Under the Microscope with Jenny

Under the Microscope with Jenny

Welcome to the Under the Microscope with Jenny Podcast! I’m your host, Jenny Germano - the founder of ICS Consulting. With over 16 years of hands-on experience in the Regulated Cannabis Industry, I’ve spent 6 years operating vertically integrated licensed facilities in Colorado and the last 10 years consulting nationally across the U.S. This podcast is dedicated to new and existing Cannabis operators and to those looking to launch a licensed Cannabis business, whether it’s a Dispensary, Cultivation, Manufacturing, or Transport/Delivery operation, in one state or across multiple. Each week, I will dive into real-world topics focused on starting and running a Regulated Cannabis business in the U.S. marketplace. Expect candid conversations on compliance, market-specific insights, startup pitfalls, operational strategies, and tips to manage the overwhelm that comes with launching and scaling in this complex industry. I’ve curated discussions with industry experts, alongside weekly deep dives with me sharing what I’ve learned from working in the trenches of regulated Cannabis operations. Whether you’re just entering the industry or scaling up, this is your go-to resource for real talk, real truths, expert insights, and actionable strategies. I am cutting through the noise and revealing what it truly takes to succeed in the cannabis industry.

Episodes

August 13, 2025 50 mins

In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano discusses asset-light, market-ready expansion for cannabis operators with guest Xavier Jaillet, an Associate Attorney at McDonald Hopkins Law Firm. Jenny and Xavier explore various models for expanding cannabis brands into new markets, including license acquisition, business purchases, and licensing agreements. They dive deep into the benefits and challenges of partnering ...

Mark as Played

In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano discusses the complexities and high costs of opening a regulated cannabis dispensary. With over 16 years of operations experience in the cannabis industry, she describes the various stages from licensing to the grand opening, emphasizing the importance of being organized and having an experienced team. She discusses the common pitfalls such as overwhelming tasks, the lac...

Mark as Played

In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano discusses the essential components of compliance in the cannabis industry, focusing on management, people, and systems. Drawing from her extensive experience in the field, Jenny outlines the importance of strong leadership, clear accountability, and effective risk management. She also explores creating a culture of compliance, the significance of proper documentation, an...

Mark as Played

In this next episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano dives into our Cannabis Operator Series featuring Jennifer McGuire, the COO and Co-Founder of CAMP Cannabis. CAMP is a craft cultivation and manufacturing operation based out of St. Louis, Missouri serving the Medical and Adult-Use market. Jenny sits down with Jennifer to discuss her journey from nursing to co-founding a regulated cannabis operation. Our co...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano is joined by Bethany Niebauer from Axial Resolutions to discuss mediation as a compliance strategy for regulated cannabis operations. Bethany shares about her decade-long experience in the cannabis industry, starting with writing license applications, and transitioning into mediation to help resolve industry conflicts. This episode delves into how mediation can be used for...

Mark as Played

🎙In this comprehensive episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano and returning guest Alex Hearding delve into the critical topic of workplace safety in the cannabis industry. They discuss the hidden hazards in cannabis operations and explore effective prevention strategies. The discussion covers essential OSHA regulations, the significance of worker safety programs, and the importance of creating a culture of safety. J...

Mark as Played

🎙 In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano chats with Christy and Preston Essex, founders of Seven Staffing and Employment Solutions, about the intricacies of hiring in the cannabis industry. Tune in to learn more about this dynamic team who were on the ground floor supporting new operators when the State of Missouri launched their Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis programs. Our discussion covers common staffing ...

Mark as Played

In this episode of 'Under the Microscope Operator Series', host Jenny Germano sits down with Beatrice Carranza, Founder of Bachaz Mexican Gummies to discuss her journey into the cannabis industry. With a background in social work and hospitality, Beatrice talks about her motivation to create the first bilingual labeled edible product in Colorado, targeting the Hispanic community. She shares the challenges and triumphs she’s faced, ...

Mark as Played

🎙In this special 10th episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano explores the critical issue of burnout among cannabis operators. She shares insights from her extensive experience in the cannabis industry, offers a detailed list of ten reasons why cannabis operators get burned out, and provides practical strategies to prevent and manage burnout. Jenny stresses the importance of having a 'why,' being proactive, creating ...

Mark as Played

In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano dives into the critical security strategies for cannabis businesses with guest Tony Gallo, a seasoned expert from Sapphire Risk Advisory Group. Tony shares his extensive experience in the cannabis industry, highlighting the importance of robust security measures during both the licensing and operational phases. Key discussion points include the necessity of a comprehensi...

Mark as Played

In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano discusses the nuances of banking for Cannabis Regulated Businesses (CRBs) with Erin O'Donnell and Michael Beird from the Association for Cannabis Banking. This episode explores the history, challenges, and future of cannabis banking. Learn about federal restrictions, compliance requirements, and the tiered risk system designed to manage these CRB’s. Discover practical ad...

Mark as Played

🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano discusses cannabis policy and operations with guest Jordan Wellington from Strategies 64. The conversation delves into Jordan's extensive background in cannabis legislation and regulation. He shares his journey from New Jersey to Colorado, where he played a pivotal role in implementing Amendment 64. Jordan provides insights into the legislative process, misconceptions ab...

Mark as Played

In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano dives into the complexities of licensing and launching cannabis cultivation facilities in emerging markets. Joined by industry veterans Stuart Ware and Matt Best from Joywave Consulting, share their extensive backgrounds in the cannabis industry and offer an integral approach into common licensing challenges, facility planning, compliance, budgeting, and the latest impro...

Mark as Played

Join host Jenny Germano on 'Under the Microscope' as she delves into the intricacies of building a successful team in the regulated cannabis market. Drawing from her extensive experience since 2009 in vertically integrated cannabis operations and a decade of consulting, Jenny discusses key factors behind the success and failures of cannabis businesses. Learn why effective business planning, cash flow management, market experience, ...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano launches the Podcasts Cannabis Operator Series, and fireside chat with Dan Koogler from TS Labs. They discuss Dan's journey from the military to the cannabis industry, detailing his experiences with navigating cannabis operations and ownership. Dan shares insights into building a successful cannabis business in Denver, Colorado. Listen in and discover strategies to confron...

Mark as Played

In this episode of 'Under the Microscope', host Jenny Germano, a seasoned cannabis consultant, welcomes Alex Hearding from Red Wolf Risk to discuss the intricacies of insurance in the cannabis industry. With over a decade of experience in cannabis operations and insurance risk management, Alex provides an in-depth look at various insurance types, their importance, and the potential pitfalls operators face. The conversation covers g...

Mark as Played

In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano welcomes Rachael Ardanuy Esq., a cannabis attorney with over a decade of experience in the industry. Together, they discuss how to properly structure a regulated cannabis business, covering key topics such as the importance of legal contracts, real estate considerations, intellectual property, and common mistakes to avoid. Rachael shares her journey into canna...

Mark as Played

Ep. 1: Getting Ready to Get Ready | Becoming an Operator in the Cannabis Industry

In the premiere episode of Under the Microscope Podcast, host Jenny Germano explores the initial steps prospective cannabis operators need to take to launch a successful business. Drawing from over a decade of experience in the cannabis industry, Jenny discusses essential research, funding strategies, legal considerations, and the nuances of entering ...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.