Everyone loves a "ceremony that radiates joy," even Ms. Mari Juana - that's what Brandon and Angela learned after they dove into an entry from 1895. While involved in the hustle and bustle of the blessed event, she happened to spot an article in the newspaper that described the 1894 Indian Hemp Commission Report results. (This report remains one of the most comprehensive studies ever done about cannabis!) The findings of the report, which confirmed the notion that cannabis did not lead to criminality, immorality, and societal downfall, brought Mari some comfort, even though the association with opium was upsetting. The NYT article was titled "Opium and Hemp in India."

"We were under the definite impression that the extracts of hemp, in whatever form consumed, were invariably pernicious, the drug, taken in moderation, destroying the nerves and taken in excess, producing homicidal mania. The Ghazees swallow it before their rushes, and so did the Scandinavian Berserkers a thousand years ago. That impression, however, turns out to be an illusion of ignorance."

Angela's phone was noisy during this episode, as she received some mysterious texts. The duo realized that the texts were clues, as they all involved the diary. It hit them like a lightning bolt when they figured out who was behind the messages ...

Stay tuned - Season 3 returns in 2025!

We're always learning some new from Mari and the cannabis professionals interested in exploring her diary!

Do you remember the first time you consumed? Do you remember what you were watching on television? Cannabis professional, music-maker, photographer, branding ace, and all-around fantastic fella Brian Aufdenberg does! He shared a bit about his cannabis journey when he joined Brandon and Angela to explore Mari's diary entry from 1943. The trio learned that the first mention of marijuana in Time Magazine occurred in 1934. It was notably brief mention, simply stating that marijuana was “a drug, long common in Mexico, made from a variety of hemp weed." Nine years later, in 1943, Time Magazine published its first full article. It wasn't a coincidence that the piece, "The Weed" came out after a high profile arrest of a prominent jazz musician. Mari's insight about the feature drew attention to the realities of marijuana usage. She reflected in her writing, noting "Curiously, the power of mental concentration appears to increase rather than diminish...But in spite of the legends, no case of physical, mental or moral degeneration has ever been traced exclusively to marijuana." Thank goodness Vinny and the Captain had a copy of Time (mostly to use for auctioneering practice) so Mari was able to review an article that had some actual truths in it. Be sure to subscribe; new episodes drop on the 4th and 20th of each month. Only 1 more episode left in Season 2, so don't miss out.

About Brian Aufdenberg

Throughout his career, Brian has worked with emerging brands as well as established companies, helping them become iconic mainstays both on a national and international stage. He has built brands in cannabis, apparel, music, and liquor. He enjoys nurturing and bringing out the essence of brands and their products with sales, marketing, brand strategy, and building each brands unique voice. Brian is currently the Associate Director of Field Marketing at Fernway. Also, he's the force behind the Triple Bolt Gazette and makes music as B.M.A. Follow him at on IG at Fernway Brian, BMA_DNB, and Triple Bolt Gazette.

You've got questions...and Angela and Brandon have answers! On this episode, the pair explored questions posed by listeners about Mari and her fascinating diary.

In early 2023, when Angela received an anonymous package containing an old diary with no explanation beyond a note that said "use this as you see fit," there were immediate questions. Who sent it? Why was it sent to Angela? What should be done next? The list went on and on.

Since then, as she and Brandon have learned more about Ms. Mari Juana's extraordinary life, the questions have continued to pile up. Each week, they learn a little bit more about Mari and her experiences. Since Angela and Brandon started sharing Mari's writings with listeners through the podcast, every day, they field inquiries about Mari and her diary.

On this episode, they talk through the questions that others have posed. They cover:

- thoughts on formula in the box.

- Mari's residence and activities.

- descriptions of Mari.

- favorite entries that highlight important cannabis history.

With Mari, there always seem to be more questions than answers, which encourages good cannabis conversation. They've come to realize - that's likely exactly what Mari wanted all along.

One thing is for sure, Mari knew what she was doing when she mailed her diary to Angela. Each episode of "Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari" puts reliable, accurate cannabis information out into the world, which chips away at misinformation and problematic stigma.

Questions or comments about Mari and her diary? Send 'em in and Angela and Brandon will be sure to share their insight.