Hemp Legally Speaking

Hosted by Jonathan Miller - National Leading Hemp Attorney & Advocate

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Aug 2025

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About the show

With hemp being legalized only recently, legal and regulatory regimes concerning the crop and its products such as CBD are continually evolving. Jonathan Miller, who helped craft much of federal and state hemp laws in his role as General Counsel of the US Hemp Roundtable, hosts a biweekly podcast in which he engages in 15-20 minute discussions of cutting-edge legal issues facing the industry. Jonathan speaks on each program with subject matter experts from Frost Brown Todd’s nationally leading hemp practice group and other hemp industry experts. Recognized as one of the leading podcasts in the field, Hemp Legally Speaking was ranked: #2 on the Top 20 Cannabidiol (CBD) Podcasts on the Web #3 on the Top 15 Industrial Hemp Podcasts #47 on the Top 80 Business Law Podcasts If you have questions or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. This podcast was created for general informational purposes only as of the time of its creation and does not constitute legal advice, the formation of an attorney client relationship, or a solicitation to provide legal services. The laws governing legal advertising in some states require the following statements in any publication of this kind: "THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT."

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60 recent

August 11, 2025Episode 6418 min

Ben Meggs and the Battle for Texas

Jonathan Miller interviews Ben Meggs, Co-founder and CEO of the Bayou City Hemp Company, about the continuing hemp battle in Texas. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: Who is behind the Bayou City Hemp Company, and what are the product lines that it sells?What happened during the regular session of the Texas General Assembly, and what role did Governor Abbott play?What is the status of legislation moving currently through the Texas legislature during the special session called by Gov. Abbott?With Democrats fleeing the state to stop redistricting, what are the prospects of any legislation passing during the special session?What is the long term future for hemp in Texas: robust regulation or a ban? What would regulation look like?

June 16, 2025Episode 6315 min

Justin Swanson and Federal Efforts to Ban Hemp

Jonathan Miller interviews Justin Swanson, President of the Midwest Hemp Council, about legislation being considered by the House Appropriations Committee that could ban most consumable hemp products. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What is the status of legislation being considered by the House Appropriations Committee that could ban most consumable hemp products?Why is the sponsor, subcommittee chairman Rep. Andy Harris, able to pass through controversial language with hearings or much objection?What are the prospects of this particular spending bill making it through both houses of Congress?What alternatives are the hemp industry proposing in lieu of the prohibition efforts?What pathways are available for hemp regulatory legislation?Are you bullish on the future of hemp in the US? What needs to happen for the industry to be successful?

June 2, 2025Episode 6216 min

Frank Santos and What's Next for Hemp in Texas

Jonathan Miller interviews Austin, Texas lobbyist Frank Santos, about the ever-changing state of play for hemp policy in Texas. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What is Senate Bill 3 and how did it pass the legislature?How will Governor Abbott treat Senate Bill 3 now that it has reached his desk? Is a veto possible?If the Governor doesn't veto Senate Bill 3, what are the legal options?If the Governor does veto Senate Bill 3, what are next steps?Why did Lt. Governor Patrick invest so many political capital into banning hemp?What was the role of the alcohol industry in passage of Senate Bill 3 and in the veto efforts?How can a TX resident urge the Governor to veto Senate Bill 3?

May 19, 2025Episode 6122 min

Anthony Newby and Justice in Cannabis and Hemp

Jonathan Miller interviews Anthony Newby, CEO of Cultivated CBD, about issues of justice and equality in the hemp and cannabis industries. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: Why have the hemp and cannabis industries been at the center of the national discussion about justice and equality?What work is being done by the US Hemp Roundtable to address injustice and promote small and disadvantaged businesses?How should an economically disadvantaged entrepreneur approach success in the hemp industry?How has Minnesota emerged as ground zero of the hemp beverage industry and what is the status of efforts there?What are the prospects for the US Hemp industry on issues relating to justice and equality?

May 5, 2025Episode 6014 min

Brandon Pollock and the Transition from Marijuana to Hemp

Jonathan Miller interviews Brandon Pollock, CEO of Theory Wellness, about how more marijuana companies are getting into the business of hemp. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: How are marijuana companies navigating the challenging legal and regulatory landscape?Why are more and more marijuana businesses transitioning into the hemp industry?How is the hemp beverage space opening up new opportunities for cannabis entrepreneurs?What does the future look like for the hemp beverage industry?What advice would you share with entrepreneurs looking to succeed in cannabis and hemp?

April 21, 2025Episode 5915 min

Chris Fontes and the US Hemp Authority Adult Certification Program

Jonathan Miller interviews Chris Fontes, President of the US Hemp Authority about that organization's ongoing adult product certification program. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: Why did the US Hemp Authority decide to implement an adult product certification program?How is the program working over its first several months?What is the import of the April 20 (4/20) discount deadline for application into the program?Why should a brand owner choose to certify their products through the program?Why is the program significant in efforts to legalize and regulate adult hemp products?

April 14, 2025Episode 5816 min

Clifford Starke and Investing in the Hemp Industry

Jonathan Miller interviews Clifford Starke, Chair of Hampstead Private Capital and CEO of Flora Growth, about the economic climate for investing in the hemp and cannabis industries. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: How did you get involved in the hemp and cannabis space?What is the current economic climate for investors in the hemp industry?What advice would you give to an entrepreneur who is seeking capital to grow their business?How would you advise Congress and state legislatures to protect the hemp industry?What are your short term and long term outlooks for the success of the hemp industry?

March 31, 2025Episode 5716 min

U.S. Hemp Roundtable President Jena Murray and the Future of Hemp Policy

Jonathan Miller interviews Jena Murray, the newly elected President of the US Hemp Roundtable, about policy challenges and opportunities facing the U.S. hemp industry. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: Who is Jena Murray and what was her path to becoming President of the US Hemp Roundtable?How has Medterra made the transition from non-intoxicating CBD to adult hemp products?What is your vision about the future of U.S. hemp policy with today's Congress and White House?As a California company, how concerned are you about state policy on hemp products?What other states are of greatest concern for the hemp industry?

March 17, 2025Episode 5617 min

Craig Katz and Hemp Policy in Illinois & Missouri

Jonathan Miller interviews Craig Katz, Government Relations Manager of CBD Kratom, about policy challenges and opportunities facing the hemp industry in Illinois and Missouri. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What is CBD Kratom's role in the US hemp industry?Given the opposition of Governor JB Pritzker, what's the status of legislative policy in Illinois?With the support Mayor Brandon Johnson, how are regulatory efforts proceeding in Chicago?How is the hemp industry navigating legislative battles with Big Marijuana and divisions among themselves in Missouri?Having served in the legislative trenches where the sausage is made, what are your general feelings about the future of US hemp policy?

February 17, 2025Episode 5513 min

Scott Selix and Hemp Policy in the Upper Midwest

Jonathan Miller interviews Scott Selix, Founder and General Counsel of Climbing Kites, about policy challenges and opportunities facing the hemp beverage industry in the upper Midwest. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What's the history of Climbing Kites in the hemp space?How does Climbing Kites ensure the quality and safety of its products and why is it certifying with the US Hemp Authority?How has hemp policy transformed in Iowa?What is the status of efforts to ban hemp products in Nebraska?How bullish are you about the future of hemp products, particularly beverages?