The AusCannaPodcast

What if the most important part of your cannabis experience happens before the plant is even grown?In this episode of the AusCannaPodcast, I sit down with Chase, founder of Umami Seed Co., to explore the world of cannabis genetics, phenohunting, and what it really takes to create a cultivar worth building around.With over 20 years in the space, Chase shares how a single decision early in his growing journey sparked a lifelong obsession with breeding, and why today, that same process can take years to refine.We unpack the reality behind phenohunting, why most cultivars never make the cut, and what separates something that’s simply “good” from something that truly stands out.But this conversation goes deeper than genetics.In an industry where patients often don’t see what happens behind the scenes, we explore the role of trust, how much of the cannabis experience is shaped at the genetic level, and why flavour, terpene profiles, and subtle chemical differences can completely change how a product feels.From the early days of weed to global expansion across medical markets, this is a grounded, honest look at the evolution of cannabis and the people shaping its future.👉 Got a Rapid Fire question you want me to ask a guest? Email them to AusCannaReviews@gmail.com. I love including questions from the community!💚 Want to support the podcast? Tap the Buy Me a Coffee link in the show notes!In this episode, we cover a lot of topics, including:* Rapid Fire (2:28)* Falling in Love with Cannabis Genetics (15:15)* From Brick Weed to Boutique Bud… It’s a Stark Difference! (18:45)* Trust, Genetics & Industry Transparency… Is Cannabis Built on Trust or Blind Faith? (22:50)* No Compromise Philosophy (29:15)* What Keeps Chase Up At Night? (30:12)* The Reality of Pheno Hunting (33:55)* Terpenes, Flavour & the “Umami” Concept (40:01)* What Makes a Cultivar “10/10” (42:00)* Patient Perspective: Effects vs Genetics (44:58)* Global Cannabis: Regulations & Chaos (52:01)* Prefecting Craft Cannabis on a Global Scale (53:44)* Classic vs Modern Breeding… Why both can coexist (56:30)* Passion Over Profit (60:02)* Where to Find Umami (64:00)Show Notes:* Umami Seed Co YouTube Channel* Terpene of the Month: Terpinolene Where to Find Chase:* Umami Seed Co on Twitter/X* Umami Seed Co on Instagram* Umami Seed Co on LinkedIn* Umami Seed Co on Facebook* Umamai Seed Co WebsiteWhere to Find Christina:* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X* Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com* Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

There’s a shift happening in the Australian medicinal cannabis industry.As the space grows and becomes more commercial, many are starting to ask the same question: Are we losing the patient voice?In this episode, I sit down with Bee Mohamed, a government relations and advocacy professional working at the intersection of policy and lived experience, to unpack where things really stand.We talk about the move from grassroots advocacy to industry growth, and the growing disconnect between decision-making and real patient experience.Bee shares why lived experience needs to go beyond tokenism and be embedded into how policy is actually shaped. Plus, we explore what it would take to bring patients back into the centre of the conversation. We also get practical. From patient-led events to better industry support for advocacy, this isn’t just about what’s broken… It’s about what we can build next.Because this space was created for patients, and the future of it depends on whether we keep them at the centre.👉 Got a Rapid Fire question you want me to ask a guest? Email them to AusCannaReviews@gmail.com. I love including questions from the community!💚 Want to support the podcast? Tap the Buy Me a Coffee link in the show notes!In this episode, we cover a lot of topics, including:* Rapid Fire (2:04)* From Grassroots to Growth: Are We Losing the Patient Voice? (10:02)* The Problem With “Patient Consultation” (TGA Breakdown) (14:01)* Why Patient Stories Actually Change Policy (19:01)* When Profit Enters: Has the Industry Shifted Too Far… What Can You Do For Me? (22:58)* Collaboration vs Gatekeeping: What Needs to Change (28:57)* “The Peace Pipe”: A New Kind of Patient Event… Looking For Sponsors (31:15)* Can Companies Support Advocacy Without Breaking the Rules? (34:01)* Outdated Systems: Prescribing, Access & Education Gaps (37:01)* What Needs to Happen Next (Patients, Clinicians, Industry) (41:58)* The Meaning Behind Mata & Storytelling as Medicine (45:01)* Full Circle Moment (49:00)Show Notes:* The Mata Collective Website* Drive Change* Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers 2026Where to Find Bee:* Bee on SubStack (The Mata Collective)* Bee on Instagram* Bee on LinkedInWhere to Find Christina:* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X* Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com* Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

In this episode, I sit down with Dane Herbst—better known as Boof—the mastermind behind CannaBudGrow’s premium medicinal cannabis. As Head of Cultivation, Dane isn’t just growing plants; he’s shaping an industry, setting new quality standards, and ensuring patients get the best medicine possible. We talk about cultivation challenges, global cannabis markets, and what it takes to thrive in an evolving space. Plus, as always I put Dane in the hot seat with some wild rapid-fire questions!In this episode, we cover a lot of topics including:* Rapid Fire (1:30)* Who is Dane Herbst (6:35)* Where did Dane’s cannabis journey start(7:43)* Challenges of growing cannabis in South Africa for a pharmaceutical market (9:08)* The fine art of consistency (12:07)* Why a hydro setup vs soil setup (13:40)* Was it more difficult to first set up in South Africa or enter the Australian market? (15:17)* Differences between what patients want in South Africa vs Australia (17:15)* Eco-friendly farming practices (20:36)* Surprising challenges along the way (23:59)* Cannabis conversations out in the wild and with family (25:55)* Boundry pushing ideas (31:26)* Green (Legacy) genetics (33:33)* Rethinking how to start “fresh” (37:00)* CannaBudGrow’s plans for 2025 (39:53)* Dane’s call to action (41:48)Where to Dane:* Email dane@cannabudgrow.com* @boof_enshmirtz on InstagramWhere to find me:* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X* Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com* Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

I’m back for Season 3! Kicking things off with a bang, I’m sitting down with Brian Bain—an industry heavyweight with over 20 years in cannabis and 12 years in innovative agriculture. As CEO and Founder of Mother Labs, Brian has been at the forefront of genetic development, shaping some of the most exciting cultivars on the market today.In this episode, we dive into the art and science of breeding top-tier genetics, the journey that led him here, and because you know I don’t do surface-level chats I put Brian on the spot by asking him about the discontinuation of one of my favourite cultivars, Miss Kim!If you’re passionate about cannabis, innovation, or just love a damn good origin story, this is one you don’t want to miss.We cover a lot of topics including:* Rapid Fire (1:54)* Who is Brian Bain (11:36)* The need for seeds and how it’s blossomed (13:23)* What does Brian look for when starting a pheno hunt (17:01)* Flawless Victory… 5 years and 45 seeds (18:18)* What is a Tissue Culture? (19:04)* Is there a difference between what the medical market wants vs what the adult-use market? (21:33)* Terpinolene and Ocimene are the perfect combination… for us (22:37)* The need to diversify (23:14)* If we could talk to doctors about improving the quality of life without the stigma (26:57)* Lessons Australia can learn from the early days of Canada’s medical market (30:23)* We owe a lot to BC bud (31:24)* A cannabis rotation is like a top 100 playlist (39:24)* Renaming of cultivars and the need to be truthful (42:21)* Respect for the underground/closet growers (46:31)* The importance of love and playing the long game (48:28)* What is Mother Labs working on in 2025? (49:32)* Shameless… #SavingMissKim (50:26)* Brian’s parting nugget of information (55:14)Show Notes:* Mother Labs WebsiteWhere to find Brian:* Email Brian@motherlabs.ca* Brian on LinkedIn* @Motherlabs on InstagramWhere to find me:* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X* Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com* Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

The Catch-Up is a collaboration between Give and Toke and AusCannaReviews, with Paul and Christina coming together occasionally to explore what’s happening in Cannabis in Australia and around the world.In this episode:* Unmissable talks: Gabriel Younes on aroma, and Chad Walkaden on Indigenous healthcare (2:30)* The TGA Presentation: cautious optimism and takeaways (7:00)* Community leading the way (12:00)* Good vibes prevailing in a volatile time (14:30)* Key takeaways - memories, challenged perspectives, finding common ground, breaking stigma (17:00)* Improving UIC for patients (22:00)* UIC is Cannabis School Camp (26:00)@AusCannaReviews on SubStack, Instagram and Twitter/XEmail AusCannaReviews@gmail.comVisit www.giveandtoke.com.auFollow @giveandtoke on InstagramEmail giveandtoke@gmail.comGet $10 off accessories with the code ‘CATCHUP’ at giveandtoke.com.au This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

In this episode, Christina sits down with Helen Kapalos for a frank conversation about medicinal cannabis, media, and policy in Australia. Helen shares the story behind her documentary A Life of Its Own, why she left mainstream journalism, and how stigma and misinformation still shape public narratives.They unpack the TGA’s medicinal cannabis review, the danger of policy driven by headlines, and the gaps in data, education, and leadership across the sector. From patient power to the need for credible research and medical education, this episode looks at what real reform could actually look like in Australia.If you want to understand how policy, media, and advocacy collide in cannabis, this one is essential listening.In this episode:* Rapid Fire* Who is Helen Kapalos?* A Life of Its Own hits a roadblock that mortgaging a house overcomes* The things you learn as you grow* Everyone’s talking about the TGA review with hyped up narratives* Knee-jerk reactions and loaded questions lead the conversation* Why is the TGA’s head in the sand?* Letters… who’s getting them and who’s not?* Cherry picking the facts* Who has the real influence?* We need more research and education * Lowering the bar on expectations* Show me the data!!!* Hope for the TGA’s review… Best-case scenarios * The plant doesn’t change; our understanding of the plant does* Christina’s small confession* There’s important work left to doShow Notes:* A Life of Its Own* AusCannaReviews’ TGA Letter* E-Petition to end roadside and workplace zero tolerance of THC for medicinal cannabis patients in QLD. (The petition is closing on April 22, 2026. 💚)Where to Find Helen:* Helen on LinkedIn* Helen on InstagramWhere to Find Christina:* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X* Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com* Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

After months of scheduling across time zones, Christina finally sits down with UK cannabis patient advocate and industry insider Alex Fraser for a wide-ranging conversation on advocacy, access, and what happens when patients step inside the system they once protested.Alex shares his journey from living with Crohn’s disease to becoming one of the UK’s most influential voices in medical cannabis. What began as personal symptom relief evolved into activism, community organising, and the creation of the United Patients Alliance, a movement that helped push medical cannabis into the mainstream conversation.Now working with distributor Grow Group, Alex reflects on the shift from grassroots advocacy to shaping the industry from within, the realities of building a career in cannabis, and why transparency matters more than ever. They also dive into Grow Conversations, a platform designed to humanise the industry and rebuild trust between patients, clinicians, and companies.A big focus of this episode is the legal and social challenges patients still face. Christina and Alex unpack discriminatory driving laws, stigma, and the emotional toll of being judged for using prescribed medicine. Alex also introduces Patient Protect, a new subscription-based legal support service for UK patients navigating arrests, court cases, and systemic barriers.This episode is honest, personal, and practical. It is about responsibility, community, and what real patient-led change looks like when advocacy meets industry.👉 Got a Rapid Fire question you want me to ask a guest? Email them to AusCannaReviews@gmail.com. I love including questions from the community!💚 Want to support the podcast? Tap the Buy Me a Coffee link in the show notes!In this episode, we cover a lot of topics, including:* Rapid Fire * Driving Laws… discrimination at its finest* Where did Alex’s cannabis journey start?* From grassroots to a steady paycheque* What drew Alex to work with the Grow Group?* Grow Conversations… open dialogue during the lockdown* The power of transparency * Patient Protect… empowering patients rather than just directing them* Could something like Patient Protect work in Australia?* The cost of advocacy * Hope that the narrative is shifting* Alex’s call to actionShow Notes:* The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien* Crohn’s disease* United Patients Alliance* Grow Group* Grow Conversations* Patient ProtectWhere to Find Alex:* Alex on LinkedIn* Alex on Instagram* Alex on TikTok * Alex on FacebookWhere to Find Christina Mc Mullan:* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X* Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com* Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

This Year in Review episode brings together the clips you replayed, shared, and messaged me about all year, along with the three most downloaded episodes of the season, a proud moment taking the AusCannaPodcast on the road to New Zealand and Thailand, and a few milestones that stopped me in my tracks.Show Notes:Veterans Deserve Better: Derek Pyrah on PTSD, Cannabis and the Fight to Change the DVA SystemGrow High, Aim Higher: Medcan Australia’s Mission with Gareth BallThe Christinas: A Cannabis Conversation Across Two WorldsSVG: The Genesis Study: CBD, IBS, and the Future of Gut HealthFrom Bedridden to Blunt Truths: Sharna Stewart’s Medicinal Cannabis JourneySacha La Forgia: From Award-Winning Winemaker to Craft Cannabis CultivatorWhere to Find Christina Mc Mullan:* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X* Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com* Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

Harry Baird joins me for a slow, thoughtful chat about how cannabis fits into real life. We look at the moments that shaped his journey, from early flower sessions to discovering extracts and why solventless has opened up a whole new lane of learning for him.We talk about catching yourself when your habits drift, finding balance again, and why aroma can tell you more than test results ever will. Harry breaks down concentrates in simple terms, shares what he’s learned so far, and looks at where extracts might sit in the future of the Australian market.We touch on stigma, responsible use, and why open conversations still matter. We talk sport, movement, daily rituals, and the way different people consume, whether it’s wine, whiskey or weed.👉 Got a Rapid Fire question you want me to ask a guest? Email them to AusCannaReviews@gmail.com. I love including questions from the community!💚 Want to support the podcast? Tap the Buy Me a Coffee link in the show notes!In this episode, we cover a lot of topics, including:* Rapid Fire (1:50)* When the rotation takes you out (10:26)* Catching yourself slipping (14:24)* The mindset shift that changed everything (16:02)* Why some aromas hit home (19:20)* Harry’s extract education (22:17)* Concentrates in plain English (26:28)* The future of extracts in Australia (28:47)* Is this how Big Pharma walks in? (30:29)* Talking honestly to change stigma (35:27)* What responsible use really means (38:00)* A space with zero judgment (43:11)* Ten years of legal access… “Bud Murphy’s” (48:15)* Could home grow be the missing piece? (51:56)* So you work in cannabis (58:01)* Can weed and wellness/fitness get along? (61:02)* Wine, whiskey, and weed (62:55)* Harry’s final message (64:10)Show Notes:* Arnott’s Chocolate Royals* Mac Miller - Nikes On My Feet* SilverStar Mountain Resort* Stranger Things* Game of Thrones* Flagstaff Hill Skatepark* Analysis of street cannabis and cannabinoid composition in Australia* Bundaberg Distillery TourWhere to Find Harry:* Harry on LinkedIn* Zaari on LinkedInWhere to Find Christina Mc Mullan:* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X* Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com* Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

In this episode, I sit down with Los Angeles creator and edibles expert Christina W. founder of Fruit & Flower Co. for a candid conversation about cannabis from farm to table. We talk about sun-grown flowers, the art and science of edibles, and the rituals that shape how we experience the plant.Christina shares stories from her years visiting farms in northern California, the rise of curated cannabis experiences, and why intention matters more than grow style. We compare the cannabis cultures of California and Australia, explore the challenges of medical regulations, and discuss the minor cannabinoids that deserve more attention.Along the way, we share tips for overconsumption, debate creative versus clinical approaches to cannabis, and reflect on the communities that make the plant meaningful. This is a conversation about craft, culture, curiosity, and connection!👉 Got a Rapid Fire question you want me to ask a guest? Email them to AusCannaReviews@gmail.com. I love including questions from the community!💚 Want to support the podcast? Tap the Buy Me a Coffee link in the show notes!In this episode, we cover a lot of topics, including:* Rapid Fire (2:05)* Morning rituals and learning to roll a joint (14:30)* The fading world of craft sun-grown flower (23:54)* Owning the role of a weed influencer (27:22)* Why intention matters more than grow style (30:07)* What Christina pays attention to on farm tours (34:28)* The rise of “curated” cannabis farm experiences (36:28)* Balancing clinical dosing with creative cooking (37:44)* Tinctures and easy infusion shortcuts (42:08)* A look inside Australia’s medical cannabis system (43:08)* Going too far and feeling held by the community (45:15)* Tips for handling overconsumption (48:15)* Who’s actually growing Australia’s cannabis? (50:20)* It’s illegal everywhere… except the ACT (51:37)* Home grow, THC trends and what’s being lost (54:10)* Minor cannabinoids and why we need more options (58:58)* When cannabis becomes a commodity (61:44)* Christina’s call to action (65:30)Show Notes:* Great British Bake Off* Hemostat* Palmer’s Lotion* Joint holder ring* Papa & Barkley* Pure Beauty* Glass House Brands (Article about ICE raid)* Sol Spirit Farms* Moon Made Farms* Maven Genetics* Kiva Confections* Ay Papi* Yummi Karma* LA Times Pesticide article Where to Find Christina W:* Fruit+Flower Unfurled on SubStack* @fruitandflower on Instagram* @fruitandflower on TikTokWhere to Find Christina Mc Mullan:* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X* Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com* Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

In this special episode of The Catch-Up, Christina Mc Mullan and Paul O’Donoghue reunite to unpack their recent trip to Thailand. They share insights from their visits to Iridescent Med and the facility cultivating Cookies California genetics, reflect on the world-class standards they witnessed, and express gratitude for the hospitality extended by the teams. Expect thoughtful reflections, genuine appreciation, and excitement about the innovation shaping Thailand’s cannabis landscape.Show NotesRead all about the Thailand adventure here: Thailand with SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals: An Unforgettable Cannabis Journey@AusCannaReviews on ⁠⁠SubStack⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Twitter/X⁠⁠Email ⁠⁠AusCannaReviews@gmail.com⁠⁠Visit ⁠⁠www.giveandtoke.com.au⁠⁠Follow @giveandtoke on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Email ⁠⁠giveandtoke@gmail.com⁠ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

In this episode, I’m joined by Deb Ranson, a Registered Nurse and Clinical Nurse Consultant who has spent her career championing patient-centred care while supporting and educating healthcare practitioners. We dive deep into the endocannabinoid system and why every healthcare professional should understand it, the challenges and barriers created by hospital and facility policies around medicinal cannabis, and the practical ways Deb is helping clinicians navigate these complexities through her platform, Bodhi Nurse.Deb shares her insights on bridging the gap between policy and practice, ensuring both patients and practitioners have access to accurate, evidence-based information, and advocating for changes that truly reflect patient needs. Her motto, “reach one, teach one,” guides her work and highlights how small shifts in education can create real, systemic change.Whether you’re a practitioner, a patient, or simply curious about cannabis in healthcare, this episode is packed with practical advice, advocacy strategies, and compassionate guidance for navigating this evolving field.👉 Got a Rapid Fire question you want me to ask a guest? Email them to AusCannaReviews@gmail.com. I love including questions from the community!💚 Want to support the podcast? Tap the Buy Me a Coffee link in the show notes!In this episode, we cover a lot of topics, including:* Rapid Fire (2:17)* Who is Deb Ranson? (17:05)* What it was like to first become involved in the cannabis space (19:16)* 2016 was the year things changed… Cannabis education enters the hospital setting (22:20)* Reach One, Teach One (26:15)* Explaining the ECS (33:22)* The power of rebalancing your ECS… Happy Go Larry (39:22)* When the driving laws force patients to choose (41:11)* When the TGA wants evidence (43:17)* Working together so that patients are functional members of society (45:20)* The biggest challenges in hospital and facility policies around medicinal cannabis (49:27)* Don’t have a policy? Make one! (50:30)* Examples of facilities that are getting it right (54:50)* Hospital drug vault sigmas with no key (59:53) * Medications in a school setting… no touching! (62:01)* Where would we be without nurses? (65:05)* Deb’s call to action (69:01)Show Notes:* Dr Peter Grinspoon Books* Rocky Horror Picture Show * Requiem for a Dream* Cannabis Queens Book* Chico Babies * United in Compassion (UIC)* Drive Change* The Endocannabinoid SystemWhere to Find Deb Ranson:* Nurses’ Green Health Education Website* Bodhi Nurse* Email ancsin@outlook.com.auWhere to Find Christina Mc Mullan:* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X* Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com* Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

In this episode of the AusCannaPodcast “On the Road”, I sit down with Alexis Lopez, Puro’s Extraction Program Lead, to dive deep into the craft and science of cannabis extraction. Originally from Seattle, Alexis has a background in environmental science and sustainability, with experience managing a six-year Agent Orange cleanup project in Vietnam. Since moving to New Zealand, he’s helped shape the country’s medicinal cannabis extraction landscape through his work with the New Zealand Medicinal Cannabis Council and ASTM.At Puro, Alexis leads the extraction program, bringing high-quality extracts from organically grown cannabis to the world. We talk about everything from trichome morphology and live hash-making to what makes a perfect batch of bubble hash, why patience is key in extraction, and how sustainability drives innovation in the industry.Whether you’re a cannabis professional or simply curious about the art and science behind hash, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the meticulous, hands-on process that turns plant to product — and the story of the people shaping it.👉 Got a Rapid Fire question you want me to ask a guest? Email them to AusCannaReviews@gmail.com. I love including questions from the community!💚 Want to support the podcast? Tap the Buy Me a Coffee link in the show notes!In this episode, we cover a lot of topics, including:* Rapid Fire (2:22)* Who is Alexis Lopez (9:44)* Alexis moves to Puro (11:58)* Where did Alexis get his start in extractions (13:15)* Types of extractions Alexis is drawn to (15:16)* The extraction disconnect (17:01)* But it’s still hash (21:08)* The process of making live hash (22:19)* What’s a bubble bag? (23:51)* Are smaller or bigger microns better? (25:17)* Trichome morphology and why it’s important for hash making (26:15)* What’s the hardest part about making hash? (28:09)* How long is the live hash-making process? (31:01)* Product in vs product out (32:07)* What’s Alexis’s idea of a perfect batch of bubble hash? (33:09)* How do you know if your hash is any good? (35:44)* What’s the best use for hash? (37:24)* What does bubble hash look like? (39:17)* What happens if you get your hash wet? (40:44)* Hot tip… don’t use your fingers! (41:27)* The future of hash (42:26)* Alexis’s call to action (46:57) Show Notes:* My New Zealand Adventure BTS* New Zealand Medicinal Cannabis Council* ASTM* ShatterWhere to Find Alexis:* Puro Website* Email Alexis@puro.co.nzWhere to Find Christina Mc Mullan:* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X* Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com* Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

Season Four of the AusCannaPodcast kicks off “On the Road” in New Zealand. Earlier this year, I spent a week driving the rugged South Island coast, where the mountains meet the sea and the stories are deeply tied to the land. The first stop: a visit with brothers Sank and Winston Macfarlane of Puro.Sank, an agribusiness leader with deep roots in finance and farming, and Winston, a former America’s Cup sailor turned operations lead, are now steering one of New Zealand’s most ambitious cannabis projects. From the steep learning curve of year one to refining their approach by year two, they share the realities of building Puro from the ground up, navigating export regulations, and why strong community ties matter just as much as cultivation.And here’s the takeaway: this isn’t just a story about a farm. It’s about rethinking what cannabis can be by moving past THC and toward a future that connects land, people, and purpose.This episode is part one of a two-part On the Road series recorded during my New Zealand adventure. Next up: Alexis Lopez on the fine art of hash making.👉 Got a Rapid Fire question you want me to ask a guest? Email them to AusCannaReviews@gmail.com. I love including questions from the community!💚 Want to support the podcast? Tap the Buy Me a Coffee link in the show notes!In this episode, we cover a lot of topics, including:* Rapid Fire (2:42)* Who are Sank and Winston? (9:15)* Puro was born (11:50) * The first year… A massive learning curve (14:52)* Year two… Doubling down and dialling it in (18:34)* New Zealand export regulations (20:26)* The importance of community ties (22:38)* Sank and Tim Aldridge (Puro Executive Chair) go door-knocking (25:53)* Open days at the Puro farm (28:02)* The live-dried process 101 (28:51)* 75,000 plants in the ground, outdoors under the sun (31:19)* Proving the concept, now we’re upgrading (33:37)* Letting go of preconceived notions (37:28)* Where is Puro going in the next few years? (39:07)* Exporting always keeps you on your toes (41:16)* Would life be easier if…? (42:35)* Sank’s long-term goal (47:09)* Winston’s frustration with trying to educate (48:04)* Seeing things in a different light (48:34)* There’s a lot more magic to be had (50:21)* Shifting the narrative away from THC (52:16)* Sank and Winston’s parting words of wisdom (55:07)* New Zealand turning on the charm (57:17)Show Notes:* My New Zealand Adventure BTS* Magi Mix* Bananas on Boats* Winston the Sailor * The Store * Winterhome Garden* Medicinal Cannabis Scheme, allowing New Zealand companies to export* Puro’s Government GrantWhere to Find Sank and Winston:* Puro WebsiteWhere to Find Christina Mc Mullan:* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X* Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com* Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

After 16 years in the Australian Army, Jason Frost came home with invisible wounds… PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and the crushing weight of polypharmacy. When traditional treatment failed him, cannabis medicine gave him a way back.In this raw and powerful episode, Jason opens up about the hardest parts of that journey and how it led to his work with the Pro Patria Centre, a veteran-led hub of healing, advocacy, and community care based in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales.We talk about what recovery really looks like, why the current system still leaves so many veterans behind, and what needs to change in the way we treat trauma, addiction, and pain.Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, a prescriber, or someone who believes in holistic, evidence-informed care, this one’s for you.👉 Got a Rapid Fire question you want me to ask a guest? Email them to AusCannaReviews@gmail.com. I love including questions from the community!💚 Want to support the podcast? Tap the Buy Me a Coffee link in the show notes!In this episode, we cover a lot of topics, including:* Rapid Fire (2:39)* Special Shout Out to… GRizzle! (9:50)* Who is Jason Frost? (10:05 )* When the system sees you as a person, versus a number (17:46)* Lightbulb moments (22:04)* Not real support, just a note slid across the table (24:22)* Navigating the stigma (25:57)* Who are we advocating to—policymakers, veterans, the general public? (28:43)* Embracing the plant (29:53)* A place for Big Pharma (34:08)* Pro Patria Centre is born (40:31)* Helping veterans beyond traditional services (43:32)* Veteran-led but community-grounded (47:55)* Where is Jason on his journey? (50:00)* What’s next, because we’re not there yet (52:14)* How to get in touch and support the Pro Patria Centre (53:47)* Pro Patria, a name that was meant to be (55:19)Show Notes:* How to Change Your Mind - Michael Pollan* Weeded Warrior* Carmelite Monastery* Transcranial magnetic stimulationWhere to Find Jason Frost:* Pro Patria Centre* Jason on LinkedInWhere to Find Christina Mc Mullan:* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X* Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com* Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast🚨 Vape users in Melbourne! 🚨📢 TrueLeaf and Satinca are teaming up for an exclusive Vape Device Cleaning & Maintenance Day on Saturday, 23rd August. Bring your device in for a free professional clean, grab a Satinca goodie bag, and enter to win some awesome prizes! 🎉📍 314–316 Chapel St, Prahran⏰ 10:30am – 1:30pm🛠️ Spots are limited — book now to secure yours! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

What happens behind the doors of a compounding pharmacy, and why does it matter in the world of cannabis and psychedelic medicine?In this episode, I sit down with compounding pharmacist Matthew Soliman from Cann Compounding to explore how tailored formulations are helping patients get better outcomes. From THC-infused chocolates and fast-acting gummies to high-dose oils for seizure control, Matthew walks us through the creative and clinical side of making medicines that don’t come off the shelf.We talk real-world case studies, the growing role of minor cannabinoids, and why pessaries might be one of the most underrated delivery formats in medical cannabis. Matthew also opens up about sourcing challenges, Australia’s regulatory twists, and where compounding could take us next.Plus: pineapple on pizza, zombie apocalypse roles, and what you’d pack for a mystery trip because what’s a podcast without a little fun?Whether you’re a prescriber, a patient, or just curious about the science behind the script, this one’s worth a listen.👉 Got a Rapid Fire question you want me to ask a guest? Email them to AusCannaReviews@gmail.com. I love including questions from the community!💚 Want to support the podcast? Tap the Buy Me a Coffee link in the show notes!In this episode, we cover a lot of topics, including:* Rapid Fire (2:07)* Who is Matthew Soliman? (8:33)* What’s Matthew’s day-to-day life like? (10:37)* What’s the difference between a community pharmacy and a compounding pharmacy? (12:13)* What cannabis formats does Matthew work with most (capsules, oils, creams, etc)? (13:54)* Underused formats that Matthew would like to see more of? (14:45)* What’s the craziest compounding request Matthew has ever received? (16:35)* When custom formulations make a big difference in a patient’s outcome (18:57)* Are prescribers aware of what’s possible through compounding? (20:54)* What does Matthew’s typical workflow with a doctor look like? (21:34)* Who’s decarbing the flower? (24:33)* Validating consistency between batches (26:55)* The most popular compounding product and why it could be beneficial (28:19)* Are there certain specialties that use compounding more often? (29:20)* The struggles of sourcing products (31:54)* More minor cannabinoids, please (34:26)* Where’s the demand…full-spectrum or precision-based formulations? (39:34)* Different rules for different states (40:18)* Where is cannabis compounding going in the next few years? (41:46)* Is personalisation based on genetics or biomarkers part of the future? (42:55)* Full circle moment… the best bookend ever! (44:40)* Matthew’s Call to Action (46:31)Show Notes:* Acacia TreeWhere to Find Matthew Soliman:* @CannCompoundingPharmacy on Instagram* Matthew on LinkedIn* Cann Compounding WebsiteWhere to Find Christina Mc Mullan:* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X* Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com* Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

After a spider bite triggered a cascade of chronic conditions, Sharna Stewart spent eight years bedridden. She endured years of ketamine infusions, brain surgery, and opioid medications that only made things worse. But everything changed when she discovered medicinal cannabis.In this powerful and unfiltered conversation, Sharna shares what it’s really like to live with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Endometriosis, and Gastroparesis. She talks about the relief cannabis gave her when nothing else did, the stigma she had to overcome, and why she now advocates for others living with chronic pain and invisible illness.This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt unheard, misdiagnosed, or out of options. Sharna’s story is raw, real, and a reminder that healing doesn’t always come from a pill.👉 Got a Rapid Fire question you want me to ask a guest? Email them to AusCannaReviews@gmail.com. I love including questions from the community!💚 Want to support the podcast? Tap the Buy Me a Coffee link in the show notes!In this episode, we cover a lot of topics, including:* Rapid Fire (2:17)* Who is Sharna? (9:13)* Early conversations Sharna had with her healthcare team (13:45)* The toll everything was taking on Sharna’s body (16:48)* When the pain specialist laughs, but the hospital GP is all for it (18:40)* 12 years of battles, 8 years bedridden, 4 years with medical cannabis (20:15)* A little bit of flower in a friend’s Mighty (21:20)* What was that like for someone who’s in chronic pain for the first time? (26:33)* Getting real about the chronic pain scale (33:48)* Terpene love! (37:35)* Write 7 things down; it may help you improve your therapeutic outcomes (39:49)* Sharna’s advocacy work, what started it? (44:18)* What happens when Sharna goes into the hospital and gets denied access to her medicinal cannabis? (52:05)* Fighting the blanket ban on vapes (54:57)* Where to find Sharna (66:37)* The call to action (68:11)Show Notes:* Blink 182 - Dammit* Dua Lipa - IDGAF* OnTracka App* Kyla de Clifford @CannaCuriousAus on Instagram* Rachel Payne Medicinal Cannabis accessibility in Victorian hospitalsWhere to Find Sharna:* @Fibroadvocate1 on Instagram* http://www.fibroadvocate1.netWhere to find Christina Mc Mullan:* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X* Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com* Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

What do you get when you combine over a decade in pharma, a chef’s eye for detail, and a patient-first mindset? You get Satinca, Australia’s first pharmacy-exclusive medical cannabis accessories provider and the brainchild of Claud Chaouka.In this episode, I sit down with Claud to unpack the story behind Satinca from the spark that motivated them to build the brand, to the challenges of staying compliant while innovating, to the surprising ways a clean grinder can improve your medication experience.We talk pharmacy, patient safety, device hygiene, and why educating both pharmacists and patients is at the heart of Satinca’s mission. Whether you're a patient, prescriber, pharmacist, or just curious about the ecosystem supporting medical cannabis in Australia, this episode is packed with insight.🧼 We even declare a future Satinca Device Cleaning Day... so stay tuned for that!👉 Got a Rapid Fire question you want me to ask a guest? Email them to AusCannaReviews@gmail.com 💚 If you enjoyed this conversation, please consider leaving a 5-star review or sharing the episode with a friend navigating the medical cannabis space. And if you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/auscannapodcastMentioned in this episode:* Rapid Fire (2:07)* Who is Claud Chaouka? (15:00)* From chef life to the pharmacy world (16:42)* What motivated Claud to start Satinca? (18:07)* First products developed under Satinca (21:58)* Stop putting your fingers in your grinder! (24:58)* Quick tips to clean your grinder (26:27)* Satinca Device Cleaning Day… more to come! (27:09)* Bridging the education gap (29:10)* The decision behind going pharmacy-exclusive (30:18)* Helping pharmacists feel more comfortable educating patients (31:54)* Sharing our story has a local impact (34:00)* Staying compliant while still being innovative (37:54)* How to keep going on tough days (41:00)* Satinca in 5 years… (43:57)* The future of cannabis in pharmacies in Australia (45:28)* Satinca legacy (46:29)* Claud’s call to action (48:07)Show Notes:* Chat Thai Restaurant * We’re All Insane Podcast* The Reacher Grabber* Give & Toke Travel BagWhere to Find Claud:* Email ClaudChaouka@satinca.com.au* Claud on LinkedIn* Satinca Website* @SatincaAustralia on InstagramWhere to find Christina Mc Mullan:* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X* Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com* Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

Derek Pyrah is the founder of the No More Zombie Veterans campaign—a powerful movement born from lived experience.A former Australian Defence Force member and PTSD survivor, Derek knows firsthand the damage long-term pharmaceutical overmedication can cause. After discovering the healing potential of plant-based medicines, including medicinal cannabis, he now channels his energy into advocacy, pushing for meaningful reform within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).In this episode, Derek shares his personal story, unpacks the systemic issues facing veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, and explains why access to plant-based medicine isn’t just a health issue… It’s a human rights one.This is a raw, honest, and deeply important conversation about trauma, resilience, and the urgent need for change.👉 Got a Rapid Fire question you want me to ask a guest? Email them to AusCannaReviews@gmail.com. I love including questions from the community!💚 Want to support the podcast? Tap the Buy Me a Coffee link in the show notes!In this episode, we cover a lot of topics, including:* Rapid Fire (2:53)* Who is Derek Pyrah? (11:18)* Battling PTSD and transitioning out of the service (14:47)* The day-to-day reality of being overmedicated and what it did to Derek’s sense of identity (17:09)* When other people in Derek’s life noticed a change (20:23)* First attempt at applying for medicinal cannabis via the DVA (22:23)* Busted in the bush and facing 10 years (23:38)* Starting the dialogue with the No More Zombie Veterans campaign (25:35)* Pushing back because the science is there (26:48)* The more you know about the Endocannabinoid System (27:54)* Some of the misconceptions around medicinal cannabis that Derek finds most frustrating (29:05)* Cannabis as a frontline medication (33:14)* Where does the mind shift around cannabis need to come from? (34:50)* How to get involved in the No More Zombie Veterans campaign (36:23)* The fine art of balancing hope while still stuck in the system (38:29)* Small wins that make the difference (39:29)* Leaving a legacy (40:56)* Reflections of then vs now (43:01)* Fight for change and something good (44:43)* Derek’s call to action (46:00)Show Notes:* Doing a Bradbury* Califorina Gazpacho recipeWhere to Find Derek Pyrah:* Instagram @nomorezombieveterans* LinkedIn * Twitter/X @nomorezombievet* TikTok @nomorezombieveter3* Facebook: https://facebook.com/nomorezombieveterans* Website: https://www.nomorezombieveterans.com* Sign the petition: Approve medicinal cannabis for Australian veterans* Buy Me A Coffee/No More Zombie VeteransWhere to find Christina Mc Mullan:* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X* Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com* Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com

What happens when you walk straight out of the grow room and hit record?In this special On the Road episode, I visited Medcan Australia in Southeast Queensland for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the country’s earliest licensed cannabis producers. After the tour, I sat down with co-founder and CCO Gareth Ball for a raw, in-the-moment chat about cultivation, product development, market pressure, and why Australia needs to back its own industry.From pheno-hunting wins (and fails) to research gaps, global comparisons, and the launch of Medcan’s new cultivar, Velvet Thunder. Whether you’re a patient, producer, or just passionate about homegrown cannabis, this episode is packed with deep insights, bold ideas, and that signature AusCanna curiosity.📍Recorded on-site in Southeast Queensland.👉 Got a Rapid Fire question you want me to ask a guest? Email them to AusCannaReviews@gmail.com. I love including questions from the community!💚 Want to support the podcast? Tap the Buy Me a Coffee link in the show notes!In this episode, we cover a lot of topics, including:* Rapid Fire (2:42)* Who is Gareth Ball? (10:49)* The story behind Medcan Australia (12:02)* From pheno-hunting to products in patients’ hands… What’s the process? (18:15)* Do pheno hunts ever fail? (28:28)* There’s more to cannabis than THC, will the education ever catch up? (30:16)* The importance of gathering research (33:02)* Canadian market vs Australian market (38:05)* Buying weed from questionable sources (39:57)* The price of cannabis around the world (43:20)* Where is the global cannabis market going? (45:33)* Supporting Australian-grown cannabis first (46:27)* What’s next for Medcan? (50:16)* Exciting times ahead for the local industry (53:50)* Stigma, politics and legalisation (55:17)* Life is better with a little bit of cannabis (58:37)* Our reflections on swapping out pharmaceutical pills for cannabis (59:08)* Cannabis a first option, not a last option (62:23)* Gareth’s call to action (64:19)Show Notes:Where to Find Gareth Ball:* Gareth on LinkedIn* Medcan Australia LinkedIn* Medcan Australia Website* Email Gareth@medcanaustralia.com.auWhere to find Christina Mc Mullan:* @AusCannaReviews on SubStack* @AusCannaReviews on Instagram* @AusCannaReviews on Twitter/X* Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com* Buy Me A Coffee/AusCannaPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit auscannareviews.substack.com