Cannabis Tech Talks

When your Halloween party draws 700 people, you're doing something right. Katie Mattox, VP of Marketing at SphereX, explains how a distillate vape company captured 20% of Colorado's market by throwing roller skating parties and giving away unexpected gifts instead of just pushing products.Drawing from a decade at an event agency working with Budweiser and Michelob Ultra, she translated liquor marketing strategies to cannabis with remarkable results. The approach centers on emotional connections, not just transactions. While Colorado's cannabis industry declined since 2021 as tourism dried up, SphereX thrived by offering dispensaries twenty-five percent kickbacks on wholesale purchases for marketing reinvestment. This creative support allowed partners to run customized campaigns, from billboards to local artist collaborations.Recently, the brand expanded beyond vapes into adaptogenic mushroom gummies targeting older demographics. Their sleep gummies with five milligrams of THC and reishi have become particularly popular with novice consumers. SphereX also demonstrates values-driven marketing by supporting LGBTQ causes, recognizing the community's foundational role in cannabis culture.What makes customers return after trying a product just once? Listen to discover how SphereX plans to double production capacity to 500,000 carts monthly by 2026.Chapters:00:00:04 - Colorado Cannabis Brand Product Lineup Overview00:01:20 - Understanding Different Consumer Demographics and Values00:02:46 - Supporting LGBTQ+ Causes in Cannabis00:04:21 - From Roller Skating Events to Community Impact00:05:06 - Building Emotional Connections in Cannabis Branding00:06:16 - Creative Marketing Strategies for Cannabis Brands00:08:05 - Building Trust Through Unexpected Gifts00:09:45 - Marketing Reinvestment Program for Dispensaries00:11:34 - Doubling Production Capacity in 202600:12:46 - Building Brand Connection Through Large-Scale Events00:14:38 - THC Edibles with Reishi for RelaxationGuest Website: https://www.wearespherex.com/ WEBSITE: https://cannatechtoday.com/Make sure to follow our other social media platforms to stay up-to-date on all things Cannabis & Tech Today.https://twitter.com/cannatechtodayhttps://www.facebook.com/CannaTechTodayhttps://www.instagram.com/cannatechtoday

Recorded live at ICBC Berlin 2026, Chuck Warner sits down with Michael Lucchino, Executive Vice President of Sales at Cannatrol, to discuss one of the most overlooked yet critical stages of cannabis cultivation: post-harvest processing. While cultivators often focus heavily on genetics, lighting, nutrients, and environmental controls, Michael explains why drying, curing, and storage can ultimately determine product quality, consistency, shelf life, and profitability. The conversation explores Cannatrol's origins in artisanal food preservation, the science of vapor pressure control, the growing importance of GMP compliance in global cannabis markets, and how precision-controlled curing can improve everything from flower quality to pre-roll manufacturing efficiency. Whether you're a commercial cultivator, processor, cannabis entrepreneur, or simply interested in the science behind premium cannabis products, this episode offers valuable insights into how technology is transforming the industry's post-harvest workflow. 🔥 Topics Covered: • Why post-harvest is the most overlooked part of cultivation • Cannatrol's roots in cheese, charcuterie, and food preservation • The science behind vapor pressure control • GMP compliance and global cannabis regulations • Preventing mold, mildew, and microbial contamination • Home storage solutions for cannabis enthusiasts • Commercial cultivation efficiency • Improving pre-roll manufacturing consistency • Why quality control matters more than ever • Building trust through customer service and support 👤 Guest: Michael Lucchino Executive Vice President of Sales Cannatrol 📲 Learn More About Cannatrol: Website: https://cannatrols.com ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:25 Meet Michael Lucchino of Cannatrol 00:43 What Cannatrol Does 01:02 From Artisanal Cheese to Cannabis Technology 02:17 Expanding Into Global Markets 03:06 Food Industry Standards & Cannabis 03:38 The Evolution of Cannabis Drying Methods 05:09 Why Post-Harvest Processing Matters 05:43 Cannabis Storage for Consumers 06:36 Science, Physics & Vapor Pressure Control 07:30 Eliminating Mold, Mildew & Microbial Growth 08:38 Consistency, Quality & Consumer Expectations 08:53 Product Innovation & Customer Feedback 09:43 The New Generation of Canatrol Systems 11:08 Building Products Customers Actually Need 12:28 Customer Service as a Competitive Advantage 13:32 Manufacturing & Quality Control 15:01 Why Reliability Matters in Cultivation 16:11 Solving Problems in Pre-Roll Production 18:24 The Importance of Consistent Flower Moisture 19:02 GMP Compliance & International Markets 20:06 Where Cultivators Can Still Improve 20:40 Post-Harvest as the Next Frontier 20:55 Where to Learn More About Cannatrol 💬 What do you think? How important is post-harvest processing in today's cannabis market? Have you seen issues caused by inconsistent curing or storage? What technologies are having the biggest impact on cultivation today? WEBSITE: https://cannatechtoday.com/Make sure to follow our other social media platforms to stay up-to-date on all things Cannabis & Tech Today.https://twitter.com/cannatechtodayhttps://www.facebook.com/CannaTechTodayhttps://www.instagram.com/cannatechtoday

After watching pre-roll production slow his Arizona dispensary to a crawl, Tony Pagni knew there had to be a better way. He and his business partner spent three years developing the Apehex automated pre-roll machine, eventually catching the attention of Raw Rolling Papers founder Josh Kesselman. Now they're revolutionizing the industry with solventless products. The Apehex machine produces joints infused with natural terpenes and distillate oil in flavors like grape and watermelon. Tony personally handles all sales, traveling across North America to demonstrate the equipment on-site. WEBSITE: https://cannatechtoday.com/Make sure to follow our other social media platforms to stay up-to-date on all things Cannabis & Tech Today.https://twitter.com/cannatechtodayhttps://www.facebook.com/CannaTechTodayhttps://www.instagram.com/cannatechtoday

Big Mike of Advanced Nutrients joins the podcast to discuss the future of cannabis, the importance of building world-class teams, and why industry-wide collaboration may be the key to long-term success. While alcohol and tobacco industries have benefited from unified advocacy and cooperation, Big Mike argues that cannabis remains too fragmented. He shares his vision for the One Plant Alliance, an initiative designed to bring the hemp and cannabis sectors together under a common purpose. According to Big Mike, true passion for the plant means putting collaboration ahead of competition. The conversation also explores Advanced Nutrients' global expansion, with the company now operating in 122 countries and experiencing 53% growth across Europe. Big Mike discusses emerging markets, the challenges and opportunities facing cultivators, and what it takes to scale a cannabis business on a global level. Plus, hear about the company's breakthrough octoploid genetics technology, which is producing 30-50% higher yields and could significantly impact the future of cultivation. Watch now for an in-depth conversation on innovation, leadership, global growth, and the next evolution of the cannabis industry. Chapter: 00:00:01 - Advanced Nutrients Launches Eighth Generation Formula 00:01:23 - Finding and Understanding the Right People 00:03:14 - Taking Full Accountability and Looking Inward 00:04:33 - Building a World-Class Team Through Self-Awareness 00:07:36 - Octoploid Cannabis Genetics Revolution 00:08:53 - Global Cannabis Distribution and Expansion Plans 00:10:26 - Expanding Global Sales and European Growth 00:11:10 - Choosing Your Cannabis Sector and Becoming an Expert00:12:06 - Cannabis Industry Still in Early Stages 00:13:22 - Educating Congress on Cannabis Policy 00:14:14 - Cannabis Industry: A Wonderful Business JourneyWEBSITE: https://cannatechtoday.com/Make sure to follow our other social media platforms to stay up-to-date on all things Cannabis & Tech Today.https://twitter.com/cannatechtodayhttps://www.facebook.com/CannaTechTodayhttps://www.instagram.com/cannatechtoday

In this sit-down, CannMed CEO Brendan McKernan joins the show to talk about the evolution of cannabis science, the future of precision medicine, and what attendees can expect from CannMed26 as they approach their 10th-anniversary event. Join us June 15–18 in Lake Tahoe, and save $300 on the Signature Summit Package with code CM26CTT. WEBSITE: https://cannatechtoday.com/Make sure to follow our other social media platforms to stay up-to-date on all things Cannabis & Tech Today.https://twitter.com/cannatechtodayhttps://www.facebook.com/CannaTechTodayhttps://www.instagram.com/cannatechtoday

Mary Jane Gibson interviews Blazy Susan VP of Sales Shuang Han on the brand's evolution from a pink-themed tribute into a global, woman-focused smoking accessories leader known for its iconic spinning tray and rose wraps. Han outlines the company’s expansion into European and Canadian markets, its commitment to community-supported colorways, and a "non-plant-touching" strategy that aims for mainstream retail. Chapters: 00:00:06 - Blazy Susan: Feminine Design in Cannabis Accessories 00:02:39 - Blazy Susan's Accessories and Product Line 00:04:29 - Starting a Career in Cannabis Industry 00:05:20 - From Startup Operations to Sales Leadership 00:07:00 - International Expansion to Canada and Europe00:08:09 - Cannabis Industry Challenges and Women's Leadership 00:10:29 - Women-Focused Cannabis Brand and Self-Care 00:12:27 - Future Plans and Where to Shop Online 00:13:45 - Women's Representation in Cannabis Industry WEBSITE: https://cannatechtoday.com/Make sure to follow our other social media platforms to stay up-to-date on all things Cannabis & Tech Today.https://twitter.com/cannatechtodayhttps://www.facebook.com/CannaTechTodayhttps://www.instagram.com/cannatechtoday

Recorded live at MJBizCon 2025, this episode of Cannab!s Tech Talks features host Mary Jane Gibson in conversation with Jeff Heeren and Josh Early of Greenway Herbal. Sponsored by SHOPLINE in association with ICBC, the discussion cuts straight to two areas where cannab!s operations are evolving fast: facility safety and product efficacy. The conversation centers on CannaGuard Pro, a sodium chloride-based disinfectant designed to replace traditional bleach systems without the toxic exposure or operational downtime. It’s a shift that could materially change how cultivation facilities handle sanitation, labor safety, and turnaround times.WEBSITE: https://cannatechtoday.com/Make sure to follow our other social media platforms to stay up-to-date on all things Cannabis & Tech Today.https://twitter.com/cannatechtodayhttps://www.facebook.com/CannaTechTodayhttps://www.instagram.com/cannatechtoday