In this episode of "Let's Be Blunt with Montel," we take a deep dive into the evolving landscape of cannabis regulations in Australia. Montel is joined by Matthew Rowland, a prominent Australian lobbyist and expert in cannabis legalization with over a decade of experience in the industry.

• Matthew's Journey: Discover how Matthew Rowland became a leading figure in advocating for cannabis legalization in Australia.
• Current Cannabis Laws: Gain insights into the current state of cannabis laws across Australia, where medicinal cannabis has been federally legalized since 2016, but recreational use remains prohibited.
• Public Opinion: Learn how shifting public opinion, with over half of Australians supporting decriminalization and legalization, is influencing legislative efforts.
• Legislative Efforts: Understand the significant studies and data that have shaped recent legislative efforts, including the introduction of the Legalising Cannabis Bill 2023 by the Australian Greens.
• Challenges and Comparisons: Explore the main challenges faced by legalization efforts and compare them to movements in other countries like Canada and the United States.
• Medical Cannabis Access: Delve into the major restrictions faced by medical cannabis patients in Australia and the impact of medicinal cannabis legalization on those who rely on it for treatment.
• Economic Implications: Discuss the potential economic benefits of cannabis legalization in terms of job creation and tax revenue.
• Future Outlook: Hear Matthew's predictions on how cannabis legalization in Australia might unfold over the next five to ten years.

Join us as we unpack these critical topics and more, offering a comprehensive look at the complexities and future of cannabis legislation in Australia. Whether you're a supporter of legalization or simply curious about the topic, this episode offers valuable insights for everyone.

Listen to the episode and don't forget to subscribe for more in-depth discussions on cannabis and its global implications.

In this enlightening episode of "Let's Be Blunt with Montel," we sit down with Julie Ann Mejia—an inspiring force in the cannabis industry and the CEO and Founder of Holistic Hemp Solutions Inc. With a background in psychology and cognitive neuroscience, Julie's path took a pivotal turn in 2013 following a life-altering work-related injury that led her to develop Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). Conventional pharmaceuticals failed to alleviate her pain, pushing her to explore alternative treatments, eventually discovering the healing power of cannabis.

Julie shares:

• Her academic and professional background in psychology and cognitive neuroscience.
• The profound impact of her work-related injury and her transformative journey to cannabis.
• Her pioneering steps into the cannabis industry and the inception of Holistic Hemp Solutions.
• The innovative contributions her company has made to the cannabis and holistic health sectors.
• Her advocacy and community initiatives, particularly her testimonies and legislative efforts.
• Challenges faced as a woman in the cannabis industry and strategies for overcoming them.
• Common misconceptions about cannabis and how she tackles them with education and evidence.
• Insights on staying updated with the rapidly evolving cannabis industry trends and legislation.
• Heartwarming stories of how her products have positively impacted patients' lives.
• Advice for those considering medical cannabis but uncertain where to begin.
• How cognitive neuroscience informs her approach to developing cannabis products.
• Predictions for the future of the cannabis industry, especially in medical advancements.
• Balancing the demands of running a business with ongoing advocacy and community work.
• The importance of intellectual property in the cannabis industry and her contributions in this area.
• A personal message for skeptics of cannabis benefits, drawn from her own life-changing experiences.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that uncovers the healing potential of cannabis and showcases Julie's dedication to improving lives through holistic health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of medicine, cannabis, and personal transformation.

In this episode of "Let's Be Blunt with Montel," we are thrilled to welcome back a familiar face—Dr. Jeff Rawson, Ph.D., President and Founder of the Institute of Cannabis Science. With an impressive background in chemistry and public health, Dr. Rawson is a leading figure in cannabis research and policy advocacy.

Join us as we dive deep into critical issues surrounding cannabis quality, safety, and normalization. Dr. Rawson shares his insights on the dangers of pesticides in cannabis cultivation, the impact of molds like Aspergillus, and the alarming prevalence of testing fraud.

We'll also discuss the responsibilities of medical professionals and patients when considering cannabis for treatment, the future of cannabis legislation, and effective ways to normalize cannabis use while ensuring public safety.

Get ready for an enlightening conversation that not only educates but also advocates for safer and more informed cannabis consumption. Don't miss this chance to hear from one of the foremost experts in the field!

Tune in now and learn how to ensure your cannabis intake maintains top-notch quality and safety.

In this episode of Let's Be Blunt with Montel, we sit down with Moriah Barnhart, a prominent advocate and businesswoman from the Tampa Bay Area, to discuss the groundbreaking Florida Amendment 3. On the ballot in November 2024, this initiative aims to legalize adult-use cannabis for those aged 21 and older. Moriah brings her wealth of experience in the medical cannabis community to the table, providing valuable insights into the potential impacts of this initiative on Florida's economy, job market, and overall cannabis landscape.

The discussion begins with an overview of Florida Amendment 3, detailing what the initiative entails and what it would legalize. We then explore the major players backing and opposing the initiative, including Smart and Safe Florida and Drug Free America. Our conversation takes a deep dive into how legalization could bring significant economic benefits, potentially generating between $4.9 billion to $6.1 billion in sales in the first year. We also discuss the necessary steps to achieve the required 60% supermajority vote for the amendment.

Insight into Governor DeSantis' stance on adult-use cannabis legalization is shared, aligning Florida's potential legalization with broader national trends. We highlight how the initiative might influence voter turnout in the 2024 elections, particularly among younger demographics. The proposed tax rates and how the funds will be allocated are discussed in detail, along with the impact of legalization on past marijuana-related convictions through the expungement of convictions.

Join us for an in-depth conversation that not only sheds light on Florida's legislative landscape but also emphasizes the broader implications of cannabis reform. Tune in to get informed, get involved, and stay ahead of the curve.

Learn more about Florida Amendment 3 and how you can contribute to this historic movement at https://www.wiseflorida.org.

Welcome back to another episode of "Let's Be Blunt with Montel." In this enlightening episode, Montel Williams is joined by two trailblazers in the cannabis industry, Brian Keith and Holly Alberti. Brian Keith is the Co-Founder & COO of Rooted In, a community-conscious dispensary in Boston's Back Bay, and Holly Alberti serves as the VP of Sales & Business Development.

Rooted In stands out in the cannabis landscape with a mission deeply rooted in racial equity and community engagement. In this episode, Brian and Holly share their journeys into the cannabis industry, the unique mission of Rooted In, and the various ways they are working to build generational wealth and create a more just and equitable industry. Key points discussed include the background and vision behind Rooted In, the importance of racial equity and community engagement in the cannabis industry, the challenges and successes Rooted In has faced, the potential impact of cannabis rescheduling on the industry, how small businesses can stay competitive against multi-state operators (MSOs), and insights into making the cannabis industry more equitable.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion and learn how you can support or get involved with Rooted In's mission to create a more inclusive and equitable cannabis industry.

Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more insightful episodes, and visit Rooted In's website to learn more about their incredible work and how you can support their mission. Stay informed and stay blunt!

In this compelling episode of Let's Be Blunt with Montel, Montel talks with Nebraskan activist Crista Eggers, who is on a mission to legalize medicinal cannabis in Nebraska. Crista's fight is personal—her 9-year-old son, Colton, suffers from severe epilepsy, and traditional pharmaceuticals have failed to provide relief. With a looming deadline of July 3, Crista and her team must gather over 87,000 signatures on two petitions to get a medical cannabis initiative on the state's November ballot.

Join Montel and Crista as they discuss:

• Colton's health struggles and the desperate need for medical cannabis
• The challenges and triumphs of gathering signatures for the ballot initiative
• The broader implications of Nebraska's cannabis laws in comparison to other states
• The personal toll on families fighting for access to life-changing treatments

Crista provides a raw, heartfelt look at the obstacles faced by patients and caregivers in states without medical cannabis laws. Her resilience and determination offer hope and inspiration to families in similar situations.

Welcome to another episode of "Let's Be Blunt with Montel"! In this compelling episode, Montel Williams dives into the world of cannabis advocacy specifically aimed at supporting veterans. Our guest is Robert Head, a dedicated advocate and the founder of Hemp for Victory.

Robert's story is inspiring—after serving honorably in the Army and experiencing the challenges many veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life, he recognized a significant gap in the care provided to veterans, particularly regarding mental and physical health. This realization propelled him into the world of cannabis advocacy, where he has become a driving force for change.

In this episode, we explore:

• Robert's background and military service
• His transition into the cannabis industry
• The pivotal moment that led to the creation of Hemp for Victory
• The diverse and influential board members supporting this mission
• Efforts to dismantle the stigma surrounding cannabis use
• The upcoming initiatives and collaborations for Hemp for Victory
• Personal insights and anecdotes from Robert’s work with veterans

Join us as we uncover the vital role that cannabis is playing in helping veterans manage PTSD, chronic pain, and other post-service health issues. This is leaders educating leaders—making impactful change happen.

Tune in to this enlightening episode and learn how you can support the mission of Hemp for Victory. Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful discussions. Let's be blunt about it—change starts here.

Follow us on social media for updates and more conversations like this. Thanks for listening, and remember, change starts with being blunt.

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of "Let's Be Blunt with Montel." We’re thrilled to have David Paleschuck, a branding expert who’s worked with giants like American Express, MasterCard, PepsiCo, and Microsoft, joining us. Since venturing into the cannabis industry in 2012, David has become a pioneer in cannabis branding and marketing.

In this episode, David and Montel discuss the intricate language of cannabis, examining how words shape perceptions, influence legislation, and either unify or divide us. With his new book, "Cannabis vs. Marijuana: Language, Landscape, and Context," David dives deep into the significance of cannabis terminology and its impact on society.

Key Points:

• David's transition from mainstream brand-building to cannabis branding
• Insights from "Branding Bud: The Commercialization of Cannabis"
• The motivation behind "Cannabis vs. Marijuana" and why the distinction between these terms matters
• How language evolution impacts legal and social frameworks surrounding cannabis
• Examples of misused words within the industry
• Implications of the DEA potentially reclassifying cannabis
• Navigating linguistic challenges in branding and marketing within the cannabis industry
• Media's role in shaping cannabis terminology
• Effective marketing strategies amidst advertising restrictions
• Innovative products in the cannabis marketplace
• Future predictions for the evolution of cannabis globally

David's expertise and insights make this episode a must-listen for anyone involved in or curious about the cannabis industry. Tune in to understand how language plays a crucial role in shaping the future of cannabis. Listen now and be sure to grab a copy of David's latest book, "Cannabis vs. Marijuana: Language, Landscape, and Context," to stay ahead in the cannabis conversation.

Stay informed, stay elevated, and keep the conversation going.