VOL60 WEEKLY ZINE by fatnugsmag

Michael Jefferson thru eyes of a lensmen

Billy Alaziz

WEEKLY CULTURE

P3: Creator Spotlight: Sara Payan

P7: “GASSIN” w/Michael Jefferson

P10: Photo of the week: Billy Alaziz

P11: INCARCERATED: Jesse Pitts

P15: The faces of cannabis: By Derrall Peach featuring Tyrique Mabine & Denise Peach

P21: Through the eyes of a Lensmen w/ Billy Alaziz

P23: Poem: In the garden green & wide

P25: Locked up abroad: Joshua Emery

P29: CannaHumans interview series: Seth Yakatan

P33: Fair Shake: Supporting Renentry By

Ruth Shami

P36: GLazed

creator spotlight Sara Payan

“I started Planted with Sara Payan as a way to explore cannabis beyond the typical conversation and reach a wider audience. Unlike other podcasts, I dive into cannabis from multiple perspectives advocacy, science, wellness, and storytelling creating a space where both novices and experienced users can learn something new. Each episode is designed to be both educational and approachable, inviting listeners to see the plant as more than just a product but as part of a broader cultural and wellness narrative.”

Sara Payan is a nationally recognized and award-winning educator, policy advocate, and strategic consultant, Sara Payan has over a decade in the industry and more than 20,000 hours spent educating the public. Known for her expertise in consumer trends and product development, she has guided numerous brands and trained professionals on effective consumer engagement As host of the acclaimed “Planted with Sara Payan” podcast, she engages celebrities, policymakers, media professionals, and industry leaders in exploring cannabis’s evolving role.

With a background in civil rights, Sara is committed to advocating for safe cannabis access through education and policy. Her work spans healthcare, academia, policymaking, and public education, reflected in her current role as Vice-Chair of the California Cannabis Advisory Committee and past roles as Co-Chair of the San Francisco State Cannabis Legalization Taskforce and appointee to the San Francisco Cannabis Oversight Committee. Recognized as one of the “100+ Most Important Women in Cannabis” her insights appear in Forbes, High Times, Rolling Stone, and more

FNM: When were you first introduced to cannabis?

Sara: I was first introduced to cannabis as a precocious teenager. It was your typical “let’s go hike in the woods and see what it’s all about” experience Later, out of necessity when I was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer I started exploring the medicinal side.

During treatment, cannabis became a vital part of my journey, easing both physical and emotional pain in a way other medications couldn’t. From that experience, I saw firsthand its power to help the critically ill, which inspired me to become an advocate and educator

FNM: What do you focus on in the cannabis industry?

My work focuses on consumer education, policy advocacy, and consulting to create accessible, high-quality cannabis experiences I’m deeply committed to providing safe access to cannabis and breaking down the stigma around it. I also create opportunities for healthcare institutions, brands, and policymakers to understand cannabis from a wellness and civil rights perspective, ensuring they’re equipped to support patients and consumers

“Cannabis has been transformative in my life, both as a survivor and as a professional in the industry. It has brought me relief and peace when I needed it most, allowing me to heal in ways conventional treatments couldn’t. Beyond personal health, cannabis has also given me a purpose one centered on advocacy and compassion for others facing similar battles ”

FNM: If you could change one thing about the cannabis industry, what would it be?

Sara: If I could change one thing about the cannabis industry, it would be to make it more accessible and inclusive, especially for patients and small, local farmers. Despite legalization, many still struggle with access due to high costs, restrictive regulations, and the industry’s corporatization I’d love to see a more equitable market where everyone, regardless of background or income, has the opportunity to benefit from cannabis.

Thank you to all of the brands, businesses, companies, organizations, and individuals who have donated and advertised with us for the Prisoners Edition!

Sorting Robotics

Grove Bags

Andrea Steel

The Banks Law Firm

Tact Firm LLC

OCHBS

TAC CPAs LLC

HUB

Alibi Cannabis PufCreativ

High End Search

Pisgah Peaks Ventures

Wizard Accounting & Consulting LLC

Effective Cannabis Newsletter

Eternum Analytics LLC

Compassionate Alternative Care, FL

GreenLight Energy Conservation

Rasta Rootz LLC

The Toke Agency

EntheaCare

Green Lane Communication, Inc

GROWISE CPAs

Jeffrey Hoffman & Associates PLLC

Cannabiz Conversation Podcast

Simply J Bookkeeping & Consulting

Strange Rootz dialed.®

GreenLeafHR/40Tons

Flourish Software

New Leaf EA

Luna Stower

Airo Brands

ACS Laboratory

Stir Crazy Seeds LLC

Sun Provisions

Toke POS

BayMedica

Alpine Seed Group

420 Print Media, LLC

Gaines 4 The Culture

Dime Industries

Erva Inc

Prophet LLC

Octane

REEFORM c/o Glass House

Nasha Hash

Tree of Life PR

Love Gem Inc

Care Waialua Farms

Yard to Fable Enterprises LLC

On Point Power

Bonsai Buds

Embarc

Revelry

Rectitude Partners

New Holland Group Inc

Purpose Driven Solutions Ltd

Matt Gunter

Xtra Laboratories

RAW

Firefly Growth Solutions LLC

ESBE LLC

Michael Jefferson“Gassin”

CEO of NRVNA FARMS and Solutions

FNM: When were you first introduced to cannabis?

Michael: Well many many moons ago growing up in California the Bay Area to be exact before indoor was mainstream we had this Incredible flower coming out of Humboldt County and surrounding areas premium cannabis was in the air and on my finger tips at the young age of 15 years old finding myself pilfering out of my uncle’s stash and loving the experience of smoking with friends and family plus the extra lunch money was always nice.

FNM: What do you focus on in the cannabis industry?

Michael: Focus is an interesting word for myself as the hats I wear these days are many as the CEO of NRVNA FARMS and Solutions overseeing sales (sales team), marketing, cultivators, promotions, product development and the manufacturing of new products like the oh so clever and innovative “Tasty Tags” a unique Sublingual loaded with your choice of Liquid Diamond’s - Live Resin or Rosin we can infuse any shape logo or idea one may have along with many flavor profiles NRVNA Farms being the first to launch with Fruit Punch & Galaxy Grape infused with Liquid Diamond’s.

FNM: How has cannabis positively impacted your life?

Michael: Cannabis has had a major impact on my life from a healing aspect after going through many difficult life experiences. Cannabis has helped me personally slow down, think , meditate, work out and solve physical and mental obstacles throughout my life on a daily basis.

FNM: If there was one thing you could change about the industry, what would that be?

Michael: The people running it! The outrageous taxes and regulations along with a proper accounting of losses.

p h o t o o f t h e w e e

Lemon Sportif Live Hash

by Nasha Extracts

Photo by Billy Alaziz

Incarcerated Jesse Pitts

“

Cannabis

prisoners are typically non violent people who are not a threat to society.

”

FNM: How old were you when you were sentenced to serve time?

Jesse: I was 26 years old

FNM: When (what year) were you incarcerated?

Jesse: 2007

FNM: How much of your sentence did you serve?

Jesse: I was sentenced to 18 months. I served 10 months inside and 8 months on house arrest with an ankle bracelet.

FNM: Where did you serve your sentence and how far was it from your home/ family?

Jesse: I served at Plymouth County Correctional Facility which is only 30 minutes from my friends and family.

FNM: What was the hardest part of your sentence?

Jesse: The hardest part of my sentence was missing my brothers and best friend's weddings.

FNM: What do you focus on the cannabis industry?

Jesse: I am an owner operator of a full vertical social equity cannabis company located in my hometown of Wareham MA.

FNM: What is one thing you wish people in the cannabis industry knew or understood about cannabis prisoners?

Jesse: Cannabis prisoners are typically non violent people who are not a threat to society.

I first started smoking in 10th grade. My love for cannabis eventually got me kicked out of the Air Force

Tyrique Mabine

Photo Series By Derrall Peach

I live in Tucson, Az, I’m a mother, wife, artist, and home grower…a nurturer. I have been a recreational user for 17years. I started home growing in 2020 as a fun project during quarantine. This project developed into a passion that I share with my husband who transformed our tiny vision into a huge reality. Now together we share a love for beautiful flowers.

Denise Peach

Green leaves gently sway,

Healing whispers in the breeze,

Pain and stress drift by.

photo by Derrall Peach

Through the eyes of a Lensmen

Billy Alaziz

Cannabis is so much more than a plant, it's a culture, a community that finds connections in a world striving to divide us. Friends I now call family started over a shared joint, a packed bowl, or a suspicious brownie. The ability of cannabis to bring people together is one I have come to appreciate. This appreciation is expressed in my work. Capturing the essence of cannabis and concentrates, the spirit behind the culture, and ultimately the little translucent trichomes that seem to hold the secrets of the plant itself.

Billy Alaziz

If nothing else, I only hope my work can help to educate you through curiosity. To inspire you through imagination. As for me, I am just a humble photographer/creator, always trying to learn and grow in the craft of Cannabis Photography

photo by: Billy Alaziz

Cultivar: Cosmic Banana

In the garden green and wide, A healing plant grows, side by side, With nature’s touch, it holds the key, To easing pain and setting free. For restless nights and anxious minds, It calms the storm, it gently finds A path to peace, a soothing balm, Restoring hearts with quiet calm. For aching joints and troubled brains, It lifts the weight, it breaks the chains, From seizures' grip to pain's embrace, Cannabis offers a healing grace. It aids the sleep when dreams don’t stay, And clears the clouds that cloud the day, In every leaf, a promise true, That nature's cure can see you through.

So let the plant in wisdom grow, A gift to heal, a light to show,

That in this herb, both green and pure, A natural path to health’s the cure.

~unknown

In The

Garden Green and Wide

Locked up abroad Joshua Emery

Hello, my name is Joshua Emery and I was 46 years old when I went to jail on May 7th, 2021. I served 3 4 years of a 4 2-year sentence I was originally looking at 14 years in prison, but I managed to reduce my sentence by bribing the judge and prosecutor by creating a GoFundMe and raised over 40 grand. Thank you all that donated.

I served my time in Bali, Indonesia, halfway across the world, with no visitors. The hardest part? Well, everything from the isolation to the constant struggle to survive. I had to bribe everyone from the police to the judges to the guards But what stands out the most is how different it was from the U S prison system There was no violence.

I come from a second-generation marijuana family. I have experience in everything from growing to extraction

Now, I’m working on writing my story— reflecting on my childhood, and how I hustled my way through life to get to this point. You can follow my journey on Instagram @authorjoshuaemery

Bali is often celebrated as one of the most beautiful places on Earth, with its lush landscapes, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture that attract travelers from around the world

From the terraced rice fields in Ubud to the crystal-clear waters of Nusa Dua, the island seems like paradise. However, beneath this idyllic image, there is a harsh reality of prison life that many don’t consider. Bali is home to several high-security prisons, including those housing foreign nationals convicted of drugrelated offenses. The stark contrast between the island’s natural beauty and the grim existence of its incarcerated population is striking. Inmates live under strict conditions, far removed from the paradise that surrounds them. This dichotomy is a reminder that, while Bali’s beaches and temples may seem timeless and serene, there is also a darker, more complex side to the island, one that is often hidden from tourists’ view.

When the US goes fascist When the US goes fascist

Seth Yakatan “Unapologetically

me”

Seth Yakatan is a seasoned corporate finance professional with over 30 years of experience, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and strategic advisory services. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in facilitating numerous transactions and partnerships, particularly in the life sciences, wellness, and cannabis sectors.

CannaHumans Interview Series

FNM: When were you first introduced to cannabis and how?

Seth: Freshman year of college. Guy next door to me showed up with a three foot Graphix Bong with a 6 bowl rotating head on it, the rest is history.

FNM: What do you focus on in the cannabis industry?

Seth: Helping people buy and sell companies, raise capital and determine what the optimal strategy is for future growth.

FNM: You have a highly engaged social media presence on LinkedIn; got any tips or tricks for others in the cannabis industry? And do you think LinkedIn is a great place for cannabis content?

Seth: My tips for LinkedIn are simple: (i) figure out an objective, (ii) commit to a content pillar, (iii) stick to it for 90 days. You may be surprised by the results. LinkedIn is THE PLACE for our industry. Get involved.

FNM: What’s been one of your favorite things about the cannabis industry?

Seth: Every day is fun and the potential growth and expansion has only begun, all I see is Blue Sky.

FNM: The cannabis industry is not an easy place to operate or even find work, so what motivated you to actually get into the industry?

Seth: Pure accident. I was originally fascinated by the therapeutic capacity of the plant after studying and working with Raphael Mechoulam. That shifted after a few years when I ran into this freight train called Eaze. It was Eaze and the opportunity which presented itself in the recreational market that really motivated me to jump.

FNM: If there was one thing you could change about the cannabis industry, what would it be?

Seth: I would make it Federally legal immediately.

Podcasts we listen to and support in 2025

Fair Shake – Supporting Reentry!

By Ruth Shami

If you or anyone you know has been incarcerated, particularly for longer periods, you know how hard it is to reenter society. (The rest of us can only imagine the moral strength and courage required!)

This is – of course – true for all prisoners, but in December 2024, the sentences of 1500 people released from prison and placed on home confinement during the pandemic were commuted. Then in January 2025, 2500 people were surprised to have their sentences for non-violent drug offenses commuted.

Biden said that with the recent commutations, he is seeking to undo “disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice.” “Today’s clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes,” Biden said in a statement. “This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars.”

According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons website, www.BOP.gov, 44% of prisoners are in for drug offenses. That’s 63,143 people in jail for actions that may be legal now. (Of course, some of these may be combined with other offenses, such as weapons or drug distribution.)

Fair Shake and The Importance of Reintegration

That’s where Fair Shake comes in. Fair Shake’s mission is to increase reentry success through personal and community-focused ownership and engagement opportunities for currently and formerly incarcerated individuals in connection with families, employers, property managers, corrections, and communities.

Founded by Sue Kastensen in 1999, Fair Shake is a registered charity, based in Wisconsin, dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated people reenter society. Incarcerated people are no different from the rest of us; all adults want to search, review, and decide for themselves which resources will be the most beneficial for the trajectory that we would like our lives to take. We want to see how things connect to prioritize our goals. And we want the freedom to look around –without being subject to someone else’s agenda – so we can reflect, weigh our values, commitments, and options, and own our decisions.

All of these people will have to face reintegrating into society. Statistics show that 83% of those released from prison find themselves back there within 10 years. That makes the success rate of prisons a measly 17%! read the rest at fatnugsmag com

Hosted by Kentucky NORML, The Kentucky Cannabis Conference is back for its 2nd year, highlighting the emerging cannabis industry, expert presentations, and thought leaders conversations of the intersections of medical cannabis and regulated hemp in Kentucky and throughout the South.