What do maple syrup, riverbank weed, neuroscience, and the future of cannabis policy all have in common? Dr. Clemon “Doc Dabs” Dabney III. 🌿

In this soul-sparking episode of Conversations With Kush, we sit down with a real-life cannabis molecular geneticist who’s not just talking the talk—he’s growing the genes, fighting the policy fights, and crafting terpene-forward edibles that are changing the game in Minnesota and beyond.

Host Molly dives into everything from Doc Dabs' dabbling days as a communion class rebel to the molecular science behind your favorite strains. We’re talking plant breeding, terpenes, THC glitter, and yes—why most “indica vs. sativa” talk is scientifically ✨sus✨.

Whether you're a curious patient, an aspiring grower, or a policy buff looking to make an impact—this episode’s for you. Let’s get high on knowledge, y’all.

🔬 What You’ll Learn:

• What it actually means to study cannabis genetics
• Tips for first-time homegrowers (get that jeweler's loupe!)
• How to develop your cannabis palate like a pro
• Why THC alone isn’t the full picture of your high
• How equity and legacy can (and must) coexist in cannabis policy
• What’s holding back the hemp industry—and how to fix it
• What “Doc Dabs” would do as head of the OCM (spoiler: it's good)
• Why the future of cannabis is personal, precise, and deeply innovative

👩🏽‍⚕️ Hosted by a nurse who vibes with late-night talks, plant-based empowerment, and smart cannabis conversations.

Find the Right Strain: Episode Chapters

02:30 – Grandma’s Garden to Genetic Mapping
How Doc’s love for plants (and people) took root—and what neuroscience had to do with it.

06:00 – Cannabis at College & Finding a Mentor
Sneaking cannabis into the University of Minnesota research space? You bet. And the spark that launched a genome project.

08:30 – Hemp for Plastic? The Eco-Innovation You Didn’t Know You Needed
How hemp could make your garbage bags greener—and why it’s not happening yet.

10:00 – From Gummy Empires to Maple Syrup Dreams
The surprising (and delicious) road to Doc Dabs’ product innovation process.

14:00 – Suppositories, THC Glitter & the R&D Mindset
What it takes to bring an idea to shelf—plus Doc’s wildest white label requests.

17:00 – Orange Terpenes, Chemo Bars, and the Perfect High
A masterclass in how cannabis works with your brain—not just your body.

21:00 – The Power of Homegrow & Community Genetics
Why home cultivation is changing lives—and saving legacy strains.

25:00 – Harvest Tips from a Pro
What your stigmas and trichomes are trying to tell you (plus, the $5 tool every grower should own).

28:00 – The State of the Industry & The Rules We Need
Minnesota’s cannabis law: what’s working, what’s broken, and what to watch for.

32:00 – Policy, Advocacy & Losing the OCM Role
Why Doc didn’t get the job—and how he’s still holding the industry accountable.

36:00 – Social Equity, Indigenous Justice & the Hard Conversations
Real talk on balancing opportunity with reparative justice in cannabis spaces.

40:00 – The Research That Will Change the Game
From Sweet Tangos to THC-for-inflammation: what’s coming next in strain science.

44:00 – Sativa, Indica, and Why It’s All Nonsense
The myth that’s holding cannabis education back—and what to say instead.

49:00 – Breeding Better Products for Real People
Can cannabis become as tailored as a prescription? Doc Dabs says yes.

52:00 – Sustainable Cannabis: Pipe Dream or Next Frontier?
Why we must innovate smarter—not just sexier—ways to grow.

55:00 – Market Woes, Rollout Chaos & What’s Next for MN
What to expect when rec launches—and how to survive the shortfall.

1:00:00 – Concierge Cannabis & Breaking Down Barriers
Dispensaries need to be welcoming spaces. Here’s how to do it right.

1:03:00 – 420: Protest, Celebration, and the Waldo Legacy
The surprisingly radical history of our favorite holiday.