Summary

In Episode 5 of the Leap Together podcast, we sit down with Joel Stanley, CEO of AJNA Biosciences and former CEO and Chairman of Charlotte’s Web, to discuss the future of botanical drug development and what it takes to bring plant-based medicines into the clinical research landscape.

Joel shares how the story of Charlotte Figgy led to the founding of Charlotte’s Web, and why the limitations of the dietary supplement industry pushed him to build AJNA; an organization focused on moving botanicals like cannabinoids and psilocybin through the FDA approval process. He highlights how physician advocacy, scientific rigor, and access can align to unlock better care for underserved patient populations.

Key Topics:

Why Charlotte’s Web’s success still left gaps in access and credibility

The FDA regulatory path for botanical drugs—and why so few have made it through
How AJNA is developing the first oral systemic botanical drug for autism
Building a cross-functional team of researchers from NYU, Johns Hopkins, and Harvard
What it takes to standardize complex natural compounds for clinical trials
The role of physician advocacy and insurance in expanding access to new therapies
How community fundraising through StartEngine is opening doors in early-stage biotech

This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in clinical research, regulatory strategy, translational science, or therapeutic innovation. Joel offers a compelling vision for how nature and modern science can come together to build a new model for drug development.

Listen now above or at: https://lpcur.com/LeapTogetherEp5