Dr. Roneet Lev

High Truths on Drugs and Addiction

Dr. Roneet Lev

  • Episode #137 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Anne Hassel, a prior bud tender

Episode #137 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Anne Hassel, a prior bud tender

Monday 7th August 2023

Anne Hassel reveals the dark side of the cannabis industry, her health struggles, and her inspiring journey to recovery.
54 minutes
Honest
Informative
Eye-opening
Hopeful
Raw

About this podcast

High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
Author:
Dr. Roneet Lev
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Body & Mind
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From Green Rush to Recovery: Anne Hassel's Eye-Opening Journey

Episode Overview

  • Former bud tender Anne Hassel shares her journey from belief in marijuana's therapeutic benefits to the shocking reality of the cannabis industry.
  • Discover the dangers and complexities of high potency marijuana, including heavy metal poisoning and cannabis-induced psychosis.
  • Explore the deceptive practices and lack of regulation in the cannabis industry, shedding light on the prioritization of profit over consumer well-being.
  • Learn about Anne Hassel's recovery and sobriety journey, offering hope and insights into overcoming addiction and harmful substance use.
  • Gain valuable insights into the impact of cannabis on mental health, challenging misconceptions and promoting awareness.
It's all about greed. That's the thing. It's all about... harm people for money. That goes against my values. People should be shocked.
Imagine diving headfirst into a new career, only to find out it’s not what it seems. That’s exactly what happened to Anne Hassel, who left her job as a physical therapist to become a bud tender in Massachusetts' booming cannabis industry. In this episode of 'High Truths on Drugs and Addiction', hosted by Dr. Roneet Lev, Anne opens up about her startling experiences and the harsh truths she uncovered. Anne was initially a true believer in marijuana’s therapeutic benefits.
But after a year and a half of working and consuming high THC products, she faced serious health issues, including heavy metal poisoning and cannabis-induced psychosis. Her story is a cautionary tale about the lack of regulation and the potential dangers lurking in the cannabis industry. Anne didn’t keep her experiences to herself. She became an advocate for consumer safety, testifying before national and state authorities and sharing her story in the film 'Smokescreen'.
Her journey from a hopeful participant in the Green Rush to a vocal critic offers a unique perspective on the industry’s dark side. Listeners will hear Anne's raw and honest account of how profit often trumps consumer well-being in the cannabis world. She also touches on the impact of high potency marijuana on mental health, dispelling common myths and promoting awareness. But Anne’s story isn’t just about the negatives. It’s also about recovery and hope.
Her path to sobriety provides valuable insights and encouragement for anyone struggling with addiction. Tune in to this episode for an eye-opening look at the realities of the cannabis industry and an inspiring tale of resilience and recovery.