This week on Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, we go deep into the science behind the plant with one of the leading voices in cannabis genetics.

Montel sits down with Dr. Anna Schwabe — cannabis geneticist, researcher, educator, and Chief Science Officer at True Cut — for a conversation that challenges some of the biggest myths in today’s marketplace. From misleading strain names to inflated THC numbers, Dr. Schwabe explains why much of what consumers think they know about cannabis may not be grounded in science.

They unpack the reality of genetic inconsistency in commercial flower, the limits of labeling, and why aroma, environment, and cultivation practices can dramatically change how a plant expresses itself. The discussion also dives into THC inflation, lab shopping, and the industry’s obsession with potency over true quality — and what that means for safety, transparency, and trust.

Dr. Schwabe also breaks down the risks surrounding unregulated intoxicating hemp products, synthetic cannabinoid conversions, and the urgent need for standards that protect consumers. Along the way, she shares insights from her academic work, her role in advancing genetic traceability, and her mission to bring evidence-based cannabis education into the mainstream.

This episode is a masterclass in cannabis science — and a reminder that the future of the industry depends on honesty, data, and respect for the complexity of the plant.

If you care about consumer safety, accurate labeling, or simply want to understand what’s really inside the jar, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

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This week on Let’s Be Blunt, Montel sits down with Larry Sharpe, Libertarian candidate for Governor of New York, for a candid conversation about why legalization alone isn’t enough—and how broken implementation can hurt the very people reform was meant to help.

Larry shares his perspective on New York’s troubled cannabis rollout, the barriers facing small businesses and legacy operators, and why overregulation is pushing entrepreneurs out of a market that was supposed to create opportunity. Together, Montel and Larry dig into the lingering effects of prohibition, the slow pace of expungement, and the economic potential New York is leaving on the table.

This episode isn’t about party politics—it’s about personal freedom, fairness, and whether government policies actually deliver on their promises. Larry outlines his vision for a system that empowers communities, supports responsible entrepreneurship, and treats cannabis like the legitimate industry it is.

If you care about smart reform, economic growth, and the future of legalization in America, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

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This week on Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, Montel sits down with one of the true pioneers of the modern legalization movement — activist, entrepreneur, and Harborside co-founder Steve DeAngelo — for a conversation that goes beyond policy and straight to the heart of justice.

Legalization has spread across the country, yet arrests continue. Communities are still paying the price. And the plant that launched a grassroots civil rights movement is increasingly being absorbed into a corporate system that often leaves behind the very people who fought to make change possible. Steve has spent decades on the front lines of that struggle, advocating when it was risky, unpopular, and deeply personal.

In this episode, Steve reflects on what first pulled him into activism, the sacrifices that came with taking a stand, and the moment he realized this fight would define his life’s work. Montel and Steve explore why legalization alone isn’t liberation, who the current system benefits — and who it excludes — and how the original spirit of the movement became diluted along the way.

The conversation also dives into Steve’s newest initiative, the One Plant Alliance, built around a simple but powerful belief: no one should be punished for a plant. Together, they unpack why home cultivation matters, why justice keeps getting sidelined in legalization debates, and how patients, veterans, parents, and everyday citizens can take meaningful action right now.

This episode is about freedom, fairness, and the unfinished work of reform. It’s a reminder that real progress demands more than laws on paper — it requires people willing to stay engaged and keep asking not just what’s legal, but what’s right.

If you care about justice, personal liberty, and the future of the movement, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

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Award-winning filmmakers Mark Schulze and Patty Mooney join Montel for an unforgettable conversation about storytelling, stigma, and the global journey of cannabis.

With more than four decades of documentary filmmaking behind them, Mark and Patty have captured everything from extreme adventure to deeply human social issues. Their latest project, NECTARBALL: The Story of Cannabis, is a sweeping, award-winning film that explores the plant’s history, culture, healing potential, and the real people whose lives have been transformed by it — veterans, medical patients, advocates, and pioneers pushing for safe access and justice.

In this episode, Montel and his guests discuss what inspired them to tackle one of the most misunderstood subjects in modern history, the emotional interviews that shaped the film, and the concept of creating a “high quality life” through plant-based wellness. They unpack how education dismantles stigma, how documentary filmmaking can influence policy and perception, and why cannabis remains one of the most important social and medical conversations of our time.

This episode isn’t just about a film — it’s about truth, healing, and the power of storytelling to change how we see a plant, a movement, and each other.

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This week on Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, Montel sits down with pioneering cannabis activist and author Owen Smith for a powerful, firsthand look at one of the most consequential legal battles in global cannabis history.

Owen’s journey began behind the scenes at the Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club, where his work producing cannabis edibles for medical patients led to his arrest in 2009—and ultimately to a constitutional challenge that reached the Supreme Court of Canada. That case would forever change the law, resulting in the legalization of cannabis extracts nationwide.

Now, nearly 30 years into his advocacy work, Owen joins Montel to discuss his new book, Legalizing Cannabis Extracts, an in-depth, fully illustrated account of the people, science, and legal strategy behind the landmark ruling. Together, they explore the personal cost of activism, the role of patient testimony and scientific evidence in the courtroom, and what legalization has—and hasn’t—delivered for medical cannabis patients today.

This conversation goes beyond policy headlines to examine grassroots advocacy, the ongoing challenges facing patients, and the lessons cannabis reform offers other emerging movements. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in cannabis history, patient rights, or how determined individuals can reshape the law.

Stay informed, stay inspired—and stay blunt.

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This week on Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, Montel sits down with one of the true architects of modern cannabis reform: Senator Connie Johnson.

A fourth-generation Oklahoman and trailblazing policymaker, Senator Johnson has spent more than 40 years in public service breaking barriers and driving change. She made history as the first African American woman nominated to the U.S. Senate from Oklahoma and has been a relentless champion for criminal justice reform, reproductive rights, government transparency, and expanded civic participation.

Long before cannabis reform was politically safe, Senator Johnson authored Oklahoma’s first medical cannabis legislation in 2007—work that laid the groundwork for the voter-approved program that helped make Oklahoma one of the most robust medical cannabis markets in the country. In this powerful conversation, she and Montel Williams explore the evolution of cannabis policy, the intersection of legalization and criminal justice reform, and what today’s proposed hemp regulations could mean for patients, veterans, and the industry at large.

They also dive into her advocacy for veterans reentering society, the role of education in shaping the future of cannabis, and her broader vision for equity, justice, and people-powered government.

This is a must-listen episode about courage, foresight, and what it really takes to create lasting policy change.

Policy & Reform

#PolicyReform  #SmartRegulation #PublicPolicy #HealthPolicy #StateReform #FederalPolicy

#EvidenceBasedPolicy #Justice & Equity #JusticeReform #EquityInAction #CivilRights

#SocialJustice #EndTheStigma #PeoplePowered

Veterans & Health

#VeteransAdvocacy #VeteransHealth #WholePersonCare #PatientAccess #HealingJourneys

#QualityOfLife

Leadership & Advocacy

#WomenInLeadership #BlackLeadership #Trailblazer #Changemakers #BoldLeadership

#VoicesForChange

Mix-and-Match Suggested Set (12–15 ideal for IG/X/LinkedIn):

#LetsBeBlunt #BluntConversations #PolicyReform #JusticeReform #VeteransAdvocacy #WomenInLeadership #BlackLeadership #EndTheStigma #PatientAccess #SmartRegulation #Changemakers #RealTalk
 

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In Part Two of this critical conversation on Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, Montel Williams continues his deep dive with Steph Sherer, one of the most influential patient advocates in the world and the founder, Board President, and Executive Director of Americans for Safe Access.

Steph takes us back to 2002, when she launched ASA in the early days of the medical cannabis movement—at a time when patients faced criminalization, stigma, and little to no legal protection. From those roots, ASA has grown into the nation’s largest patient advocacy organization, shaping policy, advancing science, and defending patient rights for more than two decades.

This episode tackles some of the most urgent issues facing patients and the cannabis and hemp industries today, including the proposed FY2026 Minibus hemp regulations, which could dramatically reshape access, compliance, and consumer safety. Steph breaks down what’s in the language, why it matters, and the real-world consequences for patients and businesses if it passes.

The conversation also explores:

The current state of medical cannabis legalization across the U.S.

Ongoing federal barriers patients still face

Widespread misconceptions around hemp-derived products

The vital role of science and research in shaping future policy

Steph’s work on international cannabis reform, from Capitol Hill to the United Nations

ASA’s “second act” and what’s next for the patient rights movement

Steph also shares powerful patient stories, lessons learned from working with resistant lawmakers, and practical advice for new advocates looking to make a difference.

If you care about patient access, evidence-based policy, and the future of cannabis reform—this is a must-listen episode.

🔗 Learn more or get involved: SafeAccessNow.org

This is Let’s Be Blunt with Montel—where real conversations drive real change.

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On this episode ofLet’s Be Blunt with Montel, Montel sits down with a true legend in the cannabis world, Dan Vinkovetsky—better known as Danny Danko. With nearly two decades atHigh Timesas Senior Cultivation Editor, Danny has been at the forefront of cannabis culture, education, and advocacy. From founding theHigh TimesSeed Bank Hall of Fame to judging more Cannabis Cups than anyone on the planet, his contributions to the industry are unparalleled.

Danny shares his journey from his early days at High Times to his current role as host of the Grow Bud Yourself! podcast and Cultivation Section Coordinator for Champs Trade Shows. He dives into his passion for home-grow rights, the importance of expunging records for non-violent cannabis offenders, and his vision for the future of cannabis education and advocacy. Plus, he offers invaluable advice for aspiring home growers and reflects on the most memorable strains and breeders he’s encountered throughout his career.

Whether you’re a seasoned cannabis enthusiast or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and inspiration from one of the most respected voices in the cannabis community. Tune in to hear Danny’s take on the evolution of the industry, the challenges ahead, and how we can preserve the culture and community that’s been built over decades.

Links to connect with Danny Danko:

• Podcast: Free Weed from Danny Danko
• Patreon: Support Danny on Patreon
• Books: The Official High Times Field Guide to Marijuana Strains | Cannabis: A Beginner's Guide to Growing Marijuana
• Instagram: @dannydankoht
• Twitter: @DannyDanko
• Facebook: Danny Danko

Don’t miss this engaging and unfiltered conversation with one of cannabis’ most influential figures!

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On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, we’re thrilled to welcome Beth Mathieu, a trailblazer in the cannabis industry and the powerhouse behind North Atlantic Seed Co, Dirty Bird Genetics, and Maine Clone Company. Since leaving her day job in 2012, Beth has been on a mission to revolutionize the cannabis space with her passion for plants, her dedication to transparency, and her commitment to building a community of growers and breeders.

Beth shares her journey from taking the leap into the cannabis world to running three successful companies, all while staying hands-on with the plants she loves. We’ll dive into the rigorous pheno-hunting and breeding process at Dirty Bird Genetics, the unique approach that sets North Atlantic Seed Co apart, and the exciting new partnership to carry Montel’s very own seed, Dream Widow.

Beyond cannabis, Beth opens up about her love for music, food, and family, and how these passions influence her work. She also offers invaluable advice for aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs and reflects on the evolution of the industry over the past decade.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of the most innovative minds in cannabis. Don’t miss it—subscribe now and join us for this special episode of Let’s Be Blunt!

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On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, we’re diving into the transformative power of cannabis with two trailblazers in the industry, Randi and Rob Sobel, the founders of WeedWorks. After witnessing the life-changing impact of medical cannabis on Randi’s mother, who suffered from MS, the Sobels dedicated their lives to educating seniors and veterans about the benefits of plant medicine. Through WeedWorks, they’re bridging the gap between dispensaries and the senior/medical community, offering personalized guidance, education, and compassionate care.

We’ll explore their inspiring journey into cannabis consulting, the challenges they’ve faced in breaking down stigmas, and the incredible work they’re doing to empower seniors and veterans with safe, effective alternatives to traditional treatments. Plus, they’ll share details about their upcoming Veterans Educational Event in Phoenix, a groundbreaking initiative to help veterans access trusted education and resources for plant-based medicine.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about healing, purpose, and the mission to change lives through cannabis. Don’t miss it!

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