Ditch the Hangover: The Future of Alcohol Alternatives | Nicola and James Stephenson

WATCH THE FULL-LENGTH VIDEO HERE ON YOUTUBE!

In this special bonus episode, I sit down with Nicola and James Stephenson, the co-founders of oHHo, one of my favorite cannabis wellness brands. We get into everything - from the science of full-spectrum CBD and THC to how their seltzers are redefining what it means to “drink well.” Nicola also shares her personal experience with cancer and how CBD became part of her healing toolkit. If you're curious about cannabis but unsure where to start, or if you're looking for alcohol alternatives that support your health (not sabotage it), this conversation is packed with insight, transparency, and the kind of honesty I value most in wellness.

James Stephenson, Co-Founder, and CEO:

James Stephenson is the CEO and a co-founder of oHHo, a cannabis wellness brand. At oHHo, James is responsible for leading the product and company strategy. oHHo launched its CBD business in 2020 and is currently preparing for the recreational launch of cannabis in New York State. Before oHHo, James led opeRations at Mission where he was a co-founder - a Brand and experience agency.

In 2006 James created cult food music festival brand Battersea Pie, which has a flagship store in London’s Covent Garden

Nicola Stephenson, Co-Founder: 

Nicola is one of the co-founders of oHHo, a cannabis wellness brand where she leads all marketing and creative initiatives for the business. In 2018, following a personal experience with cancer, she founded a non-profit called It’s A Thing that raises awareness and money for Head and Neck Cancer with proceeds going to Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, New York.

Before oHHo Nicola founded a Brand Communications and Experiential agency, Mission, in London in 2003. Mission has since expanded to become a global communications agency that puts creative ideas first, with offices in London, New York and San Francisco. Mission built on the “In Culture '' movement for brands around the world and collaborated with clients to create powerful campaigns that promote advocacy, equality and social progress. The agency's clients included Tiffany & Co, Peloton, The United Nations, Pat McGrath, Microsoft and LVMH.

A few of my favorite things we cover in this episode: 

•   Nicola and James’s unconventional path - from marketing, music, and fashion to cannabis wellness
• Nicola’s cancer diagnosis, recovery, and the role CBD played in her healing journey
• The inspiration behind oHHo and what makes their approach different
• Why their full-spectrum products are intentionally low-dose and effective
• The science behind cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN - and what “full spectrum” really means
• How cannabis can support the nervous system, sleep, and inflammation
• The rise of THC seltzers as a cleaner, functional alternative to alcohol
• Why flavor, experience, and transparency matter in a crowded market
• Building trust through community: their coffee shop origins and creative collaborations
• What they wish more people knew about cannabis, regulation, and responsible use

Links to things we talked about in this episode: 

• Visit www.weareohho.com and use code WILLCOLE for 20% off your first purchase.

Happy listening and we hope you learned a little bit more on the art of being well!

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In Health,

Dr. Will Cole