EP. - 1 Breaking Barriers: A Fresh Take On Cannabis Pilot – GBL TV

🎥 Watch the episode that started it all.

Welcome to the premiere episode of Just Say KNOW with Maria, where we spark real conversations and challenge the outdated narratives surrounding cannabis. In this eye-opening launch episode, host Maria Calabrese—media strategist, cannabis educator, and founder of Green Bee Life—shares her deeply personal journey from prohibition-fueled paranoia to trusted cannabis advocate.

Through honest storytelling and expert insights, Maria reveals the ongoing disconnect between cannabis legality, product safety, and consumer understanding. Whether you're curious, cautious, or already cannabis-conscious, this is the episode that sets the tone for what Just Say KNOW is all about: empowering YOU with the knowledge to make better, more informed choices about cannabis.

📺 Stream this full video episode to go beyond the headlines and experience cannabis conversations built on credibility, not hype.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How cannabis stigma and misinformation still shape public perception—and what it takes to dismantle them
Why federal cannabis policy confusion fuels consumer mistrust
Tips for vetting cannabis products in an unregulated market
How Maria’s life-changing experience with chronic pain and her dog Juanita opened the door to cannabis exploration
What a Certificate of Analysis (COA) is—and why it’s a must-have for smart shopping
How to start asking better questions as a cannabis consumer
Why education is the most powerful form of advocacy in today’s cannabis space

This episode includes a featured segment from GBL TV’s Knowledge for NewBeez, real-life success stories, and a call to action inviting viewers to share how cannabis has helped someone they know.

Continue the conversation, share your cannabis story with us!

Guests

Maria Calabrese
Host, Executive Producer – Just Say KNOW with Maria
Founder of Green Bee Life, Maria Calabrese is a media strategist, cannabis educator, and advocate for consumer empowerment. With a background in law and over two decades in media and public policy, Maria launched Just Say KNOW to connect people’s curiosity about cannabis with credible information. This initiative aims to bridge the information gap created by years of prohibition and misinformation. Her mission is to empower consumers through open dialogue, reliable education, expert insights, and the tools they need to make informed and confident choices about cannabis.
Emilie Kelleher (Ramach)
Vice President, BeneLeaves
Emilie brings deep expertise in dispensary operations, cannabis processing, and regulatory compliance. As VP of BeneLeaves, she is committed to delivering safe, high-quality cannabis products that support patient wellness. Emilie is a passionate advocate for consumer education, innovation, and integrity in cannabis, using her leadership to shape a more informed and accessible industry.
Dr. Manesh Girn
Neuroscientist, UCSF Postdoctoral Scholar
Dr. Girn holds a PhD in neuroscience from McGill University and is a postdoctoral researcher at UCSF. His work focuses on the brain mechanisms behind cannabis and psychedelic use, including how these substances affect neuroplasticity and mental health. A leading voice in science communication, he is dedicated to making cutting-edge brain research accessible to the public.

Sources

The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research, by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (National Library of Medicine, 2017) - This landmark review summarizes over 10,000 studies and highlights both the potential therapeutic benefits and health risks of cannabis.
Medical Cannabis Access Laws: A State-by-State Breakdown, by NORML (NORML.org, Ongoing) – An up-to-date breakdown of the patchwork cannabis laws that vary drastically by state, highlighting the need for consumer education.
Journal of Cannabis Research, by Springer Nature (Journal of Cannabis Research, 2020–Present)
– Peer-reviewed journal covering emerging cannabis science, patient outcomes, and regulatory insights that support evidence-based consumer education.
Misinformation about Marijuana: Commercialization, Consolidation, and the New First Amendment, by David Angelatos (American University Law Review, 2025)
Neuroscience of Cannabis and Psychedelics: Brain Connectivity, Mental Health, and Psychedelic Science, by Dr. Manesh Girn (UCSF / The Psychedelic Scientist YouTube Channel, 2023–2024)
Understanding Reefer Madness: Legacy of D.A.R.E. and the War on Drugs, by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA.gov Historical Archive) – Provides historical context on 1980s anti-drug messaging and its long-term impact on consumer stigma and perception.
Certificate of Analysis (COA): All the Basics You Ought to Know, by GBL Editors (Green Bee Life Learning Center, 2023)– How to evaluate third-party lab tests to confirm safety and product quality before purchase.

Resources

Cannabis Industry and Consumer Reports, by Cannabis Public Policy Consulting (CPPC, 2023–Present)
– Research-driven insights into cannabis market trends, regulatory challenges, and evolving consumer behavior.
National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA)
– The leading voice for responsible cannabis business. NCIA provides education, advocacy, and policy resources to support industry transparency, ethical marketing, and federal reform—critical knowledge for both businesses and consumers navigating legal uncertainty.
U.S. Hemp Roundtable
– A coalition of hemp companies and nonprofits working to secure a safe and legal hemp marketplace. Offers consumer-facing advocacy tools, policy updates, and educational resources to protect access to hemp-derived cannabinoids like CBD.
Last Prisoner Project
– A nonprofit activist organization dedicated to criminal justice reform and securing clemency for those incarcerated for cannabis offenses. Educates the public on sentencing disparities, social equity, and the ongoing impacts of prohibition.
Veterans Cannabis Project
– A nonprofit advocating for veterans' rights to access medical cannabis. Provides personal stories, policy advocacy, and awareness campaigns that highlight cannabis as a wellness tool for those who have served.
Drug Policy Alliance (DPA)
– A national leader in reforming drug policy through a health- and human-rights-centered lens. Offers in-depth guides and updates on cannabis laws, equity issues, and consumer protection.
BeneLeaves
– An Ohio-based cannabis processor dedicated to producing safe, effective, and quality-tested products. BeneLeaves puts patient care and compliance at the forefront of its mission, making them a trusted source for informed cannabis consumers.
Leaf411 – Cannabis Nurse Hotline
– A nonprofit nurse-staffed hotline offering free, medically sound guidance on cannabis use. Ideal for new consumers with health concerns or questions about drug interactions, dosage, and safety.
The Psychedelic Scientist: Dr. Manesh Girn’s YouTube Channel
– Breaks down complex neuroscience topics, including how cannabis affects brain connectivity and emotional regulation.

Extras

Just Say KNOW – Full Podcast Episode Archive
– Access every episode of Just Say KNOW with Maria Podcast Series, complete with show notes, transcripts, and educational extras.
Green Bee Life Learning Center
– A curated hub of educational content designed to help you “Grow Your Know.” Learn how cannabis works, how to shop smarter, and how to consume with confidence.
Has Anyone in Your Life Benefited from Cannabis? Knowledge for NewBeez – GBL TV Video Series 📺 – Discover stories from people who’ve found relief, resilience, and even redemption through cannabis. Because the more we speak up, the more we normalize the truth.
Just Say KNOW on GBL TV
– Stream all video versions of Just Say KNOW with Maria, featuring bonus visuals, behind-the-scenes segments, and extended guest clips you won’t hear in the podcast.

*FDA Disclaimer: The content in this video is meant for educational purposes only. The FDA has not evaluated the statements in this video and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.