Ever wonder who makes March and Ash look so darn good? Well, buckle up, folks — Dr. Leroy sits down with Jessica “JQ” Quesada, the dynamo behind the stunning visuals and stylish apparel at March and Ash. JQ spills the tea on everything from designing hats that fly off the shelves to creating shirts subtle enough to wear to church (true story!). She’s been there since Day One, transforming spaces, picking color palettes, and dreaming up local-themed designs that turn each store into a neighborhood vibe. From staying up till sunrise perfecting new store layouts to juggling ten locations and a calendar that’s always three seasons ahead, JQ’s world is equal parts creativity, strategy, and a whole lot of hustle. Step inside the world where merchandising becomes magic — and learn why March and Ash is so much more than just a store.

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Some highlights from the episode include:

00:00:00 – Show intro; March and Ash focus

00:03:02 – JQ intro and role

00:04:09 – First concierge hire

00:05:34 – Restaurant-to-cannabis journey

00:06:24 – Merch vs. apparel explained

00:07:08 – Employee apparel perks

00:08:18 – Custom hat and shirt designs

00:12:31 – Merch as brand marketing

00:14:26 – Local store themes

00:29:34 – Overnight store setup story

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You know what they say—three podcasters walk into a studio… and forget why they came in. But not this time! In this episode of Cannabis Enlightened, Dr. Leroy welcomes Puff Provisions founder Mark Reyes, a father, cannabis advocate, and self-declared “chief cook and bottle washer” of his podcast. Mark breaks down what it means to be a responsible consumer in a world still catching up to cannabis culture—and how being a dad with a vape pen doesn’t make you a rebel, just relaxed.

Also joining the mic is Arianna Salazar, clinical herbalist and spiritual coach, who adds a touch of plant-based wisdom to the mix. Together, the trio talks about busting myths, modern consumption methods (from tinctures to mocktails), and why everyone from grandma to Gen Z deserves good weed and better information.

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Some key moments from this episode include:

00:00:39 – Welcome to Cannabis Enlightened (and Dad Jokes)

00:03:14 – Meet Mark Reyes: Puff Provisions and Podcasting Solo

00:07:34 – Arianna Salazar’s Herbalist Journey and Cannabis Roots

00:10:38 – Why Most People Turn to Cannabis: Stress Relief

00:16:40 – Topical Cannabis: A Natural Alternative to Lidocaine

00:17:55 – What Does a Cannabis User Really Look Like?

00:25:30 – The Smell Stigma: Cannabis Aroma and Social Perception

00:30:48 – Crafting Cannabis Mocktails: A New Way to Dose

00:34:59 – Bridging Legalization and Cultural Acceptance

00:40:19 – The Comic Book That Changed Mark’s Cannabis Perspective

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In this vibrant and heartfelt conversation, Dr. Leroy welcomes Marissa Twichell, a dynamic force in the cannabis industry and Regional Sales Director for Revelry and Field Trip, covering Southern California and Arizona. From her journey into the cannabis space to the rise of Women of Cannabis, Marissa shares personal insights into breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry and the importance of inclusive events that empower women.

Plus, we meet her beloved rescue pup Dotty—a fixture in dispensaries across the state—and learn why Marissa believes connection, education, and community are the future of cannabis.

Whether you’re a seasoned consumer, a curious newcomer, or just love good storytelling, this episode is packed with warmth, wisdom, and a little laughter.

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Here are some notable moments from this episode:

00:00:00 – The Cannabis Legacy Lives On

00:03:42 – Meet Marissa Twichell: From Hustle to High Gear

00:07:05 – Not Just Bags: The Lifestyle Behind Revelry

00:10:10 – Women of Cannabis: Building Sisterhood in the Industry

00:14:22 – Moms, Wine, and Weed: Changing the Conversation

00:18:00 – Dabs, Gummies, and the Art of Knowing Your Dose

00:23:14 – THC vs. CBD: Beyond the Buzzwords

00:26:40 – Breaking the Stigma, One Conversation at a Time

00:30:45 – The State of the Cannabis Industry: Progress & Pitfalls

00:35:50 – Dotty the Dispensary Star & Final Reflections

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This week on Cannabis Enlightened, Dr. Leroy takes you inside 420 @ the Garden—a one-of-a-kind community celebration blending Easter joy, cannabis culture, and neighborhood connection in Southeast San Diego.

Recorded live at the Mount Hope Community Garden, this special episode features voices from all corners of the community. Attendees share what 420 means to them, what brought them to the garden, and what March and Ash goodies they uncovered during the cannabis-themed Easter egg hunt.

You’ll meet organizers, DJs, longtime residents, and first-time visitors—each adding their unique voice to a conversation about community healing, progress, and celebration. From edibles and pre-rolls to cannabis-infused beverages, the day was full of surprises, stories, and laughter.

Whether you’re a longtime advocate for cannabis equity or just love hearing from everyday people making change in their community, this is a can’t-miss celebration of culture, joy, and growth.

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Some key moments from this episode:

01:42 - Danny’s Vision for 420

05:25 - Meet the Corsairs

07:38 - First Time Celebrating 420

09:18 - Lou Reflects on Mount Hope

13:22 - Andrea Talks Choice Voting

16:01 - Edibles Win at the Egg Hunt

17:36 - Diane Moss on Hosting 420

20:12 - Ashley’s Sonoma Hills Pick

22:23 - Cannabis Drinks & Community

25:49 - Dr. Leroy’s Closing Reflections

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Dr. Leroy welcomes Onyeka Tefari and Ariana Salazar, two powerhouse women shaping the future of the industry’s wellness and advocacy. They explore various tools for self-care, pain relief, and mental health, while tackling topics like oncology care, and parenting.

Get a sneak peek at what’s coming ahead this second half of the season of the podcast. Onyeka and Ariana join the show, bringing fresh perspectives and insightful discussions. Tune in for an enlightened conversation on the power of plant medicine and community.

Be sure to follow and subscribe to get special March and Ash discounts.

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Key moments in this episode include:

00:01:30 – Introducing new team members

00:02:55 – Onyeka shares her journey in wellness, skincare, and community healing.

00:05:02 – Ariana’s path as a self-taught herbalist and holistic practitioner.

00:07:29 – The power of plants, indigenous medicine, and spiritual healing.

00:13:17 – Women’s Health: Benefits for holistic wellness.

00:15:57 – Parenting and the Plant: Navigating open conversations with teens.

00:24:01 – Beyond Getting High: pain relief, anxiety, and wellness.

00:26:37 – Post-Election Reflections: Community resilience and empowerment.

00:37:19 – Final thoughts: How to connect with Anika & Ariana and their work.

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In this episode of Cannabis Enlightened, Dr. Leroy sits down with Alex Freedman, CEO of Traditional, to dive into his nearly 20-year journey in the cannabis industry. Alex shares his unique transition from a legal background to leading a major cannabis company, offering valuable insights into the power of true vertical integration as a strategy for sustainable growth. He also discusses the significant challenges and opportunities presented by the unlicensed cannabis market, explaining how these factors impact both industry growth and investment potential.

This episode is packed with expert advice for cannabis entrepreneurs and investors looking to maximize business success. Alex’s deep understanding of consumer trends, strategic leadership, and vertical integration offers actionable takeaways for navigating the complexities of the cannabis market. Whether you’re looking to scale your business or make informed investment decisions, Alex’s perspective will help you understand what it takes to build a thriving cannabis company and stay competitive in a rapidly changing industry.

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The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:01 - Introduction and Traditional Cannabis Company
00:05:47 - Vertical Integration and Dispensaries
00:08:59 - Product Innovation and Quality Control
00:11:27 - Non-traditional Background in Cannabis
00:14:42 - Impact of Regulations on the Cannabis Industry
00:16:47 - Challenges of Regulatory Structures
00:20:44 - Impact of Illegal Market
00:25:02 - Cannabis as Medicine
00:27:37 - Evolving Consumer Consumption
00:30:09 - Future of Cannabis Industry
00:33:16 - Gratitude and Connection
00:33:42 - Connecting with Alex
00:34:08 - Availability of Products
00:35:07 - Closing Remarks

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In this episode of Cannabis Enlightened, Dr. Leroy is joined by Grant and Maribel McKinze from UFCW Local 135, Candice Finn from March and Ash, and Laurie Han from the YMCA. They dive into the critical topic of childcare for working parents, especially those in the cannabis industry. The discussion explores how companies like March and Ash are addressing childcare challenges through innovative benefits like stipends and partnerships with local childcare providers, offering invaluable support to employees. Tune in for insights on how childcare can boost employee satisfaction, reduce absenteeism, and improve work-life balance in the cannabis sector. Tune in for valuable advice on navigating childcare choices while balancing work and family life.

This episode has been sponsored by: March and Ash

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The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction and Sponsorship
00:01:15 - Types of Childcare
00:05:15 - Employee Experience with Childcare
00:08:58 - Union's Role in Childcare
00:13:40 - Impact of COVID-19 on Childcare
00:15:29 - Childcare benefits for employees
00:16:33 - Choosing the right childcare
00:18:24 - Support for families
00:23:06 - Benefits for employers
00:27:58 - Personal experiences with the childcare program
00:30:08 - Childcare Costs in San Diego County
00:31:29 - Employer Assistance for Childcare
00:34:31 - Seeking Childcare Services
00:38:21 - Union Support and Resources

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March and Ash stores might be known in Southern California for feeling more like Nordstroms than a smoke shop. But as the only retailer that has partnered with the YMCA to provide childcare for workers, employs its delivery drivers with unionized wages and benefits, and with its unmatched commitment to bring a storied industry above-board.

So it may not be a surprise why Dr. Leroy hit it off with Roberto and Araceli Mareno of Mexico’s Red Thread Project, who have been instrumental in providing incarcerated female prisoners in Mexico with sewing skills and entrepreneurial opportunities.

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The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Introducing the Red Thread Project
00:04:27 - Impact and Versatility of Skills
00:09:13 - Life-changing Stories
00:11:59 - Collaboration with March and Ash
00:16:25 - Empowerment and Skill Development
00:19:44 - Extending Reach and Selection Process
00:21:31 - Age Range and Juveniles in Prison
00:27:51 - From Sewing to Red Thread Project
00:29:45 - The Meaning of Red Thread Project
00:35:17 - Providing Second Chances and Understanding

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