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Welcome to the Cannabis Media Spotlight Series! We created this Q&A series to celebrate the incredible work that reporters, editors, and podcast hosts do to shed light on the cannabis industry. Their insights and stories play a vital role in shaping how this space is understood and appreciated by the world.
Our goal is to highlight their journey, their expertise, and the meaningful impact of their work.
This week we're featuring Jessica Reilly-Chevalier, Editor in Chief of Fat Nugs Magazine. Let's jump right in to learn about Jessica's role in cannabis journalism.
What inspired you to start covering the cannabis industry, and how has your perspective evolved since you began?
I got into cannabis as a copywriter to niche down and began interviewing people as a way to build my network. My entire perspective on the plant changed when I learned about the endocannabinoid system and the true complexity of the cannabis plant. I knew nothing about cannabis before I entered into this industry beyond getting high. I have learned so much through interviewing scientific and business professionals in cannabis over the past four years.
What does a typical day look like for you as a journalist/editor/podcast host in the cannabis space?
It's all about content! Coffee, emails, content - writing, editing, providing feedback, brainstorming topics, fact-checking, and pitching.
What are some of the most compelling trends, stories, or issues in the cannabis industry right now that you think deserve more attention?
Minor cannabinoids - moving beyond THC dominance to truly take advantage of the entourage effect and the complexity of cannabis with our bodies. Alternative methods of consuming - suppositories and transdermal patches to name a few.
What advice would you give to cannabis businesses or PR professionals hoping to connect with you or pitch their stories effectively?
Make it clever, make it unique. Don't pitch me the best bowls for St. Patrick's Day or other content that's just your product in a thinly-veiled topic. Give me the science behind smoking and filtration with one line about your bowl at the end. Give me education and entertainment - not product placement.
What’s been one of the most memorable stories or moments in your career covering cannabis so far?
A tie: Interviewing Tommy Chong and staying on Sol Spirit Farms in the Emerald Triangle, both for the Flower issue of Fat Nugs.