Meet Michael Marinaro, a seasoned cannabis cultivator, and Tara Hopper, a skilled lawyer. No, Mike didn’t catch another case—together, they’re building a cannabis cultivation business in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts. Bada Bloom started as an idea that evolved into a brand, combining Michael’s cultivation expertise with Tara’s legal know-how. We discuss the "right place, right time" moments that brought them together and how they raised funds, turning investors into a supportive extended family.

With a provisional license and construction underway, they’ve had time to observe the industry they’re about to enter. We dive into the challenges they’ve noticed that are holding the industry back, what consumers don’t know, and the limited information available to them about cannabis products. Michael and Tara share their commitment to producing a high-quality product, one they believe will help them stand out in a struggling market. We also explore the current climate for cannabis consumers in Massachusetts and ask the question: do people really know what’s dank?