Persistence Pays…A Journey Toward Journalistic Access for the DEA Reschedule Hearing
Written By LaWann Stribling
On November 26, I sent an email stating my interest in attending the hearing as a journalist. The response was quick and blunt: “Due to limited capacity in the courtroom, DEA Press spots are for credentialed media only. We are unable to accommodate your request. The hearing will be available for public viewing on www.dea.gov/live.”At first, I felt slighted and dismissed—especially given that Fat Nugs Magazine is the only Cannabis Culture Magazine. Was my publication not considered credentialed? This rejection stung, but I wasn’t ready to let it go.
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
Written By LaWann Stribling
Education is Key! Education provides curiosity and the search for understanding.Caroline Phillips, founder of The National Cannabis Festival does a phenomenal job in providing a multitude of avenues to explore cannabis and the community. Grower’s World was the highlight for me this year alongside the Wellness and Policy Pavillions.
What’s in Your Soil?
Written By LaWann Stribling
My love of nature has brought me closer to every quality our Creator has blessed us with. Going down the rabbit hole I learned that many plants individuals attributed as weeds were actually beneficial herbs. I bought various books to learn about different herbs and the individual benefits they provide. With this knowledge, I began to alter typical over-the-counter medicines, like Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl, and Hydrocortisone, with different herbs.
I'm F*cked, They About to Drug Test Me!
Written By LaWann Stribling
I sat down with my husband to ask him how he was feeling as he awaited the results of his incident drug screening. He was mostly worried about being suspended because the loss of income would create unnecessary hardships on our family’s finances. He apologized to me over and over again, but I told him I wouldn't accept it. When he made the decision to use cannabis, he thought his only consequence would be to attend a drug class. He knew he wouldn't be fired but wasn't aware of the 90 days unpaid suspension and 5 years' probation.
On the Ground at NCF 2023 with Caroline Phillips
Written By LaWann Stribling
It’s now close to 2pm, and I am making my way to the VIP area, finally. After getting my food, I came closer to Caroline, thinking this would be a great time to approach her for a face-to-face interview.
I then noticed the look of concern on her face and overheard that we have to evacuate. I confronted her face-to-face, and asked her for clarification; “Did you say we have to evacuate the park?” She responded with a yes, explaining that a temporary shutdown is in place due to incoming storms.
With food still in hand, I briskly walked back to the other side of the park to our booth. Before I could even reach our tent, the rain drops began!
Keeping in mind the magnitude of this amazing annual festival, I am happy to report that I was able to interview Caroline Phillips, Founder of National Cannabis Festival after all - to finally speak about this year’s NCF.
HOLD THE OPIOIDS, PLEASE
Written By LaWann Stribling
On September 15, 1995, I arrived at Prince George’s Hospital Center nervous and worried as hell for my 6:30 am scheduled induction. My last OB/GYN appointment brought on concerns that I was developing pre-eclampsia, a serious condition marked by high blood pressure and other symptoms after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Due to this, my doctor thought it was best to have a scheduled induction on my actual due date.
I had been living with my sister at her place on Taylor Street because I was still a ward of the state and couldn’t afford a place for me and my soon-to-be child to live.
I had state insurance and the only two sonograms I had revealed my baby with their ankles crossed, blocking the pelvic area.
I wasn’t familiar with pain medications or opioids except for what I heard on television. I watched pregnancy shows on Discovery Channel in the hopes that it would prepare me for this day – but I certainly WAS NOT prepared.
LaWann’s Famous Infused Sweet Potato Pie: A Butter Brewer Review
Review by LaWann Stribling
“As a baker, I wanted to test the limits of this machine to see if it could handle a Strib’ble Treats bestseller: Infused Sweet Potato Pie…”