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.
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Angel Thrasher Weaver is the mother of the late Dylan Moon, who was born a micro preemie, or born very prematurely, at just 26 weeks. Dylan was born with h ydrocephalus, resulting in brain damage and initial frontal lobe damage, which caused him to have intractable epilepsy . Dylan suffered grand mal seizures, which damaged his brain, killing neurons and further worsening his condition. Not…
Mark Taylor Canfield is a journalist who has spent decades on the front lines of independent media, reporting on everything from politics and protest movements to civil liberties and the shifting landscape of press freedom. Mark is an award-winning reporter, editor, and longtime advocate for First Amendment rights. He's a former writer at the Huffington Post and serves as Executive Director for…
Michael Khemmoro is the chief operating officer and co-founder of Mango Cannabis. Mike's journey in cannabis began in 2010 when he and his brother-in-law Kevin Pattah became cannabis cultivators and caregivers in Michigan, driven by an extreme passion and respect for the plant’s healing properties. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In 1996, Ted Smith founded the Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club, Canada’s oldest compassion club. He is also the author of Hempology 101: The History and Uses of Cannabis Sativa (2012), developed from a free, non-credit lecture series he taught at the University of Victoria. From 2009 to 2016, he published the Cannabis Digest newspaper nationwide. Between 2002 and 2003, the VCBC was raided four times…
Edward Buck serves as chair of the Prairie Island Cannabis Regulatory Commission, a three person independent commission empowered to license, monitor, and enforce cannabis activities within Prairie Island’s jurisdiction, that seeks to ensure that all activities meet the highest standards of transparency, public health, and Tribal sovereignty. Fred Erickson serves as secretary of the Prairie Island…
James Stephens, founder and CEO of Sinful Cannabis. In an industry where branding, compliance, and competition collide every day, James has carved out a reputation for building a company that isn’t afraid to stand out. Sinful Cannabis has developed a recognizable identity in the legal market while navigating the complex realities of regulated cannabis—from marketing restrictions to market…
A Southwest-based author whose books Willie Nelson describes as “a blueprint for the America of the future,” Doug Fine is the author of six books, including 2020’s American Hemp Farmer as well as the Boston Globe Bestseller, Farewell, My Subaru. His wild goat-wrangling stories and optimistic persona have led to media appearances on Conan, The Tonight Show, BBC, and CNN, as well as a TED Talk and…
Niambe McIntosh is the youngest child of reggae legend Peter Tosh and serves as the Chairperson of the Board for the Peter Tosh Foundation, as well as the head of the Peter Tosh Estate and Brand. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, she holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering and began her professional life in that field before following her passion for education. She…
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 to the burgeoning psychedelic renaissance. In 2019, she began leading the Decriminalize Nature effort in Seattle and moved on to form the Political Action Group…
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 tightly regulated legal cannabis markets in the country and has firsthand experience with what legalization looks like on the ground. Advertising Inquiries:…
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 his work with Drug War Facts and for elevating voices directly impacted by prohibition. Doug’s radio program, Free Culture Radio, airs on KBOO Community Radio in…
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 rights, and drug policy reform. He served as a key civil society participant in the World Health Organization’s first-ever scientific review of medicinal cannabis — a…
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 Principal and Senior Paralegal at Hemp Ace International, a Seattle-based consulting, legal support, and expert witness firm serving the global hemp industries. She…
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 and modern neuroscience." Jasmine talks about the journey, the vision, and the community power behind GŪD Essence, its emphasis on customer education, culturally…
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 with almost a decade of professional experience as a sustainability advocate in the design and construction industry. Before entering the cannabis industry,…
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 became a central figure in the fight for patients’ rights after the passage of Proposition 215 in 1996. For decades, Shaw battled DEA raids, federal injunctions,…
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 cannabis-related conviction, she has made it her mission to reform the industry and help those still incarcerated for marijuana offenses. Alicia is a social…
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, platinum, and diamond records, as well as numerous Grammy and Emmy nominations. Chief among his credits is Pink Floyd's "The Wall," which has been certified diamond,…
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 Cannabis Dispensary and previously led one of Illinois’ first licensed dispensaries before selling it to a public company. Zerman also personally benefits from the…
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 advancing both the science and the culture of the plant. From being diagnosed with cancer at a young age and discovering the healing benefits of cannabis to playing an…
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 industries, Jason has been documenting the cannabis space since 2003, capturing the work and stories of pioneers like Eddy Lepp, Jack Herer, Dennis Peron, Lynnette…
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 the cannabis industry. Stoney is or has been the head cultivation writer for various magazines, including Soft Secrets, High Times, Skunk, Garden Culture, Weed…
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: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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 and became an independent movie producer and promoter, producing such films as Zebrahead . He met the Coen brothers while they were promoting their first film,…
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 4,000 stores across six countries. He co-founded the Hemp Industries Association (HIA), and became America's first hemp cultivator, growing the first hemp research…
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 advocate for sensible adult-use cannabis policy, collaborating with businesses, lawmakers, regulators, and community stakeholders to shape Washington State’s cannabis…
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 positive impacts on both the mind and body. Living in Denver, Colorado, at the time, he committed to doing anything he could to spread the word about the benefits of…
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 her address her daily challenges with stage four liver disease. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out:…
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, in Our Food, and in Our World. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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 movie roles in Out of Bounds , The First Power , One Tough Bastard , and Man Apart . For his role in ABC's General Hospital, Jeff received a Daytime Emmy Award…
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 and a deep understanding of the market, he worked his way up the industry ranks—ultimately becoming president of one of the fastest-growing solventless gummy…
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 work spans media preservation, AI, and digital activism, focusing on counteracting algorithmic manipulation and censorship. Jeff has worked extensively with content…
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: Marijuana in Magic and Religion; Sex, Drugs, Violence and the Bible and the author of Cannabis and the Soma Solution; Liber 420: Cannabis, Magickal herbs and the…
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 Show, a grassroots community awards event created for the global grassroots cannabis community. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy &…
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 prepared him for what comes next for us all. Robert is a champion of permaculture as the foundation of a regenerative economy and believes that Alaska is in the…
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 and World Health Systems Facts at healthsystemsfacts.org . Doug also volunteers as a community radio news reporter, public affairs producer, and host of a weekly…
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 to her success by educating on ailment strain alignment, which aligns a medical cannabis strain with a specific condition or ailment. She started her career in…
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 cannabis and hemp industries and The Budtender’s Guide, a companion textbook for the training course he helped create at Oaksterdam University. Since 2018, Mitchell…
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 prepared him for what comes next for us all. Robert is a champion of permaculture as the foundation of a regenerative economy and believes that Alaska is in the…
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 of the 1960s in rock’s cradle of civilization, meeting, befriending, or dating all of her musical heroes—The Byrds, the Doors, Buffalo Springfield, The Rolling…
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 Dead. His six-string contributions have complemented recordings and tours with Delaney Bramlett, Dave Mason, Sophie B. Hawkins, the Rembrandts, and Paul Carrick. Mark has been a…
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 distributor of Charlotte’s Web cannabis strain. He soon transitioned to developing cannabinoid-based formulations. Peter talks about his launching of JaWeeDE,…
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 The Hemp Mine, a 20-acre innovative hemp farm, breeding company, and hemp product manufacturer. Dr. Justice has been recognized by esteemed organizations like…
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 entheogenic culture. She is currently the chair of the initiative PAC ADAPT-WA, which is working to get legal psilocybin on the ballot in Washington for 2026.…
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 responsible for government relations in Washington, D.C., and operational oversight of the D.C. cultivation facility. She previously held management positions in…
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 is a past Teamsters and Steel Workers Union member who published the Cleveland National Labor Relations Board newsletter for over 12 years, and he discusses his…
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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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 Mantelpiece, a line of eclectic cannabis accessories. She tells about how her pieces are designed to blend timeless elegance with modern functionality.…
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 legal assistant, international legal advisor, restaurant owner, writer, factory worker, insurance agent, and realtor. He is running for election to the Ohio House of…
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 innate ability to effectively communicate this knowledge landed him as Director of Cultivation Content at Green Flower Media in 2017. His latest role finds him at…
