#53 - S6:E9 - Jackie Bryant: From Cannabitch to Writing Cannabis Culture Into the Mainstream

Journalist, editor, educator, and Cannabitch creator Jackie Bryant joins Women in CannaBusiness to share how she went from selling w**d in college to becoming a leading voice in c*nnabis journalism. Jackie traces her path from personal involvement with the plant to reporting on the business, policy, history, and culture surrounding it. She shares some of the most memorable stories she has investigated, including the social and marketing history behind “Danksgiving,” unusual research involving lobsters and THC, and the cultural moments that reveal much bigger stories about the industry. We also explore how Jackie finds and pitches story ideas, the responsibility journalists carry when shaping public perception and policy, and why curiosity, ethics, and clear boundaries are essential for meaningful reporting. Now a content director and editor for Leaf Magazines, a journalism lecturer at San Diego State University, and the writer behind the award-winning Cannabitch newsletter, Jackie offers honest advice for aspiring journalists and anyone hoping to enter the evolving c*nnabis industry. Her reminder: understand your values, stay curious, and know that even when the industry feels uncertain, the world is not collapsing. You’re going to be okay. Key Topics Jackie’s journey from selling w**d in college to becoming a c*nnabis journalist The social and historical origins of c*nnabis terminology Memorable investigative stories about c*nnabis, culture, and unusual research How journalists find stories and successfully pitch their ideas Journalism’s role in shaping policy, culture, and public perception The importance of curiosity, ethics, values, and professional boundaries Advice for aspiring journalists and people entering the industry The challenges and opportunities within today’s evolving c*nnabis market Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Jackie Bryant 00:19 – Jackie’s early involvement with cnnabis 01:06 – Transitioning from personal use to professional journalism 02:06 – Jackie’s most memorable stories and investigative work 04:32 – The social history of “Danksgiving” and cnnabis culture 07:42 – The lobster THC experiment and animal cnnabis research 10:07 – How Jackie finds stories and pitches new ideas 12:28 – Curiosity, ethics, and responsibility in journalism 13:23 – Teaching the next generation of journalists 14:16 – Cnnabis as a cultural and political issue 16:21 – Advice for aspiring c*nnabis journalists 18:41 – The realities and challenges of the industry 19:43 – Jackie’s message to young industry professionals 21:27 – Where to connect with Jackie Connect With Jackie Cannabitch on Substack: https://cannabitch.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelineannebryant/ Website: https://www.jackiebryantwriting.com/ Jackie’s official website lists her current work, Cannabitch, and the @jacqbry social handle.