86. How Cannabis Design Transforms Psychedelic Spaces and Tools

What does it mean to design a high? In this first episode of a two-part series, April Pride sits down with Claire Sausen, the writer behind High Design on Substack, to explore the evolving world of cannabis design. From ashtrays as status symbols to bongs with psychological intent, Claire shares how form, function, and cultural nuance intersect to shape our altered states. Whether you’re navigating sobriety, rethinking your relationship with weed, or obsessed with stylish stoner gear, this episode dives into the future of cannabis rituals—and how women are reclaiming it. Claire also shares her unconventional path from lobbying with NORML to ghostwriting for a global cannabis architecture firm, and eventually launching her own creative practice. It's part memoir, part manifesto—and all about designing with intention.

🔵 Key Takeaways

-Cannabis design is more than aesthetic—it's about intention, function, and emotional resonance.

-Claire’s journey spans NORML, High Times, and a cannabis architecture firm before launching High Design.

-Functional weed products, like covered ashtrays and lighter cases, reveal how deeply behavior shapes design.

-Cannabis design often reflects and reinforces gentrification—especially when it excludes women and people of color.

-There’s a growing need for psychedelic and cannabis tools made with empathy and real-world use in mind.

Learn more about this episode, including guests and resources on substack:https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/how-cannabis-design-shapes-altered-states

Hosted by April Pride

Sign up for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/ or at getsetset.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset

Get full access to SetSet with April Pride at aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe