High Minded with McCarter

In this powerful episode, we sit down with James Granger — an Ohio native who grew cannabis in California’s legendary Humboldt County cannabis scene. From growing in the rugged hills to surviving a near-death experience that reshaped his life and meeting patients first-hand that benefit from cannabis medicine, James shares his incredible journey from legacy cultivator to cannabis industry advocate. Now working with The Clear, one of the most recognized brands in cannabis concentrates, James brings his deep-rooted experience to the front lines of political reform and corporate cannabis leadership. We talk legacy-to-legal transitions, the urgent need for equitable policy, and how real voices from the past are driving the future of the cannabis movement.

This episode is sponsored by Good Trees, McCarter's favorite rosin brand in Colorado! Pick up their products at The Trust Cannabis Co. in Boulder, CO and use "MCCARTER" for a 20% discount!

This episode is also sponsored by Sacred Grove Organics ~ McCarter's favorite micro-dosed hemp-derived THC/CBD tincture that makes any drink into the perfect infused mocktail. Use code "MCCARTER" to save & get discrete delivery right to your doorstep nationwide. Get yours at SacredGroveOrganics.com!

A boutique hotel with a cannabis lounge in the basement and a bar on the patio? Chris Chiari is bringing this dream to life in Denver, Colorado and tells us all about it in episode 89. The Patterson Inn, located at 420 E 11th Ave, Denver, CO has had several owners but the current one is here to stay and execute a vision of cannabis destigmatization and normalization that he's been working on his entire life. Join us for this hilarious conversation with this Denver entrepreneur and long-time cannabis advocate, Chris Chiari. Find more information about the Patterson Inn and booking at PattersonInn.com.

This episode is sponsored by Good Trees, McCarter's favorite rosin brand in Colorado! Pick up their products at The Trust Cannabis Co. in Boulder, CO and use "MCCARTER" for a 20% discount! Find more information at TheGoodTreesCo.com or on Instagram @goodtrees.co.

Episode 88 feels like catching up with a friend over dinner! Celebrating 10 years of creating beautiful cannabis events, Kendal Norris of Mason Jar Event Group comes on the podcast to get elevated and reflect on lessons learned over the past decade of bringing people together over the plant. You can still get tickets to Mason Jar Event Group's next event on May 3, 2025 in Longmont, Colorado at masonjareventgroup.com!

This episode is sponsored by Good Trees, McCarter's favorite rosin brand in Colorado! Pick up their products at The Trust Cannabis Co. in Boulder, CO and use "MCCARTER" for a 20% discount!

This episode is also sponsored by Sacred Grove Organics ~ McCarter's favorite micro-dosed hemp-derived THC/CBD tincture that makes any drink into the perfect infused mocktail. Use code "MCCARTER" to save & get discrete delivery right to your doorstep nationwide. Get yours at SacredGroveOrganics.com!

Trigger Warning: In episode 87, we discuss drug addiction, drug overdose and suicide. If these subjects are difficult for you, please take care while listening or skip this episode. Resources: HarmReduction.org & SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Alexa from The Trust Cannabis Co. dives head-first into her story of overcoming opioid addiction, and how she continues to use cannabis as harm reduction.

This episode is sponsored by Good Trees, McCarter's favorite rosin brand in Colorado! Pick up their products at The Trust Cannabis Co. in Boulder, CO and use "MCCARTER" for a 20% discount! Find more information at TheGoodTreesCo.com or on Instagram @goodtrees.co.

In this special episode, we honor Nicholas Barreto, known as @cannabis.connoisseur.007 on Instagram and founder of Stoner Cinema Club. During his time on Earth, he passionately explored cannabis and later, its role in treating cancer and managing pain. Before his passing, he shared invaluable insights on his use of cannabis before and after his diagnosis, the challenges he faced, and his love for creating cannabis content and bringing the community together.

This episode is sponsored by Good Trees, McCarter's favorite rosin brand in Colorado! Pick up their products at The Trust Cannabis Co. in Boulder, CO and use "MCCARTER" for a 20% discount!

This episode is also sponsored by Sacred Grove Organics ~ McCarter's favorite micro-dosed hemp-derived THC/CBD tincture that makes any drink into the perfect infused mocktail. Use code "MCCARTER" to save & get discrete delivery right to your doorstep (nationwide minus select states). Get yours at SacredGroveOrganics.com!

Farmers using AI for better harvests? Sounds too good to be true. In Episode 85, Tim McCormick is back on the podcast for a fourth time to deliver more mind-blowing information, and not just about cannabis. Tim explains how farmers are turning to AI to boost yields, cut costs, and work smarter—not harder. We explore how artificial intelligence is transforming agriculture, from nutrients to precision planting to predictive analytics.

This episode is sponsored by Good Trees, McCarter's favorite rosin brand in Colorado! Pick up their products at The Trust Cannabis Co. in Boulder, CO and use "MCCARTER" for a 20% discount! Find more information at TheGoodTreesCo.com or on Instagram @goodtrees.co.

Burning Man is one of those things that almost everyone has heard of, but unless you’ve been, it’s hard to fully understand. In this episode, McCarter chats with friends, siblings and podcasting duo Nicodemus and Francesca Piazza aka Saucy Sibz to ask every question about Burning Man—no filter. What do you eat while you're there? How do you survive the conditions? What’s the deal with all the art installations, rules, and unwritten codes? Whether you're a Burner, a skeptic, or just curious, this conversation digs into the festival’s culture, quirks, and who is actually paying for everything. Check out the Saucy Sibz podcast for more ridiculous stories and life adventures with Nicodemus and Francesca.

This episode is sponsored by Good Trees, McCarter's favorite rosin brand in Colorado! Pick up their products at The Trust Cannabis Co. in Boulder, CO and use "MCCARTER" for a 20% discount!

This episode is also sponsored by Sacred Grove Organics ~ yummy micro-dosed hemp-derived THC edible that melts in your mouth for the perfect buzz. Use code "MCCARTER" to save & get them delivered right to your doorstep (nationwide minus select states). Get yours at SacredGroveOrganics.com!

Darwin Millard, the "Spock of Cannabis," joins McCarter for episode 83 to dive deep into the science and standards behind cannabis safety and quality. With over 14 years of experience, he is a leading expert in cannabis extraction, product manufacturing, and industry standards. Darwin specializes in mechanical and solvent-based extraction and plays a key role in the ATSM (American Society for Testing and Materials) International’s cannabis regulatory framework. In this episode, he breaks down the science behind cannabis safety, quality, and evolving industry standards, offering insights that simplify the complexities of extraction, compliance, and product consistency. Join us for this conversation that sheds light on the critical elements shaping the future of cannabis.

This episode is sponsored by Good Trees, McCarter's favorite rosin brand in Colorado! Pick up their products at The Trust Cannabis Co. in Boulder, CO and use "MCCARTER" for a 20% discount! Find more information at TheGoodTreesCo.com or on Instagram @goodtrees.co.

Shannon Kaygi, entrepreneur and founder of the Cannabis Golf League, joins McCarter for episode 82 to discuss her innovative approach to blending cannabis culture with the world of golf. As the owner of the Denver-based league, and hemp skincare brand Eossi, she's reshaping how people experience both sports and wellness. Shannon opens up about the process of launching and growing her business in a space that’s still evolving and one that's already established (golf). We talk about the unique challenges of operating in the cannabis industry, the community she's building around the league, and how golf provides the perfect backdrop for a culture of relaxation and connection. Shannon also shares her thoughts on the future of cannabis events and how she's shaping the conversation around responsible consumption and wellness. This conversation offers an inside look into a bold entrepreneurial venture at the intersection of passion, business, and cannabis community.

This episode is sponsored by Good Trees, McCarter's favorite rosin brand in Colorado! Pick up their products at The Trust Cannabis Co. in Boulder, CO and use "MCCARTER" for a 20% discount!

This episode is also sponsored by Sacred Grove Organics ~ yummy micro-dosed hemp-derived THC edible that melts in your mouth for the perfect buzz. Use code "MCCARTER" to save & get them delivered right to your doorstep (nationwide minus select states). Get yours at SacredGroveOrganics.com!

Episode 81! Joe Palec is a Denver-based artist who turns ordinary walls—and even bathrooms—into full-blown masterpieces. Whether he’s painting vibrant murals for Native Roots Dispensary or transforming a simple bathroom into a work of art, Joe’s creativity knows no limits. We dive into how cannabis culture has influenced his process, the challenges of working on large-scale pieces, and the stories behind some of his most memorable projects. Tune in for a colorful conversation on murals, art, and everything in between.

This episode is sponsored by Good Trees, McCarter's favorite rosin brand in Colorado! They press their premium rosin through stainless steel—never nylon—so you don’t have to ever worry about micro-plastics. Pick it up at The Trust Cannabis Co. in Boulder, CO and use "MCCARTER" for a 20% discount!