Cannabis Man

After a nine-month hiatus, Cannabis Man is back!

Don Kleppin returns to the mic with a heartfelt thank-you to his family, friends, and listeners who continued to support the show during his time away. Even after nearly a year between episodes, Cannabis Man was still getting downloads this week—and that was more than enough reason to come home.

In this episode, Don sits down with Mark Kazinec, Co-Founder of the Best in Grass cannabis competition, which is returning to Illinois for its third year. Judge kits go on sale this weekend, and Don will be picking his up at Bud & Rita's in Chicago's Loop. Come say hello, or visit bestingrass.io to find a participating dispensary near you.

Plus, Don catches up on four cannabis news stories:

• TERPENES 101 — A guide to understanding cannabis terpenes, what they are, and how they may contribute to the cannabis experience.

• THE RUNNER'S HIGH — New research explores how long-distance running, including marathon-distance exercise, can cause the body to release endocannabinoids—cannabis-like compounds naturally produced by the human body.

• MEDICAL CANNABIS & CHRONIC PAIN — A study finds medical cannabis was associated with significant reductions in pain and opioid use among people living with chronic lower back pain.

• CANNABIS COVERAGE IN THE NEW YORK TIMES — A NORML contributor and friend of the show takes issue with what he describes as alarmist cannabis coverage from The New York Times.

And, of course, Don closes things out with the High Haiku before asking listeners to weigh in on a question of cannabis etiquette: What's the proper etiquette when it comes to smoking cannabis around neighbors?

After nine months away, Cannabis Man is back. Thanks for coming home.

Learn more about Best in Grass and find participating dispensaries at bestingrass.io.

Cannabis Man is hosted by Don Kleppin and takes a journalistic look at cannabis, including cannabis news, culture, science, policy, products, and the people shaping the industry. The show does not provide medical advice and cannabis isn't for everyone.

The Cannabis Man Podcast returns with a fresh Sativa review and big headlines shaping the cannabis world. Host Don Kleppin kicks things off by cracking open the 2025 Best in Grass judge kit for his first official taste — the Titan Express Sativa from Grassroots.

In cannabis news, Don dives into Massachusetts' proposed THC potency caps and a potential ban on home cultivation, Donald Trump's new video touting the medical benefits of cannabis for seniors as rescheduling debates heat up, Canada's cannabis industry adding $16 billion to the economy in 2024, and a new study showing cannabis use may provide short-term PTSD relief for veterans.

Plus, an in-depth interview with John Shute, CEO of PufCreativ, on how his award-winning agency is shaping cannabis brands, connecting with consumers, and navigating a rapidly changing market.

If you love industry insight, product discovery, and the latest cannabis policy news, this episode delivers.

The Cannabis Man Podcast welcomes back Mark Kazinec, Co-Founder and COO of Best In Grass, as Illinois kicks off its second annual cannabis competition. Don shares his excitement about being a judge and previews the big launch party happening this Saturday.

Beyond the contest, this episode explores the booming cannabis beverage market, a pharma billionaire betting that a cannabis painkiller will be a gamechanger, and unpacks a groundbreaking study suggesting humans have been using cannabis for over 20,000 years.

From the roots of human history to today's competitions and innovations, this episode connects the past, present, and future of cannabis.

In this episode of Cannabis Man, host Don Kleppin sits down with Ryan Crandall of Nature's Heritage to discuss the brand's launch into Illinois and the warm reception it's received from patients and consumers. Ryan reflects on honoring the legacy of cannabis before legalization, gives credit to those who paved the way, and shares insights into building a trusted brand in a competitive market.

For the first time publicly, Ryan announces that Nature's Heritage is entering the edibles space with an innovative capsule blending cannabis and functional mushrooms—a product designed to expand benefits and redefine wellness.

Listeners will hear about:

• Nature's Heritage's arrival and success in Illinois

• The importance of honoring cannabis legacy and culture

• The company's first edible capsule combining cannabis with functional mushrooms

• What this innovation means for the future of cannabis products

Whether you're a patient, consumer, or industry insider, this episode offers valuable perspective on heritage, innovation, and the next evolution of cannabis.

After a two-month hiatus, The Cannabis Man Podcast returns with personal updates and fresh insights from the Illinois cannabis scene. Host Don Kleppin shares what's been happening off the mic—moving across Chicago for more family space, starting a new job, and settling into a new schedule. Don covers upcoming cannabis events in Illinois, highlights standout products and dispensaries, and then sits down with Aspen Noonan, CEO of Elevate Holistics. Together, they discuss why cannabis education is essential, the life-changing benefits of becoming a certified medical cannabis patient, Aspen's rapid rise to CEO, and the shared experiences of navigating new parenthood while working in the industry. The episode closes with a reflective High Haiku.

This week on Cannabis Man, Don celebrates two years of wedded bliss and a recent cannabis event with a packed episode full of flavor, facts, and fire strains. He dives into High Minded Food Pairings, spotlighting unusual but delicious snack combos and pondering why Cheez-Its are so damn addictive.

Have a favorite munchie snack or pairing of your own? Call or text 872-269-2403.

Don also reviews a Korner Boys Gusher strain preroll and shares some eye-opening cannabis news, including a survey that busts the lazy stoner myth: cannabis users are nearly 5x more likely to exercise regularly than eat fast food.

Then it's off to Arkansas, where the state reports strong cannabis sales while the governor vetoes a bill to allow dispensary drive-thru windows.

Don also interviews Nick Rinella, CEO of Hippos in Missouri, a cannabis company co-founded by former NHL stars!

If you're in Chicago, Don also recommends checking out the delicious creations from Lyon Legacy Cookie Company.

This week on Cannabis Man, host Don Kleppin highlights the bustling Chicago cannabis scene with upcoming brunch events, the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, and the Chi High Afters party. He also reviews a new-to-Illinois brand, Nature's Heritage, and its flavorful hybrid flower strain, Lilac Diesel.

In the news:

• A potential federal ban on intoxicating hemp products

• North Carolina's governor backs legalization and forms a bipartisan planning committee

• Connecticut cracks down on illicit cannabis sales

• Jack Daniel's CEO admits legal cannabis is cutting into alcohol profits

Don also sits down with Tony Schor, Chairman of the Cannabis Hall of Fame, for a wide-ranging conversation. They talk about Tony's start in Chicago PR, the normalization of cannabis in professional life, insights into cannabis mergers & acquisitions, and why patience is essential as the industry matures. Tony shares his take on Illinois' high taxes, premium product quality, and why East Coast markets are booming. Plus, a sneak peek into the Cannabis Hall of Fame exhibit at Planet 13 in Las Vegas.

In this episode of Cannabis Man, host Don Kleppin shares some personal joy, giving a heartfelt shout-out to his cousin's wedding and a birthday salute to his twin sisters. Then, it's a deep dive into the latest cannabis news: a pivotal legal case that could bring the federal cannabis ban before the U.S. Supreme Court, a controversial bill in New Jersey that could re-criminalize certain cannabis transactions, and an intriguing proposal to use cannabis tax revenue to fund Universal Basic Income for Americans.

Don also reviews three unique gummies from Extract Labs, including a high-CBD Strawberry, a balanced Sour Apple (5mg CBD/THC), and a THC-free Citrus flavor featuring 50mg of calming kavalactones.

Later, Don welcomes fellow cannabis podcaster Pat Helmers of The Cannabis Advocate Podcast for a crossover interview. Together, they discuss the ongoing stigma, what excites them about the cannabis space, and what podcasting has taught them along the way.

In this episode of Cannabis Man, host Don Kleppin shares personal updates from Chicagoland as he prepares for a big family move and reflects on birthday wishes from listeners. He also shares his excitement for Season 4 of The Bear, especially after working on set as a background actor during filming earlier this year.

Don reviews a lineup of cannabis beverages from Texas-based brand Howdy, including their lemonade, Paloma, Ranch Water, Sweet Tea, and the bold cinnamon-spiced Howdy Hooch. Then, he welcomes Adam Wilks and Ryan Burke, CEO and COO of Tyson 2.0, to talk about their company's international expansion—starting with South Africa—and their bold vision to bring Tyson products to every country on Earth.

In the news segment, Don covers:

• The DEA's controversial claim linking cannabis to psychosis more than meth

• A Justice Department plan to reschedule cannabis without DEA support

• The staggering $25 billion states have collected from legal cannabis sales

• Albuquerque issuing direct checks from cannabis tax funds

• The Czech Republic moving to legalize home grows and personal possession

• A deep dive into terpenes best known to ease anxiety

He closes with a fresh High Haiku and encourages listeners to call or text with thoughts, feedback, or suggestions at (872) 269-2403.

In this summer-kickoff episode of Cannabis Man, host Don Kleppin celebrates Memorial Day weekend, his birthday, and the third anniversary of the podcast. He shares favorite warm-weather traditions, plans for the weekend, and reviews a new Mandarin Pomelo THC seltzer from WYNK along with a CBD patch from Neno's Naturals.

This week's guest is Michael Sassano, CEO of Somai Pharmaceuticals, who breaks down the global growth of medical cannabis and the challenges of regulation across continents. From Germany and Thailand to Spain and France, Sassano details the rise of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis and predicts a sweeping medical adoption over the next five years.

Don also wraps the week's top cannabis headlines: a THC ban bill in Texas, how tariffs may hit cannabis supply chains, and an update on rescheduling delays reportedly tied to the DEA. He ends on a hopeful note with news that daily CBD use may curb alcohol cravings, and, of course, a brand new High Haiku.