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]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

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

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

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]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

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

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

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

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

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

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

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]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

In this special On The Road episode recorded in Melbourne, I sit down with Adam Isaac Miller, a pioneer in the Australian cannabis industry. With nearly a decade of experience, Adam has been a key figure in educating individuals and organizations about the ever-evolving cannabis market. He’s also the founder of Insiders Extract, a popular cannabis newsletter with over 12,000 subscribers.

We dive deep into Adam’s lifelong connection with cannabis, how the plant has shaped his life even before birth, and how his relationship with it has evolved over the years. Together, we explore cannabis diversity, how to navigate conversations with outdated misconceptions, and why cannabis should be considered a first-line treatment. Adam also shares his thoughts on the advantages of the medical cannabis route, the power of journaling, and emerging worldwide trends in cannabis.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation, packed with valuable perspectives on cannabis as a growing industry and as a powerful tool for patients.

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

* Rapid Fire

* Who is Adam Isaac Miller

* How cannabis has always been a part of his life, even before he was born

* How one’s relationship with cannabis changes over the years

* Cannabis diversity

* How to navigate cannabis conversations with outdated misconceptions

* Cannabis as a first-line treatment

* You don’t know until you try

* The power of journaling

* How big is the cannabis market

* The long wait for a regulated market

* Laredo tangent

* Emerging worldwide trends

* Experiences with CBN

* Canadian cannabis vs Australian cannabis vs American cannabis

* The advantage of going medical

* Insiders Extract Newsletter

* The importance of having a rotation and a 6th man

* Adam’s call to action

Show Notes:

* Adam’s Website and Newsletter

Where to find Adam:

* Adam on LinkedIn

* @insight_adam on Instagram

Where to find me:

* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack

* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram

* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X

* Email [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

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:

Ukraine legalises medicinal cannabis (2:40)

Offensive odours (4:30)

Dispensed founder banned (7:00)

Is weed causing a booze sales slump? (13:00)

Fiona Patten Returns (15:30)

Singapore man frames wife with cannabis (17:45)

Child and teen use drops in the US (19:40)

Cannabis aromas: more than terpenes (22:15)

RIP nano-emulsions (24:20)

What’s Up? (31:50)

Show Notes:

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

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]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

In Season 2, Episode 3 of the AusCannaPodcast I sit down with Eric Chan the Chief Operating Officer at Cannabis Warehouse. Born and raised in Melbourne to immigrant parents from Hong Kong Eric seemed destined to follow a traditional corporate path until the birth of his first child at 26 shifted his focus towards healthcare. Along with the team at Cannabis Warehouse Eric has played a pivotal role in bringing the AMCA’s Compassionate Access Scheme AKA the “COMPASS Program” to life. With a passion for building a stronger medicinal cannabis framework, Eric envisions a future where Australia leads the world in integrating both legacy and medical cannabis industries.

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

* Rapid Fire

* Who is Eric Chan and how becoming a father changed his life path

* Meeting Dima Gouralnik leads to Cannabis Warehouse

* COMPASS Program's humble beginnings

* The power of collaboration

* Challenges during the 6-month pilot phase

* Launching into phase 1

* How to apply for the COMPASS Program

* Assessment process/Different levels of access

* Risk mitigation/Managing expectations

* Success stories

* Long-term goals of the COMPASS program

* How the COMPASS Program is helping break the stigma and shoutouts to the OnTracka team

* Remembering your “why”

* Being on the right side of history

* Eric’s call to action

Show Notes:

* Australian Medicinal Cannabis Association (AMCA) COMPASS Program Website

* OnTracka Website

Where to find Eric:

* Cannabis Warehouse Website

* Email [email protected]

Where to find me:

* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack

* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram

* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X

* Email [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com