Explore the transition of cannabis culture from an underground activity to a global movement, highlighting its history, development, and cultural significance. Discover the innovative spirit of the subculture, the importance of various generational perspectives, and the profound impact this plant has on society.

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In this episode of “Let’s Get Clear,” James Granger and Monica Pina delve into the intriguing world of the cannabis subculture. Exploring the history, development, and nuances of dabbing, shedding light on its evolution from an illegal, passionate pursuit into a global subculture with a rebellious spirit.

WHAT IS THE SUB-CULTURE OF CANNABIS?

Cannabis culture encompasses individuals united by their use of cannabis for medicinal, recreational, and spiritual purposes.

It’s a realm filled with diverse social practices, rituals, and folklore, transcending national borders and promoting values of peace, love, and unity.

Growing up in the rave scene of Colorado
in the ’90s, I was part of the PLUR party kid culture, “peace, love,
unity, and respect,” but that is a tale for a different day.

This culture is not just about consumption methods—ranging from smoking and edibles to vaping—but also about the profound influence cannabis has on art, music, literature, and societal attitudes. The impact of cannabis is deeply rooted in art, inspiring a spectrum of creations from the psychedelic works of the ’60s to modern digital installations. Literature, too, is rich with cannabis references with The Beat Generation writers like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, who were known to use it as a symbol reflecting its cultural relevance.

James Granger is the Chief Political Officer of Cliintel Capital Management, a venture capital firm in Colorado. On this week’s episode of the podcast Let’ Get CLEAR he describes not just the cannabis culture but also the subculture of dabbing.

The subculture of cannabis, mainly through practices like dabbing, showcases a community’s innovative spirit and commitment to preserving the essence of cannabis. Its subculture is characterized by a deep appreciation for the plant, its various consumption methods, and the quest for quality and purity.

As we explore the subculture of cannabis, it’s evident that it’s more than just a plant—it’s a lifestyle, a community, and a movement towards understanding and acceptance, at least for the consumers who identify with this subculture, but what about the rest of us?

Culture Impacts Regulation & Policy Effects Society

As public opinion shifts in favor of cannabis reform, understanding the multifaceted factors influencing acceptance is crucial. These factors range from cultural and subcultural influences on socioeconomic and psychological aspects, playing a significant role in the integration of cannabis into society.

There’s a growing recognition of cannabis’s benefits, leading to a gradual shift in public perception and leading towards legalization. As cannabis consumption becomes more mainstream, so must the messaging to consumers, to the dismay of the OGs and die-hard members of the cannabis subculture.  (OG is slang for someone who’s “old school”  or, as some might put it in regards to cannabis; “Ocean Grown” coming from the West Coast in Northern California).

The whole point of the subculture of cannabis is the deep affection and, dare I say, worship of the plant. Legal cannabis products are consumer packaged goods (CPG) created on a large scale through a manufacturing process and marketed to appeal to the most significant amount of customers, and here lies the conflict between the subculture of cannabis and mainstream consumers.

Distributors from the illicit market never had to think about marketing, packaging, or revenue margin. The goal was to be as hard to find as possible to stay off the radar of law enforcement. As drug dealers suddenly became business owners, this exclusive subculture needed to appeal to people they not only were not accustomed to dealing with but also didn’t care for much.

Sub-Culture Sell Outs

Remember when your favorite underground band made it big? It was annoying, to say the least. Suddenly, posers donned the shirt of the band that they purchased at Walmart. Meanwhile, the shirt you wore was painstakingly purchased in an alley of a dive bar after the first show, which had only 50 people.

Well, the cannabis industry is on the way to the big time, and much of the sub-culture essence of cannabis is sterilized and lost through the manufacturing process. It’s hard to keep the look and feel of an intimate show in a dive bar while appealing to the masses.

‘MTV Unplugged’ People: Kurt Cobain (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

 Watch Out, Here Z Come

For the Baby Boomers, Gen X, and the Millennials, who have all been fighting the Cannabis Revolution, the adoption and assimilation of the cannabis culture into our society might be hard to imagine. However, the oldest Gen Z is 27 years old, and they were just born when cannabis was first legalized in California. Gen Z will change the way we market cannabis, but while we wait for the frontal cortex of that generation to come online, we have to bridge the gap between where the cannabis market came from and where it’s headed as a regulated CPG market.

Gen Z vs. The Not Gen Z

Hybrid Marketing does a great job of delineating the different types of marketing needed for generational differences.

Hailing Frequencies Open

Each generation has a preferred digital platform for communication and a source of information. Understanding how each generation communicates and curating messaging and branding to speak their language is vital to brand differentiation. Consumption format preferences, decision-making styles, and desired shopping experiences also differ from generation to generation.

Anticipating the shifts in cannabis culture and the industry at large involves interpreting all the moving pieces, including regulation change, societal norms and generational perceptions, technology trends, economic impact, and consumer behavior.

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James and Monica dive into trigger laws. In the ever-evolving legal landscape of the United States, trigger laws stand out as a particularly intriguing mechanism.

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 What Are Trigger Laws?

In episode ten of Let’s Get CLEAR, James and Monica dive into trigger laws. In the ever-evolving legal landscape of the United States, trigger laws stand out as a particularly intriguing mechanism.

Trigger Laws Become Active Upon a Specific Event.

Trigger laws are statutes passed by a state legislature but dormant or inactive until a certain condition is met, usually the reversal or change of a federal law or Supreme Court decision. The term “trigger” refers to the mechanism that activates these laws. They are essentially legal time bombs, waiting for a particular legal or regulatory change to occur.

Historical Context

While trigger laws might seem like firs legal innovation, their history extends back decades. They are used in various contexts, but the most widely used application of a trigger law revolves around abortion rights. 

The Mechanism of Action

The operational mechanism of a trigger law is straightforward: the law contains a provision that specifies the condition under which it will become effective. This condition is often the repeal or significant alteration of a standing Supreme Court decision. Once the specified condition is met, the trigger law automatically comes into effect without additional legislative action. This mechanism allows states to quickly adapt their legal frameworks to changes in federal law or Supreme Court jurisprudence.

The Implications of Trigger Laws

The implications of trigger laws are vast and multifaceted. Supporters argue that they enable states to swiftly enforce their residents’ will where public opinion may vary significantly from state to state. Critics contend that trigger laws can lead to sudden and profound changes in rights and legal statuses, often leaving individuals and institutions little time to adapt.

The Cannabis Industry and Trigger Laws

In the podcast, James Granger, the Chief Political Officer at Cliintel Capital Management, explains how trigger laws are tailored to the cannabis sector. With the changing landscape of cannabis regulations and potential shifts at the federal level, states like California, Washington, and Oregon have already implemented trigger laws. Once federal guidance permits, these laws allow immediate action, such as entering into interstate commerce agreements.

A Divisive Issue

The debate over trigger laws is deeply intertwined with broader societal and political divisions. Proponents often view them as necessary safeguards for states’ rights and moral values, while opponents see them as potential threats to individual freedoms and established rights. Using trigger laws highlights the ongoing struggle between visions for America’s legal and moral future.

The Implications of Trigger Laws in Cannabis Regulation

The application of trigger laws in cannabis regulation highlights several key considerations:

1. Immediate Activation: States with trigger laws can swiftly adapt to changes, allowing them to capitalize on new opportunities for interstate commerce and industry growth.
2. Preparedness for Change: By having trigger laws on the books, states position themselves to react instantly to federal changes, such as rescheduling or new guidance on cannabis regulation, ensuring they are not left behind in the evolving market.
3. Complexity and Coordination: Implementing trigger laws in the cannabis industry involves navigating the complexities of state-specific regulations, public health and safety considerations, and the logistical challenges of interstate commerce. It necessitates coordination between states to ensure products meet testing and labeling requirements and that systems for track and trace are linked.

A New Horizon for Trigger Laws

Granger’s discussion on the podcast illustrates the innovative use of trigger laws beyond traditional domains, emphasizing their potential to guide the cannabis industry through uncertain regulatory waters. As federal policies evolve, trigger laws may become a critical tool for states to maintain agility and competitive advantage.

Looking Forward

The conversation between Monica Pina and James Granger offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of trigger laws and cannabis regulation. As these laws expand into new areas, they underscore the dynamic relationship between state initiative and federal oversight. Trigger laws represent a strategic approach to governance, ready to reshape legal landscapes at a moment’s notice. Whether one views them as a necessary precaution or a dangerous overreach, it is undeniable that trigger laws will continue to play a critical role in shaping state and federal laws in response to shifting legal and societal norms. To hear the full conversation, listen to Let’s Get CLEAR.

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In this week’s episode of “Let’s Get Clear,” James Granger, Chief Political Officer at Cliintel Capital Management Group, takes us through his transformative experience of learning to be spontaneous. He shares the importance of speaking from the heart and embracing vulnerability, shedding light on the effectiveness of genuine communication over scripted narratives.

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The Transformative Experience of Spontaneity 

In this week’s episode of Let’s Get Clear, James Granger, Chief Political Officer at Cliintel Capital Management Group,

takes us through his transformative experience of learning to be spontaneous. He shares the importance of speaking from the heart and embracing vulnerability, shedding light on the effectiveness of genuine communication over scripted narratives.

Predictability Can Reduce Stress 

By nature, I do not enjoy spontaneity; structure and schedules bring perceived safety and reliability to my life. Maybe I prefer consistency because I don’t have siblings, because I am a Virgo, or because I am human, and predictability reduces stress and improves efficiency. Regardless of the reason, when James and I started working on the podcast, my immediate response was to create checklists, scripts, spreadsheets, and anything I could do to ensure a podcast episode would go exactly how I planned.

Spontaneity is the Method of Choice

On the other hand, James wanted to simply hit the record button and see what happened. The thought of haphazardly recording our conversation without knowing what to expect gave me hives. By happenstance, I recorded James explaining why he believes spontaneity is the method of choice. When I listened to the recording, I could see he made a good point, and that portion of our conversation made the final cut in the episode.

The idea for this episode was to discuss an insightful webinar series James is working on to address health, safety, testing, and responsible product development within the cannabis industry. Click here to check out the webinar series.

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Benefits of Spontaneity 

However, James’s advice about not planning everything stuck with me. I enjoy structure and schedules; however, living a totally structured life often leaves me feeling a little burned out, like my only purpose is to mark items off the to-do list. So, I researched to determine if a spontaneous life has any benefits. It turns out that James is right; learning to let go can positively affect mental health.

1. Spontaneity Infuses Novelty into Experiences

Structure and schedules are efficient but limit opportunities for personal growth, joy, and fun. The beauty of spontaneity lies in its ability to inject a sense of adventure and creativity into life. It acts as a catalyst for breaking free from monotony, infusing freshness and novelty into daily experiences.  

2. Spontaneity Boosts Creativity 

I never considered myself creative, but when I break free from rigid plans and embrace the unexpected, new ideas and perspectives come to me quickly. Dr. KH KIM, a professor at the College of William & Mary, how over-analyzing a problem inhibits the ability to come up with a solution. One way to add spontaneity is to alter your routine and leave unplanned time throughout the day.

3. Spontaneity Helps Curate Social Connections 

“According to life coaching consultants Myers-Davis, being more spontaneous could help you become better at forming bonds with people and getting them to open up.” Spontaneously grabbing a cup of coffee with a friend, trying a new restaurant, and attending an event at the last minute led me to novel conversations, meeting new people, and deepening social connections. Since COVID-19, it has been effortless to ignore my need to socialize. However, through social interaction, I always learn something new, hear fascinating stories, and am overcome with the goodness in the world I had essentially tuned out. So many of my ideas for marketing content develop from conversations I would never have had if I had stayed home locked in the drive to get things marked off of my to-do list.

4. Change is the Only Constant 

No matter how hard I try, I can never keep “the perfect schedule” because the unexpected always happens. Every spontaneous decision is an opportunity to build resilience and adaptability that help me navigate life’s uncertainties. Life changes constantly, so I should be comfortable with it. James Van Praagh said it best, “You don’t need to stress and strain to make things happen. If you try to control outcomes, you will miss what the universe sends you.” Trusting my ability to handle the unexpected and not trying to plan for every outcome helps me remain stress-free and happy regardless of the chaos in my daily life.

Find Joy and Enrich Your Life 

In a world that often values structure and predictability, embracing spontaneity is a powerful antidote to the routine-driven grind.  Embracing the unplanned, whether in personal challenges or business ventures, can lead to a more fulfilling and enriched life. Let spontaneity be your compass, guiding you toward authenticity, creativity, and positive change. The next time an opportunity for spontaneity arises, say “yes” and let the adventure unfold; some of life’s most beautiful moments are the ones we never planned. After all, the journey is yours – find joy and enrich your life.

We hope you will join us for upcoming episodes of Let’s Get CLEAR where we unravel the mysteries of the venture capital world, explore industry trends, and share intriguing stories.  

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“Let’s Get CLEAR” is an enriching podcast created by Cliintel Capital Management Group, offering thought-provoking conversations and reliable information on a variety of topics. Hosted by Monica Pina, SVP Investor Relations and James Granger, Chief Political Officer, the podcast blurs the lines between podcasting and catching up with old friends, creating delightful and insightful conversations.
The podcast delves into the world of venture capital, highlighting Cliintel Capital Management’s specialization in investing in startups and small companies with long-term growth potential.

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Startup Success and Entrepreneurial Spirit with Joy Breeders
Discover the inspiring journey of Joy Breeders, a Colorado-based organic skincare and body products startup. Learn how authenticity and a strong entrepreneurial spirit leads to success on “Let’s Get CLEAR” the podcast to enrich your life and explore a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs with Cliintel Capital Management Group.

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The Journey to Startup Success: How Joy Breeders Epitomizes the Entrepreneurial Spirit:

In the ever-evolving landscape of startups, the story of Joy Breeders stands out. This Colorado-based organic skincare startup, founded by Alison Repp and Jill Hodges, is a testament to the power of authenticity and innovation in entrepreneurship. Their journey is spotlighted on Cliintel’s podcast, “Let’s Get CLEAR!”

The Origin of Joy Breeders: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities:

The inception of Joy Breeders is a narrative of turning discomfort into empowerment. Initially, the term “Breeders,” a playful moniker from a friend, could have been a source of discomfort. Yet, Alison and Jill embraced it, transforming it into a brand that signifies joy, authenticity, and liberation of the soul. Their flagship product, “Moist,” was created out of necessity for Alison’s boyfriend’s skin condition, exemplifying the brand’s commitment to natural, effective skincare solutions.

The Power of Reframing and Authenticity

Joy Breeders stands out for its bold product naming and branding approach, unafraid of embracing terms that might make others uncomfortable. Unapologetically labeling their product with “keeping you moist” reflects their commitment to breaking taboos and promoting open conversations. Alison’s experience as a psychotherapist and Jill’s career in marketing led to their unique strategy and culture of authenticity and promoting self-acceptance.

A Unique Start-up Partnership

The founders emphasize the importance of embracing change and evolving together as they navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. The founders of Joy Breeders share their excitement about the entrepreneurial journey. Listen to the episode on Let’s Get CLEAR for inspiration and candid conversation about Alison and Jill’s commitment to authenticity, vulnerability, and the pursuit of joy in business and friendship.

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A Blueprint for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For those considering entrepreneurship, Cliintel Capital Management Group offers a quick checklist to get started:

1. Entrepreneurial Spirit

Adopt the attitude that you will succeed and do “Whatever It Takes” to get to the finish line. At Cliintel Capital, we recognize that innovation is the central ignition point that connects ideas, people, and resources to create value that moves the world forward. We believe in investing in people and look for founders with entrepreneurial spirit, reliance, and grit willing to lead by example and die-hard determination to bring their dreams to fruition. As a leader in emerging markets, we provide funding and strategic consulting services to outstanding startups. Our experience enables us to incubate and grow cutting-edge companies by focusing on the people, not the deal. We navigate obstacles with our clients as partners and friends, not just venture capitalists.

2. Build a Strong Leadership Team

The leadership team is a critical factor in the decision-making process. Founders and executives must thoroughly understand the business and lead and adapt in a dynamic business environment. The CEO must be prepared and capable of doing everyone’s job in the company. Management sets the standards for quality of work. Inevitably, people leave, call in sick, or lack motivation, and the CEO must step in to drive the company forward. Described best in Leaders Eat Last, it’s essential to continue to learn and evolve as a leader, select your team carefully; a business relationship is not much different than a marriage, and look for partners with the characteristics you value most. Teaching skills are more manageable than changing a person’s core values.

3. Understand Your Value Proposition

Understand the market opportunity and desired demographic. Thoroughly evaluate your company’s ability to offer unique value, solve consumer problems, and create a compelling value proposition.  This involves identifying the potential customer base and understanding their needs in-depth. Pinpointing what makes your product or service stand out and how it addresses specific consumer problems. Assessing your company’s capabilities should focus on your strengths and how you provide unique value that distinguishes you from the competitors. Creating a value proposition isn’t just about listing the benefits of your product or service; it involves clearly showing how your offering improves the consumer’s life or resolves a pain point better than any alternative.

4. Write a Solid Business Plan

A well-defined and scalable business model is the cornerstone of any successful startup. Founders need a clear understanding of their target market, revenue streams, and growth potential. A robust business model demonstrates the startup’s ability to generate sustainable revenue and adapt to market changes. A great place to start is the Small Business Administration for business plan templates. Do not hire someone to write your business plan. If you are unwilling to put the work into the initial plan, where will you find the resilience to survive the first few years of managing a start-up?

5. Create Financial Projections

Financials are part of any solid business plan. However, projections are an attempt to predict the future. No one will value your company as much as you do, and until you have revenue, your company is only an idea. Unless you have a crystal ball your projections will not be completely accurate, it’s more important that the plan and projections are stringently evaluated. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has some good information.

6. Execute the Plan

Demonstrate traction and ability to execute effectively. Don’t wait for funding. Find a way to bootstrap your idea and get going. A bit like laboring a child into the world, bringing a startup to fruition will stretch you in ways you didn’t think possible, but keep going. You will make sacrifices and adjustments, learn, and try again. Look for opportunities to launch a small portion of your business to earn revenue. It may not be as grand as the ultimate plan, but it’s easier to attract funding if you can show some progress. Successful startups understand their target customers and have validated their products or services in the market. Venture capitalists look for startups with a precise product-market fit and evidence of customer validation through positive feedback, testimonials, or early adoption. For ideas to bootstrap your startup, the Harvard Business Review provides some ideas.

The most crucial step is the first one: get started today, right now! Recruit help, make a plan, execute, evaluate, and pivot as often as possible. You can make your idea a reality, and remember, the journey is yours, find joy and enrich your life!

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This week’s podcast episode of Let’s Get CLEAR! features a unique conversation with teenagers offering perspectives on drug awareness, peer influence, and the critical role of communication in prevention efforts.

6 strategies for preventing underage drug use include: emphasizing the importance of early education, open communication, peer-led initiatives, mental health support, and family involvement. Highlighting the necessity of adapting prevention efforts to connect with today’s youth, leveraging insights from peer influence and the critical role of community support in fostering environments where young individuals can thrive without turning to substance use.

6 Strategies for Underage Drug Use Prevention for Today’s Youth
In our latest episode of Let’s Get CLEAR!, we feature a unique conversation with teenagers, offering perspectives on peer influence and the critical role of communication in prevention efforts.
Underage drug use remains a pervasive concern for parents and communities alike. As societal attitudes towards substance use evolve, it’s imperative to identify and implement strategies that genuinely connect with today’s youth. Insights from my own teenager have starkly highlighted a common misconception among adults: we often miss the mark on what truly resonates with young people. 
1. Education and Awareness:
Equipping young people with factual information about the risks and consequences of drug use empowers them to make informed choices. Initiatives such as school programs, community workshops, and awareness campaigns are pivotal in enlightening teenagers and their parents. 
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration advocates for starting conversations with children about drugs and alcohol very early. Children form their opinions about substance use as early as nine years old. By the time they reach 15, half of all teens have experimented with alcohol. Waiting until high school to address substance use is often too late; by then, many teens have already formed their own views on the matter. 
2. Open Communication:
Fostering open, honest dialogues between parents, guardians, and teenagers is essential. Creating a safe, non-judgmental space where teens feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences can significantly strengthen familial bonds. 
This principle extends beyond discussions about substance use. Teens, like all humans, need a supportive environment to thrive—one where they feel respected and heard. While it may seem simpler to mandate obedience, history, and personal experience tell us that coercion often backfires, leading to rebellion rather than compliance. 
3. Peer-Led Initiatives: 
Peer influence is a powerful force in a teenager’s life. By harnessing this through peer-led initiatives, we can offer teenagers relatable platforms to share their experiences and healthy social alternatives that don’t involve drug use. This peer-driven approach can effectively debunk myths and dismantle misconceptions surrounding substance use. 
My own teenager’s involvement in sports and her social circle has created a protective environment where substance use is discouraged. This has been a humbling reminder that youth-led prevention is often the most impactful, underscoring the importance of peer influence over parental guidance in certain aspects of their lives. 
4. Mental Health Support: 
Addressing underlying mental health issues is a critical component of comprehensive drug use prevention strategies. Providing access to mental health resources, counseling, and support systems can help teenagers manage stress, anxiety, and depression, reducing their inclination to seek solace in substances. 
Teenage years are fraught with emotional volatility, making it challenging to discern between typical adolescent behavior and signs of a deeper issue. While not every teenager who experiences mood swings is at risk, it’s vital for adults to recognize and address potential mental health concerns proactively. 
5. Family Involvement: 
The role of the family in a teenager’s life cannot be overstated. Active involvement from parents, siblings, and extended family members in creating a nurturing environment is crucial. Through family activities, open discussions, and leading by example, families can significantly influence a teenager’s attitude toward drug use. 
Past strategies like the “Just Say No” campaign have proven ineffective. Instead, preparing teenagers with practical techniques for challenging situations, such as being offered a ride by someone who has been drinking, can equip them to make safer choices.
6. It Takes a Community:
The broader community plays an essential role in preventing underage drug use by fostering a sense of belonging and connection. With underage drug use at its lowest rates since the 1990s, according to Newport Academy, it’s clear that community engagement and support are key. 
As we continue to navigate the changing landscape of adolescence, adapting our prevention methods to align with the realities and pressures faced by today’s youth is crucial. Through collective effort, we can empower teenagers to tackle the complexities of growing up with resilience.
This week’s podcast episode of Let’s Get CLEAR! features a unique conversation with teenagers offering perspectives on drug awareness, peer influence, and the critical role of communication in prevention efforts.
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