The Conversation, Cannabis & Christianity podcast

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."

-Proverbs

Jaesen Kanter is a USAF veteran whose life was forever changed when he served as a first responder to the crash of a C-5 Galaxy at Ramstein Air Base, a tragedy that claimed 13 lives. This pivotal experience set him on a profound healing journey that spans over three decades.

While struggling with severe PTSD and experiencing the limitations of conventional treatments, Jaesen became an advocate for alternative healing approaches, founding Humboldt Oil and TwoTrees Botanicals to develop plant-based alternatives to pharmaceutical medications.

A UCLA Film School Alumni, Jaesen now combines hiscreative background with his lived experience to advocate for healthcare innovation and reform within the VA system. His mission is deeply personal: Toensure healing is accessible to all who need it, particularly those from marginalized communities. Through his advocacy, entrepreneurship, and personaltestimony, Jaesen works to create understanding and acceptance of diverse healing modalities that address the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

JP Donahue started his professional life with a law degree from St. John's University and a big job at a big firm in New York City. He quit one year in to write movies and television scripts. People thought he was nuts, but that choice began a 15-year run as a screenwriter in Los Angeles. He's authored over 25 original, for-hire, and uncredited rewrites for film and television at companies like Warner Bros., Dreamworks, CBS and NBC.

He left Hollywood for cannabis in 2009, and after a decade in cultivation, he co-founded, Tropicana Dispensary, created the brand, and grew it into a $20M Superbrand in 18 months. His bold branding broke the mold and still influences cannabis branding today. In 2021, he exited Tropicana and moved to Costa Rica where he currently resides and operates, The Stoned Ape.

Assurance: 1) a positive declaration intended to give confidence. 2) promise or pledge; guaranty; surety. 3) full confidence; certainty; freedom from doubt.

Daniel Locke, M.S., is a dedicated healthcare professional and entrepreneur based in Jacksonville, Florida. He earned his Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics from the University of Maryland's School of Pharmacy in May 2024. This advanced education has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of cannabis pharmacology, chemistry, and clinical applications.

In 2017, Daniel founded Compassionate Alternative Care, a veteran-owned medical cannabis consultation firm. The organization is committed to providing personalized guidance and support to patients seeking alternative treatments. Under his leadership, the firm has educated patients on various aspects of medical cannabis, including its chemistry, drug delivery methods, and state and federal regulations. His efforts have positioned Compassionate Alternative Care as a premier practice in North Florida, supporting more than 3,000 patients.

Before his work in medical cannabis, Daniel served as a Search and Rescue Swimmer in the United States Navy, demonstrating his commitment to service and helping others. He also founded Locke Roofing Company, where he managed projects, identified business opportunities, and led a team to complete large-scale roofing projects.

Daniel's dedication to community service is evident through his role as Purchasing Director and Fundraising Manager for Habitat for Humanity in Jacksonville. In this capacity, he developed budgets for 200 houses annually, managed purchasing operations, hired subcontractors, and secured significant contributions from manufacturers.

Throughout his diverse career, Daniel has been recognized for his entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and advocacy for social justice. He continues to be a catalyst in the cannabis industry, striving to educate patients and healthcare professionals about the benefits and applications of medical cannabis.

James’s story is not a simple narrative about cannabis—it’s the chronicle of a man who spent decades enduring physical damage, failed medical treatments, and a profound emotional collapse before discovering a tool that allowed him to rebuild. His journey stretches across childhood illnesses, industrial work injuries, chronic digestive disease, nerve damage, and even a near-death car accident. Over time, these experiences carved both the wounds and the wisdom that shape how he sees health, humanity, and the future.

Like water on the ground, subject truth is absorbed by objective truth.

Dr. Anthony Ferrari leads a team of scientists and researchers to develop innovative and effective CBD products. With over six years of experience in this role, he has successfully navigated the complex regulatory landscape of the CBD industry, ensuring compliance with FDA regulations and label requirements.

Dr. Ferrari's expertise in analytical chemistry has enabled him to design and execute rigorous testing protocols, ensuring the quality and safety of the products his team produces. He is passionate about advancing the field of CBD research and education. He holds a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Florida State University.

Juliana Roberts is an Auburn University alumni, agriculture advocate, and a passionate voice in the CBD and wellness space. As a mother of two boys and a farmer’s wife, she blends industry expertise with a grounded, real-world understanding of how agriculture and plant medicine intersect. Herinterest in the medicinal potential of cannabis began at age 16, when she saw firsthand how it could support both mental health and physical pain relief.

Today, Juliana serves as a Sales Representative at Samson Extracts, where she helps bring quality CBD isolate to markets across the country. She is driven bya mission to educate, advocate, and expand access to safe and trusted products. 

“Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

‭‭