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theherblifeblog · 5 years

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Spotlight Series: Mary Jane Gibson

Actress, writer and former lifestyle, entertainment and culture editor at High Times, Mary Jane Gibson is a force in the emerging cannabis industry. Her projects and interviews have earned her the title “one of the 15 most powerful women in the weed industry” by Complex Magazine.

You can catch her and co-host Mike Glazer on the top rated Weed+Grub podcast sharing laughs and stories from their insane lives, and interviewing fascinating guests from all walks of life.

Connect with her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

How did you get involved in the cannabis industry?

I was working as a writer and performer in New York and met the managing editor of High Times magazine at a party. She offered me part-time work as a copy editor, and from there I worked my way up to writing assignments. I was offered a full-time editorial position at High Times in 2014, and moved to Los Angeles in 2016 to help open the West Coast office. I left HT in 2018 to pursue other opportunities, and now write for several outlets, plus I record and produce Weed+Grub, the podcast that I co-host with comedian Mike Glazer—it’s my absolute favorite thing.

Tell us a little bit about your product or service

My co-host Mike Glazer and I smoke, snack and swap tales about cannabis, comedy, sex, cooking, pop culture—basically everything you already love. Weed+Grub is a free-flowing conversation between two great friends sharing laughs and stories from our insane lives, with fascinating guests from all kinds of backgrounds. We’ve interviewed Jim Belushi, Tommy Chong, trans icon Buck Angel, cannabis activist Amy Margolis, NYTimes bestselling cookbook authors Thug Kitchen, System of a Down’s Shavo Odadjian, and many more. We also have a Spotlight Series where we highlight brands and companies working to make the world a better place. Find Weed+Grub everywhere you get your podcasts—light a joint, grab a bite and come along!

What time does your day typically start and what does a normal day look like to you?

I’m a night owl, not an early-morning person, so I generally don’t get going until 9am. My cat Bobo usually howls at me to get up and feed him, so I don’t need to set an alarm. I make coffee and walk my dog Archie, and then I settle in at my desk for the day. Mike and I started a production company called Big Fat Content, and we have several projects in the works in addition to Weed+Grub. We drop two episodes of the podcast every week, on Mondays and Wednesdays, so we have a lot of recording and editing to do. And I’m usually working on at least two articles for publication—I write for several outlets including DOPE Magazine, Weedmaps, Leafly, Civilized and Rolling Stone. I try to wind down computer work by 6:30 or so and get out to enjoy an evening walk with Archie. Then I’ll come home and cook dinner—Mike and I are developing recipes for a Weed+Grub cookbook right now, so I have a lot of fun getting pleasantly baked and figuring out new dishes, usually while listening to a favorite podcast like My Favorite Murder. I love hanging in the kitchen and then eating on my patio under the stars.

What is your vision for your company going forward?

At this time next year, I’d like our production company Big Fat Content to have three shows on the air and two in production, in addition to creating content for cannabis brands and companies. Weed+Grub will continue to grow—we’ll travel all over the US and Canada, to Spain and beyond, documenting cannabis, cuisine, and culture around the world.

What would an ideal post-prohibition society look like to you?

Safe and fair access to cannabis for all. All records for non-violent drug offenses expunged. Social equity programs offering assistance to people whose lives have been ruined by the War on Drugs. Cannabis research and clinical trials. Public school education programs teaching the next generation about cannabis. Corporations that profit from legal cannabis donating a large portion of their proceeds to arts funding. Interstate and international cannabis trade, just as we have with wine, so everyone around the world can taste glorious California weed. The right for everyone to grow their own. And lots of dinner parties with great friends enjoying the herb together.

What was your first experience with cannabis like?

It was hash, rolled in a spliff. Growing up in Newfoundland, we didn’t have much access to weed—if you could get a gram of hash, that was fantastic. I still love the smell of tobacco and hash, mixed with a little Nag Champa. That’s the scent of my teenage years. I remember getting stoned at a friend’s house during a snowstorm, listening to Copper Blue by Sugar, and watching the snow drift across the St. John’s harbor like swirls of plankton. It was magical.

Tell us about some of the challenges you face working in the cannabis industry

As the landscape shifts and evolves, there’s a lot of jockeying for position. The industry is uncertain, and wildly exciting—it’s still illegal under federal law but 11 states have passed adult-use consumption laws. How bizarre is that?! Companies can flourish and fail in a matter of months. I’m positioned as a chronicler of the industry, both as a writer and with Weed+Grub, so I haven’t been affected by ever-changing rules and regulations, but I certainly see friends and colleagues fighting to navigate this new frontier of legal cannabis.

What are some solutions you've found?

Weed+Grub is working to destigmatize and normalize cannabis—and we try to hold everyone accountable for the role they’re playing in this new landscape. Is it fair that former Speaker of the House John Boehner is profiting from legal cannabis while people are suffering in prison for non-violent drug offenses? No—and it’s everyone’s job to call out hypocrisy and ensure that this burgeoning industry is fair to everyone, not just wealthy white people. We talk a lot about that—and we also have a great time fighting about whether milk chocolate is better than dark (it is). It’s that combo of fun and real info that people tune in to hear.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about cannabis?

That, even if it’s not for you, it’s helped someone you know. Whether or not you consume cannabis, you should never judge anyone who does—you should be an ally for cannabis consumers to have safe and fair access, whether it’s as medicine or a safer alternative to a glass of wine at night. Don’t judge.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about your product or service?

I hope that anyone checking us out for the first time listens to a few different episodes—because, while we get baked and silly, we also tell important stories and speak to fascinating people from all walks of life about heavy-hitting subjects. We have fun in order to reach the most people with our message: cannabis is normal and cool, however, you’re choosing to use it.

If you could go back in time and do it all over again, what (if anything) would you do differently?

I’d stand up faster and harder to the few people who questioned my ability to contribute to the cultural conversation. Don’t ever doubt your own worth. Otherwise, zero regrets—apart from not hitting that blunt when Wiz Khalifa handed it to me at a High Times cover shoot.

What is your favorite way to consume cannabis?

Tincture before a hike. Smoking a joint with friends. A low-dose edible before bed.

Concentrate or flower? Why?

Flower, because my tolerance is low and I only need a little bit to get that perfect lift. I did a dab at a dinner party on a ranch in Malibu once and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life, but on the daily, I dig a sweet hybrid pre-roll from Lowell Farms or a little nug of homegrown in my Summerland apple pipe. I also really like the new cannabis oil vape from Lowell.

Do you think cannabis legalization will change the world for the better? Why?

I really want to say “no duh, of course it will,” but it’s serious. Yes, cannabis legalization will change the world for the better. When people are no longer going to jail, losing their families, when cannabis is available as much-needed medicine to anyone who needs it, when the world can breathe a collective sigh of relief because the plant is free, we’ll all be much better for it. If you don’t like cannabis, take another look at it and examine your prejudices. And at the very least, educate yourself on why it’s illegal in the first place—because of racism and fear. We need to liberate the leaf for a better world.

What advice would you offer to another woman who is looking to get into the industry?

Join NORML. Get involved with local meetups. Educate yourself on the history of the War on Drugs and why cannabis is illegal in the first place so you can be an effective advocate for legalization. Make friends who love cannabis as much as you do, and organize salons with them. Start from a place of education and inspiration, and the rest will flow.

#mary jane gibson #weed + grib #podcasts #writers #high times #Big Fat Content

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theherblifeblog · 7 years

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Spotlight Series: Journalist Kelly Coulter Covers the Cannabis Industry

Kelly Coulter first met with Justin Trudeau in the fall of 2012 with only one goal, to convince him that the legalization and regulation of cannabis was good for communities. In the summer of 2014 he credited that meeting with his new approach to how cannabis should be legalized and now Canada is on its' way.

After spending 3 years in Ottawa advising politicians and policy makers on cannabis she now lives in Victoria, British Columbia where the industry is growing and blossoming. Her relationships with industry leaders, cannabis artisans, politicians and advocates for sustainable cannabis growth have brought her to many fascinating opportunities. Her focus is on women as a long-time advocate both with the NORML Women Alliance of Canada, Women Grow and now in her writing. Kelly has cultivated a strong women-centered approach to cannabis with her on-going encouragement of women in the industry, her published work and her personal approach.

How long have you been writing about the Canadian Cannabis industry?

I wrote a film script about 14 years ago about a small group of seasonal cannabis farmers which essentially was a significant part of the industry at that time. Of course "the industry" has taken on a whole new meaning in the past 5 years. I would say I started writing regularly in the past couple of years but began contributing to major publications like The Hill Times in Ottawa about 6 years ago. The conversations were quite different then and it is amazing how much has changed in terms of subject matter. I find myself writing things I would never have dreamt of putting into print a few years ago.

What is it about cannabis that your readers find so fascinating?

I try to explore ideas and new ways of thinking as opposed to reporting on events, although I do that also. So I think it is less about cannabis and more about the times and challenges we are facing right now. I think the folks who read and like how I write enjoy different perspectives and the conversations that ensue. People don't often agree and there is a great deal of us vs. them narrative going on. I like strategy and finding solutions and articulating the path there. I think there is satisfaction in that for the reader. I also like to weave a good folk tale. I admire so many people who are really doing epic stuff and I think it is important to share the good stories.

You focus a lot on sustainable growing, do you think that this is the future of the industry?

Well, everything has to be sustainable or it's in big trouble. Ha! That is the first question of any business, but sustainable as in environmentally friendly, yes. I just spent a few days with a writer from Colorado and the environmental impacts that are negative and avoidable down there are becoming an ever-increasing problem. Cannabis cultivation is consuming 1% of the states' power grid. Only one county in Colorado allows for outdoor/greenhouse cultivation. This is not sustainable. I am extremely hopeful that Canada will have a different approach and it is what I focused on when I presented to the Federal Task Force. Thankfully they have recommended it in their final report to the government so hopefully, it will be included in the legislation. From, a consumer standpoint I would also suggest it will be a part of the "cannabis conversation." if the food and beverage industry is any indicator. Organic, local and ethically produced food is becoming a bigger part of the market share every year. Micro-breweries are increasing their annual sales every year. I believe cannabis consumers share similar values to these movements but it isn't across the board. Now is the time to be talking about it though and that's why it is an important subject for me. You kind of have to respect the planet as a cannabis enthusiast or something is askew, don't you think?

"You kind of have to respect the planet as a cannabis enthusiast or something is askew, don't you think?" -- Kelly Coulter

Are current indoor growing practices problematic in terms of environmental impact, and if so, how?

What has really led to problematic growing practices is prohibition and greed. Using dangerous pesticides, de-forestation, water diversion, indoor and costly covert cultivations are all a direct result of cannabis being illegal. So I answered part of this question when I talked about Colorado. I think the writing is on the wall for the industry in general and even if we initially don't see more effective environmental considerations at the core of policy, we will definitely see it in the very near future. The real question is why wait? Let's just go ahead and get it right out the gate. Once again consumers will be a part of that equation if there is the demand which is why I write about it as much as I do. I only recently found a group of cannabis farmers in the US who are completely devoted to promoting permaculture and this is fantastic.

You have worked with politicians in the past, including our prime minister Justin Trudeau whom you had the opportunity to discuss cannabis with. What was that like?

I've spoken with Justin Trudeau specifically about cannabis on three different occasions and each time it's been different.

The first meeting was very casual and friendly, the second meeting was in his office and quite formal and the third meeting was the most fun because at that point the cat was out of the bag. I was very shocked when he referenced our meeting in an interview with the Huffington Post a few years later but I do believe that the material we provided him with and our arguments came at just the right time for his own agenda. At the third meeting there was no convincing to be done and it was fun because he related to me some of the same frustrations I have experienced and so it was almost a commiseration. We were laughing and crying at our shared experiences in a strange but good way. Since those meetings I have met him again at events and socially and he has remained an ally and pretty true to his words so I am very thankful for our initial conversations. As much as some folks continue to criticize what he is doing now, I believe he knows exactly what he is doing. Very smart man.

"I have always said that if we don't lobby for women in the industry there will be no women in the industry. It's up to us." -- Kelly Coulter

As a founding member of Women Grow Vancouver Island you have been a big advocate for women in weed, how will women fare in this industry going forward?

Well, I have just written a piece about that so let me just say that women are going to have to be vigilante and hold people including politicians and local community leaders accountable. Women Grow was a great way to connect with other women but political action was not at the top of the radar and it is probably the most critical thing we need to be doing right now. I also know that the role women have right now is not anywhere near where it should be even though there has been some media hype. Women are their own best allies so start there and support and lift each other every single day. Also, look to other sectors for allies. Finally, read my article when it comes out...ha! I have always said that if we don't lobby for women in the industry there will be no women in the industry. It's up to us.

What trends are you noticing in the industry as we move toward federal legalization?

So much is happening it is head-spinning and we often joke about the newness of each and every day because you just don't know what that day will bring. It's beyond exciting but can also be quite demanding and not for the timid.

My focus being on cultivation and women I am watching that mostly so with respect to the cultivators the amalgamations which are happening are interesting. Greenhouses are becoming more the norm which is fantastic. I think once we see the legislation in Canada we will see the real trends start to take root. I am also most interested in California and how progressive they are and this is encouraging especially for the West Coast in general. Regions are particularly relevant to the cannabis conversation more so than most realize. There are two other very important trends that I hope will be disruptors but I am writing about them now so you can read about them soon.

How do you think legalization will affect Canada and Canadian cannabis businesses?

It remains to be seen since so much will depend on what the rules and regulations will be. Will medical dispensaries be different that recreational as is what is likely to happen in California. The dispensaries really are the big cannabis business in Canada right now as there are so many of them across the country. Technology is going to be interesting also. Once again, regions are going to be wanting to take advantage of tourism, but will they be allowed? Ancilliary businesses, the picks and shovels are going to be tapping into the boom once they figure out their places in the market. Many have already started of course. There are a lot more lawyers talking cannabis these days for example. I think one of the bigger stories that could happen will be how this will all impact the hemp industry, very exciting.

What advice would you give to a woman interested in getting started in the industry?

A few things. Integrity should be your number one priority for obvious reasons but it will also lead to success not just within the industry but will be what keeps you sane along the way. Keep your ears to the grindstone, be a good neighbour, give props and amplify other women's voices and missions, find good advisors and do what you love. Loving cannabis is not enough to sustain a job you don't love doing. Ultimately this is a portal to where we all need to go in our relationships to plants, nature and within ourselves and each other.

You can find Kelly writing about cannabis for Lift, The Ottawa Hill Times, her own site KellyCoulter.ca and right here on The Her(B) Life!

Follow her on Twitter too for ongoing cannabis coverage.

#kelly coulter #journalist #canadian cannabis #cannabisindustry

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