The Cannabis Conversation Podcast

This week is a special episode - our 150th! And we’re honoured to be celebrating this milestone by welcoming back Dr. Raphael Mechoulam to the show  - ‘The Godfather of Cannabis Research'. Together, we deep dive into Dr. Mechoulam's current work looking at cannabinoid acids - examining their role interacting with the endocannabinoid system, their manipulation into compounds, as well as d...

This week we’re joined by Matt Lamers, International Editor at MJBiz - the leading industry news and data source for cannabis. We investigate hype vs. reality within the cannabis industry as a whole, the impact of historical over-investment into large Canadian licensed producers, and some of the reasons why expectations of growth have not been met. The Cannabis Conversation is sponsored by Lumino...

This week we’re excited to welcome Mags Houston and Dr. Anne Katrin Schlag from Drug Science - independent science led drugs charity based in London. Together, we explore how ProjectTwenty21 is progressing, some of the initial findings from the participating patient set, alongside digging into the true value of real-world data as a form of medical evidence opposed to randomised controlled trials....

In this week’s episode we’re joined by Dr. Tim Shu, US-based veterinarian and Founder of VETCBD - a cannabinoid therapeutics company focused on supporting the health and wellness of animals. We dig into the integration of cannabis and veterinary medicine, exploring the therapeutic potential and anecdotal evidence of cannabis use in pets and animals, alongside how this specific application fits int...

In our latest episode, we’re joined by Antonio Costanzo - CEO of Curaleaf International. Curaleaf is a leading US multi-state operator, and Curaleaf International is Europe’s largest vertically integrated cannabis company. We examine the developing demand for medical and recreational cannabis use across Europe, looking into the various referendums, pilot projects, and regulatory changes underpinni...

In our latest episode we welcome Chris Kelly and Eoin Keenan, Co-Founders of Goodrays - CBD beverage and wellness brand. We explore how ‘big tech’ has traditionally not been friendly towards cannabis brand content on social media, alongside some of the recent actions by Amazon which point towards a potential relaxation of the rules by some. The Cannabis Conversation is sponsored by Lumino   - a bo...

In our latest episode, we’re joined by Peter Sigetty - COO of Valcon Medical - Danish medical cannabis contract manufacturers of Pharmaceutical-Grade Cannabis Extracts. Within the context of the European medical cannabis supply and value chain, we explore the dynamics of vertical integration and how sector specialisation can help businesses navigate the complexities of the European market. 📚 VIEW...

In our latest episode, we’re joined by Paul Steckler, Managing Director for Canopy Growth International. We discuss the challenges of fitting cannabis production into a traditional pharmaceutical medical framework, along with some of the biggest UK-centric, economic and market challenges associated with operating within this space. 📚 VIEW SHOW NOTES AND EXTRAS: https://www.canverse.global/shownot...

This week, we’re bringing you another episode recorded in Odense, Denmark. On this show, we’re joined by Mariolla Schroll, Public Relations Officer at Schroll Medical - family owned medical cannabis producer. We examine the cultivation of medical cannabis, including desirable genetic characteristics, common breeding methods, and the steps needed to achieve GMP compliance as a Danish producer. Abou...

Last month, the recently elected coalition government in Germany announced their initial plans to legalise cannabis for recreational use. There has understandably been a lot of excitement about this news, so on this week’s episode Alfredo Pascual from Seed Innovations, Franziska Katterbach from Khiron Life Sciences, and Tom Blickman from Transnational Institute join me to discuss how the upcoming...

This week’s episode comes to you from Odense in Denmark, where we’re joined by Connor Jensen Murphy and Justin Ihnken from Danish full service cannabis testing and analysis lab, QNTM Labs. We examine the importance of continuity, standardisation, and frameworks with the context of cannabis laboratory testing, and how QNTM Labs are helping to bring pharmaceutical testing standards to the European m...

This week we welcome to the show Mike Simpson, Co-founder and CEO of Omura, technology and design company innovating within the cannabis inhalation market.  We investigate the rise in popularity and benefits of heat-not-burn technology, how it compares to more traditional ways of ingesting cannabis, and how this innovation is revolutionising the cannabis and tobacco industries. About Mike Simpson...

On this week's episode, we’re joined by Tony Reeves, European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) board member, and CBD Consultant, working with regulators, the UK government and a variety of brands. We investigate changing consumer behaviours towards CBD, the latest drug delivery innovations within the sector, and the adoption of CBD within consumer packaged goods. About Tony Reeves Tony is a...

On this week's episode, we welcome Bek Muslimov & Nikolay Tretiyakov, Co-Founders of Leafy Tunnel - early stage VC firm investing in psychedelics and cannabis to combat mental health and pain disorders. We examine the European investment landscape within the psychedelic and cannabis sector, looking into the types of investors and funds operational within this space, alongside how they hav...

On this week's episode, we welcome Yoko Miyashita (CEO) & Janessa Bailey (Culture Editor) from Leafly - the world’s largest cannabis information resource and technology company. We dig into the Seeds of Change report that Janessa wrote for Leafly, and discuss some of its findings around social equity in cannabis, including the impact of an unequal cannabis industry, how we are still battl...

On this week's episode, we’re joined by Professor Mike Barnes, Neurologist, Director of Maple Tree Consultancy, and Chairman of The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society We explore the future of Medical Cannabis in the UK by investigating current prescribing practices, stakeholder challenges, and how the government can help develop the industry. → View full show notes, summary, and access resou...

In our latest episode, we welcome to the show Dr. Peter Grinspoon - author, physician, and medical cannabis educator. We explore the impact of The USA’s War on Drugs on a personal and nationwide level, as well as the impact and legacy of Peter’s father, Lester Grinspoon, who laid the intellectual framework for cannabis reform in the 1960s. → View full show notes, summary, and access resources here...

On today’s show, we’re joined by Joe Dolce - Journalist, Podcaster, Author, and Founder of media training company Joe Dolce Communications In this episode, Joe shares his personal journey through the world of cannabis charting the experiences and events that informed his book, Brave New Weed, published in 2017 by HarperCollins. → View full show notes, summary, and access resources here: https://ww...

This week, we’re joined by Sibusiso Xaba, Co-founder and CEO of Africa Cannabis Advisory Group (ACA Group) - investment, advisory, consulting, research and distribution company focusing on the African cannabis market. Together, we take a look at the current state of the African cannabis industry, including the factors and countries accelerating its development, and how the cannabis industry can he...

This week, we welcome back  Dominic Day & George Kruis to the show, international Rugby players, and Co-Founders of wellness brand for athletes - fourfive CBD. We examine the changing attitudes towards cannabis in professional sport, how CBD can be used to aid recovery from sports injuries, and how regulators view the substance. → View full show notes, summary, and access resources here: https...

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Paola Cubillos - Colombian-Canadian integrative medicine physician, Medical Cannabis doctor and educator. We investigate the existing theory and evidence base behind the concept of ‘The Entourage Effect’ as coined by Professor Raphael Mechoulam, alongside the data we need to be able to validate the hypothesis. → View full show notes, summary, and access resources her...

This week, we’re joined by Jaspreet Grewal & Sabrina Ramkellawan, founders of Knowde Group - Canadian contract research organisation and hybrid consultancy specialising in plant-based therapeutics and psychedelics. In this episode, we explore the complexities of clinical trials within the cannabis industry, including barriers to entry, the three phases of clinical trials, how to navigate the r...

This week, we’re joined by Shahbaaz Kara-Virani, Canadian Sales Leader for dutchie - a technology platform providing e-commerce solutions for dispensaries. Shahbaaz is also a Founding Member of the Ontario Cannabis Policy Council. Our discussion explores the complex history of the Canadian medical cannabis market, the blurry line between recreational and medical cannabis use, and where the illicit...

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Sandra Carrillo - clinical practitioner and Professor of Medical Cannabis Research & Education at The University of Panama. We discuss the use of medical cannabis, the conditions it has been proven to treat successfully, and the challenges involved in gathering evidence for its efficacy. → View full show notes, summary, and access resources here: https://www.canv...

This week, we’re joined by Marion Mariathasan, CEO and Co-Founder of Simplifya - leading Cannabis Compliance Software provider based in the USA. We explore the importance of being legally compliant for licensed cannabis businesses, alongside how Simplifya’s acclaimed suite of compliance solutions can take the guesswork out of complex, industry-specific regulations. → View full show notes, summary,...