Alternative Talk

Ali Nagib has been working as a cannabis activist and organizer for over six years and has helped support the growth of Illinois NORML and its mission to change cannabis policy on the local and state level in Illinois, including passing the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act (HB1). He has been interviewed by numerous TV, radio, print and internet media outlets in Illinois, including appearances on Chicago Tonight and Politics Tonight. He has spoken about cannabis policy reform on several panels, has done presentations at Illinois universities and high schools on the topic and has conducted seminars for both patients and prospective business owners throughout Illinois. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and an MBA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and has been a lifelong Illinois resident.

Today on Alternative Talk Bear Syavong is joined by Tom McCain. Tom is a retired Air Force Veteran. He is also a retired Georgia Peace Officer, holding a Senior Deputy Certification. He is the CEO of Georgia Hemp Industries Association, Inc., the Executive Director of Spartacus Legal Foundation, and a member of the Board of Advisors of Peachtree NORML. Tom actively advocates for the reform of Georgia's Criminal Justice System and its Draconic marijuana laws. On 4/17/2017 he was named the Executive Director of Peachtree NORML.

Kristi Hartzheim, the mother of an autistic son, talks to host Bear Syavong about About the Positive Effects of CBD and how CBD had changed her family's life forever.

Jennifer Conforti has over 25 years of experience as a dental business consultant, dental hygienist, and dental practice manager. She was the President of Pathway Consulting, Inc., a national practice management consulting firm and has consulted in offices across the nation. In November, 2013, Jennifer was asked to direct Southside Support, Inc., a nonprofit organiztion whose mission is to link families with special needs to each other and their communities. With her business and leadership knowledge and with the support of her board of directors, Jennifer helped to create tangible vision, structure and dynamic growth for Southside Support. Jennifer left Southside Support in June of 2016 and has founded another nonprofit, Two Sparrows Village, where she plans to build an intentional community for adults with disabilities.

Kristen has an in-depth knowledge of Cannabis in regard to its medical capabilities, scientific research, history and legal status. With honesty and integrity, backed by verified data, she deconstructs the stigma attached to cannabis by utilizing an ever-expanding wave of accurate information to rebuild the perception of cannabis, aka marijuana. Knowledge, ethics and communication skills combined with empathy, intuition and compassion have prepared me to fill the gap between the public and the cannabis industry. As a member and officer of Toastmasters, sharpened her abilities in public speaking, leadership, networking, team building, training and project management