.  Tommy talks about the correlation between where the owner spends their time and the size of the business, the importance of having the right employees in place, and the art of sca...

In this episode of the Kaya Cast podcast, we dive into the fascinating intersection of cannabis and technology with Adam Hutchinson from CannaSpyglass. We explore how the cannabis industry is the first emerging market to benefit from the current era of open technology, allowing businesses to access and move data without needing a team of experts. Our guests discuss the importance of utilizing data...

In this eye-opening episode of Kaya Cast, we're joined by Margit Whitlock, Principal / Creative Director at ACI Architectural Concepts Inc, as we dive deep into the importance of design, branding, and lighting in your cannabis facility to not only attract new customers, but keep them coming back for more!  Discover the crucial role your reputation plays in creating a loyal customer base and referr...

In this episode of Kaya Cast, we dive into the complexities of taxes and finances in the cannabis industry with Zach Gordon, VP of Accounting at Propeller Industries. Zach shares insights on the importance of understanding tax codes like 280e, maintaining proper cash reserves, and keeping up with ever-changing state regulations.  We also discuss the potential of blockchain technology for complianc...

In this episode of Kaya Cast, we dive deep into the importance of authenticity, community, and representation in the cannabis industry.  Susie Placencia who is the Brand Partner for Humo, shares her journey of self-discovery and the magic that happened when she embraced her true identity as a Latina, a corporate person, and a cannabis user. She shares insights into how focusing on serving the comm...

In this episode of Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tom Mulhern interviews Abigail Davidson, CEO and founder of Old Woods Business Services.  Abigail shares her expertise in helping cannabis businesses during their incubation period, setting them up for success through tools and procedures. They also discuss the importance of planning for tax bills, setting up proper systems, and delegating tasks to qualif...

Tune into my conversation with Ed Keating, host of the Canna Curio podcast and a co-founder of Cannabiz Media. Cannabiz Media is the leading provider of go-to-market solutions for the cannabis and hemp industry.  In this podcast, we explore the complexities of the cannabis industry, from the regulations to the technology used to track the inventory and licenses.  We'll also look into the data avai...

On this episode of the podcast we speak with Katelyn Coseky who is a former bud tender turned Director Of Business Development at Point Seven Group.  Together, we explore the importance of investing in bud tenders and how it can improve business success. We'll discuss the need for educating bud tenders, providing further education opportunities and offering competitive salaries or hourly rates.  W...

Join our hosts Maria McCliggott and Tom Mulhern for the Kaya Cast 420 Podcast, where we'll talk about the best ways to maximize your sales during the biggest holiday of the year for dispensaries. We'll talk about how to train your bud tenders, how to promote your sales and giveaways, and how to capture customer data. Plus, you'll find out how to enter our 420 giveaway. To enter the Kaya Push 420 G...

Join us for a conversation with Joe Zahaitis, CEO of Bankcard International Group, as we dive deep into the cannabis industry, exploring the issues and challenges dispensaries face when it comes to banking and cash flow.  We discuss the respect that dispensaries deserve as legitimate businesses, the impact they have on their communities, and the importance of questioning vendors. Joe's advice is t...

In this interview from MjBizCon '22, I sit down the Jim Makoso, CEO of Flowe Technology, to explore the potential of the cannabis industry, even though it is still in its infancy. Building on Jim's experience as a cannabis enthusiast and entrepreneur, we chat about his background, his experience with the industry, and how to succeed in business.  We'll also discuss the regulatory framework for can...

Join us on the Kaya Cast Podcast for a discussion with Zane Witzel, the founder of Cannador, about his journey of creating a cannabis humidor. We also cover the basics of cannabis storage, humidity levels and terpene profiles to keep your weed as fresh as can be.    Together, we'll explore what it takes to grow a successful cannabis business and why you need to put blinders on and focus on pursuin...

In this special bonus episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast I continue my conversation with Meilad Rafiei as he unpacks the full application process for dispensaries from start to finish.  We discuss the process of creating a business in a new community, including the importance of gaining insight into the community.  We also discuss how to write an effective business plan and the importance of underst...

Every business needs insurance, but cannabis business insurance can be really confusing. That's why Fady Kamel is on the Kaya Cast to share his insights into cannabis business insurance.  Our interview explores the cannabis industry in North America, focusing on the risks associated with a new business in such a rapidly changing space.  We cover topics such as the physical property, liability, bre...

Charles McElroy is the founder of GoldLeaf, an educational design company, making elegant and functional print items for the cannabis industry. Charles builds on his experience of engineering, fashion, design, music production, and cannabis to create a unique company, aimed at educating and empowering the cannabis community through design. In our conversation we explore ways to compete in the cann...

Some of the best business ideas come when we take the time to reflect on innovative ways to think outside the box. The best place to reflect is sitting on a beach in Florida, with a cold drink in your hand, watching the ocean waves.  That's exactly where Alex Boone was inspired to start Botani, a premium hemp paper company for cannabis products.  From there, the idea developed and Alex has now cre...

With over 150+ cannabis applications submitted and win rate of 87%, Meilad Rafiei is a trusted cannabis licensing and business consultant.  In our interview Meilad discusses the challenges and pitfalls of starting a cannabis operation. He talks about the importance of marketing, location, and funding in building a successful cannabis business.  He also emphasizes the significance of hiring trusted...

‍ As a pharmacist-turned-dispensary-owner Monica Werkheiser has a unique perspective as she navigates the ever changing cannabis industry. From talking to patients about specific needs and learning more about the plant, to understanding the legalities and nuances of the business. She shares her experiences, successes, and struggles of starting and running a dispensary in New Jersey. ‍ We also talk...

In this episode, I interview Buck Dutton, VP of Marketing at Native Roots about the importance of building a brand in the cannabis industry, and how to create an effective customer journey in the process.  Buck Dutton, a former Procter & Gamble executive, talks about the unique regulations of the cannabis industry, building a brand that reflect the lifestyle in your community and how to stand...

On this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tom Mulhern interviews Kelly Flores, the Chief Operating Officer of Wana Brands. Kelly brings her expertise in consumer goods and cannabis industry knowledge to the table to discuss the future of edibles and how brands can survive. Tune in to hear Tom and Kelly's conversation about how the cannabis industry is rapidly expanding and how smaller brands can t...

Join us as we talk to Jacobi Holland, co-founder of On The Revel, an educational and community platform for the cannabis industry. We discuss cannabis technology, the future of the industry, and how New York is poised to become the epicenter of cannabis in the coming years. Tune in to learn more about the cannabis industry and its potential for growth.   Jacobi Holland is the Co-Founder of On The...

This podcast episode focuses on strategies for independent operators to survive the current phase of consolidation in the cannabis industry. Through standard operating procedures, Tommy emphasizes the importance of involving the team in decision-making and leveraging the expertise of experts to create best practices.  ‍ We also highlight the high turnover rate in the industry due to a lack of stru...

In this 2 part series we dive into Andrew DeAngelo’s 35-year journey as a cannabis industry trailblazer. He has spent most of his life advocating for legalization and helping cannabis businesses launch, grow, and scale.  Part 2 of my interview with Andrew DeAngelo covers the journey from starting The Last Prisoner Project to developing the Andrew DeAngelo Consulting company.  Andrew dives deep int...

In this 2 part series we dive into Andrew DeAngelo’s 35-year journey as a cannabis industry trailblazer. He has spent most of his life advocating for legalization and helping cannabis businesses launch, grow, and scale. In part one of this interview, Andrew shares his insights of smoking his first joint with his brother Steve DeAngelo and the early days of cannabis. To building Harborside, the lar...