NuWu Sessions Podcast Episode 48: Matrix Founder David Tuttleman and VP Andy Hidalgo on Building a Nevada Cannabis Legacy
Inside Matrix’s Rise in Nevada Cannabis With David Tuttleman and Andy Hidalgo
NuWu Sessions returns with another deep dive into Nevada cannabis culture, this time welcoming back Matrix founder and CEO David Tuttleman alongside VP of Operations Andy Hidalgo. Recorded inside Sky High Lounge, Nevada’s original cannabis lounge, Episode 48 explores Matrix’s history, the evolution of Nevada’s cannabis market, product innovation, and what keeps one of the state’s most respected brands pushing forward.
How Cannabis Shaped Their Personal Journeys
Andy shares that his connection to cannabis started through family, after seeing the plant help his younger brother transition away from pharmaceuticals.
“Cannabis has really helped get my little brother off those medical solutions and into more natural cannabis solutions.”
– Andy Hidalgo (2:57)
David reflects on his own early connection to the plant with his signature humor.
“You couldn’t be a fat Jewish kid in the 70s in Philadelphia and not be consuming good product.”
– David Tuttleman (3:27)
From Hospitality and Property Management to Cannabis Leadership
Before cannabis, Andy worked in property management while David built businesses in fashion, branding, and hospitality—including helping launch Kahunaville at Treasure Island.
“As soon as I turned 21, I reached out immediately and said, ‘Hey, I want in.’”
– Andy Hidalgo (9:39)
“I came out of the fashion business and branding business, then got into the restaurant business—that’s what brought me to Vegas.”
– David Tuttleman (13:16)
Building Matrix Into a Nevada Staple
The team reflects on the early days of Matrix, when the company was producing shatter and CO2 oil in Nevada’s medical cannabis era.
“We were doing shatter and CO2 oil in new 510 carts that didn’t work and leaked—it was hilarious.”
– David Tuttleman (29:08)
Tom reminisces on some of Matrix’s legacy strains and early standout products.
“I remember the Tangelopes, the Diesels, the Nepalese Kush… those were iconic.”
– Tom Nieves (30:31)
What Sets Matrix Apart
Andy credits Matrix’s success to proprietary extraction methods and strong branding.
“The way Matrix runs their live resin extracts is unique. It is very unique.”
– Andy Hidalgo (46:12)
“Ripper is the number one selling live resin disposable in Nevada.”
– Andy Hidalgo (47:10)
David says the real differentiator is the team itself.
“It’s really about the people. It’s about our team. It’s about doing the same thing the right way—with style.”
– David Tuttleman (49:05)
The Team Behind the Brand
Andy shouts out the key people helping drive Matrix forward.
“Daryl is the secret sauce behind the Ripper.”
– Andy Hidalgo (31:39)
“Alex is just a great grower who loves to understand the plant.”
– Andy Hidalgo (32:37)
“Bo is incredibly important to what we do.”
– Andy Hidalgo (33:28)
Sampling Matrix Products at Sky High Lounge
Andy reveals a major upcoming product drop: a Ripper x Doinks collaboration.
“We’re doing a collab between Ripper and Doinks a full live resin infused pre-roll.”
– Andy Hidalgo (58:36)
These new infused pre-rolls will feature actual Ripper strain profiles rather than flavor-forward formulations.
“It’ll be 100% live resin infused using Ripper strains like Lemon Pepper, Sugar Tits, and GPAB.”
– Andy Hidalgo (58:59)
Thoughts on the Future of Nevada Cannabis
Andy sees Nevada entering a “survival of the fittest” era.
“The brands left standing are going to duke it out for the next 3 to 5 years.”
– Andy Hidalgo (56:21)
David believes quality and innovation will define the next phase of growth.
“Quality is the key to success.”
– David Tuttleman (56:37)
“I think live rosin, live resin, and great flower will continue leading the way.”
– David Tuttleman (56:54)
Advice for the Next Generation
David closes with blunt but valuable advice.
“Work hard. Work consistently. Stop saying you’ll get to it tomorrow.”
– David Tuttleman (1:00:40)
Andy adds his own perspective.
“Surround yourself with people that inspire you.”
– Andy Hidalgo (1:01:53)
Watch Episode 48 of NuWu Sessions
Episode 48 with Matrix is packed with cannabis industry insight, product reveals, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of Nevada’s most established operators.
Watch the full episode now and stay tuned for more conversations from NuWu Sessions, recorded at Sky High Lounge, Nevada’s original cannabis lounge.
Learn more about Matrix at MatrixNVMJ.com