Episode 13: Conscious Choices: Inside the Pause Consumption Revolution with Allison Benedict
Episode Summary:
Experience the dynamic world of cannabis culture and intentional living with a captivating episode of The Plant.Body.Soul. Podcast featuring Allison Benedict, founder of Pause Consumption Lounge. Join hosts Jennifer Miles and Gordon Ogden as they explore the intersection of cannabis, community, and self-discovery, inviting listeners on a journey of curiosity, belonging, and sustainability. From enlightening discussions about the power of safe environments during cannabis consumption to the magic of infusing intention into everyday practices, this podcast promises an immersive experience that transcends mere entertainment. Discover the essence of the Pause brand through its core values of action, authenticity, and judgment-free zones, while relishing the tales of community events, including the upcoming "Highs for Humanity” event on November 4th, 2023. Embark on an enriching exploration of mindful living and connect with a vibrant, inclusive community dedicated to creating meaningful connections and lasting impact.
Show Notes:
Segment 1: Introductions and Burning Man Recap
Timestamp: [00:00:58 - 00:03:58]
Jen and Gordon introduce the episode and recap Jen's recent trip to Burning Man.
Allison Benedict is introduced as the founder of Pause Consumption, sharing her passion for plants and the missing connection in the cannabis industry.
Segment 2: Building a Connection with Pause Consumption
Timestamp: [00:03:58 - 00:06:58]
Allison explains how Pause Consumption aims to create a safe and informative space for legal cannabis consumption.
The focus is on providing a judgment-free environment with educational resources for users to have positive experiences.
Segment 3: Creating a Pop-Up Space
Timestamp: [00:06:58 - 00:08:58]
Allison describes how Pause Consumption operates as a pop-up service, catering to legal consumption spaces for adults in select states.
The flexibility of the pop-up format enables the service to meet consumers wherever they are.
Segment 4: Natural Medicines and Community Engagement
Timestamp: [00:08:58 - 00:10:58]
Pause Consumption's commitment to natural medicines extends beyond cannabis to various plant-based and natural remedies.
Allison discusses the intersection of Pause Consumption's efforts with social justice, sustainability, and community engagement.
Segment 5: Pride Event and Transformative Experiences
Timestamp: [00:10:58 - 00:13:58]
The transformative impact of Pause Consumption's Pride event is highlighted, emphasizing the power of education and empathy.
Allison shares the event's success in bringing together diverse individuals and fostering understanding and empathy within the community.
Segment 6: Importance of Diversity in the Cannabis Community
Timestamp: [00:11:58 - 00:13:58]
Allison discusses the crucial role of diversity in the cannabis community and emphasizes its strength in decision-making and fostering inclusivity.
The implications of a lack of diversity at the highest levels of the industry and the need to acknowledge and rectify historical inequalities are highlighted.
Segment 7: Preserving Cannabis's Spiritual Roots
Timestamp: [00:13:58 - 00:16:58]
The conversation delves into the potential loss of cannabis's spiritual and cultural heritage in the face of commercialization and profit-driven motives.
Jen and Allison explore the concept of cannabis as an entheogen and the need to maintain the spiritual connection to the plant.
Segment 8: Standout Events and Initiatives by Pause Consumption
Timestamp: [00:17:58 - 00:19:58]
Allison highlights the successful Galentine's event focused on women in the cannabis industry, emphasizing inclusivity and allyship.
The upcoming "Highs for Humanity" volunteer event in partnership with Tom's Palms is discussed, promoting community engagement and support for those in need.
Segment 9: Challenging the Status Quo
Timestamp: [00:20:58 - 00:22:58]
Allison shares Pause Consumption's philosophy of challenging the existing norms and pushing for inclusive change in the cannabis industry.
The need to dismantle societal stigmas and reshape the perception of cannabis in the media is emphasized as a crucial step toward fostering acceptance and understanding.
Segment 10: Call for Change and Positive Narratives
Timestamp: [00:22:58 -00:24:58]
Allison calls for the normalization of cannabis consumption and the promotion of positive narratives to counter the prevailing stigma.
The importance of education in shaping the public's perception of cannabis is underscored, emphasizing the need to share personal and collective experiences to foster a more accepting culture.
Segment 11: Collaborative Partnerships and Weedmaps
Timestamp: [00:24:58 - 00:26:58]
The importance of collaboration and partnerships in bringing Pause Consumption's events to life is emphasized, with a special focus on the fruitful collaboration with Weedmaps.
The value of creating art installations and facilitating education within the cannabis community is discussed, highlighting Weedmaps' alignment with Pause Consumption's mission.
Segment 12: Pause Consumption's Future Vision
Timestamp: [00:26:58 - 00:28:58]
Allison envisions a future where Pause Consumption has permanent locations, reflecting the normalization and accessibility of cannabis consumption.
The organization's commitment to pushing for the legalization of consumption and driving regulatory changes in the industry is underscored as a key objective for the coming years.
Segment 13: Engaging with Pause Consumption
Timestamp: [00:27:58 - 00:29:58]
Various ways for individuals and organizations to engage with and support Pause Consumption's mission are outlined, including volunteering, attending events, and staying updated through the organization's online presence.
The significance of experiencing Pause Consumption's events firsthand and the joy and inclusivity they offer are emphasized as key takeaways for potential attendees.
Segment 14: Essence of the Pause Consumption Brand
Timestamp: [00:29:58 - 00:31:58]
The core values of Pause Consumption, including curiosity, belonging, and sustainability, are identified as the driving forces behind the brand's essence.
The brand's action-oriented and judgment-free approach is highlighted, showcasing its commitment to fostering inclusivity and self-expression within the cannabis community.
Segment 15: Personal Insights and Passions
Timestamp: [00:31:58 - 00:35:58]
Allison shares her first cannabis experience, emphasizing the significance of creating a safe and supportive environment for newcomers to cannabis consumption.
The conversation delves into Allison's favorite cannabis term, "boof," and her passion for living life intensely and empathetically, translating into her deep connection with plants and her commitment to making positive changes in the world.
Segment 16: Entertainment and Reading Preferences
Timestamp: [00:38:58 - 00:40:58]
Allison discusses her preference for physical books over audiobooks and shares her admiration for The Plant.Body.Soul. Podcast, particularly the Friday Highday reels, showcasing the dynamic reactions of the hosts.
The book "The Confident Mind" is highlighted as a current favorite, focusing on practical guidance for approaching life with greater confidence and self-assurance.
Segment 17: Intentional Living and the Magic of the Beach
Timestamp: [00:40:58 - 00:43:58]
The hosts discuss the significance of infusing intention and energy into everyday activities, including food preparation, with a mutual fondness for the beach and the serene, carefree environment it offers.
Allison expresses her desire to host a Pause Consumption event at a beach location, highlighting the potential opportunities for social consumption in legalized areas like California.
Segment 18: Connecting with Pause Consumption and Plant Body Soul
Timestamp: [00:43:58 - End]
Allison shares Pause Consumption's various social media channels, including Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Threads, encouraging listeners to engage with the organization online and attend their events.
The hosts wrap up the episode, inviting listeners to subscribe to The Plant.Body.Soul. Podcast and visit their website for updates on future events and podcast releases.
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