Reader: Should a Wine Company Say "We're Weeding Out the Alcoholics"?

Our post about Cannabrand founders Oliva Mannix and Jennifer DeFalco, a PR firm that found its way into a PR mess after Mannix was quoted as saying "We're weeding out the stoners" in the New York Times, spurred a strong reaction from many readers. Here's the take of a person...

By Michael Roberts

October 9, 2014

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Our post about Cannabrand founders Oliva Mannix and Jennifer DeFalco, a PR firm that found its way into a PR mess after Mannix was quoted as saying "We're weeding out the stoners" in the New York Times, spurred a strong reaction from many readers. Here's the take of a person who draws a comparison between marketing marijuana and alcohol.

Mike Leviten writes:

Stoner is a derogatory term for someone who smokes weed. If you work with people who smoke weed, don't discriminate them unless you want to send a hypocritical message. It would be like trying to do PR for wine companies and saying "We're weeding out the alcoholics."

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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