On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, we’re thrilled to host Christina Betancourt Johnson, a trailblazer in the cannabis industry and the founder/CEO of Standard
Wellness Maryland and The Forest. Christina’s company is the first African American and Latina majority-owned, vertically integrated cannabis company in the U.S. and Maryland’s first vertically integrated social equity licensee.
Join us as Christina shares her inspiring entrepreneurial story, the challenges and triumphs of being a minority business owner in the rapidly
evolving cannabis landscape, and how she’s redefining holistic wellness through The Forest dispensary. We’ll also explore her leadership roles on national legislative efforts for cannabis legalization—an especially timely topic in today’s political climate.
Tune in to hear her insights on fostering equity in the cannabis market, the importance of community-first business models, and her advice for
aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the space. Christina’s vision for Standard Wellness and The Forest is more than just about products—it’s about meaningful change, empowerment, and creating opportunities for all.
You won’t want to miss this one. Listen now!
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Design-Forward Cannabis: Lex Corwin’s Vision
Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, Montel chats with Lex Corwin, the inspiring founder and CEO of Stone Road, a queer-led, family-run cannabis brand that’s redefining
what affordable, sustainable cannabis can look like. At just 23, Lex began his mission to create high-quality, design-forward products that resonate with a new generation of smokers.
Tune in as Lex shares his entrepreneurial journey—from managing a small medical cannabis cooperative to expanding Stone Road into over 500 retail
outlets across multiple states. Discover how inclusivity and sustainability play integral roles at Stone Road, hear about the challenges of maintaining product quality across state lines, and get Lex’s take on the future of cannabis consumer trends and sustainable
practices in the industry.
Whether you’re a cannabis connoisseur, a budding entrepreneur, or just curious about the evolving cannabis space, this engaging discussion is packed
with insight, inspiration, and actionable advice.
Don’t miss out—hit play and join the conversation!
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Trailblazing in Cannabis with Jamie L. Pearson
On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, we sit down with one of the most respected leaders in the cannabis industry, Jamie L. Pearson, President of the New Holland Group. Jamie shares her incredible story of transitioning from a successful career in global real estate to leading innovation in the cannabis space.
We explore her time as CEO of Bhang Inc., where she expanded the brand internationally and shattered stigmas surrounding cannabis use, and discuss
her latest venture, the New Holland Group, a global consulting firm focused on elevating cannabis businesses worldwide.
Jamie opens up about her passion for promoting diversity, empowering women in the industry, and creating pathways for global cannabis growth. From
branding expertise to sustainability practices, Jamie’s insights offer an inspiring look into what it takes to thrive in the evolving world of cannabis.
Tune in to learn from Jamie’s unique experiences, her vision for the future of cannabis, and her invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and
industry leaders alike.
Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation with a true trailblazer.
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Exploring the Spiritual Side of Cannabis with Will Johnson
On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, we’re uncovering a unique and profound intersection—cannabis and spirituality. Joining Montel is Will Johnson, the author of
Cannabis in Spiritual Practice: The Ecstasy of Shiva, the Calm of Buddha.
Together, they explore how cannabis has been woven into ancient spiritual practices, from its role in honoring Shiva to the meditative calm it
brings in Buddhist traditions. Will sheds light on how cannabis can deepen spiritual experiences like meditation and spontaneous movement, and the importance of incorporating it mindfully and responsibly into one’s practices.
They also address common misconceptions, the balance between tradition and modern use, and offer practical advice for those curious about integrating
cannabis into their spiritual journeys.
Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or just starting to explore the role of cannabis in enhancing mindfulness, this conversation is rich
with history, insights, and actionable guidance.
Tune in to discover how cannabis can become a tool for personal growth, connection, and embodied spirituality.
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Exploring the Spirit of A Marijuana Man with Steve Kravetz
On this episode of “Let’s Be Blunt with Montel,” we sit down with Steve Kravetz, an award-winning storyteller and author of the captivating historical
novel A Marijuana Man. Steve takes us on a vivid, emotional, and thought-provoking trip through the life of an ambitious cannabis dealer from 1966 to
1983. This book isn’t just a tale about the counter-culture—it’s a powerful reflection of the historical events that shaped the hippie generation and transformed America.
Join Montel and Steve as they explore the intersections of cannabis culture, history, and storytelling, discussing how personal experiences, pivotal
cultural shifts, and a deep love for writing shaped Steve’s work. Discover how A Marijuana Man intertwines fiction and reality to create a narrative that brings the 1960s to life.
This conversation is as much about storytelling as it is about understanding the roots of cannabis culture and its evolution over the decades.
Tune in for an engaging discussion about the lessons of the past and the remaining challenges for the future.
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Breaking Barriers in the Cannabis Industry | Holly Roeder
This episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel dives into an inspiring story of resilience, innovation, and breaking boundaries in the cannabis industry.
Montel talks with Holly Roeder, an extraordinary entrepreneur who has accomplished what many believe to be impossible. Holly is the founder of Illinois’s first on-site cannabis consumption lounge, Luna Lounge, and the newly opened Ash & Ivy Dispensary—both
female-owned and entirely self-funded.
Holly shares how she taught herself technical law to independently secure an IL cannabis infuser license and later pivoted to creating
a groundbreaking consumption lounge. Against all odds, she also won one of the coveted 55 dispensary licenses out of 2,700 applications, building her dispensary from the ground up with the help of a supportive community.
Listen as Holly and Montel discuss entrepreneurship, challenges as a woman in the cannabis sector, and how her inclusive vision is redefining
cannabis culture in underserved areas. If you’re looking for inspiration and insight into the future of cannabis, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.
Tune in now to hear Holly’s remarkable story!
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The Pot Brothers at Law – Know Your Rights
On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, we’re joined by Craig and Marc Wasserman, the dynamic duo behind Pot Brothers at Law, California’s premier cannabis law firm.
Known for their passion, expertise, and undeniable commitment to ending cannabis prohibition, Craig and Marc share invaluable insights into navigating the complexities of cannabis legislation, workplace policies, and interactions with law enforcement.
Learn all about their famous 25-word Script and STFU Method, designed to help you assert your Constitutional rights calmly when dealing with law enforcement.
Together, we discuss state vs. federal cannabis laws, workplace discrimination, emerging hazards in the cannabis industry, and much more.
This episode is packed with crucial advice that every cannabis advocate and user needs to know. Tune in now to stay informed, empowered,
and prepared.
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Opening Doors in Minnesota’s Cannabis Industry with Leili Fatehi
On this episode of “Let’s Be Blunt with Montel,” we’re exploring Minnesota’s budding adult-use cannabis industry with one of its most
influential figures.
Montel is joined by Leili Fatehi, a Partner and Principal at Blunt Strategies and the owner of Crested River Cannabis Company.
Leili played a pivotal role in shaping Minnesota’s cannabis legalization policy, and she’s here to share her expertise on the opportunities and challenges faced by the state as it enters this new frontier. From navigating complex licensing frameworks to addressing social equity and community reinvestment, we discuss what makes Minnesota’s approach unique and its
path forward.
Tune in for an eye-opening conversation on how Minnesota is building its cannabis industry from the ground up and what it means for the
state’s economy, communities, and beyond.
Listen now and stay informed, empowered, and always blunt!
Happy Holidays from Montel and the Team at Lets Be Blunt! 
