293. AIDS, Cannabis & Courage: The Doctor On A Mission, part 2

293. AIDS, Cannabis & Courage: The Doctor On A Mission, part 2

Author: Ellen Scanlon June 17, 2025 Duration: 27:36
Dr. Donald Abrams was a young gay doctor on the front lines of San Francisco’s AIDS crisis in the 1980s. He watched as his partner and many of his close friends died from a disease no one understood. Yet instead of giving up, he fought to bring relief to patients through medical cannabis. In part two of our Webby Award nominated three-part series, host Ellen Scanlon introduces you to Dr. Abrams, who shares his experience with loss, injustice, and resilience that led him to challenge the federal government, support legendary activists like Brownie Mary, and secure the first U.S. government grant to study cannabis for medical use. In this episode, you’ll learn: How the AIDS crisis helped ignite the medical cannabis movement Why San Francisco became ground zero for radical, compassionate care What it took to convince the U.S. government to approve a cannabis study This is one of the most powerful stories we’ve ever told. Don’t miss it. Hosted by Ellen Scanlon Sign up for Ellen’s newsletter on Substack at https://dothepot.substack.com/ or at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dothepot.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@dothepot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / FB: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@dothepot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@dothepot⁠⁠⁠ Thanks to our sponsor, 1906. Looking for an easy swap for that second glass of wine? Off Duty is a new fast-acting cannabis shot from 1906. It’s unflavored, low-dose, and mixes right into a mocktail or sparkling water. Try Off Duty at 1906.shop and use the code DOTHEPOT for 15% off your order.

Ellen Scanlon’s How to Do the Pot is an award-winning conversation that demystifies cannabis with a focus on women’s experiences. This isn’t a technical manual or a dry lecture; it’s a space where curiosity meets practical, joyful advice. The podcast explores how cannabis can intersect with health, well-being, and daily life, tackling questions that often go unasked. You’ll hear specific discussions about finding the right strain for relaxation or intimacy, using CBD for menstrual discomfort, and the nuanced differences between varieties like Harlequin and Gelato. There’s a deliberate and thoughtful choice in language here, too, favoring the term “cannabis” over other outdated labels. At its heart, the series amplifies personal stories and expert insights, creating a resource that feels both informative and deeply relatable. Whether you’re seeking relief, exploring for fun, or just want to understand the landscape better, this podcast provides a welcoming and smart guide through the often overwhelming world of cannabis, all from a perspective that is genuinely for women and by women.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

How to Do the Pot
Podcast Episodes
233. Essential Strains Battle: BLACKBERRY KUSH vs. NORTHERN LIGHTS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:12
Get ready for a battle of the buds between Blackberry Kush and Northern Lights. We’ll dive into the origins, effects, and health benefits of each strain to see which one offers the best relaxation and pain relief. Will B…
232. Back to Basics: A Simplified Guide to Cannabis Strains [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:58
If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between sativa vs. indica vs. hybrid, join us for an easy-to-digest episode where we break down the basics of cannabis strains. We’re answering the five most common strain que…
231. Smoking a Joint on the Red Carpet with Brett Heyman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:15
We’re bridging the gap between high fashion and high times with Brett Heyman, the creative force behind Flower By Edie Parker. From lighting up joints at the CFDA Awards, to designing sophisticated cannabis accessories a…
230. Navigating the Cannabis Conversation with Your Family [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:31
Ever wondered how to talk to your parents or grandparents about weed? We’re joined by experts to discuss the challenges and benefits of introducing cannabis to our aging loved ones, the stigma surrounding its use, and th…
228. Sex + Cannabis: The Ultimate Power Couple [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:06
Love is in the air this week, so we thought it would be fitting to talk about the ultimate power couple: weed + sex. We’re joined by cannabis experts to dive into how weed can enhance female sexual pleasure and make sex…
226. Your Second Favorite Strain of 2023: Jack Herer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:41
This just in: Your second favorite strain of 2023 was…. the legendary Jack Herer! And we can’t say we’re surprised. This strain is known to help reduce stress, inspire creativity, and give you energy to tackle your to-do…
225. Your Favorite Strain of 2023: Gelato, A Sweet Treat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:59
Meet Gelato, the cannabis equivalent of strolling through an Italian village on a warm summer day, cone in hand. Join us as we explore Gelato's sweet and earthy essence, its therapeutic benefits for stress and creativity…
224. Best of 2023: Women, Money, and Weed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:04
Today we’re revisiting one of 2023's most popular episodes: "Women, Money, Power, and Cannabis.” It covers the challenges women face in securing venture capital, the importance of women supporting each other in the inves…