In Episode 5 of MC Talk, host Bret Worley and guests Art Massolo (VP Business Development – Cycling Frog) Chris Fontes (Founder/CEO – High Spirits Beverages) discuss the hemp industry and its intersection with state-regulated marijuana, featuring insights on regulatory & taxation frameworks, business models, and market opportunities.
This episode covers key topics such as booming potential for hemp in the beverage sector, particularly through partnerships with alcohol retailers and distributors.They also explore the opportunities for marijuana brands to leverage their reputations in the hemp space and discuss how descheduling cannabis could significantly diminish the illicit market.
Hemp’s future could reshape retail markets, with mainstream consumers like soccer moms helping to destigmatize it by purchasing hemp-infused products like beverages. They stress the “4 Pillar Regulatory Approach,” which is crucial to shaping the future of hemp policy and why a unified message across the hemp industry is essential for its long-term success.
If you’re interested in hemp business models, regulatory challenges, and market opportunities, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!
Meet The Host
Bret Worley
CEO and President of MC Nutraceuticals, Bret Worley, is a leading figure in the hemp-derived cannabinoids industry. MC Talk was driven by his passion for sharing expertise on various hemp-related topics. His focus spans from educating on hemp-derived cannabinoids and consumer safety to discussing the economics of the industry, the Farm Bill, regulatory affairs, and the future of hemp. He also advocates for collaboration between the hemp and cannabis sectors.Â
This Week’s Guests:Â
Arthur Massolo
Art is a highly accomplished Senior Executive, C-Suite Officer, Entrepreneur, Consultant, and Board Member with 30 years of success in cannabis, wine, craft beer, spirits, food & beverage, CPG, FMCG, recruitment, sustainability, retail, health and wellness. Leveraging extensive experience in international business, sales, and marketing, he is a valuable asset for startup, midcap, large scale similar-sector companies looking for expertise and leadership in global business development, product sourcing, maneuvering through cultures, product design and launch, operations, distribution, and sales growth.
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Art Founded Viña Cono Sur, Chile, in 1994 and Viña Trivento, Argentina, in 1996.  Art Founded B2Bwine.com which became part of WX Brands in 2001.  Art has been a Managment Consultant in the Beverage Space for 15+ years.  Art was raised in Singapore, Indonesia, Italy, Panama, Brasil, Denmark, Costa Rica, Panama and Chicago and is a graduate Hamilton College.  Art is the proud father of 4 amazing adults and happily married to his love Val.
Chris Fontes
Chris Fontes, the Founder and CEO of High Spirits Beverages, is a dynamic individual with a rich history of innovation and leadership in the cannabis industry and beyond. His entrepreneurial journey spans several successful ventures, including Trojan Horse Cannabis, Project Hemp Flower, and Hemp Exchange, all of which played pivotal roles in shaping the US hemp industry. Chris’s visionary leadership led to the development of the industry’s first hemp-derived D9 THC products and the launch of Trojan Horse Cannabis and High Spirits Beverages.
Overview
Dive into the rapidly evolving world of hemp with “MC Talk with Bret Worley“, the ultimate podcast for industry professionals and enthusiasts. Whether you’re an entrepreneur navigating the complex legal landscape, a stakeholder keen on the economic potential of hemp, or a passionate consumer curious about the future of hemp as a functional & healthy alternative, Bret Worley (CEO of MC Nutraceuticals, the largest global supplier of cannabinoids) and his expert guests have you covered.
Each episode unpacks the complexities of the hemp industry, from economic trends and regulatory landscapes to groundbreaking news, innovations, and sustainable practices. Join Bret as he engages with pioneers and visionaries who are shaping the future of hemp, providing you with the knowledge you need to stay ahead of this ever changing industry.
Missed episode 4? To get caught up click hereÂ
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