The Cannabis Connection

Our guest today is Danny Sheehan. Danny is a constitutional litigator who has worked on some of the most important cases in modern American history. From the Pentagon Papers and the Watergate scandal to Iran-Contra, Danny now serves as Chief Counsel, President & Co-Founder of The Romero Institute.  We explore the importance of mobilizing the citizenry to vote this coming November. We encourage everyone to join the Voting Rights in America town hall on September 19 at the 418 Project in Santa Cruz to empower the community and educate people about the Voting Rights Act, gerrymandering, and voter suppression in the United States. Local leaders like Ami Chen Mills and Ryan Coonerty, along with environmental activist Julia Butterfly Hill, will share the stage with Danny, plus an incredible music lineup featuring Phreeborn, Random Rab, and immersive visuals by Liquid Lit. Our goal is to mobilize and educate a local force to reach out to connections across the country, helping people vote and turn out at the highest possible percentage of registered voters so their voices are heard this election cycle.

Today, we welcome Kerry Hurley, NorCal Weed Gal, an Emerald Triangle native and cannabis culture historian. At 16, she consciously decided to become a regular cannabis consumer to avoid the pitfalls of alcohol, drugs, or other addictions, like shopping. As a teen, Kerry noticed that every adult had a "vice" and wanted to design her life to avoid waking up at 30 and finding herself with a life-altering addiction. Kerry's parents were both civil servants and very responsible hippie cannabis consumers, so weed seemed like the safest choice. With divorced parents, Kerry is a Sonoma / Trinity hybrid. Kerry writes about her life experiences weekly on Substack, along with stories from locals and industry leaders whom she interviews, about the history of our nation's War on Weed and how it affected life in the Emerald Triangle. Kerry has a background in sales and marketing for companies like McAfee, Comcast, NBC, and Clifbar. At the 2026 Women in Cannabis Expo, Kerry was recently honored with the High Impact Award for her writing and Entrepreneurship.

This week, we welcome Brian Applegarth, who is in town to celebrate Wo/Mans Alliance for Medical Marijuana WAMM and its place in Santa Cruz and California cultural history, adding it as a cultural landmark to the Cannabis Trail. The Cannabis Trail is a California cultural tourism initiative that preserves and shares the people, places, and stories that helped shape California cannabis history. Brian Applegarth is the owner and founder of Applegarth Intelligence, also known as A-Intel, a destination stewardship intelligence practice helping organizations understand change and strengthen their capacity to steward places with greater awareness, responsibility, and care. His work was forged at the intersection of cannabis, hemp, travel, culture, hospitality, and place. He is the founder of The Cannabis Trail and founding chair of the Cannabis Travel Association International. For more than a decade, Brian has helped shape cannabis and hemp tourism through destination programs, museum exhibitions, cultural storytelling, place-based inquiry, and the creation and launch of the California State Fair Cannabis Awards and Exhibit. Today, his work includes preserving and interpreting cannabis history as an important part of California’s broader cultural history.  

Richard Jergenson lives in the Emerald Triangle in the beloved community of Willits. Richard is a product of Berkeley, the baby boomer generation, and the 1960’s counterculture, as well as a co-founder of the Protopipe business, over 50 years ago. Richard is a natural archivist; as a young historian from the 1960’s Richard began saving and storing the amazing posters, books and cultural icons of the times, which continues to be a lifelong passion. The Counterculture Museum and Archive is now a treasure trove of the rich cultural era of the 1960's, 70's, and 80's, and still growing as Richard's generation is letting go of treasured memorabilia. Richard's archived history collection has been exhibited at multiple Emerald Cups, Cannafest in Eureka, created the Emerald City Popup Museum in 2020 & 2021 and was curated at the “Cannabis in Mendocino County: our Story” exhibit with panel discussions in 2023. (Mendocino County Museum)Richard is a member of the California Cannabis Historical Society and the Counterculture History Coalition. Richard is working to create museum locations for important counterculture stories and archive collections. Richard continues to add to the counterculture & Cannabis Archive. It includes the 100-year prohibition history as well as artifacts from the Back to the Land movement here in Northern California - the Emerald Triangle and beyond.The time is at hand to share the incredible history of Cannabis and its meaningful contribution to the counterculture, as the Back to the Land culture is rapidly disappearing due to post cannabis legalization growing laws and boomers aging out. We look forward to sharing Canna-history knowledge with all of you. 

Today on The Cannabis Connection Show, we welcome back Grant Palmer, CEO of Canna Cruz Dispensaries. Founded in 2008, Canna Cruz has grown into California's number one privately owned, vertically integrated dispensary chain, with five locations in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Aptos, Salinas, and Seaside—plus its own cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution. Canna Cruz Salinas took home 1st place in Best Dispensary, Central California, at the 20th Anniversary Emerald Cup.Grant has a unique and crucial perspective on listening to customers at the point of sale, and we explore deepening the understanding of what customers are looking for and how best to align as a farmer to sell your crop and contribute to mutual success for all.

Canyon Creek Family Farms is a legacy, small outdoor family-owned and run farm in the Trinity Alps, Trinity County. Owner-operators Michael and Lorien Curran have a combined 50+ years of cultivation experience; this is Michael’s 32nd season growing cannabis here in Canyon Creek, where he was born and raised. Using organic and regenerative farming techniques, native soil, and alpine snowmelt, we grow unique strains for solventless extraction and flower for our small-farm collective brand POET, or Producer Owners of the Emerald Triangle. This year, we took home 2 gold and 1 silver medals at the California State Fair, and this past weekend, the same gold-medal-winning Grapefruit Starburst rosin, processed by Master Makers, took first place at the Hashathon Cup.

This week on the show, we welcome Michael Strupp to discuss his work pheno-hunting and cultivating some of the finest, award-winning cultivars in California. My personal goal this week was to investigate the source of this year's award-winning Dutch Treat cultivar, which captivated my imagination and evoked the nostalgic glory days of some of my first smokes, trim rooms, and grows. Michael and I explored his roots, cultivating the legendary Bubba Kush (U2 Mendo Cut), Mendo Purps, Grape Ape, and his early crosses, such as Maui OG. We shed light on his approach, "sifting for diamonds," in phenos of more modern cultivars like Viper Cookies. The long-awaited origin story of this legendary, award-winning cut of Dutch Treat is revealed: it has traveled across oceans and survived eras of cannabis history in the Emerald Triangle to come full circle and shine at the California Cannabis Awards on Saturday, July 18, at Cal Expo. Discover the Dutch Treat saga and stay for the good vibes from this legendary friend of Cannabis and keeper of the flame. Michael Strupp, a.k.a. Mendo Mikey Lion, was born and raised on the Mendocino Coast in the heart of the Emerald Triangle. He first started cultivating at the age of 15 and developed a love and passion for The Plant that has turned into a career in the cannabis industry.  Michael has primarily been cultivating indoors since 2006. He and his partner launched their Brand Woodwide in 2019. Known for his pheno hunting and breeding projects, Michael and Woodwide bring a unique plant-first focus to the California recreational market.

Happy 710! Really enjoyed this chat with Ian. We covered deep insights into the history of key cultivation hubs across Humboldt County. We explored cannabis as a psychedelic and catalyst for neuroplasticity, contributing to protest movements across California. We also do a nice genetics segment shedding light on key lines from the Emerald Triangle and beyond. Ian C. H. Hogan is a writer from the outlaw cannabis era. He got his degree in chemistry from Cal Poly Humboldt in 2009. He started Humboldt County’s first cannabis testing facility, CannaLabs, in Garberville in 2010, but after California declined to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012, he moved on to sunnier pastures. Ian now works as a consultant to the electric companies in California, focusing on building science and renewable energy, especially value engineering. Today his company, BIRA Energy, primarily does software development, designing tools to help predict and prevent blackouts. Ian C. H. Hogan is the author of three novels (HUMBOLDT HUSTLE, REDWOOD REVOLT, and soon TRIMMIGRANTS), numerous World of Darkness roleplaying game books, and the creator of the upcoming animated web series, POPULATION 420.

Today on the show, we welcome Genine Coleman to discuss the Legacy Cannabis Genetics: People and Their Plants Research Dissemination Event on June 26, 2026, from 1:30-4:30 PM at the Capital Events Center in Sacramento.  This Free public event will present findings from a first-of-its-kind, multi-year community-based participatory research project examining California's legacy cannabis genetics and the communities that steward them. Funded by Proposition 64 cannabis tax revenues dedicated to public university research, the project brings together researchers from Cal Poly Humboldt, UC Berkeley, the Origins Council, LeafWorks, and the United Core Alliance. It is always an enlightening experience to connect with Genine and I am grateful for her and this work. Genine is the Founder and Executive Director of Origins Council, a nonprofit education, research and policy advocacy organization dedicated to sustainable rural economic development within cannabis producing regions, and establishing nationally and internationally recognized, legally defensible, standards-based, geographic indication systems for cannabis. OC is partnered with regional trade associations based in rural legacy producing regions, and represents the collective membership of these regional partner associations in OC’s programmatic activity. Her research interests are focused on community-based participatory research and appellations research. She is currently collaborating with university researchers in California to study California's legacy cannabis genetics and culture. 

Today, we welcome Cole Chapman of High Hill Cannabis!High Hill Farms is a fully permitted, owner-operated cannabis farm nestled in the Foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Spanning 15,000 sq ft, we cultivate 100% organic, sustainable, and regenerative cannabis in native soil. Our plants thrive in greenhouses, basking in natural sunlight, with cool nights and warm days contributing to the exceptional quality of the cannabis we produce. Committed to a healthy, clean lifestyle, we prioritize environmental stewardship and holistic practices to ensure that every product is pure, safe, and reflects our dedication to wellness. I’m passionate about creating, building, and collaborating with nature and community to achieve shared success. For me, it’s not about profit, but about fostering a sustainable future for everyone who supports the brand

April is the creator of Weird Spooky Storytime and the spooky girl persona @spookygirl831. With a B.A. in Social & Behavioral Science and a passion for research, April began diving into local history, folklore, legends, and paranormal stories throughout Santa Cruz and the surrounding areas. What started as late-night research rabbit holes eventually turned into creating videos about the strange and unexplained stories she was uncovering, and she never looked back. Fascinated by the paranormal for as long as she can remember, stepping into the world of spooky storytelling came very naturally, blending her love of research, local history, and all things weird and unexplained.

Budularo is a family brand. Founded by Tony Budularo, his son Isaac, and his son-in-law Dave Perkins. Tony Budularo has been growing for 53 years and is a world-renowned connoisseur known to have received many proven genetics from all over the world. His seed collection is coveted by growers from many continents. Led by his son Isaac and Dave, Budularo cultivates long-flowering sativas and hazes in a light-dep greenhouse in Mendocino County, many of which are exclusive to Budularo. Their passion is growing long-flowering varieties that don’t get you stoned, but lift you up and give you an enjoyable, long-lasting experience. 

Happy 420!This 420, we welcome James Leitz, the Creator and Executive Producer of the California Cannabis Awards & Experience at the California State Fair. With over 30 years in sports, media, and live event production - including two decades at WMEIMG - he's built global campaigns and experiences for some of the world's biggest brands. Today, he focuses on emerging industries, helping shape the future of cannabis through large-scale, culturally relevant events. Loved this conversation, starting with cultivating the Tiburon Thai in high school to pioneering cannabis at the nation's most prestigious agricultural awards, one of the nation's oldest state fairs, celebrating farmers for over 172 years, and now we can honor Cannabis farmers in the annals of history. 

This week on the show, we welcome Jeremy Warren and Richard Philbrook of Dark Heart. Founded in Oakland, California in 2007, Dark Heart helped shape the modern cannabis industry through pioneering work in tissue culture, pathogen detection and large-scale genetic development-protecting and advancing the plant through years of meticulous cultivation. Jeremy Warren is the Director of Plant Genetics at Curaleaf. Jeremy has a PhD in Plant Pathology from UC Davis, has been leading Dark Heart's genetics program for over ten years, led HpLVd identification, and oversees plant genetics R&D at Curaleaf nationally and internationally. Richard Philbrook is the Principal Scientist of Genetics at Curaleaf. Richard is a Molecular biologist, studied plant genetics at UC Davis to work in cannabis, completed his Master's at Dark Heart, published researcher, and is recognized as an expert in cannabis breeding. We explore our history with the plant, favorite cultivars to cultivate and cross, and the Through the Woods launch of a new limited-edition trio of ultra-premium cannabis flower this 420. 

This week, we welcome Vanessa Lovarato to the show to share her wisdom on integrating weed into your favorite dishes and indulgences, such as chocolate, butter, and beverages. Born in California and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, television host, chocolatier, and food writer Vanessa Lavorato graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in art history and Italian. But the biggest lesson she took from school was that her calling sat at the crossroads of entrepreneurship, food, and cannabis. In 2010, she founded Marigold Sweets, creating a market for edibles that prioritizes flavor and sourcing while maintaining artisanal quality. Lavorato built her business on the strength of her premium product, despite the added challenge of navigating the ever-changing laws governing cannabis edibles. Starting in 2016, Lavorato cohosted and culinary-produced three seasons of VICE’s James Beard Award–nominated cannabis cooking show Bong Appétit.  These days, her stoner-at-a-stove cooking show, The Edibles Club, brings together members from around the world to learn to make dishes like Hash Tortellini and Weed Hollandaze. She lives in Los Angeles with her dog, Bon Bon.

Today on the show, we welcome Kagyu of Coastal Seed Genetics. Our last show was 9 years ago. Kagyu's first cannabis garden in Santa Cruz was in 1969, and he has over 50 years of experience cultivating and preserving landrace lines. At Coastal Seed Co, our mission is to preserve and advance legacy plant genetics with integrity. We are committed to safeguarding heirloom and landrace lines, producing vigorous and reliable seed stock, and keeping authentic breeding traditions alive for future generations. Through careful selection and transparency in our work, we provide cultivators with genetics rooted in history, built for performance, and selected for true expression in real-world gardens.www.coastalseedgenetics.com“Our job isn’t to chase hype—it’s to protect the line, honor the plant, and pass it forward better than we found it.” -Kagyu

Today on the show, we welcome Alex Tice to discuss Arizona Cannabis, Skateboarding Culture, Self Expression, and Radical Habits. Alex Tice is the COO and CRO of Flow Distribution and a founding member of the company, where he leads sales, manufacturing coordination, product development, and marketing strategy. He played a key role in growing Flow into one of the largest cannabis distributors and manufacturers in Arizona, while also helping shape the 22Red brand. Rooted in the skateboarding industry, Alex was drawn to the cannabis space as it began expanding in Arizona around 2014, seeing it as a natural cultural and business evolution. Originally from Tempe and now based in Phoenix, he continues to drive innovation and growth across both Flow Distribution and their cannabis brands. 

Today on the show, this one is a long time coming, years in the making. Welcome Reba! Reba, also known as Grateful_Cultivator, is a friend of cannabis. She has been cultivating since the Prop 215 days in the late '90s in Humboldt. She has a deep reverence for the plant, healthy soils, and wild spaces, with experience in most cultivation methods and particular expertise in organic and regenerative cultivation, as well as organic integrated pest and pathogen management.Please check out her work and new podcast via IG, her handle is grateful_cultivator.

Today on the show, we welcome Q, Miguel, and Raven of Renegade Theater speaking about their April production of Reefer Madness. Renegade Theater Co. is a community-based theater company in Santa Cruz, CA. Renegade is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit that creates theatrical productions meant to challenge the standard expectations of theater. The show benefactor for Reefer Madness is The Last Prisoner Project. Gennevie "Q" Herbranson has served as the board president of Renegade Theater since its inception three years ago. She has been involved in theater in Santa Cruz since the summer of 2019, originally supporting her two kids in the youth theater scene.Miguel Reyna is beside himself to be directing his first production for his friends at Renegade Theater. He has been acting in and directing theater for the past 40 years and will likely never stop. His past 20 years have happened here in Santa Cruz County. Most recently, he’s directed Stephen King's Misery at Actors Theatre. He’s also directed The Thin Place for Actors’ Theatre and The Humans for Mountain Community Theater, and co-produced Evil Dead The Musical at MCT.Raven Voorhees is a barista in the heart of Santa Cruz (Abbott Square) and enjoys creating art both on and off stage. Raven has an extensive theatrical resume and has been in both of Renegade's previous adult musicals, Heather's and Cabaret. Raven is the lead role of Jimmy in Reefer Madness. In this conversation, we explore themes of propaganda, rebellion, and control over youth, using humor as political satire in a time when history is repeating itself in more ways than one. 

Indicus “Indy” Riggs owns and operates Galactic Farms, a second-generation regenerative farm and apiary. Indy is a founding member of the Cooperative Agriculture Network (CAN), an organization that aims to facilitate the development of cooperative enterprises in the agricultural sector. He is the vice-chair of the Humboldt County Growers Alliance (HCGA) Board of Directors, a member of HCGA's policy committee, and a regional council representative for Origins Council. In addition to his role in the local community, he is also the Vice President of the Redcrest Grange #504. Indy strongly believes that cooperation and collaboration between various economic sectors and community interests are immediate solutions to long-term sustainability and resiliency within the local economy and community.

Barron Lutz is the founder of Nasha Hash, a Humboldt-based company specializing in premium solventless hash. With over a decade of hands-on experience, Barron has dedicated his career to refining cold water extraction and advancing solventless techniques inspired bytraditional Himalayan methods.Known for his technical innovation, he has designed and developed custom washing and processing equipment to improve quality, efficiency, and consistency. Since founding Nasha Hash in 2016, Barron has grown the company into a leading producer while maintaining a strong commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and partnerships with legacy farmers.His mission is to build a lasting brand defined by clean cannabis, ethical practices, and the highest standards of hash-making.

What do Neville Shoenmakers, Brownie Mary, Dennis Peron, Lawrence Ringo, and Rick Simpson have in common? Harry E. Rose. Today on the show, we welcome Harry Rose to share his life story and experience making medicine, healing others, and himself through the power of this sacred plant. Harry Rose is a Cannabis Industry Consultant, Cultivator, and Manufacturer currently holding 3 California state licenses in Humboldt County for legacy mixed light cultivation, Type 6 manufacturing, and distribution. Experience with the entire process from application to approval of annual licensing with state regulators BCC, CDPH, CDFA, and all local agencies. First group of medical cultivation licenses in California, as well as the first Type 6 manufacturing license. Helped to createguidelines for type 6 manufacturing licenses with the city of Eureka. Extensive knowledge of cultivation and genetics. Growing cannabis since 1985.

Today on the show, we welcome Pete Olander. We explore how cannabinoids like CBD can serve as a secret sauce to complement formulating clean and safe phyto therapies to optimize wellness. We know the wellness trend will not go away, and we can also branch out into the world of functional mushrooms, terpenes, and other compounds that can assist the horsepower behind THC to provide us with our desired state of well-being. Pete Olander is the founder behind Happie, a company built on the belief that wellness should be approachable, enjoyable, and, above all, effective. His path to founding Happie started years before the first can rolled off the line — working side by side with biohackers, professional athletes, and nutrition experts who pushed the limits of human performance.That knowledge became the backbone of Happie’s product philosophy: make powerful, functional wellness tools accessible to everyone.

Today on the show, we welcome John Casli of Huckleberry Hill Farms. Huckleberry Hill Farms is a legacy craft cannabis farm nestled in the hills of Southern Humboldt County. Founded by John Casali, who was raised on this very land during the Back to the Land Movement, the farm is built on a deep commitment to sustainability, community, and honoring tradition. After serving 17 years in the federal system for cultivating cannabis, John returned to continue the legacy he began with his late mother, preserving her heirloom genetics and nurturing the land they love. Today, John and his partner Rose Moberly cultivate full-sun, organic cannabis while sharing their story through advocacy, education, and farm tours. Each strain they grow carries history and heart, reflecting a rare lineage, grown with intention, and rooted in the unique terroir of Southern Humboldt.

Today on the show, we welcome Shanon Taliaferro of the Mateel Community Center to discuss Reggae on the River 2026! We explore Humboldt County history, the decades-long tradition of music festivals, kindred spirits between Jamaica and Northern California, and the ongoing legacy of love in healing through music and community. We look forward to Reggae on the River 2026, and we encourage you to consider a pilgrimage to the Lost Coast to explore the wonders of the redwoods in Humboldt and beyond.

Today, we welcome Justin Lee, the CEO and Founder of Ay Papi, an award-winning regenerative organic craft solventless brand innovating and pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the plant. Ay Papi is a health and wellness company specializing in award-winning craft solventless products.  Ay Papi is committed to sourcing and phenohunting the cleanest sungrown regenerative cannabis through collaborations with legacy farms. Ay Papi is on a mission to bring the community rare, exotic, and sensory experiential cultivars that inspire. 

Today on the show, we welcome Eric & Jill of Hogwash Pharms and Most Wanted. Hogwash Pharms is a family owned and operated farm operating off-grid in Humboldt County-the cannabis heartland of America-known for its old growth redwoods, the lost coast, and traditional cannabis. Located in the Mattole watershed, growing seed cultivars adapted to our microclimate and created on-site. Hogwash Pharms’ THC & CBD strains are grown outdoor in full sun, using stored water from well and rainwater catchment tanks. We use only organic ingredients soil amendments in our soil beds. Hogwash Pharms has a combined 80 years’ cultivation and farming experience. We have been living and working on our farm since 1994- growing veggies, fruit berries, olives and also raising poultry for eggs, and heritage hogs, too. 

Today on the show, we welcome Dylan Mattole of Mattole Valley Sungrown from Honeydew, CA. Join us for an inspiring conversation behind the award-winning flowers and hash from the finest Clear Waters of the Emerald Triangle. At Mattole Valley Sungrown, we are a family homestead farm. We are connected to this land. We believe that if we care for this land as stewards, it will, in turn provide nourishment and  fulfillment for us. Everything we do, we do with intention and purpose. We are striving towards regenerative. Our motto is “less is more”.  Every day on the farm is a day to listen and learn from nature. We cultivate cannabis, raise livestock, and grow food using organic and regenerative-guided practices. We look to the land first for our inputs. Our alpacas and sheep provide fertilizer and help build living soil and abundant compost.We use rain water collection as our primary source of irrigation, and our electricity comes from the sun. We are actively engaged in habitat enhancements for the local wildlife. We believe our actions on the farm should always offer long-term benefits, not only for our family, but for  the community, the watershed, and many generations to come. We hope you enjoy the high-grade sungrown flower and rosin that comes from our family.

Today on the show, we welcome Melanie and Craig of Alpenglow Farms. We connected in Las Vegas at the MJBowl awards, where Alpenglow won the MVP award for Best Outdoor Flower in California for their Jack Herer. This was a cathartic and inspiring conversation. I hope you enjoy. Welcome to Alpenglow Farms, our off-the-grid homestead where we practice the fine art of growing a garden and a family in the mountains of southern Humboldt County, California.For over two decades, we have poured our love and dreams into our homestead and through its evolution emerged Alpenglow Farms. One of the cornerstones of our family farm is our cannabis cultivation where we employ solely regenerative and sustainable farming practices, which produce our craft cannabis that we share with our California community through our retail partners.Our cannabis cultivars embody the essence of our homestead’s unique terroir and we look with hope towards the future where our craft cannabis may one day be recognized as the Benbow Appellation.Located at the heart of Humboldt County, Alpenglow Farms is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, where the mountains, forests, and streams provide a breathtaking backdrop to our lives. Every day we endeavor to live in harmony with this special place and we are honored and excited to call this land home. The pristine environment inspires us and serves as a reminder that our stewardship with the land will preserve and protect this piece of earth for generations to come.

Viva The Cannabis Connection! Las Vegas edition. This was my first MJ Biz experience, and I was honored to serve as a judge at the first MJ Bowl, a bicoastal cannabis competition. Today, we celebrate the activation, a few MJ Bowl winners, and explore innovators in the industry with in-person interviews live from the Press Room above the expo. We will hear testimony on the floor, connect with the whole team behind Fire King, winners of best Pre-Roll overall MJ Bowl, Dave Peterson of Chico CA Cannabis Co, Sal of Casa Flor, and Simon, CEO of Calyx Containers. Cheers to successful MJ Biz and thank you to all that helped connect the dots over this cannabis pilgrimage. 

There’s been some confusion about what the new federal hemp law means, so we welcome Steve DeAngelo to the show. Steve DeAngelo is a lifelong activist, author, and visionary. Steve is the Executive Director of One Plant Alliance. We dive deep into the recent developments with Hemp Laws, infighting within the community, and a way out of the madness, back to the roots of this movement by coming together in love and respect for one plant. 

Demystifying the many misconceptions about cannabis with Santa Cruz expert Christopher Carr. We discuss Santa Cruz cannabis history of smugglers, musicians and botanists, the human cannabinoid system and how it relates to our health and so much more fascinating information about this wonderful yet notorious plant. Do humans have a unique connection to cannabis? And if so, can cannabis be considered a plant medicine? YES, a big fat YES according to our cell’s, YES according to recorded history, and YES according to many peer-reviewed studies!Christopher Carr is a Santa Cruz-based educator, cultivator, and host of The Cannabis Connection, a radio show focused on cannabis science, culture, and policy. A Cabrillo College cannabis guest lecturer, lifelong activist, and seasoned competition judge—including High Times, the Emerald Cup, and serving as a Cannabis Judge for the California State Fair 2025—Chris is also a cannabis critic on Budist, where he contributes thoughtful reviews to advance cannabis connoisseurship and appreciation. Deeply rooted in the Compassionate Use Act, his work champions cannabis education, equity, and compassionate access across California.Christopher co-founded local Santa Cruz roots band Ancestree and performs Bass with multiple bands in the greater 831. Christopher volunteers as a DJ at KBCZ 89.3 FM and served as an Art Commissioner for the City of Santa Cruz. Christopher is a proud father of two — Sophia Rose, 3 years old, and Joseph Bruce, 1 year old — and a loving husband, giving thanks for every day in the Santa Cruz Mountains. 

Jocelyn and Claudio of Budist join the show to discuss their story and the inaugural MJ Bowl, the first nationally celebrated cannabis competition. Open to licensed brands in California and New York, the MJBowl features two tiers of recognition in each state: MVPs (Most Valuable Products) for first place and All-Stars for second and third place, awarded across every category. The entry window closes on Oct 12, and product transfers are due by Oct 24. Winners will be revealed at an official awards ceremony at MJBizCon in Las Vegas on December 4, 2025.Jocelyn Sheltraw is the co-founder and CEO of Budist, the first professional review platform for cannabis products and brands. With 7 years of experience in the cannabis industry, Jocelyn has established herself as a recognized entrepreneur, advocate, public speaker, and thought leader. Claudio Miranda is an entrepreneur and C-level executive with expertise in marketing, consumer branding, business development, multi-channel retailing, organizational management, startups, and corporate development. 20 years of experience in Consumer Packaged Goods, Consumer Internet, Sustainability, and Cannabis. Named among the 100 most influential people in cannabis by High Times Magazine. 

Today on the show, we welcome Reggie Weedman of Canna Country Farms. Canna Country is a small multi-generational family farm operated in Southern Humboldt County. Utilizing full sun and organic cultivation practices, Canna Country focuses on genetics bred and selected on the farm for their top-shelf qualities and awe-inspiring effects. Really enjoy talking genetics, terroir, cultivar lineage, and connecting the dots with all themes pot with Reggie Weedman. 

Maggie Philipsborn served as the Director of Membership and Education for over six years and is currently responsible for overseeing special projects at the Nevada County Cannabis Alliance. She contributes a wealth of experience in consumer relations, sustainability initiatives and community coordination. Maggie is co-host of the monthly KVMR community radio program, The Good Herb Report, highlighting cannabis news and culture. She resides in unincorporated Nevada City (unceded Nisenan territory), where she stewards land, grows food, chases chickens, and organizes her neighborhood's FireWise Community. 

Today on the show, we welcome Warren Bobrow. Warren is the "Cocktail Whisperer", a culinary innovator who bridges craft spirits, botanical traditions, and cannabis. His six books are:Apothecary CocktailsWhiskey CocktailsBitters and Shrub Syrup CocktailsCannabis CocktailsThe Craft Cocktail CompendiumWhiskey CocktailsApothecary Cocktails (French version)Bobrow has published six books on mixology and written articles for Saveur magazine, Voda magazine, Forbes Magazine, Whole Foods-Dark Rye, Distiller, Beverage Media, DrinkupNY, and many other periodicals.

Today on the show, we welcome Matt, aka @dela_831sc. I first met Matt a decade ago when we opened Santa Cruz's largest cannabis dispensary, KindPeoples Collective. He is an encyclopedia of cannabis genetics and very well-versed in the crosses of the best breeders in cannabis. He continues to collaborate with notable breeders, including Bob Hemphill, Berner, CSI: Humboldt, Notsodog, and others. We explore cannabis lineage lore, the Santa Cruz Cannabis paradise, and the intersection of surf, skate, music, art, and culture.  

Pat Malo was one of our first guests on the show a decade ago. Long-time community advocate and General Manager at Envirocann, Pat, shares his positive perspective on how right now is the best time in cannabis, minus the money. We also cover how the world has better access to a diverse selection of genetics and how Santa Cruz's culture of excellence in cannabis continues to make an impact around the world.

The Drive-Time Show with DJ Sage interviews Christopher Carr on KBCZ 89.3 about Ancestree and the upcoming KBCZ Music Festival, Saturday, August 9. 

Today on the show, we welcome Edgar Peña, also known as Masonic Smoker, ⁠@masonicsmoker4.0⁠ is a Los Angeles-born, Compton-based home grower and breeder. He’s best known for creating Wilson and many other popular strains, and runs masonicseeds.co, where his passion for plants comes to life. Edgar is the founder of Free Seed Day in Los Angeles, a community-driven event that gives back through free genetics. He’s a dedicated husband, loving father, and animal lover. Today on the show, we welcome Edgar Peña, also known as Masonic Smoker, @masonicsmoker4.0, who is a Los Angeles-born, Compton-based home grower and breeder who takes great pride in his garden. 

Today on the show, we welcome Del Potter to discuss his unique experience blending science, spirit, and survival in the underground, from psilocybin to sensimilla, as he travels the world to shed light on elevating craft cannabis and the future culture of connoisseurship in California.

Christopher Carr shares as a guest on Good Morning Monterey Bay, interviewed by Rosemary Chalmers, regarding the state of California Cannabis. We explore recent excise tax increase, AB 564, California Cannabis Awards at the CA state fair, and more!

Today, we welcome Brian Malin! Join us for a special in-person kitchen table conversation live from our family's ranch. Brian Malin is widely considered one of the Cannabis Industry's top experts on organic cultivation, so much so that when California decided to establish an organic certification program for Cannabis (OCal), it was Malin they called to help them write the rules. Founded in 2006, Vital Garden Supply is one of the nation's top organic nutrient companies, offering 20 certified organic products that generated over $10 million in revenue last year. Vital's Customer list includes notable companies such as Cookies, Alien Labs, Connected, Humboldt Seed Company, Rebel Grown, 3rd Gen Fam, Massive Creations, and Pacific Reserve.      

On January 2025 The Moss Landing battery fire, a significant incident at Vistra's energy storage facility, caused widespread concer and disruption. The fire occured in a building housing thousands of lithium-ion batteries, triggering evacuations and raising concerns about the safety of large battery installations.Becky Steinbruner of the Community Matters show joins us to discuss a coalition of citizens with the goal to have Board of Supervisors approve a temporary moratorium on grid-scale lithium battery storage, facilities, covene a technical advisory panel to make recommendations regarding the impending draft Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) County Ordinance, and hold town hall meetings with the public. One of the three sites the County has selected to place a BESS is 90 Minto Road in Watsonville. That project, known as Seahawk Energy Storage, is already in the permitting process and would employ over 300 storage containers filled with lithium batteries. This is an agricultural area that borders College Lake and is near the County Fairgrounds, which serves as the evacuation shelter for the County.

Today on The Cannabis Connection show, we welcome compost master/garden gnome/human tractor/animal whisperer/plant conductor/proud papa Daniel of Radicle Herbs & Folk Life Farm.Radicle Herbs cannabis is grown in the ground under the influence of the cosmos. Winner of the Emerald Cup Regenerative Farm Award in 2018, Radicle Herbs is a small-scale, diversified Cannabis farm that cultivates products that have a positive effect on us and the environment. Located in Round Valley, just outside of Covelo in Mendocino County, Radicle Herbs is a perfect location for growing quality cannabis both outdoors and in light dep, producing high-quality flower. Radicle Herbs is Sun+Earth and Dragon Fly Earth Medicine Certified and practices Biodynamic Agriculture. Their passion is to enliven the soil sustainably to create space for plants and animals to express themselves fully and live into their true being. Folk Life Farm is a diversified farm located in Covelo that grows produce, herbs, and animals using no-till regenerative and Biodynamic practices.

Today on The Cannabis Connection show, we welcome Joey Burger, Educator, Consultant, and farmer. We dive deep into planting season best practices, breeding for your native terroir, selecting good washers for the best hash, legendary hash cultivars, jar tech, and pro tips for selecting the Ridge Sesh & Cured Cup happening Saturday, June 7, for the culture.Joey Burger is a Regenerative Cannabis Consultant, Dragonfly Earth Medicine Pure Certified Educator, and Permaculture Teacher with over 30 years practicing in the Emerald Triangle’s Cannabis Industry. He works to convert the wasteful and environmentally damaging practices of our current cannabis and food production systems by Hosting Workshops, Community Seed Swap Sesh’s, teaching via his Patreon Subscription Community, Breeding Seeds and Consulting with Farmers on embracing Regenerative Practices.

Today on the show, we welcome Jaime Evans, a four-time published Author, Certified Sommelier, and founder of The Herb Somm. Jamie Evans is the founder of The Herb Somm, a culinary-meets-cannabis blog and lifestyle brand focused on the gourmet side of the cannabis industry. She's also a four-time published author, certified sommelier, entrepreneur, and writer specializing in cannabis, infused beverages, wine/spirits, and the cannabis-culinary world.

Nikki Lastreto and Swami Chaitanya are well-known and respected worldwide for their knowledge of mindfully cultivated craft cannabis and spiritual guidance. For many years, they have been growing cannabis in native Mendocino soil under the full sun, moon, and stars in the heart of Northern California’s famed Emerald Triangle. Through their commitment to regenerative, responsible farming methods, combined with ancient sacred geometry and practices, they have shared their very special flowers with conscious connoisseurs in search of true inspiration.The Mendo Cup - the first cannabis competition organized by farmers, for farmers! It all started here, in the heart of the Emerald Triangle, in the County of cannabis Mendocino, where some of the best cannabis on the globe is grown. Now is the time to shine a spotlight on our OG farmers who, for decades & generations, have used organic methods to cultivate the finest flowers under full sun, for a full season, with local genetics that produce superior harvests.Sunday, May 4, 2025 • 2:15-8:00 pmWillits Little Lake Grange291 School St., Willits, CAThe Awards Ceremony will be at 4:20 for the Top 5 licensed farmers of full-sun, full-season flowers grown in Mendocino County, plus a special award for the Top Breeder.

Today on the show, host Christopher Carr welcomes Anil Prajapati, Managing Director of Lille Aeske Arthouse. Lille Aeske organizes this festival in collaboration with White Rabbit Ink and The Vinguard. It is the 4th Annual May Day Festival, two days of music, two stages, and camping in a beautiful setting along the Hwy 1 coast at Pie Ranch.

Today, we welcome Ryan Lee, Plant breeder, scientist, and 25-year friend of David Watson, aka Sam the Skunkman. Ryan and I connect while he is in Amsterdam helping the family. The conversation explores the legendary life of a cannabis silverback and hero. Sam the Skunkman lived 15 years in Santa Cruz, down the road from the Haze brothers, and is responsible for providing the foundation to all the seed banks in Amsterdam. His life's work is behind modern cannabis medicines from GW Pharmaceuticals. Ryan, who has also done amazing work in the cannabis genome, research, and industry, takes us on a fantastic voyage of a truly epic individual who was like a Forest Gump of sorts in Cannabis. David Watson lived every day to wake up and be happy, learn something new about cannabis, or teach and make some mischief.