Planted with Sara Payan on Radio Misfits

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Jack Casady joins Sara for a conversation about the early days of cannabis in San Francisco, Jefferson Airplane, creativity, aging, music, and the stories behind an extraordinary life. [Ep 214]

What happens when cannabis policy is driven by science instead of stigma? Sara sits down in Prague with Dr. Pavel Kubů to discuss medical cannabis access, European reform, scientific bias, AI in healthcare, and a hemp innovation with global implications. [Ep 213]

What can Europe teach the rest of the cannabis world? This week on Planted, two live conversations from Cannabis Europa London with Barry Laxer of Cielo Verde and Simone van Breda of the Union of Coffeeshop Retailers. [Ep 212]

What happens when we lose the original genetics that shaped modern cannabis? Sara talks with Aladdin Khalifa of Khalifa Genetics about landraces, biodiversity, preservation, and why cannabis history matters. [Ep 211]

Sara sits down with Robb Harmon, founder of Veterans Cannabis Care, to talk about veteran access, medical cannabis, and the barriers patients still face when trying to get care. [Ep 210]

Sara sits down with cannabis geneticist Dr. Anna Schwabe for a deep dive into cannabis science, genetics, breeding, THC hype, and the disconnect between marketing and reality. [Ep 209]

Sara sits down with journalist Lester Black to explore the legend of Big Sur Holy Weed, cannabis mythology, and the fight to preserve legacy cultivation in California. [Ep 208]

What does US federal cannabis policy mean for the rest of the world? Global strategist Jamie Pearson breaks it down — and why most companies aren’t ready. [Ep 207]

Sara sits down with Ed Wells (Cannatrol) on post-harvest innovation, then Jillian Reddish (GCNC) + economist Beau Whitney break down global market data, pricing trends, and what’s ahead. [Ep 206]

Planted on location at ICBC Berlin! Sara sits down with Chris Ahern, CEO of PAX, to talk about building a global cannabis brand, navigating regulation, and what’s next for innovation in the space. [Ep 205]

Sara sits down with phytochemical researcher Russ Hudson to break down terpenes, flavonoids, and the real science behind cannabis. From street legacy to lab research, this one challenges bro science and dives deep into how plants actually work. Science = normalization [Ep 204]

Sara sits down with cannabis attorney and global policy expert Bob Hoban to break down rescheduling, hemp vs. cannabis, and the evolving global market. From personal stories to supply chains and stigma, this is a deep dive into where the industry is headed next. [Ep 203]

Planted @ the Sunset Social Club! From queer legacy to economic reality, who built this industry and where is it headed? Rich Magaña + Scott Schmidt on visibility, advocacy, & why cannabis has always been queer… plus Beau Whitney on market shifts, taxes, & the real numbers. [Ep 202]

Congresswoman Dina Titus joins Sara to break down the future of cannabis policy- from banking + federal reform to the fight for small businesses and medical access. 70% of Americans support legalization… so what’s holding it back? [Ep 201]

For our 200th episode, Sara sits down with Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, Co-Chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus. From legalization to equity and banking- this is where cannabis policy is headed. “Puff, puff… let’s pass these bills.” [Ep 200]

Sara Payan sits down with ICBC founder Alex Rogers to unpack Germany’s cannabis reforms, Europe’s emerging markets, and why Berlin is now the global crossroads for cannabis. The international cannabis story is just getting started. [Ep 199]

Planted podcast, Sara Payan, Fire King Hash, Jonny Zaglin, Carey Grafmiller, Jordan Watts, MJ Bowl, solventless hash, cannabis concentrates, hash culture, Emerald Triangle farmers, cannabis craft producers [Ep 198]

On location at the Cannabis, Culture & Change conference in West Hollywood, Sara sits down with CA State Treasurer Fiona Ma. They dive into banking access, over-taxation, and what it takes to make California’s cannabis industry sustainable. [Ep 197]

Sara sits down with Heather Pasternak — comedian behind Confessions of a Weed Mom & judge on Cooking on High — to unpack cannabis, comedy & motherhood. Why are wine moms cute, but weed moms controversial? Let’s talk about it. [Ep 196]

Sara talks pre-roll innovation, automation and quality with Shahar Yamay, CEO of Hefestus.[Ep 195]

Sara sits down with Brendan McKee, Co-Founder & COO of Silver Therapeutics, for a thoughtful conversation on cannabis retail with heart—community engagement, compassionate leadership, and why the customer experience truly matters. [Ep 194]

We continue our MJBizCon coverage—recorded live at the Lights Up Las Vegas party Featuring conversations with Terry Mendez of Safe Harbor Financial on cannabis finance & access to capital, plus Dan Herer on culture, legacy & the movement’s evolution. [Ep 193]

Why are cannabis businesses still failing- even as demand grows? Sara  talks 280E, rescheduling, and survival strategies with Darren Gleeman of MBO Ventures. A must-listen from MJBizCon. [Ep 192]

What if we’ve been thinking about cannabis all wrong? Daniel Cook, CEO of @TrueTerpenes, joins Sara for a live MJBizCon conversation on terpene science, sensory language, and the deeper experience of the plant. [Ep 191]

Sara sits down with Jane Sandelman of Cannatrol and Jimmy Brinkerhoff from Edun to talk about innovation, sustainability, and what leadership looks like when it’s more than just a slogan. [Ep 190]

Planted with Sara Payan was recorded live at Hemp for the Future in Reykjavík, Iceland, capturing the energy of a truly global conversation. The setting brought together voices from around the world, each offering a different perspective on where hemp and cannabis are headed. Across six conversations, the focus stays on health, science, sustainability, and the real work happening behind the scenes to move the industry. It’s a snapshot of a movement in motion, recorded in a place that underscored just how international and interconnected this space has become. [Ep 189]

Sara Payan sits down with Dr. Bonni Goldstein for a thoughtful, clear-eyed conversation about the realities of cannabis use in children. Drawing from her work and her feature in Fat Nugs Magazine’s “Kids & Cannabis” issue, Dr. Goldstein breaks down a complicated topic with clarity, care, and a strong focus on real-world medical context. [Ep 188]

Sara sits down with Angela Cheng, CMO of Kanha, to talk about plant-based innovation, leadership, and the future of wellness. Don’t miss Angela’s insights and inspiring journey! [Ep 187]

On this week’s Planted, Sara Payan sits down with João Mattos of @8000Kicks to talk about innovation, sustainability, and the journey behind creating the world’s first waterproof hemp shoes. [Ep 186]

This week on Planted, Sara is joined by the legendary David Tran, founder of Farechild Events and Dope Magazine. They get into legacy roots, building community through events, and where cannabis culture is headed next. Tune in and let the conversation roll. [Ep 185]

Closing out Craft Farmer Month, Sara digs into policy, community and the future of small farmers with the Humboldt County Grower’s Association. [Ep 184]

For #CraftFarmerMonth, Sara chats with Amy Neukom of Neukom Family Farm about regenerative farming, and the heart behind craft cannabis. [Ep 183]

Celebrate #CraftFarmerMonth with Sara Payan on Planted! This episode features Alpenglow Farms—hear their story, passion for sustainable cannabis, and what makes small-batch farming special. Don’t miss it! [Ep 182]

Sara Payan visits Katie Jeane & Joseph at their inspiring farm, Emerald Spirit Botanicals for #CraftFarmerMonth. Discover the passion, innovation, and heart behind craft cannabis cultivation. Don’t miss this journey from soil to spirit! [Ep 181]

Sara sits down with Nat Pennington, founder of Humboldt Seed Company, to talk about the evolution of cannabis genetics, pheno-hunting 10,000 plants, the legacy of Prop 215, and why THC % isn’t everything. Hear the full story behind one of Humboldt’s most iconic seed companies — and the love, science, and rebellion that started it all. [Ep 180]

Sara welcomes back Dale Sky Jones of Oaksterdam for a powerful discussion on the women who shaped cannabis reform, the unfinished work of legalization, and the global future of education in the space. [Ep 179]

Sara sits down with Bryan Gerber, CEO of Hara Supply, to talk innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of cannabis culture. [Ep 178]

Sara chats with Grammy award-winning musician Salvador Santana at The Woods in WeHo! Dive into a conversation about music, creativity, and community. [Ep 177]

Sara records live from MJ Unpacked with Nohtal Partansky, a former NASA engineer and the CEO of Sorting Robotics. Discover how he’s bringing space-age innovation to cannabis tech! [Ep 176]

Sara sits down with Lisa Williams, CEO of Hello Again, to talk about breaking taboos, women’s wellness, and the power of plant medicine. [Ep 175]

Sara Payan chats with cannabis legend James Loud about genetics, sustainable growing, and the future of cannabis. [Ep 174]

Sara sits down with Heisman Trophy winner, yogi, and cannabis advocate Ricky Williams. They dive deep into cannabis, wellness, astrology, and breaking the stigma in sports and society. [Ep 173]

Sara is on location at The Woods in West Hollywood with Scott Schmidt of Emerald Village WeHo & Stephen Post of The Last Prisoner Project, diving into the powerful intersection of cannabis, LGBTQ+ activism, and the fight for justice. [Ep 172]

This week, Sara sits down with cannabis icon Steve DeAngelo—activist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Harborside and the Last Prisoner Project. Together they explore the myths and history of cannabis and break down his Three Golden Pillars vision for the future of the plant. [Ep 171]

Ready to unlock the healing potential of plant medicine? Join us on this enlightening episode of Planted as Sara chats with neuropharmacologist Stephanie Karzon Abrams about cannabis, psychedelics, and holistic health practices. [Ep 170]

Sara sits down with the legendary Montel Williams—cannabis advocate, veteran, and Emmy-winning media icon. They dive deep into his first cannabis experience, the science behind the plant, industry challenges, and the future of legalization. Don’t miss this candid, insightful, and inspiring conversation! [Ep 169]

Hip-hop icon Redman and his sister, activist Sephida Artis-Mills, join Sara for a powerful conversation on cannabis culture, equity, and the movement behind the United Empowerment Party. [Ep 168]

Join Sara & Grammy-winning musician Oteil Burbridge for a deep, honest, & often hilarious conversation on cannabis, creativity, & breaking down stigma. [Ep 167]

Planted was LIVE at the CA Cannabis Awards at the State Fair!  Join Sara with Nicole Elliot of @CAcannabisdept , Scott Vasterling of @HumboldtFarms, & Dustin Moore of @Embarcsupply  We dive into the cannabis market, regulations, & innovations. Don’t miss it!

In our latest episode Sara visits with the incredible Jake Howard, Editor-in-Chief of Surfer Magazine! We dive deep into surf culture, cannabis, unexpected life lessons, and finding common ground. [Ep 165]