By Daniel Casciato

As a two-time cancer survivor and stem cell transplant recipient, cannabis, CBD and plant-based wellness have played a critical role in legendary “Survivor” winner, Ethan Zohn’s physical and mental recovery.

In April, Zohn ran the 2022 Boston Marathon to celebrate 10 years of being cancer-free. A “Survivor: Africa” winner, former pro soccer player, and recent contestant on “Survivor 40: Winners At War,” he has been raising funds and awareness for AKTIV Against Cancer, a foundation whose mission is to make physical activity an integral part of cancer treatment.

At 35, the “Survivor” fan favorite (who is now 48) was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer called CD 20+ Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. In fact, he was diagnosed twice with CD20+ Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and endured years of aggressive treatment, including two stem cell transplants.

The recent Boston Marathon marked his 10th anniversary of being in remission. Zohn ran to help raise awareness for the health benefits of cannabis that he discovered after facing the harsh side effects of cancer treatments. With monitoring from a licensed medical doctor, he ran the marathon to raise awareness of the beneficial properties of medical cannabis.

“After my diagnosis with cancer, I had a tough experience with all the synthetic pills prescribed to me,” recalls Zohn. “It was a vicious cycle of taking a lot of pills on a daily basis. I was concerned with taking too many pills, so I was looking for some alternative ways help me feel better, such as cannabis.”

At the time, in 2009, there wasn’t much information about medical cannabis as well as few trained oncologists, nurse practitioners, and alternative therapists who were educated in cannabis and cancer. Zohn had to do a lot of research on his own. Access to medical cannabis was also limited. As a result, Zohn was forced to hit the streets of New York City in the search of cannabis.

“I was bald from the chemo and had my mask and gloves on talking to drug dealers,” he says. “Doing an illegal activity, on top of having cancer was a really stressful situation.”

Zohn later beat cancer a second time in 2012. But his cannabis use didn’t stop there. He became a strong advocate for medical marijuana. He experienced physical, mental, and emotional benefits when he incorporated cannabis into his daily wellness routine.

“I wanted to be able to help others out there and share my experience because cannabis helped me,” he says. “It helped me fall asleep at night and it helped me eat better. It also eased my pain and helped with my nausea. While I couldn’t eliminate all the synthetic pills by any means, it did help me reduce the frequency and dosage.”

When Zohn ran the Boston Marathon this past spring, he used Momenta, a line of cannabis wellness products from Trulieve, a cannabis company that he is now a partner with. Through this partnership, Zohn is the official ambassador of Momenta.

“As a brand ambassador, I’m excited because I get to share my story and help educate others on cannabis use,” he says. “It’s all about erasing stigma and little mini-increments of changing the perception on cannabis.”

Zohn, a new resident of Florida, where Trulieve is headquartered, will be documenting and sharing his holistic cannabis wellness journey and how he incorporates cannabis into his daily routine. The partnership includes local and national educational outreach, keynote speaking, philanthropic opportunities and social media collaborations. The former professional soccer player will also wear Momenta apparel during his future athletic endeavors.

One piece of advice that Zohn has for others who may be trying cannabis for the first time is to go “low and slow.”

“There also are many online resources that can help you,” he says. “I found a cannabis concierge who helped guide me and gave me an education on pretty much everything. No matter which state you are in, there are many people experienced in cannabis who can talk to you.”

For more information, visit www.ethanzohn.com and www.trulieve.com/brands/momenta.



What benefits do you see for patients throughout Florida within this space?

The benefits of medical cannabis continue to be proven. While we still must say “anecdotally,” the truth is that everyday lives are changed because of the healing properties of Cannabis. Patients can explore a healthier, natural way to improve their health and wellness. Most importantly though, patients have a say in their own health care. When partnered with the right physician and clinical team, they have a partner in their healthcare. They then can make an informed decision as to what is best for their bodies. All of this leads to a freedom to live a healthier lifestyle, naturally. Thus, eliminating so many unwanted side effects that come with using traditional medicine. Patients report having regained their quality of life, and this is very gratifying. Florida ranks second in the U.S. for opioid overdose deaths. I have witnessed so many patients being able to gain freedom from opioid dependence. Patients with PTSD can finally find peace. The list goes on with many other debilitating conditions that keep people from leading a joyful life. Pain, stress and insomnia also are common debilitating conditions that we see on a daily basis. Personally, I suffer from chronic pain which leads to the inability to get quality sleep. Lack of quality sleep leads to a lack of quality of life. The joy of sleeping all night escaped me for years. But no more.

What motivates you to be a part of the cannabis industry?

I enjoy providing the education patients need to begin the process of obtaining their MMJ card and understanding whole plant medicine. Being able to see the relief and quality of life breathed back into them is very motivational. I want to continue to bridge the gap and to rid the stigma that still surrounds this amazing plant medicine. Education is key and it cannot end. Florida was slow to implement what was passed by 71.6% of voters. So, the last 5 years has been a journey. We are getting there, but we need to put the patient first in all that we do.

What field are you in within the cannabis space?

I am the Founder of MMCare of Florida (Medical Marijuana Care of Florida), in Brooksville, FL. I incorporated in 2017 and have not stopped evolving. MMCare is more than just a Cannabis Clinic. I also serve as a Physician Consultant to assist physicians who want to get into the Cannabis Space. We offer internships with our physician and start-up consulting.

How can people in Florida benefit from the company you represent?

Floridians can feel comfortable that MMCare of Florida puts patients above profits. We offer in-depth education and are always available for assistance. We care about patient results and, if necessary, will do a plan reset. We are not a ‘one and done’ clinic. Our current Physician is a retired General Surgeon whose passion for educating and ensuring patients understand how to begin is unparalleled in the industry. He gets to know his patients and they walk away with a new understanding of their bodies and why Cannabis works. We are comfortable evaluating pediatrics as well. Children deserve access to natural medicine and parents deserve the right to afford natural health care. Veterans are a priority as well. They can benefit with discounts given to them through our clinic.

How did you get started within the cannabis industry?

Interestingly I received a call from a friend, a retired DEA agent, in 2016. He said, “If amendment 2 is passed in Florida I have an opportunity for you if you are interested. I know you are a great business professional, and it would be great to have you onboard.” And so, it began. While this opportunity did not work out, I had a vision and it taught me enough to go at it on my own. I had to educate myself to believe in what I would be doing. I spent hours, nights and weekends doing so. I was a General Manager in retail and worked a very demanding schedule. I was literally working 7 days a week, setting up my life to ensure that I could leave my ‘day job.’ I was able to do so in 2019 and have never looked back. My quality of life has improved tremendously. I have built strong relationships with the industry pioneers and others getting started just like me. I obviously had some great help along the way that has led to the success of MMCare, and I remain grateful.

Are you personally a MJ card holder?
Yes. When I left my corporate job, I obtained my card.

Do you see Florida moving forward with recreational Marijuana/cannabis and how will that affect your business?

I believe that Florida will move forward with recreational, and I absolutely support and believe it is the best for our patients. Patients will still need the education to get started and continued guidance if it is for relief of medical conditions. Having a medical card also means the patient will not be required to pay taxes that all recreational states impose on our medicine. Children will always need a recommending physician so there will still be a need for Medical Cannabis. Again, patient first and all else will fall into place. Being deemed essential during the COVID-19 pandemic only furthered our cause. The science is there. The movement is strong.



By Jeff Konin

The inaugural Cannabis in Sports Conference took place in Orlando at the Rosen Hotel on July 29-31, 2022, and did not disappoint! Attendees were treated to contemporary knowledge of how cannabis use, perceptions, and science are impacting the sports world from professionals to amateurs. This 3-day event was filled with networking and personal access to some of the national leaders in the sports cannabis industry.

Without a doubt some of the highlights included hearing the personal stories of professional and Olympic athletes. Kaitlyn Verfuerth, a 4-time Paralympian who has competed in Tokyo (2020), Rio (2016), Beijing (2008), and Athens (2004) shared very candidly her experiences with using cannabis and how it helped her manage her focus and injuries associated with playing wheelchair tennis at the highest level in the world.

Mike James was another highlight of the weekend. James, a former running back in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions, is known in the cannabis industry for filing the first therapeutic use exemption (TUE) to be allowed to use cannabis for the treatment of his ongoing injuries. James told the audience about how cannabis helped him overcome an addiction to the opioid painkiller medications that he was prescribed for his severe ankle injury.

One of the conference’s main goals was to share the latest science and research surrounding the benefits and risks associated with cannabis intervention. Panelists such as Dr. Derrick DeSilva, Dr. Paul Borsa, Dr. Jim Farris, Dr. Anthony Ferrari, and Dr. Michael Suk shed light on the trials and tribulations of cannabis research in the athletic population and how the healthcare professionals are challenged with implementing forms of cannabis as a treatment intervention given the lack of regulated and controlled studies that are comprised of sound scientific methodology and that meet the established rigor of research that is necessary to safely reports outcomes.

Many other presentations were delivered to introduce the audience to fascinating topics such as How Medical Cannabis May Revolutionize Western Medicine (Dr. Martha Rosenthal), Policies of Sports Leagues (Amanda Barton), What Athletes Want to Know (Dr. Kevin Morley), Cannabis and Concussion (Dr. Jeff Konin), Pearls from Clinical Practice (Dr. Barry Gordon), The Priority of Future Research (Dr. Denise Vidot), Mechanisms of Major Terpenes and Cannabinoids in Sports Medicine (Dr. Terel Newton), Collective Bargaining Agreements (Michael Minardi), Current Trends in Drug Testing (Dr. Mindy Shelby), and Collegiate Sports Considerations (Steve Walz).

Another special feature was the story shared by Josiah Hesse, author of the best-selling book “Runners High: How a Movement of Cannabis-Fueled Athletes is Changing the Science of Sport”. Josiah’s journey beginning as a non-athlete to his ultra-marathon running days and his investigative reporting of cannabis research was fascinating to learn about.

The conference was made possible by the many sponsors and exhibitors who generously shared their expertise and time with all of those who attended. Stay tuned for the 2023 version which is anticipated to be bigger and better!

Dr. Jeff G. Konin is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Athletic Training in the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Florida International University (FIU) where he directs the Global Initiative for Cannabinoid Research and Education. To learn more about FIU’s cannabinoid research and education initiative you can visit their website at https://go.fiu.edu/GlobalCannabis. Views represented in this column do not reflect that of Florida International University and are solely attributed to Dr. Jeff G. Konin.



Green Sentry Holdings, LLC, along with its parent company High End Holdings, LLC and MedMen Enterprises Inc. announced that they have completed their previously announced arrangement, whereby Green Sentry has acquired all of MedMen’s Florida assets for a total consideration of $63 million plus the assumption of lease liabilities. The purchase was funded with the proceeds of a non-brokered equity raise and a $30 million debt facility from a private lender.

The cash deal includes substantially all of MedMen’s Florida-based assets, including a valid medical marijuana treatment center license issued by the Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use, a portfolio of 14 premium dispensaries in prime shopping locations with ample parking, and its Eustis, Florida cultivation and processing facility (“Eustis Facility”) with 30,000 square feet of available canopy. The Green Sentry team has been retrofitting the Eustis Facility since March of 2022, and in the coming months, edibles production is expected to launch.

On Friday, August 26, 2022, MedMen locations in Fort Lauderdale (2949 N Federal Hwy), Miami (550 Collins Ave), Orlando (11551 University Blvd), Pensacola (5048 Bayou Blvd), St. Petersburg (326 5th Ave North), West Palm Beach (539 Clematis St), and Tallahassee (1126 Thomasville Rd), reopened under Green Sentry’s management and new pricing was unveiled as well. Store hours are 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday.

In addition to the ongoing expansion of the company’s Florida footprint, Green Sentry will launch Sunburn Cannabis, a brand based on the true story of Green Sentry’s CEO and Founder Brady Cobb and his late father. Clyde Walton “Bill” Cobb’s story as a cannabis operator in the 70s and 80s is an authentic part of Florida’s cannabis history. Sunburn is a Florida-focused brand living at the intersection of top-shelf flower and concentrates while embracing the state’s unique culture. Green Sentry expects to launch the Sunburn Cannabis brand in the fourth quarter of 2022.

“As a team, we are beyond excited to re-enter the Florida market, where we have built a presence and a reputation for honoring the plant,” said Brady Cobb, CEO and Founder of Green Sentry. “It’s humbling to see my executive and operational teams stay together to close this transaction and launch Sunburn Cannabis. I’m incredibly proud to launch Sunburn and share my family’s passion and knowledge for the plant with people in Florida. Sunburn is a brand for Floridians by Floridians. I am also thrilled to add some key team members, including our Chairman and my good friend Danny Moses, as well as all of the MedMen employees who have joined our family. We have proven to the market previously that a Florida-focused company can produce the highest quality flower and concentrates, and now we are bringing our products to consumers via 14 of the best retail sites in Florida.”



MedMen Enterprises Inc. announced the close of a $67 million deal with Florida-based private company Green Sentry Holdings LLC for the Company’s Florida-based operations, including its license, dispensaries, inventory, and cultivation operations. The deal is comprised of $63 million in cash and approximately $4 million in liabilities to be assumed by Green Sentry. The deal also includes the license of MedMen’s trademarks in the state.

“We are pleased to announce the successful completion of this deal, particularly given the challenging economic environment we are operating in,” said Ed Record, MedMen’s CEO. “The sale of MedMen’s Florida assets marks an important step in the company’s restructuring efforts designed to provide greater financial flexibility and a stronger, leaner operating structure – and ultimately put us on a path to being EBITDA positive.”

Continued Record, “We also are making great strides in improving our relationships with our partners and vendors, as well as increasing our support of social equity initiatives – both are priorities as we reestablish MedMen’s company culture and brand.”

MedMen also announced it’s currently exploring strategic alternatives for New York, where the Company operates a cultivation facility and four dispensaries under the state’s existing medical program. MedMen’s operational footprint is primed to benefit from the pending rollout of recreational sales in New York.

Added Record, “We are focused on maximizing our existing footprint, including our operations in New York. New York’s adult-use market will be game-changing for the entire industry, and we are considering all options to ensure strong shareholder return. This includes the potential sale of assets and/or licensing of the MedMen trademark.”