Cannabis Man

Text Cannabis Man!

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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Text Cannabis Man!

In this episode, host Don Kleppin shares his personal trek through Dry January, a month-long break from cannabis, alcohol, caffeine, and added sugars. With vivid dreams every night and a 10-pound weight loss in just 17 days, Don reflects on the impact of the challenge so far.

The News Joint Wrap brings listeners up to speed on key developments in the cannabis space, including:

• Four new qualifying conditions added for Illinois medical cannabis patients.
• A continued decline in medical cannabis sales for the third consecutive year.
• Two new hemp-related bills introduced in the Illinois House, reflecting the ongoing battle between those pushing for a ban on hemp products and those advocating for regulation.

Other stories highlight the DEA's administrative judge delaying a decision on rescheduling cannabis by at least three months and DoorDash's announcement that it will begin delivering hemp-based products like beverages, gummies, and candies in select markets. Don also calls out prohibitionist group Smart Approaches to Marijuana for their outdated, fear-mongering reaction to DoorDash's move.

Despite a challenging week of news for cannabis advocates, Don ends the episode on a lighter note with this week's High Haiku, celebrating Dry January in poetic style.

Tune in for a mix of personal insight, cannabis updates, and thoughtful commentary that you won't want to miss!

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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!

Text Cannabis Man!

Welcome to the first episode of 2025! Host Don Kleppin kicks off the new year with a reflection on why he started the Cannabis Man Podcast—to educate, inform, and entertain while breaking the stigma surrounding cannabis. In this episode, Don dives into his modified Dry January journey, sharing tips for success and highlighting its incredible benefits, including weight loss and improved focus.

The episode also features a deep dive into the battle over intoxicating hemp products in Illinois, statements from key players, and a look at the upcoming decision Wisconsin voters might face on cannabis legalization. Don reviews the uplifting Happi Dance THC seltzer, giving his honest take on its flavor and effects.

In an exclusive interview, WYNK CEO Angus Rittenburg shares how his team solved a key problem in beverage distribution with innovative technology and discusses the massive potential of THC beverages, regulatory hurdles, and the confusion surrounding hemp and cannabis terminology.

Don wraps up with news on the legal motion to remove the DEA from cannabis rescheduling proceedings and leaves listeners with a hopeful High Haiku celebrating new beginnings. Tune in for a packed episode that's informative, entertaining, and inspiring for cannabis enthusiasts and the canna-curious alike!

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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!

Text Cannabis Man!

In the final episode of the year, Don reflects on 2.5 years and 100 episodes of the Cannabis Man Podcast. He highlights the journey of sharing cannabis news, breaking stigma, and exploring the plant's potential with experts from around the world.

This episode revisits key cannabis stories from 2024, including:

• The DEA's rescheduling hearing and its potential impact.
• Illinois' flawed DUI testing lab scandal and its implications.
• A Nebraska lawsuit targeting voter-approved medical cannabis.
• New Jersey's cannabis consumption licenses and the growing need for "third spaces."
• Massachusetts cannabis sales surpassing $7 billion since 2018.

Don also reviews Cresco Labs' Nostalgic Holiday Strains Collection (Pine Tree Express and Grandma's Kush Cake) and Galyna's Dream nourishing night cream. He interviews George Moulton, CEO of Fun Guy, about psychedelics education and informed consumption.

The show concludes with a High Haiku, holiday wishes, and a reminder to subscribe to The Weekly Chronic and the podcast Patreon for more content during the break.

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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!

Text Cannabis Man!

In this week's episode, Don opens up about how cannabis helped him overcome past addictions, offering a personal take on the plant's transformative potential. The News Joint Wrap highlights Illinois cannabis sales rebounding in November and a controversial Supreme Court ruling that raw cannabis smell justifies warrantless vehicle searches. Breaking news from ABC7 reveals accusations of flawed marijuana DUI test results at a University of Illinois Chicago forensic lab, potentially impacting hundreds of convictions.

Don reviews a High Supply preroll (Purple Plague), Sweetbuzz's Sweet Empowder, and Galyna's pain relief cream, Soothe. He also interviews Galyna CEO Tobias Ripsom about their cutting-edge skincare line and the evolution of cannabis tech. Finally, a medical cannabis group sues New York over steep licensing fees.

Stay tuned for next week's season finale, then join us in January! Don't forget to rate, review, and share the Cannabis Man Podcast and subscribe to the Weekly Chronic!

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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!

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In this Thanksgiving holiday episode, host Don Kleppin reflects on the origins of the Cannabis Man Podcast, spreading informative cannabis conversations and fighting stigma. Don highlights Green Wednesday, the industry's second busiest shopping day, and invites listeners to weigh in on this new cannabis-themed holiday.

In the News Joint Wrap, Don reviews a peanut butter cookie from Love's Oven by Drecisco Farms and Countdown's Orange Blast THC seltzer. He shares updates on the DEA's denial of prohibition conspiracy claims, New York's cannabis market nearing $1 billion in sales, and the Czech Republic's move toward legalization.

This week's guest is Sierra Elaina, CEO of Lehua Brands, who shares her journey from the beverage industry to cannabis, her insights on California's market, and why cannabis beverages are the future. Don wraps up the episode with a High Haiku about gratitude and the holiday season.

Don't miss this insightful episode packed with news, reviews, and expert opinions! Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to the Cannabis Man Podcast and the Weekly Chronic newsletter.

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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!

Text Cannabis Man!

In this episode, host Don Kleppin reflects on how becoming a parent has shifted his perception of time, comparing it to psychedelic experiences. In the News Joint Wrap, Don covers the groundbreaking opening of the Cannabis Research Institute in Illinois and how it could shape the future of cannabis normalization. He also reviews Countdown THC Seltzer and SweetBuzz's Mint Chill Cups. News stories include a Chicago alderman's proposed ordinance to regulate hemp products, Matt Gaetz's withdrawal from an Attorney General bid, and a legal case advocating for the DEA's removal from cannabis rescheduling. Don interviews Alex Suarez of the Teamsters Union about the growing trend of unionized cannabis dispensaries in Illinois. The episode closes with a High Haiku celebrating the changing seasons. Tune in, rate, and share to join the journey of reducing cannabis stigma and learning its potential benefits!

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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!

Text Cannabis Man!

In this episode, host Don Kleppin dives into the origins of the show and its mission to reshape the cannabis conversation. In the News Joint Wrap, he breaks down Illinois lawmakers' ongoing battle over hemp product bans and upcoming tax rate changes in 2025.

The product review of the week highlights Sweetbuzz's delicious Cookie Got Creamed cups, offering a detailed look at these creative cannabis treats.

Don's guest is Ross Morreale, CEO of Green Rose Dispensaries, who shares his insights on Illinois' cannabis industry, transitioning from a multi-state operator to a focus on social equity.

The episode's headline news is the nomination of Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz as U.S. Attorney General, hailed as one of the most pro-cannabis Republicans on Capitol Hill. Don unearths audio of Gaetz pressing the DEA on cannabis rescheduling, and breaks down how this nomination could fast-track long-awaited reform.

Also covered: a federal lawsuit challenging the DEA's rescheduling hearings, highlighting concerns over agency bias and conflicts of interest.

Finally, Don wraps up with the debut of the High Haiku, a whimsical cannabis-inspired poetry segment, and invites listeners to rate, review, and subscribe to the show and The Weekly Chronic newsletter.

Support the show

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!

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In this timely episode, Don Kleppin shares a personal tale from the life of a "puff puff parent" as his infant daughter Violet discovers her own vocal power, complete with a growl that took him by surprise—especially after an evening smoke. Then, in an exclusive interview, Bran Noonan, CEO of OGeez! brands, shares the unique family legacy behind the brand and his mother's journey as a cannabis pioneer back in the 1960s, including her time spent in prison. Bran also breaks down what makes OGeez! gummies special, from their oil distillate to the signature flavors that set them apart.

The News Joint Wrap covers Illinois' latest medical cannabis leadership appointments. Plus Florida's ballot battle for cannabis legalization, and a case of destroyed cannabis crops in New Mexico that has sparked legal action. Don also reviews OGeez! Mellow Indica Creams, a delicious multi-pack of Orange & Cream, Blackberries & Cream, and Peaches & Cream flavors, and gives a special shoutout to his personal favorite. Finally, tune in for updates on cannabis partnerships in sports, including Trulieve Cannabis Corp.'s pioneering sponsorship of professional pickleball. Don't forget to rate & review the podcast, and subscribe to the Weekly Chronic for even more cannabis news, product reviews & bonus content!

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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!

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In this Halloween-themed episode, Don sets the tone by reflecting on the perfectly spooky fall atmosphere in Chicago, where high winds and gray skies make the season's colors pop. He shares highlights from the latest hemp industry updates in the News Joint Wrap and takes listeners through a full breakdown of the Best in Grass Illinois Awards, celebrating this year's winners and recounting connections made at the event. Don also shares a meaningful moment with a listener who thanked him for the show's impact on their family. The episode's main feature is an in-depth interview with West Paschal of Alpine IQ, exploring how cannabis businesses can better connect with their customers and educate the public as legalization spreads. Don and West discuss the challenges cannabis businesses face, the importance of consumer education, and the current legal climate. Lastly, Don covers breaking news that the DEA's long-awaited administrative hearing on cannabis rescheduling, initially set for December 2, has been unexpectedly delayed to early 2025, leaving the industry in suspense for just a bit longer.

Support the show

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!