Professionally Cannabis

For Part 1 of this episode we are joined by Veronika Gold, Co-Founder & Psychotherapist at Polaris Insight Center – innovators within the psychedelics therapy field. As a MAPS-Trained clinician and someone with reams of experience in psychotherapy, Veronika is the perfect person to discuss the therapeutic potential of expanded states of consciousness, with a particular focus on ketamine-assisted therapy and unlocking the potential of MDMA. Take a look at the full collection of podcasts and explore additional cannabis & psychedelics content on the GCI Content Hub: https://contenthub.gcintelligence.com/

For this episode we welcome back to the podcast Dr. David (Dedi) Meiri, a world-renowned cannabis researcher from the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. With over 90 scientists working alongside Dedi on a variety of research projects at the Technion and CannaSoul, Dedi and his team tackle many of the world's most significant illnesses and conditions, including – but not limited to – cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, epilepsy and Alzheimer's. Take a look at the full collection of podcasts and explore additional cannabis & psychedelics content on the GCI Content Hub: https://contenthub.gcintelligence.com/ 

For today's episode we're joined by Cosmo Feilding Mellen, CEO of Beckley Psytech. Born out of the Beckley Foundation – a world-renowned organisation who have been central to drug policy reform and research into psychoactive substances for over two decades – Cosmo and his team are at the forefront of modern-day psychedelic science. With clinical trials currently in play and a bulging war chest following an oversubscribed Series B funding round, tune in to hear what's being cooked up at Beckley HQ and more.Take a look at the full collection of podcasts and explore additional cannabis & psychedelics content on the GCI Content Hub: https://contenthub.gcintelligence.com/

Joining the Professionally Cannabis Podcast to discuss everything cannabis education is Max Simon, the Co-Founder and CEO of Green Flower (a cannabis education platform working alongside businesses and universities) and Ganjier (a cannabis sommelier certification course for plant professionals).Take a look at the full collection of podcasts and explore additional cannabis & psychedelics content on the GCI Content Hub: https://contenthub.gcintelligence.com/ 

Joining the podcast for today's episode is Nick Murray, Co-Founder and CEO of Wake Network – a psychedelic start-up looking to leverage the far-ranging benefits of magic mushrooms for health and wellbeing. Amidst the psychedelic renaissance we find ourselves in, tune in to hear Nick discussing what it's been like navigating business growth in the psychedelic space, and talking through the specific benefits of natural psychedelic compounds, derived from magic mushrooms.Take a look at the full collection of podcasts and explore additional cannabis & psychedelics content on the GCI Content Hub: https://contenthub.gcintelligence.com/

Today's episode will be slightly different to the norm… Having received a few notes from newer listeners keen to understand more about individual cannabinoids, I thought it would be cool this week to play out a session that ran last year at the GCI Summit with none other than Dr. Ethan Russo.  As one of the modern-day OGs of cannabis research and science, it is always a pleasure to pick the brain of Ethan, who is an unequivocal authority on the plant and its constituent parts. As a heads up, the session was initially recorded on Zoom, so the audio quality will be slightly different to the typical pods; however, I hope that hearing the wonderful insights of Dr. Russo will be enough of an audio feast for you!Take a look at the full collection of podcasts and explore additional cannabis & psychedelics content on the GCI Content Hub: https://contenthub.gcintelligence.com/ 

For this week's episode, Tim Schlidt, Co-Founder and Partner at psychedelics VC firm, Palo Santo joined the pod in conversation.The psychedelics industry has experienced growth at breakneck speed over the past two years, with swathes of ground-breaking research and cutting-edge companies looking to revolutionise mental health treatment as we know it. With over 20 companies across their portfolio of Psychedelic Pioneers, there's no doubt that Tim has much to share on the latest innovations in the space, and the type of companies that are driving these forwards.Take a look at the full collection of podcasts and explore additional cannabis & psychedelics content on the GCI Content Hub: https://contenthub.gcintelligence.com/

For this week's episode, we talk cannabis in Germany with Niklas Kouparanis, the Co-Founder & CEO of Bloomwell Group. With the biggest medical cannabis market in Europe and imminent plans to pass new laws permitting recreational use of the plant, Nik joins us to discuss the practicalities, time lines and critical success factors for Germany, as adult-use cannabis in the country has moved from an ‘if' to a ‘when'. Take a look at the full collection of podcasts and explore additional cannabis & psychedelics content on the GCI Content Hub: https://contenthub.gcintelligence.com/ 

Tune into today's podcast to hear from Ben Lightburn, the Co-Founder & CEO of Filament Health. Listed on the NEO Exchange, Filament Health have many irons in the psychedelic fire, spearheading clinical trials (alongside the University of California, San Francisco), registering a whole host of IP and making strides forward within drug discovery. As a company that favours naturally derived psychedelics, rather than their synthetic counterparts, this is a must listen for anyone with a keen eye on psychedelic medicine!Take a look at the full collection of podcasts and explore additional cannabis & psychedelics content on the GCI Content Hub: https://contenthub.gcintelligence.com/ 

Earlier this year, I was joined by one of the most recognisable names for folks who operate on the business side of the cannabis industry - Terry Booth, the CEO of Audacious and Former CEO and Founder of Aurora Cannabis. Having developed one of the largest cannabis companies worldwide, followed by leading further investments and ventures in the space, Terry is as candid and energetic as ever over our conversation!Take a look at the full collection of podcasts and explore additional cannabis & psychedelics content at: https://contenthub.gcintelligence.com/

The pod returns (following a short holiday and a longer illness!) with a conversation I had earlier this year with Zoe Helene, the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Cosmic Sister.Zoe takes us on a psychedelic journey that kicked off in the 90s and delves into a range of topics, including Psychedelic Feminism. Take a look at the full collection of podcasts and explore additional cannabis & psychedelics content on the GCI Content Hub: https://contenthub.gcintelligence.com/ 

Joining the pod is Nancy Whiteman, Co-Founder & CEO of Wana Brands, one of the leading names in cannabis retail. Most well known for their gummies, Wana have blazed a trail for cannabis brands across the U.S. and recently were subject to a $300m acquisition by Canopy Growth. Nancy is an inspirational cannabis exec and someone who was more than happy to share the experience and expertise needed to build this behemoth of cannabis retail! 

As the lead investor in Compass Pathways, Founder of Atai Life Sciences and Apeiron Investment Group, Christian is the perfect person to talk everything psychedelics in 2022. With a diverse portfolio across Fintech, Crypto, Life Sciences, Media, Entertainment and more, Christian is a true leader in spotting unique business opportunities and driving these organisations forward. Tune into Christian's interview today!Take a look at the full collection of podcasts and explore additional cannabis & psychedelics content on the GCI Content Hub: https://contenthub.gcintelligence.com/ 

The Professionally Cannabis Podcast returns for 2022, with Andreas Neumann, Chief Creative Officer at Jushi taking the hotseat for the first ep of the year! Across 3 decades Dre has had a fascinating career, working with the likes of Iggy Pop, the Foo Fighters, and even Pele across a plethora of different roles within business, entertainment, photography and more! Since joining Jushi, he has revolutionised their retail footprint, making the organisation one of the hottest MSOs in the industry. Take a look at the full collection of podcasts and explore additional cannabis & psychedelics content at: https://contenthub.gcintelligence.com/

Joining the pod today is Dr. Jeffrey Becker – a psychiatrist and the Co-Founder & Chief Scientific Officer of Bexson Biomedical. Over the conversation, Jeffrey takes us on his journey to psychedelics, finding himself as a mystic and delving into the interconnectivity of consciousness, ego and self within the healing process.

For this week's episode, Jon Sandelman, the CEO of Ayr Wellness, joined the pod for an access-all-areas interview. Over the conversation, Jon takes us on his journey into cannabis, delving into how he set up a listed fund in Canada for US plant touching businesses, selecting companies for acquisition and setting a company culture across a diverse group of organisations.

Joining the pod this week is Jim Hourigan, the CEO of leading California cannabis brandhouse, CannaCraft. Known for popular brands, such as Absolute Xtracts and Care by Design, Jim talks us through the growing popularity of the cannabis beverage sector, with CannaCraft's beer developed alongside Lagunitas (of Heineken fame), techniques for growing quality and consistent sun grown cannabis, and best practice for responding to growing consumer demand.

Want to know more about medical research on Ayahuasca? Tune into our conversation with Dr, Simon Ruffell and WaiFung Tsang of the Psychae Institute at University of Melbourne & Kings College London, respectively. Simon and WaiFung talk us through their journey to psychedelics – from self-funding an observational study around ayahuasca, through to receiving funding from the UK government to further their fantastic research!

Earlier this year, we caught up with Josh Kirby, the Co-Founder & CEO of Kin Slips – a California-based brand looking to redefine cannabis delivery mechanisms through their sublingual strips. Josh takes us on his journey from making brownies at university to designing innovative products for the California cannabis market, including some M&A along the way. Check out Josh's interview today! Take a look at the full collection of podcasts and explore additional cannabis & psychedelics content at: https://contenthub.gcintelligence.com/

Earlier this year, we caught up with Josh Kirby, the Co-Founder & CEO of Kin Slips – a California-based brand looking to redefine cannabis delivery mechanisms through their sublingual strips. Josh takes us on his journey from making brownies at university to designing innovative products for the California cannabis market, including some M&A along the way. Check out Josh's interview today!

Tune into this week's pod with one of the OGs of cannabis research - Professor Roger Pertwee, Emeritus Professor at the University of Aberdeen. In no uncertain terms, across over 50 years of cannabis research, Roger is behind many of the scientific breakthroughs that underpin our understanding of the pharmacology of cannabis and the endocannabinoid system. Having collaborated with Dr. Raphael Mechoulam in the early days of cannabis research, Roger is a true legend with an amazing story.

Earlier this year, we spoke with another psychedelics and cannabis pioneer, Ronan Levy, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman of Field Trip Health. Within a candid conversation, Ronan discusses how Field Trip have exponentially scaled their business, the differences and similarities between how the psychedelics and cannabis industries will continue to grow, developing novel psychedelic compounds, and the journey from developing new drugs to commercialisation. Tune into Ronan's interview today!

Earlier this year, we spoke with Peter Crock, the CEO of Australian cannabis operator, Cann Group Ltd. As the first company in Australia granted a cultivation and research license for medical cannabis, Peter talks through the current state of play in the domestic market, Cann Group's acquisitions and expansion into Europe, R&D initiatives and how to keep shareholders happy! Tune into Peter's episode today to find out more.

For this episode, we speak with cannabis and psychedelics investors, Bek Muslimov and Nikolay Tretiyakov of Leafy Tunnel. Over the interview, we hear about the similarities and differences between cannabis and psychedelics investing, what investors should look for in companies and their founders, and the sectors that have the greatest growth potential. Tune into their episode today!

Earlier this year, we caught up with returning guest to the pod and a psychedelics and cannabis pioneer, Bruce Linton.   Over the interview, Bruce takes us through his journey into psychedelics and gives his insight into public policy, the future of mental health treatment and how investors should approach this burgeoning market. Tune in today!

This week's episode welcomes Karim Webb, Entrepreneurial Activist and CEO of 4thMVMT. Social equity initiatives are increasingly being worked into cannabis legalisation legislation in some U.S. states, but do they go far enough? Tune into Karim's interview to find out more!

Check out this week's episode with Tracy Ryan, the Founder of NKore, CannaKids and Saving Sophie. Perhaps best known for her role in the award-winning film, Weed the People, in which Tracy's baby daughter, Sophie, is treated with medical cannabis, Tracy has gone on to lead 3 organisations; most recently NKore, a research firm focussed on natural killer cell therapeutics and cannabis for cancer care.

Tune into Part 2 of our bumper first episode of the Professionally Psychedelics Podcast with Dr. David Feifel.   As Professor Emeritus at UC San Diego & Founder of Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute, David is one of the pioneers of psychedelic medicine research and ketamine therapy; a true leader at the forefront of the biggest development in mental health for 50 years.

Earlier this year, we discussed everything French Cannabis with Benjamin-Alexandre Jeanroy, the Co-Founder & CEO of Augur Associates.   The long-awaited two year ‘cannabis experiment' in France was given the green light in March, providing access to medical cannabis and cannabis medicines for approximately 3000 patients. Benjamin talks through how this will work in practice, the way in which patients will be able to access medicine, the companies that are supplying the product, and the socio-political status of cannabis in France – one of the largest consumers of the plant in Europe.

For our long-awaited first episode of Professionally Psychedelics, we had the honour of speaking with a pioneer of psychedelic medicine, Dr. David Feifel. Tune into part 1 of David's episode today!   As Professor Emeritus at UC San Diego & Founder of Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute, David is one of the pioneers of psychedelic medicine research and ketamine therapy; a true leader at the forefront of the biggest development in mental health for 50 years.

After a short summer break, for this week's episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Cameron Clarke, the CEO of Sunderstorm.   As a long-standing advocate for plant medicines and the leader of California-based cannabis CPG brand, Sunderstorm, Cameron takes us on his journey from commercialising the Acai Berry in the US, through to creating high-potency, fast onset, nano-formulated cannabis products for the North American adult use market.

For this week's episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Michele Ross, the Founder of AURA Therapeutics. As a clinician, patient, author and entrepreneur with deep, first-hand experience in using a plethora of plant medicines therapeutically, Michele talks through how she's able to mediate the symptoms of her fibromyalgia, how she integrates both cannabis and Kratom into her daily routine, the science behind it, and why over 10m people in the U.S. are using Kratom! www.professionallycannabispodcast.com

For this week's episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Kyle Detwiler, the CEO of international cannabis operator, Clever Leaves.   In a wide-ranging conversation, Kyle gives great insight into how Clever Leaves have developed as a business since our last conversation with the company (50 episodes ago!), discussing distributing GMP-grade cannabis products into emerging medical markets, partnering with international pharma partners and having political influence in Colombia and beyond!

For this week's episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Sam Ghods, the CEO of Connected Cannabis – one of the largest flower brands in California. A premium cannabis brand, whose products hold an equally premium price tag, Sam talks to Jonny and Oscar about his experience of growing the brand, utilizing his experience and tech-background. Over the conversation, Sam talks about curating the Connected Cannabis product range (including many of the award-winning Alien Labs strains), expanding cross states & internationally, and engaging with consumers online. ….. If you're a leader in Cannabis or Psychedelics, check out the GCI Virtual Summit (June 8-10, 2021)! Apply for a ticket today: www.gcivirtualsummit.com

For this week’s episode, we had the absolute honour of speaking with cannabis legend, Dr. Ethan Russo, Founder & CEO of CReDO Science.   As, quite literally, one of the pioneering researchers in cannabis, and someone whose insights underpin much of the modern day understanding of the plant and the ECS, Ethan is truly a Rockstar guest for the pod. Over the episode we chat through, of course, what led him to the plant, his learnings from working with companies such as GW Pharmaceuticals, and the role that minor cannabinoids are playing in his current research projects at CReDO Science.   www.professionallycannabispodcast.com 

For this week’s episode, we had the pleasure of talking with cannabis branding aficionado, Jared Mirsky, Founder & CEO at Wick & Mortar.   As one of the first cannabis branding agencies to be incepted at the start of the cannabis boom in the US, Jared talks through the best ways to highlight a brand’s USP in their marketing, creative campaign case studies and successful digital strategies that canna firms can utilize in 2021! Tune into Jared’s episode today: www.professionallycannabispodcast.com

For this week’s episode, we had the pleasure of talking with leading drug policy advocate, Paul North, Director at Volteface.   Having spearheaded some of the most significant cannabis advocacy campaigns in the UK (that led to direct change in drug policy reform), Paul talks us through how to structure a successful cannabis advocacy campaign, the ways in which businesses can work alongside advocacy groups and a sneak peak into his TV guilty pleasures! Tune into Paul’s episode today: www.professionallycannabispodcast.com

For this week’s episode, we had a brilliant conversation with Dr. Sandra Carrillo, the President of the Colombian Medical Cannabis Association. Offering an insight into the cannabis landscape in Latin America, Sandra talks about how patients can access cannabis medicine, education initiatives (for both doctors and patients) and how the business and medical communities in Latin America collaborate. www.professionallycannabis.com

Welcome to Season Three of the Professionally Cannabis podcast! Earlier this year we caught up with Alan Brochstein who spoke to us about how he accidentally stumbled into the world of publicly trading cannabis stocks. We follow his career path and discuss what's new for investors today, in the era Alan refers to as Cannabis Phase 3. https://professionallycannabispodcast.com/ 

This week's episode saw Pat McCutcheon, the Co-Founder, CEO & Chairman of MediPharm Labs join Jonny and Oscar on the pod. Following Medipharm's recent partnership with a pharma giant and drawing from 15 years experience working directly within the pharmaceutical industry, Pat is the perfect person to give insights on how cannabusinesses can transition into the medical market. 

For this episode, we're were delighted to welcome Abby Hughes (the Chair of PLEA) to the pod to give the patients' perspective. As the medical cannabis industry continues to develop at breakneck speed, we need to ensure that patients are at the centre of this. Within the episode, Abby discusses a wide range of topics, including developments in patient access, changes to legislation and the launch of Medical Cannabis Awareness Week.  https://www.pleacommunity.org.uk/mcaw 

Another big hitter on the pod this week! Jonny and Oscar were joined by a true legend of the cannabis industry – Mara Gordon, the Founder of Aunt Zelda’s. As one of the pioneers in bringing cannabis medicines to patients, Mara takes us through her cannabis journey, speaking about crucial data collection from patients, clinical trials, her staring role in canna films and more.

After a short working break we are back... and what a cracker this episode is! Tune in to hear insights from Tjalling Erkelens, the Founder & CEO of Bedrocan - one of the longest running cannabis companies out there and also amongst the most widely distributed cannabis products to the global medical market!

For this week’s episode, the Professionally Cannabis hosts were joined by Dr. Markus Roggen, Founder of Complex Biotech Discovery Ventures. A straight-talking scientist who was somewhat of a pioneer in how extraction techniques have developed over the years, Markus gives us his two cents on both the science and business that underpins today’s cannabis industry.

This week Jonny and Oscar were joined by Nick Tennant who is the Founder & CTO of Precision Extraction Solutions. As a non-plant touching entity themselves, Nick takes us on his cannabis journey – from building his first prototype at his dining room table 8 years ago to running one of the world’s leading cannabis extraction and lab equipment companies!

This week’s episode is a corker (pun slightly intended), albeit without Oscar for the interview – sad times. Jonny was joined by Tracey Mason, CEO of House of Saka – a cannabinoid-infused drinks company based out of California. Pioneers of CBD & THC loaded wines - sourced directly from the famous region, Napa Valley - Tracey takes us on her professional journey describing what 30 years in luxury beverages did to equip her with the skills and knowhow to launch a fantastic cannabis brand!

Check out this week’s episode of the podcast – the Professionally Cannabis Hosts spoke with Mark Reinders, CEO of HempFlax about the incredible versatility of the plant and how it can be utilised across different industries and businesses. Did you know that companies like Porsche, Nike and Levi’s have all recently incorporated hemp into products? And this barely scratches the surface!

Check out this week’s episode of the podcast – we had a great time chatting with Emily Paxhia, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Poseidon Asset Management, one of the longest running funds in the cannabis industry. As early investors in household names in cannabis, such as PAX, Aphria and GW Pharma (to name a few!), Emily gave us a huge amount of insight into how they find the next big companies to invest in, their due diligence processes and how international investment decisions and regulatory monitoring intersect.

We really had a blast recording this week’s episode with Antonio Frazier, the President of CannaSafe - a leading cannabis and hemp testing lab based out of California. In a wide-ranging interview covering an array of topics related to cannabis, including social equity, the industry’s role in righting some of the wrongs from previous decades, and how proper testing is integral for providing consumers and patients alike with safe, compliant products.

Tune in to this week's episode of the Professionally Cannabis Podcast to hear exclusive insights from Boris Baňas, Founder & CSO of CBDepot. With a career in cannabis that spans over 20 years, and as one of the first holders of a validated application under the EU Novel Foods regulation, Boris brings a huge amount of insight to the table regarding the cannabinoid market for both pharma and health & wellness.

This week we caught up with the CEO and President of Marijuana Business Daily (MJBiz), Chris Walsh. Heading up the most prominent publication in cannabis, Chris takes us through how the organisation has pivoted in reaction to COVID, the way in which mainstream media views the cannabis industry, and how the biggest event in the canna calendar is adapting to the new virtual world.