The Dime Why Cannabis Laws Are a Mess: The Politics and Bureaucracy with Jeff Guillot
"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:
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