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Karma Koala Podcast

Karma Koala Podcast

By Cannabis Law Report

Our weekly podcast about all things law, business & culture in cannabis, and now, also psychedelics. Brought to you by Sean Hocking editor of Cannabis Law Report The Karma Koala Podcast is produced by Cannabis Law Report Would you like to be interviewed on the Karma Koala podcast ? Would you like to request a cannabis song on the Karma Koala podcast? Contact Sean at hocking.sean@gmail.com
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Karma Koala Podcast - Brought To You By Cannabis Law Report Episode 26

Karma Koala PodcastJun 21, 2021

Karma Koala Podcast Episode 143: Stephanie Shepard Director of Advocacy – Last Prisoner Project. Where Are We Now… Five Years Since The Inception of The Last Prisoner Project

Karma Koala Podcast Episode 143: Stephanie Shepard Director of Advocacy – Last Prisoner Project. Where Are We Now… Five Years Since The Inception of The Last Prisoner Project

It has been five years since the launch of the Last Prisoner Project, an organisation that aims to free all jailed in the USA for non-violent cannabis offences.

I speak with advocacy director Stephanie Shepard and ask where are we now?

What progress, if any, has been made?

How does the organisation advocate for the incacerated ?

…….and what still needs to be done.

 

STEPHANIE SHEPARD

Director of Advocacy – Last Prisoner Project

Stephanie Shepard was convicted of conspiracy to distribute marijuana in 2010.

As a first-time, non-violent offender, Stephanie was sentenced to ten years in the Federal Bureau Of Prisons.

After serving nine years, she was placed on federal probation for an additional five years.

Stephanie now serves as Last Prisoner Project’s Director of Advocacy and sits on the organization’s Board of Directors.

She is adamantly advocating for restorative justice for those who have suffered and continue to suffer as she has from the criminalization of cannabis.

https://www.lastprisonerproject.org/team/stephanie-shepard

The Last Prisoner Project was founded in 2019 out of the belief that no one should remain incarcerated or suffering the collateral consequences of offenses that are now legal.

We brought together a group of justice-impacted individuals, policy and education experts, and leaders in the worlds of criminal justice and drug policy reform to work to end the fundamental injustice that is America’s policy of cannabis prohibition and the War on Drugs.

 Our dedicated team works tirelessly to achieve our goal of freeing the tens of thousands of individuals still unjustly imprisoned and creating front-end systemic reform to our criminal legal system.

Read more about the team at

https://www.lastprisonerproject.org/who-we-are

https://www.lastprisonerproject.org/




Mar 26, 202431:49
Karma Koala Podcast Episode 142: Melanie Wentzel Healthcare Professional & Cannabis Industry Professional – All Things Australia

Karma Koala Podcast Episode 142: Melanie Wentzel Healthcare Professional & Cannabis Industry Professional – All Things Australia

Finally the Karma Koala podcast can return home to “Girt  – By The Sea” and for the first time we discuss Australia and how things are currently working in the land of “Prawn on the Barbie” .. where, to be honest, people are much likely to be eating a Pad Thai or a Schnitty in 2024.

  

Melanie Wentzel is a health care professional who has moved over to the cannabis sector and brings with her a wealth of expertise to the Australian cannabis market and in this conversation helps us understand how the Australian Federal & State government(s) both think and operate in this quickly growing (currently) medical only market.


We discuss amongst other things

  • The Australian Medical Cannabis Market
  • Rules & Regs
  • Govt Agencies
  • Federal & State
  • Politics
  • Advertising Issues

 

Melanie Wentzel

Melanie is a contemporary and collaborative consultant, taking a boutique approach to healthcare transformation in the public health and medical cannabis sectors, servicing both Australian and international markets.

She has worked extensively with the Australian Department of Health, State Governments, medical colleges, Primary Health Networks, peak bodies, and organizations across the Australian, American and British healthcare landscapes delivering impactful and transformative programs for patients, communities, clinicians and the global healthcare system. 

Her authentic and engaged leadership extends to her role as an Independent Consultant to the Board of Cannabis.org.au, a contemporary thinktank which promotes political reform, quality, and safety in the Australian cannabis industry. 

Melanie has twice published in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA)


Melanie is currently working on a book about women leaders in the cannabis industry around the world

Contact Melanie via her website

https://www.melaniewentzel.com/



Mar 23, 202437:18
Karma Koala Podcast Episode 141: Thomas Howard, Cannabis Industry Lawyer, Collateral Base- Illinois 2024 What’s Happening?

Karma Koala Podcast Episode 141: Thomas Howard, Cannabis Industry Lawyer, Collateral Base- Illinois 2024 What’s Happening?

We both start the show with a quick why is working in non-plant touching cannabis so hard  when it comes to issues like online and banking.

If it isn’t You Tube it’s, Twilo , PayPal etc  and concur that we are both praying for a  schedule 3 as many other businesses are  to hopefully  change all of that

The bulk of our conversation touches on a ranges of issues in Illinois for 2024 including

  • Medical
  • Medical market oligopoly
  • Adult use
  • Hybrid Dispensaries
  • THCA hemp flower product issue
  • The new farm bill (2024)
  • The issue of no delivery online or drive throughs in the state
  • Quasi consumption licenses
  • Residency requirements in Illinois
  • Current seed to sale & testing- tracking issues


Tom also explains why he thinks The Absurd Resolve Principle  (1819 UK) may be be one legal path to solving some problems not just in the states but nationally


  • It is illegal to interrupt a postman own this job delivering mail
  • Arrested while delivering mail for murder – and charged
  • Sheriff then charged for violating the statute
  • Supreme Court said no ridiculous against common sense
  • Is it possible to apply this law to the current farm bill?

We finish with a quick overview  on psychedelics issues and law currently in discussion in Illinois

 

Licensed to practice since 2008Thomas Howard has represented numerous financial institutions in litigation to enforce their security interests.  Since 2018, he has helped numerous cannabis companies with their hemp farms, to licensing applications in the adult use cannabis industry.

He helps community banks in complex commercial workouts involving some of the most sophisticated financial products in the banking industry.  He has also litigated in contested contract cases on various legal theories.

After nearly ten years of practicing law with his father, Mr. Howard started the Collateral Base to bring sophisticate corporate and commercial law into the 21st century by shaking up the current corporate culture that makes so many lawyers regret going to law school and have terrible work/life balance.

To assist downstate community banks with flat fees for uncontested litigation, he has designed and built the Collateral Base website, where he publishes regularly on security interests and offers his flat fee menu of services.  He also built automation systems into his bank litigation practice to facilitate his flat fee offerings.

Uniform Commercial Code issues, replevins, guaranty actions, and bankruptcy. He has successfully resolved numerous multi-million dollar non-performing loans for many community banks throughout Illinois.  As a result of his efforts, Mr. Howard earned Rising Stars by Super Lawyers, and as an Emerging Lawyer by Leading Lawyers from 2015 to 2018. Only two percent of attorneys ever receive such distinction.

He often posts YouTubes regarding issues faced by the cannabis industry, and advocates for allowing cannabis businesses to access banking services by dropping cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, which requires an act of Congress.  To further develop his cannabis practice and help the state of Illinois transition from medical to full adult use of cannabis, Mr. Howard designed and built CannabisIndustryLawyer.com.

Thomas Howard is admitted to practice in:

  • The State Of Illinois
  • State Of Wisconsin
  • United States District Court For The Eastern District Of Wisconsin
  • Central District Of Illinois,
  • NorthernDistrict Of Illinois,
  • Southern Districts Of Illinois.

More info at

https://cannabislaw.report/karma-koala-podcast-episode-141-thomas-howard-cannabis-industry-lawyer-collateral-base-illinois-2024-whats-happening/

Mar 18, 202430:32
Karma Koala Podcast Episode 140: Darryl Cotton Medical Cannabis California & The Case Of Biker Sherlock – Suicide or Foul Play?

Karma Koala Podcast Episode 140: Darryl Cotton Medical Cannabis California & The Case Of Biker Sherlock – Suicide or Foul Play?

Episode 140 of the Karma Koala podcast reads like a Los Angeles 1940’s film noir plot but instead of development, big agriculture or capital infrastructure at the heart of this tragic story, it is now cannabis that sits at the heart of modern day southern Californian politics, business and power structures.

I talk with San Diego medical cannabis producer, Darryl Cotton, and listen and learn from his insights into the untimely death of skateboarder, surfer and medical cannabis license owner (twice over) Biker Sherlock

In my conversation with Darryl I immediately find myself thinking of Roman Polanski’s classic 1974 film Chinatown starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway.

Darryl, as a long term medical cannabis producer has always been aware of the issues surrounding cannabis laws and licensing in the state but it was the awful circumstances of Sherlock’s death that brought all these issues into a much sharper focus and his desire to both help the family left behind and change the way cannabis is done in California.


We talk about 


The circumstances of Biker Sherlock’s death , inconclusive findings by the coroner and the inevitable dead ends his wife, a private investigator and Darryl have had to deal with whilst attempting to learn more about what happened to Biker.


Read more about the investigation  and Biker's death as detailed by Darryl in the Surfer’s Journal.

https://www.surfertoday.com/skateboarding/experts-believe-skater-michael-biker-sherlock-was-murdered

Also read

https://concretewaves.com/biker-sherlock/

https://www.espn.com/espnw/story/_/id/19224419/to-heal-biker-sherlock-widow-solve-mystery-sudden-decline


Learn more at

https://cannabislaw.report/wp-admin/post.php?post=209880&action=edit


Mar 14, 202432:42
Karma Koala Podcast Episode 139: John Hickey Shareholder @ Hall Estill. Oklahoma – The Wild West? The Quasi Rec State? Listen To John’s Insights To Get Closer To The Reality of OK in 2024

Karma Koala Podcast Episode 139: John Hickey Shareholder @ Hall Estill. Oklahoma – The Wild West? The Quasi Rec State? Listen To John’s Insights To Get Closer To The Reality of OK in 2024

We cover a gamut of issues in our 30 minute conversation, including.


What is the Oklahoma Medical set up?
What does the market look like for out of state investors?
License management, tax and other adminstartive legal issues
The rise of the illegal China cartels in the state black market
Cheap medical cards
Licenses & Indigenous access to market
What makes Oklahoma unique

and much much more

 

John  handles litigation matters ranging from commercial litigation and construction law disputes to employment and real estate litigation, as well as construction and employment arbitration. His experience encompasses both federal and state courts in cases involving complex, multi-state commercial lawsuits and bankruptcy proceedings, as well as employment discrimination litigation and complex construction arbitrations.


An experienced 30 year attorney, John serves as the lead shareholder for the Cannabis Law practice. Licensed in Oregon and Oklahoma, John has been working with clients for a number of years in the Cannabis Law area. From walking clients through the license application process to preparing agreements, John is knowledgeable in all aspects of the cannabis business.


In addition, John has provided outstanding representation to myriad clients, including: The McNellie’s Group, Bridge Crane Specialist, Zentech, Akins Health Food and Eliot Nelson.


Further, John has an AV Preeminent peer rating through Martindale-Hubbell and has been a panel member of the American Arbitration Association since 2015.


https://www.hallestill.com/our-team/john-m-hickey


Mar 11, 202430:03
Karma Koala Podcast Episode 138: Katie Wiley Chief Legal & Strategy Officer for Stash Ventures, LLC

Karma Koala Podcast Episode 138: Katie Wiley Chief Legal & Strategy Officer for Stash Ventures, LLC

In this episode of the Karma Koala Podcast we speak with Katie Wiley the Chief Legal & Strategy Officer for privately owned cannabis company Stash Ventures, LLC.


We discuss how a MSO vertical cannabis company manages varying state legislation, rules and regulations in 2024 as well as diving into the detail on the constant juggling that is needed to keep operations efficient and remain compliant


Stash mainly operates in the mid-west states who have opened up to cannabis more recently than the coasts and Katie imparts a great deal of information about managing compliance in these jurisdictions. We discuss, amongst other things, knowledge management, state govt relations, what re-scheduling means for MSO’s and a lot more.




Biography

Katie Wiley is the Chief Legal & Strategy Officer for Stash Ventures, LLC. She is based out of our headquarters in Fishers, Indiana. She has been a part of the Stash Ventures team since its inception in 2019.

Katie graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with Highest Distinction. From there she went on to graduate from the Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis with Magna Cum Laude. Among other legal associations, Katie is also a member of the International Cannabis Bar Association.

Prior to working for Stash, she was employed in-house with a global manufacturing business. Before that she worked as a corporate finance and M&A lawyer at a large law firm in Indianapolis.


Katie now resides in Indianapolis, IN with her husband and two sons.



https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynwiley/




Stash Ventures is the founding parent company of Timber Cannabis Co and High Minded. Founded in 2020, the Midwestern team set out to grow a successful vertically integrated cannabis company in their own backyard, with a vision to become one of the most knowledgeable and capable Midwest cannabis companies looking to dominate a relatively new and hungry market.


Mar 08, 202431:27
Karma Koala Podcast Episode 137: Michael Zaytsev, Carolyn Sharaway & Jes Feuer (Etain Health) LIM College NY Cannabis Course and Scholarships

Karma Koala Podcast Episode 137: Michael Zaytsev, Carolyn Sharaway & Jes Feuer (Etain Health) LIM College NY Cannabis Course and Scholarships

In episode 137 we speak to Michael Zaytsev who heads up the cannabis program at the LIM fashion college in New York.


We talk about the multi-disciplinary approach of the course and about scholarships along with Carolyn Sharaway (foundation manager at LIM) and  Jes Feuer of Etain Health who talks about why the company sees value in providing funds for the foundation and its scholarships


Michael Zaytsev

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelzaytsev/

 

Carolyn Sharaway

Sharaway Strategic Development Consulting

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-sharaway-m-a-cfre-23894a7/


Jess Feuer

Marketing DirectorMarketing Director – Etain Health

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jes-feuer-8b8247a/

 

As legalization sweeps across the country, the cannabis sector continues to surge.

According to the 2023 Vangst Jobs Report, the U.S. cannabis market reached $26 billion in 2022, and the cannabis industry supported over 400,000 full-time equivalent jobs.

A specialized education can pave the way for you to thrive in this expanding and complex field. Gain the essential skills to be a leader in this transformative industry with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in The Business of Cannabis from LIM College.

Your journey to a career in cannabis starts here.

https://www.limcollege.edu/careers-internships/career-pathways/careers-business-cannabis


Mar 04, 202428:25
Karma Koala Podcast 136: Peter Homberg Dentons Berlin. We deep dive into the legislation that has just passed in Germany and find out specifics

Karma Koala Podcast 136: Peter Homberg Dentons Berlin. We deep dive into the legislation that has just passed in Germany and find out specifics

In episode 136 we speak with Dentons European cannabis lead, Peter Homberg, out of Berlin, about the recently passed legislation in the Bundestag.


Homberg explains what he terms as pillar one of legislation targeting 


A) Personal Use
B) Homegrow and/or cannabis cultivation assocations

From Peter we  learn the details, what you can and cannot do and where there are gaps and questions in the legisaltion as well as the oft hidden issue, what role do the German federal states play in the process and will they ratify /come to an agreement about the start date of 1 April 2024.


Peter also outlines what he believes should be pillar two in the legislation in our conversation.


We also discuss what this means for the EU as a wider body now  that Germany has taken these steps and what other jurisdictions are dipping their toes into making decisions about regulated cannabis.


If you want to know exactly what happened in Germany this past week with regard to legalized cannabis this conversation will give you both the knowledge and context you need.

 

 

Peter Homberg is a partner in the Dentons Berlin office. He focuses on life sciences, IP, corporate law and M&A transactions in the life sciences and high-tech sector as well as in R&D and cooperation agreements, cross-border IP licensing and IP strategies. Furthermore, he has extensive experience providing legal advice on compliance issues. Additionally, he is the head of the European Cannabis sector group. Peter advises inter alia companies in the pharmaceutical, diagnostics, biotechnology, medical device and medical cannabis industries—from startups to large publicly listed companies. Furthermore, he has broad transactional experience in Southeast Asia. Peter is member of the Licensing Executive Society (LES), the German Association for Intellectual Property and Copyright (GRUR), the German Institution for Arbitration (DIS) as well as the Pharma-Lizenz-Club Deutschland e.V. He regularly holds lectures at seminars and conferences. He is the author of numerous professional articles and other publications regarding corporate or IP law in the field of life sciences.



Contact Peter 

https://www.dentons.com/en/peter-homberg

Feb 28, 202427:20
Karma Koala Podcast 135: Danielle Drummond Vice President of Social Equity for AWH (Ascend Wellness Holdings)

Karma Koala Podcast 135: Danielle Drummond Vice President of Social Equity for AWH (Ascend Wellness Holdings)

Danielle heads up the day to day for the company’s social equity program and talks us through how Ascend feel they are effecting change through their multiple programs for both producers and consumers.


We also talk about the wider implications for companies that apply equity as part of the modus operadi of an organisation and why it benefits the organisation as much as its customers.

 

Danielle Drummond is VP of Social Equity for AWH. Drummond has been a leader in advancing social impact agendas in the education, criminal justice, and community health space for over 15 years. A native Bostonian and Spelman College graduate, she has worked in community engagement and social equity at the state and local level in the public and nonprofit sectors. Her career has allowed her to see how systemic barriers across institutions affect the quality of life for individuals. Most recently she served under Rachael Rollins as Deputy Chief of Community Engagement where she was able to implement Rollins’ criminal justice reform agenda; increasing the amount of funding to grassroots community based organizations, forming strategic partnerships, and implementing healing centered programming to supplement a punitive system.

Drummond’s work is centered in the belief that to make real change we have to keep the voices of those communities that have been harmed by systemic oppression at the forefront. She believes in community based solutions, supported by institutions.

Drummond’s commitment to community healing is seen not only in her career but her personal life as well. As the mother of a young son, she understands the importance of positive adults in the lives of youth and has mentored many young women and men. Drummond is a skilled facilitator on topics such as restorative justice, DEI, and positive youth development, she is a reiki practitioner and someone who deeply believes in Bell Hook’s idea of the Beloved Community to transform society.

https://www.awholdings.com/esg-contact/danielle-drummond-danielle-drummond

Danielle DrummondVP, Social Equity


Feb 26, 202425:44
Karma Koala Podcast 134: Jana Weltzin Founder & Principal Owner @ JDW Law Alaska – We Talk Alaska Legislation, Rules, Regs, Amendments & Forthcoming Tax Changes For Alaskan Producers & Consumers

Karma Koala Podcast 134: Jana Weltzin Founder & Principal Owner @ JDW Law Alaska – We Talk Alaska Legislation, Rules, Regs, Amendments & Forthcoming Tax Changes For Alaskan Producers & Consumers

This week we speak with Alsaka based cannabis lawyer Jana Weltzin.


About 65% of cannabis businesses in Alaska are clients of hers,  she has only worked in cannabis law since she graduated, initially for the Rose Law group in Arizona until she decided to return home and forge her own path.


Industry watchers will know that since the initial rush a few years back we don’t really hear much from Alaska and that’s  because they created a fairly balanced and some might argue too cosy local industry.


In the podcast we discuss what’s worked and what changes were made to the initial legislation. They had the hemp derivatives conversation some time and acted ( some might agree, some might not) with their solution but act they did.


We also discuss how Alaska is now looking to fix some of the tax issues they have and provide (from the state anyways) a fairer and simpler tax solution for growers and retailers.

If you didn’t know about Alaska before this podcast you will be the end of it.


Bio

Jana Weltzin was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska. Ms. Weltzin focuses her legal practice on land use and zoning law, medical marijuana law in Arizona and recreational marijuana business law and regulation compliance in Alaska. Ms. Weltzin provides representation for her cannabis clientele relating to business structure, permitting/licensing, land use applications and hearings, conditional use permits, investment connections and presentation, regulation compliance, real estate commercial leasing and purchases, operations, and general activism for the cannabis industry.

Ms. Weltzin played an invaluable role during the 2015 legislative session through her work with the Coalition for Responsible Cannabis Legislation, initiative sponsors, and future Alaskan cannabis businesses advocating for and analyzing proposed cannabis related legislation to ensure sustainable success for the industry.

Ms. Weltzin is a regular contributor to Marijuana Venture Magazine’s legal section and other various publications.


https://www.linkedin.com/in/jana-weltzin-a82905a/


https://www.jdwcounsel.com/meet-the-jdw-team



Feb 22, 202442:08
Karma Koala Podcast 133: Luke Zimmerman Lawyer, An Introductory Discussion About Cannabis and Intellectual Property

Karma Koala Podcast 133: Luke Zimmerman Lawyer, An Introductory Discussion About Cannabis and Intellectual Property

In this episode i speak with lawyer, Luke Zimmerman, who has a specialized practice dealing in cannabis and intellectual property (Trademark, Copyright etc)

As we discover whilst in conversation, this will be the first of many conversations to come.

We cover why IP is important in the sector, what it means to trademark in various jurisdictions and especially in the US where cannabis might be legal within a specific state but as it isn’t yet federally.

What does this actually mean for companies trying to secure trademarks and protect their products and brands.


 

The Law Office of Luke S Zimmerman APC counsels clients on protecting their intellectual property, forming new businesses, and maintaining compliance for medical cannabis.

Here at the Law Office of Luke S Zimmerman APC we believe in addressing our client’s issues by listening to their concerns, then evaluating the best manner to address the problem, and lastly offering a reasonable resolution that can be implemented with as much ease as possible.

Whether it be forming a new business, registering a trademark, or navigating the confusing issues when developing a cannabis brand, the Law Office of Luke S Zimmerman APC provides open communication to assist a client in addressing their concerns. Our philosophy is that each client’s problem are unique, and thus, the resolution being sought should be tailored to their specific needs. The attention to each client’s concern is facilitated by intentionally keeping a manageable case load, that allows for the attention that each client deserves. The ideology of the Law Office of Luke S Zimmerman APC is that providing quality work is preferable to representing a lot of clients.

Luke obtained his undergraduate degree in philosophy from the University of Oregon at Eugene and then graduated from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, in San Diego California, as a member of the Pro Bono Honors Society. His interest in international trade and investment law led him to the Netherlands where he obtained a Masters of Law from the University of Amsterdam. The focus of his master thesis was the effect of bi-lateral trade agreements on the harmonization of intellectual property standards, provided through the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights(TRIPS). His experiences living in Amsterdam and observations of the paradigm shift surrounding cannabis lead Luke to believe that the end of cannabis prohibition would be the future of The United States.

Based on this idea, Luke formed The Law Office of Luke S. Zimmerman APC, where he assists entrepreneurs in the emerging cannabis industry and helps them protect their intellectual property. A core mission of the Law Office of Luke S. Zimmerman is drug policy reform, which is why Luke volunteers on the Clemency Project 2014. Luke currently splits his time working with clients in California, as well as nationally on trademark issues.

Luke is also certified by Oaksterdam University, in both, beginner and advanced courses and has received advanced training and certification in mediation, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and cross cultural competencies.

The Law Office of Luke S Zimmerman APC is featured in the 3rd edition of the Arcview market report “The State of Legal Marijuana Markets” in the branding in the cannabis industry section. Luke Zimmerman is a member of the National Cannabis Bar Association (NCBA).

Learn more about Luke and the services he offers at

https://lawofficelsz.com/about/




Feb 15, 202441:22
Karma Koala Podcast 132: Xavier Jaillet Clark Hill (Denver) Cannabis Beverages & The Law

Karma Koala Podcast 132: Xavier Jaillet Clark Hill (Denver) Cannabis Beverages & The Law

This week we’ve got a topic that i think hasn’t really been discussed, Cannabis Beverages.

I dive in with Xavier and learn about this burgeoning aspect of the sector.

As we know the US loves it’s sodas, buzzy energy drinks and like everybody else on the planet a refreshing cold beer.

The US, and to a small extent Canada, are jurisdictions  eons ahead of the rest of the world in developing CBD and THC versions of the aforesaid and in that process learning how to regulate and manage these products.

We discuss these issues in detail.

 

Xavier Jaillet


Cannabis Industry Group Coordinator, Clark Hill

Advised clients on myriad of matters including general regulatory compliance, market and business strategy, growth strategy, contract negotiations, dispute resolution, and more.
Drafted model federal cannabis beverage regulations.


Board Member and Colorado Intermediate Director 

The Cannabis Chamber of Commerce


Education

University of Denver – Sturm College of Law

University of Colorado Boulder


Feb 12, 202430:23
Karma Koala Podcast 131: Matt Karnes Greenwave Advisors. The adventure that is NY Licensing and the Lawyer, “Adrian Snead’s” SM post saying there could be a big DEA annoncement this week

Karma Koala Podcast 131: Matt Karnes Greenwave Advisors. The adventure that is NY Licensing and the Lawyer, “Adrian Snead’s” SM post saying there could be a big DEA annoncement this week

We speak again with Matt Karnes founder of cannabis business publisher and advisory service, Greenwave.

NY licensing of cannabis businesses, what on earth is going on?

Adrian’s Snead’s post about a DEA announcemment– should we get excited?


 

Mr. Matthew (Matt) Karnes is the Founder of GreenWave Capital Partners LLC.

In 2014, Mr. Karnes founded GreenWave Advisors LLC,  to provide independent, institutional quality financial research and analysis,  due diligence and other consulting services specific to the cannabis sector.  Mr. Karnes worked in equity research focusing on the Radio Broadcasting and Cable Television industries for First Union Securities,  covered Satellite Communication at SG Cowen and, in addition, worked with the top ranked Consumer Internet analyst at Bear Stearns & Co. This team was consistently included in Institutional Investor’s  “All America Research Team.” Mr. Karnes authored and co-authored numerous emerging industry research reports as a sell-side equity analyst, including such names as Google, Sirius, XM Satellite Radio, DIRECTV, and EchoStar Communications.

Matt was also Principal and Senior Equity Analyst at Bull Path Capital Management, a New York City based hedge fund, where he was responsible for investment strategies of emerging technologies primarily within the Technology, Media and Telecom sectors. Prior to his career on Wall Street, Matt held various finance and accounting positions at PriceWaterhouse Coopers and Deloitte as well as at Texaco Inc. where he worked throughout the U.S., Europe, The Caribbean and Asia. Additionally at Chase, Matt was responsible for implementing the bank’s corporate accounting policies on commodity, interest rate and foreign currency derivative products.

Mr. Karnes earned his BS in Accounting and Finance from Miami University (OH) and his MBA in International Finance from Fordham Gabelli School of Business.

https://www.facebook.com/greenwaveadvisors/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenwave-advisors/



Feb 07, 202426:21
Karma Koala Podcast 130: Daniel Shortt - mcglinchey: We talk Ohio, cannabis & admin law, regulators, hemp derivatives & re-scheduling

Karma Koala Podcast 130: Daniel Shortt - mcglinchey: We talk Ohio, cannabis & admin law, regulators, hemp derivatives & re-scheduling

In episode 130 I speak with Daniel on a host of topics.

Ohio updates and how the state operates its cannabis environment, admin law and cannabis, regulators , hemp derivatives and yes re-scheduling again!

Yet another fantastic conversation touching on topics you'll rarely hear being discussed on other cannabis podcasts, if at all.

Thankyou Daniel, can't wait to have you back

 

Daniel Shortt is a regulatory and corporate attorney. With experience in the hemp and marijuana industries, he advises federal agencies, top-tier cannabis corporations, and ambitious entrepreneurs in entering, succeeding in, and exiting the industry. Daniel provides highly tailored advice on heavily regulated topics, including contracts, regulatory guidance, administrative advice, employment issues, real estate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and general legal counsel.

Frequently speaking on legal issues relating to cannabis across the country and abroad, Daniel is quoted on cannabis law in publications including Marijuana Moment, Hemp Industry Daily, The Washington Post, and Bloomberg, to name a few. As a founding member of the Washington State Bar Association’s cannabis law section and as a prolific writer on national and state-specific cannabis topics, Daniel has been instrumental in helping to shape the legal landscape of the industry.

In the complex landscape of cannabis and hemp regulation across multiple states, Daniel analyzes diverse approaches and distills complex legal concepts into clear, understandable explanations. Driven by his belief that lawyers should be an integral part of a client’s team, he strives to bridge the gap between legal intricacies and business goals as a trusted partner for clients navigating the complexities of these evolving markets.

While studying at University of Washington School of Law, Daniel worked extensively with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board to fund and establish the Cannabis Law and Policy Project (CLPP). He then served as the editor of the CLPP blog and as a Hazelton Fellow researching cannabis law. Daniel also interned for the Oregon Supreme Court Justice Richard Baldwin and the Seattle City Attorney.

Source:  https://www.mcglinchey.com/people/daniel-shortt/



Feb 06, 202438:19
Karma Koala Podcast 129: Lisa Pittman cannabis lawyer in Austin Texas talks about dispute resolution and the new national service she is offering as well as insights on Texas developments in cannabis

Karma Koala Podcast 129: Lisa Pittman cannabis lawyer in Austin Texas talks about dispute resolution and the new national service she is offering as well as insights on Texas developments in cannabis

We speak with Lisa Pitmann about her new ADR service….Anodyne Alternative Dispute Resolution

We discuss why ADR is now needed nationwide in cannabis and how one uses dispute resolution to avoid the  stress and costs of the courts.



We also round up with Lisa what is and what is not happening in cannabis & psychedelics from a political and regulatory viewpoint in the state

I should note we held this conversation earlier in the week; 24 hours before the Texas AG stated serving cannabis businesses around the state , so a number of Lisa’s insights and thoughts were quite prescient.


 

Learn More About Lisa

Lisa Pittman focuses on litigation, regulatory compliance, and corporate matters. Throughout Ms. Pittman’s 25-year career, she has litigated and tried disputes relating to labor & employment, breach of contract, commercial banking, fraud, fiduciary duty, construction defect and injury, deceptive trade practices, premises liability, professional liability, and products liability. She also possesses extensive expertise in complex commercial insurance coverage matters, having both defended insurance companies and advocated for policy holders in commercial property, residential property, and life insurance matters.

Ms. Pittman is a pioneering figure in the emerging legalized hemp/cannabis industry in Texas. Ms. Pittman is an appointee to the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Industrial Hemp Advisory Council. She is also a non-resident fellow of the Drug Policy Program at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. Ms. Pittman presented the American Bar Association’s first marijuana law CLE at its annual meeting in New York City in 2017, resulting in the creation of the American Bar Association’s Task Force on Cannabis Law and Policy, and she is the Chair of the American Bar Association’s Cannabis Law & Policy Committee for 2021-2022.

From her participation in the nascent cannabis industry, Ms. Pittman has represented a broad range of clients from investors to ancillary service and product providers to “plant touching” companies — farmers, processors, manufacturers, laboratories, distributors, and retailers. Some of these clients have now expanded into other countries. In pursuit of becoming an authority in this area, she spent two years in Colorado, and she understands the many challenges facing marijuana and hemp businesses, such as tax, banking, insurance, and regulatory compliance issues, and she has grown a vast network of experts to assist in these areas. Ms. Pittman keeps abreast of the constantly evolving laws, news, and deals occurring in the cannabis industry internationally on a daily basis.

Articles.: https://cannabislaw.report/lisas-list/

Law Firm: https://www.pittman.legal/

Dispute Resolution:https://www.anodyneadr.com/

Feb 02, 202434:38
Karma Koala Podcast 128: Matt Karnes Greenwave Advisors. Cannabis Business Information & The Ins & Outs of Re-Scheduling

Karma Koala Podcast 128: Matt Karnes Greenwave Advisors. Cannabis Business Information & The Ins & Outs of Re-Scheduling

This week we speak with Matt Karnes founder of cannabis business publisher and advisory service, Greenwave.


We open with a quick discussion of cannabis information and then move onto the current topic du jour, re-scheduling.


The what’s, why’s and wherefores of a move from schedule 1 to schedule 3

 

Mr. Matthew (Matt) Karnes is the Founder of GreenWave Capital Partners LLC.


In 2014, Mr. Karnes founded GreenWave Advisors LLC,  to provide independent, institutional quality financial research and analysis,  due diligence and other consulting services specific to the cannabis sector.  Mr. Karnes worked in equity research focusing on the Radio Broadcasting and Cable Television industries for First Union Securities,  covered Satellite Communication at SG Cowen and, in addition, worked with the top ranked Consumer Internet analyst at Bear Stearns & Co. This team was consistently included in Institutional Investor’s  “All America Research Team.” Mr. Karnes authored and co-authored numerous emerging industry research reports as a sell-side equity analyst, including such names as Google, Sirius, XM Satellite Radio, DIRECTV, and EchoStar Communications.

Matt was also Principal and Senior Equity Analyst at Bull Path Capital Management, a New York City based hedge fund, where he was responsible for investment strategies of emerging technologies primarily within the Technology, Media and Telecom sectors. Prior to his career on Wall Street, Matt held various finance and accounting positions at PriceWaterhouse Coopers and Deloitte as well as at Texaco Inc. where he worked throughout the U.S., Europe, The Caribbean and Asia. Additionally at Chase, Matt was responsible for implementing the bank’s corporate accounting policies on commodity, interest rate and foreign currency derivative products.

Mr. Karnes earned his BS in Accounting and Finance from Miami University (OH) and his MBA in International Finance from Fordham Gabelli School of Business.

https://www.facebook.com/greenwaveadvisors/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenwave-advisors/



Jan 31, 202434:21
Karma Koala Podcast 127: Rod Kight – We talk hemp hemp & more hemp as well as a quick look at international markets in the world of cannabis

Karma Koala Podcast 127: Rod Kight – We talk hemp hemp & more hemp as well as a quick look at international markets in the world of cannabis

It’s episode 127 and one of our favorite people in this weird and wonderful world of marijuana/hemp/ cannabis, whatever you want to call it is Rod Kight.

His knowledge of the market and legal issues is encyclopedic but not only that he’s one of the few US lawyers from day one who has involved himself in international work and legal issues with regard to cannabis.

He has clients around the world who we know have benefited from his keen insight .

Per our header its all about hemp at this juncture so we dig into that as well as his thoughts on what’s happening outside the US

Thankyou Rod for joining us on the Karma Koala podcast.

 

 

I am an attorney who represents businesses in the cannabis industry in the US and internationally. I consult, assist with strategic planning, advise on compliance issues, and offer a full array of business services to the cannabis sector. I also draft legislation for governments and promote cannabis in lawful international markets. 


For almost 25 years I have represented thousands of businesses and individuals in legal matters. During that time I have provided legal guidance to clients covering a broad span of business issues, including entity formation, contract drafting and negotiation, shareholder disputes, joint ventures, mergers, tax matters, intellectual property protection, commercial litigation, appeals, asset sales, bankruptcy, and dissolution.

Rod’s Professional Biography

Rod is a cannabis business law attorney. Based in North Carolina and Mexico, Rod represents legal cannabis businesses throughout the world and is editor and chief writer of the Kight On Cannabis law blog. Rod is the author of “Cannabis Business Law-What You Need to Know”, published by Aspatore Books. He has served on the advisory board for the American Journal of Endocannabinoid Medicine, for which he has also written a legal column. Rod also created the “Source Rule”, which is widely regarded as a primary legal foundation for the contemporary hemp market in cannabinoids and other cannabis materials.

Rod is frequently quoted on cannabis matters by trade publications and major media outlets including the Wall Street Journal, Time, Washington Post, Politico, and Business Insider. Salon.com published an op-ed piece Rod wrote about hemp. Additionally, Rod has been listed in MG Magazine’s list of “30 Powerful Litigators”, Hemp Connoisseur Magazine’s list of “100 People You Should Know”, and High Time’s “2020 Leaders in Cannabis Law.” He has been part of the legal teams in two high-profile cases against the DEA and the Texas Department of State Health Services regarding hemp extracts, has drafted and presented cannabis legislation to a foreign head of state, is a member of the board of directors of a publicly traded Canadian cannabis and psychedelics company, testified to the FDA about CBD and cannabis compounds, and is a partner in a Mexican import-export company focused on legal cross-border hemp transactions. Rod routinely advises in-house counsel and C-suite level executives on cannabis issues. He has discussed cannabis legal issues in numerous seminars to lawyers, business executives, and public officials and is regularly asked to be a guest speaker on US and international podcasts about cannabis and psychedelics.


  • Admitted, North Carolina State Bar (1999)
  • Admitted, Oregon State Bar (2016)
  • Listed in Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2012
  • Martindale Hubbell AV Peer Rated Lawyer
  • Listed in North Carolina Super Lawyers, since 2016
  • Business North Carolina Legal Elite, 2016-2017
  • Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2017-2018
  • Listed in MG Magazine’s “30 Powerful Litigators”, 2018
  • U.S. News & World Report/Best Lawyers in America’s Best Law Firms, 2019

 

 

Learn more about Rod at 

https://cannabusiness.law/about/rod-kight-international-hemp-cannabis-business-law-attorney/

ROD KIGHTATTORNEY | AUTHOR | ADVOCATELicensed in North Carolina and OregonROD’S STORYADMISSIONS & ACCOLADESMEMBERSHIPS & ADVOCACY


Jan 28, 202437:30
Karma Koala Podcast 126: Neil Juneja - Founder & Principal Gleam Law Seattle... Talks About Washington State Updates & Issues & IP USA & International

Karma Koala Podcast 126: Neil Juneja - Founder & Principal Gleam Law Seattle... Talks About Washington State Updates & Issues & IP USA & International

This week we speak with Neil Juneja on updates and topics current in Washington state.THC  levels legislation that most likely (thankfully) won't go through.Also, the move towards incorporating a level of out of state ownership to encourage investment and interstate trade where Washington has fallen behind both Oregon & California in terms of policy development.Neil is also an IP expert so we also touch on some US & international developments in terms of cannabis IP


Neil Juneja is a business and intellectual property attorney. He is the founder and managing partner of Gleam Law, a law firm headquartered in Seattle, WA. His impeccable track record and years of experience in the formation, growth, and exit strategies of business throughout the world as well as navigating the complexities of patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Neil has made particular accolades in his cannabis practice helping hundreds of businesses grow from a seed to the mutli-state and multi-national corporations they are today.

Neil founded Gleam Law because he realized other law firms provided legal advice to businesses in a vacuum. He wanted to provide legal decisions in the context of the business world and counsel long-term success, factoring in legal expenses. Other business and intellectual property attorneys are not just risk-adverse in their own practice, but do not have non-legal entrepreneurship experience to advise clients on how to thrive.

As a Seattle cannabis lawyer, Neil represents clients across the legal marijuana, CBD, and hemp industry, and has successfully filed over 800 cannabis trademarks and patent applications. He also represents clients worldwide with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, including utility patents, plant patents, and protection on the Plant Variety Protection Act for hemp strains.

With over 20 years of experience in theatrical lighting, entertainment, and technology industries, Neil understands unique business needs outside of cannabis business law. At Gleam Law, he has become known for his uncanny ability to see through cannabis legislative issues and come up with strategies to help protect his clients’ most valuable assets: their brands, inventions, and businesses. You won’t find a Seattle intellectual property lawyer as diverse as Neil anywhere else!

Neil is a sought-after speaker and trademark law instructor. He is also a member of the Washington Bar, Federal Bar of Washington, United States Patent Bar, and most whiskey bars. Some of his groundbreaking innovations include the registration of the first cannabis trademark in Mexico, registration of the first cannabis state trademark in Hawaii, representation of the first cannabis patents, and representation of the first Seattle cannabis retail store.

Jan 26, 202425:15
Karma Koala Podcast 125: Chase Stoecker – McGlinchey – Employment Law & Cannabis Nationwide – Where Are We?

Karma Koala Podcast 125: Chase Stoecker – McGlinchey – Employment Law & Cannabis Nationwide – Where Are We?

This week we speak to Chase about the soup that is employment law and cannabis in the USA.

Chase’s Bio

Almost every case I handle includes complexities or nuances, often of first impression. I thrive on analyzing something new and incorporating what I learn into my daily practice. I’ve built my practice around identifying issues that might come into play down the line so that the client is fully aware of all risks.

Charles “Chase” Stoecker is a versatile attorney who supports clients nationwide with legal solutions including employment counsel and commercial and financial services litigation. In his employment practice, Chase drafts and advises on documentation such as employee handbooks, compensation, and non-compete agreements. He litigates wage and hour claims and other matters brought under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as well as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

In his broad commercial litigation practice, Chase works with clients in a wide variety of business disputes, from breach of contract actions to property management and premises liability, and a myriad of topics in between. He also represents financial institutions in contested mortgage foreclosure actions (both commercial and residential) and defends actions involving consumer protection statutes such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). With a practice spanning state and federal court, Chase’s experience extends to the trial court and appellate court levels as well as class-action defense.

Chase’s practice also includes counseling and representing cannabis and cannabis ancillary companies. His employment and financial services background provides him with a deep background and thorough understanding of the issues facing the cannabis industry. Chase’s cannabis clients include staffing companies, payment processors, insurance companies, farm equipment manufacturers, transportation companies, and grow licensees. In addition to his legal work in this space, Chase has conducted several cannabis presentations throughout the country and he has published multiple articles in various publications. He has become one of the foremost thought leaders on cannabis issues in the business marketplace. As Vice-Chair of the American Bar Association’s Cannabis Law and Policy Committee, he works to move forward and institutionalize smart policies at all levels.

Read more and contact Chase here

https://www.mcglinchey.com/people/chase-stoecker/


https://cannabislaw.report/karma-koala-podcast-125-chase-stoecker-mcglinchey-employment-law-cannabis-nationwide-where-are-we/


Jan 20, 202434:25
Karma Koala Podcast 124: Jonathan Miller US Hemp Roundtable / Frost Brown Todd – Hopes For Hemp In The Farm Bill Looking Forward 2024-2025

Karma Koala Podcast 124: Jonathan Miller US Hemp Roundtable / Frost Brown Todd – Hopes For Hemp In The Farm Bill Looking Forward 2024-2025

It’s been a while since we last spoke to Jonathan who is the GC at the US Hemp Roundtable and is also a partner at national law firm Frost Brown Todd.

He takes us through the challnges in the US hemp industry on both the derivatives and industrial side of things, his hopes for the farm bill and what’s ahead for the sector over the next 12 months.


More info at

https://cannabislaw.report/karma-koala-podcast-124-jonathan-miller-us-hemp-roundtable-frost-brown-todd-hopes-for-hemp-in-the-farm-bill-looking-forward-2024-2025/

Jan 17, 202424:28
Karma Koala Podcast 123: LAUREN A. MENDELSOHN PARTNER – LAW OFFICES OMAR FIGURROA, SONOMA CALIFORNIA

Karma Koala Podcast 123: LAUREN A. MENDELSOHN PARTNER – LAW OFFICES OMAR FIGURROA, SONOMA CALIFORNIA

This week on the show we talk to Lauren Mendelsohn who’s just been appointed Junior Partner at  Sonoma law firm “Law offices of Omar Figueroa”

Before we jump into what we spoke about ,an apology in advance for some short internet drop outs during our conversation.

I hope they don’t distract you from the conversation too much.

Lauren may well, we worked out, be the first cannabis law firm partner in the country who has worked in cannabis law  since she left law school, a major achievement in itself and something to be celebrated.

She’s an expert in all things California cannabis and amongst her impressive achievements she has she has chaired the Board of Directors of Students for Sensible Drug Policy,  She has  also served a term on the Board of the International Cannabis Bar Association and currently, Lauren sits on the Board of Directors of California NORML

We cover national, state and local issues from DUI, CA’s latest employment legislation concerning cannabis, IP, how to advise small and growing companies in today’s cannabis space and much more. We didn’t even have time to get around to the firm’s burgeoning psychedelics practice.

Thanks to Lauren for her valuable time

Here’s her full bio and also as she mention’s in conversation don’t forget to check out their firm blog

 

Junior Partner Lauren Mendelsohn is an activist at heart who enjoys helping individuals and businesses navigate regulatory regimes and the justice system. An East Coast native with roots in New York and New Jersey, Lauren was named a Northern California Rising Star by Super Lawyers® in 2020, 2021, and 2022 and a “Lawyer of Distinction” in the area of Intellectual Property by Sonoma Magazine in 2021 and 2022.

Lauren focuses on cannabis permitting and licensing, regulatory compliance, business transactions, intellectual property, government affairs (including drafting local ordinances and citizen initiatives, lobbying decision-making bodies, and appearing for clients at administrative hearings), and post-conviction relief. She has spoken at numerous cannabis industry conferences and events, and has also taught several continuing legal education seminars in both live and virtual formats. She wasselected as a judge for the 2022 and 2023 Emerald Cup competitions.

For several years, Lauren has been involved in drug policy reform as well as other social justice efforts. She formerly chaired the Board of Directors of Students for Sensible Drug Policy,an international non-profit aimed at ending the counterproductive “War on Drugs.” She also served a term on the Board of the International Cannabis Bar Association. Currently, Lauren sits on the Board of Directors of California NORML, the Sonoma County Growers Alliance, and Círculos Inc. She also volunteers as a chapter leader the Sonoma County chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California, and is a member of Americans for Safe Access’ California Advisory Committee.




Jan 10, 202433:47
Karma Koala Podcast 122: Joshua S. Bauchner Head of Cannabis & Psychedelics Mandelbaum Barrett - DUI - NJ - New Jersey v. Olenowski

Karma Koala Podcast 122: Joshua S. Bauchner Head of Cannabis & Psychedelics Mandelbaum Barrett - DUI - NJ - New Jersey v. Olenowski

This week we speak with Joshua who does his best to untangle the chaotic system(s) and technologies that really aren't sophisticated enough to determine cannabis DUI through the prisim of  New Jersey v. Olenowski


Joshua S. Bauchner serves as the chair of the Cannabis and Psychedelics Practice Group and is a Partner in the Litigation and Bankruptcy practice groups. He brings a depth of expertise and dedication to the practice, where he is involved in complex commercial and securities litigation, class actions, and bankruptcy-related issues. His areas of specialization include:

  • Enforcement of commercial contracts such as lease agreements, guaranties, purchase and sale contracts, and commission agreements.
  • Litigation of partnership disputes.
  • Defense against class actions stemming from alleged violations of consumer protection statutes.
  • Addressing claims originating from insurance coverage denials.
  • Defense against commercial foreclosure actions.


Justia Opinion Summary

The New Jersey Supreme Court granted certification to decide “whether the testimony of an officer who is a certified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) is admissible at trial and, if so, under what circumstances.” At the heart of the case was whether there was a reliable scientific basis for a twelve-step protocol that is used to determine (1) whether a person was impaired, and (2) whether that impairment was likely caused by ingesting one or more drugs. For decades, issues like this in criminal cases were analyzed under the test outlined in Frye v. United States, 293 F. 1013 (D.C. Cir. 1923). That standard turned on whether the subject of expert testimony was “generally accepted” in the relevant scientific community. The New Jersey Court moved away from the Frye test over time. In civil cases, New Jersey shifted toward an approach that focused directly on reliability by evaluating the methodology and reasoning underlying proposed expert testimony. After an extensive evidentiary hearing before a Special Master, the Court asked the parties and amici to submit their views on whether to depart from Frye and adopt the principles of Daubert in criminal cases. After review, the Court concluded Daubert offered a superior approach to evaluate the reliability of expert testimony. This case was remanded back to the Special Master to apply the standard announced here to the DRE evidence in the first instance.


A-56-18 - State v. Michael Olenowski 082253 Morris County & Statewidenjcourts.gov • 141 min read

https://law.justia.com/cases/new-jersey/supreme-court/2023/a-56-18.html

 

Dec 21, 202343:05
Karma Koala Podcast 121: Mary Jane Oatman, Founder Indigenous Cannabis Coalition & THC Magazine + Executive Director of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association

Karma Koala Podcast 121: Mary Jane Oatman, Founder Indigenous Cannabis Coalition & THC Magazine + Executive Director of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association

Mary Jane Oatman

Nez Perce/Delaware

Founder Indigenous Cannabis Coalition & THC Magazine + Executive Director of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association

Mary Jane is a descendant of Chief Looking Glass of the Nez Perce Tribe of the Columbia River Plateau, wants to change the public perception of the indigenous population of the Americas and cannabis.

Originally from Kamiah, in north-central Idaho, she is launching a nonprofit company called the Indigenous Cannabis Coalition. One project is to develop an interactive map that shows all the Native American cannabis and hemp cultivators, processors, testing facilities, and dispensaries in the nation. This directory, which will include companies run by tribes as well as those run by tribal members, will encourage Native American-owned cannabis businesses to support one another and band together.

Mary Jane has been dedicated to reclaiming Indigenous cultures and restoring pre colonial economies in hemp and cannabis. She has worked for her tribe and other communities to advocate to state and federal agencies to protect tribal sovereignty and to ensure more effective government to government relationships are steered by building bridges between diverse stakeholders. In 2009, Oatman was the youngest member appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the National Advisory Council on Indian Education.

 

We speak with Mary Jane about a range of topics covering indigenous issues and cannabis as well as her international outlook for her work

Thankyou Mary Jane and we look forward to following up the conversation next year

Dec 10, 202326:20
Karma Koala Podcast 120: Perry Salzhauer co-chair, cannabis practice group @ mcglinchey – All About New York

Karma Koala Podcast 120: Perry Salzhauer co-chair, cannabis practice group @ mcglinchey – All About New York

Perry Salzhauer is the  co-chair, of the cannabis practice group @ mcglinchey

Perry Salzhauer is a corporate and environmental attorney with two decades of experience providing strategic and compliance guidance as well as legal advice to public and private entities. Perry has served as both outside and in-house counsel to a variety of companies, investors, and government agencies throughout the United States and has helped successfully launch several cannabis companies, brands, and projects. His years working on business processes, SEC, and environmental compliance, make Perry uniquely qualified in the emerging cannabis space, where navigating compliance with complex regulatory implementation is a major barrier to entry and ultimate success.

As a leading voice on business and environmental sustainability matters, Perry has written extensively on land-use and conservation issues as they relate to project design, siting, and development.

Perry began his legal career in 2002 as a Corporate Securities and Transactions attorney with an AmLaw 200 firm in Washington, DC.

 

Perry has been working extensively in the New Yoork market over the past few years so we spend a good half hour deep diving into licensing and all associated issues regarding the NY market as of November 2023 and all its subsequent ups and downs and ins and outs

Thankyou Perry for being on the show.


Nov 19, 202338:06
Karma Koala Podcast 119 26 October 2023: Joshua S. Bauchner new chair of the Cannabis and Psychedelics Practice Group @ NY & NJ Firm Mandelbaum Barrett

Karma Koala Podcast 119 26 October 2023: Joshua S. Bauchner new chair of the Cannabis and Psychedelics Practice Group @ NY & NJ Firm Mandelbaum Barrett

Joshua S. Bauchner is the new chair of the Cannabis and Psychedelics Practice Group @ NY & NJ Firm Mandelbaum Barrett and having been in the cannabis space for too many years to mention on the east coast he is a wealth of knowledge on all things NJ & NY.


In this episode we describe, in Joshua's words the wild wild east; eg the chaos that is New York's licensing program.


We also talk about the end of bi-partisanship on cannabis as a presidential election approaches and talk specifically about the Mayor of Jersey City, Steve Fulup, and his cannabis & police scare tactics press conference he held last week as he makes a tentative bid for governor.


We rake the coals of SAFE Banking just to keep the embers burning now the chaos of the house, the middle east, elections and a host of other issues put SAFE Banking back on the bottom shelf.


There's plenty more but you'll have to listen to find out


Joshua is involved in the ever-evolving area of psychoactive substances and was instrumental in co-hosting the inaugural Cannabis Symposium in New Jersey. As a notable member of the New Jersey State Bar Association Cannabis Law Committee, the NORML Legal Committee, and the Amicus Committee, he received the New Jersey Law Journal’s Innovator of the Year Award.*

A passion for education and community development, as a licensed real estate instructor in New York, he educates aspiring real estate professionals, and he has served as an adjunct professor at Brooklyn Law School.

After graduating from law school, Josh had the honor of clerking for the Honorable Ursula Ungaro at the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.  He also served as the Deputy Director of the Legal Division at the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs.

Josh is deeply involved in his community. He was appointed by the Manhattan Borough President to Manhattan Community Board 10, where he served as the Board’s treasurer and co-chaired the Committee on Land Use. Additionally, he has played an active role on the Board of Trustees for Wheaton College, the New York Theater Ballet, Frederick Douglass Boulevard Alliance, and the Harlem Wellness Center.

His extensive experience is also evident in representative matters, ranging from construction and design defect claims to defending corporate clients against securities fraud claims presented by the SEC and DOJ.

He is admitted to practice in both New York and New Jersey as well as the United States District Court of Michigan, The United States District Courts for the Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of New York, The United States District Court for the District of New Jersey as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Second and Third Circuit.



Oct 26, 202343:19
Karma Koala Podcast 118 29 September 2023: Andy Mitchell “Ten Trips The New Reality of Psychedelics” New Book

Karma Koala Podcast 118 29 September 2023: Andy Mitchell “Ten Trips The New Reality of Psychedelics” New Book

This week I spoke with UK neuropsychologist Andy Mitchell who punctures the hype around psychedelic drugs while providing the fullest picture yet of their limitlessly fascinating possibilities in his new book


“Ten Trips The New Reality of Psychedelics”


Michael Pollan watch out your time on the chat circuit is numbered!


As you’ll hear from the conversation very little law is discussed but we did delve into the “new psychedelic renaissance” what ever that is and Andy’s thoughts on how different parts of western society are interested in trying to claim ownership on something that essentially can’t be owned


But in the main, as it should be with psychedelics the conversation was more about laughter, enjoyment, wonder, questioning and more laughter.. oh and music too.


Original and thrilling … achieving profound insights’ Mike Jay, author of Psychonauts


‘An incisive, deeply personal and beautifully written account of the power, the uses and the modern misuses of psychedelics. Highly recommended’ Anil Seth, author of Being You


In this daring, perception-shifting odyssey Andy Mitchell takes ten different drugs in ten different settings, journeying from a London neuroimaging lab to the Colombian Amazon via Silicon Valley and his friend’s basement kitchen. His encounters with scientists and gangsters, venture capitalists and con men, psychonauts and shamans, as well as with the drugs themselves, reveal the reality of psychedelics in all their strangeness, hilarity, darkness and wonder.


‘A hair-raising hurtle of a ride’ Henry Shukman, author of One Blade of Grass


‘Utterly compelling … like having an out of body experience’ Mark Miodownik, author of Stuff Matters


‘The psychedelic world has been waiting for this book’ Professor Erika Dyck

 

 

Andy Mitchell has specialized in treating patients with rare brain conditions, head injuries and epilepsy, and in the application of mindfulness for neurological patients. As a therapist he has worked with people with a range of mental health disorders.


Before entering medicine, his first degree was in English Literature at Oxford University. He is originally from Leeds.


Growing up in Leeds he was the singer in a punk band called ‘Armitage Shanks’—named after the UK’s premier toilet manufacturer. After flirting with a career in academic philosophy, he spent several years as an avant-gardish screenwriter—there’s a good reason you’ve never seen classics like ‘God’s Toxic Piss’ and the Rom-Com ‘World of Pain.’

Though Andy didn’t really go near a psychedelic drug until he was approaching fifty, his life has been somewhat trippy in its own right.

Plagued by pretentiousness and uselessness, Andy ran a separate career helping to establish an NGO which provided emotional and practical to support to the homeless in Leeds. Later he would work in a similar vein with Mexican gangs in Los Angles and with disabled children in Northern India.This work implied broader existential questions and in his late twenties Andy spent three years as a monk, in Big Sur, California.

It was only in his early thirties that Andy began his clinical career, first of all in psychology and later in neuroscience. Over the next fifteen years he worked across a range of mental health and neurological settings, from intensive care to community rehabilitation. With a longstanding background in meditation he recently took a sabbatical in Asia to consider ways in which different mindfulness practices might be applied to neurological patients.

And it was during this sabbatical that Andy stumbled into his first psychedelic ceremony. Curiously this has led him, full circle, back to writing again—books but also tv screenplays—as well as voluntary clinical work in Europe, America and Asia.


As Andy says “never trust a hippie”

Sep 29, 202345:02
Karma Koala Podcast 117 25 September 2023 - Lex Corwin CEO and Founder at Stone Road

Karma Koala Podcast 117 25 September 2023 - Lex Corwin CEO and Founder at Stone Road


Lex and his company are based in California and he gives us his main 4 talking points on the recent announcement that cannabis is to be re-scheduled.

Our discussion takes in 280e, inter-state trade, research & institutional investment issues.


We also touch on a couple of other topics too.


We throw in a couple of songs as well.


This week more Jamaican giants of music. At the top end of the show it's the mighty Pioneers and we finish up with some radical roots from Johnny Clarke.


Thanks for listening to the Karma Koala podcast

Sep 25, 202331:53
Karma Koala Podcast 116 18 September 2023 - Jonathan Bohun  founder at WEEDAR

Karma Koala Podcast 116 18 September 2023 - Jonathan Bohun  founder at WEEDAR

Karma Koala Podcast 116 18 September 2023

Jonathan Bohun  founder at WEEDAR


Welcome back to The Karma Koala Podcast


This week we speak with Jonathan Bohun not only about how he has developed his Californian retail and distribution business into a marketing, branding & software market leader.


But also, his experiences and his clients experiences with branding and marketing issues.


Jonathan grew up in the Ukraine so we touch on the Ukraine parliament's recent discussions about medical cannabis.


Also his thoughts on the Thai market having recently visited the country which led us to a great talking point.

Cali flower and how we think it filters to places like Thailand and into the black and grey market around the world.


I was also encouraged by Jonathan's positive experiences engaging with California's cannabis agencies.


It appears things are better than other might like to make out.


Are we anywhere near "normalization"? Not yet but more and more people are trying to get there on the west coast


We throw in a couple of songs too.


This week it is all about "Dreadlocks vs Babylon" with Prince Far I at the top of the show and at the end of the show the mighty mighty Misty in Roots.

Sep 18, 202341:56
Karma Koala Podcast 115 28 August 2023 - Mastercard & Cannabis

Karma Koala Podcast 115 28 August 2023 - Mastercard & Cannabis

Welcome back to The Karma Koala Podcast


This week we speak with Alex Buschmann who specializes in Risk Management with regard to Cannabis & Life Sciences.

The initial discussion is about Mastcard's recent decision to stop working with cannabis clients, both plant touching and also non plant touching players in the sector.

Our discussion encompasses the wider issues in cannabis banking, finance and insurance industries as well as a small diversion as to why the psychedelics and pharmaceutical industry are, so far, having a easier ride than their cousins over at cannabis.


We throw in a couple of relevant songs from the 80's too!

Aug 28, 202338:19
Karma Koala Podcast 114 June 27th 2023 - Conversation with Bill Drake the founder of the Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company about pestcides and chemical use both in tobacco products and cannabis.

Karma Koala Podcast 114 June 27th 2023 - Conversation with Bill Drake the founder of the Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company about pestcides and chemical use both in tobacco products and cannabis.



Welcome back to The Karma Koala Podcast


This week we speak with Bill Drake the founder of the Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company about pestcides and chemical use both in tobacco products and cannabis.


Wikipedia

The Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company was founded in 1982 by Bill Drake, who had published The Cultivator's Handbook of Marijuana, Robert Marion, an acupuncture student at the Kototama Institute in Santa Fe, and Chris Webster, a Santa Fe entrepreneur and Realtor. Drake had written his second book, The Cultivator's Handbook of Natural Tobacco, and began cultivating a strain of Nicotiana rustica a friend had found on the San Juan Pueblo.


https://www.amazon.com/Bill-Drake/e/B07Y74BMTP

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-drake-53b28714/

@billdrakecultivatorshandbook

https://agseedco.com/blogs/news

https://panaceachronicles.com


Books

Smoke No Evil (2019/2021)

CBD & The Seeds Of Human Being

Intersex Inflorescence In Cannabis

What Can The Hop Latent Viroid Teach Us?

Did Your Mother Smoke?

Music, Cannabis & Good Vibrations


The Cultivators Handbook of Marijuana (1970/1993)

I’ve been a writer in many different fields and hope that readers judge my work kindly. I write in widely different fields because I write what interests me. My approach to writing is to learn all I can and then synthesize out of my own experience. I have no special expertise in any usual sense, but I somehow channel the knowledge that empowers me to write about the things I do. My hope is that the work will speak for itself.

“The Cultivators Handbook of Marijuana” (1969) was my first book and the first US Cannabis grow-your-own book. I wanted to help create a revolution. Still do. So …..

“Smoke No Evil” (2019) is a very satisfying culmination of my life’s work. It offers the first hard data research ever published on pesticide contamination of tobacco products and demonstrates the existence of a Tobacco Cartel/Government Agency conspiracy to suppress public awareness of this severe hazard to life itself.

I have also always taken great pleasure from studying, living in, and writing about the amazing variety of world cultures that make this planet such a glorious garden of the human spirit. My 2015-18 series of eBooks "Understanding World Cultures Through American Eyes" is intended as a personal contribution to greater understanding across and among world cultures.

As I have grown older and have had the opportunity to look back with some perspective on my life I have come to realize that the thing I have always done best, and the role that I have most enjoyed, is acting as a scout for my tribe. By that I mean that I have always gained the greatest pleasure from roaming ahead of others, going into unexplored lands or, more frequently, into lands where others had been before but where the pathways were overgrown and forgotten. I find fulfillment in seeking out these old paths and bringing news of their rediscovery back to share with others around the campfires.


The Connoisseur’s Handbook of Marijuana (1971)

The International Cultivators Handbook (1978/2014)

Marijuana Foods (1982/1993)

Searching For Mama Coca (2020)

The Coca Leaf Papers (2014)

The Amazing Healing Power of Natural Coca Leaf (2013)

The Cultivators Handbook of Natural Tobacco (2010)

Smoke No Evil (2019/2021)

Understanding Dutch Culture Through American Eyes (2017)

Understanding Thai Culture Through American Eyes (2017)

Understanding Nigerian Culture Through American Eyes (2018)

Effective Multicultural Communication In American English (2019)

Managing Culture Shock In America: International Student Guide (2020)



Jun 26, 202338:41
Karma Koala Podcast 113 June 15th 2023. Lisa Pittman Gives Us On Over-Arching Look @ Cannabis & Hemp In The South

Karma Koala Podcast 113 June 15th 2023. Lisa Pittman Gives Us On Over-Arching Look @ Cannabis & Hemp In The South

Karma Koala Podcast 113 June 15th 2023. Lisa Pittman Gives Us On Over-Arching Look @ Cannabis & Hemp In The South




Welcome back to The Karma Koala Podcast


 

This week we chat with Lisa Pittman about cannabis & hemp in the south


We discuss developments across the south and how a more conservative approach can sometimes benefit the sector and other times not!


But, remember, the south isn't one generic location and different states have different approaches depending upon size, economic factors and yes even religion still gets a look in when it comes to making decisions about cannabis.


Will the south wait for Washington DC or forge their own path(s) ?


Listen to Lisa and find out....



Lisa Pittman focuses on litigation, regulatory compliance, and corporate matters.

Throughout Ms. Pittman’s 25-year career, she has litigated and tried disputes relating to labor & employment, breach of contract, commercial banking, fraud, fiduciary duty, construction defect and injury, deceptive trade practices, premises liability, professional liability, and products liability. She also possesses extensive expertise in complex commercial insurance coverage matters, having both defended insurance companies and advocated for policy holders in commercial property, residential property, and life insurance matters.

Ms. Pittman is a pioneering figure in the emerging legalized hemp/cannabis industry in Texas. Ms. Pittman is an appointee to the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Industrial Hemp Advisory Council. She is also a non-resident fellow of the Drug Policy Program at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. Ms. Pittman presented the American Bar Association’s first marijuana law CLE at its annual meeting in New York City in 2017, resulting in the creation of the American Bar Association’s Task Force on Cannabis Law and Policy, and she is the Chair of the American Bar Association’s Cannabis Law & Policy Committee for 2021-2022.

From her participation in the nascent cannabis industry, Ms. Pittman has represented a broad range of clients from investors to ancillary service and product providers to “plant touching” companies — farmers, processors, manufacturers, laboratories, distributors, and retailers. Some of these clients have now expanded into other countries. In pursuit of becoming an authority in this area, she spent two years in Colorado, and she understands the many challenges facing marijuana and hemp businesses, such as tax, banking, insurance, and regulatory compliance issues, and she has grown a vast network of experts to assist in these areas. Ms. Pittman keeps abreast of the constantly evolving laws, news, and deals occurring in the cannabis industry internationally on a daily basis.

 

Website:- ⁠https://www.Pittman.Legal⁠

email:- ⁠Lisa@Pittman.Legal⁠

Phone:- 512-900-6310


Lisa's Song Choices

Jun 15, 202348:45
Karma Koala Podcast 112 May 28 2023. Aaron Bloom CEO Doc MJ – “The Hurdles That Have To Be Jumped Operating A Medical Marijuana Company For Close To A Decade”

Karma Koala Podcast 112 May 28 2023. Aaron Bloom CEO Doc MJ – “The Hurdles That Have To Be Jumped Operating A Medical Marijuana Company For Close To A Decade”

Welcome back to The Karma Koala Podcast

 

This week we chat with Aaron Bloom the CEO at Doc MJ .

They have been working with medical professionals and patients for nigh on a decade in Florida and are now beginning to spread their wings to other states.

Aaron is a mine of information about the development of medical cannabis over the years and the difficulties that have had to be overcome and the difficulties still to be overcome!

Prior to working in the medical cannabis sector Aaron worked in the healthcare and nursing sector as an attorney so his insights on compliance and regulation are doubly interesting.


DocMJ Story

DocMJ has been focused on improving patients’ lives from the start. Since our founding in 2016, DocMJ has grown significantly in terms of locations, staff, and patients served. If you are unfamiliar with the DocMJ story, we wanted to give you a glimpse into who we are and our vision.

Where We Started and Where We are Going

In 2016, Dr. Michael Bruno founded DocMJ with the goal of helping patients secure the recommendations they need to gain access to medical marijuana. Since then, over 40 medical marijuana doctors have joined the team, serving patients in 30 locations across Florida and Ohio. Dr. Bruno’s vision was further empowered through adding team members with strong business experience.  It wasn’t long before they added Aaron Bloom who became the CEO of and has guided the steady expansion of DocMJ thus far. In the years to come, Aaron envisions expanding the reach of DocMJ to positively affect as many patient’s lives as possible throughout the states where medical marijuana has been legalized. DocMJ is committed to making the qualification process simple and easy for every patient seeking relief from their symptoms.

What We Do

We provide resources to guide patients and physicians in determining where medical marijuana usage could be helpful. Medical marijuana offers relief to patients suffering from a wide variety of medical conditions, such as cancer, anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, migraines, and more. On our site, we guide patients through a pre-approval screening process to determine whether their condition is one of the ones qualified for treatment using medical marijuana by the state.

Home Page


Aaron's Song Choices

Jun 15, 202345:11
Karma Koala Podcast 111 May 20 2023. Paul Botto Co- Founder of Lucid Green “Data Solutions & Veracity In The US Cannabis Market”

Karma Koala Podcast 111 May 20 2023. Paul Botto Co- Founder of Lucid Green “Data Solutions & Veracity In The US Cannabis Market”


This week Paul Botto, formally of Google Analytics and co-founder of
Lucid Green talks to the Karma Koala podcast about their data solutions and smart QR code tech for cannabis brands and consumers and how that ties into rules, regs, compliance and all the good stuff we need to create a reliable chain of information for buyers and sellers of regulated cannabis products in legalized states throughout the US.


Here’s a little background about the company, Paul, and what they do...........Lucid Green was founded in early 2018 by data veterans Paul Botto and Larry Levy with a singular mission of building a standard for trust and transparency in the cannabis ecosystem. Lucid Green’s platform provides retailers and distributors a complete touchless inventory management solution – increasing supply chain efficiencies and cost-savings; and brands a channel to connect directly with consumers.


Paul Botto

CO-FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

Previous roles include former Head of Analytics Sales and Consulting at Google, GM of Visible Measures Analytics, and Founding Member of Conduce supply chain data platform working with companies like DHL, Cisco, and PwC.

 

Paul’s song choices for the show are here


https://www.lucidgreen.io/about


May 20, 202344:54
 Karma Koala Podcast 110 May 8 2023. Michael Weiner Partner @ Dorsey & Whitney Denver (CO) On Govt Funded Equity Business Loans In CO

Karma Koala Podcast 110 May 8 2023. Michael Weiner Partner @ Dorsey & Whitney Denver (CO) On Govt Funded Equity Business Loans In CO

Karma Koala Podcast 110 May 8 2023


This week we speak to Michael Weiner Partner @ Dorsey & Whitney Denver (CO) about recent legislation brought in by the CO legislature to provide state loans to equity cannabis businesses in the state.

The pot is small to start with, only $1 million to share out in year one but Michael says it looks like it is a program the state wants to build.

Michael is a partner in Dorsey's Corporate Group, the head of the Corporate department in Denver and co-head of the cannabis industry group. His practice focuses on the representation of emerging growth companies in the areas of corporate formation, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital and angel finance, public offerings, and securities regulation. Michael represents public and private companies in a variety of industries, including biotech/medical device, renewable energy, cannabis, social media and software.

He counsels Boards of Directors and management teams in the areas of equity compensation, corporate governance, Sarbanes-Oxley and other regulatory and disclosure matters. Michael advises clients on intellectual property licensing and commercial contract matters. 

Michael serves on the Board of Directors of the Colorado BioScience Association and the Board of Adjustments and Appeals for the City of Greenwood Village. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado School of Law co-teaching drafting of venture capital agreements.


The Music On This Week's Show As Chosen By Michael


The - Fray - Ready or Not

U2 - Out Of Control (Live At Red Rocks)1983

Dave Matthews Band - Blue Bird


May 06, 202342:52
Karma Koala Podcast Karma Koala Podcast 109 - April 22 2023 - Aaron Pelley - Founder & Principal of Cultiva Law Talks About Litigation, Arbitration & Regulatory Bodies

Karma Koala Podcast Karma Koala Podcast 109 - April 22 2023 - Aaron Pelley - Founder & Principal of Cultiva Law Talks About Litigation, Arbitration & Regulatory Bodies

This week Aaron Pelley - Founder & Principal of Cultiva Law talks to us about about Litigation, Arbitration & Regulatory Bodies



The Music On This Week's Show As Chosen By Aaron


The Pixies - Debaser

Queens of the Stoneage - No One Knows

Refused - New Noise



Apr 22, 202346:53
Karma Koala Podcast Karma Koala Podcast 108 - April 16 2023

Karma Koala Podcast Karma Koala Podcast 108 - April 16 2023


This week CA based cannabis law academic and our education editor at Cannabis Law Report, June McLoughlin, talks about cannabis consumption lounges in CA.


Where are we now with a regulated environment for public consumption spaces?



The Music On This Week's Show As Chosen By June


Florence Price -Adoration

Florence Pice - Dance In The Cane Breaks

CSNY - 4+20

Apr 16, 202330:41
Karma Koala Podcast Karma Koala Podcast 107 - April 8 2023 Interview With Andrew Szafran, Team Lead at SM Services, A Cannabis Marketing Agency
Apr 08, 202331:18
Karma  Koala Podcast Karma Koala Podcast 106- March 31 2023 Interview With Lars Oloffson About Juicy Fields Class Action & Serving Mark Zuckerberg As Part Of The Strategy
Apr 01, 202329:40
Karma Koala Podcast Episode 63. Heather Speaks With…Alexander Somjen, Eric Postow & Peter Homberg

Karma Koala Podcast Episode 63. Heather Speaks With…Alexander Somjen, Eric Postow & Peter Homberg

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.

This week Heather speaks with the CEO at Origin Therapeutics

Alexander Somjen

, then, legal expert and author …Anne Van Leynseele.

She also catches up with Eric Postow about Maine case US v BILODEAU and then to round out the podcast  another catch up with our regular contributor Peter Homberg who heads up  the Dentons cannabis practice in Berlin

Guest 1:

Alexander Somjen CEO Origin Therapeutics

Alexander Somjen has extensive experience serving as an officer and director of publicly listed and privately held companies across a broad range of sectors including technology, healthcare and cannabis.  Most recently, Alexander served as President of a publicly traded, California based multi-state cannabis company and CEO of a publicly traded global investment company.  Prior to that, Alexander spent over a decade in capital markets at a large financial institution working in both investment banking and sales and trading related capacities.  Alexander holds an MBA from IE Business School.

Supplementary Information:

https://originpsychedelics.com/


Guest 2

Eric Postow

Parlatore Law Group

Partner/ Attorney, focusing practice on advising those in the cannabis industry

Eric keeps us up to date on MAINE CASE: US v BILODEAU – why important; how Joyce-Blumenauer Amendment interpreted by courts regarding cannabis

Supplementary Information:


Guest  3  Peter Homberg  - Regular Contributor  Dentons Cannabis - Lead In Germany

German/EU MONTHLY wrapup

And it’s a long time since we heard the Scorpions. great song choice by Peter


Thankyou to all our guests


Until next week

Mar 27, 202301:21:16
Karma  Koala Podcast Karma Koala Podcast 105- March 25 2023

Karma  Koala Podcast Karma Koala Podcast 105- March 25 2023

Karma  Koala Podcast Karma Koala Podcast 105- March 25 2023


This week Sean Hocking, editor at Cannabis Law Report and Karma Koala host,  speaks with compliance expert Mark Slaugh & Lawyer Heidi Urness from McGlinchey Stafford.


Mark heads up compliance company icomply and takes us through some of the latest compliance issues in the industry currently


Heidi walks us through the latest in employment issues and cannabis.

24 months ago most companies in the wider economy didn't have to deal with cannabis and employment issues. Now that has all changed



The Music On This Week's Show


Mark  chooses

Cage The Elephant - Ain't No Rest

Alanis Morrissette - You Ought To Know

Weezer - Surfwax


Heidi chooses

Luniz - I Got 5 On It

Van Morrison - Into The Mystic


Sean chooses

Wet Leg - Chaise Longue



Mar 25, 202301:15:03
Karma Koala Podcast 104 - March 20 2023 - Speaking With Rod Kight, Lawyer, About The Intra Industry Battle Between Hemp & "Marijuana" Companies In The USA At The Moment

Karma Koala Podcast 104 - March 20 2023 - Speaking With Rod Kight, Lawyer, About The Intra Industry Battle Between Hemp & "Marijuana" Companies In The USA At The Moment

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.



Karma  Koala Podcast Karma Koala Podcast 104- March 20 2023


This week Sean Hocking, editor at Cannabis Law Report and Karma Koala host,  speaks with lawyer Rod Kight


Rod has been posting and writing a great deal in 2023 about what is happening in the hemp industry and the battles hemp involved companies are having with legislators and their "colleagues" in the "marijuana" camp.


The Music On This Week's Show


Rod  chooses


The Police - Driven To Tears

Beck - Blackbird Chain

Jose Gonzalez - Cycling Trivialities

Mar 19, 202341:38
Karma Koala Podcast 103- March 6 2023 - Speaking With CLAS (Cannabis Law Students Association) Student Board Lead Allyne Sendolo

Karma Koala Podcast 103- March 6 2023 - Speaking With CLAS (Cannabis Law Students Association) Student Board Lead Allyne Sendolo



Karma  Koala Podcast Karma Koala Podcast 103- March 6 2023

This week Sean Hocking, editor at Cannabis Law Report and Karma Koala host,  speaks with Allyne Sendolo who heads up the CLAS student body .

She talks about what she and the organization are doing to create a free information and networking source for cannabis law students around the country

The Music On This Week's Show

Allyne  chooses.

Dan Fable - Low Down

Baby Storme - Dreams

Alina Baraz & Galimatias - Maybe

Mar 06, 202331:06
Karma Koala Podcast 102- Feb 27 2023 - Speaking With Academic & Educator June McLaughlin
Feb 27, 202338:19
Karma Koala Podcast Karma Koala Podcast 101- Feb 14 2023 .. This week Sean Hocking Editor Speaks With Lawyer Lisa Pittman About Her "Yellowstone" Trial

Karma Koala Podcast Karma Koala Podcast 101- Feb 14 2023 .. This week Sean Hocking Editor Speaks With Lawyer Lisa Pittman About Her "Yellowstone" Trial


Karma  Koala Podcast Karma Koala Podcast 101- Feb 14 2023 .. 


This week Sean  Hocking Editor Speaks With Lawyer Lisa Pittman About Her "Yellowstone" Trial


Regular listeners will know we have taken a small break and now we are back

Lisa talks about her recent trial, its theater and how engaged the jury was. All down to the recent Deep / Heard trial she says

Lisa relates how the trial panned out and why she thinks that both lawyers and clients should go back to a trial approach rather than mediation which may we’ll suit those who have more resources and more money

As we move forward we'll be bringing back more of our regular guests  to the show and well as new regular features and guest spots.


The Music On This Week's Show

Tom Verlaine - Cry Mercy Judge

Sonny Boy Williamson - Your Funeral and My Trial  

Peter Tosh Here Comes The Judge

Lonnie Holley - Oh Me, Oh My (feat. Michael Stipe) 

Feb 12, 202352:31
Karma Koala Podcast Karma Koala Podcast 100- Nov 22 2022 .. This week Sean Hocking Editor Latest Updates From World Of Cannabis & Professor June On Her First Psychedelic Bar Assoc Meetin

Karma Koala Podcast Karma Koala Podcast 100- Nov 22 2022 .. This week Sean Hocking Editor Latest Updates From World Of Cannabis & Professor June On Her First Psychedelic Bar Assoc Meetin

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
We're Back!

Regular listeners will know we have taken a small break.

Heather has moved onto pastures anew so we are going back to a simpler format for the rest of the year with myself Sean Hocking covering some of the latest issues in the market and this week Professor June talks about her first Psychedelic Bar Association meeting.

As we move forward we'll be bringing back more of our regular guests to the show and well as new regular features and guest spots.


Nov 21, 202246:22
Karma Koala Podcast 99 Oct 17: This Week’s Guests Are Peter Homberg Dentons, Lisa Pittman,Lawyer (Texas) & Tom Gavin of CannaTrac

Karma Koala Podcast 99 Oct 17: This Week’s Guests Are Peter Homberg Dentons, Lisa Pittman,Lawyer (Texas) & Tom Gavin of CannaTrac

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.

SHOW DATE: EP 99, MONDAY: OCTOBER 17

SEAN INTRO

First things first.

This is Heather’s last appearance as the Karma Koala host as she is moving onto bigger and better things.

We thank her for her amazing hosting and scheduling and helping build the podcast from its humble beginnings to what it is today. She has provided depth and insight not only with regard to legal analysis of the market but also on important issues such as equity for women , LGBTQI individuals, minorities and, of course ,medical cannabis patients. We wish her all the best with her future endeavors.

KK will take a break for a couple of weeks and then I’ll be back hosting the show with, as they say, something old and something new starting at our centenaray episode.

Thankyou to all our listeners, guests and once again to Heather for her expert helming of the good ship Koala over the last 60+ episodes


HEATHER’S SONG CHOICE:: NEXT LEVEL BY ASTON WYLD

INTERVIEW 1 GERMANY AND EU UPDATE PETER HOMBERG
CANNABIS PRACTICE GROUP LEAD AND PARTNER AT DENTONS

Song: Victory Is Won by Carlos Santana

Supplementary Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-homberg-90618519

European Cannabis Association



INTERVIEW 2 LEGAL EAGLE LISA PITTMAN
ATTORNEY AND FOUNDER OF PITTMAN LEGAL

Song: Take This Job and Shove It by Johnny Paycheck

Supplementary Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisalpittman

Pittman.Legal



INTERVIEW 3 CANNABANKING TOM GAVIN
CEO OF CANNATRAC

Song: Doin Time by Sublime

Supplementary Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tgaviniv

CannaTrac.com



Sean's Mystery Caribbean Track

Oct 17, 202201:37:00
Karma Koala Podcast 98 Oct 10 2022: Queer In Cannabis With Tyme Ferris, Devan Finkell + Special Guest Senator Jeremy Cooney . Also, Equity In Action with Tiyahnn Bryant, Khari Edwards & Dr Ay

Karma Koala Podcast 98 Oct 10 2022: Queer In Cannabis With Tyme Ferris, Devan Finkell + Special Guest Senator Jeremy Cooney . Also, Equity In Action with Tiyahnn Bryant, Khari Edwards & Dr Ay

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
Oct 11, 202202:08:46
Karma Koala Podcast 97 Oct 3 2022: Annick Goldsmith, Jeff Sampson, Nohtal Partansky & Marguerite Arnold

Karma Koala Podcast 97 Oct 3 2022: Annick Goldsmith, Jeff Sampson, Nohtal Partansky & Marguerite Arnold

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
EPISODE 97, MONDAY: OCTOBER 3 2022 Karma Koala Podcast 97 Oct 3 2022: Annick Goldsmith, Jeff Sampson, Nohtal Partansky & Marguerite Arnold
SEAN'S INTRODUCTION
HEATHER’S SONG CHOICE: LAISSE TOMBER LES FILLES BY FABIENNE DELSOL


INTERVIEW 1 ANNICK GOLDSMITH FOUNDER OF BLACK MARKET GROUP (BMG)


Song: Silent Hill by Kendrick Lamar

Supplementary Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annickgoldsmith 

BMG – Black Market Group




INTERVIEW 2 MARKETWATCH JEFF SAMPSON
FOUNDER AND CEO OF EVERSCORE


Song: Everlong by Foo Fighters

Supplementary Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsampson

Everscore.com




INTERVIEW 3 CANNALIFE: VOLUME 5 NOHTAL PARTANSKY
CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF SORTING ROBOTICS, CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF RISE CO-PACKING


Song: Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush

Supplementary Information:

https://www.sortingrobotics.com/




INTERVIEW 4 THE EUROPEAN UPDATE MARGUERITE ARNOLD
JOURNALIST AND GLOBAL CANNABIS ENTREPRENEUR


Song: Vogue by Madonna

Supplementary Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marguerite-arnold-1b09a311b

Cannabis101.de


SEAN'S MYSTERY CARIBBEAN TRACK

Oct 03, 202202:26:02
Karma Koala Podcast 96 Sept 26 2022: Jeff Hamilton,Canopyright: Lars Olofsson Lawyer Juicy Fields Case: Susan Burns, Lawyer: Eric Postow Lawyer: June McLaughlin Cannabis Legal Academic.

Karma Koala Podcast 96 Sept 26 2022: Jeff Hamilton,Canopyright: Lars Olofsson Lawyer Juicy Fields Case: Susan Burns, Lawyer: Eric Postow Lawyer: June McLaughlin Cannabis Legal Academic.

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.

Karma Koala Podcast 96 Sept 26 2022



HEATHER’S SONG CHOICE THE PASSENGER BY IGGY POP

INTERVIEW 1
JEFF HAMILTON
FOUNDER AND CEO OF CANOPYRIGHT

Supplementary Information

https://canopyright.info/




INTERVIEW 2 SPECIAL UPDATE: JUICY FIELDS LARS OLOFSSON, ESQ
ATTORNEY AGAINST JUICY FIELDS

Song: Heat Seeker by AC/DC

Supplementary Information:
Victims —Include name and address via email to Lars Olofsson:
CaseJuicyFields@priusstartup.comInformation: JuicyFieldsCase.com




INTERVIEW 3 WHAT THE HEMP? SUSAN BURNS
ATTORNEY AND ON-CALL BUSINESS PARTNER AT S. BURNS LEGAL

Song: Better When I’m Dancing by Meghan Trainor

Supplementary Information: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sburnslegal 

SusanBurnsLLC.com




INTERVIEW 4 UPDATE: LUCAS SIROIS CASE IN MAINE ERIC POSTOW
PARTNER AND ATTORNEY AT PARLATORE LAW GROUP

Song: Juramidam by Nick Mulvey

Supplementary Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-postow-esq-39680013

https://parlatorelawgroup.com/content/attorneys




INTERVIEW 5 420 LAW WITH PROFESSOR JUNE JUNE MCLAUGHLIN
PROFESSOR AND PROGRAM STUDIES DIRECTOR AT IRVINE VALLEY COLLEGE

Song: Glitter and Gold by Zola

Supplementary Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/profjune-mclaughlin

Chem Global Campus Project & Alliance —@ProfJune1 on IG


SEAN’S MYSTERY CARIBBEAN TRACK
Sep 26, 202202:38:19
Karma Koala Podcast Episode 93, Monday 5 September: Equity In Action with Tiyahnn Bryant & Khari Edwards, Peter Homberg Dentons, The Compliance Couch With Sheri Tarr & Cannabanking Tom Gavin CannaTrac

Karma Koala Podcast Episode 93, Monday 5 September: Equity In Action with Tiyahnn Bryant & Khari Edwards, Peter Homberg Dentons, The Compliance Couch With Sheri Tarr & Cannabanking Tom Gavin CannaTrac

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
SEAN HOCKING INTRODUCTION


HEATHER’S SONG CHOICE:CAREER OPPORTUNITIES BY THE CLASH


INTERVIEW 1
EQUITY IN ACTION
WITH TIYAHNN BRYANT, JESSE CAMPOAMOR, AND KHARI EDWARDS

Song: Freedom by Jean Baptiste

Supplementary Information:

**NYC Small Business Services

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiyahnn-bryant-6b68a3132● Roll Up Life

https://www.linkedin.com/in/khari-edwards-0928196 ● Ayr Wellness

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-campoamor-5029021 ● Campoamor and Sons



INTERVIEW 2
GERMANY AND EU UPDATE
WITH PETER HOMBERG

Cannabis Practice Group Lead Partner at Dentons

Song: Born This Way by Lady Gaga

Supplementary Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-homberg-90618519

● European Cannabis Association ● DENTONS



INTERVIEW 3
THE COMPLIANCE COUCH
WITH SHERI TARR

Founder and Chief Advisor of ’68 Partners, Fractional Compliance Officer, Regulatory Strategist

Song: Feelin Good by Nina Simone

Supplementary Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheritarr

● ’68 Partners LLC
● ComplianceCouch.net



INTERVIEW 4
CANNABANKING WITH TOM GAVIN CEO, CANNATRAC

Song: New Sensation by INXS

Supplementary Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tgaviniv

● CannaTrac.com


SEAN’S MYSTERY CARIBBEAN TRACK


END

Sep 26, 202202:19:59