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.
Finding Peace Amidst Chaos: A Story of Love, Loss, and Edibles
Written By Marge Thomas
Most people find change hard, we like comfort, security, and the feeling of knowing what’s next. Change is disruptive. When I found myself engaged in yet another argument with my spouse, the words of a friend popped into my head: there’s comfort in the dysfunction.
It’s hard to recognize when a relationship has run its course; to see that two people who used to be synchronized now want different things from life, their paths diverging. It’s hard to let go because it feels like failure and it hurts.
The Russell Langhammer Interview
Written By Steve Kravets
It is because first my doctors told me to go home and to take care of whatever business I needed to do before I died. Then a priest came in behind him and gave me Last Rights, again. I said to myself, screw you both. I am not that type of person. I am Russell Langhammer, I compete head-to-head and we Langhammer’s do not quit. I will not walk away from this challenge, even if it is the biggest I have ever faced before, in my 54 years of living so far.
Saving the World
Written By David Head
It is like a philosophical debate that cannot get off the ground, because we are too muddled in the minutia of definitions. It must be accepted as all of these things–and held to each of those standards individually, as they apply. Let cannabis join the world stage as a resource that has an incredible ability to grow, heal, and feed the people of the world.
An Interview with Jeremy Smith
Written By Casey Renteria
At 35 years old he was diagnosed with Crohn’s and eosinophilic esophagitis. Three weeks later he collapsed at work when blood clots hit his heart. “My CK levels skyrocketed, becoming severely anemic, herniated discs in my neck, a tumor was found on my pituitary stock, and I started to develop arthritis”, he recalled. Not long after that incident he narrowly escaped losing a child from the side effects of pharmaceuticals.
Vermont Ski Shoppe Product Review
Written By Casey Renteria
Despite spending 5 years in rural towns in Alaska, snow really isn’t my thing. The extent of my frozen adventures began and ended with snowshoeing. I sunk up to my butt and that was the end of it. Despite my experience, there is a peaceful almost tranquil nature to being outdoors in the snow. Basically the perfect environment for a good sesh. I got connected with JB Sugar and heard how he took people's love of snow sports and meshed that with his love of cannabis. Enter Vermont Ski Shoppe.
Great Lakes, High Stakes: Michigan's Pre-Roll Market Blazes New Trails
Written By Harrison Bard
Within this booming market, pre-rolls have emerged as a dominant force, spearheading Michigan's cannabis revolution. From January to June 2024, Michigan's pre-roll sales hit an impressive $293.2 million. To put this in perspective, California - long considered the titan of the cannabis industry - recorded $358.6 million in pre-roll sales during the same period.
From Marketing Agencies To The Vermont Cannabis Market: An Interview With JB Sugar, Founder of Route 7 Brands
Written By Casey Renteria
After talking with JB, it’s clear that he makes products that he loves, but also are aimed at having a good time and maybe even rediscovering a love of cannabis. “I think there's a huge market for those who are re-entering, people are kinda scared to get back into it for whatever reason: it’s too strong, stigmas, or fear. I’m trying to give people permission to have fun again, weed is supposed to be fun.”
Higher Conference Review
Written By Kenya Alexander
The Higher Conference is not a traditional cannabis conference. This space, guest list, and speaking topics are curated specifically for women of color in the cannabis industry, something that you won’t get at any other cannabis conference in the country. The conference organizers expand on the idea of the traditional cannabis industry by including healers like Morgan Dominique of Sacred House Maryland, who hosted yoga sessions at the Wellness Pavillion–a healing space that was an integral part of the conference.
Breaking the ‘Curse’ of Menstruation: Celebrating a Woman’s Cycle with the Support of Cannabis
Written By Dr. Dana Lillestol, PhD
The miseducation, misinformation, and social programming have removed the beauty of a natural hormonal process of a woman that is life-giving. The time has come to celebrate the amazing biology of the female body, to support our female travelers on this road called life and to relish a woman’s ability to create life.
In tandem, marijuana as a unique plant provides healing properties to any mammal (women are mammals) yet this plant has been discredited and put in question. The propaganda has been very effective in hiding the truth.
SXSW and Texas Cannabis
Written By Shelley Peebles
When people have a choice, the overwhelming majority of them prefer to consume flower, and these shops provide a way for that demand to be met. Then you have the traditional market, which is still very much alive and well, and has been since the 70’s.
While I was attending SXSW this year, I noted the more laissez-faire attitude everyone had towards public consumption. I felt like I was in LA, or someplace other than Texas. It was incredibly freeing to feel like I didn’t have to hide, as if everyone seemed to understand and accept it even if they didn’t partake themselves. Heck, they even had psilocybin and ketamine as topics of discussion throughout the event!
Cannabis Culture Shock in Germany
Written By Marge Thomas
With legalization having just happened, acquiring cannabis felt much like the days when I had to buy off the street. Not speaking the language fluently and not interested in venturing to a park hoping to find someone loitering, I called up a connection living in Berlin. Fred was a fellow Ganjier and I thought he could help me. I knew it was around, more than once smelling weed wafting in the Berlin air. Plus it’s a city of 3 million, and prohibition doesn’t work.
How Cannabis Saved Me: An Interview With Richard Mitchell
Written By Casey Renteria
I was introduced to Richard Mitchell a couple of months ago. Before that, I affectionately knew him as the guy who got the Fat Nugs tattoo. Dustin made the official introduction and I’ve since gotten to talk with him about his life and what his journey has been like. Going into this interview I wasn’t sure what to expect - let me tell you it's quite the story!
It affected me so deeply to hear him talk about his experiences and it took a day or two of debriefing before I was ready to listen back to the recording. I am so inspired by him and all he’s been through has turned him into a warrior! I’m so proud and thankful to be able to share that with you. Please meet Richard Mitchell.
Who Told Y’all Mississippi Can’t Grow?
Written By Jessica Reilly-Chevalier
And yet if you said there was no good weed in the South, you’d be wrong. The Mississippi medical program is new (opened in 2023) and small (currently numbers hover around 32,000 enrolled) but to say either of those things equals poor quality product is off-base and rooted in Southern discrimination.
I visited Mississippi in February 2024 blissfully unaware of even the slightest movement towards legality, but when I left the state, I did so with a much deeper understanding of and respect for the Mississippi medical marijuana program.
The Revelry Buyer's Club: Gathering Together the New York Cannabis Industry
Written By Riana Lynn Kush
A clear trend at this year's show was the emphasis on product innovation, notably with the move towards more advanced cannabinoid profiles and full-spectrum products. Many brands showcased infused pre-rolls and full-spectrum rosin and resin offerings in response to increasing consumer demands. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that boast full-spectrum cannabinoid profiles, and Revelry gave brands a chance to show off their newest creations.
How the Stars Have Aligned Ricky Williams’ Game Plan
Written By Isabella DeChard
Upon his return in 2006, Ricky was suspended for an entire football season after he broke the NFL drug policy for a fourth time. The Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts negotiated Ricky Williams with the NFL’s Dolphins, offering him to play for a year in the CFL if he could return to the NFL in 2007. Ricky said during his time in the CFL for the Toronto team, they didn’t test for cannabis as part of their drug policy at all.
Blunt Horoscopes: Astrology for the High Life
Written By Stardust Bee
A financial resource may culminate at this time. It’s possible your partner, (in love or in business), will come into some money but they may hide it from you. You might not know for quite some time about their windfall, which would obviously create tension between the two of you. Or, you may have a transformative experience with some sort of psychedelic substance, (remember that transformative and pleasant aren’t always the same thing). Please use common sense and take good care of yourself if you choose that last route. Watch out for deception around this time.
Ego Tripping into the Business of Cannabis: Lessons from BCB Mastermind
Written By Rudy Brown
Despite the economic benefits of legalization, many communities remain untouched by the wealth generated from cannabis. The discrepancy is obvious to small business owners, no matter their backgrounds, values, or ambitions. Through all interactions, conversations, and shared moments, we have the opportunity to set standards across an entire industry.
Exploring Buffalo, New York’s Dispensaries
Written By Riana Kush
I must be honest; I have struggled with how to write about the dispensaries in NY because I’ve fallen in love with all the humans owning and operating them.
This journey is pure love, and I hope to show these dispensaries and humans the respect they deserve. The company I work for is exploding with growth, and they've hired a new rep for Western NY. It only feels right to start in Buffalo and work across the state.
Sunstone Winery and Sunstone Cannabis Official
Written By Kellie Frederick
Driving up the gravel path to Sunstone Winery, the sound of the city drops away. The most prevalent sound in the air is bird song. There's peace and quiet, a natural beauty enhanced by the rows of grapevines sleeping, waiting to come to life just as spring is about to emerge. The entire estate is jaw-droppingly gorgeous.