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September 10, 2025 37 mins

Welcome to Season 4 of The Cannabiz Conversation! In this episode, we sit down with Darren Gleeman, the Cannabis ESOP Architect and managing partner at MBO Ventures. Join us as we dive deep into the world of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and how they can revolutionize the cannabis industry.

Darren shares his unique journey from running a hedge fund to becoming a key player in the cannabis space. He explains the benefits of ESOPs, including how they can help cannabis businesses navigate the challenges of 280E tax regulations, and why selling to employees can be a game-changer for company owners.

We discuss the complexities of the cannabis market, the importance of understanding the financial landscape, and how ESOPs can provide a viable exit strategy for business owners. Plus, Darren gives us insights into the potential impact of federal legalization and rescheduling on the cannabis industry.

Whether you're a cannabis entrepreneur, investor, or simply curious about the future of the industry, this episode is packed with valuable information and insights.

Key Topics:

Darren's cannabis origin story

The basics of ESOPs and their benefits

Navigating 280E tax challenges

The current state of private equity in cannabis

The future of cannabis with federal legalization

Don't forget to check out Darren's new book, "The Cannabis ESOP Architect," for a deeper understanding of how ESOPs can transform your business!

Subscribe and share this episode with someone who loves the CannaBiz!

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