High Functioning Podcast

Alex Mendez: A $20K Birth Bill and the Fix Nobody Passes

Jason Reposa — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Alex Mendez is an attorney from Quincy spending his own money to win a Massachusetts State Senate seat that pays less than his current job. In this episode he explains why, and the answer starts with a $20,000 hospital bill for one night to deliver his daughter. Massachusetts spends over $35 billion a year on healthcare, and Mendez argues most of it disappears into insurance middlemen instead of care.

Mendez is running as an independent against a 15-year incumbent he calls a career politician. He breaks down how the State Senate actually works, why he wants state-run free health clinics, his case for greater Boston rail to fix car dependency, and where he stands on the November cannabis repeal. Jason and Alex also dig into the Massachusetts cannabis market: why revenue is flat at $1.6 billion despite record volume, how new rules on store caps and 20% equity could open the door to private equity, and why flower prices tripled from $2.50 to $7 a gram.

This is a real conversation about what it takes to run for office and what is actually broken in the systems most people never question. 21+ where legal. Cannabis policy discussion is opinion, not legal advice. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Oregon Hit $50 A Pound. Massachusetts Is Next. | Samantha Seagaard, The Fresh Connection

Jason Reposa — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Oregon's wholesale flower market fell to $50 a pound, less than it costs to grow. Whole farms sold entire crops for $25 to $50. People who left six-figure jobs at Intel to grow cannabis lost their life savings. Samantha Seagaard watched it happen in real time, and she is telling Jason Reposa why she thinks Massachusetts is walking the same road. Two years ago she stood in front of the Cannabis Control Commission and warned them to cap the canopy. The state just voted to freeze new cultivation licenses.

Samantha is the co-founder and CEO of Fresh Connection Boston, a small batch craft cultivator that recently took over two dispensaries in Cambridge and Somerville. She came up in Oregon's medical market, spent 15 years learning to grow, make hash, and hunt genetics, then moved the operation to the East Coast. In this conversation she breaks down the real cost of going recreational, why she runs organic soil over coco, what actually separates craft from a marketing label, and what changes when a grower finally owns the retail shelf.

21+ where legal. This is an industry conversation, not medical or legal advice. Listen to the full episode and follow High Functioning for more real conversations with the people building legal cannabis.

They Said Lab-Made 🥦 Was Fake. The FDA Disagrees | James Winokur, CitraChem

Jason Reposa — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Everyone hears "synthetic" and thinks fake. James Winokur, CEO of CitraChem, explains why 99.9% of FDA-approved drugs are synthetic, and why a plant-inspired molecule has a 45% shot at approval while a fully novel one sits at 10%.

We get into what Schedule III actually changes for operators, why lab-made doesn't mean fake, the FDA botanical route almost nobody clears, and where hemp beverages, the November repeal, and Big Pharma all collide.

James spent 12 years in cannabis as the former CEO of Berkshire Roots and a product leader at Mary Med. Now he's building a life sciences platform that synthesizes botanically identical cannabinoids for pharmaceutical research.

(00:00) Cold Open

(01:35) Synthetic Doesn't Mean Fake

(07:54) Schedule III and What CitraChem Does

(13:37) The FDA Math: 45% vs 10%

(15:23) Why Lab-Made Doesn't Mean Fake

(18:31) What You're Actually Inhaling

(21:05) The R&D Platform Play

(23:34) Building the Molecule Library

(30:00) Hemp Beverages and the November Repeal

(36:48) Microdosing and the Education Gap

(39:55) The Repeal Fight and Race to the Bottom

Host: Jason Reposa

Guest: James Winokur, CEO of CitraChem

New episodes drop Tuesdays at 10 AM ET.

Half The Legal Weed Would Fail A Real Mold Test | Chris Hudalla, ProVerde

Jason Reposa — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 02:00:00 +0000

The founder of Massachusetts' first cannabis testing lab says 50 to 60 percent of the product on retail shelves would fail the state's own mold guidelines. He knows because he tested it, off the shelf, in a free program he eventually had to shut down. The bigger problem is not contaminated weed. It is that the labs catching it are losing business to the labs that pass everything.

Chris Hudalla is an analytical chemist with a doctorate in the field and the founder and chief scientific officer of ProVerde Laboratories, the first lab built for cannabis testing in Massachusetts back in 2013. He walks through how testing actually works, why PCR passes more product than culture-based methods, how one suspended lab's failure rate jumped from under 1 percent to 27 percent under oversight, and how he can spot synthetic and CBD-converted THC that the state says is "not prohibited." He also explains, using the thalidomide story, why isomers that look identical can behave very differently in the body.

21+ where legal. This conversation is for information only and is not medical, legal, or safety advice. Listen and follow High Functioning for real conversations with the people shaping legal cannabis.

Vicodin, the DEA, and 20 Years Sober: Dr. Peter Grinspoon on Cannabis, Addiction, and Aging Well

Jason Reposa — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0000

A Harvard-trained primary care doctor got addicted to Vicodin in his thirties, lost his medical license, and got sober. Twenty years later, he is board-certified in addiction medicine, prescribes cannabis at Mass General, and just published Aging Well with Cannabis. Jason Reposa sits down with Dr. Peter Grinspoon to talk about what the cannabis industry still gets wrong about harm, why budtenders should not be giving medical advice, how cannabis is helping seniors come off five and ten medications, and the cost problem that flips patients back to opioids. Educational, 21+, not personal medical advice. Get Good Feels at getgoodfeels.com

The Real Cost of a Social Equity Cannabis License with Michael Marinaro and Tara Hopper of Bada Bloom!

Jason Reposa — Tue, 26 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Michael Marinaro and Tara Hopper raised $600,000 in one weekend and then paid $20,000 a month for five years to hold a building before Bada Bloom! could open. Now they are fighting for the rest of the capital while the Massachusetts cannabis industry consolidates around them. In this episode of High Functioning, Mike and Tara walk through the real cost of a social equity license, why investors keep saying no, the helicopter story, the delivery law flip, and Mike's theory on who is going to fund the MSO repeal campaign. For Massachusetts cannabis operators. 21 and older.

The Field Marketing Playbook Nobody Writes Down | Rae Russell

Jason Reposa — Tue, 19 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Rae Russell runs customer success for PAX in Massachusetts. She treats field marketing as a sales job, not glorified event staff.

In this episode, she and Jason Reposa break down what separates a brand ambassador who moves product from one who just shows up. They cover how she knows which budtenders sell before she walks in, how to measure whether a pop-up worked, when an activation wastes money, and why good people quit the role.

Rae came up through ten years of Verizon retail and dispensary floors before taking the brand side. This is the field marketing playbook nobody writes down.

Topics: field marketing, brand ambassadors, customer success, pop-up ROI, retail cannabis, budtender training.

21+ where legal. Nothing for sale.

Full episodes: https://highfunctioning.show

Stop Losing Dispensary Sales to Dirty Data | Socrates Rosenfeld, Jane Technologies

Jason Reposa — Tue, 12 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Most dispensaries run on broken data and never find the leak. Socrates Rosenfeld, co-founder and CEO of Jane Technologies, built a decade of infrastructure to fix that. In this episode he breaks down the protocol Jane built to unify fragmented SKU data across every POS and CRM in the industry. He explains why online average order value runs nearly double in-store. He reveals how Jane Gold lets brands fund consumer loyalty without touching retailer margin. He makes the case for open ecosystems over walled garden tech stacks. If your store revenue is flat or dropping this episode is required listening.

Topics covered: dispensary data strategy, cannabis ecommerce conversion, Jane Gold brand loyalty, Dutchie, Flowhub, Treez, Alpine IQ, cannabis attribution, discount strategy, open ecosystems, AI in cannabis retail.

21+ where legal. Nothing for sale.

Full Episodes: highfunctioning.show

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How to Get CBD Into 34 Dispensaries Without Paid Ads | Michael Mulkern, MAVZ Naturals

Jason Reposa — Tue, 05 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Michael Mulkern built and sold a CBD company, lost his investment in a bad acquisition, got laid off with a newborn at home, and launched MAVZ Naturals the same week. He now runs 34 dispensary accounts across Massachusetts with zero ad spend.

In this episode he breaks down the sample jar tactic that wins retail floor space, why he bought his own product back off dispensary shelves during his rebrand, how he keeps manufacturing lean enough to survive market swings, and what independent hemp operators need to do now as the 2026 federal hemp deadline approaches.

If you sell into dispensaries or manufacture hemp products, this is the operational playbook.

Topics covered:

How he rebuilt from a failed acquisition with no outside investment
The sample jar strategy that converts buyers without paid media
Why he targets 10 to 20 core accounts instead of chasing volume
Skincare and New York distribution as hedges against the hemp cliff
Writing a children's book named after his son as a legacy project

21+ where legal. Nothing for sale.Full Episodes: highfunctioning.show

This Artist Walked Away From a Cannabis Contract Over AI. Here's Why.

Jason Reposa — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:21:50 +0000

A cannabis label company asked Adam O'Day to design their packaging. He said yes — until he saw the rest of their branding was AI-generated. He walked.That decision is the center of gravity for this episode. Adam O'Day (muralist, fine artist, 13 years full-time) and Allan "Alz" Sousa (fine artist, gallery director at Black Walls Gallery) sit down with Jason to talk about what authentic creative work costs, what AI is actually doing to both the art world and cannabis branding, and why the intersection of cannabis and the arts in New England is an opportunity nobody is moving on yet.Alz lays out a direct argument: if a cannabis company has enough capital to bring a product to market, it has enough to pay a local artist a few thousand dollars instead of prompting a model. He's already building he framework to connect cannabis operators in Massachusetts with real artists — and explains exactly why that matters for brand equity, not just optics.They also get into the pay-to-play reality behind Art Basel ($80K to get in the door), why Alz deliberately makes certain pieces unsellable, how Adam's daughters outsell him at a Provincetown gallery, and what it actually takes to run a community art program inside a dispensary without the drama. No theory. Two working artists, one B2B cannabis host, zero filters.Chapters below.Adam O'Day: @adam_oday | SCAPES solo show at Black Walls GalleryAlz (Allan Sousa): @alz_next | Gallery Director, Black Walls Gallery | alzandkitty.com1:49 What Makes Someone an Artist6:25 The Real Artist's Day16:15 The Business of Art: 13 Years Full-Time Without Selling Out29:01 Social Media Is a Trap If You Need the Validation41:49 AI Art in Cannabis: Where the Line Is and Why Adam Walked Away47:15 The Cannabis–Arts Pipeline Nobody Has Built Yet56:34 Don't Make Painting Your Only Income1:04:00 What's Next: Shows, Books, and Art Basel21+ where legal. Nothing for sale.🎧 Full Episodes: highfunctioning.show🔔 Subscribe: tr.ee/highfunctioningsubscribe🎙️ Listen on Spotify: tr.ee/highfunctioningspotify🍎 Apple Podcasts: tr.ee/highfunctioningapple

Stop Selling THC Percentage: What Your Dispensary Menu Gets Wrong

Jason Reposa — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Dispensary menus train customers to buy the highest THC percentage. That is not a product strategy. That is a race to the bottom.

Dr. Riley Kirk is a PhD pharmaceutical scientist, co-founder of the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy, and author of Reefer Wellness, distributed by Penguin Random House. She built 425 thousand followers on TikTok making cannabis science readable for anyone. She joins Jason to break down what operators and budtenders are still getting wrong every day on the floor.

In this episode: why indica and sativa are marketing categories and not scientific ones, how THCV drives daytime consumer demand and kills the munchies, why high THC produces a shorter and hollower experience than full-spectrum products, how cannabis beverages sit between edibles and smokables in the body, what the hemp beverage ban actually does to consumer spending, and how Penguin Random House published a cannabis book without knowing the cover photography was weed.

If you run a dispensary, train a sales floor, or formulate products, this one is worth your full attention.

Find Riley at cannabichem on TikTok and Instagram.

Reefer Wellness is available at dispensaries nationwide and on Amazon.

The Network of Applied Pharmacognosy is at networkofappliedpharmacognosy.com.

21+ where legal. Nothing for sale. Full episodes at highfunctioning.show

How to Buy Back Your Cannabis Brand From an MSO (The Levia Playbook)

Jason Reposa — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:36:34 +0000

Kristin Rogers co-founded Levia and built the Massachusetts cannabis beverage category from scratch. She sold to a multi-state operator, watched the innovation stall, and spent three years getting the brand back. The change of control finalized this month. She breaks down the acquisition mechanics, why nobody got rich, and how she is now building hemp DTC while fighting for multi-serving cannabis drinks in Massachusetts.🛒 Good Feels THC beverages: getgoodfeels.com00:01:04 Introduction: Kristin Rogers and Levia00:01:59 The Origin of Levia Tinctures00:07:05 From Substance Abuse Therapy to Cannabis CEO00:16:21 Pitching the Kowloon Partnership00:23:14 Selling Levia to an MSO00:29:03 The Reality of Corporate Overhead00:31:45 Starting the Buyback Conversation00:40:17 Hemp Direct to Consumer Strategy00:47:23 Petitioning for Multi-Serving Drinks00:54:10 The Future of Cannabis Beverage RegulationGuest: Kristin RogersLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/kristin-rogersLevia: https://levia.buzz🎧 Full Episodes: highfunctioning.show🔔 Subscribe: tr.ee/highfunctioningsubscribe🎙 Spotify: tr.ee/highfunctioningspotify🍎 Apple Podcasts: tr.ee/highfunctioningapple#CannabisIndustry #CannabisBusinessStrategy #HempBeverages #CannabisPodcast #MSOAcquisition21+ where legal. Nothing for sale.

Where Dispensaries Burn Money (And What Drives Revenue)

Jason Reposa — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:12:50 +0000

Emily Tuttle, Director of Business Development at Cannabis Creative Group, joins Jason Reposa to break down the "3-Funnel System" driving revenue for top dispensaries.

In this tactical episode, we cover:

- SEO Strategy: Why you must optimize before your website goes live.

- Paid Media: Real benchmarks for Google Ads ROAS and programmatic spend.

- CRM Retention: Using Alpine IQ and Springbig to segment customers and stop wasting text credits.

- Compliance: How to get unbanned on Meta and build a social media playbook.

- The Influencer Trap: Why trackable ROI beats "clout" every time.

Whether you are a dispensary owner or a brand founder, this episode provides a roadmap for where your next marketing dollar should go.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

3:20 Marketing Plans

10:48 Stealing Competitor Traffic

15:13 Media Budgets

22:26 The 3-Funnel System

26:33 Meta Compliance

39:05 Influencer Traps

55:51 Website IP Ownership

How Bud's Goods Rewired Retail Cannabis

Jason Reposa — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 02:32:21 +0000

Hennessy Shaw has spent 12 years in retail cannabis. She started as an executive assistant at Rhode Island's first medical dispensary and now runs sales and marketing at Bud's Goods & Provisions. In this episode she explains how Bud's built concept stores that move product, why a simple terpene ranking card changed how customers shop, and what wholesale looks like when you spent your whole career as a buyer. Jason and Hennessy talk reciprocals, pre-roll party packs, compliance stories, and what keeps good retail employees on the floor.21+ where legal. Nothing for sale.🎧 Full Episodes: highfunctioning.show🔔 Subscribe: tr.ee/highfunctioningsubscribe🎙️ Spotify: tr.ee/highfunctioningspotify🍎 Apple: tr.ee/highfunctioningapple

Why Hemp Drinks Could Be Banned by November with Christopher Lackner

Jason Reposa — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0100

A hidden clause in a federal funding bill could shut down hemp drinks by November, and most operators still do not fully understand how serious the threat is.
In this episode of High Functioning, Christopher Lackner, founder and president of the Hemp Beverage Alliance, breaks down how the ban threat emerged, why the alcohol system may be the clearest regulatory path, and what happens if the category gets forced into a federal wall.
Learn more:
Hemp Beverage Expo:
https://hempbeverageexpo.com/
Hemp Beverage Alliance:
https://www.hempbeveragealliance.org/
Framingham Summit:
http://www.bit.ly/framinghamsummit
21+ where legal. Nothing for sale.
🎧 Full Episodes: highfunctioning.show
🔔 Subscribe: tr.ee/highfunctioningsubscribe
🎙️ Listen on Spotify: tr.ee/highfunctioningspotify
🍎 Apple Podcasts: tr.ee/highfunctioningapple

He Built a 350-Person Company Without Investors. Then He Gave It to His Employees.

Jason Reposa — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0100

Brandon Pollack is the co-founder and CEO of Theory Wellness a cannabis company he built from a single medical dispensary in Bridgewater, MA in 2015 to 15 locations across five states, with 350 employees and zero outside equity investors. Two years ago, he sold the company to its own workers through an ESOP a move that eliminated federal taxes entirely and locked in value for every person on his team.

In this episode, Jason and Brandon get into the mechanics of how Theory actually works: why they stayed bootstrapped when everyone else was raising, how they watched overleveraged operators collapse in real time, why indoor cultivation is a dangerous bet right now, and what the hemp ban in November actually means for licensed operators.

Brandon also breaks down the ESOP structure in plain language how employees earn equity, why cannabis companies specifically should consider it, and what it costs to maintain. Plus: the Massachusetts ballot question that could repeal adult use entirely, and why the industry needs to show up for the "No" campaign with real money.

To help fight the state hemp ban, join the Committee to Protect Cannabis Regulation and RSVP for the upcoming Framingham Summit here: http://www.bit.ly/framinghamsummit21+ where legal. Nothing for sale.🎧 Full Episodes: highfunctioning.show🔔 Subscribe: tr.ee/highfunctioningsubscribe🎙️ Spotify: tr.ee/highfunctioningspotify🍎 Apple: tr.ee/highfunctioningapple

How We Survived a DEA Bust to Build a 50,000 Sq Ft Cannabis Farm

Jason Reposa — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:18:35 -0100

What does it really take to survive as an independent cannabis farm in Massachusetts? In this episode of High Functioning, host Jason Reposa sits down with Lisa Mauriello and Boey Bertold, the husband-and-wife team behind Paper Crane Cannabis. They run an organic, sun-grown Tier 6 farm in Hubbardston, assachusetts. Lisa and Boey share the unvarnished truth about building their business. Boey details his time in the legacy market and surviving a 2006 DEA bust, while Lisa explains the ongoing hurdles of dealing with hostile host town agreements. They break down the mechanics of outdoor cultivation, how they breed genetics specifically for the sun, and how they navigated the 2025 industry crash that forced dozens of companies to close. Finally, they outline their vision for the future, including on-site farm stands and eco-tourism.🕒 Chapters:00:00 - Episode Intro & Meeting Paper Crane Cannabis01:25 - Running a Business as a Married Couple04:22 - Dealing with Host Town Agreements06:53 - Breeding Genetics for Outdoor Farms12:25 - The Reality of Weather and Sun-Grown Cultivation16:12 - Expanding into Greenhouse Production18:35 - The Legacy Era: Surviving a 2006 DEA Bust24:19 - Beating the Case and Naming Paper Crane31:12 - Joining the First Social Equity Cohort38:41 - Building the Farm and Facing Local Opposition52:00 - Grassroots Marketing and Educating Consumers01:03:05 - Creating Farm Stands and Eco-Tourism01:07:04 - Surviving the 2025 Cannabis Industry Crash21+ where legal. Nothing for sale.🎧 Full Episodes: highfunctioning.show🔔 Subscribe: tr.ee/highfunctioningsubscribe🎙️ Spotify: tr.ee/highfunctioningspotify🍎 Apple: tr.ee/highfunctioningapple

How to Run 3 Companies Without Burning Out | Samantha Kanter on High Functioning

Jason Reposa — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0100

How do you successfully juggle three different companies at the same time? In this episode of the High Functioning podcast, host Jason Reposa sits down with Samantha (Sam) Kanter, a powerhouse entrepreneur who runs Sam Canter Events alongside two distinct cannabis brands.Sam pulls back the curtain on what it takes to manage an event agency for over 13 years while pivoting to build businesses in the fast-paced, highly regulated cannabis space. From her unique productivity workflows (sometimes you just need Bravo in the background!) to the real-time challenges of sourcing the right manufacturing partners, Sam shares the raw, unfiltered reality of life as a multi-business founder. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an event planner, or operating in the cannabis industry, this episode is packed with actionable insights on scaling, delegating, and maintaining your sanity.

21+ where legal. Nothing for sale.🎧 Full Episodes: highfunctioning.show🔔 Subscribe: tr.ee/highfunctioningsubscribe🎙️ Spotify: tr.ee/highfunctioningspotify🍎 Apple: tr.ee/highfunctioningapple

24 Licenses in Receivership: Inside MA Cannabis Risk

Jason Reposa — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0100

Massachusetts cannabis is showing record sales, but many operators are dealing with falling prices, weak margins, and real survival pressure.

In this episode of High Functioning, Jason sits down with Shannon O’Brien, Chair of the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, to talk about receiverships, cultivation freeze discussions, testing fraud, enforcement gaps, and what regulators can do when the legal market is under stress.

This is a direct conversation about policy, accountability, and the economics behind the headlines.

Is 30% THC Fake? The Truth About Cannabis Testing

Jason Reposa — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0100

Consumers chase high THC numbers, but what do those numbers actually mean?

Keith Saviano, Head of Cultivation at Nimbus Cannabis Co., explains the 3-Gram testing loophole, inflated potency percentages, and how cannabis brands navigate lab compliance.

This episode dives into testing manipulation, terpene education, and why the future of cannabis depends on transparency.

If you’re an operator, investor, or serious consumer, this is required listening.

280E Margin Pressure and Portal Errors at Rolling Releaf | Devin Alexander

Jason Reposa — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:00:01 -0100

Devin Alexander, CEO and co-founder of Rolling Releaf, explains how margin gets crushed by 280E and how a single portal error like “LICENSE NOT VALID” can block revenue while costs keep running. We dig into reimbursement funding mechanics, cash-flow timing, and the compliance bottlenecks that quietly create audit risk.

The 280E Trap & The Myth of Retroactive Refunds (w/ Jesse Alderman & Ray Owens)

Jason Reposa — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0100

There is a dangerous rumor spreading in the cannabis industry: that with the "right" legal opinion, you can stop paying Section 280E taxes immediately.

But the IRS has just drawn a line in the sand. They have released a specific list of "frivolous positions," and if your strategy is on that list, you don't just owe the tax—you face an automatic 20% negligence penalty.

In this episode, we sit down with Jesse Alderman (Partner, Foley Hoag) and Ray Owens (Tax Lead, Withum) to separate the "Slam Dunk" myths from the financial reality.

We cover:

The IRS "Kill List": Why the "Opinion Letter" strategy might be an audit trap.
Myth Busting: Why Schedule III almost certainly won't be retroactive (and why banking on a refund is a mistake).
The "Reasonable Basis" Defense: What it actually protects you from—and what it doesn't.
The Blueprint: Ray’s #1 piece of advice for operators trying to survive until 2026.

If you are a cannabis operator trying to bridge the gap to rescheduling without going bankrupt, this is the playbook you need.

The Alcohol Playbook: Engineering Culture & The Opiate Double Standard (w/ Joyce Gerber)

Jason Reposa — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:00:00 -0100

Why is "Wine Mom" culture a joke, but "Canna Mom" culture a crime?

After Prohibition, the alcohol industry didn't just sell a product; they engineered a culture. They used movies, media, and social rituals to turn a banned substance into a symbol of sophistication. Today, we break down how to run that same playbook for the cannabis industry.

Joyce Gerber (Attorney, Advocate, & The Canna Mom Show) joins Jason to discuss the "Sandwich Generation", caregivers managing both children and aging parents, and the institutional risks they face just to stay functional.

What We Cover:

The Institutional Risk: Why schools will administer opioids to children but criminalize functional cannabis use.
The "Mediocre" Gap: Why women feel they need to be "superhuman" to get the same capital as mediocre men.
Market Engineering: How beverages solve the "smell" problem and re-write the social contract.
Capital Policy: Why the lack of banking isn’t just a nuisance, it’s a barrier to equity.

Featured Quote:

"The reason we think alcohol's so great is because they run movies. It was unconstitutional... then they brought it back and made it culturally okay. These stories are how we change hearts and minds." - Joyce Gerber

Stop Selling "Sand in a Desert": The Price Compression Trap with Dab Riga

Jason Reposa — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0100

"If you compete on price, you are selling sand in a desert."

Dab Riga (Founder, TLEHL) joins Jason to break down the economics of solventless manufacturing in New Jersey.

Key Topics:

The "Orange Juice" Analogy: Why Rosin is the only "Fresh Squeezed" product on the shelf.
The Automation Play: Using industrial robots to survive price compression.
The 48-Hour Sprint: How Dab coordinated a real estate deal, a corporation formation, and a legal team in 2 days to beat a deadline.
David vs. Goliath: Beating a Canadian MSO for a municipal license.
https://www.highfunctioning.show/

Why Your Cannabis License is Worthless with Sebastian Pollack

Jason Reposa — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0100

"However much money you think you're going to make... cut that in half."

Seb Pollack (Kitchen Director, MariMed) joins Jason to deliver a masterclass on the reality of scaling a cannabis business. From the "worthless" nature of courier licenses to the engineering secrets behind the country's top edible brand, this episode is pure strategy.

We discuss:

The Exit Strategy: Why you need one before you even apply for a license.
Manufacturing Secrets: Why 1920s taffy machines beat modern automation.
New York Expansion: The chaos of entering the NY market and the Times Square play.
Six Sigma: How to use data to fix broken processes in your facility.

If you are building a brand or a facility, this conversation will save you money.

How Testing Rules Trap Buyers | High Functioning

Jason Reposa — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0100

In this episode of High Functioning, host Jason Reposa sits down with Cam Nero-Clark, Purchasing Manager for Bud's Goods (MA & NJ) and an OCB Pro Figure Bodybuilder.

Cam shares her incredible journey from battling insomnia as a "washed-up athlete" to earning her Pro Card in under a year. She breaks down her disciplined routine, reveals her controversial pre-workout secret (the "Fat Dab"), and explains why she treats food as fuel.

On the industry side, Cam gives us a masterclass in cannabis retail. She compares the emerging New Jersey market to Massachusetts, discusses the impact of testing regulations on supply, and predicts the biggest trends for 2026—including the rise of bulk "Party Packs" and solventless infused pre-rolls.

Whether you're into fitness, cannabis business, or just want to know how a top-tier buyer selects brands for their shelves, this episode is packed with insights.

highfuctioning.show

Stop Building New Facilities | High Functioning

Jason Reposa — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0100

Marc Rosenfeld breaks down what is crushing operators right now. We talk about why timing changed, how zoning quietly forces businesses into industrial parks, and why new builds can fail before they open.

You will also hear why bad market data can be worse than no data, why unpaid bills are a real market risk, and why licensing rules should reward operators who pay what they owe.

highfunctioning.show

How to grow your brand with 0 ADS!

Jason Reposa — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0100

Ads get blocked in licensed cannabis. That changes how you grow. Natalie Benson and Andrew Koudijs explain how you build trust when you cannot show the product on social, why you have to market in a different way, and what it costs to open before you make one dollar. They also share what it feels like when a landlord says “no,” and why they stopped a launch instead of shipping something they did not stand behind.🎧 Full Episodes: highfunctioning.show🔔 Subscribe: tr.ee/highfunctioningsubscribe🎙️ Listen on Spotify: tr.ee/highfunctioningspotify🍎 Apple Podcasts: tr.ee/highfunctioningapple21+ where legal. Nothing for sale.

THE $3 PROBLEM THAT BROKE EDIBLES

Jason Reposa — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 02:15:56 -0100

Edibles hit a price wall, and it is breaking margins. Chris Lynch explains how price compression works, why a 20 pack can sell for $3, and why that math can go negative for operators.

You will also hear how shelf space trades work, why a vertical model can protect margin, how license caps can be worked around, what enforcement feels like on the ground, and what celebrity deals look like when you see the real numbers.

https://www.highfunctioning.show/

BAD MATH: $40K vs $150 with Chris Fevry

Jason Reposa — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0100

Massachusetts cannabis delivery is brutally hard because the economics are stacked against operators. In Episode 53 of High Functioning, Jason talks with Christopher Fevry about why the delivery model bleeds cash, how “lowest bid wins” creates a race to the bottom, and what it takes to build an operation that can survive real compliance costs, insurance, labor, and risk.

🎧 Full Episodes: highfunctioning.show

Why Legal Weed Packaging Looks So Ugly (It’s Not Safety)

Jason Reposa — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:00:00 -0100

Why does legal weed packaging look so bland? In Connecticut, strict rules limit color, branding, and even logo size, especially for edibles, which pushes brands to look “medical” by default.

Jason Reposa talks with Lindsay Roth (Happy Confection) and Rich Magaña (Queer in Cannabis) about what those rules do to brands, what products can actually win in-market, and why community and history still matter in modern legalization.

Full episodes: highfunctioning.show

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I Sold $1B In Jets: Jay Sapovits on Gambling Addiction, Ego, and Sales

Jason Reposa — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:34:35 -0100

How do you go from bankruptcy to selling $1 billion in private aviation? Jay Sapovits (Founder, Ink’d) shares his raw, unfiltered journey from a crippling gambling addiction to high-stakes business success.

Topics:

The $1B Sales Secret: Specific tactics for closing high-net-worth clients.
The Ego Trap: Why success is more dangerous than failure for your mindset.
The Pivot: Leaving a glamorous jet career to sell "swag"—and why it worked.
Addiction: The 12-year battle that almost ended it all.

This is a masterclass in resilience and high-ticket sales.

Build A Crowd & Feed with Gary Bolles

Jason Reposa — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:00:00 -0100

Boston comedian and creator Gary Bolles (@boyfromboston617) joins Jason to talk about growing up in Southie, getting clean, and finally committing to stand up after his sister’s death pushed him to change his life. He explains how therapy, endless open mics and reps turned into paid shows, crowd work and a late-blooming comedy career, and why he is okay living back at home at 44 while he builds something real.

They dig into how clubs use follower counts to pick comics, how Instagram Reels act as ads to sell tickets, and what it looks like to balance cannabis, creativity and social media guidelines in 2024.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or at https://www.highfunctioning.show/.

21+ where legal. Nothing for sale.

Winning As A Small Cannabis Operator with Michael Hunnewell (Eskar)

Jason Reposa — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:00:00 -0100

In this High Functioning episode, Jason sits down with Eskar President Michael Hunnewell to unpack what “winning as a small operator” really means. Michael explains how group purchasing works in grocery, why license caps matter less than COGS, and how private label and MAP pricing change shelf strategy. They walk through real examples from Massachusetts and talk about what happens to independents when large players drive costs down to the penny. It is a calm, detailed look at buying power for dispensaries.

More episodes and links at highfunctioning.show

For adults 21+ only in legal markets. This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical, legal, or financial advice.

10+ Years in Lessons With Bobby Nuggz

Jason Reposa — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:00:00 -0100

Bobby Nuggz has spent more than a decade inside New England cannabis as a writer, event producer, and community connector. In this High Functioning episode he talks about the festival days, the early medical markets, the shift into legal, and what he has seen brands and media do right and wrong. The conversation touches on concentrates, lab testing, ethics, and why he still chooses community over clicks. It is a grounded look at how to build a long career around the plant without losing your name.

More episodes and links at highfunctioning.show

For adults 21+ only in legal markets. This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical, legal, or financial advice.

Routines That Stick with Kyle Moon

Jason Reposa — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:00:00 -0100

Prevention first.
Kyle Moon walks through coping skills that work, the mind-body routine that starts his day, and a simple approach to bring SEL into real classes. He also explains how to grow a member space into a public venue and why partner fit matters at each stage.

highfunctioning.show
For audiences 21+ where legal. Please follow local laws. Nothing for sale.

Clean Up Your Data with Jeff Rawson!

Jason Reposa — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:00:00 -0100

Clean Up Your Data gives operators a practical safety playbook. Jeff Rawson, PhD of the Institute of Cannabis Science, explains why measuring work beats tracking inventory, how to design clear recalls, and how to reduce hardware lead risk. Use these steps right away.

You’ll learn• Seed to sale vs real safety• Clear recall lists people can follow• Fast checks for lead in hardware

More: highfunctioning.show
Disclaimer: Intended for adult audiences. Follow local laws.

From Felony to Founder with Mike Fantasia

Jason Reposa — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000

At 18, a single choice changed the course of his life. After serving time and watching the rise of a new industry from a cell, Mike Fantasia made a commitment to rebuild and help others do the same.

This episode explores what it takes to lead after loss, build credibility again, and stay grounded in purpose.

🚨 Intended for audiences 21 and older. Follow your local laws and engage responsibly.

From Lacrosse to Clean Rooms with Dustin and Ryan Dohm

Jason Reposa — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Dustin and Ryan Dohm walk through a practical system for cleaner rooms and smoother audits. Learn how to add a bonded surface layer during changeover, confirm results with your lab, and roll out site-wide once counts drop. We cover food-contact status, the 90-day protection window, pilot steps, and why prevention cuts cost and time.

Follow the show and never miss an episode.More episodes: highfunctioning.show

Learning Before Selling with Holly Alberti

Jason Reposa — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Holly Alberti joins Jason to talk about building with community first. She shares early advocacy work in Boston, how education programs set a strong base, and what she learned when a large project collapsed. Holly also explains how past brand work shaped her approach to launches and partnerships.

Follow and subscribe for new episodes and more conversations like this.

🎧 Full Episodes: highfunctioning.show🔔 Subscribe: tr.ee/highfunctioningsubscribe🎙️ Spotify: tr.ee/highfunctioningspotify🍎 Apple Podcasts: tr.ee/highfunctioningapple

The Future of Social Consumption Spaces with Jordan and Mike Whittaker

Jason Reposa — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Jordan and Mike Whittaker (The Weedaker Group) explain how they help teams launch, train, and operate in a tough market. We cover compliance vs. operations, why inspectors and towns see rules differently, and how to plan events that feel safe and welcoming. They also share lessons from Morocco and how New Dia near Fenway Park became a true community hub with rotating art and a weekly award-winning show recorded on site.

You’ll Learn• The difference between SOPs for compliance and SOPs that run the business• How to navigate inconsistent enforcement across municipalities• When competitions help your marketing and when they do not• Why clear brand identity matters more than discounts• How destination storefronts and events build lasting community

🎧 More: highfunctioning.show🔔 Subscribe: tr.ee/highfunctioningsubscribe

Running Past Burnout with Chris Barnicle

Jason Reposa — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Chris Barnicle, NCAA All-American and Olympic Trials competitor, shares what happens when the pursuit of speed leads to burnout and how he came back from it.

He talks about his years running for Arkansas and New Mexico, training in Kenya, and competing at the national level. Chris explains how injuries and overtraining forced him to rethink his approach and focus on recovery, reflection, and sustainability.

This conversation is for anyone chasing big goals who wants to find a healthier way to compete and grow.

🚨 Disclaimer: This episode discusses adult-use topics. Content intended for audiences 21+. Please engage responsibly.

🔔 Subscribe: tr.ee/highfunctioningsubscribe

🎧 Full Episodes: highfunctioning.show

How Art Built A Brand with Aidan Cyr

Jason Reposa — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Aidan explains how art-first products and per-sale commissions support creators. We cover store-level discovery, the Homie Pack, collectible booklets with magnets, sourcing new artists, and plans for gallery shows using the original paintings.

Follow and listen: highfunctioning.showSubscribe: tr.ee/highfunctioningsubscribeSpotify: tr.ee/highfunctioningspotifyApple: tr.ee/highfunctioningapple

21+ only. Please engage responsibly and follow local laws.

The Truth About Solventless Rosin

Jason Reposa — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000

What makes rosin different, and why does it matter? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, Ben McCabe, Chief Operating Officer at Sweetgrass Botanicals, explains the truth about solventless rosin.

Ben shares how Sweetgrass built transparency into its model with live demos, how solventless shows the full character of a strain, and why some cultivars shine while others do not. He also talks about why solventless is the natural next step in any maturing market and how history and tradition connect to the craft today.

🎙️ You’ll Learn:

The difference between rosin and resin
Why solventless is considered the purest form of the plant
How demos help customers understand and trust
Why not all strains process the same
What history and culture tell us about quality

🎧 Listen and subscribe:🔗 Full Episodes: highfunctioning.show🔔 Subscribe: tr.ee/highfunctioningsubscribe🎙️ Spotify: tr.ee/highfunctioningspotify🍎 Apple Podcasts: tr.ee/highfunctioningapple

What Cannabis Buyers Really Want with Julio Vasquez

Jason Reposa — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Jason sits down with Julio Vasquez to unpack the buyer’s perspective. Julio shares what matters most when choosing products for menus, why pricing must match quality, and how trust drives long-term success. He also discusses co-ops, cultural events, and his journey from Rhode Island to Massachusetts.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your shows.

Marketing That Actually Converts with Dan Mondello

Jason Reposa — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Dan Mondello, CEO of Rank Really High, breaks down why many dispensary websites do not convert and what to change first. We cover simple site fixes, smarter use of menus and POS data, and how ADHD shaped his approach to focus and leadership.

What you’ll learn

The top reasons sites fail to convert
What to stop chasing if growth is flat
Page elements that raise add-to-cart and pickup
A clear plan for search, content, and ads

Full episodes: highfunctioning.showSubscribe: tr.ee/highfunctioningsubscribe

Disclaimer: Adult-use industry topics. For audiences 21+. Follow your local laws.

Trade Roots and Tough Lessons with Carl Giannone

Jason Reposa — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Carl Giannone helped build a respected cannabis brand in Massachusetts. Then everything changed.

This episode covers the real story behind the rise and fall of Trade Roots. Carl talks openly about tough calls, the mental weight of failure, and why he’s still showing up to build again.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 highfunctioning.show

Truth and Triumph with Dru Ledbetter

Jason Reposa — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Dru Ledbetter, Afro-Latina nurse leader and author of Truth & Triumph, shares her journey from the bedside to the policy table. We cover identity, leadership, stigma in patient care, postpartum challenges, community education, and her fight for smarter healthcare reform.

📖 Buy Truth & Triumph: https://a.co/d/ctWeiTB

🎧 Full episode drops Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11AM EST — listen on highfunctioning.show

How to Build a Mission-First Brand with Rob DiFazio

Jason Reposa — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Rob DiFazio, Navy veteran and CEO of CNA Stores, shares how to grow a purpose-driven retail and cultivation business. From veteran-first hiring and community fundraising to smart inventory planning and extraction expertise, Rob shows what it means to build a company with integrity.

🎙️ In This Episode✔️ Retail growth and inventory sell‑through tactics✔️ Building a flat leadership culture✔️ Fundraising for the Pan‑Mass Challenge✔️ Extraction methods and cultivation efficiency✔️ Logistics, packaging, and wholesale partnerships

🔗 More episodes: highfunctioning.show

From Dorm Hustle to Enterprise with Joe Khoury

Jason Reposa — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000

From Dorm Hustle to Enterprise
Joe Khoury went from 3D-printing rolling-tray phone cases in his college dorm to architecting data and ERP platforms behind $850 million+ in regulated-tech transactions. Along the way he survived a $10 K customs seizure and co-launched AI compliance agents for multi-state operators.

What You’ll Hear:

Dorm-room prototype & pre-sell validation
Customs-seizure lessons in risk management
Building middleware and ERP at scale
Launching AI-powered compliance tools
Bootstrapping hacks for regulated startups

🔗 Full Episodes: highfunctioning.show🎧 Spotify: tr.ee/highfunctioningspotify🍎 Apple: tr.ee/highfunctioningapple🔔 Subscribe: tr.ee/highfunctioningsubscribe

Seeds, Scandals & Smash Hits with Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski

Jason Reposa — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski is a craft pioneer whose influence spans decades. In this episode, Greg shares how a 1991 Grateful Dead show, a handful of mystery seeds, and his underground passion led to one of the most influential brands in modern craft history. But the journey hasn’t been smooth, from a 2011 federal raid to rebuilding under Massachusetts’ adult-use framework, Greg’s story is one of legacy, resilience, and craft done right. Today, as Director of Cultivation at Canna Provisions, he’s leading Smash Hits: a brand rooted in authenticity and the same genetics that started it all.

🎙️ What you’ll hear:• How Chemdog genetics began at a Dead show• A candid look at his 2011 raid and comeback• Why Smash Hits is about preservation, not trends• Insights on legacy, quality, and leadership

📆 RSVP on LinkedIn: tr.ee/chemdogevent🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & highfunctioning.show🔔 Subscribe: tr.ee/highfunctioningsubscribe

Scaling Labs Without Cutting Corners with John Nathan

Jason Reposa — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000

John Nathan, founder of Bay State Extracts, turned a 3,400 ft² hemp lab into Massachusetts’s top minor-cannabinoid facility on a shoestring budget. Learn how he built ISO-7 clean rooms for 70% less, pioneered CBN production, and scaled smart, without blowing through capital.

You’ll Learn:• DIY clean-room construction for massive savings• Smart scale strategies for regulated lab ops• The rise of minor cannabinoids and why they matter• Turning hyperfocus into profitable R&D productivity

🚨 Disclaimer: Adult-use hemp topics. 21+. Please engage responsibly.

Breaking Barriers in Cannabis with Todd Dahn

Jason Reposa — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Todd Dahn built Massachusetts’s smallest licensed craft farm on 800 ft², bootstrapping with no-equity loans, surviving a 4½-year licensing marathon, and turning each harvest into community grants. Todd digs into his music-industry and banking roots, and his advocacy for LGBTQ wellness as a man living with HIV.

💡 What You’ll Discover:• Debt structures that protect equity• Lean-launch tactics in regulated spaces• Cash-positive operations best practices• Grant-making to empower nonprofits• Music & finance hacks for growth• Building inclusive, wellness-forward brands

🚨 Disclaimer: For audiences 21+. Covers regulated business and wellness topics.

Empowering Farmers Through Cooperative Cannabis with Avery Leveston

Jason Reposa — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Avery Leveston built Cowboy Kush: a cooperative distribution model that pays farmers premiums, cuts out middlemen and ensures on-time payouts. Learn how a “farmers first” approach is changing the game in Massachusetts.

How to Grow a Real Brand with Marcus Johnson-Smith

Jason Reposa — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +0000

On this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we’re joined by Marcus Johnson-Smith, co-founder of Kush Groove, who shares the real story of building a purpose-driven brand with staying power.

From a college hustle to a multi-location business, Marcus breaks down the journey step by step, highlighting what too many founders skip: operational clarity, consistency, and customer-first thinking. We dive into the traps of rushing, the myth of competition, and how teaching and mentoring is now a central part of Marcus’s mission as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Tufts.

🎧 You’ll hear:✔️ What it takes to grow something real✔️ The power of culture in retail✔️ What most entrepreneurs miss before launch✔️ How to build slow—and last longer

🚨 Content for 21+ audiences. This episode discusses adult-use business strategy.

What CPAs Won’t Tell You w/ Charlotte Cathro

Jason Reposa — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Charlotte Cathro has been in the trenches with cannabis operators since the beginning, and she’s here to tell you what most accountants won’t.

From botched license deals to last-minute audit scrambles, Charlotte has helped companies fix the messes no one warned them about. This episode is a deep dive into the finance, compliance, and accounting realities of running a cannabis business. If you're still trusting your cousin’s bookkeeper with your monthly reports, this one's for you.

🎙️ You’ll Learn:• Why cannabis accounting is not plug-and-play
• How red flags can cost you your license
• What real operators are doing to stay audit-proof

🔗 Watch and listen: https://tr.ee/highpodlinks

🚨 This content is intended for adult audiences 21+. Please operate responsibly and stay compliant.

Burning Man to Biotech Boss with Megan Dobro

Jason Reposa — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 23:40:01 +0000

Megan Dobro left her tenured professor role and never looked back. Today, she runs SafeTiva Labs, one of the most respected cannabis testing labs in Massachusetts.

In this episode, Megan and Jason talk about her transition from science professor to startup founder, the chaos behind inflated THC results, and the cannabis bills being worked on by state lawmakers. It’s a deep dive into what’s broken, what’s working, and how real change happens.

In This Episode:

Megan’s journey from academia to cannabis
The truth about inflated test results
What’s happening with cannabis lab reform in MA
Why she’s proud to build a better system

💡 Perfect for operators, regulators, scientists or anyone ready to shake things up with integrity.

What Legacy Operators Know That You Don’t with Derek D’Ambrosio

Jason Reposa — Fri, 30 May 2025 15:00:00 +0000

What Legacy Operators Know That You Don’t
In this episode, we sit down with Derek D’Ambrosio, Social Equity Licensee to talk real cannabis business no filters.

Derek shares his journey from Boston’s underground market to running licensed operations, navigating corruption, and scaling with purpose. From his mother’s cannabis use during cancer to the politics of zoning, this is the wisdom most founders don’t have and legacy operators live by.

🎙️ Highlights:✔️ Real legacy experience, no PR spin✔️ Lessons from trap houses, city hall, and beyond✔️ Why storytelling and survival matter in business

🔗 Watch the full video + more: https://tr.ee/highpodlinks

🚨 21+ only. Please engage responsibly.

Building a People-First MSO with Brendan McKee

Jason Reposa — Fri, 23 May 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Brendan McKee didn’t start in a boardroom, he started in a warehouse, moving furniture and learning the value of hard work. Today, he’s the COO of Silver Therapeutics, a multi-state retail brand known for keeping people at the center.

In this episode, Brendan shares how that early hustle turned into a leadership style built on empathy, clarity, and long-term retention. From offering therapy to building culture in every store, this is what people-first business really looks like.

🎧 You’ll Learn:

How Silver Therapeutics maintains 90%+ retention
Why benefits and listening drive loyalty
What MSOs can learn from staying human

🔗 Listen now: https://tr.ee/highpodlinks
Available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

From Sales Desk to Storefronts with Vincent DiMento

Jason Reposa — Fri, 16 May 2025 15:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, Vincent DiMento of The Agriculturalist shares his story of transitioning from finance into the fast-paced world of dispensary leadership—opening four stores and building standout team culture along the way.

🎧 You’ll learn:

How strong internal culture drives long-term success
Why service models like “deli-style” matter in retail
What he’s learned from launching in places like Fall River and Quincy
How to treat employees like people—not numbers

⏱ Note: A fire alarm briefly interrupted the recording at 01:20:29, but the conversation picks right back up after a short intermission.

Whether you're building your first store or managing a growing operation, this episode is your playbook for people-first retail leadership.

🔗 Subscribe and listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.

Business Shouldn’t Be This Hard With Ryan Dominguez

Jason Reposa — Fri, 09 May 2025 15:00:00 +0000

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more:🔗 https://linktr.ee/highfunctioningpodcastWhat’s really holding back local businesses? According to Ryan Arias Dominguez, it’s outdated policies, broken regulations, and systems that just haven’t kept up with the times.In this episode, Ryan, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition, breaks down how license caps, advertising restrictions, and lack of access to capital are making it nearly impossible for small, minority-owned, and equity-focused businesses to survive.🎙️ Episode Highlights:✅ Why many local businesses can’t grow, exit, or scale✅ How advertising rules are stifling brand communication✅ What the legislative process actually looks like✅ Why common-sense reform is finally gaining momentum✅ What operators and advocates need to do next🚨 Disclaimer: This episode discusses adult-use business regulations and public policy. Intended for adult audiences and professionals. Please engage responsibly and follow local laws.🔔 Subscribe for more: https://tr.ee/highfunctioningsubscribe🎧 Spotify: https://tr.ee/highfunctioningspotify🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://tr.ee/highfunctioningapple📹 YouTube Channel: https://tr.ee/highfunctioningpod

Stickers, Swag, & Strategy with Angela Bradway

Jason Reposa — Fri, 02 May 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Angela Bradway, founder of House of Ambassadors, shares how authentic energy, thoughtful marketing, and small details like swag and stickers can build serious brand loyalty.

We also dive into Angela’s personal healing journey with plant medicine, her work empowering budtenders, and her passion for building genuine connections between brands and communities.

🎙️ Chapters Include:

Angela’s healing journey and professional path
Founding House of Ambassadors
Why budtender education is everything
How pop-ups and swag can drive long-term brand love
Smart strategies for cannabis growth

🎧 Full episode available now: https://linktr.ee/highfunctioningpodcast

Craft Cannabis, Global Roots with Cassandra Purdy

Jason Reposa — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Cassandra Purdy, co-founder of Sweetgrass Botanicals, shares her journey from international learning and herbalist training to building an award-winning wellness brand in the Berkshires. In this episode, we explore her philosophy on small-batch production, solventless techniques, and why honoring tradition is key to innovation.

🎙️ Topics Covered:

✔️ Personal and professional background

✔️ Launching Sweetgrass Botanicals

✔️ Solventless extraction and its benefits

✔️ Culinary roots and infused wellness

✔️ Collaborations, community, and education

🎧 Full episode available now: https://linktr.ee/highfunctioningpodcast

Leadership in Legal Cannabis with Travis Ahern

Jason Reposa — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0000

What does leadership in legal cannabis really look like? Travis Ahern, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, shares his approach to navigating one of the most complex regulatory landscapes in the country.

In this episode, we talk through the CCC’s current structure and where it’s headed—from HCA pricing and testing lab enforcement to staffing turnover, architectural reviews, and the long road toward social consumption reform. Travis offers a clear-eyed perspective on what’s working, what isn’t, and what big changes may be coming next.

🎙️ Episode Highlights:
✅ What the CCC does—and how it’s evolving
✅ HCA pricing and enforcement clarity
✅ Testing standards, ITLs, and safety
✅ Challenges with social consumption rollout
✅ Internal reform and operational leadership

💡 If you want to understand how cannabis regulation is built—and rebuilt—this one’s for you.

🚨 Disclaimer: This episode discusses adult-use cannabis policy. Content intended for audiences 21+. Please consume responsibly and follow your local laws.

Wellness Made with Precision with Matt Besonen

Jason Reposa — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0000

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more:
🔗 https://bit.ly/highfunctioningpod

What does it take to make wellness products that actually work? Matt Besonen of United Cultivation joins us to talk about his journey from restaurant management to overseeing a licensed manufacturing facility in Massachusetts.

In this episode, we break down the nuts and bolts of creating wellness products—from R&D to scaling production. Matt explains how ethanol extraction, C1D1 safety, and tools like Vape Jet are reshaping how products are made. We also dive into working with out-of-state brands, the meaning behind "touchpoints," and how to help consumers understand what they’re using—without all the buzzwords.

🎙️ Episode Highlights:
✅ Behind the launch of United Cultivation’s manufacturing license
✅ What RSO, Vape Jet, and ethanol extraction mean for product quality
✅ Why education and trust matter more than marketing
✅ How to collaborate with established national brands
✅ The power of precision in fast-acting formats

💡 If you’re in the wellness space—or thinking about launching a product—this episode is your blueprint.

🚨 Disclaimer:This episode includes promotions for adult-use wellness products. All products are intended for audiences 21 and over. Please consume responsibly and follow your local laws.

Media. Censorship. Cannabis with Jimmy Young

Jason Reposa — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Emmy-winning broadcaster Jimmy Young spent decades in traditional media—calling iconic sports moments and hosting TV talk shows. But when he turned his lens toward cannabis news, he found himself navigating shadowbans, content takedowns, and an industry still being silenced.

In this episode, Jimmy shares the highs and lows of running Pro Cannabis Media, why he believes the old media rules are gone, and what every creator needs to know about trust, censorship, and staying true to your voice.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

The power of listening in great interviews
How media gatekeeping still affects cannabis creators
What went wrong with platforms and public trust
Jimmy’s advice for young broadcasters and content builders

🎧 New episodes drop Fridays at 11 AM EST
📍 Watch now: https://linktr.ee/highfunctioningpodcast

Behind the Beverage Boom with Adam Terry

Jason Reposa — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 14:00:00 -0100

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More:🔗 https://bit.ly/highfunctioningpodWhat does it really take to build a successful c****bis beverage brand from scratch?In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, Adam Terry, CEO and Co-Founder of Cantrip, takes us behind the scenes of his bootstrapped journey — from hand-canning ice cream in Framingham to running one of the most talked-about infused beverage brands in the U.S.Adam talks about what makes drinkable THC so complex, how Delta-9 legalization created new pathways, and why the illusion of a free market is holding back real progress in the space.🎙️ Episode Highlights:✅ Starting with just $375k and hand-canning operations✅ What it takes to make THC drinks — explained simply✅ The double-edged sword of state regulation✅ Moving from dispensaries to liquor stores✅ Why federal reform is key to real fairness💡 Whether you're a builder, investor, or just curious how THC seltzers landed on liquor shelves, this one is a must-listen.

Building a Business Against All Odds with Caroline Pineau

Jason Reposa — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 14:00:00 -0100

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More:
🔗 https://bit.ly/highfunctioningpod

What does it take to build a business against all odds?

In Episode 16 of the High Functioning Podcast, Caroline Pineau, CEO & Owner of Stem, shares her remarkable journey of fighting legal battles, navigating tax burdens, and standing up for independent business owners.

From fighting city regulations to defeating a five-year lawsuit, Caroline reveals what it really takes to open and operate a business in this space. She also dives into social consumption lounges, industry innovation, and how she balances entrepreneurship with parenting.

🎙️ Episode Highlights:✅ The 5-year legal fight to open her business✅ The hidden taxes & fees impacting operators✅ Why attorneys are crucial in this industry✅ How she integrates parenting & entrepreneurship✅ The future of social consumption spaces in Massachusetts

💡 Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or simply interested in what it really takes to thrive in this industry, this episode is a must-listen!

🔥 Subscribe for more expert interviews & business insights!

The Medical Approach to Business with David Cunic

Jason Reposa — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:00:00 -0100

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More:🔗 https://bit.ly/highfunctioningpodWhat does it take to raise capital, build a business, and avoid costly mistakes? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Dr. David Cunic, a serial entrepreneur, investor relations expert, and business strategist who takes a medical approach to business success. From navigating tough markets to helping companies secure funding, David shares real-world insights on growth, networking, and strategic decision-making.🎙️ Episode Highlights:✅ How one conversation saved an entrepreneur $1.8M✅ The biggest mistakes people make when raising capital✅ Why networking is more than just collecting business cards✅ The evolution of conferences—are they still worth it?✅ How preparation and strategy separate winners from the rest💡 Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business owner, or someone looking to understand the real mechanics of growth, this episode is packed with insights, strategies, and expert advice.🔥 Subscribe for more expert interviews & business insights!

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More:🔗 https://bit.ly/highfunctioningpod

From Legacy to Legal with Ryan Cohen

Jason Reposa — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 15:00:00 -0100

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More:🔗 https://bit.ly/highfunctioningpod

Join us on the High Functioning Podcast as we explore what it takes to build a thriving business in today's challenging landscape. Our guest Ryan Cohen—co-founder of Top Shelf Cannaseurs and KindRun Delivery, and current Director of Business and Community Development at Glorious Cannabis Company—shares his journey from early markets to regulated business, discussing pricing strategies and his vision for the future.

Episode Highlights:• Industry evolution and enduring practices• Navigating the shift to regulated markets• Inside look at pricing dynamics and market trends• How time in jail influenced hiring practices• Five-year industry forecast

💡 From seasoned entrepreneurs to industry newcomers, this episode delivers valuable insights on growth, leadership, and resilience in the face of challenges.

🔥 Subscribe for more industry insights & expert interviews!

Balancing Cannabis, Career, and Parenthood with Jackie Crocco

Jason Reposa — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:00:00 -0100

What does it take to build a successful career in cannabis wholesale, navigate industry challenges, and foster meaningful partnerships? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Jackie Crocco, Biz Dev Manager at Garden Remedies, to break down the wholesale market, the importance of relationship-building, and how the cannabis industry is evolving for professionals and parents alike.🎙️ Episode Highlights:✅ The biggest mistakes wholesalers make and how to avoid them✅ Why "community over competition" is the key to long-term success✅ How to build strong partnerships in cannabis without being pushy✅ The reality of parenting & cannabis—navigating conversations with kids✅ Dabs 101—Jackie’s intro to concentrates and how they fit into the market🎙️ "I've helped people for years and never asked for their business. It all comes down to trust and relationships."💡 Whether you’re a wholesaler, retailer, or just curious about the cannabis industry, this episode is packed with insights on business growth, work-life balance, and breaking industry stigmas.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More:🔗 https://linktr.ee/highfunctioningpodcast🔥 Subscribe for more industry insights & expert interviews!

You’re Doing It Wrong! NECANN’s Marc Shepard on Event Mistakes & Industry Secrets

Jason Reposa — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:00:00 -0100

What does it take to build one of the most influential conventions in the industry, manage large-scale events, and help businesses make the most of their opportunities? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Marc Shepard, Co-Founder & President of NECANN, to dive into the world of event planning, business strategy, and the do’s and don’ts of exhibiting.

🎙️ Episode Highlights:

✅ The wild story of NECANN’s first event during a blizzard and Super Bowl weekend

✅ The biggest mistakes exhibitors make with their booths and how to fix them

✅ Behind-the-scenes challenges of running a large-scale convention

✅ What Marc looks for in an exhibitor and why some strategies don’t work

✅ How Inbox Zero helps manage the chaos of event planning

🎙️ “If you want to stand out at an event, respect people’s time. Don’t just pitch—build connections.”

💡 This episode is a must-watch for business owners, exhibitors, and anyone interested in the mechanics of large-scale event planning and networking.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More:

🔗 https://linktr.ee/highfunctioningpodcast

The Power of Data in Cannabis with Rick Bashkoff

Jason Reposa — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 17:05:06 -0100

What does it take to navigate a complex industry, leverage data effectively, and build a company that thrives in the age of automation? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Rick Bashkoff, CEO of Lit Alerts, to explore the intersection of business strategy, technology, and the power of data.🎙️ Episode Highlights:✅ The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when pitching 📉✅ The power (and controversy) of algorithms & data scraping 🖥️✅ How Lit Alerts is changing the game with data & speed 🚀🎙️ "You get distracted for six months talking to people you don’t even want to talk to… but it’s the only way to get what you need."💡 This episode is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, operators, and anyone curious about the intersection of business, data, and technology.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More: https://linktr.ee/highfunctioningpodcast🔥 Subscribe for more industry insights & expert interviews!

Family, Business, and Big Dreams: A Conversation with Angela Brown

Jason Reposa — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 15:00:00 -0100

What does it take to build a business from the ground up, navigate industry challenges, and create a brand that stands the test of time? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Angela Brown, Co-Founder & CEO of Coast, to discuss the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the power of family in business, and the evolving landscape of the industry.

🎙️ Topics Covered:
✅ The reality of "pennying out" and what it means for the industry
✅ The nightmare of 401(k) plans—why business owners are getting kicked out
✅ How rare 401(k) plans are in the industry and why securing benefits is so challenging
✅ Coast as a true family business—how it shaped their success
✅ Brand loyalty—what keeps customers coming back?

💡 If you’ve ever dreamed of building something meaningful or wondered what it takes to stand out in a competitive market, this episode is for you!

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More: https://linktr.ee/highfunctioningpodcast

🔥 Subscribe for more industry insights & expert interviews!

Michael Lamy: Career Moves & Challenges

Jason Reposa — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 14:00:00 -0100

How do you transition into a new career while overcoming industry stigma? In this episode of High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Michael Lamy to talk about navigating professional challenges, breaking through career barriers, and what professionals get wrong about industry transitions.

🔹 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Overcoming workplace stigma and career shifts

✔️ The strategy of "pennying out" in wholesale

✔️ How finance and wholesale professionals shape industries

✔️ What wholesalers are getting wrong and how to fix it

🚀 Don’t miss out—listen now and level up your career!

🔗 Listen Here: https://linktr.ee/highfunctioningpodcast

Eric Casey: Journalism, Media Trends, and Industry Growth

Jason Reposa — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 15:00:00 -0100

Eric Casey, Managing Editor of the Worcester Business Journal, shares his insights on journalism’s evolving role in shaping industries and navigating change. From adapting to trends in local reporting to uncovering growth opportunities, Eric’s take is both insightful and inspiring.

➡️ Listen now to learn more about the power of storytelling, industry challenges, and what’s next for media and business.

Building Major Bloom: Ulysses Youngblood on Equity, Innovation & Resilience

Jason Reposa — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 15:00:00 -0100

Meet Ulysses Youngblood, the visionary President of Major Bloom, in this engaging episode. From his early days as a young entrepreneur to leading one of the most innovative cannabis companies in Massachusetts, Ulysses’ story is one of resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to social equity. Discover how Major Bloom is changing the game in cannabis delivery and community impact, and hear Ulysses’ take on authentic marketing and overcoming industry challenges.

🎧 Topics include:

Cannabis delivery regulations and innovations
Building a sustainable cannabis brand
The intersection of business and social impact
Key lessons for entrepreneurs in any industry

➡️ Listen now for insights, inspiration, and actionable takeaways!

Cannabis EXPERTS Predict the NEXT BIG THING in Cannabis Spaces!

Jason Reposa — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 15:44:18 -0100

🌿 High Functioning Podcast: Panel Special – The Future of Cannabis Spaces 🌿

What’s next for cannabis consumption? Join Chris Faraone, Todd Dahn, and Laury C. Lucien as they explore the possibilities for mixed-use spaces, community-driven activities, and innovative cannabis models.

Key Moments:
🕒 21:25: "What are your thoughts on creating a space that combines consumption with community activities, like offering classes at a community center?"
🕒 40:48: "Could mixed-use spaces combine education, shopping, and consumption?"
🕒 44:51: "Will new regulations allow alcohol and cannabis to coexist at events?"

🎙 Tune in for an inspiring conversation from the voices shaping the cannabis industry.

➡️ Listen now: https://linktr.ee/highfunctioningpodcast 🎧✨

Catching Up with Dustin – A Candid Conversation

Jason Reposa — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:44:58 -0100

In this special bonus episode of the High Functioning Podcast, Jason sits down with Dustin for a laid-back and unscripted chat. They dive into a variety of topics, sharing personal stories, reflections, and updates that highlight the human side of the cannabis industry and beyond. This candid conversation offers listeners a refreshing, relatable, and enjoyable break from the usual format. Perfect for anyone looking to unwind and connect with real conversations.

Kimberly Roy: Shaping the Future of C****bis Regulation and Public Safety

Jason Reposa — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 17:17:20 -0100

In this episode, Kimberly Roy, Commissioner at the C****bis Control Commission, provides a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of c****bis regulation. From medical cannabis program updates to tackling lab testing challenges, Commissioner Roy discusses her work shaping policies for public safety, advertising rules, and worker safety in the c****bis industry. Learn about the emerging social consumption licenses, the importance of c****bis education, and the role of research in improving industry standards. Tune in for insights on how the c****bis space is evolving and what’s ahead.

EXTRA - From Paint to Plant Dave Griffiths’ C****bis Journey

Jason Reposa — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 14:12:10 -0100

In this extra episode of the High Function Podcast, we explore the journey of Dave Griffiths, a serial entrepreneur whose path to the cannabis industry is as winding as it is inspiring. From running a painting business in Medway, MA, to finding his calling in cannabis cultivation, Dave shares his entrepreneurial highs, hard-learned lessons, and the moment a dispensary in Breckenridge planted the seed for his current venture.

Real Estate to Cannabis Revolution

Jason Reposa — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 15:00:00 -0100

Jeff Similien, founder of LowKey Dispensary, shares his journey from real estate to launching a community-focused cannabis brand in Boston. He talks about his work with Method Man’s Tical flower brand, navigating cannabis regulations, and how his business helps the Dorchester community thrive. Learn how he turned a failed deal into a thriving business and why giving back matters so much to him.

The Patton Family’s Cannabis Pivot

Jason Reposa — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 15:00:00 -0100

In this episode, we delve into the unique journey of Bob Patton, grandson of the legendary WWII General George Patton, who transformed his family's historic military and farming heritage into a forward-thinking cannabis venture. From a pivotal family vote around the kitchen table to facing intense local pushback, Bob recounts the challenges and triumphs that led to the founding of Green Meadows. Known for its commitment to organic practices, sustainable growth, and support for veterans, Green Meadows stands as a true community partner. Bob’s story is one of resilience, bold change, and the evolving legacy of a storied American family.

The Secret To Cannabis Compliance

Jason Reposa — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 15:00:00 -0100

Meet David Vaillencourt, the leader of The GMP Collective. He’s helping cannabis companies follow the rules and grow their business safely. In this chat with Jason, David shares how his knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is making the cannabis industry better and safer. Get ready for easy-to-understand tips on how to meet cannabis rules, real stories about facing challenges and finding solutions, a behind-the-scenes look at how companies stay safe and successful, and important lessons on leading and growing a business. Whether you’re interested in the cannabis industry or just want to learn about success, David’s story shows how following the rules can help you win. No confusing talk—just real stories about working hard, leading well, and making a difference.

From Law to Cannabis Legend

Jason Reposa — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 14:00:00 -0100

🌿 From Courtroom to Cannabis: A Lawyer's Unexpected Journey

Meet Blake Mensing, the attorney who swapped his law practice to build Firebrand, a thriving cannabis enterprise. In this candid conversation with Jason Reposa, Blake reveals how he navigated the industry's wild west atmosphere, turning his legal expertise into an unexpected advantage.

Get ready for:

Raw insights into cannabis entrepreneurship
Real talk about regulatory challenges
Behind-the-scenes stories of building a controversial business
Authentic lessons from both failures and victories

Whether you're a cannabis industry insider or an entrepreneur seeking inspiration, Blake's journey proves success often lies outside your comfort zone.No corporate speak—just real stories about betting on yourself and winning. 🎧

Innovating Cannabis Delivery with Devin Alexander

Jason Reposa — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 15:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Jason Reposa interviews Devin Alexander, a Massachusetts cannabis delivery operator and advocate for social equity in the cannabis industry. Devin discusses the challenges of running a cannabis business in a state with strict regulations, while the federal government still classifies cannabis as illegal. He shares insights on navigating compliance, overcoming regulatory barriers, and building a successful delivery business. Learn from Devin’s experiences and discover what it takes to thrive in the fast-evolving cannabis industry