Featured on Kaya Cast Podcast: Inside the Cannabis Business with Meilad Rafiei
by Roger Tower on June 3, 2025
We had the chance to join the Kaya Cast Podcast and share some real-world insight into the cannabis industry through the experience of our co-founder, Meilad Rafiei. With a background as a dispensary owner since 2014, Meilad spoke about the early days of legal cannabis in California and how those challenges shaped the way we now help clients build and grow successful businesses.
During the conversation, we covered what buyers need to look for, how to evaluate operational potential, and what sellers can do to prepare their business for the best possible outcome. We also talked about the importance of clean financials, compliant licensing, and how working with the right brokers and legal team can protect you from costly pitfalls.
This episode was a great opportunity to not only reflect on where we started but also explain how WeCann supports operators across the country with licensing, compliance, and brokerage services. If you are thinking about buying, selling, or scaling in the cannabis space, the insights shared here could help you make better decisions in a fast-changing market.
Watch the Kaya Cast Interview with Meilad Rafiei
Interview Timestamps:
00:00 Celebrating Budtenders: KayaPush Spotlight
00:43 Introduction to Kaya Cast Podcast
00:54 Journey into the Cannabis Industry
03:12 Challenges and Successes in Early Operations
04:05 Navigating the Legal Landscape
05:12 Strategic Business Decisions
07:24 Market Trends and Valuation Insights
08:09 Opportunities in the California Market
11:27 Buying and Selling Cannabis Businesses
19:15 Project Management and Operational Skills
20:59 Ensuring Good Standing for Your Business
21:26 Getting Your Finances in Order
22:01 Working with the Right Professionals
23:09 Dealing with Ownership Restrictions
24:28 The Importance of Exclusivity with Brokers
27:17 Evaluating Your Business for Sale
30:04 Challenges in Cannabis Business Transactions
32:47 Why Deals Fall Through
40:05 Final Thoughts and Resources
Originally published at https://www.kayapush.com/podcast-episodes/wecanns-expert-playbook-how-to-thrive-in-the-ever-changing-cannabis-industry
