I’ve been watching cannabis content for years, and it all follows the same pattern. Fast edits. Trending sounds. Quick hits. Cough Creative was the next thing I found, and I felt something different even before I knew why. The pace was calm. Visuals were familiar. You didn’t feel rushed. You were invited in. She creates atmosphere. Her work is a blend of humor, comfort and intention, often influenced by old nature documentaries. It’s a space where speed often takes precedence over substance. The style of Cough Creative’s Ally Train is instantly recognizable. When someone lands on a Cough Creative video, what do you hope they feel before they even realize why they’re watching?
Ally Train:
Comfort. My videos are based on old nature documentaries to create a familiarity for my viewers. Every creator has a story. What was the first moment you realized that cannabis wasn’t only a part of your life but also part of art? I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and prescribed medication when I was 15. My migraines were greatly reduced by the medication, but not completely. Around the age of 16, I began smoking with my friends and noticed that I was not only having fun, but also that my head no longer hurt. It was then that I started researching cannabis’ benefits. Your edits, pace, and visuals differ from those of most cannabis influencers. What is the creative philosophy behind your content, which people do not see?
Ally Train :
I didn’t want keep up with trends any more. I wanted to set the trend. My content was based on this idea: I make videos about smoking marijuana online, but why can’t they be good? Why can’t the videos be funny? Why can’t the videos be more detailed? I think that’s what makes the difference. I think that’s what makes the difference.
Cannabis creators often get shadowbanned, demonetized, and limited. What was the most frustrating battle you faced, and how have you adapted?Ally train:
My account just reached 20k followers in June 2023. After reaching 10k followers, it happened quickly. I was in Vermont with my friends and now-fiancee to celebrate the milestone. It was at a time when I was still experimenting with content. I should have known what was coming. My parents had just purchased a puppy when they called me to let me know. I had taken approximately 3g of RSO and about 400mg shrooms. Ariana, from @IndicaWife, called me shortly after and said “Don’t panic, I have to inform you that your account has been deleted.” After the shrooms, my world fell apart. After appealing to Meta for months, I got my account restored. Since then, I have been more discreet about what I post online. I don’t show myself smoking on camera. Instead, I use phrases such as “getting fresh air,” “increasing appetite,” and “indulging.” I let the smoke or vapor allude to the action instead.
What’s something you refuse to compromise in your content, no matter what the algorithm or brands want?Ally Train:
I don’t drink alcohol, so you won’t ever see me selling it. You won’t see me selling alcohol if you think I am drinking it. It is either juice or sparkling drinks in pretty glasses. I am a sucker when it comes to a beautiful glass. Nicotine is no different. I’ve been approached by nicotine and tobacco brands, but I have no interest in marketing anything nicotine or tobacco-based.
You’ve built a loyal community. What do you think your audience understands about you that casual viewers miss completely?Ally Train:
At a glance, people think this is all that I am, which is understandable because it’s what I’m presenting. It’s a bit crazy to assume, just because someone creates videos about smoking marijuana, that they spend their entire life smoking pot. This page is themed, and I’m only going to post within that theme. How can you maintain your uniqueness and not be sucked into social media trends that are all the same? What am I supposed to do? Work a TikTok Dance into my videos. I will occasionally create a recipe that is in style, but I can choose from a variety of zeitgeist items. When I have writer’s blocks, I revisit old videos but always with a new twist. No two videos are identical.
What’s a misconception about cannabis creators that you wish you could erase forever?Ally Train:
That we’re lazy or stoned to the bone 24/7. It’s one thing to record and edit, but managing a page involves running a business. I don’t just post. I do it all.
If you could design the perfect ecosystem for cannabis creativity, what would it look like?Ally Train:
That question is so loaded that you’d need three editions of High Times to print my answer, so I’ll keep it short. This question would require three issues of High Times just to cover my answer. I will keep it brief. We could build the most perfect platform in the world, but none of it matters unless companies are willing to pay creators their worth for contracted content creation.
What’s the next evolution of Cough Creative?Ally Train:
I’m working on merch and hopefully a website where people can get to know me better. I have some bigger projects that I cannot talk about just yet. But people should be on the lookout. What keeps you consistent?
Ally Train: It’s less a habit and more a deadline. What do you feel is missing from cannabis content?
Ally train:
It’s not what people want to create, but what platforms will allow. I miss aesthetic reels, where people would set up their rigs and take rips with vibey music in beautiful locations. It feels like the algorithm is cracking down on these videos. Your visuals are more emotional than transactional. What themes come up again and again for you?Ally train:
Comfort, joy, and camaraderie. Everyone is tired. I’m happy to do so if my videos can offer that. What risk nearly didn’t occur but defined your brand?
Ally Train : Switching from documentary style filming. I’d been thinking about this for months. It was a lot more complicated than my normal content. Prior to that, I used only trending audio. What advice would you give someone who is just discovering cannabis?
Ally train:
Begin slowly. There’s nothing embarrassing about being a light-weight, coughing or having to lay down. It’s not embarrassing to be too high. After you’ve hit, don’t hesitate to inhale some fresh air, keep water near, and grab some snacks. Let the fresh air in and listen to some relaxing music. Isn’t it wonderful that you exist in this moment?Photos courtesy of Ally Train.
This article is from an external, unpaid contributor. This article is not High Times reporting, and it has not been edited to ensure accuracy or content.
