HIGH ON FRIENDSHIP: HOW THE CANNABIS COMMUNITY BECAME MY SECOND FAMILY

“You know what’s funny? People still ask me, ‘What’s the best thing you’ve found since getting into cannabis?’ They expect me to say a strain… a rosin… maybe some ridiculously terp-loaded flower. They’re always shocked when I answer… ‘The people.’”

When I first started Strain’s Strain Reviews (Talk Cannabis), I thought I was reviewing cannabis.

Turns out… I was reviewing humanity.

Now before anybody starts passing me tissues instead of joints, hear me out.

I have a background in sales and earned a degree in Psychology—the study of human behavior. Between that education and years of working with people, I’ve developed a pretty decent instinct for reading character. No, it’s not foolproof. Sometimes I miss. Sometimes people surprise me. But I’ve learned one thing that holds true in every industry…

Some people have huge hearts.

Some people just have huge wallets.

The cannabis industry is no different.

I’ve met people chasing dollars, and I’ve met people chasing purpose.

Guess which ones I keep around?

Exactly.

From Dispensaries to Dinner Tables

My journey started by walking into local dispensaries with nothing more than curiosity, a camera, and enough enthusiasm to make a budtender slightly nervous.

One of the first people who welcomed me was Joe Rosen from Electric City Cannabis Company, along with his superstar budtender, Sheena. They treated me like I belonged before I ever had a reason to think I did.

Then came Don Andrews and the incredible crew at Upstate Canna, another place where I never felt like just another customer.

Along the way I met amazing budtenders like Kevin at The People’s Joint, Connor and Amy at Cannabis City, and Mirk and his outstanding team at Stage One, including my buddy Scotty Knox.

These aren’t just people handing over eighths across a counter.

They’re educators.

They’re guides.

They’re ambassadors for this plant.

The Event Family

Eventually I started attending Cannabis Cups and community events.

That’s where the family tree really started growing.

I met Damn Sam—better known as Rob Robinson—along with Emily Harper, whose events have brought together some of the best people I’ve met.

I also met Robert Tambasco, the man behind the Empire State Cannabis Cup, who’s helped create another place where this community comes together to celebrate the culture instead of compete against each other.

The Growers Who Grow More Than Cannabis

Then came the growers.

And wow…

Growers are a different breed.

They’re patient.

They’re passionate.

They’re perfectionists.

Sometimes they’ll spend twenty minutes explaining one terpene profile while you’re standing there wondering if you accidentally enrolled in Cannabis University.

My journey started with Tokalotapot Seeds, followed by Cannafaded, and then I met Kiley and the incredible crew at Lazy Day Farm. Kiley welcomed me in, and I also became close with Anne MacPherson, who keeps the administrative side of the farm running while somehow managing to keep everyone else organized too.

I met Johnny Federighi and his life partner Kat, and was lucky enough to enjoy some of Johnny’s homegrown creations.

Another cultivator I’ve grown close with is John Gilboy of Gilly’s Greens, a grower whose passion for quality shows in every harvest.

Then there are the small-batch legends I proudly call friends today—Jason Longhi, Melissa Dopp, and Andy and Bill from No Mountain Higher.

These aren’t just growers.

They’re artists.

Their canvas just happens to smell amazing.

The CrisXotics Crew

One of the biggest blessings has been getting to know the family surrounding CrisXotics.

Of course there’s Cris, but that’s only the beginning.

There’s JMO from The Gas Station.

Key from Keepin’ Edibles Yummy.

Frank and Noelle from Blissful Confections.

Mullet from Adekrondack.

The always-awesome Amy and Bernie from Buddah Brothers.

Choice from Herb and Soul, bringing infused meals that somehow make you hungry while you’re already hungry.

The Candy Cartel.

Bud Master.

And honestly… I’m probably forgetting somebody, and if I am, forgive me. My memory occasionally gets higher than I do.

Friends That Became Family

I’ve known Danni Burns from Hudson Valley Green and Kevin from Higher Beings for a couple of years now.

Those guys have become family.

Especially Will Roman.

I’m convinced Will could roll a joint using a phone charger, a receipt, and positive thinking.

Cross joints?

Easy.

Art?

Absolutely.

Magic?

Possibly.

Then there’s Woodz Treez, who recently teamed up with me and Sammy for one of my favorite blind rosin tasting videos I’ve ever filmed.

Good people make good content.

It’s really that simple.

The Syracuse Brothers

Years ago I met Jus from The Basement Chronicles when they opened for Afroman.

I’ll be honest…

They stole the show.

I’ve been a fan ever since.

The more I’ve gotten to know those Syracuse brothers, the more I’ve realized they’re exactly the same off stage as they are on it—genuine, humble, and full of heart.

The People Making a Difference

I’ve also had the privilege of getting to know Jon Dow, and I look forward to honoring his late brother and celebrating the impact he made on this community.

I’ve become better friends with Ivan from Central Oddities, whose elite cold-cure rosin and ever-present RSO have made quite an impression on me.

Then there’s Adam Hagadone, known online as the Bipolar Grower.

Adam doesn’t just grow cannabis.

He grows hope.

He makes RSO to help people who need it—especially those who can’t afford it.

That’s the kind of heart you don’t forget.

Speaking of giant hearts…

How could I leave out Big Willey Will, who’s constantly sharing infused recipes with the community simply because he loves helping people enjoy cannabis in new ways?

Beyond New York

This journey hasn’t stopped at state lines.

I’ve met incredible growers across the country like Geoff Feff, whose garden photographs make cannabis lovers stop scrolling every single time.

I’ve built friendships online with people I still can’t wait to meet in person, including the crew at TorKd Farms, especially Josh Cooper.

One collaboration I’ll never forget was working with OG Granny, proving once again that passion for cannabis has no age limit.

And yes…

Getting endorsed by Afroman?

That was one of those “Is this real life?” moments.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Nancy and Deanna, the brilliant women behind Tartubes—proof that innovation in cannabis comes from all kinds of creative minds.

This Community Changed Me

If I forgot someone, please know it wasn’t intentional.

That’s the downside of meeting so many incredible people.

You worry about leaving someone out who made a real impact on your life.

The truth is…

Every handshake…

Every interview…

Every collaboration…

Every shared joint…

Every conversation over a dab rig…

Has strengthened my commitment to this community.

People reach out asking me to review products.

Some want honest feedback.

Some hope for the famous OG Strain Approved stamp.

Some even ask for endorsements.

Here’s the thing…

I’ve never accepted money to endorse cannabis.

Never.

And I never will.

If I recommend something, it’s because I actually use it.

Because I actually love it.

Because I’d tell my own friends to buy it.

Trust is worth more than sponsorship money.

That’s a hill I’ll happily smoke on.

I’m Not Chasing Clout—I’m Chasing Community

I’ve never wanted to be the loudest voice in cannabis.

I just wanted to be an honest one.

I carved out my own lane.

I’m not trying to be somebody else.

I’m not chasing clout.

I’m chasing conversations.

I’m chasing friendships.

I’m chasing laughter.

I’m chasing authenticity.

Looking back, I realize I didn’t just build a YouTube channel.

I didn’t just become a cannabis reviewer.

Somewhere along the way…

I found a second family.

And if you’ve ever shared a laugh, a story, a collaboration, a harvest, a dab, a meal, or even just a few minutes of your time with me…

Thank you.

Because the greatest thing I’ve discovered in cannabis wasn’t hidden inside a jar.

It was standing right beside it.

Stay lifted… stay genuine… and never underestimate the power of good people.