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Texas Hemp Is Under Attack: The Fight to Save an Entire Industry
What is really happening to Texas businesses—and why could Texas become a blueprint for the future of an entire American industry? In this episode of the Hemp Highway, we sit down with Lucas Gilkey of Hometown Hero and Cynthia Cabrera of the Texas Hemp Business Council for an in-depth conversation about regulation, legislation, business strategy, advocacy, and the rapidly changing landscape in Texas. Lucas and Cynthia share the history of their businesses, the regulatory battles they've faced, and what it takes to operate in an industry where the rules can change overnight. They also break down the importance of relationships in government affairs, the difference between activism and lobbying, and why organized industry representation matters. The conversation goes deep into the current Texas landscape, including the economic impact of the industry, the role of small businesses, licensing and regulatory proposals, proposed product limitations, and the potential consequences of policies that could affect farmers, retailers, manufacturers, laboratories, and other parts of the supply chain. We also discuss why unity and strategy may be critical to the industry's future, how Texas could serve as a model for other states, and what businesses can do to become more informed and involved in the political process. The episode ultimately ends on a positive note: despite the challenges ahead, the guests believe the Texas business community is resilient, organized, and capable of continuing to build something significant. In this episode: The history of Hometown Hero How Texas regulations have evolved Building effective government relationships Activism vs. lobbying The importance of industry associations The economic impact of the Texas market Small business and entrepreneurship Proposed regulations and product limitations The impact of regulation on the broader supply chain Why industry unity matters Texas as a potential national blueprint The future of the industry What business owners can do to get involved Guests: Lucas Gilkey — Hometown Hero Cynthia Cabrera — Texas Hemp Business Council 00:00 Intro: The Fight in Texas 00:42 Meet Lucas Gilkey & Cynthia Cabrera 01:00 The Story Behind Hometown Hero 02:53 The First Major Legislative Battle 03:37 The Lawsuit That Changed Everything 04:25 The Article That Put Texas on the Map 05:08 A Fight That's Been Going On for Years 06:12 Bringing Cynthia Into the Fight 07:21 Cynthia's Background in Government Affairs 08:57 Lessons From the Vape Industry 10:16 How to Get a Seat at the Table 11:05 Activism vs. Lobbying 12:17 Why Industry Leadership Matters 13:26 Why the Texas Hemp Business Council Was Created 14:36 Where Do Texas Brands Stand Today? 15:50 Why Businesses Have to Get Involved 17:09 Why Some Companies Stay Out of Politics 18:04 Knowing Who You're Supporting 20:34 The Current State of the Fight 21:34 Making Political Decisions Based on Priorities 23:42 The Economic Impact on Texas 25:04 How Big Is the Texas Market? 25:51 Who Is Fighting Against the Industry? 27:01 Understanding the Power of the Texas Senate 29:16 How Texas Politics Actually Works 30:31 Political Pressure & Legislative Priorities 32:32 Who Is Really Opposing the Industry? 34:00 Competing Industry Models 37:05 Regulation, Product Quality & Consumer Choice 39:22 The “Loophole” Debate 41:49 Why Texas Could Become a National Model 43:13 Why the Texas Model Has Worked 44:07 The Texas Mindset 46:01 Why Texans Keep Fighting 47:56 Freedom, Choice & Regulation 49:07 How Regulation Can Limit Consumer Choice 51:58 Myth #1: Product Limits 54:20 Who Benefits From Product Limits? 55:20 The Minnesota Example 56:20 Do Product Limits Actually Protect Consumers? 58:15 Myth #2: Higher Licensing Fees 59:33 Who Actually Pays for Higher Fees? 60:31 Myth #3: More Taxes 68:01 The Impact on Farmers & the Supply Chain 69:55 The Beverage-Only Debate 71:27 Why Protecting the Entire Industry Matters 73:40 The Size of the Texas Opportunity 75:25 The American Dream & Small Business 77:00 Can Texas Become a National Blueprint? 77:53 The Biggest Threat: Lack of Unity 78:27 Strategy Over Performative Politics 86:09 The Federal Strategy 87:17 Why Track Record Matters 87:47 “Leave It All on the Field” 88:10 Changing Minds Across the Industry 94:12 Building Better Teams in Other States 94:54 Everyone Has a Role to Play 95:37 A Positive Outlook for Texas 96:19 How to Get Involved 96:32 Texas Growers Podcast 96:43 Grow World & The Hemp Highway 97:13 Final Thoughts
The Man Behind RAW & High Times; Rebuilding a Cultural Icon
This video is intended for educational, documentary, and informational purposes only. It discusses history, culture, media, and business perspectives. Nothing in this video is intended to promote or encourage any illegal activity. In this episode of Mita x Grow World, the hosts sit down with entrepreneur and founder Josh Kesselman behind one of the most recognizable global brands to discuss culture, media, and the revival of an iconic 50-year-old publication High Times! From humble beginnings to building a worldwide brand, this conversation dives deep into: - The origins of a legendary magazine and its cultural impact - How venture capital changed the trajectory of legacy media - The decision to buy back and rebuild a historic brand - Why independence matters more than ever in today’s business world - The future of media, community, and authentic storytelling This is more than a business story—it’s about preserving culture, rebuilding community, and staying true to your roots in an evolving industry. 🎙️ Featuring: Josh Kesselman – Entrepreneur & brand builder Dimetri Downing Destiny Blanco Nick Morin 00:00 Intro – Meta Unshackled x Grow World 00:15 Meet the Hosts & Special Guest 00:48 A Unique Gift & Opening Conversation 02:13 The Origins of a Legendary Magazine 03:26 How Early Exposure Shaped a Vision 04:18 Partnership & Growth Over the Years 04:39 When Venture Capital Took Over 05:10 Buying Back a Cultural Icon 06:13 Why Credibility Matters in Ownership 06:50 Rebuilding Without a Business Plan 07:21 Restoring the Brand’s Legacy 08:17 Community-Driven Events & Experiences 09:30 Business Strategy Behind the Revival 10:42 Funding Media Through Creative Revenue 11:54 Distribution & Brand Ecosystem 13:04 Building Multiple Brands Over Time 14:13 Industry Shifts & Market Reality 15:05 From Investors to Authentic Community 16:04 Why Only the Committed Remain 16:46 Future Outlook & Market Opportunities 17:16 Concerns About Industry Direction 20:06 Potential Regulatory Challenges Ahead 21:46 The Value of the Plant & Natural Products 22:44 How to Support Independent Media 23:39 Why Protecting the Culture Matters 24:26 Global Perspectives & Policy Models 25:17 Corporate vs Independent Distribution 26:13 Legal Pathways & Future Possibilities 27:04 Fighting Media Narratives 28:19 Final Thoughts on the Industry 29:34 Where to Follow & Stay Updated 30:08 Podcast Announcement & Closing
Germany’s Social Club Requirements & Challenges
Grow World
This episode is designed as educational content for viewers who want to understand how Germany’s emerging social club model for recreational production works. Our discussion with Mario and Ryan focuses on legal frameworks, cultivation requirements, and technology solutions, offering valuable insight for growers, industry professionals, and anyone curious about Europe’s evolving regulated markets. It is not intended to promote consumption, but to inform and educate on the regulations, challenges, and innovations shaping this new industry. Key Topics Covered: 1. How Germany’s laws differ between states and city districts 2. Membership limits: why social clubs can only have up to 500 members 3. Inside Mario’s 100-member club and its controlled-environment cultivation setup 4. How Quest dehumidifiers ensure optimal humidity control for grows 5. Adapting cultivation equipment for European markets 6. Scaling solutions for home growers, social clubs, and large medicinal facilities Germany’s social clubs are more than just a new legal model — they represent a highly regulated and precision-driven approach to recreational production. Learn how Quest environmental controls, distributed across Europe by Dutch Garden Supplies, help growers meet strict quality standards while adapting to the EU market’s unique needs — offering scalable solutions for every type of facility, from small social clubs to large medicinal operations. 📅 Watch now to understand Germany’s social club requirements, cultivation challenges, and the scalable technology solutions making it possible. 00:00 Intro 05:11 German Social Club Model Requirements by "state" 08:59 Hard Facts about Social Clubs 10:49 How Quest is helping all canopy sizes grow 12:49 Expanding your Social Club size in Germany 16:16 Genetics in the German market 22:05 Predictions for the German Market
Colombia, Largest Cannabis Market in the World? - Feat. Mauricio Krauz
Grow World
Exclusive Interview with Mauricio Krauz: A Colombian native bringing high quality cannabis cultivation and extraction to life in his home country.🇨🇴 In this episode, we delve into Mauricio's fascinating journey: From the Music to Cannabis: learn how Mauricio's music career led him to the right contact for success in the cannabis industry. 🇨🇴 Laws and Regulations Colombia: Explore the challenges faced by cultivators in Colombia, the cultural shifts, and the rapidly evolving cannabis industry in Latin America. 🌿 Largest Cannabis Market in the World?: See first hand how Colombia is shaping up to become one of the largest cannabis markets in the world. 🚀 Crossing Borders: Mauricio explains the process behind cultivating and exporting Cannabis flower and other products to other countries around the globe. Whether you're a cannabis enthusiast, an aspiring grower, or simply curious about the industry, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge, personal stories, and professional insights. Don’t miss out on this captivating conversation with one of the leading figures in the cannabis world. 00:00 Welcome to the Grow World Podcast 00:50 Grow World Community 01:30 Valoya Lighting Trial 02:32 Growlink Trial 02:50 Kaya Coco Coir Trial 03:10 United Nutrients Trial 04:18 Mauricio's Background 07:00 Barcelona Social Clubs 08:18 Learning the Business side of Cannabis 09:33 Pioneering the emerging Colombian market 10:39 Colombian Adult Use Legalization 13:52 Getting Started in Colombia 16:30 Exporting Cannabis Flower from Colombia 1 18:48 Colombia's Logistics 20:35 Producing Cannabis at Large Scale in Colombia 21:05 Investing in High-tech Greenhouses 24:46 Pivoting to Export Flower from Colombia 27:30 Colombia to become Global Cannabis Powerhouse 28:32 Role of the US in Global Cannabis Markets 29:27 Cannabis Regulation / Quality Standards 32:57 Government Oversite in Colombia 34:50 Hard to find Investors for Colombian Cannabis 35:22 Differences between GMP and Non-GMP 38:31 The "Global" Cannabis Market
From Top American Grower to Global VP of flower in Colombia
Grow World
Exclusive Interview with Mark Ziegler: From Northern California to Bogota's Cannabis Scene! 🇺🇸 ➡️ 🇨🇴 Join us for an engaging and insightful episode of our podcast as we sit down with Mark Ziegler, an esteemed American grower hailing from Northern California, who has taken his expertise to new heights as the VP of Flower at Foliumed in Bogota, Colombia! This episode was brought to you by the top cultivation vendors for your commercial garden. In this episode, we delve into Mark's fascinating journey: 🌱 From the Fields of California: Discover how Mark's passion for growing began and the unique challenges and triumphs he experienced in the renowned cannabis culture of Northern California. 🇨🇴 Transition to Colombia: Learn about Mark's bold move to Bogota, the cultural shifts, and how he’s contributing to the rapidly evolving cannabis industry in South America. 🌿 Inside Foliumed: Get an exclusive look into Foliumed's operations, their innovative approaches, and the future of cannabis cultivation in Colombia. Challenges and Opportunities: Mark shares his insights on the global cannabis market, the challenges he faces in his new role, and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Whether you're a cannabis enthusiast, an aspiring grower, or simply curious about the industry, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge, personal stories, and professional insights. Don’t miss out on this captivating conversation with one of the leading figures in the cannabis world! 00:00 Welcome to the Grow World Podcast 01:21 Grow World Community 02:00 Valoya Lighting Trial 02:49 Kaya Coco Coir Trial 03:07 Anden Trial 04:32 Mark's Background 06:43 Challenges in Colombia 8:03 Hybrid Grow Style: Cannabis and Roses 8:58 Cannabis Migration to Colombia 9:33 Costs of Colombian Production 10:31 70 Cents Per Square Foot 🚀 11:15 No One Making Money in Cannabis 11:40 Advice for American Growers 12:34 Stanley Brothers Launch Australia 13:12 Selling 100 Kilos of Flower on Australia Bulk Market in 4 Days 14:32 Partnership with Stanley Brothers 17:28 Vertical Integration of Foliumed 17:52 Global Distribution of Foliumed 18:46 Colombia No Dispensaries Future Rec? 19:45 Future of Mark's Career and Foliumed 10 years 20:23 Competitive Advantages of Mark in Colombia 21:33 Pricing of EUGMP, GMP, Germany, Australia 22:37 Difficulties of Selling on International Markets 25:00 Educating the Growers of Foliumed 26:00 Foliumed Products, Santa Marta Gold Landrace, 12 feet tall 27:24 Kings of Cannabis, Vice, @strainhunters 28:50 Shopping for Cannabis in Australia, Prescriptions 30:34 @FirstSmokeoftheDay SourWavez, Breeders and Brands 31:33 American Brands like @officialbackpackboyz Going Global 32:19 Registering New Genetics in Colombia 33:26 The Purpose of Grow World: Connecting Fragmented Industry 33:44 Sign up to Sample Foliumed Products on Grow World 34:29 The Growing Environment in Bogota, Colombia 36:18 Bogota Water Droughts, Water Rights 40:09 Mark's Most Proud of in Foliumed, Hybrid Growing, Quality 41:14 Growing Up and Choosing Career Paths in Cannabis 42:42 Outro, Subscribe to Grow World YouTube Channel