Time 4 Hemp
This podcast, hosted by Casper Leitch with joint-hosts Al Byrne and Al Graham, is focused on information about industrial hemp, medical cannabis and recreational marijuana use. Featured guests include people who work in the global hemp industry or who are leaders in the medical cannabis legalization movement. All podcast segments are FREE to download.
Episodes

Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Reforming Laws For Cannabis Markets
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Former Chicago prosecutor, James Gierach. joins the 'Time 4 Hemp' round-table to expose the failures of the global war on drugs and reveal how hemp, especially industrial hemp, holds the key to economic renewal, justice reform, and sustainable progress. This powerful conversation dives into the history of prohibition, the politics of cannabis, and the untapped potential of the global hemp industry.
Whether you're passionate about hemp markets, criminal justice reform, or international policy, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to rethink everything we’ve been told about cannabis.
Tune in and discover why it's time to trade prohibition for cultivation, and how hemp can change the world.
Overview
This episode of 'Time 4 Hemp' features a deep and powerful discussion centered around the failures of the global war on drugs, with special guest, James Gierach, a former Chicago prosecutor, author, and long-time advocate for drug policy reform. He’s joined by hosts Casper Leitch, Al Byrne, and Al Graham, who explore the social, political, and economic implications of cannabis prohibition, U.S. drug laws, and international treaties.
Make it a point to visit https://www.time4hemp.news. Please share us with your friends.

Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
Roots of Change: Cannabis For Veterans
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
Veteran advocate, Tony Landry, joins 'Time 4 Hemp' for a powerful conversation about Louisiana’s evolving cannabis laws, the fight for home grow access, and how both medical cannabis and psychedelics are transforming veteran care. He shares his personal healing journey and the rise of the 'Swamp Spore Society', an educational mushroom collective. Hosts Casper Leitch, Al Byrne, and Al Graham dive into the roots of the industrial hemp movement, the challenges facing the global hemp industry, and the future of hemp markets in America.
Whether you're a patient, grower, or curious about hemp activism, this episode is a must-listen.
Overview
This episode features an in-depth interview with Tony Landry, a veteran and prominent cannabis and psychedelic activist from Louisiana. The discussion explores his advocacy work, personal healing journey, and education efforts surrounding cannabis and mushrooms, with sharp commentary and camaraderie from co-hosts.
Tony Landry is a Military Veteran who has suffered back injuries and experienced opioid addiction after leaving the military. He transitioned to CBD and eventually cannabis for pain relief, sparking his activism. He is the founder of the Louisiana Veterans for Medical Cannabis.
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Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
From Cop to Mrdical Cannabis Crusader
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
In this episode of 'Time 4 Hemp', host Casper Leitch is joined by activist and former corrections officer Alison Myrden, one of Canada's first federally licensed medical cannabis patients. Alison shares her deeply personal journey battling multiple sclerosis and how medical cannabis, not opioids, saved her life.
Together with joint-hosts Al Byrne and Al Graham, they dive into the ongoing fight for patient rights, the evolution of Canada's medical cannabis system, and the push to legitimize cannabis as both powerful medicine and sustainable resource.
From sparking the Toronto Global Marijuana March to challenging broken systems, Alison brings fiery insight into the global hemp industry, the role of hemp markets, and why the legalization battle is far from over.
Tune in for a bold, inspiring conversation that spans activism, medicine, and the future of hemp worldwide.
OVERVIEW
Alison first used cannabis at the age of 16 and instantly noticed medical benefits: improved mobility, speech, and energy. She had been diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and was consuming 32 pills/day, including 2000mg morphine, heroin, cocaine, and even raw opium, all legally via a unique pain specialist.
Cannabis became her preferred medicine, eventually receiving a federal exemption in Canada in her late 20s. She was inspired by and later collaborated with Dr. Ethan Russo and Dr. Raphael Mechoulam (pioneers in cannabis research).
Alison is a former corrections officer who sympathized with young offenders and shifted her focus to advocacy. She joined the organization, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP), and became a prominent Canadian representative.
Alison also ran for office under the New Democratic Party (NDP) with cannabis legalization as a key platform. She also helped launch the Toronto Global Marijuana March in 1999.
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Monday Aug 04, 2025
Medical Cannabis After The War
Monday Aug 04, 2025
Monday Aug 04, 2025
This episode of 'Time 4 Hemp', hosted by Casper Leitch with co-hosts Al Byrne and Al Graham, features a deeply inspiring interview with Bryan Buckley, a retired U.S. Marine Raider Captain and founder of the Helmand Valley Growers Company (HVGC).
Bryan Buckley was a Marine Raider with multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan and severely wounded in combat by an under-barrel grenade launcher (shrapnel throughout his body and face). He continued his mission despite his injuries and served in special operations and led the 7th Afghan Special Operations Battalion (777 Afghan commandos)
Bryan is a Purple Heart recipient. He commanded one of the bloodiest special ops deployments since Vietnam (summer 2012) and worked under Admiral McRaven (planner of the Osama bin Laden raid).
After leaving the military, Bryan founded the Helmand Valley Growers Company (HVGC). Its purpose is to help fund medical cannabis research for veterans, especially for treating PTSD.
Buckley’s story charts a powerful trajectory: from elite combat leader to cannabis advocate and emphasizes how military veterans need real, functional post-service support - not just ceremonial respect
Buckley was introduced to cannabis post-service when struggling with chronic pain and insomnia. He found that cannabis offered meaningful relief, far better than VA-prescribed pharmaceuticals, and now he uses his story and science to advocate for policy reform and safe, veteran-accessible cannabis
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Sunday Aug 03, 2025
Hemp Is Petroleum - That's Big Bucks
Sunday Aug 03, 2025
Sunday Aug 03, 2025
In this episode of 'Time 4 Hemp', host Casper Leitch sits down with legendary cannabis activist, Gatewood Galbraith to explore the untapped potential of industrial hemp. From fueling cars to revitalizing small-town economies, Gatewood delivers bold, eye-opening insights into how hemp markets could transform America's future.
Discover how hemp is petroleum, why Kentucky was once a global leader in hemp production, and how the global hemp industry holds the key to sustainable development, energy independence, and economic justice. This episode is packed with truth, passion, and a call to action for anyone ready to challenge the status quo.
Tune in and take some 'Time 4 Hemp', your perspective may never be the same.
Music included in this segment:
Toke Of Rhythm, A Toke In Time, Hi Hi Hi, and Smoke You Out.
Make it a point to visit https://www.time4hemp.news. Please share us with your friends.

Friday Jul 25, 2025
Hemp, Liberty, and Legacy: Honoring Peter McWilliams
Friday Jul 25, 2025
Friday Jul 25, 2025
In this touching episode, host Casper Leitch honors the life and legacy of Peter McWilliams: bestselling author, activist, and pioneer in the fight for medical cannabis and personal freedom. This tribute reviews Peter’s influence on the hemp movement, civil liberties, and the battle to end cannabis prohibition.
Listeners will hear firsthand accounts of how McWilliams inspired a generation of activists, challenged the U.S. government's war on drugs, and helped lay the foundation for today’s industrial hemp revival, global hemp industry, and expanding hemp markets.
Tune in for a look at a fearless advocate who used his words to change the world and discover why his story still matters.
This heartfelt tribute, hosted by Casper Leitch, honors the life and legacy of Peter McWilliams, a prolific author, medical marijuana advocate, and passionate defender of personal liberty. The episode features moving recollections from several prominent activists and friends, including Paul Krassner, Todd McCormick, Peter Christ, Chris Conrad, Mikkie Norris, and Paul Stanford.
Peter McWilliams was an author of over 30 books (5 of which were New York Times bestsellers); an activist for medical marijuana, LGBTQ rights, and individual freedom; he Coined and popularized terms like "victimless crime” and “consensual crime” to describe acts between consenting adults that shouldn’t be criminalized; he was an advocated for the decriminalization of activities like drug use, sex work, and gambling.
Peter McWilliams wasn’t just a writer, he was a catalyst for change, a lover of liberty, and a man who used his voice to fight back against oppressive laws. He was a visionary and trailblazer in drug law reform; a victim of a cruel and outdated legal system; a beacon of humor, compassion, and courage. This tribute serves not just as a memorial, but as a rallying cry to continue the work he started.
Key Themes from the program guests.
Paul Krassner - Satirist and Activist: Recalled McWilliams’ idealism and humor and describes their collaboration on a planned cyber-war film. He Criticized government officials and judges who contributed to McWilliams' suffering and death. He also mentioned Peter McWilliams’ vanity license plate as being the word "ENJOY” as emblematic of his joyful, freedom-focused philosophy.
Peter Christ - Founder of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP): Explained how McWilliams’ book 'Ain’t Nobody’s Business If You Do' changed his life; described the profound impact McWilliams had on law enforcement activists opposing drug prohibition; differentiated between “normal people” (who share good ideas) and “fascists” (who force them onto others).
Paul Stanford - Cannabis Activist: Shared memories of exchanging emails with McWilliams; described being outraged by McWilliams' arrest and eventual death; criticized the government’s refusal to allow the need for medical cannabis as a legal defense in court.
Chris Conrad and Mickey Norris - Husband and Wife and editors of The West Coast Leaf: Spoke about how McWilliams was “killed by the U.S. government” due to being denied access to medical marijuana; recalled the DEA raid on McWilliams’ home; highlighted his role as a “beacon of light” and advocate for suffering patients; described the U.S. government's war on cannabis as "systemically cruel and inhumane".
Todd McCormick - Cannabis Activists: spoke of his close, brother-like bond with Peter; how they co-authored a cannabis-related book with Peter and was arrested in the same case; described McWilliams as someone with deep knowledge in diverse subjects; explained how Peter’s passion for learning, love, and creative expression shaped his activism; urged listeners to read and explore the preserved online archives of McWilliams’ work.
Make it a point to visit https://www.time4hemp.news. Please share us with your friends.

Friday Jul 25, 2025
Jack Herer: The History And Truth About Hemp
Friday Jul 25, 2025
Friday Jul 25, 2025
In this must-hear episode, host Casper Leitch digs into the roots of the global cannabis industry with legendary hemp activist, Jack Herer, author of 'The Emperor Wears No Clothes'.
Discover how industrial hemp was once America’s most valuable crop and why it was pushed into obscurity. From hemp’s use in early U.S. history to its massive potential in today’s hemp markets, this episode blends powerful advocacy, eye-opening facts, and music that celebrates the plant's cultural and economic importance to humankind.
If you're curious about the future of hemp, the truth behind its prohibition, or how to help build a sustainable economy - this episode is your wake-up call. Tune in, blaze up, and take some Time 4 Hemp.
Music included in this segment:
"Blaze It Up” by Ja Roots"Blaze It Up" - by The High Landers"Natural Thing" by Jenzie Zang"Reefer Madness" by Poker Face“Music’s So Much Better When You’re High" by The Bob And Tom Singers
OVERVIEW
This episode of Time 4 Hemp primarily features an historic interview with cannabis activist, Jack Herer. Various hemp advocacy songs pepper the educational commentary about the importance of hemp in history, sustainability, and politics.
Interview with Jack Herer
Casper shares an historic interview with the legendary Jack Herer, author of 'The Emperor Wears No Clothes', a foundational text in the cannabis-hemp legalization movement.
Jack’s journey into Cannabis Activism: he was introduced to cannabis in 1969.; he had a transformative experience with Acapulco Gold; he started documenting cannabis experiences with his friend, Captain Ed Adair, using a 1–10 "highness" scale that was later adopted by professional researchers.
Jack's discovery of Hemp’s Historical Importance: he learned in 1973 about hemp’s historical uses (paper, textiles, fuel); he discovered that hemp was used for canvas sails, clothing, and even the first drafts of the Declaration of Independence.
Jack's outrage over Hemp Prohibition: he expresses frustration that this valuable plant was outlawed due to ignorance, misinformation, and corporate interests; he points to yellow journalism and anti-cannabis propaganda demonstrated in the movie, “Reefer Madness”, as causes.
Jack covers the medical benefits of cannabis: he describes hemp/cannabis as a miracle plant for asthma, stress, ocular pressure, and more; his personal stories of using cannabis medicinally with his children.
Jack talks about shy he uses the word “Hemp” instead of “Marijuana”: he explains “Hemp” is the correct English word and that “Marijuana” was used in racist, anti-immigrant propaganda; he advocates reclaiming the term "Hemp" to de-stigmatize the plant.
Make it a point to visit https://www.time4hemp.news. Please share us with your friends.

Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Jack Herer And Captain Ed Adair - The Hemp Movement Takes Root!
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Join host, Casper Leitch, as he dives deep into the rich history of the global hemp industry, from personal tales of working with cannabis legends, Jack Herer and Captain Ed Adair, Included is a powerful interviews with them both. A great mix of hemp-themed music is included in this episode to highlight the discussion about the fight to legalize industrial hemp, the rise of hemp markets, and why this miracle plant is key to a sustainable future.
Whether you're new to the movement or a seasoned advocate, this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about hemp and changing the world, one acre at a time.
This episode of Time 4 Hemp is a dynamic blend of music, personal storytelling, activism history, and spirited advocacy for hemp legalization. The tone is equal parts joyful, passionate, and deeply rooted in decades of cannabis history.
Songs celebrating hemp in this segment:
"It’s Only a Weed” by Red Dirt;
“Get Your Smoke On” by Bud Smoker;
“Roll Up the Spliff” by Ja Roots;
“Wake and Bake” by Sons of a Beach;
“My Eyes Are Red” by Laid Back;
“Speak Out” by Primary Others.
Segment Overview
How Casper Leitch Met Jack Herer
Casper recounts being recruited by cannabis legend Jack Herer to help manage his office in the late 1980s. He initially resisted, enjoying his job at a sign supply shop. The turning point? When Jack’s friend, Captain Ed, offered him a weekly ounce of cannabis - that's when Casper decided he could start right away.
Interview with Jack Herer and Captain Ed
They reflect on the origins of the hemp movement, recalling early organizing efforts, petitions, and massive public resistance. Both stress how their mission evolved from “just wanting to get high” to environmental and civil rights activism. Jack tells how he wrote The Emperor Wears No Clothes to expose truths about hemp, and how they faced censorship—even police seizing his typewriter!
Voting Rights and Jury Nullification
They advocate for greater public participation in voting, proposing jury nullification education so jurors can resist unjust cannabis laws. Emphasis on restoring the public’s constitutional rights in courtrooms and ballots.
Why Legalizing Hemp Matters
Hemp is focused on not just as a plant, but as a solution to global environmental, industrial, and economic challenges.
Hemp for fuel, clothing, and building materialsAgricultural benefits for American farmersReducing dependence on fossil fuels and imported oilSaving forests and reducing pesticide use
Make it a point to visit https://www.time4hemp.news. Please share us with your friends.

Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Hemp History And The Fight For A Fair Market
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Join host Casper Leitch with hemp advocates Paul Stanford and Todd McCormick as they explore the powerful history, suppression, and global revival of industrial hemp. From colonial America to modern BMWs built with hemp fiber, this episode unpacks how hemp markets were deliberately dismantled - and how they're making a comeback.
You’ll hear deep historical insights and inspiring solutions for rebuilding the global hemp industry.
Plus: powerful music celebrating hemp’s legacy.If you care about the planet, farmers, or freedom, this episode is a must-listen.
OVERVIEW
This episode of 'Time 4 Hemp' is a rich blend of advocacy, history, personal stories, expert discussion, and music - centered entirely around the industrial, medicinal, and cultural significance of hemp and cannabis. Hosted by Casper Leitch, the show features two well-known guests: Paul Stanford and Todd McCormick, both lifelong cannabis advocates. The program adds a touch of music throughout, but the heart of the episode lies in a compelling conversation on the misunderstood and misrepresented legacy of cannabis.
Paul Stanford is a cannabis activist from Portland, Oregon; Founder of Portland Hempstock Festival; runs medical cannabis clinics and is host of the podcast, 'Cannabis Common Sense'.
Todd McCormick is a former cancer patient who began medical cannabis use in 1979; the first international recipient of a cannabis prescription (1994); a Cannabis historian and global activists.
All songs featured in this segment are by The Illusions Of Music. They were strategically woven into the episode to celebrate hemp’s history and spiritual significance.
Topics Covered In This Segment
Cannabis and Hemp Through History
Hemp has been essential to human civilization for over 12,000 years, used for fiber, food, fuel, and medicine. The show underscores hemp’s role in pre-industrial economies and naval empires, particularly noting its use in sails, rope, clothing, and paper. Todd and Paul discuss how early American settlers were required to grow hemp and that it was critical to national independence from Europe.
Prohibition: The Real Agenda
The discussion challenges the conventional narrative around cannabis prohibition. They argue prohibition was never about public health but rather about industrial and economic control: Petrochemical, timber, and pharmaceutical industries pushed for prohibition to eliminate hemp as competition. The Marijuana Tax Act (1937) was passed by misleading the public and even members of Congress about what “marijuana” actually was. Dr. William Woodward of the AMA testified against prohibition, noting its unjustified nature.
Corporate Exploitation and Farmer Disempowerment
Post-WWII America shifted toward synthetics and petroleum, leaving hemp-based agriculture behind. Today, U.S. farmers struggle while European farmers legally supply hemp to luxury car manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes, and Bugatti.Todd criticizes how farmers are economically strangled, and land is increasingly controlled by mega-corporations and the government.
Hemp as an Environmental and Economic Solution
Hemp could be a cornerstone of sustainable industries: Bio-fuel (300 gallons of diesel per acre). Construction materials, bio-plastics, and textiles. Food products rich in essential fatty acids and proteins. Hemp revival could decentralize wealth and power, putting control back in the hands of farmers.
Make it a point to visit https://www.time4hemp.news. Please share us with your friends.

Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
Healing with Hemp: Global Experts on Medical Cannabis And Human Health
Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
In this episode of 'Time 4 Hemp', host Casper Leitch and Al Byrns lead a global medical round-table featuring top experts like Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Donald Abrams, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, and others. Together, they explore groundbreaking research on medical cannabis, the endocannabinoid system, and how hemp is transforming healthcare worldwide.
But it's not just about medicine, this episode also dives into the booming global hemp industry, the untapped potential of medical cannabis, and how shifting policies are unlocking cannabis markets across Europe, North America, and beyond.
Whether you're a health professional, policymaker, or just curious about the role of cannabis in modern medicine, this is a must-listen episode packed with science, stories, and inspiration.
Tune in and take some Time 4 Hemp!
OVERVIEW
Host, Casper Leitch, and Joint Host, Al Byrne, and the various speakers discuss the challenges and benefits of medical cannabis research and use in the United States and Europe and how it has led to a new era of marijuana research.
Dr. Andrew Weil, a renowned author and founder of the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, discusses the importance of integrative medicine and its potential to reduce healthcare costs and shift the focus to health promotion and prevention. He also touches on the integration of cannabis into the medical system, expressing the need for more education and medical preparations. He also mentions his past research on marijuana, including some of what he about the endocannabinoid system and its role in regulating various functions in the body.
Dr. Donald Abrams shares the difficulties of securing funding and cannabis for medical research due to its Schedule I classification. He also shares his personal experience with medical marijuana and expresses confidence in the eventual total acceptance of cannabis for both recreational and medical use.
Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, known as the "grandfather of medical cannabis," discusses the benefits of using cannabis in conjunction with opiates for pain relief and as a sleep aid. Researchers have identified THC and CBD as the active constituents in cannabis, with THC being psychoactive and CBD having promising therapeutic uses.
The speakers also discuss the importance of spreading reliable information about cannabis and the endocannabinoid system, as well as the various properties and benefits of medical cannabis, including its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.
Dr. Ethan Russo emphasizes the safety and minimal withdrawal symptoms of cannabis use and encourages patients to consider vaporization for a cleaner experience. The speakers also touch on the use of cannabis for various conditions, such as cancer, epilepsy, and autoimmune diseases.
Dr. Petro recounts his early clinical findings with cannabis in the 1960s, including improved cardiac output measurements and remission from leukemia and MS.
Mary Lynn Mathre, a registered nurse and addiction specialist, discusses the importance of the nursing community in patient care related to medical cannabis.
Make it a point to visit https://www.time4hemp.news. Please share us with your friends.

Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
Building the Hemp Economy: Global Leaders on Industrial Hemp’s Promise
Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
Join host Casper Leitch and hemp pioneer, Anndrea Hermann, as they explore the ever-expanding global hemp industry with leading voices from North America, Europe, Africa, and beyond. From textiles to hempcrete, nutrition to innovation, this episode unpacks how industrial hemp is transforming markets, empowering communities, and creating a more sustainable future.
Whether you're curious about hemp markets, want to launch your own brand, or just love hearing from passionate change-makers, this conversation delivers.
Featuring pioneers from Enviro-Textiles, Hemp & Grain Canada, Hemporium South Africa, and more!
Tune in and discover why now is the time for hemp.
Overview
This episode dives into the global industrial hemp movement, showcasing expert voices from North America, Europe, South Africa, and New Zealand. The conversation emphasizes hemp’s sustainability, versatility, economic potential, and the collaborative spirit among its advocates.
Key Guest Spotlights
Summer Star Haeske - Enviro-Textiles: Enviro-Textiles offers 100+ hemp fabric types, supporting U.S. fashion brands. Educational deep-dive into hemp’s ribbon fiber structure and durability vs. cotton. Discusses gaps in U.S. processing infrastructure (e.g. needs for decorators). Importance of USDA’s Bio-Preferred certification: promotes transparency in Eco-friendly products.
Teri Wallace - Hemp Out & Hemp and Grain: Started “Hemp Out” as a female-led social movement. Educates consumers via social media about hemp’s role in food, health, and sustainability. With Hemp and Grain in Canada, she focuses on private-label hemp foods, nutritional consulting, and farmer-consumer integration. Offers advice on launching a hemp food brand: market research and regulatory compliance.
Tony Budden - Founder of Hemporium: Built Africa’s first hemp house, showcasing applications from clothing to construction. Navigates cannabis stigma and policy challenges in South Africa. Pushes for "commercial incubation research" on private and community farms. Advocates for building low-cost hemp housing to address poverty and unemployment.
Boris Baňas - Hemp-Seed Oil: Got involved after reading John Roulac’s hemp guidebook. Helped legalize industrial hemp farming in Slovakia via EU lobbying. Represents Hemp Oil Canada in Europe, importing high-quality food-grade hemp products. Developing germinated hemp seed food lines (oil, protein, flour) with unique nutritional benefits.
Greg Flavall – Hemp Technologies: Co-founded Hemp Technologies in the U.S., helped build the first permitted hemp house. Returned to New Zealand and started growing kompolti hemp for dual-purpose use. Discusses hempcrete: a sustainable, energy-efficient construction material. Building hemp houses in New Zealand at a lower cost than traditional construction. Describes navigating non-conventional building codes in various countries.
Hemp as a Multidimensional Crop
Food: seeds, oil, protein powders, and sprouted products.
Fiber/Textiles: durable, long-strand fibers used in apparel, upholstery, and industrial fabrics.
Building Materials: hempcrete, insulation, chipboard, sustainable housing.
Eco-Impact: low pesticide use, high yield, soil regeneration.
Industry Gaps And Challenges
Lack of processing infrastructure (especially in U.S. and parts of Africa). Difficulty accessing funding for decentralized processing equipment. Regulatory inconsistencies, especially in food standards and farming legality in all countries. The guests emphasize a non-competitive, abundance-driven model. Advocating for shared knowledge, open licensing, and community-based projects.
Industrial hemp offers solutions to modern problems, from climate change and housing to food security and sustainable clothing. The community of experts interviewed is united by the belief that hemp is the future, and they’re actively shaping that future through collaboration, education, and innovation.
Make it a point to visit https://www.time4hemp.news. Please share us with your friends.

Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
A New Chapter in Cannabis Broadcasting
Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
In this episode of 'Time for Hemp', host Casper Leitch is joined by longtime advocates Al Byrne and Al Graham for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation on the past, present, and future of the hemp and medical cannabis movements.
From their personal stories and decades of activism to the global fight for hemp reform, this episode dives deep into why cannabis matters ; for patients, veterans, educators, and everyday people.
Discover:
Why medical cannabis is changing lives worldwideHow hemp could be the future of sustainable farmingThe importance of preserving activist history and what’s next for the movement
Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just canna-curious, this episode will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to take 'Time 4 Hemp'.
Tune in now, because education is the first step to liberation.
OVERVIEW
This episode is both a reunion and relaunch, the first Time 4 Hemp video broadcast since 2017. The trio reflects on decades of cannabis activism, shares insights into patient advocacy, international policy, and educational media, while laying the groundwork for a new series of collaborations.
Cannabis as Medicine
Personal testimonies from patients and veterans remain the most powerful tools for public education.
Al Byrne explains how cannabis changed the lives of hundreds of veterans he's interviewed, many replacing pharmaceuticals with cannabis to manage PTSD, pain, or substance dependence.
Al Graham stresses the educational mission of PACE (People Advocating Cannabis Education), which broadcasts patient stories and expert insights.
The show will focus on real people with real results, not lawyers or politicians.
History of the Movement
Casper recounts his early work with Jack Herer (author of ‘The Emperor Wears No Clothes’) and how he started Time 4 Hemp as a public domain broadcast in the 1990s.
He details three decades of archives, featuring voices like Dr. Lester Grinspoon, Dr. Robert Melemede, Dennis Peron, and many others, with plans to remaster and re-release the content.
Discussion of the ideological rift between Jack Herer (focused on hemp’s industrial uses) and Dennis Peron (focused on medical use), and how both were right.
Veteran Support
Al Byrne emphasizes that veterans globally share similar challenges and trauma.
He praises Canada’s policy of providing 3 grams of cannabis daily to veterans, free of charge, contrasting it with the U.S., where access varies by state and federal prohibition creates ongoing issues.
Byrne discusses his work with Patients Out of Time, a nonprofit focused on medical cannabis education for health professionals.
Broadcasting as Education
They reflect on Time 4 Hemp’s evolution from radio to global webcasts, often featuring doctors, nurses, and scientists who risked their careers to speak the truth about cannabis. Their 24-hour “Love Fest” on April 20, 2020, during global lock-downs, united activists and patients worldwide.
Global Policy & Education
Mention of Europe’s progressive cannabis policies, 27 countries have cannabis in their pharmacopoeias.
The U.S. and Canada are lagging, despite their medical infrastructure and advocacy networks.
Praise for The Medical Cannabis Institute, which offers accredited online courses for healthcare professionals worldwide.
Hemp’s Nutritional & Industrial Value
Dr. William Courtney's work is cited, advocating for juicing raw cannabis for health benefits (without the high). Roasted hemp seeds are noted as a common movie snack in China! They emphasize the endocannabinoid system, present in all animals except insects, and how hemp seed oil nourishes it.
Preserving Cannabis History
A call to preserve and share interviews from the Time 4 Hemp archives, including early advocates like Jack Herer and Keith Stroup (founder of NORML).
They reflect on patients like Michelle Rainey, who shared her story with terminal cancer so others could learn and be inspired.
Political Commentary
Blunt criticism of how lawyers, police, and politicians are often the gatekeepers of medical cannabis policy, despite lacking medical expertise.
Debate about regulatory inconsistencies across North America, from advertising bans in Canada to interstate commerce restrictions in the U.S.
Closing Thoughts
The episode ends with humor, nostalgia, and a call to action: to preserve history, to continue patient-centered advocacy, and to remind the world how vital it is to take time 4 hemp, for medicine, food, and sustainability.
Make it a point to visit https://www.time4hemp.news. Please share us with your friends.




