The Cannabis Conversation Podcast

How important is R&D for differentiating in the cannabis industry? This week we’re joined by Dr. Graham Wood, Chief Scientific Officer at Neptune Wellness Solutions - cannabinoid extractors, and integrated health and wellness company.  Together, we discuss R&D within the cannabis industry - including Neptune’s newest innovations, delivery systems and their effects, bioavailability, and abs...

How are companies innovating in the cannabis space? This week we’re joined by Ben Gottlieb, partner at vegan edibles company Planted Fresh (launching late 2020). Ben is an expert in product innovation in the cannabis industry, having previously held roles at High 12 brands and Lift & Co. Together, we explore the incredible consumer demand for edibles in North America, technologies within the b...

What are the best ways to try and raise investment for your business? This week we’re joined by Matt Nordgren, Founder & Managing Partner at Arcadian Fund - leading cannabis and hemp growth equity investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Together, we discuss the best strategies for securing investment within this space, including the importance of your founding team, understan...

How has the medical cannabis industry in Europe progressed over the last 12 months? This week we welcome back Alfredo Pascual to the show. Alfredo is a renowned business journalist covering the European cannabis sector and writes for MJBizDaily - the premier B2B publication within the industry. Together, we discuss Alfredo’s latest report for MJBizDaily - Medical Cannabis In Europe (2nd Edition) -...

How hard is it to grow cannabis at scale? This week we’re joined by Ryan Douglas - master cannabis grower.  Ryan has a wealth of experience in North America operating grows on a commercial scale, and is now based in  Colombia where he is advising on a large scale cultivation. Together, we discuss the ideal parameters for cannabis growth, the differences between hydroponics and organic farming, and...

This week we’re diving into the topic of hemp and cannabis in India. We’re joined by Jahan Peston Jamas and Avnish Pandya, Co-Founders of Bombay Hemp Company (BOHECO). Together, we discuss indigenous and historical applications of the cannabis plant in India, its use in Ayurvedic medicine, landrace strains, and current attitudes towards hemp and cannabis in India. View full show notes and summary...

This episode was recorded at the Central European Cannabis Forum where we were joined by Tjalling Erkelens, Co-Founder and CEO of Bedrocan, who are exclusive suppliers of medical cannabis to the Dutch Government. We examine attitudes towards CBD, medical, and recreational cannabis in The Netherlands, alongside discussing the importance of consistency and standardisation of medical cannabis. View f...

How has cannabis and the endocannabinoid system evolved over time?    This week we welcome back the legendary Dr. Ethan Russo, one of the world's leading authorities on medical cannabis and botanical therapeutics, both as a physician and researcher.    This episode, we discuss the origins and evolution of both the cannabis plant and the endocannabinoid system. We also look into how the bioche...

View full show notes here: https://www.cannabis-conversation.com/blogs/episode66 This week we’re joined by Mark Reinders, CEO of HempFlax Group who are the largest independent grower and processor of industrial hemp in Europe. Mark is also a board member for The European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA). Together, we discuss the uses and applications of industrial hemp including its use in home...

This week we’re joined by Catherine Wilson, Managing Director of UK-based CBD and Hemp company - Cannawell, and Vice President of The European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA). Together, we discuss the evolving categorisation of cannabis under the Novel Foods Regulations, EIHA’s ‘Hemp Manifesto', and why UK hemp legislation needs to change. About Catherine Catherine has been a leading voice...

This week we’re joined by Will Muecke, Co-founder and Managing Member at Artemis Growth Partners - ESG and impact-oriented private equity platform dedicated to investing in the worldwide cannabis industry. Join us as we discuss the recent acquisition of Bridge Farm Group, what impact investing is, and why now is a great time to invest in cannabis. This episode is sponsored by Central European Cann...

This week we’re joined by Fabian Friede, Co-Founder of Sanity Group - cannabinoid based pharmaceutical, and wellness startup based in Berlin, Germany. Join us as we explore; the entrepreneurial challenges Sanity Group have faced, their major Series A funding, and the importance of building a solid team in startup culture. About Fabian Fabian has nine years experience in building companies and mana...

How does trade media serve the cannabis industry? This week we’re joined by Chris Walsh, CEO and President at Marijuana Business Daily (MJBiz), B2B media and events company. Join us as we explore the company’s beginnings, its business model, and how Covid-19 has impacted the industry. About Chris Walsh Chris served as the founding editor of Marijuana Business Daily during the company’s launch in 2...

What are terpenes and how important are they to the cannabis plant?  This week we’re joined by Dr. Ethan Russo, physician, researcher, and leading expert in the field of Medicinal Cannabis.  In this episode, we discuss all things terpenoid, including how they are produced, varieties commonly found in cannabis, and their therapeutic benefits.  Episode Summary Dr. Russo was classically trained as a...

How and why has the status of cannabis changed over time? This week we’re joined by the legendary Steve DeAngelo, internationally renowned cannabis activist and advocate who founded some of the biggest names in the business including The Arcview Group, Harborside Dispensaries and Steep Hill Labs. In this episode, Steve discusses why cannabis reform is finally happening, his non-profit campaign - T...

How can you access medical cannabis investments across the world? This week we’re joined by Rahul Bhushan and Stuart Forbes from Rize ETF, who offer a Medical Cannabis fund for those looking to invest in this emerging industry.  We discover what an Exchange Traded Fund is, it’s advantages over single stock investments, and discuss some of the legal and compliance issues for investors looking to in...

How is the cannabis industry developing in France? This week we’re delighted to be joined by Aurélien Bernard and Benjamin-Alexandre Jeanroy from Paris based Augur Associates, a strategy & public affairs consulting firm specializing in the European cannabis industry.  Together, Aurélien and Benjamin-Alexandre give us a high level overview of cannabis in France, including France’s medical canna...

This week we’re joined by the incredibly passionate Michael Patterson, cannabis expert and CEO at US Cannabis Pharmaceutical Research and Development.  Together, we discuss Michael’s worldwide business operations, why big cannabis want a piece of the market in Europe, and the ways in which Covid-19 has affected the cannabis market. → View full show notes and summary here: https://www.canverse.glob...

What initiatives are helping to increase patient access to medical cannabis in the UK? This week we’re delighted to be joined by Carly Barton, leading medical cannabis campaigner at the forefront of patient advocacy in the UK.  Together, we discuss cannabis for pain management, potential changes to cannabis law in the UK, and the issues faced when trying to access medical cannabis. Episode Summary...

How is the investing landscape evolving in European cannabis?   This week we’re joined by David Bonnier, founding partner at Enexis AB, Stockholm based investment company within the legal cannabis industry.  Join us this week as David shares his insights into European investment in the space. We discuss attitudes towards cannabis in Sweden, why investing in ancillary businesses is a good idea, and...

How important is the endocannabinoid system?  This week we’re delighted to be joined by Endocannabinologist & Certified Cannabinoid Medicine Specialist, Dr Rachel Knox. Rachel occupies many roles within the cannabis space and is a leading cannabinoid medicine expert, having delivered a Tedx talk on the endocannabinoid system.  Join us as we discuss the ECS’s role within the human body, the dan...

How easy is it to protect your ideas in the cannabis industry? This week we are joined by Jane Hollywood (Senior Patent Attorney) and Robert Stephen (Partner) from CMS, International Law Firm.  Listen in as we explore intellectual property in the cannabis space, delving into what intellectual property actually is,  which types of protection are available, and how to go about protecting your ideas....

What does the FSA's announcement about CBD mean for the industry in the UK? This week we are joined by Dr Parveen Bhatharah and Dr Sarah Gaunt from The Association For The Cannabinoid Industry where they occupy the roles of Regulatory Lead and Global Regulatory Services Partner.  Join us as we discuss the most recent updates to the Novel Foods Regulations by The Food Standards Agency. We expl...

This week we are joined by leading cannabis professional, Nick Pateras, Managing Director,  Europe of Materia Ventures - manufacturers and distributors of cannabis medicines and products. Join us as we discuss Nick’s journey from the CPG industry to the cannabis space, and the challenges with cannabis education and European markets. Episode Summary Nick spent most of his career at Johnson & Jo...

We’ve reached episode 50! What a journey it’s been. In the last 50 episodes we’ve covered a range of topics across medical cannabis, CBD and hemp including extraction, the vaping crisis, mental health, multi state operators, sustainability, entrepreneurship, cultivation and banking!  In this very special episode of The Cannabis Conversation, we’re joined by Gavin Sathianathan, CEO at Alta Flora. J...