Equity in the Cannabis Business & Khalil Ekulona Exit Interview | 9.20.21

Growing Forward podcast co-hosts Megan Kamerick and Andy Lyman talk to three members of the state’s cannabis regulation advisory board about efforts to provide equitable business opportunities as the state rolls out new recreational cannabis laws. The Line opinion panel debates vaccine and mask mandates.   Will the federal vaccine mandate make it easier for businesses to lay the blame at the feet of the government? Also, New Mexico has just extended the indoor mask mandate at least through October 15. Will there be more pushback against Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s public health orders? Kahlil Ekulona is a familiar face and voice to public media audiences across New Mexico. He has worked on segments here at New Mexico in Focus, and also hosted the Your NM Government and No More Normal podcasts at KUNM. He recently took a new job launching a daily talk show at WPLN, the NPR affiliate in Nashville, TN. Host Gene Grant talks with Khalil about the new opportunity and how his time and experiences in New Mexico will impact how he approaches this new gig.  Correspondents: Gene Grant                                                                                                                                                                                                             Megan Kamerick, Growing Forward podcast co-host   Andy Lyman, Growing Forward podcast co-host Guests: Dr. Steve Jenison, physician & former NM medical marijuana board chairman   Emily Kaltenbach, Drug Policy Alliance Khalil Ekulona, former No More Normal host (KUNM) Line Panel: Dede Feldman, former state senator   Dan McKay, political reporter, Albuquerque Journal   Kristelle Siarza, owner & CEO, Siarza Social Digital Growing Forward podcast