• Pothead
  • Posts
  • what are the potheads...

what are the potheads...

(doing to themselves?)

the word 'pothead' with a rotating cannabis plant inside the letter 'O'

A Pothead Newsletter

Hey buds…

Welcome to the very first hit of Pothead, the newsletter that keeps you in the circle on all things weed, with all the fun and none of the paranoia.

For too long, the word Pothead was stuck in a bad trip of stigma and propaganda. We’re here to reclaim the pot out of it.

The plan? Stay updated on what matters, spark real conversations, and pass along the good stuff: information, culture, and all the ways in which cannabis connects us.

Whether you’re into the OG stuff, CBD gummies, herbal teas, or just curious about the culture, you belong here.

Grab whatever you’re into and let’s spark something great together!

a rectangular banner with the words "groove to this:" on the left hand side and a album cover of Glass Beams "Snake Oil" on the right side

Glass Beams — 'Snake Oil'

the map of germany with the words "legal weed in germany" layered on top and a finger pointing towards it coming from the lower left side of the image

GERMANY GREEN LIGHTS COMMERICAL CANNABIS SALE IN THE NAME OF SCIENCE

Germany just gave the green light to what might be the chillest science experiment ever: letting people legally buy and enjoy cannabis under their shiny new cannabis pilot program.

The program will roll out across Germany, allowing universities and private institutions to sell legally and commercially. You know, for science. Registration and proof of residency will be required, so no sneaking in from Prague with a fake address, Jim.

Since April 1st, it’s been legal to grow and smoke your own, but this pilot program finally opens up the supply for consumers.

The Green Party’s MP Kirsten Kappert-Gonther noted in a post that this initiative will NOT replace the Pillar 2. But by now many are questing if that much-promised second pillar is ever gonna show up. We say it’s looking about as stable as a joint rolled in the windy waiting line of an overhyped techno club.

In Berlin alone, cannabis-related crimes have taken a nosedive from 5,315 to 1,685—70% down from last year. Turns out, when you legalize, people stop sneaking around and the poh-poh can actually get on with their serious job.

Specialist stores in Berlin’s Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg and Neukölln districts are already gearing up to sell cannabis starting summer 2025.

So, is this the start of a cannabis revolution in Europe? Maybe. But for now, Germany’s getting high—on data, that is.

  • A Eurobarometer survey shows consumption rates are actually down in Malta since semi-legalization. But good luck getting in on the action, since with limited capacities, many are already at the max. Curious? Check out WeedMap Malta to see what’s happening on the island.

  • 44 days left to snag early-bird tickets for the International Cannabis B2B Conference in Berlin. Pack the pitch and maybe eye drops for the VIP afterparty?

  • New research from Curtin University shows older Aussies are swapping smokes for cannabis as prices increase. Retirement goals.

  • Seth’s Houseplant THC-infused sparkly, bubbly is finally available for Americans. Get it exclusively at drinkhouseplant.com and select Total Wine locations.

  • UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, declares the War on Drugs a failure. In other news, water is wet.

  • Japan’s new cannabis laws are officially in effect, making use a crime punishable by up to seven years in prison. Let’s pray they stop there and don’t roll out the cheesy propag—

“Realizing a metropolis where everyone can live in peace in their local communities” — 2021, Japan

Neolithic (10,000-5,000 BC) Cave Painting — Kyushu, Japan

Believe it or not, weed used to be life in Japan. The Jōmon Period (14500 BCE - 5000 BCE) meaning “pattern of ropes,” is a clear nod to the hemp fibers that were used everywhere—clothes, fishing nets, bowstrings, you name it.

👉Cannabis also had spiritual significance. In Shintoism, hemp was used to purify spaces and banish negative energy. Priests waved bundles of hemp leaves during ceremonies, and shimenawa ropes made from hemp fibers—symbols of purity—still hang at shrines today.

👉There’s even evidence that Japan might have produced some of the earliest cannabis-related art. A 10,000-year-old cave painting from Kyushu Island appears to depict the plant, reflecting its deep cultural roots. What do you think? Were ancient artists high on inspiration or just high?

👉Even the Chinese character for hemp (, 麻) shows two cannabis plants chilling under a roof, because back then, weed was just another part of life.

BTW, ninjas in children’s books used to train by jumping over hemp plants because they grew so fast. But who needs a super plant when we’ve got synthetic everything.

👉What happened?

Researcher compared the effects of a single dose of 800 mg cannabidiol against placebo on a group with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) while exposed to stressful and booze-related cues.

👉What did they find?

  • Reduced cravings: CBD was shown to reduce both stress- and alcohol cue-induced cravings compared to a placebo.

  • Brain Activity: Using fMRI, researchers found that CBD significantly reduced activity in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a brain region associated with craving and motivation.

👉Why This Matters?

The NAc is a big deal in addiction. It’s the part of your brain that lights up when you’re around triggers, like stress or the sight of a cold pint. By calming this area, CBD can quickly help people resist cravings and cut down on the risk of relapse.

We can’t stop staring at the original art made from beautiful flower and hash rosin by The Curator Co.

In a world consumed by doom & gloom news cycles, drama, and politics, be more like Dabman."

Honestly, that’s definitely a philosophy we can get behind. Whatever’s happening today, channel your inner Dabman: chill, steady, and unbothered.

‘Dabman’ art by: The Curator Co

‘Dabman’ art by: The Curator Co

Since today’s officially our first birthday (is that even a thing), we want to talk Day 1s. When was the first time you said hello to the green?

Can’t remember? (Relatable.)

Fine, tell us about your second or third, or just please tell us anything. We want to say hi.

And if you’re fully embracing the pothead memory stereotype, just tell us what you liked (or didn’t) about this week’s email. Just hit reply to this email!

Catch you in the next puff,
Pothead

Reply

or to participate.