High Minded with McCarter

A boutique hotel with a cannabis lounge in the basement and a bar on the patio? Chris Chiari is bringing this dream to life in Denver, Colorado and tells us all about it in episode 89. The Patterson Inn, located at 420 E 11th Ave, Denver, CO has had several owners but the current one is here to stay and execute a vision of cannabis destigmatization and normalization that he's been working on his entire life. Join us for this hilari...

Episode 88 feels like catching up with a friend over dinner! Celebrating 10 years of creating beautiful cannabis events, Kendal Norris of Mason Jar Event Group comes on the podcast to get elevated and reflect on lessons learned over the past decade of bringing people together over the plant. You can still get tickets to Mason Jar Event Group's next event on May 3, 2025 in Longmont, Colorado at masonjareventgroup.com!

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Trigger Warning: In episode 87, we discuss drug addiction, drug overdose and suicide. If these subjects are difficult for you, please take care while listening or skip this episode. Resources: HarmReduction.org & SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Alexa from The Trust Cannabis Co. dives head-first into her story of overcoming opioid addiction, and how she continues to use cannabis as harm reduction.

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In this special episode, we honor Nicholas Barreto, known as @cannabis.connoisseur.007 on Instagram and founder of Stoner Cinema Club. During his time on Earth, he passionately explored cannabis and later, its role in treating cancer and managing pain. Before his passing, he shared invaluable insights on his use of cannabis before and after his diagnosis, the challenges he faced, and his love for creating cannabis content and bring...

Farmers using AI for better harvests? Sounds too good to be true. In Episode 85, Tim McCormick is back on the podcast for a fourth time to deliver more mind-blowing information, and not just about cannabis. Tim explains how farmers are turning to AI to boost yields, cut costs, and work smarter—not harder. We explore how artificial intelligence is transforming agriculture, from nutrients to precision planting to predictive analytics...

Burning Man is one of those things that almost everyone has heard of, but unless you’ve been, it’s hard to fully understand. In this episode, McCarter chats with friends, siblings and podcasting duo Nicodemus and Francesca Piazza aka Saucy Sibz to ask every question about Burning Man—no filter. What do you eat while you're there? How do you survive the conditions? What’s the deal with all the art installations, rules, and unwritten...

Darwin Millard, the "Spock of Cannabis," joins McCarter for episode 83 to dive deep into the science and standards behind cannabis safety and quality. With over 14 years of experience, he is a leading expert in cannabis extraction, product manufacturing, and industry standards. Darwin specializes in mechanical and solvent-based extraction and plays a key role in the ATSM (American Society for Testing and Materials) International’s ...

Shannon Kaygi, entrepreneur and founder of the Cannabis Golf League, joins McCarter for episode 82 to discuss her innovative approach to blending cannabis culture with the world of golf. As the owner of the Denver-based league, and hemp skincare brand Eossi, she's reshaping how people experience both sports and wellness. Shannon opens up about the process of launching and growing her business in a space that’s still evolving and on...

Episode 81! Joe Palec is a Denver-based artist who turns ordinary walls—and even bathrooms—into full-blown masterpieces. Whether he’s painting vibrant murals for Native Roots Dispensary or transforming a simple bathroom into a work of art, Joe’s creativity knows no limits. We dive into how cannabis culture has influenced his process, the challenges of working on large-scale pieces, and the stories behind some of his most memorable ...

In Episode 80, McCarter sits down with Zack York, the knowledgeable inventory manager behind Colorado’s Lightshade Dispensary chain. With four locations under his watch, Zack provides a behind-the-scenes look at managing cannabis inventory, navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance, and ensuring dispensary shelves are stocked with top-quality products. The conversation dives into industry trends, operational strategies, ...

Shannon Donnelly, an adjunct professor at MSU Denver’s School of Hospitality, is a trailblazer in cannabis education and social equity. Recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in Weed, she combines 14 years of industry experience with a passion for creating inclusive and sustainable business models. In episode 79, we discuss her work advancing social equity in Colorado cannabis, designing education programs to diversify the...

On-camera rosin pressing? Yes, please. Episode 78 with Mikey Morris might me the best episode yet! Mikey (@mikeydabsit / @mikeywashesit on Instagram) aka the Hard Lord graces us with his third time on the podcast (second time solo), bringing with him his pressing equipment all so that I can press my own homegrown flower! We discuss his stainless steel pressing philosophy, his move over to the Good Trees brand full time, and the inc...

We all want to get "points" when we shop somewhere consistently, right? Because loyalty matters! Sandra Bergman of ESBE Marketing joins McCarter for episode 77 to discuss all things dispensary loyalty programs, including text and email marketing. You wouldn't believe the data you can track about people, their demographics and their purchases when you have a loyal customer coming back time and time again. Sandra shares her interesti...

A warm, cannabis-infused chocolate chip cookie? Yes, please! McCarter is joined by Lucie Iannaccone, the owner of Sweet Mary Jane Bakery, a female-owned and operated cannabis edibles business in Boulder, Colorado. Lucie shares how she’s carrying on her mother’s legacy of creating high-quality, delicious infused treats: think popcorn, brownies, cookie dough and more. We discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of running a ca...

Episode 75 is here & it's not one to miss! In this episode, McCarter chats with cannabis pioneer Jane West, founder of "Women Grow" and owner of Jane West accessories brand. We discuss the latest innovations in cannabis products and the growing influence of women in the industry. Discover how women like Jane are shaping the future of cannabis! Find her female-focused cannabis accessories at www.janewest.com & on Instagram @...

In episode 74, we take an in-depth look at The Trust Cannabis Company, a family-owned dispensary in Boulder that prioritizes quality and community. Discover how their unique approach to customer service and product selection sets them apart in a crowded market. We’ll share real stories from customer interactions and explore the behind-the-scenes practices that ensure top-tier cannabis quality and safety. Whether you’re curious abou...

What is a Chamber of Commerce? On episode 73, John Svoboda joins us from the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, a localized networking and community group for the local cannabis industry here in Colorado. Not in Colorado? Not to worry! John discusses all the chapters in every market in the US! Tune in for this interesting discussion about John's journey through the cannabis industry in California and Colorado, and what he does now for t...

Tune in for an interesting and science-driven episode 72 with Julia Bramante! We discuss her career in cannabis testing with the state of Colorado, pushing the industry forward in more ways than one. Julia shares her journey and insights from working on the front lines of cannabis regulation, detailing how rigorous testing ensures product safety and protects public health. We explore how state policies are evolving to meet the chal...

What is cannabis journalism? In episode 71, Denver Westword's News and Cannabis Editor Thomas Mitchell sits down with us for a fun chat! We discuss how Tommy got into his role at the 47-year old magazine, what his day to day is like, and his various preferences for strains and cannabis brands across the state of Colorado. With a circulation of around 67,000 people plus thousands more eyeballs online, his job is just as important as...