Under the Microscope with Jenny

Ep 56: How Cannabis Operators Are Scaling Without Selling to MSOs or Private Equity

🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano sits down with Darren Gleeman of MBO Ventures to discuss how cannabis founders can potentially scale and transition ownership without selling to MSOs or private equity. Darren shares his background in hedge funds and explains how ESOP-based ownership structures are being used in cannabis as operators face limited exit opportunities, scarce lending, valuation challenges, and ongoing market pressure. Jenny and Darren break down what an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) is, how these structures work, and the potential tax and succession planning advantages they may offer certain cannabis businesses. They also discuss leadership, employee retention benefits, and how operators can potentially use these structures to preserve company culture while positioning themselves for future growth and consolidation. This episode delivers practical insight for cannabis operators exploring alternative paths to scaling, ownership transition, and long-term sustainability in today’s cannabis market.
 
🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Darren Gleeman of MBO Ventures🌎 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://mboventures.com
 
⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰01:09 Darren Gleeman Introduction04:43 Cannabis Capital Crunch Setup09:57 What is an ESOP?11:07 ESOP Benefits, Taxes and Warrants15:13 Why Traditional Exits Fail Today17:45 Capital Markets & Banking Risk22:35 Valuations & Illiquid Stock Reality25:19 Co-Ops vs ESOPs for Employees30:42 Receivership Limits 32:14 Valuing Declining Businesses32:40 ESOP Fair Market Value33:41 Buying Distressed Assets36:08 280E After Rescheduling38:09 DEA Registration Unknowns42:49 Open Book Management44:21 Who ESOPs Fit Best50:10 Scaling Through Mergers51:54 Private Equity Reality Check57:36 Final Takeaways
 
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. 55: Launching Cannabis Operations in a Mature & Saturated Market

🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano breaks down what it really takes to launch a cannabis business in a mature and saturated market. Jenny explains why licenses alone are no longer the competitive advantage in established markets and why success now comes down to execution, compliance controls, operational discipline, branding, customer experience, and financial sustainability. She covers the hidden realities of launching, including underestimated build-out costs, permitting delays, pre-revenue burn, and the need for more capital than most operators expect. Jenny also walks through the key challenges facing cultivators, manufacturers, dispensaries, and cannabis hospitality lounges, from branding and staffing to compliance, customer retention, and operational strategy. Throughout the episode, she highlights the traits successful operators share like clear positioning, realistic timelines, conservative financial planning, and the ability to adapt as markets evolve. This episode delivers practical insight for anyone looking to launch, scale, or survive in today’s competitive cannabis industry.
 
🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
 
⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰01:15 Why Mature Markets?04:43 Open Market vs Capped Market08:10 Pre-Revenue Burn Reality13:11 Construction Permitting19:05 Product Shelf Space Battle21:28 Distribution & SKU Focus23:43 Dispensary Customer Strategy29:25 Good Service Wins Customers30:34 Curating Unique Products31:16 Mature Market Advantages31:57 Supply Chain Agreements32:57 Discounting Pitfalls35:10 Inventory Planning Reality36:24 Define Your Customer38:31 Lounge Models Explained39:59 Risk, Liability & Compliance46:38 Revenue Funnels Matter48:27 Successful Launch Patterns51:22 Future Market Maturity53:33 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. 54: Cannabis Operator Series | Fireside Chat with Forest Palmer of Kansas City Cannabis

🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano continues the Cannabis Operator Series with Forest Palmer, CEO of Kansas City Cannabis. Forest shares his journey from the service industry and the United States Marine Corps into cannabis, including his early work with American Shaman before joining Kansas City Cannabis during the launch of the Missouri medical market. He walks through the early licensing process, the intense application work behind it, and how his team secured four of five dispensary licenses, later winning an appeal for a Kansas City location. Jenny and Forest discuss building a dispensary-first strategy without vertical integration, navigating early supply constraints, and adapting to Missouri’s transition to adult use in 2023. They also cover compliance, vendor relationships, operational lessons learned, and how systems evolved through real-world challenges. A major focus of the conversation is culture. Forest shares how Kansas City Cannabis built a people-first operating model centered on training, internal promotions, community connection, and performance bonuses tied to customer experience. That approach has helped create strong retention, low turnover, and a workplace culture built for long-term growth. This episode offers practical insight for operators on licensing, scaling, compliance, and building a strong team in a competitive and evolving market.
 
🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Forest Palmer, CEO of Kansas City Cannabis🌎 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://kccannabis.com
 
⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰01:13 Forest Intro & Early Career Roots02:29 Breaking into Missouri Cannabis04:18 Application Grind & Strategy06:36 Winning Licenses & Team Culture08:29 Dispensary Strategy Without Being Vertical10:38 People First Operating Model16:37 Medical Market Matures18:13 Adult Use Arrives & Supply Chain Crunch26:19 Operational Hurdles & Lessons29:19 Opening Timeline & Growth31:25 Community First Strategy35:09 Regulations Compliance Reality37:56 Pricing Cap Licenses40:28 Packaging Headaches41:45 Building The Best Workplace46:04 Advice For New Operators50:02 Sweat Equity & Building Generational Wealth54:58 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 53: The Hidden Cost of Operating without QMS Systems in Cannabis Facilities

🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano, welcomes Alex Hearding, President and Founder of Red Wolf Risk, to discuss the hidden costs of operating a cannabis facility without a Quality Management System (QMS). Alex explains how a QMS creates accountability, consistency, and continuous improvement while helping operators strengthen compliance, training, and traceability. Jenny and Alex break down why cannabis businesses are especially vulnerable to recalls, contamination, financing challenges, and costly inefficiencies when systems are weak or disconnected. The conversation also covers common warning signs operators should look for, including poor document control, weak equipment maintenance programs, lack of input traceability, missing training systems, unresolved customer complaints, and no formal CAPA process to fix root causes. This episode delivers practical insight for operators looking to reduce risk, improve efficiency, and build a stronger cannabis business.
 
🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Alex Hearding, President and Founder of Red Wolf Risk🌎𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://redwolfrisk.com
 
⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰
00:53 Intro Alex Hearding03:14 What QMS Really Means05:54 Self Regulation Mindset10:33 Why Cannabis Is Vulnerable16:48 Real Costs Without QMS31:01 QMS as Compliance Hub32:12 Culture Built on Systems39:03 Operational Red Flags40:32 CAPA & Root Cause Fixes45:30 GMP Ready Reality Check49:44 Future Proofing with Compliance53:01 Consumer Safety & Contamination54:53 Final Takeaways & 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. 52: How Cannabis Operators Can Approach Marketing Differently

🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano sits down with Will Read, Founder and CEO of CannaPlanners, to break down how cannabis operators should approach marketing in today’s saturated market.
Will shares his journey building CannaPlanners from early hemp and CBD projects into a full-scale agency supporting cannabis brands with websites, SEO and retention marketing. Together, they focus on a key reality that operators are not just selling products, they are selling an experience, and that a brand and digital presence need to be built before launch.
They cover what actually moves the needle, including local SEO, a responsive and mobile friendly website, managing reviews, and using email and SMS for measurable retention. The conversation also highlights common pitfalls, including the real risks operators face when cutting corners, like poor website compliance, copyright issues, fragmented marketing efforts, and over reliance on paid ads in restricted channels.
This episode delivers practical, no fluff insight on building a compliant, effective marketing strategy that drives traffic and keeps customers coming back.
 
🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁:  Will Read, Founder and CEO of CannaPlanners🌎𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://cannaplanners.com
 
⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰
 01:13 Will Read Intro05:03 Why Branding Matters09:20 Market Panic & Survival13:38 Selling Experience, Not Weed18:21 Terpenes & Education Shift21:48 Packaging Meets Compliance24:31 Website Pitfalls29:23 ADA Compliance Reality29:35 SEO Matters Most36:12 Reviews Drive Rankings39:25 Retention, Email & Text41:23 META Shadow Bans Cannabis46:15 Marketing Spend Mistakes49:03 New vs Mature Markets50:58 Final Words & 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. 51: High Stakes: Cannabis, Firearms & Federal Law

🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano, sits down with Founder and of RZA Legal, Rachael Ardanuy to unpack the evolving and highly complex conflict between state-legal cannabis use and federal firearm restrictions. Jenny and Rachael break down how the federal Gun Control Act and ATF firearm purchase forms currently pose real risks for cannabis consumers, including denial of firearm purchases or potential felony exposure for false statements. They walk through how this issue is being challenged in the courts, particularly following the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen decision, which shifted Second Amendment analysis toward historical tradition and opened the door for new legal arguments. The conversation also explores key cases shaping the landscape, including United States v. Hemani and United States v. Daniels, highlighting how courts are increasingly focusing on concepts like “dangerousness” and “temporal nexus” when evaluating firearm restrictions tied to controlled substance use. Jenny and Rachael bring it back to real-world implications for cannabis operators and consumers. They discuss the confidentiality of the state’s medical marijuana registry, the lack of employee protections following Colorado - Coats v. Dish Network, and what cannabis businesses should be thinking about when it comes to workplace firearm policies, security practices, and liability exposure. They also touch on the legacy of the Cole Memo, ongoing federal enforcement priorities, and a current opportunity for public comment on ATF proposed rule changes that could further clarify how “unlawful user” is defined regarding marijuana. This episode is a must-listen for cannabis operators, employees, and consumers looking to better understand the legal risks at the intersection of cannabis and firearms and how to navigate an increasingly shifting regulatory and constitutional landscape.
 
🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁:  Rachael Ardanuy, Founder of RZA Legal🌎𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://www.rzalegal.com
 
𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 “𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗮𝘄𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗿"
 
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/22/2026-01141/revising-definition-of-unlawful-user-of-or-addicted-to-controlled-substance#open-comment
 
⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰ 00:48 Meet Rachael Ardanuy 01:39 Federal Law Meets Second Amendment 03:42 Bruen Case Explained 10:24 Supreme Court Hemani Case 13:03 Gun Control Act Basics 16:48 ATF Proposed Rule Changes 18:13 Medical Patients and Registry Fears 28:06 Operators & Business Exposure 28:40 Firearms at Dispensaries 29:47 Transporters and Armed Security 38:13 Workplace Firearm Policies 43:08 Cole Memo & Federal Priorities 46:42 Best Practices &  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. 50: Cannabis & Banking: Bridging the Gap Between Operators & Institutions

🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano, sits down with Chris Van Dyke, Partner at Cogent Law, to break down one of the most complex and often misunderstood areas of the cannabis industry: banking. Chris brings a rare, dual-perspective background, having helped launch one of the early cannabis banking programs and serving as a state regulator during the rollout of the 2014 FinCEN guidance. Today, he advises banks and credit unions on how to safely and effectively serve cannabis-related businesses (CRB’s). Together, Jenny and Chris unpack the fundamentals defining key terms like BSA (Bank Secrecy Act), and SARs (Suspicious Activity Reports) while exploring the shared compliance burden between operators and financial institutions. They walk through the real risks banks face, particularly around BSA/AML compliance, and why many institutions remain cautious despite growing demand.
The conversation also addresses common misconceptions about cannabis banking, the evolving regulatory landscape, and why financial institutions are increasingly entering the space from fee-based revenue opportunities to portfolio diversification and long-term customer loyalty. Jenny and Chris dive into practical guidance for operators, including how to vet a cannabis-friendly bank, what to expect during onboarding and due diligence, and how to position your business as a low-risk, transparent customer. This episode is a must listen for operators looking to secure and maintain strong banking relationships, reduce compliance risk, and better understand how financial institutions are navigating the cannabis industry behind the scenes.
 
🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁:   Chris Van Dyke, Partner at Cogent Law🌎𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://cogentlaw.com
 
⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰
01:05 Chris Intro & Background04:53 Defining CRB’s & Indirect CRB’s07:50 Shared Compliance Burdens13:24 BSA & SAR Definitions 15:06 Misconceptions about Cannabis Banking & Progress20:23 Stigma Shifts & Rescheduling23:11 Three Circles of Risk25:41 FinCEN Guidance26:40 Why Banks Bank Cannabis29:20 Hemp Banking Uncertainty32:32 Vetting Your Cannabis Bank36:24 CRB Onboarding & Due Diligence37:55 Deposits, Lending & Underwriting40:13 MSO Versus Small Operator Risk42:25 Being a Transparent CRB Customer46:49 Avoid Banking Relationship Pitfalls48:38 Final Tips & 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. 49: Are You Overwhelmed by Cannabis Software Platforms? You’re Not Alone

🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano sits down with Dina Nagib, Principal Consultant at Grass Goddess Consulting, to break down one of the biggest operational pain points in cannabis - software overload. Dina brings a unique perspective from her background in pharmaceuticals and software development. Together, Jenny and Dina explore why dispensaries in particular face a heavy software burden, managing everything from POS systems and e-commerce to marketing tools and state track-and-trace systems like Metrc. They walk through the software categories every operator encounters, including payroll systems, product ordering platforms, and analytics tools while highlighting the real risks of overcomplicating your tech stack. Jenny and Dina also talk about how to properly vet software vendors and why understanding your data structure is critical. They discuss the dangers of fragmented, non-integrated systems, the risks associated with switching POS platforms, and how poor integration can create compliance and operational gaps. This episode delivers practical, real-world guidance to help operators simplify their systems, stay compliant, and make smarter technology decisions as they scale.
 
🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁:  Dina Nagib, Principal Consultant at Grass Goddess Consulting LLC. 🌎𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://www.grassgoddessconsulting.com
 
 
⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰
01:19 Meet Dina Najeeb03:47 Why Software Overwhelms05:52 Core Software Categories07:38 Compliance & Traceability10:41 Essential vs Nice to Have13:41 Demo Prep Reality Check16:46 Switching POS and Data Risks22:48 All-in-One vs Stack25:38 Integration Risk Concerns26:01 Choosing Software Wisely28:38 Evaluating Data Structure29:48 Demo Red Flags32:26 Fragmented Data Problems46:05 Simple Software Advice50:08 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. 48: HR Strategies for Growing Cannabis Businesses

🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano, welcomes Amanda Eastling, Founder of Eastling Services. Amanda shares her path into cannabis HR, starting with a Minnesota-based, tribally owned cannabis startup where she built HR systems from the ground up developing policies, procedures, and operational frameworks tailored to the industry’s unique and highly regulated environment. Together, they unpack the complexities of cannabis HR, including layered compliance across state, federal, and tribal jurisdictions, employee badging and background checks. The conversation dives into the must-have HR policies every operator should have in place such as attendance and call-out procedures to technology use, recording restrictions, and security protocols around phones and restricted areas. Jenny and Amanda tackle common HR pitfalls, recordkeeping requirements including employee file retention and proper I-9 storage. As businesses scale, they highlight the importance of building HR systems that grow with the company, including benefits planning and staying aligned with legal counsel and regulatory expectations. This episode is a practical, no-nonsense guide to building compliant, scalable HR systems in cannabis while still protecting company culture and setting your team up for long-term success.
 
 
🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Amanda Eastling, Founder of Eastling Services🌎𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-eastling
 
⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰
00:47 Intro Amanda Eastling04:29 Compliance & Labor Laws07:28 Must-Have HR Policies14:49 Onboarding Systems18:13 Training & Retention23:38 Promote from Within26:55 Avoiding HR Mistakes28:14 Impairment on the Job28:50 No Consumption on Premises33:23 Compliance & Recordkeeping35:24 File Retention and I-9 Rules40:03 Scaling HR Systems & Benefits44:03 Protecting Culture While Growing45:59 HR Platforms & Reporting48:06 HR Tips & 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. 47: Cannabis Operator Series | Fireside Chat with Anthony Mollins of AJ's Craft Cannabis

🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano continues her Cannabis Operator Series with Anthony “AJ” Mollins, Founder of AJ’s Craft Cannabis Farm in Colorado, for a deep dive into legacy cultivation, innovation, and what it really takes to build a sustainable cannabis operation in today’s market. AJ shares his journey from California’s legacy market, including launching Tahoe Herbal Care in Northern Lake Tahoe in 2009 and exiting in 2014, before relocating to Colorado to design and build a truly unique underground cultivation facility. Built on living soil, natural sunlight, and geothermal cooling and to produce high-quality, terpene-rich cannabis. Jenny and AJ get into the realities operators are facing today from increasing regulatory pressure, testing costs, and recalls to the industry’s continued shift toward large-scale, high-volume “pump and dump” production. AJ contrasts that model with craft cultivation, emphasizing plant health, environmental control, and post-harvest precision as the true differentiators in quality.
They discuss the “why” behind his design - leveraging diffused and full sunlight cycles, low power consumption, gravity-fed water systems, and multi-room drying and curing environments to maintain consistency and control. The conversation also dives into the real challenges of bringing a non-traditional facility to life, including navigating permitting hurdles and engineering complexities. 
This episode is packed with real operator insight, technical cultivation strategy, and honest perspective on what it takes to stand out in an increasingly competitive and regulated market.
 
🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting🌎 𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Anthony “AJ” Mollins, Founder of AJ’s Craft Cannabis Farm
🌎 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://www.ajsmj.com
🌎𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺: https://www.instagram.com/ajs_kush
 
⏰𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀⏰
02:05 AJ’s background03:43 California vs Colorado08:50 Design Inspiration13:24 Permits and Build Challenges15:08 Scaling and Market Pressures17:16 Cultivation Philosophy21:40 Living Soil vs Hydro23:42 Sustainability Meets Profit27:58 Efficiency and Climate Control31:55 Craft vs Commercial32:59 Terpenes and Old Strains37:02 Standing Out in Wholesale41:17 THC Hype vs Terps47:38 Cleanliness and Culture50:46 Living Soil and Companion Plants52:34 Recalls, Testing, and Scale54:36 Wrap Up & Final Thoughts
 
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.