A new YouTube series, High Science, is set to debut on Nov. 27, offering viewers an unfiltered look into the world of cannabis.
Hosted by Rich Batenburg Jr. and Rick Batenburg III, — a father and son entrepreneurial team who serve as chief executive officer and secretary of the board, respectively, of Clear Cannabis Inc. — the eight-episode show promises to explore the plant's potential as both an innovative industry and a powerful medicinal tool.
A Bold Vision Born From Personal Experience
According to Phoenix New Times, the concept for the show originated from an unlikely source: Scottsdale-based event promoter Ed Leclere. After undergoing brain surgery in 2018, Leclere credited cannabis for helping him manage his condition, sparking an idea to combine education and entertainment in a series exploring cannabis innovation.
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"When they finally did the surgery, they said it was more cyst-like than tumor. So I believe the cannabis was helping to break it down, even though the neurosurgeon didn't think so," Leclere said. "The doctors and Big Pharma don't believe anything other than what they prescribe."
Leclere's idea gained momentum when he teamed up with David McKillop, a two-time Emmy winner known for creating hit reality series like Duck Dynasty and Pawn Stars. McKillop joined the project as president and creative director, impressed by the vision of retaining full ownership of the show's intellectual property.
Cannabis Innovation On A Global Stage
High Science takes viewers on a journey through the cannabis industry, showcasing innovators and trailblazers from around the globe. The show highlights leaders like Moe Asnani and Chip Boyden of Arizona-based wholesaler iLAVA, as well as Yuri Downing, a cannabis entrepreneur who helped shape Arizona's licensing landscape.
Beyond Arizona, the series ventures to Massachusetts, Jamaica, and Australia, introducing viewers to legends like Jon Piasecki and Johnny GreenFingaz. Leclere refers to these individuals as "OGs" who have shaped the cannabis space for decades.
Why YouTube Became The Home For ‘High Science'
Bringing High Science to a mainstream audience came with its own set of challenges. Leclere and McKillop discovered that traditional networks were hesitant to air content focusing directly on cannabis due to its federal illegality in the United States. Many networks wanted to pivot the concept into more generalized business ventures, which clashed with the creators' vision of authenticity.
"YouTube allowed us to maintain creative freedom," Leclere explained.
Advocating For Plant-Based Medicine
At the heart of High Science lies a deeper mission: promoting cannabis as a legitimate plant-based medicine. Over the years, the plant's benefits have been embraced by those seeking relief for conditions like PTSD, epilepsy, anxiety, and chronic pain. Many of the show's featured personalities have long advocated for cannabis, even during its prohibition.
"These guys believe in this plant and have spent so many years in the underground, that when it finally started going legal, they came out of the dark into the light," Lecrere said.
In addition to the series, Leclere has launched the High Science Charity Foundation, which aims to support plant-based research and education, with a particular focus on underserved communities and veterans. Looking ahead, Leclere is considering expanding the series into the realm of psychedelic medicine for a potential second season.
"Plant-based therapy and clinical studies in plant-based medicine is the way to go," he continued. "And Big Pharma can't do nothing about it."
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Image courtesy: High Science.
