Move the Stairs: Brand Protection PR™

The FDA's decision (or indecision) to punt CBD regulation to Congress continues to send shockwaves through the cannabis industry. Reputable companies, like cbdMD, say this decision will continue to encourage bad-faith actors in the CBD space, harming every company striving for industry transparency. cbdMD's Chief Science Officer & Vice-President of Regulatory Affairs, Dr. Sibyl Swift, and General Counsel, Lance Blundell join the Move the Stairs™ podcast to discuss how the development is forcing change in its overall strategy to educate consumers and journalists while maintaining brand resiliency.

The City and County of Denver are taking steps to help cannabis companies tell their stories, which is an important element of making your business stand out among your competitors. On our newest episode of the Move the Stairs podcast, Shannon Donnelly, Cannabis Process Navigator for the City and County of Denver unveils a new program called "Cannabis Cares" highlighting cannabis brands' community involvement, how local companies can get involved and how cannabis companies nationwide can learn from this program to build Brand Protection PR™.

Since the FDA's decision to defer sweeping CBD regulations to Congress, CBD companies, consumers and trade associations alike are left with many more questions regarding the future of CBD than answers. That's why we are tapping into the expertise of Josh Long, Associate Editorial Director of Natural Products Insider, and Dr. Dan Fabricant, President and CEO of the Natural Products Association to discuss the decision. Together they offer excellent insight into how you can turn this challenge into an opportunity for your CBD business.

Does your cannabis business have a defined review strategy? Our latest guest, Narek Sarokhani CEO and Co-Founder of Colorado Botanicals discusses why he chose reviews to be his primary tactic to develop relationships with his customers. Also, hear how a simple LinkedIn direct message led him to achieve a placement in a nationally recognized digital media outlet and how he authentically nurtures that relationship.

President of Veritas Fine Cannabis, Jon Spadafora, joins us on the Move the Stairs Podcast to discuss the power of owned content when seeking to build a loyal customer base. Jon also explained why telling the most authentic story about his business is important when it comes to positive or negative press. Finally, Jon discusses the techniques Veritas uses to turn challenges into opportunities, including a "Costco-style" approach to customer service.

How is your business preparing for trends in cannabis? We spoke with Matt Zehner a Senior Analyst with Brightfield Group, a leading marketing research company about trends he expects to unfold in 2023. On the Move the Stairs Podcast, Matt offers actionable insight into what your company can do now to create loyal customers, establish thought leadership and strengthen your brand's resiliency.

Veteran cannabis journalist Cara Wietstock joins the Move the Stairs as our most recent guest to discuss how reporters are covering the plant now and what facets of the industry are most likely to capture the attention of journalists in 2023. Listen in and learn which reporters your company should be building relationships with right now!

As researchers discover promising data about how cannabinoids may benefit humans, many are left wondering about the implications for our four-legged friends. We welcome Charles Lozow, Co-Founder of Veterinary Cannabis Society, to the Move the Stairs Podcast! Charles offers insight into what we know about cannabis and its impact on pets, how business owners can work with journalists to break the stigma and the challenges that proprietors of cannabis products for pets will endure regardless of the 2023 Farm Bill.

A lot has changed in the hemp and CBD industries since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. Jonathan Miller of Frost, Brown, Todd and General Counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable joins us to discuss what major changes they are pushing for in the legislation and how you can use this piece of news as means to position yourself as an industry leader, offering important insight to your local press and customers.

Last week, Bank of America issued a forecast that the U.S. would enter a mild recession by Q4 this year. With prices at the pump and inflation remaining high, many Americans are conservative about where their extra money will be spent. Will this have a significant impact on cannabis? We're speaking with Bart Schaneman from MJBizDaily about a recent article he wrote and expanding on the potential economic impacts of a recession on the industry through the lens of Brand Protection PR™.