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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
Hemp Beverages
Cannabis Policy
United States
Artificial Intelligence
Germany
Alibi Cannabis
CAM (california Artisanal Medicine)
Interstate Commerce
Curaleaf
California
Texas
Hemp Beverage
280E
Minnesota
THC Beverages

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 weeklyEpisodes179Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EntrepreneurshipBusinessInvesting

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Artwork for High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast

Latest Episodes

With the upcoming elections fast approaching, the cannabis industry is watching closely as local and state ballots shape the future of legalization. But what happens when a gubernatorial candidate in the world’s largest cannabis market decides to exp... more

YouTube

Is the cannabis industry cannibalizing its own future just to protect its past?

This week, High Spirits co-hosts Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein cross the streams to join Cultivated's Jay Rosenthal, Jeremy Berke, and Cannabis Musing's Marc Hauser f... more

Is Pennsylvania poised to become the cannabis industry's next massive adult-use market? With a $7 billion budget shortfall and a pivotal election cycle underway, the Keystone State could be on the brink of historic legalization.

--

But first, we wa... more

YouTube

Think international markets are the shiny new object that will save your struggling domestic cannabis brand? Think again. As the US waits on Schedule III, the global cannabis trade is booming—but the barriers to entry are brutally high and unapologet... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Steve Hilton
Tech entrepreneur, former cable news host, and Republican candidate for California governor
Golden Together
Episode: Can CA's Rebel Spirit Save Cannabis? CA Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Hilton
Jay Rosenthal
Co-founder of Cultivated
Cultivated
Episode: TWICL (10/16/26) - Aurora Deal Drama & Rescheduling Still on Ice
Jeremy Berke
Editor-in-chief at Cultivated
Cultivated
Episode: TWICL (10/16/26) - Aurora Deal Drama & Rescheduling Still on Ice
Marc Hauser
Contributor to Cannabis Musings
Cannabis Musings
Episode: TWICL (10/16/26) - Aurora Deal Drama & Rescheduling Still on Ice
Peter Marcus
Vice President of External Affairs at Terrapin and former political journalist
Terrapin
Episode: Unlocking Pennsylvania Cannabis: Politics, Policy & Adult-Use with Terrapin's Peter Marcus
Deepak Anand
Vice President of Government Affairs at Village Farms International
Village Farms International
Episode: Why International Cannabis Won't Save You with Deepak Anand of Village Farms
Nick Richards
Partner and co-chair of the Cannabis Law Practice Group at Greenspoon Marder LLP
Greenspoon Marder LLP
Episode: Hemp Taxes & 280E Survival Guide with Nick Richards, Greenspoon Marder LLP
Jason Adelstone
Attorney at Harris Sliwoski focusing on cannabis policy (federal and international)
Harris Sliwoski
Episode: Rescheduling, Global Politics, & Executive Action w/ Jason Adelstone of Harris Sliwoski
Chris Fontes
Founder and CEO of High Spirits Beverages; Trojan Horse Cannabis
High Spirits Beverages; Trojan Horse Cannabis
Episode: Breaking the Hemp Beverage Stigma with Chris Fontes of High Spirits Beverages

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 States6 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 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 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.

Top Entrepreneurship Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Can CA's Rebel Spirit Save Cannabis? CA Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Hilton
Q: What kind of mechanisms do we have? Like how do we get change when it's been perceived? Like, I mean, for the last decade, everyone's was like, oh, it's Prop 64, you can't change it. And like, there has to be a way.
Hilton says the governor can address illicit competition, influence how state agencies interpret and apply regulations, and use the office's convening power with counties and cities.
Can CA's Rebel Spirit Save Cannabis? CA Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Hilton
Q: What a modern Republican Party looks like to you?
Hilton describes his approach as pragmatic, emphasizing individual freedom, less bureaucracy, and government focused on efficiently performing its basic functions.
Unlocking Pennsylvania Cannabis: Politics, Policy & Adult-Use with Terrapin's Peter Marcus
Q: What could the adult-use transition look like, including the issues around what existing operators might pay to convert?
Marcus describes proposed possession limits, taxes, conversion fees, an independent cannabis control board, equity licenses and market analysis to guide future licensing and reduce the risk of oversupply.
Unlocking Pennsylvania Cannabis: Politics, Policy & Adult-Use with Terrapin's Peter Marcus
Q: If Republicans hold the Senate majority, is there still a future pathway for adult use in Pennsylvania?
Marcus is optimistic that legalization can advance after the election, particularly as lawmakers address a $7 billion budget shortfall and seek new revenue, though the outcome depends on the political process.
#148 - How CAM Built a $73M California Cannabis Brand with Anna Willey
Q: What's your approach to distribution and keeping control of the supply chain?
All distribution is in-house, with a dedicated Director of Distribution and a focus on cross-functional collaboration between cultivation, packaging, and sales to ensure timely delivery and quality control.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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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. This Week in Cannabis Live
2. The Dime
3. Higher Exchanges
4. The Dales Report | Trade to Black
5. Cannabis Investing Network

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 3 years ago and published 179 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. Steve Hilton
2. Jay Rosenthal
3. Jeremy Berke
4. Marc Hauser
5. Peter Marcus
6. Deepak Anand
7. Nick Richards
8. Jason Adelstone

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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