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.

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 story of the “Gentlemen Smugglers” is truly one for the history books. A small group of friends from South Carolina launched a global cannabis smuggling ring. Then in 1971, President Reagan and the War on Drugs came calling and ensnared this small, close-knit group of friends in “Operation Jackpot”, the first Presidential sting. Barry "Flash" Foy was tagged with the federal kingpin statute – Code §848 Continuing Criminal Enterprise – and spent 11 years in prison.

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.

Just a few years ago, the cannabis industry was gearing up, full of confidence for a bright future with immense growth potential. Companies were hiring, expanding production, and exploring mergers & acquisitions, while the stigma around cannabis declined, propelling legalization efforts in new markets.

Just a few years ago, the cannabis industry was gearing up, full of confidence for a bright future with immense growth potential. Companies were hiring, expanding production, and exploring mergers & acquisitions, while the stigma around cannabis declined, propelling legalization efforts in new markets.

Obtaining a cannabis license entails hurdles, roadblocks, complications, and nuances unique to the industry. Building a national cannabis brand state-by-state in a fragmented and evolving landscape is extremely complicated. Check out the conversation we had with Sara Gullickson, CEO & Founder of The CB Advisors on "The Ins & Outs Of Cannabis Licensing".

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.

A countdown of the top 10 most memorable moments of 2022, and top 10 predictions for 2023. David and Adriana reveal the events that shaped the cannabis industry in 2022 including the partnership between Major League Baseball and Charlotte's Web, research that proves "the nose knows", class action lawsuits brought against pre-rolls brands for potency inflation, the Brock Ollie "Superbowl" ad, and Puff Daddy buying Cresco Labs.

David and Adriana enjoy a thought-provoking conversation (and a poke in the eye) with Brett Puffenbarger, VP of Marketing, Green Check Verified, and cannabis industry influencer. Hot topics include sexism in the industry, the infamous "T-shirt guys" from MJBizCon, and hard drug use at cannabis events. Branding Bud Live launches a new audience participation game - "Puff of Pass".

David and Adriana enjoy a thought-provoking conversation (and a poke in the eye) with Brett Puffenbarger, VP of Marketing, Green Check Verified, and cannabis industry influencer. Hot topics include sexism in the industry, the infamous "T-shirt guys" from MJBizCon, and hard drug use at cannabis events. Branding Bud Live launches a new audience participation game - "Puff of Pass".

Featuring an interview with James Zachodni, Co-founder of Dope Magazine and Farechild Events, and one of the ultimate party-throwers in the cannabis industry. We'll be previewing the upcoming MJBIZCON week in Vegas and all the happenings around town, including Farechild's "Shangri-La" event.

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.