At Meadowlands 2024, a key panel brought together industry experts from across the cannabis supply chain to discuss the state of retail and the future of the cannabis industry.
Moderated by Max Esdale, COO of Meadow POS, the panel featured diverse perspectives from some of the most influential players in cannabis, from cultivators to manufacturers and distributors.
Together, they tackled pressing topics like federal legalization, state regulations, and the challenges facing cannabis businesses today.
Meet the Panelists:
- Samantha Miller, Pure Analytics: Expert in testing and compliance.
- Jim Roberts, The Bohemian Chemist: Small-scale cultivator & CA retailer.
- Sean Gephardt, NorCal Cannabis: Experienced operator in the NorCal cannabis market.
- Erin Gore, Garden Society: Leader in cannabis product manufacturing.
- Nicole Daryanani, Kiva Confections: Expert in edibles and product innovation.
- Jayne Fiscus, Pax: Industry leader in vaporizer technology.
- Micah Anderson, Leef: Micro-business operator with broad industry experience
This panel gave a raw, real look at what’s working, what’s not, and what the future holds.
From regulatory headaches to testing inconsistencies, here are some standout moments from the panel discussion that cannabis operators should take note of.
The Regulatory Maze: Tangled and Costly
One of the most significant issues raised during the discussion was the tangled web of California's cannabis regulations. The redundant and conflicting rules make it incredibly difficult for businesses to stay compliant, particularly smaller operators who don’t have the resources to manage the high costs of compliance.
Panelists stressed that while navigating this maze, flexibility and understanding local nuances are key to surviving. This is especially relevant as the regulatory landscape shifts from region to region. The overwhelming sentiment: The system isn’t getting easier anytime soon, but adapting to local specifics can make or break a business.
Key takeaway: California’s supply chain is burdened by a complex set of rules. Staying informed on local regulations and adapting quickly to changes can help businesses remain competitive.
Lab Testing: More Than a Numbers Game
Samantha Miller’s revelation about the 50% inflation of THC potency numbers raised concerns about the accuracy and ethics behind lab testing in California. Lab inconsistencies put ethical operators at a disadvantage, as some labs inflate numbers to give certain products an edge in the marketplace.
This is not just an issue of trust between businesses and consumers—it’s a fairness issue within the industry itself. Without standardized, transparent testing, honest operators struggle to compete against those willing to game the system.
Key takeaway: Lab testing reform is critical. Inflated results create unfair competition within the industry, and operators should push for more transparency to ensure a level playing field.
The Need for Unity: Strength in Collaboration
While competition is inevitable, the panelists agreed that working together as an industry is crucial for long-term survival. Whether it’s advocating for better regulations or sharing best practices, collaboration was highlighted as one of the most powerful tools the cannabis industry has at its disposal.
Micah Anderson and Erin Gore both emphasized the importance of unity over division. Gore even suggested the cannabis industry could take cues from the wine industry, where collective efforts have successfully influenced policy changes and business growth.
Key takeaway: Collaboration across sectors—cultivators, distributors, and retailers—is key to moving the industry forward. Sharing knowledge and building a collective voice can help address some of the systemic issues facing cannabis businesses.
Expanding to New Markets: Lessons in Adaptability
As cannabis companies look to expand beyond California, panelists like Erin Gore emphasized that no two states are the same. Gore shared her experience with expanding into Ohio, where her team learned that success in one state doesn’t guarantee success elsewhere. Every new market comes with its own set of regulations, consumer behaviors, and hurdles.
Businesses must remain adaptable and flexible to thrive in new markets. Knowledge-sharing between states can also help companies avoid costly missteps when entering unfamiliar territories.
Key takeaway: Success in California doesn’t mean success everywhere. Adapting to local regulations and market conditions is essential when expanding into new regions.
Hemp: A Growing Opportunity
Hemp may not be the focus for all cannabis operators, but the panel agreed that it presents a huge opportunity. Jim Roberts noted that hemp and cannabis should be allies, not competitors. With its wide range of applications—from CBD products to textiles and building materials—hemp could be the key to diversifying business models in an ever-changing market.
Aligning hemp and cannabis regulations could unlock new avenues for growth, but businesses need to pay attention to this opportunity before it passes them by.
Key takeaway: Hemp holds untapped potential for diversification. Cannabis businesses should explore hemp’s broader applications and consider aligning their strategies to benefit from both markets.
Adapting to Survive, Uniting for Progress
The cannabis industry, especially in California, faces significant hurdles. From burdensome regulations to testing inconsistencies, the challenges can feel overwhelming. However, the panelists at Meadowlands 2024 left attendees with a hopeful message: adaptability and unity are the keys to surviving and thriving.
By embracing collaboration, pushing for fairer practices, and staying flexible in the face of new market challenges, the cannabis industry can continue to evolve toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
Although these highlights give a snapshot of the broader discussion, the full conversation delves deeper into the complexities of the California supply chain.
Listen to the entire Supply Chain Panel recording from Meadowlands 2024.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Change and Building a Stronger Industry Together
The panel at Meadowlands 2024 illuminated both the obstacles and opportunities facing the cannabis industry today, reminding us that while the path forward may be difficult, it's also rich with potential. Through the candid insights shared, it became clear that survival in this space requires more than just resilience—it demands a willingness to adapt, innovate, and come together as an industry.
As regulations evolve and the market landscape shifts, businesses that remain flexible and open to collaboration will be better equipped to thrive. Whether it's advocating for more transparency in testing, navigating complex state regulations, or exploring new markets, the future of cannabis lies in unity and adaptability. The discussions at Meadowlands underscored that while there are plenty of challenges, there are also abundant opportunities for those who are ready to embrace them.
In the end, the key takeaway is that progress won’t come from any single solution, but rather from the collective efforts of everyone in the industry working together to overcome obstacles and drive sustainable growth forward.
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