#807 - Gino & AJ, from Speedweed

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Gino and AJ's Battle Against Zoning Ordinance D in LA's Medical Marijuana Scene

  • Gino and AJ discuss the evolution of LA's marijuana delivery scene and its challenges.
  • They explain how zoning laws, particularly Ordinance Measure D, adversely affect compliant businesses like LA Speedweed.
  • The duo shares personal stories about legal issues faced, including lengthy reclaim processes for seized cannabis products.
• 00:07:10

  The Historical Missed Opportunities: William Randolph Hearst and the Legalization of Hemp

  • The conversation shifts to the historical context of marijuana legality, highlighting William Randolph Hearst's role in campaign against hemp.
  • The hosts illustrate the practical uses of hemp and its historical significance in American agriculture.
  • They lament the continued illegality of hemp despite its multipurpose benefits, sparking a discussion on public perception around cannabis in contemporary politics.
• 00:10:35

  Sturgill Simpson's CIA Joke and the Nootropic Experiment with Gino

  • Discussion about Sturgill Simpson's humorous response to a fan's CIA assassin accusation.
  • The author narrates their past experience working for Congress and the initial skepticism towards cannabis versus nootropics.
  • Gino advocates for cannabis as a healthier alternative to alcohol for coping with stress.
• 00:19:33

  Universal Basic Income Debate: Insights from Eddie Wong and Switzerland's Attempt

  • Reactions to the idea of universal basic income and its potential to reduce crime and poverty.
  • A skeptical yet open-minded exploration of the implications of giving people financial support.
  • Mention of Switzerland's proposal for universal basic income and its rejection, highlighting challenges in implementing such systems.
• 00:21:37

  Justin Trudeau and Canada's Unique Approach to Cannabis and Comedy Controversies

  • Canada, with a population of only 30 million, is viewed as ahead of the curve, especially in cannabis legislation.
  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government regulates alcohol sales, acting similarly to a 'drug dealer'.
  • A Vancouver comedian was sued and lost $15,000 after being heckled and responding with homophobic insults, raising concerns about heckler accountability.
• 00:27:05

  Mike Ward's Controversial Comedy: The Balancing Act between Art and Offense

  • Comedian Mike Ward faces a lawsuit for a joke about a terminally ill child, highlighting the delicate nature of humor in Canada.
  • Discussion on how comedians like Brian Holtzman blur the lines between performance art and audience perception of hate speech.
  • The debate centers around the right to offend in comedy and the implications of legal actions against performers for their material.
• 00:31:59

  The Litigation Nightmares of Cannabis Entrepreneurs: A Look at Proposition 65

  • Discussion on the impact of litigation stemming from Proposition 65 on cannabis businesses.
  • Narrative about a lawsuit faced by the speaker for labeling compliance, despite allegations being unfounded.
  • Insight into the profit-driven nature of lawsuits targeting cannabis dispensaries and the struggles faced by smaller businesses.
• 00:36:18

  California's Cannabis Taxation and Its Impact on Business Viability

  • Examination of the high taxation levied on cannabis businesses in California and its effect on prices.
  • Critique of labor and prison guard unions influencing strict cannabis regulations that hinder small businesses.
  • Highlight of the disparity between consumer penalty and business penalties, pushing consumers toward the black market.
• 00:42:16

  Joe Rogan Challenges Alcoholic Norms in American Culture

  • Joe Rogan argues that alcohol is more harmful compared to marijuana, emphasizing its societal impact.
  • He shares personal experiences from Italy at age 16, showcasing cultural differences in alcohol consumption.
  • Rogan and his guest discuss the failures of regulations and the role of personal accountability in substance use.
• 00:51:10

  LSD: A Controversial Discussion among Alcoholics Anonymous Founders

  • The conversation reveals that Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, believed LSD could alleviate alcoholism.
  • Research on psychedelics shows growth in clinics exploring their potential for addiction treatment.
  • Rogan speculates on the implications for future addiction therapies, highlighting the shift in perceptions around substances.
• 00:52:09

  Bill Wilson's Secret Psychedelic Journey with LSD and Aldous Huxley

  • Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, experimented with LSD in the 1950s to combat alcoholism.
  • Wilson believed that LSD could lead to insights necessary for overcoming addiction, despite opposition from the AA community.
  • He conducted LSD trials alongside influential figures like Aldous Huxley, raising questions about its potential benefits for alcohol recovery.
• 00:55:25

  The Opposition Against LSD in Alcoholics Anonymous and Its Missed Opportunities

  • Despite Bill Wilson's positive experiences with LSD, the Alcoholics Anonymous fellowship dismissed psychedelic use due to fear and lack of understanding.
  • A document from Alcoholics Anonymous stated that Wilson faced backlash for his experimentation with mind-altering substances.
  • The conversation explores the potential for psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin to revolutionize addiction treatment, drawing parallels with the recent legalization of cannabis research.
• 01:13:47

  Gino's Cannabis Experience and the Shift to Legalization Advocacy

  • Gino's experience with cannabis reveals misconceptions about its effects on function and mood.
  • The conversation addresses the medicinal benefits of cannabis compared to other legal substances like coffee and sugar.
  • Criticism of legal structures that prevent cannabis use, highlighting the absurdity of current laws and the potential for change.
• 01:56:12

  Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, and the Fight for Cannabis Legalization

  • Discussion around Hillary Clinton's potential impact on cannabis laws and skepticism regarding Donald Trump's efforts.
  • Concerns about Chris Christie as a possible attorney general and his contradictory views on sugar and cannabis.
  • The challenges industry faces due to regulations like Proposition D which restrict competition and create financial hardships.
• 01:13:47

  Speedweed's Legal Cannabis Revolution in California: The Fight Against Prohibition

  • Speedweed's legal cultivation in Desert Hot Springs aligns with California's new cannabis laws.
  • Investors have contributed $2 million to create a fully licensed cultivation facility.
  • Despite regulatory hurdles and initial costs, the company's commitment to transparency sets it apart from illegal competitors.
• 02:23:18

  Historical Impact of Marijuana Legislation: Nixon's Strategy against Civil Rights Movements

  • The Nixon administration's war on drugs specifically targeted marijuana to dismantle civil rights organizations.
  • Efforts were made to suppress positive information about cannabis in academic studies.
  • Many positive health benefits of cannabis were found, contradicting earlier negative perceptions propagated by authorities.
• 01:24:00

  The Costly Reality of Medical Cannabis: A Double Lung Transplant Patient's Dilemma

  • A patient with a double lung transplant discusses taking 45 pills a day versus using three edibles.
  • The financial burden of pharmaceutical medications is highlighted, with insurance covering pills but not edibles.
  • Concerns arise about the high dosage of edibles and the impact of cannabis use on the patient's day-to-day experience.
• 01:37:00

  From Disaster to Innovation: The Journey of Crafting Edibles in a Living Room

  • The narrative details a failed cannabis crop due to spider mites, leading to a loss of investment and morale.
  • A creative approach is taken to extract THC from unusable plants, transforming a setback into a new business opportunity.
  • The process of making edibles is explained, showcasing the trial and error involved in developing a successful recipe.
• 01:34:54

  Terrence McKenna's Experimentation with Psychedelics and Marijuana Usage

  • Terrence McKenna's unique method of combining marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms to enhance his experiences.
  • Discussion on the effects of marijuana and its relationship with cancer, based on McKenna's personal experience.
  • Highlighting the importance of cannabis oil in alleviating suffering for terminal cancer patients, like the friend’s father mentioned during the conversation.
• 01:41:47

  Graham Hancock's Revelations on Ancient Civilizations and Critiques of His Work

  • Graham Hancock's theories on ancient civilizations and the enduring criticism he faces for his work.
  • The discovery of structures such as Gobekli Tepe, challenging the narrative of early human development.
  • Hancock's ability to validate his theories through emerging evidence and his personal journey with psychedelic experiences, such as the impact of marijuana.
• 01:13:47

  Graham Hancock's Theories on Ancient Alien Visitations and Lost Technology

  • Graham Hancock argues against the idea of ancient aliens, suggesting instead that humanity has lost sophisticated technology over time.
  • The chapter discusses the possibility of alien spacecraft interacting with humans in the past, supported by advances in modern technology.
  • Randall Carlson, known for his expertise in asteroidal impacts, collaborates with Hancock, highlighting significant historical events that may have influenced human civilization.
• 01:56:12

  The Impending Threat of Natural Disasters and Their Historical Impact

  • The discussion shifts to the possibility of cataclysmic events, such as supervolcano eruptions, and their devastating effects on humanity.
  • Comparisons are made between modern volcanic eruptions and the potential impact of Yellowstone's supervolcano, which could have dire consequences for the region.
  • Hancock emphasizes the loss of historical records and languages due to time, suggesting that significant events may be forgotten or misunderstood by future generations.
• 01:15:47

  The Civilization Cycle: Gobekli Tepe and Its Forgotten Deities

  • Discussion on Gobekli Tepe and theories about its significance regarding past civilization disasters.
  • The concept of civilizations rising and falling approximately every 20,000 years, leading to destruction and the rebuilding of societies.
  • Reference to political actions reminiscent of historical figures like Saddam Hussein and Gaddafi, relating to the destruction of statues and cultural heritage.
• 01:21:31

  The Looming Threat of Solar Flares and Civilization Collapse

  • An exploration of the risks posed by solar flares and electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) that could disrupt modern civilization.
  • Concerns over the loss of historical records and artifacts due to wars and conflicts, particularly referencing the Iraqi Museum's looted treasures.
  • Speculation on the sun’s activity and implications of reducing solar flares, suggesting the cyclical nature of solar power could affect our technological stability.
• 01:13:47

  Gamma Bursts and Marijuana Regulations: The Cosmic Irony Ignored

  • Discussion about gamma bursts in the universe likening them to societal fears and their impact on marijuana regulations.
  • The Teamsters are revealed to be lobbying against marijuana legalization while seeking to control delivery transport.
  • Governor Brown's laws allow marijuana companies to become for-profit, marking a significant shift in the cannabis industry.
• 01:55:00

  Willie Nelson's Arrest and New DUI Testing: The High Stakes of Marijuana Legalization

  • The legal dangers of marijuana possession are highlighted with a reference to Willie Nelson's past arrest.
  • Emergence of new DUI tests for marijuana use raises concerns about their accuracy and legitimacy.
  • A debate surfaces on whether marijuana impacts motor skills compared to alcohol, emphasizing a lack of scientific consensus.
• 01:35:16

  Gino and the Debate Over Cannabis Intoxication: Examining Police Standards

  • Discussion on the subjective nature of intoxication, particularly in relation to cannabis use.
  • Gino's experience highlights the variability in how individuals are affected by marijuana; some can drive well while others cannot.
  • Critique of law enforcement practices related to drug testing and the arbitrary standards for intoxication.
• 01:42:36

  The Shift in Societal Attitudes Towards Marijuana: A Look at Legalization Progress

  • Acknowledgment of changing attitudes towards cannabis, especially concerning its medical benefits.
  • The conversation highlights the gradual acceptance of marijuana legalization across various states.
  • Criticism of political figures like Chris Christie for opposing marijuana reform despite public opinion trending towards legalization.