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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
Hemp
Regulation
Hemp Beverages
Cannabis Policy
United States
Artificial Intelligence
Germany
Alibi Cannabis
Interstate Commerce
California
Texas
THC Beverages
M&A In Cannabis
Georgia SB 220
Missouri
Ignite It
Curaleaf

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 weeklyEpisodes175Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EntrepreneurshipBusinessInvesting

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast

Latest Episodes

280E isn't just a cannabis problem anymore. If the federal hemp ban passes, liquor stores, distributors, and beverage brands could be staring down a tax nightmare they never planned for.

In this episode, hosts Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein sit do... more

Is the multi-million dollar Florida cannabis license dead? How is New York handling millions in unpaid retail debts? This week, the market is serving up harsh financial realities alongside some surprising data wins.

AnnaRae brings her sharp operator... more

While the cannabis industry fixates on the slow drip of domestic legislation, the real momentum might be hiding in executive actions and international political shifts. Are you paying attention to the right signals, or just the loudest ones?

In this... more

YouTube

Is the cannabis industry getting in its own way? With shifting legislation, political action committees playing both sides, and an impending supply chain crunch, the divide between hemp and marijuana has never been more contentious.

In this episode,... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Jason Adelstone
Attorney at Harris Sliwoski focusing on cannabis policy (federal and international)
Harris Sliwoski
Episode: #154 - 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: #153 - Breaking the Hemp Beverage Stigma with Chris Fontes of High Spirits Beverages
Raj Grover
CEO, High Tide (via panel discussion)
High Tide
Episode: TWICL (7/17/26) - DEA Hearing, Senate Dems Refile the CAOA, Pennsylvania Punts (Again) + Kiva x Conan
Melissa Henry
Executive, Kiva Confections
Kiva Confections
Episode: TWICL (7/17/26) - DEA Hearing, Senate Dems Refile the CAOA, Pennsylvania Punts (Again) + Kiva x Conan
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

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 States5 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.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

#153 - Breaking the Hemp Beverage Stigma with Chris Fontes of High Spirits Beverages
Q: How did the Trojan Horse strategy influence industry perception and policy?
Launching a Delta-9 beverage under the Trojan Horse banner served as a deliberate, eye-catching approach to normalize cannabis consumption, demonstrate safety via labeling, and push broader acceptance of hemp-derived cannabinoids in mainstream channels.
#153 - Breaking the Hemp Beverage Stigma with Chris Fontes of High Spirits Beverages
Q: What should listeners understand about Delta-9 within hemp and cannabis regulation?
Delta-9 derived from hemp is being normalized through beverage formats, and the marketplace is converging with traditional cannabis in a way that makes strict differential labeling and regulation crucial for consumer safety and industry viability.
#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.

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 a16z Show
4. The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway
5. Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 3 years ago and published 175 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. Jason Adelstone
2. Chris Fontes
3. Raj Grover
4. Melissa Henry
5. Patrick Lane
6. Ed Keating
7. Sarah McLaughlin
8. Jordan Eisenstat

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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