In this special episode of the Qredible Live Broadcast, host [Insert Host Name] is joined by Joe Hickey, longtime hemp advocate and President of the Kentucky Hemp Growers Cooperative, and Drew Harris of Qredible, for an insightful debrief from the NOCO Hemp Expo. They explore the current state of the hemp industry, the policy bottlenecks holding it back, and what it will take to unleash the true potential of industrial hemp in the U.S.

From the divide between industrial and psychoactive hemp sectors, to policy recommendations, to global market insights—this episode is a masterclass on what’s working, what isn’t, and what must change to push hemp forward.

• Joe Hickey – President, Kentucky Hemp Growers Cooperative

• Drew Harris – National Accounts, Qredible

• ✅ Key takeaways from the 2025 NOCO Hemp Expo

• 🌿 The ongoing divide between industrial vs. cannabinoid hemp

• 📜 How outdated regulations and the 2018 Farm Bill are stalling growth

• 🏗️ Building a reliable hemp supply chain in the U.S.

• 💡 Global leadership in hemp innovation: what Latin America is doing right

• 📉 The impact of poor federal/state alignment on U.S. farmers

• 🤝 The FIHO Pledge and how industry collaboration can jumpstart adoption

• 🌱 Hemp as the foundation for a green industrial revolution

• 🚧 Misconceptions and policy contradictions about THC testing

• 🏗️ Case studies: hempcrete and material resilience in natural disasters

In this episode of Qredible Live, we welcome Bryan Quoc Le, PhD, a renowned food scientist, consultant, and author, to dive into the explosive growth of cannabis beverages and the scientific, regulatory, and consumer-driven challenges shaping this dynamic market. From flavor formulation challenges to navigating the regulatory maze of hemp-derived cannabinoids, Bryan shares insider insights on where the industry is headed — and why responsible innovation and transparency are critical for its future.

🚀 Bryan also discusses the intersection of food science, consumer health trends like "California Sober," and the exciting opportunities for brands who get it right.

• Bryan's Journey: From food science PhD to a trusted consultant for food and beverage innovators.

• The Rise of Cannabis Beverages: 100+ brands launched since 2021, explosive growth in Canada and the U.S.

• Scientific Challenges: How to mask cannabis bitterness, perfect emulsions, and meet "clean label" demands.

• The Regulatory Gray Zone: Loopholes, the 2018 Farm Bill, and why federal clarity is urgently needed.

• Functional Ingredients & Synergies: Exploring the real science behind adding nutraceuticals like omega-3s, L-theanine, and mushrooms to cannabis drinks.

• The California Sober Trend: How younger generations are redefining social drinking, swapping alcohol for wellness-focused cannabis beverages.

• The Call for Integrity: Why lab testing, transparency, and consumer trust are critical for sustainable growth.

• Predictions for the Future: The hope for smart federal regulation and a responsible, thriving cannabis beverage industry.

Bryan Quoc Le, PhD is a food scientist, consultant, author, and researcher specializing in sustainable food innovation and functional beverages. Named the Food Science Consultant of the Year (2023) by the Global Vegan Awards, Bryan advises brands from startups to industry leaders like Blue Diamond Growers. He is also a faculty research fellow at Pacific Lutheran University and a passionate advocate for better science-backed innovation in emerging industries.

📚 Learn more about Bryan at mendocinofoodconsulting.com

In this compelling Good Friday edition of Qredible Live, we’re joined by Judson Hill, Georgia Market President at Fine Fettle, one of only six licensed medical cannabis operators in the state. Judson walks us through his powerful personal journey—from fashion entrepreneur and tech startup founder to cannabis advocate and public health leader. With a bold mission to reshape the Southern cannabis landscape, Judson shares how Georgia’s medical program compares nationally, and what’s on the horizon for regulatory reform, patient access, and cannabis innovation in the region.

From lobbying his own father (former State Senator Judson Hill Sr.) to launching California-based pre-roll brands, Judson offers an inside look at policy wins, medical milestones, and the grassroots push to educate legislators.

🔑 Topics Covered:

• Judson’s journey from e-commerce and fashion to medical cannabis leadership

• The evolution of cannabis access and public health in Georgia

• Why Georgia's cannabis law is among the strictest in the U.S.

• Cannabis vs. hemp: The regulation and retail reality in the South

• The opportunity in THC beverages as an alcohol alternative

• How vertically integrated models affect product consistency and patient safety

• Track-and-trace tech and why Georgia is doing things differently

• The role of science, advocacy, and patient voices in shaping policy

🧠 Key Quotes:

“I had to lobby my own dad first — a sitting Georgia Senator — to see the medical benefits of cannabis.”

“Georgia has the opportunity to be a cannabis leader, not because we’re first, but because we’ve learned from every other state’s mistakes.”

“It’s not just about the industry. It’s about access, trust, and treating cannabis like real medicine.”

👥 Special Thanks To:

• The Georgia Medical Cannabis Commission (GMCC)

• Atlanta Sickle Cell Foundation, Atlanta Cancer Society

• All participating legislators and patient advocates

In this insightful episode of Qredible Live, host Brian Fitzpatrick welcomes Pierre Killeen, a leading voice in Canadian cannabis policy and Executive Director of the Cannabis Standards Alliance of Canada (CSAC). Together, they unpack the growing crisis of trust in the cannabis industry—and how CSAC is tackling it head-on through standards, self-regulation, and industry collaboration.

• The origins and mission behind CSAC

• Why the industry needs rigorous, science-based standards

• The core pillars: Quality, Compliance, Certification, Empowerment

• How CSAC differs from traditional regulators and labs

• Recap of CSAC’s first Standards Workshop

• Who’s at the table: labs, licensed producers, industry leaders

• The birth of the CSAC Quality Label and what it means for consumers

• Key challenges in sampling, testing, and labeling THC

• Why Canada’s federal model still has blind spots

• The U.S. “patchwork” challenge: innovation meets inconsistency

• Cross-border lessons: what each market can learn from the other

• How CSAC could inspire global standardization efforts

• Upcoming CSAC initiatives: proof of concept, certifications, education

• Bringing transparency to medical cannabis patients

• How digital tools and tech partnerships can drive change

• How companies can join the movement via cansac.org

• Pierre’s vision: A more trustworthy, transparent cannabis ecosystem

• Why now is the moment for industry-led change

• A call to action for labs, brands, and advocates to get involved

• Lawyer, public affairs veteran, cannabis policy expert

• Former exec at HEXO and Cannabis Council of Canada

• Now leading CSAC in developing and enforcing voluntary standards

In this insightful episode of the Qredible Live Broadcast, the team is joined by Jeff Wise, Managing Director at Newbold Advisors, to dive deep into the convergence of technology, compliance, and risk management — especially within the evolving cannabis industry. With decades of experience in financial services and risk leadership, Jeff brings unparalleled knowledge to the table, drawing parallels between the mortgage crisis and the current regulatory maturation of the cannabis space.

Together with Brian Fitzpatrick, the hosts break down:

• The cannabis industry's “regulatory pendulum” and how it mirrors other industries’ evolution

• The shift from firefighting mode to fire prevention via proactive compliance

• Why many cannabis companies are still stuck in manual processes (Google Sheets, paper checklists!) — and what it’s costing them

• The critical importance of enterprise tools vs. seed-to-sale tracking platforms

• The massive role AI will play in compliance — and the governance risks it introduces

• Third-party risk management, illustrated with real-world case studies (including vendor-related shutdowns)

• How fractional CTOs and targeted tech assessments can offer ROI without huge spend

• The importance of embracing “corporate process thinking” in an industry historically rooted in non-traditional ops

• 🚨 Compliance in cannabis: Where companies are vulnerable

• 🧠 Tech & AI: Powerful, but risky without governance

• 🔧 Tech assessments: Knowing where to invest (and why)

• 💡 Lessons from the 2008 mortgage crisis for cannabis leaders

• 📉 The true cost of legacy workflows

• ⚖️ Fairness and artificial intelligence: A compliance landmine?

• 🔄 Managing third-party and vendor risks proactively

• 🛡️ How regulatory oversight is tightening — and what to do before it’s too late

“You can outsource the function — but you can’t outsource the risk.” — Jeff Wise

“AI is an amazing tool, but garbage in, garbage out — your model is only as good as your data.” — Brian Fitzpatrick

“Technology isn’t the silver bullet — bad processes just become faster bad processes.” — Jeff Wise

In this episode of Qredible Live, we welcome Michelle Whitmore, a dynamic HR leader and founding partner at H2 Talent. Michelle shares her journey into the cannabis industry, the challenges of integrating legacy operators with corporate professionals, and strategies for attracting and retaining top talent. With experience spanning companies like Sega of America, Comcast, and Canna Advisors, Michelle offers valuable insights on leadership, compliance, and the evolving workforce in cannabis.

Key Discussion Points:

• Michelle’s transition from the high-tech industry to cannabis HR

• Challenges in hiring from both inside and outside the cannabis industry

• The cultural divide between legacy operators and corporate professionals

• Strategies for bridging the "Roots vs. Suits" gap

• The growing role of technology and digital transformation in cannabis operations

• Predictions for the future of HR and recruitment in cannabis

Join us for an insightful episode of the Qredible Live Broadcast featuring Tyler Klimas, the founder and principal of Leaf Street Strategies. With a wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors, Tyler has played a pivotal role in shaping cannabis policy nationwide. He discusses the evolution of cannabis regulation, the challenges faced by new and established markets, and the ongoing debate surrounding hemp and cannabis regulation.

1. Introduction to Tyler Klimas

• Founder of Leaf Street Strategies, a consulting firm specializing in cannabis and hemp regulatory compliance.

• Former President of the Cannabis Regulators Association.

• Inaugural Executive Director of the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board.

• Experience in federal lobbying and state regulatory development.

2. Cannabis Regulation and Market Evolution

• The role of the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board in establishing a sophisticated regulatory framework.

• Challenges faced by cannabis markets, including licensing and compliance issues.

• The impact of slow market rollouts on illicit market activity.

• Lessons learned from Nevada’s regulatory journey and how other states can implement best practices.

3. New and Established Markets: Challenges and Opportunities

• Speed to market and its significance in launching successful cannabis programs.

• Social equity initiatives and the challenges in implementing them effectively.

• The role of medical markets in facilitating adult-use cannabis transitions.

• Notable state successes and struggles, including New York, Ohio, and Delaware.

4. The Hemp vs. Cannabis Debate

• The regulatory gray areas surrounding hemp-derived THC products.

• The challenges and conflicts between hemp and cannabis industries.

• Potential solutions for a unified regulatory approach.

• The role of product testing, consumer safety, and compliance.

5. Federal Cannabis Reform and Industry Predictions

• The potential impact of federal rescheduling or descheduling.

• The Trump factor and its influence on federal cannabis policy.

• The need for regulatory refinement and alignment between state and federal policies.

• The future of multi-state operators (MSOs) and how businesses are adapting to survive.

6. Emerging Market Trends and Innovations

• The rise of cannabis beverages and alternative consumption methods.

• Expanding consumer demographics and their purchasing behaviors.

• The push for better education on terpenes, cannabinoids, and product quality.

• “Speed to market is crucial in preventing illicit activity and ensuring the success of new cannabis programs.”

• “The biggest challenge for regulators is balancing consumer safety with business viability.”

• “The industry is at a pivotal point where collaboration between hemp and cannabis is necessary for sustainable growth.”

In this episode of The Qredible Live Broadcast, we welcome Jena Murray, the newly appointed President of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable. With over a decade of expertise in regulatory affairs, quality assurance, and industry advocacy, Jena has been a driving force in shaping the responsible growth of the hemp and CBD industries.

Join us as we dive into the current state of the hemp industry, regulatory challenges, and what the future holds for hemp-derived products. Jena shares her insights on the latest policy developments, sustainability efforts, and the ongoing debate over who truly controls the hemp market.

✅ Jena Murray’s journey and leadership in the hemp industry ✅ The role of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable in advocacy and policy reform ✅ Key regulatory challenges affecting hemp and CBD businesses ✅ Sustainability and the future of hemp farming ✅ Misinformation and the battle over market control ✅ Action steps for industry stakeholders and consumers

If you’re a business owner, advocate, or consumer invested in the future of hemp and CBD, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the industry’s regulatory landscape and learn what’s next for hemp legalization and consumer protection.