Everyone loves getting mail, even Mari. But it wasn't just the letter that made her day. While reviewing this entry, Brandon and Angela learned about the contributions that Garcia de Orta made to medicine and botany through his book, Coloquios dos Simples, e Drogas he Cousas Mediçinais da India. Angela came ready to share her research about Portugual and Fado music and why Garcia de Orta has been celebrated over time. Don't forget, you're always invited to subscribe. New episodes of "Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari" drop on the 4th and 20th of each month.

Brandon wanted to know more about hemp. That's exactly what he got, plus a bit more about Woody Harrelson and jello-salad. Towards the end of the 420 episode, Brandon asked Angela to find an entry about hemp in the diary. Again, she delivered. Mari wrote about her cousin Hemp and his feature in a Kentucky newspaper from 1948. While they explored the entry, they learned more about the family dynamic between Mari and her "strong, but silent" cousin and the importance of getting good information about cannabis out into the world. Want to learn more about hemp? We've got resources to share. Visit https://www.diaryofmari.com/ and sign up to receive some online resources. Don't forget to subscribe to "Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari" wherever you get your podcasts; new episodes drop on the 4th and 20th of the month. Have a listen, have a smoke, have a bit of history and fun conversation brought right to your inbox.

For cannabists everywhere, it's a special day! During Episode 7, Brandon challenged Angela to find an entry that provided some insight, from Mari's perspective, about 420. She certainly delivered! In this entry from 2010, Mari praises a Huffington Post article that explores the origin of the 420 code. Most people assume it comes from a police code or a legal abbreviation of sorts. We learn, through journalist Ryan Grim's careful investigation, that the origins are likely much more...simple, delightfully simple. (There might even be a reference to a treasure map!) Brandon and Angela read all about what Mari had to say about concerts and what they do for a community as well as what several notable cannabists, including bassist Phil Lesh, said about the origins of those three special numbers. This is a great episode to roll one, grab a few friends, get comfy, and settle in for a diary entry all about the best time of the day. New episodes drop on the 4th and 20th (well, duh - when else would they drop?), so be sure to subscribe.

Mari appreciates a presenter who appeared on the “TEDS.” Well, a TEDx Talk, actually.On this episode, Angela and Brandon take a break from the more distant past and opt to explore a recent diary entry dated April 27, 2019. Mari described attending the University of Oregon Tedx Talk featuring Dr. Rachel Knox, an Endocannabinologist and Cannabinoid Medicine Specialist. Mari was obviously impressed by all of the valuable information that Dr. Knox shared about the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the basics about how it works. Mari knew quite a few people at the event, but focused on Dr. Knox and her truth-telling. Brandon and Angela were able to learn about how the ECS functions, how it interacts with the other systems, and why there’s such little talk about it in everyday life. They also acknowledged a tremendous loss that recently occurred in the world of cannabis studies, the passing of Dr. Raphael Mechoulam. An Israeli chemist and professor, he has often been referred to as the father of cannabis research and study. Before wrapping up, Brandon challenged Angela to find something elucidatory information about the origin of the "420" term. She accepted even before he was able to finish his sentence. If you’re hoping to learn more about why 420 represents cannabis or just wanting to hear some interesting discussion about Mari’s experiences, subscribe to “Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari," the best cannabis storytelling podcast out there. New episodes drop on the 4th and 20th of each month.

When one puts fountain pen and ink to paper...

On this episode, Angela and Brandon reviewed an entry about “Therapeutical Uses and Toxic Effects of Cannabis Indica,” and learned that the title and the rest of the op-ed-style response in The Lancet - written by JR, better known as Sir John Russell Reynolds (personal physician for some very regal patients) let the wicked mic drop. He unequivocally states, “Indian Hemp, when pure and administered carefully, is one of the most valuable medicines that we possess.”

The list of conditions and diseases that Sir Reynolds and others like Dr. William Brook O’Shaughnessy used cannabis to treat was considerable. For hundreds of years, cannabis was used to alleviate pain and suffering and provide a safe way to help patients manage unpleasant, uncomfortable, and unbearable symptoms.

If you’re looking for more insight on why Indian Hemp was included in the Royal Gardens or just how many ailments and illnesses harnessed the power of hemp as a treatment, then this episode is a cure for your curiosity. Don’t forget to subscribe – new episodes drop on the 4th and 20th of each month. Remember, podcasts are a fun solo activity, but are sometimes even better when you tune in with a friend, especially someone in your circle that might benefit from a little nugget of cannabis history.

If you could consume cannabis with anyone - living or dead - who would it be? That’s just one of the things that came up in today’s diary entry.

On this episode, Brandon finally gets to pick the diary entry, something he's been hoping to do for a while. The entry, dated February 2, 1972, is full of wishing for a different set of circumstances. In 1972, cannabis remained a controversial topic, which is why Carl Sagan, also known as Mr. X., felt such guilt about not publicly admitting his deep appreciation of marijuana. His essay was published in Dr. Lester Grinspoon's book "Marihuana Reconsidered" using a pseudonym to share his sentiment, but keep his identity hidden.

The stigma was and continues to be a problem, but at least this entry brings us a little bit of insight about Carl Sagan's work and process. This episode did, in fact, bring us serenity and insight in an "increasingly mad and dangerous world." Thanks Mr. X.

Also, Angela revealed that the impossible has now happened. So, more to come next time…

Oh Mezz. "Really the Blues" is REALLY important to our author!

On this episode, Angela and Brandon examine an entry from 1946 that celebrates notable jazz musician Milton Mesirow, better known as Mezz Mezzrow, and the publication of his autobiography.

They learn more Anslinger's distinction about jazz musicians, "not speaking about the good musicians, but the jazz type" and Mezz's first time with with the muggles.

Interested in hearing some of the most beautiful prose about consumption ever penned to paper or how to cut down the tush-hog bullying side of your personality? This episode will not disappoint; it'll be music to your ears. Don't forget to subscribe to make sure you get the new episodes delivered right to you on the 4th and 20th.

There are certain things that are universally funny.

That’s one of the most important takeaways for Brandon and Angela in this episode. But that wasn’t all they realized. After reading the entry dated July 27, 1974, they also learned more about the kind of company kept by the still-unknown author.

With each new entry they examine together, some of the staff of Elucidation Strategies discover a bit more about the author of the diary, but they still haven’t learned why it was sent to their agency or what they should be doing with it. They can’t quite figure out the pattern behind the non-linear entries either. It’s a mystery that’s more consuming every day. They've both started to carry their gloves at all times.

Interested in learning about which Boggle words were written in the margins in the diary? You're invited to visit https://www.diaryofmari.com/ to subscribe. You deserve to have more clues and exclusive diary content delivered right to your inbox. #treatyoself #partofthemysterymachine #sleuthing #diaryofmari #whosentit

After she received the diary, Angela couldn’t put it down. The next time they were together, Angela and Brandon picked another random entry to review to try to learn more about the diary.

The page they landed on was dated 1945. The author of the diary was particularly interested in what happened after an article entitled “Experts Discount Marijuana as Big Factor in Crime but Drive on It Will Be Pressed” ran in the New York Times. Angela and Brandon also learned about the author’s heartwarming actions when it comes to cannabis advocacy.

Interested in learning more about the LaGuardia Report, cannabis coverage in the NYT, or how to achieve "adequate" feelings after consumption? Access exclusive content by subscribing on https://www.diaryofmari.com/. And speaking of subscriptions, make sure you subscribe to "Use This As You See Fit: The Diary of Mari" through whatever platform you get your podcast so you don't miss anything. For 2023, new episodes drop on the 4th and 20th of each month.

It arrived in a standard, brown, cardboard box, wrapped in nondescript white tissue paper, the kind that you can buy anywhere that sells wrapping paper or gift bags.

After the delivery driver dropped the box off, Angela and Brandon didn’t immediately notice that there was no return name or address. It wasn’t until after they flipped through the pages of the old, handwritten diary (the only item in the box) that they realized that they had no idea who anonymously sent it to Angela or why the note stuck to the front said use this as you see fit - that’s when they noticed the missing return address. That was just the first of many intriguing questions Angela and Brandon have explored since receiving the diary in December 2022.

In this episode, after a page was chosen at random to explore, Angela and Brandon found an entry involving Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and his important contributions to the field of cannabis study. Also, they learned that the author, whoever it may be, has a large family and an even larger circle of friends.

Interested in additional resource links the discovery of THC, the impact of Dr. Mechoulam's work, or an actual photo of the diary? Visit the https://www.diaryofmari.com/ and subscribe to get exclusive content and resources?