The Higher Ground (A Potcast)

Blooming Wellness: Angelique Zerillo On Intentional Cannabis & Self Care

BONUS DROP!  While we polish Season 2, enjoy this special sit‑down with Angelique Zerillo, CEO & Editor‑in‑Chief of The North Bloom Magazine. Recorded during our return to the studio, this conversation zooms in on the power of intentional cannabis, micro‑dosing for women’s wellness, and the hustle behind launching a female‑led print publication in Minnesota. Expect candid stories about: * Angelique’s pivot from pre‑med to cannabis journalism after a breast‑cancer scare * Using low‑dose THC to manage anxiety, pain, and adrenal fatigue * Why women 35‑75 are the fastest‑growing cannabis demographic * Building community “co‑opetition” and keeping local dollars in local hands * Practical self‑care hacks — from gym routines to whole‑plant formulations Kick back, spark curiosity, and get an insider preview of what’s blooming in Minnesota’s wellness scene.

Episode 12 – SUPERPOWERED BY CANNABIS | Fun, Wellness, and Connection

In this uplifting and laughter-filled episode of Higher Ground, Erin, Roxxi, and Kimberly explore the transformative power of cannabis. From fun cannabis events to overcoming anxiety and finding purpose, the trio dives into personal stories, cannabis education, and plenty of humor. Whether you're new to cannabis or an experienced user, this episode offers valuable insights and relatable moments for everyone. What You’ll Learn: * How cannabis can help you unwind and refocus after a busy day 🧘‍♀️ * Why community connection is at the heart of the cannabis culture 🌍 * Tips for managing “too high” moments with CBD and other tricks 🧪 * The benefits of using cannabis for creativity and emotional healing 💕 * Why attending cannabis events is a game-changer for networking and fun 🎉 Chapters & Time Codes: 00:35 – Cannabis Origins in the U.S. 🌱 A fascinating look at how cannabis first made its way to North America. 03:40 – Cannabis Prohibition and Community Impact 📜 The hosts discuss the history of prohibition and its lingering effects. 05:00 – The Power of Cannabis Events 🎉 Why cannabis events are vital for building community and creating connections. 07:30 – Music, Cannabis, and Summer Festivals 🎶 Personal stories about how music and cannabis enhance outdoor experiences. 10:10 – EDM, Raves, and the Cannabis Vibe ✨ Roxxi shares her love for EDM concerts and their cannabis-friendly atmosphere. 13:20 – Managing Anxiety with Cannabis 🌌 How cannabis helps with anxiety, decompressing, and finding balance. 18:45 – The CBD Belly Button Trick 🤯 The group hilariously explores unconventional ways to manage “too high” moments. 21:30 – Cannabis as a Superpower 🌟 How cannabis supports productivity, creativity, and emotional resilience. 25:50 – Finding Purpose and Passion Through Cannabis 💕 Roxxi and Kimberly reflect on how cannabis helped them discover their life’s purpose. 29:50 – That’s a Wrap! 🎬 The hosts share final thoughts on cannabis, gratitude, and their journey together. #CannabisHealing 🌿 #EdibleFails 🍪 #HigherGroundPodcast 🎙️ #CannabisCulture 💨 #SelfLoveJourney 💕 #CannabisEvents 🎉

Episode 11 – FREE THE PLANT | Empowering Conversations on Cannabis and Health 🌿✨

In this enlightening and laughter-filled episode of Higher Ground, Erin, Roxxi, and Kimberly sit down with Molly, a cannabis nurse, to explore the transformative power of cannabis in health and wellness. From destigmatizing cannabis use to diving into the science of the endocannabinoid system, this episode delivers education, advocacy, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re new to cannabis or a seasoned enthusiast, you’ll walk away inspired and informed! What You’ll Learn: * The role of cannabis nurses in educating and empowering patients 🩺✨ * How cannabis can support physical, emotional, and mental health 🌱 * Tips for having honest conversations with doctors about cannabis 💬 * The versatility of cannabis consumption methods (including belly buttons!) 🌟 * Why destigmatizing cannabis benefits everyone 🌍 Chapters & Time Codes: 00:08 – High on Gratitude 🌟 Erin kicks off with a shoutout to the amazing cannabis community. 00:35 – Molly’s Cannabis Journey 🌱 Molly shares how she discovered cannabis as a teenager and how it changed her life. 05:50 – Edibles Made Easy 🍪 Molly recounts her journey into edible-making and how it reshaped her relationship with cannabis. 10:30 – The Power of Honest Conversations 💬 Tips on talking to healthcare providers about cannabis without fear. 14:00 – The Endocannabinoid System Explained 🧬 Molly dives into the science behind cannabis and its profound impact on the body. 20:10 – Debunking Cannabis Stigmas 🛑 The group discusses how outdated perceptions about cannabis still affect healthcare and society. 25:50 – Consumption for All Kinds 💡 A lighthearted discussion on unconventional cannabis consumption methods (yes, even belly buttons!). 30:40 – Cannabis for Women’s Health 👩‍⚕️ Exploring cannabis as a tool for women’s wellness, from pregnancy to menopause. 37:00 – Resources for Learning About Cannabis 📚 Molly shares her favorite trusted sources for cannabis education and empowerment. 40:50 – Breaking Down Misinformation ❌ How to spot and avoid disinformation in the cannabis industry. 47:00 – That’s a Wrap! 🎬 Closing thoughts on empowerment, education, and the joy of cannabis advocacy. #CannabisEducation 🌿 #DestigmatizeCannabis 💕 #HigherGroundPodcast 🎙️ #EdibleFails 🍪 #CannabisAdvocacy 🌟

Episode 10 – CANNABIS CARE AND COMMUNITY | Healing, Knowledge, and Laughter 🌿✨

In this episode of Higher Ground, Erin, Roxxi, and Kimberly are joined by Trisha Brown, a board-certified cannabis nurse, to explore the intersection of cannabis, health, and lifestyle. From hilarious first-time cannabis stories to the science behind the endocannabinoid system, this episode balances heartfelt conversations with plenty of laughs. Discover how cannabis can play a role in healing, empowerment, and connecting with the community. What You’ll Learn: * The importance of starting low and going slow with edibles 🍬 * Why cannabis should be part of a holistic lifestyle 🌟 * The science of the endocannabinoid system and its role in health 🧠 * How to avoid common cannabis consumption pitfalls 🚫 * Stories of cannabis bringing people together in unexpected ways 💕 Chapters & Time Codes: 00:08 – Trisha’s First Cannabis Experience 🌲 Trisha shares her teenage adventures in Wisconsin and her reintroduction to cannabis decades later. 02:40 – Discovering the Nurse Culture Collective 👩‍⚕️ How Trisha found her way into cannabis nursing during the height of COVID-19 burnout. 05:25 – The Endocannabinoid System Explained 🧬 Trisha breaks down this crucial but often-overlooked system and its role in holistic health. 08:00 – The Evolution of Cannabis Perception 🏷️ A discussion about how cannabis is gaining legitimacy as medicine and the future of cannabis nursing. 10:00 – Cannabis Safety 101 🚦 Understanding the safety profile of cannabis and its interactions with other medications. 15:00 – PSA: Start Low, Go Slow 🍪 The importance of dosage when it comes to edibles, featuring stories of lessons learned. 18:00 – Integrating Cannabis into a Healthy Lifestyle 🌱 Why cannabis is just one part of Trisha’s approach to holistic health coaching. 20:30 – The History of Cannabis Prohibition 📜 A look back at how cannabis became stigmatized and its resurgence in modern medicine. 25:00 – Tips for New Cannabis Consumers 💡 Practical advice for beginners, including how to choose safe and reliable products. 30:00 – A Cannabis Success Story 🌟 Trisha shares how cannabis helped her mother manage pain and anxiety during her cancer journey. 35:00 – Journaling Your Cannabis Journey 📖 Why documenting your experience can help you find what works best for you. 40:00 – That’s a Wrap! 🎬 Final reflections on cannabis, community, and finding balance in life. #CannabisHealing 🌿 #EdibleFails 🍪 #SelfLoveJourney 💕 #HigherGroundPodcast 🎙️ #CannabisCulture 💨

Episode 9 – TERPENE TASTING AND CANNABIS HERITAGE | A Journey into Aromas and Advocacy

This week on Higher Ground, Erin, Roxxi, and Kimberly are joined by a special guest to dive nose-first into the fascinating world of terpenes. From cannabis tasting kits to the rich history of prohibition, this episode blends humor, education, and some surprising revelations. Curious about what terpenes smell like? Wondering how cannabis cultivation has evolved over the years? This is your episode! 💨 What You’ll Learn: * How terpenes influence cannabis effects and flavor 🌸 * The historical role women played in prohibition farming 👩‍🌾 * Why “indica” and “sativa” don’t tell the full story 🤔 * How to identify cannabis quality through scent and terpene profiles 🧪 * Tips for using cannabis mindfully and creatively 🌟 Chapters: 00:21 – Meet the Guest! 👋 Kimberly introduces a long-time cannabis advocate and terpene tasting expert. 02:40 – What Are Terpenes? 🌿 Breaking down terpenes as the building blocks of scent and their role in cannabis. 05:30 – The Prohibition Era and Women in Farming 💪 A fascinating look at how women sustained cannabis farming during prohibition. 10:00 – Cooking with Cannabis and the Art of Infusion 🍳 Exploring the benefits of ghee, microdosing, and whole-plant infusions. 14:50 – A Smell-Based Memory Exercise 👃 The guest leads the group in a terpene tasting demo, sharing hilarious and insightful reactions. 20:30 – Indica, Sativa, and the Language of Cannabis 🏷️ Why the traditional labels don’t reflect cannabis effects and the push for terpene-based classification. 29:15 – Legacy Strains and “Blue Dream” Mysteries 🌌 Can you tell real Blue Dream from imitators? A deep dive into strain authenticity. 34:00 – Cannabis as a Nutritional Supplement 🧠 How cannabinoids support homeostasis and why cannabis isn’t just a “drug.” 40:20 – Dry Inhaling: A New Way to Taste Cannabis 💨 Learning to appreciate cannabis flavor before lighting up. 50:10 – The Future of Cannabis Language 📚 How the industry is moving toward standardizing language for better consumer experiences. 01:08:00 – That’s a Wrap! 🎬 Closing thoughts, heartfelt thanks, and a teaser for future episodes.