Innovating Cannabis Podcast

Is Peru the Next Hot Market for US Cannabis Brands? If you work with hemp, the market is about to open for import/export operations. Peru's medical cannabis framework dates to 2017, when cannabis was legalized for medicinal use, scientific research, and pharmaceutical production. Patient associations gained cultivation rights in 2021, though the market remained limited — by mid-2025, official records showed just 27 cannabis-related marketing authorizations, most for natural products rather than medicines. That's changing. A new law passed in December 2024 established the legal basis for industrial hemp below 1% THC. The draft regulation specifically addresses hemp derivatives in processed foods, beverages, supplements, and additives — with hemp edibles and beverages expected to be permitted as regulated food products. Today, we meet José Escalante, co-founder of Organnical, a telehealth platform, who has been working directly with Peruvian lawmakers to help shape the emerging framework. The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with pam@InnovatingCannabisPodcast.com.LinkedIn   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Rawson founded the nonprofit Institute of Cannabis Science while serving as a postdoctoral researcher in chemistry at Harvard University. He conducts scientific research, investigative reporting, and regulatory reviews, and provides subject-matter expertise in cannabis testing. Jeff serves on the ASTM D37 Committee on Cannabis and is involved with ACIL, which honored him with the 2024 Preston S. Miller Award for extraordinary service. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Bard College, a master’s in organic chemistry from the University of Vermont, and a Ph.D. in chemistry from Duke University. Driven by a passion for improving public health, Jeff applies his analytical expertise to protect cannabis consumers. He founded the Institute of Cannabis Science because, as he puts it, it is the most impactful way to use his chemistry background for the public good. https://cannsci.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-rawson-31b1a724b The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with pam@InnovatingCannabisPodcast.com.LinkedIn   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Clint Kellum brings nearly 20 years of public service experience with the State of California, where he specialized in budget and policy work at the California Department of Finance. He joined the California Dept of Cannabis Control about five years ago as Chief Operating Officer, and was recently appointed Director, where he now leads the agency’s operations and helps shape the future of cannabis regulation in the state. We discuss his goals and vision for stabilizing California’s cannabis market and what it will take to turn things around for operators struggling to survive ongoing turbulence and uncertainty. The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with pam@InnovatingCannabisPodcast.com.LinkedIn   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Julian Wichmann is a board-certified radiologist and the co-founder and CEO of Bloomwell,the first cannabis telemedicine platform to launch in Germany—and a model the U.S. should pay close attention to. We dive into the current state of Germany’s cannabis market, the challenges of building a telemedicine blueprint from the ground up, how medical cannabis is revitalizing German pharmacies, and the role telehealth plays in connecting doctors, pharmacies, and patients. The conversation offers valuable insight into how Germany is structuring medical cannabis at scale. https://bloomwell.de The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with pam@InnovatingCannabisPodcast.com.LinkedIn   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today, we are joined by Chris Emerson, who earned his PhD in small-molecule chemistry and completed his postdoctoral research at Stanford University before bringing his scientific rigor to the cannabis industry. He’s now the CEO and Chief Scientist of Level, and was one of the first to introduce cannabis in a precise, pill-based format.At Level, the team is laser-focused on developing effect-based formulations—using unique cannabinoid combinations and custom ratios designed to deliver real therapeutic value. Chris is especially interested in working with acidic cannabinoids along with lesser-known minor cannabinoids—pushing beyond the usual THC-CBD playbook. Research seems to be increasing in the area of acidic cannabinoids since there is evidence that they provide stronger effects than their converted forms, such as THC and CBD.In this episode, we dig into his approach to formulation science, what truly differentiates Level from other edibles, how he manages manufacturing and distribution partnerships, and the challenge of maintaining quality and consistency across state lines.We also talk about what’s next, including plans to expand Level into the hemp market.https://levelexperience.com The Innovating Cannabis podcast is produced and hosted by Pam Chmiel, a freelance writer and editor for the Cannabis Industry Journal. Get in touch with pam@InnovatingCannabisPodcast.com.LinkedIn   Twitter   InstagramPlease like the show to help us reach more listeners🙏🏻  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.