Episode Summary

In memory of John Sinclair, American poet, writer, and political activist

October 2, 1941 – April 2, 2024

What is medicine? Which state had legal cannabis for 22 days in the 1970s? Is advocacy a default for anyone working in the cannabis industry? These are all questions that the diary entry review crew talked through while reading through Mari's writing from 1972. While exploring topics about what qualifies as medicine, John Sinclair's activism and impact, and what Albert (the guy who doesn't wear socks) had to say about celebrating cannabis advancement, Brandon and Angela talk with Dr. Alan Ao, pharmacist and Founder/Chief Everything Officer at Vigor Dispensary. Mari's account of John's release and his "I wanna smoke some joints, man!" declaration helped them understand more about the pioneer advocates who made it their mission to see cannabis change happen. The best thing about this episode? A surprise guest who knows a thing or two about Chicago, cannabis and the law, and how fear and anger motivate getting involved. Mari reinforced the lesson: advocating for access to cannabis is not for the faint of heart. But it’s worth it.

About Dr. Alan Ao

With 20 years of retail experience and a specialization in various niche areas of alternative medicine, Dr. Ao aims to incorporate traditional community pharmacy practices into the newly developing cannabis industry. He is a champion for utilizing scientific evidence-based education paired with a holistic approach to provide the best quality care to medical patients and adult-use consumers alike. Using a community-based focus coupled with his operational expertise, his goal is to bring cannabinoid-based therapy into mainstream conversation as a standard of medical care. Dr. Ao is in the process of opening Vigor Dispensary in Matawan, New Jersey.