New Year, New York, with Steve DeAngelo

Steve DeAngelo is the true definition of a cannabis advocate. From the first time he was introduced to the plant in the 1960’s he has dedicated his life’s work to its legalization. From his time as one of Washington, DC’s largest distributors of underground cannabis, through his creation of three iconic cannabis companies in California, to his current role as an educator and advisor, Steve has a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to share.  

As you’ll hear in today’s episode, there are various ways to legalize cannabis, some that can actually do more harm than good. In Steve’s eyes (and now in ours after this conversation with Steve) New York is leading the charge in terms of progressive cannabis legislation, and the rest of the world would do well to take note!

Join us today as we take a trip from the very beginnings of the cannabis-human relationship, which began in Central Asia, all the way through to the present, where this wondrous herb is used for everything from chronic pain to sparking creativity. 

Key points from this episode:

• Why Elana and Codi are such big fans of today’s guest, Steve DeAngelo.
• Steve’s initial motivation for becoming a cannabis activist.
• A brief rundown of what the first 25 years of Steve’s cannabis activism looked like.
• The disillusioning experience which pushed Steve from Washington, DC to California.
• Three companies that Steve founded, each the first of its kind in a certain sector of the cannabis industry.
• What Steve’s current role in the cannabis industry looks like.
• How perceptions around cannabis have changed since Steve became an activist, and the future he sees for the plant.
• Steve explains the progressive law which has put New York at the frontlines of the Cannabis Freedom Movement.
• The problem with the way California has handled cannabis legalization.
• How the corporatization of cannabis impacts those who rely on the plant for medical use.
• Why Steve believes there is no such thing as recreational cannabis. 
• A brief history of the spirituality that has always been associated with cannabis.
• Steve shares a regret that he has from the early days of his cannabis activism.
• An important call to action from Steve.
• The Americans for Safe Access segment: diving into the microbial world.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Steve DeAngelo Website
Last Prisoner Project
Harborside
Steep Hill Laboratory
The Arcview Group
Flow Kana
Americans for Safe Access
Cannigma