First appointed to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2015, State Rep. Sonya Harper’s star has risen rapidly and prominently in Springfield. In this episode, Host Mark Peysakhovich recently checked in with her to see what we can expect on the cannabis legislative front in the state legislative session starting at the beginning of January.

Host Mark Peysakhovich speaks with three newly awarded Illinois craft cannabis licensees.  These men are working together to reach other craft growers licensed in Illinois through a newly formed trade association, the Illinois Independent Craft Growers Association (IICGA). The goals of the IICGA include: Promoting inclusion of the independent craft growers in all opportunities available […]

What is organic cannabis and why should you be concerned? What exactly is sustainable farming?  Welcome to this new episode of The Cannabis Community Insider. Our host, Penelope Hamilton looks beyond organic cannabis cultivation with special guest Diane Downey. Diane is the CEO of Rebel Spirit Cannabis, one of Oregon’s most highly respected cannabis brands. […]

Social Equity in the cannabis industry will continue to remain a dream if not for passionate people like today’s guests. Shawnee Williams is the co-founder at Illinois Equity Staffing, a Minority Black and women-owned firm based in Chicago, that supports the cannabis industry in education, job placement, human resources, payroll, and social equity & diversity compliance. Shawnee has teamed up with Danielle Schumacher, CEO of THC Staffing Group – a DEI recruiting and consulting firm – founded in 2014.

Join host, Penelope Hamilton and her expert guest, Isaac Bock of Alphroot on this episode of The Cannabis Community Insider. Alpharoot offers insurance coverage to the cannabis industry From Seed to Sale and every ancillary need in between. Forget the bygone days’ image of what business insurance looks like. The cannabis space is unique and this team of Industry veterans offers knowledge beyond insurance. AlphaRoot’s mission is to strengthen and legitimize the Cannabis industry. Clubhouse: @isaac_bock

The Cannabis Community Insider takes you to meet the co-founders of Flowered Wellness in Orchard Park, New York. David Deutsch, Co-Founder, President, and Cannabis Concierge of Flowered Wellness, has been able to combine his professional knowledge of hospitality services as well as healthcare and culinary arts experience into a clear and holistic concept which is fundamental to this unique cannabis concierge service.

On this episode of The Cannabis Community Insider, host Penelope Hamilton welcomes Ag-Intel’s president, John Ziemanski. John shares how this incredibly highly personalized technology can help cannabis and hemp cultivators remotely track and manage just about any information down to a single plant out of thousands!

Join us this week on The Cannabis Community Insider with hosts Abraham Villegas and Penelope Hamilton as they learn about Vaporizer Technology from long-time community member Steven Gough, President, and CEO of Onsen Labs. Steven’s extensive experience with thermal heat technology met his love of “glass” and the magic of the Onsen Vaporizer was created! You’ll learn what sets the Onsen Vaporizer apart from other units for a superior experience.

In this episode of The Cannabis Community Insider, hosts Abraham Villegas and Penelope Hamilton take you to New York to hear from their very special guest, Joseph DeMatteo, Esq. of Bernfeld, DeMatteo, and Bernfeld, to learn about the recent cannabis legalization expungement provisions.

In this episode of The Cannabis Community Insider, hosts Abraham Villegas and Penelope Hamilton sit down with Frank Falvo, a registered pharmacist at Vireo Health in Albany, New York where we talk about: – Frank’s experience as a cannabis pharmacist – Drug interactions with cannabis – New York legalization – How Frank once operated a pharmacy where “Beyond the Pines” was filmed, which featured Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, and other A-List celebrities.

In This episode of The Cannabis Community Insider, Host Penelope Hamilton sits down with guests Dorothy Rourke Stiver and Natalie Lopez of Airmid Outreach to learn about the DIY process of creating a cannabis-infused pain cream. Learn and be encouraged by Dorothy and Natalie as they emphasize how easy and economical it is to make your own medicine. The topical recipe is shared at the end of the video, so “have no fear”!

Abraham Villegas and Mark Peysakhovich check in with social equity champion and Illinois State Representative La Shawn K. Ford who gives our community a legislative update, new developments, and an invitation to continue improving the state’s cannabis laws.

Illinois State Representative Eva Dina Delgado is an attorney with more than 20 years in both public and private sector leadership. Her story is the quintessential American Story: Her parents came to this country as immigrants with nothing and sacrificed for their kids. Now their daughter is a State Representative!

Six true social equity applicants in the Illinois cannabis lottery come together to tell their story in an exclusive interview.

Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch on the rollout of Illinois’ adult-use cannabis program and what needs to be done in 2021.

In this episode of the Cannabis Community Insider, we connect with Illinois State Representative David Welter on where Republicans stand on Cannabis.

Codie Sanchez, managing director and partner at Entourage Effect Capital, reveals her biggest lessons-learned in the cannabis industry today.

Illinois Senator Castro is an increasingly important player in the Illinois General Assembly. She is a member of the Latino Caucus and is Chairperson of the Senate Revenue Committee. She also serves as Vice-Chairperson of the Veterans Affairs committee and is a member multiple other committees.

We get an update from State Representative Leader Kathleen Willis on the Illinois cannabis dispensary license process and plans to fix some of the problems the process has exposed in Illinois’ legalization law.

We caught up with Illinois Senator Jason A. Barickman, one of the few Republicans who voted in favor of cannabis legalization in Illinois. As the Assistant Republican Leader, we got his unique take and insights into the conversations that are happening over at the Republican Caucus as it relates to cannabis and the future of social equity in Illinois.

This conversation with cannabis industry expert and attorney, David Ruskin, of HBM Legal, broke down the federal court hearings in Illinois that were related to lawsuits from applicants who did not make it into the lottery round.

State Representative Kathleen Willis, D-Addison and La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, held a news conference via The Medical Cannabis Community.

Tough Questions on Cannabis Transparency, Diversity & Social Equity with Chief Legalization Sponsor, State Rep. Kelly Cassidy

There are few relationships as intimate and sacred as that of patient and doctor. Where does cannabis fit in?

Cresco Labs CEO Charlie Bachtell reveals what it’s like to work for one of the biggest cannabis companies and what it takes to get a job in the industry.

In this interview with Conny Moody, Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, we dive into the compelling nuances of the state’s medical cannabis program.

Rep. Bob Morgan has been working on medical cannabis in Illinois since the beginning. And now he’s poised to take the program to greater heights.

The O’Hern family has been farming and raising cattle on their land in central Illinois for generations. Here’s why and how cannabis changed everything.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever heard or used the words hemp and marijuana interchangeably. Don’t lie. You’re far from alone. Up until recently, the US government couldn’t tell the difference either. The Farm Bill in 2018 finally acknowledged that while the two plants are similar, there are a few important distinctions between them.  THC […]

Cannabis consumers and patients for decades have faced an intimidatingly confusing mix of sometimes contradictory information regarding the true effects of cannabis on the brain and, specifically, memory and cognition. Since the early 20th century, prohibitionists have been claiming that cannabis use by humans produces a variety of mental problems and deficiencies, from killing brain cells to a range of psychiatric disorders to the lowering of intelligence.

Cannabis is a complex plant with over 400 chemical entities of which more than 60 of them are cannabinoid compounds. Read on to discover research and explanations on some of the most commonly used terpenes found in CBD. Terpenes are organic compounds that enhance your “high”, affect the taste, and hold numerous medical benefits. On the […]

A million things are happening that are out of our control. But, I’m here to tell you… CBD can help. It’s been wild for a minute now. There’s a plague raging right outside our doors, protests continue across the country, and then there’s an election, like tomorrow. Whether you’re trapped indoors, or you’re an essential worker, […]

For years, the producers, processors, distributors, marketers, regulators, and consumers of cannabis have focused primarily on only two molecules produced by the plant: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Both are sold by thousands of companies in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. As a wave of medical and adult use marijuana legalization reaches beyond […]

If you follow news about cannabinoids, there’s a good chance that you’ve heard CBG brought up a few times. Some people claim that it could potentially be the next CBD, but could it actually be that good?  There’s some room for speculation, and there’s a lot of information that could suggest that CBG is a […]

This is the official launch issue of CannaCurious magazine, and we couldn’t be more excited! In this issue, we’ve honed in on the power of CBD. We’ve laid all the facts on the table. We’re debunking common myths (CBD does not make you high!). And, we’re sharing how women can use CBD to enhance multiple […]

By Amanda Fisher-Katz-Keohane I wouldn’t call myself a cannabis connoisseur, but I have lived in places where it’s recreationally legal for years and enjoyed it a number of ways for a number of reasons. Most predominantly, it was a huge support post-abortion, and during a stint of insomnia triggered by inexplicable knee pain. I had […]

About the chef A charismatic personality with a thirty-year career in the industry, Chef Otto’s true calling is to end hunger issues locally, nationally, and globally. Much like High Falls Hemp NY, Chef Otto’s mission is not only feeding people, but educating them, elevating spirits, nourishing minds, and captivating hearts. Otto’s extensive career includes The […]

Getting started in the weed business is expensive and many people need business loans. However, less than 47 percent of black- owned business loan applications get approved.

Here are the winners of Illinois’ 3rd Dispensary Tied Applicant Lottery 75 LICENSE WINNERS

As people are finding different ways to enjoy the health and wellness benefits of CBD, infused drinks and dishes continue to rise in popularity. From CBD infused sparkling water and teas to chocolate and even popcorn! We’ve rounded up a few CBD infused recipes from some of our culinary favs that you can try at home.  First on our list is CBD BBQ wings!

On Friday, May 28th, the Senate voted to pass the bill in a 50 to 3 vote.

This week, applicants for social equity focused cannabis businesses in Illinois were given hope as the House Committee passed HB1443, a bill designed to issue the long overdue licenses that have been helped up in litigation since May of 2020. Under HB1443, the state creates two additional lotteries in the application process to give more […]

Are you curious about edibles but not sure where to start? Read this article to learn about your edibles options, how edibles work, recommended dosing ranges, and great tips from experts to optimize your experience.

2020 will go down in history as one of the worst closers to a decade. Politically and through the lens of public health,

The Cannabis Basics Textbook is an engaging, evidence-based journey into cannabinoid science fundamentals–learn more in this blog!

Whether you use medical cannabis products to treat symptoms of anxiety, epilepsy, pain, nausea, etc. – you may subscribe to some of the following concerns expressed by the medical cannabis community.

Illinois Equity Staffing (IES) is quickly becoming one of the most popular HR, staffing, and consulting services in the state’s emerging cannabis industry.

Everyone seems to be talking about it, but few are actually leading the way through action.

“Following a careful examination of the process to award the first round of conditional adult-use cannabis dispensary licenses after receiving feedback from community leaders and stakeholders,”

Celebrate the Jewish High Holy Days by getting a little bit high.

Edibles are popular but tricky. Here’s why and how consumers are fixing many of the problems with a DIY solution & where you can learn more.

State Representative Kathleen Willis, D-Addison and La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, held a news conference via The Medical Cannabis Community.

Addressing the lawsuit filed by multiple Illinois companies to contest the highly flawed cannabis dispensary license #scoring process implemented by the state and their vendor, KPMG.

Time to fix social equity! It was telling when Gov. Pritzker said on Wednesday that the cannabis social equity licensing process in Illinois is a marathon rather than a sprint.

Despite the promised openness, transparency and public engagement, the cannabis licensing process has been a black hole full of miscommunication, inconsistent and contradictory information as well as a lack of planning and bungling that left all of us guessing.

On Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), announced a lottery for cannabis dispensary applicant finalists, which was expected to take place in late September.

The Tie Breaker Process describes the ability to move forward with awarding the 75 conditional adult-use cannabis dispensary licenses that were authorized by the 2019 Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.

For too long, many black voices have been buried beneath a wave of narratives that come from those who have not been impacted by the war on drugs, or to some extent, may have even benefited from such war.

This guide will explore how the primal connection between the brainstem and the human nose suggests that using smell to guide us is more effective in selecting the best strain.

The study continues to explain how traditional measures of reducing transmission are to reduce the diffusion of these droplets from person to person.

During this time of social isolation, many cannabis enthusiasts are turning to crafting their own edibles at home.

People are changing the way they feel about cannabis, and consumers are finding benefits in experimenting with different methods of consumption.

Medical cannabis patients and their caregivers can often find themselves in limbo,

We’ve all been impacted by coronavirus by now. Whether we’re in full quarantine or simply self-isolating or still going to work as an essential employee, coronavirus has changed our day-to-day lives.

The cannabis industry is filled with discussions about a term that has gained prominence recently, though it should have been a bigger part of our consciousness decades ago. That term is “social equity.”

This blog will help people explore various options and vendors with great seeds and solid genetics for the optimal home grow experience.

As Illinois becomes an adult use state with the Cannabis Use and Tax Act, mental health professionals need to update their understanding of this substance.

This blog will help people explore various options and vendors with great seeds and solid genetics for the optimal home grow experience.

Are you the most creative on 420? Here is a great little ornament to make your best “cannabuddies” or even for yourself!

For those starting out, lighting is the most complicated, confusing, and most expensive (and therefore risky!) part of getting started growing their own medicine.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative condition characterized by central nervous lesions and chronic inflammation.

Periodic aches and pains are something everyone must deal with. The immediate reaction to sudden pain is an evolutionary response that helps us survive.

Learning the art and science of cannabis cultivation is the first step to building your cannabis sovereignty. Take control of your medicine, and learn to grow!

Easy recipe on how to infuse your favorite chocolate with your favorite flowers.

Anyone who has the slightest interest in marijuana or the cannabis industry is aware that the subject has as many detractors as it does proponents.

The perfect excuse to celebrate Thanksgiving, or really any day of the year.

Exciting times are ahead for the state of Illinois, as recreational cannabis sales will officially begin at the beginning of the New Year. Illinois was the first state to legalize adult use recreational cannabis through their legislature—a historic day for the state’s government.

This essentially removes a patient’s medical cannabis registration information from their driving records.

Studies show that smiling is contagious. Spend time with others that make you smile and laugh.

Social Equity loans will be available to Applicants, or companies applying for a license to operate a cannabis business.

New health and wellness options pop up regularly, making it hard to know what’s worth the time and money.

This recipe makes around 56 gummies – final # depends on how clean you scrape the mixture pan into the squeeze bottle and how clean you pour the mixture into the molds.

There are two ways to start growing a cannabis plant. The obvious way is from seeds. Like any other seed, you plant it and allow it to germinate.

The days of marijuana transactions being conducted in back alleys and vacant parking lots are long behind us.

The world of cannabis concentrates is as diverse as it is powerful and potent!

The world of cannabis concentrates is as diverse as it is powerful and potent!

Visiting a cannabis dispensary can be an overwhelming experience, but in a good way. Patients are often amazed at just how many options there are to choose from.

Legal cannabis is an international phenomenon. Here is an insight into the legal cannabis scene in Uruguay.

People around the world are using cannabis around the world now more than ever before—and many of them are women!

What does the actual scientific research state regarding the effectiveness of using cannabis for treatment of PTSD?

As Cannabis Sativa continues its reintegration across western society, medical cannabis and cannabinoid-based therapies are gaining popularity.

As Cannabis Gains Popularity, Skeptics Raise Risks of Smoking cannabis

While moments of anxiety are a normal part of the human condition, over one third of the population suffers from anxiety disorders.

Interested in reading the 500-page bill for Legalization in Illinois? Read it here!

The primary motivation for states legalizing the use of recreational marijuana is financial.

Chronic pain continues to grow into a serious public health concern in industrialized countries.1 In the United States alone,

While the practice of dentistry predates all the way to 16th century Renaissance times, modern medicine has largely failed to investigate the potential benefits of cannabis and hemp for oral hygiene and disease prevention

The issue of gun rights has become an incredibly contentious topic of debate in recent years.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and progressive inflammatory disease that affects approximately 1% of the world’s adult population.

The nation has an opioid epidemic it can no longer ignore. Did you know opioid mortality rates have dropped by up to 25% in states that have legalized cannabis?

Synthetic Cannabis and Natural Cannabis are NOT the Same Thing. Here’s why.

As cannabis use in the United States skyrockets, more people will inevitably face the ominous, pre-employment drug test.

Childhood epilepsy is one such disease that has increasingly been the target of cannabinoid therapy for years and is the focus of a documentary by The Medical Cannabis Community.

The term “personalized medicine” carries the promise of a progressive and holistic approach to healthcare, tailoring treatments to individual patients instead of pathologies.

No matter your type of cannabis business, here are ways to improve patient experiences.

Thanks to the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, we may soon see fields of hemp once more across the countryside.

The cannabis market is currently one of the most rapidly growing sectors in the United States.

The Opioid Alternative Pilot Program will allow patients to swap addicting narcotics for cannabis,

As cannabis continues to make a growing impact on the world at large, it’s implications on how one approaches their taxes is not something often discussed.

As medical cannabis use continues to grow more widespread across the United States and the world at large, so is the realization that as beneficial as it is, cannabis is no “silver bullet”.

Consumers in online communities have frequently expressed disdain in what they report may be a dangerous proposal for an otherwise flourishing opportunity for the state.

Let’s face it; nearly a century of prohibition and anti-cannabis propaganda has left deep misconceptions about the plant still prevalent today.