I deal with chronic pain daily, and I’m pretty sure you or someone you love does too, so I’m here to rant about a thing or two. In the show notes below, you’ll find some helpful reading material from independent journalists exploring cannabis in the current political climate.

We also explore sustainable packaging considerations for both small businesses and consumers in this week’s Sustainability Roll-Up presented by OCB Rolling Papers.

This Potcast Is Covered By MJ Relief

‘After the Show’ Notes

In the world of pain, if it lasts for several months, your shit’s chronic. Which is funny juxtaposed to cannabis where if your shit’s chronic, it likely won't last a week. The National Institute of Health estimates that almost 50 million Americans have significant chronic or severe pain. And like we discussed in Potcast 113 pain is the most common symptom that cannabis is used for, and with good reason.

Politicians are a chronic pain in the ass.

I keep seeing our government planting seeds of doubt to keep this prohibition train rolling.

I’m sure you saw recently that some White House staffers were asked to resign or work remotely after revealing past marijuana use to the current administration. As co-creator of the 1994 Crime Bill that enslaved millions of mostly black and brown Americans, I thought Joe Biden was supposed to make up for his crimes against humanity and the cannabis plant. Apparently not. 

And the even more ironic part is that cannabis and CBD could help slow Joe’s dementia and help him be present for his presidency. And he could use some MJ Relief for those banged-up knees when he takes a spill. 

What’s this About?

Staffers needing a security clearance at the White House are required to fill out a detailed background check questionnaire, which includes questions about what they still call marijuana and other drugs. Applicants are asked to detail the type of drugs or controlled substances they have used and how frequent and recent the use has been. Two sources told CNN it was suggested to some during the presidential transition period that previous marijuana use might not disqualify individuals from serving in the White House. One source said this marijuana policy was not made clear to staffers before filling out their questionnaires. CNN also reported that exemptions will be made available to those individuals who engaged in limited marijuana use in the past year and those who are in positions not requiring security clearances. In order to be granted an exception, staffers must agree to stop using marijuana, agree to a pledge to not use marijuana during government service, and undergo random drug tests. These employees will work remotely until their past usage meets the standards set by the Personnel Security Division. 🙈I’d have to be desperate AF to work under those conditions.

And I’d like to hear how cannabis consumers are dangerous to national security. 🤔

And how is this coming from an administration who on the campaign trail rallied the cannabis community saying that under Biden’s administration, marijuana would be decriminalized and the records of those convicted of using marijuana would be expunged?

Below is a reading rec to assist in your educational journey from WhoWhatWhy.

WhoWhatWhy embodies a form of investigative reporting that is rigorous, relentless, and scientific — they call it forensic journalism.

Forensic journalism requires skepticism towards power and credentialed expertise; a determination to unearth the facts interested parties want to keep hidden; and an unflinching commitment to follow the trail wherever it leads. We are truth-seeking — not quote-seeking.

It is important to understand the larger chess match at play so you can use your voice to wake up your community.

Who is IASP?

The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) works to support research, education, clinical treatment, and better patient outcomes for all pain conditions with the goal of improving pain relief worldwide.

According to their press release, IASP has more than 5,800 members representing 134 countries, 96 national chapters, and 24 Special Interest Groups (SIGs), IASP fosters the exchange of ideas and education to advance the field of pain science. Membership is open to all professionals involved in research, diagnosis, or treatment of pain. Patients with lived experiences contribute at all levels in the organization.

I don’t need the IASP’s approval of cannabis for pain. And I look forward to introducing you to more first-hand accounts of the brilliance of mother nature and the benefits of cannabis for chronic pain and wellness - as a healthy alternative to government-approved opioids.

As a business owner with a media platform, I think it helps to share some of the behind-the-scenes considerations and sacrifices that go into making sustainable choices.

One of my biggest headaches over the past year is packaging. I go on and on about the waste of excessive packaging in our industry, but there are many brands that are keeping it simple like MJ Relief. When you buy a tube of our muscle rub. That’s what you’re going to get.

The tube of MJ Relief won’t come in a fancy box or packaging with extra paper and inserts. And I beat myself up for months even choosing to use a plastic tube. But the unfortunate reality is hemp plastics aren’t affordable yet - and we’ll dive deeper into the why a bit down the road and explore what it’ll take to improve those margins.

But right now sugar cane plastic is another alternative I’ve been exploring… While sugarcane plastic isn’t biodegradable, it is 100 percent recyclable. Sugarcane also absorbs carbon dioxide, one of our biggest pollutants, which makes it far superior to oil-based plastics. And sugarcane is a resilient crop. It can grow in the weakest of pastures and actually helps recover the soil much like hemp. Sugarcane waste - known as bagasse - is also used to generate electricity that powers the ethanol production process of crafting the sugar cane plastic. 

So, where’s all the sugar cane? There are a number of countries in the sugarcane trade but Brazil produces the majority of the world’s sugarcane supply. A strict government framework is in place there to protect biodiversity. The fields where sugarcane is grown, are located between 2000-2500km away from the Amazon Rain Forest. This means that when the farmers burn-off the sugar cane leaves, which absorb the carbon dioxide, there is seemingly no impact on the crucial plant and wildlife within the Amazon.  

But these sugar cane tubes are made in China. Every farm and manufacturer must be vetted to ensure they are not harming the environment or abusing employees. And an oceanic cargo ride from Brazil to China to the U.S. doesn’t sound sustainable either.

And a 10,000 unit minimum isn’t doable for most small businesses like mine. Building sustainability into your business model sounds good in theory but it’s hella pricey when you’re bootstrapping.

What’s the takeaway for the consumer?

As a consumer, when you see a highly responsible brand doing it right by keeping it simple. Or perhaps they’re leading the industry using hemp plastics made in the USA but charging a premium for their product. Consider your power in that moment. Do you support that small business owner? Do you pay a few extra bucks to a company pushing the sustainability envelope, or do you pick up that cheaper alternative again? The decision you’re making is less about saving a few dollars and more about good, common sense.

I’m excited to keep this dialogue rolling with you. And thanks to OCB Rolling Papers for making it possible and setting the example of being one with nature. Unlike most other brands that buy their paper from a third-party, OCB oversees the entire paper-making process ensuring a century of quality straight to your hands.

DISCLAIMER: You must be 21 and older to buy OCB rolling papers and to follow @ocbusa on social.

Roll With Me, a new video series launching on the Casually Baked YouTube channel in April 2021, is a collaboration with OCB Rolling Papers. I’ll get lessons and insights on the craft of rolling while chatting about all things hemp and cannabis culture.

Complete This Form to Roll With Me On An Upcoming Episode

We all know practice makes perfect so I’m engaging my cannabis industry friends to coach me. And if you’ve got some rolling tricks up your sleeve, perhaps you, too, can school me on an episode of Roll With Me.

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Get 4 booklets of OCB and a rolling tray for only $4.99! This bundle is worth 20 bucks and is around for a limited time. But the rolling skills and street cred we’re going to earn together, my friend, makes this bundle priceless as far as I’m concerned. ✌️💚