This week on Cannabis Man, host Don Kleppin opens up about his May the 4th traditions, the growing cultural impact of Star Wars Day, and a personal reflection on a late friend who shared the same birthday. Don responds to listener mail with a passionate take on the phrase "do your own research" and the importance of scientific consensus.

In product reviews, Don shares his thoughts on gummies from Hometown Hero and Flower Union, and Brawler Blunts from Tyson 2.0.

The featured guest is cannabis attorney Lauren Rudick of Rudick Law Group. She shares her early cannabis education from her parents, insights as a recovering litigator, and the murky legal waters separating cannabis from hemp. Rudick also offers practical advice for potential investors in the space.

Plus, cannabis news updates: – DEA nominee says cannabis rescheduling is a top priority – How legal weed may shape the U.S. economy in 2025 – A suspected arsonist targets Illinois dispensaries – West Coast flower showing up in NY shelves illegally – Two new cannabinoids discovered in South Korea

All that, plus this week's High Haiku.

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In this episode of Cannabis Man, host Don Kleppin opens with a reflective story about a family trip to Chicago's Jackson Park during cherry blossom season, including a visit to the serene Osaka Garden. He shares a live review of Fable's Into the Woods botanical cannabis beverage, featuring hints of stone fruit, pine, and rosemary.

Don's expert guest is Kirsten Velasco, author and creator of VapenProp, a cannabis vaping tool designed to solve key issues with portable vape use. Kirsten shares her personal journey with cannabis, the failure of prohibition, and the cannabis vs. hemp distinction.

Also in this episode: Don reviews Hometown Hero's pomegranate raspberry gummies, updates from Illinois' medical cannabis portal, news from Missouri's booming cannabis market, rising cannabis use among seniors, a groundbreaking cancer-focused medical cannabis study, and a new study reveals which state has the best cannabis cultivation conditions!

The episode wraps with a reflective High Haiku inspired by the beauty and balance of nature within the city.

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This year, Easter Sunday lands on 4/20—and we're lighting up both holidays with a Cannabis Man celebration! Don reflects on the occasion with a festive monologue, then dives into the latest cannabis headlines:

• Why rescheduling is delayed, not dead, according to a top cannabis lobbyist
• New Illinois Senate bill would ban police stops based solely on cannabis odor
• Solvent vs. solvent-less extraction: which is healthier?

Next, Don shares a 4/20 Gift Guide courtesy of Grasslands, reviewing a standout pick: Fable Libations' "Best Zest" hemp beverage.

Our guest this week is KymB, Co-Founder and CMO of TribeTokes. She shares her inspiring journey into cannabis, the evolution of their products, and how seniors and women are changing the consumer landscape. Don also reviews their Tropicana Cookies THCA cart and vape battery. The episode wraps with a collection of 4/20 events happening around the U.S. this weekend, and three High Haikus to celebrate the holiday.

Rate, review, share, and text in to join the conversation. Happy 4/20 and Happy Easter, fam!

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In this milestone episode of Cannabis Man, host Don Kleppin reflects on a year of life, love, and cannabis. Don shares heartfelt personal news as his daughter Violet turns one, offering a candid look at parenthood, purpose, and the joy of watching a little human grow.

We dive into the latest Illinois cannabis sales figures and product registration news in the News Joint Wrap, along with a cautionary list of products to avoid. Don also spotlights Lyon Legacy Cookie Company, a sweet new venture in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood.

Our expert guest is Dylan Spencer, Chief Marketing Officer at Sauce Essentials, who breaks down the brand's philosophy, product development, and how to build community despite the ongoing stigma and censorship around cannabis. Don reviews Sauce's Live Resin Vapes and Smoke infused pre-rolls, and explores major national stories like:

• 600 lbs of cannabis stolen from a Colorado police lockup
• A key Michigan Supreme Court ruling on cannabis odor and search rights
• The ongoing hemp battle in Texas
• A revealing study from Pennsylvania about doctors and cannabis

Plus: this week's High Haiku honoring memories and milestones, and a reminder to rate, review, and share the show!

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Has April Fool's Day lost its place in the modern world? In this episode of Cannabis Man, Don Kleppin makes the case that the era of misinformation has turned April 1st from a day of fun into a source of frustration. He shares a firsthand experience from Chicago that illustrates the issue and highlights the challenges April Fool's presents for marketing efforts. He also celebrates the launch of his wife's new business—Lyon Legacy Cookie Company.

In the product review segment, Don tries WYNK's new 10mg THC seltzers, sampling the Strawberry Lemonade flavor and sharing his thoughts on the Lemonade and Raspberry Lemonade varieties.

The guest interview features Narmin Jarrous, Chief Development Officer of Exclusive Brands, a Michigan-based cannabis company. She discusses her journey with medical cannabis, the ongoing cannabis rescheduling process, the hemp vs. cannabis debate, and the increasing involvement of big industries like Pharma in legal cannabis.

This week's cannabis news includes: 🌿 North Carolina's push for recreational cannabis legalization 💰 Oregon's $50M fight against the black market—was it effective? ✅ A California nonprofit now certifies cannabis product safety 🏛️ Cannabis updates from D.C.: Trump pushes banking reform, and his new drug czar makes a surprising statement on medical cannabis

The episode concludes with the weekly High Haiku.

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After a brief break, Cannabis Man returns with fresh energy and big updates! Host Don Kleppin kicks off the episode by revisiting the show's mission: to normalize and destigmatize cannabis by sharing expert conversations, industry news, and insightful perspectives.

Don shares some exciting personal news—his voice can now be heard on a Walmart radio commercial airing in New York and another upcoming ad for an insurance company. He also steps in front of the camera with a background role in Season 4 of The Bear, currently filming in Chicago.

In this week's Product Showcase, Don reviews Tyson 2.0 pre-rolled joints, highlighting three strains—Dynamite Cookies (his favorite), Gelato 44, and Knockout OG. These "shorty" pre-rolls impressed him with smooth airflow and great effects. Plus, he gives his thoughts on a Banana Runtz vape cartridge from Tickled Pink, breaking down its flavor and potency.

Later in the episode, Don welcomes Vanessa Yee-Chan, Founder of Alta, who shares insights on New York's evolving cannabis market. They discuss licensing challenges, consumer trends, and what's next for the Empire State's legal industry.

Some recent news headlines that Don shares include an expansion of cannabis farmer's markets and pop-up events in New York, Texas' senate passing a bill to ban all consumable THC products, a new report showing federal cannabis trafficking cases have dropped significantly over the past decade, and a list of the top cannabis tourism destinations in the U.S.

Tune in for cannabis news, reviews, and expert insights—plus a few Hollywood surprises!

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After a whirlwind two weeks, Don's back with a packed episode! From emceeing the Emerald Gardens launch event to recording major voiceover campaigns, acting on Chicago TV sets, and gearing up for his daughter's first birthday, it's been a ride. He also reviews two standout products: Korner Boys' disposable vape cart and Cronja's Illemonati glass-tipped pre-roll.

In the news: a U.S. state moves toward recreational legalization, a survey reveals Canada's near-total shift to the legal market, and we look at global cannabis industry projections for 2025. Plus, big news from the White House—could federal cannabis legalization be on the horizon?

This week's guest is Tim Cullen, CEO of Colorado Harvest Company. We dive into the first days of legalization in Colorado, the differences between hemp and cannabis, and what rescheduling could mean for the industry. Tune in for expert insights, industry updates, and the latest on legalization efforts!

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In this episode of Cannabis Man, we explore the evolving relationship between cannabis and alcohol. Don reviews Illinois legislation on cannabis delivery, drive-through dispensaries, home grow expansion, and open-consumption events. Then, he dives into the latest Weekly Chronic newsletter, discussing the future of alcohol and cannabis consumption. Plus, product reviews of Sauce Essentials' Super Sour Diesel live resin vape and Boston Beer Company's Teapot cannabis beverage. In an exclusive interview, we chat with the head of cannabis at Boston Beer Co. about regulations, history, and the future of infused beverages. Finally, cannabis news from Ohio, California, Montana, and a historic discovery of high-potency cannabis use 2,500 years ago! Tune in!

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With Dry January coming to a close, Don reflects on the challenge and the reward of completing it. This episode covers exciting news for Illinois concertgoers, as The Salt Shed announces plans to offer hemp-based Delta-9 THC products at shows. Two non-infused beverages from Lehua Brands—Voila! Watermelon Mineral Water and Refresh Fruit Punch Shot—are reviewed as part of the journey. We also explore major cannabis news, including the largest-ever study on cannabis and brain activity and two recently filed lawsuits against Illinois cannabis companies over high-potency products. Plus, it's not just alcohol consumption that's dropping in states that legalize cannabis. And of course a High Haiku to mark the moment.

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In this episode, Don Kleppin kicks off 2025 with hope and new beginnings! Get the latest updates from the Illinois Dept. of Agriculture, hear Don's personal take on Fun Guy functional mushroom chews during Dry January, and enjoy an insightful chat with Hanna Brand of Autumn Brands about their THCA Diamond Infused pre-rolls and pesticide-free cannabis cultivation. Plus, big headlines on cannabis censorship, presidential pardons, and groundbreaking dementia research. Don't miss the High Haiku to wrap it all up!

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Interested in advertising? Email [email protected]! Follow the show on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram! For more cannabis news and insights, check out the Weekly Chronic newsletter!