Interview on Surviving Chronically Blog: Cannabis Super Woman
I was recently interviewed for the Surviving Chronically blog, an insightful and heartfelt blog about living with chronic pain and thriving anyway! Many thanks to Patricia of Surviving Chronically for reaching out and giving me the opportunity to share my story. I am honored to be called a Cannabis Super Woman <3
Link to the original post here.
Check out the interview for insight into my cannabis journey, why I’m committed to sharing the message of cannabis as wellness, and what I’d like to see in terms of cannabis policy and healthcare moving forward.
When did you know you wanted to be a part of the cannabis industry?
I began to think seriously about a career in cannabis in late 2017. I was called to support the cannabis industry once I realized how powerful and healing cannabis can really be.
Throughout 2017, I went through what I call my “cannabis transformation”. At the beginning of that year, I was overweight, constantly inflamed and in pain, and dealing with crippling cycles of anxiety and grief. My best friend had passed away in December 2015, and I hadn’t yet developed any lasting strategies for dealing with the pain of losing her. My confidence was rocky and I had a hard time addressing my mounting professional responsibilities. After many struggles, I decided that enough was enough and I decided to focus on getting my health and mindset in check. I ditched the booze, started taking cannabis every day, and then… my life completely transformed.
Through a new cardio routine and daily cannabis use, I shed the excess weight, reduced my anxiety, and found the strength and capacity to up-level my work performance. I was even promoted at work during this period! Cannabis also supported me in my journey to manage my grief head-on. Finally, cannabis showed me that I was growing out of my current professional role and that I was destined for something more.
It might sound silly, but I believe cannabis empowered me to step back into myself… and back into my power. The plant has this ability to remind us of who we truly are, and in that, it allows us to remember what makes us special, valuable, and capable. And, once our confidence in ourselves has been reaffirmed, we are better poised to set out and accomplish whatever the hell we want to!
After my experience of transformation, I decided that I wanted to join the cannabis industry so that I could promote the healing properties of this plant. At first, I thought about finding a professional role in the cannabis industry at an already existing company, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I wanted to speak to people more directly (and without filter). So, after many cannabis-fueled meditation sessions, I decided to start my own cannabis wellness blog. I named the blog “Bud & Blossom” to capture what I believe to be true: when we smoke bud, we are able to blossom into the person we were always intended to be.
Since 2019, I have been writing about my own experience with cannabis, highlighting the stories of others who have healed through cannabis, and broadly sharing the message of cannabis as medicine. And right now, I am working on launching my cannabis coaching business so that I can help people step toward improved health through one-on-one support and cannabis education.
What made you have a passion for cannabis?
I have appreciated the effects of cannabis since I started smoking as a young person. Cannabis contributed to many moments of laughter and levity when I was out galavanting with my buddies. But, in my mid-twenties, I realized that cannabis can provide much more than just a fun time; cannabis can actually heal you! I know this because I lived it. Cannabis serves the human body in many ways, including the restoration of endocannabinoid health, mitigation of pain, and the onset of joy. What’s not to love?
Also, there’s another aspect about cannabis that I am very passionate about. And that is its ability to support members of our addicted population as they step out of their addictions and toward an improved lifestyle. My friend Shannon died of a fentanyl overdose, fentanyl being the synthetic opioid that has contributed to so many deaths across the United States. And so, once I did the research and realized that cannabis can support people who are weaning themselves off of opioid-based drugs, I thought, “Wow. OK. Cannabis really is the way forward”. Through my cannabis writing, coaching, and advocacy, I seek to spread awareness about this issue. Because, when it comes to the opioid crisis, cannabis is likely to be one of the best solutions that we have at our disposal. Sanjay Gupta has said, “If you had to design a substance to pull us out of this awful opioid epidemic, it would look very much like cannabis.”
According to the CDC, opioids were involved in 46,802 overdose deaths in 2018 (69.5% of all drug overdose deaths). The size of this problem is enormous, and unfortunately, the death toll continues to rise. What’s also disconcerting is that the medical community, taken as a whole, continues to use the same, tired methods for combating opioid addiction. But patients are largely underserved and relapse is both common and deadly. I believe that we need to encourage a new way of looking at this problem, and leverage the natural plant medicines available to us to heal our opioid-addicted brothers and sisters. It starts with the awareness that cannabis can help, and then I would like to see our healthcare practitioners and policymakers put this awareness into action. Until then, I’m here to use my voice to advocate for that shift in healthcare.
Do you educate people or get involved in legalization?
I do a little bit of both. Part of my work includes sharing the science behind cannabis and how the plant interacts with our physiology. While in quarantine, I have been doing quite a bit of research on how CBD works in the body and how it can combat inflammation, pain, and endocannabinoid deficiency. I’m planning to create easy-to-digest informational guides to disseminate my CBD learnings, so stay tuned! I have also just posted a new blog post that is focused on endocannabinoid health and how to balance endocannabinoid tone, called “Endocannabinoid Tone: What it Means and Why It's Important”. I appreciate the opportunity to share cannabis science with my readers and my clients, because when you really start to get down to the “brass tacks” of how cannabis works within our bodies, it becomes clear that cannabis truly does function as a medicine and should be treated as such.
I do a fair bit of cannabis policy advocacy work, as well. I am part of an organization here in Washington State that works alongside policymakers and lobbyists to further beneficial tweaks to local cannabis code. Washington is a legal adult-use state, but that’s not to say that cannabis policy or regulation is where it should be. Washington (along with Colorado) was one of the first states to legalize recreational cannabis, and while that milestone officially positioned Washington as a pioneer of cannabis legalization, it meant that we couldn’t benefit from legalization case studies from other states. So there’s ample work to be done to improve the existing code of cannabis laws. Locally, the cannabis policy adjustments that are important to me include the establishment of social consumption spaces, increased equity in the cannabis industry, criminal justice reform, protection of patient rights, and the right to grow cannabis at home.
When you began, was cannabis legal where you live?
When I first smoked cannabis in 2006, recreational use was not legal in Washington State. Due to this, my cannabis use was sporadic in the early days. In college, I lived in a 420-friendly house, and smoked on weekends/evenings/mental health days. During this time, cannabis was a great tool that I used to improve my mood, connect with my roommates, and manage my anxiety. But it was still illegal, and so I relied on friends to bring cannabis around and I usually didn’t feel comfortable sourcing it on my own.
And then I entered the workforce in 2012, the same year that Washingtonians voted to legalize recreational cannabis. But as I started searching and interviewing for jobs, I realized that even if cannabis was now legal in Washington, I had to cease my own cannabis intake in order to pass corporate drug tests. So I moved on, secured a job, and consumed cannabis but a few times a year at parties or events.
But, in 2017, I turned to cannabis in a time of need. And that’s when I started bringing it into my home and using it as medicine. By then, cannabis was available in dispensaries all around Seattle, where I lived at the time. I was able to explore many different product types without shame and received a lot of guidance from budtenders and dispensary staff. Through exploration, I was able to find a cannabis wellness regimen that really worked for me (mainly tinctures, edibles, drinks, and mints).
I often think about how grateful I am that cannabis was finally legal and available to me when I needed it most. And then I think about all the people who could be benefiting right now, but live in areas where access to cannabis is complicated. What healing are they missing out on right now? It is for this reason that I support increased access to cannabis everywhere.
Were you afraid of judgment?
Absolutely. I’d love to tell you that the fear of judgment has dissipated completely, but I still deal with this today. The reality is that some people still see cannabis as bad… or even silly. It’s strange, but it makes sense when you consider the decades of anti-cannabis propaganda that was perpetuated in the United States and beyond. So some people are dismissive of this work, but that’s fine; the mounting body of scientific research is continually reaffirming that cannabis can support human thriving behavior and I’m confident that this will eventually become common knowledge.
I am learning to develop language that helps me manage conversations with people who aren’t familiar with cannabis, or don’t yet see it outside of the context of an “illicit drug”. The simplest way for me to explain it is this: “cannabis is a medicine”.
At the end of the day, I continue to push this message because cannabis has transformed my life and I know it can transform so many others. I am grateful to be able to share my cannabis experience and support others seeking improved wellness through my writing and coaching services. And, when the fear of judgment sets in, I remind myself why I am doing this work and blast Billy Joel’s “My Life”.
Do you consume? How long have you been consuming?
I do consume cannabis, and have been doing so for over a decade. When I was younger, I often smoked with friends, but this pastime came and went through various life transitions. But now, I use cannabis in some capacity every day. On my workdays, I microdose cannabis tinctures to manage my mood, reduce stress, and balance myself out. On evenings and weekends, I frequently indulge in high-THC edibles. And I like to smoke joints in my smoking room, a very calming space that I have filled with art and comfortable seating. I look forward to exploring additional consumption methods as new cannabis products continue to enter the market.
What is your preferred method of consumption….. Bowl, bong, blunt, joint, edible, tincture, etc.
I truly like it all! But I do have a few favorite consumption methods, including vaping, tinctures and oils, and edibles. I usually match my consumption method to the activity I’m currently engaged in or to the desired effect that I am seeking.
Throughout the day, I microdose a balanced cannabinoid dose of CBD:THC to boost my mood and keep me energized. And then, when I’m done for work for the day, I like to take a 10-mg THC edible with dinner to support my nighttime chill. My favorite product is a sugar-free chocolate square by Emerald Mountain (these are available in Washington State). These chocolates are great because, unlike most edibles, I’m able to achieve that unique edible experience without increasing my sugar intake; it’s a win-win!
Vaping has also been a great addition to my consumption routine. I use standard vape pens (with concentrate-filled cartridges) as well as a dry herb vaporizer to vape cannabis or hemp flower. Vaping is actually something that I have incorporated into my cardio routine with great results. When I spin on my stationary bike, I vape as I ride. I find that vaping cannabis allows me to stay on the bike longer and even lean into the enjoyment of the moment.
Lately, I have also been purchasing tins of half gram joints to keep around the house. They’re the perfect addition to a virtual happy hour, at-home lunch date, or sitcom marathon!
Do you think cannabis will be legal federally in the US in 2020? ( for women outside of the US do you think the stigma surrounding cannabis will change in 2020?)
It will be interesting to see how cannabis policy plays out with the new presidential administration in 2021 and beyond. Historically, Biden and Harris have held different views on cannabis legalization, with Harris being more supportive of legalization. I hope that the new coalition of leaders will work together to drive change and promote a legalization strategy that makes sense for all the stakeholders involved. And, as they form their policies, they need to be listening carefully to every group of stakeholders with a dog in this fight.
When legalization does come, whether that be in the next year or 5 years from now, it needs to be done consciously and thoughtfully. I want to see cannabis legalized in a manner that will support existing producers and processors rather than funneling production (and ultimately profits) to huge corporations. We need to protect the grassroots and medical cannabis communities that have been supporting cannabis patients for decades. And so I believe legalization shouldn’t be pursued until we have a plan that will support cannabis pioneers, existing cannabis businesses, and most importantly, the patients themselves.
But there’s no question, American voters and policy reform efforts are chipping away at the vestiges of cannabis prohibition. Election night 2020 proved to be a great night for cannabis rights. That night, voters decided to open adult-use cannabis markets in Montana, Arizona, New Jersey, and South Dakota and Mississippians voted for medicinal use in their state. The green wave continues to spread, and I am so happy for the communities that now have the opportunity to heal through cannabis.
What does a normal day look like for you?
A normal day for me looks something like this: Wake up and get in some movement (typically spin biking in my basement or a walk around the block). Then I take my microdose, which is currently a dropper of tincture with a balanced 1:1 CBD:THC cannabinoid radio. And then I’m ready to get to work. I spend my days writing, fulfilling the needs of my coaching business, and speaking with others about the benefits of cannabis. I have been working from home since April, and so all of my meetings, conversations, conferences, and happy hour celebrations occur online. For me, 2020 has truly been the year of the virtual smoke session!
In the evenings, I typically kick back with an edible and hang out with my husband, Ryan, and my cat, Thomas. We watch a little TV, smoke and talk, and Ryan and I like to take evening walks around our neighborhood. And, now that it’s fall, we fit in many mushroom hunting trips on the weekends!
What do you want to say to other women who want to get involved in the cannabis industry?
To all the women who are thinking about joining the cannabis industry, I just want to say… get out here! We need more women in the industry, especially because I think women have this unique ability to highlight and promote the compassionate element of the plant. Cannabis has been maligned for decades, and even now that it is legal in many areas, it has been propped up as yet another monetized commodity. But there is so much more to this plant than its ability to drive sales. I see cannabis as a healing medicine that can help to heal our society, one individual at a time. On the whole, I think most women in the industry get this. When I connect with other women in the industry, either one-on-one or in a group/event setting, I am always inspired by how many women are growing their businesses for the sake of supporting and healing the communities around them. Power to them - keep up the good fight, ladies!
In terms of advice, I will say this: focus on building your network. If you can, fill it with women who inspire you and can support you as you navigate the challenges inherent to this industry. Throughout my time in the cannabis industry, I have connected with many women who have offered to provide support, mentorship, and friendship. Thank you to Chris, Beth, Joyce, Sarah, Lotta, Linnea, and so many others. You ladies light me up.
Once you’ve built your cannabis network, don’t forget to ask for help when you need it. Equally important, you should also seek opportunities to support other women in your network. Review a contact’s resume and give them some pointers. Take the time to tell an inquiring young woman how you entered the industry. Promote other women’s work and events. Don’t forget to pay it forward, and remember - good energy compounds!
Do you face any scrutiny for being a woman in this business?
Great question. Nothing major stands out as I reflect back on my experiences in cannabis. Although, like in any other space, sexism and misogyny are ever-present because they are baked into all aspects of society.
I do worry about the scrutiny that could possibly arise when I become a mother, which I plan to do here within the next couple of years. But, as I face that challenge, I know that I am indebted to the women out there actively destigmatizing what it means to be a cannabis-using mother. Because there’s simply nothing wrong with it.
What is your favorite strain? Why?
My favorite strain is Durban Poison, which is uplifting and helps me to boost my energy and think deeply. Durban Poison is also one of the strains high in THCV, the cannabinoid that has been linked to appetite reduction. I’m using Durban Poison most days to help me manage my quarantine snacking!
What do you hope to see happen in the cannabis industry in the future?
As the cannabis industry and community continues to evolve, there are a few key things that I would like to see. First of all, I’d like to see tweaks to cannabis policy that truly support the needs of the people who can (and will) benefit from the cannabis plant. The end-users themselves. It’s clear to me that many policymakers view cannabis as just another way to generate money and support the economy. But we need to layer compassion into the rules and regulations surrounding cannabis. People should have the right to grow cannabis in their homes, for instance, even if that results in reduced recreational sales. People can grow tomatoes at home and yet we still have a tomato industry.
I would also like to see us tear down the barriers that prevent us, collectively, from using cannabis as a form of healthcare. We have people living through mental health crises. We have people suffering from addiction. We have people quietly living through chronic pain and not engaging in the activities that used to bring them joy. We are a nation that is suffering from poor health. And with that, I want us to realize that we do have a tool in our toolbelt that can help with many of these problems: cannabis! Let’s get rid of the barriers to research, the bureaucracy, the War on Drugs… all of these systems and policies that get in the way of us fully extending healing plant medicines to ailing populations. To continue as we have been, putting up barriers between sick people and a medicine that could help them, it’s cruel.
We also need to demand that policymakers promote policies that increase social equity and opportunity for Black and brown business owners in the cannabis space. We know that the errant War on Drugs impacted communities of color disproportionately, and so I would like to see leaders acknowledge the trauma of the War on Drugs and then push progressive policies built upon the foundation of restorative justice.
We need a fresh and reformed perspective on how we view this plant. Cannabis may not be a good fit for everybody, or even every body. We all have unique medical needs as well as unique endocannabinoid systems. But based on my work, I believe that cannabis has the potential to help at least one person per American household. And that’s because of the conversations I have with everyday people, all the time.
When I tell people what I do, 9 times out of 10, I get to hear a really cool response about how cannabis has either helped them or someone close to them. Mom uses CBD cream. Sister-in-law used cannabis on her road to get sober. Friend’s kid used it to get off of opioid pills. Someone from work reduced the size of their tumor using RSO. I get to hear these stories all of the time. It’s exhilarating. These stories remind me that we’re all just one or two degrees away from the healing powers of cannabis. As such, we need to remove the existing barriers that prevent people from exploring the benefits that cannabis could bring to their life.
As more and more regions, both within and outside of the US, experience the wave of cannabis legalization, increasing numbers of people are going to start exploring cannabis for their own health. This is one of the thoughts that gives me the most hope for the future, actually. If individuals everywhere can start to heal their mind and bodies through the plant, then we will see that healing compound and positively impact the community. When we are in fear and pain, then the world becomes a harsher place. But I think if we are all living happily and in good health, then collectively we will be better situated to work together to make the world truly safe and prosperous for everyone.
What are your goals with your business?
My goal for my business is to scale in a way that will support myself and my family and also provide ample value to my readers and clients. I want to meet people where they are, and have something for everyone, whether that’s access to online cannabis education, fun insight into cannabis culture, or more intimate support around cannabis wellness through my coaching services. I want to be able to take my cannabis knowledge and experience and package them in a way that can truly provide healthy pathways for other people. This vision is what gets me up in the morning!
What is your favorite “weed” song?
Gosh, there are so many great ones. I love anything from Bob Marley and Logic, both of whom speak about cannabis often. I also love when Miley Cyrus sings about having fun and getting high. But I think my favorite weed song is “Smokin’ Love” by Stick Figure ft. Collie Buddz. My husband and I listen to this song frequently at home. It’s the perfect chill vibe to pull you out any busy and mundane moment and get you to imagine that you’re smoking with friends around a bonfire on the beach.
Who inspires you?
So many people. I’m inspired by people who break through barriers. People who can reimagine the world. People who live to serve others. People who can build new systems to solve complex problems.
But, on the tail end of 2020, I’d like to give a special shout out to teachers. They have had to pivot a million times this year, but they still keep showing up for the next generation. I believe that a great teacher can change the trajectory of someone’s life forever. I had many wonderful teachers throughout my life and I think about them often. I still remember what my teacher said to me the morning the Twin Towers fell. I remember the encouragement of my high school teachers and how they framed what major I pursued in college. Educators truly shape the future. Thank you to all the teachers - you inspire me.
What is your favorite motivational quote?
This year, I have really been captivated by this quote from civil rights activist Angela Davis, “You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. And you have to do it all the time.” I love this quote because it highlights that it IS possible to change the world. So there’s no excuse to just do nothing and complain about how the world is, because we all have agency when it comes to what the future has in store for us. Davis’ quote reminds me to get active, get vocal, and get busy imprinting my love and vision onto the world. Also, Angela Davis is a total badass.
Thanks again to Patricia of Surviving Chronically for inviting me to answer these questions. I love getting the chance to share my passion for cannabis with others!