Sage Against the Machine No. 26

As we approach the fall equinox next week, I’m ready to tap back into the magic of the changing seasons. Now, perhaps some may see my summer silence as a sign that I’m just a summer girly pop—out here trying to live my best life, but to be honest, I’m really just trying to keep three feral children fed and alive. Who knew that would be such a tall order? Fuuuuuuuuck!

But secretly… maybe not-so-secretly… we are back in my favorite time of year (shhh… don’t tell the other three, because I tell them all they are my favorite).

Possible reasons:

• Back-to-school energy and the return of schedules—I LOVE organization.
• All the chunky knit sweaters feel like a warm hug, and who doesn’t need that right now?
• Basic Bitch pumpkin spice (and her sassy little sister, Maple, who is starting to steal the spotlight) are everywhere, giving us so many options!

Probably more than anything, it’s the big blowout of gorgeous foliage that practically screams at us to notice and pay attention… captivates us, then disappears completely in two months, returning months later as a pale echo of itself, patiently building toward spring’s full glory again. It’s the grand finale, and I’m a sucker for the show.

Every fall, I find myself refocusing—taking stock of what’s working and what I want to change. When I pivoted into the cannabis space from McKinsey almost four years ago, I had no idea where the path would lead. One of the most pivotal practices I embraced was meditation, particularly through Vanessa Feils’ ACTV8 program. Looking back, the most meaningful part is realizing I am living a version of that dream now—with room to grow into parts I couldn’t have imagined back then.

I’m proud of how I’ve stayed committed to my direction, despite the challenges. I knew where I was needed, took steps to align with that vision, and while I didn’t have much say in exactly how I got here (and Lord knows I’ve taken some detours), I stayed the course. You don’t get to choose the journey, but you can commit to a direction—and that commitment has carried me this far.

And just like those fleeting, fiery fall leaves—it’s once again showtime. 

Three Things That Bring Me Joy:

 1. All of my favorite healing modalities are coming together this weekend at Silverwood Park!

Jenna Padula and Headed North are hosting a Fall Equinox Wellness Retreat featuring breathwork, yoga, a sound bath, and a session on Cannabis & Mushrooms led by me and Brooke Snyder.

A few tickets are still available—treat yourself to a morning of release and renewal on Sunday, Sept 21 @ 10 AM CT.

2. I’m so stoked to be judging the Legacy Cup!

This is the Midwest’s largest cannabis festival, and I’m proud to be part of it again for the 3rd year running. I’ll be judging the best indoor flower, chocolate, and seltzer Minnesota has to offer.

Tickets are still available for Saturday, Sept 27—come sample MN cannabis, enjoy great food, and catch an incredible music lineup including Warren G and Killer Mike.

Huge shoutout to Josh Wilken-Simon, Legacy Cup founder, who just opened MN’s first off-reservation dispensary in Duluth this week! This is a major milestone for Minnesota, and I’m so happy for him and the entire Legacy team who have held this vision for so long.

3. Y’all don’t understand the chokehold Trader Joe’s fall specialty lineup has on my household!

The first whiff of a cinnamon broom (if you know, you know) and my cart is instantly filled with anything pumpkin, butternut squash, or maple. Do they need to make all these frankenmashups of fall flavor? No. Am I still going to buy every single one and try them? You know I am .

So far, my top 3 this year (and we haven’t tried everything yet…):
1.  Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese — always slaps
2.  Apple Cinnamon Sourdough — Kids top pick
3.  Salted Maple Cold Foam — Perfect topper for my latte

These are limited time only and before you know it, Peppermint season will be upon us!

Two Great Conversations I Had:

> In August, I had the pleasure of sitting down with several municipalities exploring recreational cannabis retail licenses. Minnesota is allowing cities to participate in the retail space, similar to how liquor stores operate in many areas. I hosted fireside chats with an attorney, a banker, and a representative from the OCM to help guide cities through the process, address concerns and limitations, and foster connections among those pioneering the idea of local governments selling cannabis.

While there are still details to work out, one thing is clear: there is strong interest in participating in the legal market, and a real need for information and guidance to support these efforts.

> The cannabis conversation and community in MN keep getting better and better! If you haven’t joined a Wednesday night at Earl Giles, you’re missing out on some amazing education. The MN Craft Cannabis Guild hosts weekly discussions that help the market grow and foster collaboration.

I had the pleasure of hosting a session on concentrates with an incredible group of artisans, highlighting the artistry involved in both creation and consumption. Sign up for their mailing list to stay up to date with the schedule and upcoming conversations.

 One Piece of SAGE ADVICE: