Cannabis is a Good Neighbor

Cannabis is a good neighbor is back with its 8th episode! In this episode, Brian Anderson had an incredible conversation with Mike Lomuto about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the cannabis space. Mike's cannabis journey began in the legacy market, and now operating in the regulated market, he brings a fascinating perspective. Mike talks about the importance of DEI, its pitfalls, and highlights DEI resources. Brian has supported a wide range of customers of varying backgrounds and operational goals, and Mike has held several roles in the space, listen to the episode as they discuss the different pathways to success within the cannabis space. Mike Lomuto [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikelomuto/] started in cannabis in San Francisco in the 90’s. As the culmination of a decade-long transition into regulated cannabis, Mike Co-Founded Dao Mastery - a coaching & consulting firm, and Boost - its Social Equity initiative. In 2019, Mike joined the DEI Committee at the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) [https://thecannabisindustry.org/], quickly taking a leadership position. He and Dao Mastery ultimately partnered with NCIA [https://thecannabisindustry.org/] to build out the organization's DEI initiatives at large. Mike has an extensive cannabis network, particularly in the DEI and Legacy sphere and is known for building diverse coalitions. Mike is proud of his Thai and Italian heritage, and is launching an Asian Cannabis Alliance, as well as the Cannabis Wellness Coalition. This is a podcast series brought to you by Anderson Porter Design [http://andersonporter.com/]. Cannabis industry experts join Brian Anderson [http://andersonporter.com/] to discuss concerns of cannabis in the neighborhood. Our goal is to provide industry experts with information regarding sustainability, best practices, and challenges they may face with communities while working in cannabis. We also hope industry experts will use this podcast as a resource to share on a local level to educate communities and lawmakers about what they can expect by having cannabis as a neighbor.

Cannabis is a Good Neighbor focuses on bridging the gap between the cannabis industry and communities. Cannabis has a rich, complex history that has led us to the industry it is today. This episode welcomes Tyme Ferris [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyme-ferris-806538a/], Founder of the Pantheon Collective [https://www.thepantheoncollective.com/], to talk about the plant's history, how or why this plant was deemed unsuitable for the public, and the groups disproportionately affected. Listen to this episode of 'Cannabis is a Good Neighbor' to learn more about the industry's history, social equity programs, New York entrance, and more! Now available on all streaming platforms.

The cannabis industry faces several challenges, often stemming from the fact cannabis is legal at a state level but not a federal level. A major issue for cannabis operations is how to bank since their primary revenue stream comes from a federally illicit market. Banks are still very hesitant to support cannabis customers. In this episode of Cannabis is a Good Neighbor Tina Sbrega [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-sbrega-1a330126?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAAAViS8sBNezFBWJDAEeNYszdqxJGPjY5uhg&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_search_srp_all%3Br%2BbAx9vqQp6ijKrVacHVsA%3D%3D] provides insight on banking in the cannabis industry. Tina [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-sbrega-1a330126?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAAAViS8sBNezFBWJDAEeNYszdqxJGPjY5uhg&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_search_srp_all%3Br%2BbAx9vqQp6ijKrVacHVsA%3D%3D], the President of Lighthouse Biz Solutions [https://lighthousebizsolutions.com], has extensive experience at a financial institution assisting cannabis operations in a number of states. Listen as Brian Anderson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bdanderson?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAAAAyVBgBXA3hORnyKBhjjwNN-BRnWssC-4M&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_search_srp_all%3BIFrXNK7vQyuHk6YCtoXCsw%3D%3D] and Tina Sbrega [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-sbrega-1a330126/] address how cannabis operations are a good neighbor. This episode is now available where ever you get your podcasts!

Human health and safety are at the top of mind in the cannabis industry, as they should be in all industries. Cannabis provides excellent medicinal benefits and is a great wellness tool. In states where cannabis is legal, consumers can be sure that the products they are purchasing are not harmful. This is not true for the illicit market. The legalization of weed gives more control to consumers. Brian Anderson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bdanderson/] is joined by Sarah Chase [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahchase/], Executive Director of the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation [https://www.uscfcr.org/sarah-a-chase], and David Vaillencourt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dvaillencourt/], CEO and Founder of The GMP Collective [https://www.gmpcollective.com], to discuss cannabis regulation and its vital role in human health and safety. Listen as these industry experts address how cannabis operations are a good neighbor.

Why is cannabis a good neighbor? Often people assume that allowing cannabis operations into their neighborhoods could create issues that wouldn't have existed prior. This episode talks about how these communities can actually benefit from allowing these cannabis operations into the communities. Brian Anderson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bdanderson/]of Anderson Porter Design [https://www.andersonporter.com/] is joined by Jay Czarkowski [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-czarkowski/] of Canna Advisor [https://thinkcanna.com/], to discuss the opportunities that arise with opening a cannabis operation, specifically employment opportunities.