Planting Seeds with Senator Sharif Street" is a thought-provoking podcast that delves into the multifaceted world of cannabis. Pennsylvania State Senator Sharif...
Emily Fisher on Cannabis Access, Education, and the Need for Real-World Evidence
"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 importance of real-world evidence in cannabis research, acknowledging the plant's complexity and the need for diverse data to understand its therapeutic potential. Fisher emphasized the crucial role of diversity in clinical trials, noting that treatments may affect different populations differently due to genetics, cultural practices, and social backgrounds. She also discussed the increasing need for therapeutic guidance on cannabis use, especially in states transitioning from medical to adult-use markets, and stressed the importance of prioritizing patient care amidst evolving regulations. Leafwell, Fisher explained, is committed to patient education and research, following up with over 15,000 patients monthly to understand their experiences. The conversation underscored the need for collaboration among policymakers, industry stakeholders, and healthcare providers to ensure that cannabis reaches its full potential as a therapeutic tool. Fisher's advocacy and Leafwell's work serve as a valuable contribution to the ongoing efforts to create a more informed, accessible, and inclusive medical cannabis landscape.
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Feedback on Cannabis Social Equity Policies from Boston's Firehouse
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 social equity businesses. Their vision extends beyond simply selling cannabis; they seek to replicate the intimate atmosphere of a bodega, fostering a sense of belonging and providing a platform for those disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs. However, their journey highlights the significant obstacles faced by social equity applicants in Massachusetts, particularly regarding access to capital.This challenge was brought to light with hosts Gibran Washington with Ethos Cannabis and Senator Sharif Street. Berte and White emphasized the need for grants over loans, viewing them as a form of reparative justice. They also called for greater support from established industry players, suggesting contributions to an equity fund as part of their social impact initiatives. Gibran Washington, while supportive of their mission, encouraged them to explore alternative business models like white labeling and bulk product opportunities to increase their chances of success. Senator Street echoed the importance of uplifting those harmed by the War on Drugs, and Washington expressed his opposition to large corporations dominating the market, advocating for small cannabis producers.Berte and White stressed the importance of collaboration within the industry, urging stakeholders to work together to address challenges like price compression, which threatens smaller cultivators and processors. They also called for greater government support, including mentorship programs and increased access to resources. Berte's background as a firefighter highlighted the need for clear and consistent testing for cannabis use in safety-sensitive industries, ensuring workplace safety without unfairly penalizing individuals.
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Cannabis Education and Pain Management With Dr. Brooke Worster
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 and Chief Medical Officer at EO Care, she bridges the gap between medicine, research, and business to improve patient care. Brooke explaines that her interest in cannabis was sparked by her patients' requests for guidance on its use, leading her to educate herself on the subject. She notes that the lack of quality research on cannabis was a significant challenge. Brooke also highlightes the importance of engaging with people interested in cannabis research, as they are eager to contribute to the development of better answers for all. Gibran and Dr. Worster also discusse the potential benefits of cannabis as a pain management alternative to opioids. Brooke shares her experience with patients who had successfully transitioned from opioids to cannabis, noting the latter's lower addictive potential and lack of respiratory depressant effects.
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Taking Social Equity Into Our Hands
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 for micro licenses to allow small businesses to scale and compete, and the importance of equitable practices to ensure minority businesses are not infantilized. They also discussed the potential benefits of rescheduling cannabis, including increased access to capital and the removal of 280E tax restrictions. Frederika also highlights the need for a more inclusive industry, not just for communities of color, but also for small white business owners who lack access to traditional capital markets. The Cannabis Impact Fund was introduced as an organization working to educate businesses on equitable practices and promote sustainable growth in the industry.
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Paul Armentano from NORML
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 the expansion of medical and recreational cannabis access across the United States. Joe expresses interest in Paul's background and the progression of cannabis policy as they dive deeper into polling results and data in future discussions.
Planting Seeds with Senator Sharif Street" is a thought-provoking podcast that delves into the multifaceted world of cannabis. Pennsylvania State Senator Sharif Street sits down with cannabis industry veteran Gibran Washington of Ethos Cannabis. Together, they explore the evolution of cannabis legalization, emphasizing bipartisan support and addressing racial disparities in enforcement. They navigate an industry grappling with its identity, discussing social change versus business goals. The conversation extends to stigma, benefits of legalization, and challenges, including interstate transport. The duo aims to educate on diverse cannabis aspects, from workers' issues to regulatory frameworks. Action items emerge, including advocating for standardized regulations, and supporting social equity initiatives. The show promises insightful episodes unraveling the complexities of cannabis in Pennsylvania.
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