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Too Many Hats, One Cane, and a Whole Lot of Love

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If you’d told me a year ago that a disabled guy with one working hand, bad hips, a limp, and a cane would be juggling YouTube, journalism, judging a major cannabis cup, and a social calendar that looks like a touring DJ’s… I probably would’ve laughed, winced, and asked you to help me sit down.

Yet here we are.

For those who don’t know me, I’m OG Strain, creator and host of Strain’s Strain Reviews (Talk Cannabis) on YouTube. When New York legalized cannabis, I was literally bedridden. Not “taking it easy,” not “recovering soon” — I mean laid up, limited, and frustrated. Still, I knew one thing for sure: I had to be part of this industry somehow. The plant had done too much for me, and the people around it felt like my kind of people.

So I started a YouTube channel. Simple enough, right?

That was the plan anyway.

What started as “I’ll just do some strain reviews” turned into full-blown community work. Brand spotlights. Product reviews. Event coverage. Shout-outs. Interviews. Support. Promotion. Connecting dots. Showing love. And doing my best to highlight the people who are actually doing this right.

Over the past year, the channel has supported and collaborated with Lazy Day Farm, Higher Beings powered by Hudson Valley Green, Tical, Grassroots, Damn Sam, Upstate Cannabis, The People’s Joint, Electric City Cannabis Company, Cannabis City, Stage One Dispensary, Tokalotapot Seeds, CannaFae, Botanical Gardens, Sticks n Stoned, Catskill Canna Club, Canna Croppers, Cannacrow, Jesssland, Kevin “Big Willey Kev”, Dabbing Granny, OG Granny, and the Empire State Cannabis Cup.

And that’s before we even get into creators and culture — Dope As Yola, Strain Show, Mike Tyson, Snoop Dogg, Seth Rogen, Afroman, my son Jake Strain, and the extended Swaggertown orbit that keeps New York cannabis tied tightly to music and movement.

Each of these names isn’t just a tag or a mention. These are people and platforms I’ve supported, worked with, promoted, visited, or stood beside this year. Sometimes on camera. Sometimes behind the scenes. Always genuinely.

Somewhere along the way, The Plug’s Pages Magazine entered the picture. First, they wrote about Jake touring with Afroman. Then they wrote about my channel. Then conversations turned into collaboration, and collaboration turned into me writing — a lot. These days, I’m proud to say I’m part of the team, contributing weekly and helping tell the stories that matter in this space.

And yes — I’m aware I may be writing more than my fair share. My keyboard might need a union rep.

What makes all of this a little wild is that my body never magically caught up with my workload. I still walk with a cane. I still can’t stay on my feet long. I don’t even have reliable transportation right now and won’t be driving until spring. Yet my weekends are booked with infused dinners, cannabis cups, events, and gatherings — often two or three invites at the same time.

I’ve made it to the Cannabis Cup in Palenville, NY, down to Hudson Valley Green, out to Goats of Glass with Paul Vidal, and I’m headed to the Winter Solstice event in Amsterdam. And as if my plate wasn’t already full, I was just asked to be one of 30 judges for the Empire State Cannabis Cup.

That means roughly 65 strains to evaluate, score, and review — conservatively — with scorecards due by January 27. That’s multiple strains a day, every day, while still producing YouTube content and delivering three to four articles a week for this magazine.

All of this… from a guy who can barely walk some days.

Here’s the part I want to be crystal clear about: I do this because I love it. I love the plant. I love the people. I love this community. I haven’t made real money from this — and that’s not a flex or a sob story. It’s just the truth. At some point, charging for promotion may become necessary, because passion doesn’t pay medical bills. But if you’re doing things the right way — ethically, passionately, correctly — I’ll support you every chance I get.

What we’re building feels bigger than business. It feels like family.

And before I close this out, I need to say this clearly: there are many people who deserve recognition here whose names aren’t attached to a brand, a farm, a dispensary, or a platform — and there are simply too many to list individually. Budtenders, dispensary owners, farm owners, and everyday individuals who show up, spend their money supporting the right people, offer rides, lend a hand, solve problems on the fly, and bring nothing but good energy to every event. Some of you have quite literally helped me get there. You know who you are. Even if I can’t name every single one of you, please know this — your support doesn’t go unnoticed, and on behalf of myself and the businesses and creators you uplift, thank you.

And that matters, because let’s be honest — this isn’t just an industry. It’s a fight. Big Alcohol is Goliath. We’re David. And that slingshot only works if we stand together.

So when someone asks me where to get seeds, I send them to Tokalotapot Seeds.
When they ask about RSO, I point them to Adam Hagadone.
For top-tier flower, Higher Beings powered by Hudson Valley Green.
For outdoor done right, Lazy Day Farm.
For events, Damn Sam.
For music and booking, Jake Strain — yes, he can get Afroman, Cassidy, Benny the Butcher, and more.
For infused food that’ll ruin your diet and your willpower, Kevin Big Willey Kev.

I don’t do that for kickbacks. I do it because excellence deserves direction.

So yes — I started the year with too much on my plate. I’m ending it with even more. But somewhere in between, I gained something I didn’t know I was missing: a real cannabis family.

And for that, every hat is worth wearing — even if I have to put them on one-handed.

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2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. GreeneDream

    December 21, 2025 at 2:06 pm

    you ROCK Strain – can’t wait to see & read all the fun you’re gonna get into in 2026!!

  2. Anne Macpherson

    December 21, 2025 at 3:34 pm

    You are so important to this community. Your support means more than you will ever know. Thank you for all that you do for the community. Your community loves you. On this winter Solstice may the return of the light brighten your life.

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Disconnected, But Not Out: A 4/20 Message From OG Strain

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By OG Strain

If you’re reading this, you’re already ahead of the curve. Whether you found your way here through theplugspages.com, had the link sent to you, or came across it another way—you’re one of the few still tapped in right now. And that matters.

Because at the moment, I’m operating a little… off-grid.

As some of you may or may not know, I’ve been temporarily restricted from Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger since April 3rd. As of now, I’m still in the appeal process with no real update or change in status. Not exactly ideal timing—especially with 4/20 right around the corner.

Normally, this is where I’d tell you to reach out through the usual channels—but clearly, this year requires a different approach.

The truth is, social media isn’t just about content anymore—it’s how we stay connected. Conversations, plans, everyday check-ins… a lot of that lives in those apps. So when that access disappears, even temporarily, it creates a real gap in communication.

And if you’re someone I talked to regularly—daily or weekly—you’ve probably felt that just as much as I have.

I’ll say it simply: I miss that connection.

But we’re not here to dwell—we’ve got a holiday to talk about.

With 4/20 right around the corner, the question is simple:
What’s the move?

For those of you in the 518 and surrounding areas, consider this an open call. I’m still active, still outside, just a little harder to reach than usual. Whether it’s an event, a link-up, or just good company—I’m open.

Right now, the most direct way to reach me is through X (formerly known as Twitter). I’ll be including my profile link at the end of this article.

And this part matters, so read it carefully.

If you were someone I stayed in regular contact with—and you value that line of communication—then don’t leave it up to chance.

If you don’t already have my number, and you don’t currently have a way to reach me, then it’s on you to take that extra step. Create an account on X. Reach out. Even if it’s just a simple “what’s up.”

Not because there’s something urgent to say—but because keeping that line of communication open matters.

This isn’t about promoting another platform for the sake of it. It’s about maintaining real connections in a moment where the usual ones are temporarily unavailable.

The people who actually value staying in touch will make that small effort. And once that connection is there, it’s there.

At the end of the day, platforms change. Access comes and goes. But communication? That only exists if both sides are willing to keep it going.

So if you’ve been trying to reach me, or if you’ve noticed the silence—now you know where to find me.

And with 4/20 right here, there’s no better time to tap in.

Stay safe, stay elevated, and keep it real.

– OG Strain

You can currently reach OG Strain on X x.com/ogstraincontent.

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Censored, Not Silenced: Why the Canna Community Needs to Evolve Beyond Facebook

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By OG Strain

Hey Canna family—it’s OG Strain here.

Let me keep it real with you right from the jump… if you’re reading this, it’s because I can’t post it where most of you are used to seeing me: Facebook.

Yeah. Again.

At this point, getting restricted on Facebook as a cannabis content creator feels less like a violation and more like a weekly subscription service—except nobody signed up for it, and the customer service is about as responsive as a brick wall with Wi-Fi.

But this article isn’t just about me being locked out. This is bigger than that. This is about all of us—the entire cannabis community—and the position we keep putting ourselves in by relying on platforms that clearly don’t support us.

The Reality We Keep Ignoring

Let’s call it what it is.

Facebook does not support cannabis culture.
And it definitely doesn’t prioritize free expression when it comes to our community.

Between automated moderation systems flagging harmless content and bad actors reporting posts, creators like myself are constantly walking a tightrope. One wrong move—or one strategically offended person—and boom… you’re locked out of your own platform.

And here’s the wild part: sometimes it’s not even strangers.

Sometimes it’s people who follow you… engage with you… laugh with you… and then report you.

Yeah. That part.

When Support Turns Two-Faced

Recently, I found myself restricted because someone who had been actively engaging with my content suddenly decided to take offense—over a simple tag.

Not a callout.
Not disrespect.
A tag.

Instead of reaching out like a normal human being—“Hey man, can you remove that?”—they went straight to reporting. Not just the post… the account. The whole thing.

Now I’m dealing with the fallout.

And while I’m choosing not to name names (because I don’t operate at that level), the situation highlights something important:

There are people who will privately support cannabis culture—but publicly run from it.

And worse… some will protect their image at the expense of your livelihood.

That’s not community. That’s cowardice.

The Bigger Problem: Platform Dependence

Here’s where I need you to really lock in.

As long as we keep building everything on Facebook, we are putting our voices, our businesses, and our movement in the hands of a system that can shut us down at any moment.

That’s not strategy—that’s vulnerability.

Think about it like this:

If your entire grow was in one tent… and that tent had a habit of randomly catching fire…
Would you keep putting all your plants in there?

Exactly.

It’s Time to Diversify—And Migrate

This is why I’m urging all of you—creators, supporters, smokers, growers, enthusiasts—to start branching out.

I’ve recently stepped onto a new platform: X (formerly Twitter).

And from what I’ve seen and been told, it’s far more open to cannabis content and free expression.

Now listen—I’m not saying it’s perfect.

But what I am saying is this:

We need options.

We need spaces where we can speak, share, educate, and build—without constantly worrying about being silenced.

Because let’s be honest…

You can’t grow a movement if every post feels like you’re sneaking snacks into a movie theater.

OG Strain Isn’t Going Anywhere

Let me make one thing crystal clear:

I’m not stopping.

Not because of a report.
Not because of a restriction.
Not because of any platform.

I will continue:
    •    Writing for The Plugs Pages Magazine
    •    Creating content on my YouTube channel “Strain’s Strain Reviews (Talk Cannabis)”
    •    Expanding onto new platforms like X
    •    Advocating for this plant and this culture every single day

Facebook might slow me down…

…but it will never shut me up.

A Message to the Real Ones

If you truly support:
    •    Cannabis culture
    •    Free expression
    •    Independent creators

Then now is the time to act.

Follow me on other platforms.
Stay connected beyond Facebook.
Build accounts elsewhere before you need them.

Because trust me…

The way things are going, it’s not if Facebook comes for you…

…it’s when.

Final Hit (You Knew This Was Coming)

Look, I love this community.

But we gotta stop acting like Facebook is the plug… when they’ve been cutting our supply this whole time.

It’s like going back to the same dealer who keeps shorting your eighth and saying,
“Maybe this time he’ll respect me.”

Nah.

We deserve better platforms.
We deserve real support.
And we deserve to speak freely about a plant that’s changing lives every day.

Stand Together or Stay Stuck

Together, we stand. Divided, we fall.

So let’s stand smart.
Let’s stand prepared.
And most importantly…

Let’s stand somewhere they can’t keep muting us.

– OG Strain
Canna Advocate | Strain Reviewer | Voice of the Northeast

(Follow links and platform info below to stay connected beyond Facebook.)

https://twitter.com/ogstraincontent?s=11

https://youtube.com/@ogstraintheoriginalog?si=N0pJfCOcydE2d1l9

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The Cannabis Closet Is Still Open… and That’s the Problem

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By OG Strain

Let me ask you something…

How is it that we’re living in a time where cannabis is legal, dispensaries are everywhere, and even grandma is placing orders from a kiosk at the senior center…

…but people are STILL hiding the fact that they smoke?

No seriously.

We got legalization.
We got education.
We got research showing cannabis helps with pain, anxiety, sleep, and a laundry list of other issues.

But somehow…

We STILL got people in positions of power acting like if the public finds out they smoke weed, their whole career is gonna evaporate into thin air like a cheap pre-roll.

The Fake-Out Culture

Let’s talk about it.

Politicians.
Lawyers.
Judges.
Doctors.
School board members.

You’re telling me NONE of them smoke?

Come on.

That’s like saying nobody in the music industry parties.

We all know what’s really going on.

What’s wild is watching politicians try to expose each other like it’s some kind of scandal.

“Oh yeah? Well THAT candidate smokes marijuana!”

Meanwhile the person saying it probably just hit a vape pen in their car five minutes before the debate.

That’s not politics…

That’s high school with suits.

And honestly?

Who cares if they smoke?

If two candidates are exactly the same — same policies, same experience, same everything…

…but one of them smokes weed?

I’m picking the one who smokes.

Why?

Because they feel HUMAN.

They feel REAL.

They feel like someone who understands life beyond a script and a podium.

The one hiding it?

That’s the one I don’t trust.

Because if you’re willing to lie about something that small…

what else are you lying about?

The Real Problem Isn’t Cannabis… It’s the Stigma

Here’s the truth:

People aren’t afraid of cannabis.

They’re afraid of what OTHER PEOPLE think about cannabis.

That’s the issue.

We didn’t fully legalize weed…

We halfway legalized it socially.

Legally? You’re good.
Socially? Eh… depends who’s watching.

And that’s where the problem lives.

Because now you’ve got fully functional, successful adults…

hiding a plant like it’s a criminal secret.

That’s crazy.

No amount of money is worth being fake.

I’d rather be broke and real than rich and pretending I’m somebody I’m not.

And if you’re in a position where you feel like you HAVE to hide who you are?

That’s not success…

That’s a performance.

The Double Standard That Makes ZERO Sense

Now let’s really get into it…

Because this is where things go from ridiculous to straight-up unfair.

Explain this to me:

A truck driver…

can go home on the weekend…

drink a 30-pack of beer, finish off a bottle of liquor, wake up Monday morning…

go to work completely sober…

and nobody says a word.

Totally fine.

Completely acceptable.

Now take that SAME person…

Same job. Same responsibilities.

But instead of drinking…

they smoke a joint on Saturday.

Not even a lot — just enough to relax.

They go back to work Monday…

100% sober…

not impaired AT ALL…

…and they get hit with a drug test.

Now suddenly?

They’re fired.

Career over.

Life flipped upside down.

Same person. Same sobriety. Same performance.

Different substance.

Make that make sense.

I’ll wait.

“But How Do We Know If They Were High?”

That’s the argument, right?

“Well what if they were high on the job?”

Okay.

Fair question.

But here’s the problem:

Current testing doesn’t tell you that.

It tells you IF someone used cannabis…

not WHEN they used it.

So someone could’ve smoked three days ago…

and still test positive.

Meanwhile, someone could drink heavily the night before…

and pass with flying colors the next day.

So what are we really testing?

Impairment?

Or just past behavior?

Because those are NOT the same thing.

We Have the Technology… So Act Like It

We live in a world with AI.

We got smartphones more powerful than computers from 20 years ago.

We’ve launched satellites into space.

But we can’t figure out a way to measure real-time cannabis impairment?

That’s hard to believe.

The solution isn’t to punish innocent people just because we don’t have perfect testing yet.

The solution is to CREATE better testing.

Figure out how to measure:
    •    When someone last consumed
    •    Whether they’re actually impaired
    •    And if they’re safe to perform their job

Because right now?

We’re ruining people’s lives over outdated methods that don’t tell the full story.

And that’s not justice…

That’s laziness.

Let’s Call It What It Is

This isn’t about safety.

This isn’t about responsibility.

This is about stigma that hasn’t fully died yet.

And until it does…

people will keep hiding.

People will keep losing opportunities.

Final Hit

Let qualified people do their jobs.

Let adults live their lives.

And if someone chooses cannabis over alcohol on their day off?

Good for them.

As long as they show up sober, responsible, and ready to work…

that should be the ONLY thing that matters.

Because at the end of the day…

We’re not supposed to be judging people based on what they do on their couch on a Saturday night.

We’re supposed to be judging them on how they show up on Monday morning.

And if we can’t figure that out by now…

Maybe we’re the ones that need to do some growing. 🌱

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