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Experts give status report on medical marijuana in Florida

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Our most recent episode of Fried On Business dealt with the sensitive subject of medical marijuana.

I could offer a pun here, but I won’t because the issue is very important to people who are seeking relief from chronic pain and other afflictions without resorting to prescription drugs.

People like me. I recently was approved for my own medical marijuana card.

First up, we spoke with someone I call the “queen of medical marijuana” in Florida, Nicole Fried, President and owner of Igniting Florida LLC.

She heads up the local and state lobbying team for San Felasco Nursery D/B/A The Green Solution, one of the seven Florida licensed medical marijuana treatment centers (MMTCs).

Lest there be any confusion, smoking marijuana is still illegal in Florida, despite the provisions of a recent state constitutional amendment legalizing medical marijuana, Fried said.

Yet, production of anything connected to medical marijuana is legal. Medical marijuana treatment centers can sell any product related to the medicinal use of cannabis.

Six state-authorized manufacturers are producing these products, Fried said, and a seventh is nearly ready to get under way. Manufacturers are distributed by region, but they can grow and sell anywhere inside the state.

Medical marijuana treatment centers are vertically integrated, meaning they handle everything from cultivating to manufacturing to distributing the product.

Of course, all of this is still illegal on the federal level. And since the feds control the banking system, at present MMTCs are largely a cash business, Fried said.

But First Green Bank, a state-chartered institution, has begun to accept business from most of the MMTCs, she added.

More hurdles exist, as well. For instance, cities and counties are within their rights to regulate MMTCs as pharmacies or deny their permits and ban them outright. They cannot, however, stop delivery to a patient’s home from an MMTC operating in a legal jurisdiction, she said.

Fried said she expects numerous legislative fixes going forward to address industry issues such as franchising, wholesaling, and more.

Next, we spoke with Ivan Field, CEO of Medical United LLC, which is operating as MarijuanaDoctor.com.

Field is not a doctor, but rather an entrepreneur. After retirement, he moved to California and actually became a medical marijuana patient due to chronic back pain.

After hearing that medical marijuana was coming to Florida, he turned his focus here in an effort to provide care to people at a more affordable price.

“Medicine shouldn’t be just for rich people,” he said.

In short, here is the process to secure a medical marijuana card:

– Make an appointment with MarijuanaDoctor.com or a similar provider focusing on medical marijuana recommendations.
– Give the provider your medical records.
– The provider will issue a recommendation and a certification letter.
– The patient then makes application to the state of Florida, which will issue the card.

Field said the biggest issue has been educating the public regarding medical marijuana. There’s still a misconception that anyone who smokes marijuana is a drug addict.

“We have cannabinoid receptors in our bodies. Why are they there?” he asked. “Human beings have been taking this medicine for more than 10,000 years.”

Field said the company has experienced discrimination when trying to open up new locations. Once the local authorities notice the nature of his business, the deal often gets scuttled, he said.

The goal, Field said, is not to get people high. It’s to get people off pharmaceuticals – and their side effects – whenever possible.

I can testify first-hand that the experience at MarijuanaDoctor.com was exceptional. I made an appointment and came prepared with all of my medical records, and they provided me with excellent service.

Contact MarijuanaDoctor.com at 786-577-0006 or visit the website.

An update on Viv

Vivian and I participated in a prayer circle for her at The Sacred Space in Miami. It was one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had with my wife. The impact on Vivian was magical, and it gave me strength as well.

I call it a “10-tissue” event. I’m kind of emotional these days as we continue our search for a living kidney donor. Vivian needs a kidney transplant urgently.

We love and appreciate all of you who are helping us through this journey. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/showvivlove2017.

For information on kidney donation, email R1125@renewal.org

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Jim Fried 31 views May 1, 2026 3:02 pm

Family offices have become one of the most influential sources of capital in today’s investment landscape—but their decision-making process often remains misunderstood. In this episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried breaks down the key issues that drive how family offices evaluate opportunities, structure investments, and ultimately decide where to deploy capital.

Jim explains that family offices think differently than institutional investors. While returns matter, they are rarely the only priority. Capital preservation, long-term stability, and alignment of interests often outweigh aggressive growth strategies. Family offices are typically investing generational wealth, which means their decisions are shaped by a broader perspective that includes legacy, reputation, and continuity.

Throughout the episode, Jim highlights the importance of trust. Relationships play a central role in family office investing. Sponsors who demonstrate transparency, consistency, and credibility over time are far more likely to earn capital than those who simply present strong numbers. Jim discusses how due diligence extends beyond financials to include character, communication style, and the ability to manage adversity.

The conversation also explores governance and control. Family offices often seek clarity on decision-making authority, downside protection, and how risks are shared among partners. Flexible structuring can be a key differentiator, but only when it aligns incentives rather than creating confusion or conflict.

Listeners will learn how to approach family offices more effectively by understanding their priorities. Jim emphasizes that successful capital raising in this space requires patience, preparation, and a relationship-first mindset. It is not about pitching deals—it is about building partnerships.

If you are raising capital, investing alongside family offices, or simply trying to understand how private wealth operates, this episode provides a clear framework for navigating one of the most important capital sources in today’s market.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

Family offices have become one of the most influential sources of capital in today’s investment landscape—but their decision-making process often remains misunderstood. In this episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried breaks down the key issues that drive how family offices evaluate opportunities, structure investments, and ultimately decide where to deploy capital.

Jim explains that family offices think differently than institutional investors. While returns matter, they are rarely the only priority. Capital preservation, long-term stability, and alignment of interests often outweigh aggressive growth strategies. Family offices are typically investing generational wealth, which means their decisions are shaped by a broader perspective that includes legacy, reputation, and continuity.

Throughout the episode, Jim highlights the importance of trust. Relationships play a central role in family office investing. Sponsors who demonstrate transparency, consistency, and credibility over time are far more likely to earn capital than those who simply present strong numbers. Jim discusses how due diligence extends beyond financials to include character, communication style, and the ability to manage adversity.

The conversation also explores governance and control. Family offices often seek clarity on decision-making authority, downside protection, and how risks are shared among partners. Flexible structuring can be a key differentiator, but only when it aligns incentives rather than creating confusion or conflict.

Listeners will learn how to approach family offices more effectively by understanding their priorities. Jim emphasizes that successful capital raising in this space requires patience, preparation, and a relationship-first mindset. It is not about pitching deals—it is about building partnerships.

If you are raising capital, investing alongside family offices, or simply trying to understand how private wealth operates, this episode provides a clear framework for navigating one of the most important capital sources in today’s market.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

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Disclosure: Jim Fried owns stock in DeepBlocks

Olivia explains how DeepBlocks was built to solve a fundamental problem: zoning information is complex, fragmented, and often difficult to interpret at scale. Traditionally, investors relied on manual research, local expertise, and time-consuming analysis to uncover development potential. DeepBlocks changes that by using AI to process large amounts of zoning data quickly, identifying opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The conversation highlights how technology is shifting the competitive landscape. Investors who can analyze zoning faster and more accurately gain a significant advantage in sourcing deals, evaluating sites, and optimizing land use. Olivia shares how the platform helps users understand what can be built, where density can be increased, and how regulatory constraints impact value.

Jim and Olivia also discuss the broader implications of AI in commercial real estate. As tools like DeepBlocks become more sophisticated, they are not replacing human judgment—they are enhancing it. By providing better information, faster insights, and clearer scenarios, AI allows developers, investors, and planners to make more informed decisions.

Listeners will learn how zoning intelligence can uncover hidden value, reduce risk, and improve deal execution. Olivia also shares her perspective on where the industry is heading and how professionals can adapt to a more data-driven environment.

If you want to understand how technology is reshaping real estate from the ground up—literally—this episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of AI, zoning, and investment strategy.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.



🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

Zoning has always been one of the most powerful—and most underutilized—tools in real estate investing. In this episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried sits down with Olivia Ramos, founder of DeepBlocks, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way investors understand and leverage zoning data.

Disclosure: Jim Fried owns stock in DeepBlocks

Olivia explains how DeepBlocks was built to solve a fundamental problem: zoning information is complex, fragmented, and often difficult to interpret at scale. Traditionally, investors relied on manual research, local expertise, and time-consuming analysis to uncover development potential. DeepBlocks changes that by using AI to process large amounts of zoning data quickly, identifying opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The conversation highlights how technology is shifting the competitive landscape. Investors who can analyze zoning faster and more accurately gain a significant advantage in sourcing deals, evaluating sites, and optimizing land use. Olivia shares how the platform helps users understand what can be built, where density can be increased, and how regulatory constraints impact value.

Jim and Olivia also discuss the broader implications of AI in commercial real estate. As tools like DeepBlocks become more sophisticated, they are not replacing human judgment—they are enhancing it. By providing better information, faster insights, and clearer scenarios, AI allows developers, investors, and planners to make more informed decisions.

Listeners will learn how zoning intelligence can uncover hidden value, reduce risk, and improve deal execution. Olivia also shares her perspective on where the industry is heading and how professionals can adapt to a more data-driven environment.

If you want to understand how technology is reshaping real estate from the ground up—literally—this episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of AI, zoning, and investment strategy.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.



🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

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Jim discusses how the shift in tenant mix has strengthened the sector. Landlords are more selective, focusing on quality tenants that complement one another and create a destination. This curated approach leads to stronger occupancy, better rent growth, and more resilient assets.

Listeners will also learn why capital is flowing back into retail. Compared to other sectors facing uncertainty, retail offers relative stability when properly managed. Jim explains how investors are reevaluating the space and why disciplined underwriting remains essential.

If you’ve been ignoring retail based on outdated assumptions, this episode offers a fresh perspective on why the sector is thriving—and how strategic thinking is driving its success.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

For years, retail real estate was written off as the weakest sector in commercial real estate. E-commerce growth, changing consumer habits, and shifting tenant demand led many to believe that brick-and-mortar retail was in permanent decline. In this episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried explains why that narrative has changed—and why retail has suddenly become one of the hottest sectors in today’s market.

Jim breaks down the key drivers behind retail’s resurgence. One of the most important factors is supply. Over the past decade, very little new retail space was developed, which has created a shortage in many markets. At the same time, demand has remained steady or even grown, particularly for well-located, experience-driven retail environments.

The episode also explores how retail has evolved. It is no longer just about selling products—it is about creating experiences. Restaurants, fitness centers, service providers, and entertainment concepts are now critical components of successful retail centers. These tenants bring consistent foot traffic and are less vulnerable to online competition.

Jim discusses how the shift in tenant mix has strengthened the sector. Landlords are more selective, focusing on quality tenants that complement one another and create a destination. This curated approach leads to stronger occupancy, better rent growth, and more resilient assets.

Listeners will also learn why capital is flowing back into retail. Compared to other sectors facing uncertainty, retail offers relative stability when properly managed. Jim explains how investors are reevaluating the space and why disciplined underwriting remains essential.

If you’ve been ignoring retail based on outdated assumptions, this episode offers a fresh perspective on why the sector is thriving—and how strategic thinking is driving its success.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

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Jim explains how high interest rates affect every layer of the market. Debt is more expensive, valuations are under pressure, refinancing has become significantly more difficult, and many deals that once worked simply no longer pencil. Assets purchased under low-rate assumptions are now facing serious challenges as debt maturities approach and lenders apply tighter underwriting standards.

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Jim also explores how elevated rates are changing behavior. Developers are delaying starts, sponsors are restructuring capital stacks, and borrowers are seeking creative financing solutions to bridge the gap. He explains why the cost of capital now matters more than almost any other underwriting variable and why ignoring rate sensitivity is no longer an option.

Listeners will gain a practical understanding of how to think through this environment strategically. Jim emphasizes that high-rate periods reward discipline, conservative assumptions, and strong relationships with lenders and capital partners. While painful for some, this market is also creating a reset that may produce healthier fundamentals over time.

If you operate in commercial real estate—or simply want to understand why the market feels frozen in some places and stressed in others—this episode offers a clear framework for interpreting the rate-driven reality of today’s CRE landscape.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

No issue is impacting commercial real estate more right now than interest rates. In this episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried breaks down why elevated borrowing costs have become the defining force reshaping the CRE market—and what investors, developers, and owners need to understand moving forward.

Jim explains how high interest rates affect every layer of the market. Debt is more expensive, valuations are under pressure, refinancing has become significantly more difficult, and many deals that once worked simply no longer pencil. Assets purchased under low-rate assumptions are now facing serious challenges as debt maturities approach and lenders apply tighter underwriting standards.

Throughout the episode, Jim discusses how this environment is slowing transaction volume while simultaneously creating selective opportunity. Sellers anchored to yesterday’s pricing often struggle to meet buyers where the market now sits. At the same time, disciplined investors with liquidity and patience may find opportunities as repricing continues.

Jim also explores how elevated rates are changing behavior. Developers are delaying starts, sponsors are restructuring capital stacks, and borrowers are seeking creative financing solutions to bridge the gap. He explains why the cost of capital now matters more than almost any other underwriting variable and why ignoring rate sensitivity is no longer an option.

Listeners will gain a practical understanding of how to think through this environment strategically. Jim emphasizes that high-rate periods reward discipline, conservative assumptions, and strong relationships with lenders and capital partners. While painful for some, this market is also creating a reset that may produce healthier fundamentals over time.

If you operate in commercial real estate—or simply want to understand why the market feels frozen in some places and stressed in others—this episode offers a clear framework for interpreting the rate-driven reality of today’s CRE landscape.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

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Jim shares how returning a call is more than just good manners—it’s a signal of professionalism, respect, and reliability. When someone takes the time to reach out, responding promptly communicates that you value the relationship. Over time, that consistency builds trust, and trust is what drives deals, partnerships, and opportunity.

Throughout the episode, Jim reflects on how many professionals underestimate the impact of communication habits. Missed calls often lead to missed opportunities, not because the deal was perfect, but because the relationship was neglected. He explains how responsiveness can differentiate you in competitive environments where technical skills alone are not enough.

Jim also discusses the broader mindset behind this habit. Returning calls is about discipline—doing what you say you will do, following through, and showing up consistently. It’s not about perfection; it’s about reliability. Even a brief response can maintain momentum and keep relationships intact.

Listeners will learn how small, repeatable actions compound over time. A returned call can open doors, resolve misunderstandings, and create connections that lead to future business. Jim emphasizes that in many cases, success is less about grand strategies and more about executing simple fundamentals well.

This episode is a reminder that professionalism is often demonstrated in the smallest details. If you want to stand out, build stronger relationships, and create more opportunity, start with something simple: return the call.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

In a world filled with emails, texts, and endless notifications, one simple habit still stands out: returning phone calls. In this solo episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried explains why this small act of responsiveness carries significant weight in business relationships and long-term success.

Jim shares how returning a call is more than just good manners—it’s a signal of professionalism, respect, and reliability. When someone takes the time to reach out, responding promptly communicates that you value the relationship. Over time, that consistency builds trust, and trust is what drives deals, partnerships, and opportunity.

Throughout the episode, Jim reflects on how many professionals underestimate the impact of communication habits. Missed calls often lead to missed opportunities, not because the deal was perfect, but because the relationship was neglected. He explains how responsiveness can differentiate you in competitive environments where technical skills alone are not enough.

Jim also discusses the broader mindset behind this habit. Returning calls is about discipline—doing what you say you will do, following through, and showing up consistently. It’s not about perfection; it’s about reliability. Even a brief response can maintain momentum and keep relationships intact.

Listeners will learn how small, repeatable actions compound over time. A returned call can open doors, resolve misunderstandings, and create connections that lead to future business. Jim emphasizes that in many cases, success is less about grand strategies and more about executing simple fundamentals well.

This episode is a reminder that professionalism is often demonstrated in the smallest details. If you want to stand out, build stronger relationships, and create more opportunity, start with something simple: return the call.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

0 0

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