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. 3D AGO

    The AusCannaPodcast: Before the Patient: Genetics, Trust, and the Future of Cannabis

    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 Website Where 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

    1h 9m

  2. MAR 26

    The AusCannaPodcast: Are We Losing the Patient Voice? Medicinal Cannabis at a Turning Point

    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 2026 Where to Find Bee: * Bee on SubStack (The Mata Collective) * Bee on Instagram * Bee on LinkedIn Where 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

    54 min
  3. The Catch-Up: United In Compassion 2026

    MAR 12

    The Catch-Up: United In Compassion 2026

    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/X Email AusCannaReviews@gmail.com Visit www.giveandtoke.com.au Follow @giveandtoke on Instagram Email giveandtoke@gmail.com Get $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

    31 min

  4. FEB 26

    The AusCannaPodcast: Patients Are Watching: A System Under Review - Regulation, Trust, and Cannabis with Helen Kapalos

    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 do Show 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 Instagram Where 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

    1h 4m

  5. FEB 12

    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

  6. 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
  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    56
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © AusCannaReviews
  • Show Website
    The AusCannaPodcast

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