“Once the War on Drugs is finally over, there is a great deal of work to be done in terms of reparation and reciprocity. Medicine is to be used for healing and improved well-being, not as a weapon in war.”

Who were your early influences in cannabis?

My influence was actually my experience with the plant itself – its properties and effects, its rich history and various uses, its stigma and misunderstanding – the positive impact it would have on the world once enabled. My passion for the cannabis plant and the path I’ve taken to support its evolution to the forefront and ending the war on drugs have all stemmed from my direct experience with this medicine – Drugs are Medicine. 

The war on drugs has been a war on medicine. Just like the other injustices I’ve been passionate about repairing – the War on Drugs was not right and I had to take action to support the reparation of that injustice. I admire and constantly seek to honor and respect all of the pioneers, activists, patients, politicians, public figures, cultivators and purveyors, those who have been incarcerated, and those who continue to wage against the war on drugs and the systems that bind us to this outdated mindset.

Who is your dream person to get stoned with and why?

Ahhh... Doja Cat... I have SO much to talk to her about, and she doesn't know it yet, but we have a lot of work to do together.

Is the marketing of cannabis/psychedelics different from the marketing of other consumer goods?

Yes, absolutely, similar to how the marketing of pharmaceuticals, alcohol, tobacco, gaming, sex, etc. are all regulated – cannabis and psychedelics will have their own set of standards or to do so. 

Like anything, there is the risk for abuse and misuse, these medicines are not necessarily for everyone all the time. That’s the threshold of medicinal versus recreational use. These types of regulations are how we keep the message clean and clear, and how we keep people safe – by educating them, and keeping the products out of the hands of children and those who may be inclined to abuse these substances.

I don't have just one favorite cultivar, it's always about my intention when consuming, then what is my set and setting? What will I be doing? With who? How do I want to feel during that activity? This forethought should happen prior to taking any drug.

Who were your early influences in social activism?

From my own direct life experience, the person who influenced me most in this regard, would have to be my mother. From a young age I just understood it was my life's purpose to help people – it started as a child with animals and nature, taking care of our family pets or animals on the farm, tending to the land or garden, as a kid helping my single mom take care of the household or watching over my brother and sisters. My mom made it a requirement that my siblings and I all get involved in something beyond ourselves – a club, sport, or volunteering – so I volunteered at an “old folks home” and animal shelters, I started a recycling club at my elementary school, by the time I was in high school I had gotten involved in student council, and Amnesty International. It was then that I realized the U.S. was torturing people at Guantanamo Bay, the International Violence Against Women Act was potentially going to be repealed, and there was a genocide going on in Darfur – it became clear my lifes path was directed in this way. To affect positive change in society, to improve the well-being of myself, those around me, my community, and that spreading further to society from there.

THC Lube. Thoughts?

YES. I live a very sex-positive lifestyle and I'm all about the experience, so anything that enhances my activities is welcomed and utilized.