Why Weed + Grub's Co-Hosts Are Seriously Joyful About Cannabis

Cannabis culture writer Mary Jane Gibson (yes, that's her real name) and Emmy-nominated comedian Mike Glazer are the co-hosts of Weed + Grub, a podcast where they smoke, snack and swap tales about cannabis, comedy and culture. 

Their guests have included Jim Belushi, Ron Funches, Laganja Estranja, Portugal.The Man's Kyle O'Quin, trans activist Buck Angel, and CEOs of cannabis companies shaping the space. 

Mary Jane and Mike will also be hosting the Clio Cannabis Awards from 1-3 p.m. ET on Thursday, Dec. 17, as part of the Emerge Virtual Cannabis Conference. (Register here.) The award show will include a winners' roundtable, and we'll also be recognizing our inaugural honorees, Snoop Dogg (Lifetime Achievement) and Last Prisoner Project (Impact). 

Also, check out our other Clio Cannabis events during Emerge—we'll be moderating a Future of Cannabis Marketing panel on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. ET, and we have a fireside chat with Berner and Run The Jewels, talking about music and cannabis partnerships, on Wednesday at 2:45 p.m. ET.

We spoke with Mary Jane and Mike for our Higher Calling series, where we chat with leaders in the cannabis space.

Mike and Mary Jane, tell us...

Your current role in the cannabis industry, and where you're based.

M + MJ: We are creative partners and co-hosts of Weed + Grub. Mary Jane writes about cannabis culture for Rolling Stone and other outlets. Mike was named one of the 40 Under 40 Rising Stars of Cannabis this year [by Marijuana Venture], and writes and performs comedy for places like Comedy Central, Food Network and HBO. Together we create cannabis content that is fun and authentic while sneaking in some education and activism.

Your earliest cannabis memory.

Mike: Eating a whole package of Nutter Butters at my friend Joel's house. 

MJ: I was 14, the youngest member of the Newfoundland women's water polo team. We were at the Canadian National Championships, and my teammates sparked up a joint in the hotel room. They didn't offer me any, but I remember the smell, the warm and happy feeling I had just to be there with these older girls I admired, having a wonderful time.

A story about the positive impact cannabis has had on your life.

MJ: It's brought me joy in every area. Cannabis has unlocked my creativity, introduced me to some of my dearest friends, and healed me. Plus, it inspired our podcast and partnership!

Mike: Weed helps me be a better me. When I was a roly-poly kid swimming with my shirt on, weed helped me love myself and have the courage to hit the pool showing some skin.

A favorite flower, edible, product or brand.

M+MJ: Our favorite strains at the moment: Vanilla Frosting and Fatso. We love Union Electric as a company—they bring premium flower from California's growers straight to your door at great prices. And Satori has the best infused bites. We've developed some delicious recipes with them!

The biggest challenge cannabis marketers face today.

M+MJ: Access to traditional marketing tools like Facebook and TV spots. It is infuriating that alcohol and tobacco companies are allowed to buy ads, while cannabis companies are constantly in fear of losing their social media profiles because someone flagged a post. 

One thing you're excited about right now in cannabis branding, partnerships or marketing.

MJ: The inventiveness forced upon the industry to find exciting ways to get the word out about their products. We've found success partnering with companies that like our comedic vibe. We're serious about weed, but weed shouldn't be serious.

Mike: I'll answer this once it's federally legal, and people are released from prison (wish I would've read MJ's answer about not being serious before writing this).

A recent project you're proud of.

M+MJ: We finished a TV pilot that's getting some awesome recognition in the entertainment industry, and everyone we've met with is excited by our love of the plant.

Someone else's project you admired recently.

M+MJ: Puffco's ideas and branding are incredible. You can feel Roger's love of culture, and the Peak Pro is a testament to that. Also, the mushroom growing class from DoubleBlind is fantastic, fun and informative.

Someone you admire in cannabis who's doing great things, and why.

M+MJ: Al Harrington reinvesting into the community and empowering minority ownership. His company Viola partnered with the nonprofit Root & Rebound on an initiative to increase social equity in the cannabis industry.

A movie, TV show, music or food you most enjoy pairing with cannabis.

MJ: All of them. One of the greatest evenings I've ever had was being high and watching Brian Wilson perform Pet Sounds at the Hollywood Bowl while eating chicken wings and cold grapes.

Mike: Dancing to DJ Snake holding a BLT in one hand and a Perrier sparkling water in the other with a joint in my mouth and another tucked behind my ear.

What you'd be doing if you weren't in the cannabis industry?

MJ: My career as an actor has dovetailed with cannabis in a really cool way since I met Mike and we started making things, so I can't imagine doing anything else, but my other favorite job was working as a deckhand on a salmon boat in Alaska.

Mike: Why wouldn't I want to be in cannabis? Everyone is welcome here.