The AusCannaPodcast

Christina Mc Mullan
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Join Christina Mc Mullan as she explores the world of Australian medicinal cannabis from a patient's perspective, speaking with the experts, cultivators, advocates, and patients shaping the industry. From cutting-edge research to real-world patient experiences, no topic is off-limits. Expect deep dives, honest conversations, and a bit of fun along the way—especially with rapid-fire questions now open to listeners! New episodes fortnightly. Got a burning question? Send it in and be part of the conversation! auscannareviews.substack.com

  1. 6D AGO

    The AusCannaPodcast: From Patient to Powerhouse: Alex Fraser on Advocacy, Access, and Changing the Conversation

    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 action Show Notes: * The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien * Crohn’s disease * United Patients Alliance * Grow Group * Grow Conversations * Patient Protect Where to Find Alex: * Alex on LinkedIn * Alex on Instagram * Alex on TikTok * Alex on Facebook Where 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

    1h 1m

  2. JAN 29

    The AusCannaPodcast: 2025 Year in Review

    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 System Grow High, Aim Higher: Medcan Australia’s Mission with Gareth Ball The Christinas: A Cannabis Conversation Across Two Worlds SVG: The Genesis Study: CBD, IBS, and the Future of Gut Health From Bedridden to Blunt Truths: Sharna Stewart’s Medicinal Cannabis Journey Sacha La Forgia: From Award-Winning Winemaker to Craft Cannabis Cultivator Where 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

    16 min
  3. The AusCannaPodcast: Flower, Extracts, and Everything In Between with Harry Baird

    12/11/2025

    The AusCannaPodcast: Flower, Extracts, and Everything In Between with Harry Baird

    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 Tour Where to Find Harry: * Harry on LinkedIn * Zaari on LinkedIn Where 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

    1h 7m

  4. 11/27/2025

    The AusCannaPodcast: The Christinas: A Cannabis Conversation Across Two Worlds

    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 TikTok Where 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

    1h 8m
  5. The Catch-Up: On The Road in Thailand

    11/13/2025

    The Catch-Up: On The Road in Thailand

    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 Notes Read all about the Thailand adventure here: Thailand with SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals: An Unforgettable Cannabis Journey @AusCannaReviews on ⁠⁠SubStack⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Twitter/X⁠⁠ Email ⁠⁠AusCannaReviews@gmail.com⁠⁠ Visit ⁠⁠www.giveandtoke.com.au⁠⁠ Follow @giveandtoke on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Email ⁠⁠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

    32 min
  6. The AusCannaPodcast S4 | E3 : Reach One, Teach One: A Nurse’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis

    10/23/2025

    The AusCannaPodcast S4 | E3 : Reach One, Teach One: A Nurse’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis

    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 System Where to Find Deb Ranson: * Nurses’ Green Health Education Website * Bodhi Nurse * Email ancsin@outlook.com.au Where 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

    1h 11m
  7. The AusCannaPodcast "On the Road": The Alchemy of Extraction: Lessons from Puro’s Alexis Lopez

    10/09/2025

    The AusCannaPodcast "On the Road": The Alchemy of Extraction: Lessons from Puro’s Alexis Lopez

    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 * Shatter Where to Find Alexis: * Puro Website * Email Alexis@puro.co.nz Where 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

    50 min
  8. The AusCannaPodcast "On the Road": From Mountains to Market – Inside Puro

    09/25/2025

    The AusCannaPodcast "On the Road": From Mountains to Market – Inside Puro

    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 Grant Where to Find Sank and Winston: * Puro Website Where 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

    1h 1m
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About

Join Christina Mc Mullan as she explores the world of Australian medicinal cannabis from a patient's perspective, speaking with the experts, cultivators, advocates, and patients shaping the industry. From cutting-edge research to real-world patient experiences, no topic is off-limits. Expect deep dives, honest conversations, and a bit of fun along the way—especially with rapid-fire questions now open to listeners! New episodes fortnightly. Got a burning question? Send it in and be part of the conversation! auscannareviews.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Christina Mc Mullan
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © AusCannaReviews
  • Show Website
    The AusCannaPodcast