Weed Wonks

In our latest episode, Jordan Wellington sits down with NORML Political Director Morgan Fox for a conversation about the legalization movement and how advocates can keep cannabis policy a priority for voters even as states from coast to coast establish legal marijuana markets. They look at how it has become a mainstream issue with a large voting bloc and customer base, and they discuss the importance of states getting a handle on the unregulated market. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Strategies 64’s Jordan Wellington speaks to Joanne Caceres, a partner at Dentons, about cannabis social equity policy, the recent hearings on federal rescheduling, and the need for a federal regulatory framework that treats marijuana and hemp as one plant. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Strategies 64’s Jordan Wellington welcomes back Mackenzie Slade, an implementation scientist, public health expert, and CEO of Cannabis Public Policy Consulting, for an in-depth talk about cannabis policy. They take a close look at the Missouri cannabis market, what has made it a success, and the impact of its rapid implementation of adult-use legalization. They also discuss the ongoing balance that must be struck between public health and business concerns on matters such as taxation, product potency, and labeling requirements. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jordan Wellington hosts Henry Crisler, executive director of the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Association (3MA), and Slates Veazey, a partner and co-chair of the Cannabis Industry team at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, for an in-depth look at the latest cannabis policy and industry developments in the Magnolia State. They discuss recent legislative setbacks, escalating business consolidation, the ongoing DEA inspections of Mississippi dispensaries, and what it all means for the broader industry. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Strategies 64’s Jordan Wellington hosts Dr. Alisa Padon, research director for the Prevention Policy Group (PPG), for a conversation about cannabis marketing and how irresponsible practices can contribute to negative public health outcomes. They explore the role marketing and pop culture play in public perceptions about cannabis and how it influences consumer behavior. They also discuss how companies can market cannabis products responsibly and avoid marketing to underage people. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jordan Wellington hosts Chuck Smith, CEO of Colorado’s cannabis trade association, Colorado Leads, for a conversation about the challenges associated with protecting and advancing the legal cannabis industry while continuing to prioritize public safety. They also discuss some consumer trends seen in other industries but not in cannabis, and they take an in-depth look at the economic and logistical hurdles facing the cannabis beverage market, which was the subject of legislation this year in the Colorado Legislature. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jordan Wellington hosts Pulak Sharma and Dr. Sean Arora of Kazmira, for a conversation about their licensed compounding pharmacy, which provides THC-free, clinician-directed cannabinoid formulations that target patients’ specific needs. They also discuss the problem with the federal government’s bifurcation of the cannabis plant into hemp and marijuana and why it's so important to anticipate which direction policy is moving, especially when it comes to medical cannabis. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jordan Wellington hosts Gabe Parton Lee, General Counsel at Wyld, one of the nation’s leading cannabis edibles producers, for a look at how cannabis regulations often put businesses in a bind, especially when it comes to packaging and marketing. They explore the fine line companies must walk in order to market cannabis products to adults without appearing attractive to children. They also discuss what it took to advance federal cannabis rescheduling and why, when it comes to legal cannabis, you should never “piss off the squares.” Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jordan Wellington hosts Jason Tarasek, partner at Vicente LLP and manager of the firm’s Minnesota office, for a talk about what makes the cannabis policies in Minnesota so unique, including their tribal cannabis policies and hemp-derived beverage laws. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In our latest episode, Jordan Wellington and attorney Jason Adelstone of Harris Sliwoski talk about international cannabis policy and how the cannabis conversation differs outside the U.S. They also look at ongoing cannabis policy developments in countries across four continents and how the U.S. is missing out on a rapidly expanding international cannabis market. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In our latest episode, host Jordan Wellington and Mike Hennesy, Vice President of Innovation at Wana Brands, discuss the marijuana-hemp policy divide, why it is stifling the cannabis industry as a whole, and sensible, concrete steps that can be taken to advance a unified national cannabis policy and federal regulatory framework. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In our latest episode, Jordan Wellington and Riana Durrett, executive director of the Cannabis Policy Institute at UNLV, recap the latest CPI Symposium and discuss tribal cannabis law, Nevada regulatory issues, and rating cannabis markets. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In the latest episode of Weed Wonks, Jordan Wellington hosts Johns Hopkins University researchers Dr. Cerina Dubois, Dr. Johannes Thrul, and Dr. Ryan Vandrey for an in-depth look at the massive study they have launched on medical cannabis care and how the national repository they’re working on could change our understanding of it. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In the latest episode of Weed Wonks, Jordan Wellington hosts attorneys Jen Benda, Rachel Gillette, and Nate Pollock for a discussion about Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code and a case in U.S. Tax Court that could be a game-changer for cannabis companies, even if rescheduling never happens. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In the latest Weed Wonks, Jordan Wellington hosts University of Texas Law School professors Courtney Barns and Scott Seder to discuss their course on psychedelics and the law, the movement to legalize psychedelics, and how it differs from the marijuana policy reform movement. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jordan Wellington hosts longtime legalization activists Adam Smith and Karen O'Keefe of the Marijuana Policy Project for a conversation about the battle for civil rights at the heart of the cannabis legalization movement, “neo-prohibitionist” efforts to roll back reform, and why messaging matters. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jordan Wellington hosts James Pepper, chair of the Vermont Cannabis Control Board, for a look at how the state crafts its cannabis policies to reflect Vermont’s values and culture. This includes taking steps to transition legacy growers and longtime consumers into the regulated market. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In the latest Weed Wonks episode, Jordan Wellington hosts Mary Jane Oatman, founder of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association, and Riana Durrett, vice chair of the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board, for a conversation about tribal cannabis businesses. They discuss the cannabis-related policies and politics of tribal communities, what it takes to make tribal cannabis businesses successful, and what these companies and the cannabis hospitality industry can learn from one another. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jordan Wellington hosts Eugene Hillsman of the California Department of Cannabis Control for an in-depth look at cannabis social equity and what it takes for states to develop thriving cannabis markets that can help mend some of the damage caused by the war on drugs. They also discuss why empathy and understanding are important in policymaking and why states must back up good intentions with meaningful investment in social equity programs. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Cannabis Regulators Association Executive Director Gillian Schauer joins Jordan Wellington to discuss the state of regulated marijuana markets, the national emergence of consumable hemp products, and how regulators can advance public safety alongside a thriving cannabis industry. She also explains why, when it comes to legal marijuana, everything is nuance. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.