Best Cannabis Policy Discussions Podcasts (2025)

1
Matier and former Mayor Willie Brown discuss Alcatraz logistics 4:25

Play Pause

29m ago4:25

4:25

The federal government is teasing the re-opening on Alcatraz Island as a prison, but the relic has no wastewater treatment plant, nor water pipes connected to the mainland.To tell us about the problems that could pose, KCBS Radio anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.…

1
How reopening Alcatraz would affect "The City by the Bay" 3:34

42m ago3:34

3:34

Officials with the Trump administration toured Alcatraz this morning following the president's announcement that he planned to reopen The Rock as a federal prison.For more, KCBS Radio anchor Steve Scott spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

1
Is DOGE dead on arrival? The latest on Trump's attempts to shrink government 28:47

17h ago28:47

28:47

Elon Musk and Donald Trump have broken up, but what does that mean for the efforts of DOGE to shrink the size of government. Trump won legal battles this week to slash the Department of Education and cull the federal workforce as a whole ... but will he keep winning?

1
'A tale of two prisons': Newsom backs redesign of San Quentin 3:07

24m ago3:07

3:07

Governor Newsom is throwing support behind a re-imagined San Quentin Rehabilitation Center in Marin County.It's inspired by Scandinavian facilities, and could cost the state upwards of $220 million dollars.For more, KCBS Radio anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.…

1
Organigram’s Competitive Edge: Paolo De Luca on BAT, M&A Strategy, and the Cannabis Long Game 54:43

9h ago54:43

54:43

Built to last. That’s not just a slogan — it’s a strategy. In an industry driven by short-term survival, the cannabis space often feels like a rollercoaster. Financial pressures and market volatility push companies to chase quarters instead of building moats. But what if you could play the long game? What if you could invest in domain knowledge, de…

1
Governor Newsom wants to redesign California's congressional districts 5:01

2h ago5:01

5:01

California Governor Gavin Newsom says he's thinking about calling a special election to redraw California congressional districts to give Democrats even more control in the state. This comes after Texas' Governor announces plans to redraw district maps in his state. For more, KCBS Radio anchor Steve Scott spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.…

1
Is San Francisco headed in the right direction under Mayor Lurie's leadership? 3:10

2d ago3:10

3:10

It's time for our daily chat with KCBS Insider Phil Matier, hosted by KCBS Radio news anchor Steve Scott.San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie says the City is heading in the right direction. The mayor pointed to a significant drop in crime, as well as more stores returning to Union Square.

1
SF and Oakland police accused of illegally shared data with federal agencies 3:25

3d ago3:25

3:25

Police agencies in San Francisco and Oakland appear to have broken California state law by sharing license plate reader data with ICE.For more, KCBS Radio anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

1
Cannabis sales back down after initial boom 4:20

3d ago4:20

4:20

It's time for our daily chat with KCBS Insider Phil Matier, hosted by KCBS Radio news anchor Steve Scott.California's once sky-high legal cannabis sales have come back down to earth—dropping 30% since 2021.

1
Proposal seeks to build the tallest building on the West Coast in SF 2:24

2d ago2:24

2:24

The tallest tower on the West Coast, and the tallest in the country outside of New York and Chicago, could be coming to the San Francisco skyline. The proposed 1,200 foot project would dwarf Salesforce Tower by 15 floors.For more, KCBS Radio anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.…

1
Newsom rallies South Carolina democrats during tour 3:34

5d ago3:34

3:34

Gavin Newsom is firing up Democrats in South Carolina for a potential presidential run.For more, KCBS Radio anchor Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.

1
What's really driving up the price of eggs? 3:45

6d ago3:45

3:45

It's time for our daily chat with KCBS Insider Phil Matier. State officials find themselves locked in battle with the Trump administration once again -- this time because of...eggs. Federal officials say the state's animal welfare laws are creating red tape raising the price of eggs across the nation.…

1
TSA says you can leave your shoes on and other changes to know, plus these spots should be on your travel bucket list 30:57

6d ago30:57

30:57

ITSA is changing its rules to let people keep their footwear on. But that’s not the only thing that’s changing in the world of travel this summer. We dive into topics from which spots in the world are overrun right now to place you should add to your bucket list.

1
Feeling nostalgic? Want to see a floppy disk? Head to Muni to see for yourself 3:20

6d ago3:20

3:20

You probably won't find floppy disks in very many places these days, but MUNI is still using them to run the city's train control system.They're trying to modernize, and to tell us more about that process, KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

1
The Michelin-Star Experience? Gibran Washington on What Customers Actually Want 49:52

9d ago49:52

49:52

What if buying cannabis felt more like a Michelin-star dining experience than a traditional retail transaction? Where the staff doesn’t just sell—they guide, educate, and tailor every recommendation to how you want to feel. No guessing. Just clarity, confidence, and trust—rooted in science-backed evidence. That’s the vision behind Ethos Cannabis. W…

1
How has Oakland mayor Barbara Lee fared her first 50 days in office? 3:02

7d ago3:02

3:02

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee is marking her first 50 days in office, saying the city is making progress but still has a long way to go. For more, KCBS Radio anchor Steve Scott spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

1
Six months in: how has Daniel Lurie fared as SF mayor? 2:31

7d ago2:31

2:31

It's been six months since Daniel Lurie was sworn in as mayor of San Francisco, and to break down his progress so far, KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

1
131. Scientists, Poets and Dissidents with Mike Jay 1:01:56

8d ago1:01:56

1:01:56

In this episode of the drug science Podcast, we meet with Mike Jay, author and 2024 Cheiron Book Prize winner who has written extensively on scientific and medical history with a special interest in Psychedelics. In this Podcast, he discusses with us his newest book, Free Radicals: How a Group of Romantic Experimenters Gave Birth to Psychedelic Sci…

1
SF Mayor Lurie rolls back on one of his campaign promises 3:44

8d ago3:44

3:44

It's time for our daily chat with KCBS Insider Phil Matier. After six months as the Mayor of San Francisco, Daniel Lurie is giving up on one of his key campaign pledges: providing 1,500 new beds for the homeless.

1
California DOE rejects federal order on trans athletes 3:15

8d ago3:15

3:15

California's Department of Education is refusing to comply with a federal order to prevent transgender athletes from competing in girls' and women's sports.For more, KCBS Radio anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

1
CEO of California's proposed high-speed rail looking for private funding 3:53

9d ago3:53

3:53

It's time for our daily chat with KCBS Insider Phil Matier, hosted by KCBS Radio news anchor Steve Scott.The CEO of the state's oft-criticized high-speed rail project is out with a plan he hopes will get the system built.

1
Where were the sirens? Questions rise in devastating Texas floods as hope wanes for more survivors 25:38

9d ago25:38

25:38

At least 89 people are dead in Texas after flash floods tore through over July 4th, wreaking havoc in the region and killing girls at a popular summer camp. Get the latest updates and insight from Texas leaders and reporters on the ground for KRLD Radio in Dallas, Texas.

1
Newsom joins South Carolina Democrats to connect with voters 3:14

9d ago3:14

3:14

Governor Gavin Newsom is visiting South Carolina this week, speaking to Southern voters in what could be a sneak peek at a potential run for the White House.For more, KCBS Radio anchor Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

1
How will Trump sell his big, beautiful bill to Americans? 5:07

12d ago5:07

5:07

President Trump sold his politically risky "One Big Beautiful Bill" to Congress. Now that it's passed, he has to sell it to America.For more, KCBS Radio anchor Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.

1
California officials issue their opinions on legality of sports betting 3:16

13d ago3:16

3:16

It's time for our daily chat with KCBS Insider Phil Matier, hosted by KCBS Radio news anchor Bret Burkhart.State Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a legal opinion today, saying he believes sports betting platforms run afoul of the state's gambling laws.

1
Golden Gate CEO rescinds DEI resolutions in response to funding threat 3:01

13d ago3:01

3:01

Facing heavy federal pressure, the Golden Gate Bridge has rescinded its DEI resolutions.The government was threatening to pull its $400 million dollar grant, which is going towards a seismic retrofitting of the bridge.For more, KCBS Radio news anchor Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

1
AI in Cannabis Commerce Is Here — But Jane’s Doing It Their Way with Socrates Rosenfeld 50:02

15d ago50:02

50:02

AI is reshaping every corner of commerce — and in cannabis, where the pace is chaotic and change can be difficult, thoughtful integration is even harder. We’re in the middle of a digital transformation as profound as the rise of the internet. In a space where “speed and size” used to win, the new game is endurance. Because to finish first, you have…

1
SF Zoo CEO to step down next month after "change of heart" 3:12

14d ago3:12

3:12

It's time for our daily chat with KCBS Insider Phil Matier, hosted by KCBS Radio news anchor Bret Burkhart. The embattled CEO of the San Francisco Zoo is stepping down next month.

1
Economic Justice and Black Liberation 56:15

14d ago56:15

56:15

Send us a text This discussion addresses the intersection between radical politics and advancing an agenda of economic justice from a lens of Black Liberation. Support the show In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is pu…

1
Trump is doubling down on his plan to reopen Alcatraz 2:59

14d ago2:59

2:59

President Trump is renewing his call to re-open Alcatraz, with his latest musings on Truth Social about sharks lurking around the prison.For more, KCBS Radio anchor Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

1
City-owned buildings in SF could suffer major seismic damage, according to new report 3:03

15d ago3:03

3:03

It's time for our daily chat with KCBS Insider Phil Matier. A new report shows that two dozen San Francisco city-owned buildings could suffer major damage in the event of a large earthquake. For more, KCBS Radio anchor Bret Burkhart spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

1
Newsom makes it easier to build housing, but risks 'densification' 3:30

15d ago3:30

3:30

We're bringing you more on the historic roll back of the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA.The legislation has allowed environmentalists to stymie urban housing projects, and to tell us what's next, KCBS Radio anchor Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

1
Mayor Lurie calls on the SF Zoo to name a new CEO 2:51

16d ago2:51

2:51

It's time for our daily chat with KCBS Insider Phil Matier. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie is looking for someone new to head up the San Francisco Zoo. The problem: the person currently in charge doesn't want to step down.For more, KCBS Radio anchor Bret Burkhart spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.…

1
Lawmakers are trying to keep Hollywood...in Hollywood 2:48

16d ago2:48

2:48

California lawmakers believe film subsidies can alleviate the industry's in-state production pains.They're planning to use $750 million to try and reverse Hollywood's long decline.For more, KCBS Radio anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

1
What does Mamdani's victory in NYC mayoral primary say for the left? 3:33

19d ago3:33

3:33

We're breaking down New York State assembly member Zohran Mamdani's win in New York City's mayoral primary.For more, KCBS Radio anchor Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier and Former San Francisco Willie Brown.

1
Trump, Texas SB3 & the Rescheduling Timeline: Jim Higdon on What Comes Next 48:46

21d ago48:46

48:46

Prohibition is dead — and Texas just proved it. The recent SB3 vote signaled the start of something much bigger. While hemp and cannabis operate in very different styles, both are ultimately pushing toward the same goal: a sensible framework for a one-plant solution. The how? I’ll leave that to people way smarter than me. But the genie is NOT going…

1
Santa Clara County prepares for another costly election 1:26

20d ago1:26

1:26

It's time for our daily chat with KCBS Insider Phil Matier. Voters in Santa Clara County will be heading to the polls for yet another special election. This after Assesor Larry Stone announced plans to resign. The cost for that election: over 13 million dollars.

1
Record heat smashes US: How to stay cool and what to expect next 26:36

20d ago26:36

26:36

Parts of the Midwest and the East Coast hit 100 degrees this week. So, is this a harbinger of a scorching hot summer? Get a look at life on the hot city streets, plus ways to beat the heat, keep your lawn and garden fresh. And we also look back at summers past and the legacy of "Jaws."

1
San Francisco to suspend resident-based traffic program 3:19

21d ago3:19

3:19

It's time for our daily chat with KCBS Insider Phil Matier. Transit officials in San Francisco are putting the brakes on a number of so-called 'traffic calming' measures that are used to try to cut down on traffic-related fatalities.For more, KCBS Radio anchor Bret Burkhart spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.…

1
Ceasefire confusion: Is the battle between Israel and Iran on or off and were nuclear capabilities 'obliterated'? 36:00

21d ago36:00

36:00

President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire was reached between Israel and Iran ... and then more bombs were dropped. On Deadline takes a look at the latest, plus how MAGA reacted to US intervention, the latest on the budget battle and the Golden Gate Bridge tries to get un-woke. On Deadline is produced by Lauren Barry and Christy Strawser.…

1
Bay Area transit agencies may see a $750 million loan from the state 3:03

21d ago3:03

3:03

California's new budget plan includes a $750 million loan for Bay Area transit agencies.This comes as voters weigh a tax measure on the horizon for next year. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

1
Engineer's union negotiates to delay Newsom's return-to-work mandate 3:04

22d ago3:04

3:04

One group of state workers is getting a reprieve on Governor Newsom's return-to-the-office mandate. That order had been set to take effect one week from today, but a union representing engineers has reached a labor contract extending the deadline by a year. For more, KCBS Radio anchor Steve Scott spoke with KCBS Radio Insider Phil Matier.…

1
Golden Gate Bridge is "too woke" - CEO rolls back DEI policies to protect funding 3:29

22d ago3:29

3:29

The Golden Gate Bridge may be rolling back DEI policies in order to protect federal funding.For more, KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

1
Behind the controversial plan to fund Bay Area transit agencies 3:29

23d ago3:29

3:29

It's time for our daily chat with KCBS Insider Phil Matier. State lawmakers, business and labor groups all agree that something needs to be done to bail out Bay Area transit agencies. But, they haven't been able to reach an agreement over what that something is. For more, KCBS Radio anchor Steve Scott spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.…

1
Iran strikes back: the latest in the US' involvement in a Middle East conflict and what to expect here at home 26:38

23d ago26:38

26:38

Iran hit a U.S. military bases in Qatar in an obvious retaliation to this weekend's bombing of Iran nuclear sites by the United States. So, how many more retaliations should we expect, and how else will this conflict in the Middle East affect Americans? On Deadline is produced by Lauren Barry and Christy Strawser.…

1
California voters divided on the direction of where the state's headed 3:10

23d ago3:10

3:10

Only a third of registered voters think California is moving in the right direction, while 57% think the state is going in the opposite direction. This is all according to a new poll by the Institute of Governmental Studies at the University of California, Berkeley.For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insi…

1
How are states taking up key health care issues? Part II 34:06

25d ago34:06

34:06

AMA President Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, with this panel of AMA Advocacy Resource Center attorneys continues their conversation on how the AMA is working with national, state and specialty medical societies to address these key legislative priorities. How are the key issues of prior authorization, scope of practice, and physician wellness playing out? Wh…

1
The Hidden Weakness in Most Cannabis Operations — What We Heard at Benzinga 43:41

28d ago43:41

43:41

The cannabis shakeout isn’t coming. It’s already here. Operators are bleeding, investors are disappearing, and the old playbook is falling apart. After Benzinga, one thing’s clear: the winners will be the ones who specialize, control every cost, and have visibility into every part of their business in real time. What happens when you pull back the …

1
No direct acknowledgement of Juneteenth from Trump and administration 4:23

26d ago4:23

4:23

Today is the day after Juneteenth, a federal holiday which got no direct mention from President Trump, who yesterday said America has "too many working holidays". For more, KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier and former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown. Elijah Nouvelage / Stringer / Getty Images…