Community
Empire State Cannabis Cup Season Is Here — And I’ve Got News for Growers, Judges, Artists, Entrepreneurs, and the Entire Community
By OG Strain
Ladies and gentlemen.
Growers and grinders.
Judges, jar-sniffers, terp-hunters, artists, entrepreneurs, and people who “just came to look” but somehow stayed all day.
The Empire State Cannabis Cup is almost here, and you can feel it in the air. Jars are popping. Notes are being scribbled. And somewhere right now, someone is telling their friends, “Nah, this one’s definitely taking first.”
So let’s clear the smoke, lay everything out properly, and make sure nobody misses an opportunity — because yes, my offer still stands, and no, you don’t have to wait.
⸻
To Every Grower Who Entered the Cup (Indoor or Outdoor): This Is Active Now
Starting right now, any grower who entered the Empire State Cannabis Cup — indoor or outdoor — can reach out to me directly on Facebook Messenger.
👉 My Messenger is under Timothy Strain.
No applications.
No delays.
No secret decoder ring.
If you want a private, honest, straight-up breakdown of:
• What I thought about the flower you entered
• How it smoked
• What stood out (good and bad)
• What I wrote about it
• And whether it landed in my personal Top 10
…just message me.
And if Messenger gets buried or you can’t reach me right away, you can also make a post to get my attention in the public Facebook group:
👉 Talk Cannabis (Strain Reviews)
Let me be very clear, because clarity saves headaches later:
👉 My rankings are my own.
Placing with me does not mean you placed in the official Empire State Cannabis Cup. There are roughly 29 other judges, each with their own palate, preferences, and tolerance for “experimental terps.”
This is a free service.
This is not pay-to-play.
This is about helping breeders sharpen their craft — because if you’re entering cups, the goal is to start winning them.
⸻
If You See Me at the Cup… Come Say Hi (Yes, You Specifically)
Now let’s talk about the event itself.
If you see me at the Empire State Cannabis Cup, I don’t care:
• If I’m recording on my phone
• If you’re a judge
• If you’re an organizer
• If you’re a grower
• If you’re a vendor
• If you’re an artist or entertainer
• If you run a cannabis business and could use more visibility
• Or if you’re simply part of the cannabis culture and showed up for the vibes
👉 Come say hi. I’m interviewing everybody who’s willing.
No scripts.
No pressure.
No weird energy.
Just real conversations with real people doing real things in the culture.
Now, full transparency: I can’t promise everyone will make the final video. I’ll be filming the entire time, and when hours of footage get edited down into a roughly hour-long piece, only the most entertaining, informative, and memorable moments make the cut.
But even if you don’t make the final edit, we still met.
We still connected.
And that alone is a win.
⸻
Top 3? Let’s Talk Full YouTube Reviews (Yes, Still Free)
Now for the part people tend to reread slowly just to make sure they didn’t imagine it.
If you land in:
• My personal Top 3, or
• The official Empire State Cannabis Cup Top 3
…in either category — indoor or outdoor —
I’m offering you the opportunity to have me do a full, detailed, honest strain review on my YouTube channel:
🎥 Strain’s Strain Reviews (Talk Cannabis)
We’ll clearly mention:
• Your placement (1st, 2nd, 3rd — however it shakes out)
• The category
• And I’ll give a real review — not a commercial, not fluff
All you’d need to provide is roughly an eighth for the review.
No charge.
No catch.
No invoice magically appearing later.
⸻
Important Flexibility (Because Real Life Happens)
Here’s something else I want everyone to understand clearly.
If you place Top 3 — officially or with me — and you take me up on the full YouTube review but no longer have any of the exact strain you entered, I get it.
Harvests end.
Flower runs out.
Reality exists.
So here’s the deal:
👉 You may replace the winning strain with another strain, as long as it’s in the same general tier and quality level.
This review opportunity is meant to be a reward, not a logistical punishment. The goal is to highlight your work, your brand, and your craft. If swapping strains makes that possible, that’s perfectly fine.
⸻
Yes, the Tical Gift Bag Giveaway Is Still Coming
Before anyone asks — no, I didn’t forget.
The Tical gift bag giveaway is still happening. With Facebook doing Facebook things and my schedule being packed, I decided to roll out the giveaway details after the Cup, sometime in February.
Stay tuned. 👀🔥
⸻
How to Really Support This Movement (All the Pieces Matter)
Here’s the honest truth, said with love:
Following me on just one platform is like trying to finish a puzzle with half the pieces missing — and then wondering why the picture doesn’t make sense.
If you want the full experience, you need all of it working together:
📌 Facebook (Public Group):
Talk Cannabis (Strain Reviews)
📌 Facebook (Public Group):
The Plug’s Pages
📌 Website:
theplugspages.com
📌 YouTube (Where It All Clicks):
🎥 Strain’s Strain Reviews (Talk Cannabis)
Using these platforms together is how you get the most out of my movement — our movement.
⸻
Gratitude, Always
None of this works without you.
Your support, your energy, your participation — it all matters.
I return all positive energy, I’m deeply grateful for this community, and I appreciate every single one of you for being part of the family.
God bless you all.
I’ll see you at the Cup. 💨🏆
— OG Strain
The Plug’s Pages Magazine
Community
Disconnected, But Not Out: A 4/20 Message From OG Strain
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.
Community
Censored, Not Silenced: Why the Canna Community Needs to Evolve Beyond Facebook
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
Community
The Cannabis Closet Is Still Open… and That’s the Problem
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.
We even got seniors out here like,
“Yeah, I’ll take an eighth of that Blue Dream and maybe a brownie for bingo night.”
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.
And people will keep being judged for something that, at this point, should be completely normal.
⸻
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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