What does purpose-driven leadership look like inside a fast-growing medical cannabis clinic? In this special edition of the Business of Cannabis Podcast, Tim Kirby, CEO of Releaf, sits down with Professor Chris Shambrook, renowned performance psychologist and long-time advisor to the British Olympic rowing team. Together, they unpack how high-performance principles drawn from elite sport can translate into more intentional, human-centred healthcare leadership. From scaling teams with clarity to balancing compliance with compassion, this episode explores how Releaf is redefining what good leadership looks like in modern medicine — and why purpose can’t be an afterthought when the stakes are this high. Business of Cannabis is a cannabis industry platform marrying cannabis news, video and podcast content, newsletters and online and real-world cannabis events. This channel highlights the cannabis companies, cannabis brands, cannabis leaders and cannabis trends driving the global sector.

In this special edition of the Business of Cannabis Podcast, we go From Anecdote to Evidence with Dr Anne Katrin Schlag, Head of Research at Drug Science, and Graham Woodward, Chief Operating Officer at Releaf. Together, they explore how the UK can move from anecdotal patient stories to robust, real-world evidence — and why this shift is vital for expanding safe, trusted access to cannabis-based medicines. They unpack how clinics like Releaf are investing in quality-of-life surveys and data-driven patient care, what this means for regulators like NICE, and whether more solid evidence can finally open doors with the BMA, Royal Colleges and wider healthcare system. For anyone interested in how data and patient outcomes can unlock the next stage of UK medical cannabis, this is a conversation not to miss.

The third in our series of guest episodes features a discussion between CEO of Releaf, Tim Kirby, and Robert Jappie, Partner Fieldfisher’s Regulatory Group. Tim and Robert discuss Together, they explore the disconnect between the UK’s 2018 rescheduling of medical cannabis and the lack of meaningful access for patients today. Robert outlines the legal and regulatory hurdles that continue to obstruct progress, while Tim highlights the everyday impact these roadblocks have on clinics and patients. The episode also delves into the rise of self-medication and the persistent use of illicit sources. Tim and Robert examine the factors behind this trend, from affordability and education to stigma and patient trust, despite the existence of a legal framework. Finally, they unpack the complex compliance landscape for cannabis clinics in the UK. From advertising restrictions to tight prescribing protocols, the conversation reveals how clinics like Releaf build patient trust while navigating a shifting and often restrictive regulatory environment.

The second in our series of guest episodes features a discussion between CEO of Releaf, Tim Kirby, and James Duckenfield, CEO of Glass Pharms. Tim & James discuss the challenges and progress within the UK's medical cannabis industry since its legalisation in 2018, highlighting the previous stagnation due to various factors including inconsistent supply chains and a lack of a healthcare-focused approach. The discussion emphasises the importance of quality, consistency, and patient outcomes, showcasing how their collaboration aims to provide reliable medical cannabis to patients. They also touch upon the regulatory landscape, the need for better education for doctors, and the potential for significant growth in the UK market by addressing unmet healthcare needs.

This episode was recorded live at Cannabis Europa, 2024.

Next up we have a special episode with Tim Kirby, Chief Executive Officer with Releaf and Michael Sassano, CEO and Chairman of the Board with SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals.

This episode was recorded live at Cannabis Europa, 2024.

This podcast was recorded live at Cannabis Europa 2024.

This podcast was recorded live at Cannabis Europa 2024.

This podcast was recorded live at Cannabis Europa 2024.

This podcast was recorded live at Cannabis Europa 2024.

This podcast was recorded live at Cannabis Europa 2024.

This podcast was recorded live at Cannabis Europa 2024.

Recorded live at the Barbican Centre, June 2024.

This podcast was recorded live at Cannabis Europa, 2024.

Recorded live at the Barbican Centre, June 2024.

This podcast was recorded live at Cannabis Europa, 2024.

Recorded live at the Barbican Centre, June 2024.

Next up is episode 3, with CEO of Project Evolve and Co-Founder of the GCNC Chris Day. Chris is the co-founder of the Global Cannabis Network Collective and CEO of Project Evolve, with over 25 years of experience in corporate reinvention, small business growth, and marketing excellence. Join us as our host Shahbaaz Kara-Virani chats with Chris about some of the issues the GCNC is tackling today. Business of Cannabis is a cannabis industry platform marrying cannabis news, video and podcast content, newsletters and online and real-world cannabis events. This channel highlights the cannabis companies, cannabis brands, cannabis leaders and cannabis trends driving the global sector. www.businessofcannabis.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/bofc_global / www.twitter.com/bofc_europe LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/businessofcannabis Instagram: www.instagram.com/businessofcannabis Facebook: www.facebook.com/bofcmedia Apple: http://bofc.me/applepod Podcasts Online: https://bofc.me/bofclive