This week's episode is sure to be a treat for all cannabis enthusiasts as me and my co-host, Adriana Hemans dive into the latest happenings in cannabis. Joined with us are two special guests, Brett Puffenbarger, VP Marketing of Green Check Verified, and Aaron Salles, VP, Sales & Marketing at MOCA Humboldt – both experts in the cannabis field. Together, we’ll explore the latest news, trends, and developments in the industry, sharing our thoughts and insights on everything from hot topics to legalization to consumption trends. Sit back, relax, and get ready to spark up some engaging conversation.

While cannabis acceptance and legalization across many U.S. states has increased, so has the number of colleges & universities offering cannabis courses and degrees, ranging from cannabis chemistry all the way through to cannabis production.

Research on the role of cannabinoids in treating chronic pain is ongoing. Initial studies with live human tissue suggest that a CBD-Aloe Vera formulation may decrease the activity of pain receptors—which could lead to new approaches to treating chronic pain, including IC/BPS. Our guest is Heather Florio, CEO of Desert Harvest, a 30-year-old Aloe Vera wellness company focused on the health needs of those underserved and living with under-recognized conditions.

What do cannabis events and other trade shows have in common? The truth is most US trade shows are regional. So why is it a surprise that cannabis events are flourishing in a fragmented industry? Find out the answer to this question and more, as Branding Bud Live streams live TODAY with George Jage and Sid Patel, two founders of the industry’s better-known events, MJ Unpacked, and the Cannabis Drinks Expo.

Have you heard? Cannabis is legal in Thailand. With over 900 dispensaries and cannabis-related shops just in Bangkok alone, David Paleschuck, the co-host of Branding Bud Live and founder of Branding Bud Consulting Group, has decided to take it on the road to learn more. Within just 8 months cannabis has exploded in Thailand.

The cannabis drinks sector is getting downright crowded, with beer giants Pabst Blue Ribbon, Anheuser-Busch InBev and Molson Coors all testing cannabis beverages. Longtime cannabis-product developers say the secret to success in the cannabis beverage game starts at the very beginning when products are formulated.

In an industry defined by fragmented state markets and increasing competition, what common goals drive cannabis business leaders to work together? Is there a clear consensus on what needs to change in cannabis? How do we build and nurture supportive business communities?

With so many non-plant-touching businesses and newcomers entering the cannabis industry, how can one tell who’s credible? This week, we’ll be speaking with David Vaneaton, Sr. Brand Manager at Boveda, a humidity control products company to discuss how non-endemic companies can enter and participate in the industry in authentic and meaningful ways.

Have you noticed a rise in cannabis brands marketed exclusively to women? Catch all the recent “Buy Weed From Women” activity? Read the reports that show a rise in female cannabis consumption? With all of this activity, why haven’t we seen women ascending to the C-suite? David and Adriana unpack these questions with their guest, Kristina Aducci, Founder and CEO of House Of Puff.

Read the interview with Steven Phan, Co-Founder of Come Back Daily, about the evolving NY cannabis landscape. Listen in to learn about everything you don't know about NY cannabis. "Branding Bud Live" offers productive distractions for the cannabis industry with weekly live broadcasts every Thursday at 11 am PST / 2 pm EST on LinkedIn Live, where you'll meet many of the industry's top influencers and thought leaders.