Shows
Cannabis ManHigh Minded Pairings & Hockey Legends: 2 Years, 1 Love, and a Gusher of a PrerollThis 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 and shares some eye-opening cannabis news, including a survey that busts the lazy stoner myth: cannabis users are nearly 5x more likely...2025-06-111h 22
Cannabis ManThe Great Cannabis State of Illinois: Tony Schor on Legacy, M&A, and the Cannabis Hall of FameThis week on Cannabis Man, host Don Kleppin highlights the bustling Chicago cannabis scene with upcoming brunch events, the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, and the Chi High Afters party. He also reviews a new-to-Illinois brand, Nature’s Heritage, and its flavorful hybrid flower strain, Lilac Diesel. In the news: A potential federal ban on intoxicating hemp products North Carolina’s governor backs legalization and forms a bipartisan planning committee Connecticut cracks down on illicit cannabis sales Jack Daniel’s CEO admits legal cannabis is cutting into alcohol profits Don...2025-06-061h 05
Cannabis ManCannabis on Trial: Weddings, Weed, and Supreme Court Showdowns with Pat HelmersIn this episode of Cannabis Man, host Don Kleppin shares some personal joy, giving a heartfelt shout-out to his cousin’s wedding and a birthday salute to his twin sisters. Then, it's a deep dive into the latest cannabis news: a pivotal legal case that could bring the federal cannabis ban before the U.S. Supreme Court, a controversial bill in New Jersey that could re-criminalize certain cannabis transactions, and an intriguing proposal to use cannabis tax revenue to fund Universal Basic Income for Americans. Don also reviews three unique gummies from Extract Labs, including a high-CBD St...2025-06-031h 11
Cannabis ManHowdy, Tyson 2.0, and a Global Green Wave with Adam Wilks and Ryan BurkeIn this episode of Cannabis Man, host Don Kleppin shares personal updates from Chicagoland as he prepares for a big family move and reflects on birthday wishes from listeners. He also shares his excitement for Season 4 of The Bear, especially after working on set as a background actor during filming earlier this year. Don reviews a lineup of cannabis beverages from Texas-based brand Howdy, including their lemonade, Paloma, Ranch Water, Sweet Tea, and the bold cinnamon-spiced Howdy Hooch. Then, he welcomes Adam Wilks and Ryan Burke, CEO and COO of Tyson 2.0, to talk about their company’s in...2025-05-311h 20
Cannabis ManFrom Europe with Bud: Michael Sassano on the Future of Medical CannabisIn this summer-kickoff episode of Cannabis Man, host Don Kleppin celebrates Memorial Day weekend, his birthday, and the third anniversary of the podcast. He shares favorite warm-weather traditions, plans for the weekend, and reviews a new Mandarin Pomelo THC seltzer from WYNK along with a CBD patch from Neno’s Naturals. This week’s guest is Michael Sassano, CEO of Somai Pharmaceuticals, who breaks down the global growth of medical cannabis and the challenges of regulation across continents. From Germany and Thailand to Spain and France, Sassano details the rise of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis and predicts a sweeping medi...2025-05-241h 30
Cannabis ManBrain, Body, and Bud: Ian McGann's Journey Back From a StrokeSummer’s almost here, and Cannabis Man is celebrating sunshine, mothers, and plant-powered healing. Don kicks off the show with a warm tribute to moms—especially his own and his wife—before diving into reviews of Strawberry CBD Gummies from Extract Labs and Sleep Formula gummies from TribeTokes. This week’s guest, Ian McGann, shares his remarkable journey of survival after a brain stem stroke. In a powerful and emotional interview, Ian details what happened, what he’s learned, and how cannabis played a key role in his recovery and spiritual growth. In the news wrap:...2025-05-151h 36
Cannabis ManChicago's Weed Arsonist, New Cannabinoids & the Chaos of the Law — with Lauren RudickThis week on Cannabis Man, host Don Kleppin opens up about his May the 4th traditions, the growing cultural impact of Star Wars Day, and a personal reflection on a late friend who shared the same birthday. Don responds to listener mail with a passionate take on the phrase “do your own research” and the importance of scientific consensus. In product reviews, Don shares his thoughts on gummies from Hometown Hero and Flower Union, and Brawler Blunts from Tyson 2.0. The featured guest is cannabis attorney Lauren Rudick of Rudick Law Group. She shares her early cann...2025-05-081h 20
Cannabis ManCherry Blossoms & Cannabis Breakthroughs: Kirsten Velasco, VapenProp & Nature in the CityText Cannabis Man! In this episode of Cannabis Man, host Don Kleppin opens with a reflective story about a family trip to Chicago’s Jackson Park during cherry blossom season, including a visit to the serene Osaka Garden. He shares a live review of Fable’s Into the Woods botanical cannabis beverage, featuring hints of stone fruit, pine, and rosemary. Don’s expert guest is Kirsten Velasco, author and creator of VapenProp, a cannabis vaping tool designed to solve key issues with portable vape use. Kirsten shares her personal journe...2025-04-231h 40
Cannabis ManHigh Hopes & Holy Smoke: A 4/20 Easter Special with TribeTokes' KymBText Cannabis Man! This year, Easter Sunday lands on 4/20—and we’re lighting up both holidays with a Cannabis Man celebration! Don reflects on the occasion with a festive monologue, then dives into the latest cannabis headlines: Why rescheduling is delayed, not dead, according to a top cannabis lobbyist New Illinois Senate bill would ban police stops based solely on cannabis odor Solvent vs. solvent-less extraction: which is healthier? Next, Don shares a 4/20 Gift Guide courtesy of Grasslands, reviewing a standout pick: Fable Libations' “Best Zest” hemp beverage. Our guest this week is KymB2025-04-161h 38
Cannabis ManMilestones & Marketing Amid Stigma with Sauce Essentials' Dylan SpencerText Cannabis Man! In this milestone episode of Cannabis Man, host Don Kleppin reflects on a year of life, love, and cannabis. Don shares heartfelt personal news as his daughter Violet turns one, offering a candid look at parenthood, purpose, and the joy of watching a little human grow. We dive into the latest Illinois cannabis sales figures and product registration news in the News Joint Wrap, along with a cautionary list of products to avoid. Don also spotlights Lyon Legacy Cookie Company, a sweet new venture in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood. ...2025-04-091h 19
Cannabis ManApril Fools Is Over + WYNK's New THC Seltzer & Narmin Jarrous of Exclusive BrandsText Cannabis Man! Has April Fool’s Day lost its place in the modern world? In this episode of Cannabis Man, Don Kleppin makes the case that the era of misinformation has turned April 1st from a day of fun into a source of frustration. He shares a firsthand experience from Chicago that illustrates the issue and highlights the challenges April Fool’s presents for marketing efforts. He also celebrates the launch of his wife’s new business—Lyon Legacy Cookie Company. In the product review segment, Don tries WYNK’s new 10mg THC sel...2025-04-031h 35
Cannabis ManSpring Greening, New Products & New York's Cannabis Market with Alta's Vanessa Yee-ChanText Cannabis Man! After a brief break, Cannabis Man returns with fresh energy and big updates! Host Don Kleppin kicks off the episode by revisiting the show's mission: to normalize and destigmatize cannabis by sharing expert conversations, industry news, and insightful perspectives. Don shares some exciting personal news—his voice can now be heard on a Walmart radio commercial airing in New York and another upcoming ad for an insurance company. He also steps in front of the camera with a background role in Season 4 of The Bear...2025-03-261h 33
The Sunday BlitzSuper Bowl 57 Preview With Don Kleppin, Mark Grote, and DJDan and Will preview Super Bowl 57 with some of their favorite guests, including Don Kleppin, Mark Grote, and Dan's son DJ. The guys break down the Chiefs-Eagles matchup and go over prop bets. They share some thoughts on what the Bears should do this offseason. They also react to a couple of "You Say, We Play It" calls. 2025-02-0947 min
Cannabis ManStill Dry with Help from Fungi and a Chat with Autumn BrandsText Cannabis Man! In this episode, Don Kleppin kicks off 2025 with hope and new beginnings! Get the latest updates from the Illinois Dept. of Agriculture, hear Don’s personal take on Fun Guy functional mushroom chews during Dry January, and enjoy an insightful chat with Hanna Brand of Autumn Brands about their THCA Diamond Infused pre-rolls and pesticide-free cannabis cultivation. Plus, big headlines on cannabis censorship, presidential pardons, and groundbreaking dementia research. Don’t miss the High Haiku to wrap it all up! Support the show Interested in advertising? Email host@cannabismanpodcast.com!...2025-01-241h 03
Cannabis ManStaying Dry in the Grasslands with Ricardo BacaText Cannabis Man! In this episode, host Don Kleppin shares his personal trek through Dry January, a month-long break from cannabis, alcohol, caffeine, and added sugars. With vivid dreams every night and a 10-pound weight loss in just 17 days, Don reflects on the impact of the challenge so far. The News Joint Wrap brings listeners up to speed on key developments in the cannabis space, including: Four new qualifying conditions added for Illinois medical cannabis patients. A continued decline in medical cannabis sales for the third consecutive year. Two new hemp-related bills introduced in...2025-01-171h 03
Cannabis ManDry January, THC Seltzers & WYNKing at Cannabis InnovationText Cannabis Man! Welcome to the first episode of 2025! Host Don Kleppin kicks off the new year with a reflection on why he started the Cannabis Man Podcast—to educate, inform, and entertain while breaking the stigma surrounding cannabis. In this episode, Don dives into his modified Dry January journey, sharing tips for success and highlighting its incredible benefits, including weight loss and improved focus. The episode also features a deep dive into the battle over intoxicating hemp products in Illinois, statements from key players, and a look at the upcoming decision Wisconsin voters might fa...2025-01-101h 21
The Sunday BlitzWeek 15: The Bears Keep Losing, Vikings-Bears Preview With Henry Lake, Spice Adams Joins the Show, Hot Topics With Don KleppinDan and Will get ready for week 15 with an action packed show. This week's show is filled with expert analysis, engaging discussion, and predictions to keep you informed and entertained.
Former Chicago Bear and media personality Anthony "Spice" Adams stops by to share his insights on the Bears and discuss his successful transition from the field to the world of media. He offers plenty of engaging stories and perspectives that fans will enjoy.
Henry Lake from WCCO joins the conversation to preview the highly anticipated Vikings-Bears matchup. He also explains why the Vikings have had a fa...2024-12-1547 min
Cannabis ManCelebrating 100 Episodes with a Fun Guy: 2024 in Cannabis and What Comes NextText Cannabis Man! In the final episode of the year, Don reflects on 2.5 years and 100 episodes of the Cannabis Man Podcast. He highlights the journey of sharing cannabis news, breaking stigma, and exploring the plant’s potential with experts from around the world. This episode revisits key cannabis stories from 2024, including: The DEA’s rescheduling hearing and its potential impact. Illinois’ flawed DUI testing lab scandal and its implications. A Nebraska lawsuit targeting voter-approved medical cannabis. New Jersey’s cannabis consumption licenses and the growing need for "third spaces." Massachusetts cannabis sales surpassing $7 billion since 20...2024-12-141h 17