

Redefining the future with plant-based therapeutics
Sep 3, 2025
28:57
In the In Conversation With series, a part of the free DDW podcast, DDW speaks with members of the drug discovery industry about their work and how it helps turn science into business.
In this episode, Megan Thomas is in conversation with Joel Stanley, CEO of Ajna Biosciences. We explore the promise and challenges of botanical drugs, focusing on Ajna Biosciences’ approach to developing therapeutics derived from plants such as cannabinoids and psychedelics. Joel reflects on his experience co-founding Charlotte’s Web during the early medical cannabis movement and how that shaped his perspective on botanical drug development.
You can listen below, or find The Drug Discovery World Podcast on Spotify, Google Play and Apple Podcasts.