Stay ConnectedSetting fire to the stoner stereotype. Sparking up candid conversations with cannabis researchers, entrepreneurs and advocates.
Educator, Author and Advocate Dr. Mitch Earleywine hosts a no-holds-barred platform that seeks to re-define and revolutionize the entire scope of the cannabis culture, while opening the door for more to join the cannabis crusade.
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Today on Burning Issues Dr. Mitch is Joined by Franjo Grotenhermen, MD. Franjo has devoted the last 15 years of his career to the investigation of scientific and policy issues related to the medicinal and recreational use of cannabis and cannabinoids. Dr. Grotenhermen is founder and chairman of the Association for Cannabis as Medicine (ACM) and founder and executive director of the International Association for Cannabis as Medicine (IACM) (www.cannabis-med.org). The ACM was founded in 1997 by physicians, patients and others advocating the medical use of cannabis. Its members are from the German speaking countries. The ACM formed the basis of the International Association for Cannabis as Medicine (IACM), a scientific association, which serves as a global clearinghouse for science-based information on the medicinal uses of cannabis and continues to provide information to other researchers, patients, pharmaceutical firms, policy makers, and the media. He is editor of the IACM-Bulletin, which is published bi-weekly in six languages (English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch and Italian) and editor of the internet journal CANNABINOIDS, published on the website of the IACM. He is a principal of the nova-Institute based near Cologne and author of many articles, books and book chapters on the therapeutic potential, pharmacology and toxicology of the cannabinoids. He is an expert and consultant on these issues for private persons, companies, courts and institutions, including the World Health Organization.
Today on Burning Issues we talk to David Bearman, M.D. about cannabis treatment for ADD and ADHD. Dr. Bearman is one of the most clinically knowledgeable physicians in the U.S. in the field of medicinal marijuana. He has spent 40 years working in substance and drug abuse treatment and prevention programs. Dr. Bearman was a pioneer in the free and community clinic movement. His career includes public health, administrative medicine, provision of primary care, pain management and cannabinology. His almost 40 year professional experience in the drug abuse treatment and prevention field includes being the Co-Director of the Haight-Ashbury Drug Treatment Program, being a member of Governor Reagan’s Inter Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse, a member of both the Santa Barbara and the San Diego County Drug Abuse Technical Advisor Committees, and a consultant to Hoffman-LaRoche, Santa Barbara County Schools and the National PTA. He has been recognized by the Santa Barbara Medical Society with the Humanitarian Recognition Award.
Cannabis Case Studies and Clinical Trials as Dr. Mitch Earleywine welcomes Associate Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School Dr. Lester Grinspoon.
Today on Burning Issues Dr. Mitch is Joined by Julie Holland, M.D. Julie is a psychiatrist specializing in psychopharmacology, with a private practice in New York City. She majored in the Biological Basis of Behavior at the University of Pennsylvania and received her M.D. in 1992 from Temple University School of Medicine. At Mount Sinai Medical Center, she completed a residency program in psychiatry, where she created a research project that treated schizophrenics with a new medication. Together they talk about The evidence-base supporting the likelihood of safety and efficacy of cannabis for ADHD in adults and the need for definitive clinical trials. Also, Possible mechanism of action of THC, CBD etc in ADHD, including any basis in science for current working theory that cannabis provides focus through retrograde inhibition of GABA to create more Dopamine Transporter.
Today on Burning Issues DR. Mich is Joined by Professor Philip Asherson from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience. At King's College London Professor Philip is the head of The ADHD Genetics Group. This group is a research group within the SGDP whose main aim is to identify the genes involved in ADHD and related behavioural traits, and investigate how such genes work together and with environment to influence behaviour.
Dr. Mitch speaks with Dr. Patel about the many questions asked regarding marijuana doctors and the instructions given by doctors on how to safely use and determine the proper dosage of marijuana
Dr. Mitch Earleywine speaks with Matthew R. Pearson, Ph.D. a Research Assistant Professor from the Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions at the University of New Mexico.
Today on Burning Issues Dr. Mich is joined by Erik Altieri the communications director of NORML. They talk about how Medical Cannabis Patients Report Decreased Use Of Opioids, Anti-Anxiety Medicines. This topic is based on Patients with legal access to medical cannabis decreasing their use of opioids, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and other medications, according to self-report data published online ahead of print in the Journal of Psychopharmacology. The study's findings are consistent with those of others reporting that patients with legal cannabis access are less likely to use or abuse opioids, as well as various other prescription medications, including anti-anxiety medicines and anti-depressants.
Today on Burning Issues Dr. Mitch is joined by Jordan Page, a cannabis freedom activist and the PR Director for CannaSense. Cannasense is providing legal access to medical cannabis through a framework of existing state and federal laws, to patients in all 50 states. As a medical cannabis collective they use a specific legal strategy, developed over 10 years of research, to provide and ship cannabis medication to patients across the US regardless of individual state mandates. They are in strict compliance with state and federal laws including the Compassionate Use Act, the Affordable Care Act, and Article 4 Section 1 of the US Constitution, among many others. Under the provisions of the CUA and through the vehicle of telemedicine, they connect patients in every state with CA board certified medical doctors who issue them medical cards and recommendations for membership in our collective, thereby making them CA patients.
Los Angeles is about to presented with Proposition M which will provide the city with the ability to address issues in a comprehensive way. One of the biggest publications in Media The Los Angeles Times has now come out and backed Proposition M. Dr. Mich speaks to Virgil Grant, president and co-founder of Southern California Coalition about his take on this media backing.
Veterans for Cannabis founder Joshua Littrell talks about his mission to reduce Veteran suicides and end accidental overdose deaths with medical Cannabis.
Missouri Marijuana Decriminalization Set to Begin in 2017 and Dr. Mitch Earleywine discusses with Missouri Medical Marijuana Advocate and Attorney Dan Viets
California Prop 64 and The Path to Legalize Recreational Marijuana as Dr. Mitch Earleywine welcomes returning guests Chris Conrad and Mikki Norris.
Support for Arizona by Female Marijuana Business Community as Laura Bianchi Highlights the Opportunities for Women if Voters Approve Proposition 205.
Guy Rocourt is the lead extraction artist and partner of Neos vape pens. While living in New York and Los Angeles, Rocourt developed a low-temperature, vaporizable formula, which maintained the attributes of the original strains. He formed Revolutionary Technologies (RevTech) with his fellow partners which developed a refined cannabis product suitable for use in electronic cigarette-type pens. He then moved to Denver, Colorado to launch the Neos branded vapor pens in the recreational market. In the next year he has launched the branded line in California and soon will launch in Nevada. Today, Rocourt spends his time traveling between cannabis markets researching and growing Neos’ product line. From the market’s first cannabis-infused CBD vape pen to the delicious flavored disposable line and launching the nation’s first cannabis television advertisement, Neos is a pioneer in the quickly expanding marijuana landscape.
Today on Burning Issues Dr. Mitch Earleywine is joined by Eva Silva, Hemp & Cannabis Entrepreneur and President of CA Hemp Alliance. CA Hemp Alliance is an association of companies, research institutions, business organizations and universities in California. The alliance serves as a driver for new material and process innovation and provides a platform to communicate these innovations. CA Hemp Alliance is a membership-based non-profit trade group for the industrial hemp industry in California. CHA serves as a cross-sector network, which positions industrial hemp and its possible applications at the center of its activities and brings all players along the whole value chain together.
Neuropsychology and Addictions with Dr. Rayna Hirst of Palo Alto University. Plus, the Resurgence of Hemp as Dr. Mitch talks with CW Hemp CEO Joel Stanley.
Dr. Mitch Earleywine is joined by David Boaz executive vice president of the Cato Institute and the Author of The Libertarian Mind. Mitch and David discuss the drug war, and David shares his libertarian view that adult individuals have the right and responsibility to decide what they do with their own lives, knowing the risks, and understand the consequences.
Today on Burning Issues Mitch Earleywine is joined by Art Benavie, Author of Drugs: America's Holy War and new book How the Drug War Ruins American Lives. In the book Drugs: America's Holy War Arthur Benavie analyzes the research findings and argues that an end to the war on drugs, much as we ended alcohol prohibition, would yield enormous international benefits, destroy dangerous and illegal drug cartels, and allow the American government to refocus its attention on public well-being.
Today on Burning Issues Dr. Mitch Earlywine is joined by Laurie and Mary Wolf, authors of The Medical Marijuana Dispensary: Understanding, Medicating, and Cooking with Cannabis. This book is part reference, part cannabis cookbook, The Medical Marijuana Dispensary provides up-to-date, evidence-based information and research supported by medical professionals, established experts, and members of the medical marijuana community. In three parts, authors Laurie and Mary give and overview of the history of medical marijuana and profiles of common cannabis strains and explore a range of easy-to-prepare edibles and effective remedies with dosages that can easily be altered to suit your health needs. The Medical Marijuana Dispensary includes useful cannabis resources including an in-depth glossary, medical cannabis guidelines, a well-organized index listing ailments, symptoms and conditions, real-world patient testimonials, and tips for cultivating cannabis at home.
Today on Burning Issues Dr. Mitch Earleywine is joined by Marcel Bonn-Miller. Dr. Marcel O. Bonn-Miller received his B.A. in psychology and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Vermont. He completed a pre-doctoral clinical psychology internship at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Health Care System and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for Health Care Evaluation at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System & Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine. After completing his VA Clinical Science Research and Development (CSR&D) Career Development Award (CDA-2), he transitioned into his position as Research Health Science Specialist at the VA Center of Excellence in Substance Abuse Treatment and Education (CESATE), National Center for PTSD (NCPTSD), and Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i). Dr. Bonn-Miller’s research interests are broadly rooted in the examination of associations between substance use and anxiety symptoms and disorders. His current work involves the examination of the interrelations between cannabis use and its disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including moderating and mediating processes underlying their associations.
Today on Burning Issues Dr. Mitch Earlywine is joined once again by Catherine Hiller Author of Just Say Yes: A Marijuana Memoir. Just Say Yes, could be considered the first marijuana memoir ever published, and is a positive, honest, and humorous observation of the effect of weed upon every aspect of her life: marriage, motherhood, friendship, work, sport, sex. Catherine Hiller began writing at the young age of ten which lead her to eventually receive a Ph.D. in English from Brown University. Her first published piece was about gender role reversal and appeared in the New York Times. Hiller currently strives to add a new character to the world of contemporary fiction full of adventure appealing older woman.
Mitch Earleywine is joined by Ngaio Bealum. "Ngaio Bealum is an American comedian, musician, writer, actor, activist, juggler and publisher. He co-hosted Cannabis Planet and published West Coast Cannabis Magazine. He writes a column in Sacramento News & Review, answering questions from readers about marijuana and its politics. Ngaio was born in San Francisco to hippie parents, leading to jokes about how he got his name. He is well known for his many film and television appearances as well as for being a regular host of High Times events, and more recently for being a frequent guest on Getting Doug With High hosted by fellow comedian Doug Benson. He recorded a CD called "Weed and Sex." Former member of the Award Winning Hip Hop band Most Chill Slackmob, and 1994 People's Choice Award winner of the International Jugglers Association Fest."
Today on Burning Issues Mitch Earleywine is joined by Maggie Volpo, writer and cannabis activist. Maggie is the author and creator of Stinky Steve: Marijuana Safety for Kids. "Maggie Volpo is a writer, activist, and medical marijuana caregiver working in one of the most conservative urban areas of the country. She has worked in traditional publishing, journalism, as a blogger, and in the medical field as a translator. When she isn't fighting the tyranny of cannabis prohibition or working on her series of cannabis kid's books or zombie novels, she can often be found sorting her neighbors' recyclables. She also loves to cook, bake, garden, knit, sew and climb trees, the last of which is a joy shared by her husband and their son."
Today on Burning Issues Mitch Earleywine is joined by Becca Williams, Managing Partner at Cannabis Gold Media - Marijuana Straight Talk TV. Becca’s diverse background defies categorization. Media entrepreneur, expert in purpose-driven leadership, “conscious business” devotee, long-time cannabis advocate and consumer. She is founder & CEO of Cannabis Gold Media, a diverse company of which this television show is the crown jewel. If you’ve watched her on Youtube, you know she can also be fun, inventive, goofy and uber-poignant as a keen observer of our cannabis culture.
Today on Burning Issues Mitch Earleywine is joined by Danielle Keane, Political Director of NORML. "As NORML’s newly appointed Political Director I couldn’t be more excited to join a team of groundbreakers and thought leaders. I feel honored to continue the legacy NORML has in place and a necessity to serve it well. I am eager to have the chance to represent NORML in the political sphere and to provide an even louder voice to the tens of millions of cannabis consumers from around the country."
Today on Burning Issues Mitch Earleywine is joined by Melissa Slavin. Melissa Slavin co-authored with Dr. Mitch Earleywine on a Research Article entitled Expectancy mediated effects of marijuana on menopause symptoms. "Menopausal and post-menopausal women who endorsed lifetime marijuana use completed an online survey assessing their frequency of use, average intoxication – a proxy for quantity, menopause symptoms, and expectancies of relief from menopause symptoms. Women expected marijuana to improve joint/muscle discomfort, irritability, sleep problems, depression, anxiety and hot flashes, but not sex problems, heart discomfort, exhaustion, vaginal dryness and bladder problems. Expectancies mediated the links between menopause symptoms and frequency of use. Average intoxication did not correlate with symptoms or expectations of relief. Symptoms, expectancies, and frequency of marijuana use were all independent of marijuana-related problems. Particularly as the population ages, increased research on how medical marijuana might help menopause symptoms without increasing marijuana-related problems could prove heuristic."
Today on Burning Issues Mitch Earleywine is joined by Richard Grucza, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine. Grucza received his B.S. from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1989, M.S. from Pennsylvania State University in 1991, Ph. from D. Washington University in 2000, and Master in Psychiatric Epidemiology from Washington University in 2003. Richard Grucza and colleagues published that marijuana use among American adults more than doubled between 2001-2002 and 2012-2013, from 4.1% to 9.5% in the journal JAMA Psychiatry. The new study found there had been no change in the rate of marijuana-related problems, such as addiction, between 2002-2013, contrary to the doubling of such problems reported in the previous study. To comment on the results Grucza says, "We're certainly seeing some increases in marijuana use. But our survey didn't notice any increase in marijuana-related problems. Certainly, some people are having problems so we should remain vigilant, but the sky is not falling."
Today on Burning Issues Dr. Mitch Earleywine is joined by marijuana expert and CannabisRadio's own Kyle Kushman. Kyle Kushman is the host of The Grow Show on CannabisRadio.com. Kyle Kushman is an internationally renowned marijuana cultivator whose collaborations have earned 13 Medical Cannabis Cups awards. This includes three US Cannabis Cups for Best Flowers. All awards were won using Kushman’s Vegamatrix which was awarded the coveted STASH Award by High Times Magazine in 2014 as the best new nutrient on the market. Kushman’s articles have been featured in High Times Magazine for over 20 years. He has taught courses in advanced horticulture at Oaksterdam University and across the country. As creator of Vegamatrix™, a new line of vegan and organic nutrients launched in 2014, Kyle continues to make advances in cultivating “simply the purest, cleanest medicine possible.”
Today on Burning Issues Mitch Earleywine is joined by Catherine Hiller Author of Just Say Yes: A Marijuana Memoir. Just Say Yes, could be considered the first marijuana memoir ever published, and is a positive, honest, and humorous observation of the effect of weed upon every aspect of her life: marriage, motherhood, friendship, work, sport, sex. Catherine Hiller began writing at the young age of ten which lead her to eventually receive a Ph.D. in English from Brown University. Her first published piece was about gender role reversal and appeared in the New York Times. Hiller currently strives to add a new character to the world of contemporary fiction full of adventure appealing older woman.
Today on Burning Issues Dr. Mitch Earleywine is joined by Aundre Speciale, Director of Phytologie Oakland. Aundre has been a huge part of cannabis law reform for over 25 years, has done work for formal activism, helped run dispensaries and fundraisers, and has even seen the dangers of prohibition up close and personal.
Today on Burning Issues Dr. Mitch Earleywine is joined by Kevin Mahmalji from NORML. Kevin Mahmalji is the Outreach Coordinator of NORML, and a political consultant and director with an elaborate background in political action. Kevin shares highlights about some of his previous jobs, as well as his current strides in the cannabis movement.
Today on Burning Issues Dr. Mitch Earleywine is joined by Joseph Palamar, PH.D., Assistant Professor of Population Health and Drug Researcher at NYU. Some of the topics Mitch and Joseph discuss include harm reduction with cannabis, reasons for using cannabis, as well as how many more people would try cannabis if it was legal.
Today on Burning Issues Dr. Mitch Earleywine is joined by Keith Stroup, Founder of NORML. Mitch and Keith start of by discussing legal initiative in Ohio, and the use of the character "Buddy." They also bring up several aspects of NORML, including aiding those with legal trouble as well as fundraising and employment options.
Today on Burning Issues Dr. Mitch Earleywine is joined by CannabisRadio's own Radical Russ Belville. They chat about how Russ got into the cannabis reform movement, as well as some of the updates with Oregon and Washington after legalization.
Dr. Mitch Earleywine chats with Sharon Ravert, from Peachtree NORML. Mitch asks Sharon about her experience with the sheriff's department breaking into her house for a search finding only a gram and a half and a small grow light. Sharon tells how she overcame this experience and moved forward.
Dr. Mitch Earleywine chats with Rick Steves, God of all travel from Rick Steves' Europe. Rick shares his opinion on the war on marijuana and how he feels the laws against cannabis have racist tendencies. He tells how he stands strong supporter for legalization of cannabis to lower crime rate and create more regulated businesses.
Dr. Mitch Earleywine chats with Dr. Rob Lovering, Associate Professor at College of Staten Island on today's episode of Burning Issues. Mitch asks Dr. Lovering about his new book A Moral Defense of Recreational Drug Use, as well as his opinions on the war on drugs.
Dr. Mich Earleywine talks with Paul Armentano, Deputy Director of NORML, about effects before and after the consumption of cannabis. Mitch and Paul discuss the effects THC has on motor skills and the use of cannabis before driving, moving on to compare it with drinking and driving.
Lobbying for passage of cannabis law reform legislation as Dr. Mitch Earleywine welcomes Allen St. Pierre, the Executive Director of NORML and The NORML Foundation Education, We hear about the lobbying process ongoing in Washington DC, with the help of events like the NORML Legislative Fly-In.
Hempfest founder (and Cannabis Radio host of Hempresent)Vivian McPeak joins Dr. Mitch Earleywine to discuss why Hempfest continues to exist now that Cannabis has legalized in Washington State and how an event like Hempfest continues to evolve into a cultural celebration.
Chris Goldstein of Philly NORML, New Jersey NORML, and Freedom Leaf magazine explains what it’s like to get arrested for using cannabis at The Liberty Bell and how Federal probation doesn’t create withdrawal symptoms. Dr. Mitch elaborates on the importance of validation and listening skills.
Students for Sensible Drug Policy’s Development Officer Lauren Padgett explains the ins and outs of SSDP and discusses the wild world of cannabis laws in the District of Columbia. Dr. Mitch explains the import of motivation in a world confused about a motivational syndrome.
Julie Netherland of The Drug Policy Alliance discusses how to prepare for a career in activism and enumerates pros and cons of New York State’s medical cannabis laws.
Author and activist Cheri Sicard elaborates on simple techniques for cooking with cannabis then turns to heartwarming CAN-DO projects helping to free cannabis prisoners as well as provide gifts for their children who visit them. Dr. Mitch extols the virtues of slowing down.
Keith Saunders of the Northeastern Institute of Cannabis explains the elaborate educational needs of the cannabis industry and points out the key issues in medical marijuana laws in Massachusetts and the rest of the US.. Dr. Mitch outlines the key conditions for appropriate and productive praise.
Dr. Mitch Earleywine welcomes activist, author and publisher Diane Fornbacher, the Founder of Ladybud Magazine.They launch into a discussion of women's role in the Cannabis movement, plus Dina offers some background into the creation of Ladybud magazine. She also discusses the obstacles that stem from becoming publicly visible in the advocacy front and the need for awareness on who you support.
How Can Workers in the Cannabis Industry Benefit from a Union? Dr. Mitch Earleywine asks that very question to Jeff Ferro, the Executive Assistant to the Director of Organizing at United Food and Commercial Workers International Union or UFCW. Jeff explains how the evolution of the industry leads to an eventual progression to a want for benefits, rights and a voice therefore a want to participate in a union.
High Times Associate publisher Rick Cusick joins Mitch Earleywine, a fellow High Times writer. They discuss working at High Times and the changing perspective of users and usage over the past 4 decades. “Seems like we (High Times) have been waiting for this to happen for 40 years”, Rick said, over 20 for himself. When Colorado went recreational we brought the first US Cannabis Cup to Denver, Cusick explained. The two talk about the various Cannabis Cups High Times has been involved with throughout the globe. The number one cannabis competition – panels of judges – know results day before show and then have the show to enjoy and announce the results. The Global Cup is moving from Amsterdam to Jamaica this year, Cusick notes, and informs us, Jamaica will recognize other medical marijuana cards from around the world – both then and moving forward. The pair discuss the differences in male and female usage. Heavier users are predominantly male – 80-20%, but moderate users are split 50-50 by sex. While in the past the cannabis industry was largely male. But as the outlaw bonafides are no longer needed women are filling the space and getting involved and taking charge in many areas. The drug testing industry rely on the testing of marijuana to sell their products. If legalization becomes widespread then that element loses importance and demand for testing drops. This history of drug testing gets discussed along with ways around them. Cusick notes that hemp is “the 800 pound gorilla in the room” and its diversity could dwarf the cannabis industry.
Dr. Kevin Hill, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and author of “The Unbiased Truth About The World’s Most Popular Weed” joins Dr. Mitch Earleywine.Hill developed his perspective on marijuana through studies – he notes that people who see medical marijuana as a sham have failed to do the research as there are multiple supportive studies of the impact and success of marijuana addressing: Chronic Pain, Neuropathic Pain and Muscle Spasticity brought on by MLSl. The two have an in depth discussion about marijuana and addiction.
FireFly Vaporizers Founders Mark Williams and Sasha Robinson join Mitch Earleywine in this episode of Burning Issues.
Dr. Mitch Earleywine interviews Mallory Loflin, cannabis researcher, who started at the University of Washington studying substance abuse and moved to the cannabis space as much of the information was misleading and inaccurate.
Mitch Earleywine talks with Doctor Dustin Pardini from the University of Pittsburgh Department of Psychology who studies adolescent marijuana use and academic performance. His study tracked users through to their 30s and the impact marijuana use had on their cognitive functioning particularly academic achievement – covering long term impact of cannabis on those students. Looking at recreational use and not the heavily involved users most other studies had done. Pardina and Earleywine discuss how the late adolescent user are impacted on their cognitive functions.
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