At any major cannabis event these days, there is a new kind of gathering that starts before the panels, before the product displays, and before the haze fills the room. Somewhere in a side lounge or early breakfast space, you will find a table full of bagels, hot coffee, and laughter. The people there are entrepreneurs, advocates, journalists, and artists. Some are old friends, others are meeting for the first time. Together, they make up one of the most surprising new communities in cannabis culture: Jews in Weed.
And at the center of it all is Jordan Isenstadt, a seasoned public relations strategist who has managed to turn connection itself into a form of healing.
A PR Pro With a Purpose
By day, Jordan is a Senior Vice President at Marino, a communications firm known for guiding clients through the complex worlds of cannabis, education, and energy. He has spent his career connecting brands with people.
But after October 7, 2023, that work took on new meaning. The violence and confusion that erupted across the world left many Jewish professionals in the cannabis space feeling isolated. Conversations grew tense. Social media turned hostile. The cannabis industry, usually known for empathy and openness, suddenly felt quiet and divided.
Jordan sensed that something was missing. The community that prided itself on being inclusive no longer felt safe or connected for everyone. So he decided to fix that, one Friday at a time.
The Shabbat Calls That Started It All
In the weeks after October 7, Jordan sent out a simple invitation to a few friends and colleagues: join a virtual Friday afternoon pre-Shabbat call at 4:20 PM to connect and talk. There was no agenda and no politics. The goal was to create a space where Jewish people in cannabis could breathe, share, and feel supported.
Author: Kyle Rosner / High Times
