Summer’s almost here, and Cannabis Man is celebrating sunshine, mothers, and plant-powered healing. Don kicks off the show with a warm tribute to moms—especially his own and his wife—before diving into reviews of Strawberry CBD Gummies from Extract Labs [https://www.extractlabs.com/] and Sleep Formula gummies from TribeTokes [https://tribetokes.com/].

This week’s guest, Ian McGann [https://www.linkedin.com/in/imcontractingltd/], shares his remarkable journey of survival after a brain stem stroke. In a powerful and emotional interview, Ian details what happened, what he’s learned, and how cannabis played a key role in his recovery and spiritual growth.

In the news wrap:

 * An Arizona lab flagged for major testing violations [https://mjbizdaily.com/arizona-marijuana-regulators-flag-major-testing-lab-for-multiple-violations/]

 * A federal agency calls for standardized cannabis drying [https://www.marijuanamoment.net/cannabis-industry-should-develop-more-consistent-drying-methods-federal-science-agency-says/]

 * New research on cannabis and cognitive decline prevention [https://cannabis.net/blog/medical/forget-brain-quizzes-cannabis-could-be-the-key-to-preventing-cognitive-decline-says-new-groundb]

 * A Swiss study links legalization with lower “problematic use” [https://internationalcbc.com/swiss-study-finds-legal-cannabis-access-reduces-problematic-consumption/]

 * GreenState’s new Consumers’ Choice Awards [https://www.greenstate.com/cannabis-awards/greenstate-consumers-choice/#//]—now accepting nominations

Don closes with a High Haiku and invites listeners to call or text the show at 872-269-2403 with ideas, feedback, or guest suggestions.

Brain, Body, and Bud: Ian McGann's Journey Back From a Stroke

This week on Cannabis Man, host Don Kleppin opens up about his May the 4th traditions, the growing cultural impact of Star Wars Day, and a personal reflection on a late friend who shared the same birthday. Don responds to listener mail with a passionate take on the phrase “do your own research” and the importance of scientific consensus.

In product reviews, Don shares his thoughts on gummies from Hometown Hero [https://hometownhero.com/] and Flower Union [https://flowerunion.co/], and Brawler Blunts from Tyson 2.0 [https://tyson20.com/].

The featured guest is cannabis attorney Lauren Rudick of Rudick Law Group [https://www.rudicklawgroup.com/]. She shares her early cannabis education from her parents, insights as a recovering litigator, and the murky legal waters separating cannabis from hemp. Rudick also offers practical advice for potential investors in the space.

Plus, cannabis news updates: – DEA nominee says cannabis rescheduling is a top priority [https://www.marijuanamoment.net/trumps-pick-to-lead-dea-says-marijuana-rescheduling-review-will-be-one-of-my-first-priorities-in-the-job/] – How legal weed may shape the U.S. economy in 2025 [https://mjbizdaily.com/marijuana-industry-will-add-123-billion-to-us-economy-in-2025/] – A suspected arsonist targets Illinois dispensaries [https://www.greenstate.com/news/chicago-cannabis-dispensary-arson/] – West Coast flower showing up in NY shelves illegally [https://superbev.wpenginepowered.com/2025/05/06/illegal-cannabis-products-discovered-for-sale-in-ny-dispensaries/] – Two new cannabinoids discovered in South Korea [https://www.leafie.co.uk/news/new-cannabinoid-discovered-cannabis/]

All that, plus this week’s High Haiku.

Chicago's Weed Arsonist, New Cannabinoids & the Chaos of the Law — with Lauren Rudick

Text Cannabis Man! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933612/open_sms]

In this episode of Cannabis Man, host Don Kleppin opens with a reflective story about a family trip to Chicago’s Jackson Park during cherry blossom season, including a visit to the serene Osaka Garden. He shares a live review of Fable’s Into the Woods botanical cannabis beverage, featuring hints of stone fruit, pine, and rosemary.

Don’s expert guest is Kirsten Velasco, author and creator of VapenProp [https://vapenprop.com/], a cannabis vaping tool designed to solve key issues with portable vape use. Kirsten shares her personal journey with cannabis, the failure of prohibition, and the cannabis vs. hemp distinction.

Also in this episode: Don reviews Hometown Hero [https://hometownhero.com/c/gummies/]’s pomegranate raspberry gummies, updates from Illinois' medical cannabis portal [https://iloginhelp.illinois.gov/how-to-guides/introduction.html], news from Missouri’s booming cannabis market [https://www.stlpr.org/show/st-louis-on-the-air/2025-04-22/missouri-cannabis-industry-booms-despite-recalls-struggles], rising cannabis use [https://nypost.com/2025/04/19/health/meet-nycs-weed-loving-over-60s-as-seniors-are-using-marijuana-more-than-ever/] among seniors, a groundbreaking cancer-focused medical cannabis study [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/18/medical-cannabis-cancer-study], and a new study [https://greenunicornfarms.com/] reveals which state has the best cannabis cultivation conditions!

The episode wraps with a reflective High Haiku inspired by the beauty and balance of nature within the city.

Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/cannabisman]

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For more cannabis news and insights, check out the Weekly Chronic [https://cannabisman.substack.com/] newsletter!

Cherry Blossoms & Cannabis Breakthroughs: Kirsten Velasco, VapenProp & Nature in the City

Text Cannabis Man! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933612/open_sms]

This year, Easter Sunday lands on 4/20—and we’re lighting up both holidays with a Cannabis Man celebration! Don reflects on the occasion with a festive monologue, then dives into the latest cannabis headlines:

 * Why rescheduling is delayed, not dead, according to a top cannabis lobbyist [https://businessofcannabis.com/cannabis-rescheduling-delayed-not-dead-despite-deas-apathy/]
 * New Illinois Senate bill [https://www.marijuanamoment.net/illinois-senate-passes-bill-to-stop-police-from-using-smell-of-marijuana-to-justify-vehicle-stops-and-searches/] would ban police stops based solely on cannabis odor
 * Solvent vs. solvent-less extraction: which is healthier? [https://mjbizdaily.com/solvent-based-cannabis-extraction-versus-solventless-methods/]

Next, Don shares a 4/20 Gift Guide courtesy of Grasslands, reviewing a standout pick: Fable Libations' “Best Zest” hemp beverage.

Our guest this week is KymB, Co-Founder and CMO of TribeTokes [https://tribetokes.com/]. She shares her inspiring journey into cannabis, the evolution of their products, and how seniors and women are changing the consumer landscape. Don also reviews their Tropicana Cookies THCA cart and vape battery. The episode wraps with a collection of 4/20 events [https://www.greenstate.com/lifestyle/420-2025-event-guide/] happening around the U.S. this weekend, and three High Haikus to celebrate the holiday.

Rate, review, share, and text in to join the conversation. Happy 4/20 and Happy Easter, fam!

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For more cannabis news and insights, check out the Weekly Chronic [https://cannabisman.substack.com/] newsletter!

High Hopes & Holy Smoke: A 4/20 Easter Special with TribeTokes' KymB

Text Cannabis Man! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933612/open_sms]

In this milestone episode of Cannabis Man, host Don Kleppin reflects on a year of life, love, and cannabis. Don shares heartfelt personal news as his daughter Violet turns one, offering a candid look at parenthood, purpose, and the joy of watching a little human grow.

We dive into the latest Illinois cannabis sales figures and product registration news in the News Joint Wrap [https://illinoisnewsjoint.com/], along with a cautionary list of products to avoid. Don also spotlights Lyon Legacy Cookie Company [https://www.facebook.com/people/Lyon-Legacy-Cookie-Company/61574960009093/#], a sweet new venture in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood.

Our expert guest is Dylan Spencer, Chief Marketing Officer at Sauce Essentials [https://sauceessentials.com/], who breaks down the brand’s philosophy, product development, and how to build community despite the ongoing stigma and censorship around cannabis. Don reviews Sauce’s Live Resin Vapes and Smoke infused pre-rolls, and explores major national stories like:

 * 600 lbs of cannabis stolen from a Colorado police lockup [https://www.kktv.com/2025/04/09/600-pounds-marijuana-stolen-colorado-state-patrol-evidence-container/]
 * A key Michigan Supreme Court ruling on cannabis odor and search rights [https://www.freep.com/story/news/marijuana/2025/04/03/marijuana-smell-car-vehicle-search-michigan-supreme-court/82790564007/]
 * The ongoing hemp battle in Texas
 * A revealing study from Pennsylvania about doctors and cannabis [https://www.marijuanamoment.net/patients-are-largely-comfortable-with-their-doctors-using-marijuana-outside-of-work-study-shows/]

Plus: this week’s High Haiku honoring memories and milestones, and a reminder to rate, review, and share the show!

Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/cannabisman]

Interested in advertising? Email host@cannabismanpodcast.com!

Follow the show on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CManPodcast], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFkdGXoDLQXOXZ_20QdKPYg/featured], Twitter [https://twitter.com/cmanpodcast] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/cmanpodcast/]!

For more cannabis news and insights, check out the Weekly Chronic [https://cannabisman.substack.com/] newsletter!

Milestones & Marketing Amid Stigma with Sauce Essentials' Dylan Spencer

Text Cannabis Man! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933612/open_sms]

Has April Fool’s Day lost its place in the modern world? In this episode of Cannabis Man, Don Kleppin makes the case that the era of misinformation has turned April 1st from a day of fun into a source of frustration. He shares a firsthand experience from Chicago that illustrates the issue and highlights the challenges April Fool’s presents for marketing efforts. He also celebrates the launch of his wife’s new business—Lyon Legacy Cookie Company [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574960009093].

In the product review segment, Don tries WYNK’s new 10mg THC seltzers [https://drinkwynk.com/], sampling the Strawberry Lemonade flavor and sharing his thoughts on the Lemonade and Raspberry Lemonade varieties.

The guest interview features Narmin Jarrous, Chief Development Officer of Exclusive Brands [https://exclusivebrands.com/], a Michigan-based cannabis company. She discusses her journey with medical cannabis, the ongoing cannabis rescheduling process, the hemp vs. cannabis debate, and the increasing involvement of big industries like Pharma in legal cannabis.

This week's cannabis news includes:
 🌿 North Carolina’s push for recreational cannabis legalization [https://thehighway.co/bill-introduced-to-legalize-cannabis-use-in-north-carolina/]
💰 Oregon’s $50M fight against the black market—was it effective? [https://www.salemreporter.com/2025/04/02/oregon-illegal-marijuana-crackdown/]
✅ A California nonprofit now certifies cannabis product safety [https://www.greenstate.com/business/ecco-cannabis-cohort/]
🏛️ Cannabis updates from D.C.: Trump pushes banking reform [https://www.marijuanamoment.net/white-house-has-no-action-planned-on-marijuana-but-trump-quietly-pushed-lawmakers-on-cannabis-banking-report-says/], and his new drug czar makes a surprising statement on medical cannabis [https://www.marijuanamoment.net/trumps-new-white-house-drug-czar-called-medical-marijuana-a-fantastic-treatment-for-cancer-patients/]

The episode concludes with the weekly High Haiku. 

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

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Follow the show on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CManPodcast], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFkdGXoDLQXOXZ_20QdKPYg/featured], Twitter [https://twitter.com/cmanpodcast] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/cmanpodcast/]!

For more cannabis news and insights, check out the Weekly Chronic [https://cannabisman.substack.com/] newsletter!

April Fools Is Over + WYNK's New THC Seltzer & Narmin Jarrous of Exclusive Brands

Text Cannabis Man! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933612/open_sms]

After a brief break, Cannabis Man returns with fresh energy and big updates! Host Don Kleppin [https://www.donkleppin.com/] kicks off the episode by revisiting the show's mission: to normalize and destigmatize cannabis by sharing expert conversations, industry news, and insightful perspectives.

Don shares some exciting personal news—his voice can now be heard on a Walmart radio commercial airing in New York and another upcoming ad for an insurance company. He also steps in front of the camera with a background role in Season 4 of The Bear [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14452776/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1], currently filming in Chicago.

In this week’s Product Showcase, Don reviews Tyson 2.0 [https://tyson20.com/] pre-rolled joints, highlighting three strains—Dynamite Cookies (his favorite), Gelato 44, and Knockout OG. These "shorty" pre-rolls impressed him with smooth airflow and great effects. Plus, he gives his thoughts on a Banana Runtz vape cartridge from Tickled Pink [https://www.instagram.com/tickledpinkil/], breaking down its flavor and potency.

Later in the episode, Don welcomes Vanessa Yee-Chan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-y-09a4a6225/], Founder of Alta [https://altadispensary.nyc/], who shares insights on New York’s evolving cannabis market. They discuss licensing challenges, consumer trends, and what’s next for the Empire State’s legal industry.

Some recent news headlines that Don shares include an expansion of cannabis farmer's markets and pop-up events in New York [https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-york-governor-signs-bills-to-expand-states-marijuana-farmers-market-program-with-pop-up-events/], Texas' senate passing a bill to ban all consumable THC products [https://www.kvue.com/article/news/politics/texas-legislature/texas-senate-thc-ban-priority-bills/269-8ac362f4-a835-470f-ac1b-2b8b1f4b4164], a new report showing federal cannabis trafficking cases have dropped significantly [https://www.marijuanamoment.net/federal-marijuana-trafficking-cases-continue-to-decline-as-state-level-legalization-expands-new-government-report-shows/] over the past decade, and a list of the top cannabis tourism destinations in the U.S [https://cannabis.net/blog/locations/cannabis-tourism-in-the-us-the-top-destinations-for-cannabis-enthusiasts-and-fans].

Tune in for cannabis news, reviews, and expert insights—plus a few Hollywood surprises!

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Follow the show on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CManPodcast], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFkdGXoDLQXOXZ_20QdKPYg/featured], Twitter [https://twitter.com/cmanpodcast] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/cmanpodcast/]!

For more cannabis news and insights, check out the Weekly Chronic [https://cannabisman.substack.com/] newsletter!

Spring Greening, New Products & New York's Cannabis Market with Alta's Vanessa Yee-Chan

Text Cannabis Man! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933612/open_sms]

After a whirlwind two weeks, Don's back with a packed episode! From emceeing the Emerald Gardens launch event to recording major voiceover campaigns, acting on Chicago TV sets, and gearing up for his daughter’s first birthday, it's been a ride. He also reviews two standout products: Korner Boys' [https://www.instagram.com/kornerboys/] disposable vape cart and Cronja’s Illemonati glass-tipped pre-roll [https://weedmaps.com/brands/cronja-culture/products/cronja-culture-cronja-illemonati-s-1-5g-pre-roll].

In the news: a U.S. state moves toward recreational legalization [https://www.forbes.com/sites/ajherrington/2025/02/20/new-hampshire-house-passes-cannabis-legalization-bill/], a survey reveals Canada’s near-total shift to the legal market [https://blog.weed9000.com/health-canada-only-3-of-cannabis-consumers-obtain-products-from-illegal-sources/], and we look at global cannabis industry projections for 2025 [https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/02/20/global-cannabis-market-in-2025-countries-on-the-brink-of-legalization/]. Plus, big news from the White House—could federal cannabis legalization [https://www.marijuanamoment.net/trump-white-house-invites-proposal-on-federal-marijuana-legalization-activist-says/] be on the horizon?

This week’s guest is Tim Cullen, CEO of Colorado Harvest Company. We dive into the first days of legalization in Colorado, the differences between hemp and cannabis, and what rescheduling could mean for the industry. Tune in for expert insights, industry updates, and the latest on legalization efforts!

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For more cannabis news and insights, check out the Weekly Chronic [https://cannabisman.substack.com/] newsletter!

Back in the Green: Global Updates, Product Reviews & Tim Cullen of the Colorado Harvest Company

Text Cannabis Man! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933612/open_sms]

 In this episode of Cannabis Man, we explore the evolving relationship between cannabis and alcohol. Don reviews Illinois legislation [https://illinoisnewsjoint.com/] on cannabis delivery, drive-through dispensaries, home grow expansion, and open-consumption events. Then, he dives into the latest Weekly Chronic newsletter [https://cannabisman.substack.com/], discussing the future of alcohol and cannabis consumption. Plus, product reviews of Sauce Essentials’ [https://sauceessentials.com/] Super Sour Diesel live resin vape and Boston Beer Company’s Teapot [https://drinkteapot.com/] cannabis beverage. In an exclusive interview, we chat with the head of cannabis at Boston Beer Co. about regulations, history, and the future of infused beverages. Finally, cannabis news from Ohio [https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2025/02/12/ohio-farmers-market-for-marijuana-homegrows/78212602007/], California [https://www.yahoo.com/news/fresno-dispensary-gives-free-cannabis-070508725.html?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmVkZGl0LmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAANJFkQYIrfdIM1g4H4ezC6BVGg3t881sRvlNtTfCXR_Ys5he1x4DQrn4DNt5Ag10lJwVVv7XJh8bVPAj0fbYZk3jbjnm26Vr4dX0gYPCommaI2Rq7kDH-Qn2tCXOs6IYr3lOu6i3iO0u261bfyeZ1cyDhLcJSNAGNmhtdQxj_BHD&guccounter=2], Montana [https://norml.org/blog/2025/02/07/montana-republican-lawmaker-calls-for-state-surveillance-of-consumers-retail-marijuana-purchases/], and a historic discovery of high-potency cannabis use 2,500 years ago [https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/archaeologists-found-that-people-smoked-high-potency-cannabis-at-funerals-2-500-years-ago/ar-AA1yHY0e?ocid=BingNewsVerp]! Tune in! 

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Follow the show on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CManPodcast], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFkdGXoDLQXOXZ_20QdKPYg/featured], Twitter [https://twitter.com/cmanpodcast] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/cmanpodcast/]!

For more cannabis news and insights, check out the Weekly Chronic [https://cannabisman.substack.com/] newsletter!

Cannabis & Alcohol: The Future of Social Consumption with Boston Beer Co.'s Paul Weaver

Text Cannabis Man! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933612/open_sms]

After a victorious Dry January, Don dove headfirst into a weekend of indulgence—burgers, shakes, whiskey, espresso martinis, and, of course, a glorious reunion with cannabis. Join him as he savors a Blue Dream pre-roll from UpNorth, sips on Super Sour Diesel, and toast to being back with Mary Jane. We also break down key Illinois cannabis news, including new legislation on odor and vehicle searches [https://illinoisnewsjoint.com/], cannabis oil gives a Parkinson's patient a new lease on life [https://www.leafie.co.uk/news/cannabis-oil-parkinsons-disease-improvements/], and highlight the record-breaking cannabis sales across the U.S. [https://cannabis.net/blog/news/legal-cannabis-sales-in-america-totalled-how-much-in-2024-a.-15-billion-b.-24-billion-c.-30-bil] Our guest this week is Rob Breza, COO of Atomic Acres [https://www.atomicacresil.com/], who shares insights into the cannabis business, market trends, and their innovative air-powered joint rolling machine. Light up, tune in, and celebrate the return of the herb! 

Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/cannabisman]

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Follow the show on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CManPodcast], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFkdGXoDLQXOXZ_20QdKPYg/featured], Twitter [https://twitter.com/cmanpodcast] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/cmanpodcast/]!

For more cannabis news and insights, check out the Weekly Chronic [https://cannabisman.substack.com/] newsletter!

Back to the Bud: Blue Dreams, Indulgence & Industry Insights with Atomic Acres' Rob Breza

A thorough look at all things cannabis from America's complicated past to the present efforts to federally decriminalize it. Plus new industries, companies and products exploding in states that have legalized weed.

Cannabis Man

Seasoned radio host and 'Cannabis Man' podcaster, blending news reporting with storytelling, driven by a passion for truth and engagement.

Don Kleppin

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