POTENT Ep.4: Explore the Business Opportunities and Peak Consumer Experience to be Found in the Cannabis Community

POTENT Ep.4: Explore the Business Opportunities and Peak Consumer Experience to be Found in the Cannabis Community

In Episode 4 of POTENT, hosts Wendy Heimann and Bryan Bergman talk with Maha Haq, a leading cannabis strategist and marketing expert, about the expanding role of cannabis in experiential spaces. From lounges in West Hollywood to events at the Oakland Coliseum, Maha shares how brands are navigating regulation, creating community, and leveraging entertainment platforms like Twitch and Discord to reach consumers in new ways. The episode explores the shifting landscape of cannabis marketing, consumption events, social equity, and the broader movement to integrate cannabis into traditional retail, hospitality, and entertainment environments.

POTENT Ep.3 Pt.2: Government Relations Insider on How the Cannabis Industry Can Work with Political Powers

In this follow-up to Part 1, POTENT hosts Bryan Bergman, Wendy Heimann, and Nick Rosenberg continue their compelling conversation with Adam Spiker of Spiker Rendon Consulting. This episode dives into the local-level dynamics of cannabis legalization and how communities, regulators, and the entertainment industry can work together to shape a more functional and inclusive cannabis landscape. Adam discusses the roadblocks that still plague California’s regulated market, the power of storytelling to de-stigmatize cannabis, and how immersive experiences and smart coalition-building can help move the needle. They also discuss: * Why cities that embrace legalization rarely regret it * The broken cannabis supply chain—and how it compares to other industries * Ballot initiatives vs. ordinances: which is more effective? * How creatives and non-plant-touching businesses can be powerful allies in legalization * What opportunities still exist for newcomers entering the industry today If you're a policymaker, creative entrepreneur, cannabis advocate, or just curious about how change actually happens, this episode is a must. 🎙️ Guest: Adam Spiker, Spiker Rendon Consulting 🌐 spikerrendon.com [https://spikerrendon.com/]

POTENT Ep.3 Pt.1: Government Relations Insider on How the Cannabis Industry Can Work With Political Powers

In Part 1 of this two-part episode of POTENT, Bryan Bergman and Wendy Heimann speak with Adam Spiker, partner at Spiker Rendon Consulting and a third-generation political consultant specializing in cannabis regulatory advocacy. They unpack the disconnect between state and local cannabis licensing, explain why many California cities still resist implementing Prop 64, and explore how stigma, bureaucracy, and political caution continue to block access and growth in the cannabis industry. Spiker shares insider insights on navigating local government, educating elected officials, and why true progress is slow—but possible. If you’re in cannabis, immersive entertainment, or location-based development, this episode sheds light on how to build coalitions and advocate for responsible cannabis policy. 🎙️ Guest: Adam Spiker, Spiker Rendon Consulting 🌐 spikerrendon.com [https://spikerrendon.com/]

POTENT Ep.2 Pt.2: Leading Cannabis Event Consultant Shares Game Changing Approaches

In this follow-up to Part 1, Bryan Bergman, Wendy Heimann-Nunes, and Nick Rosenberg continue their conversation with cannabis consultant and advocate Jackie Subeck of Hey Jackpot! The team explores practical, hypothetical scenarios that producers of immersive and out-of-home entertainment might face when incorporating cannabis into their events — from VIP ticket structures and licensing workarounds to building strategic partnerships and brand-aligned experiences. Jackie offers insight into how cannabis consumption events can create value without triggering compliance nightmares, why fear is often rooted in misinformation, and how California’s heavy regulations may actually make cannabis events some of the safest, most controlled environments in entertainment. If you’re in hospitality, entertainment, or brand strategy — and you're curious about the intersection of law, cannabis, and immersive experiences — this episode is packed with practical advice and future-forward thinking. 👉 Bonus: The team tackles common fears brands face and how overregulation might be the unexpected key to consumer trust.

POTENT Ep.2 Pt.1: Leading Cannabis Event Consultant Shares Game Changing Approaches

In Part 1 of this two-part episode, attorneys Bryan Bergman, Wendy Heimann-Nunes, and Nick Rosenberg of Nolan Heimann LLP sit down with cannabis industry trailblazer Jackie Subeck, founder of Hey Jackpot! Together, they explore the evolving relationship between cannabis consumption and out-of-home entertainment—from licensing lounges in West Hollywood to the complexities of throwing cannabis-friendly events in California. Jackie shares her personal journey from music to marijuana, dives into policy, advocacy, and regulations, and unpacks how social justice, tourism, and immersive experiences are shaping the future of cannabis events. Whether you're curious about cannabis event licenses or how to build compliant spaces for consumption, this episode sets the stage. 👉 Stay tuned for Part 2, where the crew tackles hypotheticals and common cannabis misconceptions.