High Five: Jack Blaeser

What’s the biggest challenge facing the cannabis industry right now, and how are you and/or your company addressing it?

The cannabis industry is facing several significant challenges as we all know, with the ongoing issues surrounding 280E tax laws and access to capital being perhaps the most harmful. However, one of the biggest challenges that I believe is overlooked is the opportunity to convert existing cannabis users from the illicit market (50-70% still buy illegally) to the legal market, while also attracting new users now that cannabis is legal and offers an array of enticing products to newcomers to include edibles and beverages.

With legalization spreading across 38 states, there’s a growing opportunity to shift perceptions and behaviors. The legal market offers a wide array of exciting new products that not only meet high-quality standards that users can trust but also present safer and more healthy alternatives to substances like alcohol and other addictive drugs. However, getting users to make this shift requires more than just availability—it’s about building trust, ensuring accessibility, and creating an experience that resonates with both current users and those new to cannabis. That is where we feel technology can play a significant role in making the purchase of cannabis as easy as buying your next cup of coffee or ‘Iced grande skinny vanilla latte’ at Starbucks.

At Mosaic, we’re addressing this challenge by focusing on delivering a seamless, branded digital customer experience for dispensaries that users love akin to the Starbucks app, loyalty and payments experience. Our platform not only enhances eCommerce capabilities but also integrates loyalty programs and payment solutions that make legal purchases more convenient and rewarding. By partnering with dispensaries, we’re helping them to build strong customer relationships, promote product education, and create a user experience that competes with and surpasses the convenience of the illicit market.

Where do you see the most exciting opportunity for growth and innovation in cannabis?

Building further, I believe the most exciting opportunity for growth and innovation in the cannabis industry lies in its potential to attract new users by offering products that can replace alcohol and other substances with healthier alternatives. As legalization spreads across the country, we’re seeing a shift in consumer behavior, with more people becoming open to trying cannabis, especially in formats that align with their current habits and health goals.

One of the most promising examples is cannabis-infused beverages. These products offer a familiar experience to consumers who might be looking for alternatives to alcohol, whether for health reasons, to reduce calorie intake, or to avoid the negative effects of alcohol consumption. For example, many cannabis beverages are designed to provide a similar social experience as alcohol but without the calories, hangover, or long-term health risks associated with drinking.

Recent studies show that cannabis beverages are gaining traction as a viable alternative to alcohol, particularly among younger demographics. According to research, the global cannabis beverage market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 17% from 2021 to 2028, reflecting the increasing interest in these products as a healthier substitute. I think it will be faster as prices for the drinks become more competitive with alcohol options. It has potential to have a bigger impact than the emergence of seltzers.

By partnering with dispensaries to enhance their eCommerce platforms, we’re helping them introduce these products to a broader audience. Our digital solutions make it easier for customers to discover, learn about, and purchase cannabis beverages, integrating them into their lifestyle in a way that promotes health and well-being. We have started to talk with brands about how we can help them reach directly to consumers as well.

Moreover, cannabis offers benefits that alcohol simply can’t. Beyond being calorie-free, cannabis can help with relaxation, anxiety reduction, and even pain management, providing a more holistic approach to wellness. As the industry continues to innovate, we expect to see even more exciting products that will appeal to a wide range of consumers, further driving the shift from alcohol to cannabis.

In this evolving market, the potential for growth is immense, and by focusing on new user adoption through innovative products like cannabis beverages, the industry can not only expand but also make a positive impact on public health.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone looking to break into the cannabis industry?

If you’re looking to break into the cannabis industry, my biggest piece of advice is to just get started somewhere—don’t wait for the perfect opportunity. This industry is one of the most welcoming and collaborative you’ll find, and getting involved, even at an entry-level position or in a different role than you initially envisioned, will open up doors and connections that can shape your career.

Cannabis is still in its growth phase, and the community is incredibly supportive of newcomers. By getting your foot in the door, you’ll start to build relationships, learn the ins and outs of the industry, and gain valuable experience that can help you advance. Whether you start in retail, cultivation, marketing, or another area, each role offers a unique perspective and a chance to contribute to a rapidly evolving field. So, don’t overthink it—just dive in. The key is to be passionate, eager to learn, and ready to engage with others in this dynamic industry. Your first step might lead to unexpected and exciting opportunities.

What is the most important thing you have learned from your experiences in the cannabis industry?

The most important thing I’ve learned from my experiences in the cannabis industry is that it’s incredibly challenging—more so than many other industries —primarily due to the complex and demanding regulatory hurdles. Navigating these regulations requires persistence, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the legal landscape, which can be daunting. However, with these challenges come significant opportunities.

The complexity of the industry creates gaps where innovation can thrive. For example, at Mosaic, we are focused on helping retail operators better engage with their customers and drive operational efficiencies effectively across the regulatory constraints. By developing tailored eCommerce solutions, loyalty programs, and compliant payment options, we’re enabling dispensaries to not only comply with regulations but also to build stronger, more personalized relationships with their customers.

In many ways, the challenges of the cannabis industry push us to be more creative and solution-oriented. It’s a tough environment, but it’s also one where those who are willing to tackle the obstacles can find immense growth and success.

What do you want your legacy to be as it relates to the cannabis industry?

If anything, I’d want to be defined by helping others—whether that’s supporting the success of our customers and partners, helping our employees build successful careers, or contributing to the overall success of the industry. Despite the challenges we face, I’m committed to making a positive impact by fostering growth, collaboration, and innovation, ensuring that the industry thrives and that those involved in it have the opportunity to succeed.

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