Episode 36 | The Future of Cannabis Jobs in Minnesota with Local 49's Patrick Doran & Benjamin Mike

Audio Version | Jacob Affeldt of Frostbite Dispensary on Building Minnesota's Cannabis Retail Experience | The Canna Connect Show S2E2

Minnesota's cannabis retail market is evolving quickly, and few people have had a front-row seat like Jacob Affeldt. In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, Stephen Eigenmann sits down with the Vice-President and Co-Owner of Frostbite Dispensary to discuss what it actually takes to build a successful cannabis retail business in Minnesota. Jacob shares how Frostbite prepared months ahead for 4/20, built relationships with cultivators across the state, launched cannabis delivery, navigated supply shortages, and created a customer experience that keeps people coming back. The conversation also explores Minnesota's evolving cannabis regulations, delivery logistics, product availability, medical cannabis, and what the future may hold for independent dispensaries. Whether you're a cannabis entrepreneur, operator, cultivator, or simply curious about Minnesota's emerging industry, this episode provides an honest look behind the scenes. Topics include: • Building Frostbite Dispensary • Preparing for Minnesota's first major 4/20 • Working with local cultivators • Cannabis delivery in Minnesota • Vape shortages and testing delays • Customer loyalty and retail strategy • Medical cannabis and adult-use retail • Federal rescheduling and 280E Our Partner Network This episode was produced by Canna Connect, Minnesota's cannabis business network connecting operators, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals. Special thanks to our partners: • Dutchie • Cure8 • Comcast Business Interested in joining the Canna Connect Network? Visit our website to learn more about upcoming events, educational resources, podcast episodes, and partner opportunities. Subscribe for weekly conversations with the people building Minnesota's cannabis industry. Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

Audio Version | Tara Falk (Aim & Fire) | Cannabis Marketing, Events & Building Brands in Minnesota | S02E01

What does it take to build a cannabis brand that stands out? Season 2 of The Canna Connect Show kicks off live from CannaCon St. Paul with the return of Tara Falk, Founder of Aim & Fire. In her second appearance on the show, Tara joins Stephen Eigenmann to discuss the evolving cannabis marketplace, experiential marketing, retail activations, and why Minnesota continues to emerge as one of the country's most unique cannabis markets. The conversation explores: *  Building authentic cannabis brands  *  Retail activations and field marketing  *  Lessons from the Hemp Beverage Expo and Ignite  *  Minnesota's evolving hemp and adult-use cannabis market  *  Why community matters in emerging industries  *  The future of cannabis events and networking  *  How Aim & Fire helps brands scale through strategic execution  Tara also shares why she continues returning to Minnesota, why she's optimistic about the future of the industry, and why organizations like Canna Connect are helping strengthen the cannabis community through education and connection. 🤝 Featured Community Partners This episode was recorded live from CannaCon St. Paul, where Minnesota's cannabis community came together to connect, collaborate, and learn. Special thanks to the organizations helping strengthen Minnesota's cannabis industry: * Aim & Fire – Experiential marketing and retail activation for cannabis and hemp brands.  * Open Window Productions – Production partner helping bring The Canna Connect Show to life.  * Elite Capture Studio – Creative content and media production supporting the Canna Connect network.  Interested in becoming part of the Canna Connect Community Network? Visit CannaConnectMN.com to learn more. Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

Episode 37 | How Minnesota Cannabis Businesses Are Saving Thousands on Cultivation Buildouts | Brad Obermueller, CEE

As Minnesota's cannabis industry moves from licensing into active cultivation, operators are discovering that power, energy efficiency, and facility planning can make or break a project. In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, Steven Eigenmann sits down with Brad Obermueller of CEE (Center for Energy and Environment) to discuss how Minnesota cannabis cultivators are navigating facility buildouts, utility requirements, lighting rebates, and energy planning. Brad shares what CEE is seeing across dozens of cultivation projects, why the Builder's Call Line is one of the most important resources available to growers, and how energy-efficient lighting systems can unlock significant savings for licensed operators. The conversation also explores Minnesota's emerging craft cultivation ecosystem, lessons learned from early cultivation projects, and how growers can position themselves for long-term success. Topics include: • Minnesota cannabis cultivation infrastructure  • Energy-efficient grow facility design  • LED lighting rebates for cannabis businesses  • The Builder's Call Line and utility planning  • Frost Leaf's cultivation project case study  • Craft cannabis cultivation in Minnesota  • Home grow lighting rebates  • Power consumption and cultivation planning  • Building trust within the cannabis industry  • The future of Minnesota cannabis cultivation Meet Brad & the CEE Team at CannaCon Brad and the CEE team will be exhibiting at CannaCon St. Paul on June 26-27, 2025. If you're planning a cultivation facility or exploring energy rebates for your cannabis business, stop by their booth and learn how CEE can help reduce project costs and improve long-term efficiency. Connect with Canna Connect: 🌐 https://cannaconnectmn.com [https://cannaconnectmn.com] Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

Episode 36 | The Future of Cannabis Jobs in Minnesota with Local 49's Patrick Doran & Benjamin Mike

What role should organized labor play in Minnesota's emerging cannabis industry? In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, Stephen Eigenmann sits down with Patrick Doran and Benjamin Mike of Local 49 to discuss workforce development, employee protections, apprenticeship programs, labor peace agreements, and the future of cannabis employment in Minnesota. As the state's cannabis market continues to take shape, the conversation explores how employers and workers can build sustainable businesses, develop skilled career pathways, and create opportunities that benefit both companies and employees. Local 49 brings more than a century of experience supporting Minnesota workers, and this episode explores how that experience may translate into one of the state's newest industries. The guests also discuss craft cannabis, hemp beverages, workforce training, regulatory uncertainty, and why collaboration will be critical as the market matures.  Get in touch with Local 49  https://cannaconnectmn.com/contact Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.

Episode 35 | Tanner Berris Returns: The Past, Present & Future of Minnesota Cannabis

What has changed in Minnesota cannabis over the past year? In this episode of The Canna Connect Show, Stephen Eigenmann reconnects with longtime friend, former co-host, and Minnesota cannabis historian Tanner Berris for their first recorded conversation together in nearly a year. The discussion explores how Minnesota's cannabis industry has evolved since legalization, including hemp beverages, licensing, compliance, home grow rights, cannabis advocacy, and the role of the Office of Cannabis Management. Drawing on years of experience covering Minnesota cannabis policy and culture, Tanner shares his perspective on where the industry stands today and the challenges that still lie ahead. Topics include: • Minnesota cannabis history and legalization • Hemp beverages and federal policy • Home grow rights and advocacy • OCM regulations and compliance • Cannabis licensing and market development • Community building and cannabis culture • The future of Minnesota's cannabis industry For listeners who have followed Minnesota cannabis over the past several years, this episode serves as both a reflection on how far the industry has come and a conversation about what comes next. Guest: Tanner Berris Follow Tanner's Substack: https://tannerberris.substack.com/ The Canna Connect Show highlights the entrepreneurs, advocates, policymakers, and community leaders helping shape Minnesota cannabis from the ground up. Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.