Cannabis as a Global Language: Simon Espinosa on Building En Volá and Community
For Simon Espinosa, cannabis isn't just a plant—it’s a language. One that speaks across cultures, connects movements, and carves space for creativity, identity, and justice. As the CEO and creative force behind En Volá, the most-watched Spanish-language cannabis media platform in the world, Espinosa has transformed that language into a living, breathing global community.
Sitting down with me, the Chilean media innovator shared how his journey with cannabis began, how En Volá became a cultural hub, and why legalization can’t mean leaving people behind.
From Personal Freedom to Public Platform
“Cannabis was a very important part of my adulthood,” Espinosa says, reflecting on his early connection to the plant. “Growing up, it was a space for me to think freely. It quickly became part of my identity. Today, it’s my vocation.”
What started as a personal sanctuary evolved into a professional calling. Through En Volá, Espinosa has found purpose—not only in media creation but in cultural transformation. The platform, which blends humor, education, activism, and authentic storytelling, reaches millions across Latin America and beyond, building bridges between consumers, creators, and advocates.
“I feel very proud of the connection we’ve built with our community,” he says. “That’s what makes the work meaningful—being recognized for something that actually makes me happy.”
Building the World's Most-Watched Cannabis Media in Spanish
En Volá launched at a time when few were willing to publicly champion cannabis in Latin America. What made it work, Espinosa explains, was authenticity and humor.
“We don’t try to be perfect,” he laughs. “We talk to people like we would talk to friends. There’s information, yes—but also jokes, culture, music, real life.”
This grounded approach made the platform a magnet for viewers craving representation and connection in a historically stigmatized space. Espinosa believes media has a responsibility not just to inform, but to reflect its audience.
“Cannabis culture is about more than getting high,” he says. “It’s about health, access, freedom, creativity, and justice.”
Legalization with Caution
Espinosa is hopeful about the waves of cannabis regulation sweeping across the globe—but also cautious.
“I think there are a lot of countries that have taken steps toward regulation, and that’s positive,” he notes. “But it can also lead to outcomes we didn’t expect. People from our community—those who fought, who risked their freedom—are often being left out of the legal industry we’re creating.”
He adds: “The main thing we should have done first was get people out of jail. Everything else comes after that.”
It’s a sentiment echoed throughout Latin America and across global advocacy movements. As legalization spreads, the risk of erasure grows—of forgetting who carried the culture when it wasn’t profitable.
Connection Is the Cure
When asked what excites him most about cannabis, Espinosa doesn’t hesitate: creativity.
“That’s my favorite part,” he grins. “Cannabis opens space in the mind. It allows us to think differently. That’s where the good ideas live.”
He views the plant as a tool for connection—across identities, geographies, and histories. “Cannabis is an international language,” he says. “It brings people together. And when we’re connected, it’s harder to be divided. It’s harder to go to war with people you feel close to.”
What’s Next for En Volá?
While En Volá already has a strong presence in Latin America, Espinosa has his sights on further global collaborations. He believes the future of cannabis media lies in crossing borders and centering community voices—especially those often excluded from mainstream narratives.
“Our job is to keep pushing. Keep growing. Keep telling the stories that matter.”
In Simon Espinosa’s world, cannabis isn’t a commodity—it’s a cultural force. And as En Volá continues to rise, so does the movement to make cannabis media inclusive, informed, and undeniably human.
Follow Simon Espinosa and En Volá:
🌐 www.envola.cl
📱 Instagram: @en.vola @simonpabloespinosa
