• Bridging Beats and Buds: Hip Hop, Cannabis, and Politics with Havoc, Shiest Bubz, and Shana Melius
    Aug 15 2024

    In this episode of The Cannabis Diversity Report, host Tahir Johnson explores the intersection of hip hop, cannabis, and politics with a stellar lineup of guests: Havoc of Mobb Deep, entrepreneur Shiest Bubz, and Shana Melius, a recent Congressional candidate for New Jersey's 10th District. The discussion begins with each guest sharing their favorite weed songs, delving into how cannabis culture has influenced the music scene. Havoc reflects on the role of cannabis in shaping the gritty, authentic sound of Mobb Deep, while Shiest Bubz talks about how cannabis has become a cornerstone of hip hop entrepreneurship. Shana Melius, who recently ran for Congress and is the co-founder of March For Equity, adds a critical political perspective. She emphasizes the importance of voting and political engagement, especially for communities affected by cannabis legislation. The conversation also touches on how cannabis has become a catalyst for political activism, influencing legislative reforms and driving social justice movements. This episode offers a rich discussion on how cannabis intersects with music, business, and politics, making it essential listening for those interested in the cultural and political dimensions of cannabis.

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    14 mins
  • Episode 67: "GreenSTOP's Retail Revolution: The Future of Cannabis in a 31-inch Kiosk
    Mar 22 2023
    Join us in the 67th episode of the Cannabis Diversity Report with Tahir Johnson as we delve into the revolutionizing world of cannabis retail, spearheaded by GreenSTOP Inc., an innovative technology company changing the game of cannabis sales. Our special guests for this episode, Co-CEOs James Edwards and Timothy Island, give us exclusive insights into the workings of their disruptive product - the MISM (Multi-Interface Smart Machine). The MISM is a breakthrough in the cannabis retail sector, defying the norm with its ability to simultaneously serve four customers on a single kiosk. What makes this even more remarkable is its minimal footprint. Just 31 inches in size, the MISM effectively optimizes your retail space, serving the same function as four traditional vending machines within a much smaller area. Perhaps what stands out the most about this unique kiosk is its speed. Dubbed as the 'fastest way to purchase cannabis', it has been proven that an informed cannabis shopper can complete a transaction in as little as 30 seconds. Discover how GreenSTOP Inc. is reshaping the future of cannabis retail and how their solutions are improving customer experiences, all in this exciting episode. For more information about GreenSTOP, check their website at www.greenstop.us. Tune in, learn, and witness the future of cannabis retail. This is an episode you won't want to miss!
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    45 mins
  • Episide 66: Bridging Education & Cannabis: The Cleveland School School of Cannabis
    Mar 22 2023
    "In this insightful episode of The Cannabis Diversity Podcast, your host, Tahir Johnson, delves deep into the world of cannabis education with a special focus on The Cleveland School of Cannabis (CSC). Join us as we unveil the only state-approved career school for cannabis education east of Colorado. Through strategic partnerships and affiliations across all major sectors of the cannabis industry, the CSC has established itself as a leading force in creating well-rounded cannabis professionals. When employers hire CSC alumni, they're not just hiring employees; they're acquiring ambassadors who represent their companies with dignity and professionalism. Together, we'll explore how CSC sets new standards and infuses the industry with a level of prestige yet to be seen. We'll look at how they're tirelessly working towards shaping leaders of tomorrow, equipping them with the necessary skills to seize every opportunity that this budding industry presents. Dive into this riveting conversation and find out more about how CSC is contributing to the evolving landscape of cannabis education. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of cannabis and how education plays a pivotal role in its growth and acceptance. To learn more about The Cleveland School of Cannabis, don't forget to visit http://www.csceducation.com/ after the episode. Join us in this eye-opening journey into the educational frontiers of cannabis." Get ready for an enlightening chat on The Cannabis Diversity Podcast. Don't miss it!
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    37 mins
  • #065 Black Cannabis Week - Cherron Perry-Thomas
    Mar 16 2023
    Black Cannabis Week (BCW22) is a collective web of educational and informational experiences to empower Black communities to move toward social and political change. In collective work, we aim to educate, destigmatize, and advance social justice efforts. The Diasporic Alliance for Cannabis Opportunities (DACO) was established to help promote the awareness of cannabis in Black and Brown communities. Like other concerns and similarities, inequities in cannabis exist throughout the diaspora. We desire to ensure marginalized communities access and information to the opportunities in cannabis to generate positive change. You can learn more about Black Cannabis Week at https://www.wearedaco.com/
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    22 mins
  • #064 Magic Hour Cannabis - Will Perry
    Sep 21 2022
    Originally from the Bronx, Will started his career at top advertising agencies in New York and Los Angeles, but quickly realized he wasn't passionate about the day to day. He began working at friends' grow in Los Angeles in 2014 and soon after quit his job to dive into growing cannabis full-time. Will packed up and moved to Oregon 5 years ago and co-founded Magic Hour Cannabis- a boutique indoor cultivation operation right outside of Portland. Blending his knowledge of marketing/brand building and growing high-quality organic cannabis, Will has been able to help grow Magic Hour into one of the most respected brands in the state. He also has had a hand in crafting other top cannabis brands/grows in the state as a consultant. Will has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, CNN, VICE and other outlets due to the organic and rapid growth of Magic Hour as a brand. He's also passionate about empowering other young entrepreneurs of color to channel their love for cannabis and get into the industry. To learn more about Magic Hour Cannabis visit https://www.magichourcannabis.com/
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    49 mins
  • Episode 63: Fighting Injustice Through Law and Art - A Conversation with Richeda Ashmeade
    Aug 9 2022
    In this compelling episode of The Cannabis Diversity Report Podcast, host Tahir Johnson sits down with dynamic guest Richeda Ashmeade. A Last Prisoner Project constituent, Richeda is a law student, poet, and activist, now into her second year of law school in Atlanta, Georgia. Her life and work are fueled by the ambition to challenge and overturn the systemic injustice inherent in the cannabis industry. Beyond her law studies, Richeda has carved out a niche for herself in the world of spoken word poetry. A member of the esteemed San Diego Poetry Slam Team, she recently shared the stage with Ghostface Killah in NYC, where she used her poetic platform to highlight the issues surrounding cannabis legislation and its punitive measures. This episode explores the trajectory of Richeda's journey, from her poetry stages to law school and her passionate advocacy for her father - unfairly sentenced to 22 years for a cannabis-related offense. Richeda's story is a poignant testament to the broader systemic problems of cannabis legislation and the dire need for reform. Tahir and Richeda also delve into the impactful work of the Last Prisoner Project, an organization dedicated to redressing the harms of cannabis prohibition. For listeners who want to know more about their incredible efforts, you can visit lastprisonerproject.org. Tune in to hear an inspirational and thought-provoking conversation that underlines the connection between cannabis, diversity, art, and law, and how one woman uses this intersection to fight for justice. Don't miss this unforgettable episode of The Cannabis Diversity Report Podcast.
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    42 mins
  • #062 Lawrence Hudson - Cronos Group
    Apr 25 2022

    Lawrence Hudson Jr is a Government Affairs Associate with Cronos Group, a globally diversified and vertically integrated cannabis company with a presence across four continents. Lawrence received his JD from Howard University School of Law. He also holds a Master's Degree in Television, Radio and Film from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and BS in Criminal Justice from with a Minor in Public Relations from St. John's University. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc and hails from Queens New York. To learn more about Cronos Group visit www.thecronosgroup.com

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    33 mins
  • Episode 61: Crafting Cannabis Policy: Equity, Justice, and the Path Forward with Toi Hutchinson
    Mar 28 2022
    Join us for Episode 61 of the Cannabis Diversity Report with host Tahir Johnson as he sits down with a titan of cannabis policy reform - Toi Hutchinson, the President and CEO of The Marijuana Policy Project. A former Illinois Senator and co-sponsor of the groundbreaking Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA), Toi has dedicated her career to promoting equity in the burgeoning cannabis industry. As colleagues at the Marijuana Policy Project, Tahir and Toi share a deep commitment to social justice and inclusion. In this engaging conversation, Toi sheds light on the intricacies of cannabis legislation, her journey from the Illinois Senate to the Marijuana Policy Project, and the importance of equitable cannabis policy reform. You'll hear firsthand about Toi's tireless work to redress the impacts of the war on drugs on marginalized communities, her strategies for modernizing cannabis regulation, and her vision for a more inclusive future for the cannabis industry. Whether you're a cannabis enthusiast, an industry insider, or simply interested in the fight for equity and justice in policymaking, this episode is packed with invaluable insights. Dive in to discover how Toi Hutchinson and the Marijuana Policy Project are reshaping the landscape of cannabis policy and promoting a more inclusive and equitable industry. Don't miss this deep dive into the fight for fair, just, and inclusive cannabis policies.
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    51 mins