Puff Puff Press Podcast

We're asking the important questions...2:00 -- Why does dispensary weed suck so much right now? And how would a national market help?7:30 -- Hawaii's cannabis culture sounds cool -- is it worth a weedy vacay?11:00 -- Will our kinda 'green' ever be a staple for St. Patrick's Day?17:00 -- A preview of the cannabis events we'll be at this year, including Hall of Flowers Ventura, NECANN Boston, ICBC Berlin, CA Leaf Bowl San Fran, and a slew of events in NYC.Follow the show on social media: @puffpuffpresspodCheck out our website: www.puffpuffpresspodcast.comEmail us: puffpuffpresspodcast@gmail.comFind us on social media:@rachellethewriter@jacqbry@britthebritish@hollandbuds@saramitrapayan

Who's repealing and who's legalizing legal weed right now? And why does SAM have everything to do with it?!2:20 -- Anti-weed advocates are trying to repeal cannabis laws in Massachusetts, Maine, and Arizona. Why? Like who hurt you so much? *cough*Safe Approaches to Marijuana*cough*8:30 -- Meanwhile, some states are closing in on legalization, like Pennsylvania, New Hamshire, Hawaii and Tennessee (sorry Florida, so close!)12:45 -- According to the LA Times there's a vaping crisis in LA high schools. Ah, those hazy hallways!17:30 -- And major hater alert -- why do politicians want to take away home grow so badly?Follow the show on social media: @puffpuffpresspodCheck out our website: www.puffpuffpresspodcast.comEmail us: puffpuffpresspodcast@gmail.comFind us on social media:@rachellethewriter@jacqbry@britthebritish@hollandbuds@saramitrapayan

Let grandma know there could soon be CBD for seniors on Medicare! 1:00 -- We discuss the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' pilot program, set to launch as early as April 2026, that would allow some seniors to receive coverage for physician-recommended federally-compliant CBD products.6:00 -- What the Stanley Brothers and the White House have to say about it14:00 -- Rates and reasons for consumption among seniors17:00 -- We get into the New York Times' editorial board opinion that the nation has gone too far with legalization without sufficient regulation.Follow the show on social media: @puffpuffpresspodCheck out our website: www.puffpuffpresspodcast.comEmail us: puffpuffpresspodcast@gmail.comFind us on social media:@rachellethewriter@jacqbry@britthebritish@hollandbuds@saramitrapayan

Let's get controversial! This week:3:50 -- Can weed smokers still get guns? Is that even the queation we should be asking? Former High Times Editor-in-Chief Ellen Holland leads a discussion on gun rights for cannabis consumers and whether the issue is being used to either let more guns into the country or to fight against weed reform.23:30 -- Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (or scromiting as it's affectionately known) is a real sickness induced by heavy weed consumption. But we don't fully understand it just yet. Greenstate editor Rachelle Gordon covers the latest reporting on whether CHS could be due to genetics, pathogens, or overconsumption.Follow the show on social media: @puffpuffpresspodCheck out our website: www.puffpuffpresspodcast.comEmail us: puffpuffpresspodcast@gmail.comFind us on social media:@rachellethewriter@jacqbry@britthebritish@hollandbuds@saramitrapayan

Times are tough, and winter is long... so this episode we're covering how weed helps us feel productive at home, and we're spreading the love for those doing good:1:00 -- In the depths of winter it can be hard to keep the house clean. We discuss the weed that helps us do the chores. All praise Jack Herer!11:00 -- Cautionary tales of shoveling snow while high.14:45 -- Ahead of Valentine's Day, we spread the love by shouting out those doing good things in the cannabis industry. There are plenty of people and companies to give our flowers to in the world of weed! We'll be back 2/26/26Follow the show on social media: @puffpuffpresspodCheck out our website: www.puffpuffpresspodcast.comEmail us: puffpuffpresspodcast@gmail.comFind us on social media:@rachellethewriter@jacqbry@britthebritish@hollandbuds@saramitrapayan

We're getting into CBD availability since the federal un-hemping, what bills have been filed for the hemp industry so far this year, and we're shouting out the cannabis media companies we love.1:00 Checking in amid high tensions in the news, we chat about ways to support Minneapolis.7:30 Where's the CBD at tho? We discuss local CBD bans and accesibility since the government walked back its 2018 semi-legalization of hemp.12:30 Speaking of, we talk about two bills that House Reps have filed to try and save the hemp industry from this limbo phase.17:30 A discussion of dosage limits and what legislation is proposing for drinks and edibles.23:30 FInally, we shout out some of the best cannabis media companies, writers, jorunalists, and bloggers you should check out if you want other trusted sources for your weed news.Follow the show on social media: @puffpuffpresspodCheck out our website: www.puffpuffpresspodcast.comEmail us: puffpuffpresspodcast@gmail.comFind us on social media:@rachellethewriter@jacqbry@britthebritish@hollandbuds@saramitrapayan

The world's got a lot going on, so this episode we're winding down with a roundtable chitchat about dry herb vapes, how to make your stash last, and tips for using cannabis to help anxiety.1:00 -- Dry herb vaping: we talk innovation, our favorite devices, and how it stacks up to smoking.16:00 -- We're being mindful with our stash this year. We cover where we get our weed, why we're always lowkey in scarcity mode, and how we make the stash last longer (AVB anyone?)27:00 -- Treating anixety with marijuana can be a delicate balancing act. We discuss methods of consuming with anxiety, how we like to get calm with cannabis, and the best ways to use weed that won't worsen anxiety issues.Follow the show on social media: @puffpuffpresspodCheck out our website: www.puffpuffpresspodcast.comEmail us: puffpuffpresspodcast@gmail.comFind us on social media:@rachellethewriter@jacqbry@britthebritish@hollandbuds@saramitrapayan

New year, new PR plan!This episode: how cannabis profesionals can successfully get coverage across all types of media.Longtime weed writer and SDSU Journalism professor Jackie Bryant walks us through how to best pitch to both cannabis journalists and mainstream outlets -- including where to pitch, how to approach your story, and what not to do.Greenstate editor Rachelle Gordon discusses how to become a journalist's go-to source for quotes, and how to consider changing your pitch for different media channels.Podcaster Sara Payan talks about how companies can evolve from canned press releases to authentic media interactions.And former editor-in-chief of CannabisNow and High Times Magazine Ellen Holland covers the best ways for photographers to get their images into the right hands for online and print coverage. Follow the show on social media: @puffpuffpresspodCheck out our website: www.puffpuffpresspodcast.comEmail us: puffpuffpresspodcast@gmail.comFind us on social media:@rachellethewriter@jacqbry@britthebritish@hollandbuds@saramitrapayan

1:00 -- We discuss our experiences at the 2025 MJ BizCon event in Las Vegas -- where Sara won Content Creator of the year and Rachelle won Journalist of the year! We cover what went down at the convention, the after parties, how it compares to other cannabis conventions, and who's sending weed seeds into space?!25:00 -- Rumors have been swirling (again) that the president may sign an executive order to reschedule weed. We delve into the implications of potential cannabis rescheduling, how stock markets have been reacting, how rescheduling would likely benefit larger businesses over consumers, and how it may all just be a big political distraction.38:40 -- We cover the NorCal Women in Cannabis events, how women are fostering weedcentric community-building gatherings, the 12 Jays of Christmas, and the importance of personal connections in the industry.45:00 -- It's 60 years of the Grateful Dead! We discuss The Chambers Project Gallery in Grass Valley -- a NorCal event that celebrated the intersection of psychedelic art and cannabis culture, how men fit into celebrating the Grateful Dead's enduring influence, Phish vs. the Dead, and the growing recognition of psychedelic art in the cannabis community.See you all in the new year!Follow the show on social media: @puffpuffpresspodCheck out our website: www.puffpuffpresspodcast.comEmail us: puffpuffpresspodcast@gmail.comFind us on social media:@rachellethewriter@jacqbry@britthebritish@hollandbuds@saramitrapayan

Don't panic - there may be some positives to the federal hemp ban signed into law last week. This episode:1:00 -- Special guest MaryJane Gibson just wrote the new Rolling Stone article on the government shutting down the hemp industry. She discusses why big hemp players are not freaking out (and may even be happy with the ban,) what consumers may experience, and how businesses are responding.14:50 -- Rachelle Gordon discusses the Minnesota market as a model for a new drink culture that sits THC and beer side by side,20:00 -- Why has Republicans' support for cannabis and hemp fallen in the last year? And Mitch McConnell's getting big donations from the alcohol industry.29:00 -- How the topic of hemp fit in to the Ignite It conference (formerly Benzinga) in DC last week.34:30 -- Brit Smith covers state-level changes coming to Virginia and Massachusetts after recent elections.37:50 -- Sara Payan discusses the rise of seniors using cannabis, and how Gen X women are being loud about their weed use for perimenopause and menopause.Follow the show on social media: @puffpuffpresspodCheck out our website: www.puffpuffpresspodcast.comEmail us: puffpuffpresspodcast@gmail.comFind us on social media:@rachellethewriter@jacqbry@britthebritish@hollandbuds@saramitrapayan

The federal government has passed a funding package to end the shutdown that will also end the hemp industry as we know it. This week:1:00 -- It's official; the sales of hemp-derived cannabinoids like Delta-8, THCA, CBD and more will be coming to an end in one year. Journalists Brit Smith and Rachelle Gordon discuss the government's agreement, which includes an amendment to the 2018 Farm Bill that pulls the plug on a flourishing $28billion hemp industry. They cover the origins of it all, (ahem Mitch McConnell), which lobbyists may have pushed for the amendment to undo hemp sales, and the future of hemp in the U.S.16:10 -- Ellen Holland asks the group what it's like to be known as 'the weed person' in their world, including how it impacts being a journalist, educator, and mother.Follow the show on social media: @puffpuffpresspodCheck out our website: www.puffpuffpresspodcast.comEmail us: puffpuffpresspodcast@gmail.comFind us on social media:@rachellethewriter@jacqbry@britthebritish@hollandbuds@saramitrapayan

1:00 -- Massachusetts and Maine voters are being asked to support attempts to repeal adult-use cannabis. Rachelle Gordon walks us through the reasons for wanting to repeal legalization laws, and likelihood of renewed prohibition in New England.15:00 -- The Head of California's Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) Nicole Elliot is stepping down from her role. Sara Payan discusses why Elliot is bowing out and who could replace her in the post.On the show this week:Greenstate editor Rachelle GordonCalifornia Leaf editor Jacqui BryantFormer High Times Editor in Chief and author Ellen HollandPodcaster and Vice Chair of the CA cannabis advisory board Sara PayanFollow the show on social media: @puffpuffpresspodCheck out our website: www.puffpuffpresspodcast.comEmail us: puffpuffpresspodcast@gmail.comFind us on social media:@rachellethewriter@jacqbry@britthebritish@hollandbuds@saramitrapayan

The gang's back together! Your five favorite weed journos reunite in this supersize episode to share summer experiences, from the Humboldt Pheno Hunt to the cannabis market in New York and Minnesota to adventures in Iceland and Cape Cod.3:00 -- Jacqui Bryant (of CannaBitch) discusses her new job teaching the next generation of pot journalists at SDSU, and recaps her time exploring the top pot farms in Eureka, CA.13:40 -- Ellen Holland (former High Times EIC) discusses her travels pheno-hunting in Humboldt and experiencing weed-laden fog machines and whipped cream in Nevada City.21:40 -- Sara Payan (of The Planted Podcast) covers her time at MJ Unpacked, Iceland's Hemp for the Future Conference, and Copenhagen's weed scene.36:30 -- Rachelle Gordon (of Greenstate) reviews her experience at New York City's Revelry and Hall of Flowers events, and covers the news of Minesotta's tribal cannabis companies.46:00 -- Brit Smith (of DIfferent Leaf) talks about her summer trip to Provincetown, Cape Cod MA gifting flower to jazz musicians, and upcoming trips to Texas and London.Follow the show on social media: @puffpuffpresspodCheck out our website: www.puffpuffpresspodcast.comEmail us: puffpuffpresspodcast@gmail.comFind us on social media:@rachellethewriter@jacqbry@britthebritish@hollandbuds@saramitrapayan

A deep dive this week on what makes 'good' cannabis with journalists Ellen Holland, Rachelle Gordan, and Brit Smith.00:30 -- What is 'top shelf'? And can we make objective criteria to judge flower? (Including Ed Rosenthal and Caleb Chen's solid judging advice)5:00 -- The nose knows, squeezing for the cure, experienced effects, and environmental impacts13:00 -- The worst buds we've had, too much THC, and are strains over?18:00 -- The most popular bud in America, and can anything overtake the Z-terps?22:00 -- Our predicitons for the future of best-selling marijuana; will fruity bud always reign supreme or could garlic and gas make a comeback?

1:00 -- The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has a new boss, and he doesn't seem too keen on rescheduling a dang thing. Brit Smith, Ellen Holland and Rachelle Gordon discuss the likelihood of cannabis being rescheduled at the federal level, and ask why wouldn't Trump want to distract us all with some legal adult-use weed?!8:15 -- Things aren't looking much better at the state level; Texas is going back and forth on potential THC bans, while NYC has ordered over 150 dispensaries to move over... just a couple of feet!11:45 -- Do we really write high and edit sober? As 3 longtime cannabis journalists, we dive into our individual writing processes from the weed news outlets, magazines, and books we've been fortunate enough to pen.Follow the show on social media: @puffpuffpresspodCheck out our website: www.puffpuffpresspodcast.comEmail us: puffpuffpresspodcast@gmail.comFind us on social media:@rachellethewriter@jacqbry@britthebritish@hollandbuds@saramitrapayan

Phew! What a week! On our first mini episode:1:00 - Amid ongoing ICE raids, Ellen asks whether legal weed could be the key to police reform.5:30 - We get a little review of SF's hash week, and ask why aren't we playing more stoned mini golf?!7:00 - And a quick check in on what we're all doing for our mental health as the tough times keep rolling in.Take good care of yourselves, and each other :) We'll be back next week in full force.Follow the show on social media: @puffpuffpresspodCheck out our website: www.puffpuffpresspodcast.comEmail us: puffpuffpresspodcast@gmail.comFind us on social media:@rachellethewriter@jacqbry@britthebritish@hollandbuds@saramitrapayan

1:00 -- Immigration raids turned violent last week at two massive California marijuana farms, which lead to the tragic death of longtime cannabis community member Jaime Alanís.Jackie Bryant discusses the shocking reports of the Glasshouse Farms ICE raids (where the CEO is former law enforcement,) and what it could signal about the state of federal legalization efforts. (Donate to Jaime's GoFundMe here)19:30 -- The California State Fair hosted the state's cannabis awards last weekend, and our very own Rachelle Gordon was the hostess with the mostess!We discuss the big winners of the Golden Bear awards, honoring legend Jack Herer, how the state fair welcomed the cannabis community, and how folks beat the heat with terp-infused slushies.Follow the show on social media: @puffpuffpresspodCheck out our website: www.puffpuffpresspodcast.comEmail us: puffpuffpresspodcast@gmail.comFind us on social media:@rachellethewriter@jacqbry@britthebritish@hollandbuds@saramitrapayan

This episode we dive into:1:00 -- Big alcohol companies are reporting dropping sales, in part due to the growing popularity of legal pot. Rachelle Gordon asks; are THC drinks taking over? And will big alcohol eventually own the marijuana drink market?14:30 -- When it coems to social consumption spaces, Ellen Holland wonders; can alcohol and weed drinks coexist in liquor stores and bars like we see in the south and midwest? And do vineyards have any plans to start growing a danker crop?19:45 -- Sometimes, we gotta take a smoke break. A long one. Brit Smith gets into her experience using cannabis to quit harder drugs, and discusses her latest attempt to quit weed as she starts IVF.Follow the show on social media: @puffpuffpresspodCheck out our website: www.puffpuffpresspodcast.comEmail us: puffpuffpresspodcast@gmail.comFind us on social media:@rachellethewriter@jacqbry@britthebritish@hollandbuds@saramitrapayan

This week:1:00 -- Is designer weed and the obsession with THC in the legal market incentivizing reduced biodiversity in the plant, causing a ‘Bottlenecking Of Cannabis Genetics'? A new study found that while humans have selectively bred cannabis for thousands of years, breeders in the “post-prohibition” era are optimizing plants for a handful of desirable traits... which sounds great for us now, but is it putting barriers up for future products? Are we getting too into individual cannabinoids?22:00 - Allowing and banning certain cannabinoids from hemp isn't going well. States like CA and TX are trying to reform the so-called hemp loopholes from the 2018 Farm Bill, because isolated cannabinoids (that have been legally sold for 7 years) are now scaring politicians, like CBD and THCA. Should hemp and cannabis be on the same side politically? Should hemp be available at dispensaries, or more open places like farmers markets? And what will states do when it comes to restricting access to these hemp products?28:30 - It's been a stressful first half of the 2025 -- making it the perfect time to reflect on what we're doing for our mental health, and how weed plays into it. We talk about smoking and walking in nature, exploring historical buildings, celebrating Pride in the streets, listening to music, high karaoke, yoga, using CBD lotion, and meditating outside.Follow the show on social media: @puffpuffpresspodCheck out our website: www.puffpuffpresspodcast.comEmail us: puffpuffpresspodcast@gmail.comFind us on social media:@rachellethewriter@jacqbry@britthebritish@hollandbuds@saramitrapayan

This episode, we discuss:1:00 -- Judging cannabis competitions is never easy work, but somebody's gotta do it. Ellen, Jackie, Brit and Sara discuss what cups and categories they're judging this year, what they look for in an entry, and Ellen has a top judging tip from growing mentor Ed Rosenthal.18:00 -- Looks like Kacey Musgraves has officially picked back up her gravity bong! Celebrity stoners often sway public opinion on weed. Jackie Bryant leads a conversation about how country singer Kacey Musgraves has gone from bedside gravity bongs to self-stigmatizing lyrics to announcing total abstinence and back again, and why celeb consumption matters for the progress of the culture.34:00 -- And growing season is upon us! A quick check-in on who's growing their own plants at home this year, and how dedicated they're aiming to be. Or not. Whatever.Follow the show on social media: @puffpuffpresspodCheck out our website: www.puffpuffpresspodcast.comEmail us: puffpuffpresspodcast@gmail.comFind us on social media:@rachellethewriter@jacqbry@britthebritish@hollandbuds@saramitrapayan