Planting Seeds with Senator Sharif Street

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highlights, this move could enable Pennsylvania to address current challenges promptly, preventing a clash between outdated regulations and evolving market dynamics.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.

Pennsylvania stands on the brink of transformative action in cannabis legislation, with discussions that carry the potential to shape the justice system and economic landscape of the state. In a detailed and enlightening conversation with State Representative Rick Krajewski, Joe Hodas and Senator Sharif Street, we are given a candid look into the intricate process of crafting a law that hopes to balance social equity, taxation, and education in ushering in recreational cannabis use.

Representative Krajewski makes a compelling argument that any framework for cannabis legalization in Pennsylvania should integrate criminal justice reform, specifically the expungement of past cannabis-related convictions. "If we don’t do that, we don’t fully address the social and racial equity component of it," Krajewski states, laying out the direct connection between expungement and the ability of previously criminalized individuals to enter the burgeoning industry. This inclusion in the legal canvas is not without its challenges, as Senator Street points out the need for bipartisan agreement to ensure such components are a part of the final legislation.

The future of cannabis is envisioned through a lens of globalization and diversity. Countries like Ghana are stepping into the cannabis market, creating a bridge with US communities. Today's guest, Cherron Perry-Thomas, underscores, "It's happening slowly," indicating that there's much work to be done in crafting an industry that doesn't mirror the exclusion suffered in the past. The transference of knowledge and land use rights are key aspects in ensuring inclusion and participation from communities on a global scale.

For communities in Pennsylvania and elsewhere, it remains paramount to acknowledge cannabis as a formidable vector for economic and social transformation. Legislators need to be made aware of the lived experiences that underline the pressing need for equitable cannabis legislation. This coversation between Senator Sharif Street, Joe Hodas and Cherron Thomas serves as a catalyst for change, envisioning a world where the cannabis industry thrives on inclusivity, community investment, and fair representation. The path toward a unified and equitable cannabis industry is laden with challenges, yet it promises empowerment and progressive change for local economies and marginalized communities worldwide.

Changing the perception of cannabis in the media industry requires educating journalists and newsrooms about the history and medicinal uses of the plant. In this episode, we have two special guests who are working to change perceptions and build equity in the cannabis industry. Co-host Joe Hodas from Wana speaks with Tauhid Chappel, an executive board member of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists, and Tsehaitu Abye, founder of the Black Dragon Breakfast Club, share their experiences and insights on the intersection of media, advocacy, and cannabis.