0:00 - 07:38 | Introduction
07:39 - 13:33 | Beverage Distributors & Retailers: Exploring Hemp Industry Opportunities
13:34 - 22:34 | Direct-to-Consumer Models: Crossover Between Marijuana and Hemp Businesses
22:35 - 31:10 | The 4-Pillar Regulatory Approach & Insights on the Farm Bill
31:11 - 35:15 | Taxation and Scheduling: Understanding 280E and Rescheduling

In Episode 5 of MC Talk, host Bret Worley and guests Art Massolo (VP Business Development - Cycling Frog) Chris Fontes (Founder/CEO - High Spirits Beverages) discuss the hemp industry and its intersection with state-regulated marijuana, featuring insights on regulatory & taxation frameworks, business models, and market opportunities.

This episode covers key topics such as booming potential for hemp in the beverage sector, particularly through partnerships with alcohol retailers and distributors. They also explore the opportunities for marijuana brands to leverage their reputations in the hemp space and discuss how descheduling cannabis could significantly diminish the illicit market.

Hemp's future could reshape retail markets, with mainstream consumers like soccer moms helping to destigmatize it by purchasing hemp-infused products like beverages. They stress the "4 Pillar Regulatory Approach," which is crucial to the future of hemp policy and why a unified message across the hemp industry is essential for its long-term success.

If you're interested in hemp business models, regulatory challenges, and market opportunities, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Guests:
Art Massolo - VP Business Development at Cycling Frog

Chris Fontes - Founder/CEO at High Spirits Beverages

Host:

Bret Worley - CEO/Founder of MC Nutraceuticals & MC Global Holdings

Executive Producers:
Ana Valdez
Alex Danell
Raquel Toto