Practical Politics

When gaming regulations become an unlikely ally for legal cannabis - featuring John Lockwood

This episode features John Lockwood, a Florida attorney specializing in highly regulated industries such as cannabis, alcohol, gambling, and health care. The conversation emphasizes how cannabis policy, like gambling regulation, often transcends party lines. Success is less about political affiliation and more about the strength of organized opposition and the ability to navigate complex regulatory systems.

Why Self-Regulation Fails - with AnnaRae Grabstein

In this episode of Practical Politics, host Sabrina Noah speaks with cannabis industry leader and strategist AnnaRae Grabstein about her journey from the early days of Prop 215 to founding the first cannabis testing lab and now advising companies on how to scale, lead, and navigate complex regulatory landscapes. AnnaRae emphasizes that meaningful progress in emerging industries requires both visionary leadership and a grounded understanding of policy, especially in environments where self-regulation often fails. This conversation underscores the importance of lobbying as a tool to shape fair, consistent regulations—and reminds CEOs that their companies must be represented at the policy table to safeguard their interests and ensure long-term success. #podcast #cannabiseducation #ceo #girlboss #leadership

From Propaganda to Power: How Women Changed the Cannabis Conversation - Featuring Sabrina Fendrick

In this episode of Practical Politics, Sabrina Noah hosts Sabrina Fendrick, a pioneering advocate for cannabis reform, who shares her deeply personal and political journey from being a college student targeted by drug enforcement to becoming a national leader in grassroots lobbying. Fendrick discusses how her experiences with the criminal justice system and her background in communications fueled her desire to dismantle harmful propaganda and drive social change. As the founder of the NORML Women’s Alliance, she harnessed the power of social media and historical parallels with alcohol prohibition to mobilize and normalize women’s voices in the cannabis movement. Her work exemplifies how strategic grassroots organizing, particularly by women, can challenge entrenched systems and shift public policy. For a deeper look at her story and the untold contributions of women in cannabis reform, read her powerful book Token Female.

Law, Legitimacy, and the Leaf: Eric Berlin on Reform from Within

In this powerful episode, attorney Eric Berlin shares how his personal battles with Crohn’s disease and leukemia led him from big-law litigation to the front lines of cannabis policy reform. He discusses the risks he took to advocate for legalization in Illinois and Ohio, the power of personal stories in driving change, and why authenticity and kindness matter more than data in politics. He encourages others, regardless of background, to get involved, asserting that meaningful change is driven by committed individuals sharing their personal truths. With host Sabrina Noah, Berlin reflects on the evolving cannabis landscape and encourages everyday people to speak up, stay informed, and push for safe, legal, and affordable access.

The Secret Life of a (cannabis) Lobbyist

ur very first episode focuses on a hot button political topic - Cannabis. Join us as the Lobbyist Lady, Sabrina Noah, interviews one of the country's titans and OGs of cannabis policy - Jordan Wellington. Jordan is the Managing Partner of Strategies 64 and host of the WeedWonks Podcast.Join us next week for a thoughtful discussion patient advocacy with Eric Berlin of Dentons.