Category: Interviews
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Primo Payments on navigating the unbanked reality of the cannabis industry
Primo Payments, a longtime leader in cannabis-focused payment solutions, reflects on the unique financial challenges facing cannabis operators. In this Q&A, the team explains why the industry remains widely misunderstood, how federal inaction continues to stall banking reform, and what businesses should look for when choosing a stable, compliant payment processor.
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Inside DC Xtracts: Rob Vasquez on Craft Cannabis Extraction and Brand Integrity
Welcome to The Outlaw Report’s Q&A series, focused on the cannabis landscape of the Mid-Atlantic. Our series aims to shine a spotlight on the trailblazers and experts who are shaping the local cannabis industry. Through their first-hand experience and insights, we explore the successes, challenges and stories of businesses and individuals at the forefront of…
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Crafting Calm in a Fast-Paced World: The Story Behind Easyday Edibles
We chatted with Alan Manstof about his unconventional path to launching Easyday Edibles. What began with a stove-top gummy experiment evolved—after decades of curiosity and a marketing bootcamp led by his son—into a brand defined by clean ingredients, visual flair, and a laid-back ethos. In this interview, Manstof reflects on the lessons learned from building…
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Breaking barriers in Maryland cannabis: one entrepreneur’s journey to opening Kent Reserve
Abby Chalasani, a cannabis entrepreneur with a healthcare background, was inspired to open Kent Reserve in Maryland to offer alternative wellness solutions, particularly in underserved communities, and to bring her values to the industry as a social equity applicant. Despite the logistical and emotional challenges of opening the dispensary in Kent County, the area’s only…
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NECANN’s Role in Shaping the East Coast Cannabis Industry
Marc Shepard, co-founder and president of NECANN, provides insights into the current state of the cannabis market, with a particular focus on the East Coast. Shepard contrasts the East Coast’s market stage (opportunity and expansion) with the West Coast’s (competition and attrition). He discusses the varying regulatory approaches in East Coast states and emphasizes the…
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Women Grow continues to elevate and unite women in the cannabis industry
Women Grow is back in full force to empower women through economic support, policy advocacy and leadership development. CEO, Dr. Chanda Macias highlights new efforts aimed a supporting female cannabis entrepreneurs.
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D.C.’s first Latinx-owned dispensary and its cultural mission
Barbara Bernabe, Co-Founder and CEO of Miel Wellness, D.C.’s first Latinx-owned licensed medical dispensary, shares her journey into the cannabis industry. Inspired by personal experiences and a desire to serve her community, she’s built Miel on principles of inclusivity, education, and cultural representation.
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Mary Jane Oatman: The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association is fighting for Tribal sovereignty and economic opportunity
The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) advocates for Indigenous cannabis businesses and entrepreneurs, fosters connections between Indigenous Nations, and promotes equitable and sustainable cannabis practices.
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CannabizMD: Pioneering education and equity in the cannabis industry
CannabizMD is a trailblazing company dedicated to transforming the cannabis industry through education, policy, and business expertise.
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Burners Block: Building a compassionate cannabis community in the DMV
Burners Block is a cannabis organization that prioritizes community over profit. They work to connect cannabis businesses with the communities they serve through education, advocacy, and community projects.
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The D.C. cannabis business association is moving full steam ahead
Welcome to The Outlaw Report’s new Q&A series, focused on the cannabis landscape of the Mid-Atlantic. Our series aims to shine a spotlight on the trailblazers and experts who are shaping the local cannabis industry. Through their first-hand experience and insights, we explore the successes, challenges, and stories of businesses and individuals at the forefront…
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Upling: Delivering cannabis and second chances, a Black-owned DMV app makes a difference
Welcome to The Outlaw Report’s new Q&A series, focused on the cannabis landscape of the Mid-Atlantic. Our series aims to shine a spotlight on the trailblazers and experts who are shaping the local cannabis industry. Through their first-hand experience and insights, we explore the successes, challenges, and stories of businesses and individuals at the forefront…