June 4 - 5, 2025
Javits Convention Center

HITR #21: Ramon Reyes, Happy Munkey

In this episode, KymB gets the “blunt” facts in a candid conversation with Ramon Reyes, co-founder of Happy Munkey.

Ramon describes the uniqueness of New York City’s cannabis culture, where “flower is still king.” He says local weed quality has improved rapidly since last year, as new indoor strains are being developed. Ramon sees New York as leading cannabis in “every aspect, because it’s just getting better. It just started three years ago, and it’s just getting better.”

Listen as Ramon describes the keys to Happy Munkey’s success, which include creating venues where all people feel they are VIPS, feel they are safe, and can just be themselves.

Don’t miss this discussion of New York City vibes, culture and business.

HITR #20: Renata Serban, Highly Elevated CPA

In this episode, KymB gets the “blunt” facts in a candid conversation In this episode, KymB gets the “blunt” facts in a candid conversation with Renata Serban.

Renata Serban is an award-winning cannabis accountant and Founder/CEO of Highly Elevated CPA. Renata Serban has a wide-ranging background in many disciplines, including chemical engineering and finance, making her eminently qualified to advise cannabis entrepreneurs and guide their businesses forward.

Renata, a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant, is driven by a passion to help cannabis businesses start, grow, and thrive. With a unique mix of private and public accounting experience, she has successfully served her clients while advocating for the cannabis industry through state and global organizations.

Renata is excited to see more women entering the cannabis space and breaking down stereotypes. She also discusses the specific obstacles faced by cannabis entrepreneurs, many created by the new business operators themselves, who enter a difficult industry with passionate ideals but without a clearly formulated business plan. She describes the challenges of operating in a highly regulated industry and the lack of specific guidance for accountants. Tune in to learn some fun facts about Renata and hear her thoughts on the future of cannabis—change is coming!

HITR #19: Jane West

In this episode, KymB gets the “blunt” facts in a candid conversation with Jane West.

Jane West is both a leading cannabis activist and CEO of the eponymous lifestyle brand Jane West. KymB refers to West as a true “pilgrim of the plant.” As part of her activism, West founded Women Grow in 2014, a pioneering organization that hosts networking events featuring industry leaders to empower women to succeed and influence the cannabis industry.

West shares her journey as a woman entrepreneur in the cannabis space, the challenges she’s faced, and her vision to make the industry more inclusive for women. From starting all of her businesses as a solo entrepreneur from her home office, to leading a movement, Jane’s story is one of resilience and dedication.

Tune in to hear West’s insights on how to survive as an entrepreneur and advocate in the cannabis space.

HITR #18: Solonje Burnett, The Weed Auntie

In this episode, KymB gets the “blunt” facts in a candid conversation with Solonje Burnett, the “Weed Auntie.”

Solonje is a trailblazing Brooklyn-based entrepreneur and activist in the cannabis space. As a two-time co-founder, first with Humble Bloom, and now as Chief Culture & Community Officer at Erven, Solonje shares her insights on how data and community-driven strategies are shaping the industry.

 

Solonje dives into her passion for self-care, mental health, and creating mindful moments, all while advocating for more diversity and inclusion. Tune in to hear how Solonje is leading the fight for cannabis by putting community first.

Photo by Mara Hoffman

HITR #17: Dharsh Casinathen, Joyleaf

In this episode, KymB gets the “blunt” facts in a candid conversation with Dharshini Casinathen, Co-founder and President of Joyleaf Recreational Weed Dispensary in Roselle, New Jersey.

In this interview, Dharsh shares her personal journey with cannabis, which began in 2018 as a medical patient in New Jersey. After starting her career as a CPA at KPMG Canada and spending over 13 years at PepsiCo, a Fortune 50 company, Dharsh held multiple leadership roles, building a strong foundation in leadership, finance, and operational excellence.

 

In 2020, an exciting opportunity in the cannabis industry arose, and Dharsh fully embraced it, marking the start of her true passion for cannabis. She went on to co-found the Joyleaf Dispensary in New Jersey, where she created a retail space that offers the perfect product for every moment, while actively working to destigmatize the plant. Dharsh talks about her love for selling cannabis and her dedication to providing her customers with the best possible experience and service. She explains how her corporate experience guides her thinking and her methods to surviving as an entrepreneur in a difficult retail environment.

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