Cannabis Health Radio Podcast

Cannabis Health Radio

Hear powerful stories from people who use cannabis to treat their health conditions, and hear interviews with medical professionals in the field..

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 503: A Lifelong Journey Into the Science of Cannabis Healing - Justin Kander

    Justin Kander is one of the original pioneers of the medical cannabis movement. From a young age, he was captivated not only by the cannabis plant itself, but by the science of transforming it into meaningful medicine. With decades of experience in formulation, product development, patient advocacy, and cannabis science, Justin has helped shape some of the industry’s most respected medical cannabis brands. His work has taken him around the world, collaborating with researchers, clinicians, and patients to advance the understanding and application of cannabis as medicine. In this episode, Justin returns to Cannabis Health Radio to share insights from his lifelong journey in the field. Together, we explore the evolving science of medical cannabis, lessons learned from years on the front lines, the development of cannabis-based formulations, and where the future of cannabis medicine may be headed. You’re going to enjoy this conversation. 🎧 Episode 503 of Cannabis Health Radio #CannabisHealthRadio #JustinKander #MedicalCannabis #CannabisScience Connect with Cannabis Health Radio Visit us at CannabisHealthRadio.com Explore products and resources from Swan Apothecary Follow Cannabis Health Radio on Facebook and Instagram Important Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on Cannabis Health Radio (CHR) are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of CHR, its hosts, producers, affiliates, or sponsors. CHR is not responsible for statements or opinions expressed by its guests. Nothing presented in this episode constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or a recommendation regarding what you should do. This content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your health, medical conditions, medications, or treatment decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Episode 503: A Lifelong Journey Into the Science of Cannabis Healing - Justin Kander
  2. Aug 23

    Episode 502: From Survivor to Cancer Survivor: Finding Relief with Cannabis - Ethan Zohn

    Survivor: Africa winner Ethan Zohn joins Rev. Dr. Robin Swan for a powerful conversation about cancer, cannabis, resilience and finding purpose after a life-changing diagnosis. Ethan's life had already taken him from professional soccer to winning CBS's Survivor: Africa when, at age 35, he was diagnosed with a rare form of Hodgkin lymphoma. What followed was an intense medical journey involving chemotherapy, radiation, clinical trials and two stem cell transplants. In this episode, Ethan shares his personal experience with medical cannabis and how it became part of the way he managed some of the physical and emotional challenges surrounding cancer treatment and recovery, including nausea, pain, sleep difficulties and anxiety. Ethan and Robin also discuss the changing conversation around cannabis in professional sports, the importance of responsible education and advocacy, and why patients need honest information when making decisions about their health. The conversation goes far beyond cancer. Ethan explains how surviving a life-threatening illness reshaped his sense of purpose and strengthened his commitment to helping others. He discusses Grassroot Soccer, the nonprofit organization he co-founded that uses the power of soccer to improve the health and lives of young people around the world, as well as Kicking Back, his High Times series exploring the intersection of soccer, cannabis and community. In this episode: Ethan's journey from professional soccer to winning Survivor: Africa Being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at age 35 Chemotherapy, radiation, clinical trials and two stem cell transplants Ethan's personal experience using cannabis during cancer treatment and recovery Cannabis for nausea, pain, sleep and anxiety The emotional and psychological challenges of cancer survivorship How attitudes toward cannabis are changing in professional sports Cannabis education, responsible use and patient advocacy Turning personal crisis into purpose The story and mission behind Grassroot Soccer Ethan's Kicking Back series with High Times Soccer, cannabis and community Using lived experience to help others facing serious illness Learn more about Ethan Zohn Ethan Zohn:https://ethanzohn.com Grassroot Soccer:https://grassrootsoccer.org Cannabis Health Radio Visit:https://cannabishealthradio.com If this conversation could help someone you know, please share the episode. Subscribe to Cannabis Health Radio for more conversations with patients, advocates, researchers and others exploring cannabis, health and healing. Connect with Cannabis Health Radio Visit us at CannabisHealthRadio.com Explore products and resources from Swan Apothecary Follow Cannabis Health Radio on Facebook and Instagram Important Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on Cannabis Health Radio (CHR) are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of CHR, its hosts, producers, affiliates, or sponsors. CHR is not responsible for statements or opinions expressed by its guests. Nothing presented in this episode constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or a recommendation regarding what you should do. This content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your health, medical conditions, medications, or treatment decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Episode 502: From Survivor to Cancer Survivor: Finding Relief with Cannabis - Ethan Zohn
  3. Aug 9

    Episode 501: When Stigma Is Greater Than Truth - Sharon Letts

    Sharon Letts is a national cannabis treasure, educator, and world-renowned writer whose deep love of plants and healing has shaped both her work and her personal journey. A returning guest of Cannabis Health Radio, Sharon first joined the show in Episode 16. Now, in Episode 501, she returns to share reflections from her journey over the past 15 years and the wisdom she has gathered along the way. Through years of writing, educating, and advocating, Sharon has remained deeply connected to the healing power of plants and to challenging the stigma surrounding cannabis. When stigma becomes greater than the truth, Sharon Letts continues to be a voice of knowledge, experience, and wisdom that helps light the way. Learn more about Sharon Letts and her work:sharonletts.com Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on Cannabis Health Radio are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of CHR, its hosts, producers, affiliates, or sponsors. CHR is not responsible for statements or opinions expressed by its guests. Nothing presented in this episode constitutes medical advice or a recommendation regarding what you should do. This content is provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your health or medical decisions. Connect with Cannabis Health Radio Visit us at CannabisHealthRadio.com Explore products and resources from Swan Apothecary Follow Cannabis Health Radio on Facebook and Instagram Important Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on Cannabis Health Radio (CHR) are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of CHR, its hosts, producers, affiliates, or sponsors. CHR is not responsible for statements or opinions expressed by its guests. Nothing presented in this episode constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or a recommendation regarding what you should do. This content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your health, medical conditions, medications, or treatment decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Episode 501: When Stigma Is Greater Than Truth - Sharon Letts
  4. Jul 26

    Episode 500: From Darkness to Light: How Cannabis Changed Sage Amdahl’s Life

    “I saw the light, and the light won.” Born with cataracts and living with visual impairment for most of her life, Sage Amdahl never imagined that one unexpected experience would completely change the direction of her life. In this milestone 500th episode of Cannabis Health Radio, Sage shares her remarkable journey of discovering cannabis, learning to trust her own body, and finding healing where traditional approaches had fallen short. What began as a personal path toward wellness soon became something much bigger. Combining her passion for cannabis with her lifelong love of cooking, Sage created a business focused on crafting delicious infused treats designed with both care and purpose. Episode 500 celebrates not only an important milestone for Cannabis Health Radio, but also the power of resilience, curiosity, and following a path that can change lives. Connect with Sage: https://www.facebook.com/sage.amdahl.3 https://www.facebook.com/420sageadvice Cannabis Health Radio shares real stories from patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers and advocates exploring the therapeutic potential of cannabis and other plant medicines. Connect with Cannabis Health Radio Visit us at CannabisHealthRadio.com Explore products and resources from Swan Apothecary Follow Cannabis Health Radio on Facebook and Instagram Important Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on Cannabis Health Radio (CHR) are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of CHR, its hosts, producers, affiliates, or sponsors. CHR is not responsible for statements or opinions expressed by its guests. Nothing presented in this episode constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or a recommendation regarding what you should do. This content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your health, medical conditions, medications, or treatment decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Episode 500: From Darkness to Light: How Cannabis Changed Sage Amdahl’s Life
  5. Jun 27

    Episode 499: Looking Back, Looking Forward

    In this special episode, Robin Swan sits down with Ian Jessop to reflect on the journey of Cannabis Health Radio — how it began, the remarkable stories that have inspired listeners around the world, the legacy of co-host Corrie Yelland, and the people who made it all possible. Together, they look back on nearly a decade of sharing stories of hope and healing while looking ahead to the next chapter, as Robin prepares to carry the podcast forward with the same commitment to compassion, education and the power of personal stories. Ian Jessop's final episode as host of Cannabis Health Radio (episode 499), marking the handover of the podcast to Robin Swan of Swan Apothecary. Ian is stepping down approaching his 80th birthday to focus on personal wellbeing and time with his three-year-old granddaughter. Cannabis Health Radio originated from Ian's time as a Victoria talk show host, where a listener email from Corrie — a cancer survivor given 4–6 months to live — sparked the concept of a cannabis health story-based podcast. After being fired from radio on June 21st, Ian launched the podcast with Corrie, initially producing one episode every weekday for 11 months before pausing for two years, then relaunching on a weekly format. Recording challenges included a venue refusing them due to cannabis content; Ron Zahar's Victoria studio and later Dan Humiston's Colorado studio (still used today) enabled continuity, including through COVID. Story-driven content was a deliberate editorial choice from the start — personal testimonials over business promotions — cited as the key reason for the podcast's success and its ~100,000 followers across platforms. Robin's background spans structural integration neuromuscular therapy specializing in brain trauma and spinal cord injury, with extensive work across NFL, LPGA, and PGA athletes, where cannabis topicals and psilocybin became part of her therapeutic toolkit. Cannabis has been central to Robin's practice from topical applications with professional athletes to internal medicine for life-threatening illness, with Project Walk's spinal cord rehabilitation work further shaping her approach. Physical movement was emphasized as essential to longevity — Ian's use of kettlebells (swings with 60 lbs) and grocery store work cited as examples; Robin reinforced that health is accumulative and cannot be reversed late in life without consistent effort. Corrie's passing was identified as the greatest loss of the podcast's run — Ian described being in shock upon hearing the news and considered ending the show, but continued out of respect for her mission. Greatest gain highlighted was the breadth of life-changing stories, including ~30 brain tumor interviewees with 28 still alive, and parents who recovered and will see their children grow up. Robin committed to maintaining the platform's founding values of love, care, and kindness, while taking a firmer stance against scammers and haters; she warned listeners that unsolicited inbox offers of miracle medicine are always scams. Educating the community to self-regulate — through tools like muscle testing and informed product evaluation — was framed as a key strategic direction for the podcast going forward. Robin brings a reverend doctorate background and a 30-year, 30,000-client practice to the role, intending to use her title formally to convey reverence for cannabis as food, shelter, clothing, medicine, and enjoyment. Ian expressed full confidence in Robin's stewardship, thanked his wife Liisa for doing all the work behind the scenes, and signed off as a future listener. Connect with Cannabis Health Radio Visit us at CannabisHealthRadio.com Explore products and resources from Swan Apothecary Follow Cannabis Health Radio on Facebook and Instagram Important Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on Cannabis Health Radio (CHR) are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of CHR, its hosts, producers, affiliates, or sponsors. CHR is not responsible for statements or opinions expressed by its guests. Nothing presented in this episode constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or a recommendation regarding what you should do. This content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your health, medical conditions, medications, or treatment decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Episode 499: Looking Back, Looking Forward
  6. Jun 24

    Episode 498: The Man Who Replaced 1100mg of Oxycontin with Cannabis

    John Prinz shares his story of replacing 1,100 mg/day OxyContin with medical cannabis, positioning him as an early "patient zero" in opioid-to-cannabis transition. A 1992 workplace injury at Simpson Paper in Anderson, CA led to five spinal surgeries, hardware implantation, and a spinal cord injury diagnosis, setting the foundation for extreme opioid dependency. At peak dosage around 2004–2005, John was prescribed over 1,100 mg of OxyContin daily alongside 13 other medications — far exceeding the typical 20–40 mg average — before the opioid epidemic was officially recognized. Dr. Lester Grinspoon's book "Marijuana, the Forbidden Medicine" was the turning point, leading John to recognize opioids as legal heroin and motivating his decision to pursue cannabis as a replacement. Transition off opioids took approximately 18 months of withdrawal, during which John developed his cannabis olive oil formula "Fusatima" — progressing from smoking to edibles to concentrated olive oil infusions. Fusatima is made with 3 liters of Costco olive oil and 1 lb of high-quality cannabis, slow-cooked at 180°F; one tablespoon yields ~300 mg combined THCA/THC, with a full dose of 4 tablespoons twice daily reaching ~2,400 mg. Lower heat during preparation preserves more THCA (non-psychoactive), while higher heat converts it to THC — allowing dosage customization depending on whether patients want psychoactive effects. THCA capsules made from raw, unheated cannabis are recommended for patients who want pain relief without the high, broadening the formula's accessibility. Post-surgery use at UCSF in June 2025 demonstrated Fusatima's clinical viability — John used no opioids after his sixth back surgery, self-administering the formula four days post-op with his surgeon's awareness. John's pain doctor Dr. Michael H. Moskowitz documented cannabis use in monthly medical records from 2005 to 2021, and those papers have since been used to educate other patients and gain acceptance from Medicare and Social Security. Advocacy efforts included writing Senator Dianne Feinstein starting in 2009, which John credits as contributing to OxyContin's removal from the market by 2011–2015, and writing Senator Obama in 2007 requesting rescheduling. Fentanyl's rise on the streets is directly linked to forced opioid withdrawal — patients lost prescriptions without a sanctioned alternative, and cannabis remains underutilized due to stigma even among marijuana advocates. Trump's executive order rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III is seen as a pivotal moment, though pharmaceutical companies including Jazz Pharmaceutical (105 patents), Pfizer (25), and Bristol-Myers Squibb (36) are positioned to commercialize it. Getting Fusatima into pharmacies — regardless of who manufactures it, including potentially a Sackler-backed company — is the stated goal, as insurance reimbursement only becomes possible once it reaches the pharmacy system. Core takeaway: growing your own cannabis is the most reliable path to access and affordability — patients who don't grow will struggle to maintain supply, and self-sufficiency is framed as the foundation of medical freedom. Connect with Cannabis Health Radio Visit us at CannabisHealthRadio.com Explore products and resources from Swan Apothecary Follow Cannabis Health Radio on Facebook and Instagram Important Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on Cannabis Health Radio (CHR) are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of CHR, its hosts, producers, affiliates, or sponsors. CHR is not responsible for statements or opinions expressed by its guests. Nothing presented in this episode constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or a recommendation regarding what you should do. This content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your health, medical conditions, medications, or treatment decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Episode 498: The Man Who Replaced 1100mg of Oxycontin with Cannabis
  7. Jun 15

    Episode 497: Taking Back Control of Chronic Pain

    Chronic pain originated from genetic degenerative disc disease after the birth of her second child, leading to muscle spasms, failed artificial disc implant (FDA trial), spinal fusion, and permanent nerve damage in both legs. At peak pharmaceutical use, Shelley was on approximately seven medications — including pain, antidepressant, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and panic medications — with five taken daily. Side effects from pharmaceuticals included nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, hair loss, poor nail and dental health, and chronic lack of deep sleep. Cannabis was first introduced by her Colorado chronic pain specialist, who permitted concurrent use with pain medication; she began with edibles primarily to address severe appetite loss and weight loss. Beyond appetite, cannabis progressively reduced anxiety, stress, and other symptoms, surprising Shelley given her Gen X perception of it as a "stoner drug." Her doctor's indictment for Medicare fraud in Colorado — abandoning 250+ patients overnight and destroying records — forced a pivotal choice; she opted to transition fully to cannabis rather than restart the pharmaceutical advocacy process. Going cold turkey off pain medication in 2020 was manageable partly because cannabis had already built mental resilience, contrasting with pharmaceuticals which she felt made her mentally unstable. Shelley noted it took approximately five years after stopping pharmaceuticals to feel chemically different — lighter and healed — underscoring the long-term impact of pharmaceutical residue. A spinal cord stimulator implanted roughly seven years into her chronic pain journey provided ~40% pain relief via leads and an internal battery; the leads are now burning out but she has decided against replacement surgery due to prior nerve damage risk. Current cannabis regimen: ~50mg hybrid edible (CBD/CBN blend) each morning plus smoking at night for relaxation and sleep, with the ability to self-regulate dosage by cutting down without withdrawal. Stigma encountered from her generation includes perceptions of cannabis as a lazy, unmotivated, or gateway drug — compounded by prior stigma as a chronic pain patient during the opioid epidemic. Cannabis is credited with delivering mental clarity and stability, directly countering the common misconception that it causes fogginess or impaired thinking. Chronic pain described as an all-consuming mental battle; cannabis enabled Shelley to stay present and mentally strong rather than constantly focused on pain — a key quality-of-life shift. Reflecting on her journey, Shelley's core message is to open the door to cannabis sooner, while acknowledging that everything happens in its own time. Connect with Cannabis Health Radio Visit us at CannabisHealthRadio.com Explore products and resources from Swan Apothecary Follow Cannabis Health Radio on Facebook and Instagram Important Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on Cannabis Health Radio (CHR) are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of CHR, its hosts, producers, affiliates, or sponsors. CHR is not responsible for statements or opinions expressed by its guests. Nothing presented in this episode constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or a recommendation regarding what you should do. This content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your health, medical conditions, medications, or treatment decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Episode 497: Taking Back Control of Chronic Pain
  8. May 27

    Episode 496: A Head Injury, Migraines and a Life-Changing Plant

    Ian Jessop interviews William Angolia about his 1985 construction site accident, subsequent chronic migraines and blindness, and his recovery through cannabis use. A falling sprinkler pipe caused blunt force trauma, a detached retina, permanent blindness in the right eye, and daily debilitating migraines that left William bedridden and unable to work for three years. Prescribed pharmaceuticals, including morphine-level medications, provided insufficient relief and prevented William from holding a full-time job. In 1988, a fellow patient suggested cannabis for migraines; William researched it, found documented evidence that THC lowers eye pressure in head trauma patients, and began smoking a couple of joints daily. Within three and a half weeks of starting cannabis and stopping pharmaceuticals, William experienced his first full migraine-free day, followed by weeks, months, and then years without significant headaches. Rehabilitation also addressed the practical challenges of monocular vision — learning to turn left instead of right, choosing seating positions at events, and compensating for the right-side blind spot. William became a cannabis legalization activist, sharing his story across the Northeast and contributing to Washington D.C.'s Initiative 71 in 2010, which he helped see through to fruition. Arbitrary THC blood-level thresholds (e.g., 0.04 microns) used to define impairment are flawed — no scientific test exists to determine actual cannabis impairment, meaning regular users can be convicted of DUI without being impaired. A pre-travel abstinence period before visiting Malaysia highlighted that stopping cannabis caused migraines to return, reinforcing its ongoing therapeutic role. Doctors in Thailand confirmed they had no pharmaceutical equivalent that could match cannabis for William's pain relief, and none discouraged its continued use. Cannabis access in Thailand is becoming more restrictive despite its 6,000-year history as an herb, driven by government desire for control within the monarchy. William advocates strongly for the right to home-grow, offering free grow classes and teaching tincture, oil, and extraction methods to reduce dependence on heavily taxed dispensary products. Replenishing the endocannabinoid system with cannabinoids allows the body to heal itself naturally — William argues this is straightforward science that pharmaceuticals and poor lifestyle choices undermine. Beyond migraines, William credits cannabis and healthy living for avoiding major health issues, surviving heavy COVID-era exposure, and managing hip pain without any pharmaceutical pain medication at age 69. Gratitude centers on being alive, self-sufficient, and healthy — with strong family longevity (mother lived to 99) and a goal of another 20 years — while his father's early death at 59 from lung cancer reinforced his lifelong commitment to avoiding bodily pollutants. Connect with Cannabis Health Radio Visit us at CannabisHealthRadio.com Explore products and resources from Swan Apothecary Follow Cannabis Health Radio on Facebook and Instagram Important Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on Cannabis Health Radio (CHR) are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of CHR, its hosts, producers, affiliates, or sponsors. CHR is not responsible for statements or opinions expressed by its guests. Nothing presented in this episode constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or a recommendation regarding what you should do. This content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your health, medical conditions, medications, or treatment decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Episode 496: A Head Injury, Migraines and a Life-Changing Plant
4.7
out of 5
229 Ratings

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Hear powerful stories from people who use cannabis to treat their health conditions, and hear interviews with medical professionals in the field..