An Interview with Chip Paul
Written By Casey Renteria
“We had no money, we had to beg, borrow, and steal for everything we did. It was a pretty historic moment for us, and very grassroots in the way this movement came up. I’m very proud and humbled by that. I like to think God put me in that position, cannabis just stuck and this is where he wants me to be.”
Activism in the Weeds: A Call for Change in Australia's Cannabis Laws
Written By Nigel Despinasse
Stolk and Zammit's approach to activism is anything but conventional. Their tactics include projecting pro-cannabis messages onto the iconic Sydney Opera House, placing fake cannabis plants throughout Sydney, and even setting up a fake hydroponic grow operation in a busy store space. These actions are designed to grab attention and spark conversations, breaking through the noise of traditional activism methods.
In Response to Calls for Cannabis Decriminalization: Evaluating the Implications of Rescheduling
Written By Tara Eveland
While HHS's recommendation is seen by the majority as a potential step forward, many cannabis industry groups are sounding the alarm and urging the public to look below the surface of yet another government promise.
One critical aspect that reform advocates underscore in this statement is that rescheduling cannabis wouldn't automatically lead to the release of current cannabis convicts or the expungement of related records. Furthermore, the unresolved issues of immigration-related consequences and eligibility for public benefits would persist. The criminalization's disproportionate impact on Black and Latino communities would continue, despite the change in scheduling
Montel Williams Veteran, Celebrity, Patient, Advocate
Written by Dustin Hoxworth, Lindsey Gunter
When most people hear the name Montel Williams, they immediately think of daytime TV, and not necessarily his reputation as one of the strongest cannabis advocates of our time. For Gen Xers and some Millennials, “The Montel Williams Show” was a staple in our households. The show ran for 17 years, the topics were sometimes sensational in nature and his guests at times controversial, which makes a lot of sense, as Montel was always someone who used his show to discuss the things he wanted. The show also provided the beginnings of a platform he needed to take on something even bigger, life changing, and life saving for so many people around the world; but before we get into Montel the cannabis advocate, there’s a lot you might not know about Montel Williams the person. Fat Nugs Magazine was privileged enough to interview and get to know him, his cannabis journey, and his predictions for the future.
Adopting Love: How Cannabis and Compassion Created My Family
Written By Mike Robinson
Many will say that a person doesn't have to be biological to be a father, which has always seemed like an odd statement until it became one of my own. Back in 2016, on the compassion trail where I traveled giving away Cannabis oils in copious amounts to patients in need, I came across Genevieve after her mom contacted me, and what's known as the Cannabis Love Story by many began.
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.
The Warrior Spirit of Mike Robinson: Awakening Into Confusion
Written By Casey Renteria
In a blurry haze, Mike slowly came back. Even though his life seemed to have paused, his strong will could not. “I worked my way out of the hospital bed into a recliner that sat next to it.” The fog from the anesthesia was so heavy that when the nurse spoke to him, it was just a voice in the breeze.
“I had been injected with what I didn't want, but there was a true need. I was comfortably numb with the drugs they had supplied and Cannabis Oil.” The surgical oncologist came in right as Mike was putting away a syringe. The report came in. “There was conflicting data, so CT Scans and PET scans were being paired with the films of what he saw inside of me," Mike recalls. “My blood counts had dropped to 20% below the normal level.”
Florida’s Proposed Hemp Bill Impacts Us All
Written By Jenny Ball
The last several weeks we’ve seen Senate bill 1676 and House bill 1475 panic the hemp industry. These bills as written would effectively put tens of thousands of small business owners out of business.
We believe we can work with legislators to upgrade these bills to protect children and keep small businesses open. Most Hemp companies in the state of Florida are start-ups.The federal passing of the 2018 Farm Bill Act enabled small businesses, farmers, and companies like our own Siesta G to make a livelihood serving the community with this plant.