The People Are Blunt: Recent Episodes
Christine De La Rosa
TPAB chats with product planner, developer, and strategist Vicki Wais. We dig into what she does, what brought her to cannabis, transferable skills and the importance of building diverse teams.
02:40- Who Vicki is and what she does
07:20- Finding cannabis thanks to good friends
16:40- The Patriarchy, how cannabis shakes out
29:00- Managing burnout...because it is real and can happen navigating this newly regulated space
41:02- Run it back...what attracted you to the company
TPAB talks with designer and educator Jessica Caldwell about her journey into her profession and specifically with cannabis being within the "forgotten group". As we discuss equity in regulated cannabis its necessary and a gross oversight not to pay equal or at least more attention to those who have interest outside of direct plant energy.
3:25- Introducing Jessica Caldwell, bad azz interior designer
8:40- Lack of diversity in creative fields
14:14- Design talk…
21:29- the forgotten interested ones who would classify under equity criteria
TPAB chops it up with model, activist, educator, and entrepreneur Ms. Weed Doula herself, June Johnson! We take a trip down memory lane and reflect on the hypocrisy of cannabis in the US, talk about moving with intent, how her relationship with cannabis has evolved, and what's on her horizon!
2:10- Who is June Johnson, and what is she about
13:52- a little historical breakdown…did you know?
25:15- Setting up shop in NYC…how will this go?
36:03- JJ's weed journey
44:55- June's favorite strains and how they make her feel
TPAB chops it up with attorney Natacha Andrews. We discuss what brought her and the plant in community, how she has chosen to advocate in the space and founding the National Association of Black Cannabis Lawyers (NABCL).
3:39- Natacha's why...what kept her away from cannabis and what brought her to it
11:02- When the spirit is impacted a shift is inevitable
24:40- In thinking of capitalistic greed...maybe some are truly ignorant without malice
43:16- Thoughts on the current state of cannabis
TPAB has a blunt discussion with Courage in Cannabis 2 author Tonica "Toni" Combs about the traumatic loss of herself and her journey with the help of cannabis to healing, hope and action.
5:34- Why are you telling your business in this book girl?
15:48-Reintroducing herself to cannabis and figuring out what works
28:33- Pandemic dreams…breaking free and moving on
44:55- A part of the healing process can be sharing and ministering to others
TPAB spent time with Thee Weed Lady, Evelyn LaChapelle. We dig into the time she has served and why she will always use the number 87, finding her way in this regulated space and returns on investment.
1:54- Welcoming The Weed Lady, and she kicks things off sharing a guilty pleasure
11:50- Condensed story…87 months
26:58- If you don't know how conspiracy laws work here you go
39:59- What's going on now
50:54- How can you find her
TPAB spends time with Courage in Cannabis 2 author Andrea Chaillet. We dig into her journey of becoming a cannabis patient and that expanding into structured learning and advocacy opportunities. Now she works in the industry and loves sharing her knowledge with the masses.
4:22- Who is Andrea Chaillet
7:18- when did she meet cannabis and why?
16:03- ESG, Andrea breaks down an important angle that is often overlooked
21:53- Becoming an author and telling such a personal story and the pieces you don't immediately think about
TPAB chops it up with none other than Mehka King, host of Cash Color Cannabis! We learn about his journey, the role of Black women in his life and future projects! And if you haven't already done so place your order for the CCC Magazine!
2:25- A little bit about Mehka
16:10-How it all began…from documentary to podcast
23:00- Pop culture, politics and past issues
37:00- Teasing his new project (It's out now)
TPAB has a blunt moment with father, husband, All-American athlete, NFL free agent, cannabis advocate, entrepreneur, and now author Gerald Moore Jr. We tap into who he is, how he came to know the plant, his involvement in the Courage in Cannabis Part 2 project and more...
3:00- We kick things off with a moment of vulnerability.
13:06- Earliest memory and engagement with the plant
28:22-the need for launching the Ohio cannabis report
39:45- why Gerald decided to share his story and add author to his list of titles
TPAB has a conversation with Nurse Ivory Davis, co-founder of Cannabis Nurses of Color, about her cannabis journey, the void she saw and partnered to fill, the work she's doing, and keeping hope alive.
2:30- Who is Nurse Ivory
12:00- How/why she started looking into cannabis
20:49- Politics brought us in and will be what brings us out of this scheduling issue
34:25- Advocacy work in progress
TPAB sits w/ Nathan Johnson, CEO of Maison Bloom, to discuss his relationship to the plant, the importance of craft, local and quality, and their exciting expansion!
04:35- About Nathan
13:02- A little bit about the Maison Bloom experience
21:38- Big Announcement…new ish new ish
37:08- Hemps place in the market
43:00- Thinking outside of the consumption box
TPAB gets the scoop on the Frenchy Cannoli documentary released on April 29th via Vimeo's platform. We discuss why now is a perfect time for the release to the public. The plant brought Kimberly and Frenchy together, and in that spirit, the hope is that the documentary will be healing, connecting, and moving for others.
04:35- About Nathan
13:02- A little bit about the Maison Bloom experience
21:38- Big Announcement…new ish new ish
37:08- Hemps place in the market
43:00- Thinking outside of the consumption box
TPAB chops it up with Kristi Price about her relationship to the plant, experiences in the alcohol/tobacco industries, things to be on the lookout for and breaking news!
3:00- Kristi's relationship to the plant and love of the rolling ritual
14:15-Breaking news!!!! Prepare yourselves for bigger and better
19:20- Partnership with BCEI for necessary conversations
39:20- Parting words for the people
TPAB dives into the journey of Yarrow Kubrin. His journey with cannabis, entanglement with the justice system, and how he continues to fight against policies that cause harm.
4:07- Reppin' the 415 and 707
20:00- Justice, real estate, and how the two are intertwined
39:57- Getting into the controlled agricultural environment
52:24- What's missing in regulated cannabis
1:21:09- What's on Yarrow's priority list
TPAB spends some time with House of Puff Founder Kristina Adduci, discussing her love of creating cute shit, being able to pivot, and leading with purpose!
2:32- What is House of Puff
12:13-Gems taken from fundraising days into cannabis
17:18- Are yall familiar with artist Chris Wilson?
37:40-How does HOP decide what to bring to the people
46:16- Next for HOP
Our own beloved Chef Charleen comes through with a fire sauce demo just in time for superbowl festivities but to be honest there's never a wrong time for this!
04:23-Housekeeping over let's get to this Tamarind glaze recipe
8:30-And the ingredients are…
22:00-Tips for eating infused foods
31:10- The mouth watering reveal
TPAB goes in with Jesse Campoamour of Campoamour & Sons about intent and elements currently in practice regarding the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. At the end of the day those who care have a duty and responsibility to engage in the process of standing up New York's regulated market. We get into it y'all!
3:18- A little bit about Jesse and going into New York's big moment…the feeling of getting there
18:49-What is up with the 200 million fund
26:27-Equity equals ownership but that can look different
39:26- Where's the conversation around amnesty?
57:35- Supply chain entrepreneurial concentration…let's talk about it
TPAB chats with Pam Miles and Dr. Cindy Orser of Apothercare about women's feminine care, the importance of microbiome health, and efforts to do the work of making sure what goes into women's bodies is as safe as possible.
1:55- Intros
6:20-The beginning…it all started in the kitchen
14:00 Roadblocks for product testing…it's not just about dollars
31:09- The need for public education…and it's not new
46:50- Hormonal health impacts more than you realize
TPAB chops it up with Jai Kensey of Green Thumb Industries about bringing your authentic self to the table, focusing on what you can do and making it all count!
3:30-Jay Kensey…who she is and what she does
8:10- Complicated spaces…we have the bitter and the sweet
31:25- Using your real-world knowledge and lived experience to impact
37:18- Jai's vision for the future…the difference she hopes to make
1:04:10- Parting words for the people
Michael Diaz Rivera, owner of Better Days Delivery, chops it up with TPAB about his journey with cannabis, into entrepreneurship and how all things have prepared him for this moment.
01:35-If you're interested in being a guest just holla
08:40-Having a felony for cannabis and witnessing regulation
17:15- A journey towards equity and standing up delivery in Denver
24:55-New proposal for delivery exclusivity
38:01- What's your happy place?
44:45- Canna parents…how are you normalizing this healing
Julia Loni Turner, Founder and CEO of NEKKTAR chats with TPAB about her journey with entreprenuership. How using all resources at your disposal and being intentional are of the utmost importance to her and what makes her products so special.
0:00- We shoot the shit for a bit about hometown weather, going away to school and failing vs being a failure
15:08- what is NEKKTAR
22:39- Experience becoming an entrepreneur at 19
28:43-What makes BuzzBox special
42:40- Next up?!
Attorney Bryna Dahlin digs into what you may want to copyright and why, when your IP is your own and crazy CEO compensation packages.
2:03- copyright and trademark…there's a difference
9:50-IP…it's not enough to just have an idea
15:15-Trademark ownership should be factored into company structure
19:00-These crazy compensation packages…a new norm
Sharoz Makarechi, CEO of Plaid America, shares her convictions on reparations, creating brands with meaning and how finding James Baldwin opened her eyes to the hypocrisy of it all.
03:45- Navigating this environment with strong intentions
8:46- Let's dig into Substance and the significance of 8:46
24:00- Were getting philosophical here…digging into Roe v Wade and fears of a diminishing white race
37:42- What is Plaid America all about
Michael Webster, Founder and CEO of Cannvas Events shares his experience of being flexible and taking feedback for rebranding. And we dig deep into what 2.0 events are all about! Cannacarnival is the first up!
2:40- What's all in a name…new name…new look
11:15- Upcoming event Saturnalia Canna Carnival
19:55- Someone has to be first…normalizing consumption
40:30- The woes of wooing sponsors
Kevin Greene, VP of the Cleveland School of Cannabis chops it up with TPAB/ Follow Kevin on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-greene-48b5b7b7/
05:30- Coming full circle
13:52- How the universe brought Kevin to educating in cannabis
26:45- Deciding when to scale
40:00- Individual accountability for community impact
55:24- The children will lead us…they are challenging all things
Tucky Blunt..Father, Husband, Owner, Activist, Educator, Keeper of the Culture chops it up with TPAB about the challenges of operating in the regulated market, the need for BIPOC people to support each other, knowing your worth and much much more!
05:36- Cali has folks struggling…the taxes are too damn high
15:15- Highlighting the need to tap into ancillary opportunities and the trades
32:16- How we often destroy each other…Grace is needed y'all
44:27- Normalize the importance of lived experience
Jarell Wall chops it up w/ TPAB about what makes his big ass blunts so special, navigating the industry and prioritizing advocacy, paying homage to the culture, knowing your worth and more!
3:05- Renaissance man introduces himself to the people
14:45- let's look at product shots of High Class Big Ass Blunts
29:03- The R&D table…testing flower…what's the criteria
47:53- All the phases of standing up a cannabis business
Jake Wall and Tony Sananikone from Maison Bloom chop it up w/ TPAB about making friendships and business partnerships work, what makes their infused offerings so special, the importance of doing better, the much anticipated launch and more!
3:00- Maison Bloom is not just a brand, it's a movement
12:09- Making it all work…marrying friendships and business to make magic
26:46- Creating FOMO
41:11- The collaborative journey of making this a reality
55:09- Staying in the loop for experiences leading to launch
Attorney Bryna Dahlin scratches the surface of branding and trademarks...how they relate, when to file them and why.
2:27- What are they and how do they work together?
10:30- The FDA making things tricky
19:40- Marking your intent
34:15- Key takeaways
Kristal Bush chats w/ TPAB about being of service, caring for self and how timing is everything! Sometimes we need to slow down and the universe will send us a sign. Follow all the dopeness @staylyfted_ and @freemyweedman
2:50- Who is Kristal Bush?
14:25- When you know something in you is not right...seek help y'all
24:49- Pay attention to the signs...you may need to slow down
34:00- The kids know more than we think...give them a voice to share their truth
Talya Mayfield chops it up w/ TPAB about her personal cannabis journey, the importance of environmental compliance and how she prioritizes making it easy to understand and lessons learned. Follow her on all platforms @deltacompliance
2:00- Who is Talya Mayfield and her cannabis journey
15:06- Making it happen…gaining experience and taking advantage of free
30:45-Environmental justice…harm comes in many forms
Reunited and it feels so good! Christine and Melanie are back to discuss their experiences in NYC at MJ Unpacked and spend a few moments reflecting on the closing of our inaugural founders accelerator cohort! 0:49- Moment of silence for lives taken to gun violence 4:14- TPE at MJ Unpacked…full circle moment 15:37- Time at Etain…House of Puff collaboration with Chris Wilson & we have gummies 39:10- Figuring out what works for you…download Tetragram App to start your consumption journal
Karli Warner, Co-Founder of Garden Society talks about her journey with cannabis, marketing around industry limitations, parenting as an owner and more.
Attorney Dahlin digs into the nuances of states descheduling cannabis, worker protections around drug testing and complexities with interstate pacts.
Dr. Bridget Williams, founder of Green Harvest Health, chats about Courage in Cannabis, her anthology of hero stories, what motivated her to establish a fulltime cannabis practice, her new CBD line, and more!
Chef Charleen, CINO of The People's Ecosystem, talks about the new collaboration with LEVO, the beauty of infusing, tips for doing so and more...
Carlo and Dinesh speak on the inception of Project DREAM, an affinity group within the MDMDA that has a diverse team working to bring more equity into the Maryland cannabis industry, the importance of investing in communities, and the power of collective action!
Connect and learn more about Project DREAM:
https://www.instagram.com/project.dream.social/
https://www.projectdream.community
Ulysses Youngblood is the President of Major Bloom, a vertically integrated, impact-driven cannabis company in the EE program. We literally ride with him and chop it up about the importance of investing and embedding in the community you operate within, the culture, and importance of our narratives as data.
MJ Korpela, Senior Early Childhood Education Consultant discusses impacts and the lasting stigma of cannabis prohibition on communities, specifically around "legacy" early childhood education and service providers.
Mike Lomuto, NCIA's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion coordinator discusses his personal journey transitioning from the legacy market, holding people accountable, not allowing DEI work to be tokenized, his top three goals and more
Kevin Ford is the CEO of Uplift where they strive to increase diversity and inclusion within the emerging medical cannabis industry, ensuring the community has an opportunity to participate in the economy of the future.
Otha Smith III, Founder of Tetragram, chops it up with TPAB about changing the industry and helping consumers with their experiences.
Michael Webster, Founder and Managing Partner of Exspiravit, chops it up with TPAB and drops gems about advocacy and the importance of ancillary businesses.