In Episode 5 -- (Ep 72) of Coffee & Cannabis, Dr. Beast and political strategist Gretchen Gailey sit down with Mussab Ali—former Board of Education President and current Jersey City mayoral candidate—for an unfiltered conversation about the future of Jersey City.

From the challenges facing the cannabis industry, to the affordability crisis, to the deeper issues of schools, civic engagement, and community investment, this episode takes a hard look at what’s working, what’s failing, and what needs to change.

Dr. Beast shares her own experience as a business owner and former resident who left Jersey City because of its broken priorities, while Mussab offers his perspective on how the city can build equity, create opportunity, and support the local operators and families who are the backbone of this community.

This episode is both candid and urgent—because the future of Jersey City depends on leaders who are willing to listen, disrupt, and take action.

Tune in for a conversation that blends cannabis, politics, and community at the highest stakes.

📍 Filming: The Other Side Dispensary

📌 Full episode premieres Monday, August 4, 2025 at 11AM

🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe and join the conversation in the comments. Let us know what issues matter most to you in this election.

THE SHOW:

Coffee & Cannabis is a long-form interview podcast hosted by Dr. Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez aka Dr. Beast. The show features in-depth conversations with politicians, public figures, and celebrities with a emphasis on the cannabis industry. Instead of relying on scripted talking points, Dr. Beast pushes the conversation further with direct, thoughtful questions that challenge surface-level narratives. The tone is curious and unapologetically bold, focused on uncovering what guests truly believe.....not just what they’re used to saying.

KEYWORDS:

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