Enhance Your Life Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It's long been accepted that the edible experience and “the munchies” go hand in hand. But one edible is aiming to change that. In this episode, Arthur Jaffe joins Jonathan to discuss a new type of gummy hitting the market that actually curbs your hunger. Arthur is the CEO of ECS Brands, a company that's in the business of providing unique whole-plant extracts to brands, manufacturers, and processors around the world. On the pod, Arthur talks about developing the Wana Optimals Fit Gummy in partnership with Wana Brands, as well as the positive results people have been seeing with the product. He also gets into some of the ingredients in the edible, notably THCV, and emphasizes the need to focus on the endocannabinoid system in the edible creation process.

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.