Most cannabis brands obsess over strains, stores, or scale. But Ryan Cook has always approached the industry differently—by designing cannabis businesses from the ground up with intention, precision, and soul.

In this episode, Jake and Duffy sit down with Ryan, co-founder of The Clinic, The Lab, and The Bank, to explore how world-class operations translate into unforgettable customer experiences. From the earliest days of caregiver licenses in Colorado to running dispensaries with 25 counters and designing vertically integrated systems for national MSOs, Ryan shares how thoughtful design, regulatory insight, and good old-fashioned craftsmanship shape the cannabis experience.

Whether you're building a brand, refining a retail footprint, or just trying to stay ahead of shifting regulations, this conversation offers a masterclass in high-touch strategy and execution.

Topics Covered:

• What makes a dispensary experience truly stand out
• How regulatory hurdles shaped store design and innovation
• The evolution of vertically integrated cannabis brands
• Lessons from scaling Juva to MSO status
• Why F1 hybrid genetics could transform the industry
• Designing for operational excellence in cultivation and retail
• How automation is changing the cannabis workforce

About Our Guest:
Ryan Cook is a cannabis pioneer and expert operator. He co-founded The Clinic, The Lab, and The Bank—award-winning cannabis brands based in Colorado—and later helped scale Juva to a national MSO. Today, he leads CFE Consulting Group, where he helps operators around the world design better businesses and deliver better experiences.

Links & References:

• CFE Consulting Group