"Navigating the Wild West of California Cannabis: A Founder's Journey"

Live from MJBizCon 2023 in Las Vegas, Karson Humiston is joined by Dave Holmes, founder and CEO of Clade9. The conversation kicks off with a candid discussion about Dave's early exposure to cannabis, starting from a young age due to his older brother's involvement in selling weed. Dave shares how his upbringing around drugs shaped his perspective on the industry.

As the discussion progresses, Dave delves into his journey in the cannabis business, from his initial experiences with cultivation to navigating the evolving legal landscape in California. He reflects on the challenges of transitioning from a low-profile operation to establishing Clade9 as a legitimate business in the industry.

The conversation shifts to the current state of the cannabis market in California, with Dave highlighting the issues of high taxes, fierce competition from the illicit market, and the struggles faced by regulated operators. He emphasizes the need for tax reforms to level the playing field and make the market more competitive.

Looking ahead, Dave shares his plans for expanding Clade9 to new markets, including New Jersey, and discusses the potential for interstate commerce in the cannabis industry. He touches on the importance of hiring passionate and dedicated individuals for his team, emphasizing the value of both cannabis-specific experience and traditional agricultural backgrounds

Throughout the episode, Karson and Dave engage in a candid and insightful conversation, offering a glimpse into the realities of operating in the cannabis industry and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Their authentic and relatable dialogue creates a welcoming atmosphere for listeners, inviting them to connect with the personal experiences and perspectives shared on the podcast.

https://clade9.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-holmes-95695810b/

TIMESTAMP:

00:00:16 - Introduction at MJ BizCon 2023
00:01:31 - Early Experiences with Cannabis
00:02:18 - Childhood Exposure to Cannabis
00:03:32 - First Experience with Selling Cannabis
00:04:13 - Transition to Academic Focus
00:04:24 - Introduction to Indoor Growing
00:06:25 - Evolution of Growing Operations
00:08:19 - Formation of Clade9
00:09:18 - Early Days of Establishing the Business
00:10:32 - Current Operations in South LA
00:11:49 - Challenges in the California Market
00:12:18 - Expansion Plans to New Jersey
00:12:57 - Phased Expansion Approach
00:13:14 - California Market Challenges
00:13:33 - Issues with Taxes and Illicit Market
00:14:16 - Consumer Behavior and Market Dynamics
00:15:02 - Importance of Payment Convenience
00:15:51 - Addressing Illicit Market Competition
00:16:02 - Solutions for Market Competitiveness
00:17:11 - Impact of Brand Saturation in California
00:18:39 - Potential for Interstate Cannabis Shipping
00:19:31 - Anticipated Industry Changes with Banking
00:20:33 - Challenges in Hiring for Cannabis Operations
00:22:35 - Hiring Criteria for Cultivation Managers
00:24:37 - Utilization of Technology in Cultivation
00:25:56 - Evolution of Tools and Technologies in Cannabis Industry
00:26:28 - Hopes for Future Industry Developments

Produce By PodConx

Watch Video - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNZI8qZy0lKxLO4OTk6P-tw

Karson Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karson-humiston-64572b97/

Vangst - https://vangst.com/

Recorded on Squadcast

Sound Design by Jamie Humiston