Welcome to a pivotal episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, where we delve deep into New York's cannabis marketplace amidst its complex regulatory and business environment. Today's guest, Katie Neer of KND Group, brings an insider’s perspective to the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the state.

In this episode, we'll explore the recent decision deeming padlocks unconstitutional and the repercussions this has on both legal and illicit cannabis markets in New York. Katie shares her insights on regulatory confusion, policing efforts, and the impact of election outcomes on cannabis policy.

We also touch on the potential growth of New York’s legal cannabis market, projected to be worth about $6 billion, and discuss strategic measures needed to realize this vision. Katie discusses the nuances of Registered Organizations (ROs) in the state, leadership changes at the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), and policy suggestions to enhance New York’s approach towards medical cannabis and private rights of action against illicit operations.

Join us as we unpack these critical issues with Katie Neer, whose expertise in shaping policy through collaboration with regulators offers invaluable lessons for cannabis businesses aiming to navigate and influence policy landscapes effectively.

Whether you're a dispensary owner, a policy maker, or simply a cannabis enthusiast, this episode offers a thorough understanding of the complexities and pivotal changes shaping one of the most dynamic cannabis markets in the U.S.

Tune in to gain actionable insights and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of cannabis business regulations.

Remember to follow, like, or subscribe to Kaya Cast on your favorite podcast platform to keep up with the latest discussions and strategies for scaling and thriving in the cannabis industry.

Highlights:
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:11 Guest Introduction: Katie NIR from KND Group
00:44 Discussion on New York's Illicit Cannabis Market
02:36 Challenges and Nuances in Enforcement
06:01 Policy and Legislative Updates
12:26 Medical Cannabis Program in New York
17:10 State of Registered Organizations (ROs)
30:40 Current Market Overview and Future Outlook
35:24 Rescheduling and Its Impact on the Industry
37:25 Conclusion and Contact Information

Find out more about KND Group at:
https://www.kndgroupllc.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-neer-1b425414/

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Welcome back to another episode of the KayaCast Podcast, your go-to audio hub for all things cannabis business. Today, we're thrilled to have Craig Scurato from Kind Benefits join us to delve deep into the realm of employee health benefits, specifically tailored for the unique needs and challenges of cannabis dispensaries.

Navigating health benefits in the cannabis industry can be daunting. With thin margins and fluctuating cash flows, providing comprehensive healthcare to employees can seem like an unattainable luxury for many dispensary owners. Craig brings a wealth of experience and innovative solutions that help dispensaries offer competitive health benefits without breaking the bank.

In this episode, you'll discover:
- The challenges cannabis businesses face with traditional health insurance.
- Innovative tax incentive wellness programs that can be implemented from day one.
- How voluntary benefits plans can lead to savings and boost employee health and morale.
- The magic of hospital indemnity programs and their tax advantages specifically beneficial to the cannabis sector.
- Strategies for leveraging the Affordable Care Act to provide cost-effective health benefits.

Craig also walks us through the financial mechanics of these programs, illustrating how dispensaries can leverage government subsidies and tax breaks to provide essential health services without the hefty price tag. He sheds light on personalized benefits programs, which allow employees to choose benefits that truly meet their needs, enhancing job satisfaction and retention.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your existing employee benefits, this conversation with Craig is packed with actionable insights and creative strategies to help you build a healthier, happier workplace.

For those thinking about taking the next step, we encourage reaching out to Craig via his LinkedIn or visiting kindbenefits.co for more tailored advice and services. Don’t forget, providing robust health benefits is not only possible on a budget, but it could be a key differentiator in the competitive cannabis industry.

Make sure to like, subscribe, and drop a comment on your podcast app. It helps us reach more listeners like you who are dedicated to growing and scaling their cannabis businesses. Until next time, keep growing and stay green!

Highlights
00:00 Introduction to KayaCast
00:11 Challenges of Offering Employee Health Benefits
00:19 Introducing Craig from Kind Benefits
01:13 Tax Incentive Wellness Programs
02:05 Cost and Participation Details
05:58 Affordable Care Act and Employee Benefits
08:49 Personalized Benefits Approach
09:41 Navigating the Health Exchange
18:49 Considerations for Using a PEO
25:29 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Thanks for tuning into KayaCast, the premier podcast for cannabis business insights. Visit our website to join our newsletter and stay ahead with expert tips and industry news, all dedicated to helping your dispensary thrive.

Find out more about Kind Benefits at:
https://www.kindbenefits.co/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigscurato/
https://www.instagram.com/kind_benefits/
https://x.com/kindbenefits?s=21&t=Zbj0yLLxz5QFNMphiMjOdg
https://www.facebook.com/BranchBenefits

#KayaCastPodcast #CannabisBusiness #EmployeeHealthBenefits #KindBenefits #CraigScurato #TaxIncentives #WellnessPrograms #VoluntaryBenefits #HospitalIndemnityPrograms #AffordableCareAct #PersonalizedBenefits #HealthcareSolutions #PEO #CannabisIndustry #HealthcareOnABudget #GrowAndScale #StayGreen #KayaCommunity #StayInformed #ExpertTips #IndustryNews #DispensarySuccess

Welcome to a highly insightful episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, where we delve deep into the intricacies of cannabis retail strategy. We're thrilled to host Richard McLean, the head of retail at Vibe by California, a leader in the competitive cannabis market of California.

In this episode, Richard shares his rich experience in both cannabis and traditional retail, offering unparalleled insights into inventory management, vendor relationships, market adaptation, and much more. Discover the unique challenges of cannabis retail, from handling perishable inventory with strategic purchasing to understanding the nuanced demands of different regional markets.

Richard explains the importance of building strong relationships with vendors to navigate the fluctuations of the cannabis market and reveals tactics for leveraging promotional items and rebates to enhance customer offerings. He also discusses the critical differences in consumer behavior across various store locations, emphasizing the need to tailor retail strategies to specific community needs.

For those looking to expand, Richard offers sage advice on opening a second location and the importance of understanding local market dynamics and regulations. He shares his personal experiences and practical strategies for ensuring the success and profitability of new retail outlets.

Whether you're a new retailer crafting your initial inventory strategy or an established player considering expansion, this episode is packed with valuable strategies and real-world insights to help you succeed in the dynamic world of cannabis retail.

Don't miss this invaluable conversation geared towards helping cannabis dispensaries thrive. Tune in now and equip yourself with the knowledge to propel your cannabis retail business forward!

Highlights:
00:00 Introduction to KayaCast
00:21 Guest Introduction: Richard McLean
00:54 Understanding Cannabis Retail Strategy
03:48 Inventory Management in Cannabis Retail
05:28 Leveraging Supplier Relationships
06:14 Adapting to Market Changes
16:12 Customer Feedback and Engagement
18:26 Expanding to a Second Location
21:08 Navigating Local Cannabis Regulations
22:43 Opening a Second Location: Best Practices
25:09 Hiring and Training for Success
27:14 Managing Multiple Stores: Key Strategies
28:58 Customer Experience and Sales Techniques
33:08 Effective Employee Training Programs
37:23 Ensuring Accountability and Performance
41:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Find out more about Vibe by California at:
https://www.vibebycalifornia.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vibebycalifornia/
https://www.instagram.com/vibebycalifornia_/

#KayaCast #CannabisRetail #RetailStrategy #VibeByCalifornia #InventoryManagement #VendorRelationships #MarketAdaptation #PerishableInventory #PromotionalItems #Rebates #ConsumerBehavior #LocalMarkets #CommunityNeeds #Expansion #SecondLocation #MarketDynamics #Regulations #Success #Profitability #Dispensaries #Thriving #RealWorldInsights #ValuableStrategies #Knowledge #CannabisBusiness #CustomerFeedback #Engagement #Hiring #Training #MultipleStores #CustomerExperience #SalesTechniques #EmployeeTraining #Accountability #Performance