\U0001f399\ufe0f Welcome back to another electrifying episode of the Happy Munkey podcast! Join us as we sit down with the legends of the cannabis community, who\u2019ve been trailblazing the industry from the shadows to the spotlight.\n\n\U0001f33f In this episode, we\u2019re thrilled to have Joe, aka La Marina Boy, sharing his incredible journey from the streets of Uptown to becoming a pivotal figure in the cannabis industry. Joe's story is a testament to community building, breaking stigmas, and navigating the ever-evolving cannabis market. From the early days of street racing in the Heights to mastering the art of growing weed, Joe's experiences are filled with passion, resilience, and groundbreaking insights.\n\n\U0001f525 We explore the highs and lows of the cannabis culture, the transition from legacy to legal markets, and the importance of loyalty and authenticity in this booming industry. Plus, we get personal with Joe as he reminisces about his first time getting high, the evolution of weed strains, and his favorite types of cannabis to grow and enjoy.\n\n\u2728 Whether you\u2019re a seasoned cannabis connoisseur or new to the scene, this episode is packed with industry insights, community stories, and a whole lot of love for the plant. Don\u2019t miss out on this deep dive into the world of cannabis with some of the most influential figures in the game.\n\n\U0001f449 If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe and join the Happy Munkey family. Let's continue to elevate the cannabis conversation together!\n\n#CannabisPodcast #WeedStrain #CannabisCommunity #HappyMunkey #CannabisCulture #IndustryInsights #CommunityBuilding #BreakingStigmas\n\n#WeedEmpire #CannabisLegends #CannabisCommunity #CannabisGrowers #LegalizationJourney\n\nCHAPTERS:\n00:00 - Intro\n0:40 - Welcoming Jose La Marina\n4:36 - Legacy of the Uptown Cannabis Game\n4:41 - When Was Your First Time Getting High\n7:23 - Growing Up Uptown\n10:25 - Why did you choose weed\n14:48 - Early street racing days\n18:11 - How did you get a race going\n20:34 - Early 90s Street Racing\n23:00 - How Joe and Kevin Met\n26:08 - Joe's Porsche and His Love for Hondas\n27:40 - How did you get into growing\n28:45 - The life of a grower\n32:20 - The difference between a grower and a cultivator\n33:45 - Your first legal gig\n35:50 - Growing in Washington\n41:44 - Meeting Manny and starting to work in Florida\n45:35 - How Do You Feel Now\n47:10 - Uptown vs Downtown\n50:20 - Legal vs Legacy\n51:20 - Shoutout to Randy Lanier\n52:30 - What\u2019s Next for NY\n58:34 - When Will NY Have Fire\n1:04:20 - What NY Needs\n1:06:51 - Joe's Favorite Strain\n1:08:21 - How Will The Marina Boys Stand Out\n1:10:04 - What\u2019s TK\n1:14:37 - Last question: Munchies\n1:18:04 - How did Joe find out about Happy Monkey\n1:19:30 - Kevin\u2019s Return\n1:20:30 - Todd McCormick\n1:26:05 - PTSD\n1:27:40 - What does the 1st legal dispensary in Dyckman mean for the community\n1:30:48 - When did you see the transition from Haze to the flavor menu\n1:33:00 - Red Lobster files for bankruptcy\n1:34:26 - Daily cannabis use outpaces daily alcohol use for the first time in the US\n1:37:50 - What are you listening to\n1:43:20 - Describe Happy Monkey in 1 word\n1:46:11 - Connecting the Cannabis Community\n1:46:58 - How to Stay Connected with La Marina Boys\n1:48:02 - Did We Forget Anything\n1:49:12 - Closing Thoughts