Detailed Summary of "UNRULY WITH SHELAH MARIE" Episode 8: Food, Cannabis, and Feeling Better ft. Menle Golokeh Aggrey
Introduction
In Episode 8 of Unruly with Shelah Marie, host Shelah Marie engages in a profound conversation with Menle Golokeh Aggrey, a distinguished pioneer in the cannabis and food industries. The episode delves into the nuanced intersections of food, cannabis, culture, and wellness, offering listeners insightful perspectives on mindful consumption, social equity, and personal growth.
Guest Background
Shelah Marie introduces Menle Golokeh Aggrey with enthusiasm, highlighting her 16-year journey advocating for sustainability, social equity, and mindful consumption within the cannabis and food sectors. Menle is also the author of The Art of Weed Butter, a book that blends delicious cannabis-infused recipes with deeper reflections on food and culture.
Notable Quote:
“I’m so excited. I'm a baby [00:30].”
Cannabis Industry and Social Equity
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the cannabis industry's landscape, particularly addressing social equity for Black and Brown individuals. Menle clarifies common misconceptions surrounding social equity, emphasizing that merely mentioning it doesn’t ensure its implementation.
Notable Quotes:
“If somebody's even mentioning it, that it's already gone through the legal components and processes to actually take place for that said black or brown person on the other side.” – Menle Golokeh Aggrey [09:50]
“New York… made sure that equity was in place and was actually walking the walk.” – Menle Golokeh Aggrey [10:52]
Shelah acknowledges the historical injustices, recognizing how the cannabis industry’s legalization often overlooks the very communities it affects.
Representation in the Cannabis Space
Menle highlights the stark underrepresentation of Black women in the cannabis industry, noting that Black women make up approximately 0.5% of the sector. She advocates for active support through initiatives like “buying black” and promoting Black femme farmers and entrepreneurs.
Notable Quotes:
“It's about 0.5% black women. I think anywhere from one to two black folks in general… it's small, it's minute.” – Menle Golokeh Aggrey [12:27]
“There are so many different lists and articles… black femme farmers who are growing herbs from seed to plant.” – Menle Golokeh Aggrey [13:14]
Cooking with Cannabis: Misconceptions and Mindful Practices
The conversation shifts to culinary practices involving cannabis. Menle addresses the prevalent misconception that cannabis-infused edibles are overwhelmingly potent and often lead to uncomfortable experiences. She advocates for low-dose infusions to enhance food enjoyment without overpowering the consumer.
Notable Quotes:
“The common misconception… is that it's too strong… they just didn't have proper ways to measure.” – Menle Golokeh Aggrey [15:05]
“Less is so much more when it comes to cooking with food.” – Menle Golokeh Aggrey [16:53]
Shelah shares a personal anecdote about a less mindful cannabis-infused dinner, reinforcing the importance of intentional consumption.
Mindful vs. Recreational Cannabis Consumption
Shelah and Menle explore the distinctions between mindful and recreational cannabis use. Menle emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s body and being intentional with consumption, ensuring it aligns with personal wellness goals rather than mere recreational escapism.
Notable Quotes:
“Am I doing this because I just want to distract myself… or am I doing this because I want to really think about it?” – Menle Golokeh Aggrey [21:04]
“Having a journal… capturing recipes that tasted good.” – Menle Golokeh Aggrey [47:01]
Cultural Influences and Diasporic Connections
Menle discusses how her West African heritage and experiences living in Mexico City influence her approach to food and cannabis. She examines the global spread of Black culture through cuisine, recognizing the deep-rooted connections between food practices and cultural identity.
Notable Quotes:
“Food has just been, again, that way to investigate who has been here before.” – Menle Golokeh Aggrey [32:13]
“There's a lot of pride in that… the original sort of geographical location.” – Menle Golokeh Aggrey [29:32]
Book Discussion: "The Art of Weed Butter"
Menle delves into her book, emphasizing the role of patience and mindfulness in cooking with cannabis. She shares how slowing down in the culinary process fosters a deeper connection with food and personal well-being.
Notable Quotes:
“The act of slowing down is that helps me recognize shortcuts and reduce stress.” – Menle Golokeh Aggrey [36:51]
“Cooking as a ritual… thinking about it as a way of servitude and gratitude.” – Menle Golokeh Aggrey [47:01]
Mindful Eating Amidst Chaos
Shelah and Menle discuss strategies for maintaining mindful eating practices during hectic days. Menle suggests intuitive eating and incorporating gratitude into daily food rituals, even when time is limited.
Notable Quotes:
“Intuitive eating… listening to your body's cues.” – Menle Golokeh Aggrey [43:28]
“Thanking yourself for doing that thing is really big.” – Menle Golokeh Aggrey [47:01]
Listener Questions and Community Engagement
The episode includes heartfelt listener submissions, with Nunu sharing her struggles in finding her place amid a dysfunctional family dynamic. Shelah offers empathetic advice, encouraging self-discovery and community building as a substitute for traditional family structures.
Notable Quote:
“Start by getting to know yourself. Sign up for some therapy or some coaching or just do journaling.” – Shelah Marie [53:52]
Conclusion and Takeaways
The episode concludes with Shelah and Menle reinforcing the importance of mindfulness in both food and cannabis consumption. Menle shares her online presence, encouraging listeners to connect and explore her work further.
Notable Quotes:
“Convastional and playful… deep reverence and love.” – Menle Golokeh Aggrey [30:29]
“Gratitude can kind of help bring you back down to earth.” – Menle Golokeh Aggrey [45:53]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- “There's no better time than now to get a little unruly.” – Shelah Marie [01:41]
- “If somebody's even mentioning it, that it's already gone through the legal components…” – Menle Golokeh Aggrey [09:50]
- “It's about 0.5% black women. I think anywhere from one to two black folks in general… it's small, it's minute.” – Menle Golokeh Aggrey [12:27]
- “I think less is so much more when it comes to cooking with food.” – Menle Golokeh Aggrey [16:53]
- “Cooking as a ritual… thinking about it as a way of servitude and gratitude.” – Menle Golokeh Aggrey [47:01]
Key Insights and Conclusions
-
Social Equity Needs Genuine Implementation: Legalizing cannabis without ensuring social equity perpetuates existing injustices. Effective policies must prioritize Black and Brown community empowerment.
-
Representation Matters: Increasing Black women's presence in the cannabis industry requires active support through purchasing and promoting Black-owned businesses.
-
Mindful Consumption Enhances Wellness: Approaching cannabis use with mindfulness rather than recreation promotes better personal wellness and meaningful social interactions.
-
Cultural Heritage Enriches Practices: Embracing diasporic connections enriches culinary and wellness practices, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural roots and their global influence.
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Gratitude Transforms Experience: Incorporating gratitude and intentionality into daily routines, especially around food, enhances overall well-being and fosters a positive mindset.
Actionable Steps for Listeners:
- Create a Recipe Journal: Document delicious and mindful cooking experiments to build a legacy and reinforce positive culinary practices.
- Practice Gratitude in Cooking: Integrate mindfulness by acknowledging the effort and resources involved in food preparation.
- Support Black-Owned Cannabis Businesses: Actively seek out and purchase from Black femme farmers and entrepreneurs to promote equity in the industry.
Final Thoughts
Episode 8 of Unruly with Shelah Marie offers a rich exploration of how food and cannabis intersect with culture, wellness, and social justice. Menle Golokeh Aggrey's expertise and heartfelt insights provide listeners with practical tools and inspiration to enhance their well-being and embrace their true selves.
Where to Find Menle Golokeh Aggrey:
- Instagram: @Enlay
- Newsletter: Taste Bud on Substack
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