Business of Cannabis: Cannabis News | Cannabis Views | Cannabis Trends

What does purpose-driven leadership look like inside a fast-growing medical cannabis clinic? In this special edition of the Business of Cannabis Podcast, Tim Kirby, CEO of Releaf, sits down with Professor Chris Shambrook, renowned performance psychologist and long-time advisor to the British Olympic rowing team. Together, they unpack how high-performance principles drawn from elite sport can translate into more intentional, human-centred healthcare leadership. From scaling teams with clarity to balancing compliance with compassion, this episode explores how Releaf is redefining what good leadership looks like in modern medicine — and why purpose can’t be an afterthought when the stakes are this high. Business of Cannabis is a cannabis industry platform marrying cannabis news, video and podcast content, newsletters and online and real-world cannabis events. This channel highlights the cannabis companies, cannabis brands, cannabis leaders and cannabis trends driving the global sector.

In this special edition of the Business of Cannabis Podcast, we go From Anecdote to Evidence with Dr Anne Katrin Schlag, Head of Research at Drug Science, and Graham Woodward, Chief Operating Officer at Releaf. Together, they explore how the UK can move from anecdotal patient stories to robust, real-world evidence — and why this shift is vital for expanding safe, trusted access to cannabis-based medicines. They unpack how clinics like Releaf are investing in quality-of-life surveys and data-driven patient care, what this means for regulators like NICE, and whether more solid evidence can finally open doors with the BMA, Royal Colleges and wider healthcare system. For anyone interested in how data and patient outcomes can unlock the next stage of UK medical cannabis, this is a conversation not to miss.

The third in our series of guest episodes features a discussion between CEO of Releaf, Tim Kirby, and Robert Jappie, Partner Fieldfisher’s Regulatory Group. Tim and Robert discuss Together, they explore the disconnect between the UK’s 2018 rescheduling of medical cannabis and the lack of meaningful access for patients today. Robert outlines the legal and regulatory hurdles that continue to obstruct progress, while Tim highlights the everyday impact these roadblocks have on clinics and patients. The episode also delves into the rise of self-medication and the persistent use of illicit sources. Tim and Robert examine the factors behind this trend, from affordability and education to stigma and patient trust, despite the existence of a legal framework. Finally, they unpack the complex compliance landscape for cannabis clinics in the UK. From advertising restrictions to tight prescribing protocols, the conversation reveals how clinics like Releaf build patient trust while navigating a shifting and often restrictive regulatory environment.

The second in our series of guest episodes features a discussion between CEO of Releaf, Tim Kirby, and James Duckenfield, CEO of Glass Pharms. Tim & James discuss the challenges and progress within the UK's medical cannabis industry since its legalisation in 2018, highlighting the previous stagnation due to various factors including inconsistent supply chains and a lack of a healthcare-focused approach. The discussion emphasises the importance of quality, consistency, and patient outcomes, showcasing how their collaboration aims to provide reliable medical cannabis to patients. They also touch upon the regulatory landscape, the need for better education for doctors, and the potential for significant growth in the UK market by addressing unmet healthcare needs.

Business of Cannabis: Podcast | E14 🎙  Next up we're speaking with Simone Van Breda, Chairman of the Union of Coffeeshop Retailers.Simone is the chairman of the Union of Coffeeshop Retailers in the #Netherlands, working at the national and international level to advance regulation of cannabis and to professionalise the emerging industry. She is one of the key figures who advocates legalisation on a #European level.Join us as our host Shahbaaz Kara-Virani chats with Simone about the future of cannabis and the Netherlands Cannabis Europa 2024.

Next up we have a special episode with Tim Kirby, Chief Executive Officer with Releaf and Michael Sassano, CEO and Chairman of the Board with SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals.

Business of Cannabis: Podcast | E13 🎙  Next up we're speaking with Vladimir Bautista is a leading advocate in the cannabis space and co-founder of Happy Munkey LLC.Known for his connections with the cannabis elite and success in music, hospitality, and events, Vlad offers corporate access to NYC's cannabis scene. Under his leadership, Happy Munkey hosts VIP events uniting diverse professionals over a shared love of cannabis. He and Ramon cohost the Happy Munkey on the Boulevard podcast, featuring a wide range of cannabis-related guests, available on major platforms.Join us as our host Shahbaaz Kara-Virani chats with Vlad about empowering previously incarcerated persons and navigating the cannabis market at Cannabis Europa  2024.

Business of Cannabis: Podcast | E11 🎙  Next up we're speaking with Kate Holste, Head of International Sales at Boveda Inc.Kate is an accomplished relationship builder with a strong focus on creating value, driving efficiency, and delivering insightful analysis. With a versatile ability to connect with a diverse range of customer profiles, she brings extensive experience in events and brand management, now leading in packaging and consumer products. Kate excels in discovery, negotiation, account management, and ensuring customer satisfaction. As Head of International Sales at Boveda, she helps global cannabis companies maintain the consistency, safety, and freshness of their dried flower products through innovative 2-way humidity control and premium storage solutions.Join us as our host Shahbaaz Kara-Virani chats with Kate about the future of cannabis and Germany's influence on the global market at Cannabis Europa 2024. Youtube 📹 👉 https://youtu.be/bc8-y5kXBrw#podcast #cannabispodcast #cannabisindustry

Business of Cannabis: Podcast | E11 🎙  Next up we're speaking with Ohla Stefanishyna. Olha has over 15 years of experience in top government and public sector roles, including as Deputy Minister of Healthcare of Ukraine and a Member of Parliament. Elected to Parliament in 2019, she played a key role in healthcare reforms, submitting nearly 100 bills, with 20 becoming law, including the groundbreaking 2024 Law on Medical Cannabis. Her legislative work has also improved blood system regulations, drug policies, and COVID-19 prevention measures. As head of the Parliamentary Sub-Committee on European Integration for healthcare, she continues to advance Ukraine’s EU alignment in the sector. Prior to her political career, she founded and led several prominent NGOs, including the "Patients of Ukraine" Charity Foundation.Join us as our host Shahbaaz Kara-Viranichats with Olha about access to medicinal cannabis in Ukraine at Cannabis Europa 2024.Youtube 📹 👉 https://youtu.be/IOkJFad7fks

Business of Cannabis: Podcast | E10 🎙  Next up we're speaking with Dr Mikael Sodergren, Chief Medical Officer at Curaleaf International. He leads the pre-clinical and clinical medical cannabis research programmes in Europe and is responsible for the cannabis clinic roll-out across the continent. Alongside founding Sapphire Medical Clinics, Mikael is also a Senior Clinical Lecturer and Consultant Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgeon at Imperial College London.Join us as our host Shahbaaz Kara-Viranichats with Mikael about the science of it all, from research to drug development at Cannabis Europa 2024.Youtube 📹 👉 https://youtu.be/3K5MC7UGzEo?si=OjUUn_OiJhma8eZI #podcast #cannabispodcast #cannabisindustry