In this episode of the Ganjapreneur podcast, host TG Branfalt is joined by Witt Rabon, co-founder and COO, and Jamar Brown, co-founder and President of Brand Development for DRO, a Colorado-based cannabis lifestyle brand that has been redefining cannabis culture since its launch in 2014. DRO stands out by weaving authentic storytelling, cultural identity, and bold design into its clothing and cannabis products. In this episode, Witt and Jamar share the origins of DRO, reflecting on how their personal journeys—from professional sports and corporate branding to a shared love for cannabis—helped shape the company’s unique voice and vision. They delve into how DRO transitioned from an idea sparked during their time as coworkers to a thriving lifestyle brand blending cannabis and fashion. Other topics discussed in this interview include: The importance of connecting with consumers through authentic, relatable stories The role of design in bridging cannabis culture with mainstream audiences The importance of advocacy, social equity, expungement, and using their platform for cannabis education DRO’s approach to licensing deals, and the challenges and opportunities of entering big-box retailers And more! This episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of cannabis, culture, and business, highlighting DRO's journey as a brand that honors legacy culture while helping shape the current landscape of the legal cannabis industry. Learn more about DRO: https://drolife.com https://droflower.com

In this episode of the Ganjapreneur Podcast, host TG Branfalt speaks with Tom Lauerman, better known as Farmer Tom, a longtime cannabis advocate, organic cultivator, and educator. As the founder of Farmer Tom Organics, Tom has worn many hats in his cannabis career, from medical grower and activist to consultant and federal educator. In this insightful conversation, Tom reflects on his decades-long journey in the world of grassroots cannabis activism, including being arrested for cultivation in California, connecting with early pioneers like Dennis Peron and Brownie Mary, teaching federal scientists about organic cannabis farming, and more. Tom also dives into the future of cannabis, offering his thoughts on the potential impact of federal rescheduling, the rise of pharmaceutical involvement in the industry, and the importance of patient rights and home grows. Whether you’re a home cultivator, medical patient, or curious about how the federal government is preparing for a change in policy, this episode delivers a wealth of knowledge.

In this episode, TG Branfalt sits down with Morgan Fox, Political Director for NORML, one of the nation's leading cannabis advocacy organizations. Morgan brings over a decade of experience in cannabis policy reform to the conversation, discussing the Biden administration's announcement on cannabis rescheduling and the real-world impact it may—or may not—have on the cannabis industry, consumers, and criminal justice. Morgan also sheds light on the intricate political dynamics that influence cannabis policy at the federal level, from potential barriers in the rescheduling process to the ongoing battle for meaningful reform in Congress. Whether you're interested in cannabis law, industry tax issues, or the future of legalization, this episode offers deep insights into the current state and future possibilities of cannabis policy in the United States.

In this episode of the Ganjapreneur Podcast, host TG Branfalt sits down with Jessica McElfresh, Chair of the Cannabis Law Institute and board member of the International Cannabis Bar Association, to explore the evolving landscape of cannabis law. Jessica shares her experiences practicing cannabis regulatory law in Southern California since 2010 and provides insights into the critical role attorneys play as the industry grows and federal rescheduling looms on the horizon. Jessica also discusses the Cannabis Law Institute conference, which took place in Chicago over the summer, where legal experts tackled pressing issues like state and federal cannabis policies, social equity, and the potential impact of rescheduling on taxes, financing, and business operations. Whether you're a legal professional or cannabis entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how to navigate the complex legal landscape of the cannabis industry and what could be in store as federal policy changes. (Note: this episode was recorded in June, before the event. To sign up for updates about the 2025 event, visit the International Cannabis Bar Association's website: https://incba.org/)

In this episode of the Ganjapreneur Podcast, host TG Branfalt is joined by LJ Dawson, the Editor-in-Chief of The Outlaw Report, a Washington, DC-based cannabis news outlet covering the dynamic cannabis landscape in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region. LJ shares her journey from criminal justice reporting to leading an independent cannabis-focused publication, offering unique insights into the intersection of cannabis policy, business, and social justice in one of the most politically charged regions in the country. LJ discusses the complex challenges of reporting on cannabis in a region where local, state, and federal laws often clash, creating a complicated and ever-evolving market. She also delves into the ongoing efforts to expand DC’s medical cannabis market amidst competition from unlicensed operators, and the broader implications of cannabis enforcement across the DMV. For anyone interested in cannabis policy, journalism, or the intricacies of the DMV cannabis market (regulated and otherwise), this episode provides a nuanced inside look at the current state of the industry.

In this episode of the Ganjapreneur podcast, host TG Branfalt is joined by Dr. Sean Myles, an associate professor of agriculture at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, who brings a wealth of knowledge on plant genetics. While Dr. Myles has made significant contributions to the study of plant varieties in apples and grapes, today's focus is on his groundbreaking work in cannabis research. Within the unique intersection of agriculture, genetics, and the culture and policy of cannabis legalization, Dr. Myles sheds light on how cannabis labeling, genetic diversity, and breeding practices are shaping the future of the industry.

In this episode of the Ganjapreneur podcast, host TG Branfalt connects with the multi-talented Ngaio Bealum. Ngaio is a true cannabis renaissance man—comedian, musician, writer, actor, and activist—known for his work as a host of numerous events and shows, including the International Cannabis Business Conference, and the Emerald Cup. In this engaging conversation, Ngaio shares his journey from performer to cannabis advocate, discussing how his background in activism and entertainment has shaped his approach to cannabis education and advocacy, what role entertainment plays in educating the public about cannabis, and more.

Brian Applegarth is the founder of Applegarth Strategies, an agency that operates at the intersection of cannabis and travel. He's also the head of the Cannabis Travel Association, leads the Cannabis and Task Force for the California Travel Association and Destinations International, serves as an industry consultant, and holds a certification as a Ganjier cannabis sommelier—a man of many talents and extensive expertise. In this episode, host TG Branfalt connects with Applegarth to explore the evolving landscape of cannabis tourism, delve into the unique challenges and opportunities within the industry, and revisit how the landscape has transformed since Brian's last visit to the show.

This episode of The Ganjapreneur Podcast features Tara Rosenblum, an investigative reporter for News 12, who has recently released a compelling documentary titled "Cannabis Contest." The documentary offers an in-depth look at the social equity aspects of cannabis licensing in New York City, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of hopeful licensees within the evolving legal landscape -- including another previous guest on the show, Jeremy Rivera. With nearly two decades of investigative reporting experience in the New York City market, Tara explores the community dynamics and the critical issues affecting residents and aspiring entrepreneurs. This episode dives into the complexities of cannabis policy, personal journeys of license applicants, and the broader societal implications as cannabis goes from underground economy to regulated business.

The Ganjapreneur Podcast is back! In this episode, host TG Branfalt welcomes Jeremy Rivera, co-founder and CEO of Terp Bros, a dispensary in Astoria, Queens. Rivera, a beneficiary of New York’s Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) program, shares his journey from the legacy market and facing multiple cannabis convictions to launching his own licensed cannabis business. He goes into detail about the nuances of the CAURD program, the competitive landscape of New York’s cannabis market, and the distinctive approach Terp Bros has taken to distinguish itself amid a sea of dispensaries. He also provides first-hand insight into the entrepreneurial spirit driving New York’s developing legal cannabis industry and the ongoing efforts to rectify past injustices.

For decades, cannabis research in the U.S. was hindered by steep federal requirements, foot-dragging enforcement agencies, and an archaic rule limiting the source of research-grade cannabis to just one cultivator in Mississippi. But thanks to a lawsuit against the DEA by Dr. Sue Sisley MD, a doctor who spent years trying to get federal approval for her study, which sought to investigate the therapeutic effects of cannabis for veterans with PTSD, the path to legitimate cannabis research has never been more clear. Shane Pennington, the New York-based counsel for Vicente Sederberg LLP, was the attorney who worked pro bono with Dr. Sisley to see that lawsuit to fruition. In this podcast interview, our host TG Branfalt returns to discuss those developments with Shane as well as other significant rulings. Shane also discusses his background and experience from before he joined the cannabis cause, his advice for younger lawyers or law students who are interested in cannabis, and more. Topics covered in this podcast: www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/legal-issues www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/dea www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/lawsuits www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/justice-department www.ganjapreneur.com/topic/usda For a full transcript: www.ganjapreneur.com/shane-pennington-suing-the-dea-to-unlock-cannabis-research/ Subscribe to our newsletter: www.ganjapreneur.com/subscribe/ Follow us on socials: Instagram - www.instagram.com/ganjapreneur Facebook - www.facebook.com/ganjapreneur LinkedIn - bit.ly/linkedin_gjpr Twitter - www.twitter.com/ganjapreneur YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/ganjapreneur Visit our homepage: www.ganjapreneur.com