Burn After Reading VII
Reaction to the Big Papi news, prohibitionists in the local media, an ominous tweet about local media, and more.
Welcome to the seventh edition of Burn After Reading! This is my newsletter on cannabis (and other things). You can check out last week’s issue here.
In this week’s Cannabis Confidential, I took a look at the reaction to David Ortiz getting into the cannabis industry via a branding deal with Rev Clinics.
I may be a hater of celebrity weed brands, but I must admit they’re good for business if you’re a writer covering the cannabis industry. This piece got a lot of traction.
You probably won’t be surprised to learn that I personally tend to agree with those criticizing Big Papi for choosing Rev Clinics. Even putting aside the criticism of that particular company, he couldn’t use his enormous wealth to lift up a social equity applicant?
I didn’t have space to chronicle all of the reactions, which is a real shame — because I would have loved to talk about Boston Globe sports columnist Kevin Paul Dupont’s incredibly weird opinion piece about Papi Cannabis. Let’s take a brief look:
When cannabis or booze aren’t used properly, or responsibly, all of that “mostly” stuff goes out the window. There can be hell to pay, be it in lives ruined by or lost to addiction, or the various forms of carnage around getting hooked.
Right or wrong, some of us still today stigmatize marijuana. We can argue deep into extra innings and the next millennium if that is right, wrong, or justified, but it undeniably remains part of American culture. It will last a long time. Even the great Ortiz, 46, will not outlive that lingering truth.
Of greater concern, in the moment, is that Ortiz’s endorsement and bountiful star power, boosted even more by Hall of Fame creds, has lifted marijuana’s profile, reconfirmed yet again that it’s both good and cool, now even Bootylicious sexy, baby.
I can no longer proclaim to be a youth, but I promise you that they do not think weed is “Bootylicious sexy” — mainly because they don’t talk like Austin Powers.
It’s never good when a tweet causes you to spontaneously make a Scooby Doo-like noise.
This is bad.
I’ll be fine, but local journalism…not so much. Gannet owns more newspapers in this country than anyone else, including local Massachusetts publications like the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, and yes.. Worcester Magazine.
Check out the rest of that twitter thread for more details.
Can somebody check on the folks over at the Boston Herald?
They seem a little bit obsessed over a provision in the cannabis bill that was just sent to Governor Baker’s desk.
With most of the state in a drought and our public transit system catching fire at an alarming rate, I’m glad the Herald really has their eye on the ball.
Picture this: A kid has a terrible ailment. Prescription drugs can’t treat it. A trained physician prescribes medical cannabis. It works, and the kid can now live a normal life.
Then, they arrive at their public school, and they’re told by the government that they can’t take their prescribed medicine.
This has happened all over the country, resulting in situations where parents have to make the tough decision to pull their kid out of school.
This is why legislators want to study the issue.
But apparently, the right wing media are big fans of the federal government telling them how to raise their children, despite the fact that their entire mid-term platform is basically “public schools are making your kids gay and woke.”
Multi-state operator MeriMed has announced their partnering with Emack & Bolio’s to launch their own line of cannabis infused frozen desserts.
The debut flavors are Cup O’Coffee Chip and Chocolate Sunny Days. No need to pop up a lactaid, as these flavors are vegan.
Mari-med’s ice cream brands join Plant Jams’ Cloud Creamery in infused ice cream space here in Massachusetts.
Upcoming New England / Virtual Cannabis Events.
August 7th: Commonwealth Alternative Care Clambake Soiree
4PM-9PM. 76 Chase Ave, Dennisport. Free.
August 11th: Cannabis B2B Networking Event at The Boston College Club
6PM-10PM. Boston College Club. $50+.
Got an event you wanted listed here in a future issue? Email me.
Welcome Distraction of the Week.
An Honest Thief.
This “so bad it’s good” action flick — starring a then 67 year old Liam Neeson — is a welcome distraction for anyone who’s familiar with Worcester. About 75% of the movie takes place within a 1 mile radius of city hall.
Despite the establishing shots of Boston, this movie was filmed 100% in Worcester county, and it added a whole other layer to this movie for me. It’s hilarious to see him drive by the DCU Center over and over when he’s allegedly speeding through the whole city, and I spent the whole movie pointing out at the screen like Leonardo DiCaprio, pointing out various Worcester landmarks.
And even if you’re not from the area, this movie is…well…it’s watchable, and it’s run time is only about 90 minutes, not counting the credits.
An Honest Thief is available for streaming on Amazon Prime and purchase on a number of other platforms.
Cat of the Week.
Atticus!
Submitted by reader Jennifer Roy:
This is Atticus, my adoption from WARL. He dabbles in cooking sushi, loves to jump up and surprise you when he thinks you can't see him, and might need psychotherapy to stop biting. Yes, he has a stroller, and loves squeaky toys - he has a favorite squeaky mouse and toy pink pony.
