In this insightful episode recorded at the CWCB Expo, host Keith Fiveson engages in a compelling conversation with Matt Karnes, the founder of GreenWave Advisors LLC. Matt shares his journey from a finance career to the burgeoning cannabis industry, a transition motivated by personal experiences with his mother’s illness and significant financial challenges.

Main Themes:

1. Transition to Cannabis Industry:

   • Matt Karnes discusses his shift from finance to cannabis, influenced by personal life events.
   • The initial challenges of entering a largely unregulated and less professional industry.

2. Financial Hurdles:

   • In-depth look at Section 280e of the tax code and its impact on cannabis businesses.
   • Anticipation of Schedule 3 rescheduling and its potential benefits for the industry, including federal legalization and improved banking regulations.

3. Regulatory Landscape:

   • The role of federal regulators in setting standards for testing and packaging.
   • Variation in state regulations and the costs associated with prohibition.

4. Medical Marijuana Research:

   • Potential changes in research and its impact on precise dosages and treatment efficacy for conditions such as fibromyalgia and Parkinson’s.
   • The convergence of recreational and medical marijuana markets.

5. Industry Complexity and Professional Expertise:

   • The intricate nature of analyzing the cannabis industry due to federal illegality and evolving state laws.
   • GreenWave Advisors’ role in helping clients navigate these complexities using Matt’s accounting expertise.
   • The necessity for seasoned professionals to manage the financial intricacies of the cannabis sector.

6. Technological Innovations:

   • The influence of digital marketing and blockchain technology on the cannabis industry.
   • The use of NFTs and blockchain to enhance user experience, improve advertising, and provide access to exclusive events.

7. Reducing the Illicit Market:

   • The importance of consumer education in reducing the illicit cannabis market.

Contact Information: Listeners interested in learning more about these topics or seeking professional guidance in the cannabis industry can reach out to GreenWave Advisors LLC for further exploration.

Tune In: Join us for a deep dive into the evolving cannabis world, where finance meets innovation and regulatory challenges. This episode contains expert insights and forward-thinking perspectives from one of the industry’s key players.

For more information on Greenwave visit their website: https://www.greenwaveadvisors.com/

From Survival to Thriving: Dr. Alyza Beast Brevard Rodriguez’s Journey

Main Theme: The episode explores the transformative journey of minority communities striving to move beyond survival to thriving and experiencing joy. It delves into their challenges and the importance of holistic wellness, education, and community support.

Key Topics:

1. Dr. Alyza Beast Brevard Rodriguez’s Journey:

   • Transition from military service to entrepreneurship.
   • Founding wellness facilities such as Sweat Wellness and The Other Side Dispensary.
   • Focus on holistic healing through cannabis.

2. Family, Entrepreneurship, and Spirituality:

   • Balancing personal and professional life.
   • Role of spirituality in grounding and guiding individuals.

3. Cannabis Education and Normalization:

   • Importance of educating the public about the endocannabinoid system.
   • Advocating for the benefits of psychedelics over alcohol.

4. Personal Growth and Leadership:

   • Reflection on Dr. Rodriguez’s nickname “beast” and her path of personal development.
   • Inspiring others to close the wealth gap for black and brown communities.

5. Authenticity and Community Involvement:

   • Creating spaces where people feel celebrated and supported.
   • Importance of being authentic and engaged in community efforts.

6. Connection to Jersey City and Cannabis Industry Education:

   • Peter’s advocacy for education in the cannabis industry.
   • Invitation to engage with wellness facilities and online resources.

7. Gratitude and Empowerment:

   • Appreciation for Dr. Rodriguez’s efforts in fostering empowerment and resilience.

8. Mindfulness Meditation:

   • Benefits of mindfulness meditation on stress reduction, mental health, physical health, and cognitive function.
   • Simple techniques for daily mindfulness practice.

Conclusion: The episode concludes with gratitude for Dr. Rodriguez’s contributions to wellness and community empowerment, emphasizing the importance of holistic healing, education, and creating supportive spaces for minority communities.

1. Pioneering Cannabis Law in Arizona:

   • Ryan Hurley, chairman of the cannabis practice group at Rose Law Group, shares his journey and efforts in advancing cannabis legalization in Arizona.
   • Discusses overcoming significant opposition and legal challenges.

2. Medical Benefits of Cannabis:

   • Emphasis on the therapeutic potential of cannabis for conditions such as Parkinson’s, fibromyalgia, and epilepsy.
   • The ongoing debate about the medicinal value and the complexities of gaining FDA approval.

3. Federal Regulation Complexities:

   • Exploration of the federal landscape for cannabis businesses, including potential rescheduling by the DEA.
   • Opposition from big pharma and the impact on legalization efforts.

4. Intersection with Web 3 and Blockchain:

   • Insight into how Web 3 and blockchain technologies could revolutionize the cannabis industry.
   • Potential benefits like streamlined transactions, improved inventory tracking, and reduced reliance on central banks.

5. Adapting in a Dynamic Industry:

   • The importance of staying adaptable in the rapidly evolving cannabis sector.
   • Understanding legal frameworks, supply chain management, and insurance requirements for business success.

6. Cannabis vs. Psychedelic Movements:

   • Comparison between the cannabis legalization movement and the emerging psychedelic movement.
   • Discussion on the differing approaches and regulatory landscapes, particularly with FDA’s stance on MDMA for PTSD.

7. Pathways to Entering the Industry:

   • Practical advice for entering the cannabis market in Arizona, including navigating the high costs of acquiring a license.
   • Suggestions for alternative methods of participation in the industry.

8. Sustainable Business Models and Community Building:

   • Exploring sustainable business models in the psychedelic industry.
   • The potential for community-building consumption lounges and wellness centers that integrate cannabis with activities like yoga and sensory deprivation.

9. Cultural Connections:

   • Mention of the cultural and historical connections between cannabis use and Hinduism, emphasizing the broader cultural implications of cannabis legalization.

Takeaway: Ryan Hurley’s extensive experience and insights provide a comprehensive look at the current state and future of cannabis law and industry, highlighting both the challenges and the transformative potential of cannabis and related technologies.

Find out about Ryan Hurley and the Rose Law Group: https://www.roselawgroup.com/