Under the Microscope with Jenny

Ep. 23: Beyond Compliance: Building Smarter Cannabis Operations

🎙 In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano welcomes Blaine Hatab, CEO of Distru, to discuss the evolving cannabis industry and key aspects of the industry from operations to compliance. They delve into the importance of technology in cannabis operations, the importance of staying data-driven, leveraging technology and how better tech can make a difference for Cannabis operators. 
The conversation covers the unique challenges faced by cannabis operators, the pivotal role of technology, particularly ERP systems, in optimizing operations, and the potential but limited impact of AI on the industry. Jenny and Blaine explore strategies for better inventory management, fostering buyer-operator relationships, and addressing market oversupply issues. 
This episode is packed with valuable information for both current and aspiring cannabis operators. Tune in for practical advice and strategies to strengthen your position in this competitive market.
 
🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting🌎 ICS Consulting: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿Our Guest: Blaine Hatab, CEO of Distru🌎 Distru: https://www.distru.com
 
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
00:35 Guest Introduction 03:11 Challenges in the Cannabis Industry03:33 Importance of Technology in Cannabis07:18 Adoption and Integration of Software10:16 AI in the Cannabis Industry16:14 Inventory Management and Compliance20:31 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)25:40 The Importance of Relationships in Business31:55 Strategies for Cannabis Operators34:00 Navigating Market Saturation43:03 The Role of Data in Business Decisions48:12 Best Practices for Cannabis Operators
 
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. 22: Five Compliance Challenges That Can Make or Break Your Regulated Cannabis Business

🎙 In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano dives into five primary compliance challenges that can make or break a regulated cannabis business. Jenny shares her extensive background in the cannabis industry, beginning in 2009, and the insights she has gained through her 16 years of working in the regulated market. She addresses why she often focuses on the industry's hurdles, and the importance of being prepared, the role of regulations along with the five key compliance challenges operators will face. Jenny provides practical advice, including the necessity of thorough training, and the significance of understanding every single aspect and moving piece of the cannabis business. This episode is crucial for both new entrants and existing operators in the cannabis industry, offering valuable insights and strategies to navigate and mitigate these challenges.
 
🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting
🌎 ICS Consulting: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
 
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
00:59 The Reality of Cannabis Industry Challenges04:00 Why Running a Regulated Cannabis Business is Challenging09:00 Top Five Compliance Challenges Overview11:27 Inconsistent Testing Standards18:50 Navigating the Regulatory Maze21:52 Inventory Tracking and Inversion Risks35:56 Security, Packaging, and Product Safety43:49 Financial, Tax, and Banking Compliance51:19 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. 21: How Training Builds Strong Cannabis Operations and Teams

🎙 In this episode of "Under The Microscope with Jenny Podcast," host Jenny Germano is joined by Maureen McNamara, Founder & Chief Facilitator at Cannabis Trainers, to explore the pivotal role of training in the cannabis industry. The conversation dives into Maureen’s journey as a leader in compliance and training, and how she is shaping the future of cannabis operations. Jenny and Maureen cover essential topics, including the importance of training for compliance, safety, and building strong teams, as well as strategies for engaging adult learners and fostering a positive company culture. Listeners will gain actionable insights into operational best practices, compliance challenges, and the impact of ongoing education on business success. This episode is a must listen for cannabis operators, team leaders, and anyone looking to elevate their operations through effective training and compliance strategies.
 
🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting🌎 ICS Consulting: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿 Our Guest: Maureen McNamara, Founder & Chief Facilitator at Cannabis Trainers🌎 Cannabis Trainers: https://cannabistrainers.com
 
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
01:15 - Maureen’s Journey: From Hospitality to Cannabis Training02:30 - The Importance of Training in Cannabis04:15 - Compliance, Safety, and Public Trust07:00 - Real-World Training Stories09:20 - Training for Adult Learners11:00 - Making Compliance Training Engaging14:00 - Common Training Mistakes & Assumptions22:00 - When Training Saves the Day31:00 - Training Across States & Regulations34:00 - Building a Training Foundation for New Businesses39:00 - Debunking Myths About Compliance Training41:00 - 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. 20: Rolling Into the Future: Automation Strategies for Cannabis Operators

In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano is joined by Shahar Yamay, CEO of Hefestus USA, to explore the role of automation in the cannabis industry. The conversation delves into Shahar's journey from food packaging automation to cannabis, and how his company is revolutionizing pre-roll automation. The episode covers essential topics, including the importance of planning, training, and maintaining high quality while scaling operations. Our Listeners will also gain insights into operational strategies, compliance, and the future of automation in cannabis. Highlights include discussions on the Dutch fold technique, integrating automation seamlessly into daily operations, and anecdotes from successful implementations. This episode is a must-listen for cannabis operators considering or optimizing automation in their facilities.
 
🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting🌎 ICS Consulting: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿 Our Guest: Shahar Yamay, CEO of Hefestus USA🌎 Hefestus USA: https://www.hefestus-tech.com/cannabis-packaging-automation
 
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
01:01 Shahar's Journey in Cannabis Industry03:20 Discussion on Industry Changes and Challenges05:46 Automation in Cannabis Operations08:29 Training and Workforce in Automation11:31 Scaling and Automation Benefits26:25 The Importance of Smokeability27:21 Infusion and Equipment Capabilities28:28 Scaling and Quality Improvement30:34 Operational Readiness for Automation33:37 The importance of Training35:51 Compliance and Integration41:28 The Dutch Fold Technique44:47 Successful Automation Transitions49:22 Final Takeaways 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. 19: Compliance on Wheels: The Rules of the Road with Cannabis Transportation

In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano dives into the complexities of cannabis transportation with guest Joel Dickerson, CEO of GPS One LLC. Joel shares his journey from sports management to the cannabis industry, detailing his experiences working in vertically integrated cannabis operations in Colorado and the launch of Green Parcel Service the first licensed cannabis transportation provider in the United States, and the birth of GPS One. The discussion covers the challenges of cannabis transport, including regulatory compliance, vehicle requirements, route planning, and dealing with unpredictable weather conditions. Joel emphasizes the importance of standardization, training, and documentation while sharing real-world stories of navigating the uniqueness of Colorado's transport landscape. This episode provides valuable insights for both existing operators and those considering entering the cannabis transport industry.
 
🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano🌎 https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿 Our Guest: CEO Joel Dickerson of GPS One LLC. 
🌎 GPS One LLC: https://gpsone.delivery
🌎 Green Parcel Service: https://greenparcelservice.co
 
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
01:34 Joel's Journey into Cannabis Industry05:02 Building Green Parcel Service & GPS One06:42 Innovations in Cannabis Transportation11:12 Compliance on Wheels: Rules of the Road19:05 Challenges in Cannabis Transportation21:25 Compliance Requirements for Cannabis Transport29:12 Chain of Custody and Record Keeping32:35 Digital Transport Manifests and Paper Reduction36:10 Misconceptions About Cannabis Transport37:34 Transport Logistics and Driver Protocols43:06 Weather Challenges and Route Planning49:42 Final Tips 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. 18: Asset-Light, Market-Ready: Strategic Expansion for Cannabis Operators

In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano discusses asset-light, market-ready expansion for cannabis operators with guest Xavier Jaillet, an Associate Attorney at McDonald Hopkins Law Firm. Jenny and Xavier explore various models for expanding cannabis brands into new markets, including license acquisition, business purchases, and licensing agreements. They dive deep into the benefits and challenges of partnering with existing operators, emphasizing the importance of due diligence, written agreements, and clear communication. The discussion aims to help cannabis operators navigate expansion strategies effectively while mitigating risks.
 
🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano🌎 https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿 Our Guest: Xavier Jaillet, Associate Attorney🌎 Xavier on LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xjaillet
🌎 McDonald Hopkins Law Firm: https://www.mcdonaldhopkins.com
🌿Xavier is also the Chair Colorado Chapter and Secretary of The Board for The Cannabis Chamber of Commerce: https://www.thecannabischamber.com
 
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
01:33 Xavier's Journey in the Cannabis Industry05:38 Challenges and Opportunities in Cannabis Expansion08:35 Three Models for State License Products15:47 Expansion by Licensing Agreements22:09 The Realities of Partner Selection27:03 Navigating State Regulations27:42 Understanding Royalty Percentages and White Labeling30:41 Vetting Potential Partners38:51 Pitfalls and Written Agreements41:41 Allocating Liability and Economic Terms45:28 Starting Low and Going Slow in Business48:40 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. 17: The High Cost of Compliance: Launching a Regulated Dispensary

In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano discusses the complexities and high costs of opening a regulated cannabis dispensary. With over 16 years of operations experience in the cannabis industry, she describes the various stages from licensing to the grand opening, emphasizing the importance of being organized and having an experienced team. She discusses the common pitfalls such as overwhelming tasks, the lack of project management, the financial strains, drinking through the firehose syndrome, compliance issues, and the importance of thorough preparation. 
Providing real examples from her consulting work, Jenny urges potential dispensary owners to take compliance seriously and understand their choices and the significant investment required, both financially and in terms of dedication. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the real challenges in the cannabis industry, while offering practical steps for aspiring dispensary owners.
 
🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano
🌎 https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
 
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
00:58 The Overwhelming Process of Opening a Dispensary02:48 Cost Variations Across States07:43 The Reality of Running a Dispensary10:40 Financial Challenges and Misconceptions31:34 The High Cost of Compliance33:08 Challenges During Construction34:21 Navigating Inspections and Licensing36:06 Drinking Through the Firehose45:20 Building the Right Team53:00 The Importance of Compliance and Burnout Prevention54:41 Key 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. 16: The Backbone of Compliance: Management, People, and Systems

In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano discusses the essential components of compliance in the cannabis industry, focusing on management, people, and systems. Drawing from her extensive experience in the field, Jenny outlines the importance of strong leadership, clear accountability, and effective risk management. She also explores creating a culture of compliance, the significance of proper documentation, and the role of communication in fostering a healthy work environment. The episode includes practical tips and examples, making it a valuable resource for anyone involved in or interested in the regulated cannabis market.
 
🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano🌎 https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
 
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
01:10 The Role of Management in Compliance05:44 Building a Culture of Compliance12:44 Effective Management Strategies13:57 Integrating Compliance into Daily Decisions18:42 Accountability and Documentation Standards23:26 Organizational Structure and Task Management28:02 The Importance of Accountability and Documentation28:39 People First: Leadership and Culture of Compliance29:11 Choices and Their Impact on Business32:42 Adaptive Management in the Cannabis Industry43:02 The Role of Employees in Compliance47:57 Effective Management and Avoiding Burnout50:25 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. 15: Cannabis Operator Series | Fireside Chat with Jennifer McGuire COO & Co-Founder of CAMP Cannabis

In this next episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano dives into our Cannabis Operator Series featuring Jennifer McGuire, the COO and Co-Founder of CAMP Cannabis. CAMP is a craft cultivation and manufacturing operation based out of St. Louis, Missouri serving the Medical and Adult-Use market. Jenny sits down with Jennifer to discuss her journey from nursing to co-founding a regulated cannabis operation. Our conversation highlights some of the challenges launching in a new market, and the triumphs along the way, and the focus on growing and producing clean craft cannabis products. We also touch on the importance of safe operational standards, effective marketing strategies, the word of the day - pivot, and how vital team and community involvement is.
🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano
🌎 ICS Consulting
🌿 Our Guest: COO/Co-Founder Jennifer McGuire
🌎 CAMP Cannabis
 
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
00:45 Guest Introduction: Jennifer McGuire01:11 Journey From Nursing to Cannabis02:21 Co-Founding Camp Cannabis05:15 Challenges and Successes07:49 Building a Brand and Community13:12 Clean Craft Cannabis Practices18:44 Operational Growth and Product Development23:26 Challenges of Expanding a Cannabis Brand26:53 Navigating Social Media and Marketing Hurdles33:10 Operational Realities and The Pivot39:30 Tips for New Cannabis Operators
 
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. 14: Mediation as a Compliance Strategy for Regulated Cannabis Operations

In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano is joined by Bethany Niebauer from Axial Resolutions to discuss mediation as a compliance strategy for regulated cannabis operations. Bethany shares about her decade-long experience in the cannabis industry, starting with writing license applications, and transitioning into mediation to help resolve industry conflicts. This episode delves into how mediation can be used for various disputes within cannabis businesses, including employee issues, vendor relations, how to prevent internal conflicts, and an added value for operational compliance. They highlight the importance of communication, and relational dynamics in maintaining compliance and operational efficiency. The discussion includes practical advice on incorporating ADR clauses in contracts, utilizing mediation to preserve business relationships in the long term and building a culture of trust.
🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano🌎 https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿 Our Guest: Bethany Niebauer, Founder of Axial Resolutions🌎 https://axialresolutions.com
 
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
00:58 Guest Introduction05:00 The Importance of Mediation in Cannabis05:44 Understanding Mediation vs. Arbitration10:09 Compliance and Relationships18:43 Patterns, Pitfalls, and Prevention24:40 Leadership and Management Challenges26:34 Building Relational Trust in the Cannabis Industry30:55 Tools and Tactics for Conflict Resolution36:12 The Value of Mediation Clauses in Contracts38:20 Changing the Culture & 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.