Enhance Your Life Podcast: Recent Episodes
Wana Brands
Discover the inspiring stories of people whose lives have been enhanced by cannabis. Brought to you by Wana Brands, the #1 infused brand in North America, each episode features interviews with cannabis enthusiasts of all walks of life—athletes and artists; chefs and CEOs—who have first-hand experience with the healing power of the plant. Hosted by journalist Jonathan Small.
In 2015, Dr. Chanda Macias became the African-American woman to receive a medical marijuana license. And her advocacy for the plant hasn’t stopped. Dr. Chanda is CEO of medical marijuana dispensary Natural Holistic Healing Center, first vice chair of lobbying group National Cannabis Roundtable, and CEO of cannabis educational platform Women Grow. In this episode, the cannabis superstar explains why she’s so passionate about the plant, and what her experience has been like advocating for cannabis in places like the White House. She also talks about the special role minority figures have in the industry and where the country is as far as national legalization.
Marianne Cursetjee wasn’t very familiar with cannabis before her cancer diagnosis. But after she was diagnosed in 2015, her friend introduced her to Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)—and she found she was able to eliminate many of the pharmaceutical drugs she was taking in response to her cancer treatment’s side effects. Now she serves as the CEO and co-founder of Alibi Cannabis, a self-funded, top-shelf cannabis company based in Oregon. On the pod, Maryanne talks about her eye-opening experience of using cannabis to help with cancer treatment and what advice she’d give to cancer patients considering cannabis. Marianne also talks about using her business skills to enter the cannabis industry, and how her business is adapting to the increasingly competitive Oregon market.
When Al Morentin was in the sixth grade, he was told his glaucoma would likely cause complete blindness in the future. By the time he was 30 years old, he started losing his vision—which pushed him to figure out alternative medicines and methods that would save him from blindness. His efforts eventually led him to the world of cannabis products—and with a little bit of experimentation, he found a certain extraction process of CBD oils was able to help him keep his vision. In this episode, Al shares his life-changing story and how it inspired some of his entrepreneurial endeavors in the cannabis space. He also talks about the value of holistic medicine and his advice for people considering a holistic practitioner.
In the high-stakes industry of competitive esports, how is cannabis used as a tool to improve performance? To answer that question, Zurich Herbuela joins this week’s episode. He’s an e-sports player, medical cannabis user, and host of cannabis YouTube channel Tools420, and he has plenty of insights to share regarding the intersection of the online world and cannabis usage. Zurich shares his journey of coming to cannabis as someone with Crohn’s disease as well as how he maximizes the positives of cannabis in competitive gaming without losing focus. Plus, he also talks about new and exciting products hitting the vape market.
The health community is constantly finding new use cases for medical cannabis, and Dr. Ann-Marie Wong has certainly found that to be true in her work. After practicing pediatric medicine for nearly 20 years, Dr. Wong started getting involved in the medical cannabis field and now specializes in pediatric medical cannabis at Miami-based Medverde. On the pod, Dr. Wong shares her experience prescribing cannabis to children with autism and other special needs. She breaks down when parents should bring their child to a pediatric medical cannabis doctor, as well as what happens when patients and their parents come for a consultation. Dr. Wong also talks about some of the success stories her patients have had with medical cannabis treatment and the changing attitudes of doctors towards the drug.
As a lifelong athlete, Cory Getz was in perfectly good health—until his near-fatal brain stem stroke. When the life-altering event occurred, Cory completely lost the use of the right side of his body and was told he may never walk again. But with the help of CBD and physical therapy, the surfer managed to make a full recovery and is now helping others heal with cannabis. This week, Corey recounts his incredible story and shares how CBD helped his body recover from the traumatic event. He also talks about how he's helping others suffering from brain injuries, and how changes in the law are making it easier to acquire medical cannabis.
As a lifelong athlete, Cory Getz was in perfectly good health—until his near-fatal brain stem stroke. When the life-altering event occurred, Cory completely lost the use of the right side of his body and was told he may never walk again. But with the help of CBD and physical therapy, the surfer managed to make a full recovery and is now helping others heal with cannabis. This week, Corey recounts his incredible story and shares how CBD helped his body recover from the traumatic event. He also talks about how he's helping others suffering from brain injuries, and how changes in the law are making it easier to acquire medical cannabis.
A crucial part of finding the right cannabis product is the dosage, but it can also be a confusing topic to grasp. This week, Dr. Uwe Blesching joins the pod to share some helpful information for your next trip to the dispensary. Dr. Blesching is a medical writer, speaker, and author who has written books that include Your Cannabis CBD: THC Ratio and Breaking the Cycle of Opioid Addiction. On the pod, Dr. Blesching talks about how THC works with CBD and how to find the perfect ratio between the two in cannabis products you come across. Blesching also differentiates between the three different chemotypes of cannabis and who would benefit from each one.
Cannabis is a well-known creative agent—but how do you harness that creativity to the fullest? This week, Shawn Gold joins the podcast to give some advice and know-how as to using cannabis for creativity and innovation. Shawn is the CEO of Pilgrim Soul, a cannabis company that sells products and merchandise focused on using the plant for creativity. In this episode, Shawn talks about how cannabis has been used through his creative career, and why creative guardrails like his best-selling Creative Thinking Journals can spark new ways of thinking. He also talks about why you lose that sense of creativity in the first place, and what science and research say on how cannabis can help you get it back.
The endocannabinoid system has mystified the cannabis and health community until recently, but this system has kept the human body in balance for millions of years. This week, Dr, Rachel Knox joins the podcast to break down this essential network and its importance. Rachel holds an MD and MBA in addition to being a cannabinoid medicine specialist and clinical endocannabinoligist. On the pod, she talks about the components of the endocannabinoid system, as well as how cannabinoids like CBD and THC interact with it. She also talks about how the system can be stimulated beyond cannabis, and how cannabis consumers can use their knowledge to approach their endocannabinoid system in a more balanced way.
Because society shut the door on cannabis for so many years, consumers don’t know how to navigate the new and exciting products hitting the market. This week, Yoko Miyashita joins the podcast to talk about solving this problem as the CEO of Leafly, a publicly traded online destination that helps millions of people learn about, find, and order cannabis. In this episode, Yoko talks about her policy work prior to becoming CEO and how Leafly is helping uneducated consumers learn about the cannabis ecosystem. She also shares what it’s like being a female CEO in a male-dominated industry and what she predicts is the future of federal cannabis legalization.
Coming from the professional world, not many people would peg Ryan Chavez and Jack Stone as cannabis advocates. But the duo is breaking that stereotype and other stigmas as hosts of the podcast Cannabis Connoisseurs, a show dedicated to utilizing cannabis in daily life. In this episode, they talk about discovering the many benefits of cannabis and using that as inspiration for the podcast, as well as the behind-the-scenes work that goes into bringing their show to life. They also share some interesting facts they’ve learned from their research on the topic—from the history of cannabis to new cannabinoids making waves in the industry.
People usually trace cannabis history to the hippies of the 1960s, but the plant’s rich roots can be traced back thousands of years. This week, veteran cannabis journalist David Bienenstock joins the pod to talk about important moments in cannabis history and why it’s so important to preserve it. Besides his work as a journalist, David is the author of How to Smoke Pot (Properly): A Highbrow Guide to Getting High and co-hosts the podcast Great Moments in Weed History. In this episode, David talks about how his experience in cannabis journalism has changed throughout his career, and why activism is still important. He also shares some unlikely cannabis figures in the plant’s history, and what we stand to lose when we forget the past.
With so much to know about cannabis, how can podcasts help people understand it—even in communities that aren’t particularly weed friendly? This week, Utahns Jesse Angeles and Brandon Elder join the pod to share what it’s like helping others gain knowledge of the plant. Jesse and Brandon are hosts of Cannabis School, an entertaining and educational podcast promoting responsible conversations about personal consumption. In this episode, the duo talk about the beginnings of their podcast and how they make the show understandable for every listener. They discuss how some in the Mormon community appreciate the substance (daresay even more than coffee.) Plus, they share common misunderstandings and misconceptions people have about cannabis, and their tips for people thinking about trying it for the first time.
Many artists in the music industry have appreciated cannabis long before it became the norm, including legendary rap group Cypress Hill, which has advocated for the legalization and normalization of cannabis use throughout their career. This week, Cypress Hill member B-Real joins the podcast to talk about the plant and its many roles in his life and the music world. B talks about his involvement in the cannabis industry through his high-end dispensary chain Dr. Greenthumb’s, and shares the exciting products and developments that are coming in the future. He also talks about the role of cannabis in the creative process, and how he uses it when it comes to making music.
Hailing from a sauce and spice maker family, entrepreneur Felicity Chen has been using generations of food wisdom to make waves in the cannabis industry. Felicity’s company, Potli, is adding flavor to more than 250 stores in California through its high quality farm-to-table kitchen staples that are infused with cannabis and CBD, including honey, olive oil, sriracha sauce, and shrimp chimps. In this episode, Felicity talks about the beginnings of her company, and how her straight edge Eastern Asian family led to the creation of the company’s best-selling product. She also talks about how she uses Potli’s products in her everyday life, and the advice she has for other Asian Americans wanting to break into the business.
People have long associated cannabis with activities like relaxation and sleep, but there are plenty of other applications for the plant—including sex. This week, Katie Enright joins the pod to talk about oh.hi, a cannabis lubricant that she says enhances sexual pleasure and can help women achieve the elusive orgasm. Katie talks about her pivot from becoming a nun to a sex product entrepreneur. She touches on the science behind her product and how she got it to more than 90 dispensaries across California. Plus, Katie discusses what it’s like tackling two stigmatized topics at once, and what other cannabis sex products she’s hoping to put out in the future.
Consumer Insights from data can help a business more efficiently, but what can data do for the cannabis industry? This week, Jeffrey Graham joins the podcast to talk about how the cannabis industry uses data. Jeffrey is the CEO of Pistil Data, a research company that gives cannabis brands the statistically-backed insights they need to identify new revenue and business opportunities. In this episode, Jeffrey talks about using his background working with data for companies like Twitter, Google, and the New York Times to form Pistil Data. He also reveals some telling information as to how and why people are using cannabis, and gives his own perspective on Elon Musk taking over Twitter.
This week, Dr. M-J Milloy joins the podcast to talk about cannabis and how it can help people who are suffering from deadly conditions like opioid addiction and HIV. Dr. Milloy is a cannabis science professor at the University of British Columbia, where he leads research concerning the public health impact of cannabis regulation and the therapeutic applications of cannabis and cannabinoids. On the pod, Dr. Milloy talks about the cannabis studies he’s involved in, and the major implications it can have in healthcare. He also talks about the critical role of de-stigmatization in using cannabis for good, and why everyone needs to start being more honest about their drug use.
As Canada’s first public cannabis dealer, Hilary Black is one of the leading advocates for cannabis in the country. She has been spearheading efforts to provide cannabis access for more than two decades, founding The British Columbia Compassion Club Society in 1997—long before cannabis hit mainstream conversation. This week, Hilary joins the pod to talk about the ways cannabis advocacy has changed and evolved since the nineties. She discusses the most pressing needs of the industry and how businesses and institutions can come together to create change. She also touches on subjects like dealing with haters, cannabis affordability, and the importance of expungement in the context of cannabis.
Most people involved with cannabis know about the terms Indica and Sativa. But the word terpene is far less known, yet has a huge impact on your high. This week, Maxwell Koby joins the podcast to explain the science behind terpenes and their importance to the cannabis experience. Max is the founder of Abstrax, a company that focuses on botanical extraction, terpenes, and aroma compound research. On the pod, Max talks about the way terpenes work and how they effect people in different ways. He also gives insight into the terpene extraction process Abstrax does, and what the future looks like for this niche of the industry.
Despite society’s movement towards accepting cannabis as a form of medicine, the topic still polarizes professionals in the medical field. This week, Dr. Jordan Tishler discusses some of the barriers and successes he’s faced as a medical doctor specializing in cannabis treatment. Jordan is the founder of medical cannabis practice inhaleMD and is a graduate of Harvard Medical School. On the pod, Jordan talks about his pivot to the medical cannabis niche after years of work as an emergency physician helping underserved communities. He talks about some of the pushback he’s gotten from other doctors for his work, and how the framework of the healthcare system can discourage its acceptance. He also sheds light on the main misunderstandings his patients have about cannabis, and how confusion between medical and recreational usage can ultimately hurt the movement.
This week, award-winning educator and writer Sara Payan joins the podcast to talk about engaging with policy makers, media professionals, and the public in the cannabis world. Sara is the host of the Planted with Sara podcast and is the public education officer at the Apothecarium dispensaries. On the pod, Sara talks about her experiences teaching others about the drug and the common questions she’s gotten through her diverse experiences in the industry. She goes in-depth with cannabinoids CBD, THC, and CBG as well as how to use them in products like edibles. Sara also talks about her experience as a cannabis advocate and how the public can more effectively engage with the government for better cannabis policy.
When the cannabis industry first started gaining traction, many people thought that the field would be a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case. This week, Sumayyah Emeh-Edu joins the podcast to talk about the ways the industry is trying to correct itself and become more inclusive. Sumayyah is the vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at Canopy Growth and has been implementing DEI initiatives for companies since 2015. On the pod, she talks about diversity in the cannabis industry, and how it’s a reflection of historical and current socioeconomic conditions. Sumayyah also talks about the initiatives cannabis companies need to implement for more diversity, and who’s most responsible for change.
CBD gets a lot of buzz in the cannabis industry as a pain remedy, but what does science have to say on the topic? This week, scientist Sara Ward joins the pod to talk about the state of CBD research. Sara is an assistant professor in the department of pharmacology at the Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and has extensive experience researching cannabis and CBD. On the pod, she discusses her current cannabinoid research and the results she’s been seeing. She talks about the value of clinical research, and how animal trials have been able to further our understanding of CBD and other cannabinoids. Sara also touches on using CBD in combination with THC, CBD’s potential adverse effects, and her personal views on CBD’s use cases.
When people talk about cannabis, seniors are usually left out of the conversation despite the endless benefits it can provide for them. However, people over 65 are using cannabis more than ever before. This week, Karen Lustman joins the podcast to talk about her mission to help seniors destigmatize and access the plant. Karen is the president and CEO of Senior High, a women-owned health and wellness company that advocates for safe and effective cannabis products for seniors. In this episode, Karen talks about using cannabis for the first time at the age of 65, and how her first experience with the plant led to her role at Senior High. She also gives some insights into the senior care community and talks about the ways she’s seen cannabis enhance seniors’ lives.
Joe Airone is the founder and director of San Francisco-based Sweetleaf Collective, which helps patients from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds access medical cannabis for free. On the pod, Joe talks about his background in helping others and why he formed Sweetleaf Collective as a way to incorporate cannabis in his activism. He also shares some of the stories he’s heard from patients with conditions such as cancer and PTSD, highlighting how important cannabis access is for the people who need it. Plus, Joe shares some insights on cannabis in the nonprofit sector and discusses how innovations like cryptocurrency are helping organizations move forward.
This week, Scott Martin joins the podcast to talk about his involvement in a cannabis case that may change how cities across the country treat employees who use medical marijuana. In 2020, Scott was fired from the Buffalo Fire Department for testing positive for marijuana — despite having all the documentation needed to use it medically. On the pod, Scott details the story of how he came to use medical cannabis as a way to treat PTSD, and why he was fired from his job despite living in a state where the drug has been legalized. Cannabis attorney David Holland also joins the podcast to talk about the case in context, and gives a birds-eye view on the factors and consequences of the landmark lawsuit.
The healing properties of cannabis are well known. But, how does the plant impact people with more serious diseases? This week, Dr. Ajit Dhillon joins the podcast to talk about cannabis as a therapy drug. Dhillon is a critical care physician who has had experience using cannabis to treat illnesses like auto-immune diseases, personality disorders, and even cancer. In addition, Dhillon is the co-founder of the EuroMed Institute and an advisor at Guided Tripping, an organization that uses intentional psychedelic experiences for self improvement. On the pod, Dhillon talks about what he’s observed in patients who use cannabis as medical treatment, and why he believes in its effectiveness. Dhillon also talks about psychedelics and the ways the controversial drugs can affect overall wellness.
For thousands of years, people have practiced yoga as a way to connect their mind with their body. This week, Derek Vanderwarker joins the podcast to talk about how cannabis can enhance the age-old tradition, and even give additional benefits. Derek has spent two decades practicing yoga, and now motivates others as a certified yoga instructor and host of the Guys Talking Yoga podcast. In this episode, Derek talks about his journey with cannabis and yoga and some of the benefits he’s experienced by incorporating both into his life. He also offers advice on how yoga practitioners can best use cannabis and deconstructs the stigmas that surround the concepts.
For a long time, Dr. Rebecca Siegel never thought about recommending cannabis for patients. But when her patients started telling her about the way cannabis improved their health issues, the psychiatrist started to do her own research — and the results she found were so compelling that she wrote a book about it. Dr. Rebecca’s book, The Brain on Cannabis: What You Should Know about Recreational and Medical Marijuana, is a comprehensive and myth-busting guide on marijuana use and its effects on the brain. On the pod, she talks to Jon about why she wrote the book, and some myths she wants to dispel about the drug. She also recommends some strategies for talking to your kids about cannabis in an educational way.
As one of the most well-known cannabis lawyers in the industry, Brian Vicente has spent years helping businesses and governments move forward with cannabis. He’s an avid proponent for the plant’s federal legalization — and this week, Brian joins the podcast to educate us on everything related to cannabis law. Brian breaks down some of the basics, like the difference between decriminalization and legalization, as well as what it actually means to have a medical marijuana card. As an industry veteran, he also makes predictions for how federal legalization will play out as well as the effect of legalization on the illicit market. Plus, Brian answers the most common inquiries he gets as an industry veteran, like what the law says about flying with cannabis and why some states take longer to legalize.
As a pharmacist on the frontlines of the Opioid Crisis, Colleen Higgins saw firsthand how cannabis was able to help consumers in a way pharmaceutical medicine couldn’t. But those patients needed help understanding medical cannabis — so she decided to write The Cannabis Prescription: How to Use Medical Marijuana to Reduce or Replace Pharmaceutical Medications. This week, Colleen joins Jonathan to talk about the ins and outs of medical cannabis. She touches common topics that one may be thinking about when considering medical cannabis, like addiction, dosage, and side effects. Colleen also talks about the medical cannabis movement in general, and the type of issues the drug is addressing.
Growing cannabis takes a ton of legal, economical, and logistical planning. The decision to grow is by no means easy, which is why Ariel Margolis joins the podcast this week to talk about it. Ariel is a former teacher who spent his career in the education space as a teacher, principal, and professor before pivoting to the cannabis industry. Now Ariel educates others about growing cannabis as the founder of PotanyPros, a consultancy firm for recreational and medicinal cannabis growers. This week, Ariel talks about the most important considerations to keep in mind when growing cannabis, and how to get started as a grower. He also talks about some common mistakes newbie growers make, and how he navigated the industry when he was first starting out.
Health is on the top of everyone’s minds these days, with an emphasis on wellbeing in both body and mind. This week, Kelly Maher joins Jonathan to talk about how cannabis can play a role in our holistic wellness. Kelly is an integrative health coach and holistic health practitioner who focuses on wellness practices that incorporate cannabis, specifically for women. On the pod, she breaks down exactly what a holistic health practitioner does and talks about what it’s like to have a cannabis health coach. She also talks about the main reasons why people consult her, as well as her personal methods for using cannabis.
Here are some startling statistics: According to Marijuana Business Daily, 76% of the cannabis industry is run by white business owners and only 8% of cannabis CEOs are women. It’s safe to say that the cannabis industry struggles with diversity, but what’s being done about it? In this episode, Jonathan talks to Hilary Yu, Morris Kelly, and Kimberly Dillon. They’re all involved in a nonprofit called Our Academy, which is a workshop, mentorship, and resource group of individuals and companies in the cannabis industry that are open to knowledge sharing and supporting social equity. Hilary, Morris, and Kimberly talk about the hurdles they’ve faced in the industry, and why programs like Our Academy are needed to level out the playing field. They also talk about the power of mentorship for cannabis entrepreneurs, and how a strong network sets you up for success.
We all know the stereotype of the lazy, bong-using teen isn’t an accurate picture of the average cannabis user. To know what cannabis users are really like today, you have to rely on data-backed experts like Cy Scott. Cy is the CEO and cofounder of Headset, a cannabis analytics company that helps businesses use data to make effective strategies. In this week’s episode, Cy gets into some of the nitty gritty data about who’s using cannabis nowadays and how they’re using it. He also talks about the differences between the consumer generations, and what that says about the products that are hitting the shelves.
As cannabis usage is getting more accepted, so is writing about it. This week’s episode features Jessica Reilly, a writer who founded the Cannabis Creative blog. As a self-titled “cannabis aficionado”, Jessica makes a living as a copywriter and content strategist in the cannabis space. On the pod, she talks to Jonathan about starting her blog in the midst of the pandemic and how blogging has changed her perceptions on cannabis. Jessica also discusses what it’s like to write about cannabis for a living in New York, and gives insight into some of the coolest discoveries and trends she’s seen in the industry.
Tackling the complex (but necessary) conversation about cannabis and mental health can get difficult, but it's a topic Jay Shifman is passionate about. He's the founder of Choose Your Struggle, a platform dedicated to ending the stigmas surrounding mental health and substance misuse and promoting honest and fact-based education. In this episode, Jay gets candid with his mental health struggles, and the way stigmatization makes the journey to recovery that much harder. On the flip side, he also talks about his recovery, his organization, and how cannabis has become a part of his self-care routine. Jay discusses the changes he’d like to see concerning drugs in society, and the way we can do a better job navigating the conversation moving forward.
*If you or someone you know is suicidal, get help immediately via 911, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or the Crisis Text Line (text “HOME” to 741741).
This week, Rick and Monique Jackson-Fitzgerald of cannabis travel company InnDica join this week’s guest, cannabis tourism specialist Danielle Jackson (aka Miz D). As the CEO of cannatourism company D Vibez, Danielle helps clients with anything from guided tours to hosting educational events for local and international visitors. On the pod, she talks about her journey to the cannabis tourism industry and what it can offer for travelers. She also digs into her travel philosophy, and how intentionality is key to making the most of your inner and outer experiences. Despite the hurdles Covid-19 has put on all sectors of the travel industry, Danielle discusses the necessity of cannabis tourism and its bright future.
Sometimes, it’s hard to tell whether you’re going to have a good or bad high before it’s too late. But this might not be a problem for much longer thanks to technology. This week, David Kooi joins the podcast to talk about Jointly, an app that tracks 15 different factors that can impact your high. On the pod, David goes over each of the factors — from your unique cannabinoid system to your method of consumption — and why they matter. He also talks about what it’s like developing an app in the cannabis industry, and how tracking your cannabis consumption can help your overall wellness.
This week, Jonathan is joined by Andrea Meharg, the head cannabis science educator at the Cannabis Coaching Institute. Andrea also runs Reveal Cannabis, a cannabis coaching and education platform. On the pod, she shares what it’s like being a cannabis coach and the type of work that comes with educating people about cannabis consumption. She answers and discusses some of the most frequent questions she gets from her clients, and shares some exciting industry trends happening right now. On the flip side, she also shares what cannabis products are less exciting — and to a degree even worrying. Andrea gives some helpful pointers for those choosing smoking or vaping products, and reiterates the importance of trusting our instincts when it comes to the right cannabis goods.
Being a parent is tough enough — throw cannabis in the mix, and well...things can get complicated. This week, Jon speaks with Danielle Simone Brand, the author of Weed Mom: The Canna-Curious Woman's Guide to Healthier Relaxation, Happier Parenting, and Chilling TF Out. Danielle talks about her entryway into cannabis as a freelance writer, and how she’s incorporated cannabis into her life as a parent. She gives advice on how kids should be introduced to cannabis, keeping cannabis around them, and where to draw the line with usage. On the pod, Danielle also talks about the challenges parents face in the cannabis world, and how destigmatizing the “weed mom” image can lead to a better overall parenthood experience.
Given Johanna Nuding's upbringing as a farm girl from Texas, it may come as a surprise that she took a liking to cannabis. But, it wasn't until about 20 years after Johanna's career in sales and marketing that she'd find her way into the industry. On the pod, Johanna talks to Jon about her journey of rediscovery as the head of Casually Baked, a lifestyle and media company focusing on cannabis for wellness, education and entertainment. She touches on her role as a cannabis educator, and how she uses the podcasting space to touch on hot-topic cannabis questions that users are curious about.
As a mom, Jessica Gonzalez heavily leaned into wine culture to cope with the daily stressors that came with the role. But after realizing this form of “self care” may not be as helpful as advertised, she was re-introduced to cannabis as a medicinal tool. Jessica was transformed, and started an Instagram account under @themommyjane to be an educational resource for other women interested in cannabis. On the pod, Jessica speaks with Brooke about Mommy Jane’s purpose and what she’s doing to make the industry more equitable and diverse. She discusses what it’s like destigmatizing cannabis for women and means to be forward looking in the cannabis world, whether that be partnering with the right advertisers or looking into industry-changing products like cannabinoids. Jessica also talks about the future of another drug — psychedelics — and why everyone should start paying attention to its future.
Most peoples’ knee-jerk reaction to hearing the words “cannabis” and “sex” is to instantly repress any and all discussion having to do with the topics. But sex educator Ashley Manta has never understood the stigma behind these conversation taboos. Instead, The CBD Solution: Sex author is helping people discover how cannabis can enhance sex as the creator behind the word and lifestyle brand CannaSexual. In this episode, Jonathan talks to Ashley about how cannabis helped her recover from sexual trauma and how she came to be known as “the CannaSexual" for her methodology of combining sex and cannabis. She gives advice for people who want to start incorporating cannabis into their sexual lives, and the creative ways you can use cannabis in the bedroom. Ashley also talks about how cannabis can help partners resolve other relationship issues, and how cannabis is a tool in helping people take ownership of their bodies.
The elusive “runner’s high” is what many people look forward to every time they lace up their sneakers. But what if cannabis could get you to that sensation, faster? In this episode, Jonathan speaks with journalist Josiah Hesse, author of Runner's High: How a Movement of Cannabis-Fueled Athletes Is Changing the Science of Sports. His book explores the link between exercise and cannabis, and how cannabis can enhance the performance of sports competitors and casual athletes alike. Josiah talks about the way cannabis completely transformed his attitude towards physical activity, and the scientific evidence behind cannabis’s beneficial role in exercise. Jonathan and Josiah also discuss cannabis's controversial reputation in sports competitions, and why its status needs to change for athletes everywhere.
As one of the few Black hemp farmers in the country, Jerry Whiting has some insights that others in the industry may not. In this week’s episode, Whiting lets us into one key insight: Why aren’t there more people like him cultivating? On the pod, Jonathan talks to Whiting about his journey from software engineer to hemp farmer, and how he has managed to turn personal tragedy into a motivator for his work. Whiting also talks about his role as the co-founder and president of LeBlanc CNE, a company focused on cannabis and hemp genetics, product development, research and education. Plus, he addresses some other big topics, like the insidious connotations around the term “marijuana”, the difference between hemp versus cannabis, and why we need to start conceptualizing hemp in a new way.
When Tammy Pettigrew realized there was a lack of adequate cannabis resources on the internet, she decided to make videos on her own explaining the science behind the substance. Well, those videos blew up, and now Pettigrew is filming a cannabis show for one of Snoop Dogg’s sponsored channels. In this episode, Jonathan speaks with Pettigrew about the journey that led her to becoming well known in the industry, and what made her want to educate others. She recounts the ways cannabis has helped her in life, from her time as a college student to her day-to-day as a mom. She also talks about the way the cannabis conversation needs to be reformed and how her platform Cannabis Cutie aims to make education of the drug more accessible and understandable for everyone.
Lauren Wilson is an experienced cannabis advocate and author of the CBD Solution book series. In partnership with Snoop Dogg’s cannabis media platform Merry Jane, the CBD Solution books serve as guides to incorporating CBD into your health and wellness. Lauren speaks with Jonathan about using CBD for chronic pain relief, and how an interest in cannabis and its uses led her to becoming an author in the industry. They talk about CBD’s benefits in the home and the surprising ways it can be brought into your daily routine. Lauren also gives pointers for finding a quality CBD product at the store and how you should go about determining your perfect dosage.
On this episode, Jonathan speaks with Sammie Rogers Jr., founder and CEO of a Michigan-based cannabis school called Higher Learning Institutions. Higher Learning Institutions offers its students all types of courses related to the cannabis industry, from consultancy to extraction and cultivation. Sammie shares his journey into the cannabis industry, and how he managed to get the funding to make his school happen. The founder also talks about just how diverse the school’s students are, and the surprising collaborations that come from those who enroll in the school. Sammie and Jonathan discuss the future of the cannabis education space, and what social equity programs are doing to make the industry accessible to as many people as possible.
Elisabeth Mack, R.N., is the Founder and CEO of Holistic Caring. She established the organization in 2016 with a mission to bridge the gaps between conventional medicine and cannabis care. This week, she joins Jonathan to discuss how she discovered the benefits of cannabis while healing from a bike injury, and the ways that she feels we could bridge the cannabis world with the conventional medicine route. Elisabeth has been a nurse since 1986, and provides both education and services for patients and extensive training for those in both the healthcare and cannabis industries. Elisabeth gives a few examples of patient success stories and explains why CBD / cannabis treatment can be so powerful when dealing with the symptoms of dementia.
This week, Jonathan is joined by Joesh Savage, DJ and co-host of The Shit Show, an LA based stand up comedy show that features a night of talented comics and cannabis at the historic El Cid on Sunset Blvd. Joesh shares how he and co-host Abdullah Saeed met and decided to start producing events and why they care about educating others while dismantling the stigma around cannabis with humor. Joesh talks about how they integrate products and brands into their event, and gives us a sneak peek into their expansion to Palm Springs. He and Jonathan talk about how cannabis helps ease social anxiety and breaks down the barriers between us.
Sarah Woodson believes that the best way you can repair and restore a community is by providing people with the resources to help themselves. As the Founder of The Color of Cannabis, Sarah and her team are working to provide a pathway for restorative justice to those negatively impacted by the war on drugs. She joins Jonathan this week to talk about the urgent need behind better minority representation in the cannabis industry, and the issue of ownership in cannabis. Sarah talks about the challenges she had to overcome while building both the non-profit and legislative parts of her organization, along with the three pillar approach for justice that she uses at The Color of Cannabis. Sarah also shares some fun takeaways from her recent meeting with Wana’s own Nancy Whiteman, and what we should know about her other endeavor, a consumption friendly art class called Kush & Canvases.
Beth Curtis is the founder of Life for Pot and Release Nonviolent Drug Offenders. Her entire life path changed in 1994, when her brother was sentenced to two life sentences for a non-violent marijuana offense. Beth and her family quickly went from naive and optimistic to seeing just how serious the War on Drugs was, and the broken aspects within the US Justice System. This week, Beth joins Jonathan to talk about how she used her internet savvy and background in non-profit work to focus her mission on founding Life For Pot in 2008. She shares a few of the many things she did to advocate for her brother’s release, which happened in 2020 on President Trump’s last day in office. Finally, Beth discusses the power of storytelling to show the human aspect of those wrongly incarcerated, the responsibility within the cannabis industry to step up, and how one can get involved with advocacy for the innocent.
Dr. Swathi Varanasi is one of the first-ever Integrative Health and Medical Cannabis Pharmacists, and a Chief Scientific Officer at Element Apothec. She is also a plant-based wellness expert and a medical consultant for CBD and food brands. Dr. Swathi has a passion for helping consumers understand their choices for CBD and cannabis, and uses her experience in science and pharmacy in conjunction with proven natural healing remedies.
We get our own private lesson this week, as Dr. Swathi talks about what exactly the endocannabinoid system is, and “cannabimimetic” things like herbs, fruits, and the feeling of a runner’s high that we can incorporate into our life for a beneficial effect. She talks about the importance of working with a professional to get your dosage right, and finding the best type of method to consume cannabis that suits your lifestyle.
If you’ve ever attended a wine and painting party and wished there was something out there for the cannabis lover, this week’s guest will make you very happy. Jonathan welcomes Heidi Keyes, Denver based artist and President and Co-Founder of Puff, Pass, and Paint, the first ever 420 cannabis inclusive art class. Puff and Pass has branches in 10 other cities including Washington D.C. and Brooklyn, and welcomes any age and skill level to come puff and paint. Heidi shares why she saw a need to merge art and cannabis together and how it differs from the wine and art parties. Heidi talks about some of the amazing yet nontraditional pieces of art that have come out of her class once people let go of their inner critic, and how the art differs from city to city.
Since an early age, Jamie London Wollberg has known his way around a kitchen. Jamie started cooking when he was 10 and enrolled in a culinary camp program by the time he was 11, with his first restaurant job at 14. Today, he is on a mission to celebrate inclusion and help others cultivate unconditional self-love. Jamie joins Jonathan this week to discuss Trannabis, a lifestyle activism brand that aims to bridge the gap between cannabis and the LGBTQAI2S+ communities. Jamie also discusses his cooking show The Trannabis Kitchen, Trannabis Chi, and his own healing journey with cannabis. Among many things, Jamie is a proud queer, trans, and neurodiverse healer, a spiritual wellness coach, chef and entreprenuer.
Jonathan welcomes Rick and Monique Fitzgerald, co-founders of InnDica, an online cannabis travel guide that reports on the latest and greatest cannabis friendly vacations, hotels, destinations and much more. Rick and Monique talk about their story each in finding healing with the plant, the biggest misconceptions when it comes to traveling with cannabis, and their predictions for the future of cannatourism. They also share a few of their favorite picks for cannabis friendly travel that you won't want to miss!
Victor Calderon, teacher, author, and three time cancer survivor, joins Jonathan this week. Victor shares his story about being diagnosed with leukemia in 2009, his deep emotions in getting the news, and his dedication to staying alive not only for himself, but his daughter as well. Victor talks about being introduced to Medical Marijuana through his phlebotomist, and how his faith in healing allowed him to be open minded enough for the plant to change his life. Victor talks about the different responses from loved ones and in the ministry to him being a cannabis advocate and user, and how he uses his website Canna Pastor as a resource to guide others that need support. Now, Victor is excited to spread the message of peace, love, and CBD.
Jonathan welcomes guest Ciara Bourne, graphic designer and digital artist based in Denver, CO. Ciara took her passion for social justice, social equity, and environmentalism and created a one of a kind digital NFT to raise money and awareness for the Cannabis Impact Fund, a joint venture that Wana Brands is also involved in. Jonathan first breaks down exactly what an NFT is and why they are valuable. Ciara also gives advice to young budding artists, why they may be interested in creating NFT's, and the power she found using a contrast of tackling serious issues with a light hearted approach in art.
This week, Jonathan is joined by Christian Sederberg, Founding Partner of Vicente Sederberg LLC, in Denver, Colorado. Christian is a widely recognized leader in the cannabis industry, and works closely with government officials at a local, state, and national level to advocate thoughtful cannabis policy. He also played an integral role in the passage and implementation of Colorado's historic cannabis legalization initiative in 2012. Christian shares his take on where prohibitionists are coming from, and how the push for cannabis reform can be a way to bring political parties together. He also gives his predictions on federal legalization, and why we must think about the counter effects behind making public policy that leads to consumers sourcing their cannabis from the illegal market.
Does a tasty cannabis cocktail sound like exactly the thing you need this week? Warren Bobrow, Mixologist, Chef, and Author definitely thinks you should give it a try. Warren shares the story behind his interest in the early apothecary days leading him into the world of cannabis, and how it has greatly helped him manage glaucoma over his 49 years of being a proud customer and industry icon. Warren and Jonathan talk about ending the stigma around cannabis, what the future of alcoholic based cannabis drinks looks like, and the main ingredients for a perfect cannabis bar. Warren also shares what a garden gnome named Klaus! has to do with the perfect cannabis-infused beverage and what you wouldn't expect from seeing The Dead over 300 times.
Adapting as a company wasn't easy over the pandemic, but Wana Brands put their minds together and created new resources, creative strategies, and the same great products. This week we get a glimpse behind the curtains and hear from our friends at team Wana Brands, Joe Hodas, Chief Marketing Officer, and Stephanie Daley, VP of Market Expansion. They share how Wana not only survived but thrived over the past year despite limitations and travel bans, getting creative with R&D training programs and more remote operations. Joe and Stephanie also talk about what's next for Wana and new digital marketing efforts, what products they are personally excited about right now, and the changes in consumer behavior they saw over the pandemic.
This week, host Jonathan Small chats with Whitney Adrian who is a successful cannabis influencer. Growing up in puritan Massachusetts, Whitney thought that cannabis was a harmful drug and that only the “stoner dudes” in high school smoked it. Then one day on a church outing with some girlfriends, they encouraged her to try it. Girls smoke it? So it’s not just for stoner guys? So she tried it. And liked it. But she was afraid to let anyone else know. She didn’t want to be put into the “stoner box”, didn’t want to be judged for it. It took several years for her to say “loud and proud” that she smoked cannabis. So how did she turn her love for the plant into a thriving business? Her instagram account alone has more than 60,000 followers. And, she gets to try all kinds of cannabis for a living. So how can you get a job like that? Take a listen!
Heather Cabot is an award winning journalist, keynote speaker, former ABC News correspondent, and author of The New Chardonnay: The Unlikely Story of How Marijuana Went Mainstream. Although she describes herself as the last person to ever write a book about cannabis, Heather knew she had a lot to share about why suburban moms are a targeted demographic in cannabis, the hypocrisy surrounding legalization, and the disparity within the cannabis industry. Heather shares her predictions for how the industry will continue to progress and infiltrate the mainstream realm, particularly within suburban households.
Mary J. White is a former broadcast journalist in Seattle, and the author of two cannabis cookbooks. She also teaches cooking classes called “Cooking With Cannabis,” which have even been introduced into some college curriculums. She talks to Jonathan about her life prior to entering the cannabis industry, and the events that led to her decision to begin cooking with the healing plant. Mary, who had been struggling with chronic pain, experienced remarkable relief after trying a cannabis infused cookie. She shares her thoughts on CBD, and why she believes that it should be taken in conjunction with THC in order to fully experience the benefits of cannabis. Mary also gets very candid about how cannabis affects her intimate life!
This week, Jonathan is joined by JeffThe420Chef, author of The 420 Gourmet, creator of his own CannaButter line, and the inventor of Culinary Cannabis. Jeff talks about how he began cooking with cannabis and the path it led him to make cannabis infused food taste good. Jeff shares his secrets on how you can make cannabis laden food not only palatable, but tasty, and provides advice on how people can attain the perfect personalized THC dosage when cooking with the plant. He encourages people to “start low, go slow!” Finally, Jeff shares the amazing story of how he came to be known as the JeffThe420Chef, as well as an upcoming project involving Michelin Star chefs.
This week, Jonathan is joined by Philip Wolf, founder and CEO of Cultivating Spirits, the first company in the United States to offer a cannabis food pairing experience. Philip walks Jonathan through the journey that led to where he is now, which began in 2009 when he opened his first cannabis dispensary in Colorado. He became a cultivator after the healing plant was legalized, and through this experience, discovered terpenes and the many ways in which they influence the cannabis consumer’s experience. Philip explains the science of food and terpine pairings, and why it was important for him to recently separate himself from the term “cannabis sommelier.”
Gina Dubbé and Leslie Apgar are mothers, professionals, and founders of Greenhouse Wellness. They started this dispensary with the goal of helping sufferers of chronic pain, and to break the stigma that marijuana should remain on the fringe of society. Gina and Leslie talk with Jonathan about their beginnings in the cannabis world, and how a medical spa ultimately evolved into the opening of a dispensary. Gina and Leslie also share what sets Greenhouse Wellness apart from other dispensaries with a focus on the education, comfortability, and a consistent experience visitors can count on. Lastly, Gina and Leslie also provide insight on how cannabis has the power to affect women’s libido, and how it has personally helped them.
This week, Jonathan is joined by Jason Turner, the cofounder of Three Wells, the first website created for mature adults who are searching for reliable information about CBD and cannabis. He shares the story of his personal experience with back pain, which led him to turn to cannabis for relief. Jason and Jonathan discuss the changes that take place in the body when hitting 50, which include an increased sensitivity to cannabis and its effects. He provides advice for parents who consume marijuana and how their use can be explained to children, as well as advice for older consumers, whose generation stigmatized cannabis. The Three Wells website provides valuable information on cannabis products for consumers looking to learn more, and Jason encourages everyone to “start low, go slow!”
This week, Jonathan is joined by Michael J. Brues, aka the Sleep Doctor, a Clinical Psychologist, sleep expert, and author of The Power of When. Michael walks Jonathan through sleep architecture and how cannabis affects this process. He also discusses the best method for cannabis consumption for sleep, and tackles some common issues people encounter when turning to cannabis to help their sleep quality. Michael also provides a resource for his chronotype quiz so you can learn your unique biorhythm and take proper steps to optimize your sleep quality!
There are no better guests to have on the show this week than the 4/20 founding fathers themselves, Steve Capper and Dave Raddix of the group,“The Waldo’s.” Steve and Dave share how they became known as The Waldos while attending high school in the 1970’s in Marin County, California. They dive into the origin story of 4/20, and the serendipitous events that led to the group meeting at 4:20 pm, a number that became a secret code for weed when in the presence of authority figures. The term spread throughout various communities, including the Grateful Dead Community, until eventually becoming official slang for weed. Steve and Dave debunk common theories about where the term 4/20 began, and discuss the progress that the cannabis industry has made throughout the last five years. Steve and Dave also share a funny anecdote involving a run-in with the police!
Jeannette Horton is the executive director of NuLeaf Project, a project designed to build generational wealth for communities most affected by cannabis prohibition by providing funding, mentoring, and skill building. She shares her story on becoming involved in the cannabis business, and what led her to the realization that we greatly need to fix the racial divide in the industry. Ultimately, Jeannette’s cannabis related arrest served as inspiration to work in the industry. Jonathan and Jeannette also discuss the paradox that exists in the cannabis industry, as it is considered a “liberal” industry, yet minorities and people of color remain underrepresented. Jeannette also shares one of NuLeaf’s special success stories and gives us a little glimpse into what lies ahead!
As part of its ongoing commitment to social equity in the cannabis industry, Wana Brands has joined Oregon’s NuLeaf Project to support the passage of the state legislature’s Cannabis Equity Act (HB3112 2021). The partnership also supports the development of resources to help promote NuLeaf’s minority business accelerator program, which is working to build intergenerational success for Black and Brown people throughout the legal cannabis industry.
This week, Jonathan is joined by Josh Holland, a biohacker, fitness trainer, holistic health coach, and host of Simply Walk the Talk podcast. Josh gives Jonathan a crash course on biohacking and discusses his exciting world in training huge celebrities. Josh discusses how fitness and cannabis can go hand and hand, referring to cannabis as the “missing puzzle piece” of many people’s health and wellness journey. Josh provides recommendations as to how people can add cannabis into their fitness regimen, and shares his personal experience with how cannabis has enhanced his athletic career.
Dr. Michelle Weiner is double board certified in Interventional Pain Management and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Spine and Wellness Centers of America. She is also known as South Florida’s medical cannabis and CBD expert and educator. Michelle opens up about her deeply personal experience that led her to developing a non-toxic, multifaceted holistic approach to help others manage their pain. Michelle also breaks down the complicated biological processes involved with cannabis intake, and how these processes compare to those of traditional painkillers. Finally, she discusses potential health issues which can arise with users when consuming cannabis in conjunction with other substances.
Jonathan is joined by cannabis industry icon Mary Jane Gibson, a performer, writer, and a co-host of the podcast Weed and Grub. Mary Jane discusses the many ways in which the powerful plant has enhanced nearly all facets of her life, particularly after she experienced a life-changing traumatic event. Mary Jane discusses how cannabis helped her manage PTSD by providing her with comfort both physically and philosophically during her difficult time. Jonathan and Mary Jane also delve into the existing stigmas attached to the cannabis industry, particularly those related to gender. They also talk about the optimism behind better female representation within the cannabis industry in the future.
Jay Jackson, aka Laganja Estranja, is a drag queen, LGBTQIIA+ icon, and a competitor in Season 6 of Rupaul’s Drag Race. The self proclaimed “Sativa Diva” joins Jonathan this week, and shares a funny anecdote about how she initially discovered cannabis use as a creative tool, which landed her a highly selective appointment as a U.S. Presidential Scholar of the Arts. In addition, she also talks about using cannabis for medicinal purposes after suffering an injury in college. The two discuss how the character of Laganja Estranja came to be, and how she has successfully expressed femininity in a stigma ridden, gender normative society. Laganja discusses how she is using her platform to spread messages about cannabis, particularly related to race and social justice issues. She also shares exciting upcoming projects, which include a movie, television series, and an album!
This week, Jonathan is joined by Sasha Kalcheff-Korn, an education coordinator at the Realm of Caring Foundation, a non-profit organization that improves people’s quality of life through research and education about cannabis. Sasha began her career in the cannabis industry by working with autistic children as an Applied Behavior Therapist, in which capacity she witnessed the plant's healing capabilities first hand. Sasha delves into the ways in which cannabis can be helpful for enhancing peoples’ sex lives, and provides tips on how the powerful plant can optimize the sexual experience. She even reveals the various strains of cannabis that are most beneficial for making the most out of sexy time!
Len May is a Medical Cannabis specialist, CEO of Endocanna Health, and co-host of the Everything is Personal podcast. He joins Jonathan to discuss Endo dna, a DNA test that allows cannabis users to map their genetic makeup, and how it optimizes the benefits of cannabis without adverse effects. Get ready to geek on the science behind DNA testing, the human’s endocannabinoid system, and all of the ways this new technology will augment people’s wellness journey!
CULTIVATING PERFECT CANNABIS WITH KEVIN JODREY
Kevin Jodrey is a hunter of ganja genetics, creator of the Port Royal, the cultivation director at Wonderland Nursery, and cofounder of the Gangjier. He opens up this week about his tumultuous upbringing with which included a stint in the Youth Detention Center. After serving as a skilled diver for the Coast Guard years later, Kevin became a student of botany, ultimately leading him to the establishment of his own horticulture and cannabis growing operation. Kevin and Jonathan discuss the transition of cannabis from a stigmatized illicit drug to its current widespread application for both recreational and medicinal purposes. He also shares tips and tricks for how growers can cultivate the perfect cannabis plant!
Doctor Trina Hazzah is a veterinary oncologist, cannabis consultant and educator, and the founder of Veterinary Cannabis Society. She joins Jonathan to discuss her individualized treatment approaches, and the challenges that she faces in the veterinary field due to the stigma associated with cannabis use in animals. Trina also shares a heartwarming anecdote about her own cat’s life changing experience with cannabis treatment, which involved a severe case of the munchies! She provides tips on how pet parents can go about treating their fur babies with cannabis, and where she hopes to take her veterinary cannabis practice in the future.
Jessie Gill is a cannabis nurse, founder of the Marijuana Mommy website, and owner of the Pretty Pipe Shop. Prior to entering the cannabis industry, Jessie began her career working as a hospice nurse, until she suffered a life changing injury. Despite previously being a self-proclaimed “non-believer” in the benefits of cannabis use, she experimented with marijuana as a treatment for her injuries, and saw astonishing improvements in her physical and mental health. Jessie and Jonathan discuss her transition from working in the medical field to writing and teaching others about cannabis, and the reaction that she received from the nursing community.
Kristi Price is the founder of KRMA Media Incorporated and editor of online and print publication, Black CannaBusiness. She began her career working in highly regulated industries including tobacco and alcohol, eventually leading to her breakthrough in the cannabis industry. Jonathan and Kristi discuss the paradox that black entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry face; while cannabis is rooted in black culture, its historical legacy in the black community is strongly associated with widespread prosecution and incarceration. She also shares a special announcement about an exciting project launch!
Mentioned:
Kristi Price: Instagram | Facebook | Website | Instagram
Michelle Montoro is a stay at home mother, army wife, and author of the lifestyle and fashion blog Shelbee on the Edge, as well as a writer for Medium.com. At 26 years old, Michelle was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She joins Enhance Your Life this week to discuss her personal struggles with bipolar disorder, as well as the challenges and negative side effects she faced during her first 10 years of medicinal treatment. Michelle saw a reduction in those negative side effects when she turned to cannabis use as an alternative form of medication. Michelle details her personal experience with cannabis use and how it has helped her manage Bipolar Disorder, while minimizing the unpleasant side effects often associated with traditional psychiatric medicine. With a larger goal of introducing cannabis for treatment of psychiatric conditions other than bipolar disorder, Michelle is hopeful that the mental health community will embrace the vast benefits of cannabis.
This week features retired NFL running back Reuben Droughns, who speaks energetically and passionately about how cannabis has helped him in many areas including pain management and relaxation. Reuben talks about his experience coaching in Serbia, as well as earning a Super Bowl ring with the Giants in the Super Bowl XLII. Finally, Reuben and Jonathan discuss cannabis advocacy with important groups such as Athletes for Care and his review show, Doobin' with Reuben, produced by Lightshade.
Dr. Christopher Shade, PhD, is the founder and CEO of Quicksilver Scientific, a leading manufacturer of nutritional supplements featuring detoxification protocols and unique supplement delivery systems. Their supplements are highly bioavailable and support vital health functions to absorb essential vitamins while eliminating toxins that enables consumers to achieve their genetic potential. A collaboration with Wana Brands has brought together Wana’s cannabis production expertise with Quicksilver Delivery Systems’ Nanotechnology to produce a more discreet, rapid, and bioavailable product that offers an affordable alternative to smoking. Dr. Shade has also teamed up with Truss Beverage where Quicksilver Scientific’s unique nanotechnology enhances cannabis-infused products including beverages for people who want to socialize without consuming alcohol.
In this episode, let’s discover how Quicksilver Scientific’s nanoemulsion technology delivers faster and more effective cannabis results compared to other emulsion technologies on the market.
This week's show features April Pride and Ellen Scanlon of The High Guide and How To Do the Pot podcast. They discuss how their individual backgrounds in creative entrepreneurialism mixed with finance and healthcare created a perfect partnership for them to succeed together. They also talk with Jonathan about their mission to demystify cannabis for their community of women curious about cannabis. April and Ellen also share a few things they have learned about sleep and cannabis along the way, and why they are so excited to be in the cannabis industry now more than ever.
In addition to being the founder of Gratitude Blossom, a San Diego-based company which sells doctor-recommended CBD products; Antoinette Wade is a veteran, having served eleven years in the United States Navy as an aircraft final checker. Antoinette describes a gruesome accident she suffered while on the flight deck, which eventually led to her being medically retired with anxiety attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder. She goes on to share her experience medicating with prescription pills, and how her life changed for the better when she turned to meditation and alternative medicines such as cannabis. Antoinette also talks about Gratitude Blossom - more specifically how she hopes to provide affordable, or perhaps even cost-free, CBD products for veterans as well as terminally-ill and low-income residents of San Diego through Gratitude Blossom Collective, the nonprofit branch of the company.
Danny Murr-Sloat is the co-founder of AlpinStash, a Colorado-based craft cannabis cultivation company. In 2003, Danny, then 21 years old, was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome. He joins the show to share his experience with this rare condition - including being prescribed opioids as pain relief medication, which sent him into a vicious spiral of depression and dissociation. Danny goes on to reflect on how his recovery process finally took a turn for the better when he started to use cannabis to self-medicate, as well as how experimenting with gardening and learning to grow and breed cannabis became a motivating force in his life, helping him find purpose again. Lastly, Danny talks about starting AlpinStash, and their commitment to providing clean, high quality cannabis.
For this week’s podcast, we have photojournalist and documentarian Maren Krings all the way from Germany. Maren brings us such a rich and interesting conversation about her dedication to the social and environmental impact of the climate crisis, and her work documenting the worldwide rediscovery of industrial hemp. In addition to authoring three photo books and exhibiting her work internationally, she’s been busy photographing more than 200 projects, interviewing more than 80 industries, and traveling to 26 countries.
Currently, she’s working on a book about hemp’s potential to mitigate the ecological crisis. Hemp has an interesting history in the U.S. as George Washington used to grow hemp on his plantation and it has an ecological significance. Maren tells us about what industrial hemp is and her reason for focusing on it. She also talks about how hemp can help the planet and the misunderstanding between industrial hemp and cannabis. This episode also informs us of the obstacle and stigma of preventing countries and farmers from growing hemp.
Katherine Golden and Jennifer Axcell are the co-founders and, respectively, CEO and COO of Leaf 411, a free nurse hotline that provides guidance and support for cannabis users. They both join the show this week to talk about how they began Leaf 411, as well as how the service helps people use cannabis safely and to its full potential. They also reflect on their own experiences with cannabis, particularly Katherine, who--as a registered nurse--was initially skeptical of its healing effects. Additionally, Jennifer outlines how Leaf 411’s service works and how they are able to provide it for free; and Katherine breaks down the types of callers they usually get and the steps they take to help them with their problems, while sharing some anecdotes along the way.
Brian Applegarth is the founder of the California Cannabis Tourism Association, as well as an advisor to MMGY Global and MMGY Travel Intelligence, an integrated travel and hospitality marketing agency. Additionally, he is a co-owner of Enlighten Strategies, a company that develops and implements data-driven plans for destinations and hotels seeking to capitalize on cannabis, CBD, and hemp related opportunities. On this week’s show, Brian explains what cannabis tourism is, and talks about the businesses that help accommodate a growing market of cannabis-motivated travelers - such as cannabis tour operators and cannabis-forward hotels. He also shares how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted cannabis tourism, as well as what it reveals about the cannabis industry’s resilience in the face of economic recessions. Lastly, Brian gives his thoughts on the promising future of cannabis tourism given the ever-increasing inevitability of federal cannabis legalization.
Dr. Joanna Zeiger is a cannabis epidemiologist, as well as the founder and CEO of Canna Research Foundation, a non-profit organization that studies the effects of cannabis in various patient populations. She is also a former professional triathlete and author of The Champion Mindset. Dr. Zeiger shares how she became a triathlete, and how she began to use cannabis medicinally after she suffered a gruesome bike accident during the 2009 Ironman 70.3 World Championship. She also offers her thoughts on the antiquated cannabis regulations in sports, and outlines the numerous potential benefits of cannabis for athletes she has discovered through her research. Lastly, Dr. Zeiger talks briefly about her book, and the lessons she has learned from being a professional athlete that she applies to her everyday life.
This week, host Jonathan Small is joined by two guests - Renée Marino and Ray Simmons - to talk about the Street Wise Boulder Mural Festival, a street art festival featuring 39 different artists that took place this September. Renée is a board member of Street Wise Arts; a non-profit based in Boulder, Colorado that helps implement community murals and art projects; as well as the founder of Dirt Media, an independent publishing platform committed to growing artists. Our other guest, Ray, also known as Pharaoh One, is a Denver-based painter, graffiti artist and muralist. We also discuss cannabis and its wide use among artists; with Renée sharing her observations on the increasing openness surrounding cannabis use; and Ray diving into his unique relationship with cannabis, and how he associates with the plant on a spiritual level.
As a professional MMA fighter and former Division I soccer player, Brooke Mayo has competed at the highest level. Additionally, she is an ambassador for Athletes for CARE and a behavior technician who works with children who suffer from autism. Brooke joins the show to talk about the role cannabis has played in her athletic career. She shares how she first experimented with cannabis as an alternative to prescription painkillers while recovering from surgery in college, as well as how incorporating it into her daily routine has helped improve her performance as a professional athlete.
Martha Triantafillides is the founder of Blue Island Yoga, and grew up a lover of sports and physical activities, along with a dedication to her spiritual practice and love of nature. On this week’s show, Martha shares her journey with yoga, from practicing poses with her mother at an early age to re-discovering it in her adult life as a form of emotional therapy. She also talks about her experience with cannabis, and how she incorporates it into her work at Blue Island.
Morris Beegle is the co-founder and president of We Are For Better Alternatives (WAFBA), an organization that comprises some of the hemp industry’s leading brands, such as the NoCo Hemp Expo, Silver Mountain Hemp Guitars, Tree Free Hemp, Let’s Talk Hemp and more. In this week’s episode, host Jonathan Small and Morris share what you should know about hemp – what it is and where the industry is headed, as well as its diverse range of uses, including everything from eating it to using it for building guitars and furniture. Morris also shares the role cannabis plays in his daily life.
Bianca Blanche found her calling as a Budtender after she left her job in New York City and moved to Los Angeles. She began working at a dispensary in West Hollywood and found that her expertise in cannabis could directly help enhance the experience of her customers, people from all walks of life. In this week’s episode, host Jonathan Small and Bianca talk about the statistics of Millenials and cannabis use, and how she has used it to stay ambitious yet grounded and calm. She also shares some of the best (and most hilarious) questions she has been asked as a budtender.
Ron Silver joins the show this week to share his story on how cannabis helps him as an artist and a creative, and one very busy businessman. Ron is the chef/owner of the popular restaurant Bubby’s in New York, and founder of Azuca, providing the technology for Wana Quick Fast-Acting Sour Gummies, which take effect in 5-15 mins. Listen to learn more about the process of cooking with cannabis, and why Ron remains a serious consumer and advocate of the plant.
This week, host Jonathan Small is joined by San Diego radio industry veteran, digital media executive, and founder of Yew Media, Chris Cantore. Chris opens up about his own struggles with anxiety, and the ways cannabis has helped him over the years both personally and professionally. As the host of San Diego radio shows on 91x, 100.7, and many more, Chris saw first hand how cannabis culture fit in with surf, skate, and music in Southern California.
Mentions:
Yew Media
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Michelle Lankford, also known as Chef Bombshell, is an award-winning cannabis chef in Eagle River, Alaska. Her fans not only love her for her inventive, delicious, and medicated dishes, but also for her fun and silly antics on her show digital cooking show, Burnin’ with Bombshell. In this week’s episode, Michelle talks about her early entry into cooking with cannabis at age 8, and the many ways cannabis has helped her overcome her own health conditions. She shares how she transitioned from cooking for her friends to winning competitions and gives us a few of her favorite recipes to try in the kitchen.
Mentions:
Chef Bombshell
@ChefBombshell
Dr. Dave Gordon is a Medical Cannabis and Integrative Medicine Physician, educator, and advisor based in Denver, CO. He has been an early adopter of natural and safe practices that support health and address symptoms at their root cause. Dr. Dave talks with us about how his patients helped him see the potential of cannabis, and the ways he has benefited from using it personally. We also discuss why cannabis isn’t taught more in medical schools currently, but may only be a matter of time before it’s more widely accepted.
This week we are thrilled to talk with Tom Marshall, the primary lyricist and singer for Phish, and RJ Bee, co-founder of the Helping Friendly Podcast and the Osiris podcast group. Tom talks about how he met fellow bandmate Trey Anastasio and became part of one of the most well known and respected bands in music today, and how he and RJ linked up as both music lovers before launching Osiris. Then, Tom and RJ discuss how cannabis enhances their creative process and connects them to music in a more present and grounded way.
Discover the inspiring stories of people whose lives have been enhanced by cannabis. Brought to you by Wana Brands, the #1 infused brand in the U.S., each episode features interviews with cannabis enthusiasts of all walks of life—athletes and artists; chefs and CEOs—who have first-hand experience with the healing power of the plant. Hosted by journalist Jonathan Small.
Welcome to the premiere episode of Enhance Your Life, brought to you by Wana Brands. In the first of many fun, educational, and informative episodes, your host Jonathan Small welcomes Wana’s CEO, Nancy Whiteman, and the Director of Innovation, Mike Hennesy. Nancy and Mike discuss how Wana has innovated and grown over the 10 years of business, and why innovation is so important to Wana’s company culture and products. They talk about how Wana is leading the way in the cannabis industry, what we can expect next from the company, and how someone new to cannabis can begin to find a product right for them.