Winter blues, cannabis truths, and a BIG shift happening in the industry 👀🌿 This episode is a real one — from mental health and seasonal burnout to major moves in the cannabis market that could change the game for growers and consumers alike.

Aaron and Dave kick things off talking about winter, community, and why getting outside (or even just tending plants under grow lights) can be a serious mental health tool. Then it’s straight into Midwest cannabis news, industry shake-ups, and a deep dive into why THC drinks are suddenly everywhere. 

In this episode, we get into:

❄️ Seasonal depression & cannabis — the connection between sunlight, vitamin D, movement, and how growing or being around plants can boost mental wellness

🥏 Community as medicine — disc golf, shared hobbies, and why social connection matters just as much as the plant

🌱 Illinois cannabis updates — new omnibus bills, medical patient access, and what’s not being fixed yet

💰 Falling sales & market pressure — what shrinking numbers could mean for the future of the Illinois cannabis industry

🚨 California’s illicit market crackdown — record seizures and what happens when legal systems squeeze small operators

🏢 Corporate consolidation alert — major gardening and cannabis companies making huge acquisition moves that could impact growers nationwide

🥤 THC drinks takeover — why cannabis beverages are exploding during “Dry January,” how they differ from edibles, and why they might be better for beginners

🧠 Dave’s Conditional Cannabis Corner — the science behind cannabis drinks vs edibles, bioavailability, onset time, and microdosing

This episode blends cannabis policy, personal health, industry insight, and real-life experience — exactly how the plant fits into everyday life beyond the headlines. 

Support the show and save with our partners below.

🌱 BuildASoil → https://buildasoil.com/?ref=supportdopepeople

Use code SupportDopePeople for 5% off your order!

🌿 The Green Gro → https://thegreengro.com?sca_ref=4908674.J9aND9hTra

Use code TwoDopeDudes for 5% off!

👕 https://www.SupportDopePeople.com/store - grab a tee before they’re gone!

🐦 Two Dope Dudes on X → https://x.com/twodopedudes

Subscribe to The Elevated News Podcast on youtube, join the live chat!

Leave a review, share the episode, and tell us what topic you want us to cover next.

Sources discussed in the show:

https://illinoisnewsjoint.com/illinois-releases-cannabis-sales-totals-for-2025/

https://illinoisnewsjoint.com/illinois-house-introduces-third-cannabis-omnibus-bill/

https://mjbizdaily.com/news/california-reports-record-illicit-cannabis-seizures-as-cultivation-tax-cut/614209/

https://mjbizdaily.com/news/scotts-miracle-gro-to-sell-off-cannabis-subsidiary-to-marijuana-mso-vireo-growth/614203/

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/25/business/cannabis-thc-alcoholic-beverages.html

www.supportdopepeople.com