Shows
Let's be Blunt with MontelExploring Cannabis Higher Education with Angela SpeakmanWelcome back to "Let's Be Blunt with Montel!" In this episode, we sit down with Angela Speakman, a passionate advocate for cannabis education and a lecturer at Stockton University. Angela brings her unique expertise in communication and history to the table, shedding light on how education can play a pivotal role in destigmatizing cannabis.Join us as we explore Angela's personal and professional journey into the world of cannabis education. Discover how her courses in the Cannabis Studies Certification program are redefining the way students approach cannabis, focusing on the power of communication in shaping public perceptions...
2024-11-0854 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Season 2, E12Everyone loves a "ceremony that radiates joy," even Ms. Mari Juana - that's what Brandon and Angela learned after they dove into an entry from 1895. While involved in the hustle and bustle of the blessed event, she happened to spot an article in the newspaper that described the 1894 Indian Hemp Commission Report results. (This report remains one of the most comprehensive studies ever done about cannabis!) The findings of the report, which confirmed the notion that cannabis did not lead to criminality, immorality, and societal downfall, brought Mari some comfort, even though the association with opium was upsetting. The...
2024-09-2043 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Season 2, E11We're always learning some new from Mari and the cannabis professionals interested in exploring her diary! Do you remember the first time you consumed? Do you remember what you were watching on television? Cannabis professional, music-maker, photographer, branding ace, and all-around fantastic fella Brian Aufdenberg does! He shared a bit about his cannabis journey when he joined Brandon and Angela to explore Mari's diary entry from 1943. The trio learned that the first mention of marijuana in Time Magazine occurred in 1934. It was notably brief mention, simply stating that marijuana was “a drug, long common in Mexico, made fr...
2024-09-041h 16
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Season 2, E10You've got questions...and Angela and Brandon have answers! On this episode, the pair explored questions posed by listeners about Mari and her fascinating diary. In early 2023, when Angela received an anonymous package containing an old diary with no explanation beyond a note that said "use this as you see fit," there were immediate questions. Who sent it? Why was it sent to Angela? What should be done next? The list went on and on. Since then, as she and Brandon have learned more about Ms. Mari Juana's extraordinary life, the questions have continued to...
2024-08-2046 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Season 2, E9Episode SummaryEven though there's no national holiday celebration in August, we had plenty to celebrate on this episode! Returning for another entry, South Jersey cannabis attorney and all-around interesting human Mike Hoffman joined Angela and Brandon to read through another one of Mari's writings from the 1970s. Mike shared some insight about what motivated him to get involved in the clean-up of the failed War on Drugs. That proved to be a natural segue to discuss Mari's reflections about her time with NORML founder Keith Stroup and how the Playboy Foundation got involved in cannabis activism...
2024-08-041h 02
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Season 2, E8Episode SummaryIn memory of John Sinclair, American poet, writer, and political activist October 2, 1941 – April 2, 2024What is medicine? Which state had legal cannabis for 22 days in the 1970s? Is advocacy a default for anyone working in the cannabis industry? These are all questions that the diary entry review crew talked through while reading through Mari's writing from 1972. While exploring topics about what qualifies as medicine, John Sinclair's activism and impact, and what Albert (the guy who doesn't wear socks) had to say about celebrating cannabis advancement, Brandon and Angela talk with Dr. Alan Ao...
2024-07-2046 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Season 2, E7Episode Summary"Does anyone smell that skunk weed?" The scientific reason behind why we equate skunk spray smell with the aroma of cannabis was just one of many things explored from this 1975 entry.In this episode, the conversation was nonstop. Brandon and Angela talked with cannabis educators and advocates Andrea Raible and Sam Reichbart about Mari's writing that described a fun night of painting at Omar and Dana's house that included the 1974 Maya Angelou memoir “Gather Together in my Name.” The foursome bounced back and forth between strains and terpenes to literature and how cannabis and...
2024-07-041h 08
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Season 2, E6The reefer man invades college campuses! Special guest Northeast Corridor Provisions Inc. CEO and New Jersey Cannabusiness Association vice president Dr. Marianne Bays helps to delve into this entry from 1937, a notable year in the history of cannabis. On this episode Marianne, Brandon, and Angela explore what happened when two colleges publicly denied marijuana invasions on their campuses during a year where marijuana headlines were becoming more common and contributing to widespread fears. The trio talked about media messaging, Robert C. Randall and Alice O'Leary Randall and their pioneer advocacy efforts, and the role that nurses have played in...
2024-06-2056 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, S2, E5What wasn’t balderdash was what was included in this entry from August 22, 1843, “If the resin be swallowed, almost invariably the inebriation is of the most cheerful kind, causing the person to sing and dance, to eat food with great relish, and to seek out aphrodisiac enjoyment.” Spencer Belz of Last Mile Consulting and SunnyTien Dispensary joined Brandon and Angela to explore Mari’s writing about Royal Medico-Botanical Society and the explanatory words of Mr. Ley, who asserts the health benefits. The trio was delighted to come across a familiar guest star in the "Provincial Medical Journal and Retrospect of the M...
2024-06-0452 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, S2, E4Even though today’s entry goes back to 1879, the topic feels quite contemporary. Trina Ragsdale and Tom Giovanucci of Jane’s Joint, a boutique dispensary opening soon in Gibbsboro, New Jersey, joined Brandon and Angela to talk through an entry that described cannabis as a treatment for epilepsy in the Philadelphia Medical Times. Between cannabis and comfort, whether for cancer or post-workout, Trina and Tom shared the journeys that led them to launching Jane’s Joint and how cannabis education helps people make good decisions about accessing safe products. Mari’s entry, about the writings of the learned Dr. Wharton...
2024-05-2050 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, S2, E3Cannabis education is THE hot topic on today’s episode. Massage therapist and Float Haven Health Spa owner Bronwyn Lyman joined Brandon and Angela to explore an entry from December 4, 2021 that shared insight about why teens really, really, really should not consume cannabis, unless it is a medical necessity. Mari writes about a trip to a high school (where all those students are finding their, as Mari calls it, “adulting sea-legs”) and why she wanted those high schoolers to learn more about their developing endocannabinoid systems. Mari did share about how she ended up in the vice-principal’s office and got...
2024-05-0457 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, S2, E2In the 1990s, it felt like the whole world had Rachel Marron fever. Whitney’s voice was everyone. During this episode, which happens to fall on an important cannabis holiday, Brandon and Angela are joined by Amanda Terpstra, owner of BestBuds, a dispensary located in Woodbury, NJ, to explore an entry from July 14, 1993. The movie “The Bodyguard” has taken the world by storm and Mari had a lot to say about how this movie has influenced how people see her and the fam. Amanda, Brandon, and Angela cover Frankenstein arms at middle school dances, navigating the realities of stigma as a p...
2024-04-2057 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, S2, E1When Angela and Brandon received another mysterious package, they realized that their efforts to learn more about the diary filled with intimate stories involving Ms. Mari Juana were being noticed...maybe by Mari herself?!?!The box contained a variety of items that seemed cryptic at first. In this Season 2 kickoff episode, they follow the trail of clues in the box to April 1, 1980, which happened to be an entry in the diary. On that day in San Diego, thousands attended the California Marijuana Initiative Rally. It's definitely no surprise that Mari was there! While they explore what happened...
2024-04-0437 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Episode 18The same, but different. Cannabis and hashish. Love and hate. Corey Feldman and Corey Haim. Angela and Brandon acknowledge just how complicated a relationship with cannabis can be when they explored an entry from 1856, while they considered their own relationships with Mari’s diary. In this entry, Mari comments on Fitz Hugh Ludlow’s anonymous description of his own complex relationship with cannabis. She noted that he wrote “In returning from the world of hasheesh, I bring with me many and diverse memories” and those memories, as described in his writing, do not always align with wellness. In this Season F...
2023-09-2038 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Episode 17Brandon and Angela have a new favorite quote from the diary - " If I could, I’d wrap each first time in a blanket of peace to set the stage for good, open spirit." If they haven't learned by now...this entry has undoubtedly taught them that Mari has a way with words. In this one, going back to September of 1961, Mari described how every person reacts differently when introduced to her and what she wishes she could reassure them for every first time float. And Brandon and Angela had no idea that sock puppets could be so educational! Wh...
2023-09-0430 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Episode 16Special episode alert! Each week, Brandon and Angela dive into a different entry written by Mari. This time, though, they're answering questions. Questions about the diary (what does it smell like?) and Mari's writing (does she mention any strains?) and shared custody (is there any fighting over it?) are just some of inquiries that have come in from around the world. So far, diary entry adventures have been downloaded in over 25 countries! Brandon and Angela talk cannabis names, special people, and theories about Mari's whereabouts are all included in this fun Q&A. If you have questions about the...
2023-08-2050 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Episode 15Mari was just relaxing in her hammock, letting the summer breeze gently rock her into a very chill state. But, as Brandon and Angela learned, her laid-back afternoon was cut short. Mari came across some concerning news about the Pure Food Bill (aka Pure Food and Drug Act), which was passed in 1906. They discover that Mari sees the value of this legislation, but has concerns about how cannabis is positioned next to other substances. With each new entry, Brandon and Angela understand more about some of Mari's consumption habits...she's a voracious reader that likes to stay up-to-date about...
2023-08-0439 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Episode 14The approach of the New Year prompts reflection for many. And Mari is no exception. In this episode Brandon and Angela talk through what Mari's reflections on the approaching new year (in 1898!), how conflict plagues mankind, and the importance of truth-tellers. The featured text in her diary entry dates back even further...to 1860. Mari finds Doc McMeen's "Report of the Ohio State Medical Committee on Cannabis Indica" to be informative and relevant, even 40 years after publication. (If you asked Brandon and Angela, they'd predict that Mari would find the report relevant today! They certainly did.) New episodes drop on...
2023-07-2033 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Episode 13Lucky number #13! On this episode, Brandon and Angela stroll down memory lane. They paused their entry exploration to stop and take stock of what they've learned from the 12 entries they've explored so far. From Dr. Raphael Mechoulam's discovery of THC to the obituary of Harry Anslinger, from a riveting game of Boggle to the infamous Mr. X reveal, they've explored some of Mari's writings to learn more about her experiences from around the globe. They're getting closer to learning why Angela was chosen (remember "pay attention" and 419.99?) all the time. Be sure to subscribe; new episodes drop on the 4...
2023-07-0445 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Episode 12Today, it's all about New Jersey, the only state in America that's actively disliked by the general population (yes, an actual study found this to be true). Angela, a native New Jerseyan, absolutely takes offense to this position held by many Americans. In this episode, Brandon and Angela had a lot to talk about when it came to the Garden State. From produce - Jersey tomatoes and cranberry bogs - to breakfast meat - pork roll and Taylor ham - today's entry focused on Jersey and its journey to cannabis legalization. They explored a recent entry from 2020, as 67% of...
2023-06-2046 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Episode 11Two entries in one day! Brandon and Angela covered a short, intriguing entry that left them with more questions than answers...137 questions to be exact. After that, they dove into an entry that explored one of the most infamous figures in the complex history of cannabis. Born on May 20, 1892, Harry Anslinger was the head of Federal Bureau of Narcotics (the predecessor agency to the DEA) for three decades. Mari's description of Anslinger and his influence made it clear just how she felt about him.
2023-06-0439 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Episode 10Everyone loves getting mail, even Mari. But it wasn't just the letter that made her day. While reviewing this entry, Brandon and Angela learned about the contributions that Garcia de Orta made to medicine and botany through his book, Coloquios dos Simples, e Drogas he Cousas Mediçinais da India. Angela came ready to share her research about Portugual and Fado music and why Garcia de Orta has been celebrated over time. Don't forget, you're always invited to subscribe. New episodes of "Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari" drop on the 4th and 20th of e...
2023-05-2030 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Episode 9Brandon wanted to know more about hemp. That's exactly what he got, plus a bit more about Woody Harrelson and jello-salad. Towards the end of the 420 episode, Brandon asked Angela to find an entry about hemp in the diary. Again, she delivered. Mari wrote about her cousin Hemp and his feature in a Kentucky newspaper from 1948. While they explored the entry, they learned more about the family dynamic between Mari and her "strong, but silent" cousin and the importance of getting good information about cannabis out into the world. Want to learn more about hemp? We've got resources to...
2023-05-0428 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Episode 8For cannabists everywhere, it's a special day! During Episode 7, Brandon challenged Angela to find an entry that provided some insight, from Mari's perspective, about 420. She certainly delivered! In this entry from 2010, Mari praises a Huffington Post article that explores the origin of the 420 code. Most people assume it comes from a police code or a legal abbreviation of sorts. We learn, through journalist Ryan Grim's careful investigation, that the origins are likely much more...simple, delightfully simple. (There might even be a reference to a treasure map!) Brandon and Angela read all about what Mari had to say about...
2023-04-2051 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Episode 7Mari appreciates a presenter who appeared on the “TEDS.” Well, a TEDx Talk, actually.On this episode, Angela and Brandon take a break from the more distant past and opt to explore a recent diary entry dated April 27, 2019. Mari described attending the University of Oregon Tedx Talk featuring Dr. Rachel Knox, an Endocannabinologist and Cannabinoid Medicine Specialist. Mari was obviously impressed by all of the valuable information that Dr. Knox shared about the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the basics about how it works. Mari knew quite a few people at the event, but focused on Dr. Knox and her trut...
2023-04-0440 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Episode 6When one puts fountain pen and ink to paper...On this episode, Angela and Brandon reviewed an entry about “Therapeutical Uses and Toxic Effects of Cannabis Indica,” and learned that the title and the rest of the op-ed-style response in The Lancet - written by JR, better known as Sir John Russell Reynolds (personal physician for some very regal patients) let the wicked mic drop. He unequivocally states, “Indian Hemp, when pure and administered carefully, is one of the most valuable medicines that we possess.”The list of conditions and diseases that Sir Reynolds and others l...
2023-03-2031 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Episode 5If you could consume cannabis with anyone - living or dead - who would it be? That’s just one of the things that came up in today’s diary entry.On this episode, Brandon finally gets to pick the diary entry, something he's been hoping to do for a while. The entry, dated February 2, 1972, is full of wishing for a different set of circumstances. In 1972, cannabis remained a controversial topic, which is why Carl Sagan, also known as Mr. X., felt such guilt about not publicly admitting his deep appreciation of marijuana. His essay was published in D...
2023-03-0430 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Episode 4Oh Mezz. "Really the Blues" is REALLY important to our author!On this episode, Angela and Brandon examine an entry from 1946 that celebrates notable jazz musician Milton Mesirow, better known as Mezz Mezzrow, and the publication of his autobiography.They learn more Anslinger's distinction about jazz musicians, "not speaking about the good musicians, but the jazz type" and Mezz's first time with with the muggles.Interested in hearing some of the most beautiful prose about consumption ever penned to paper or how to cut down the tush-hog bullying side of your personality? This...
2023-02-2028 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Episode 3There are certain things that are universally funny.That’s one of the most important takeaways for Brandon and Angela in this episode. But that wasn’t all they realized. After reading the entry dated July 27, 1974, they also learned more about the kind of company kept by the still-unknown author.With each new entry they examine together, some of the staff of Elucidation Strategies discover a bit more about the author of the diary, but they still haven’t learned why it was sent to their agency or what they should be doing with it. They c...
2023-02-0429 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Episode 2After she received the diary, Angela couldn’t put it down. The next time they were together, Angela and Brandon picked another random entry to review to try to learn more about the diary.The page they landed on was dated 1945. The author of the diary was particularly interested in what happened after an article entitled “Experts Discount Marijuana as Big Factor in Crime but Drive on It Will Be Pressed” ran in the New York Times. Angela and Brandon also learned about the author’s heartwarming actions when it comes to cannabis advocacy.Interested in learn...
2023-01-2030 min
Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of MariUse This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari, Episode 1It arrived in a standard, brown, cardboard box, wrapped in nondescript white tissue paper, the kind that you can buy anywhere that sells wrapping paper or gift bags.After the delivery driver dropped the box off, Angela and Brandon didn’t immediately notice that there was no return name or address. It wasn’t until after they flipped through the pages of the old, handwritten diary (the only item in the box) that they realized that they had no idea who anonymously sent it to Angela or why the note stuck to the front said use this as y...
2023-01-0328 min