{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"061: Infusing Gourmet Edibles and THC Drinks into Modern-Day Speakeasy Events with Mark Rafailovich","description":"There\u2019s a greater appetite for cannabis events than ever before\u2013and today\u2019s guest is doing some amazing stuff to create safe, fun, and upscale opportunities and experiences for people who want to partake!  We\u2019re talking to Mark Rafailovich. Mark is the founder and owner of Spleaf, which he launched by selling homemade THC brownies when he was a freshman at Brooklyn College, before turning it into a full-fledged business.  These days, Mark is all-in on gourmet edibles and creating special experiences. He\u2019s bringing people together so they can enjoy great products like his in amazing environments, and to normalize and de-stigmatize cannabis use in common, everyday settings.  In today\u2019s conversation, we talk to Mark about his journey from the former Soviet Union to entrepreneurship in New York City, how he creates a wide array of highly specialized cannabis products and presents them at complementary events, and  how the audience for cannabis (and what they want) is rapidly changing.  KEY TAKEAWAYS How cannabis can serve as an alternative to alcohol (and why it isn\u2019t a gateway drug). How Mark started Spleaf in college, then used his knowledge from film school and the restaurant world to create gorgeously documented products and truly unique cannabis products. How cannabis beverages can function as an analogue to alcohol\u2013and the issues making it difficult to serve these products in many cities. How Mark aims to create a pop-up experience vibe at his events and not just a shopping event. Why Mark thinks we\u2019ll see federal legalization no sooner than 2027. Show Notes For complete show notes, including transcripts, takeaways, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SoHoExp.com\/61 To learn more about the podcast and get access to all episodes, visit: SoHoExp.com\/GreenRepeal ","author_name":"The Green Repeal - A Guide to Cannabis Marketing & Advertising","author_url":"https:\/\/sohoexp.libsyn.com\/","html":"