Since Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana in 2016, the cannabis industry has grown quickly—but not without growing pains. In a recent interview on WITF's The Spark, host Asia Tabb sat down with Judith D. Cassel, a leading attorney and advisor for cannabis companies, to explore how the legal landscape has evolved and what misconceptions still cloud this rapidly expanding market.

 

Since Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana in 2016, the cannabis industry has grown quickly&mdash;but not without growing pains. In a recent interview on WITF's The Spark, host Asia Tabb sat down with Judith D. Cassel, a leading attorney and advisor for cannabis companies, to explore how the legal landscape has evolved and what misconceptions still cloud this rapidly expanding market.
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When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb starts conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb starts conversations about what&rsquo;s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

The Spark

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb start the conversations about what&rsquo;s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at&nbsp;<a href="https://witf.org/programs/the-spark">https://witf.org/programs/the-spark</a>.

Judith D. Cassel Unpacks the Challenges Facing Pennsylvania’s Budding Industry

Sophia Tice

Russell Redding

(00:00:00)

That uncertainty became real last fall, when cases of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) were confirmed in horses across Northumberland, Columbia, and Lancaster counties. With the virus spreading easily through direct contact, airborne droplets, and contaminated equipment, officials made the difficult call to cancel all equine‑related events at this year’s show. While EHM is serious, the Equine Disease Communication Center notes that 60–70% of affected horses recover with intensive veterinary care, offering hope amid concern.

(00:22:15)

The 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show arrives with its signature mix of tradition, agriculture, and community pride, but also with unprecedented challenges. In this episode, we sit down with Bradford County Dairy Princess Sophia Tice, whose passion for dairy education and advocacy brings a fresh, youthful voice to the state’s largest agricultural event. Sophia shares her journey, her mission to connect consumers with farmers, and what it means to represent Pennsylvania’s dairy industry on such a big stage.

(00:30:36)

We also speak with Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, who offers insight into the decisions, pressures, and priorities shaping this year’s Farm Show. From supporting producers to navigating public health concerns, Secretary Redding reflects on the resilience of Pennsylvania agriculture and the responsibility of leading through uncertainty.

 

(00:00:00)
That uncertainty became real last fall, when cases of&nbsp;Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) were confirmed in horses across Northumberland, Columbia, and Lancaster counties. With the virus spreading easily through direct contact, airborne droplets, and contaminated equipment, officials made the difficult call to cancel all equine‑related events at this year&rsquo;s show. While EHM is serious, the Equine Disease Communication Center notes that 60&ndash;70% of affected horses recover with intensive veterinary care, offering hope amid concern.
(00:22:15)
The 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show arrives with its signature mix of tradition, agriculture, and community pride, but also with unprecedented challenges. In this episode, we sit down with Bradford County Dairy Princess Sophia Tice, whose passion for dairy education and advocacy brings a fresh, youthful voice to the state&rsquo;s largest agricultural event. Sophia shares her journey, her mission to connect consumers with farmers, and what it means to represent Pennsylvania&rsquo;s dairy industry on such a big stage.
(00:30:36)
We also speak with Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, who offers insight into the decisions, pressures, and priorities shaping this year&rsquo;s Farm Show. From supporting producers to navigating public health concerns, Secretary Redding reflects on the resilience of Pennsylvania agriculture and the responsibility of leading through uncertainty.
&nbsp;

Milk, Management, and Mitigating Disease: Conversations in PA Agriculture

Dairymen's

Mushroom Farmers

Alpacas

Maple Syrup

The Spark went on a field trip to the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show!

In this episode, you will hear the first half of interviews from our time at the farm show, with more to come tomorrow.

Featured in today's episode is:

(00:00:00)

Dairymen's Executive Director Dave Smith

(00:13:18)

Committee Member of The Mushroom Farmers of PA Gale Ferranto

(00:23:11)

President of PA Alpaca Owners and Breeders' Association and Owner Crimson Skye Farm Karen Nace

(00:32:37)

and Northwest Maple Association Member Laura Dengler

The Spark went on a field trip to the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show!
In this episode, you will hear the first half of interviews from our time at the farm show, with more to come tomorrow.
Featured in today's episode is:
(00:00:00)
Dairymen's Executive Director Dave Smith
(00:13:18)
Committee Member of The Mushroom Farmers of PA Gale Ferranto
(00:23:11)
President of PA Alpaca Owners and Breeders' Association and Owner Crimson Skye Farm Karen Nace
(00:32:37)
and Northwest Maple Association Member Laura Dengler

The Spark Takes on The 2026 Farm Show

Scott LaMar and Asia Tabb

Tariffs and The Bridal Industry

(00:00:00)

In honor of Public Radio Broadcasting Day, this episode opens with a special “actors‑on‑actors” style conversation between Scott LaMar, former host of The Spark, and Asia Tabb, the show’s current host. In a rare dual‑interview format, Scott and Asia turn the microphones toward each other to explore their shared legacy, their different approaches to storytelling, the surprises of hosting live radio, and the moments that shaped their time behind the mic. It’s a warm, insightful exchange that celebrates the craft of public broadcasting and the people who keep its spirit alive.

(00:25:08)

Then, we shift from the studio to the bridal boutique for a timely and eye‑opening conversation about how current tariffs are affecting the wedding dress industry. With insight from Taylor of Taylored for You Bridal Boutique and expertise from Unveiled Bridal and Formal, we break down what brides rarely see: rising material costs, designer challenges, supply‑chain pressures, and where tariffs show up in the final price of a gown. We explore how shops and designers are navigating these changes, whether absorbing costs, sharing them, or helping brides make informed decisions.

This episode brings together two very different worlds, public radio and bridal fashion. Revealing the passion, craftsmanship, and behind‑the‑scenes realities that shape both.

(00:00:00)
In honor of&nbsp;Public Radio Broadcasting Day, this episode opens with a special &ldquo;actors‑on‑actors&rdquo; style conversation between Scott LaMar, former host of The Spark, and Asia Tabb, the show&rsquo;s current host. In a rare dual‑interview format, Scott and Asia turn the microphones toward each other to explore their shared legacy, their different approaches to storytelling, the surprises of hosting live radio, and the moments that shaped their time behind the mic. It&rsquo;s a warm, insightful exchange that celebrates the craft of public broadcasting and the people who keep its spirit alive.
(00:25:08)
Then, we shift from the studio to the bridal boutique for a timely and eye‑opening conversation about how current tariffs are affecting the wedding dress industry. With insight from Taylor of Taylored for You Bridal Boutique and expertise from Unveiled Bridal and Formal, we break down what brides rarely see: rising material costs, designer challenges, supply‑chain pressures, and where tariffs show up in the final price of a gown. We explore how shops and designers are navigating these changes, whether absorbing costs, sharing them, or helping brides make informed decisions.
This episode brings together two very different worlds, public radio and bridal fashion. Revealing the passion, craftsmanship, and behind‑the‑scenes realities that shape both.

Judith D. Cassel Unpacks the Challenges Facing Pennsylvania’s Budding Industry

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