Welcome to another powerful episode of Conversations with Kush, hosted by Molly, aka “The Kush RN”—a cannabis nurse who believes in blending science, spirituality, and soul work. 💚

In this enlightening conversation, Molly is joined by Dr. Uwe Blesching co-founder of CannaKeys360, author of The Cannabis Health Index, and one of the most respected voices in cannabis science. They dive deep into the real power of the endocannabinoid system, the importance of nursing wisdom, and how to bring evidence-based cannabis care to the bedside.

From PTSD and pandemic burnout to precision dosing, euphoria, and the science behind flow state—this episode explores how cannabis and plant medicine are revolutionizing health care, one conversation at a time.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode
📚 Why the endocannabinoid system is at the core of chronic illness and healing
💊 How cannabis can help with opioid addiction, PTSD, pain, anxiety, and metabolic syndrome
🧬 The science behind terpenes, chemovars, and flow states
🩺 How nurses are leading the movement to bring cannabis care to the bedside
🧘 The power of plant medicine, intentional use, and trauma-informed dosing

Find The Right Strain: Episode Chapters
⏱ 5:00 – Case Studies, COVID, and Compassion Fatigue
Why nurses are essential to cannabis care and how plant medicine restores purpose

⏱ 15:00 – CannaKeys 360 & Organizing the Science
How the Cannabis Health Index evolved into a real-time evidence-based platform

⏱ 25:00 – What the Research Actually Shows
Endocannabinoid deficiency, aging, non-cannabis ECS boosters, and "suboptimal health"

⏱ 35:00 – From Petri Dishes to Meta-Analyses
Understanding primary vs. related studies + how clinicians use CannaKeys in real time

⏱ 47:00 – Treatment Algorithms That Work
How to use CannaKeys for chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and now metabolic syndrome

⏱ 55:00 – Breaking Down Chemovars & Precision Dosing
Why sativa vs. indica is outdated and how THC:CBD ratios matter more

⏱ 1:00:00 – Terpenes, Flow States & Soul Work
The science of mind-body connection, healing trauma, and the spiritual role of cannabis

⏱ 1:15:00 – Cannabis & Opioid Addiction
How cannabis helps bridge trauma recovery and why harm reduction is essential

⏱ 1:30:00 – What’s Next in Cannabis Research?
The future of ECS-focused health, DNA-based care, psychedelics, and total wellness

⏱ 1:37:00 – Final Thoughts + Where to Find CannaKeys
How to get involved, spread the word, and keep the conversation going

Do you believe euphoria is a part of healing? ✨🌿

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe! Drop your biggest takeaway or question about cannabis science below! #ConversationsWithKush #CannaKeys #CannabisNurse #EndocannabinoidSystem #CannabisResearch #NurseLife #FlowStateHealing

Welcome to a groundbreaking episode of Conversations with Kush, live from the DOPE Roots: Women & Cannabis Summit — a powerful gathering of women, healers, chefs, scientists, entrepreneurs, and activists building community through cannabis.

Molly, “The Kush RN”, leads a vibrant, soul-filled series of interviews with women changing the game — from medical professionals pioneering pediatric cannabis care, to terpene educators, to hot sauce entrepreneurs infusing their work with flavor, healing, and activism.

This episode is a tribute to the wisdom, wit, and wellness of women who show TF up — loudly, boldly, and unapologetically — in cannabis and beyond.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

👩‍⚕️ How nurses are bridging the gap between healthcare and cannabis
🍄 The power of plant medicine, microdosing, and menopause support
🧪 Why terpenes matter (and how to build your own smell lexicon!)
🔥 How cannabis can empower creativity, business, and bodily autonomy
📣 Real talk on burnout, business ownership, and women stepping into leadership
🍪 Why grandma-style weed cookies might be the most healing thing ever

Whether you're new to cannabis or a seasoned consumer, this episode offers community, conversation, and connection for every stage of your journey.

Find the Right Strain: Episode Chapters

1:00 – Balanced Canna: Pediatric Cannabis & Healthcare Gaps
7:00 – Terpenes Are Power | Taste, Smell & Craft Cannabis with Ghislaine Ball
17:00 – Curating Your Cannabis Experience | Beyond THC Percentages
22:00 – Culinary Cannabis & Infused Experiences with Hi Flora’s Heather
29:00 – Creating Cannabis Spaces for Women & Menopause Support
34:00 – Building Wellness Products for Perimenopause & Pleasure
41:00 – Barriers to Entry for Women in Cannabis
45:00 – Recipes with a Purpose | Hot Sauce, Munchies & Million Meal March
53:00 – Plant Medicine + Culture | Rasta Cheese’s Community Approach
59:00 – The Nurse Behind Cirrus | Honoring Grief, Healing & Family Roots
1:06:00 – Burnout, Cannabis, and Nurse Recovery Stories
1:14:00 – Entrepreneurial Wisdom | From Raspberry Stands to National Brands
1:22:00 – North Bloom Magazine | Centering Women in Print & Practice
1:27:00 – The NWACC | Women’s Cannabis Collective on Pussy Power & Professional Growth
1:37:00 – The Visionary: Nekima Levy Armstrong on Community, Justice & Joy
1:51:00 – Cookies for the Soul | Family, Legacy & Delicious Cannabis Love
1:53:00 – Final Reflections | Why We Can’t Stop Here

What do YOU want more of in cannabis events — education, fun, food, or safe spaces? 💚 Drop your thoughts below!
What’s your personal cannabis story? How has it helped you heal, evolve, or show up more powerfully in the world? 🌱
Like, comment, and subscribe to keep the Conversations with Kush going — where every episode is part science, part soul, and all heart

#WomenInCannabis #CannabisCommunity #ConversationsWithKush #CannabisNurse #PussyPower #CannabisForHealing #TerpenesMatter #BurnoutRecovery #CannabisEvents #MicrodosingMagic

🌿 Welcome to Conversations with Kush! 🌟 In this episode, Molly "The Kush RN" sits down with Brandon Padget, Chief Deposit Officer at Union Bank & Trust, to discuss one of the most challenging aspects of the cannabis industry—banking.

How do cannabis businesses get banking services?
Why do some banks drop cannabis clients?
What’s the deal with cash-heavy dispensaries and security risks?
How can small businesses secure loans in a federally restricted market?

Brandon breaks it all down—from how cannabis entrepreneurs can access banking services to why labor unions and financial institutions must collaborate to strengthen the industry. Whether you're a cannabis business owner, industry advocate, or just curious about the financial side of legal cannabis, this episode is packed with insights.

What’s Inside This Episode:

🏦 Why Banks Are Hesitant to Work with Cannabis – The compliance, legal, and financial challenges.
🌱 Union Bank & Trust’s Role in the Cannabis Industry – How they’re helping operators stay compliant & financially secure.
📉 The Cannabis Banking "Stigma" – Why banks get nervous and how the SAFE Banking Act could change everything.
💰 Access to Capital & Loans – Why startup money is hard to get and what business owners can do.
💡 How to Choose the Right Bank – Red flags, hidden fees, and what cannabis entrepreneurs should look for.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to open a bank account for your cannabis business without getting shut down.
• Why compliance is key and how to avoid banking risks.
• The biggest challenges of running a cash-heavy cannabis business.
• How small business owners can prepare for financial success in a high-risk industry.
• What’s next for federal legalization, SAFE Banking, and the future of cannabis-friendly finance.

If you’re involved in the cannabis industry, financial world, or just want to learn more about the behind-the-scenes business side of weed, this episode is a must-watch.

Find the Right Strain: Episode Chapters

⏱ 5:00 – Why Banks Hesitate to Work with Cannabis Businesses
The compliance risks, federal restrictions, and industry stigmas.

⏱ 10:00 – How Union Bank & Trust Became a Cannabis-Friendly Bank
The journey from labor unions to full cannabis financial services.

⏱ 18:00 – Why So Many Cannabis Businesses Struggle with Banking
Understanding cash handling, loan access, and financial barriers.

⏱ 25:00 – What Entrepreneurs Should Look for in a Bank
Red flags, hidden fees, and choosing the right financial partner.

⏱ 35:00 – The SAFE Banking Act & Federal Legalization
How it could change the game for cannabis businesses.

⏱ 45:00 – Security Risks for Cash-Heavy Dispensaries
Why digital safes & armored cash transport are essential for cannabis retail.

⏱ 55:00 – Final Thoughts & How to Connect with Union Bank & Trust
Where to find Brandon & his team for cannabis banking solutions.

Do you think cannabis businesses should have full access to banking services? 🌿💰 Drop your thoughts below! Like, comment, and subscribe for more cannabis industry insights. Have questions about banking & cannabis? Ask them below!#CannabisBanking #SAFEBankingAct #ConversationsWithKush #CannabisFinance #UnionBank