High Rise: Cannabis MSOs, Products & Market Analysis

The Bluegrass State is joining the green rush—but in true Kentucky fashion, they're doing it their own way. Join Emily Paxhia (Poseidon) and Cy Scott (Headset) as they break down Kentucky's cautious entry into medical cannabis, and what it means for operators, investors, and entrepreneurs. In this episode, our hosts dive deep into: Whether you're an MSO executive, an ancillary business owner, or an investor eyeing the next frontier market, this episode offers critical insights into one of the newest medical markets in the United States. Plus, Emily and Cy share their signature market analysis on whether Kentucky could follow Florida's highly profitable path or face Mississippi's growing pains. Pour yourself a bourbon (or your favorite alternative), and join us for an hour of market intelligence, strategic insights, and maybe even a table flip or two. 🥃 Headset

In this year-end edition of The High-Rise, Cy Scott (Headset) and Emily Paxhia (Poseidon) revisit their 2024 cannabis industry predictions to see where they hit the mark and where reality diverged from their forecasts. They delve into the growth (and growing pains) of key state markets—highlighting Ohio’s adult-use ramp-up, New York’s steady climb in retail availability, and the stalled progress in Florida and Pennsylvania. They also discuss the swirling uncertainties around hemp-derived THC products, as states implement—or contemplate—stringent regulations to keep these products out of unregulated channels and away from children. Cy and Emily reflect on the year’s challenges, including the ongoing push for federal reform that has yet to materialize, and look ahead to 2025. Will next year bring long-awaited legislative clarity, or will states continue to forge their own unique paths in managing adult-use cannabis and hemp-derived products? Tune in to hear their insights, data-backed analysis, and predictions for what the next chapter of cannabis legalization might hold. Topics Covered: 2024 Prediction Recap:Progress in Key Markets:Ohio:New York:Hemp-Derived THC Products:State-Level Regulations vs. Federal Stasis:Looking to 2025: If you’re looking for a clear-eyed, data-driven year-end wrap-up and a practical preview of the cannabis industry’s future, this episode offers valuable insights. Cy and Emily’s grounded perspectives will help investors, operators, and stakeholders navigate the uncertainty and identify trends to watch in 2025. Show Notes: - Headset Vapor Pen Data (Bringing the Receipts) Headset

Cy & Emily return fresh (or maybe not so fresh) from MJ BizCon in Las Vegas to dish on their 25-second meetup, cowboys everywhere, and what happens when you mix cannabis conference attendees with rodeo folks and AWS techies! 🤠 Plus: Fun fact of the episode: OnlyFans started as a recipe and DIY website! Who knew? 👩‍🍳 Bonus: Listen for Cy's attempt at a "news broadcast" sound effect - it's... something! Join us for another laid-back, data-backed conversation about all things cannabis, from MSOs to LPs, products and market analysis. Whether you're an industry veteran or just cannabis curious, pull up a chair and hang with us! 🎧 #cannabis #data #industry #MSO #retail #cannabisbusiness #MJBizCon Show notes: - CAKE: She hits different - Headset's Green Wednesday Retailer Benchmarking Tool Headset

If you have any information on a weed burrito, be sure to contact Washington Township NJ police department at 856-589-0330! In this conversation, Cy Scott and Emily Paxhia discuss the significance of Green Wednesday in the cannabis industry, particularly during the Thanksgiving holiday week. They analyze sales data from previous years, highlighting trends in consumer behavior, discounting practices, and the impact of Thanksgiving on overall sales. The discussion also delves into promotional strategies that retailers can adopt to maximize sales during this period, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer preferences and market dynamics. The conversation also touches on a humorous delivery incident involving marijuana disguised as food, and concludes with their personal plans for Thanksgiving, emphasizing the role of cannabis beverages in their celebrations. Links: - Weed burritos in New Jersey [ABC 27 News] - Judge halts cannabis licensing in MN [Minnesota Public Radio News] Headset

In this episode of The High Rise, Cy Scott and Emily Paxia discuss the latest developments in the cannabis industry, focusing on the implications of the Farm Bill and its potential revisions. They explore the impact of intoxicating 'hot hemp' products on the legal market and the ongoing legislative efforts to address these issues. Next, a look at Ohio's burgeoning cannabis market, analyzing sales data and the dynamics of local operators. Links Local Moratoriums for Ohio Adult Use Marijuana Operator (OSU)Headset data presentation (Headset)Takeaways Sound Bites Chapters 00:00 The Farm Bill and Its Implications 15:51 Ohio's Cannabis Market Overview 18:23 The Growth of the Cannabis Market 24:42 Competitive Pricing and Market Dynamics 30:49 Understanding Moratoriums in Ohio 37:00 Community Impact and Economic Benefits of Cannabis 42:21 Looking Ahead: Future of the Cannabis Industry 46:20 hr-outro.mp3 Headset

The High-Rise Episode 162: Welcome Back to the High-Rise! Join hosts Cy Scott (Headset) and Emily Paxhia (Poseidon) as they return to analyze October cannabis market data, discuss Q3 MSO earnings, and explore emerging industry trends. After a brief hiatus, The High Rise is back with data-driven insights on the state of the cannabis industry. Episode Highlights - Deep dive into October 2024 retail sales data across major markets - Analysis of Florida's market decline and the impact of recent hurricanes - Spotlight on New York's market growth and standout brands - Q3 MSO earnings review and market performance - Discussion of Florida's failed adult-use ballot measure - New Zealand study reveals cannabis's impact on other substance use Key Market Insights - California maintains market leadership with $350M in October sales - Arizona shows concerning 25% year-over-year decline - New York continues strong growth trajectory - Missouri stands out with ~8% year-over-year growth - Florida sees significant declines across multiple product categories Notable Brands in New York - Ayrloom (Top performer in 4 categories) - Off Hours (Edibles) - Ruby Farm (Pre-Roll) - Dank by Definition (Flower) - MFNY (Concentrates) - Episode 141: Cannabis & Alcohol - The presentation data Headset

Hey Headsetters, we're back with a new interview episode, this time with Verano's George Archos and Aaron Miles. We cover their wholesale strategy, a unique approach to loyalty and visions for the future. Listen closely and you might actually catch the date that Schedule 3 is scheduled to happen (not really). In this conversation, George Archos and Aaron Miles from Verano discuss their company's performance in Q1 and their position in the cannabis industry. They talk about Verano's footprint, retail composition, and brands. They also discuss their focus on customer loyalty and the launch of their exclusive membership program, the Cabbage Club. The conversation touches on the growth of Verano's wholesale business, particularly in markets like New Jersey and Illinois. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities of opening doors in different markets and the importance of data-driven decision-making. The conversation concludes with a discussion about Verano's plans for expansion in Ohio and Florida. Verano Holdings is preparing for the launch of adult-use cannabis in Ohio and expects to see significant demand in both their stores and the wholesale market. Takeaways Keywords Verano, Q1 performance, cannabis industry, footprint, retail composition, brands, customer loyalty, Cabbage Club, wholesale growth, opening doors, data-driven decision-making, expansion, Verano Holdings, adult-use cannabis, Ohio, wholesale market, product offerings, acquisitions, hospitality aspect, regulatory hurdles, rescheduling cannabis, banking services, marketing capabilities, Florida, Pennsylvania, future opportunities, capital markets Headset

In this conversation, Cy and Emily discuss the recent announcement by the DEA that they will recommend rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III. They explore the potential implications of this decision, including its impact on the capital markets, banking reform, and the ongoing Commerce Clause case. They also touch on the significance of this shift in the federal government's view of cannabis and the challenges that lie ahead in the implementation process. Overall, they express cautious optimism about the future of cannabis legalization in the United States. Takeaways Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 03:02 DEA Recommends Rescheduling Cannabis to Schedule III 09:26 The Trauma and Optimism of Cannabis Legalization 13:49 The Implications of Rescheduling 16:13 The Commerce Clause Case and Fair Application of the CSA Keywords DEA, rescheduling, cannabis, Schedule III, capital markets, banking reform, Commerce Clause case, implementation process, federal government, legalization Headset

Watch out Florida Man, the new headline is going to be about the big numbers that Florida will be putting up in a post adult-use legalized cannabis world. Join Cy Scott (CEO of Headset) and Emily Paxia (Managing Partner of Poseidon) discuss the exciting news that adult-use cannabis legalization has been approved for the November 2024 ballot in Florida - how we got here and what it means. Links: Florida Amendment 3 Ballot [Ballotopedia] Florida Supreme Court approves ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana [ Politico]Headset

The commish is cracking down in New York, bringing the full might of the OGS to the legal cannabis market. Emily Paxhia and Cy Scott take a laid-back data-backed look at all the latest headlines coming out of New York -- good and bad! New York Must Figure Out How to Fix Cannabis Mess, Hochul Orders [NYTimes]Jenny's cannabis sales [Headset]The Comish [Wikipedia]Homeland Security, NYPD team up on cannabis smuggling investigation [Green Market Report]Top state cannabis official Damian Fagon put on administrative leave following NY Cannabis Insider investigation [NYup.com]Headset

Okay, so it's been a little while but we are back (by popular demand)! The High-Rise returns with an all-new episode where we discuss what's coming for the show this year, and cover the stories we think we'll be talking a lot about during this upcoming year. New York City vs. Upstate, Ohio timelines, Vapor Pen sales continued rise and Hemp D9 THC is everywhere! It's good to be back. Show links: NYC vs. NY cannabis sales analysis [Headset]Ohio is on schedule [FOX19]Headset

We did it everyone, 2023 is done!! Well, for the High-Rise podcast anyway. On this episode, Emily and Cy wrap up the year with a podcast episode discussing the significant growth and trends in the cannabis industry throughout 2023 and a look back at what was discussed throughout the year from 75 episodes worth of content! They wrap up the podcast and the year by thinking through 2024 and what is ahead for California. Thanks to everyone who's been with us this year, I hope your 2023 was great and your 2024 will be even better. Headset

In the latest High-Rise, Cy and Emily discuss the latest updates on cannabis legalization in New York and Ohio. They cover the settlement in New York and the approval of licenses for existing medical operators to transition into the adult-use market. They also discuss the disappointing progress of the cannabis industry in New York over the past year. The bulk of the discussion is on the recently legalized Ohio, where they explore the recent legalization and the proposed changes to the law, including tax increases, home cultivation limits, criminal expungement, and more. They also touch on the potential impact of these changes on the Ohio market and the use of Luster Pods in the state. Links: Headset

New York is (probably) back baby! So, in our latest episode, we dove into New York's cannabis scene – and let me tell you, it's been a wild ride. We kicked things off talking about how New York's retail footprint in cannabis exploded by 2600% - that's going from 1 to 27 stores, which is huge, right? But there's a catch; it's still just 27 stores, and we've got thousands of unlicensed ones around. We chatted about the CAURD program - that's the Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary program. It's been a bit of a slow burn, honestly. There was this lawsuit from disabled veterans that really put things on ice. Now, there's a proposed settlement that might just shake things up, and we might see these stores finally opening up. There's a lot of potential brewing in New York's cannabis market. It's about getting those doors open, making sure everyone's included, and maybe, just maybe, we'll see some serious growth. Let's keep our fingers crossed and see what unfolds! Show notes: Adult-Use License Types$83M for 3Qs Headset

Hey all, hope you had a great Thanksgiving! In this episode of the "High-Rise Podcast," co-hosts Cy and Emily delve into the intricacies of Green Wednesday in the cannabis industry as its happening, focusing on emerging trends, market comparisons, and the nuances of consumer behavior. They examine the distinct dynamics between markets like Missouri and California, highlighting the differences in discounting strategies and sales patterns. The episode further explores the impact of store closures and shortened hours on sales trends, offering a unique perspective on how these factors influence market behavior. A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the evolving landscape of vaping in the cannabis industry. The co-hosts dissect the popularity of vaping among Gen Z consumers, emphasizing how this preference is shaping the market. They discuss the technological advancements in vaping, drawing parallels to the evolution of smartphones, and explore how these innovations are influencing consumer choices and preferences. The episode also touches on regulatory aspects and market compliance, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities within the cannabis industry. Headset

This episode explores 'whole day units' in Ohio's medical cannabis program and their impact on the market. Hosts Cy and Emily compare Ohio's cannabis regulations with other states, focusing on patient counts, dispensary numbers, and sales. They discuss Ohio's transition to legal adult cannabis use and speculate on its potential effects. The conversation also covers Snoop's decision to quit smoking and its implications for the industry. A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to 'Green Wednesday,' highlighting consumer trends and sales patterns in cannabis before Thanksgiving. Show notes: Washington's Dream on SNLSnoop Dogg says he’s giving up smoking after years of marijuana use Headset

Join Emily Paxhia and Cy Scott in the latest episode of High-Rise, where they unpack Ohio's surprising jump into legalizing adult-use cannabis. It's a big deal, not just for Ohioans, but also for the political chessboard. The conversation then takes a turn into the world of cannabis heavyweights, diving into the Q3 financial drama of Multi-State Operators like Ascend, GTI, Terrasend, Verano, Trulieve, and Curaleaf. Emily lends her sharp expertise to dissect trends, successes, and the not-so-small matter of navigating the infamous 280E tax code. They also touch on the potential seismic shifts in federal policy and what this could mean for cannabis businesses. Wrapping up, our hosts explore the evolving strategies of cannabis companies, showing us how the industry is growing up, getting smarter, and maybe, just maybe, figuring it all out. Whether you're deep in the cannabis game or just casually tuning in, this episode is a delightful blend of insight, analysis, and just the right touch of humor - perfect for anyone who enjoys a smart take on the ever-evolving cannabis industry. 🌱🎧 Show notes: Ramaswamy's lame excuse for voting NOWhat the heck is a buckeyeHeadset

In this 150th episode of The High Rise podcast, hosts Cy Scott and Emily Paxhia celebrate milestones for the show and Cy's company Headset. Headset recently processed its 50 billionth dollar in cannabis point-of-sale data, equating to nearly 1 billion transactions. They also launched a free tool called Brand Explorer that lets anyone search and analyze cannabis brands and their performance. The hosts then discuss normalization and mainstreaming of cannabis, including Total Wine putting THC beverages on display in Minnesota and Green Thumb partnering with New York bakery Magnolia for cannabis edibles. They see these major brand crossovers as helping destigmatize cannabis use. Headset Cannabis Brand ExplorerTHC at Total WineGTI & Magnolia Bakery CollaborationHeadset

Join Emily and Cy as they host Darren Weiss, President of Verano as they discuss the genesis of the historic lawsuit filed against the federal government challenging cannabis prohibition under the Commerce Clause. The lawsuit argues that the federal government's current contradictory stance on cannabis - where it is illegal at the federal level but allowed and regulated in many states - violates the Commerce Clause by interfering with intrastate cannabis commerce. The lawsuit is spearheaded by law firm Boies Schiller Flexner with support from a coalition of cannabis companies. Verano president Darren Weiss explains how the Commerce Clause was originally intended to regulate commerce between states, not commerce within states. He argues the federal regulation of intrastate cannabis markets contradicts the original intent. Cy, Emily and Darren discuss how the contradictory federal policy impacts businesses of all sizes, from multi-state operators down to small social equity licensees. The lawsuit aims to open up banking, reduce tax burdens, and create fairness across the industry. While the case will likely take years to reach the Supreme Court, it represents a new front in the ongoing fight for cannabis law reform. Headset

In this episode of the podcast, Cy and Emily dive into the latest pre-roll industry report from Headset. They discuss how pre-rolls are exploding in popularity, especially in Canada where they now make up a third of all cannabis sales. Cy compares Canada's love of pre-rolls to Ned Flanders' Canadian counterpart and his fondness for doobies. The hosts talk about the growth of the connoisseur pre-roll segment, which has fueled much of the category's growth. They also touch on the rise of multipacks and some of the production challenges in scaling pre-roll manufacturing. Show notes / links: Headset Industry Report - Pre-Rolls: Analyzing category performance & sales trends"They warned me Satan would be attractive." - Ned Flanders Headset