🌿 International Special! Join host Ishqa Hillman for an inspiring conversation with Sergio Bejar Martinez, CEO of Blimburn Seeds and BBG Projects.
From selling at-home grow kits to leading 26 years of global cannabis seed distribution, Sergio shares:
How trust and integrity built his international reputation
The philosophy: “You don’t know what’s in the seed until it grows”
Connecting Europe and the U.S. cannabis markets through advocacy and the International Cannabis Awards
🎧 Tune in for insights on entrepreneurship, legacy, and the future of global cannabis!
From hauling 50‑lb salt bags to becoming California’s cannabis compliance whisperer, Nicole Miller has seen it all.
Try being the only woman in a room full of legacy‑to‑legal cannabis operators—Nicole (@chcompliance) has done it, and she’s turned that grit into a career helping operators stay compliant without losing their vibe. 🌱
In this episode of The Canna Boss Babes, we dive into:
Her journey from high‑end cabinetry to legacy cultivation
Lessons learned going from legacy to legal in California
How she became a compliance consultant for complex operations
Why creating safe, off‑the‑record spaces for cannabis pros is the next step for our community
🎧 Watch the full video on YouTube or listen anywhere you get podcasts.
Diane Kessler has been shaping cannabis since the Prop 215 days—from La Brea Collective’s compassion program to leading iconic shops like Sherbinskis and Arts District Cannabis.
🌿 Hear her journey of legacy, leadership, and the plant that builds community.
🎧 Follow the podcast + watch the full video on YouTube for bonus clips!
In this powerful episode of The Canna Boss Babes, we sit down with attorney Victoria J. Cvitanovic, a former narcotics prosecutor turned fierce advocate for cannabis, psychedelic medicine, and patient rights.
Victoria shares how a life-changing injury and her own experience with chronic pain led her to discover the healing potential of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy—shifting her legal career forever. We talk about the deep stigma still surrounding plant medicine, what it means to truly make the law more accessible, and how Zen Buddhism, disability advocacy, and personal transformation fuel her work.
🧠 Highlights include:
Her journey from the DA’s office to psychedelic law
The spiritual wake-up call that changed her perspective on healing
Legal insights into cannabis vs. psychedelic regulation
How the legal world still stigmatizes patients—and how she’s pushing back
Why compassion, connection, and curiosity matter more than ever
This is an episode about justice, healing, and remembering we’re all walking each other home. 💚
Victoria is a cannabis, psychedelic medicine, and healthcare attorney with Rudick Law Group, PLLC. A former prosecutor and chronic pain patient, she now champions legal access, regulatory clarity, and compassionate care in highly regulated industries. She is also a Zen Buddhist, a meditation and yoga instructor, and the cofounder of Sober Zen—a community exploring the intersection of sobriety and mindfulness.
About Victoria J. Cvitanovic:Victoria is a cannabis, psychedelic medicine, and healthcare attorney with Rudick Law Group, PLLC. A former prosecutor and chronic pain patient, she now champions legal access, regulatory clarity, and compassionate care in highly regulated industries. She is also a Zen Buddhist, a meditation and yoga instructor, and the cofounder of Sober Zen—a community exploring the intersection of sobriety and mindfulness.
In this episode, I sit down with Ariane Williams, known as "The Kind Nurse" on social media, to explore her remarkable 18-year journey from emergency room nursing to becoming a leading advocate for plant medicine through EntheaCare, formerly Trusted Cannabis Nurse.
Ariane shares her personal transformation story, including how she used cannabis and psilocybin to heal from chronic thyroid issues, PTSD, depression, and a decade-long struggle with alcohol addiction. She discusses her transition from traditional bedside nursing through various specialties including labor and delivery, hospice care, and eventually functional medicine at an early ketamine clinic that integrated therapy with treatment.
We dive deep into her work helping families navigate plant medicine, including the powerful story of how she supported her father's recovery from opioid dependency. Ariane explains EntheaCare's microdosing programs, the importance of integration support, and their approach to custom cannabis formulations designed by nurses for therapeutic outcomes.
This conversation covers critical topics often overlooked in cannabis discussions, including Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome from an ER nurse's perspective, pediatric cannabis applications, and their groundbreaking clinical research on Yoni Ease suppositories, which showed a 95% success rate for menstrual pain relief with 70% reduction in pharmaceutical use.
Throughout our discussion, Ariane emphasizes the importance of conscious cannabis use, proper dosing education, and the integration of plant medicine with traditional healthcare rather than replacement of conventional treatments. She addresses the challenges of navigating an industry that has moved away from patient-centered care while maintaining clinical integrity in her practice.
This episode provides valuable insights for anyone curious about the therapeutic applications of plant medicine, the role of healthcare professionals in this space, and how proper guidance can make the difference between beneficial and problematic use.
Please note this content is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with healthcare providers before making changes to your treatment plan.
Connect with EntheaCare at entheacare.com and follow Ariane on Instagram at @thekindnurse.
Diagnosed with lupus as a young mom, Odilia Hernandez Underwood (MexiCanna RN) went from 12 prescriptions a day to living completely pharmaceutical‑free. In this powerful conversation, the veteran and board‑certified nurse coach shares how she worked with her doctors while embracing plant medicine, mindful nutrition, meditation, and grounding—and why she recently lobbied at Nebraska’s Capitol for medical cannabis.
In this episode:
Lupus, motherhood, and the moment everything had to change
Tapering off meds safely: collaboration with providers + a holistic toolkit
Endocannabinoid system, stigma, and harm reduction in real life
From patient to practitioner: coaching, education, and advocacy in Nebraska
Giving yourself grace, finding community, and reclaiming your health
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, iHeartRadio (video on YouTube).
🔗 Guest: @mexi.canna.rn | Podcast: Healing Through the Leaf
📩 Subscribe for more stories that blend plant medicine, motherhood, and self‑advocacy.
Keywords: lupus, MexiCanna RN, nurse coach, medical cannabis, Nebraska, endocannabinoid system, harm reduction, holistic healing, pharmaceutical‑free, motherhood
In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Ishqa sits down with Rachel Xin and Jean Tran at Hall of Flowers to explore the origins and mission of Juāna, a women-focused wellness brand rooted in Chinese heritage. From the thoughtful design and healing intent behind every product to the integration of Chinese medicinal herbs and adaptogens, Juāna offers more than cannabis—it offers a multi-sensory experience of balance, healing, and beauty.
Rachel and Jean speak on representation, intentionality, and inclusivity in the industry, all while building a brand that speaks directly to women from all backgrounds, especially those often left out of the cannabis conversation.
What We Talk About:
The meaning behind the name Juāna and how it connects cannabis with Chinese culture 🌸
How Rachel’s personal wellness journey and professional background led to Juāna’s creation
Jean’s creative vision and how fashion, beauty, and wellness intersect in their brand identity
The importance of offering women-focused products in a male-dominated industry
The role of Chinese medicinal herbs and adaptogens in their formulations
Their non-cannabis lifestyle line, including scented candles and hemp clothing
Why creating a professional, inclusive brand space is essential for women and AAPI communities
How motherhood, entrepreneurship, and balance fuel Rachel’s drive
The launch of Juāna’s new pre-rolls and their plans for growth in both cannabis and lifestyle markets
Mentioned Products:
Six signature effects: Sleep, Calm, Recover, Uplift, Focus, Arouse
Juāna’s pre-rolls, vapes, and edibles
Non-cannabis lifestyle items like candles and hemp loungewear
Follow Juāna:
🌐 juana.org
📸 Instagram: @juanasociety
Transforming Cannabis Retail: An Interview with Lauren Fontein of The Artist TreeIn this episode, we meet Lauren Fontein, co-founder of The Artist Tree, at the Hall of Flowers event. Lauren discusses the mission behind The Artist Tree to create a warm and welcoming community space for cannabis consumers. The conversation explores the evolution of the cannabis retail experience, highlighting The Artist Tree's approach to break stereotypes and offer an inviting, gallery-like shopping environment. Lauren also shares her journey from a corporate lawyer to a cannabis entrepreneur, her expansion plans, and her focus on female-friendly cannabis events. The episode concludes with exciting developments and potential new locations for The Artist Tree.00:00 Introduction to Hall of Flowers00:36 Creating a Welcoming Cannabis Space03:00 Lauren's Journey into Cannabis05:16 Expansion Plans for The Artist Tree07:10 Challenges and Community in the Cannabis Industry09:02 Future Collaborations and Events11:01 Conclusion and Future Visits
In this episode, I sit down with PR specialist and author Tara Coomans from Avaans Media to discuss the power of earned PR and storytelling in the cannabis industry. We dive into the challenges of cannabis marketing, how brands can navigate stigma, and the importance of building trust with consumers—especially women, who are often overlooked in dispensary buying decisions.
Tara shares insights on how brands can position themselves for media coverage, what it really takes to attract investors, and why cannabis PR is about serving the journalist and the audience, not just promoting yourself. We also explore the lack of research and education around women’s health, how perimenopause and menopause impact entrepreneurs, and the need for more transparency in cannabis products.
Along the way, we get personal—talking about dating, female empowerment, and even my new app idea, "First Dates Only" (because low-stakes, high-fun dating should be a thing!).
If you're a cannabis entrepreneur, brand, or just someone who wants to understand the art of PR and authentic storytelling, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode of The Canna Boss Babes, host Ishqa welcomes Fame from Exhale Social Pro, a dynamic East Coast-based platform that shares a similar mission of supporting and empowering the cannabis community. The conversation dives into the inspiration behind Exhale Philly and the evolution of Exhale Social Pro, which offers resources, events, and professional networking opportunities designed to foster inclusivity in both the cannabis and wellness spaces.
Fame shares the challenges and triumphs of curating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ and marginalized communities in cannabis while also tackling broader industry issues like legal protection, business strategy, and personal wellness. The discussion explores the importance of protecting assets, setting clear business agreements, and learning from past mistakes—turning experiences into valuable lessons for others through the platform’s blog and resources.
The two also reflect on their experiences at MJ BizCon, where Fame and her team covered the event as official media for the first time. They discuss the unique atmosphere of the Canna Boss Babes Content Suite, which provided a much-needed retreat from the overwhelming conference setting while fostering genuine connections and high-quality content creation.
With a packed year ahead, Fame teases exciting plans for the Exhale Tour, a multi-city event aimed at furthering cannabis education and professional development. She also announces the upcoming launch of Exhale Social TV, a show airing on the Manhattan Neighborhood Network, expanding the platform’s reach and influence.
This episode is packed with insight, real talk, and shared experiences that highlight the importance of integrity, discernment, and community-driven impact in the cannabis industry.
In this powerful episode, multimedia journalist, host, and reporter Jackie Rae (@jackieraetv) joins us for a conversation you’ll want to listen to more than once. Known for her dynamic storytelling and commitment to social issues, Jackie shares her deep love for Long Beach while pulling back the curtain on the systemic issues that often go unnoticed.
We dive into the importance of REAL news sources like @lbwatchdog, which reports on stories many mainstream outlets are paid to suppress. Jackie highlights her latest initiative—raising awareness about the anti-Blackness that continues to permeate Long Beach. One glaring example? The annual MLK Day parade, where not a single Black person was honored this year. In a city as diverse as Long Beach, the decision to overlook Black-owned businesses and community leaders wasn’t just an oversight—it was willful ignorance.
Despite these challenges, Jackie’s commitment to Long Beach remains unwavering. She’s on a mission to share the untold stories, amplify marginalized voices, and support the people who need it most.
🎙 Want more Jackie?
Follow @jackieraetv and check out the first episode of her 2025 podcast season launching this Friday! (💵 Donations accepted—support the cause!)
Jackie Rae is more than a journalist; she’s a catalyst for change, using her platform to foster honest conversations about social justice, personal growth, and current events. From the moment I met Jackie—when she invited me on her show to share my own story of childhood abuse and homelessness—it was clear that she doesn’t just interview guests; she listens, she connects, and she creates space for transformative dialogue.
This episode is raw, real, and necessary. Tune in and be part of the conversation.
Exciting Cannabis Projects and Events with Tamara: Cannabis Queens Book, Canna Spa Series, and More! In this episode, Ishqa shares their excitement about receiving the 'Cannabis Queens' book featuring stories of cannabis queens from around the world. They highlight their personal note from Mel and the additional goodies included. The discussion transitions into an enthusiastic chat with Tamara about her upcoming Canna Spa event series in Long Beach, occurring on the last Friday of each month for the next six months. They delve into Tamara's long history of event planning, the unique pampering services, and exciting vendors lined up for Canna Spa. They also discuss the importance of aligning with the right brands for successful events. Tune in for an inside look at these empowering cannabis community initiatives! 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:08 Unboxing the Cannabis Queens Book 01:28 Excitement for Canna Spa Event Series 02:10 Tamara Joins the Conversation 03:11 Event Planning Insights and Experiences 13:09 Details of the Canna Spa Event 22:44 Catching Up with Yoko 23:09 Event Details and Vendor Information 24:40 Fun Activities and Unique Offerings 25:14 Personal Reflections and Confessions 31:50 Celebrity Guests and Experiences 40:52 Final Thoughts and Farewells
Hey Babes! Come meet Carl Saling from @gethighday This serial entrepreneur has been running his own businesses since his teens. He learned early on manual labor wasn’t for him and threw himself into door to door seafood sales - which he fervently believes every entrepreneur should do (with or without the seafood) because “if you don’t have sales you don’t have a business”
Many years of mastering other industries and businesses the plant continued to call to Carl and he opened a delivery service where he learned the true power of the plant, the healing and how much it truly impacts people’s lives. Carl eventually created Hollister 🍃 Co and during the pandemic used his essential business to create essential items for the community - hand sanitizer!
Now Carl has taken his decades of entrepreneurial experience, his long and personal experience with 🍃 industry and built @gethighday so that other retailers can avoid the “problems that can still be fixed” as an all in one marketing solution using AI to provide more of a concierge service for its user and their customers. From live website support to email marketing to a digital brand training platform - this babe is signing up for a demo because I can’t wait to learn more!
Be sure to follow Carl Saling III on LinkedIn Babes - he supports women, community and uses his entrepreneurial powers for good. He is also building out a new community app for us - because we deserve safe spaces too.
CARL IS WHY MEN ARE BABES TOO! 💚
Want to see what HighDay can do for you? https://gethighday.com/
Navigating Payment Processing Challenges in the Cannabis Industry with Aubrey Amatelli In this episode of The Canna Boss Babes Podcast, host Ishqa Hillman converses with Aubrey Amatelli about her journey and challenges in becoming the number one payment processor in the cannabis industry through her company, PayRio payrio.co They discuss Aubrey's background at JPMorgan Chase, the importance of reliable payment processing, and the unique hurdles faced in the cannabis sector. They also highlight Aubrey's efforts to maintain a work-life balance as a single mom, her dedication to empowering women within her company, and the future of payment solutions amidst evolving legalization efforts. 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties 00:46 Meet Aubrey Amatelli 01:37 Aubrey's Journey and Challenges 02:47 Balancing Motherhood and Business 05:23 Building a Trustworthy Team 07:05 Understanding Payment Processing 12:03 Expanding Beyond Cannabis 20:06 Empowering Women in FinTech 23:41 Future Prospects and Challenges 30:38 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell Have a company you think would make a great fit for PayRio? Share their info and yours at payrio.co/referral and get $420 when your friend starts using PayRio!
Welcome back to The Cannabas Babes Podcast, live from MJ BizCon on day three! Today, I’m joined by Nicole Lucian, co-founder of Bliss & Lex, a beautifully designed dispensary in Manhattan that’s redefining what cannabis retail can be. Nicole and her team are creating a welcoming, stigma-free environment that’s impacting lives and reshaping the cannabis experience. Let’s dive into her passion, vision, and the unique approach behind Bliss & Lex.
What We Covered in This Episode:
• About Bliss & Lex
Located on 86th and Lexington in Manhattan, Bliss & Lex stands out in an upscale retail area with a clean, thoughtfully designed dispensary. Nicole shares how her team made strategic design choices to ensure the store feels inviting for everyone, from new cannabis users to seasoned consumers.
• Creating a Welcoming Experience
Bliss & Lex offers a spa-like atmosphere, with displays that could rival a high-end boutique or jewelry store. Nicole explains how this clean and calming design helps break down the stigma of cannabis and creates a comfortable shopping experience for a diverse customer base, including parents, professionals, seniors, and people with disabilities.
• Trust in Product Curation
The team at Bliss & Lex is passionate about ensuring the highest quality for their customers. From product testing to team-led decision-making, they carefully vet every product. Nicole emphasizes the importance of trust in their recommendations, citing customer feedback and reviews as proof of their success.
• Meeting Consumer Needs
Nicole discusses how Bliss & Lex caters to customers looking for lower-dose THC options, CBD-rich products, and innovative cannabis solutions. By listening to their customers and staying on top of industry trends, they continue to evolve their offerings to meet diverse needs.
• Challenges in the New York Market
Nicole dives into the unique challenges of operating in New York, including competition with the illicit market, educating consumers on safe, tested cannabis, and dealing with legislative hurdles. She also highlights the importance of integrating traditional market expertise into the legal industry to foster growth and equity.
• Community and Compassion
At Bliss & Lex, it’s not about increasing sales—it’s about improving lives. Nicole shares how the dispensary prioritizes customer trust, supports small and minority-owned brands, and collaborates with the community to advance the cannabis industry.
Key Takeaways:
1. Thoughtful Design Matters: Creating a welcoming space breaks down stigma and invites new customers to explore cannabis in a safe environment.
2. Trust is Key: Transparent product curation and knowledgeable staff build customer loyalty.
3. Advocacy for Equity: Supporting traditional market operators and fostering inclusivity strengthens the cannabis industry.
4. Community Over Profit: The Bliss & Lex mission focuses on improving lives, not just bottom lines.
Looking Ahead
Nicole and I discuss future collaborations, including a potential live stream from Bliss & Lex in May, as I expand my content creation efforts to New York. Stay tuned for updates!
Connect with Bliss & Lex:
Visit their store on 86th and Lexington in Manhattan or check them out online to learn more about their products and mission.
Follow The Cannabas Babes:
Stay connected for more episodes, insights, and behind-the-scenes moments from MJ BizCon.
Nicole, thank you for an inspiring conversation! This episode reminds us of the power of passion and community in building something meaningful. Until next time, babes!
Welcome back to The Canna Boss Babes Podcast! We’re coming to you from the bustling halls of MJ BizCon 2024 in Las Vegas, and today’s guest is a powerhouse innovator in the cannabis space: Missy Bradley, a journalist-turned-cannabis-entrepreneur from Ripple in Colorado.
Missy shares her fascinating journey into the cannabis industry, Ripple’s science-driven product innovations, and her take on the challenges and opportunities facing cannabis businesses today. This episode is packed with insights into how Ripple is creating functional, fast-acting cannabis products that are changing the way we consume and benefit from this incredible plant.
What We Covered in This Episode:
Missy’s Cannabis Journey
• Transitioning from journalism to cannabis entrepreneurship.
• How a childhood friend’s idea for microdosed tea inspired her to join the cannabis industry in 2014.
• The evolving understanding of cannabis science and its medical benefits.
Ripple’s Product Innovation
• The story behind Ripple’s flagship water-soluble THC powder and its groundbreaking absorption technology.
• Why Ripple avoids nanoemulsification and instead controls for particle size and shape for safe, effective absorption.
• Ripple’s diverse product line, including:
• Gummies, powders, and tablets.
• Cannabinoid blends like Max Relief with THC, CBD, CBG, and CBC for anti-inflammatory and functional benefits.
• Exciting upcoming products featuring THCV for energy and focus.
Challenges in the Cannabis Industry
• The lack of standardized lab testing and its impact on product consistency.
• Issues with taxation, federal legalization delays, and the barriers to market entry.
• The state of compassion programs and traditional markets in Colorado.
The Future of Cannabis
• How federal legalization could impact the industry.
• The need for better education, stigma reduction, and accessibility for new consumers.
• Ripple’s commitment to science, innovation, and creating products that improve lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. Science is Key: Ripple’s clinical studies show absorption within 10 minutes, making their products reliable and fast-acting.
2. Functional Cannabis: With products designed for balance, relief, and everyday functionality, Ripple is redefining cannabis as medicine.
3. Overcoming Challenges: From taxation to misinformation, Ripple is navigating the complexities of the cannabis industry with resilience and innovation.
Welcome back to The Canna Boss Babes Podcast! Today, I’m joined by the dynamic duo behind Blunt Strategies, Leili Fatehi and Laura Monn Ginsburg, who are shaping the future of cannabis policy in Minnesota. Together, they’ve helped craft the innovative “Minnesota Model,” an equitable and community-centered approach to cannabis legalization and business development.
From their work advocating for legalization to their efforts to create opportunities for small businesses and underserved communities, Leili and Laura share the journey of turning their passion into impactful action.
What We Covered in This Episode:
The Origin of Blunt Strategies
The Fight for Legalization in Minnesota
Creating the “Minnesota Model”
Social Equity and Industry Challenges
What’s Next for Blunt Strategies
Hey Babes… I want you to tune in but first can you please go to @freeharoldmorris3rd and sign the petition in his bio https://bit.ly/4h1mTPf
Ok, now come back to hear from Harold “Junior” Morris 3rd’s father on what life has been like advocating for his son’s release the last 5 years - including rewriting legislation in Maryland to help reduce his son’s sentence.
A father of 4, Junior was an active and very involved father who even coached his children’s little league but Maryland didn’t decriminalize 🌱 until 2021 so in 2017 when his storage unit was found with 50lbs he was sentenced as a kingpin and made to serve a mandatory mini of 20 years. Junior has already served 5 years, his co-defendant served 3 yet he has 15 years to go unless we change the law. I need you babes to give this a listen, learn what you have the power to do and then share this with @govwesmoore so he can correct this horrible injustice.
If you are interested in learning more about Harold’s case or Edwin or other families impacted by the #warondrugs please be sure to check out and support @freedomgrowforever @lastprisonerproject @jailedforweed
So much love to the families, we are here to support how we can. Keep sharing babes, it’s the least we can do.
#freeharoldmorris3rd #freeedwinrubis
Who takes care of the patients? This boss babe right here! @nikkireds started @recompass_ from a deep desire to help patients when she saw how impactful 🌱 is for veterans. The past 2 1/2 years Nikki has been facilitating patient access by connecting brands and retailers with her vision of compassion but with over regulation it’s not been easy and she even found herself in seemingly hot water with the DCC which resulted in her speaking up and helping them fix a “glitch” in their system. This boss babe is looking for brands and retail partners who are looking to grow through social responsibility and who are willing to dedicate time and staff to helping their community grow - the results are building loyalty among patients whose word of mouth results in increased sales.
Please go read up on AB2555 and support compassionate 🌱
Big thank you to the following brands and shops who have supported so far -
@ember_valley
@pax_official
@sonomahillsfarm
@lowellfarms
Dr. Mays
@coastalsunfarm
Emerald Bay Extracts
@dearcannabis_ and Lady Gemini
Equity Trade Network
RETAILERS
7 Stars
@gorillarxwellness
Posh Green
Off The Charts SF
Root’d in the 510
Solful
Other shout outs -
@blkcannajoy
Ryan Compassionate vets
Linci, @homegirl_moccasins
Jerry, Ebbie, Hella Positive
Hey Babes! When I say “Men are babes too” it’s because of guys like these - driven by collaboration over competition, by heart not greed, and by a desire to build for all, not just one. Please come hear what the magicians behind the @network_show have been conjuring for September 18 & 19th in Los Angeles where over 200 brands and 1000 retailers will come together and help each other grow through new connections.
These guys aren’t just coworkers and friends - they are family and at the @network_show you are too. You bring the business - they bring the vibes and SO MUCH heart! Thank you @thegoodfellasgroup @nothing.but.fire @shearyannnnn for all you do for the industry and community 💚
Now… about Long Beach! LFG ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥