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Artwork for High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast

High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast

AnnaRae Grabstein and Ben Larson
Cannabis Industry
Cannabis
New York
Regulation
Hemp
United States
Artificial Intelligence
Germany
Alibi Cannabis
Hemp Beverages
Interstate Commerce
California
Cannabis Policy
Texas
THC Beverages
Georgia SB 220
Missouri
Ignite It
Cannabinoids
Farm Bill

Hosts Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein serve up unfiltered insights, reveal their insiders' perspectives, and illuminate transformative ideas about the cannabis industry for people who want to make sense of it all.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes167Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EntrepreneurshipBusinessInvesting

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast

Latest Episodes

Is the DEA's surgical strategy at the rescheduling hearing setting the stage for Schedule III? On this edition of This Week in Cannabis Live, the gang unpacks the massive 2,500-page rescheduling transcript, the ongoing corporate proxy battle between ... more

As capital markets reset and the hype cools, the cannabis industry isn’t collapsing—it’s maturing. So, what does it take to deploy institutional capital and build a resilient business in today’s environment?

About This Episode

In this episode of Hi... more

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The cannabis landscape is shifting rapidly, and global moves are redefining M&A. Join us for a high-stakes breakdown with the Cultivated and Cannabis Musings crew as we digest Curaleaf’s hostile takeover bid for Canadian OG Aurora Cannabis ($ACB)—a c... more

What happens when a craft alcohol company accidentally builds one of the fastest-growing hemp THC beverage brands in America? As federal regulations loom and state lines shift, the traditional beverage world and hemp supply chains are colliding faste... more

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Recent Guests

Patrick Lane
Founder of IgniteIt conference
IgniteIt
Episode: IgniteIt Chicago Replay: AI, M&A, and Policy Blitz
Ed Keating
Chief Economist at Emerald Intel; former Cannabis Media co-founder
Emerald Intel
Episode: IgniteIt Chicago Replay: AI, M&A, and Policy Blitz
Sarah McLaughlin
Co-founder of Melt Make; dietitian
Melt Make
Episode: IgniteIt Chicago Replay: AI, M&A, and Policy Blitz
Jordan Eisenstat
Senior Vice President at Marino PR; Cannabis practice founder
Marino PR
Episode: IgniteIt Chicago Replay: AI, M&A, and Policy Blitz
Lucas McCann
CSO and co-founder of CannDelta
CannDelta
Episode: IgniteIt Chicago Replay: AI, M&A, and Policy Blitz
Graham Farrar
President of Glass House Brands
Glass House Brands
Episode: #142 - Is California Cannabis Going Global? Glass House Brands President Graham Farrar on NYSE Up-listing & Schedule III
Alleh Lindquist
Founder and CEO of FloraWorks
FloraWorks
Episode: #140 - Unlocking the Power of Minor Cannabinoids: Proving the Science of CBN with Alleh Lindquist of FloraWorks
Judson Hill
Market President for Fine Fettle in Georgia
Fine Fettle Georgia
Episode: TWICL (May 15, 2026) - DEA Registration Wave, GA's Medical Milestone & What Earnings Season Told Us
Melanie Nash
CEO of TUMI Genomics, former COO at Dark Heart Nursery and Purple City Genetics
TUMI Genomics
Episode: #138 - Unmasking Cannabis Pathogens with TUMI Genomics CEO Melanie Nash

Hosts

Ben Larson
Co-host and industry operator with a focus on strategy, branding, and market dynamics
AnnaRae Grabstein
Co-host and industry operator with a focus on media, regulation, and strategy

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 25 ratings
  • Information is critical to cannabis operations

    I do not miss an episode of this podcast. The guests are brilliant, and the questions really get to the heart of the issues surrounding the cannabis industry. The information shared in this fun-to-listen-to podcast is so useful to cannabis operators across the country/world!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Grandiose10
    United States4 months ago
  • Interesting & Informative

    I’ve learned so much from this podcast. They cover the most current and relevant topics that everyone in this space needs to know in a fun and interesting way. Helpful for newbies and those well versed in this biz. I look forward to every new episode!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    mer3dith
    United Statesa year ago
  • SUCH a strong show! Highly recommend.

    AnnaRae and Ben bring REAL heart and curiosity to their guests which opens the conversations to super dynamic and useful places. This on top of their delightful energy and authority in the space. Highly recommend.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Highcomms.com
    United Statesa year ago
  • Must Listen for Cannabis Industry Insiders!

    This podcast is a great way to stay up to date in the ever evolving cannabis business world. A must listen every week for founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, investors or anyone who wants an insiders perspective on the business of cannabis.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RoseteEric
    United States2 years ago
  • Must Listen for Cannabis Industry Insiders!

    This podcast is a great way to stay up to date in the ever evolving cannabis business world. A must listen every week for entrepreneurs and investors or anyone who wants an insiders perspective, some optimism, knowledge and inspiration.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RoseteEric
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The show balances regulatory theory with real-world business impact.
A few listeners wish for deeper cultural/history coverage alongside business topics.
Listeners praise clarity and energy, though some note a focus on business over culture.
Guests consistently bring practical insight into cannabis industry dynamics.
Insiders appreciate the insider perspective and candor from hosts and guests.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

#111 - How Hemp Beverages Are Rewriting Adult Drinking w/ Jeff Cantalupo of Listen Ventures
Q: Why is there a window of opportunity for hemp beverages before large players enter, and how should founders think about this in portfolio planning?
There's a temporary window when large players are cautious due to regulatory uncertainty, allowing niche brands to build value and establish a beachhead; founders should plan with diversification and category-building in mind, anticipating a future where incumbents acquire innovation rather than recreate it from scratch.
#111 - How Hemp Beverages Are Rewriting Adult Drinking w/ Jeff Cantalupo of Listen Ventures
Q: What do you look for in early-stage beverage companies regarding margin structure, and how do you evaluate profitability potential?
We seek a disciplined margin plan with a clear pathway to profitability, including understanding supply chain leverage, cost structures, and omnichannel capabilities; early stage investments require a long-term view on margin realization as scale is achieved.
#111 - How Hemp Beverages Are Rewriting Adult Drinking w/ Jeff Cantalupo of Listen Ventures
Q: What holds big companies back from innovation, and how does that inform your approach to investing in entrepreneurs outside those walls?
Big companies have resources and capabilities, but organizational behavior, incentive design, and the innovators dilemma prevent them from pursuing disruptive changes; this creates an opportunity for external startups to lead innovation until incumbents decide to acquire or imitate.
#101 - From Music to Marijuana: Building Iconic Brands in Cannabis w/ Rama Mayo of Hall of Flowers
Q: What are the differences between the West Coast and East Coast markets for Hall of Flowers?
Differences are more about business environments and regulatory frameworks (e.g., union facilities, permitting) than the product itself; New York presents unique challenges but excitement and appetite are high.
#101 - From Music to Marijuana: Building Iconic Brands in Cannabis w/ Rama Mayo of Hall of Flowers
Q: Do you think there is a true cannabis brand yet, and what about brand loyalty?
He argues that while some brands exist, true consumer loyalty is not yet deeply established in cannabis due to state-by-state fragmentation, marketing challenges, and limited long-term category consistency.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A business-focused cannabis podcast that blends operator perspectives, policy updates, and market analysis. Episodes frequently drill into regulatory developments, funding and liquidity dynamics, and strategic moves by MSOs and major players, often with data-driven takes on markets, be it state-by-state regulation, uplisting, or financing, alongside practical how-tos for operators and investors. The show stands out for mixing high-level policy discourse with hands-on business storytelling, including AI adoption, branding, and consumer-focused strategies, all delivered with energetic hosts and a candid, insider-friendly vibe.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. The Dime
2. Higher Exchanges
3. The Dales Report | Trade to Black
4. Cannabis Investing Network
5. Blunt Business

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 3 years ago and published 167 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Patrick Lane
2. Ed Keating
3. Sarah McLaughlin
4. Jordan Eisenstat
5. Lucas McCann
6. Graham Farrar
7. Alleh Lindquist
8. Judson Hill

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