#422: From Ditch Weed to Apothecary: Robin Swan on Cannabis Ancestry, Medicine & Integrity

In this episode of Cannabinoid Connect, Kevin talks with Robin Swan, Founder of Swan Apothecary, herbal alchemist, and lifelong cannabis advocate. With over 30 years of legal experience—and a family legacy rooted in both Indigenous and Persian healing traditions—Robin shares how she's transforming the cannabis industry through ancestral wisdom, clean medicine-making, and radical integrity. Robin discusses: Her multi-generational lineage of cannabis and herbal medicine The dangers of THC potency obsession and over-commercialization How Big Pharma's entrance into cannabis threatens small alchemists and growers The difference between true medicine and mass-market recreational products How cannabis, when treated with respect, rewards integrity and punishes greed Her family's ancient remedies and practices passed down for generations Whether you're a plant medicine lover, cannabis entrepreneur, or curious about the future of cannabis medicine—this episode will challenge what you think you know about the plant. 🎧 Listen now and discover why Robin says: "Cannabis regulates herself. If you're greedy, she'll smash you." 🔗 Learn more about Robin Swan and Swan Apothecary: Website: https://www.swanapothecary.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swan_apothecary/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swanapothecary TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empress_junebug YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN0MjyAU_kXI7kSCBfD1ujg 📌 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more honest cannabis conversations! =================== About Cannabinoid Connect Thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and captivating stories shaping the future of this transformative industry. Subscribe and follow via the following platforms: Website Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube X Instagram Facebook TikTok

In this episode of Cannabinoid Connect, host Kevin Carrillo sits down with Brendan McKee, Co-Founder and COO of Silver Therapeutics — a cannabis retailer that has grown from a single dispensary in Massachusetts to a multi-state operation with locations across the Northeast. Brendan shares: His founder journey — from pro athlete to cannabis entrepreneur Lessons from launching one of the first adult-use dispensaries on the East Coast How Silver Therapeutics scaled exceptional customer service across states The evolving retail landscape: from $400 ounces to market saturation Smart growth strategies, local sourcing, and community-focused retail Navigating complex regulatory frameworks in each state His outlook on federal legalization, distressed assets, and acquisitions 💡 Whether you're an operator, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply passionate about the cannabis industry, this episode is full of real talk and actionable insights. 🔗 Learn more about Silver Therapeutics: https://www.silver-therapeutics.com 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with cannabis leaders shaping the future of the plant. =================== About Cannabinoid Connect Thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and captivating stories shaping the future of this transformative industry. Subscribe and follow via the following platforms: Website Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube X Instagram Facebook TikTok    

In this episode of Cannabinoid Connect, host Kevin Carrillo sits down with Jameson Rodgers, Co-founder of CBDfx, one of the world's largest privately held CBD companies. Jameson shares his powerful journey from launching the brand out of a garage in 2014 to becoming a global wellness leader with over 100 employees and presence in 21 countries. We explore: The founder story: from electronic cig startups to CBD pivot post-2014 Farm Bill The business boom (and burnout) in CBD: raising capital, oversaturation, and regulation Behind the scenes scaling: operational hurdles, funding strategies, and adapting to FDA scrutiny Generational trends in CBD use: Boomers for pain, Millennials for stress, Gen Z for wellness Building trust in a gray market and what's next for CBD in 2025 and beyond 💻 Learn more about CBDfx: CBDfx.com 📱 Follow them on Instagram: @cbdfx_ If you're interested in cannabis wellness, entrepreneurship, CBD regulation, or what it takes to scale in a saturated market—this episode is for you. 📌 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into cannabis and cannabinoid innovation. =================== About Cannabinoid Connect Thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and captivating stories shaping the future of this transformative industry. Subscribe and follow via the following platforms: Website Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube X Instagram Facebook TikTok

In this episode, we're joined by Marc Rodriguez, Co-Founder and CEO of Green Leaf Business Solutions—one of the fastest-growing payroll and HR firms serving the cannabis industry. Marc shares his journey from corporate HR roles to launching Green Leaf, the challenges of navigating legal uncertainty, and how his team has built a robust HR infrastructure trusted by operators across the country. We dive into: What makes Green Leaf different from traditional HR/payroll providers How the team landed major partnerships with First Citizens and Vanguard The importance of payroll transparency and 401(k) access in today's cannabis workforce Marc's personal lessons on leadership through uncertainty and legal battles Whether you're a founder, operator, or investor in cannabis, this episode is full of tactical insights and real talk about scaling in a complex, heavily regulated industry. 🔗 Learn more: https://greenleafbizsolutions.com   =================== About Cannabinoid Connect Thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and captivating stories shaping the future of this transformative industry. Subscribe and follow via the following platforms: Website Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube X Instagram Facebook TikTok

In this episode, I sit down with Mikey Steinmetz, Co-Founder and Chief Servant Officer of Functional Kannabis+ (FK+), to discuss the powerful evolution of cannabis from its legacy market roots to the future of functional, wellness-oriented products. Mikey shares his founding story behind Flow Kana, the rise of sungrown cannabis in Northern California, and the harsh regulatory challenges that forced a major pivot. We dive into how FK+ is reimagining cannabis through precise formulations for sleep, energy, focus, and relaxation—and how science, storytelling, and service are shaping the next generation of cannabis consumption. We also explore: The regulatory hurdles that changed everything for Flow Kana How FK+ is bringing cannabis to the wellness aisle Why Mikey and his wife Flavia are committed to functional, intentional formulations Lessons from raising $200M and building legacy brands The "One Plant" philosophy uniting hemp and marijuana Advice for cannabis entrepreneurs on resilience and reinvention Whether you're a cannabis operator, wellness brand builder, or simply curious about the future of the industry, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. 🔗 Learn more about FK+: https://fkplus.com   =================== About Cannabinoid Connect Thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and captivating stories shaping the future of this transformative industry. Subscribe and follow via the following platforms: Website Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube X Instagram Facebook TikTok

Kyle Loucks, Founder & CEO of RollPros, returns to the podcast to share how his company has revolutionized the cannabis pre-roll industry. With over 120 million joints rolled and a commitment to preserving flower quality, RollPros has taken automation to a new level—starting with quality, not scale. In this episode, Kyle shares the story behind the Blackbird and new XXL product lines, how traditional pre-roll machines often fail to preserve the integrity of cannabis, and why design thinking from the consumer perspective is the key to innovation. We also explore the company's new packaging and design services, its vision for empowering craft operators, and where Kyle sees the next wave of disruption in cannabis tech. Whether you're a cannabis operator, entrepreneur, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers deep insights into engineering excellence, product innovation, and scalable quality in a rapidly evolving space. 🔗 Learn more at: https://www.rollpros.com 📲 Follow Kyle Loucks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleloucks   =================== About Cannabinoid Connect Thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and captivating stories shaping the future of this transformative industry. Subscribe and follow via the following platforms: Website Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube X Instagram Facebook TikTok

What if there was a legal way for cannabis companies to eliminate federal income tax and reward employees with ownership at the same time? Darren Gleeman, Managing Partner of MBO Ventures, joins the show to break down the rise of ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) in the cannabis industry. In this episode, we explore: Why ESOPs are a "game-changer" for cannabis companies  How they help companies legally avoid the burden of 280E  What MSOs (multi-state operators) and smaller cannabis businesses need to know  How selling your company to your employees can boost valuation, reduce taxes, and create long-term loyalty  The surprising political role cannabis could play in the 2024 election  Whether you're an operator, investor, or just curious about business strategy in cannabis, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. 📘 Darren's Book on ESOPs: https://a.co/d/d6TPq9E 🔗 Learn more at: https://mboventures.com ================== About Cannabinoid Connect Thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and captivating stories shaping the future of this transformative industry. Subscribe and follow via the following platforms: Website Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube X Instagram Facebook TikTok

In this episode, I sit down with Will Read, Founder & CEO of CannaPlanners—a Vermont-based digital agency on a mission to normalize cannabis through powerful design and branding. From his early days in the music industry to his time at Apple, Will shares how those diverse experiences helped shape CannaPlanners into a go-to partner for cannabis businesses looking to stand out. We talk about his founder journey, how Vermont roots shape the company ethos, the evolution of cannabis marketing, and why gratitude and authenticity are more important than ever for brands in 2024 and beyond. 🚀 Topics Covered: Will's journey from Apple to cannabis branding What sets CannaPlanners apart from other digital agencies How cannabis brands can stay relevant into 2050 Using humor and authenticity in cannabis marketing The role of AI in creative and digital workflows Why gratitude is a game-changing business practice 💡 Whether you're building a cannabis brand or scaling an agency, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and practical advice. 🔗 Learn more: https://cannaplanners.com 🎧 Listen on your favorite platform or watch the full episode here. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe!   =================== About Cannabinoid Connect Thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and captivating stories shaping the future of this transformative industry. Subscribe and follow via the following platforms: Website Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube X Instagram Facebook TikTok

In this episode of Cannabinoid Connect, we sit down with Jenae Sergio, Navy veteran and Director of Development at Grunt Style Foundation & Irreverent Warriors. Jenae shares her personal journey from homelessness to a distinguished federal career and now, a leading advocate for veteran mental health and access to alternative healing modalities, including cannabis. She opens up about her own experience with Delta-9 THC for anxiety and the challenges veterans face with traditional VA mental health treatments, highlighting the alarming suicide rate among veterans. We delve into the ongoing fight against Texas SB3 and the crucial role veterans played in pushing back against attempts to ban hemp-derived products. Jenae discusses the importance of unity in advocacy, challenging outdated narratives around cannabis, and the exciting advancements in psychedelic therapies like psilocybin and ibogaine for veteran healing. Tune in to hear how organizations like Grunt Style Foundation and Irreverent Warriors are actively supporting veterans nationwide through humor, camaraderie, and diverse healing programs.  Key Takeaways: The personal journey of a veteran finding healing through cannabis The critical need for accessible and diverse mental health support for veterans.  The impact of veteran advocacy against legislative challenges like Texas SB3. The growing acceptance and potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies for trauma and mental health. Connect with Jenae Sergio & Grunt Style Foundation: Jenae Sergio: @jenae_perfectlyfloored (all platforms) Grunt Style Foundation: gruntstylefoundation.org & @gruntstylefoundation (all platforms) =================== About Cannabinoid Connect Thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and captivating stories shaping the future of this transformative industry. Subscribe and follow via the following platforms: Website Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube X Instagram Facebook TikTok

John Burk, Army veteran and co-founder of Shell Shock CBD, joins the show to discuss the battle over Texas Senate Bill 3 (SB3), a controversial piece of legislation that threatens to dismantle the state's hemp industry. In this powerful episode, John shares his personal story, the mission behind Shell Shock CBD, and why he's leading the charge to defend small businesses, veterans' rights, and access to hemp-based wellness. We dive deep into: The real impact of SB3 on Texas jobs and veteran-owned businesses Misconceptions about hemp vs. marijuana The role of CBD in supporting veterans' mental health Why the federal government is pushing to ban hemp-derived THC nationwide The need for better education, smarter policy, and veteran advocacy Whether you're a veteran, business owner, or simply care about medical freedom—this episode is a must-listen. 📌 Learn more about Shell Shock CBD: https://shellshockcbd.com 🎙 Follow the podcast for more cannabis policy, culture & advocacy insights.   =================== About Cannabinoid Connect Thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and captivating stories shaping the future of this transformative industry. Subscribe and follow via the following platforms: Website Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube X Instagram Facebook TikTok