Fair Shake – Supporting Reentry!
Written By Ruth Shamai
Founded by Sue Kastensen in 1999, Fair Shake is a registered charity, based in Wisconsin, dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated people reenter society. Incarcerated people are no different from the rest of us; all adults want to search, review, and decide for themselves which resources will be the most beneficial for the trajectory that we would like our lives to take. We want to see how things connect to prioritize our goals. And we want the freedom to look around – without being subject to someone else’s agenda – so we can reflect, weigh our values, commitments, and options, and own our decisions.
Mini Valentine’s Day Gift Giving Guide
Written By Daniel Crawford
When it comes to accessibility of cannabinoids, we are truly blessed to be living in a time where even if cannabis is not legal where you live, you are still able to enjoy her fruits from the Hemp market. (Thank you 2018 Farm Bill!)
The personal recommendations of the products listed below are available to anyone who can receive mail are able to make purchases online. These items are not state-specific and can be enjoyed by everyone.
The Texas Hemp Classic: Cultivating Excellence, One Grow at a Time
Written By Liz Grow, TXhc Producer
The judging process is elevated this year thanks to SC Labs, the official lab partner for the Texas Hemp Classic. Known for their work with the prestigious Emerald Cup, SC Labs is conducting comprehensive terpene analysis on all entries, adding a scientific rigor that ensures only the best hemp rises to the top.
Breaking Chains: Stories of Hope, Healing, and Justice
Written by Tamara Netzel
In 2013, my life changed when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Conventional treatments for MS caused my liver to fail, leaving me searching for alternatives to the 15 meds I could no longer take. It was then I turned to cannabis. What I found was not just physical relief but a sense of empowerment and renewed hope to take ownership of my health.
State Governments in MN, OH, and CO Attack Patient Rights by Limiting THC Levels in Cannabis Products
Written By Dustin Hoxworth
Rather than taking the well-being of patients into account, these lawmakers are falling right in line with their oligarchical corporate overlords who pay them to continue pushing false narratives, outdated stigmas, and right-wing ideological agendas. These arbitrary THC limits harm not just the medical community but the entire cannabis industry. By stifling innovation in the sector, these restrictions suppress economic growth and job creation, cutting into tax revenues that help fund public services. But the damage doesn’t end there.
Skateboarding And Cannabis: Sharing a Rich History Rooted in Counterculture and Rebellion
Written By Dustin Hoxworth
Both skateboarding and cannabis can help foster and promote community development and individual well-being. Skateboarding transforms urban spaces into literal arenas of creativity, promoting physical activity and social interaction, usually in an environment free of judgment or hate. We need that now more than ever! Skate parks are places where you get to see the best of our younger generations help each other develop skills they won’t get anywhere else. These spaces can be so unique that they themselves drive awareness and change directly into our communities daily.
The Glass Artisan: The Rise and Legacy of ROOR
Written By Edvin Brncic
Martin’s journey began far from the neon glow of cannabis culture. Trained as a scientific apparatus technician specializing in glassblowing, he was skilled at creating precise technical instruments for laboratories. However, the sterile confines of the chemical industry did not fulfill his artistic aspirations.
The Night Everyone’s Still Buzzing About—The James Bong: Cannabis Royale at MJBizCon 2024
Written By Katharine Baxter
The moment guests arrived, they were transported into the glamor and thrill of a Bond movie. At the entrance, a sleek Solink-branded Aston Martin greeted guests, turning heads and creating a unique photo-op.
“Our branded Aston Martin at the entrance was the perfect centerpiece of the party and was totally fitting for the Bond-inspired vibe of the night,” said Cal McDonald, Solink’s Territory Manager for Cannabis. “With our team dressed in matching tuxedos, we brought the Bond theme to life and ensured Solink made a lasting impression!”
Terp Basel Miami: Bringing Heat & Culture to Florida’s Cannabis Scene
Written By Isabella DeChard
The event kicked off Friday evening, and it didn’t take long for Skatebird to fill up with expert stoners and cannabis connoisseurs ready to shop the exclusive Terp Basel marketplace. Brands like The Best Dirty Lemonade and OCB dished out free samples and swag, while hot brands like B-Eazy, The Stoned Goat, and Donutz showcased potent pounds of flower and high-end concentrates.
My Journey Through Life With Cannabis: How Did I Get Here?
Written By Kim Cooper
Riding on the energy from organizing the protest march, I decided to see if I could get support to hold the region's first 420 event that year. I did some advertising to float the idea on social media and picked up some volunteers. Then a few people from the second city in the region contacted me and wanted to participate as well. NOCER would be organizing and hosting the first 420 events ever held in Northern Ontario, one in Temiskaming Shores, the other in North Bay. Since then we have hosted 420 events in five cities, including Smooth Rock Falls, Timmins, and Val Gagne. Several others have now started independently as well.
Kids In Cannabis: Raising the Next Generation Of Advocates
Written By Casey & Shilo Renteria
Present day, my oldest turned eight this year. I’ve gotten the pleasure of watching her grow and evolve into this incredibly smart young (dare I say) activist. Over the years she has been by my side watching the work and long hours that I’ve put into it. She’s seen the stunning art and talented incredibly intelligent people I’ve gotten to meet and talk with.
Needless to say, she’s fallen in love with both cannabis and writing. I’ve waited years to find out who she would be and now that she wants to follow in my footsteps it seems like the right time to co-author something and give her a proper introduction to the cannabis community and all the amazing possibilities that exist here.
The Power of Activated Full-Spectrum Cannabis Extracts: Why Keeping Nature’s Balance Boosts the Plant’s Healing Abilities
Written by Daniel Gana & Abraham Benavides,MD
Scientists have studied this effect and found that using the whole plant for health benefits is more effective than just using single compounds. Whole-plant extracts are especially helpful for conditions like epilepsy, migraines, and multiple sclerosis. By learning how the natural combination of compounds in cannabis works, we can better understand why products that maintain this balance give better results than those made from isolates.
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.
Georgia's Cannabis Revolution: From Haleigh's Hope to Expanded Access in 2025
Written By Rudy Brown
In 2015, the Georgia General Assembly passed the Haleigh’s Hope Act, named for Haleigh Cox, a child whose severe epilepsy highlighted the critical need for medical cannabis access. For families like hers, this law offered a pathway to potential relief. It granted patients with certain conditions the right to possess low-THC cannabis oil.
Budist Friendsgiving: Weed, Friends, and Seriously Good Eats
Written By Daniel Crawford
The setting of the Friendsgiving event was at the Pleasure Med dispensary in West Hollywood. Pleasure Med is a combination of an apothecary-style dispensary, a full-service bar called the Hind, and an upscale restaurant, called Irie, serving world-class culinary delights. The setting was beautifully decorated with a cozy harvest motif and had me missing my Midwestern roots
The Beating Heart of MJBizCon: Equity Row and the Fight for Cannabis Justice
Written By Kenya Alexander
For many participants, it represented a chance to break through barriers that have kept those with cannabis convictions from accessing the cannabis industry’s potential. In addition, the initiative’s intentional design have helped connect justice-impacted, BIPOC, women, and veterans entrepreneurs with opportunities to showcase their businesses and skills. Equity Row was not just a space for exhibiting products—it was a declaration that the future of cannabis must include everyone.
Interview with Lonnie Kessler: From Fighting Stigma to Facing Death
Written By Casey Renteria
Through all the ups and downs with his health, cannabis was always there. He told me he was on 13 pills - but with cannabis, he’s down to 3 pills twice a day, and I'd say that's a huge improvement! But he also talked about how hard it was to open up to his family about his choice to use cannabis. “It's finding a balance between family, friends, society, and quality of life you have to choose and I choose the quality of life…Cannabis will be the one thing I use until the very end,” he said.
The Science Behind Edibles
Written By Katie Shoneff
Similar to adding a vitamin/supplement “boost” to a smoothie, a recent uptick is showing brands are now infusing edibles in the same fashion, adding ingredients like Vitamin B12 and magnesium, typically seen in THC and CBD gummy products. A smart business move that also begs questions from consumers: how beneficial is THC and vitamins to the human body? How do we process these ingredients? And what should consumers look for when purchasing edibles for medicinal purposes?
My Journey Through Life With Cannabis: How Did I Get Here?
Written By Kim Cooper
My kids were on the internet, a relatively new platform that was launched some years prior for college students. Only 2 of my kids were still at home, both were teenagers. They were on a new website called Facebook. I didn’t explore it, not really, it seemed it was just a place for kids to gather and talk. I opened an account, only to keep track of what my kids were doing and who they were talking to. I had no idea how large of an impact this platform would have on me in the future.
A Glimpse into a Blind Man’s Life
Written By Lance Mathena
My career is over. The Department of Defense does not want blind database administrators: my employer was the first to give me the big wet kiss goodbye. I hadn’t been out of intensive care for more than a few days when I got the call telling me to “Heal fast, so you can go to work and clean out your desk.”
My friends are disappearing in droves. I make them uncomfortable. They can’t picture being blind themselves, and so have zero concept of what it might be like for me. I am a constant reminder of mortality, and no one wants to face a reminder of the possibility of catastrophic injury every time they see an old friend.