Planting Seeds with Senator Sharif Street

Todd Eachus, Partner at Pure Green BioAg joins us on this episode of Planting Seeds. Todd discusses the evolution of the medical marijuana system in Pennsylvania. He notes a significant cultural shift, with around 70% of the population now supporting cannabis use, up from around 30% previously. The medical program has been successful, with numerous sites serving patients statewide and generating robust revenue for the state. Todd believes the time is right to create an adult-use cannabis market, building on the proven medical program.

In today's episode Joe Hodas welcomes Gibran Washington, the CEO of Ethos Cannabis, a multi-state cannabis operator headquartered in Philadelphia. Gibran discusses his background and journey into the cannabis industry, which was influenced by his family and personal experiences, before sharing his vision for the future of the cannabis industry.

In today's episode, Joe Hodas and Senator Sharif Street introduce two special guests: Councilman Curtis Jones and Mason Tvert. Jones is a lifelong Philadelphian serving his fifth term in the Philadelphia City Council, and Mason is a seasoned communications and public affairs professional who has played an active role in the legalization movement throughout the country. Jones discusses his evolving position on the legalization of cannabis in Pennsylvania, emphasizing the importance of understanding who would benefit and who would not. Mason, who has been working in cannabis policy for two decades, shares his background and current efforts towards treating cannabis similarly to alcohol.

Cannabis legalization in the United States is a multi-faceted issue that touches on social equity, local and state regulations, and the broader market dynamics. With voices from both the legislative field and industry providing critical insights, we navigate the labyrinthine world of cannabis legislation and explore the future landscapes shaped by current debates and policies. 

One of the most urgent issues discussed in the recent podcast is social equity within the cannabis sector. Today's guest, Tony Payton Jr., underscores the complexity involved in providing entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups with a fair shot in the industry. Drawing from his experience across multiple states, Payton emphasizes how exorbitant fees can hinder social equity efforts.

Tony Payton Jr. is a former Pennsylvania State Representative, having served three terms. He later worked as the Deputy Secretary for the Department of Community and Economic Development in Pennsylvania. Currently, Tony is venturing into the cannabis industry as a licensed Multi-State Operator (MSO) with operations in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Australia. Additionally, he runs a government relations firm, having deep-rooted experience in both legislative processes and cannabis industry dynamics.

Discover how Pennsylvania plans to learn from Colorado and California's cannabis experiences with Senator Sharif Street and Wana Brands' President, Joe Hodas. Explore the state's innovative approach to creating a cannabis control board for nimble regulation, addressing taxation, enforcement, and supporting illicit market transition into the legal market. Join the conversation on bipartisan strategies, taxation targets, and equitable market integration to shape a successful legalization landscape. Tune in for insights on building a sustainable and inclusive cannabis industry in Pennsylvania.

In the realm of cannabis legislation, Pennsylvania stands at a pivotal juncture. The proposal to create a dedicated regulatory agency, akin to a Cannabis Control Board, signals a significant shift in how the industry will be governed. This innovative approach aims to streamline regulatory processes, allowing for more agile responses to market changes. As Senator Street aptly highlights, this move could enable Pennsylvania to address current challenges promptly, preventing a clash between outdated regulations and evolving market dynamics. The vision of a regulatory body solely focused on cannabis signals a progressive stance toward efficient and effective industry oversight.

In the realm of Pennsylvania cannabis policy, the path to legalization is fraught with complexities and challenges. In a recent discussion with Senator Sharif Street's team, critical insights were shared on the nuanced dynamics shaping the potential adult-use cannabis landscape in the state. From regulatory frameworks to industry perspectives, the conversation shed light on key considerations vital for a successful transition. Let's delve into the key takeaways and explore the implications of these insights in detail.

Trent Woloveck is the Chief Strategy Director for Jushi, a multistate operator in the cannabis industry. With a background in finance and extensive experience in the regulated cannabis sector spanning over a decade, Trent has been instrumental in building and growing Jushi since its inception. His unique perspective and expertise have made a significant impact on the industry, focusing on balancing business success with societal benefits.

Les Stark is a Pennsylvania hemp historian who has spent thousands of hours researching the historic Pennsylvania hemp industry. He has documented the existence of hundreds of hemp mills throughout the state and uncovered an epic tale of the days when nearly every farmer in the state grew hemp.

Since 1997 he has been teaching this information to farmers, farm organizations, historical societies, community groups, the media, weed, legislators and the general public. He is the author of Hempstone Heritage

Les served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a tank crewman on the M60A1 tank from 1984-1987.

The cannabis landscape is evolving rapidly, and Pennsylvania stands at the cusp of potentially transformative legislation. In the 8th episode of Planting Seeds with Senator Sharif Street, distinct perspectives converge, offering insights into the complex interplay between large multi-state operators (MSOs), small-scale operators, and the pursuit of social equity in the cannabis industry.

In this episode Senator Street, Joe Hodas and Bryan Murray, EVP of Communications and Government Relations for Acreage, discuss the balance between large multi-state operators (MSOs) and small craft cultivators in the cannabis industry. They emphasize the importance of creating a diverse market that includes both MSOs and smaller independent cultivators. They also touch on the current adult use bills in Pennsylvania and the need for a comprehensive social equity program. The episode concludes with a discussion on the definition and implementation of social equity in the cannabis industry.

Pennsylvania is at a crossroads in crafting cannabis legislation that could set new standards for regulation and industry practice. With the influx of expertise from seasoned growers and the progressive vision of Senator Sharif Street, the Keystone State is poised to lead in creating a blueprint for cannabis legalization that benefits producers, workers, and consumers alike.

Today our guests Steve Bevin and Brett Goldman of OCan Group, an advocacy group working to create global access to cannabinoids, join Senator Street and Joe Hodas to discuss the future of cannabis legalization and regulation in Pennsylvania. They advocate for treating cannabis as an agricultural crop, with the Department of Agriculture overseeing regulations. The goal is to create a robust market that benefits both small and large businesses while ensuring access to safe and affordable products. This episode offers valuable insights into the potential of Pennsylvania's cannabis market and the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework.

As conversations around cannabis legalization gain momentum in Pennsylvania, Senator Sharif Street, Joe Hodas and Chris Goldstein, a regional organizer for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), discuss the path forward. Their insights reveal the intricate dynamics at play, from political influences to the importance of social equity and grassroots advocacy in shaping policy.

One of the most significant themes to emerge from the transcript is the focus on social equity programs within cannabis legalization. Senator Street and Goldstein discuss the need for licensing, building knowledge bases, providing mentorship, and ensuring access to capital. Diving deeper into the social equity discussion, the necessity for knowledge dissemination and financial assistance emerges. Mentorship programs and training academies have been touted as solutions for bridging this knowledge gap. Pennsylvania is considering integrating similar approaches within its framework, inspired by successful initiatives in neighboring states.