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.
🎙In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano sits down with Jessica Velazquez, CPA, CFE, and Principal Cannabis Practice Leader at Beach Fleischman. Jessica shares her extensive background and experience as a CPA in the cannabis industry. Jenny and Jessica dive into some of the challenges faced by cannabis businesses in 2025, the impact of market trends, and the significance of proactive financial plan...
🎙In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano leads an in-depth discussion with Katherine Golden, CEO and founder of LEAF411, and Maureen Dube-Savage, Ambassador and Community Educator for LEAF411. Both guests share their journeys into the cannabis industry driven by personal and professional experiences. They highlight the importance of cannabis education, and how medical cannabis can offer significant...
🎙In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano sits down with Tiana Woodruff, the CEO and Founder of the cannabis wellness brand, Queen Mary. Tiana shares her intriguing journey from the entertainment industry and party planning to navigating the highly regulated cannabis industry and launching her brand in California and Colorado. She shares the challenges and triumphs of starting her own cannabis busin...
🎙In this episode of Under the Microscope with Jenny, host Jenny Germano discusses the complexities of the hemp and cannabis markets with Aaron Tucker, a business attorney and founder of Shadow Mountain Law and Fire Business Strategies. They explore the legal and regulatory distinctions between hemp and cannabis, consumer perceptions, and the opportunities and risks for operators in both markets. Key topics include the impact of th...
🎙In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' for our Cannabis Operator Series, host Jenny Germano welcomes Brendan McKee, Co-Founder of Silver Therapeutics, to discuss his journey and insights into running a cannabis business. Brendan shares his extensive background, starting from working in their family business, professional football in Europe to entrepreneurship and launching cannabis operations across multiple states...
🎙In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano is joined by Andy Shelley the Founder of CannXperts to discuss the critical issue of receivership in the cannabis industry. Andy, a former Law Enforcement Officer and Oregon Liquor Control Commission Regulator turned cannabis consultant, delves into his transition into the industry. The conversation focuses on the nuances of receivership, an alternative to b...
🎙In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano welcomes Ernest Toney, founder of BIPOCann, to discuss the keys to building a sustainable cannabis business by focusing on working on the business and not just in it. Ernest shares his journey from working in sport health and wellness to entering the cannabis industry and founding BIPOCann in 2020. Jenny and Ernest cover a wide range of topics, from the importance of h...
🎙In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano welcomes her guest, Alex Hearding from Red Wolf Risk, who brings expertise in environmental science and worker safety. Alex and Jenny explore critical topics of protecting employees in cannabis cultivation operations by understanding Worker Protection Standards. Their discussion covers the specifics of Worker Protection Standards (WPS) and the critical need ...
In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny', host Jenny Germano discusses the top compliance mistakes that cannabis operators commonly make and provides insights on how to prevent them. With over a decade of experience in cannabis operations, Jenny covers a broad range of topics including the top violations in the US, the importance of maintaining a culture of compliance, and best practices for avoiding common pitfalls su...
🎙 In this episode of ‘Under the Microscope with Jenny’, host Jenny Germano welcomes Jeremy Shechter, founder of Open Source Horticulture, who shares his extensive experience in cannabis and horticulture. The conversation covers Jeremy's unique background in aquaponics, the key principles for cultivation, common pitfalls in facility design, the importance of staff satisfaction, and the future of cultivating cannabis. They also dis...
🎙In this episode of 'Under The Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano welcomes Jennifer Makris the Founder of Cannabis Cash Consultants, who shares her journey and expertise in cannabis cash management. Jennifer explores the evolution of her career from transportation logistics to managing financial systems for Brinks, and discusses her role in pioneering cannabis-friendly financial institutions and cash handling solutions. Th...
In this episode of 'Under the Microscope Cannabis Operator Series’, host Jenny Germano welcomes Shawn Honaker, CEO of Yeti Farms, a Medical and Adult-Use Cultivation and Manufacturing Facility. The discussion dives into Shawn's unexpected journey into the cannabis industry, starting from his roots in central Indiana, to running a financial planning firm, and eventually founding Yeti Farms.
Shawn shares his experiences including cha...
🎙 In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano welcomes Blaine Hatab, CEO of Distru, to discuss the evolving cannabis industry and key aspects of the industry from operations to compliance. They delve into the importance of technology in cannabis operations, the importance of staying data-driven, leveraging technology and how better tech can make a difference for Cannabis operators.
The conversation covers the un...
🎙 In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano dives into five primary compliance challenges that can make or break a regulated cannabis business. Jenny shares her extensive background in the cannabis industry, beginning in 2009, and the insights she has gained through her 16 years of working in the regulated market. She addresses why she often focuses on the industry's hurdles, and the importance of being prepare...
🎙 In this episode of "Under The Microscope with Jenny Podcast," host Jenny Germano is joined by Maureen McNamara, Founder & Chief Facilitator at Cannabis Trainers, to explore the pivotal role of training in the cannabis industry. The conversation dives into Maureen’s journey as a leader in compliance and training, and how she is shaping the future of cannabis operations. Jenny and Maureen cover essential topics, including the ...
In this episode of 'Under the Microscope,' host Jenny Germano is joined by Shahar Yamay, CEO of Hefestus USA, to explore the role of automation in the cannabis industry. The conversation delves into Shahar's journey from food packaging automation to cannabis, and how his company is revolutionizing pre-roll automation. The episode covers essential topics, including the importance of planning, training, and maintaining high quality w...
In this episode of Under the Microscope, host Jenny Germano dives into the complexities of cannabis transportation with guest Joel Dickerson, CEO of GPS One LLC. Joel shares his journey from sports management to the cannabis industry, detailing his experiences working in vertically integrated cannabis operations in Colorado and the launch of Green Parcel Service the first licensed cannabis transportation provider in the United Stat...
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 ...
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...
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...
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