About this conversation
Originally premiered: Oct 30, 2026 · Length: 54:39.
In Some Guys Talking Episode 25, hosts Brian Holler and Aaron Washington sit down with Ernest Toney, Founder and Principal of BIPOCann, to discuss cannabis social equity, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the challenges facing small businesses in the regulated cannabis industry.
Ernest shares his journey from growing up in rural Virginia to witnessing Colorado’s legalization firsthand, working on MJBiz’s marketing and partnerships team, and founding BIPOCann in 2020. BIPOCann was built to address gaps in minority representation and cannabis business ownership, and now focuses on business development, technical assistance, education, and mentorship for social equity licensees and underserved entrepreneurs.
The conversation explores why receiving a cannabis license does not guarantee business success, how mentorship and access to professional networks can help entrepreneurs overcome barriers, and why building a sustainable cannabis business requires patience, community, and a long term strategy.
Watch the full episode
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilmemX3Gwo4
Topics covered
- Ernest Toney’s path from rural Virginia to Colorado legalization and MJBiz
- Founding BIPOCann in 2020 and closing gaps in minority ownership
- Why a cannabis license alone does not guarantee business success
- Mentorship and professional networks for social equity entrepreneurs
- Patience, community, and long term strategy in building a sustainable business
This overview was checked against the original publisher’s episode description. It is not a transcript; watch the recording for the full conversation.
About Some Guys Talking
Some Guys Talking is where cannabis industry veterans have candid, unfiltered conversations about the business, the culture, and where it is all headed. Hosted by Brian Holler (CRO of Beard Bros Pharms and Beard Bros Media) and Aaron Washington, on the Beard Bros Media Network. Catch every episode in the full playlist (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfODjeiGwWr640u2GL4rY86gcrw5lGrfM) or listen on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6Q9YXvDWR73EBYxYQNe9TX). Want Brian on your stage or podcast? Check out his Media and Speaking page.