“We’re looking at all the layers of the cannabis industry,” echoes the voice of Tammy Pettigrew, aka The Cannabis Cutie, highlighting the depth of “Lasagna Ganja,” the new podcast she’s co-hosting with famed rapper Xzibit. This isn’t just another chat about weed. It’s a journey into the multiple facets, the intricacies and the cultural nuances of an industry on the brink of a renaissance.
Xzibit, known not only for his musical prowess and gracious TV persona but also as a successful cannabis brand operator, sheds light on the origin of this new venture. “The ‘Lasagna Ganja’ podcast is a creation I came up with for the sole purpose of explaining the different layers and complexities of the cannabis industry,” he says, explaining the show is open not to just celebrities, but also “people you’ve never even heard of, people of influence who kind of operate in the shadows,” and inviting anyone who wants to be featured to reach out.
‘Pimp My Pod:’ How X Found The Perfect Ying To His Yang
Aiming to bridge the gap between full-time cannabis consumers and Wall Street professionals, Xzibit sought a partner who could eloquently articulate the nuances of cannabis for the uninitiated. Enter The Cannabis Cutie, an advocate and educator, known for her deep insight into the plant’s history and culture. “She’s a great ying to my yang,” Xzibit says.
Tammy, in turn, reminisces about her history with Xzibit, “I’ve known X for a couple of years… the industry is big, but it’s not super big.” Their natural chemistry and alignment of purpose led to the birth of “Lasagna Ganja.”
“We all have experience and relationships with the plant… cannabis is tied to every subculture in America,” she explains.
Yes, the quirky name of the podcast raised eyebrows, but it’s as layered as the content the co-hosts seek to deliver. Xzibit chuckles, “The fact that it rhymes and it also embodies what we’re trying to practice in the show… it was very fitting. It’s memorable, it stands out.”
Not Your Typical Toke N’ Talk
While many might expect a duo like this to focus primarily on the entertainment side, the team is opting for a more profound path. The podcast aims to explore the business side of weed and the societal impacts and ongoing struggles of the cannabis legalization movement.
“I’ve been on both sides of it,” Xzibit confides. The rapper has seen the evolution from hip-hop culture to the expansive cannabis industry. “I don’t want a podcast where it’s just a bunch of guys sitting around smoking weed, talking sh*t,” he asserts.
The conversation takes a poignant turn when Tammy touches on the painful subject of cannabis-related incarceration. “You can’t be somebody who harmed our communities, put people in jail, and then… profit in this industry,” she declares. The co-host’s collective hope is for non-violent cannabis offenders to be released, a cause that clearly resonates deeply with both.
Puff, Puff, Pass…Port: A World Of Weed
As the dialogue unfolds, Xzibit and Tammy delve into the opportunities within the cannabis industry, especially for minority communities. Tammy presents a candid viewpoint: “Well, you know, on the plant-touching side, I don’t really have a lot of advice just because I’m a little jaded. I’ve seen a lot of companies go down, lose their life savings. So if you don’t have the capital and the resources, I would not consider it.”
However, she emphasizes the vast potential outside the cultivation sphere: “If you are wanting to be in this industry and you do want to make a difference, the non-touching side has so many opportunities. There are people in weed who need help with taxes, with marketing, with interior design for retail. We need research, data; we need everything that you can think of that exists outside in other industries…. we need in this new industry.” With these words, Tammy further underscores the opportunities for black and brown communities. “For black and brown people, that’s always my advice because there’s less red tape and less start-up costs and less barriers to entry,” she voices.
Xzibit reaffirms her stance, highlighting the myriad of opportunities that don’t necessarily involve cultivating the plant.
“There are so many parts that need to happen in order to roll a brand out that don’t have to do with actually growing the plant that… There are plenty of opportunities for black and brown people who don’t have billions of dollars to put into a brand or grow to make it happen, to make it accessible and have representation in this growing industry. If we don’t do that if we don’t get this information out, then we will be again left behind in the industry that we helped create and grow,” he assures.
The global implications of cannabis are also on their radar. As the industry grows in the U.S., it’s simultaneously sprouting roots worldwide. From Asia to Latin America, the cannabis wave is making its mark. “We will address the global impact of cannabis and keep a pulse on what’s happening out there… even though arguably California is the largest cannabis market on the planet it’s still a global issue. It’s still something that’s happening in Spain, in Europe, in Africa. It’s happening in a lot of different places,” he states.
“Because the United States has taken such a different direction over the last 15 years, other countries are following in line. For example, on July 12th of this year, Ghana passed legislation similar to our Hemp bill. So I definitely think that we need to cover the global perspective that way people understand that this movement is not just here,” Tammy adds.
Amidst the broader discussions, there’s palpable excitement around the tangible prospects for “Lasagna Ganja.” Tammy reveals, “We definitely have to have a Lasagna strain and there will be merch.”
Delving deeper into the product aspirations, Xzibit shares, “My focus right now is on my brand, Napalm, on brand expansion. But of course, as we grow ‘Lasagna Ganja’ and garner more attention, fans and supporters, we’re looking to creatively transition the brand into a household name with tangible items.”
Buds And Beyond: Exploring Nature’s Many Remedies
The conversation winds down with a contemplative discussion on psychedelics, a subject the co-hosts are eager to explore. “We’ve already had discussions about psychedelics, and it will be part of the show,” confirms Xzibit. The duo’s commitment is to holistic, natural remedies and the many, many of benefits they offer, no matter their form, name, or format. “We’re not going to get on there and talk about the best coke you can get because we’re not here for that. We’re are for natural, holistic and real topics about cannabis and things that come from natural growth.”
As the dialogue draws to a close, it’s evident that “Lasagna Ganja” isn’t just another podcast. It’s a beacon of hope, a platform for change and a tribute to a plant that’s been both vilified and celebrated.
“I just really hope that this show can be more than just fun and funny. I hope that it absolutely gets the eyes of lawmakers, of people who can make a difference out there in the world in regards to this,” The Cannabis Cutie muses, hopeful for the impact their voices can make.
“And if people are up to date on what actually is happening, it helps them understand what this plant is, that prohibition is there, that there’s still hard work to do. We’re still receiving a lot of propaganda surrounding this plant. And my goal and my hope is that, with ‘Lasagna Ganja,’ if people look back in 10 years, they will remember like, ‘oh, that’s when things really did start to change.’ If I had big, lofty goals with this, that would be it.”
Xzibit leaves us with a parting thought that encapsulates their mission, “The future of cannabis is bright… and there’s going to be some growing pains. But once things level out… this is going to become what it’s supposed to be.”
Tune-In Details
Show Name: Lasagna Ganja.
Frequency: Weekly.
Hosted by: Xzibit and Tammy Pettigrew (The Cannabis Cutie).
Where to Listen:
- Podcast Platforms: Available on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, etc.
- Visual Episodes: Catch the visual episodes on YouTube and Spotify Video.
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