Explore every episode of the podcast Karma Koala Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| Episode 17: Karma Koala Podcast 224: Sean Maloney Legal Counsel & Commercial Manager MediCann Health – A General Discussion From An Industry Perspective On Medical Cannabis In Australia | 23 janv. 2025 | 00:29:29 | |
Thankyou to Sean for taking time to talk to us high up in the eucalyptus …
We talk across a range of topics including How the ASX manages cannabis listings and compliance especially with regard to “Advisors Listings”
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| Episode 16: Karma Koala Podcast 223: Kirsten Velasco Author of Cannabis Basics Textbook, CEO and inventor of VapeNprop and GripNclip | 23 janv. 2025 | 00:27:18 | |
A chance Linked in connection led us to this conversation with Kirsten. I was interested to learn what led her to authoring her Cannabis Basics Textbook and her thoughts on cannabis education generally in the US. We speak about cannabis education, community colleges, tertiary institutions, public libraries and education via associations and public speaking. Kirsten has now left the freezing plains of illinois for an all together sunnier climate in Spain, we also discuss what brought her there and her new business, of which there’s more information below. | |||
| Episode 15: Karma Koala Podcast 222: Varin Marshall Founding Director at Northern Ireland Hemp Association – Can we get some investment please? | 20 janv. 2025 | 00:26:59 | |
I speak to Varin about the parlous state of the Northern Ireland hemp industry. It has remained too long a cottage industry and without buy in from local government, Stormont and of course Westminster that's the way it's going to stay. It's the story I hear the planet over, a complete lack of investment to develop proper processing facilities for industrial hemp. Being part of the UK Northern Ireland has the same issues as England & Scotland a beyond useless labour government with zero understanding of and desire to develop hemp and don't forget the standard UK party political nepotism which means quietly a limited number of people get to line their pockets. Also, being Northern Ireland, there is also an element of Irish politics at play where north and south aren't really talking to one another in anything but the flimsiest way. Now.. would it be great if it were hemp and cannabis that led the charge in change. Yes i know that's somewhat naive looking at the power of the black market drugs trade in the south at the moment but it's a nice thought. Thankyou Varin for talking to the Karma Koalas but also finding positives in a landscape that isn't offering too many at the moment. | |||
| Episode 14: Karma Koala Podcast 221: Peter Homberg – Move To UK Firm, Gunnercooke, Update On German Cannabis Market As Country Goes To February Election & Opportunities In A Wider Europe | 17 janv. 2025 | 00:21:08 | |
Karma Koala hasn’t spoken to Peter Homberg for a while so I thought I quick catch-up would be in hand as he and his team have moved to UK firm Gunnercooke (he will remain based in Berlin) and also, since the collapse of the coalition government late last year and an election forthcoming in February which many guess will be another coalition but this time led by conservatives … I ask what’s the outlook for cannabis.
Politics He particularly advises companies in the pharmaceutical, diagnostics, medical device and biotechnology sectors on research and development contracts, collaboration agreements, cross-border IP licensing and IP strategies. He also has extensive experience in advising on compliance issues and advises companies extensively in the field of medical cannabis. Peter is a frequent speaker at seminars and conferences and is the author of numerous articles and other publications on corporate or IP law in the areas of life sciences and medical cannabis. In addition, he has extensive transaction experience in Southeast Asia.
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| Episode 13: Karma Koala Podcast 220: Jason Meotti – Legalise Cannabis Party, Western Australian, Senate Candidate . …”Cannabis For Health, Hemp For Wealth” | 15 janv. 2025 | 00:31:29 | |
On 23 October 2024 Dr Brian Walker announced via FB Today, I’m proud to announce Jason Meotti – Legalise Cannabis Party as our Western Australian Senate candidate. Karma Koala connected with Jason to find out what he’s standing on and what he hopes to achieve if he makes it to Canberra
His personal views on how to regulate cannabis and hemp Thankyou to Jason for taking time to talk to Karma Koala. More & donate at https://www.legalisecannabis.org.au/jason_meotti_donate_page
PARTY POLICY Party Values We advocate to protect and uphold
https://www.legalisecannabis.org.au/party-policy | |||
| Episode 12: Karma Koala Podcast 219: Matt Brockmeier of Antithesis Law.. The New Psychedelics Program In Colorado & Being A Psychedelics Lawyer | 14 janv. 2025 | 00:33:13 | |
Thankyou to Matt for taking time out to discuss the new psychedelics program in Colorado and how it compares to Oregon’s program. We also discuss what being a psychedelics lawyer means in terms of the practicalities of day to day work and also what it means in terms of how as a lawyer he now operates. He also highlights how the Psychedelic Bar Association looks at the way way law is practised and how the body aims to use education to look at different ways of doing things In short psychedelics law is more than just putting programs into effect and servicing clients but also a tool to looking at law itself and how it can change the status quo.
Matt began his career in Chicago with a national law firm, where he navigated layers of insurance coverage in multi-million dollar multi-state commercial litigation. Following a brief time crafting policy in DC, Matt relocated to Denver, where he assumed a number of health-industry focused roles. He was a member of the healthcare practice group of an AmLaw100 firm, assistant general counsel to a health insurance company, and practiced corporate and regulatory law with a prominent boutique cannabis law firm before joining Antithesis. His current practice primarily involves the law, business, policy, and (sometimes even) politics of drugs. Specifically, he focuses on psychedelics, cannabis, and other controlled substances, both in the context of healthcare/ wellness as well as drug policy reform. Experience Formed a Public Benefit Company collective for ketamine practitioners (including practice management, referrals, and insurance) along with related fundraising documents. Advised out of state ketamine practitioner on application for Colorado facilitator license and formation of entity through which to operate Colorado therapy practice, including telehealth and licensure issues. Assisted functional mushroom and superfood startup with entity formation, regulatory compliance, and business advisory services related to entry into regulated psilocybin market in Colorado review and drafting of licensing agreements. Formed a nonprofit entity for psychedelic education platform focused on oncology end of life care. Memberships Psychedelic Bar Association, Board Member Natural Medicine Advisory Board Sub Committee on Public Health & Health Equity International Cannabis Bar Association American Health Lawyers Association More at https://antithesis.law/team/matt-brockmeier/ | |||
| Episode 11: Karma Koala Podcast 218: Bethany Niebauer Axial Resolutions (CO) – Cannabis Mediation As The Sector Matures | 09 janv. 2025 | 00:27:28 | |
Bethany has worked in the cannabis sector for the last decade and has amongst other things been the Manager of Regulatory Permitting, USA @Canopy Growth Corporation, the Chief Compliance Consultant at the American Cannabis Company Inc and also the President at the Industrial Hemp Research Foundation fromNov 2023 – Nov 2024. She has now launched her own mediation company and we discuss what she hopes to do with the business, why private mediation is better than the courts ( it’s cheaper and quicker) and what types of dsputes she is dealing with. We also discuss forthcoming devlopments and changes in the US cannabis and hemp sectors.
Bethany Niebauer Bethany writes.. With a deep and diverse background in cannabis compliance and conflict resolution, I bring clarity and confidence to an industry often characterized by complexity. As the founder of Axial Resolutions, I specialize in mediation and conflict resolution for the cannabis sector, helping businesses navigate disputes while preserving relationships and fostering collaboration. My approach combines industry knowledge, professionalism, and a commitment to practical solutions that empower companies to focus on growth and innovation. Previously, I founded Axial Compliance Consulting, where I guided cannabis businesses through the intricate and often overwhelming maze of regulatory requirements. From securing licensure to creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), I worked with cultivators, dispensaries, consulting firms, and law offices across states like Colorado, California, Oregon, Washington, and Massachusetts. My meticulous attention to detail, legal expertise, and vast industry network earned me a reputation as a trusted resource for navigating even the most challenging compliance issues. | |||
| Episode 10: Karma Koala Podcast 217: Adam Miezio – Psychedelics Writing & Digital Content Marketing.. Narratives & Communication In This Slowly Regulating Market | 09 janv. 2025 | 00:36:24 | |
Karma Koala starts the year with a wide ranging conversation about psychedelics, writing & communication in the digital age. Recorded on the last day of 2024 I thought it might be interesting to talk to Adam about communicating psychedelic(s) ideas both from an academic and business standpoint as the Colorado program flaps its baby wings in January 2025.
Psychedelics, content, writing and language in the digital age / sphere Adam Miezio Adam is a Content Marketing Manager in the psychedelics field with a consistent history of driving lead generation and accelerating revenue growth through the creation of on-brand digital marketing campaigns and refining SEO strategy. Experience leading both B2B and B2C digital marketing campaigns, identifying and articulating brand voice to disparate audiences. Data-driven with extensive experience analyzing consumer trends and business insights to deliver performance-driven content and communication strategies. I am an experienced psychedelic writer, psychedelic copywriter, psychedelic content marketer, and have 10+ years of experience in SEO content writing, content creation, content strategy and analytics. I am equally adept at content creation either from the retreat side or the biomedical side. My writing often crosses over into mental health education and mental health disorders: PTSD, trauma, substance abuse disorders, depression, and others. I have psychedelic experience in a variety of sets and settings, including spiritual and therapeutic contexts. I have worked with a wide variety of plant medicines and medicinal psychedelic substances: psilocybin, peyote, MDMA, DMT, 5 Meo DMT, ayahuasca, LSD, etc. | |||
| Episode 9: Karma Koala Podcast 216: Richard Strahlem Small Cannabis Producer New Mexico. The NM CCD “Borderline Incompetent?” | 09 janv. 2025 | 00:29:37 | |
n this episode, the last of the year, I speak with small cannabis producer from New Mexico, Richard Strahlem. Richard contacted me wishing to discuss the New Mexico statutory cannabis management body and the issues he and others have had with the body over the past couple of years.
He co-signed the following open letter sent to the state’s governor along with over 100 other small cannabis producers and businesses in the middle of the year with the assistance from the state chamber of commerce and as yet, says, they’ve heard nothing back from anybody in the New Mexico administration. | |||
| Episode 8: Karma Koala Podcast 215: Australia – Senator David Shoebridge, Greens Party Spokesperson For Justice (inc Attorney-General and Drug Law Reform). His Recent Bill Submitted To The Senate & Cannabis Law Reform | 22 déc. 2024 | 00:33:54 | |
For our final episode of the year it’s great to get Senator David Shoebridge on the show to talk about his recent bill and how it fared in the Senate and more importantly what was the substance of the bill and why it is important for cannabis law reform in Australia as we move into 2025 and into a forthcoming federal election. We cover a gamut of topics and only half of what we wanted to discuss, so David will be back in January to deep dive further. Here’s some quick bullets on what’s discussed in this half hour. The bill and how it aims to create an outline for fair and equitable adult use and medical use market including taxation, a national regulator, privately owned cannabis businesses not running under the aegis of big pharma, tobacco or alcohol. Also homegrow, how not to create and oligopoly and creating positive justice outcomes for the more marginalised imn Australian society who tend to find themselves on the sharp end of cannabis”justice” We also discuss Policing, law & order & the black market Thankyou David and we look forward to diving into a detailed discussion about the existing medical cannabis industry in Australia, its positives and its faults and how the current iteration of cannabis isn’t currently serving the Australian electorate to best effect. | |||
| Episode 7: Karma Koala Podcast 212: Courtney Moran Founder & Principal Earth Law. Hemp & The Senate Democrats Farm Bill Proposal November 2024 | 20 déc. 2024 | 00:33:42 | |
Thankyou to Courtney for taking time to come on talk about this week’s new Senate Farm Bill proposal. She deep dives into what’s in the proposal and what’s not and where we might be going from here. What’s in? A sensible understanding of THC issues? At long last More support and understanding of producers, investment, processors and getting the right balance between state & federal to encourage growth. We also touch on hemp trade between states and internationally, a further dive into investment into the industrial hemp sector in the US. As Founding Principal of EARTH Law, LLC, Courtney N. Moran, LL.M. is dedicated to providing exceptional legal services to individuals and businesses operating in the agriculture, hemp, and psychedelics industries. She works closely with clients to develop tailored strategies that align with their goals while ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws. | |||
| Episode 6: Corey Tobin – Cannabis Insurance In The USA & Beyond . More Coverage Than You’d Initially Imagine & Fittingly For Insurance Those Who Took The Risk Early By Engaging With The Industry Starting To Reap The Rewards | 20 déc. 2024 | 00:28:56 | |
A great conversation with Corey about the growth of insurance cover for cannabis businesses, plant touching and non plant touching, throughout the US. Similar to finance it has been the state operators who have taken on the mantle and generally those at the independent and SME end of the scale. Insurers who understand local rules and regs and have been willing to understand their clients and the risk factors involved in the industry. Corey alludes to the fact that the bigger companies who have either just decided to appear on the scene or are still waiting on the touchline are most probably out of the game already. We also discuss the work he’s beginning to do outside the US and the various scenarios for cannabis businesses and insurance as we go into 2025 where a number of factors from re-scheduling to a new administration will play a big hand in how the sector is insured going forward. Corey recently attended MJ Biz in Vegas which allowed us to also discuss his thoughts on the state of play of the sector generally. In precis, there’s still business and there are still opportunities aplenty just smarter and more considered that the first goldrush which is now well and truly consigned to history. Thankyou to Corey Corey Tobin
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| Episode 5: Karma Koala Podcast 180: Paul Dunford, Green Check Verified. Banking, Risk, Data & Education. | 28 juil. 2024 | 00:35:02 | |
In this episode I speak with Paul Dunford who serves as the co-founder and VP of Knowledge at Green Check Verified about
Paul Dunford serves as the co-founder and VP of Knowledge at Green Check Verified, where he is recognized as a leading authority in the field of cannabis banking. He leverages his expertise to offer valuable insights and guidance, frequently contributing through various professional platforms and publications. As the creator of the Accredited Cannabis Banking Professional certification, Paul sets an educational benchmark in the industry. His stringent focus on compliance is evident in his strategic development of Green Check Verified’s pioneering compliance rules engine, which has revolutionized how financial institutions engage with the cannabis sector. This tool not only enhances transparency but also ensures that all operations adhere to the highest regulatory standards, underscoring Green Check Verified’s role as an industry leader. Our Mission Our mission is to support the legal cannabis industry by connecting every cannabis business with the financial and business services that they need to grow. In a dynamically changing regulatory environment, Green Check remains undaunted in the face of the unknown, mapping the way forward, setting new standards and trends; staying focused on helping the legal cannabis industry do well while doing good. Through this innovative spirit, Green Check at its core, is about connection. We connect legal cannabis businesses with the financial and business services they need to grow. We connect cannabis business performance in a transparent way, giving financial institutions the necessary visibility into cannabis business operations for them to confidently serve the community in compliance with each state law. We do this through a vast source of data, enabling insights for the rapidly growing cannabis industry. Our passion for this emerging industry drives our purpose. We are relentless in our pursuit of expanding opportunities both for cannabis operators and the financial institutions that serve them. | |||
| Episode 4: Justus Podcast - Episode 4 - Umi - Justus Board Member - Equity, New York, Understanding Community Boards & Music | 05 mai 2024 | 00:33:02 | |
In this episode we speak to long term Justus board member, Umi. | |||
| Episode 3: Justus Podcast - Episode 3 - Dwight Smith - Justus Board Member & Owner Melo Cafe & Gallery Harlem NY | 21 mars 2024 | 00:32:46 | |
It's episode 3 of the Justus Foundation and I speak with Justus board member, Dwight Smith. | |||