Hempresent
Society & Culture
About
Sowing the seeds of cannabis and sounding the praise of our favorite plant. It's time to Hempresent! Our radio resident Hemposapien, Vivian McPeak (Founder of Seattle Hempfest) presents a weekly platform for guests and listeners to Hempresent about hemp and cannabis from the legal, activist and reformist route.
Episodes
- The Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club’s years-long fight for survival, featuring Ted Smith
Ted Smith, founder of the Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club, discusses the club's long-standing legal challenges, including Supreme Court victories and ongoing enforcement actions even after cannabis legalization in 2018.
- Tribal Cannabis with Edward Buck and Fred Erickson of the Prairie Island Indian Community
Edward Buck, chair of the Prairie Island Cannabis Regulatory Commission, and Fred Erickson, secretary of the Prairie Island CBH, Inc. Board of Directors, discuss tribal cannabis regulation and operations.
- Cannabis beverage branding and retail, with James Stephens of Sinful
James Stephens, CEO of Sinful Cannabis, shares insights on creating a distinctive brand identity in the legal cannabis sector. The discussion covers navigating marketing restrictions, market consolidation, and changing consumer demands.
- The new PBS documentary, American Hemp Farmer, with filmmaker and hemp advocate Doug Fine
Filmmaker Doug Fine discusses his documentary "American Hemp Farmer" and the hemp plant's benefits and applications. He also shares insights on sustainable living. Fine is also the author of "Farewell, My Subaru."
- Niambe Tosh on the 50th anniversary of her father, Peter Tosh's landmark album, Legalize, Black History month, and her work with the Peter Tosh Foundation
Niambe McIntosh, Peter Tosh's daughter and head of his estate, speaks on the 50th anniversary of the album Legalize, Black History Month, and her role in the Peter Tosh Foundation.
- The state and struggle of the psychedelics reform community and efforts to educate the public, with Leo Russell
Leonora, or “Leo” Russell, is a Marriage and Family therapist and Substance Abuse Counselor who left a twenty-year career in government and social services, and providing direct services to the most disenfranchised, to direct her attention…
- The complexities of retail cannabis in Washington State with Kevin Heriderich, co-owner of the House of Cannabis retail chain
Kevin Heiderich is a veteran, a guitarist and music enthusiast, and co-owner of House of Cannabis, which has retail stores in Tacoma, Tonasket, Twisp, and Whidbey Island, in Washington. Kevin has been on the front lines of one of the most…
- The Impacts of Cannabis and Drug Policy Reform Under Trump 2.0
Doug McVay is a longtime drug policy reform advocate, researcher, and journalist. Doug has spent decades challenging the War on Drugs and pushing for policies rooted in public health, harm reduction, and human rights. He’s best known for h…
- International cannabis law reform, cannabis biopiracy and indigenous genetics
Michael Krawitz is a U.S. Air Force veteran, longtime patient advocate, and one of the most influential voices in international medical cannabis policy. Michael has spent decades working at the intersection of veterans’ health, human right…
- Intoxicating hemp: Joy Beckerman breaks down changes in the federal definition of hemp, as recently imposed by Congress
Joy Beckerman has been involved in the hemp movement and industries for over 30 years, and her extraordinary knowledge and passion for this versatile, valuable crop is contagious! Often referred to as a "hemp encyclopedia," Joy is the Prin…
- GŪD Essence — Florida's innovative cannabis company with Jasmine Johnson
Jasmine Johnson is the force behind GŪD Essence. Her Florida-based vertically integrated cannabis wellness company blends ancestral plant wisdom with cutting-edge clinical research, “building a bridge between cultural healing traditions an…
- Michael Dalle Molle talks about cutting-edge in-field testing of live cannabis plants using Mariposa Technology's new handheld digital farming tool
Michael Dalle Molle serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Mariposa Technology, where he oversees daily business operations, communications, and brand management. He is an entrepreneur, teacher, business advisor, and environmentalist wi…
- Lynnette Shaw, Cannabis dispensary pioneer, describes the fight for medical freedom
Lynnette Shaw is a trailblazing medical marijuana activist best known as the first legally licensed cannabis dispensary operator in the United States. As the founder of the Marin Alliance for Medical Marijuana in Fairfax, California, she b…
- 18 years in prison for cannabis, which his daughter legally sells - The Robert Deals story, with Alicia Deals and Kaitlin DiMaggio
Alicia Deals is a trailblazer in Arizona’s cannabis industry and a leading advocate for equity and justice. Drawing on her personal experience navigating the legal system after her father, Robert Deals, received an 18-year sentence for a c…
- Kim Richards, CEO & Chairman of Allied Artists Film & Music Groups, shares his story, vision, and music industry experiences after decades at the center of the cyclone
Kim Richards possesses over 30 years of experience and a distinguished history of accomplishments in the music, film, and television industries. As CEO & Chairman at Allied Artists International, Inc., he has earned more than 70 gold,…
- Operating Seven Point Cannabis Dispensary in Illinois, with Brad Zerman
Brad Zerman is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience founding and operating businesses in highly regulated industries, including cannabis, payments, and financial services. He is the founder and CEO of Seven Point Cannab…
- A medical cannabis and activism legacy: cannabis history & breeding with Todd McCormick
Todd McCormick's life’s work has been deeply rooted—literally and figuratively—in the fight for cannabis freedom. Todd is a lifelong cannabis activist, medical marijuana patient, author, and cultivator who has dedicated decades to advancin…
- Documenting Jack Herer, Dennis Peron, Eddy Lepp, and more, with filmmaker Jason Dunlap
Jason Dunlap is a photographer and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, where he runs a studio producing cannabis-focused content, documentaries, and unscripted material in the historic Wiltern. With a career spanning fashion, music, and art in…
- How to become a top cannabis cultivator with master grower Stoney Tark
Stoney Tark is a prolific writer based in Europe who is known for his articles about cultivation, breeding, hash making, interviews, and especially his top tips. Over the last 11 years, he has become one of the most recognized writers in t…
- Dark Weed: Washington's Illicit Cannabis Market and Its Impacts on Recreational, with Tim Gruver.
Tim Gruver reports for the Washington Observer in Olympia on housing, labor, and the environment. He's also a 2020 Poynter-Koch Media fellow whose work has appeared in Politico, The Oregonian, and Pluribus News. Advertising Inquiries: http…
- The Real Lebowski: The Inspiration for The Dude in the Movie The Big Lebowski, Jeff Dowd, Tells His Story.
Jeff “The Dude” Dowd is an American film producer and political activist . He was a member of the " Seattle Seven ," who were jailed for contempt of court following a violent protest against the Vietnam War . He later moved to Los Angeles…
- Delta-8, Synthetic Delta-9, CBDA, CBGA, Juicetiva, and more, with Chris Boucher.
Since 1990, Christopher Boucher has been recognized as a co-founder of the modern-day American Industrial Hemp Industry. Chris founded The Hempstead Company, one of the first U.S. hemp clothing and seed businesses, with products sold in 4,0…
- Caitlein Ryan of the Cannabis Alliance on Shaping a Vital, Thriving Cannabis Industry
Caitlein Ryan holds a PhD from Arizona State University, with a focus on arts education, qualitative research, and social justice. Caitlein has been the director of the Washington State Cannabis Alliance since 2020. She is a leading advoca…
- Oregon Hempfest with Nathan Marsh
Nathan Marsh started his journey into Cannabis Activism in 1993 after his father lost his life in a drunk-driving accident. He was passionate that access to cannabis is a civil right and that society should be able to benefit from its posi…
- Dealing With Disease With CC Ryder
Medical Cannabis to manage the symptoms of liver disease. CC Ryder is a cannabis patient in the California Bay Area, a mother and housewife who enjoys music and dancing. She is active online and in her community and uses cannabis to help h…
- Jack Lohman
Author Jack Lohman discusses his new book on phosphorus: White LightJack Lohmann is a writer from Richmond, Virginia, who lives in the Western Isles of Scotland. He is the author of White Light—The Elemental Role of Phosphorus in Our Cells…
- Actor Jeff Kober of Grassland reflects on the new drama about cannabis incarceration
Jeff Kober is an American actor known for his television roles as Dodger in China Beach , Jacob Hale Jr. in Sons of Anarchy , Joe in the fourth season of The Walking Dead , and Kurt Nypo in Walker: Texas Ranger . He is also known for his m…
- Dialed In Gummies: Rosin-Based Edibles Enter the Ohio Cannabis Market
Max Vansluys is the president of Dialed In Gummies . Max started his career as a budtender in Colorado, working directly with consumers and gaining firsthand insight into what makes a quality cannabis product. With a passion for innovation…
- AI, Bots, and Digital Security in the New Environment with Jeff Crawford
Jeff Crawford has been involved in independent media, activism, and technology for decades. He started with Bohemia AfterDark, one of the first indie music video shows, and later organized the Portland Hemp Festival in the mid-90s. His wor…
- The historical use of cannabis in religion with author Chris Bennett
Chris Bennett is an activist and author living in Nova Scotia, Canada, who has been researching the historical role of cannabis in the spiritual life of humanity for more than three decades. He is co-author of Green Gold the Tree of Life:…
- The Cannaverse Content Creators Awards with Troy Stephens
Troy Stephens has been actively engaged in the cannabis community, particularly in advocating for patient rights and raising awareness about medical marijuana. He tells us about his latest endeavor, the Cannaverse Content Creators Awards S…
- Good Jobs for a Green World, industrial hemp to save our farms, and microcity financing with Robert Sheilds
Robert Sheilds received his natural resource management education in Vermont and has had a professional career in renewables and green building. The last decade spent on the frontline of a rapidly changing planet in Fairbanks, Alaska, has…
- The Impact of Funding Cuts on Cannabis Legalization and Drug Policy Reform with Doug McVay
Doug McVay was trained as a Reefer Raider by Jack Herer in 1984. He is a social justice activist and drug policy reformer residing in Oregon. He works for the Real Reporting Foundation as Editor of Drug Policy Facts at drugpolicyfacts.org…
- Women Grow Leadership Summit, Cannabis as medicine, with Dr. Chanda Macias
Dr. Chanda Macias, MBA, is the CEO of National Holistic Healthcare, a medical cannabis cultivator, processor, and dispenser in the United States. Dr. Macias has spent 15+ years developing her knowledge of medical cannabis. She contributes…
- Vaporizers and Cannabis Industry Sustainability with Mitchell Colbert
Mitchell Colbert is a journalist and educator who has written over 200 articles for over a dozen outlets, including High Times, Leafly, and Cannabis Now. He is also a co-author of multiple whitepapers focused on sustainability in the canna…
- Hemp, sustainability, permaculture, and a regenerative economy with Robert Sheilds
Robert Sheilds received his natural resource management education in Vermont and has had a professional career in renewables and green building. The last decade spent on the frontline of a rapidly changing planet in Fairbanks, Alaska, has…
- Pamela Des Barres on her life as the world's most famous groupie; the weed, the stars, and the stories.
As a little girl, Pamela Des Barres fell in love with rock ’n’ roll. While in high school, her friend introduced her to the psychedelic pioneer Captain Beefheart. At eighteen years old, she packed her bags for Hollywood. She spent the rest…
- A discussion with Mark Karan: Playing with members of the Grateful Dead and other iconic musicians, his new album, and so much more.
Mark Karan is best known for his extended time on the Grateful Dead scene as lead guitarist for Bob Weir & Ratdog, The Other Ones, Phil & Friends, and Planet Drum. But Mark’s musical reach extends far beyond the land of the…
- Crypto, cannabis, and JaWeeDE, with Peter Boehm
Peter Boehm has had a 35-year career in consumer products, tech, and disruptive market solutions. After an entrepreneurial career in 2015, Peter’s passion for cannabis led him to a pioneering role in alternative medicine, initially as a di…
- The Science of smokability with Harrison Bard and Dr. Allison Justice
Dr. Allison Justice, an alumnus of Clemson University, where she garnered a Ph.D. in Plant and Environmental Science, is now a pioneering figure in the dynamic field of cannabis cultivation and research. She is the proud Founder and CEO of…
- Legalizing psychedelics, chemical dependency, and grassroots organizing with Leo Russell
Leonora (Leo) Russell is a licensed mental health therapist and chemical dependency professional. Leo is also the Executive Director of Entheo Society, a 501c3 non-profit organization focused on providing education and community regarding…
- Recreational cannabis, vertical integration, and retail medical cannabis with Grace Hyde of District Cannabis in Washington DC.
Grace Hyde is the Director of Commercial Operations for District Cannabis, a thriving cultivator providing premium flower to the Washington D.C. and Maryland markets. Grace oversees innovation across the company. In addition, she is respon…
- Recreational cannabis, immigration, a woman's choice, unions, and more with Keith Mundy, Ohio candidate for Congress
Keith Mundy is running for Congress in the Ohio 5th Congressional District, and his campaign has been endorsed by the UAW Cap Counsel, AFL-CIO both regionally and at the State level, IBEW, OCSEA/AFSCME, and the Ohio Democratic Party. Keith…
- Amy Cox, Ohio Candidate for Congress
Amy Cox is a candidate for the United States Congress in Ohio District 10. She discusses her platform positions on cannabis, labor unions, a woman's right to choose, climate change, and more. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/br…
- Elisabeth Chambry of Mantelpiece, Eclectic Cannabis Accessories.
Elisabeth Chambry holds a business degree from Pace University. She is a celebrated speaker at affiliate summits and conferences across the country, where she shares her expertise in the product space. She is the visionary founder behind M…
- Public Banking for Cannabis, Women's Rights, Energy Policy and More, with Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 87, Craig Swartz.
Craig Swartz was born in Middleburg Heights, Ohio. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University in 1980 and also studied at Schiller International University. Swartz’s career experience includes working as an international lega…
- The Ganjier Cannabis Sommelier Certification Program with Derek Gilman
As a successful second-generation California cultivator, Derek Gilman has been breeding and growing exotic, sun-grown, boutique cannabis for over four decades. Derek’s uniquely specialized knowledge in producing high-end cannabis and an in…
- Microdosing cannabis, vaporization techniques, and the endocannabinoid system with William Teskey
William Teskey considers himself a vaporizer evangelist. A cannabis activist who once lost a job because he spoke out to the Washington State Legislature, William has been a legally designated cannabis grower for various medical patients i…
- Trauma Informed Care, Cannabis Industry Product Waste, and Budtender Training with Academy of Cannabis Science Founder Trey Reckling
Trey Reckling is the founder of the Academy of Cannabis Science, which partnered with the Cannabis Institute at Seattle Central College to provide professional cannabis education and training for the industry. The Academy has also partnere…
- Press Freedom, Democracy, and the Targeting of Journalists with Mark Taylor-Canfield
Mark Taylor-Canfield is a musician and journalist in Seattle. He's a former writer at Huffington Post and serves as Executive Director for Democracy Watch News. Mark is a frequent contributor to the Thom Hartmann program and a weekly guest…