Under the Microscope with Jenny

Ep. 35: The Power of Planning: Year-End Financial Strategies & Future Planning for Cannabis Operators

🎙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. 
 
🌿Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting🌎 ICS Consulting: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿Our Guest: Jessica Velazquez, CPA, CFE & Principal Cannabis Practice Leader🌎 Beach Fleischman: www.beachfleischman.com
 
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
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
 
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 podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

Ep. 34: Bridging the Gap - How Operators Can Better Serve Medical Cannabis Patients

🎙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.
 
🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting🌎 ICS Consulting: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿Our Guest: Katherine Golden, RN, CEO & Founder of LEAF411🌿Our Guest: Maureen Dube-Savage, Ambassador and Community Educator for LEAF411🌎 https://leaf411.org
 
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
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
 
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 podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

Ep. 33: Cannabis Operator Series | Fireside Chat with Tiana Woodruff CEO & Founder of Queen Mary

🎙In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano sits down with Tiana Woodruff, the CEO and Founder of the cannabis wellness brand, Queen Mary. Tiana shares her intriguing journey from the entertainment industry and party planning to navigating the highly regulated cannabis industry and launching her brand in California and Colorado. She shares the challenges and triumphs of starting her own cannabis business, the significance of social equity programs, and the importance of education and persistence. Tiana also details her experience with white labeling, licensing deals, and her proactive approach to overcoming obstacles. They discuss her future goals for Queen Mary and the commitment to consumer education and wellness. This insightful conversation is packed with real-life advice, the importance of perseverance, building relationships, and continuous learning for anyone interested in the cannabis industry.
 
🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting🌎 ICS Consulting: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿Our Guest: Tiana Woodruff, CEO & Founder of Queen Mary🌎 https://queenmarybrand.com
 
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
01:15 Tiana's Journey into Cannabis02:42 Challenges and Lessons in the Cannabis Industry04:26 Building Queen Mary: From Idea to Reality10:20 Navigating Financial and Operational Hurdles12:48 The Importance of Relationships and Persistence22:21 Motivation and Passion in the Cannabis Industry29:53 Learning from Mistakes in the Cannabis Industry30:16 The Realities and Risks of Running a Cannabis Business30:56 The Rise and Fall of Cannabis Brands32:50 Regulatory Challenges in California34:14 Navigating Different Markets in California37:20 Expanding to New States like Colorado and Licensing Deals57:10 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up
 
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 podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.
 

Ep. 32: Two Markets, One Plant - Navigating The Hemp and Cannabis Divide

🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano discusses the complexities of the hemp and cannabis markets with Aaron Tucker, a business attorney and founder of Shadow Mountain Law and Fire Business Strategies. They explore the legal and regulatory distinctions between hemp and cannabis, consumer perceptions, and the opportunities and risks for operators in both markets. Key topics include the impact of the 2018 Farm Bill, compliance challenges, and recent federal developments affecting the hemp industry. The discussion provides valuable insights for listeners navigating the evolving legal landscape.
 
🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting
🌎 ICS Consulting: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿Our Guest: Aaron Tucker found of Shadow Mountain Law & Fire Business Strategies🌎 https://shadowmountainlaw.com
🌎 https://firebusinessstrategies.com
 
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
00:54 Aaron Tucker’s Journey into Cannabis03:33 Understanding Hemp vs. Cannabis07:46 Regulatory Challenges and Legal Distinctions15:54 Consumer Market Insights24:53 Crossover Strategies: Cannabis to Hemp and Vice Versa28:48 Navigating the Hemp and Marijuana Industry29:25 Challenges of Compliance and Regulation30:34 Barriers to Entry in the Marijuana Industry32:13 Practical Guidance for Operators33:01 Legal Considerations and Compliance Strategies38:36 Future Outlook and Industry Trends45:22 Myths and Facts about Hemp and Cannabis51:37 Update on Recent Changes in the Hemp Industry
 
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 podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.
 

Ep. 31: Cannabis Operator Series | Fireside Chat with Brendan McKee the Co-Founder of Silver Therapeutics

🎙In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' for our Cannabis Operator Series, host Jenny Germano welcomes Brendan McKee, Co-Founder of Silver Therapeutics, to discuss his journey and insights into running a cannabis business. Brendan shares his extensive background, starting from working in their family business, professional football in Europe to entrepreneurship and launching cannabis operations across multiple states with family. Jenny and Brendan talk about the operational and regulatory challenges, the importance of community engagement, business strategies and the critical aspects of selecting the right business partners and managing finances. The conversation highlights the need for resilience, strategic partnerships, and continuously adapting to market demands, offering up valuable tips for new and existing cannabis entrepreneurs.
 
🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano🌎 https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿 Our Guest: Brendan McKee, Co-Founder of Silver Therapeutics🌎 Silver Therapeutics: https://silver-therapeutics.com
 
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
01:04 Brendan's Journey into Cannabis03:06 Challenges and Growth in the Cannabis Industry04:10 Regulatory Hurdles and Market Expansion09:41 Navigating Market Differences11:38 Operational Challenges and Achievements23:07 Entering New Markets and Future Plans26:43 Funding the Expansion29:24 Choosing the Right Partners30:45 Family Business Dynamics32:11 Customer and Employee Care34:34 Design and Buildout Strategies38:29 Community and Local Relationships41:21 Supply Chain Management45:11 Industry Realities and Challenges49:09 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up
 
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 podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.
 

Ep. 30: From Risk to Resilience - How Cannabis Operators Can Avoid Receivership

🎙In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano is joined by Andy Shelley the Founder of CannXperts to discuss the critical issue of receivership in the cannabis industry. Andy, a former Law Enforcement Officer and Oregon Liquor Control Commission Regulator turned cannabis consultant, delves into his transition into the industry. The conversation focuses on the nuances of receivership, an alternative to bankruptcy, and why it is particularly relevant in the cannabis sector due to federal restrictions on bankruptcy filings. Jenny and Andy talk about the causes leading to receivership, the warning signs, the operational and regulatory challenges, and the steps companies can take to avoid this route. Through detailed explanations and real-life examples, listeners can gain valuable insights into the complexities of financial difficulties in the cannabis industry, the importance of vigilance, and the steps to ensure business sustainability.
 
🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano🌎 https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿 Our Guest: Andy Shelley Founder of CannXperts 🌎 CannXperts: https://www.cannxperts.com
 
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
01:12 Andy Shelley's Background in Cannabis04:10 Receivership in the Cannabis Industry05:27 Understanding How Receivership Works09:43 Reasons Why Receivership Happens14:50 Receivership Process and Challenges17:26 Managing Operations During Receivership20:24 Regulatory Compliance in Receivership23:24 Protecting Assets and Ensuring Continuity25:14 Early Warning Signs and Prevention26:23 Identifying Financial Warning Signs29:52 Proactive Steps to Avoid Financial Trouble34:05 The Dangers of Ignoring Financial Issues36:06 Risks of Management Service Companies45:06 Best Practices for New and Existing Operators48:13 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up
 
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 podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

Ep. 29: Working On the Business, Not Just In It - Building a Sustainable Cannabis Business

🎙In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano welcomes Ernest Toney, founder of BIPOCann, to discuss the keys to building a sustainable cannabis business by focusing on working on the business and not just in it. Ernest shares his journey from working in sport health and wellness to entering the cannabis industry and founding BIPOCann in 2020. Jenny and Ernest cover a wide range of topics, from the importance of having a business plan, navigating regulatory frameworks and authentic storytelling to working through challenges related to funding and access to capital, especially for minority and underrepresented entrepreneurs. They discuss the significance of relationship building and the unique value propositions that can set a cannabis business apart in a competitive market. Whether you're an aspiring cannabis entrepreneur or a seasoned operator, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical best practices.
 
🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting🌎 ICS Consulting: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿Our Guest: Ernest Toney, Founder of BIPOCann🌎BIPOCann: https://bipocann.com
 
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
01:20 Ernest's Early Career and Transition to Cannabis03:50 Addressing Market Gaps in the Industry09:11 Challenges and Strategies for Cannabis Entrepreneurs13:26 Importance of Business Planning20:07 Financial Projections and Proformas28:31 Funding Challenges for Micro and Social Equity Licenses29:06 Challenges in the Cannabis Industry29:56 Access to Capital and Financial Barriers35:08 Branding and Storytelling in Cannabis41:03 Navigating Market Entry and Licensing45:15 The Importance of Relationship Building52:09 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up
 
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 podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.
 

Ep. 28: Protecting Employees - Understanding Worker Protection Standards in Cannabis Cultivation

🎙In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano welcomes her guest, Alex Hearding from Red Wolf Risk, who brings expertise in environmental science and worker safety. Alex and Jenny explore critical topics of protecting employees in cannabis cultivation operations by understanding Worker Protection Standards. Their discussion covers the specifics of Worker Protection Standards (WPS) and the critical need for compliance with EPA regulations on pesticide use, including the roles and requirements for workers and handlers, the importance of training, PPE, emergency assistance, maintaining decontamination stations and common violations. This episode provides practical tips and best practices to help operators ensure compliance and protect their workers, making this a valuable resource for anyone involved in cannabis cultivation.
 
🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting🌎 ICS Consulting: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿Our Guest: Alex Hearding founder of Red Wolf Risk🌎Red Wolf Risk: https://redwolfrisk.com
 
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
02:55 Understanding Worker Protection Standards (WPS)04:17 EPA Standards and Pesticide Use in Cannabis08:03 Overlap with OSHA and State Regulations19:07 Training and Education Requirements25:32 Central Posting and Safety Data Sheets29:36 Essential Safety Equipment for Outdoor Grows32:14 Restricted Entry Intervals (REI) Explained34:17 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidelines39:36 Decontamination and Emergency Supplies48:13 Common Violations and Best Practices54:56 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up
 
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 podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

Ep. 27: Top Compliance Mistakes Cannabis Operators Make and How to Prevent Them

 In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny', host Jenny Germano discusses the top compliance mistakes that cannabis operators commonly make and provides insights on how to prevent them. With over a decade of experience in cannabis operations, Jenny covers a broad range of topics including the top violations in the US, the importance of maintaining a culture of compliance, and best practices for avoiding common pitfalls such as poor record-keeping, labeling errors, and seed-to-sale tracking systems. She dives into the significance of violations issued across 29 states and over $10 million in fines issued in 2024. 
Jenny also provides best practices for each of the top violations, emphasizing the importance of a compliance-centered company culture. Listeners can learn about proper inventory tracking, record-keeping, packaging, and employee training to avoid the common infractions and ensure their cannabis business operates within regulatory standards. Tune in to learn more, and how to navigate the regulatory landscape to keep your cannabis business compliant.
 
🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting🌎 ICS Consulting: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
 
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
01:27 Compliance Risks in Cannabis Operations06:09 Top Violations in Cannabis Operations06:21 Track and Trace Issues15:05 Poor Record Keeping20:20 Packaging and Labeling Mistakes23:04 Security and Surveillance Failures30:33 Advertising and Marketing Violations32:52 Point of Sale System Failures33:49 Improper Waste Disposal40:10 Employee Training and Safety42:56 Best Practices for Compliance55:56 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up
 
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 podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.

Ep. 26: Building Cannabis Cultivation Operations from the Ground Up

🎙 In this episode of ‘Under the Microscope with Jenny’, host Jenny Germano welcomes Jeremy  Shechter, founder of Open Source Horticulture, who shares his extensive experience in cannabis and horticulture. The conversation covers Jeremy's unique background in aquaponics, the key principles for cultivation, common pitfalls in facility design, the importance of staff satisfaction, and the future of cultivating cannabis. They also discuss practical aspects like preventative equipment maintenance, biosecurity in facility design and the critical role of structured communication in managing a successful cultivation operation. This episode is packed with valuable tips for both new and experienced cannabis operators.
 
🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting🌎 ICS Consulting: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿Our Guest: Jeremy Shechter, founder of Open Source Horticulture🌎 https://opensourcehorticulture.com
 
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
01:06 Jeremy's Background in Horticulture and Cannabis02:10 Aquaponics and Cultivation Philosophy03:26 Facility Design and Operational Efficiency17:14 Balancing Creative Vision with Operational Realities21:10 Importance of Employee Satisfaction in Cultivation27:54 Team Dynamics in Cannabis Cultivation29:17 Importance of Structure and Goals30:19 Meaningful Employee Incentives33:47 Communication in Cultivation Operations38:53 Preventative Maintenance in Cultivation Facilities45:12 The Future of Cultivating Cannabis50:03 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up 
 
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 podcast’s guests. Any opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICS Consulting or its affiliates.