What to expect from Killer Mike’s new cannabis show, and has he smoked with Bernie Sanders yet?

Through Andrew Ward

Weedmaps WM Technology Inc and hip hop star Killer Mike announced the launch of their new media project Tumbleweeds. The show follows Killer Mike, real name Michael Render, and explores what the show’s creators are calling “a new era of cannabis in America.”

Render will be touring four US cities including the California Bay Area, New York City, Chicago and Las Vegas where he will stop and chat with local personalities and comedy legends connected to the pot community. On the way he is accompanied by well-known entertainers:

Photo by Emma McIntyre/Staff/Getty Images

San Francisco:

• Comedian, Ngaio Bealum
• Comedian, Jeff Horste
• Comedian, Kabir Singh

Las Vegas:

Comedian, Mat Edgar

• Comedian, DJ Sandhu
• Comedian, Jozalyn Sharp
• Comedian, Mu Johnson

NYC:

Comedian, Napoleon Emill

• Comedian, Jocelyn Chia
• Comedian Brendan Sagalov

Chicago:

• Comedian, Chris Higgins
• Comedian, Jarrell Barnes
• Comedian, Just Nesh
• Comedian, Abi Sanchez

He will also visit dispensaries, infusion coffee shops, and other up-and-coming pot destinations to showcase the pulse of American cannabis culture.

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Render, who spoke with Benzinga during filming at the Café Canal in Manhattan in January, seemed enthusiastic about the project. He emphasized how the show aims to address pressing cannabis issues while emphasizing the community aspect through comedy.

Photo by Tim P Whitby/Stringer/Getty Images

“I get to hang out with incredibly happy people, smoke marijuana and talk about cannabis,” said Render, co-creator and co-star of hip-hop group Run the Jewels.

Overall, he said the goal is to help further normalize cannabis.

Changing of the guard required in DC

The normalization of cannabis has its remaining hurdles. While the public has largely spoken out on the issue, stalled action on Capitol Hill and in certain state houses Render supports a leadership change.

He didn’t pull any punches with his assessment, saying, “I think the remaining hurdles are getting rid of the damn old politicians who are in charge now.”

Render said opposing lawmakers “know that legalization is imminent and is imminent,” and proposed rules he sees as “stupid hurdles” impeding the process.

As an example, he cited his home state of Georgia, with its strict medical cannabis program.

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Under state law, patients can only access 20 ounces or less of low-THC oil. According to the State Medicinal Cannabis Commission, medicinal cannabis oil is not currently available.

Render called current Georgia state cannabis regulations “pointless.”

Combat drug stigma, call for improved access to licences

Render, a longtime activist, is well informed about the history of drug war propaganda. He was quick to highlight the race-based attacks that began in the 1920s to the Nixon administration’s intensification of the drug war, with its enduring effects.

“We know that Nixon propagated the drug war to be armed against hippies or free-thinking whites and blacks,” he said, adding, “I think it’s time to end.”

Render advocates for equal ownership and supports licensing opportunities for victims of the drug war and their communities, believing that industry ownership should reflect state demographics.

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Traveling the world, Render identified Amsterdam as an amazing cannabis culture and Denver for its cannabis tax system and efforts to increase black ownership.

In January 2022, Colorado’s Marijuana Enforcement Division announced that minority ownership exceeded a target of 16.8%, with officials calling for increasing ownership over time.

Render called for improved licensing access across the country.

“It must be said that the brothers who are offering to sell weed to me here on the corner do not have the opportunity to open a small shop,” he said. “It needs to be easier for them to start a small business.”

Since this interview was conducted, New York State officials have announced that victims of the Drug War and cannabis farmers will be given priority in accepting applications for licenses for adult use.

Render also welcomed the success of friends and advocates in this area. He singled out Berner, hip-hop artist, founder and CEO of the Cookies brand. He called the artist-turned-entrepreneur “a great ambassador” for the cannabis community.

Photo by Joe Raedle/Staff/Getty Images

Never smoked with Bernie Sanders or grandma

Like most, Render is excited about the possibilities cannabis can offer.

He gave his grandmother as an example. As an arthritis sufferer who doesn’t smoke weed, she has reportedly found relief in CBD topicals and cannabis edibles.

“My grandmother would never smoke a joint with me, although I’m still trying to convince her,” Render laughed.

Another senior Render is close to is Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. The two bonded during Sanders’ 2016 Democratic primary.

Like his grandmother, Render said he did not get Sanders to smoke, despite his support for legalization.

“I haven’t gotten him to smoke with me yet, but I’m still trying,” Render said, smiling to end the interview.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been republished with permission.