Forbes articleDr. Oludare Odumosu Digs Deep Into Questions On...

Forbes article

Dr. Oludare Odumosu Digs Deep Into Questions On Cannabis Medicine Going ForwardWarren BobrowFormer ContributorVicesI work with cannabis and have done some wild things in life. cocktailwhisperer.comDr. Odudare Odumosu PHOTO COURTESY: DR. OLUDARE ODUMOSUWarren Bobrow=WB: Please tell me about your company?Dr. Oludare Odumosu= D.OO: Zelira Therapeutics Ltd is a leading global therapeutic medicinal cannabis company with access to the world’s largest and fastest-growing cannabis markets. Zelira owns a portfolio of proprietary revenue-generating products and a pipeline of formulations undergoing clinical development that are positioned to enter global markets from 2020. The company is focused on developing branded cannabis products for the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. WB: Why did you choose this path in medicine?Photo Courtesy: Dr. Oludare Odumosu PHOTO COURTESY: DR. OLUDARE ODUMOSUD.OO: As a scientist my interest has always been in how the body responds to cannabis medicine. This was inspired by my pharmaceutical background and culminated with personal experience with finding relief where traditional methods failed. I understand the formulation of medicine in all facets from creation to commercialization and that, in many instances, the most effective medicine is derived from natural sources. I also studied the physiognomies of the endocannabinoid system, which by the way is not taught in medical school. WB: What is your training?D.O.O: I have a PhD in Biochemistry and a Master’s in Public Health-Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine and School of Public Health in Loma Linda, California. Prior to graduate studies, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am also a World Bank Institute Certified public health professional with global healthcare translational/clinical/epidemiological research and data management expertise.Photo Courtesy: Dr. Oludare Odumosu PHOTO COURTESY: DR. OLUDARE ODUMOSUWB: Why is what you do important?D.OO: Our view is that the sustainable aspects of the cannabis business will be the medicinal aspects. This is what eventually allowed the legalization of the use of cannabis within the States and it is also what continues to push constructive legislation and regulation within the industry. For example, in light of the current COVID-19 protocols, in Pennsylvania, their DOH has designated cannabis dispensaries as essential businesses, (equating them to pharmacies) that should remain open through the shutdown period – an exemption to the Governor’s order that all non-essential businesses should close. This exemption given to us would not have occurred if we were viewed primarily as a recreational product provider.Dr. Oludare Odumosu PHOTO COURTESY: DR. OLUDARE ODUMOSUWB: What is your six and twelve month goals? D.OO: Our primary focus is the creation of medicine/products derived from the over 100 discovered/characterized cannabinoids that satisfy the rigorous standards of traditional pharmaceutical productsWB: What obstacles do you face from traditional medicine?D.OO: Understanding as a result I am always seeking opportunities to have meaningful dialogue to educate and bridge the gap of traditional pharmaceutical medicine based on placebo based clinical trials to the entourage effects of natural medicine. WB: How do you deal with stigmas?D.OO: Again, I find ways to create meaningful dialogue.WB: Do you have a mentor? Who is it? Why?D.OO: Yes, the chairman of our board, Osagie Imasogie has been extremely instrumental in mentoring me. He is the living embodiment of a principled man. He has taught me and others that “People are the currency of life” I am a perpetual student and likewise he has fostered in me intellectual stimulation, effective communication by being an aggressive listener, and equally, he champions the proponent of fun and profitability. He holds me accountable and always inspires me to the next levels.Dr. Oludare Odumosu PHOTO COURTESY: DR. OLUDARE ODUMOSUWB: What did you want to be when you grew up?D.O.O: My father is a lawyer, initially, I thought I might follow the path and become a lawyer. However, I was fascinated by science and analytics and chose medicine instead.WB: Do you have a favorite restaurant? Where is it? What kind of food?D.O.O: Although I am a foodie, I do not have a favorite restaurant, but let me tell you I LOVE FOOD! I am a big snacker too. Snacks are important to keep the body fueled throughout the day. For someone like myself who works long hours, snacks are important to keep well balanced meals. I eat well and I have a clean diet of well-proportioned meals that consist of lean meats fresh fruits & vegetables. I enjoy an occasional glass of scotch and whiskey and there has not been a day that I don’t consume some form of chocolate. WB: Do you cook? Any favorite meals that you prepare?D.O.O: Yes, cooking has been therapeutic for me. Cooking also arouses the creative complement to the science in me I love experimenting with different ingredients. I especially enjoy creating all types of salads.What is your passion?D.O.O: My passions have evolved from personal achievements. I am passionate about health and wellness, learning, teaching and developing solutions that have a global impact. Get the best of Forbes to your inbox with the latest insights from experts across the globe.Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here. Warren BobrowWarren Bobrow, the Cocktail Whisperer, is the multi-published author of six books. Apothecary Cocktails: Restorative Drinks from Yesterday and Today, Whiskey Cocktails:…Read MoreCorrectionsReprints & PermissionsLoading ......Oct 27, 2020,12:29pm EDT“NJ Will Legalize,” NY And PA Will Follow, Says Cannabis Industry Expert On ElectionIris DorbianContributorVicesI cover the business of cannabis.Woman wearing face mask casts her vote. GETTYFrom the pandemic to the election, 2020 has been unprecedented for sure, but also excruciating for many. For the burgeoning legal cannabis industry, however, the year has been groundbreaking. Back in March at the onset of the coronavirus outbreak, the sector scored one of its biggest wins when cannabis was deemed “essential” and dispensaries that had been closed were ordered to reopen. This decision was a milestone as it further legitimized and validated the use of cannabis, pushing the needle toward wider acceptance and legalization.On November 3, the industry is poised for yet another inflection point in its history as five states vote on legalization measures. New Jersey, Arizona, Montana and South Dakota have adult-use on their ballots while Mississippi voters will decide on medical marijuana. Jay Czarkowski, an early cannabis entrepreneur and co-founder of CannaAdvisors, a cannabis business consultancy based in Boulder, Colorado, shares his thoughts and predictions on what the election means for the states that legalize as well as its neighbors.This Q&A was edited for conciseness and clarity.Iris Dorbian: Looking through your crystal ball and drawing upon your vast experience as both a pioneer in the space as well as a longstanding consultant, what do you think, not hope, will be the outcome once all the votes are counted?Jay Czarkowski: New Jersey will legalize. I’ve always referred to New Jersey as “the big domino.” Once it passes in New Jersey, the other states (i.e. New York, Pennsylvania, etc.) will not have a choice but to legalize.Mississippi is also looking good. Regionally, Mississippi is equally significant like New Jersey. It’ll be the first ballot initiative for the Deep South. It’s significant for the states down there to follow suit.Arizona is significant, too. Back in 2016, there were nine states that were voting for adult use and/or medical marijuana. Arizona did not pass at that time. I’m hearing it’s close again. I’m not sure why. Arizona has a very well-established medical marijuana program. If they get adult use passed, it will immediately turn into higher sales because there’s already an established medical market.Dorbian: How do you think legalization will impact the local economies of these states?Czarkowski: Everywhere I’ve seen it has always been very positive for the local economies. It’s not just benefiting those who grow and sell it, it’s benefiting local real estate, tradesmen, carpenters who have to build these businesses, the attorneys, accountants, the many jobs that are created. If you look at the populations of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, the combined population is more than California. This underscores the massive economic opportunity once these three states—New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania—pass.Jay Czarkowski, co-founder of CannaAdvisors CANNAADVISORSDorbian: How will COVID factor into legalization? Will it help the economies hurt by the pandemic?Czarkowski: Absolutely. Pennsylvania Governor [Tom Wolf] has come out very publicly that legalization of marijuana is a big part of his state’s COVID-19 recovery plan.Dorbian: Of the incumbent President Trump and his Democratic challenger, Joe Biden, whom do you believe will move cannabis closer toward federal legalization? Or do you think that will happen down the road with completely different candidates?Czarkowski: I believe it’s going to happen, no matter what. Trump is a business guy. He knows the math about legalization. Hopefully, these politicians are aware that countries like Canada are running away with the industry. The U.S should be the dominant player, not Canada.A number of public companies are listed on the Canadian stock exchange. It’s ridiculous. What are we waiting for? It’s time now. We may see change quicker than Biden, but I can’t imagine why Trump wouldn’t support adult-use.What’s significant is where we are at in this country. Even back in 2016, there was no talk of cannabis in the House of Representatives or the Senate. Someone would float a bill and it would get crushed. Just the fact there are serious pieces of legislation that are being voted on in Congressional committees, that’s significant. Progress is being made and the ball is moving forward.Get the best of Forbes to your inbox with the latest insights from experts across the globe.Iris DorbianI'm an East Coast-based business journalist who has covered the emerging legal cannabis sector for a number of outlets that include the Wall Street Journal, Crain's New…Read MoreCorrectionsReprints & PermissionsLoading ...Also on Forbes VicesSHOPPINGThe Best Early Black Friday Deals From Popular Stores, Available Now & UpcomingVICESAmerica Weighs In On The United Nations Vote To Reschedule Cannabis