Planting Seeds with Senator Sharif Street

On this episode of  Planting Seeds , host Gibran Washington sits down with Pennsylvania powerhouses—Representative Amen Brown and Senator Sharif Street—to dig into the evolving landscape of cannabis legalization in the Commonwealth. From House Bill 2210 to the debate over private sector models versus state-run dispensaries, the conversation goes deep on what it will take to build a just, equitable...

What does adult-use cannabis legalization look like in Pennsylvania—and how close are we to making it a reality? In this powerful episode, host Jorge Hermida (aka Brasco) leads a pivotal conversation with Representative Rick Krajewski and Senator Sharif Street, diving deep into House Bill 1200, a landmark cannabis reform bill that just passed the PA House. Rep. Krajewski breaks down the bill’s key...

In this episode of Planting Seeds , host Gibran Washington sits down with Edward "Eddie" Osefo—attorney, entrepreneur, and the dynamic force behind the cannabis brand Happy Eddie. From viral reality TV fame to becoming a champion for social equity in the cannabis space, Osefo shares the origin story of his brand and how he’s using his platform to shift perceptions, challenge stigma, and up...

Pennsylvania stands at a crossroads in cannabis legalization. In this episode, we dive deep into the ongoing debate, exploring the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a regulated market. State Representative Emily Kinkead, and industry leader Gibran Washington break down the key issues—state-run vs. private dispensaries, expungement, social equity, and the battle against the illicit m...

"Planting Seeds with Senator Sharif Street," host Gibran Washington welcomed Emily Fisher, the founder and CEO of Leafwell, to discuss the evolving landscape of medical cannabis. Fisher, a breast cancer survivor and medical cannabis patient, shared her personal journey and advocated for greater accessibility and education surrounding cannabis as medicine. The conversation highlighted the i...

Sean Berte, a former Boston firefighter, and Armani White, a prominent activist, are challenging the social and economic inequities within the burgeoning cannabis industry with their new dispensary, Firehouse. Fueled by their shared passion for social justice, Firehouse aims to be a welcoming and inclusive space for all, prioritizing community engagement and showcasing products from certified soci...

On today's episode, Gibran Washington and Dr. Brooke Worster discuss Brooke's journey into cannabis research and its impact on her role as Chief Medical Officer at Ethos. Dr. Worster is a pioneering palliative care clinician and researcher dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of medical cannabis. As the Director of Supportive Oncology at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia...

Today's show, with Frederika Easley, revolves around the cannabis industry and its potential for economic growth and diversification. Frederika is the Executive Director of The Cannabis Impact Fund, a host and producer of "The People Are Blunt" podcast as part of The People’s Ecosystem, and President of the Minority Cannabis Business Association. Gibran and Frederika emphasize the need...

Joe Hodas and Paul Armentano discuss the evolution of cannabis policy and the role of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). Paul shares his 31-year journey in advocating for cannabis legalization, noting the significant shift in public opinion and policy changes. Paul highlights the decrease in marijuana-related arrests from a million annually to around 225,000, and t...

Todd Eachus, Partner at Pure Green BioAg joins us on this episode of Planting Seeds. Todd discusses the evolution of the medical marijuana system in Pennsylvania. He notes a significant cultural shift, with around 70% of the population now supporting cannabis use, up from around 30% previously. The medical program has been successful, with numerous sites serving patients statewide and generating r...

In today's episode Joe Hodas welcomes Gibran Washington, the CEO of Ethos Cannabis, a multi-state cannabis operator headquartered in Philadelphia. Gibran discusses his background and journey into the cannabis industry, which was influenced by his family and personal experiences, before sharing his vision for the future of the cannabis industry.

In today's episode, Joe Hodas and Senator Sharif Street introduce two special guests: Councilman Curtis Jones and Mason Tvert. Jones is a lifelong Philadelphian serving his fifth term in the Philadelphia City Council, and Mason is a seasoned communications and public affairs professional who has played an active role in the legalization movement throughout the country. Jones discusses his evol...

Cannabis legalization in the United States is a multi-faceted issue that touches on social equity, local and state regulations, and the broader market dynamics. With voices from both the legislative field and industry providing critical insights, we navigate the labyrinthine world of cannabis legislation and explore the future landscapes shaped by current debates and policies.  One of the most urg...

Discover how Pennsylvania plans to learn from Colorado and California's cannabis experiences with Senator Sharif Street and Wana Brands' President, Joe Hodas. Explore the state's innovative approach to creating a cannabis control board for nimble regulation, addressing taxation, enforcement, and supporting illicit market transition into the legal market. Join the conversation on bipart...

In the realm of Pennsylvania cannabis policy, the path to legalization is fraught with complexities and challenges. In a recent discussion with Senator Sharif Street's team, critical insights were shared on the nuanced dynamics shaping the potential adult-use cannabis landscape in the state. From regulatory frameworks to industry perspectives, the conversation shed light on key considerations...

Les Stark is a Pennsylvania hemp historian who has spent thousands of hours researching the historic Pennsylvania hemp industry. He has documented the existence of hundreds of hemp mills throughout the state and uncovered an epic tale of the days when nearly every farmer in the state grew hemp. Since 1997 he has been teaching this information to farmers, farm organizations, historical societies, c...

The cannabis landscape is evolving rapidly, and Pennsylvania stands at the cusp of potentially transformative legislation. In the 8th episode of Planting Seeds with Senator Sharif Street, distinct perspectives converge, offering insights into the complex interplay between large multi-state operators (MSOs), small-scale operators, and the pursuit of social equity in the cannabis industry. In this e...

Pennsylvania is at a crossroads in crafting cannabis legislation that could set new standards for regulation and industry practice. With the influx of expertise from seasoned growers and the progressive vision of Senator Sharif Street, the Keystone State is poised to lead in creating a blueprint for cannabis legalization that benefits producers, workers, and consumers alike. Today our guests Steve...

As conversations around cannabis legalization gain momentum in Pennsylvania, Senator Sharif Street, Joe Hodas and Chris Goldstein, a regional organizer for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), discuss the path forward. Their insights reveal the intricate dynamics at play, from political influences to the importance of social equity and grassroots advocacy in shaping...

Pennsylvania stands on the brink of transformative action in cannabis legislation, with discussions that carry the potential to shape the justice system and economic landscape of the state. In a detailed and enlightening conversation with State Representative Rick Krajewski, Joe Hodas and Senator Sharif Street, we are given a candid look into the intricate process of crafting a law that hopes to b...

The future of cannabis is envisioned through a lens of globalization and diversity. Countries like Ghana are stepping into the cannabis market, creating a bridge with US communities. Today's guest, Cherron Perry-Thomas, underscores, "It's happening slowly," indicating that there's much work to be done in crafting an industry that doesn't mirror the exclusion suffered in the...

Changing the perception of cannabis in the media industry requires educating journalists and newsrooms about the history and medicinal uses of the plant. In this episode, we have two special guests who are working to change perceptions and build equity in the cannabis industry. Co-host Joe Hodas from Wana speaks with Tauhid Chappel, an executive board member of the Philadelphia Association of Blac...

One of the key motivations behind Senate Bill 1028 is to address the racial disparities prevalent in cannabis-related arrests. In today's episode, Senator Street and Wana's Joe Hodas shed light on the importance of this bill and its potential impact on the lives of Pennsylvanians. We explore the resistance faced by the senator in pushing this bill forward, the role of the media in shaping...

Over the years, the perception of cannabis has shifted from a fringe issue to a mainstream topic. With 33 states now having some form of legalization, there are lawyers, lobbyists, and business people involved in the industry. However, this evolution has also led to an identity crisis within the cannabis industry. Some see it as a movement for social change, while others view it as a business oppo...