Cannabis legalization has changed the landscape but not in the way most people assume.

In this episode of Unseen Impact, Rory and Kerri are joined by cannabis compliance attorney Kimberly Sims to unpack the reality behind the industry. What starts as a conversation about legalization quickly turns into a deeper look at regulation, consumer risk, and the hidden gaps in the system.

One of the biggest misconceptions? That legal equals safe. As Kimberly explains, the regulated cannabis market is highly controlled—but outside of it, particularly in the growing hemp and Delta-8 space, products can be untested, mislabeled, and potentially dangerous. Many consumers are unknowingly purchasing products that haven’t gone through the same safety standards as licensed dispensary items.

The episode also explores how quickly the industry evolved from unclear laws and underground operations to a complex, highly regulated system and why that rapid growth has created confusion for both businesses and consumers.

The takeaway is simple but critical: know what you’re buying. Look for testing (COAs), verify licensed sellers, and don’t assume protection just because something is on a shelf.

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