Conversations With Kush

🌿 Welcome to Conversations with Kush! 🌟 In this special episode, Molly "The Kush RN" sits down with Erin Dupree, the former Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) Director, who resigned just 24 hours after her appointment.

From building her business, Lunacy Cannabis Co., to being thrust into the media spotlight, Erin shares her side of the story for the first time—discussing what went down, the flaws in Minnesota’s cannabis regulatory process, and what the future holds for social equity, medical cannabis, and small businesses in the industry.

Whether you’re an advocate, entrepreneur, or just curious about cannabis politics, this episode delivers inside knowledge, real talk, and hard-hitting insights.

What’s Inside This Episode:

🧩 How Erin Got into Cannabis – From opioid dependence to holistic healing, her personal journey.
🏛 From Entrepreneur to Government Leader – What led her to apply for the OCM Director position.
📉 The 24-Hour Resignation – The inside scoop on what really happened and the media’s role.
⚖️ Minnesota’s Cannabis Law & Its Challenges – Lawsuits, regulations, and small business struggles.
🌱 The Future of Cannabis in MN – Will the industry survive and thrive or crash and burn?

What You’ll Learn:

• How Minnesota’s cannabis laws are affecting small businesses and social equity applicants.
• Why Erin resigned after just 24 hours and how the media shaped the narrative.
• The challenges of launching a regulated cannabis market—from lawsuits to licensing delays.
• How craft cannabis and small businesses can still have a future despite corporate competition.
• What consumers, business owners, and advocates need to watch for in 2024.

If you care about cannabis legalization, business, and social justice, this is an episode you can’t miss.

Find the Right Strain: Episode Chapters 

⏱ 5:00 – The Healing Power of Cannabis
How cannabis helped Erin transition from opioids to plant-based medicine.

⏱ 10:00 – From Business Owner to OCM Director
Why Erin applied for the OCM position and the selection process.

⏱ 18:00 – The 24-Hour Controversy
What led to her resignation, media scrutiny, and her thoughts on the OCM’s vetting process.

⏱ 25:00 – The Challenges of Cannabis Regulations
Why Minnesota’s cannabis program is already facing lawsuits and business concerns.

⏱ 35:00 – What’s Next for the MN Cannabis Industry?
Thoughts on social equity, craft cannabis, and medical marijuana’s future.

⏱ 45:00 – Lessons Learned & Advice for Entrepreneurs
What Erin wishes she knew before starting a cannabis business in a new market.

⏱ 55:00 – Final Thoughts & Where to Find Erin
How to connect with Erin Dupree and her ongoing work in business networking & advocacy.

Do you think Minnesota is handling cannabis legalization the right way? Let’s discuss! 🌿
Like, comment, and subscribe for more cannabis business insights & industry news. What are your thoughts on MN’s cannabis rollout? Drop them below! 💬 #MinnesotaCannabis #CannabisPolicy #ConversationsWithKush #CannabisBusiness #ErinDupree

🌿 Welcome to Conversations with Kush! 🌟 This episode takes us on an international journey to Peru, where cannabis meets ancestral herbal medicine. Molly "The Kush RN" sits down with Bertha Limo Cueva, founder of Fundación Hadita Verde Peru, to discuss how cannabis is revolutionizing health and wellness in her country.

From traditional herbal healing to modern cannabis research, Berta shares her incredible journey—from growing cannabis for personal healing to becoming a leader in cannabis education and advocacy. If you love natural medicine, holistic healing, and cultural perspectives on cannabis, this episode is a must-watch!

What’s Inside This Episode:

🌱 Cannabis & Herbal Healing – How Peruvians integrate cannabis with ancestral medicine.
🧪 The Science of the Plant – How cannabinoids like THCV & CBG are transforming treatment.
🏛 Cannabis Laws in Peru – What’s legal, what’s not, and how the system works.
🌍 The Global Cannabis Movement – How education is key to breaking stigma worldwide.
💡 Growing the Future – How Peru’s first legal cannabis crops are shaping the industry.

What You’ll Learn:

• How traditional Peruvian herbal medicine aligns with cannabis healing.
• The legal status of cannabis in Peru and how patients access it.
• Why cannabinoids like THCV & CBG are being explored for medical use.
• How community-driven cultivation is providing free medicine for those in need.
• The future of cannabis in Peru and how it’s evolving globally.

Whether you’re passionate about plant medicine, cannabis education, or cultural perspectives on healing, this episode will enlighten and inspire you! 🌿✨

Find The Right Strain: Episode Chapters

⏱ 5:00 – Cannabis & Herbal Medicine in Peru
How traditional Peruvian healing practices integrate cannabis & plant-based remedies.

⏱ 10:00 – The Science Behind the Plant
How cannabinoids like THCV & CBG are shaping the future of natural medicine.

⏱ 18:00 – Cannabis Laws in Peru
The legal status of cannabis, how patients access it, and what’s changing.

⏱ 25:00 – How Cannabis is Helping People
Real-life stories of patients finding relief with cannabis medicine.

⏱ 35:00 – The First Legal Cannabis Crop in Peru
How Berta’s foundation is leading the way in cultivation & free medicine programs.

⏱ 45:00 – Overcoming Stigma & Changing Perceptions
How education & patient advocacy are shifting the conversation in Peru & beyond.

⏱ 55:00 – Final Thoughts & Where to Find Bertha
Learn more about Fundación Hadita Verde Peru & how to support the movement.

What’s your favorite way to integrate natural healing into your routine? 🌱 Let us know below!
Like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth cannabis conversations. Let’s support global cannabis education together! 💚✨
#CannabisEducation #HolisticHealing #CannabisPeru #ConversationsWithKush #PlantMedicine

🌿 Welcome to Conversations with Kush! 🌟 In this episode, Molly “The Kush RN” sits down with Bri Smith, the powerhouse behind Go Bri Creative and The Grass Class, to talk about the art of cannabis branding, advocacy, and values-driven business in the industry.

From Wisconsin’s longest-running cannabis protest to building ethical cannabis brands, Bree shares insights on how storytelling, community-driven marketing, and values-based branding are reshaping the cannabis landscape.

What’s Inside This Episode:

🎤 From Journalism to Branding – Bree’s journey from writer to cannabis marketing expert.
🌱 Wisconsin’s Cannabis Advocacy Scene – The story behind The Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival.
📢 Branding with a Purpose – How values-based cannabis companies stand out in the industry.
🧑‍🎨 Cannabis Marketing 101 – The secrets to crafting compelling brand stories and messaging.
🚐 The Beard Bros Tour – Bree’s cross-country mission to highlight cannabis companies with integrity.

What You’ll Learn:

• How cannabis brands can create real impact through intentional marketing.
• The history of cannabis advocacy in Wisconsin and its ongoing challenges.
• How to tell a brand story that resonates with consumers and investors.
• The power of ethical business decisions in shaping the future of cannabis.

Whether you're a cannabis entrepreneur, marketer, or consumer, this episode will inspire you to think differently about branding, storytelling, and business ethics in the cannabis space.

Find The Right Strain: Episode Chapters

⏱️ 5:00 – From Journalist to Cannabis Branding Pro
How Bree built a boutique marketing agency focused on cannabis businesses.

⏱️ 10:00 – The Power of Cannabis Events & Advocacy
How Wisconsin’s longest-running cannabis protest and festival is creating change.

⏱️ 18:00 – Ethics & Branding in Cannabis
Why values-based brands are winning consumer trust.

⏱️ 25:00 – The Evolution of Cannabis Marketing
How businesses can stand out in a crowded industry.

⏱️ 35:00 – The Beard Bros Tour
Bree’s cross-country cannabis road trip and the brands that impressed her most.

⏱️ 45:00 – The Future of Cannabis Business
How collaboration, ethics, and education are shaping the industry’s next phase.

⏱️ 55:00 – Final Thoughts & Where to Find Bree
How to connect with Go Bree Creative and The Grass Class.

What’s the most important factor for you when choosing a cannabis brand—ethics, quality, or price? 🌱 Drop your thoughts below! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth cannabis conversations. Share your favorite cannabis brand stories in the comments! 💚
#CannabisMarketing #CannabisCommunity #ConversationsWithKush #EthicalBranding #CannabisAdvocacy

🌿 Welcome to Conversations with Kush! 🌟 In this groundbreaking episode, Molly “The Kush RN” sits down with Nichelle Santos (Founder of Canna Coverage) and Gaetano Lardieri, a leader in ketamine-assisted therapy and psychedelic medicine. They discuss a first-of-its-kind program that brings medical cannabis into employee health benefits, offering an affordable, accessible alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals.

Imagine a world where cannabis, ketamine, and psychedelic therapies are covered by your job’s insurance plan—that world is closer than you think. This episode is a must-listen for patients, healthcare providers, business owners, and policymakers looking to transform healthcare access.

What’s Inside This Episode:

🏥 How Medical Cannabis Became an Employee Benefit – A first-of-its-kind insurance innovation.
🌱 Why Employers Should Cover Cannabis – The financial and wellness benefits of this groundbreaking model.
🧠 Ketamine & Psychedelic Therapy in Healthcare – The next frontier in mental health treatment.
💼 How Police, Firefighters & Teachers are Now Covered – The surprising public sector shift toward cannabis.
📊 The Future of Insurance & Alternative Medicine – How unions, companies, and legislators are changing the game.

What You’ll Learn:

• How insurance companies are integrating cannabis into health plans.
• The financial benefits for businesses that offer cannabis coverage.
• Why medical cannabis is a game-changer for chronic illness, PTSD, and pain management.
• How psychedelic therapies like ketamine are entering mainstream medicine.
• What YOU can do to bring these benefits to your workplace or state.

This is an episode you won’t want to miss if you believe in healthcare freedom, cannabis legalization, and making alternative medicine more accessible. 🌱✨

Find the Right Strain: Episode Chapters

⏱ 5:00 – How Cannabis Became an Employee Benefit
A deep dive into how insurance companies are integrating medical cannabis into health plans.

⏱ 10:00 – Breaking the Stigma in Healthcare
How doctors, patients, and employers are shifting their mindset on cannabis.

⏱ 18:00 – Why Businesses & Unions Support Cannabis Coverage
The financial and health benefits of including medical cannabis & ketamine in employee plans.

⏱ 25:00 – The Role of Psychedelic Medicine
How ketamine and psilocybin are entering the insurance and healthcare space.

⏱ 35:00 – The Legal Fight for Cannabis & Psychedelic Access
How lawmakers and unions are leading the charge to change insurance policies.

⏱ 45:00 – The Future of Cannabis in Employee Benefits
What needs to happen to bring this coverage to more states and industries.

⏱ 55:00 – How to Get Involved & Take Action
Steps you can take to bring medical cannabis benefits to your workplace or state legislators.

Would you support cannabis being covered by insurance? 🌱 Drop your thoughts below!
Like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth cannabis conversations! Let’s push for cannabis healthcare reform together! 💚✨ #CannabisInsurance #MedicalCannabis #CannabisHealthcare #KetamineTherapy #ConversationsWithKush

🌿 Welcome to Conversations with Kush! 🌟 In this episode, Molly "The Kush RN" sits down with Kara Jensen, owner of Essence of Health in Duluth, MN, to explore how cannabis is changing the wellness space. From caring for a grandmother with dementia to becoming a cannabis advocate and business owner, Kara shares her powerful journey of education, access, and breaking stigmas.

They dive into what makes a great cannabis retailer, the importance of education, and how holistic health fits into cannabis care. Whether you're a cannabis consumer, advocate, or entrepreneur, this episode will challenge and inspire you to think differently about the plant.

What’s Inside This Episode:

🌱 The Power of Cannabis for Wellness – Kara’s personal journey with cannabis as medicine.
🧠 From Caregiver to Advocate – How cannabis changed her grandmother’s life.
🏬 Creating a Community-Focused Dispensary – Why education and wellness go hand-in-hand.
🌿 Breaking Stigmas in a Conservative Market – How Minnesota is embracing change.
💡 The Future of Cannabis Retail – Where the industry is heading and how to prepare.

What You’ll Learn:

• How cannabis helps with dementia, anxiety, and chronic illness.
• The importance of mindful cannabis use and intentional consumption.
• How a knowledgeable retailer makes a difference in patient care.
• Why Minnesota’s cannabis market needs education and advocacy.

Whether you're new to cannabis or a longtime advocate, this episode will shift your perspective on what’s possible for the future of cannabis and wellness.

Find the Right Strain 

⏱️ 5:00 – Kara’s Personal Cannabis Story
How cannabis helped her grandmother with dementia and changed her views forever.

⏱️ 10:00 – From Consumer to Advocate
Why she became passionate about cannabis education and access.

⏱️ 18:00 – Building a Community-Driven Cannabis Business
How Essence of Health bridges the gap between cannabis, wellness, and education.

⏱️ 25:00 – Overcoming Stigma in Minnesota’s Cannabis Market
How conservative attitudes are shifting and what’s needed next.

⏱️ 35:00 – The Importance of Local, High-Quality Products
Why knowing your grower and source matters.

⏱️ 45:00 – The Future of Cannabis Retail
How the industry is evolving, plus challenges and opportunities ahead.

⏱️ 55:00 – Final Thoughts & Where to Find Kara
How to connect with Essence of Health and support mindful cannabis businesses.

Would you like to see more cannabis + wellness stores in your area? 🌿 Let us know in the comments!
Like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth cannabis conversations. Let us know how cannabis has impacted your health journey! 💚#CannabisCommunity #ConversationsWithKush #CannabisEducation #MinnesotaCannabis #CannabisWellness

🌿 Welcome to Conversations with Kush! 🌟 This episode is all about the art, science, and community of home cannabis growing! Molly "The Kush RN" sits down with Jude the Ganja Dude to talk about cultivating top-tier cannabis, sharing knowledge, and growing a thriving cannabis community.

From selecting the right genetics to perfecting your drying and curing process, this episode is packed with insider tips for home growers of all levels. Plus, Jude shares how community-driven grow events are shaping the future of local cannabis culture.

What’s Inside This Episode:
🌱 Home Grow 101 – The top three factors every grower needs to get right.
🔬 Genetics Matter – Why the quality of your starting plant is everything.
💡 Growing Smarter, Not Harder – How to dial in your environment for maximum yield.
💨 Curing & Storage Hacks – How to preserve terpenes & potency for the perfect smoke.
🤝 Building a Grow Community – How local events are shaping the future of cannabis culture.

What You’ll Learn:
How genetics, light, and soil determine your grow’s success.
The importance of mindful cannabis consumption and community education.
Why proper drying, curing, and storage makes all the difference in quality.
How small growers are advocating for cannabis policy change.
Whether you're an experienced cultivator or just curious about growing your own medicine, this episode will educate, inspire, and empower you to take your home grow to the next level.

Find the Right Strain: Episode Chapters

5:00 – The Power of Cannabis Community
How local grow groups and events are shaping cannabis culture.

10:00 – The Foundation of a Great Grow
Breaking down genetics, light, and soil as the three must-haves for success.

18:00 – From Seed to Harvest
Step-by-step tips for strong, healthy plants.

25:00 – Avoiding Common Mistakes
Overwatering, bad soil, and how to set up your grow for success.

30:00 – The Magic of Trichomes
What they do, how to read them, and when to harvest for peak potency.

40:00 – Curing & Storage Secrets
The best way to store cannabis to preserve freshness, terpenes, and potency.

50:00 – Craft vs. Commercial Cannabis
The future of small growers and how to keep craft cannabis alive.

1:00:00 – Final Thoughts & Upcoming Grow Events
How to get involved in the local grow scene and learn from fellow cultivators.

If you could grow your own cannabis, what strain would you pick first? 🌱 Drop your answers below!

"Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe! Let us know your biggest home grow questions, and we might answer them in a future episode! 💚
 #HomeGrow #CannabisCommunity #ConversationsWithKush #GrowYourOwn #CannabisEducation

🌿 Welcome to Conversations with Kush! 🌟 In this episode, Molly "The Kush RN" sits down with Casey Solomon, a veteran, Ph.D. biochemist, registered nurse, and co-founder of Phyto Lab Minnesota, to explore the fascinating and critical world of cannabis testing.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• 🧪 The science behind cannabis testing – How labs ensure safety and potency for every product.
• 🌱 Breaking down COAs – What’s in a Certificate of Analysis and why it matters.
• 🩺 The intersection of healthcare and cannabis – Why testing is vital for patients and consumers.
• 🔬 The future of cannabis R&D – How genetics and terpene profiling are reshaping the industry.
• 💡 Personal stories and insights – Casey’s journey from academia to cannabis entrepreneurship.

What You’ll Learn:

• The step-by-step process of cannabis testing, from potency to safety.
• How to read and understand a Certificate of Analysis (CoA).
• Why terpene and cannabinoid profiles are essential for medicinal and recreational users.
• The challenges of starting and running a cannabis testing lab in a shifting regulatory landscape.

Whether you’re a cannabis connoisseur, healthcare professional, or curious learner, this episode will inspire you to see the science behind the plant like never before! 🌟

What’s the most important aspect of cannabis testing to you—safety, potency, or terpene profiles? Let us know below! 🌱✨

Find The Right Strain: Episode Chapters

5:00 – The Role of Cannabis Labs
Why testing matters for safety, quality, and consumer trust.

10:00 – Breaking Down Certificates of Analysis (CoA)
What’s included, why it’s crucial, and how it protects consumers.

15:00 – Cannabis Testing Process
From potency and terpenes to safety checks for pesticides and mold.

25:00 – The Future of Cannabis Testing
R&D, genetics, and how science is advancing the industry.

35:00 – Cannabis Industry Challenges
Navigating state and federal regulations in a new market.

45:00 – Personal Use and Professional Impact
Casey’s journey and reflections on the evolving cannabis landscape.

55:00 – Final Thoughts & Where to Find PhytoLab MN
Exciting plans for the future and where to connect.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth cannabis conversations. Share this episode with someone curious about the science behind cannabis! 💚 #CannabisTesting #ConversationsWithKush #CannabisEducation #PhytoLabMN

🌿 Welcome to Conversations with Kush! 🌟 Join Molly, “The Kush RN,” as she connects with Sammie Pyle, cannabis nurse educator and CEO of Nursing Nature’s Way, for an enlightening discussion on destigmatizing cannabis and the future of cannabis nursing.

This episode dives deep into:

• 🩺 Cannabis nursing as a recognized specialty – bridging the gap between patients, providers, and dispensaries.
• 🌱 Cannabis education for healthcare professionals – breaking down the barriers of stigma in conservative environments.
• 🌍 The power of community – from local events to national advocacy, how nurses are driving change.
• ✨ Personal stories of resilience – navigating the evolving landscape of cannabis use in healthcare.

What You’ll Learn:

• How cannabis nurses are redefining patient care and education.
• The importance of certifications and community for cannabis healthcare professionals.
• How personal cannabis journeys inspire advocacy and connection.
• Tips for using cannabis responsibly and with intention.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, cannabis user, or curious advocate, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to explore new possibilities.

Find the Right Strain: Episode Chapters

1:00 – Meet Sammie Pyle
Cannabis nurse educator and founder of Nursing Nature’s Way shares her journey.

5:00 – Cannabis Nursing as a Specialty
The push for certification and breaking barriers in conservative healthcare.

10:00 – The Role of Nurses in Cannabis Care
Bridging gaps between patients, medication, and providers.

15:00 – Community Connection
From local events to national advocacy, building supportive networks.

25:00 – Cannabis Use in Healthcare
Destigmatizing cannabis use among patients and healthcare professionals.

30:00 – Personal Cannabis Journeys
How individual stories fuel the movement for education and acceptance.

40:00 – Growing the Future
Advocacy for federal legalization and the role of policy change.

45:00 – Closing Thoughts
Final reflections on the journey of cannabis nursing and the impact of shared stories.

What’s your biggest question about cannabis nursing? Drop it in the comments! 🌿✨

Like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations about cannabis and healthcare. Let us know how cannabis has impacted your life! 💬💚

#CannabisNursing #ConversationsWithKush #CannabisEducation #DestigmatizeCannabis

🌿 Welcome to Conversations with Kush! 🌟 In this episode, Molly, “The Kush RN,” takes the next step in her cannabis journey—getting certified for a medical cannabis card! Joining her is Lindsey Smith, nurse practitioner and CEO of Mary Jane Healthcare, who shares her expertise and personal story of transitioning from traditional healthcare to cannabis advocacy.

What’s Inside This Episode:
📜 How to get certified for a medical cannabis card—step-by-step.
🌱 Benefits of medical cannabis for anxiety, chronic pain, PTSD, and more.
🩺 Navigating cannabis care—breaking stigmas and advocating for patient rights.
🧬 The evolving science of cannabis and its role in holistic wellness.

What You’ll Learn:
📜 The certification process – From virtual appointments to state approvals.
🌱 Why cannabis is a game-changer – For mental health, chronic pain, and more.
🩺 How providers like Lindsay ensure – Access, education, and personalized care.
💡 Tips for using cannabis responsibly – Even as a novice.

Find the Right Strain: Episode Chapters
5:00 – The Certification Process

A step-by-step guide to getting your medical cannabis card.
10:00 – Breaking Barriers in Healthcare
How virtual appointments are making cannabis care accessible to all.

15:00 – Who Benefits from Cannabis?
Common qualifying conditions and why access matters.

20:00 – Cannabis for Mental Health
Using cannabis to address anxiety, PTSD, and depression.

30:00 – Patient Stories & Successes
Real-life transformations through cannabis therapy.

40:00 – Medical vs. Recreational Use
Why medical programs offer unique advantages, from tax benefits to product testing.

50:00 – Advocacy & Education
How Lindsay supports patients and communities through compassionate care.

55:00 – Closing Thoughts
Final reflections on cannabis care and Molly’s excitement about certification.

👉 Don’t forget to like 👍, comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 to join us on this journey!
💡 Drop your favorite terpene or cannabis product in the comments below!

#MedicalCannabis #CannabisCertification #ConversationsWithKush #CannabisCare

🌿 Welcome to Conversations with Kush! 🌟 Host Molly "The Kush RN" dives deep into one of the most misunderstood cannabis-related conditions: Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Joining her are Jacqueline Higgins and Megan Mbengue, expert nurses and researchers who break down the latest findings on CHS and share the human stories behind the science.

JOIN THE STUDY: Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Questionnaire: uci.questionpro.com

What’s Inside This Episode:
🔍 What is CHS? Symptoms, phases, and the challenges of diagnosis.
🩺 Breaking Stigmas – How healthcare professionals can better support patients.
🧬 The Role of Genetics – What emerging research tells us about predisposition to CHS.
🌱 Cannabis Conversations – Tips for building trust with patients and navigating complex healthcare dynamics.

What You'll Learn:
🔍 How to recognize CHS symptoms across its phases.
🤔 Why CHS diagnosis has historically been overlooked.
🩺 Tools and strategies nurses can use to advocate for better patient outcomes.
🌱 Insights for cannabis users to make informed decisions about their health.
✨ Whether you're a healthcare professional, a cannabis user, or simply curious about this condition, this episode will leave you enlightened and empowered! 💡🌿

Find the Right Strain: Episode Chapters
5:00 – What is CHS?
Breaking down the symptoms, phases, and challenges of this misunderstood condition.

12:30 – Diagnostic Challenges
How CHS was overlooked for decades and the importance of new diagnostic criteria.

18:00 – Patient Stories & Voices
The human impact of CHS and the importance of listening to patients.

25:45 – The Role of Genetics
How genetic markers could revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of CHS.

35:00 – Healthcare Stigma & Trust
Tips for healthcare professionals to improve communication and patient outcomes.

40:00 – Future Tools & Hope
How bedside tools and ongoing research will transform CHS care.

45:00 – Final Thoughts & Study Info
How to get involved with CHS research and support the cannabis community.