In this episode of Joint Session, host Herb Barbot is joined by Nikki Lawley, a former nurse, traumatic brain injury survivor, cannabis advocate, invisible illness educator, and founder of Nikki and the Plant. Nikki shares the deeply personal story of how a workplace brain injury transformed her from healthcare provider to patient, leaving her with chronic pain and other debilitating symptoms while conventional medicine struggled to provide answers or relief. After cycling through dozens of doctors and medications, an unexpected encounter with medical cannabis in Las Vegas changed the direction of her life and ultimately turned her into a passionate advocate for the plant. The conversation explores the stigma Nikki faced from the medical community, the challenges patients encounter navigating different cannabis laws across state lines, and why education remains essential for both patients and healthcare professionals. Nikki also discusses social media censorship, the decline of New York’s medical cannabis program following adult-use legalization, and her belief that medical guidance needs to remain an important part of the cannabis ecosystem. It’s a powerful conversation about invisible illness, patient advocacy, and how one life-changing experience with cannabis became a mission to help others find relief.
Joint Session: Diverse Voices in NYS Cannabis is produced by Herb Barbot, with executive production and marketing by Simlev Media.
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What is Joint Session: Diverse Voices in NYS Cannabis?
Joint Session is your go-to source for the latest cannabis news shaping the New York market. Hosted by Herb Barbot, Esq., the first Director of Operations at the NYS Office of Cannabis Management, this podcast delivers expert insights, breaking developments, and in-depth conversations with the industry’s most influential voices.
From policymakers and legislators to business leaders, licensees, and advocates, Joint Session brings you exclusive interviews with those shaping the future of cannabis in New York and beyond. Plus, we keep you informed with key national and international cannabis updates. Whether you're an industry professional, an advocate, or just curious about the evolving landscape, Joint Session delivers factual, insightful, and digestible information to help you stay ahead of the curve. Tune in for high-level discussions, straight talk, and expert perspectives you won’t find anywhere else.