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BLUNTZ Montel speaks with Len May on this episode of Let’s Be Blunt. Len is the author of “Making Cannabis Personal”, a guide on how genetics interact with cannabinoids to create truly unique experiences and the host of the “Everything is Personal” Podcast. He is the founder and CEO of Endo-Canna, a company committed to helping everyday people find the right cannabis product for their needs. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/HLqaBGV-TsI

BLUNTZ On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt, Montel talks with Matt Zorn, Esq, a partner at Yetter Coleman, LLP. Matt is recognized as an authority on issues relating to the federal Controlled Substance Act and issues relating to canna regulation, even being named to the Law360 2020 Cannabis Editorial Advisory Board. Matt routinely speaks and publishes on issues relating to legal issues involving controlled substances. He was honored as a 2020 Pegasus Scholar by American Inns of Court. In one of his favorite areas of complex litigation, Best Lawyers in America named Matt "One to Watch," and Thomson Reuters' Super Lawyers recognized him as a "Texas Rising Star" in IP Litigation, Canna Law, and Administrative Law. Before joining the firm, Matt was a judicial clerk to the Hon. Rodney Gilstrap, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas, spending hundreds of hours in court helping manage one of the busiest trial dockets in the country. Before then he was a litigator with Paul, Weiss in New York City. He earned his law degree at Columbia Law School, and his BA in European History and Applied Mathematics from Emory University. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/hg9CRVbGKl8

BLUNTZ Montel talks with Jesce Horton on this episode of Let's Be Blunt. Jesce is a visionary leader in the cannabis industry with a background in engineering, energy management and automation, and a passion for horticulture. In 2016, he was appointed by Oregon Governor Kate Brown to the Task Force for Cannabis Environmental Best Practice and continues this work today through the Resource Innovation Institute, an organization building the central platform for creating energy efficiency solutions and standards for the global cannabis industry. He is also on the board of directors for the Oregon Cannabis Association and he’s an advisory board member at Marijuana Business Daily and Ben’s Best, the new venture by Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry's fame aimed at funding Black-owned cannabis companies and further supporting the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition and Last Prisoner Project. He’s served on numerous federal, state and local cannabis regulatory advisory committees to help shape the legal cannabis markets in both Oregon and California. He is the CEO at LOWD, an award-wining cannabis company in Oregon To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/hRYoNH5x2eY

BLUNTZ On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt, Montel talks with Lulu Tsui, Co-Founder and Chief Experience Officer at On The Revel, a company working to create curated educational and networking experiences for people breaking into the legal canna industry. At her company’s Revelry events and through the Dope People mentorship program, she’s working to help make the canna industry more inclusive, more collaborative, and more diverse. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/mQAtsJapSrg

BLUNTZ Montel chats with Steven Jung on this episode of Let’s Be Blunt. Steven began his career as a Captain in the United States Army where he held both strategic and tactical roles. He has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Weedmaps, the leading tech company serving the canna industry, and prior to that he worked at Twitter where he was a member of the leadership team responsible for scaling the company’s revenue operation. He holds a BS in Economics from the United States Military Academy at West Point and an MBA from Columbia Business School. He is now the Chief Operating Officer at PAX and heading up their Veterans Initiative in partnership with Weed for Warriors. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/8jSGZOO0I7c

BLUNTZ The removal of cannabis from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act is a proposed legal and administrative change in cannabis law at the federal level that can be undertaken by Congress, The Executive Branch or The United States Attorney General and has been proposed repeatedly since 1972. Schedule I is the most tightly restricted category reserved for drugs that have "no currently accepted medical use”. The scheduling of cannabis is also an issue that needs to be addressed at the state level and often conflicts with cannabis legalization laws, allowing for cannabis possession arrests to continue to occur even in those states where it has been legalized. On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt, Montel speaks with the Executive Director of the NV ACLU, Athar Haseebullah. Athar is a graduate of Howard University and Howard University School of Law. He spent several years as a litigator for both the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada and the City of New York. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/FhfRF2J8fF8

BLUNTZ Montel speaks with Len May on this episode of Let’s Be Blunt. Len is the author of “Making Cannabis Personal”, a guide on how genetics interact with cannabinoids to create truly unique experiences and the host of the “Everything is Personal” Podcast. He is the founder and CEO of Endo-Canna, a company committed to helping everyday people find the right cannabis product for their needs. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/HLqaBGV-TsI

BLUNTZ Montel talks with Jointly founder David Kooi on this episode of Let’s Be Blunt. David is on a MISSION to change the conversation and stigma around canna to one that is about well-being and all the ways canna can enhance our lives. He graduated from Northwestern University with a BA in economics and statistics and earned his MBA from the Chicago Booth School of Business. He is the founder and CEO of Jointly, a canna platform that is using data to stimulate purposeful consumption. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/eFTCu2-339o

BLUNTZ On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt Montel speaks with Dustin Hoxworth, a lifelong canna enthusiast and the Founder and Editor-at-large of Fat Nugs Magazine and co-founder of Three Good Buds, an online canna community built around the love and appreciation of the plant and all it has to offer. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/NQq0PirUBO0

BLUNTZ According to a January 2022 article in Rolling Stone Magazine, the US has pulled ahead as one of the most valuable cannabis markets in the world, with the latest projections that it will be worth over 90 BILLION by 2026. However, female leadership in the industry has declined to record lows. On this episode of Let’s be Blunt, Montel talks with Annick Goldsmith, founder of the Black Market Group. Annick is no stranger to male-dominated industries, and she is using her voice to create space for those who have been marginalized and is speaking up about the disparities she’s faced in the cannabis industry. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/sKGMRtFYOT4

BLUNTZ On this episode of Let's Be Blunt, Montel speaks with Leah Heise, former government attorney whose life was changed after being diagnosed with pancreatitis. After being told by doctors that there was no cure, she retired from her job and started a high-level opiate regimen to ease her pain. However, after turning to canna in hopes of a healthier alternative, she never looked back. Leah has since committed her time and efforts to helping others in a similar situation and is now working in the canna industry. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/EMGWQSPlcUM

BLUNTZ On this episode of Let's Be Blunt, Montel sits down with Nathaniel Janowitz. As a journalist for VICE magazine, Nathaniel shares his first-hand experience with "Brick Weed" from Paraguay. Referred to as the "world's worst weed", this chemical-ridden canna can leave you feeling nauseous. Despite this, this canna is sold all around South America at cheap prices. Montel and Nathaniel discuss the current situation in Paraguay and what the future of the canna market could look like if nothing changes. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/zfET9XEkN5k

BLUNTZ On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt, Montel talks with the lead vocalist and one of the founding members of the legendary hip hop group Cypress Hill, B-Real. Cyprus Hill was the first hip-hop group to have multi-platinum and platinum albums, having sold over 20 million albums worldwide and garnering critical acclaim for their first five albums. All of the group members have advocated for medical and recreational use of canna for many years. B-real is the owner and founder of Dr. Greenthumb, a chain of canna dispensaries in California, and the host of a canna-themed podcast under the same moniker. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/Q8kfmvmyfJU

BLUNTZ One of the stigmas holding back the acceptance of medical canna, especially within the medical community, is the lack of information in a format they are trained to receive, analyze and utilize it in. On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt, Montel talks with the CEO Cannaformatics, Dr Itzhak Kurek, about how they are working to change that paradigm. Dr Kurek has published 20 peer reviewed scientific papers and holds 13 granted US and international patents cited over 2,000 times. He received his Ph.D. in Plant Sciences from Tel Aviv University and completed his postdoctoral research at the University of California, Davis, and has conducted research at the Technical University of Munich, John Innes Center Norwich, C.N.R.S Bordeaux and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories. Dr Kurek discusses how Cannaformatics is identifying canna biomarkers, and how that information will benefit patients and medical practicioners in the near future. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/9x_P0IEZFaU

Bluntz Thomas Jefferson wrote, “Hemp is the health, wealth and security of this country”. During World War II, the U.S. Department of Agriculture had a “hemp for victory” campaign to encourage farmers to grow the plant. Yet illogical fears about the dangers of marijuana led to the passage of laws such as the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 and the Controlled Substance Act of 1970 that severely discouraged farmers from growing hemp. On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt, Montel talks with Matthew Harmon, the author of “Marijuana Hater’s Guide to Making a Billion Dollars From Hemp”. Matthew is a seasoned real estate executive with a sharp eye for viable commercial and retail business ventures. When California decriminalized cannabis, business opportunities increased as prospective tenants took advantage of its new status. Researching the new industry, he was shocked to learn that hemp was classified as a Schedule One controlled substance at that time, despite the fact that it contains minimal amounts of the psychotropic ingredient in cannabis and cannot be used to get high. He educated himself on industrial hemp’s historical significance, its thousands of commercial uses, and the plant’s potential to support or replace current diminishing resources, and concluded that hemp seemed a far more impactful and sustainable business investment than cannabis. That set him on a mission to expose why industrial hemp had been criminalized for decades, and to lift the illogical and arbitrary laws that left the United States with a $78 million hemp trade deficit. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/sf8gsMGXNIw

BLUNTZ On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt, Montel talks with Niambe McIntosh, daughter of the legendary Reggae artist Peter Tosh. Niambe has a background in engineering and public education, and has now turned her focus full time to cannabis activism. A true renaissance woman, she serves many roles including the head of the Peter Tosh Legacy & Brand, Managing Member of Tosh Holdings LLC, Board Chairperson for the Peter Tosh Foundation and President of PT Capital LLC. Her family has a long history of activism that she carries forward. She lost her brother Jawara due to a brutal attack while serving time for a minor cannabis offense. She collaborates with several organizations such as The Last Prisoner Project and Minorities for Medical Marijuana in hope of ending the suffering brought about by cannabis prohibition. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/-zHyPTMiq84

BLUNTZ Montel talks with Jeremy Smith on this episode of Let’s Be Blunt. Jeremy had a near death experience after medication he was prescribed caused blood clots to form in his neck. Lucky for him he was working in a hospital at the time or he would not be here today to tell his story. He suffers from Crohn’s disease and Eosinophilic Esophagitis. After he started using medical canna, he was able to decrease his opioid use from 14 a day down to 1-3 per day. He has since founded Les Munchies Inc and is on a mission to change the canna laws in Canada. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/66tfAdQWjc0

BLUNTZ Montel talks with Danielle Simone Brand on this episode of Let’s Be Blunt. Danielle is a canna-mom working to destigmatize cannabis use, particularly for mothers. A few years ago she wouldn't have self-described as a "weed mom" but she's found her sparkle in writing about cannabis to inform, uplift, and occasionally challenge her readers while helping push the conversation forward. She is a freelance writer and the author of Weed Mom: The Canna-Curious Woman's Guide to Healthier Relaxation, Happier Parenting, and Chilling TF Out. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications including New York Times, The Week, Civilized, Vice, Double Blind, What’s Up Moms, and Scary Mommy. She holds a BA from Dartmouth College and an MA from American University. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/fFV663FeH18

BLUNTZ As 2022 ignites, it is worth a pause to assess where the US cannabis industry stands from a legal and regulatory perspective Despite steady acceptance across the US with 37 medical and 18 recreational states, serious discussion on Capitol Hill and increasing growth and revenues by US cannabis companies, recent regulatory and law enforcement action and in-action, seem to belie any optimism for “legalization” anytime soon. On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt, Montel chats with Gary Kaminsky, Esq. Gary has over thirty-five years of experience in legal regulatory compliance, the past six of which are in the cannabis industry. He is a frequent author and panelist for cannabis industry issues and currently the Chief Regulatory Advisor for the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp, chairing its CBD Task Force and a founding member of its Cannabis Beverage council, and serves as Senior Counsel for Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld Law Firm. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/tLv_HPiaK3k

BLUNTZ On this episode of Let’s be Blunt, Montel talks with Louisiana senatorial candidate, Gary Chambers. Gary made the national headlines a few weeks back when he ran a campaign ad featuring himself smoking cannabis. His mission in life is to DO GOOD AND SEEK JUSTICE! He is a civil rights activist and a native of Baton Rouge Louisiana who is working to destigmatize cannabis use. He is running for US Senate and hoping to unseat incumbent John N. Kennedy. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/hDybCvtMQpo

BLUNTZ On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt, Montel talks with Jesus Burrola, Chief Executive Officer of POSIBL, the cannabis farm of the future and engine for several of California’s leading brands. Leveraging a state-of-art system that uses less to do more, POSIBL brings the best greenhouse technology and expertise from traditional agriculture into cannabis and pairs it with the best possible genetics to produce the perfect flower — grown in an ethical, sustainable, free of pesticide and cost-efficient way, year-round. POSIBL’s Smart Greenhouses use best-in-class climate control, requiring less water per pound of flower, and are three times more energy-efficient than indoor growers. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/5J9XwZRYLWs

BLUNTZ On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt, Montel speaks with Valentia Valentine, owner of Synchronicity Holistic, an elevated dispensary catering to senior women. Valentia was a successful commercial real estate agent and mother, when a medical diagnosis forever changed her life. In 1989, after suffering from symptoms that were first thought to be a brain tumor, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She refused to let the diagnosis define her and set about to learn everything she could about the disease and treatment options. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/CnxVdybGA5o

BLUNTZ On this episode of Let’s be Blunt Montel talks with Dr. Rebecca Siegel, the author of the newly published book, The Brain on Cannabis: What You Should Know about Recreational and Medical Marijuana. Dr. Siegel is a clinical psychiatrist specializing in adult, child and adolescent psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Her practice includes the evaluation and treatment of depression, mood disorders, attention deficit disorders, learning disabilities, Aspergers and autism spectrum disorder and she is a licensed prescriber of medical cannabis in New York State. Her book includes tips on how to effectively talk to young people about recreational cannabis as well as addressing common myths surrounding cannabis. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/3760q-lxh18

BLUNTZ Montel talks with canna activist Nikki Lawley on this episode of Let’s Be Blunt. Nikki was working as a pediatric nurse when she suffered a traumatic brain injury. After years of suffering and many traditional medications that brought no relief and a multitude of side effects, she decided to try medical cannabis. That day was a turning point for her, and she has been a relentless cannabis advocate and educator ever since. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/OKppk-gnIxc

BLUNTZ Montel talks with Caroline Phillips on this episode of Let’s Be Blunt. Caroline is the founder of The High Street LLC, a public relations and event production company with the mission of cultivating projects and ideas that leverage business and advocacy for social good. In 2016, she launched the National Canna Festival in Washington, D.C. and in 2018 she expanded the program to include the National Canna Policy Summit and Four20 Month. Going into year 6, the National Canna Festival is now the largest ticketed canna gathering on the east coast and NCPS is the only nationally televised canna conference in the United States. The 2022 summit and festival will be held in Washington, DC on April 23rd & 24th. Headliners inlude Wiz Khalifa, Ghostface Killah & More. To see the whole interview go to https://youtu.be/CKc7phciCaU