A Unique Look Into The World Of Cannabis, Psychedelics and Culture
In a world where conversations around cannabis and psychedelics are often clouded by stigma, hype, or half-truths, finding a voice that cuts through with clarity and credibility is rare.
That’s exactly what UK cannabis magazine leafie set out to do, and six years on, it’s grown into the UK’s biggest publication dedicated to these subjects. What started as a digital platform for trustworthy information has since blossomed into a glossy print magazine, a community hub, and a respected voice in an industry that’s rapidly evolving.
When we caught up with Liam, one of leafie’s founders, it was clear this project has always been about more than just publishing. For him, it’s about education, representation, and building something with integrity in an industry that’s ready to explode.
From crowdfunded magazine launches to becoming a go-to media outlet for patients, businesses, and curious readers alike, leafie has carved out a unique role, bridging science, culture, and community with a refreshing honesty.
So Liam, great to meet you – Tell us more about leafie
leafie first came about from an interest in CBD. Prior to this cannabinoid becoming a mainstream supplement, we saw that there was a lack of clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand information that the general public could trust.
We launched leafie to inform and educate the public, breaking down complex science and avoiding hype or bias. We wanted to create a ‘glossy magazine’ style website that was accessible to all, not just cannabis enthusiasts. Fast forward 6 years, and we’re still using this core principle, but we’ve broadened our scope.
leafie is now the UK’s biggest publication covering cannabis and psychedelics, and as well as publishing online, we have our own magazine covering the same subjects in glorious, tangible print!
leafie’s Role in Cannabis and Psychedelics Culture
What was your motivation to start leafie, and the business you were looking to create?
Personally, I took an interest in CBD after it really helped a family member, and when it came to exploring the cannabis plant in more detail, I couldn’t think of anyone else to partner up with than my old friend Kevin.
We both fondly recall the moment we sat down and sketched out the future of leafie one cool October afternoon, keen to establish ourselves as a trustworthy and reliable source of information and build a business that would still be around in 5, 10, 15 years, documenting the changes in legislation, science, and social acceptance shifts.
We’re proud of our values and integrity. The cannabis community can get a bad rap because of the old stereotypes and stigmas, so we’ve long had a solid editorial code to ensure we’re not just a ‘pro weed’ publication biased to the truth. We’re the only outlet of our kind to be signed up to a media regulator, so that our commitment to being trustworthy comes with accountability.
We’ve stood strong in the face of threats when we’ve published content that protects patients. As you grow as a publisher, you become a voice for your community, and we like to think we represent our audience well.
My Advice to Anyone Starting Out?
“The biggest skill you’ll need is tenacity. I’m either stubborn or stupid, but refusing to give up is what has got us here today. But while we’re dishing out cliches, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
If we’d have taken the idea of leafie to a bank or business advisor, we’d have been laughed at, and here we still are!”
What have been your most memorable moments that make you think it’s all been worthwhile?
It’s been nice to pop up on TV and be asked to talk about our subject matter as a voice of authority, but our biggest wow has to be producing our cannabis and psychedelics culture magazine. We launched with a crowdfunder that smashed its goal – that was nerve-racking!
You’re putting an idea that is full of passion out into the world, knowing that there is a chance it might not land with the public. Then, pulling together the content, putting it down into design, and seeing something physical come out into the world is the business equivalent of having a child.
A seriously proud moment, especially considering we as founders have zero publishing background. We had to learn a lot on the job and maybe make a bit of it up along the way. And when you then get positive feedback on all the hard work, it’s something that we’re both incredibly proud of.
What advice would you give to anyone else wanting to set up their own enterprise?
There is a cliche that if you want to make a small fortune in cannabis, you’ll need to spend a big one. Combine that with one of the hardest industries going, publishing, and honestly, you’re going to need to have a high threshold for pain if you’re keen to do something similar!
The biggest skill you’ll need is tenacity. I’m either stubborn or stupid, but refusing to give up is what has got us here today. But while we’re dishing out cliches, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. If we’d have taken the idea of leafie to a bank or business advisor, we’d have been laughed at, and here we still are!
leafie -The UK’s Cannabis and Psychedelics Magazine
What have you got coming up that you’re most excited about?
After the success of Issue 02 of our magazine, we’ve made a start on Issue 03 already!
We’ve really worked hard on creating a format for the future with the magazine now, so it’s going to be really exciting to see how we grow with our new design, direction, and strategy. One thing we’ve realised over the past couple of years is that we have a very unique position in the UK cannabis industry; we’re the conduit between the businesses and the patient community. We have a unique insight into what patients feel and an opportunity to use our brand to enact real change.
We’ve been working on something over the past year that can hopefully bring that into action, so if you’re a patient, keep an eye out for what’s coming next. We think you’re going to love it!
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The AI Question – Will AI Take My Job if I Work in Cannabis?
Good news – the AI Threat Score is 35%.
AI can automate compliance checks, marketing optimisation, customer education, and even parts of cultivation (through sensors + machine learning), but the cannabis industry is heavily regulated, localised, and relationship-driven, meaning human oversight, trust, and cultural navigation keep it far from full automation.
This rapidly growing, ever-emerging industry will be a real driver of jobs and opportunities over the next 10 years. From cultivation to dispensary owners, to brand/marketing managers, and medical cannabis consultants, this industry is ready to boom with increasing legalisation across the world.
Liam, it’s been a pleasure to feature you and leafie today. Anything else you’d like to share with the world?
One last cliche, because who doesn’t like them? I strongly believe tenacity is the greatest skill anyone in business can have, because when it all goes to shit, and it will, you’ll need some burning desire to carry on against the impossible.
I once laughed at the following quote on LinkedIn, but it pops into my mind from time to time. “The crucial difference between successful and unsuccessful people is that successful people don’t give up.”
It’s pure cheese, but it keeps me going!
How To Set Up Something in the Cannabis Industry
- There are so many opportunities available where you could gain a first-mover advantage, depending on your location,
- If you’re thinking of setting up a business in the cannabis industry, then we highly recommend ➡️ this book 📚
- Here are some opportunities that we think are wide open:
Cannabis Cultivation Business Owner (running a licensed grow operation for recreational or medical cannabis)
Dispensary Founder/Owner (opening and managing a retail store)
Cannabis Brand Creator (building a product line, e.g., edibles, oils, wellness, and medical cannabis products).
Cannabis Tech Startup Founder (creating software/tools for compliance, data, or supply chain)
Ancillary Services Entrepreneur (packaging, marketing, events, or accessories that support the industry)
Cannabis Wellness/Consulting Business Owner (offering education, coaching, or B2B advisory services)
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Do you own a unique, innovative, creative business or project and would like to be featured on the pages of SomethingElse? Get in touch with us and let’s see what we can do together!
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Frequently Asked Questions about leafie
What is leafie magazine?
leafie is the UK’s biggest publication dedicated to cannabis, psychedelics, and culture. It started as a digital platform for trustworthy information and has since grown into a popular online site and glossy print magazine.
Does leafie cover CBD and medical cannabis?
Yes. leafie began by focusing on CBD education and continues to cover medical cannabis, patient perspectives, and the latest developments in cannabis science and policy.
Does leafie write about psychedelics?
Absolutely. Alongside cannabis, leafie explores psychedelics, their cultural impact, scientific research, and the growing conversation around their therapeutic use.
Where can I buy leafie magazine?
leafie magazine is available through its official website and selected stockists across the UK. Each issue combines in-depth features, interviews, and cultural coverage in a high-quality print format.
What makes leafie different from other cannabis publications?
leafie is committed to editorial integrity and unbiased reporting. Unlike many cannabis outlets, it is signed up to a media regulator, ensuring accountability and credibility in its coverage.
Who is leafie for?
leafie is for anyone curious about cannabis, psychedelics, and culture…from patients and professionals to businesses and readers who want honest, accessible information.
