Under the Microscope with Jenny

I am your host, Jenny Germano - the founder of ICS Consulting. With over 16 years of hands-on experience in the regulated cannabis Industry, I spent 6 years operating vertically integrated licensed facilities in Colorado and the last 10 years consulting nationally across the U.S.

This podcast is dedicated to new and existing cannabis operators and those looking to launch a licensed cannabis business in one state or across multiple. Expect candid conversations on compliance, market-specific insights, startup pitfalls, operational strategies, and tips to manage the overwhelm that comes with launching and scaling in this complex industry.

Join Jenny Germano every Wednesday at 12pm EST in navigating cannabis compliance and launching successful regulated cannabis operations. Whether youโ€™re just entering the industry or scaling up, this is your go-to resource for real talk, real truths, expert insights, and actionable strategies. I've got a great line up of interviews, expert breakdowns and host insights.

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
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Episodes

2 hours ago

๐ŸŽ™ In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano breaks down the growing wave of scams and fraud targeting licensed cannabis operators across the U.S. Drawing from her experience operating vertically integrated cannabis facilities in Denver since 2009 and her work through ICS Consulting for over the last 10 years, Jenny explains why cannabis businesses are uniquely vulnerable due to regulatory complexity, cash-heavy operations, evolving licensing frameworks, and limited banking access.
The conversation outlines six major scam categories affecting operators nationwide - including regulator impersonation, fake licensing and social equity programs, payment diversion schemes, delivery and reporting fraud, and investment scams. Jenny walks through real-world examples and regulator alerts while highlighting common red flags like spoofed communications, urgent payment demands, threats of license action, and attempts to bypass internal controls.
โœจ This episode delivers practical safeguards operators can implement immediately, including SOPs for verifying regulator communications, stronger payment controls, role-based employee training, and clear response protocols when scam attempts occur - helping cannabis businesses protect their licenses, finances, and teams in an increasingly complex environment.
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๐ŸŒฟ๐—ข๐˜‚๐—ฟ ๐—›๐—ผ๐˜€๐˜: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting
๐ŸŒŽ ๐—œ๐—–๐—ฆ ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜€๐˜‚๐—น๐˜๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
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03:39 National Scam Overview06:52 Red Flags Basics08:52 Regulator Scam Warnings12:15 Colorado + other State Scams13:14 Fake Licensing & Social Equity Scams19:03 Investor Fraud & Phishing24:22 Federal Investment Schemes26:27 Building Scam Safeguards28:01 Cybersecurity Essentials28:30 Phishing & Phone Scams29:43 Money Verification Controls32:17 Verifying Regulators33:56 Crypto Payment Red Flags35:37 Recommended Controls & Drills38:28 Payment & Licensing Protections43:17 Frontline Staff Training46:56 Accounting Scam Risks50:46 Key Takeaways + Wrap-Up
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๐—Ÿ๐—ฒ๐—ด๐—ฎ๐—น ๐——๐—ถ๐˜€๐—ฐ๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcastโ€™s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

Wednesday Feb 11, 2026

๐ŸŽ™In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano sits down with Michael Andrud, CEO and Founder of Lรผt., to break down operational best practices for cannabis retail payments. Michael shares his background in financial services and how that experience informs his approach to navigating payments in highly regulated cannabis environments. The conversation explores the real risks of cash-heavy operations, common misconceptions around payment processing, and the compliance and regulatory concerns tied to payment options like cashless ATMs. Jenny and Michael also discuss the importance of creating consistent customer payment experiences, aligning payment solutions with business models, and effectively implementing loyalty programs. They dive deeper into staff training, documentation, fraud prevention, transparency, and optimizing payment workflows to reduce risk and improve operational efficiency. This episode offers practical guidance and actionable insights for dispensary operators looking to strengthen their payment processes while navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.
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๐ŸŒฟ๐—ข๐˜‚๐—ฟ ๐—›๐—ผ๐˜€๐˜: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting๐ŸŒŽ ๐—œ๐—–๐—ฆ ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜€๐˜‚๐—น๐˜๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
๐ŸŒฟ๐—ข๐˜‚๐—ฟ ๐—š๐˜‚๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜: Michael Andrud, CEO and Founder of Lรผt๐ŸŒŽ ๐—ช๐—ฒ๐—ฏ๐˜€๐—ถ๐˜๐—ฒ: https://www.mylut.com
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00:57 Guest Introduction: Michael Andrud03:15 Challenges in Cannabis Payment Processing05:33 Operational Risks of Cash Reliance08:01 Common Payment Pitfalls for Dispensaries10:00 Visa and MasterCard's Stance on Cannabis Payments23:36 Customer Trust and Payment Consistency27:47 Leveraging Loyalty Programs for Growth35:09 Bank-to-Bank Transfer Programs36:50 Risks of ACH Transactions41:30 Staff Training and Payment Systems48:35 AI and Fraud Prevention54:54 Compliance Banking and Risk Mitigation57:39 Best Practices & Wrap Up
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๐—Ÿ๐—ฒ๐—ด๐—ฎ๐—น ๐——๐—ถ๐˜€๐—ฐ๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcastโ€™s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.
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Wednesday Feb 04, 2026

In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano sits down with Alex Hearding, Founder and President of Red Wolf Risk, to break down whatโ€™s next for the cannabis industry. From upcoming federal rescheduling and the possibility of full descheduling in the future and what these shifts mean for day-to-day operations. The conversation focuses on how operators can prepare for a more regulated future. Alex explains why aligning with federal standards now is critical and dives into the role Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) will play as the industry matures. Together, they explore how proactive compliance can help operators stay competitive, strengthen operations, empower them to quickly adapt by lowering risk exposures and increase business value ahead of future mergers and acquisitions. Tune in to gain insights into what lies ahead for cannabis operators and positioning your business for the industryโ€™s next phase.
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๐ŸŒฟ๐—ข๐˜‚๐—ฟ ๐—›๐—ผ๐˜€๐˜: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting๐ŸŒŽ ๐—œ๐—–๐—ฆ ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜€๐˜‚๐—น๐˜๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
๐ŸŒฟ๐—ข๐˜‚๐—ฟ ๐—š๐˜‚๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜: Alex Hearding, Founder and President of Red Wolf Risk๐ŸŒŽ ๐—ช๐—ฒ๐—ฏ๐˜€๐—ถ๐˜๐—ฒ: https://redwolfrisk.com
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01:07 Introducing the Guest: Alex Hearding02:35 Discussion on Rescheduling and Federal Standards04:33 Impact of Rescheduling on the Cannabis Industry08:25 Compliance and Regulatory Shifts25:09 Proactive Compliance and Future Challenges33:02 The Benefits of Regulating Whole Plant Medicine33:25 Federal vs. State Regulation34:21 Interstate and International Commerce35:02 Understanding GMP and Quality Management Systems38:59 Document Management and Traceability44:41 Impact on Operators, Patients, and Consumers50:23 Preparing for GMP Compliance55:34 Exit Strategies and Industry Consolidation01:01:52 Future Outlook & Wrap Up
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๐—Ÿ๐—ฒ๐—ด๐—ฎ๐—น ๐——๐—ถ๐˜€๐—ฐ๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcastโ€™s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

Wednesday Jan 28, 2026

๐ŸŽ™In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano delves into the topic of common inventory tracking mistakes that put cannabis operators at risk. With over 16 years of experience and helping cannabis facilities navigate the regulatory landscape across the United States, Jenny shares valuable insights into how to prevent common mistakes related to the Metrc seed-to-sale tracking system. She discusses the importance of maintaining accurate inventory records and preventing compliance violations, emphasizing daily reconciliation, proper staff training, and having robust inventory management standard operating procedures (SOPs). Jenny shares her practical tips for avoiding common inventory track and trace pitfalls and highlights her motto - bad data in equals bad data out. Learn about the risk exposure of poor inventory management, tips for better compliance, and recommendations for staying audit-ready in an industry that is under the microscope. Don't miss this essential episode for cannabis operators looking to improve their inventory management processes.
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๐ŸŒฟ๐—ข๐˜‚๐—ฟ ๐—›๐—ผ๐˜€๐˜: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting๐ŸŒŽ ๐—œ๐—–๐—ฆ ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜€๐˜‚๐—น๐˜๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
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00:51 Common Inventory Pitfalls02:59 Importance of Compliance and Training11:32 Seed to Sale Tracking Explained17:43 Physical Inventory and Best Practices21:35 Common Metrc Mistakes and Solutions29:50 The Importance of Naming Conventions30:12 POS System Integration Challenges32:04 The Handling of RFID Tags34:17 Adjustments, Transfers and Manifest Errors39:32 Late Reconciliation and Non-engagement with Reports45:14 Staying Audit Ready49:46 Best Practice Recommendations & Wrap Up
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๐—Ÿ๐—ฒ๐—ด๐—ฎ๐—น ๐——๐—ถ๐˜€๐—ฐ๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcastโ€™s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

Wednesday Jan 21, 2026

๐ŸŽ™In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano discusses the increasing issue of cannabis recalls with special guest Carly Bader, Director of Science at Willow Industries. Carly shares her experiences from working in both the cannabis industry and the field of infectious diseases. Jenny shares recall data from 2025, illustrating the scope of recalls across various states while Carly provides insights on why recalls are common in regulated markets and the major triggers for large-scale recalls. They discuss the importance of proper sanitation, regulatory compliance, and continuous environmental testing to prevent contamination and improve public safety and talk about the need for a centralized database for recall information.
Tune in for an in-depth conversation that covers everything from microbial issues and pesticide recalls to the necessity of better public recall reporting systems. Both Jenny and Carly emphasize the significance of educating operators and the workforce to raise safety standards and minimize recalls in the evolving cannabis industry.
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๐ŸŒฟ๐—ข๐˜‚๐—ฟ ๐—›๐—ผ๐˜€๐˜: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting๐ŸŒŽ ๐—œ๐—–๐—ฆ ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜€๐˜‚๐—น๐˜๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
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๐ŸŒฟ๐—ข๐˜‚๐—ฟ ๐—š๐˜‚๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜: Carly Bader, Director of Science at Willow Industries๐ŸŒŽ ๐—ช๐—ถ๐—น๐—น๐—ผ๐˜„ ๐—œ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐˜‚๐˜€๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐—ฒ๐˜€: https://willowindustries.com
๐ŸŒŽ ๐—–๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—น๐˜† ๐—•๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—Ÿ๐—œ: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carly-bader-4260b217a
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00:43 Our Guest: Carly Bader01:21 Cannabis Recall Statistics03:09 Understanding the Increase in Recalls06:20 Carlyโ€™s Background and Experience10:05 Challenges in Cannabis Compliance13:16 Issues Triggering Large Scale Recalls19:08 Root Causes and Solutions for Recalls29:07 Sanitation Standards in New Markets30:12 Client Struggles with Microbial Testing31:14 Importance of Proper Sanitation33:35 Challenges in the Cannabis Industry37:19 Employee and Consumer Safety39:57 Issues with Recall Timeliness44:53 Improving Contamination Control52:59 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up
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๐—Ÿ๐—ฒ๐—ด๐—ฎ๐—น ๐——๐—ถ๐˜€๐—ฐ๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcastโ€™s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.
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Wednesday Jan 14, 2026

๐ŸŽ™In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano welcomes Nohtal Partansky, the CEO and founder of Sorting Robotics, to discuss the impact of robotics on the cannabis industry. Nohtal shares his fascinating journey from aerospace engineering at NASA to pioneering automation solutions for cannabis manufacturers. The conversation covers key topics such as the economic benefits of robotics in production, the challenges of regulatory compliance, and the future role of AI in the industry. Jenny and Nohtal also offer practical advice for operators navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving market, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards and embracing technological advancements.
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๐ŸŒฟ๐—ข๐˜‚๐—ฟ ๐—›๐—ผ๐˜€๐˜: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting๐ŸŒŽ ๐—œ๐—–๐—ฆ ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜€๐˜‚๐—น๐˜๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
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๐ŸŒฟ๐—ข๐˜‚๐—ฟ ๐—š๐˜‚๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜: Nohtal Partansky, the CEO and founder of Sorting Robotics๐ŸŒŽ ๐—ฆ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—ฅ๐—ผ๐—ฏ๐—ผ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐˜€: https://www.sortingrobotics.com
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01:21 Nohtalโ€™s Journey from NASA to Cannabis04:12 Challenges and Insights in Cannabis Manufacturing16:42 Robotics ROI and Economic Benefits20:53 Mature Markets and Future Outlook29:32 Customization vs. Standardization in Cannabis Markets30:21 Challenges of High Variability in Cannabis42:30 Regulatory Compliance and Automation46:54 The Role of AI and Robotics in Cannabis Manufacturing49:13 Practical Advice for Cannabis Operators52:42 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up
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๐—Ÿ๐—ฒ๐—ด๐—ฎ๐—น ๐——๐—ถ๐˜€๐—ฐ๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcastโ€™s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

Wednesday Jan 07, 2026

๐ŸŽ™In the first episode for 2026 of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano welcomes Cassie Tomaselli, Founder and Creative Director of Tomaselli Media and The Green Room, to discuss the critical role of a brand voice and effective marketing strategies for cannabis operators. They delve into the unique regulatory challenges faced by cannabis businesses across the US market, the importance of balancing educational versus promotional content, and innovative ways to build a strong personal brand and thought leadership in the industry. The conversation covers practical tips on email marketing, utilizing social media responsibly, supporting cannabis media, and leveraging trade shows and events effectively. Tune in to learn more insights as Jenny and Cassie emphasize the value of authentic storytelling and creating a community-centric approach to engage audiences.
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๐ŸŒฟ๐—ข๐˜‚๐—ฟ ๐—›๐—ผ๐˜€๐˜: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting๐ŸŒŽ ๐—œ๐—–๐—ฆ ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜€๐˜‚๐—น๐˜๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
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๐ŸŒฟ๐—ข๐˜‚๐—ฟ ๐—š๐˜‚๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜: Cassie Tomaselli, Founder & Creative Director of Tomaselli Media & The Green Room๐ŸŒŽ ๐—ง๐—ผ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐˜€๐—ฒ๐—น๐—น๐—ถ ๐— ๐—ฒ๐—ฑ๐—ถ๐—ฎ: https://tomasellimedia.com
๐ŸŒŽ ๐—ง๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—š๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฒ๐—ป ๐—ฅ๐—ผ๐—ผ๐—บ: https://the-green-room-b55c22.circle.so/the-green-room-open-enrollment-2025
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00:59 Guest Introduction - Cassie Tomaselli03:54 Challenges in Cannabis Marketing08:25 Importance of a Brand Voice12:19 Organic Content vs. Paid Ads15:15 Email Marketing Strategies19:36 Balancing Educational and Promotional Content24:24 Thought Leadership in Cannabis27:06 The Importance of Personal Branding27:38 Combating Cannabis Stigma Through Thought Leadership29:00 Navigating Media Relations in the Cannabis Industry31:29 Supporting Cannabis Media and Trade Shows44:46 Opportunities in Mature Cannabis Markets47:19 Building Personal Authority in the Cannabis Industry51:43 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up
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๐—Ÿ๐—ฒ๐—ด๐—ฎ๐—น ๐——๐—ถ๐˜€๐—ฐ๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ: The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcastโ€™s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.
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Wednesday Dec 31, 2025

๐ŸŽ™In the final episode of 2025, host Jenny Germano of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny' addresses preparation for a compliant 2026 for cannabis operators. Drawing from her extensive background, Jenny offers action steps on record-keeping standards, navigating the rescheduling processes, preparing for potential state and federal regulatory changes, and improving overall compliance best practices. She emphasizes the importance of meticulous business records management, staff training refreshers, understanding the evolving regulations, and being proactive with federal standards such as OSHA, QMS and ISO 9001. Additionally, she discusses the potential impacts of cannabis rescheduling and the essential steps operators can take to stay updated, diligent and ready. This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips to help cannabis businesses maintain compliance and readiness for a successful new year.
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๐ŸŒฟOur Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting๐ŸŒŽ ICS Consulting: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
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โฐ Timecodes โฐ
01:12 Preparing for Year-End and 202603:33 Record Keeping Essentials12:59 Rule Changes and Compliance16:28 Operational Reset for 202630:42 Cannabis Rescheduling Insights49:13 Wrap Up & Future Plans
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Legal Disclaimer:
The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business.
Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcastโ€™s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

Wednesday Dec 17, 2025

๐ŸŽ™In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano sits down with Jessica Velazquez, CPA, CFE, and Principal Cannabis Practice Leader at Beach Fleischman. Jessica shares her extensive background and experience as a CPA in the cannabis industry. Jenny and Jessica dive into some of the challenges faced by cannabis businesses in 2025, the impact of market trends, and the significance of proactive financial planning. The conversation covers key financial trends from 2025, the importance of regular communication with financial professionals, and the critical role of the power of planning and adapting to industry changes. They also discuss specific strategies for aligning operations with accounting, managing cash flow, and preparing for tax liabilities in the evolving cannabis market. Tune in to gain insights into minimizing tax surprises and optimizing business performance for the year ahead and navigate the complexities of the cannabis industry.ย 
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๐ŸŒฟOur Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting๐ŸŒŽ ICS Consulting: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
๐ŸŒฟOur Guest: Jessica Velazquez, CPA, CFE & Principal Cannabis Practice Leader๐ŸŒŽ Beach Fleischman: www.beachfleischman.com
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โฐ Timecodes โฐ
00:44 Introduction Jessica Velazquez03:05 Industry Evolution and Challenges04:24 2025 Financial Recap and Surprises07:52 Tax Trends and Financial Challenges13:03 Importance of Q4 Planning21:12 Tax Liabilities and Avoiding Pitfalls26:34 Power of Planning: Proactive vs. Reactive28:13 Quarterly Engagement for Cannabis Operators28:30 Challenges of Annual CPA Engagement35:06 Active Financial Planning for Cannabis Companies44:35 Preparing for Future Market Changes52:21 Final Tips for Cannabis Operators & Wrap Up
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Legal Disclaimer:
The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcastโ€™s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

Wednesday Dec 10, 2025

๐ŸŽ™In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano leads an in-depth discussion with Katherine Golden, CEO and founder of LEAF411, and Maureen Dube-Savage, Ambassador and Community Educator for LEAF411. Both guests share their journeys into the cannabis industry driven by personal and professional experiences. They highlight the importance of cannabis education, and how medical cannabis can offer significant benefits to patients. The conversation also delves into the challenges faced by medical patients in accessing the right products, the role of budtenders, the importance of clean and safe products, and recommendations for improving patient support and education in the cannabis industry. They also address gaps in the market for patients such as the lack of training and education, the need for better product labeling and product selection tailored to medical patients and how operators can better support them. Don't miss this insightful discussion on how to enhance the support and services for medical cannabis patients.
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๐ŸŒฟ Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting๐ŸŒŽ ICS Consulting: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
๐ŸŒฟOur Guest: Katherine Golden, RN, CEO & Founder of LEAF411๐ŸŒฟOur Guest: Maureen Dube-Savage, Ambassador and Community Educator for LEAF411๐ŸŒŽ https://leaf411.org
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โฐ Timecodes โฐ
01:32 Katherine's Journey into Cannabis04:28 Maureen's Journey and Medical Cannabis Education07:41 Challenges in Serving Medical Cannabis Patients08:16 Gaps in Services for Medical Patients22:56 Improving Budtender Training and Patient Service33:05 Finding the Right Employees33:14 The Importance of Education and Resources34:34 Best Practices for Medical Dispensaries35:46 Challenges in the Medical Cannabis Market39:31 Dosing Guidelines and Microdosing42:43 Clean and Safe Cannabis Products54:12 Future of Medical Patient Support
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Legal Disclaimer:
The content shared on this channel - including all videos, podcasts, interviews, and discussions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, compliance, or business consulting advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Laws and regulations surrounding cannabis and related industries vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney or licensed professional before making decisions that could have legal or regulatory consequences for your business. Listening to or viewing this content does not create a client relationship between you and ICS Consulting, Under the Microscope with Jenny, Jenny Germano, or any of the podcastโ€™s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

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