In this episode, Qredible Live spotlights Fireweed Cannabis Co., a proudly Indigenous-owned dispensary based in Washington and operated by the Snoqualmie Tribe. Guest Robbie de los Angeles shares how the store, just one year into operation, is already redefining cannabis retail and community impact — and was even crowned Best Cannabis Shop on the East Side by 425 Magazine.

From tribal sovereignty to vertical integration, retail discipline to recycling innovation, this episode dives deep into what makes Fireweed more than just a dispensary.

• From fireworks stands to managing a pioneering cannabis store.

• The Snoqualmie Tribe’s foray into cannabis retail.

• Building a mission-driven, customer-first team.

• Why Fireweed treats cannabis like fresh produce.

• Importance of freshness, inventory turnover, and retail professionalism.

• How being a sovereign tribal business allows Fireweed flexibility.

• Bypassing many of Washington State’s strict cannabis regulations.

• Real-world benefits like higher purchase limits and local street events.

• How tribes can own the full supply chain — from grow to sale.

• What that means for efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.

• Overview of cannabis adoption among Washington’s 29 tribes.

• The unique ability for tribal-to-tribal cannabis trade and lawmaking.

• Why Native communities could lead the next wave of cannabis evolution.

• How cannabis revenue fuels tribal programs and jobs.

• Medical, dental, and full benefits for Fireweed team members.

• Reinventing what ethical cannabis entrepreneurship can look like.

• Focus on retail fundamentals.

• Don’t get distracted by hype — inventory, customer service, and cash handling still rule.

“Treat cannabis like lettuce — it’s produce. That’s how you keep quality and customers happy.” — Robbie de los Angeles

“Tribal cannabis is not about getting rich. It’s about building up our community.” — Robbie de los Angeles

📧 robbie.delosangeles@aboveitallfcc.com

In this special episode of the Qredible Live Broadcast, host [Insert Host Name] is joined by Joe Hickey, longtime hemp advocate and President of the Kentucky Hemp Growers Cooperative, and Drew Harris of Qredible, for an insightful debrief from the NOCO Hemp Expo. They explore the current state of the hemp industry, the policy bottlenecks holding it back, and what it will take to unleash the true potential of industrial hemp in the U.S.

From the divide between industrial and psychoactive hemp sectors, to policy recommendations, to global market insights—this episode is a masterclass on what’s working, what isn’t, and what must change to push hemp forward.

• Joe Hickey – President, Kentucky Hemp Growers Cooperative

• Drew Harris – National Accounts, Qredible

• ✅ Key takeaways from the 2025 NOCO Hemp Expo

• 🌿 The ongoing divide between industrial vs. cannabinoid hemp

• 📜 How outdated regulations and the 2018 Farm Bill are stalling growth

• 🏗️ Building a reliable hemp supply chain in the U.S.

• 💡 Global leadership in hemp innovation: what Latin America is doing right

• 📉 The impact of poor federal/state alignment on U.S. farmers

• 🤝 The FIHO Pledge and how industry collaboration can jumpstart adoption

• 🌱 Hemp as the foundation for a green industrial revolution

• 🚧 Misconceptions and policy contradictions about THC testing

• 🏗️ Case studies: hempcrete and material resilience in natural disasters

In this episode of Qredible Live, we welcome Bryan Quoc Le, PhD, a renowned food scientist, consultant, and author, to dive into the explosive growth of cannabis beverages and the scientific, regulatory, and consumer-driven challenges shaping this dynamic market. From flavor formulation challenges to navigating the regulatory maze of hemp-derived cannabinoids, Bryan shares insider insights on where the industry is headed — and why responsible innovation and transparency are critical for its future.

🚀 Bryan also discusses the intersection of food science, consumer health trends like "California Sober," and the exciting opportunities for brands who get it right.

• Bryan's Journey: From food science PhD to a trusted consultant for food and beverage innovators.

• The Rise of Cannabis Beverages: 100+ brands launched since 2021, explosive growth in Canada and the U.S.

• Scientific Challenges: How to mask cannabis bitterness, perfect emulsions, and meet "clean label" demands.

• The Regulatory Gray Zone: Loopholes, the 2018 Farm Bill, and why federal clarity is urgently needed.

• Functional Ingredients & Synergies: Exploring the real science behind adding nutraceuticals like omega-3s, L-theanine, and mushrooms to cannabis drinks.

• The California Sober Trend: How younger generations are redefining social drinking, swapping alcohol for wellness-focused cannabis beverages.

• The Call for Integrity: Why lab testing, transparency, and consumer trust are critical for sustainable growth.

• Predictions for the Future: The hope for smart federal regulation and a responsible, thriving cannabis beverage industry.

Bryan Quoc Le, PhD is a food scientist, consultant, author, and researcher specializing in sustainable food innovation and functional beverages. Named the Food Science Consultant of the Year (2023) by the Global Vegan Awards, Bryan advises brands from startups to industry leaders like Blue Diamond Growers. He is also a faculty research fellow at Pacific Lutheran University and a passionate advocate for better science-backed innovation in emerging industries.

📚 Learn more about Bryan at mendocinofoodconsulting.com