Read About Our Guests
Rachel Carmen Ceasar, PhD - Episode 7 4/5/2023
Rachel Carmen Ceasar, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC) Keck School of Medicine. She leads the USC Maternal Cannabis Lab, where her and her team document historic and systematic inequities people face when they use cannabis during pregnancy. Their goal in this work is to research and partner with maternal health providers, patients, and cannabis dispensaries to develop person-centered and harm reduction-based education that supports–rather than criminalizes—parents during pregnancy and postpartum.
You can find her LinkedIn here.
Paloma Lehfeldt, MD- Episode 6 3/28/2023
Dr. Paloma Lehfeldt, MD, MA, is a lifelong cannabis advocate who serves as the Senior Director of Clinical Science and Partnerships for Vireo Health. At Vireo, she is responsible for overseeing and managing all Social Equity and Educational Development initiatives across Vireo’s network. From collaborating with universities and medical and science associations to develop cannabis-focused curricula and workforce pipelines to working with local agencies and community organizations to sponsor restorative justice efforts. Dr. Lehfeldt brings to Vireo more than fifteen years of experience in research, community outreach, and teaching.
Additionally, Paloma is the Co-Chair of the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council and the Chair of The National Cannabis Industry Association’s Scientific Advisory Committee. She is passionate about cannabis health equity, social equity, and cannabis as a treatment for mental health issues.
You can find her LinkedIn here.