Starting or growing a cannabis business isn’t as simple as just having great products. Whether you’re navigating licensing, scaling your brand, or figuring out how to legally market your business, the barriers to success are high—and the industry is evolving fast.
With shifting regulations, competition heating up, and consumer trends constantly changing, it’s easy to feel stuck or unsure of the next step.
That’s precisely why Kush.com created the High Profit podcast—an insider’s guide to building and running a profitable cannabis business.
Hosted by Kush.com CEO John Lynch, High Profit features one-on-one deep dives with cannabis entrepreneurs, legal experts, and industry advocates, breaking down real-world strategies for growth, compliance, and standing out in the market.
In this guide, we’re distilling the best insights from High Profit to help retailers, brand owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs get a clear roadmap for success.
Whether you’re looking for licensing strategies, marketing solutions, or scaling tactics, this blog will give you the tools to navigate the cannabis business landscape with confidence.
EP01 – Understanding Cannabis Licensing Requirements for Your State
Watch: EP01 – How to Thrive in TN & FL and Play Within the Lines
Key Takeaway: Get Licensed To Sell Cannabis-Infused Products in Your State Without the Guesswork
Before launching a cannabis retail business, you should secure the proper licenses and fully comply with state laws.
“In Tennessee, the roadmap is simple. $500 licensing fees for manufacturers, $250 for retailers, a 6% retail tax, and clear milligram limits. That kind of transparency makes it easier for businesses to succeed.” – Bret Worley, CEO of MC Nutraceuticals
Action Step: Research your state’s licensing fees, tax requirements, and compliance rules before investing in inventory or marketing.
- How to Get an MMTC License in Florida?
- How Much is a Hemp License in Georgia?
- Do I need a License to Transport Weed in Tennessee?
EP02 – Why COAs Matter for Cannabis Retailers
Watch: EP02 – COAs Decoded: Your Ultimate Cannabis Quality Guide
Key Takeaway: COAs Are Non-Negotiable for Cannabis Retailers
Every product you stock should come with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) verifying its potency, compliance, and safety.
“A COA isn’t just paperwork—it’s what protects your customers and keeps your store in business.” – Ryan Bellone CCO at KCA Labs
What to check in a COA:
✅ THC & CBD Potency – Does it match the label?
✅ Contaminant Screening – Are pesticides, metals, or solvents present?
✅ Batch Consistency – Is the product reliable?
Action Step: Review your product inventory—are COAs available for every batch? If not, reconsider your suppliers.
EP03 – The Importance of a Well-Trained Cannabis Retail Team
Watch: EP03 – The Importance of a Well-Trained Team
Key Takeaway: Invest in Staff Training to Drive Sales & Compliance
A knowledgeable team is a retailer’s biggest asset. Training budtenders boosts sales, ensures compliance, and improves customer loyalty.
“The best cannabis retailers invest in ongoing training. Educated employees don’t just sell products—they build relationships.” – Kurt Kaufmann, Co-Founder and CEO of Seed Talent
Action Step: Implement monthly training sessions to keep staff updated on product knowledge, compliance, and customer engagement.
- Building a High-Performing Cannabis Team
- How to Empower Your Team to Elevate Your Cannabis Business
- Transforming Your Cannabis Team into a High-Profit Powerhouse
EP04 – What is THCa Flower?
Watch: EP04 – Mastering THCA Flower Power with Dylan and Sean Steeves
Key Takeaway: THCa is a Hot-Selling Product—But Retailers Must Get it Right
THCa flower is exploding in popularity, but retailers must educate customers on its benefits and ensure proper compliance.
“Retailers who understand THCa and how to market it effectively are going to dominate this category.” – Dylan Steeves, Co-Owner of Unicorn Brand
Action Step: Ensure your staff understands the difference between THCa, Delta 8, and Delta-9 THC so they can confidently sell it to customers.
Read:
EP05 – THC Infused Beverage 101
Watch: EP05 – Brewing THC Bliss with Saf Sadiq
Key Takeaway: THC Beverages Are the Next Big Category
The low-dose THC beverage market is growing rapidly, providing a discreet, social-friendly alternative to smoking. These products offer an approachable alternative to traditional consumption methods, appealing to both new and experienced users.
“THC beverages offer a functional, approachable way for consumers to enjoy cannabis. It’s a chance for retailers to give their customers something different—something that fits into their everyday lifestyle.” – Saf Sadiq, EVP at CÜRE Brand
✅ Action Step: Expand your inventory to include a variety of THC-infused beverages, catering to different tastes and potency preferences. Educate your staff to effectively communicate the benefits and usage of these products to customers.
Read:
- Why THC Beverages Are The Next Big Opportunity for Retailers
- Top Hemp Beverage Distributors to Watch in 2025
EP06 – What Retailers Should Know About Selling THC Gummies
Watch: EP06 – Chew on This: THC Gummies with Mike Hulse of Blackhouse Botanicals
Key Takeaway: Gummies Remain a Top-Selling Product for Cannabis Retailers
Gummies are a consistent best-seller, but retailers need to diversify offerings to meet the demand for different dosages and cannabinoid blends. Focusing on premium ingredients and educating consumers is essential to stand out in this competitive market.
Action Step:
- Curate Quality Products: Select gummies made with high-quality, natural ingredients to meet consumer expectations for safety, effectiveness, and taste.
- Educate Your Staff: Ensure your team understands different gummy products’ onset times and effects, enabling them to guide customers effectively.
- Provide Clear Information: Offer in-store materials or consultations to inform customers about dosage, expected effects, and the importance of starting slow, especially for newcomers.
EP07 – Do You Need a License to Sell Delta-8 Products?
Watch: EP07 – Crafting D8 Delights with Cool Out’s Kevin Chipman and Chirag Vyes
Key Takeaway: Delta-8 THC is Still a Major Player in Cannabis Retail Space
Delta-8 THC remains one of the strongest-selling hemp-derived cannabinoids, especially in states where marijuana remains restricted. However, changing regulations and shifting consumer demand require retailers to be more strategic than ever.
Delta-8 isn’t going anywhere, but the brands that succeed are the ones focused on quality, transparency, and smart positioning.” – Kevin Chapman, Co-Owner of Cool Out Brand
Strategies for Retailers:
- Stock Verified & Tested Products: Consumers are increasingly concerned about unregulated Delta-8 products. Partner with trusted brands that provide full COAs to ensure safety, potency, and compliance.
- Position Delta-8 as a Lifestyle Product: Many customers view Delta-8 as a functional alternative to traditional cannabis. Highlight its milder psychoactive effects and wellness benefits in your store’s marketing and product descriptions.
- Bundle & Upsell with Other Cannabinoids: Instead of selling Delta-8 in isolation, consider pairing it with other trending cannabinoids (such as CBN for sleep or THCV for energy) to create tailored experiences for different customer needs.
Read:
EP08 – How To Display and Merchandise Your Cannabis Products
🎥 Watch: EP08 – How to Master Merchandising in Cannabis Retail with Hover Digital
Key Takeaway: Smart Merchandising Increases Sales Without Extra Marketing Costs
Retailers don’t need big ad budgets—better store layouts and product placement can significantly increase sales.
“Positioning high-margin products in high-traffic areas boosts profitability.” – Alex Verdurmen, Co-Owner Hover Digital
Smart Merchandising Strategies for Cannabis Retailers:
- Strategic Product Placement Matters: Position high-margin products in high-traffic areas. Keep bestsellers at eye level and feature seasonal or promotional products near the checkout counter to encourage impulse purchases.
- Create Themed Display Sections: Help customers discover new products by curating sections based on effects, experience levels, or cannabinoid blends (e.g., “Sleep & Relaxation,” “Daytime Focus,” or “Beginner-Friendly Edibles”).
- Leverage Bundles & Upsells: Encourage bigger purchases by bundling complementary products together (e.g., THC beverages with snacks, CBD tinctures with sleep gummies). Offer discounts for multi-product purchases to boost average spend.
How Kush.com Helps Cannabis Retailers Grow and Scale Successfully
Success in the cannabis industry requires more than just great products—you need the right strategies, reliable suppliers, and a deep understanding of market trends and compliance.
That’s why Kush.com is more than just a platform—it’s a complete resource hub for retailers looking to grow, optimize, and future-proof their business.
What Kush.com Offers Retailers:
High Profit Podcast: Get expert insights from cannabis entrepreneurs, legal experts, and industry leaders to navigate licensing, compliance, marketing, and scaling.
Cannabis Blog: Stay ahead of industry trends with deep-dive articles on business growth, compliance strategies, and product innovations.
Wholesale Marketplace & Distribution: Source Kush.com Certified products from trusted suppliers and have them delivered directly to your store—ensuring quality, compliance, and seamless inventory management.
Next Steps for Retailers:
- Explore Kush.com’s Wholesale Marketplace: Find Kush.com Certified Products
- Read the Latest Cannabis Business Insights: Explore the Blog
- Watch More High Profit Episodes: YouTube Playlist
- Stay Connected: Sign up for the Kush.com membership and receieve exclusive retailer resources, industry updates, and product spotlights at Kush.com.
Whether you’re launching a new cannabis retail business or looking to scale an existing store, Kush.com has everything you need to succeed.
Tyana Daley
