MITA Launches 'Brand Migration Series' to Connect Cannabis Brands and Manufacturers Across Fragmented Markets
Jo Jacobson, co-founder of Rove, highlights market selection strategies on the MITA Brand Migration Series, focusing on leveraging strategic regional awareness to power seamless entry into new commercial cannabis markets.
Napalm Founder Xzibit shares key scaling strategies on MITA’s Brand Migration Series, focusing on maintaining strict quality control and building trusted operational relationships to successfully navigate multi-state expansion.
MFUSED’s co-founder, Jeff Freeman, outlines his team's approach to market entry during the MITA Brand Migration Series, focusing on high-value partnerships that support local operators and drive long-term value for retailers and communities.
The monthly video roundtable is a B2B connector, helping companies navigate the global supply chain and scale across state lines.
Through this new series, MITA helps connect brands and manufacturers to drive cross-border expansion, licensing, and market entry without relying on traditional brokers. The inaugural September episode, currently streaming on YouTube, highlights what it takes to move a cannabis brand into a new market.
Hosted by Demitri Downing, founder of MITA, the discussion features multi-state operators sharing their expansion strategies. The panel includes Xzibit of Napalm; Jo Jacobson of Rove; Chad Sloot and John Butcher of iAnthus; Jeff Freeman of MFUSED; Brian Warde of Grown4, NWILKS and president of the Arizona Dispensaries Association (ADA); Andrew Haddad of CannaLaugh; and MITA’s Flavia Gottschalk.
Scaling a brand requires strict quality control and reliable manufacturing partners. Napalm founder Xzibit emphasized vetting these relationships to protect brand identity. "It's important to find like-minded people that want to do operations the way you do it," he noted. "If they have room for you, you'll see the efficiency needed to make yourself successful."
Echoing the importance of strategic alignment, Jeff Freeman highlighted their calculated approach to expansion. "We get lots of offers for licensing deals, but it's all about the right partnerships. Partnering with legacy local operators, plugging in, and helping them build infrastructure. It’s about bringing cultural relevance and understanding what it takes to succeed on behalf of the retailer and the community."
Market selection also plays a crucial role in building cross-border momentum. Jo Jacobson shared that their early presence in a heavy tourism market fueled national brand awareness. "Nevada helped us tremendously because so many tourists come in and out, then go back to their home states. When we've gone into additional states since then, people remember us.”
With varying expansion models, operators must stay highly adaptable to individual state regulations. "One mistake a lot of manufacturers make as they expand is they treat compliance like a department, not part of product development," added Brian Warde. "When I'm sourcing brands, putting an emphasis on compliance as they enter the market is a candid and important conversation that sets successful brands apart."
Moving forward, the Brand Migration Series will feature two brands and two manufacturers in each episode to facilitate direct matchmaking. The upcoming October broadcast will highlight the operational hurdles of multi-state expansion, featuring Raw Resin and Highsman alongside Arizona-based manufacturer Grow Sciences.
These virtual conversations lead directly to in-person discussions at the MITA Manufacturing & Distribution Lounge at MJBizCon, December 2–4 in Las Vegas. This exclusive lounge connects manufacturers, distributors, brands, and market-entry partners in a focused environment built around real expansion opportunities.
For inquiries regarding the Brand Migration Series or the MJBizCon Lounge, contact Flavia Gottschalk at flavia@mita.us. To watch the first episode or learn more about MITA, visit mita.us
About the Marijuana Industry Trade Association (MITA)
Founded in Arizona in 2016 by cannabis industry leader Demitri Downing, the Marijuana Industry Trade Association (MITA) connects businesses, industry leaders, and organizations through networking, education, strategic partnerships, and business development opportunities. Bringing markets together nationally and internationally, MITA reduces friction between operators, manufacturers, and growth opportunities. Powered by a year-round ecosystem of executive events, media, and strategic introductions, MITA drives the industry forward through trust and access. Learn more at www.mita.us.
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