My name is Tripp Keber, CEO of Dixie Elixirs & Edibles, and I'm delivering the future of cannabis. AMA!

In a more serious note, what has your companies experience been in terms of being treated as a legitimate business i.e. banking, local business groups?

In recent years, we at Dixie feel like we have had a 95% approval rating. We have access to the highest levels of government, both local and state, and in recent months, even federal agencies.

We believe in 2014, marijuana went mainstream, and we are starting to see the benefits of that across the board.

Banking is a complex issue related to the cannabis industry. It is the single greatest opportunity, but also the single greatest threat.

It's important to note that you have an industry that is doubling on an annual basis, in which 85% of the transactions are conducted in cash. I truly believe that both our federal and state governments understand the importance of offering traditional banking services to businesses like mine.

Watch closely, later this year and next, for what I believe to be a viable solution.

are you a greedy ass?

Well...I dont happen to think so. Im a businessman, and while its hard to take your question too seriously I will tell you that being successful in business can be confused with greed. But the truth is...without smart people running businesses that are grounded in being successful, we cant move the industry forward. We have spent 100s of thousands of dollars on meeting compliance/regulations, changing our packaging, working on education etc. to help move the industry ahead. That doesnt happen without money. So, while those who are activists are necessary. And those who are passionate about the plant are necessary. I would submit that businessmen and women are necessary as well. My hope is that collectively we find the right balance to bring legalization to the national level. But thanks for the insult :).

Can I come work for you? Please.

chuckles

Thank you very much for your interest in Dixie. We get that question a lot.

It's an honor to see so many people interested in joining the cannabis industry.

And I'll refer you to the email address - [email protected] - to reach out to for more information.

How do you feel about the military's Zero tolerance for marijuana? should the military allow usage?

Wow. thats a tough one. I dont know that I am educated enough on the issues. But i will say its likely a similar challenge to employment law or DUI's here. Its tough to measure (currently) the amount of truly "active" THC someone has consumed, and when, and then draw the conclusion regarding impairment. So the military being the military and not fond of grey area simply would rather not deal with it. Thus, its zero tolerance. That said, I do believe in a state where it is legal to consumer (medical or adult use) our soldiers should have the right to do so. But again, its a complicated question with a number of rabbit holes.

How do you feel about regulations in the industry? Are they good or bad for your company? for the industry as a whole?

Here in Colorado, we have incredible respect for the Marijuana Enforcement Devision. The prevailing attitude of the MED allows key stakeholders, like Dixie, to have a seat at the table. The adage "seek first to understand, and then be understood" applies each & every day.

And it's refreshing to work alongside confident regulators that truly understand the importance of this powerful plant, and how it impacts so many aspects of society, from a political, legal and social standpoint.

We operate at the pleasure of the state of Colorado, and it's a privilege to do so.

What is your favorite edible?

What is your opinion on the future of cannabis or hemp in fighting cancer? I've got a mild form of cancer, but have had hemp oil recommended to me several times.

My favorite edible is the Dixie Awakening Mint, which offers 5 mg of active THC. And it is a Sativa strain.

As it regards to the future of cannabis and fighting cancer, although I'm not a medical doctor, so I can't make claims, there's clearly evidence that suggests that at a bare minimum, cannibanoids have the ability to assist with the regression and / or mitigation of cancer cells.

Additionally, there are hundreds of websites and studies that suggest that hemp oil may assist with many of the side effects of cancer.

When can I find your products in the CA Bay Area?

Not yet, but coming soon! Dixie is building a state of the art manufacturing & production facility in the Bay Area. We hope to have products on the shelves of licensed medical marijuana dispensaries sometime this summer. Please stay tuned! We look forward to serving patients across the entire state of California soon.

Hi Tripp, thanks for taking the time to do this AMA.

What are the biggest compliance challenges you've faced as a leader in the MMIPM industry in Colorado? Do you think software tools (like METRC) compound or reduce those types of challenges for cannabis entrepreneurs?

So the single greatest challenge is the compliance requirements associated with packaging, labeling, and dosing. To give you a perspective, most CPGs (or consumer packaged goods companies) update their packaging every 36 months.

We have updated our packaging completely 3 times in last 18 months.

So in addition to the hundreds of thousands of dollars that have been spent, the intellectual horsepower required is NOT insignificant.

Being the future of cannabis is challenging from day-to-day. But we're extremely bullish on what the industry has to offer both medical marijuana patients and consumers, not only here in Colorado, but across the country.

How did you initially fundraise, and how much? Very curious how long you waited to take on investment, and what your worth was when you finally did. Really fantastic work overall. You're an inspiration for all entrepreneurs in this industry!

Initially, we didn't fundraise, because there were very few individuals that I knew that were interested in being part of the cannabis industry. So we did most of the heavy lifting on our own backs. Almost 4 years later, we successfully raised $8 million dollars to fund expansion of Dixie through its parent company, Dixie Brands.

Thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot.

Lord of the Rings or Star Wars?

I have to go with Star Wars. Looking forward to the next installment.

How's Steve looking today?

Which Steve?

Sexy Steve from Philly, of course

In that case...He's got some work to do :).

How can one invest in your company?

At the moment, you cant, sorry to say. We are neither looking for funding nor are we publicly traded. But you never know what the future may hold.

Hey Tripp, I'm currently a budtender in Denver, I have a culinary degree and working towards my bachelors in business. With the industry so saturated here in Denver, What is the best way to get a job at an edible company here in CO?

Email [email protected].

Secondarily, create a resume or CV that allows you to stand out from the crowd.

Dixie hires team members each and every week, and as our company continues to grow, we're looking to identify and hire best of breed employees in all categories.

Good luck to you!

Is there any way for me (a resident of Maryland) to get a regular supply of your products? I feel so left out. I've never had good edibles, and I've tried plenty of times.

Not at this point in time. Come visit us in Colorado! It's beautiful this time of year.

How do you guys take everyday snacks like cheetos and turn them into edibles?

To be candid, we don't make THC-infused products like Cheetos or other savory snacks.

We at Dixie believe the future of cannabis is creating innovative delivery systems.

That being said, we always appreciate and on occasion chuckle at some of the product suggestions we receive from our loyal fans.

Keep the suggestions coming. And thanks a lot!

Will Dixie have a booth at the Cannabis Cup this weekend?

We will not. We've chosen to not participate directly at the High Times Cannabis Cup. But we will be involved with dozens of events around the city, beginning Friday, and though 4/20 itself.

Look out for Dixie's street teams across the city, giving away 4/20 survival kits!

Will Dixie be attending the Denver cannabis cup this year?

Not this year. We are involved in a number of 420 activities, but not the Cup.

How can I get a job in the Cannabis industry? I live in PA :/ willing to relocate though! ...I really wanna do PR for a dispensary...

There are a number of MJ related job sites. But overall, just differentiate yourself. Find an opportunity to share with a specific dispensary EXACTLY how you will make a difference to their business. Remember that most are completely overwhelmed and busy, so you have to approach them with that understanding. A random email and resume isnt going to cut it for most. Study them, find out what makes them tick and then share with them the issue you can solve for them.

Why prompted you to enter the cannabis business? How did you deal with the stigma and negative association of entering a grey field with disapproving friends and family?

Initially, what prompted me was money. And I humbly submit that I'm slightly embarrassed by that. But in a very short period of time, I realized the powerful benefits that cannabis can offer to all types of people. It's surreal, looking back 5 years later, that money was the primary motivator, now that I know how we ( as a company, Dixie) have impacted hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people, across the country.

To date, I've never received any disapproving comments from friends & family.

But the day is still young. You never know.

Will Dixie Elixirs be at The Denver Post's UMS again this year?

Complicated question.

Our intentions were to be at the UMS this year, but advertising laws involving cannabis companies are incredibly complicated. These very laws that are designed to promote cannabis companies, like Dixie, preclude us from actually participating.

Hi Tripp,

A couple questions:

How are you dealing with the banking restrictions imposed on your business when you offer a product that is sold in the industry? Where do you see buyer habits of consumption trending towards? Everyone will always prefer their own way, but what are people's habits? What is the most difficult process when infusing cannabis into edible mediums? How do you and your business stay ahead and innovative in this industry and what are some common mistakes people encounter or problems they misconceive when entering the market?

Sorry for the long inquiry, but I'm very intrigued and strive to make a name in the industry myself. Thanks for your time!

Wow! Well, we are fortunate as a manufacturer and as Dixie Brands to have banking relationships.

We are hopeful that all participants within the cannabis industry will have the same soon.

Keep your fingers crossed.

We are finding that consumers of edibles (THC-infused products to ingest) are focused on products with health and wellness - less calories, fewer sugars, fewer carbohydrates.

We refer to these as "innovative delivery systems," taking advantage of science that we've understood and created over the past 5 years.

Why consume a pot brownie, when you can ingest one of Dixie's Relaxing Mints?

It's a much more positive experience.

What's the best edible for someone that has never tried cannabis?

The lowest-dosed edible you can find.

In particularly, in the state of Colorado, we have consumer education programs, including "First Time Five" as well as "Go low, Go slow."

Each promoting novice cannabis consumers enjoying no more than 5 mgs of active THC, allowing for no less than 60 minutes before your next dose.

What is the largest misconception about the cannabis plant? Is THC a cannabinoid?

Of course, yes it is. THC is indeed a cannabinoid. And is one of eighty that have been identified in the cannabis plants. Clearly, THC (which offers the consumer or patient a psychoactive experience) is seemingly the most popular these days.

How does your company advertise this product and what are the limits in this area?

The limits related to advertising are not insignificant. It is challenging to utilize mainstream media platforms. But at at a bare minimum, you must focus on publications or forums that focus on a demographic that is 21 years or older. The advertising rules & regs continue to evolve, and it's an incredibly complicated and challenging subject. On occasion, it's frustrating. I wish we could do more.

What aspect of the professional cannabis industry is the most underserved? On the day when we see Eaze getting a really respectable investment & valuation for modern delivery services, it would be interesting hear your thoughts on what business roles need the most expansion in the cannabis industry. Marketing, Capital investment, Home growth, etc?

Simple answer to that--banking. There are other areas that could stand some improvement (marketing being one that is improving rapidly, the retail experience, labs/testing). But as i mentioned earlier, if we can get banking fixed it would create huge opportunity to improve on all of the other elements.

Who would win in a kaiju battle, Super Mecha Miley Cyrus or The Colossal Radioactive Justin Bieber?

Miley Cyrus.

I've met Justin Bieber. Not scary.

I was curious as to what you think would the maximum dose you could give someone with a cbd packed pill and still see medically useful results? Im, uh.... asking for a friend

Not sure I understand the question? The max dose of CBD in terms of when is it no longer medicinally beneficial? If so, thats hard to answer as it would vary by person, what is being treated etc.

Visiting Colorado soon, love the outdoors, where would you recommend going for a hike? Can't wait to purchase a Dixie Lift energy shot, seems like the perfect trail companion :) Thanks for doing this!

One of my favorite trails is in Aspen, Colorado. "Maroon Bells" offers both a vigorous workout and inspirational views. I can't think of a better place to enjoy's Dixie's Lift Energy Shot.

Good luck and send us a selfie!

Hi Tripp. What types of Cannabis Cheese do you know of? And what Cheese best pairs with a run of the mill Indica and sativa?

On April 1st, we launched an incredible product, called "Canatuna." Check it out on our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DixieElixirs/photos/a.146597758725750.40160.129061613812698/916005691784949/?type=1&theater

That being said, I don't have any experience infusing THC in cheese.

That sounds interesting, let us know how it works out.

what's your favorite movie?

Let's see... GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS and THE BIG LEBOWSKI.

Hey Tripp! Huge fan of Dixie Products and Pot Barons of Colorado! What was that filming experience like? What was your favorite part of it? What was it like watching it on TV? What was your favorite part of the show that didn't involve Dixie?

It was an honor to be included alongside so many talented entrepreneurs.

Overall, I thought "Pot Barons of Colorado" represented both myself, my team members, and my company in a positive and accurate light.

We're confident we'll see more coming from "Pot Barons" in the future. Stay tuned for more on that.

It was entertaining to see myself on TV. I can laugh at myself, and on many occasions, I did.

I think it was the reality of the situation, that so many people think it's sexy and exciting to be in the cannabis industry, but on more than one occasion, it was demonstrated that it's very challenging, and on one occasion, even frightening. So it shined a big bright light that being in the cannabis industry is not only challenging, but on occasion, dangerous.

How did you approach packaging your Dixie products? Are there certain restrictions on design specific to cannabis products?

Carefully. And yes, many restrictions as well as requirements in terms of child resistance, labeling, etc. Its a very complicated aspect of our business but it comes with the territory.

Hello Mr. Keber!

Thanks for doing this! What do you think about the digital/mobile aspect and future of technology in the industry? Where do you see expansion, great promise or potential? Where do you see great potential in other aspects of the industry?

Thanks again for doing this! Love Dixie Elixirs products!

I think there is great growth happening around digital and mobile and i think there is more to come. We are at a point now where we are identifying real pain points that technology can solve for businesses and where consumers are less fearful of engaging with the industry digitally. I think tech is the next great growth platform within the industry (just look at the recent MSRT IPO..and for disclosure, I am a board member...). I think we have much work to do on the b-to-b side though. Hard to gain traction/adoption sometimes, but it will happen.

Will Dixie be carrying products with varying concentrations of the different cannabinoids?

Absolutely YES.

We're excited to have 4 to 6 products on our "innovation board" at any given time.

Many of which will introduce specific cannabinoid profiles, highlighting both THC and CBD, as well as other cannabinoids.

Stay tuned for more on that.

It's ironic that your company is called Dixie and yet no southern states in the US have approved medical or recreational marijuana. It's extremely frustrating all around for people who live in the South and can't get access to your wonderful products -- especially for serious medical conditions that could be alleviated by cannabis. Do you foresee the south as being the last hold out?

And, as a side note I have heard a great deal of anecdotal information on cannabis helping migraines. Have you heard any success stories for migraines - specifically with edibles?

I agree. It is very frustrating indeed. While there have been positive discussions in states like FL and even Alabama and Louisiana, Im not sure I see many Southern states "seeing the light" in the near term. Of course, there's always hope that they realize the tax and wellness benefits, but, Im not holding out a ton of hope. As for migraines--absolutely. I know of many who find that if they consume THC at the very onset of a migraine it can either significantly reduce the impact or potentially prevent it all together.

Thank you Tripp. Regarding THC, I have heard that high CBD content combined with THC has also been quite effective. Do any of your edibles contain high CBD with THC?

We have a line called Synergy that is a 1:1 CBD to THC ratio. It's a great product that can be found at dispensaries throughout CO.

Hi Tripp, When you say.... "Look out for Dixie coming to a state near your in 2015!" does that mean only states with legal marijuana laws or will customers in other states be able to order your edibles online?

Also, Do you have a retail store in Denver?

To answer the first part of your question, to be very clear, we only intend to offer Dixie products in states that offer some form of access to cannabis, whether it be medical or adult use. It's incredibly important to adhere to the regulatory framework that each state offers, that allows us the privilege to distribute this powerful plant.

In my opinion, someday all 50 states will offer some form of access to cannabis. And when that day comes, it is likely you will see Dixie on shelves near you.

Keep the faith.

No retail store in Denver yet. But I love the concept of "Dixie-land!"

Can you make some dabs that I can put up my nose?

We dont currently make any dabbable products. Not sure snorting a dab would work though.

Do you plan on selling the Dixie Elixir manufacturing process to out of state retailers? I'd love to see you all over the PNW!!

The answer is unequivocally yes. We intend to expand the Dixie Brand this year into Arizona, California (as previously mentioned), Oregon, Washington State, and even Nevada. Look for updates on our website & various social media platforms to learn more about dates of products being available in your home state.

Thanks for the loyalty and support.

What would you suggest to smaller growers in states with medical programs and legalization plans to still be able to make a living growing? Should the home/small growers be worried about big marijuana business moving in and how that would change things?

At the end of the day, it's important to put your foot in the water, and get in the game.

No matter how small your cultivation environment is, you have the ability to create powerful medicine in those states with medical programs.

Like any other business, it's important to focus on growth, and how that growth interacts with other businesses in your community. There certainly is a trend to reduce or limit the amount of cannabis that an individual, a citizen, may grow in his or her personal residence, and that will continue to be a focus of state regulators, not only here in Colorado, but across the country.

Please pay special attention to what your state allows you. There are many individuals languishing in the prison systems from a non-violent drug offense for the possession of marijuana, or the cultivation of such.

Is Dixie going to market CBD infused products to other states and countries?

Absolutely, yes. We intend to release a new brand of CBD line products later this spring / early summer.

Hi Tripp! Thanks for hosting this live Q&A session.

Why do you think more and more tech investors are starting to put their money into Cannabusiness? And what impact do you predict this having in Colorado?

I'm a writer for Built In Colorado (www.builtincolorado.com) and am writing an article on weed-tech companies for 4/20. We would love your thoughts!

Thanks so much- Maura Gaughan

Maura--thats probably a longer and involved discussion. Feel free to reach out to our CMO at [email protected] to discuss.

Tripp, are there going to be regional licensing and or franchise opportunities for others to manufacture and distribute Dixie products?

Absolutely. THats part of our national expansion plans.

It's Rodney. You here soon right?

Sure hope so!