It's here! Our final podcast episode before we go on hiatus! In case you missed the big announcement in the fall 2023 issue of Different Leaf Magazine; "We're saying goodbye -- for now." This week, host Brit Smith sits down with Different Leaf CEO/Publisher Michael Kusek to talk about what his Editor's Note on page 11 announcing the hiatus means fo…

If you've ever walked into a cannabis dispensary and felt overwhelmed with options, you are not alone. Around 2/3 of cannabis consumers consider THC potency the leading factor when purchasing pot. While that doesn't tell us much about the experience we might have, there are plenty of things beyond THC and price that we can consider when picking pro…

Between socializing, cooking, traveling, and spending, the holiday season can be a tough time to chill out. And then, of course, some of us have kids to watch, and those kids are also watching us. Thankfully, cannabis is a great tool to help adults enjoy the holiday season, even if we’re in charge of children. And this generation of parents is beco…

It's the end of the year, the perfect time to indulge in some much-deserved rest and relaxation. And with so many spas now offering CBD-infused facials and massages, we can truly relax to the max this holiday season. So does topical CBD actually help our bodies more fully relax? Can a cannabis-infused facial benefit skin more than a regular facial …

Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that covers a diverse group of conditions. Since it's a spectrum, what it means to be diagnosed with autism varies widely. So do the experiences of autistic people and those who try cannabis and CBD for their health issues. In this episode, host Brit Smith talks to two autistic peop…

CBN, CBG, THCV, THCA... beyond the famed cannabinoids THC and CBD, we're seeing a surge of offerings known as minor cannabinoids. More and more people are swearing by these plant's so-called minor molecules to help with issues like sleep, appetite, and energy. So what’s the science behind all of it? Why does the plant make these chemicals? How do w…

One of the staple fall activities of the northeast is to head to an orchard, pick your own apples, and enjoy some apple cider on the farm. Since cannabis has become more popular in drinks, one of the northeast’s best-known apple cider makers, Beak and Skiff, has started incorporating hemp and cannabis into their drink offerings, and it's already he…

We’re getting into the spirit of Halloween by discussing how cannabis can guide us through spiritual journeys with our guest Shelley Johnson, better known as social media icon @AGoodWitchOfficial A retired occupational therapist in California, Shelley started doing Instagram Live sessions in her purple witches hat during the pandemic to help others…

Ready for an Exclusive?! Soon, you'll be able to wear vintage Tommy Hilfiger tennis apparel with our favorite leaf on the lapel, while smoking a matching branded red and white vape. American fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger has partnered with Coachella-based cannabis company Green Horizons to revitalize his classic 1970s tennis fashion brand BOAST. In 2…

Just a decade into legalization, the science behind cannabis-infused edibles has already come a long way. We’ve now got fast-acting edibles, cutting effect times from hours to minutes, made possible by nano-emulsification technology. We've got heightened experiences and flavors, thanks to Live resin and rosin-infused foods, which contain extracts f…

Since the pandemic, more than 70,000 restaurants, diners, and cafes in the US have closed. And many places that did manage to reopen didn’t make it long. Another thing that happened during the COVID lockdown; CBD and THC skyrocketed in popularity. Now, cannabis appears to be giving a new lease on life to some formerly-shuttered eateries. In this ep…

Yoga and cannabis have a lot in common. Both originated in India thousands of years ago, and both help us focus on our spiritual, philosophical, and physical selves. Whether you're a newbie or a longtime yogi, mixing meditation, stretching and marijuana is not for the faint of heart. Especially since both the cannabis plant and popular yoga practic…

This week, hear the inspiring story of how cannabis played a role in the life of the ultimate survivor, Ethan Zohn. Ethan grew up in Massachusetts and played pro-soccer in Hawaii, Cape Cod and Zimbabwe. In 2003, he won the third season of the reality TV show "Survivor." Ethan took his million-dollar prize and launched a nonprofit to raise money and…

In honor of National Women's Equality Day on August 26th, we're exploring what it takes to make it as one of the very few female CEOs in the legal cannabis and CBD industry. Across all US industries, women hold around 30 percent of CEO and C-suite positions. But in the cannabis industry, women only hold 22 percent of C-suite roles and just 8 percen…

TW: Suicide -- For Veterans in crisis, call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 The staff at Veterans Affairs Hospital do the hard work of treating our war veterans. But staff shortages and long wait times mean many vets still don’t get the care they need for the physical and mental issues associated with military life. As medical marijuana laws expand, mor…

Cannabis, comic books, and loud music are all a means of escape. Plus, certain strains really amplify how we experience art, stories, and songs. So it's no surprise that if you’re into comics, fantasy novels, or rock music, research suggests you’re also probably into smoking pot. Of course, getting lost in comics and jumping in a mosh pit each requ…

Chicago, IL; San Francisco, CA; and Portland, OR: Three tourist hotspots known for their cannabis culture. With so many themed dispensaries, cool experiences, and fantastic food in each state, where should canna-curious travelers start when picking what to smoke, see and do in these big cities? In this episode, host Brit Smith talks to Different Le…

Before states started legalizing weed shops, most of the legacy growers, transporters, and dealers who got arrested for running the underground cannabis economy were Black and brown entrepreneurial-minded men trying to make a better life for themselves. In states that have adopted cannabis social equity laws, people formerly incarcerated for sellin…

Indigenous American tribes have used cannabis and hemp for rope, fabric, medicine, and spiritual use since the mid-1500s. But by the 1800s, they were forcibly separated from the plant by the US federal government, which illegally raided reservation grows, burned crops, and imprisoned growers. It wasn't until 2013 when Washington and Colorado legali…

Each summer, indulgent new cannabis, and dining-centric travel experience pop up all over the world. So what's a good place to start if you love to travel, appreciate really good food, and want cannabis to be at the center of your vacation experience? In this episode, host Brit Smith delves into the so-called 'Bougiest 4/20 Experience in the US' wi…

As a teen in Cincinnati, singer/pianist Carolyn Alexander realized what many other musicians know; that cannabis can help with creativity, focus, and performance anxiety. In 2016, Carolyn started selling her homemade infused baked goods at local gigs while studying at the world-class Berklee College of Music in Boston, and she learned just how many…

When we buy our cannabis products at dispensaries, we don't always think about what it takes to get them there. In reality, there's a huge web of workers behind the scenes who each play a part in turning cannabis seeds into the huge range of legal products now on the shelves. In this episode, host Brit Smith visits a farm in Salem, NY, to see where…

Many of us first tried weed when we were teenagers for the pure joy of being high. But as we age and start facing aches, pains, and more severe health issues, cannabis may play a very different role in our lives as an everyday medicine. Seasoned stoners might know where to start when consuming to treat an ailment. But for new or returning consumers…

There's a serious lack of advertising options for cannabis companies. Marketing on TV, radio, and even in shop windows is largely banned across the US. That means the industry can't easily educate curious customers on what's changed since they were teens seeing 'Reefer Madness' anti-pot government campaigns, and many people, especially our elders, …

More than 28 million adults in the US smoke tobacco cigarettes, and research suggests those who want to quit make an average of 30 attempts before they successfully stop smoking. With hemp and cannabis now available in packs of filtered pre-rolls in most states, could tobacco users finally have a stepping stone away from nicotine? And is it really …

New York Fashion Week is one of the most significant events in the world for designers to showcase their collections and set new trends. As cannabis legalization spreads, designers are rethinking what hemp can do for clothing, especially regarding sustainability. Some designers are using their New York shows to make political and social commentary …

Infused dinner clubs have grown in popularity as the perfect way to connect over cannabinoids and cuisine. In recent years, the speakeasy-style suppers have come above ground, offering more consumers the chance to eat their greens and bond with their communities. In this episode, host Brit Smith talks with Chef "Hawaii" Mike Salman, founder of Chef…

Since hemp was legalized in 2018, Texans have been able to buy almost all the same products consumers can get in fully legal states; flower, vapes, edibles, drinks, topicals, and tinctures, albeit with very low levels of THC. Like many other states where only hemp is allowed, Texas has seen a rapidly-growing industry CBD industry, several cities ha…

It's been ten years since Colorado first legalized adult-use weed. Over that decade, the way journalists and their audiences have related to cannabis has drastically changed. That's largely thanks to a crew of reporters at The Denver Post who, in 2013, launched The Cannabist, the first mainstream media outlet's coverage of cannabis at the very dawn…

Welcome to spring 2023, and our 100th episode! We're excited to welcome our first guest host, former Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commissioner and social equity champion, and the CEO of the Parabola Center for Law & Policy, Shaleen Title. In this episode, Shaleen finds out what small cannabis companies can learn from her dream guest, Ben Cohen, c…

It's the fourth installment of the Queer Cannabis Club, where we highlight a fellow LGBTQ-led company in the cannabis space! In this episode, host Brit Smith talks to Ben Tousley and Mac Malikowski, founders of Buds Digest, a delicious digital magazine out of NYC made by and for gay stoners. Buds launched on 4/20 2021, covering aspects of queer cul…

In 1971, Harvard psychiatry professor Dr. Lester Grinspoon was one of the first academics in America to propose that cannabis might be a useful medicine in his book 'Marihuana Reconsidered.' More than 50 years later, Lester's son Dr. Peter Grinspoon has picked up the torch and become one of the world's leading expert voices on medical marijuana. In…

Before marijuana prohibition, the most popular form of consuming cannabis was through a tincture. Pharmacies across the US used to carry bottles of cannabis tincture on their shelves as the go-to medicine for Americans treating pain, nausea, insomnia, and many other common ailments. Even after it was outlawed, making tincture remained one of the mo…

Women have been switching their pharmaceutical meds for marijuana at a much higher rate than men, probably because of how well it works for the long list of issues females face in their lives. People with uteruses say cannabis is an essential pain reliever each month, and it helps to lessen the hot flashes from menopause. Countless women also say i…

As pet parents, we'll do pretty much anything to help our fur babies feel better and age healthily. Whether they have joint pain, skin issues, anxiety, or more serious illnesses like cancer or epilepsy, there is proof that cannabis and mushroom extracts can improve our pets' health. That's why so many animal lovers are interested in what CBD could …

In Japan cannabis is completely illegal, the government has long demonized the plant, and pot smokers are widely looked down upon socially. At the same time, Japanese health foods have long included hemp seeds, hemp is still being used to make some kimonos and ropes in temples, and all kinds of CBD products have been sold there since 2013, putting …

Get ready for a very British conversation about cannabis! It's hard to get a medical marijuana prescription through the National Health Service (NHS.) So, since weed was medically legalized in 2018, thousands of UK residents have been paying to get a prescription from one of 18 private cannabis clinics, which allow for a much longer list of qualify…

In 37 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia, adults with certain conditions can get a medical marijuana card. But not all state medical marijuana programs are created equal. So what is it like to become an MMJ patient in different states? What is access like to doctors, medical marijuana products, homegrow laws, and delivery optio…

From oral tinctures to transdermal lotions to cocoa-butter suppositories, infusing cannabis medicine at home allows consumers to figure out their own perfect doses and avoid the high costs of constantly stocking up on pre-made products. Making usable DIY cannabis oil or salve takes some real scientific know-how. It's easy and expensive to mess it u…

Parents of kids with certain rare forms of epilepsy have long reported that CBD is the only medicine that helps their child's seizures completely stop. Millions of caregivers are now considering what other uses marijuana could have in pediatric medicine. So what does the scientific research say about the safety of medical cannabis for young people?…

Athletes of all levels from weekend warriors to competitive trainers report that marijuana helps significantly with prep, performance, and recovery. So what does the research say about the athletic application of cannabis? And how can amateur and professional athletes safely self-experiment with CBD or THC to soothe their aches and pains? In this e…

The Winter 2023 season of Different Leaf the podcast drops Friday January 13th, and it's all about medical marijuana. Hear from leading medical experts and advocates around the world, like; Colorado nonprofit Realm of Caring on Pediatric cannabis Leading US cannabis doctor and Harvard Medical instructor Dr. Peter Grinspoon, British cannabis nurse S…

The Queer Cannabis Club is the first consortium of cannabis companies led by members of the LGBTQ+ community. Each bonus episode, Different Leaf shines a light on another one of the fascinating queer leaders making waves in the cannabis industry. This episode, host Brit Smith talks to Andrea Brooks, CEO of SAVA, the leading online marketplace for c…

If you're among the millions of couples re-planning a Covid-canceled wedding for 2023, you might also be considering incorporating cannabis into your big day. There are many ways to tastefully involve weed at a wedding, far beyond infused edibles and smoking bars. Think; marijuana bouquets, infused beauty products, and wedding party joint sets. In …

Whether it's a replacement for alcohol or an addition to it, mixing cannabis cocktails at home is a tasty way to cozy-up for the cold winter months. This episode, we learn how to mix our own apothecary-style cannabis-infused cocktails and mocktails with guest mixologist Warren Bobrow. Best known as the Cocktail Whisperer, Warren is a longtime chef …

Thanks to prohibition and a resulting lack of cannabis research, US medical marijuana patients often have to spend buckets of money on self-experimentation to figure out which cannabis products best help their ailments. That's why Otha Smith III developed Tetragram; the app that helps medical marijuana patients identify specific marijuana products …

In honor of Danksgiving finally becoming a real thing (did you see the NYT article?) we're revisiting our interview with cannabis journalist Jackie Bryant to discuss the science of edibles, which she wrote about for Different Leaf magazine in the fall of 2021. Host Brit Smith talks to Jackie about the chemical process behind how digested cannabis w…

The high holiday season is almost here, friends! This means it's time to plan that gift list, and we're here to help. In this episode, host Brit Smith talks to Different Leaf Magazine's merch+more writer John Arvanitis about the best cannabis-related products from 2022 that will truly take your gift-giving skills to the next level. Get ideas for th…

Smoking accessory designers have brought us out of the ages of hand-carved apple pipes and two-liter plastic bottle bongs. Today's marijuana vape and smoking technology is often sleek, high-end, and discreetly delivers consistent doses to the consumer. Designers are even considering how paraphernalia can fit in with our personal style or home décor…

Can kush be kosher? Of course it can! This episode, we're diving into the long and fascinating history of Jews and cannabis with Eddy Portnoy, historian of Jewish culture and the Director of Exhibitions at the New York City YIVO Institute for Jewish Research. Eddy tells host Brit Smith about the religious, ritual and cultural connections between Ju…