Founder and CEO of Budzy Box, Shatoia Robinson, on Why She Started One of the Best Women’s CBD Subscription Boxes Out There

Budzy is a monthly subscription box that elevates the CBD experience with its ever-changing curation of premium products from food to fashion to lifestyle. Budzy also dispenses knowledge with each box, empowering women through cannabidiol education to break down stereotypes and embrace a life infused with CBD.Their boxes feature world-class CBD-infused products: calming wearable patches, chocolates that fight anxiety, nourishing facial masks, feel-good teas, healthful treats, soothing balms, must-have novelties, and much more. All conveniently delivered to your door! We interviewed Shatoia to find out more about her company and mission.

High Herstory: When and how did you first discover cannabis and/or CBD?

Shatoia Robinson: I discovered the benefits of CBD while working as a Medical Device Rep in an Endocrinologist’s office. I noticed that patients that included CBD in their treatment regimen were doing so much better than patients on traditional Diabetic therapy. I was amazed by the results and intrigued on the topic of CBD from that moment on.

High Herstory: How do you think women can benefit from your monthly CBD box specifically?

Shatoia Robinson: There’s been stereotypes and stigmas attached to cannabis and CBD use for far too long, particularly when it comes to women and BIPOC. At Budzy, we’re trying to strip away all the negativity and noise. With so many options on the market, it’s hard to know who to trust…so we’re doing all the work. Our squad of healers and educators want to empower women through education to own the CBD lifestyle. Whether these women are CBD and cannabis enthusiasts or new to the world of CBD, we’re helping to “elevate their indulgence”. Each box is carefully curated to include premium, tested, natural products as well as some valuable educational material so women can pursue the CBD lifestyle with style and confidence. We also do our best to highlight brands from women and BIPOC.

High Herstory: Being a black woman-owned business, did you notice any barriers to entry in this industry? How did you overcome them?

Shatoia Robinson: The biggest obstacle has always been access to capital. It’s hard to gain the loans and or grants that are being offered during the pandemic from traditional banking institutions and I can not apply for Federal Grants since Budzy is a cannabis business.

High Herstory: Do you see value in isolates and broad-spectrum products as well as full-spectrum? How do you generally use each?

Shatoia Robinson: I absolutely see the value in all forms of CBD. While I personally prefer full-spectrum products for the “entourage” of their therapeutic components and optimal healing benefits, I think broad-spectrum and CBD isolates can suit different personal needs and concerns.This is again where Budzy comes in to educate women about the difference. Broad-spectrum products and isolates can offer value for those that don’t want to consume THC. While isolates in particular are not nearly as healing and therapeutic, they can be a great introductory tool to someone new to CBD or offered where full-spectrum products are not yet available. CBD and its benefits should be approachable and accessible to everyone and if isolates are a baby step into this wonderful world, then I’m all for them!

High Herstory: Do your pups take CBD? How do you administer it?

Shatoia Robinson: Both Lola and Coco Chanel love CBD! Lola gets extremely anxious in the car. No matter how comfortable I make her bed in the back seat, she insists on trying to climb up front with me which is not only distracting but really annoying while driving. I’ll give them calming CBD treats before long drives and it chills them out enough that they usually just curl up together and watch the cars go by. They are both really energetic and athletic little pups, constantly running and leaping everywhere. I make sure their treats have full-spectrum CBD to fight inflammation and promote hip, joint and back health.

High Herstory: What’s your all-time favorite way to consume THC and CBD and how did you find your perfect dose?

Shatoia Robinson: My favorite way to consume CBD is either sublingually or edibles. I love tinctures from Canni Hemp Co., Chocolate from Grön, and Potli Hemp Infused Chili Oil is an all time favorite! With help from my GoldLeaf CBD jotter plus using my Budzy Guide to Microdosing I’ve been able to figure out what doses and methods work best for me and my body.

High Herstory: Who are your cannabis industry heroes? How about non-cannabis industry heroes?

Shatoia Robinson: Wanda James is my industry hero. She is the first Black Woman owner of a Cannabis Dispensary in Colorado, and my non industry hero is my Mom—Sandra Robinson(a multi hyphenate entrepreneur).

High Herstory: How can you and your business be best supported? Anything you want to promote?

Shatoia Robinson: Sign up to be part of the Budzy squad and spread the word!! Each box focuses on and has premium products from our four foundational categories: Beauty & Wellness, Lifestyle, Education & Science, and Food & Beverage. We feel empowered knowing we’re helping women navigate the world of CBD while exuding style and self-love. With Budzy we bring everything you need to begin or continue your CBD journey right to your doorstep…and embrace a life infused with CBD.

Learn more about Budzy.

Canna Culture: The Healing Herb-Story of RXMaryJade

It’s time I come out of the canna-closet. My story began when I was 15 years old. That’s when I started using cannabis recreationally, but I never paid attention to any potential medicinal effects until age 22.

At this point in my life, I felt I wanted to change my life to become “healthy”. I was in the process of losing weight and thought that by eliminating all sugar, carbs, and intoxicants I was doing myself a great justice. One hundred pounds and one year later, I began to incorporate these unhealthy foods and alcohol back into my life. However, not cannabis.

Around this time I had moved into an apartment with my ex-boyfriend in New York City. Things were great until I started getting sick. It was so bad at one point that I was sent to the ER after returning to work the day after Thanksgiving. But they were unable to tell me what issues I was having with my stomach.

Shortly after that I began experiencing tremors so intense I would collapse to the floor, unable to move freely. The episodes between stomach illness and uncontrollable tremors became closer and closer together until it drove a wedge in our relationship.

I don’t remember what influenced me to start utilizing cannabis again, but it was exactly what I needed. I would call the delivery service as much as possible, trying to buy the strongest strains they had available. This was when I began to realize that cannabis was an essential part of my well-being; it was a biological need.

Time passed and I moved back to New Jersey to begin my single life and continue my massage therapy education. While in massage school I completed a case study on fibromyalgia. From this study, I was led to believe that I may be dealing with this condition. My diagnosis of fibromyalgia was confirmed by my doctor in 2013. Fibromyalgia does not have a rhyme or reason to it. My body will shake uncontrollably from tremors due to any type of stress. Days can go by without eating. I also collapse to the floor from fatigue which takes away my ability to walk. For four years I tried to use street cannabis to maintain my condition. It is nearly impossible to get the correct strain on the street. Unknowingly, I would get sativas that would spiral my tremors out of control.

At this point, I decided to really educate myself about the medicinal virtues of cannabis. It took 3 years out of a 4 year span of trial and error until I decided to take a trip to Denver. Prior to my trip, I did not have the capabilities to be able to successfully walk more than 5 minutes without pain. I used ONE Mary’s Medicinal 1:1 CBD/THC patch and that same day I was able to walk 5 miles. From this discovery, I knew I needed CBD and began purchasing Charlotte’s Web (a high CBD/low THC strain of cannabis) regularly.

The majority of my symptoms had significantly decreased and I was working more regularly without pain and flare ups.

I received my medical marijuana card from the state of New Jersey in 2017. I have never been so grateful for anything in my life. Cannabis has given me the ability to work for myself. Cannabis has given me my life back and for this I am willing to give my life to cannabis. My mission is to help as many patients and non-patients with this plant as possible. I want to spread education in reference to cannabis and to help to provide empowerment to others. It is important for me to remove the stigma. This IS medicine, this medicine gives lives back.

Let us live.

Follow RXMaryJade Sancho-Duser on Instagram.

More About RXMary Jade

In 2017, I received my New Jersey Medical Marijuana card and my life  changed for the better. Now I live my life as a fibromyalgia fighter and not a victim.  If you aren't aware, Fibromyalgia is a condition that displays as musculoskeletal pain accompanied by extreme fatigue, mood, and cognitive issues. I would endure long periods of solitude because it seemed the pain was never ending. The fatigue would not allow me to walk nor hold even a glass of water. Now I enjoy regular hikes and even decided to use my collective knowledge to help others.

As a Licensed Massage Therapist who specializes in Trigger Point and Neuromuscular Therapy, I study the body. I study the pain. I listen and pay attention because most of us ignore our bodies. I study both eastern and western theories to help formulate care plans to both prevent and decrease symptomatic discomfort of various pathologies. From this a great idea came to fruition: RXMaryJade.​

The name RXMaryJade was born from the love of both of my Grandmothers, both named "Mary". Each Mary taught me valuable life lessons. On my mothers side I was taught how through random acts of kindness and mindfulness one person can better the lives of many. From my father's mother, I saw the value in opening your home to people from all walks of life and making sure they never go hungry and without a place to rest their head.

​With these two strong female influences, I knew I was bound on the path of the caregiver. However not only do I help others heal in my travels, I teach them the valuable skills that they can use to heal themselves. I like to think of myself as a Modern American Shaman, a realistic holistic, if you will.

Canna Culture: High Herstory Series Premiere

Quality free streaming TV just got so much better. High Herstory Season One is now available in over 150 million homes across 15+ networks with distribution including AppleTV, Roku, Android TV, Amazon Fire, Samsung+. Playstation, Pluto TV, Plex, and more through Social Club TV, a content distribution network dedicated to weed. 

The original series also streams in thousands of cannabis dispensaries via Enlighten TV, an in-dispensary TV network that makes billions of impressions at the point of sale. 

High Herstory is a comedy series featuring cannabis-consuming women telling under-told, groundbreaking stories of historical women, reenacted using actors and stylized animation. As fun as drunk history, but way less frat bro, and with much more purpose. The show normalizes cannabis consumption and showcases the best brands out there to an audience that is hungry for representation. Women, much like cannabis, have been largely misrepresented by history. Season one of High Herstory tells the diverse, inspirational, and highly entertaining stories of nine incredible women. 

The show’s cast includes Roberta Colindrez, most recently seen in Starz “Vida”, Hulu’s “Mrs. America” and “Mosterland” Fun fact – Annette, Jenny, and Kendall all met Roberta as theater students together at Texas State in San Marcos Texas. Don’t miss Celia Au of Netflix’s “Wu Assassins”, Monique Moses of Netflix’s “Astronomy Club”, Iman Richardson of Comedy Central’s “Jack & Triumph Show”, IFC’s “Frank and Lamar” and Pooya Mohseni of Amazon’s “Big Dogs” and CBS’s “Madam Secretary”.

High Herstory also partnered up with the Youth Empowerment Program in New Orleans to hire post-production assistance for the show, giving graduates of the program – which focuses on providing opportunity to underserved communities – their first gigs in film and the hard-to-break-into cannabis industry. 

Each episode features an original score by different musicians, including two episodes composed by Julian Gosin of iconic New Orleans band The Soul Rebels.

The High Herstory theme song was composed by Harlee Case (co-founder of cannabis brand house Ladies of Paradise and pre-roll company Lady Jays) and Josh Smith’s band New Constellations. The band also created an original score for episode five about Texas governor Ann Richards.

The series hopes to inspire audiences to dive deeper into women’s history stories that feel more timely now than over. One episode features public health expert Dr. Sarah Josephine Baker, who in turn of the century New York, contributed to our modern day understanding of disease and captured super spreader Typhoid Mary. According to historian Bettany Hughes, only .5% of recorded history includes the contributions of women. High Herstory may strike a silly tone but it’s mission is clearly important – share the stories from women’s history and speak to female cannabis consumers. Women make up ⅓ of cannabis consumers. They are growing at a 9% higher rate than male consumers, meaning that by 2022 women will make up 50% of cannabis consumers. If cannabis brands are not marketing directly to women, they’re losing out.

You can download the SCTV app on your phone, smart tv, or tablet and don’t miss out on this important Her-storical moment!! 

Female Comedians: Monique Moses

Monique Moses is a Canadian born, Brooklyn based, actor, improvisor, writer & comedian. Monique has starred in and created content for Funny or Die, College Humor, Mashable, Refinery29, Bustle, BrickTV, IFC Comedy Cribs, UCB and more. She also plays Stagecoach Mary in High Herstory Season One.  

High Herstory: Tell us about yourself, what are your passions? 

Monique Moses: You know, six months ago I would’ve said my greatest passion was collecting matching hoodie and sweatpant combinations, and now that I think about it…not much has changed. Lol! I have been actively trying to force myself to do things that I don’t generally do – like, I don’t like to cook but my husband and I started Blue Apron a couple months back and so I’ve been *begrudgingly* making those. And I also hate exercising, but I’ve been forcing myself to walk my dog for a couple of hours a day. So. I guess my new passion is growing the f*** up? I dunno! I’m also learning Korean, so there’s that? 

High Herstory: You play Stagecoach Mary in Season one of High Herstory. What was it like to play her?  

Monique Moses: It was dope! Who wouldn’t love playing a boss like the Notorious SCM.  I thoroughly enjoyed pretending to shoot mail thieves and parcel bandits, and just generally repping the fine folks at the USPS as best as I could.

High Herstory: Do you have a favorite moment from being on set with High Herstory? What was the funniest moment?

Monique Moses: When we recreated traveling through the elements with a fan and leaves and other random stuff the art department had for us. Truly, I live for sight gags. It was my most favoritest thing.

High Herstory: As an actress and storyteller, what made you want to be a part of a project that is pro-cannabis? 

Monique Moses: To be honest, I was more attracted to the story element and the focus on badass women than it being pro-Cannabis…but if being involved in something like this can help break down any of the old school, unwarranted stigmas that surround it, I see it as a plus! 

Interview: Filmmaker Shirley Cruz

Shirley Cruz is a bilingual multimedia content creator based in NYC. She is a Cinematographer, Photographer, Director, and FAA Certified Pilot in Command. She currently shoots, directs, edits, and produces for digital, television, film, commercial, print, and new media content. Her clients include: NBC Universal, Woodridge Productions, DIRECTV, AT&T, Soze, Bare Necessities, XXL Mag, ATTN, Spotify, Gibson Guitars, Tic Tac, Make Up For Ever, Flag Award, Asana Rebel, K+12, Conde Nast and more. In Season One of High Herstory, Shirley brings an anarchist and orator, Lucy Parsons, to life. You will spy her playing many supporting characters throughout the season, and she also ran camera or was shooting BTS on almost every single episode. We could not have done it without Shirley Cruz! 

She chatted with us about what she’s passionate about, our fun times on set, and her production company, Extra Syrup.

High Herstory: Tell us about yourself, what are your passions? 

Shirley Cruz: I am a bilingual multimedia content creator based in NYC. I am a Cinematographer, Photographer, Director, and FAA Certified Pilot in Command. I currently shoot, direct, edit, and produce for digital, television, film, commercial, print, and new media content.

I was born and raised in New York City and have been able to call this my home my entire life. I am first generation American and grew up in a bilingual household. I was an only child and spent a lot of time in front of a television screen (aka my informal babysitter). It’s how I learned and taught myself and my mother English. The hours spent watching TV from a young age shaped my interest in film, photography, directing and storytelling. I knew that I wanted to be in that world, but I wasn’t exactly sure in what capacity. I attended Frank Sinatra School of the Arts as a Double Major in Drama and Music. My time there really piqued my interest in writing and shooting short films driven by strong characters based on real life stories. During my college years I started working in the fashion realm during the inception of the social media boom for Gucci, Burberry, and Custo Barcelona. 

After college I leveled up and started working in television, commercial work, documentaries, and films. In 2015 I started working for DIRECTV Latin America as a Producer/Shooter/Editor and worked on the Rio Olympics, World Cup, and launched HBO’s streaming services to the US Hispanic and Latin American countries. I also worked in the camera department for Season 2 and 3 of Orange is the New Black, and day played on a variety of TV shows shot in NYC, such as Blue Bloods, Law and Order SVU, The Knick, The Blacklist, The Following and more. I later joined Condé Nast Entertainment as their first unofficial female and BIPOC staff Studio Videographer and Coordinating Studio Producer and worked across all their brands. In 2019 I launched my own full scale production company Extra Syrup. I currently reside in Astoria, Queens. 

Motto: Stick to the side roads. 

High Herstory: Tell us what it was like to play Lucy Parsons? 

Shirley Cruz: It was fun exploring and developing her character since she predates film and there weren’t many things to reference her on. I shaped her character around literature and photographs that I found of her— specifically her infamous quote “ I am an Anarchist” I literally thought of the Sex Pistols Song “Anchary in the UK” and got transformed into my punk rock self of kicking ass and giving no fucks, flipping the bird and not caring. #Unapologetic #NotSorry

High Herstory: You play supporting characters, were a camera operator, and were an all-around pivotal contributor on Season One. Do you have a favorite moment from on set? 

Oh gosh, where do I begin! I mean, getting into costume is probably the funnest. Seriously the moment someone puts on a wig you see a huge personality shift. You see everyone around you slowly transform into their character. I loved twinning with Annette, I loved playing Kendall’s wife, I loved the times that the dogs would walk into frame. 

High Herstory: What was the funniest moment?

Shirley Cruz: Probably Jenny giving birth and Zombie Iman delivering it haha!

High Herstory: As an actress and crew member what made you want to be a part of a project that is pro-cannabis? 

Shirley Cruz: So many reasons. What drew me first was the fact the High Herstory provided a platform for women created by women. As a Cannabis advocate myself, I love pushing the boundaries in a space that’s predominantly male. 

High Herstory: How has the prohibition of cannabis affected your life? 

Shirley Cruz: The hoops and ladders people have to go through to get a good connect. I think it’s really dumb how neighboring states sell recreational weed, but yet NY hasn’t stepped up to the plate. It will   just encourage people to head across the river as soon as it’s legal in NJ.

High Herstory: You were boots on the ground this summer during the protests in NYC. Can you tell us a little about that experience? 

Shirley Cruz: I don’t want to say it was eye opening because, as a minority this is a constant reality to my life. If anything from this experience, I have learned to sympathize instead of getting angry at people with white privilege that are just discovering the atrocities that plague our communities of color. 

Actress and Transgender Advocate: Pooya Mohseni

Pooya Mohseni is an Iranian American actor, writer, filmmaker, and Transgender activist. You may recognize her from roles in Big Dogs and Madam Secretary.  We were so honored to work with her on High Herstory where she tells the powerful story of transgender pioneer Lucy Hicks Anderson. In her mission to spread love and the awareness of every human being’s innate worthiness, Pooya has found a voice as an advocate as well as actor & writer. She talks to us about Lucy, her new feature film, and her journey to advocacy.

High Herstory: Tell us about yourself, what are your passions? 

Pooya Mohseni: I’m an actor, a story teller, a trans advocate and activist, an immigrant, a woman, a human. I want to touch the world. I want to reach inside people’s hearts and hug them. I have a need to feel that I’m doing something to make the world a bit kinder, a bit more self aware, a bit brighter and definitely more inclusive for all people, not just some. That’s what gets me up in the morning and helps me through ups and downs.

High Herstory: You tell the Story of Lucy Hicks Anderson in Season One. Why do you feel her story needs to be told? 

Pooya Mohseni: Lucy is a trailblazer. She knew who she was, even when the world kept telling her that she was wrong. She persevered, even when all she had was that feeling in her gut, telling her, pushing her to keep going. That is strength. That is resolve. That is a human being who is not being seen and respected for who she is, but she doesn’t give up her fight and now, decades after her passing, she’s an inspiration, a role model. People like that should always be looked at and studied, because in their journey, we can find the strength to follow our truth, our path.

High Herstory: Do you have a favorite moment from being on set with High Herstory? What was the funniest moment?

Pooya Mohseni: I loved every moment of it, so I won’t pick just one! I was among people I love and respect. People who inspire me, support me and extend their friendships to me. That has great value to me. I don’t know what the funniest moment was, but the funnest moment was when I looked into the camera and could feel Lucy running through my thoughts as I directed the court with her truth, her strength and her humanity. Did I say Sass? That Too! That was incredible!

High Herstory: As an actress and storyteller what made you want to be a part of a project that is pro-cannabis?  

Pooya Mohseni: I believe in the magic of cannabis and its healing powers. There has been so much propaganda around cannabis and political legalities around it, that most people don’t see the amazing things it can do. Also, as someone who has survived trauma and eating issues, I personally know the benefits I have felt, so it felt like a great fit for me as a storyteller and a human being!

High Herstory: How has history wronged the transgender community? How can representation help? 

Pooya Mohseni: History has tried to erase us or portray us as villains, or victims that are somehow ill or confused. But, when we show people members of this community who embody resolve, determination and humanity, we humanize our community and we change the message from “them” to “us”. Through representation, good representation, we can change the narrative from “those people we’ve never met” to “our neighbors, our friends, our family members, co-workers and lovers”. In short, we TAKE DOWN THE WALL!

High Herstory: You are a fierce advocate for transgender right, immigrants, and women tell us about that journey?  

Pooya Mohseni: I never set out to be an advocate. I didn’t think I was the right person for it, because I’m just me. But as I keep moving forward and finding myself, as we all do, I have come to realize that what I have gone through is not that unique, as a woman, as an immigrant or as a trans individual. So, if my lived experiences and what I’ve learned can help anyone, then it brings me great joy and pride to be able to use my knowledge and talents to make sure that others feel a little better about who they are and know that they are worthy of love and respect, regardless of their journey or their color.

High Herstory: What advocacy work are you focusing on now?

Pooya Mohseni: I’m a member of the advisory board for Ackerman Institute’s Gender and Family Project, which focuses on giving support, community and education to families with gender variant children. I believe that children from our community are most vulnerable, especially with all the legal arguments about bathroom use or sports in schools. However, I invite people to find what is true to them. I love children and want to protect trans and non binary kids from people who want to make them disappear. That’s me. But if you feel more strongly about immigrant support or transgender equality, by all means, support them. If we all follow our hearts and do what is right, then the world can be better. This is what is important to me. I invite you to find yours.

High Herstory: As an actor & writer tell us about what you are working on now? How can we support your work? 

Pooya Mohseni: Our feature film See You Then, written by Mari Walker & Kristen Uno, directed by Mari Walker and co-starring the amazing Lynn Chen just made its premiere at SXSW. The reviews are great, but this is just the beginning. For an indie film to have life, we need word of mouth. There are going to be more festivals down the line, like: DisOrient, Atlanta FIlm Festival and more. I believe in this movie, its message and everyone who worked on it. I want people to see it and hopefully they will love it and connect with it. Then I ask you to tell your friends about it and share it with your network. That’s how you can support our movie and other indie filmmakers who want their message heard.

High Herstory: Who is an important woman to you, that we would all benefit from knowing more about?

We’re always looking for celebrities, but I find we can find inspiration from everyone. Our mothers, aunts, neighbors, friends. I find the stories of the women in my family inspiring. I don’t want to be them or even be like them, but I have found things in their journeys that give me strength. Their hurdles, their regrets, their resolve. I love people who don’t give up in the face of adversity. If I was going to mention one woman who is well known, it would most probably be Michelle Obama. Her combination of strength, resolve, grace and intelligence is for the books! She inspires me with one single quote “When they go low. We go high”. That is the essence that I try to carry in all I do. Maybe that resonates with you, maybe it doesn’t. Again, I invite you to seek the light that rings true for you. Our truths don’t have to be the same, so long as our truth brings us strength, clarity and contentment. Much love.

Follow Pooya on Instagram.

Netflix Star: Leah Kreitz

Did you see Netflix’s “Dash & Lily”? During the Christmas holiday season, two teenagers living in NYC develop mutual romantic feelings as they open up to each other by trading messages as well as dares in a notebook around a multitude of locations. Along the way, they deal with how their blossoming romance affects and is impacted by friends, family members, and previous love interests. Leah Kreitz, who plays Aryn, a member of Lily's caroling group.

Born in Los Angeles, she was first seen on screen while her mother was pregnant on the family's annual holiday special as "The Gomez Family Singers." After living in sunny California, Leah's family moved to even sunnier Las Vegas. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Stage & Screen Acting and has since moved to Brooklyn, where she currently resides with her husband Gabe Quiroga and their cat Cecilia.

In addition to acting, Leah and her twin sister Dana Kreitz are developing projects under their production company, Hapa Media, and she is also a Resident Artist with New Light Theater Project. When not working, Leah can usually be found with her nose in a book, bent backwards in a yoga class, flying trapeze at TSNY, or hitting the slopes either upstate or back on the west coast.

When we met Leah Kreitz, it was an instant bond surrounded by laughter and that electric excitement of a new friendship with a like minded soul. She can sing like an angel, dance like a fever, and even flies through the air on a trapeze, all with an intelligence and presentness that will knock your socks off.

She is currently appears in Season One of High Herstory.

High Herstory: Tell us about yourself, what are your passions? 

Leah Kreitz: I’m a Filipino-American actor & storyteller based in Brooklyn, New York. I’m passionate about intersectional feminism, representation in the media, yoga, flying trapeze, equity in storytelling, sustainability, crop tops, and Harry Potter (like a true millennial) but JK Rowling doesn’t get any more of my money.

High Herstory: We love Hapa Media!  Tell us about your production company and why “fuck underrepresentation” is such an important stance to take as story tellers? 

Leah Kreitz: And Hapa Media loves High Herstory! Hapa Media was born out of a desperate need to see more people who look like me in front of and behind the camera. Hapa means mixed Asian or mixed race, and our focus is on telling stories through a mixed lens. I’m half filipino & fall into a category that’s not easily defined, so people frequently have no idea what to do with me. We’re interested in bringing to the forefront of cinema people who previously haven’t fit into the “right boxes” in this industry.

We as a society have been conditioned to see through the lens of white cis male protaganists, which clearly has a colossal impact on the real world and our default heightened empathy for white cis males. They are not the only category of humans whose stories matter (nor are they the only people who can work a camera & a boom mic).

Even in my own writing, I have found myself initially assuming that my lead character is a white man and needing to actively re-frame in order to adjust. This is learned. And I truly believe that we as humans and consumers of stories can, through seeing it on screen, learn to shift our defaults and begin to identify with and empathize with previously marginalized people and their experiences.

High Herstory: You joined us on set to play a warrior and one of Mulan’s friends, as well as the Emperor.  What was it like to be on set with High Herstory to help tell the story of Mulan?  

Leah Kreitz: What a fun day! I was on set with my twin Dana Kreitz, and Mulan was played by an old friend of mine, Celia Au, who I hadn’t seen in ages and she is just absolutely the coolest and funniest lady out there. The High Herstory sets are my favorite because there’s no bullshit – we’re there to tell a story. You always feel like you can collaborate and have a wild idea & it will get heard & and it will be fucking fun.

High Herstory: What was the funniest moment?

Leah Kreitz: When I put on the emperor mustache. I looked just like my uncle.

Also, Dana and I on horseback. I can’t stop laughing just thinking about it.

High Herstory: As an actress and storyteller what made you want to be a part of a project that is pro-cannabis? 

The war on drugs is racist. Affecting the public opinion of cannabis in a positive way is a fight against that racism.

High Herstory: How will  representation help combat racism against the asian community? 

Normalize viewing Asian-Americans as  part of America. Asian people as people. Humanize everybody.

High Herstory: What are you working on now? 

Hapa is currently in post-production on a collection of short films titled “On Death & Dying” which the team is really excited about. We shared our pilot “Coming Out” on vimeo at the start of the pandemic & used its uncanny similarities to current times to fundraise with City Harvest, which helps feed people in need of food in NYC.

Covid-times has been hard on live theater. The  New Light Theater Project , where I am a resident artist, has begun creating radio dramas, utilizing dialogue, music, and sound effects. They just shared “Invincible Ones”, a new play about badass women dealing with grief, in which I play the lead Zoe.

Me personally? “Dash & Lily” premiered on Netflix over the winter and I was stoked to have a recurring role in such an awesomely diverse cast. I’ve also been partnering with the Women of Color Conference  (coming up this March 20-21) to help bring attention to the powerful work that they’re doing. Other than that, I’m mostly just chilling, singing, and working on throwing a layout at Trapeze School New York. It’s been a stressful year, so I’m working on being okay with the downtime and not feeling like I need to write “Hamlet”.

Who is an important woman to you that we would all benefit from knowing more about? 

Dana Kreitz! My sister is the tits. The  Women of Color Conference  get exposure to industry leaders through engaging panels, training them to see the power in both others and themselves.

Follow Leah’s career on Instagram and keep posted on The Upcoming collection of short films “On Death & Dying” from Hapa Media.

Interview: Actress Celia Au

Born in Hong Kong & raised in Brooklyn, Celia grew up playing sports and having a huge imagination. Film and television consistently inspired her childhood career aspirations- first, she wanted to become a lawyer, then a police officer, then a marine, then a Kung Fu master. . . and then even a Power Ranger!

It wasn't long before Celia realized that it would be impossible for her to have all these professions. The only way to bring these professions to life was to go onscreen and become the best Actor she could be. You may have seen actress Celia Au kicking ass on Netflix’s Wu Assassins, living out her Power Ranger dreams! You can also her on the High Herstory series playing legendary warrior Hua Mulan.

Celia exudes creative energy and the glowing goodness of a person who walks the walk and leads the way! Celia let us know how she uses her superpowers to stop bullying, the value of representation, and what she’s working on now.

High Herstory: Tell us about yourself,  what are your passions? 

Celia Au: Hi, Sup! My name is Celia Au. I am an actress/producer. I feel that as storytellers we have a superpower to tell stories that can help change people’s perception of the world. So I want to use this superpower to tell inspiring stories that will promote love and empathy in the world. I feel like we are living in a time where there is so much hater-ade right now. If we can show people what it is like walking in the other person’s shoes so we have a better understanding towards one another. You check out some of my work on Netflix’s Wu Assassins, AMC’s Lodge 49 and I have a movie coming out this month called Shoplifters of the World!

High Herstory: What was it like to play Mulan in High Herstory Season One? Did the story of Mulan have any personal meaning to you? 

Celia Au: Playing Mulan was a ton of fun! It was so nice to be working with my friends. The High Herstory set  was a very friendly and fun environment to be in. Mulan is definitely personal to me because she is the FIRST ASIAN DISNEY PRINCESS!!!! Seeing an Asian on screen kicking butt was amazing! This is why representation  matters so we can see and relate to characters that look like ourselves.

High Herstory: What was the funniest moment on set? 

Celia Au: Man it’s been a while….. I think the fight scene. We were all bloody, laughing and cracking jokes but trying to keep a straight face once the camera rolls. Good times!

High Herstory: You brought the action to Mulan with such style!  What form of martial arts do you study?  Do you enjoy the action side of acting? 

Celia Au: Thank you! I like this being known as the stylish Mulan! 😉 I do love the action side of acting cause it is a lot of fun. It’s definitely a way to force me to workout and make my Sifu proud. As for the form of martial arts….I studied Chinese kung-fu, Tiger forms and Shaolin forms.

High Herstory: This year, we have seen an increase in prejudice & hate crimes against the Asian community. Do you want to speak to that?

Celia Au: STOP ASIAN HATE! For the last year, I’ve been part of different campaigns to raise awareness about asian hate incidents and why it is not okay. Ultimately, we are all Americans. Why are we discriminating against each other? We should learn from history and know that we work better together.

High Herstory: You do a lot of work to bring awareness to systematic hate and promote anti bullying. Tell us about the PSA video you made last year #washthehate? 

Celia Au: In the beginning of the Covid, I tweeted a video that I saw of an asian guy on the subway getting sprayed with a can or aerosol and getting called names. That video went viral on my platform and a lot of news outlets were reaching out to me about the video but I was telling them that I didn’t shoot it and redirect them to the owner of the video. Then a PR company that I am friends with the IW group reached out saying that my tweet inspired them to start a campaign to raise awareness and asked me to join them.  Literally the day they announced the campaign was the same day where our ex-president coined the term “Chinese Virus”.

High Herstory: How can representation and the elevation of Asian storytellers help in this current instance and beyond?

Celia Au: Tell more asian stories, make our stories into film and tv shows. If our stories are being seen and being heard we can fight against the term “model minority”. So the world doesn’t see us as these perfect ideals. We share the same struggles, experiences and face discriminations as well.

High Herstory: Who is an important woman to you that we would all benefit from knowing more about? 

Celia Au: I don’t think this woman is important to me per say. But she is important in Chinatown. Her name was Sister Ping, she was the “snakehead” of Chinatown. To the outside the story is that she is the ruthless head of the underground human trafficking ring. But when I heard her story from some of the people in Chinatown they said that she took them out of China when times were bad and gave them an opportunity in American and gave them an opportunity that they can’t have in China. So I think her story is pretty fascinating.

Follow Celia on instagram @itsceliaau and see her on Netflix’s Wu Assassins, AMC’s Lodge 49 and her new movie, Shoplifters of the World.



Interview: Actress and Astrologer Iman the Alchemist

Iman Richardson, who goes by Iman the Alchemist, is a New York based actress and astrologer. Her cosmic identity is comprised of a Capricorn sun, Cancer rising and Libra moon. Upon graduating from NYU, she decided to put her Journalism & Africana Studies degrees to good use by becoming an actor. When she isn’t performing spell work, you can see her acting in commercials for The Home Depot, Kohls, Dropbox, Verizon, & Olay and on TV in shows like “Crashing” (HBO), “Jack & Triumph” (NBC Universal/Cartoon Network). Web: Frank & Lamar (IFC), and of course High Herstory. She is featured in two episodes of Season One, in which she embodies the iconic Josephine Baker and also tells us the story of Stagecoach Mary.

High Herstory: Tell us about yourself, what are your passions? 

Iman the Alchemist: I am VERY passionate about Education. Had a career in it for 13 years but left recently to focus on acting and astrology. During that time I wrote grants, designed curricula, trained teachers, etc. As a result, my style as an astrologer is inherently didactic and experiential. I want clients to learn how the birth chart can be your bff in life. 

Right now I’m obsessed with The Cosmos, Quantum Physics, Egyptology, EATING BOOKS FOR BREAKFAST and Manifestation Ceremonies.

High Herstory: Tell us more about your astrology practice.

Iman the Alchemist: As an astrologer, my practice is SOUL-CENTERED, PRACTICAL & FUN. I harness my SUPERPOWER to CURATE spiritual-material FORMULAS that help you understand SELF and CO-CREATE with the stars rather than be directed by them.

High Herstory: Tell us what it was like to play Josephine Baker?

Iman the Alchemist: It was trippy because I’ve always loved her…but becoming her invited me to process the gravity of her contributions to art and to the world both in my mind and in body. This woman’s heart was ginormous. I still can’t believe she was a real person. It felt like the universe was teaching me about the power I have as a black female artist to be smart, courageous and weird AF without apology. And she made that platform.

High Herstory: You also tell the story of Stagecoach Mary in Season One. Why did you want to share her story?

Iman the Alchemist: It’s like my past self knew stories of her would matter in a way that they never have been allowed to in the history of this country until now. I strongly believe that it’s important for the psyche of women who look like me and for the psyche of the collective, to engage with narratives that highlight the ancestral roots of Black Girl Magic.

Nothing was more rewarding than being given the platform to tell the tale of a strong BLACK WOMAN who was both REVERED and FEARED by WHITE MEN.

High Herstory: Do you have a favorite moment from the High Herstory set?

Iman the Alchemist: To be honest, I know I had the best time of my life. I also know it was the highest I had ever been so my memories are a bit foggy. BUT I do remember having this super clear moment in which I was like in my body and out of it simultaneously. I just remember looking around and feeling so fulfilled. I was surrounded by a team of bad asssss lady humans (and Chase) of ALL ethnic backgrounds, and there was nothing but intelligence, love and competency in the air.  Powerful AF.

Also, THE COSTUME FITTING WAS PRETTY DOPE. It was eerie how everything fit so perfectly.  The team did a phenomenal job with the wardrobe. With everything, really.

I also remember being in awe of the woman who legit had the role of just rolling fast ass joints. Like what. I almost kidnapped her but i’m not into prison.

High Herstory: What was the funniest moment?

Iman the Alchemist: Attacking Jenny with fake human feces in my hands and random face sores.

High Herstory: What are you working on now? 

Iman the Alchemist: As an actress…auditioning. I’m also doing a lot of work to refine my Astrology Practice. Also…I’m working on managing my Energy Field. Trying to deprogram the thoughts and behaviors that keep my vibration low in service of ones that allow me to act in alignment with my higher self. 

High Herstory: As an actress what made you want to be a part of a project that is pro Cannabis? 

Both Cannabis and acting allow me to experience dimensions of reality in a way that is healing. So I saw working on this project as a much needed platform to explore where and how the two intersect. 

Also, sometimes I like to have fun.

High Herstory: Who is another important woman to you that we would all benefit from knowing more about? 

Kartina Richardson aka Mama Kar. And not just because she is my older sister-cousin. She’s truly a spiritual warrior and is dedicated to healing the trauma in our family and the trauma of the collective through her healing work as a Clairvoyant, Spiritual Detective and Ancestral Rootworker. 

Beyond our love of working with Iman as an actress, all of us here at High Herstory have had such incredibly informative and powerful astrology sessions with Iman. We could not recommend her more highly.  Working with Iman taps you into an ancestral plane, you can feel your vibration rise. To book a session and learn more about her work check out her website.

Herbalist How To: 7 Benefits of Elecampane

Elecampane, Inula helenium, of the Asteraceae family is a favorite herb of mine. When I stand next to Inula helenium, dwarfed by her golden heights and broad green foliage, it's hard not to feel as though she asks you to look up, smile and hit a power pose! Below are 7 reasons to love this herb! Elecampane has gone by many names on its spread from Asia to Southern and Eastern Europe, and is now naturalized in North America and many parts of the world. When I see a plant stand so tall and bright, I know there are some powerful roots creating strength. Read on to learn how to make an herbal decoction with elecampane root, as it is the roots of this generous plant that offer us so much nutrition and support. Herbal decoctions are potent simmered teas. Let's explore the benefits of an Elecampane herbal decoction. 

1. Expectorant. Phlegm-y coughs, stuck mucus in the chest, bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough, or respiratory infection. Inula helenium works deeply with the lungs as an expectorant to release old and infected mucus. Our bodies are always communicating. Be informed by your mucus. Thick, green, mucus is saying “Honey, love you, but you are sick.” Do not take it if you are suffering from a dry cough. 

2. Bacteride. With strong antiseptic qualities that work to turn inflamed green mucus into white, clear, soothed mucus.

3. Toning. Elecampane tones the membranes of the GI, respiratory, and urinary tracts. 

4. Stimulate digestive function. The flavor is quite strong, spicy, bitter, and warming. Forty-five percent of the roots weight is Inulin, which is low in calories, high in fiber and works as a prebiotic. Inulin feeds the good gut flora in our intestines, which helps to fight off unwanted pathogens, support the immune system, and prevent unwanted infection and yeast overgrowth.

5.Calcium absorption. For anyone out there looking to prevent osteoporosis, research shows that Inulin can help with the absorption of calcium. 

6. High in Inulin. Inulin is being studied for its potential benefit to those with prediabetes. Inulin slows digestion, thus helping our body absorb more nutrients from our food. This allows sugars to be released more slowly keeping blood sugar levels from spiking. 

7. Emotions of the chest and lungs. Elecampane is known to help those struggling with sadness and grief that settles in our lungs. Many of the plants that bloom with bright yellow flowers, like St. John's Wort and elecampane, help to lift our spirits out of despair and grief.

Tinctures, syrups, teas and decoctions are the simplest way to bring herbal medicine into your life. If you want to make it yourself or get started by trying professionally-made formulas, I always recommend hitting up your local herb shop/herbalists for products or consultations. Head over to Mountain Rose Herbs for a multitude of organic herbal offerings shipped right to your door. 

DECOCTION RECIPE 

My favorite way to bring root medicine into my day to day life is with a simple decoction. Decoctions are simmered teas ideal for extracting the properties of hard roots, dried berries, barks, and seeds. They will be much stronger in flavor than herbal infusions and more concentrated. 

HOW TO MAKE A DECOCTION 

• Place 3 tablespoons of dried herbs into a small saucepan or pot. Cover the herbs with a quart of cold water.

• Slowly heat the water to a simmer and cover. You do not want a big bubbly boil. 

• Gently simmer for 20 to 45 minutes.

• Strain into a glass jar.

• Once the decoction has finished simmering, I love to infuse more delicate flowers or leafy herbs into the hot water that cannot stand up to the lengthy simmer time, straining the mixture again after another 10 to 15 minutes. 

How do I preserve my herbal decoction?

Most herbal infusions and decoctions will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Add a bit of raw local honey or some fruit juice to taste. Have fun with your flavors and enjoy!

Contraindications

Inula helenium is a strong herb and best taken in moderation. If you take too much, you will know because it will quickly cause some gastric upset. Elecampane is not recommended to take during breastfeeding. The sesquiterpene lactones will pass into the milk and upset the baby's stomach. Although it is unlikely to be of any direct danger, it is still recommended to avoid it during pregnancy. This is truly a tonic herb, the longer you take it the better it works. If you are purchasing a tincture or tea, follow the dosing on the package. Always talk to your doctor if you are on any medications before adding in herbal support.

Interview: Cannabis Influencer, Lunita

If you’ve looked up cannabis content anywhere on Instagram, chances are you’ve stumbled upon Lunita’s page. She’s not only a content creator, but an activist and overall legend, in our eyes. Learn about Lunita and her commitment to destigmatizing mental health and cannabis by reading our interview with her.

High Herstory: When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you see any of your dreams adapt and manifest into your current life?

Lunita: What did I want to be when I grow up? That’s a tough one because growing never really stops when you think about it.

I feel like this question is one that gets asked of us so many times when we’re children, then we squeeze our great, big, creative imaginations into boxes and use our best ability to think of what societal or sensible role we fit in – the honest answer is that I just wanted to be my little queer self. I never had dreams of being a scientist, astronaut or even a content creator, but I wanted to grow up and simply gain what I feel everyone deserves – a loyal community and ultimately, a family of my own.

As I reflect on who I am now, I do believe I put the work into my own version of a vision and made it come true. I found a way to curate an entire community of individuals who see me – raw – and support my eclectic interests. My platform is so much more than a career, it’s manifested into my calling. I’ve proudly grown into becoming a healing-holistic healer, mental health advocate, wisdom seeker, style curator, and strategic content creator who has specialized in my industry for over a decade now. I’m deeply passionate about how I get to organically engage and collaborate with people and brand partners in digital and physical spaces – especially those seeking lifestyle guidance or herbal methods to assist them through mental health issues and everyday stresses, understanding themselves and their world, and healing the mind, body, and spirit.

High Herstory: Tell us a bit about your daily rituals with cannabis.

Lunita: I’m a student of the plant, so I typically start and end my days with cannabis in some way, shape or form. Whenever it comes to holistic healing, I also have to stress how important it is to be researched and intentional about what/how you consume – even at leisure.

Waking up in the mornings can be a struggle for me on some days so when I’m feeling groggy but need to get stuff done, I’ll lean into medicating with some CBD flower or tincture, or a sativa-based strain like Strawberry Tangie that won’t slow down my productivity. Fresh tonic drinks are great ways to get by as well. Afternoons are when I take business calls, respond to emails and might even end up on an IG-live or two, so I’ll find myself rolling up a mellow hybrid-strain to keep me cruising. If you catch me in one of my IG live sessions, you’ll usually see me sample some of my favorite strains, pass the virtual blunt, soundtrack a vibe, and introduce cool new canna-friendly devices while diving into real-world topics. When I want to treat myself as I wind down into the evening, I may enjoy a warm ritual bath with a CBD balm or massage with infused-oils from OM. Then, to battle my insomnia in bed, I love having one of my G-Pen products loaded with an indica-dominat strain on stand-by to help me drift off into the night.

High Herstory: Do you feel a connection between cannabis and spirituality?

Lunita: I definitely feel a connection between cannabis and spirituality – but rightfully so, since the most ancient intentions for the plant were rooted in Black + Brown + Indegenous spiritual practice. I was originally immersed into the world of holistic healing and herbal remedies by my great-grandparents who always taught me about the universal relationship between everything. When I medicate with purpose, I can shift the mood of my spirit, better understand something that once confused me, or even come up with a divine idea. In the same way that certain mixtures can heal ailments, cannabis – when intentionally used – can be a gateway to calm, clarity and consciousness.

High Herstory: How do you see cannabis bringing meaningful change to our most at-risk communities?

Lunita: I can see cannabis bringing meaningful future change to at-risk communities in the forms of affordable healthcare, mental health aid and positive prevention. While we’re still fighting to decriminalize the plant and overturn countless wrongful jail convictions, I genuinely believe that widespread legalization could offer an abundance of beneficial opportunities. There’s currently a gaping hole in the healthcare system where millions of Black + Brown + Indegenous families fall into the uninsured void, but access to cannabis has proven to aid in circumstances like pre-existing conditions, cancer, endometriosis, childhood leukemia, PTSD, anxiety, depression, therapeutic relief plus more.

High Herstory: You recently partnered with Airgraft to offer Black, Brown, and Indigenous folx with over 200 free therapy memberships to Ethel’s Club. Tell us a bit about that incredible partnership!

Yes! My Airgraft x Ethel’s Club collaboration was a majorly heart-felt project, and it was activated in honor of my dear friend – J.C. – who was like a younger brother and had recently passed away. He struggled with some mental health issues, like many of us do, and I wanted this initiative to pay homage to his life’s legacy. As I mentioned before, I deeply believe cannabis can support the spirit, mind and body so this partnership ultimately was for him – and an example of my demonstrating cannabis’ community healing power in-action.

Why did I do it? Because herbs heal. It’s really that simple when I think or talk about it. I had the pleasure of meeting Mary Jane when I was in my younger years, and she’s helped me overcome some of life’s most difficult times without causing added harm since. However, 2020 in general presented a huge hurdle for me. As a Black + Brown queer femme who was transparently facing life losses with mental health battles intertwined, I joined Ethel’s Club as a sponsored member during the COVID-19 pandemic and it was transformative. The club itself, is the first Black-owned social and wellness community designed to celebrate people of color online and in real life. Offering engaging virtual sessions, mental health tips, online marketplaces and an expanding global digital platform, Ethel’s Club is made to heal, spark inspiration, hold space and create connections. I was grateful to be part of something and thought, how could I share this feeling with others in a way that’s still true to me? How do I extend this feeling of there being a safe space amongst so much trauma in the world?

When I was asked to lead Airgraft’s #TokeTalk campaign coupled with making a $1K charitable donation of my choice, the timing was tied to the peak of the #BlackLivesMatter movement and I wanted to benefit my collective Black + Brown + Indigenous community more than helping just one single corporation. It was then that I decided to pay my experience forward by positively impacting other folxs who were in dire need of mental health and financial mutual-aid with (1) month sponsored Ethel’s Club access. I thought of the trauma we were all carrying, the heaviness, and immediately thought of J.C. and wished he had an outlet or a space where he felt like he could resort to, so I dedicated my Summer working to help impact as many Black + Brown + Indigenous minds as possible. Upon launching, we saw millions of impressions, countless shares, thousands engage and hundreds of lives be positively impacted. I was most proud to have several members of the community reach out and asked to donate to this initiative, which officially helped us to sponsor 200 more memberships – 140 more than originally anticipated!

High Herstory: Feel free to plug anything else you’re working on and tell our audience how to best support you right now!

Lunita: Of course! Best ways to show me love are by following me on Instagram @_lunita, turning my post notifications on, sharing my content, engaging in comments, keeping up with my lives, asking questions, purchasing my partner products and coming with good energy!

I’m the coupon queen with a brand for everything, so I’m always down to refer someone somewhere. I’ve got a few new cannabis projects up my sleeve with Herb and Ardent, and my latest mental health partner is with BetterHelp so stay tuned for what’s coming. If you’d like to collaborate or financially support any of my future creative endeavors, please reach out for more information via email or feel free to bless either my Cashapp or Venmo: blamethemoon.

Recipe: Hemp Seed Chocolate Chip Cookies - Easy and Delicious

We all love an infused edible treat, but this recipe does it one better! We are obsessed with this Hemp Seed Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe created by our herbalist co-founder, Kendall Watkins. No shame, just lots of butter. Let’s be real, cookies are hella easy to make and provide maximum satisfaction. Why would I add Hemp seeds to a good old fashioned cookie? The magic super powers of hemp seeds are an added bonus in this recipe. These tiny little nuggets of perfect sustenance have been nourishing us for ages and they are still giving us their smarts and heals. Just three tablespoons of hemp seeds will offer you 10 grams of protein, 3,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, 50% daily value of magnesium, and 25% daily value of zinc. It’s also super high in our pal fiber. We all know the one thing more satisfying than a good cookie is a nice healthy poo. 

RECIPE 

2 ½  cups all purpose flour (or gluten free)

½ teaspoon Baking soda

1 teaspoon coarse salt

½ teaspoon cinnamon

2 teaspoon Pure Vanilla extract

2 large eggs room temperature

2 cups dark chocolate chips

2 sticks room temp unsalted butter

½ cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar

¼ cup hulled hemp seed

INSTRUCTIONS 

Preheat the oven to 350.

Beat butter and sugar together until fluffy

Beat in eggs and vanilla. 

Mix until well combined. 

In a separate bowl sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Add hemp seeds, mix a sec. Add chocolate chips, mix a sec.

I like to take a heaping tablespoon and just plop them on a baking sheet. Just make sure to leave space for them to grow.  

My favorite trick to make them nice and chewy is to freeze little dough balls even for just a couple hours and then bake them. I like my cookies gooey like my weed. 

Bake until golden brown (about 8-10 min). 

Transfer to the cooling rack.

ENJOY !

1906: Luxury Cannabis Infused Chocolates for Mother's Day

These days more Moms than ever are consuming cannabis in states that have legalized medical or recreational use. "Wine Moms" are slowly being replaced by conscientious cannabis consumers who have chosen a different way to relax after a long day of child rearing. 1906 Chocolates make the perfect Mother's Day gift for your Mom if she's a chocolate-lover looking for a low-dose, fast absorbing premium edible chocolate that elevates and ensures quality dose control. These stylish chocolates allow for cannabis to be integrated into the busy lives of Mothers.

What sets 1906 apart from other cannabis edibles is that they celebrate the legal and conscious consumption of cannabis in modern society, and compared to average edibles they take effect more rapidly to ensure proper dosage. These confections are perfect if your Mother has been weary of edibles from the past which were little more than unmarked brownies. 1906 chocolates contain five milligrams of THC and five milligrams of CBD, a perfectly low-dose balance of medicinal and psychoactive benefits.

Created by former financier, Peter Barsoom, along with scientists and chocolatiers, 1906 chocolates have a variety of products intended to be used for specific purposes and he's told us the line was inspired by his wife. There is Go, chocolate covered espresso beans for body energy which uses Sativa strains, Midnight chocolates for sleep created with Indica strains, Pause for meditation and calm, and High Love for a sensual experience. You can guess pretty easily what each one's effects are. They come in a variety of boxes that are beautifully designed and discrete.

We absolutely love these THC laced beauties because they also incorporate CBD at a 1:1 ratio and create a consistent edible experience for those of us who have busy lives to live and can't make 6 hour dates with edibles on a regular basis. 1906 uses a technique called lipid encapsulation that takes the THC and other key chemical compounds from marijuana and coats the molecules in fat. This blend of nature and science is what truly make this a luxury edible experience.If your Mom happens to be like Amy Poehler's character in Mean Girls and is a cool Mom and not a regular Mom, we suggest the perfect Mother's Day Gift: 1906 chocolates, you can find where they are sold. They have no hint of cannabis flavor and have been featured in Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Business Insider.

Weed Diary: Quarantine Edition

Every wonder about the habits of people who consume cannabis? How often do people smoke weed? When do they use cannabis and how much? What are they consuming? We asked cannabis consumers to write about a day in their lives to see how, why and when they use weed.

Alex Lento, 20s, Los Angeles, CA.

Cannabis connoisseur Seth Rogan was quoted in a recent interview with the Hollywood Reporter saying that during his quarantine he has smoked a “truly ungodly amount of weed.” That’s honestly the best answer for when someone asks what I’ve been up to as well. There have been some great hikes, a few road trips, and some new recipes but the majority of my time has been spent watching ridiculous TV in the same sweats as yesterday with my bong in my lap.

If I’m honest, outside of all this I smoke pretty much through the day, every day. The daily routine used to be wake and bake with my coffee for the perfect slow jolt of energy the mix of caffeine and sativa gave me, while getting ready for my day of taking orders, making small talk, and overall being way more of a social butterfly than I actually am. Followed by coming home to shower and decompressing by smoking once again, making dinner and making plans for doing whatever else we used to do pre-quarantine. Finally, smoking again before bed to ensure a goodnights sleep and not to mention a few unscheduled tokes here and there; depending on the day. I do really enjoy being in the service industry and helping others, but at times it can be very draining, especially with difficult customers. I smoke to keep a positive outlook on life and to keep it pushing when times get tough. 

This quarantine, stay at home order, lockdown or whatever you choose to call it has forced us all to make some sort of changes in the daily routine. For myself this means not currently working and finding new things to do each day to try to keep some sort of sanity and schedule. The routine I once thought to be monotonous I now find myself missing just a little bit. Each day seemed to have some purpose and now it can be hard to find that purpose, or to find a new one. 

Not going to lie, at first, I was sort of excited for the quarantine. Some time to just chill and do nothing mandated by our crazy government? We all complain about our jobs and our routines and how there are just not enough hours in the day to get everything done. Now we have all the time we need to reorganize the closet, go through the fridge for the first time in 15 years, learn a new skill, or spend the quality time with our families. It took me about a month and half to realize I organized everything more than once and started to go a little stir crazy. Finally, some things out here in California are starting to open but most people including myself are a little cautious to get right back out there and are still adhering to social distance measures, staying in if possible and wearing masks. My daily routine, if we can call it that, is now something like; wake up at who knows what time, make some coffee and get ready for my day of finding new shows to watch on Hulu and Netflix, trying again at one of the million hobbies or crafts I decided to start and never finish, or if I’m up for it going a for a walk around the block. Meanwhile, smoking my bong. All day long. Lucky for me in Southern California, getting my buds or whatever else a quarantined stoner girl could need is still super easy. Edibles, waxes, oils, bath bombs, lotions, and tinctures are all great at a time like this when you want to experiment with how they affect you personally. Keep in mind the infused goodies have a longer lasting and different high that often take a little longer to kick in, so as with any form of marijuana, handle with care. 

The original plan was to stock up pre-lockdown so I could avoid going out as much as possible, but who could be prepared for 3 months? I managed to stock enough for about the first month, however that was also my birthday month so treat yourself? My local shops are doing a good job and are still open and have amped-up the sanitation asking everyone to wear masks while the budtenders wear masks and gloves to handle your goods. They are also limiting the number of customers inside to adapt to social distancing measures. My favorite nearby dispensary gives the cutest pink containers for your flowers and is mostly female run so I always feel comfortable running in when I have to, plus it’s nice to see a familiar friendly face at a time like this. They also just started mobile ordering so you can order from an online menu to make pick up a lot quicker. A ton of west coast dispensaries have turned to delivery for the customers that don’t feel safe or motivated to leave the house just yet. 

Here are a few tips I’ve given myself to try to slow the burn: 

1. Try not to smoke until at least noon. This is easy for me most days because I sleep until about 10 a.m. anyway. Just give yourself a little bit of time to wake up naturally.

2. Find activities or something to do to make some sort of new routine and keep yourself busy. Painting, journaling, or doing puzzles are great indoor activities to try. Another benefit of being in southern California is the weather, so luckily, I am able to go for hikes and walks most days.

3. Put it away. I have the bad habit of packing my bong over and over again if I leave it on the table. Out of mind, out of sight.

4. Pack your grinder with what you think you’ll smoke that day and try not to go over that amount. This will also help you ration your goods.

5. Smoke with friends over zoom or skype. Smoking is most fun when it’s social so call up your stoner pals and pass to the left.

  Just remember times are tough right now, go easy on yourself. You are not alone if you are feeling scared, worried, unmotivated, or just indifferent. I’ve had mostly good days in which I really enjoy the time off and can find joy in the small things. Some days I feel super motivated and productive, ready for this next chapter in my life.  There are also bad days I don’t get out of pajamas. If I’m honest, the current state of things has me on a mental roller coaster of self-awareness and self-worth.  It helps to think of this as the universe giving us time to reset and refresh. Try to use this time to your advantage and focus on the positive things. Weed for me, is a stress reliever so don’t feel bad if you end up smoking way more than anticipated or if the dispensary is the only place you’ve left your house to go. We will get through this and we will get back to some sort of new normal.  Relax, roll a blunt, get some sun, take advantage of this time to be the ultimate stoner you always were deep down. 

Follow Alexandra @Alex_Lento

How To: DIY Rose Facial Steam

Take your at-home self care routine with the next level with organic roses! Watch the video below to see how to incorporate the gorgeous flower into your facial with ease. Our resident herbalist, Kendall Watkins, breaks down some of the history how roses have been used in beauty rituals for centuries.

“Intoxicating, beautiful, romantic, and ancient, the rose has inspired poetry and been a powerful healing ally to humanity for centuries.”

The species of rose varies based on region but their powerful yet delicate presence scattered the countryside and stood sentinel at many a garden gate. You will find traditions using roses medicinally primarily across the northern Hemisphere. Look to the North American Indians who use wild rose flowers for colds and fever, while the seeds help to soothe muscle pains. In Europe, rose water, which is high in antioxidants, is used as a wash for skin conditions.The skin is the largest organ of the body. Keeping the skin  barrier healthy and strong helps defend our systems against pollutants, chemicals, bacteria and UV radiation. Roses are high in antioxidants, vitamin A and C  and fatty acids, Rose petals are mildly sedative, astringent, anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic. Romantic, huh? 

You can find my favorite organic roses at Mountain Rose Herbs.

Roses connect deeply to the heart and emotions. Traditionally, the inhalation of rose water vapors improves the mood with its antidepressant properties. If you try this steam I'm sure it will make you feel as though you are glowing inside and out. Make sure to select organic wild roses (fresh or dried) that have not been heavily sprayed with chemicals when you use them for medicinal or culinary purposes. Put on some comfy clothes or whatever makes you feel like a queen, relaxing tunes and breathe deep with your lungs and your skin. 

YOU WILL NEED 

A clean pot filled at least half way with clean water

A pot holder

Wooden spoon 

A blanket or towel 

Organic Roses

STEPS

Boil water and make sure your petals are clean and bug free. 

Remove water from heat once it is producing steam and rapidly boiling

Add rose petals and gentle submerge with a wooden spoon 

Sit or stand with a towel over your head and hold your face in the steam. Don't get too close, it's hot!

Breath deep and stay under as long as you are comfortable. Take breaks when needed and enjoy the intoxicating aroma. 

Let your face absorb the moisture and follow with an oil based moisturizer or your favorite facial oil. I personally love RoseHip Oil!

Video: A musical number about bongs - Watch "The Bong Song" Now