Culture is the Strategy: Gus Sevastos on Minnesota’s 2026 Cannabis Reality

Minnesota’s cannabis market is moving from gold rush to grind. On the latest episode of The Canna Connect Show, host Stephen Eigenmann sits down with Gus Sevastos to unpack what operators face in 2026: supply constraints, testing and transportation bottlenecks, and why culture beats a clean menu every time. Watch on YouTube and drop a comment with your biggest takeaway. Watch the episode.

Prefer audio? Tune in on Apple Podcasts and share it with your team. Listen to the podcast.

What you'll learn

The supply crunch in Minnesota cannabis. With 40+ retailers competing for limited wholesale product, operators need smart inventory planning and strong relationships across the state, from Anoka to Uptown in Minneapolis.

Tech that adapts. Dutchie’s latest tools help shops personalize the consumer experience and manage stock in real time. Explore the platform here: Dutchie.

Culture over corporate. Gus explains why “names to faces” networking is a survival skill in 2026 and how authentic community building strengthens brands and loyalty.

Resources and shoutouts

Connect with Gus on LinkedIn
Connect with Stephen on LinkedIn
Our sponsor, Center for Energy and Environment, offers free energy consultations and LED rebates to lower dispensary overhead. Learn more.

Bottom line for Minnesota operators

If you are building a resilient dispensary in Minnesota’s 2026 market, use this episode as a checkpoint and a playbook. Pressure test your inventory plan against real supply constraints, tighten data hygiene inside your POS, and build staff training around dose education so first-time consumers feel confident. Map your critical paths for testing and transportation, then create backup vendors and timelines. Invest in culture by turning “names to faces” networking into a weekly habit that drives hiring, partnerships, and community trust. Finally, look for efficiency wins that protect margin, from LED rebates to smarter reorder rules. Watch or listen, pick two actions to implement this month, and tell us what moved the needle.

Next steps:
• Audit your inventory workflows.
• Book an energy consult with CEE.
• Come meet the community at our next event.

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