Motivated by reading mothers’ testimony in support of Texas’ 2015 Compassionate Use Act (CUP), after a 15 year career in commercial litigation, Lisa Pittman radically changed her trajectory to focus on the medical cannabis world.  First, she advised LSU on its role as cultivator/extractor/distributor under Louisiana’s 2015 medical cannabis law.  Simultaneously, in Texas, she worked on DPS rule-making for the CUP, the 2017 license application process, and legislative advocacy at the Capitol. She went on to prepare license applications in other states, and moved to Colorado for 2 years to fully immerse herself in a legal state to bring first hand knowledge and experience back to Texas. She is one of the leading voices in this current Texas law-making session and is helping to pass a law that would allow a higher THC concentration, chronic pain, and other conditions. She is a Non-Resident Fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, Drug Policy Program, and owns her own firm, Pittman Legal.  Concerns covered in this episode include: -The process for licensing new Texas dispensaries -Getting medical cannabis to patients that are far away -Establishing remote storage locations and providing sufficient security -Fentanyl in the illicit cannabis market -The new demand that adding people with chronic pain will bring. Frank and Lisa wrap up their conversation by discussing the future of the medical cannabis industry in Texas and how many people it will help, particularly for those suffering from both physical and mental pain.  How many more could it help?For more on Lisa, the Nationally Awarded Texas Business Attorney Experienced in Multi-State Cannabis Regulation: https://www.pittman.legal/Thank you to Ayr Wellness: Create Wonder: https://ayrwellness.com/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Website: https://statehousepodcast.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statehousepodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateHousePod Produced by: Terra Firma Audio This video contains paid promotion

In today’s episode, Frank and Harvey take a deep dive into the mechanics of the Hispanic/Latino population. How do they vote? What do they value? How can Democrats and Republicans do a better job of making them feel heard?Frank’s guest, Harvey Kronberg, is a first-generation immigrant and a serial entrepreneur, owning Austin Flag and Flagpole with his wife Michelle and publishing the Quorum Report.There seems to be a shift happening in the majority of the Hispanic population in America, and Harvey and Frank discuss possible reasons as to why it is happening. The Democratic party is often incensed at the Republican’s comments about illegal immigration, thinking they’re stepping in for the Hispanic community. However, polls show that most Hispanics in the U.S. are in favor of border control. On the other hand, Republicans think they are speaking to the heart of Hispanics regarding social issues when the data shows many Hispanics care much more about their family's safety and well being. Since many are also entrepreneurial, they also seek the same freedom to provide for their families and communities in a way that brings them fulfillment. This failure to truly understand the hearts of the Hispanic community has caused many Hispanics to be in a “freefall” of loyalty as to which side to cast their vote on because they just don’t feel understood. The party that can most genuinely lay down its own stigmas and biases to be open to the needs of this community, will likely see massive amounts of support and dedication from the Hispanic community in the upcoming elections. Reporting Texas Politics since 1983. Follow Harvey Kronberg's Quorum Report Here: http://www.quorumreport.com/Thank you to Ayr Wellness:Create Wonder: https://ayrwellness.com/JOIN THE CONVERSATION:Website: https://statehousepodcast.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statehousepodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/StateHousePodProduced by: Terra Firma AudioThis video contains paid promotion

The oracle of Texas Politics makes his premiere on this newly recurring series called, The Backstory. Serial Entrepreneur and long time publisher of the Quorum Report, and the Texas Energy Report, Harvey Kronberg joins Frank to discuss the current status of the 2023 Texas legislative session, including issues of gender, teachers and education, and how the Governor and others collaborate on operations and issues.Reporting Texas Politics since 1983. Follow Harvey Kronberg's Quorum Report Here: http://www.quorumreport.com/Thank you to Ayr Wellness:Create Wonder: https://ayrwellness.com/CONNECT:Website: https://statehousepodcast.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statehousepodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/StateHousePodProduced by: Terra Firma AudioThis video contains paid promotion

“When you look at the policy of what works and what doesn’t, successful programs start with the doctor/patient relationship.”Today on State House we explore how different states have unique challenges in growing cannabis, and why creating a safe market is crucial for patients who rely on it.Brian Herrington, the Vice President External Affairs of Hawthorne Gardening Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Scotts Miracle-Gro, discusses the various regulatory hurdles that growers face in different states, including different growing conditions, environmental concerns, and the need for specialized equipment and training.Despite these challenges, Frank and Brian also discuss the many benefits of growing medical cannabis in a safe, regulated market. Especially in states that have set up their programs the right way. Patients who rely on medical cannabis for a variety of conditions can benefit from having access to consistent, high-quality products that are grown with care and expertise. The Hawthorne Gardening Company, a leading manufacturer and distributor of controlled environment agriculture products. Learn more at https://www.hawthorne-gardening.com/Thank you to Ayr Wellness:Create Wonder: https://ayrwellness.com/CONNECT:Website: https://statehousepodcast.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statehousepodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/StateHousePodProduced by: Terra Firma AudioThis video contains paid promotion

Today, we delve into the world of advocacy for individuals with disabilities and how medical cannabis has and can play a major role in recovery. Our guest, Chase Bearden, who most recently served as the director of policy and Advocacy for Texas Patients First Foundation, is a well known voice throughout the state of Texas in the fight for accessible and quality care for persons with disabilities. With extensive experience in policy and advocacy, Chase brings a unique perspective and his personal experiences to the table, advocating for options and choices for those who need it the most. He shares his journey and the battles he has faced while working towards a better future for individuals with disabilities and their families. On this episode of State House, Frank and Chase discuss the importance of advocating for the highest quality of life for individuals with disabilities, and how the state of Texas can work to make this a reality, CTD works to ensure that persons with disabilities may work, live, learn, play and participate fully in the community of their choice. Learn more today at https://www.txdisabilities.org/ and www.txpatientsfirst.org Thank you to Ayr Wellness:Create Wonder: https://ayrwellness.com/CONNECT:Website: https://statehousepodcast.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statehousepodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/StateHousePodProduced by: Terra Firma AudioThis video contains paid promotion

Medical Cannabis is saving the lives of military veterans with PTSD.There are three major ways veterans are fighting the emotional battle against PTSD. They suppress, repress, or escape emotions which brings them further and further away from homeostasis. In this episode, we'll hear from speaker, coach, and military veteran Judson Kauffman, who has used medical cannabis to manage his PTSD symptoms and who will discuss the science behind how medical cannabis can help. We'll also explore the challenges that military veterans face when seeking treatment and the role that medical cannabis can play in helping them find relief. Join us on State House for a thought-provoking conversation on the potential of medical cannabis to help military veterans with PTSD.Learn more about Judson Kauffman and a holistic coaching approach to finding fulfillment & joy at: https://www.judsonkauffman.com/Thank you to Ayr Wellness:Create Wonder: https://ayrwellness.com/JOIN THE CONVERSATION:Website: https://statehousepodcast.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statehousepodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/StateHousePodProduced by: Terra Firma AudioThis video contains paid promotion

In the state of Texas alone, 79,000 girls between 12 and 19 are being trafficked for sex. One means of recruiter control is the introduction of illicit drugs within these operations. These drugs are not only the nexus to the next criminal activity, but continue to propel the stigma against cannabis and the medicinal uses for good it can bring those suffering PTSD. In light of January being Human Trafficking Awareness Month, David Hinkle, of the Warrior National Foundation, and Sal Hernandez, Director of North American Operations with DeliverFund bring education to the current war against human trafficking and focusing on putting a stop to recruiting.Through intelligence, data, and information, DeliverFund brings an innovative solution that can work both for law enforcement and for private entity to end human trafficking. Join the fight and get involved with DeliverFund:https://deliverfund.org/join-the-fight/Thank you to Ayr Wellness:Create Wonder: https://ayrwellness.com/CONNECT:Website: https://statehousepodcast.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statehousepodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/StateHousePodProduced by: Terra Firma AudioThis video contains paid promotion

When patients are forced into the illicit market, they are accessing a product that is untested leading to quality and healthcare concerns. Jon Sandelman, the chairman and CEO of AYR Wellness joins the conversation on State House to propose what has worked well in some states, and what has not worked well. By walking instead of running, Texas can be one of those states that understands controlling access where legitimate providers succeed, ensures that consistency of quality in those states is truly therapeutic and safe.Thank you to Ayr Wellness:Create Wonder: https://ayrwellness.com/CONNECT:Website: https://statehousepodcast.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statehousepodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/StateHousePodProduced by: Terra Firma AudioThis video contains paid promotion

In this first episode of State House, we're going to talk about key health care issues facing many Texans' access to medical cannabis. It's been almost 100 years since cannabis was made illegal, and health care professionals and policymakers have learned a lot about this product and heard from patients, advocates, and doctors finding that there's much more to the benefits to this plant than was perhaps originally thought.Thank you to Ayr Wellness:Create Wonder: https://ayrwellness.com/CONNECT:Website: https://statehousepodcast.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statehousepodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/StateHousePodProduced by: Terra Firma AudioThis video contains paid promotion

Politics IS a contact sport. You don’t have to look hard to find examples of that today. If you’re engaged in policymaking or just want to get an insiders look into how some of the biggest issues facing Texans play out, then this is your podcast!  Welcome to StateHouse Media podcast with me, your host Frank Santos. Who am I?  A political veteran with 30 years’ experience of lobbying in Texas and throughout the United States for some of the largest corporations in the world. I’ve spent my entire career in backrooms, and statehouse hallways helping to craft laws and policies and NOW, I want to bring you inside some of these discussions so you have access to the inner workings of the Texas StateHouse. You’ll find it revealing, useful and actionable- keeping YOU involved in today's most important conversations. This season were going to jump right into the State’s Medical Cannabis program. We’ll explore the shift in the narrative about medical cannabis from an illicit drug to a safe, controlled and therapeutic program managed by the State. This won’t be your typical political podcast, it’s not only a window into critical decisions being made that affect you BUT, will give you a look at the experiences, backgrounds, belief systems and human behavior that govern policymakers. You can expect insightful and informed conversations with lawmakers, regulators, advocates, and business leaders directly involved in local, state and national initiatives.  So, tune into the conversation, just search StateHouse Media with Frank Santos and subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss a minute. Your seat at the table starts now!