In this episode of the Pioneer Podcast, Sarah and Katie sit down with Theresa Nightingale, double cancer survivor, nationally recognized cannabis advocate, and Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Cresco Labs. Theresa shares how surviving stage‑three non‑Hodgkin’s lymphoma led her from the “fun” of grassroots activism into a career building policy, programs, and protection for patients and communities.
From passing Pittsburgh’s decriminalization ordinance, to creating a volunteer program that’s generated nearly 10,000 hours of service in one year, to protecting medical patients from employment discrimination, she breaks down what meaningful cannabis reform really looks like and why the current system is only “legal enough.” Theresa also dives into social equity, DUI and housing gaps, the rise of hemp, and why having a lawyer in your corner (and a strong local political game) matters for real change. If you care about cannabis, class, and community. and what it takes to move from complacency to collective action, this is a must listen.
Podcast: Play in new window
