"Bureaucracy defends the status quo long past the time when the quo has lost its status."
— Laurence J. Peter

Nowhere is that more evident than in cannabis, where local governments resist change, operators scramble for clarity, and policies shift overnight. The biggest mistake cannabis operators make? Waiting too long to ask for help.

Navigating cannabis regulations isn’t just about compliance—it’s a high-stakes game of politics, timing, and strategy. This week, we sit down with Jeff Guillot, Managing Partner of MAD Global Strategy, to expose the backroom battles.

• The biggest misconceptions about how cannabis laws are actually made
• Why local governments resist cannabis businesses (and how to change their minds)
• How lobbying really works—and who actually needs it in cannabis

Links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-guillot-69266614/
• https://www.madglobalstrategy.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cannabis Politics and Advocacy

02:51 Navigating Government Affairs in Cannabis

06:12 The Importance of Proactive Representation

08:58 Understanding Uncertainty in Political Campaigns

12:06 Challenges in Legislative Advocacy

14:50 The Unique Landscape of Cannabis Legislation

17:57 Facilitating Change in Regulatory Bodies

20:51 The Art of Securing Meetings with Officials

24:07 Local Municipalities and Cannabis Confusion

29:10 Understanding Agency Incompetence and Public Education

34:11 Navigating Political Uncertainty and Renewable Energy

39:02 State Budget Proposals and Economic Development

40:59 Cannabis Regulation and Political Dynamics

44:48 The Future of Cannabis and Hemp Industries

52:08 Education Gaps in Cannabis Legislation

54:59 Expertise in Government and Politics

Our Links:

Bryan Fields on Twitter

Kellan Finney on Twitter

The Dime on Twitter

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