In this episode, I sit down with Dane Herbst—better known as Boof—the mastermind behind CannaBudGrow’s premium medicinal cannabis. As Head of Cultivation, Dane isn’t just growing plants; he’s shaping an industry, setting new quality standards, and ensuring patients get the best medicine possible. We talk about cultivation challenges, global cannabis markets, and what it takes to thrive in an evolving space. Plus, as always I put Dane in the hot seat with some wild rapid-fire questions!

In this episode, we cover a lot of topics including:

* Rapid Fire (1:30)

* Who is Dane Herbst (6:35)

* Where did Dane’s cannabis journey start(7:43)

* Challenges of growing cannabis in South Africa for a pharmaceutical market (9:08)

* The fine art of consistency (12:07)

* Why a hydro setup vs soil setup (13:40)

* Was it more difficult to first set up in South Africa or enter the Australian market? (15:17)

* Differences between what patients want in South Africa vs Australia (17:15)

* Eco-friendly farming practices (20:36)

* Surprising challenges along the way (23:59)

* Cannabis conversations out in the wild and with family (25:55)

* Boundry pushing ideas (31:26)

* Green (Legacy) genetics (33:33)

* Rethinking how to start “fresh” (37:00)

* CannaBudGrow’s plans for 2025 (39:53)

* Dane’s call to action (41:48)

Where to Dane:

* Email [email protected]

* @boof_enshmirtz on Instagram

Where to find me:

* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack

* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram

* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X

* Email [email protected]

I’m back for Season 3! Kicking things off with a bang, I’m sitting down with Brian Bain—an industry heavyweight with over 20 years in cannabis and 12 years in innovative agriculture. As CEO and Founder of Mother Labs, Brian has been at the forefront of genetic development, shaping some of the most exciting cultivars on the market today.

In this episode, we dive into the art and science of breeding top-tier genetics, the journey that led him here, and because you know I don’t do surface-level chats I put Brian on the spot by asking him about the discontinuation of one of my favourite cultivars, Miss Kim!

If you’re passionate about cannabis, innovation, or just love a damn good origin story, this is one you don’t want to miss.

We cover a lot of topics including:

* Rapid Fire (1:54)

* Who is Brian Bain (11:36)

* The need for seeds and how it’s blossomed (13:23)

* What does Brian look for when starting a pheno hunt (17:01)

* Flawless Victory… 5 years and 45 seeds (18:18)

* What is a Tissue Culture? (19:04)

* Is there a difference between what the medical market wants vs what the adult-use market? (21:33)

* Terpinolene and Ocimene are the perfect combination… for us (22:37)

* The need to diversify (23:14)

* If we could talk to doctors about improving the quality of life without the stigma (26:57)

* Lessons Australia can learn from the early days of Canada’s medical market (30:23)

* We owe a lot to BC bud (31:24)

* A cannabis rotation is like a top 100 playlist (39:24)

* Renaming of cultivars and the need to be truthful (42:21)

* Respect for the underground/closet growers (46:31)

* The importance of love and playing the long game (48:28)

* What is Mother Labs working on in 2025? (49:32)

* Shameless… #SavingMissKim (50:26)

* Brian’s parting nugget of information (55:14)

Show Notes:

* Mother Labs Website

Where to find Brian:

* Email [email protected]

* Brian on Linkedin

* @Motherlabs on Instagram

Where to find me:

* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack

* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram

* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X

* Email [email protected]

2024 was a year of growth, connection, and unforgettable moments for the AusCannaPodcast! From rapid-fire questions that sparked laughter and deep insights to the immersive “On The Road” series that brought you closer to the cannabis community, this episode looks back at the highlights from my first two seasons. From listener favourites to a recap of the most downloaded episodes, join me as I reflect on an incredible year and set the stage for what’s to come in 2025.

In this episode:

* Mitch’s deep dive

* Adam’s thoughts on transparency

* Liz’s thoughts on CoA’s

* The most downloaded episode

* Looking forward to 2025

Where to find me:

* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack

* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram

* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X

* Email [email protected]

In this fun and fast-paced cross-collaboration episode of the AusCannaPodcast, I sit down with Andrew Dowling and Mitch Kurz from Phytoca for a lively chat that’s anything but business as usual.

Andrew, a passionate advocate for cannabis legalization, brings a sharp perspective to the tricky intersection of law, policy, and alternative medicine. Mitch, the entrepreneurial force behind Phytoca, is leading the charge in medicinal cannabis and breaking new ground with emerging therapies like psilocybin and MDMA.

Beyond their work at Phytoca, Andrew and Mitch co-host the AltMed Podcast, where they dive into the transformative world of natural therapies, especially medicinal cannabis. With over 115 episodes under their belt, they’ve mastered the art of blending education with a good dose of humor and curiosity.

This episode is full of laughs, surprising insights, and a rapid-fire round you won’t want to miss. It’s a refreshing detour from the usual format and one that’s guaranteed to keep you entertained!

In this episode, we cover a lot of topics including:

* Rapid Fire

* Christina’s background and why she started writing reviews

* We love your work… crickets

* AusCannaReviews long term goals

* Why Andrew and Mitch began the AltMed podcast

* How does Christina pick her flowers

* How to maximize terpene effects

* Nothing leftover vs A little here and there consumption methods

* Vaping vs Combustion

* Thoughts around Edibles

* Mitch asks the one question EVERYONE wants to know…

Show Notes:

* Samurai Pizza Cats

Where to find Andrew and Mitch:

* AltMed on YouTube

* AltMed on Spotify

* AltMed on Apple Podcast

* AltMed on LinkedIn

* AltMed on Facebook

* AltMed on Twitter/X

* AltMed on TikTok

Where to find me:

* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack

* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram

* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X

* Email [email protected]

The Catch-Up is a collaboration between Give and Toke and AusCannaReviews. Paul and Christina come together monthly to explore what’s happening in Cannabis in Australia and around the world. 

In this episode:

* What’s Up? (0.40)

* Victoria’s drug driving changes (3:45)

* Medicinal cannabis sales booming (4:50)

* Health bodies call for end to SAS-B (7:50)

* Green’s Legalisation bill fails (12:20)

* What can we expect from Trump? (15:40)

* MP Craig Garland fails roadside test (19:20)

* Highly Reflective (22:00)

* Our lovely listeners

* Driving laws

* The Queensland LNP

* Thailand

* Fiona Patten

* Dispensed

Show Notes:

Where to find Christina:

@AusCannaReviews on SubStack, Instagram and Twitter/X

Email [email protected]

Where to find Paul:

Visit www.giveandtoke.com.au

Follow @giveandtoke on Instagram

Email [email protected]

Get $10 off accessories with the code ‘CATCHUP’ at giveandtoke.com.au

In this episode of the AusCannaPodcast, I sit down with Michael Sassano, CEO and Chairman of SOMAI Pharmaceuticals, to explore the cutting-edge innovations driving the pharmaceutical cannabis industry. Michael shares insights on SOMAI’s state-of-the-art EU-GMP facility, the company’s sustainable production practices, and the exciting opportunities in emerging markets like Germany, Spain, and Australia.

From overcoming industry challenges to envisioning the global future of medical cannabis, Michael offers a wealth of knowledge, passion, and inspiration. Whether you’re a cannabis advocate, an industry insider, or simply curious, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

In this episode, we cover a lot of topics including:

* Rapid Fire

* Who is Michael Sassano

* What drew Michael into the industry

* SOMAI’s vision from the start

* Michael’s thoughts on cannabis legalization in the USA

* SOMAI’s extraction programs… Nano emulsions come back?

* The lack of education and research on medical cannabis

* Challenges in balancing compliance and innovation in a tightly regulated industry

* The rapidly growing global medical cannabis industry

* What’s special about Germany

* What’s the medical cannabis scene like in Portugal

* Misconceptions encountered in the pharmaceutical cannabis industry

* If global legalization happened overnight would that change SOMAI’s trajectory

* SOMAI’s cultivation vision

* Equal flower love for everyone

* Extraction vs Cultivation setups

* Plants are like children

* SOMAI Pharmaceuticals’s long-term vision in terms of innovation and market reach

* What country could be the next to embrace medical cannabis?

* Will we ever have a cannabis impairment test?

* Where will the global cannabis industry be in 10 years, and what role will SOMAI play in shaping that future?

* Michael’s call to action

Show Notes:

* Impairment Vs Presence of Cannabis: The International Cannabis Driving Debate Continues

Where to find Michael:

* Instagram

* LinkedIn

* Facebook

* Twitter/X

* TikTok

Where to find me:

* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack

* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram

* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X

* Email [email protected]

In this "On the Road" episode, I sit down with Adam Carvalho, Production Manager with Australian Natural Therapeutics Group (ANTG) whose path from the restaurant world to cannabis production is as surprising as it is inspiring. In this episode, we dive into stories of Humboldt County and memories from Eve Farms, uncovering the challenges and triumphs Adam has faced entering the Australian cannabis space. With behind-the-scenes insights, vibrant discussions, and a look at what’s next for ANTG, this episode is packed with the kind of detail that brings the world of cannabis production to life.

In this episode, we cover a lot of topics including:

* Rapid Fire

* Who is Adam Carvalho

* From pizza to cannabis

* Life in Humboldt County

* Memories at Eve Farms

* Soap Box to buy in and the importance of learning every day

* Biggest challenge moving into the Australian cannabis space

* Armidale facility vs Brisbane facility

* Australian market vs European market

* Thought on Canadian cannabis imports

* Colour-coded labels… The more you know!

* The importance of a recent Certificate of Analyst (COA)

* Exciting new products coming in the new year

* Shout out to the Research and Development crew!

* One thing Adam and his team are most proud of this year

* Adam’s call to action

Show Notes:

Where to find Adam:

* ANTG on Instagram

* ANTG on LinkedIn

* ANTG on Facebook

* ANTG on Twitter/X

* ANTG Website: www.antg.com.au

Where to find me:

* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack

* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram

* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X

* Email [email protected]

Where to find the best pizza in San Francisco:

* Tony’s Pizza Napoletana

More information about:

Waldo on Weed

The Catch-Up is a collaboration between Give and Toke and AusCannaReviews. Paul and Christina meet monthly to explore what’s happening in Cannabis in Australia and worldwide. 

In this episode:

Kamala Harris and federal legalisation (1:55)

Cannabis users skipping work (5:00)

The Dispensed Dilemma (7:30)

Releaf in trouble? (19:30)

New compounding rules (23:00)

Roadside testing in South Australia (27:00)

Hot Tokes (33:00)

What’s Up (40:00)

Show Notes:

Where to find Christina:

@AusCannaReviews on SubStack, Instagram and Twitter/X

Email [email protected]

Where to find Paul:

Visit www.giveandtoke.com.au

Follow @giveandtoke on Instagram

Email [email protected]

Get $10 off accessories with the code ‘CATCHUP’ at giveandtoke.com.au

In this episode of the AusCannaPodcast, I sit down with Melanie Wentzel, a healthcare strategist, cannabis professional, and author of the upcoming book Cannabis Queens. Set to launch this December at MJBizCon, Cannabis Queens brings to life the stories of influential women shaping the cannabis industry across the globe.

Join me as Melanie shares what inspired her to write the book, some of the surprising insights she discovered during her research, and why it's so important to amplify women's voices in cannabis.

Whether you're curious about the upcoming book launch or just want to get to know Melanie, this episode is packed with inspiration, knowledge, and plenty of fun.

In this episode, we cover a lot of topics including:

* Rapid Fire

* Who is Melanie Wentzel

* What it was like doing a presentation on cannabis to royalty

* What inspired Melanie to write Cannabis Queens

* The importance of bringing the women’s stories to life

* A couple of things that Melanie learned while writing Cannabis Queens

* Collecting worldwide perspectives for the book

* Put this on a Post-it… We can be competitors but still a part of a community!

* What role do women have in the future of the cannabis industry?

* Equitable approaches to business as tools used to achieve the opportunity of outcome (Social Equity Programs)

* Some shocking stats in the book

* MJBizCon 2024 and the Cannabis Queens book launch

* What’s next for Melanie

* Self-care via hunting aliens

* Melanie’s call of action

Show Notes:

Where to find Melanie:

* Email [email protected]

* Website: www.melaniewentzel.com

Where to find Cannabis Queens:

* Cannabis Queens on LinkedIn

* Cannabis Queens on Instagram

* Where to buy the book www.cannabisqueens.world 

Where to find me:

* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack

* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram

* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X

* Email [email protected]

Where to find Moo Deng the baby hippo?

* ABC Video

* Guardian Australia Video

In this “On the Road” episode of the AusCannaPodcast, I sit down with Liz Warburton, a qualified naturopath and seasoned cannabis expert with a wealth of experience in the industry. Liz opens up about her journey of using cannabis to manage ADHD and insomnia from the age of 13, and how that early experience shaped her holistic approach to health and wellness.

Drawing on her time managing operations at a high-volume dispensary and working as a product manager, Liz offers valuable industry insights. She also passionately advocates for the medicinal value of concentrates, discussing why healthcare professionals should take a closer look at this often misunderstood form of cannabis.

With a blend of expert insights and lighthearted rapid-fire questions, this episode delivers an engaging exploration of the future of cannabis medicine and patient education. Whether you're a healthcare provider, a patient, or just curious about cannabis, you’ll walk away with plenty of knowledge and inspiration from this conversation.

In this episode, we cover a lot of topics including:

* Rapid Fire

* Who is Liz Warburton

* Life at Brisbane Compounding Pharmacy (BCP)

* The early challenges of dispensing

* Cannabis categories and pharmacy storage logistics

* Liz’s love of Concentrates

* Montreal’s cobble streets are no joke!

* Just because you can do more, doesn’t mean you will do more

* How to consume Concentrates

* How Liz navigates conversations with doctors about Concentrates

* Could Australia move towards an adult-use flower market and a medicinal-use concentrates market?

* Terpenes and Concentrates

* COAs… What to look for

* Liz’s bush (outdoor) vs hydro (indoor) theory

* CBG love

* How do we change the narrative so there are more minor cannabinoids on the market?

* The importance of journaling

* Where does Liz think the industry is going in the next few years

* Liz’s parting words of wisdom

Show Notes:

Where to find Liz:

* Email [email protected]

* Liz on LinkedIn

* Nativa Consulting Website

Where to find me:

* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack

* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram

* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X

* Email [email protected]