LET’S CELEBRATE

Welcome to a special episode of America’s Cannabis Conversation, as we celebrate our fourth anniversary and fifth season of on-air broadcasting. America’s Cannabis Conversation, brought to you by the W420 Radio Network, brings you weekly podcasts with news, information, stories, interviews, education and perspectives on the world of medical and recreational marijuana. Special guests on the program have included; top researchers and physicians on medical marijuana, successful business entrepreneurs who share investment strategies, company owners who developed innovative CBD products, politicians and legal analysts on legislation and legalization, live interviews from convention floors, and, top growers in the country who discuss growing techniques and products. Our easy to search archive lets you browse past shows and topics for on-demand listening, and each week – we bring you more.

MEET THE TEAM

In this special episode, some of the W420 team gets together in a conversation to take a look back at some of the things we have brought you, and a look ahead at some things to come. Meet W420 CEO and Founder, Marc Corsi as he tells the story of how “The Conversation” became America’s program on all things cannabis. Also meet some of the producers, correspondents, marketers and technicians who rode the wave of this local podcast that grew into weekly airings on radio stations in more than a dozen major US cities, while also being heard on all streaming services across the nation and around the world.

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SOME OF OUR KEY PLAYERS

Hear comments from some of the key players in the world of cannabis who weighed in with thanks for being on the program, and who comment on what this forum means for the cannabis industry. Discover some of the leaders who appeared in our newest segment, ‘Women in Cannabis’, and hear from people like you who tell their own stories in our Lifestyles section. Whatever your interest in cannabis, we have it all. This anniversary episode reflects on the amazing progress the world has seen in the past three decades, and why we expect even more momentum in the years ahead.

Your comments on this program will be welcome, and you can find us on all the major social networks. Weigh in and join “The Conversation!”
This program is for you.

The post SPECIAL 4/20 ANNIVERSARY ISSUE! appeared first on America’s Cannabis Conversation.

COMING UP TODAY ON 4/20

W420 Lifestyle Radio Correspondent Rich Walcoff
in the field Special Report:
Joe Sullivan from Franklin Energy on Energy Efficient Growing

Joe Sullivan joins us from Franklin Energy, which is a leader in clean energy solutions. Mr. Sullivan is their Indoor Agricultural Program Manager and he tells us optimizing technology for growing marijuana. Indoor growing can be more challenging, but at the same time it can be more advantageous because you can control the eco-system and the environment. Optimal lightning for indoor growing is essential for controlled environment agriculture. Growers use various lighting sources for this, but LED lighting has apparently proven to be the best by far. They prove to be more energy efficient as they produce the same amount or more light than other traditional methods, they produce a broader spectrum of light, and they last longer. This, combined with proper ventilation, compressors, heating & cooling systems, and more, all of which is provided by Franklin Energy, creates innovative energy management resources to utilities for municipalities and businesses.

Discover indoor lighting in a whole new light with as Joe Sullivan unveils his knowledge with interviewer, Rich Walcoff.

• PLUS •
SPECIAL LIMITED TIME – LED LIGHTING REBATE PROGRAM!

Women In Cannabis with Chase Roberts:

Curated Cannabis to Your Door

Eliza Maroney joins us from Lucky Box Club, a family-owned and operated business in with fine cannabis products. This is a company that rose to become California’s number one cannabis subscription box company, online dispensary service. They offer a cannabis club and weed box with luxury, curated cannabis products. These include curated boxes filled with vapes, edibles or flowers. Their order and delivery services make obtaining fine cannabis easy.

Verdant Oasis on the Importance of Hemp Oil

Carl Germano, CNS, CDN

Carl Germano, CNS, CDN is Vice-President and Chief Business Development Officer at Verdant Oasis, which produces high quality phytocannabinoid-rich hemp oil products. Mr. Germano is a NY Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist who provides product and business concepts, development and commercialization, reformulations and line extensions, assistance with research and claims, and marketing support for clients of Verdant Oasis. Verdant Oasis is a unique company that works with ancestral hemp genetics and geographically strategic European artisanal farms in their proprietary solvent-free extraction that produces Panoramic Entourage IP Hemp Oil. This is a vertically integrated grower and manufacturer of the highest quality phytocannabinoid-rich hemp oils and specialized dietary ingredients. They have unique end-to-end control of the entire process, which includes specialized plant genotypes, refined agricultural & farming practices, proprietary extraction methodology, and advanced post-extraction techniques. Verdant Oasis products are made in FSMA-registered facilities and operated under strict HACCP & GMP controls.  Carl Germano authored the book Road to Ananda: Simple Guild to the Endocannabinoid System, Hemp Phytocannabinoids / CBD and Your Health.

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OUR LATEST RELEASE ON 4/20 @ 4:20PM

W420 Lifestyle Radio Correspondent Rich Walcoff
in the field Special Report:
Luma Farms Growers

Enzo & Curtis Wall from Luma Farms join us and an in depth interview on their growing operation in Penngrove California. Learn about their specialized growing and packaging process as they take our own, Rich Walcoff on a tour of the farms. Their unique process develops organically grown, regenerative and sustainable practices that use living soil, cover crops and organisms. It is a fascinating method, and you can hear how its done.

Luma in California is a full sun cannabis farm focused on harvesting top quality resin on its distinctive Sonoma County terroir, on adobe soil in the PetaLUMA Gap.

Women In Cannabis with Chase Roberts:
Lemonhaze: B2B Cannabis Events

Penny Cook is the acting Chief Operating of Lemonhaze, a B2B cannabis events company.   They launched a unique company that specializes in premier boutique events to facilitate connections within the cannabis space.  In so doing, they bring thousands of people from the industry together by providing Up-Fronts for Brand Salespeople and Retail Buyers, hosting Executive Golf Tournaments, Budtender Events, Education, Conventions, Industry Reports, and more.  This is an interacting world of connections!

New York Gubernatorial Candidate on Legalization
LARRY SHARPE

Larry Sharpe is the New York candidate for Governor from the Libertarian Party.  He joins the discussion with co-hosts David Katzmire and Mitchell Rabin to talk about the methods of legitimatization that often come into being, and how we can improve them.   As he says, “It is time for New York state to be liberated from the lost ‘war on drugs’.”  He further explains that, “Cannabis is a way of growing our state. It’s a way of making people free, growing jobs, and increasing our tax base without increasing taxes.”  Criminalization of users needs reform, and cronyism in legalization and licensing can be eliminated.  The simplest approach is more freedom.  Listen in to this exciting and eye opening interview!

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COMING UP – THIS SATURDAY  January 1, 2022
SEASON 4 • EPISODE 1

W420 Radio Correspondent Rich Walcoff in the field Report from the MJ Biz Conference in Las Vegas:
A New Look at Vaping

Bao Nguyen from Ukera Technologies. They make the vaping experience enjoyable and safer with a ceramic based micro-engineered vaporization technology with a next-generation micro ceramic vaporization solution. Their coil technology burns at a lower heat creates a safer vape because it effectively filters out the inhalation of other elements. It also allows for a full flavor spectrum which is burned off at a higher heats. This makes the most use of method that using heating, not burning, of a product. This is a relatively new technology, offered only by Utera, a Los Angeles based company. Now, newer and safer technology is coming to the forefront to define the vaping industry.

Women In Cannabis with Chase Roberts:
Women in Cannabis Expo – Founder Brooke Westlake

Brooke Westlake: Owner, Founder, Business Engineer. The Women in Cannabis Expo, Ganja Garden Goddesses, Neon Nite Apparel & ADA Lake Labs were all developed in 2020 & 2021. Brooke took a direct career change from healthcare after 20 years into the cannabis industry. Through the building of her four companies, she realized that it wasn’t just about having successful business, but it was also about being a big voice within an industry that was illegal for far too long. She is proud of her entrepreneur spirit that shines through her businesses. The importance of cannabis and health presented itself as a critical life measure after she had life-saving emergency surgery in August of 2020. With the help of cannabis she is fighting off nausea, malnourishment and pain.

Education being a special interest & first time generation college graduate, Brooke holds three degrees, including a Bachelor’s degree & Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Nevada, Reno. She has served on state commission boards, serving two full terms for Nevada Commission for Women, and currently sits on the Board of Examiners for Long-Term Care Facility Administrator & The Northern Nevada Disciplinary Bar Board. Being appointed by former Nevada Governor Sandoval, and current Nevada Governor Sisolak.
The Women in Cannabis Expo for 2022: March 31-New Jersey, June 30-Denver, September 30-Las Vegas, December 2-San Francisco.

W420 Radio CEO Marc Corsi

Marc Corsi is the Founder and CEO of the W420 Radio Network which hosts America’s Cannabis Conversation.  Mr. Corsi looks forward into the new year to offer his outlook on how the expanding world of cannabis may influence our markets, our healing practices and our cultural trends.  Now that we are seeing long overdue releases from prohibitive legal restraints, market demand and the beneficial uses of cannabis seem endless.  We may nevertheless see some ups and downs with obstacles and triumphs as the unstoppable wave of expansion finds it own way into American life.  America’s Cannabis Conversation is poised to keep you abreast of every aspect of the cannabis world as it develops.  Mr. Corsi also reflects on how The Conversation began, took shape and became a voice for the industry.  To drive this innovative network and its team of professionals, Mr. Corsi draws from his years of experience in major radio markets and what he learned as the agency he founded went on to become the largest award-winning independent advertising agencies in the West.  Now he opens the doors to deep insights gained from widespread connections, active correspondents and detailed reporting on every aspect of the cannabis industry.  Let’s ring in the new year as new hopes are fueled by new possibilities..

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Listen to “S3.E32. Minorities for Medical Marijuana. The Kush Queen. Repeal Rally Day in Delaware.” on Spreaker.

COMING UP – THIS SATURDAY  November 20, 2021
SEASON 3 • EPISODE 32

W420 Radio Correspondent Rich Walcoff in the field Report from the MJ Biz Conference in Las Vegas:
Minorities for Medical Marijuana

Kit Grimes from The Edible Incredible joins Rich Walcoff on the floor of the 10th Anniversary MJ Biz Conference in Las Vegas.  She is also the Chief Strategy Officer for Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM).
The Edible Incredible offers culinary art a twist with its line of delicious edible products. These include; cupcakes, thirst quenchers, savory cheeses, infused popcorn, nacho chips. and more.
Minorities for Medical Marijuana, Inc. (M4MM) is organized as a non profit organization with its corporate office based in Orlando Florida. It was established to focus on on providing advocacy, outreach, research, and training as it relates to the business, social reform, public policy, and health /wellness in the cannabis industry.   Find out its nationwide chapters and programs and how you can get involved!

Women In Cannabis with Chase Roberts:
The Kush Queen

Olivia Alexander In less than three years, Olivia Alexander has grown Kush Queen into a multi-million dollar, multifaceted brand carrying only the finest in both CBD-only, and THC-infused products. The Kush Queen product line includes award-winning bath bombs, pain relief lotions, edibles, wellness supplements, and skincare. Since working in her first dispensary in 2006, Oliva has worked with countless cannabis companies in social media, creative direction, and digital strategy. Olivia has a knack for being able to develop, connect and relate the right cannabis products to the right communities. Alexander was one of the largest digital influencers in cannabis with over 2.5 million followers and an average of 100 million monthly impressions. Kush Queen Cannabis was born out of The Crystal Cult and @TheKushQueens online community celebrating women who love cannabis.

The Aphria-Tilray Merger that Created the World’s Largest Cannabis Company!

Irwin Simon is Chairman & CEO @ Aphria Inc., Executive Chairman of Whole Earth Brands, Inc., and, Presiding Director of MDC Partners Inc.  He joins host America’s Cannabis Conversation to discuss the recent, colossal merger of two of the biggest marijuana companies in Canada, Tilray and Aphria. In so doing, they created the largest cannabis company in the world.  It will operates with the ‘Tilray’ name with combined assets of $3.9 billion, and trade under the “TLRY” ticker on Nasdaq. These merging companies had already marketed to Canada and Europe before the merger, and now, as a new super company, it is targeting the largest marijuana consumption market in the world, the United States. In order for the export to the US, however, federal laws that prohibit cannabis must change. Prospects for that look favorable under the current presidential administration.  Mr. Simon talks with W420 Radio about how this came about and what it means to consumers.  Hear from the top, how they got on top, and how this rapidly expanding market is still changing.

The post “WOMEN IN WEED” appeared first on America’s Cannabis Conversation.

COMING UP – THIS SATURDAY October 30, 2021
SEASON 3 • EPISODE 29

W420 Radio Correspondent Rich Walcoff in the field Special Report:
Rocky Mountain Cannabis Consulting

BriAnne Ramsay & Rose Moberly from Rocky Mountain Cannabis join the Conversation.  Rocky Mountain Cannabis Consulting (RMCC) became a one-stop shop for cannabis needs. They have numerous  locations in Colorado and experienced budtenders who assist with the purchase favored marijuana products and accessories online for in-store pickup.  They also build compliance infrastructure startups with consultation and guidance.  They from seed to sale in an all encompassing manner.   Hear this talk that took place on the floor of the Emerald Cup 2019.

Women In Cannabis with Chase Roberts:
Ease Senior Director Jennifer Lujan

Jennifer Lujan is the Senior Director of Social Impact at Eaze. In her role, Jennifer leads the company’s efforts to leverage human capital, technology and financial resources to improve communities and support underrepresented entrepreneurs succeed in the cannabis industry. Her work focuses specifically on building and supporting initiatives that help those negatively impacted by the War on Drugs, leading the company’s accelerator program, Momentum, and providing affordability and accessibility of cannabis to patients. Prior to Eaze, she was the Founder and CEO of Weed for Good and now serves on the Boardof Directors. Weed for Good, a nonprofit based in San Francisco, provides free cannabis to low income patients.

Cultivation Tips: What You Don’t Know

Ryan Douglas authored ‘From Seeds to Success: How to Launch a Great Cannabis Cultivation Business in Record Time.’ This revealing work shows how the business model for cannabis dispensaries has changed. Now, the better profitability lies in cultivation. The cost of building dispensaries averages a half million to a million dollars, and some of these expensive endeavors would up being sold at a loss by to the owners. Educated consumers are now researching product on their own without turning to dispensaries to help them make up their mind. Mr. Ryan points out that there is a plethora of literature on how to grow cannabis, but very little to nothing that spoke to any industry on how to lay down a clear path for planning and launching cannabis cultivation. His book provides a step by step method for researching, planning, raising funds, designing, launching and expanding a successful cultivation business with a goal of coming to market as quickly as possible.

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COMING UP – THIS SATURDAY  October 9, 2021
SEASON 3 • EPISODE 26

● The Honorable Willie Brown – former Mayor of San Francisco
● Erin Gore – CEO of Garden Society
● BigMike Straumietis – the ‘GodFather of Cannabis’ is an iconic pioneer, and founder in the cannabis-growing industry.
● Special guest clips

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BigMike on the Cannabis Industry

W420 Lifestyle Radio Correspondent Rich Walcoff
in the field Special Report:
National Changes for Cannabis,
with Former Mayor Willie Brown

NEW!
WOMEN IN CANNABIS
with W420 Radio Correspondent Chase Roberts
Erin Gore – Founder and CEO, Garden Society

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COMING UP – THIS SATURDAY  August 7, 2021
SEASON 3 • EPISODE 17

Cannabis Industry Software

Dietary Changes

Joel Marion authored the book, ‘Always Eat After 7PM.’ Joel tells us why he wrote the book and what it can do for its readers. Interest and needs have elevated dietary consciousness as the need to stay healthy became important like never before. At the same time, state legalized cannabis products have found their way into new menus. Amid this all, Joel reveals discoveries that will have you rethink the accepted axioms of dietary norms. So, if you’re going to change your dietary habits, this may help you change them in the right way.

W420 Lifestyle Radio Correspondent Rich Walcoff
in the field Special Report:
Medical Cannabis as an Aid to What Ails you

Market Survival

Dustin McDonald is the acting Policy Director for Americans for Safe Access, which works to ensure safe and legal access to cannabis (marijuana) for therapeutic use and research. Far greater than half that states permit medical marijuana. As a result, many states are seeing an increase in tax revenues. Dispensaries have also opened across the country, but they had to adapt their methods after the pandemic hit. This changed delivery methods and more offerings of home delivery in order maintain a sustainable level of sales. That ripple effect across the industry is not only felt by dispensaries, by growers, marketing strategists and product developers as well. Gain a perspective on how a fledgling industry has had to learn to adapt and blossom at the same time.

The post WOMEN WHO LOVE CANNABIS! appeared first on America’s Cannabis Conversation.

COMING UP – THIS SATURDAY  July 3rd, 2021
SEASON 3 • EPISODE 13

New Consumer Studies

Giadha A. DeCarcer is the Founder and Executive Chair of New Frontier Data, which is the authority in cannabis market data analysis. New Frontier Data recently released the ‘2021 US Cannabis Consumer Evolution Report.’ This up to date research of consumer practices reveals new trends and attitudes in the US that only become clear through detailed analysis. Their research also reveals how legalization and the opening of legal markets changed consumer practices and their relationship with cannabis. Knowing these trends is vital to dispensaries, they are imperative to marketing campaigns and they impact the activity of growers. Hear a unique and current perspective that is not available anywhere else.

How to Launch a Great Cannabis Cultivation Business in Record Time

Ryan Douglas was a master grower at Tweed Inc. and he recently authored the book: From Seed to Success: How to Launch a Great Cannabis Cultivation Business in Record Time. Mr. Douglas explains what it means to be a master grower. In his new book, he opens up about the elements of success that are only gained through experience, and the must-know facts for new growers. Launching a cannabis cultivation facility is no different than starting any other commercially produced agricultural crop, but the excitement and potential for big profits can lead to lapses in judgment that prove devastating for many start-ups. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way. An entrepreneur does not need to be an expert grower to launch a thriving cultivation business, and most problems can be avoided through the application of basic business principles and good management practices. Get the inside view from the master whose proven record of success holds something for every business entrepreneur.

W420 Lifestyle Radio Correspondent Rich Walcoff
in the field Special Report:
‘The Cannabis Trail’ with its Founder

Brian Applegarth founded “The Cannabis Trail” and the International Cannabis Travel Association. The organization serves to promote the development of safe and responsible cannabis tourism, to unify the cannabis and tourism industries, and to advocate for an ever-evolving regulatory environment. Brian is also a board member of the 420 Archive and the California Travel Association. “The Cannabis Trail” is a heritage Northern California Corridor amidst “The Emerald Triangle” that is accessible from the San Francisco Bay Area and surrounding Northern California counties where the triumphant battle for legalized marijuana was waged and won. You are invited to listen in to America’s Cannabis Conversation Special Report to learn more about California, Oregon, Washington, and emerging 420-friendly domestic and international travel destinations which will reveal interesting tidbits, travel tips, and compelling tales from “The Cannabis Trail.”

Opioid Addiction Vaccine?

Therese A. Kosten, Ph.D. shares a wealth of experience with The Conversation. She is a professor of psychology at the University of Houston as well as: the Director of Developmental, Cognitive, & Behavioral Neuroscience; Director of Michael C. Gibson Addiction Research Program; Principal Investigator of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience. She follows up her amazing interview with us recently regarding the development and forthcoming trials of a vaccine to relieve opioid addiction. The effects of fentanyl and opioid addiction in general have become a widespread problem as of late, and discoveries show that cannabis may hold some positive alternatives for the problem. This new approach addresses the addiction – withdrawal symptom cycle in a unique way that could give users a never-before advantage toward freedom! Listen in..

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COMING UP – THIS SATURDAY  June 19th, 2021
SEASON 3 • EPISODE 12

Consumer Evolution in the Cannabis Market

John Kagia works at New Frontier Data as the Chief Knowledge Officer. They have a new consumer survey that tells us about trends and attitudes in the US. This was to find how the consumer evolved over the past few years. They began with focus on the cannabis consumer based on their findings in 2018. Research went on to find why they are consuming and how legalization and the opening of legal markets changed their relationship with cannabis. This new research delved more deeply into the study of consumer practices and these updates were released last month in their ‘2021 US Cannabis Consumer Evolution Report.’ Listen in for their finding and what this information can mean to you.

Cannabis for Seniors

Dr. Beverly A. Potter is a psychologist specializing in career and workplace issues, like overcoming job burnout, self management and self-leadership, mediating disputes, giving directives as examples. ‘Doc Potter’ blends humanistic psychology and Eastern philosophies with principles of behavior psychology. The objective is to create a strategy for handling many challenges encountered in today’s workplace. Her book: Cannabis for Seniors is for seniors curious about cannabis and how they might use it to better their lives. It reviews research regarding the health effects of cannabis and the effectiveness of various strains for managing specific health conditions and improving quality of life. This work debunks myths and discusses concerns that seniors may have about cannabis use. ‘Doc Potter’ describes methods of using cannabis, explaining how smoking, eating, and topicals uses.
A must listen for all current and one-day seniors.

W420 Lifestyle Radio Correspondent Rich Walcoff
in the field Special Report:
Legalization Pioneer and Martyr Eddy Lepp

Eddy Lepp is on the ‘Mount Rushmore’ of legalization pioneers. If you are one of the many who enjoy recreational marijuana in 17 US states and medical marijuana in 37 American state, you owe a huge debt of gratitude to an iconic figure in the movement, Eddy Lepp.  Despite having a body that is now riddled with cancer, Mr. Lepp joined correspondent Rich Walcoff in what may be his last interview.   He tells the inevitable journey he went through that began with helping someone in need by providing them with medicinal marijuana.  This led to a vast grow in response to the need and demand of those around him.  This also led to his arrest and incarceration with a 10-year sentence.  Although he was offered no jail time in return for turning in his buddies, Eddy Lepp chose instead to serve almost 9 years of his sentence.   Nonetheless, conviction by the state could not match the convictions of a true pioneer who helped pave the way for the legalization we see today.  The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) called him a ‘marijuana martyr’.  Numerous law enforcement figures, including those on the prosecution side, lament the treatment that Mr. Lepp received.  In the end, his dedication and determination was one of the keys that turned the very long battle for legalization in a new direction, and one we can all appreciate today. Thank you for your service Eddy Lepp.

Equality in Cannabis Reform

Debra Furr-Holden, PhD is a professor at Michigan State University, a C.S. Mott Endowed Professor of Public Health, Associate Dean for Public Health Integration, and, Director of the Flint Center for Health Equity Solutions. She is also an epidemiologist and classically trained public health professional with expertise in health disparities and health equity, drug and alcohol dependence epidemiology, psychiatric epidemiology, and prevention science. In with the onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic, her work led to government task force appointments to address public health needs including the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities, the Greater Flint Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Inequity and New York City African American COVID-19 Task Force. Today, Dr. Furr-Holden talks to us about equality where it is needed now, in cannabis reform. This rapidly changing and expanding industry is providing more than just recreational interests, it is enabling treatment with medical marijuana when and where it is needed in parts of the nation. These are advantages that need to reach everyone.

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