Ep 12. Marijuana Inc.

In season 1 episode 12 of CNBC Originals, entitled "Marijuana Inc.," viewers are taken on a journey through the rapidly growing legal marijuana industry in the United States. Through interviews with industry insiders, entrepreneurs, investors, and lawmakers, the episode explores the economic and political implications of legalizing marijuana.

The episode begins by providing a brief overview of how the legal marijuana industry has evolved in recent years. As more states have legalized marijuana for both medicinal and recreational use, entrepreneurs have rushed to capitalize on this new market. They have created products ranging from edibles to topicals, and have developed new strains of marijuana that cater to consumers' specific needs and preferences.

The episode then examines the many challenges that companies face as they try to navigate the legal and regulatory landscape in the United States. Marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, and many companies struggle to find banks that will work with them or to get licenses to operate in certain states. Moreover, there is still significant social stigma associated with marijuana use, and many people are hesitant to invest in or work for a marijuana-related business.

Despite these challenges, many entrepreneurs see the legalization of marijuana as a once-in-a-lifetime business opportunity. They view the growing acceptance of marijuana as a positive social shift and believe that there is a huge potential market for their products. Some entrepreneurs have even started lobbying lawmakers to push for further legalization and to remove marijuana from the federal government's list of controlled substances.

As the episode progresses, viewers learn about the different business models that companies are using to profit from the legal marijuana industry. Some companies focus on producing and selling marijuana, while others produce accessories like pipes, vaporizers, and rolling papers. Some companies focus on specific segments of the market, like medical marijuana or hemp-based products, while others try to appeal to the widest possible audience by producing a wide range of products and strains.

The episode also explores the challenges that marijuana-related businesses face in terms of marketing and advertising. Many traditional advertising channels like television, radio, and print media are off-limits, so companies have to get creative when it comes to getting their message out. Many companies have turned to social media influencers and other new forms of marketing to reach potential customers.

One of the key themes of the episode is the tension between the desire for profit and the desire to do good for society. Many entrepreneurs got into the legal marijuana industry because they believe in the plant's medicinal benefits and its ability to help people who suffer from pain, anxiety, and other conditions. However, as the industry becomes more profitable, some companies are accused of putting profits before people and are criticized for not doing enough to address social and environmental issues.

Overall, "Marijuana Inc." provides a comprehensive and balanced look at the legal marijuana industry in the United States. It explores the many challenges that companies face as they try to navigate a complex and rapidly evolving market, while also highlighting the potential benefits of marijuana legalization for both entrepreneurs and society as a whole.