Mary’s journey in the cannabis industry began with her involvement in the medical marijuana movement, where she witnessed the power of this plant to positively impact people’s lives. This sparked her passion for educating others and advocating for responsible and sustainable business practices in the cannabis space.

As the founder of GreenLeaf Solutions, Mary works closely with cannabis businesses of all sizes, from startups to established companies, to help them navigate the complex regulatory landscape and achieve long-term success. Her expertise in compliance, licensing, and operations has earned her a reputation as a go-to resource for cannabis entrepreneurs and investors.

Mary is also a highly sought-after speaker and has been featured on numerous panels and podcasts, sharing her insights on the latest industry trends and best practices. She is a firm believer in the power of networking and collaboration and is always eager to connect with other professionals in the cannabis space.

With her extensive knowledge and experience, Mary is a valuable asset to any cannabis business looking to thrive
Find out more about Alibi at:
https://alibi.co/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcursetjee/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/alibi-co/

00:00 Introduction to Kaya Cast
00:42 From E-commerce to Cannabis Cultivation
01:30 Starting the Cultivation Journey
02:05 Building the Right Team
03:20 Challenges and Learning Curves
08:03 First Harvest and Early Struggles
09:59 Navigating Market Changes
13:46 Expanding to New York
19:13 Oregon Market Challenges
22:03 Navigating Business Challenges
25:08 The Importance of Yield
25:43 Quality vs. Quantity
27:11 Market Trends and Consumer Preferences
28:18 Different Approaches in Oregon and New York
33:39 The Story Behind the Brand 'Alibi'
40:04 Seasonal Products and Future Plans
41:17 Where to Find Alibi

#kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

In this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with George Breiwa, founder of DynaVap, the pioneering mechanical vaporizer that bakes rather than burns. George recounts the origin story—from a 2012 realization that electronics add cost and complexity, to a simple, battery-free device designed for mass affordability. Learn why it's called DynaVap (no electronics, no batteries) and how a basement prototype evolved into a global product with a devoted community.

George walks us through the rollercoaster startup journey: a $16,000 tooling hurdle, crowdfund setbacks, PayPal freezes, and high‑risk merchant accounts. He shares how he pivoted to direct-to-consumer pre-orders, built an early adopter fan base, and used forums and video content to educate a curious market about baking over burning.

A pivotal shift came with modular components and open collaboration. A notable partnership with Ed’s TT yielded titanium ovens and wood stems, creating a plug‑and‑play ecosystem—the DynaVapVerse—that invites makers to contribute their own flavor and accessories, expanding the brand far beyond its core product.

From scaling manufacturing in‑house to ensuring consistent quality, George reveals how international sales became a cornerstone of resilience (40–45% of production exported) and how a culture of gratitude and persistence keeps the team moving forward.

If you’re building a cannabis brand or evaluating product strategy, this episode is a masterclass in invention, community-building, and scalable entrepreneurship—with practical takeaways you can apply to growth and operations. Stay tuned for part two as we dive deeper into the DynaVap journey.
 
 
Find out more about DynaVap at:
https://www.dynavap.com/en-ca?srsltid=AfmBOorUjTQH9JnBSvrmepq96r-eC8rTgoD_wSr4bxSiIDv8E-oeFbdK
https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-breiwa-19443114/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynavap/
 
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:11 The Origin of DynaVap
02:09 The Mission to Create an Affordable Vaporizer
03:12 The Technology Behind DynaVap
06:12 Personal Background and Passion for Engineering
08:36 Early Prototypes and Challenges
14:21 Crowdfunding Journey and Setbacks
21:22 Navigating Payment Processing Issues
23:58 Building a Community and Marketing Strategy
28:31 Engaging Early Adopters
29:24 The Value of First Customers
30:25 Product Evolution and Feedback
32:25 Collaborations and Innovations
35:04 Pursuing Passion and Creativity
36:54 Overcoming Business Challenges
44:38 Building an International Market
49:23 Distribution and Manufacturing Decisions
52:35 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans
 
#kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

DynaVap, mechanical vaporizer, battery-free vaporizer, cannabis hardware innovation, George Breiwa, thermal extraction, analog vaporizer, flame-powered vaporizer, vape without batteries, dry herb vaporizer, sustainable cannabis tech, cannabis engineering, vaporizer design, invention story, startup journey, crowdfunding cannabis products, cannabis entrepreneurship, direct-to-consumer cannabis brand, cannabis manufacturing, cannabis product development, cannabis startup strategy, cannabis community building, vaporizer enthusiasts, modular vaporizer, titanium vaporizer, wood vaporizer stems, Ed’s TT collaboration, DynaVapVerse, open-source cannabis accessories, cannabis ecosystem, vaporizer components, cannabis product innovation, international cannabis sales, cannabis export strategy, startup resilience, business growth, brand storytelling, cannabis product marketing, community engagement, early adopters, customer loyalty, cannabis operations, product scalability, cannabis hardware market, cannabis engineering innovation, cannabis technology, vaporizer quality control, cannabis hardware startup, creative product design, entrepreneurship podcast, cannabis innovation podcast, Kaya Cast, and cannabis business insightsClick here to watch a video of this episode.
Click here to view the episode transcript.

On this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Noel Burkman, co-founder of StrainBrain, to explore how AI and advanced data science are reshaping cannabis retail. Noel explains StrainBrain's meta-analytic approach - combining COAs, consumer sentiment, regional preferences, and product data - to move beyond generic marketing toward personalized, needs-based recommendations. Learn how their four foundational questions - how do you want to feel, how you want to consume, how strong do you want it, and what problem are you solving - help budtenders normalize education, build trust, and guide shoppers to the right product. They discuss segmentation strategies that target the growth opportunities of health-minded, 45+ consumers as well as wellness outcomes like better sleep, focus, and pain relief, and how to expand a dispensary's reach without relying on price cuts. The conversation covers practical deployment - easy website or kiosk integrations, loyalty program tie-ins, and a closed-loop feedback loop to continually refine messaging and offers. They also contrast cannabis and hemp marketing, explain how StrainBrain plans to scale its data-driven engagement, and share actionable ideas for dispensaries to boost frequency, wallet share, and loyalty through a more personal, wellness-focused shopping experience.

With a background in finance and marketing, Noel has a unique understanding of the business side of the cannabis industry. He has helped numerous companies navigate the complex legal and financial landscape of the industry, allowing them to achieve success and sustainable growth.

As a thought leader in the cannabis space, Noel is a sought-after speaker and has been featured in various industry events and publications. He is also the host of the popular podcast, "Cannabis Conversations," where he interviews top professionals and entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry.

In addition to his work with Green Leaf Consulting, Noel is also a passionate advocate for cannabis legalization and education. He is a member of several cannabis advocacy groups and regularly volunteers his time to educate the public about the benefits of cannabis.

Noel's extensive knowledge and experience in the cannabis industry make him a valuable guest on any cannabis business podcast. He is dedicated to helping businesses thrive in this rapidly growing and ever-changing industry, and his insights and expertise are sure to provide valuable insights for listeners.
Find out more about StrainBrain at:
https://www.strainbra.in/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/noelburkman/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/strainbrain/
 
00:00 Introduction to Kaya Cast
00:11 Journey into Cannabis Tech
01:19 Consumer Education in Cannabis
02:56 Targeting Health and Wellness
04:24 Segmentation and Marketing Strategies
06:28 Challenges in Dispensary Operations
08:15 StrainBrain: Enhancing Customer Experience
11:33 Future of Cannabis Marketing
17:56 Data-Driven Product Development
22:05 Understanding Regional Preferences in Retail
22:49 Strategies for Increasing Retail Sales
23:50 Creating Awareness and Marketing Creativity
26:43 Leveraging Technology for Customer Engagement
29:56 Implementing AI in Retail Environments
34:41 Enhancing Customer Experience and Loyalty
41:06 Conclusion and Contact Information
 
#kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

cannabis retail technology, AI in cannabis, StrainBrain, cannabis data analytics, dispensary software, cannabis personalization, predictive retail analytics, cannabis machine learning, budtender education tools, cannabis business strategy, dispensary marketing, cannabis loyalty programs, cannabis consumer insights, cannabis segmentation, cannabis for wellness, cannabis for sleep, cannabis for pain relief, cannabis for focus, cannabis product recommendations, terpene data, cannabis COAs, cannabis sentiment analysis, cannabis marketing automation, dispensary innovation, data-driven cannabis, cannabis consulting, cannabis entrepreneurship, cannabis industry trends, AI-powered dispensary, cannabis retail operations, cannabis product discovery, dispensary customer engagement, cannabis brand loyalty, cannabis technology startups, cannabis predictive modeling, cannabis recommendation engine, dispensary optimization, cannabis growth strategy, cannabis market intelligence, cannabis product differentiation, wellness cannabis products, cannabis e-commerce integration, AI for retail, cannabis CRM systems, data science in cannabis, cannabis education, cannabis brand trust, cannabis user experience, cannabis innovation podcast, dispensary management tools, consumer-driven cannabis retail, personalized cannabis shopping

With a background in traditional marketing, Adelia recognized the potential of the cannabis industry early on and has been a trailblazer in the space ever since. She has been featured in numerous publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the Huffington Post, and has been a speaker at prominent industry events including the Cannabis World Congress and Business Expo.

As a guest on our cannabis business podcast, Adelia will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the areas of marketing, branding, and business strategy within the cannabis industry. She is passionate about helping businesses succeed in this emerging market and has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the cannabis space.

With her extensive experience and impressive track record, Adelia is a highly sought-after speaker, advisor, and consultant within the cannabis industry. She will undoubtedly provide valuable insights and perspectives for our listeners on the evolving landscape of cannabis business.
Find out more about EventHi & Blunt Brunch at:
https://bluntbrunch.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeliacarrillo/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluntbrunch/

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:21 Founding Blunt Brunch
01:10 EventHi and Blunt Brunch Collaboration
04:13 Creating Successful Events
11:59 Setting Goals for Events
16:10 Post-Event Strategies
21:32 Challenges in Cannabis Event Planning
24:39 Event High's Early Days and Beta Launch
25:33 Impact of COVID-19 on Event High
25:53 Most Successful Events on Event High
28:42 Leveraging Event High for Large Events
29:52 New Features and Enhancements on Event High
34:08 Challenges in the Cannabis Event Industry
36:59 Upcoming Events and Planning Strategies
44:44 Building a Strong Community
46:31 Where to Find Adelia Fakhri

#kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

Krysta Jones, founder of The High Country Girls and leader of The Highly Connected, shares the real-world playbook for building cannabis brands that endure. From her organic start in Colorado to expanding across the U.S., Krysta explains how authentic community and a sharp focus on niche can beat broad, hype-driven marketing. Learn how to cultivate a tribe of rabid fans, leverage events and grassroots strategies, and build a personal brand that delivers a consistent customer experience. The conversation covers participation over pursuit, running events with intentional follow-through, and measuring success through data, CRM, and post-event engagement. Krysta breaks down the unit economics of events, budgeting guidance (a starting point of five to ten thousand dollars monthly in marketing), and how to scale without diluting impact. She also explains how she collaborates with mom-and-pop brands, public companies, and investors, and how The Highly Connected helps pair the right partners for long-term value. If you’re a cannabis brand, retailer, or marketer aiming to grow sustainably, this episode offers a practical framework for community-building, profitable partnerships, and lasting growth.

Thanks to your support, we've been nominated for the Emjays for Content Creator of the Year! Vote for Tommy Truong here: https://a.cstmapp.com/promotions/participate/1000967/287542

 
Find out more about THC Girls & The Highly Connected at:
https://www.thehighcountrygirls.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/krysta-jones-860b50132/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thc-girls/
 
00:00 The Organic Beginnings of THC Girls
00:53 Building Community and Realizing Value
02:09 Creating THC Girls and Early Marketing Strategies
05:20 Expansion to Oregon and Overcoming Challenges
08:29 The Importance of Follow-Through in Marketing
14:19 Strategic Partnerships and Event Hosting
17:16 The Importance of ROI in Partnerships
18:04 Effective Event Strategies for Brands
20:09 Maximizing Trade Show and Event Impact
22:18 Post-Event Follow-Up Techniques
30:39 Building Long-Term Brand Relationships
33:11 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up
 
#kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Anne Forkutza from BioTrack to unpack New York’s groundbreaking seed-to-sale system rollout and what it means for cannabis cultivators, processors, and retailers. Anne shares critical timelines for integration, explains how unique 16-digit digital ID tags work, and offers practical advice on how businesses can prepare for compliance and avoid costly mistakes. They also dive into the transformative role AI is playing in the cannabis industry—from streamlining workflows and training to elevating marketing and customer service with virtual budtenders. Whether you’re navigating changing regulations or exploring cutting-edge tech to scale your cannabis business, Anne’s insights and BioTrack’s resources provide must-know guidance to set you up for success. Tune in to learn how to leverage technology and team collaboration to thrive in this evolving market.
 
Find out more about BioTrack at:
https://biotrack.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anneforkutza/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/biotrackthc/
 
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
00:13 New York Cannabis Industry Updates
00:45 BioTrack's Seed-to-Sale System Rollout
02:31 Steps for Cannabis Licensees
03:05 Support and Training for BioTrack Users
08:32 Importance of Accurate Inventory Management
17:49 Leveraging AI in the Cannabis Industry
19:36 Practical AI Applications and Personal Experiences
27:44 Future of AI in Cannabis and Final Thoughts
37:35 Conclusion and Contact Information
 
#kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Dan Serard, partner at Cannabis Creative Group, to dive deep into building a strong cannabis dispensary brand and marketing strategy from the ground up. Dan shares expert insights on when dispensary owners should start thinking about branding—highlighting the importance of beginning early, ideally months before opening day. They explore how to craft a compelling brand identity that goes far beyond just a logo, emphasizing the critical role of messaging, customer experience, and consistency across all touchpoints. 

Listeners learn about foundational marketing essentials such as developing a native e-commerce website, the power of SEO and Google My Business for driving foot traffic, and the strategic use of email, SMS, and social media marketing. Dan breaks down what a successful launch campaign looks like and offers practical advice on balancing customer acquisition and retention efforts post-opening. The conversation also touches on navigating emerging technologies like AI-driven search and the importance of ongoing SEO management for sustained growth.

Whether you’re a new dispensary owner seeking guidance on branding or a seasoned operator wanting to sharpen your marketing approach, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you build a memorable brand, attract loyal customers, and thrive in the ever-evolving cannabis market.
 
Find out more about Cannabis Creative Group at:
https://cannabiscreative.com/
linkedin.com/in/dserard
linkedin.com/company/cannabis-creative-group/
 
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:21 Starting Your Marketing Strategy Early
01:57 Developing Your Brand Identity
04:30 Integrating Brand Identity with Retail Experience
05:48 Importance of Consistency in Branding
10:12 Long-term Brand Planning
11:07 Top Tips for Creating a Brand
16:49 Launching Your Marketing Campaign
21:36 Navigating Modern Marketing Challenges
23:31 The Importance of SEO in Business
24:29 Setting Up a Retail Website: Must-Haves and Best Practices
26:25 Navigating Online Ordering and Delivery Systems
28:09 Optimizing Your Website for SEO
31:24 Creating an Effective SEO Strategy
38:04 The Role of PR in a Successful Business Launch
41:39 Driving Traffic and Revenue Post-Launch
45:04 Conclusion and Contact Information
 
#kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

Running a dispensary isn’t just about selling cannabis — it’s about creating a brand that people trust, love, and recommend. In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Christa Peay from Greenery Spot in Johnson City, NY, to talk about how they built one of the most community-connected dispensaries in the state.

Christa shares:
- How strategic partnerships with local businesses — from coffee shops to yoga studios — drive awareness.
- Ways to normalize cannabis by linking it to everyday life and wellness.
- How to leverage local media, events, and word-of-mouth to build a loyal customer base.
- Real stories of customers whose lives were changed through safe, legal cannabis.

From navigating stigma to collaborating with breweries, sports teams, and farmers, Christa reveals how Greenery Spot keeps momentum in a saturated market by focusing on education, relationships, and authenticity.

If you’re in cannabis retail, community marketing, or just love a great entrepreneurial story, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.

📍 Learn more about Greenery Spot: https://www.greeneryspot.com
🎧 Subscribe for more cannabis business insights!

Highlights:
00:00 Introduction to Greenery Spot
01:11 Building Community Connections
02:26 Collaborations with Local Businesses
05:35 Normalizing Cannabis Consumption
13:16 Marketing Strategies and Media Presence
21:50 Engaging with Local Events
24:22 Community Events Driving Traffic
25:07 Legal and Safe Cannabis
26:08 Customer Engagement and Partnerships
28:07 Knowledgeable Staff and Product Demos
29:23 Cannabis Industry Challenges
29:55 Personal Cannabis Stories
31:05 Upcoming Events and Collaborations
36:09 Rapid Fire Questions
40:32 Customer Success Stories
42:39 Conclusion and Future Plans

#CannabisBusiness #DispensaryMarketing #CommunityBuilding #KayaCast #GreenerySpot #CannabisEducation #BrandAwareness #WellnessIndustry

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy sits down with Haley Glover, a seasoned security expert with over 13 years in the cannabis space, to uncover the costly mistakes dispensary owners make during build-outs. From regulatory nightmares in Minnesota to the importance of backup generators and choosing the right security partner, Haley drops insider knowledge on how to stay compliant, save thousands, and avoid opening delays. If you're starting your first dispensary—or scaling your operation—this is a must-listen for staying ahead of security headaches and regulatory red tape.

🔐 Learn why security should be your FIRST consideration

 💰 Discover hidden costs that could crush your budget

 🚫 Find out which equipment vendors to avoid at all costs

 💬 Bonus: Panic button protocols & cannabis-specific SOPs

Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:38 Importance of Early Security Planning

02:06 Compliance and Regulatory Challenges

05:43 Cost and Budgeting for Security Systems

08:15 Selecting the Right Security Vendor

19:02 Common Mistakes and Best Practices

22:49 Operational Considerations and Training

32:14 Final Tips and Industry Insights

33:19 Conclusion and Farewell

33:53 Budtender Spotlight and Closing Remarks

Find out more about Sapphire Risk at:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sapphirerisk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloverhaley/

 Nominate your Budtender of the Week at https://www.kayapush.com

#kayapush #kayacast #dispensary #cannabis #business

Discover actionable strategies for dispensaries to increase accessory sales from the typical 1.5% of revenue up to 5% or more, with smart stocking tips like prioritizing vape batteries and basic essentials that keep customers coming back. Justin also dives into the challenges and future of the cannabis industry, including thoughts on federal legalization, market regulation, and how dispensaries can survive and thrive amid shifting landscapes.

Whether you're launching a new store, looking to expand your product mix, or aiming to boost profit margins, this candid conversation is packed with insider insights and practical advice to help you scale your cannabis business. Plus, don’t miss details on how dispensaries can get started with a $2,000 consignment package and free consultation with Justin’s team.

Tune in to learn how to unlock accessories as a key revenue driver and get connected with the tools that will elevate your dispensary’s success!

Find out more about BudsFeed at:
https://budsfeed.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dyspensr/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinmichaeljohnson/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/budsfeed/

00:00 Introduction and Initial Connections
00:22 The Vision Behind BudsFeed
01:05 Building the BudsFeed Community
02:54 Challenges and Successes
05:21 Transition to Elevated Accessories
05:56 Strategies for Dispensary Accessories
11:24 Introducing Dispenser: A Wholesale Platform
13:07 Supporting Dispensaries with Consignment
20:22 Data-Driven Decisions for Dispensaries
23:10 Challenges of High-End Dispensaries
23:46 Replenishment Strategies for Dispensaries
24:42 Wholesale and Distribution Insights
25:45 Personalization and Large Orders
29:23 Loyalty Programs and Customer Service
30:13 Innovations in Dispensary Operations
34:40 The Future of Cannabis Legalization
36:06 Economic Realities of the Cannabis Market
38:08 California's Cannabis Market Struggles
41:05 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

#kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Scott Prisco, founder of Priscotty, to dive deep into the world of cannabis delivery services. Scott shares invaluable insights on when dispensaries should consider adding delivery — emphasizing the importance of having a solid tech stack, trained staff, and operational control before expanding. They explore the economics behind starting a delivery service, from startup costs to expected revenue uplifts, and discuss the pros and cons of partnering with third-party providers versus running delivery in-house. Scott also sheds light on customer experience management within delivery operations and the evolving cannabis market with a focus on health and wellness products. Whether you’re launching your first store or looking to scale, this episode provides thoughtful guidance to help you strategically grow your cannabis business through delivery. Tune in to learn how to balance risk, optimize resources, and set your dispensary up for long-term success.
 
Find out more about Priscotty at:
https://www.priscotty.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-prisco/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/priscotty/
 
00:00 Introduction to Kaya Cast
00:11 When to Consider Delivery for Your Cannabis Business
03:22 Operational Challenges and Solutions
04:38 Financial Expectations and Costs of Delivery Services
09:23 Third-Party Delivery Providers: Pros and Cons
11:53 Customer Service and Delivery Logistics
18:54 E-commerce and Health-Focused Cannabis Products
25:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
27:10 Budtender Spotlight and Closing Remarks
 
#kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast