The Past Meets the Present: Best In Grass and Ancient Cannabis

Titan Express Takes Off | Cannabis Potency Caps, Trump's Medical Marijuana Nod & John Shute of PufCreativ

The Cannabis Man Podcast returns with a fresh Sativa review and big headlines shaping the cannabis world. Host Don Kleppin kicks things off by cracking open the 2025 Best in Grass judge kit for his first official taste — the Titan Express Sativa from Grassroots. [https://cannabisrealmny.com/white-plains/menu/grassroots/grassroots-titan-express-indoor-35g] In cannabis news, Don dives into Massachusetts' proposed THC potency caps [https://thehighway.co/massachusetts-proposes-potency-cap-and-eliminating-home-cutivation/] and a potential ban on home cultivation, Donald Trump's new video touting the medical benefits of cannabis for seniors [https://www.marijuanamoment.net/trump-posts-video-on-medical-benefits-of-cannabis-for-seniors-as-white-house-weighs-rescheduling/] as rescheduling debates heat up, Canada's cannabis industry adding $16 billion to the economy in 2024 [https://www.leafie.co.uk/news/cannabis-adds-16-billion-canadian-economy-2024/], and a new study showing cannabis use may provide short-term PTSD relief for veterans [https://www.psypost.org/cannabis-use-linked-to-short-term-relief-of-ptsd-symptoms-in-veterans/]. Plus, an in-depth interview with John Shute, CEO of PufCreativ [https://pufcreativ.com/], on how his award-winning agency is shaping cannabis brands, connecting with consumers, and navigating a rapidly changing market. If you love industry insight, product discovery, and the latest cannabis policy news, this episode delivers.

The Past Meets the Present: Best In Grass and Ancient Cannabis

The Cannabis Man Podcast welcomes back Mark Kazinec, Co-Founder and COO of Best In Grass [https://bestingrass.io/], as Illinois kicks off its second annual cannabis competition. Don shares his excitement about being a judge and previews the big launch party happening this Saturday. Beyond the contest, this episode explores the booming cannabis beverage market [https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250904402984/en/Crescent-9-THC-Seltzer-Tops-Nielsen-Ratings-No.-1-Selling-THC-Drink-in-Stores-Nationwide?feedref=JjAwJuNHiystnCoBq_hl-T-Aq5FK_YNs9dj0diYIGhc8KKVs40LkPd-HQDK48IgLD8DYIYv4TIC1g1u0AKcacnnViVjtb72bOP4-4nHK5ie3s9AdvRTJIeeg_bOEKU2H], a pharma billionaire betting that a cannabis painkiller [https://www.forbes.com/sites/willyakowicz/2025/09/12/this-pharma-billionaire-is-developing-a-cannabis-painkiller-to-replace-dangerous-opioids/?utm_campaign=forbes&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit] will be a gamechanger, and unpacks a groundbreaking study suggesting humans have been using cannabis for over 20,000 years [https://www.cannanaskis.com/history/2025/9/16/cannabis-timeline-pushed-to-20000-years]. From the roots of human history to today's competitions and innovations, this episode connects the past, present, and future of cannabis.

Nature's Heritage Expands in Illinois: Cannabis Legacy, Edibles & Functional Mushrooms with Ryan Crandall

In this episode of Cannabis Man, host Don Kleppin sits down with Ryan Crandall of Nature's Heritage [https://www.naturesheritagecannabis.com/] to discuss the brand's launch into Illinois and the warm reception it's received from patients and consumers. Ryan reflects on honoring the legacy of cannabis before legalization, gives credit to those who paved the way, and shares insights into building a trusted brand in a competitive market. For the first time publicly, Ryan announces that Nature's Heritage is entering the edibles space with an innovative capsule blending cannabis and functional mushrooms—a product designed to expand benefits and redefine wellness. Listeners will hear about: * Nature's Heritage's arrival and success in Illinois * The importance of honoring cannabis legacy and culture * The company's first edible capsule combining cannabis with functional mushrooms * What this innovation means for the future of cannabis products Whether you're a patient, consumer, or industry insider, this episode offers valuable perspective on heritage, innovation, and the next evolution of cannabis.

Back on the Mic: Cannabis Education, Parenting, and Life Updates with Elevate Holistics' Aspen Noonan

After a two-month hiatus, The Cannabis Man Podcast returns with personal updates and fresh insights from the Illinois cannabis scene. Host Don Kleppin shares what's been happening off the mic—moving across Chicago for more family space, starting a new job, and settling into a new schedule. Don covers upcoming cannabis events in Illinois [https://illinoisnewsjoint.com/], highlights standout products and dispensaries, and then sits down with Aspen Noonan, CEO of Elevate Holistics [https://elevate-holistics.com/]. Together, they discuss why cannabis education is essential, the life-changing benefits of becoming a certified medical cannabis patient, Aspen's rapid rise to CEO, and the shared experiences of navigating new parenthood while working in the industry. The episode closes with a reflective High Haiku.

High Minded Pairings & Hockey Legends: 2 Years, 1 Love, and a Gusher of a Preroll

This week on Cannabis Man, Don celebrates two years of wedded bliss and a recent cannabis event with a packed episode full of flavor, facts, and fire strains. He dives into High Minded Food Pairings, spotlighting unusual but delicious snack combos and pondering why Cheez-Its are so damn addictive. Have a favorite munchie snack or pairing of your own? Call or text 872-269-2403. Don also reviews a Korner Boys Gusher strain preroll [https://snapcanna.com/menu/pontiac/products/korner-boys-316285/flower/korner-boys-flower-gusher-35g-4144187/] and shares some eye-opening cannabis news, including a survey that busts the lazy stoner myth [https://www.marijuanamoment.net/marijuana-users-are-more-than-5-times-as-likely-to-regularly-exercise-than-eat-fast-food-stereotype-busting-survey-shows/]: cannabis users are nearly 5x more likely to exercise regularly than eat fast food. Then it's off to Arkansas, where the state reports strong cannabis sales [https://www.kark.com/news/state-news/arkansans-consuming-more-than-6000-pounds-of-marijuana-a-month-in-2025/] while the governor vetoes a bill to allow dispensary drive-thru windows [https://arktimes.com/news/cannabiz/2025/06/09/dropping-drive-thrus-governors-veto-shoots-down-dispensary-windows]. Don also interviews Nick Rinella, CEO of Hippos [https://hipposcannabis.com/] in Missouri [https://hipposcannabis.com/], a cannabis company co-founded by former NHL stars! If you're in Chicago, Don also recommends checking out the delicious creations from Lyon Legacy Cookie Company [https://www.facebook.com/people/Lyon-Legacy-Cookie-Company/61574960009093/].