42 Hilarious Weed Memes for Stoner Girls: Elevate Your Mood with These Funny Stoner Girl Memes

Are you someone who finds solace in the laughter induced by weed-infused memes? Have you ever found yourself in a state of elevated consciousness, scrolling through an array of internet humor, pondering if the memes themselves have the power to enhance your high? If so, you're in for a treat.

In this post, we delve into the world of weed memes, curated specifically for the discerning tastes of seasoned stoners. It's a journey where humor meets elevation, where shared experiences intertwine with the giggly haze of cannabis consumption.

So, roll up your favorite strain, ignite your sense of humor, and brace yourself for a journey through the depths of meme culture. Because in a world where challenges abound, where stress can weigh heavy, memes - and yes, weed too - offer a respite, a moment of levity amidst the chaos.

May We Present These Funny Weed Memes For Your Pleasure.

1. Get in bitch, we’re getting high.

2. When the clock strikes 4:20, or anytime, really.

3. I’m best in show!

4. That’s my BFF

5. Glad we had this motivational speech.

6. Weed is like a butterfly!

7. Don’t judge me.

8. How would they know?

9. Puff puff PASS

10. Wakey Wakey, Eggs and Bakey

11. Weed, Take the Wheel

12. More Money, More Weed

13. Getting off of work like…

14. If you work in the weed industry, you know.

15. THC to the rescue.

16. Who says you have to choose?

17. When they have invented a better stress management tool than online shopping, please let me know.

18. File this under: Weed Memes for Work

19. Cheesy Puffs Down

20. Canna-Nerds Know

21. When you say you have plans…

22. Don’t Even.

23. I got you, baby.

24. How’s Your Hangover?

25. We’re happy together

26. Weekend plans?

27. Good Boi

28. Squad Goals

29. Everytime…

30. You Make Me Smile

31. Big Hair, Don’t Care

32. She has the right idea

33. I Can’t Rise

34. Weekend Mode Activated

35. What dread?

36. Weed helps. Period.

37. High-en-tine’s Day Goals

38. Giggling because I’m high…not because I like you.

39. When you and your bff can’t be basic for nobody.

40. High and holy weekends be like this:

41. Queen of Sadness when the dispensary doesn’t have my go-to

42. I can love me better with premium flower.

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Learn the story of Miss Major Griffin Gracie, a Transgender Rights Advocate, from Aaliyah Ei, a non-binary Xicana model, activist, and cannabis lover.

Aaliyah Ei, a non-binary Xicana model, activist, and cannabis lover, known on Instagram as @thelittlebeast sat down with us to tell to discuss the life and legacy of Miss Major Griffin Gracie.

79-year-old Miss Major Griffin-Gracie is a transgender human rights activist who has been braving the fight for marginalized folks for over 40 years now! Hailing from Chicago, Miss Major ended up in New York City in the early 60s, and through her work on the streets, she soon discovered the need for increased safety precautions for herself and her peers.

Miss Major was not only present, but helped lead the Stonewall Rebellion of 1969 with comrades Marsha P. Johnson and Silvia Rivera, where she suffered a broken jaw and was arrested during the uprising. Miss Major then went on to survive the riot at Attica State Prison, where more than half of the prisoners took control of the correctional facility, holding employees hostage until their 28 demands for better living conditions were discussed and, for the most part, subsequently fulfilled. In the 80s and 90s, Miss Major found herself in California, lending her time to the community impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Recently, Miss Major was Executive Director of the Transgender Gender Variant Intersex Justice Project, which “is a group of transgender, gender variant and intersex people—inside and outside of prisons, jails and detention centers– ​creating a united family in the struggle for survival and freedom.”

As well as being an activist, she is a mother to four and a godmother to many, and just last month, Miss Major announced that she and her partner Beck Witt have another child on the way! They live together happily in Arkansas, where she continues fighting for marginalized rights.

Through our collaboration with Aaliyah, High Herstory was able to make small donations to Gizelle Marie’s Black Sex Worker Relief Fund and Lunalovebad’s Black Trans/Queerfemme mutual aid support list. For more information on both resources, or to make your own donation to these causes, click here and here. May we all be inspired by Miss Major to become activists in our lives. Being a weed lover can help us to more deeply connect with ourselves and our connection to improving the lives of all human beings.

How to Be a Weed Mom: Advice from Mothers who are Destigmatizing Cannabis

If you’re a mom who chooses to medicate with cannabis: whether you use weed as a substitute for pharmaceuticals or alcohol; to manage chronic pain or stress; or just because it makes you feel better, that choice has sometimes been historically misunderstood by society. Cannabis use by mothers has been demonized by friends, family, exes and even in court. This is an archaic viewpoint but it’s still not uncommon for people to judge when a mom uses weed. It can be isolating to know if you should mention your cannabis use to other mothers. Maybe they won’t understand or you’ll feel judged. How do you know how your friends might feel about weed? However, there is a community of CannaMoms who are proving moms who use cannabis are not bad moms. Their visibility is helping to break the stigma around weed and prove that there’s nothing wrong with using cannabis with intention if you have kids.

We asked cannabis mothers what advice they would give to other mothers who might be self-conscious about their cannabis use. Here are their responses. Follow them and stay updated on what these incredible women are doing to push the narrative around motherhood and weed forward!

Tyler Rae Edwards (@TylerTherapy)

Tyler Rae Edwards (@TylerTherapy) aka BAD MUTHAPUFFA, is a well renowned Cannabis Influencer who has implemented her creative content and MUTHAPUFFA touch on the cannabis industry. She stands as a trailblazer for WOC and POC in the space, as she constantly reminds her audience of the hardships Black and Brown People face in this industry. Tyler channels her knowledge of the plant and talented acting and music skills into catchy bops and entertaining skits that break the stigma. She shows us all how we can activate our inner BAD MUTHAPUFFA by choosing to live a healthy cannabis lifestyle and demonstrates how you can literally DO IT ALL while being inspired by cannabis! And did we mention, she’s a MOTHER!? A #CANNAMOM OG to be exact! She leads a union of Canna Moms from all over, inspiring mothers daily. She supports mothers who medicate at all stages of motherhood, including pregnancy and offers a safe space for mothers who seek support on her @CannaMomOG page. Get to know more of Tyler Therapy, the BADDEST MUTHAPUFFA IN THE MUTHAPUFFIN GAME, on Instagram, YouTube, and dive into #BADMUTHAPUFFANATION at www.BADMUTHAPUFFA.com.

Tyler’s Advice: I would love to encourage mothers to choose plant medicine over pharmaceutical meds. Cannabis only helps us to be better parents to our children and my hope is to create a safe space for mothers to keep an open mind and be the Canna Mom OG I know they can be! Be open and honest with your children and educate children on the plant. Be responsible and practice proper weed etiquette. You can indeed do it all! Cannabis only enhances your performance as a SUPER MOM!

Shana’e and Gabby @MomsWhoCannabis

Shana’e and Gabby, creators of Moms Who Cannabis, are two California canna mamas with a passion for the plant, high vibes, community, and women’s wellness. Their Instagram community is an open, diverse, fun and safe space for all like minded mamas who enjoy plant medicine alternatives and self care rituals. Their goal is to help more moms come out of the “canna-closet”, promote the many ways to enjoy and consume the plant and it’s benefits, prioritize self-care, and normalize cannabis in pregnancy and motherhood. 

Shana’e and Gabby’s advice: We are nature. Cannabis is nature. Pregnancy is nature. Motherhood is nature. Always choose nature. -Moms Who Cannabis 

Jessica Gonzales @themommyjane

Jessica Gonzalez is an internationally recognized and published health and wellness influencer, author and mother to two young girls in Northern California. 

After years of prescription drug, food and alcohol abuse destroyed her life, Jessica rediscovered cannabis as a wellness tool in her early 30’s and through the power of the plant, got off her prescription drugs for anxiety and depression and completely changed her relationship with alcohol and herself.

Wanting to share her experience with other mothers in mind, Jessica created a virtual “Neighborhood” via her Instagram page @themommyjane where she shares her life as a mom and entrepreneur in the cannabis industry.

Jessica truly believes cannabis saved her life, and loves inspiring her "Neighbors” to become advocates of their own health and wellness, often sharing ways to consume more mindfully and live more consciously; focusing on the fact that cannabis education and normalization, like everything else, starts at home.

Recently, Jessica partnered with cannabis community powerhouse, Tokeativity to condense years of notes and experiences in the cannabis and influencer industry to create a step by step guide on how to mindfully grow your own personal brand on social media launching May 2022. 

Jessica’s advice: Have you ever looked at the locations of receptors in our endocannabinoid system? A majority of them reside in the female reproductive system. Therefore balancing our endocannabinoid system is essential for healthy hormone signaling and reproductive health. So don't you ever tell me that Mary Jane was not meant for mothers. Our bodies are literally meant to receive its magic.

Beryl Soloman, @Poplar

Beryl Soloman is the Founder of Poplar, Your Modern Drug Store. Poplar, the first multi-brand CBD e-tailer, curates the best cannabis wellness products and experiences.
Beryl conceptualized Poplar in 2017 after personally adding cannabis to her health and wellness routine and decreasing her pharmaceutical anti-anxiety/antidepressant dosage. She is on a mission to help destigmatize Cannabis and demonstrate firsthand that cannabis is a powerful health and wellness tool that can fit into your life!
Prior to transitioning into wellness & cannabis, Beryl was a Fashion and Retail Executive focused on creating and growing best-in-class brands such as Theory, Kate Spade, Pamela Love, and STATE Bags.

Beryl’s advice: Don’t let that one brownie experience 20 years ago impact your view of the plant today! Cannabis has come such a long way - yes, it can fit into your life!

Danielle Simone Brand, @weedmomauthor

Danielle Simone Brand is a cannabis journalist and the author of Weed Mom: The Canna-Curious Woman's Guide to Healthier Relaxation, Happier Parenting, and Chilling TF Out (Ulysses Press, 2020). A few years ago, she wouldn't have self-described as a "weedmom" but she's found her sparkle in writing about cannabis to inform, uplift, and occasionally challenge her readers while helping push the conversation forward. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications including New York Times, Women & Weed, The Week, Civilized, Vice, Double Blind, What’s Up Moms, and Scary Mommy. She holds a BA from Dartmouth College and an MA from American University and has worked as a yoga teacher and trainer, a staff writer, and a researcher on issues of international conflict resolution. Danielle lives in the Northwest with her family and a very barky terrier.

Danielle’s Advice: Being a present mom and partner, fulfilling all your roles at work, and showing up for your own self-care are all 100% compatible with being a mindful cannabis consumer. With a little knowledge, many moms now confidently utilize cannabis and other plant medicines to help them sleep better, have less pain, and boost their moods naturally. Together, we can help change the stigmas and stereotypes about cannabis consumers—and change the whole narrative around the plant for the next generation while we're at it.

Melissa Nowitz, @melissanowitz

In 2014, after our third child was born, I began suffering from postpartum depression and anxiety. Acknowledging, first to myself and then to my support system (my family), that I was not feeling well, I found a great healthcare provider and a wonderful therapist to help me manage my mental health, as well as recognize that some of my symptoms also stemmed from suppressed past trauma. We started with a treatment plan using anti-depression and anxiety medications and it took some trial and error for us to find the right combination that would work best for me. I began experimenting with cannabis in 2018 for medicinal purposes to help with symptoms of anxiety and depression and overtime I was able to find a good balance between cannabis and pharmaceuticals. With the help of cannabis, I am currently working with my health care provider on tapering down and out of the remaining prescription medication that I am taking, and I'm hoping to be pharmaceutical free in the future. It has by no means been an easy road and I feel like there are a lot of women out there who are in a similar situation as me.

Melissa’s Advice: Being public about my mental health challenges, my cannabis use and communicating how it has helped me, is in an effort to reach my goal of breaking the stigma of cannabis use by women and moms. I urge anyone who is not feeling well and struggling with their mental health to reach out to someone, anyone for support, and find a health care provider that they are comfortable with to help. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, it may seem long and dark, but eventually you will get there. Hang in there, stay the course and know that you are not alone.

Jannine Mackinnon, @UnapologeticMotherhood

Jannine Mackinnon is the CEO and Founder of Unapologetic Motherhood, where she empowers women to live unapologetically themselves through access to information, and resources about cannabis, sex, finances, women’s health, relationships, and so much more.

Her Unapologetic Mom’s Club connects women with vetted credible experts through weekly interviews and monthly workshops where members can dive deep into the topics that matter most to them, all while connecting with a community of like-minded moms who practice living holistically and intentionally.

Jannine’s advice: Be unapologetic in the choices you make in motherhood. Cannabis is an incredible wellness tool and unfortunately many people don't understand that. Do your research, be confident in your choices with the plant, and don't let other people shame you or sway your decisions. You know what's right for you and your family!

Sabrina, @wholetmebeamom

My name is Sabrina. I am a Wife, a Mother of two and I am a content creator focused on making cannabis consumption normalized for mothers. My content encourages women to use responsibly and to be confident in using Cannabis by doing their own research and being honest with themselves about why they use Cannabis. I also host Mom Meet-Ups in California because in a world full of judgment I feel it is important to provide a safe place for Canna-Moms to meet like-minded friends. I believe that ending the stigma begins at home with our kids, our family and friends through open conversations and education.
Sabrina’s advice: I didn’t choose Cannabis because it makes me a good Mom, I chose Cannabis because side effects from prescription meds will make me a Bad Mom.

Sara Curcino, @mom_overtheedge

Sara is a friendly neighbourhood stoner mom and proud creator of a judgment-free, all-inclusive corner of the internet for cannamoms and stoners alike!

Sara’s advice: Life is about balance babe, just do your best!

Cannabis and Psychedelic Investing with Noa Kahner, CEO of Kahner Global

As Founder and CEO of Kahner Global, a company that specializes in curating high-level investor conferences, webinars, and private events in the cannabis and psychedelics space, Noa Kahner follows a mission to bring the utmost quality and integrity to her company's events. 

Hosted annually in New York City, San Francisco, Toronto, Fort Lauderdale, Beverly Hills, and London, the summits provide a highly curated, unique, and intimate conference experience that brings an optimal deal flow to its audience of investors and entrepreneurs. Noa is passionate about bringing an impactful network to the alternative investment community and highlighting the industry's leaders and dealmakers. 

We had the opportunity to speak with Noa to learn more about her summit and all things cannabis and psychedelic investing.

High Herstory: What made you interested in bringing your expertise to the world of Cannabis and Psychedelics?

Noa Kahner:  Although any industry can be featured to family offices and ultra-high net worth investors, I felt Cannabis and Psychedelics were underserved in providing a true investor conference to vetted investor attendees. The psychedelics industry is so exciting and promising in terms of bringing real change to the mental health industry which is why I am a huge believer in the space. When the cannabis industry was beginning to boom, I felt the same excitement in the opportunities that this new industry will bring.  

High Herstory: What is your mission behind Kahner Global and how did you begin the summits?

Noa Kahner: Kahner Global provides an intimate, highly curated investor conference for those looking to build a strong network of industry peers and investors. We began our summits in 2015 and were one of the first to bring together family offices and ultra-high net worth investors. We saw the opportunity to connect this new industry to private capital and did our first event in New York City that year. Since then we have expanded to host events in Miami, San Francisco, L.A., London, and Toronto.

High Herstory: Can you tell us more about Kahner Global’s Pitch Days?

Noa Kahner: Our pitch days are virtual opportunities for companies to share their decks and have discussions with interested investors. We held these primarily during COVID when live events weren’t an option, but continue to provide pitch opportunities virtually and in person. We are now back to doing our conferences and offer a pitch session at each event for companies to pitch to a room full of industry investors.

High Herstory: Are there any trends you’re particularly interested in cannabis or psychedelics?

Noa Kahner: I am interested to see the development in the mental health space once psychedelics become a form of medication for those who suffer from anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I believe psychedelics will be a game changer once they are used with therapy or under the right guidance.  More research needs to be completed, but so far, it looks very promising.

High Herstory: Do you have any advice for entrepreneurs seeking investment?

Noa Kahner: As both of these industries grow more competitive each day, it’s important for entrepreneurs to clearly define their value proposition and what makes them unique. In addition to having a great idea, product or service, entrepreneurs need to show investors their track record of success, the team they’ve built, and financials.

High Herstory: What upcoming events are on the horizon?

Noa Kahner: Our next summit is in New York City on October 25 and then Miami February, 27, 2023.

High Herstory: Who are some of the speakers you are most excited about for the 2022 New York Summit?

Noa Kahner: We have Tremaine Wright, Chair of the NY Cannabis Control Board opening the event which will be a great opportunity to learn more about details for the cannabis program in NYC and across the state.

High Herstory: Is there anything else you want to share with us?

Noa Kahner: We are truly excited to bring our community together again in person for our well-regarded and respected conferences throughout North America. Our plan is to continue our expansion in 2023!

This New True Crime Podcast, Hosted by a Mother & Daughter, Seeks to Find Out What Really Happened to Marsha “Mudd” Ferber

When Marsha “Mudd” Ferber disappeared without a trace 34 years ago from Morgantown, West Virginia authorities could not solve the case even though she was a beloved member of their small town community. “I Was Never There” is a new crime/thriller podcast hosted by mother-daughter duo Karen and Jamie Zelermyer and it is as much a true crime show as it is an ode to Appalachian counterculture movements of the 1970s and 1980s. In the first episode, we learn how Karen raised her daughter Jamie in a communal community. Karen and others believed that they knew Marsha very well…or at least they thought they did.

Named a 2022 Tribeca Film Festival Audio Selection, “I Was Never There” focuses on those who knew Marsha best and seeks to put together what really happened to this beloved member of a tight knit alternative community who vanished without a trace on the first weekend of April in 1988. Karen and Jamie interview many people who knew Marsha, former and current law enforcement and musicians who were well acquainted with Marsh’s love of social activism, cannabis and other recreational drugs. Marsha owned a bar called The Underground Railroad and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind or fight for what she wanted, even as West Virginia’s residents became more conservative.

As the podcast goes on it delves into the relationship between Jamie’s mother Karen and Marsha. The two became close while living in communal housing together at the hippie homestead that Marsha owned and ran with a group of like minded individuals and their families. Their goal was to live off the land, grow their own food and raise their families in this setting. During this time Marsha worked as a typist who sold weed as a side hustle in order to keep her various businesses and interests afloat.

“She was one of my best friends, but she was way more complicated than I realized.”

- Karen Zelermyer

Marsha ran two bars in town in Morgantown, WV that were known for being the “IT” place for the punk rock scene. The bar/music venue “The Underground Railroad” and the teen alcohol free space “The Dry House” both known as havens for those into alternative music and living. Marsha had a knack for bringing together community and believed in music, magic and marijuana as the podcast’s tagline tells us. The story begins into the time when Karen and Jamie lived in Morgantown where Marsha was a pillar of the WV counter culture unafraid to voice resistance to the war and wanting equality for all. Touring bands knew that The Underground was the place to be seen. The Dead Kennedys, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Flaming Lips (just to name a few) made stops at Marsha’s bar because they knew the music scene was authentic to their audience.

Listeners of the podcast quickly learn there are many more sides to Marsha that not everyone was privy too. As Karen puts it, “She was one of my best friends, but she was way more complicated than I realized”. Jamie and Karen start to reach out to friends and people who knew Marsha before she disappeared to get to the bottom of what exactly happened to Marsha when she went missing all those years ago. Most of the interviewees have their theories which range from her simply going off on the grid on her own accord, to being killed, to being a target of law enforcement or the KKK, to her dealing weed and having something go very wrong.

As mother and daughter venture deeper into the mystery of Marsha’s disappearance, the two process their own history: Jamie reflects on her nontraditional upbringing and Karen reckons with the joyful and complicated consequences of her decisions. The twists and turns in this podcast are many, and I really enjoyed learning more about the counter culture movement of the 70’s and 80’s. They make for a vivid backdrop in the story telling, which is expert level thanks to Jamie’s experience in the TV/Film world. Archival audio recordings and interviews with those who knew Marsha work beautifully here to fill in the gaps and help us find out more about really happened.

So far there are six episodes of the podcast available, with new ones dropping every Thursday. The story starts off slow, but has really built up into an enticing mystery and after episode five titled “Yacht Babes”, I can’t wait to hear what else this mother and daughter team uncover about the unusual circumstances surrounding Marsha’s disappearance. This week’s episode titled “The Magic Veil” explores the cannabis grow that Karen was working on when they were busted by state police. If you are a fan of true crime and mystery podcasts, we highly recommend this one which has more twists than a rotini noodle.

Click Here to Steam All Episodes of “I Was Never There”

New Moon Rituals and How to Use Astrology to Manifest All of Your Desires + A Playlist by DJ .Moonflower.

This new moon in Cancer is the perfect time to reflect on your relationships with yourself and others. It is a divinely feminine one and asks us to receive and interpret, rather than do or plan. Read further to learn more about new moon rituals and how to best use astrology to guide your manifestations.

What Do Moon Rituals Do?

If you're reading this, you know that you are the Creator of your own reality.  You're intuitive and empathic AF and you know that you have the power to work with the Moon's monthly cycles to co-create the life your future self deserves using moon rituals.

In fact, I'm like 99.3% sure that you drew me and this New Moon Guide into your vortex. Meaning, your energy is aligning with information to help you manifest your intentions this year!

I’m Iman The Alchemist. I’m an astrologer who uses spiritual-material formulas help you better understand yourself and co-create with the stars rather than be directed by them.

What is a New Moon?

A New Moon is the beginning of the lunar cycle and it's the most cosmically appropriate time to rest, reflect and set intentions for what you would like to manifest. I like to frame New Moon Manifestation Rituals for my clients as an opportunity to perform sacred activities that allow your inner desires to become outer realities.

New moon rituals are an ancient tradition that many people still practice today. They are meant to be a way for us to start anew, in order to get rid of any negative energy that we might have been accumulating before the new moon.

How Do You Manifest New Moon Intentions?

It’s important to visualize and connect with the energy of your intentions during your ritual. Journaling is one of the best ways to work with the energy of the new moon because the moon rules our subconscious inner world. Taking time and space to reflect allows you to integrate the inner wisdom you need to operate as your highest self. Visualization and getting clear on exactly what you want is also incredibly powerful during this time.

Here’s a New Moon Ritual You Can Use to Manifest Your Goals

1. How Manifest your Dream Future…

Step 1: Start by Creating a Sacred Space. Cleanse + Clear. Get Still. Connect to your Breath. Start a high frequency vibe playlist like this one from DJ .Moonflower.

Step 2: Write down all of your Long-Term Goals. Read them to yourself a few times and make sure each Goal Resonates.

Step 3: Then visualize each goal in your 3rd Eye as if it's happening now for about 1 minute. Fill in The Who, What, + Where, Etc... Feel it happening in your bones. Imagine a bright white light enveloping your spirit + physical body as you float amongst the cosmic dust.

2. Make time to Create a 2022 Monthly Career Plan

On this Cancer New Moon, make time and space to focus on how you have been treating yourself and how your interpersonal relationships affect your life.
​
We spend so much time focusing on what we can see. But I challenge us all to begin focusing on what we cannot see. Only feel. And to do this successfully, we must learn to trust ourselves in service of our evolution on a soul level.

Bring this into your mind’s eye and see how what you project out into the world has affected what you are bringing into your life.

3. Use a Mantra

… When I make time and space to visualize my ideal relationships, the universe helps to guide me.

If you or someone you know would be interested in learning about what will come up this year, send an email to me at imanthealchemist@gmail.com to book a session with me.
​​
I'm also offering Birthday Astrology Readings for all signs. This reading will come in two parts:​
​In part 1, I read your Birth Chart.
​In part 2, we do a Ritual to Manifest what you want this year.

The New Moon is always a powerful time in the astrological calendar. It's a time when the moon is at its closest point to the earth, creating an intense energy that can have a profound effect on us all. This Aries New Moon will be particularly important as it will help you to take action and make changes in your life.

Conclusion: The best time of year for starting something fresh or creating something amazing has arrived!

Try This Playlist for Your Manifestation Rituals + Listen in the Days Around the New Moon

.moonflower. is an mystical DJ who created a New Moon playlist for your rituals!

Music is an incredible tool for aligning with the power of the moon. I collaborated with .moonflower., a divine feminine healer and DJ, who created a New Moon playlist for you to vibe out to and absorb the energy of the moon during your rituals.

You can use this playlist while journaling, visualizing and as .moonflower. recommends, dancing in the mirror and admiring the way your body moves as you manifest your sense of self and prepare for all the beauty that is in store for you in 2022. Try listening to it throughout the day during the New Moon.

Click here to open the playlist in Spotify.

How Can I Learn More About This New Moon?

You can follow Iman on Tik Tok for video breakdowns on New Moons and other astrology events.

What New Moons are happening in 2022?

I’ve mapped out every New Moon this year and listed suggestions on how you can frame your ritual to best suite each New Moon.

1. January 2nd @1:35 PM Capricorn

• Themes: Career Expansion + Success

• Ritual Idea: Write an Article featuring the Future You in Dec 2022. What will you be doing? Wearing? Try to get as specific and detailed as possible as you write it.
  

2. February 1st @12:49 AM Aquarius

• Themes: Community/Network/Teamwork + Social Media Success

• Ritual Idea: Create the Agenda for an Imagined Meeting with your Future Creative Team or Group.
  

3. March 2nd @ 12:38 PM Pisces

• Themes: Spirituality + Creativity

• Ritual Idea: Create a piece of Art (Song, Painting, Poem, Sculpture) that Represents your Goal Achieved
  

4. Current Moon: April: 1st @2:27 AM Aries

• Themes: New Business + Side Hustle Biz +Self-Focus

• Ritual Idea: Create a 2022 Monthly Career Plan
  

5. April: 30th @4:30 PM Taurus (SOLAR ECLIPSE)

• Themes: Financial Abundance+ Security

• Ritual Idea: Write your Future Self a Check for a Specific Amount
  

6. May: 30th @7:32 AM Gemini

• Themes: Network + Outreach + Communication

• Ritual Idea: Plan an Imagined Future Cocktail Party Invite List
  

7. June: 28th @10:53 PM Cancer

• Themes: Career Family + Career Ancestors + Living Space

• Ritual Idea: Buy a Plant + Program with Intention + Nurture Each Day 
  

8. July: 28th @1:55 PM Leo

• Themes: Creativity + Fame

• Ritual Idea: Write an Acceptance Speech for a Future Award in your Professional Field
  

9. August: 27th @4:16 AM Virgo

• Themes: Daily Schedule + Health

• Ritual Idea: Create an Imagined To Do List for your Future Self

10. September: 25th @ 5:54PM Libra

• Themes: Partnership

• Ritual Idea: Write an Email from your Partner to the Future You

11. October: 25th @6:48 AM Scorpio (SOLAR ECLIPSE)

• Themes: Regeneration + Money from Others 

• Ritual Idea: Build an Altar Representing your Transformation from Old Self to New Self
  

12. November: 23rd @5:57 PM  Sagittarius 

• Themes: Higher Wisdom + Intuition + Publishing + Pilgrimage 

• Ritual Idea: Commit to Learning + Publishing Content  
  

13. December: 23rd @ 5:17 AM Capricorn 

• Themes: Career Expansion + Success

• Ritual Idea: Write an Imagined Future Review Detailing your Successes

What is a Solar Eclipse?

During an Eclipse, the light of the sun is temporarily blocked by the Moon so it is best to go within until the light returns. Back when Times were Ancient our ancestors were worried about Eclipses because the Celestial Lights went out for a moment. Eclipses are intense bc they are connected to the nodes of fate. It’s the universe's time to course correct our trajectories. Do your best to align with this energy rather than fight it.

How Long Does the New Moon Last?

You have three days after the full moon to do your ritual. I recommend starting at least eight hours after the New Moon placement occurs.

Do You Need Help Creating a New Moon Ritual?

A New Moon Ritual is as unique and specific as the person doing the ritual. I’m here to help you curate a tailored ritual to manifest all of your intentions this year!

Meet Your New Moon + Manifestation Mentors

.moonflower. is a Los Angeles based DJ and healer.

Through her .mystical sensual. sound curations and dynamic ability to empower those she encounters, her main goal is to experience an authentically bold life. She's a published author, root chakra activator, self-care/self-love guru, mental health advocate, and mystical sensual DJ.

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This CEO found herself dissatisfied with the cannabis options available to her, so she created a brand: Nidhi Lucky Handa of LEUNE

LEUNE is a California-born lifestyle brand on a mission to elevate cannabis culture and the conversation that surrounds it. Through purpose-driven plant products that meet the highest quality standards, LEUNE is designed for everyone — seasoned pot fans and newcomers alike.

As LEUNE’s founder and CEO, Nidhi Lucky Handa is a WOC entrepreneur and cannabis consumer, who found herself dissatisfied with the options available to her and sought to create a brand that would appeal to a wider demographic, not just men and "super stoners." Now hailed as a "Woman Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Weed" by Forbes and a "Woman of Weed" by High Times Magazine, Nidhi has dedicated her career to building a cannabis company that will raise industry standards for workplace culture, representation and social equity. 

We sat down with Nidhi to learn more about how she started her brand and advice she has for building a career in the cannabis industry:

High Herstory: Nidhi, it’s an honor to speak with you. We greatly admire your work to disrupt the cannabis industry and raise standards for equity and inclusion. Can you tell us more about your journey founding LEUNE and what makes your brand different? 

Nidhi Lucky Handa: My journey is similar to a lot of others in that I came consumer first. I was living in LA during recreational legalization and was super excited to go to the dispensary and buy legally. I've been a consumer since I was a teenager a lot of people.

I was so excited to see what the experience was going to be at a retail level and was really disappointed to quickly be like - “Hey, where's me and all of this”?

There were seemingly a lot of brands that were focused on men, or I would say leaning into the stigma of, of weed and anything that we should as an industry, be trying to like a hurdle that we should be trying to get over. On the other end of the spectrum, it was all wellness brands, which wellness is a valid vertical. I'm a consumer of it, but it's a niche. I love the challenge and a puzzle and I guess have a little bit of a proclivity for liking to sort of figure things out that aren't totally clear. So that's kind of, it that's really the Genesis of what got me inspired to think about starting a brand. 

I think the other piece is, is that I got to market really fast.  I started conceiving of this idea in the spring of 2018 and we launched the brand in November of the same year with force. So in hindsight, I think that if the path had been longer and if the brand didn't take off as quickly as it did, I don't think I would have known what I know now about how complex this industry is and how complicated everything is. I think that there was a little bit of ignorance is bliss that got me off the ground. Fortunately, I was focused on spending my money on things that I see now were very critical, like compliance, understanding the regulatory environment, really putting a focus on the brand. At a moment in time when everyone was telling me brand doesn't matter in weed, nobody cares like, you know, deli-style is the future and I don't think I was the only one clearly, but many of us did not agree with that.

It's a hard industry to get any sort of forward momentum in, but I think it was a combination of timing and that I wasn't focusing on a lot of the things that my peers were. I was focusing on completely different things that seemed really irrelevant at the time, like consumer arc and creating an architecture for the brands that made sense and would be built to sort of reverse engineer for scale. 

I was very, very interested in that from the beginning. To me, California was never going to be the be-all end-all. It was always like, okay, if I'm going to take this brand to all of these other states and all these other countries in the future, how am I going to build it, to do that?

Understanding that the regulatory environment is so volatile and different everywhere. That how I started. You know, I don't like to over-romanticize anything because I think it doesn't help anyone. I spent a lot of my time in mentorship, you know, mentoring other people. We tend to glamorize the way that things happen. It’s equal parts luck and a lot of hard work. And also just doubling down on the things that you really feel passionate about. Either you're going to be right, or you're going to be wrong. Either you're going to stick to your guns or you're gonna pivot These are the decisions that are going to determine your outcome. 

Then, you know, just honestly the universe, because this industry is bananas and there's a lot of things that none of us can control. So, you know, cannabis wasn’t deemed essential during the pandemic, I think this industry, would look a hell of a lot different right now.

High Herstory: We are still getting over the fact that you conceived the idea for LEUNE in Spring of 2018 and launched in market in November that same year…seriously impressive.

Nidhi Lucky Handa: Thank you. There were a few things that I was very passionate about. One was I wanted the brand to be vertical agnostic, meaning I don't want to be that vape brand or that, you know, gummy brand, I want to be that cannabis brand. And that was really a practical thing. I mean, you know, the counterargument to that is. You should be a specialist and not a generalist, right?

We're in such a weird industry where storytelling in cannabis right now is very chill, wag the dog. It's like, what are you, what are we allowed to sell in it in a specific regulatory environment versus what's the best product for the consumer? Everything is a little bit backward. So that was one thing I was very passionate about.

The other was I wanted the brand to be very IP driven and the architecture of the brand speaks to that. So everything inside LEUNE is our own IP, this word loon, I made it up. I won the federal trademark for it. I was like watching all these other brands and watching a lot of the bad actors in our industry, stealing IP from CPG brands and I mean, I think any of us who have operated a day of our life outside of, weed know that there's only so long that it's gonna work for. When the lawsuits started coming down. 

Outside of that, I felt very passionate and I still do, that the brand is not female. I don't believe in this gendering of the weed business. And I feel very like impassioned by it. And I think it is the feminist in me that feels that I think we pay the pink tax at the drug store because of that. LEUNE for me was always about being smart and thinking about, hey, if we know that women make 80% of the spending decisions in the American households but we're in an industry that is very dynamic in that we've all been socialized for the last few decades to not interact with the transaction of weed. I think most women can relate to this. Like I've been consuming since I was a teenager, but I was always taught like, no, no, let your boyfriend deal with the drug dealer. You consume it, but don't deal with the person selling it. 

That hurdle is something that we get over very quickly in every market but it screws up the data. So it gives this very wrong impression that you know, this is a some heavily weighted male consuming industry. It's like, no, it's not, it's heavily weighted. This is an important data point that starting to become more clear. But as a result, we got a lot of brands that were hyper-targeted to men or fewer that were hyper-targeted to women. 

LEUNEis very much like the people I could care less what your gender is. I could care less, like as long as you're of legal age, like I think that the brand stands for what it stands for. We're mission-driven super aesthetic, super creative, but there's never going to be this thing about it. Gender or exclusion at LEUNE. And, you know, I see the virtue for certain products being that way, but certainly not what I was interested in building it LEUNE.

We think a lot about the consumer, I think because we're all consumers and we all are heavily invested in this notion that the 3.0 consumer doesn't see herself yet in our industry.

High Herstory: How do you see the 3.0 consumer? 

Nidhi Lucky Handa: You know, I think now it's funny. I see that I've been talking about this for a long time and I'm starting to see this phrase being used a lot more now, and I think we're there. So if you think about the 2.0 consumer, the one that we've been marketed to for the last couple of decades is, you know, is the meme of the guy just super stoned on a sofa with his belly hanging out and eating a big pizza, right. That meme is exclusionary, and that has shaped the way that we think about, and I don't think the sophistication has necessarily been there historically, but it has shaped the way that we've thought about branding use case consumer arc because we're just catering to that one, consumer that in one sort of archetype of the consumer.

I think the 3.0 consumer is often new to legal weed, meaning these are not people who have never tried the plant, but they wouldn't describe themselves as daily or professional users. I also don't think these people are canna-curious, meaning. Sure. They're curious, but they're also like consuming. Just having a hard time finding themselves in the product they're, you know, often being fully employed and, you know, don't have the sort of financial hiccups of waiting till Friday, payday to buy weed, which again, factors into the marketing piece, right?

Because if we're all building brands marketing to the same one person and the same demographic we're leaving everybody else out. And I think the sort of the middle lane, the masses, the people who are eager to get past the stigma curve, over the hump of weed being like a taboo thing and ready and willing to bring cannabis into their daily world or dealing consumption habits.

They're struggling to see themselves. They struggled to see themselves in the marketing. They struggled to see themselves in the product types. They struggled to see themselves because we're not doing a good job as an industry, or historically we haven't, we're doing a lot better job now. I'd say in the last 12 to 18 months, things have really, they feel different particularly out here in California.

It's interesting because particularly as a woman, it's very easy for me to have these conversations with investors and for those conversations to sound very pie in the sky. But the reality is they're very backed up by data. You know, data suggests that if we're going to build an industry that is solid and that can carry itself forward, we need to be investing in consumers that are able to consume regularly.

When you're building any kind of brand or any kind of business, the best evangelist you can have is your customer. To earn the respect of somebody who's willing to consume your product. Not just once, but again, and again, that's a privilege that I think we all should be taking a lot more seriously, you know, and I, I certainly do at LEUNE.

When we think about the 3.0 consumer, we think about that person who's very eager to consume but might not have the time, or might even feel intimidated by the dispensary experience and might not understand right out the gate the difference between resident rosin might not be super tuned into what their dosage is for an edible. But they want to be. 

I go to dispensaries all the time and I'm constantly surprised by the narrative of budtenders often not understanding that their consumption habits are probably not the same as the consumers, right?

We still don't understand why two people that have the same height and weight have completely different tolerances. I'm somebody who consumes cannabis pretty much on a daily basis. And my tolerance for say an edible hasn't really grown past five milligrams. I've got coworkers who have similar sort of body type and all the other things that you would think would play into metabolism who are now being able to tolerate 40 milligrams at a time, right? 

The education piece and the ability to not shame the consumer at the dispensary and give them the space. I always remember this story of a friend of mine whose mother was visiting town a couple of years ago. She said, she wants to go to the dispensary and buy some gummies for sleep. This was before LEUNE had gummies on the market. 

And she said, “What should she buy?” I said, “Look for the microdose product. She should ask the budtender about, you know, ratios.” And, you know, at that time the CBN was all the rage for sleep. Even after all those nuggets of perspective, she walked out of there with a thousand-milligram tincture from a budtender. She got so stoned out of her mind because she had no perspective of her tolerance or dosage. It was such a bad experience.

Not only is that a lost consumer. But, that's also a very correctable thing. For a lot of 3.0 consumers, you know, maybe it's like, yeah, I want to go to dinner and I want to be able to take a vape because I'm not drinking alcohol, but it's really important to me that it doesn't smell because it wouldn't be a good look to show up at some dinner with smelling like weed, right?

That consumer maybe has the same hunger appetite tolerance for cannabis as someone else, but use case looks different.

“Similarly, I think a 3.0 consumer often is really eager to figure out how to use cannabis, to make their lives more efficient, not to just zone out. We know this now more as, as we get more data points about cannabinoids and terpenes and all of these things, there's an efficiency to using cannabis. You know, we hear all the time from our consumers, anecdotes about using certain LEUNE products before exercising or before cleaning the house versus using other ones before they go out for dinner or before going to a party.”

It’s the folks who are looking to use weed for many, many different reasons to most enhance their lives versus to check out from it.

High Herstory: What is your favorite product that LEUNE has created?

Nidhi Lucky Handa: Well, I can't show favoritism to any of my children, but I will say this, our gummies, I am, I'm an edible consumer. We did three years doing R and D trying to get that product right. I am extremely proud of the end result. They're rosin-based. I am a believer in the distillate hangover. I think input in edibles in particular makes a really big difference.

And I did not understand it until I really started doing all this R and D work. There's a really big difference in how I feel the next day after a distillate gummy versus rosin-based gummy or a live resin-based gummy. We set the bar very high for ourselves on these gummies. They're gluten-free and vegan and all-natural and all the things.

We heat tested them to 150 degrees because we wanted to make sure they wouldn't melt. Everyone who consumes gummies knows what it's like to buy gummies at the dispensary or get them delivered and they are all melted into one sheet, you know? They are micro-dosed in two into and a half and fives. We just launched one that is a ratio that has THC, CBD, and CBG. I think that most people can tolerate two and a half milligrams and the rosin creates a much softer high because it's a full spectrum experience. 

How Founder of Edie Parker Flower, Brett Heyman, is Speaking to Cannabis Consumers in a Way No One Has Before

Founded in 2010 in New York City by Brett Heyman, Edie Parker, a luxury cannabis home and accessory brand, sprang from the founder’s love of mid-century style. Inspired by acrylic bags made in America in the 1950’s and 1960’s, Heyman collected the vintage handbags and researched their long-lost designers. When she could no longer find the clutches she coveted at vintage and second hand shops, she decided to remake them for a new generation.

Since the brand’s inception, Edie Parker has used the highest quality materials to create original pieces that speak for themselves. Produced exclusively in America and Italy by skilled artisans, Edie Parker crafts pretty things to make you happy.

They also have moved into the cannabis space more directly with Edie Parker Flower which offers fresh ways to entertain at home or light up a night out. We were lucky enough to interview their founder, Brett Heyman, and get her thoughts about the luxury cannabis space and learn more about how her brand is creating space for consumers who love high quality flower and high fashion accessories.

HH: What was your “a-ha” moment when you decided you wanted to start your brand, Edie Parker?

Brett Heyman: I had been working in fashion, I started working at Gucci right out of college and had always collected vintage. I grew up in L.A. and when I was in high school my mom used to drop me off at Melrose and Fairfax early on a Saturday morning. I would walk up and down Melrose for hours browsing and buying vintage. I was sort of obsessed. 

When I moved to New York, my living spaces got smaller and smaller and I had to get rid of stuff but I always hung on to these acrylic clutches that I had bought in high school. Anytime I wore one out there was this real sense of nostalgia and recognition from people saying things like “my Grandma has a bag like that” or “that’s interesting, what is that?” I loved it.

Over the next several years, I accumulated all this fashion experience covering accessories for Dolce and Gabbana and Gucci. When I had my first child, who is named Edie Parker, I thought, “I’m always going to be a woman who works, but if I’m going to work so hard and be away from my child, I want to do it for something that feels more fulfilling and meaningful to me”. 

I had a passion for anything acrylic or from the post war period in America. I combined that passion with the realization that no one in fashion was really focused on Evening as a category. I thought, “alright, I’m going to try this.”

HH: You mentioned that Edie Parker is named after your daughter, and I was wondering if that had any historical or familial significance to the brand’s ideology?

BH: None, basically. I just was exhausted from trying to name my child, (laughs) it was very hard with me, my husband, my parents and his parent’s all weighing in. Everyone had opinions. So, after I picked Edie Parker for my daughter, I thought, “well, I’m done for the year. I’m naming the business after her”. (laughs)

But obviously I love vintage, and the name Edie is very reminiscent of the 1960’s. Edie Beale, Edie Sedgwick, etc. So, I think it was evocative of what we were trying to do.

HH: The name fits so perfectly I have to agree. Can you tell us a little more about Flower by Edie Parker and how that came about?

BH: We had launched a few categories for Edie Parker, including a home collection in 2016, and were always thinking about other categories that we wanted to enter. We always wanted to go places where it didn’t feel saturated. We weren’t piling on or following, we were trying to do something new. 

This idea of cannabis started coming up for us in 2018. We were cannabis users in the office and we liked cannabis and were excited about what was happening out West. So we started thinking about cannabis accessories as an extension of our home collection. We thought it would be really neat to have cannabis accessories that feel like Edie Parker. Which is to say, vintage-inspired, romantic, feminine, meant to be displayed, playful and meant to be gifted. 

From there we started really working in earnest on an accessories collection. And as we were researching that, we went to a bunch of dispensaries and realized there was really nothing on the shelves, actual cannabis flower, that speaks to us as women or shares our ethos. So we thought, wouldn’t it be cool if we could have a line of flower? 

Since we had been a brand for 9 years at that point, we thought people might feel comfortable buying cannabis from a brand that they know and trust. We felt like we had something different to say and could reach people who weren’t necessarily being spoken to. That’s really how it started.

Edie Parker Flower Pre-Rolls

“In the Spring of 2019 we launched a line of cannabis accessories nationwide and our first flower product in California, these Flower Pots that were basically these beautifully colored gram jars with gold foil. And with that we were off to the races.”

- Brett Heyman, Founder of Edie Parker

HH: That’s amazing. I tried your pre-rolls for the first time in Massachusetts, can you tell us a little about moving out into the Massachusetts cannabis market?

BH: Well, very candidly, California was really difficult for us. California is tricky to begin with, but we didn’t work with a distribution partner or a sales team, so we white labeled from an outdoor, organic sun-grown farm and then handled everything ourselves. Which in California is virtually impossible. 

We started thinking it would be smart for us to focus East of the Mississippi, where we thought there was a lot of opportunity and a lot less noise. We hope to make our way back West when it feels a little less chaotic. So, yes, we work with a partner called Ascend Wellness Holdings and we make pre-rolls in MA and IL right now and we hope to be in New York as soon as we can. I think New York is going to change what the landscape of cannabis looks like.

Edie Parker Flower Heart One-Hitter Necklace

HH: It’s gonna be beautiful, I can’t wait. We love your ashtrays and lighters! Do you have any personal favorites from your home line of cannabis accessories?

BH: I think of two different items on two different ends of the spectrum. 

Obviously, the table top lighter and nesting ashtray is so beautiful. It’s what I would dream to find in a vintage shop. It just feels so kind of retro but so beautiful. It’s handmade in the U.S. and made to be passed on for generations, even if you don’t smoke. It’s a centerpiece for a table, it’s something you light a candle with. It’s a conversation piece. I love it. You can personalize it, but it’s also perfect on its own. I think it’s an aspirational gift or home purchase that just makes me happy every time I see it. 

On the opposite end of the spectrum is our new heart glass pipes, which are one-hitters, and I love them because they are necklaces. We’re trying to pioneer new categories when we talk about the intersection of fashion and flower and that’s a perfect example to me. It’s an item that is meant to be worn and it’s really fun. It nods to these Lalique glass necklaces from the 90’s that I used to covet. So if you just love colored glass, it’s a necklace and you wear it and you never have to think about it again. But if you do love cannabis and you love a one-hitter, it's also a functional necklace. I think that’s so cool and I’m just jazzed about that kind of dual function item.

HH: What is next for Edie Parker and Flower by Edie Parker?

BH: Hopefully launching new cannabis SKUs. We developed a really beautiful disposable vape, so we’d like to launch that soon. And then just releasing a lot more accessories. We have some unbelievable glass in development. We have more ideas for a sort of hybrid fashion and function items. 

We have a new handbag coming out that is more for the Flower girl, thinking about what the Flower girl wants out of a purse, how she wears a purse and where her cannabis goes in her purse. We see so many possibilities as more people are discovering cannabis. Cannabis is a lifestyle and we want to outfit it.

HH: We think it’s brilliant, and we love that you have a brick and mortar in New York on Bond St. in Soho where people can walk in and see things in person.

BH: Thank you. That space is really beautiful, it’s on a really charming street. It really is meant to be a place where you’d want to come and smoke and hang out. There are little touches everywhere and it paints a tangible picture of the brand. 

HH: Is there any advice you would give to any new cannabis entrepreneurs?

BH: Don’t. (laughs) Look, it’s not hyperbolic when people say that cannabis is the wild wild west. It is crazy. It’s extremely exciting because a lot of us feel like cannabis is the future and there’s a lot of opportunity. There are also the health and wellness benefits and the incredible support in the community for social justice activism. But working in a field that is not federally legal and trying to launch in different states is extremely complicated and extremely capital intensive. Whatever cannabis looks like now and whatever cannabis brands exist now will shift over the next few years. The landscape will look very different. 

So my advice is tread cautiously and honestly. I give this advice when I talk to people about fashion and entering fashion. I really feel like everyone should go get a job first, learn the business and learn what’s missing. Don’t just launch a business because you love cannabis. If you have something to say that’s different, or if you know the business and you know people, great. But you have to be very careful and thoughtful.

HH: Thank you so much for that. Is there anything coming up for your brand that you’d like to share with our readers?

BH: We recently launched this really cool 4/20 campaign and I’m really proud of it and excited about it. We were inspired by the old Virginia Slims ad with the most famous advertising tagline in advertising history “You’ve come a long way, Baby.” Even though they feel so retro and dated now, at the time when they launched in the 60’s, Phillip Morris was speaking to women in a way that nobody had ever spoken to women in advertising before. 

They talked about feminist women, and women out of the house and professional women. So we interpreted that for the modern female cannabis customer and we shot these gorgeous high fashion pictures and they all say, “Weed’s come a long way, Baby.” They are just awesome and I’m very proud of them. There are out of home postings in New York, Chicago and Boston and there are billboards in LA and Chicago. 

This is how we talk to consumers of cannabis. We think they’re really smart and want to see beautiful things. That’s what we aim to bring to the table.

HH: We can’t wait to see them!

Shop the full Edie Parker line of home accessories here, you should also check out Edie Parker Flower for some of the best accessories for flower girls. Be sure to follow them on Instagram for all the latest news about the brand.

How This Female Entrepreneur Aims to Change the Industry Standards with Minimalistic and Approachable Weed Accessories

As our readers have probably come to realize, we absolutely love Session Goods! The smoking accessory brand has revolutionized ancillary pieces by creating lines that are sophisticated, sleek, and that look gorgeous in the home. 

Since its launch in 2017, Session Goods has introduced multiple products like a pipe, bong, and one-hitter, that are thoughtfully designed and don’t feel taboo. We were lucky enough to interview their CEO & Founding Partner, Esther LeNoir Ramirez about the ideology behind the brand and about what’s next for them.  

High Herstory: Esther, we know you have a background in design, can you tell us how that helped contribute to creating your award-winning bong? 

Esther: I have a design background in apparel and textiles. In 2014, I left the fashion world and co-founded an online headshop called Billowby. While at Billowby I had the opportunity to try every new gadget that came on the market, but more importantly I learned that, for me, there is nothing better than smoking out of a bong.

However, I never found a bong that checked all the boxes: clean hit; minimal branding; good quality; easy to clean; could fit in the modern home of a woman in her 30s. etc. etc.

I had the dream of creating a line of accessories but quickly learned that having a Pinterest board of beautiful glass was not enough to make me an industrial designer, so that is where my partners came in. Sam Bertain, Camden Foley, and Vinh Pho at the time were working at IDEO. We met through mutual friends, and they had the industrial design chops and design talent I needed. We all loved weed and we got to work from there. 

Sam, Camden, and Vinh took my meticulous lists of “must-haves” and “wouldn’t it be cool”s, and added their own glass inspiration to the Pinterest board. Because of my role at Billowby, I had the industry knowledge, merchandising plan, price points, and design background to help me navigate and communicate the needs for the piece to be successfully brought to life. At the time I was likely the biggest smoker in the group and raised my hand for the tough job of user-testing each piece during the developmental stages. They don’t call it “high design” for nothin’.

HH: Your bongs have gained quite the cult following and we are big fans! What has been your favorite bit of feedback about them? 

E: My favorite note of feedback I received focused on the accessibility of the piece.

It was 2019-ish, we were still really small and I was managing customer service under an alias. I received a ticket from a woman with a picture of man holding the Bong with a massive grin. She pointed to her husband’s smile saying that the Bong was the first one he’d been able to use on his own {due to the compact bowl design}. Her husband was a medical patient that had been suffering from a muscular condtion.

It was such a memorable note, because a man, for a brief pause in time, regained some of his independence. I had a heart-bursting feeling of pride, and we are forever grateful to share in that moment with them.

HH: That is such a touching anecdote! We also love your newest additions to the Session Goods family, the stash jar and ashtray are not only beautiful but also functional. Can you share with us more about what the process of expanding your line of cannabis smoking accessories has been like? 

E: Our aesthetic skews towards minimalism, and as a result, our product roadmap is simple. We view our products as an ecosystem or family, and as such, they need to seamlessly interact with each other. We made a bong and a pipe, so it was time to start expanding the line to begin rounding out more elements of the individual smoking ritual. 

The Ashtray was a no-brainer, I had owned a Debolwer for years but I hated both the smell and sight of built-up ash. We’d never seen an ashtray that had both a lid + a poker. It immediately clicked.

The Stash Jar took slightly longer to realize. Initially, the jar profile was quite similar to the Ashtray. We were playing with proportions and had a few 3-D prints in the office. During a design session, we noticed the base of the stash jar fit perfectly into our silicone accessory. It felt cool to use the same piece we used for the bong to create a secret compartment; however, after a couple of glass samples, we realized our silicone accessory base was too flimsy to hold the weight so the new stash base was created. 

Essentially, our meticulous and thoughtful design process translates into all of our products. We kick it off with a brainstorm on needs vs wants > inspiration finding > rough concept sketching > refined concept sketching > focus group and 1:1 interview sessions > 3-D modeling & printing > glass prototypes > then more user testing > final design refinement > ending in production.

As for the Stashjar and Ashtray, we began sketching these products in February 2020 with a full launch in August 2021. Something that looks simple takes a considerable amount of time to actualize. With regards to the future, we are pushing to expand our current product ecosystem towards housewares that aren’t directly tied to smoking but are still within the same sphere of relaxation, pleasure, and leisure.

HH: Can you tell us about any upcoming products or give us a hint as to what your company really wants to focus on next? 

E: This summer we are expanding our collection of small portable accessories, and in early fall we will be dropping our first collaboration piece with our friends at Weed Feed. By Holiday we will have made our first foray into soft goods. In total, we have major 4 collections in the works for 2022 and will be adding another 20+ SKUs to our line.

Outside of product, our team is in growth mode. We’ve been hiring, growing our wholesale arm, and leveling up all operations of the business.

HH: Do you have a personal favorite item that you and your team have created?

E: I’ve spoken a lot about the Bong, but I am super excited about our Cleaning Solution. This is near and dear to my heart for a few reasons:

This product fits perfectly into the ecosystem and helps solve a massive user pain-point of, “How the heck do I clean my pieces?” We get the purists who argue all you need is ISO + Salt, and I used to be one of them. I also wanted to address the people who desperately want to know if they are dishwasher safe. Is it dishwasher safe? Yes. Should you put it in the dishwasher? Only if you don’t mind resin spraying all over your dishes and the outside of your bong. We designed the Cleaning Solution to be a much simpler, and less messy, process.

The Cleaning Solution is specially formulated to bond with the resin and rinse off the glass in virtually no soaking. It’s concentrated, so the same 3oz of cleaning solution may be used for 3-4 cleanings without having to add more. After application, it just needs a good rinse with hot water. My favorite detail, and definitely the most frivolous, is that we specifically designed the scent profile so that when the solution is rinsed, a delicate aroma will bloom and compliment the scent of the resin. So after a good cleaning, your hands smell like fancy soap.

For me, a dirty piece is a real letdown. It sours the taste of anything you’re smoking, and it also can be full of other harmful bacteria. I generally think of it similarly to eating or drinking out of dirty dinnerware. We don’t eat off of dirty plates, so why would you smoke out of something coated in resin?

HH: We are so excited about whatever is coming next for ya’ll! As a business owner in the cannabis industry, is there any advice you would give to someone who is thinking about entering the cannabis space now?

E: Be flexible. Starting a business is hard. Starting a business in a highly regulated environment without access to basic tools is harder. There is often a disconnect between traditional forms of business and the cannabis industry, and this disconnect can be jarring for aspiring entrepreneurs. Almost every business owner I know of has had to build each element of the business twice. Ex: Start an online store using Stripe for merchant processing. The business gets to a size that Stripe notices, and the company gets kicked off. Everyone has a story about being kicked off a platform or banned because of the industry affiliation. 

Raising money can be difficult when there is only a small pool of institutional investors able to invest in cannabis brands. Debt options are often scarce and can carry heavy repayment terms.

Everything takes twice as long as you think it should. Pile on the potential for customs seizures, counterfeiting, or the dreaded IG/FB de-activations that are rampant in the industry. It will soon feel that you have to be absolutely nuts to want to build a business in this space. But, in signing up to take on these struggles, there is a unique camaraderie that I’ve only experienced in this industry. I love what we do, and despite the struggles we experience, we know that they are shared struggles and that in itself makes it all worth it.

There is nothing that makes me prouder than figuring out loopholes or “work arounds” when some agency tells me “No.” The foundations of this industry are rooted in DIY ethics, so it’s no surprise that often time we’re left to our own agency; however, because we are on our own, we often rely on each other to navigate the waters, so-to-speak, of how to obtain necessities that are normal in other industries. These tips of the trade are passed through the community of entrepreneurs in the space and are shared openly between companies that in any other industry would be considered competitors. We are still in the pre-legalization era, and right now our community of business owners and operators is stronger because of how we work together. It’s truly an amazing time to be a part of the industry.

HH: When you and your team started Session Goods, did you all instantly know you had a great concept and that your pieces would be such a welcome addition to the cannabis community? 

E: We knew we had something unique and we trusted in our own design sensibilities to make something that was both beautiful and functional. Having already owned a brand in the space, I knew people were looking for something modern, but the options on the market were priced at a premium which alienated a large base of casual consumers. 

My biggest fear during pre-launch was that the brand would not resonate with the core base of stoners. Our main positioning is towards a more casual smoker, but, naturally, we were overjoyed to receive such a glowing recommendation from the die-hard stoners. We set out to create an experience that celebrates weed, from the unboxing to the final cleaning, to good design. We owe a great deal to the people that have been pilars of support during the process, as we have been unbelievably lucky to be involved in such a dynamic and inclusive community.

We see Session as your “daily driver.” You can live in a world where you own both a Jerome Baker {or insert your glass-blower of choice} and a Session piece. One is used for special occasions, and the other is what you keep on your coffee table. Everything is designed to be modular and consistent so every glass piece can be replaced or repurchased. If your cat or your friends happen to be clumsy, rest easy that you’ll never have to buy a new bong just because the neck broke.

HH: Do you have any trend forecasts about where the luxury cannabis accessory market is heading or is there a place where you would like to see it head?  

E: I don’t necessarily want to see more expansion of the luxury cannabis market. I feel that the term “luxury” connotes exclusivity. It conjures images of wellness-focused once-a-day cure-all vitamins, diet cannabis that misses the mark on what this plant means to the vast majority of stoners. Where is the joy in that? Everyone would do better with a little more silliness in their life.

Cannabis, like coffee, is shared and celebrated across many socio-economic backgrounds, races, genders, and identities. I want to see more brands expanding into these spaces and communities. I would love to see the industry, especially the ancillary products like our own, become something seen more of an everyday appliance versus a luxury item.

A coffee pot, for example, is a vessel much like a bong. People purchase one over the other because of their preferred method of consumption and perceived functionality: pour-over, espresso, drip…etc. These products are not genderized, they aren’t selling “coffee pots for women” because in reality they know that both men and women drink coffee. So why are we so focused on building brands will only result in division of consumers?

My hope is that, as the industry progresses toward legitimacy in the eyes of the government, we hold on tight to the things that make cannabis fun. I say that we push brands to communicate to wider audiences and bring forward products that unite and foster community.

Session Goods is now having a huge 4/20 sale! They are offering 20% off site wide with the code: FOUR2022. Offer good till 4/20/22. See their website for details.

More About Esther LeNoir Ramirez

After studying apparel design, Esther LeNoir Ramirez began her career in New York working for fashion labels such as Lucky Brand, Tommy Hilfiger, and VPL. 

In 2013, she moved to San Francisco to join the early team at Everlane where she led the product development and technical design of the accessories collections. In 2014, she saw an opportunity in the emerging cannabis market and left Everlane to co-found her first company, a playful e-commerce marketplace for cannabis accessories.

After years of selling unbranded products, Esther partnered up with a few friends to create a line of smoking accessories that would fit into the modern home. This project came to be known as Session. Since its launch in 2018, the Session Bong has won 3 awards for packaging and excellence in product design. Session has been featured in Forbes, Rolling Stone, Buzzfeed, Thrillist, and more. Esther currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and two rescue dogs.

This page may feature affiliate links, but never fear, we only promote products we truly love and have enjoyed ourselves.

10 Famous Women Who Have Used Weed

If you’ve ever wondered which celebrities have used cannabis, you’ve come to the right place. Ellen Komp, who blogs about famous females and cannabis at TokinWoman.blogspot.com and is the author of the book Tokin’ Women: A 4000-Year Herstory has compiled her research into a list that will remind you that celebrities enjoy weed, just like us!

You won’t find more well-researched material on women and weed than from Ellen. She’s also a cannabis advocate, herstorian, and Deputy Director of California NRML (a non-profit, membership organization dedicated to reforming California’s marijuana laws). So, if you’re curious - does Kendall Jenner really smoke weed? You’ll find the answer below.

Enjoy this list of famous ladies who have “come out” as cannabis users, and learn more about them by clicking on the links to the Tokin Women blog. Let us know if any of these names surprise you!

1. Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou

Revered author Maya Angelou wrote about her experiences with cannabis in Gather Together in My Name, the second installment of her autobiography after the acclaimed I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

2. Chelsea Handler

Chelsea Handler

Interviewed in May 2019 at The Hall of Flowers, a "B2B Premium Cannabis Trade Show" in Santa Rosa, California, Chelsea Handler looked great in a "Feminized" T-shirt, pencil jeans and purple pumps. To the first question, "What is your relationship with cannabis?" Handler replied unequivocally, "It's strong.”

3. Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner

Model and businesswoman Kendall Jenner outed herself as a stoner on a 2020 episode of the “Sibling Revelry” podcast with Kate Hudson.

4. Gweneyth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow

An admitted inhaler, Paltrow has invested in a cannabis drink company and spoofed herself as an entitled pot puffer in “The Politician” on Netflix.

5. Kasey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves

The country singer hit the charts with her song “Follow Your Arrow,” containing a pot-smoking admission. Another song of hers is “Burn One with John Prine.”

6. Grace Slick

Grace Slick

The iconic rocker took us back to Alice in Wonderland with her song “White Rabbit” and now paints a character named “Rescue Rabbit” who, in one painting, carries cannabis to the US Capital building.

7. Diane di Primi

Diane di Prima

Beat poetess di Prima was the mother of five children and became a Lioness of Letters while using weed at a time when poets mostly belonged to boys’ clubs.

8. Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday

Holiday, whose name was synonymous with marijuana in the 1930s, was hounded to death by drug warriors over her political views.

9. George Eliot

George Eliot

English author Mary Ann Evans wrote epic books like Middlemach under the pseudonym George Eliot, and mentioned hashish in her intriguing novel The Lifted Veil, published in 1859.

10. Harriet Martineau

Harriet Martineau

An ancestor of Princess Kate Middleton, Martineau was a sociologist who traveled to the East in the 1840s where she smoked cannabis and recorded the first known shotgun: Arab women blowing smoke at Jewesses in harems so that they could enjoy their Sabbaths.

About the Author

Ellen Komp has been a hemp/marijuana activist since 1991. She began in Los Angeles where she helped plan quarterly hemp rallies and volunteered for LA NORML after being elected to the California NRML board of directors in 1992. She edited the 9th edition of The Emperor Wears No Clothes by Jack Herer and was a volunteer petitioner for the California Hemp Initiative (1993, 1994) and Proposition 215 (1995). She worked as an advertising salesperson and editor at HempWorld magazine, the first trade journal for the hemp industry.

In 1997/98 Komp served on the San Luis Obispo County Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board, which advised the county Drug and Alcohol Services agency on community standards and practices. She also co-founded The 215 Reporter, the first journal covering California’s medical marijuana law and its aftermath.

In 1999, Komp became a Program Associate at The Lindesmith Center in San Francisco (now Drug Policy Alliance). As Deputy Director of Community Outreach & Communications she planned and promoted conferences and a forum series on drug war issues, and sat on various committees at the San Francisco public health department. In 2001, she developed a website to assist attorneys in medical marijuana defenses for the DPA Office of Legal Affairs in Oakland and was named High Times’s Freedom Fighter of the Month.

In 2002, Komp moved to Humboldt County where she worked for the Civil Liberties Monitoring Project in Garberville. She sat on the Humboldt County medical marijuana task force, resulting in a county ordinance to implement SB420.

Komp has a B.S. in Biochemistry (Penn State, 1980) and worked in advertising and publishing in Los Angeles. She has contributed articles and op-eds to various publications such as High Times, In These Times, Alternet, O’Shaughnessy’s, California NORML Report, Eureka Times-Standard and Cannabis Culture. 

Komp founded the website VeryImportantPotheads.com in 2001, and she blogs about famous females and cannabis at TokinWoman.blogspot.com. She is the author of the book Tokin’ Women: A 4000-Year Herstory. 

Music Sounds Better With Weed: A Series, by Brice Birdsall

My name is Brice and I’m the founder of In Between Agencies, an online magazine that focuses on emerging artists with an emphasis on musicians based in the UK. Prior to writing about music, I was in the process of opening a dispensary in my hometown Portland, Oregon. When that endeavor ended up being something that I needed to walk away from (more on this another time), I turned to my other passions to carry me forward. 

By focusing on emerging artists, I am able to catch them in their purest forms as creative beings. In this stage, they are still figuring out who they are, what works, and what doesn’t. It’s at this specific moment we are able to learn from each artist’s processes and see exactly how they find their way amidst the noise surrounding them. 

In this column, we’ll focus on my two endeavors - music and weed, pairing strains with songs to compliment your smoking sessions. Music is a tool the same way that weed is. Both can enhance an experience and when used together there’s a moment where the listening experience transcends the realms it was previously bound to.

An excerpt from an article written by Justin Chandler from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation sums up the subtleties of this experience from a scientific perspective, “According to Daniel Levitin, a professor of neuroscience at McGill University, "music combined with weed tends to produce feelings of euphoria and connectedness to the music and the musicians." That said, music — with or without the influence of cannabis — enhances activity in the mesolimbic dopamine system.

Occasionally referred to as the nervous system's reward pathway, this system in the brain releases dopamine to chemically reinforce gratifying behavior.” It’s no wonder that something that has such a profound effect on our brains is amplified when weed is introduced.

This week - we’ll be smoking Sour Diesel and listening to a few of my favorite songs. Sour Diesel is known for its uplifting effects. It’s an energizing Sativa that helps to ease anxiety, depression, and the effects of stress, much like the below songs. 

Music Sounds Better With Weed: The Playlist

Somethings Never Change by Marc E. Bassy

This is one of my favorite songs of all time. Every time I hear it, my brain is flooded with memories from my favorite road trips and it’s what I listen to to soothe my soul after a long day. The concept of some things never changing helps me let go of my perceived control.

Like That by Clbrks 

I listen to this song in every type of scenario - from my lowest moments to my celebratory ones. Clbrks is an emerging artist from London. Not only is he one of the most talented artists that I’ve encountered, he’s also one of the most beautiful humans. He effortlessly presents himself in full form, regardless of who he is surrounded by. This track inspires the confidence to be yourself, the way Clbrks is. 

You by Mk.gee

The production and general thoughtfulness that went into the musical arrangement Mk.gee created for this song is simply magical. It’s a song that you can feel in your bones before you start smoking and is only amplified in the best way once that joint is lit. 

Growing Pains by Alessia Cara

This song is for the moment when you’ve lost perspective and need a reminder that this is just a phase - something we all need from time to time.

Link to playlist via Spotify

Cannabis-friendly Parenting: Are '420 Moms' the New 'Wine Moms?'

Imagine if a mom posted a photo on Instagram of her smoking a joint with her son across the living room playing with his toys? She can surely expect her inbox to be jammed with hate mail. However, no one will care if she drinks red wine during the day. After all, “wine is good for the heart.”

For years, society has normalized the mommy wine culture. Many women begin their evening with a glass of Cabernet at around dinnertime. And kill the rest of the bottle once the kids are in bed. Mommy deserves that wine and the opportunity to relax after a day spent balancing between career and family life. 

However, a new wave has outdone the wine mom culture. It's called the “420 moms culture.” According to statistics, Americans bought $18 billion worth of cannabis in 2020 alone. This marks a 71 percent jump from 2019. 

Why Is Mommy Abandoning Wine and Shifting to Cannabis? 

Legalization of Cannabis

As of May 2021, 18 states had ratified legislation to allow for recreational use of marijuana for adults above 21 years in the U.S. Further, 36 states allowed for medical use only, based on statistics from the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Many states continue to legalize marijuana for both medical and recreational use. And as a result, the weed industry is on course to increase its worth to more than $70 billion by 2028. In effect, many parents are turning to cannabis to cope with parenting difficulties and everyday life. 

Legalization has helped with the reduction of stigma, allowing cannabis-using mommies to step out of the shadows. Communities are slowly adopting a relaxed view of “420 moms” who smoke, eat edibles, or use CBD skin care products for their beauty rituals.

Save Themselves the Hangover

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two drinks per day for male adults to achieve moderate alcohol use and one drink each day for women. However, more and more moms end up fighting addiction problems. After a night spent drinking several margaritas, you wake up the next day with a nasty hangover. And your swollen, red face pressed against the toilet seat, throwing up. 

Many wine-loving mommies have owned up to their difficulties with alcohol dependence. They openly discuss on Facebook groups and TV shows how they’ve hit rock bottom and are struggling to stay away from alcohol.

So how does the booze-loving mom escape from this dangerous cycle? Because recreational cannabis is lawful, mommy can use it as an alternative to alcohol. 

As a mom of a one-year-old kid, you go through a lot of mood swings and anxiety. You don't want to turn to that Cabernet bottle or load yourself up with prescription medications. So, when mommy feels an increase in heartbeat and anxiety, a small dose of THC is enough to stabilize her breathing and restore her steady state. Fast, easy, and effective.

Online Support Communities

Medicinal weed users were often labeled negligent and erratic “potheads” by their colleagues, employers, and friends. For years, these stereotypes led to discrimination and segregation. 

While moms have been puffing that joint long before the passage of legal regulations, they were not posting on their social media pages or opening Facebook weed user’s groups. 

Today, weed-using moms are coming out from the shadows and openly testifying about the benefits of cannabis. For “420 moms” who don't have a cannabis community around them, social media continues to be a source of great support.

Mom influencers are on Instagram posting about the virtues of weed. On Facebook, there's a group of marijuana-using moms called “The Cannavist Mom,” with more than 35,000 members. Its catchy tagline asserts that “420 moms” should be socially accepted just like their wine-loving counterparts. Another famous Facebook group is Moms for Marijuana International, with over 500,000 followers.

Is Consuming Cannabis Safe As a Parent?

One of the most challenging parts of being a cannabis mommy is predictive dosing. While most moms know how they'll react to a glass of wine, it takes time and practice to master the amount of THC their body can accommodate while still being a functioning adult. 

A mom might buy a brownie, and instead of eating a tenth of it as the typical dose, she takes several bites, which are four or five times the regular serving. She might end up extremely stoned and sick. 

But it's not only their consumption of edibles that they need to watch. Children might be attracted to the beautiful packaging of the edibles and consume them thinking it's the regular cookies. This can lead to dangerous overdoses. 

Tips for Consuming Cannabis at Home

While “420 moms” need to unwind from the stress that comes with raising tiny humans, it's important to do it safely and responsibly. Here are some tips that can help mommy consume cannabis safely at home:

• Time It Right: Mommy should hold off on smoking until the kids are asleep. Weed is supposed to be a private time, and lighting up in front of the kids wouldn't instill confidence in them that you're doing an excellent job as a parent.

• Talk About It With the Kids When They're Ready: Having an open conversation about cannabis helps them understand why you do it. Anytime you arm your kid with true and accurate information, it gives them the power and knowledge to make good decisions for themselves.

• Secure Your Stash: It's pretty simple. If you don't want your kid to get to it, lock it up and explain why they can't touch it.

Bottom Line

Many “420 moms” say that consuming cannabis doesn't in any way impact their parenting abilities. They can still hold down their jobs, tend to their families, and pay the bills. The most important thing is having self-control and smoking safely.

Whether you want to use pot medically or recreationally, you need to know the risks and benefits. Consultations with your physician or therapist will help you know the right dosage and what effect a particular strain of pot will have on your body.

Canna Culture: Interview with Jess Poulin of High on Feminism

Jess Poulin is the founder of Public Relations & Creative Agency, Woke Media. A Vermont-native who ventured to New York City in 2009, Jess received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications in 2013, studying Public Relations, Music Theory and the History of the Music Industry. She has secured local and national coverage in the New York Times, Access Hollywood, Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, Rolling Stone, SiriusXM, iHeart Media and more. And helped with strategic content creation + events for clients in Music/Entertainment, Tech, Fashion, and more.

In November 2020, Jessica launched a new podcast called High On Feminism. Featuring female entrepreneurs across industries, along with female-owned and operated Cannabis/CBD brands, HOF aims to bring women to the forefront of the Business conversation, and allow for the education of the Cannabis industry especially among female consumers. Read our interview with her below!

High Herstory: You got your start doing public relations in the music industry. Do you see any crossover in the work that you do and the coverage you get in the cannabis industry?

Jess Poulin: I mean cannabis has been and always will be a HUGE part of the music industry. A majority of artists smoke weed today, and of course, so many rappers have been synonymous with weed for years...Wiz, Waka Flocka, Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, etc. Being a music manager as well as a publicist, you see how prominent smoking weed is in music sessions, parties, even office visits. It’s everywhere. 

From the straight publicity side, my whole job is to help build brands and get them to reach the right people, so already being a publicist helps in navigating how to promote the podcast. I’ve worked with a few weed publications in the past, so I’ve brought those relationships into this project too. Especially now with all the changing legislature happening within the cannabis industry, publications you wouldn’t think would have a “weed writer” or cover that kinda topic, now do! 

High Herstory: You’re the Host & Producer of the ‘High On Feminism’ podcast, a platform for female entrepreneurs to tell their stories while consuming some of the latest cannabis and hemp products. What important lessons are you and your guests looking to inspire in younger women who are jumpstarting or pivoting in their own careers?  

Jess Poulin: First and foremost there aren’t enough women entrepreneur stories being told so I want to make sure we fill that gap with some badass women. Especially women of color. 

Look, being an entrepreneur is awesome but is not always something that happens overnight and you really have to work at it. It’s not for everyone but that’s ok. It’s not the same thing as these Instagram “influencers” who just take pics and get paid. It’s about networking and working with integrity, and really putting in the time and effort to create the lifestyle that you want. As an entrepreneur, you need to be ready and understand that YOU are the one now in charge. If you break relationships or mess up, that’s solely on you and you’re not really able to put the blame on someone else or divert to a higher-up to handle the situation. It’s just all you.

At some point in our careers though, whether early on or later on, we all realized that the corporate working landscape wasn’t for us. And while going out on your own is scary as hell, as long as you’re prepared for the inevitable ups and downs and you surround yourself with the right people, it’ll be the best decision you’ve ever made!

High Herstory: is is a hard question because you had so many incredible guests, but what was one of your favorite moments from shooting the podcast? 

Jess Poulin: I’ll do a very neutral answer haha, but my favorite moment was the first episode we ever recorded. Marsha and I had been doing months of planning and nailing down the first 3 guests to kinda prove the concept and be able to show brands the value of promoting their products with us, so when it got down to the day to finally record I was so nervous. The day came and I just wanted everything to be as insightful and creative and funny and interesting as I hoped it would be. 

My first time ever recording something like this was with Sarah Vega, and I was excited because I had heard such amazing things about her from a friend, but we had never met in real life so I was nervous about meeting her in person for the first time. I wasn’t sure how the hot-box/pre-show element was really going to work out either, but it turned out to be the perfect ice breaker to get to know her before we went inside. It made the conversation that much deeper because we had kind of broken that stranger barrier and were really able to get into her background and her struggles to get where she was today. We both really allowed ourselves that space to be open and honest about the instances that have shaped us. During the episode, I was just soooo ecstatic because everything was going great, and the material we were getting was amazing, and it was amazing to see my vision finally come together. 

 But yes, like a good mother, I have no favorite episodes because every single conversation gave me something different! But as far as a favorite moment, it’s always just seeing your hard work pay off. 

High Herstory: Let’s talk a little bit about what it means to be a full-service agency. Not only does your company, Woke Media, serve clients in fashion, art, music, and tech, but you also offer a full menu of services such as PR, branding, creative strategy, and events. How does a traditional, one-dimensional approach to public relations lose out on a valuable consumer base?

Jess Poulin: It’s honestly all about the story. And over the years I have worked at hands-on creative agencies and PR, and also at companies that strictly do PR. I noticed that I was able to really do MY best work when I’m more involved in the creative process. Not only is it more fun, but sometimes our team will pull out meanings and ideas that can help elevate something in the campaign that the brand wouldn’t have maybe thought of. If we’re a part of the creative process from the beginning we can consult from a media-level of “what topics are popular right now?” “what’s the call-to-action this publication will be looking for to cover this?” And we’re able to kind of guide the whole thing so that we are able to reach more than just music markets (or whatever industry they’re in). I also think that being so involved helps with that passion and desire to secure those bigger press pieces because you yourself have put so much into the project and you want to see it succeed just as badly as the brand does.  

When you’re more of a hands-off publicist, messaging can get lost in the cracks of communication, and the energy to pitch something can be less than enthusiastic. Sometimes clients don’t share everything that’s happening internally because they may not find it relevant, and if you as a publicist aren’t willing to step up and ensure that they DO share with you these things, then you could miss out on greater opportunities for them. 

One of my client’s partners once told her that the people you should tell everything to, no matter what, are your therapist, your doctor, and your publicist. :) And I wholeheartedly agree.  

High Herstory: When the world is back on its feet, what’s the first type of event you’re looking forward to coordinating and bringing to life? 

Jess Poulin: Well, we recently worked on New 42’s reopening of the arts and culture scene in NYC, with a huge celebration of performances in Times Square. It was so exciting to not only represent a great cause like Arts Education but to also see New York start to open back up and get excited about the summer. On the podcast side though, we’re already in a few convos with the brands that have sponsored us to do a little pop-up market where the cannabis brands can come together and share their products, as well as network with other cannabis professionals. One of our sponsors is looking to lock in some retail space soon and we’ve also discussed actually recording an episode at the space, and what sort of programming we could help develop with them as well. 

Another thing we’re in the works of developing is also a few different panel discussions surrounding female entrepreneurship and cannabis. Our first one is a pre-recorded virtual panel with Her Highness NYC and their initiative to help women who have been previously incarcerated due to marijuana possession or trafficking. Obviously want to shift those over at some point to IRL but for now, we’ll be releasing the convos on our Woke Media YouTube channel. 

High Herstory: What’re you currently listening to as you sesh? 

Jess Poulin: Well I have a legit home office now, and today I have a few other music industry friends working from my place and I’m in a very “old school” mood (90’s child FYI). The current track playing is Fabolous and Tami’s “Into You,” and we just went through “I Wanna Be Down” by Brandy, “Let It Go” with Keyshia Cole, Missy, and Lil’ Kim, and since it's an R&B vibe playlist Teyana Taylor’s “How You Want It?” That song is so sexy!

You can find Jess on Instagram, @wokemediabk and listen to High on Feminism here.

Canna Culture: Director Windy Borman, “Mary Janes: The Women of Weed”

Windy Borman, is a multi-award-winning director and producer, as well the founder of DVA Productions, a socially conscious production company. She is currently the Executive Producer and Director of the groundbreaking documentary, "Mary Janes: The Women of Weed". Most recently Windy directed and produced the 10-time award-winning documentary, "The Eyes of Thailand", narrated by Ashley Judd; and produced "The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia", which premiered at Sundance and on HBO. Other credits include producing and directing “The Vagina Monologues,” producing performances for Margaret Cho and Dr. Maya Angelou, and writing for Takepart.com and IndieWire: Women and Hollywood. From 2003-2005 Ms. Borman dedicated two years to Teach For America, where she taught middle school drama and dance in the South Bronx. She founded DVA Productions in 2006 to use her gift of storytelling to create cinematic and immersive experiences that promote peace, justice, and equality.

High Herstory: Windy, we’re huge fans of your work and mission to empower women. You’re an award-winning producer and director, and are really doing the work to tell the stories that matter. Do you remember what got you interested in storytelling? 

Windy: I’ve always been intrigued by social issues, especially gender equality, social justice, environmental protection, education and empowerment. Dance and theater were my original outlets, but I turned my attention to film and television 20 years ago. My previous films ranged from the dangers of elephants stepping on landmines in Thailand (“The Eyes of Thailand”) to the gifts and challenges of dyslexia (“The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia”). When I moved to Colorado in 2014—the same year recreational use of marijuana became legal—and started meeting successful women in the weed business, I knew I was perfectly positioned to tell these female entrepreneurs’ stories and inspire domestic and global audiences about how gender parity, social justice and environmental sustainability lead to greater success for all.

High Herstory: You spent two years of your career teaching dance and drama to middle school kids in New York. We recently worked with a youth empowerment program in New Orleans to give adolescents some of their first gigs in post-production. What qualities do you think are most important for teachers and mentors to possess when working closely with younger children? 

Windy: Patience and empathy are important qualities to build trust as a teacher. You never know what kind of energy or experience someone has before they walk into your class. Most adults are not mindful enough to “check it at the door”, so how can we expect children and adolescents to know how to do this if it hasn’t been modeled? Listening to them and hearing where they are coming from builds trust and empathy. You need both to tell great stories. 

High Herstory: At the time of making your film, “Mary Janes: The Women of Weed”, you had never consumed cannabis. Why is that? 

Windy: I am the daughter of a doctor and nurse, and a product of the D.A.R.E. generation, who learned all drugs are bad, but particularly marijuana because it was a “gateway drug”. I had ample opportunity to try cannabis over the years, but never did until 2017. This is partially due to the fact I didn’t hang out with the people who had cannabis, and partially because I was turned off by the “stoner dude” images I saw. Next, there is alcohol and drug addiction in my family, so hearing marijuana was a “gateway drug” as a kid, I didn’t want to risk it. Now we know that alcohol and tobacco are the real gateways drugs, but by the time I realized that, I was too busy making films to risk having a bad reaction to cannabis—or any drug for that matter—so I avoided it.

Given all I’ve learned filming “Mary Janes: The Women of Weed”, I finally decided to try cannabis for the first time. In the ultimate life twist, my first “sesh” was on camera and we included it in “Mary Janes” for the entire world to see. 

High Herstory: What was your first time consuming cannabis like? 

Windy: I heard from many women that their first cannabis experience came at the urging of a man, or at least a male purchased the weed for everyone. I flipped that script and made very mindful and empowered choices. I purchased my own legal cannabis at a woman-owned dispensary and recruited a group of “Cannabis Fairy Godmothers” to guide me during my first consumption. As for what happened next, you’ll have to watch the film.

Director Windy Borman, Grammy(R) award-winning singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge, and Cinematographer Kimman Harmon

High Herstory: Melissa Etheridge is one of the subjects of your film. Do you think that celebrities hold a heavier impact, compared to the average person, when it comes to removing the stigma of cannabis consumption? 

Windy: Interviewing Melissa Etheridge was a dream come true. In “Mary Janes: The Women of Weed” she explains how cannabis fit into her cancer journey, how it opened up her creativity, and shaped her life as an artist, activist, and advocate. 

I don’t think celebrities have a greater responsibility to destigmatize cannabis, but they can have a greater social impact by sharing their experience given our media landscape. At one point in the film Melissa says, “I can’t preach to you. I can’t tell you what you should do. That doesn’t work. I can be an example. I can tell you I am happier. I am healthier. My journey in life is clearer, more satisfying.”

This kind of authentic storytelling around plant medicine is powerful and what is needed if we are going to change the stigma, but that social responsibility falls on all of us as consumers, business owners, and citizens.

High Herstory: We just reached the 50 year mark of the War on Drugs. How should cannabis entrepreneurs at the executive level wield their power to make a difference?

Windy: If cannabis executives are not incorporating corporate social responsibility (CSR) into their businesses, they are missing an opportunity to heal the wounds of the War on Drugs. Unfortunately, I see a lot of profit-driven leadership; I want to see more purpose-driven leadership. As a new cannabis consumer, I look for brands that align with my values and make their CSR part of their brand story.

High Herstory: How can our audience watch the “Mary Janes” film and follow along with the Puffragette movement? 

Windy: We invite everyone to join the #Puffragette Movement! “Mary Janes: The Women of Weed” is available worldwide via Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, Vimeo, and for a limited time on DVD. You can read about the Puffragette Movement and support our work by buying Puffragette merchandise on our website <https://maryjanesfilm.com>. You can join the conversations online by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram via @MaryJanesFilm  

Canna Industry: Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey Author & Xula Co-Founder

Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey is one of our favorite canna- bosses. Mennlay is the author of The Art of Weed Butter and the co-founder of one of our favorite CBD brands Xula. Through her visibility, she hopes to create more space for Black women and femmes in the cannabis industry, a goal she has been at for 16 years.

Mennlay currently resides in Mexico City, where her work explores cannabis, foodways, and the diasporic connections between Africa and Latin America. You can listen to her wisdom and candor on Broccoli Talk where she is a co-founder. Mennley is also the founder of a mutual aid dinner project, Cenas sin fronteras, and on the board of the Floret Coalition, the anti-racist cannabis collective, funding monthly equity-oriented actions. We are members and highly recommend joining if you can!

High Herstory : You reside in Mexico City — how do you anticipate adult use legalization to be executed, and from a sociopolitical perspective, how can we help push for an equitable industry there? 

 Mennley: Yes, Mexico is dangerously (I say that in the best of ways) close to legalizing weed—for real this time. It’s been the same song and dance with bills being written and not passed since cannabis and all drugs were decriminalized Nationally in 2017. But I’ve been told by people who have links inside the government that it's happening this time. The Senate, basically an equivalent to the Lower House of Congress in the U.S., is expected to pass the new version of the law. Once it’s been voted on, the last step will be for the executive branch to sign off. 

 This is huge and will bring Mexico into the fold with Uruguay, South Africa, and Canada as being a federally legalized country. But some critics, myself included, say that this bill caters mostly to suits and large companies, mostly comprised of white men from the United States and Canada who will have access to  control of the market from seed to sale. This current bill doesn’t do enough to protect those most vulnerable—small weed businesses, and small legacy farmers who have been growing cannabis for decades and are up against the very real threat of cartels. (though most cartels have switched out of weed and into the fentanyl and opioid market).

by Tzetelina Garneva

High Herstory: A while back, we saw your infused take on a Passover Seder plate. Are you currently working on any dope, symbolic food displays infused with cannabis this year?

 Mennley: Yes, I recently took myself out to the mountains of Moreles, Mexico for the month of March (while pulling 10-hour days with normal work) to research and write more intentionally about the food that connects us—infused and not. Stay tuned. 

High Herstory: Your book, The Art of Weed Butter, is a blueprint for many new and seasoned edible chefs. What drove you to write this ultra informative guide?

 Mennley: Honestly, I applied to an ad that was in the Green Binders FB group two years ago. They were looking for an edibles recipe developer. I had some experience whipping up quick recipes for Whoopi & Maya’s digital channels and really needed the extra cash, so I took the project on. Full disclosure, unlike most books, you are given a year or three to write, edit, develop, test and photograph your recipes. I was given three months. So I set out to make something simple, easily, and digestible for the reader and homecook.

 Accessibility in cannabis is so important so writing and developing inexpensive and approachable recipes just seemed crucial. I’m really taken aback and honored by the response The Art of Weed Butter has received for being such a rushed (the equivalent to fast-fashion in the publishing world) writing project. But I feel hashtag Jah blessed for the platform to write about the basics of cooking with weed while reminding folks of the state of injustice—namely, the incarceration of Black, Brown and Indigenous folks—that persists alongside the legal weed movement today. 

by Tzetelina Garneva

High Herstory:  We were thrilled to hear about the launch of your botanical hemp brand, Xula, just last November. Tell us a little bit about how you and your partner developed your unique blends, who they’re intended for, and how they’re meant to be used - especially through a global pandemic!

 Mennley: Xula is 6 months old since launch and almost 3-years old since conception, Karina and I, my business partner, are extremely grateful and excited to finally be out in the world, despite how difficult it is to launch a business internationally during a pandemic. So for readers who don’t know, we are a Latina and Black-owned hemp brand conceived and based in Mexico City while growing our own hemp in Southern Oregon on Cow Creek Umpqua land utilizing the best regenerative practices available to us. 

We wanted to offer something different than just diet weed aka legal weed aka CBD and thought it prudent to look to ancestral plant-medicine and modern science alike to create herbal supplements that support all bodies, but specifically bodies with wombs. Our products are focused on helping women, femmes, and NGC people with a uterus feel good in their bodies through the transformative power of herbs. Each of our six products focus on anxiety, menopause, menstrual cramps, sleep, and hormonal toning.

High Herstory : Any other projects you’d like to share?

 Mennley: There are so many, but I want to mention the Floret Coalition, an anti-racist collective of small businesses in the cannabis and cannabis-adjacent space supporting and funding Black Latinx and Indigenous communities through equity-oriented actions via monthly donations and social campaigns. 

 Together, to date, The Floret Coalition’s 135+ brand members have donated over $60,000 to the organizations we have partnered with thus far but we are always looking for more members to join and as a member of the board, I feel it’s my duty to share the word and encourage awareness of these type of equitable giving circle collectives. We can’t undo the past, but we must work diligently to ensure a fair and equitable future.

High Herstory:  How can our audience best support your businesses and keep up with your industry moves?

 Mennley: I guess by following me on Instagram, but beyond that, I think this audience owes it to themselves not to just buy my products or whatever my current hustle is, but more so really educate themselves and engage in ways to support their bodies and the bodies of their community through herbal care. We know the pharmaceutical industry isn’t looking out for us, so it’s up to us to look out for the health and wellness of ourselves and communities. But yeah, to keep me and my community fed, shop Black, shop local, shop womxn, and vote for more equitable laws within the cannabis space. Thanks for listening to my Ted Talk :)  

Weed Diaries: Brooklyn Wake & Bake

Every wonder how people smoke weed? Learn 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 real-life cannabis consumers to write about a day in their lives to see how, why and when they use weed.

Anonymous, 30s, Brooklyn, NY.

6:30pm: I tell my Boyfriend that the “delivery” guy is on his way. That’s the code word I use to let him know that my weed is on the way. I use a delivery service that arrives in under an hour. They’re the best I’ve ever used. I love how knowledgeable their staff is, they have a great loyalty program and a printed label on each strain with suggested uses, THC and CBD percentage. I feel like I’m learning and consuming at the same time. Sometimes I feel guilty spending money on ganja but then I think of the insomnia and anxiety that I have been blessed with and I stop. Sleepless nights are way worse than spending a couple hundred dollars a month on herb. When people are shocked at that estimate, I feel like asking them “What was your bar tab last weekend?”

6:50pm: The doorbell literally rang while I was writing that last post. I was debating between edibles and flower but I ended up buying “Zkittles” which is an Indica-dominant hybrid. Usually I’m a Sativa girl, but I’ve been trying more Indica-dominant strains to help with the anxiety of working 3 jobs to live in this city. The strain is a mixture of “Grape Ape” and “Grapefruit”. I’ve always loved any grapefruit strain so it was an easy sell. The label claims it is good for joint/muscle pain, stress (!), anxiety, depression, P.T.S.D., A.D.H.D., A.D.D., glaucoma, arthritis and appetite.

9:00pm: The Mary Jane is as advertised. It has a citrus scent, isn’t too dry (personal pet-peeve), strong enough (impressive for a smoker like myself), and it hit me pretty hard. I’m having trouble concentrating on finishing this entry so I’m dubious over the A.D.D. claim, but it’s definitely a nice mellow high and I feel like cuddling the bf.

Saturday

9:24am: On Saturdays I wake and bake. My ritual is smoking a joint in the shower. I really am pleased with the “Zkittles” strain. I smoked one bowl in my one-hitter and I still had some in there when I woke. This means two things. 1) The bud burns well. 2) It’s strong AF.

8:30pm: I smoked a bowl and walked to the health food store in my neighborhood for some ice cream and to get some CBD oil since I’m feeling extra wound up this week. I have used other brands in the past and have found that it really helps with my anxiety. I like to use it in conjunction with marijuana because I’m extra like that.

9:30pm: I purchased Plus CBD oil, a hemp derived CBD oil that has 1mg CBD per pump. It has a peppermint flavor and the recommended dosage is 2 sprays applied under the tongue. I take 4 right off the bat. It cost 23 dollars and I think it will be a nice assist to the “Zkittles” which I am liking more and more. It has a high energy sustained high for an Indica and I am grateful because I have no time to be sleepy.

11:00pm: I feel mellow as hell. Sleepy from a long day and ready to hit my pipe one more time before calling it a night. I didn’t go out tonight and I’m patting myself on the back for being so responsible so I’m thinking I will go to town on a facial regiment. I love to pamper myself while stoned. It just makes me feel like I’m giving my future self a gift from my past self. My partner never smokes, but we both work a lot so I try to get myself good and sleepy by 11pm. I’ve suffered from insomnia my whole life and would probably be up until 4am if it weren’t for the chronic.

Sunday

12pm: It’s Superbowl Sunday and so I do my normal wake and bake while daydreaming about pigs in a blanket. I am going to watch the game tonight at a bar with the boyfriend. I’m not a big drinker, but my boyfriend is and the Eagles are his team so I’m thinking we are in for a long one. I’ll probably drink a bit tonight and bring my CBD to the bar so I’m not a nervous wreck while my boyfriend is losing his shit. It’s hard to be the only person not drinking in a large group.

1pm: I still like the strain, but man, is it stinky. I guess that’s how you know it’s good, but I’m a smoker who doesn’t enjoy the smell of smoke. If I could change anything about the cannabis experience it would be that. I know most people like the smell, I am just not one of them and the boyfriend has complained about it a few times, but I guess him moaning about the scent of my marijuana is better than him smoking it…

Monday

5pm: The thing I love most about smoking as opposed to drinking is that I never have a hangover! I feel fine this Monday morning after the Super Bowl. I feel like a superior being to my bf who is a mess. I started smoking in high school. I never did it super frequently. I never bought my own or had it around, but I would smoke with friends and at social events. I bought green for the first time when I moved to NYC. I love it as much as I love the city.

I wish it were more socially acceptable because even as a teen I preferred it to beers or sugary cocktails. Drinking makes me sick and I throw up after 3 drinks so I’ve never really understood why it’s everyone’s drug of choice. Or why it’s prohibition has been lifted but not the one on weed. The worst thing I’ve ever done stoned is eat everything in my house. The worst thing I’ve done drunk…well…it’s much much worse than that.

Tuesday

11am: I am working on a set today and grateful for my CBD. It really does help me feel more calm and centered but in a very subtle way. For example, I don’t notice myself being more relaxed in the moment, but I will be searching for anxiety in moments throughout my day and realize there isn’t as much present as normal. I truly believe the CBD can take the credit for that, although if I’m being honest, I take 4 times the recommended dosage each time. I would purchase a CBD oil with a higher concentration next time, but I’m also a tank apparently.

6pm: Roll a joint and toke on my tiny ass patio. I feel bad smoking sometimes because of the stigma other people attach to it, but I have also been smoking for so long that it’s become so normal to me. When people freak out about it, I am usually taken by surprise. I think it’s because I know a lot of people who smoke who are highly successful individuals and I don’t see myself as your typical stoner. I just like to have fun every once in awhile.

Thursday

4pm: I’m already almost out of bud. I like to try and stretch my bag to last a week, but you can’t win them all right? I text my service and wait for them to arrive. I usually hate to run out completely and can tell I’ve been extra stressed so I’m just gonna give myself a pass this time.

4:30pm: They arrive right on time and I’m happy my delivery person is a bad-ass lady stoner who really talked me through their selection. I was also happy with the selection of edibles they had today so I bought 2 bags of sour gummies (30 dollars/bag). So excited!!!!

10:00pm: I fucked up. I somehow  managed to convince myself that I purchased CBD gummies yesterday and not THC laced ones. I don’t know how or why I did this to myself but long story short, I have had too many gummies and am sending out too many text messages.

Friday

11:00am: My friend and I are dying over what those gummies did to me but I am still not hungover :)

Want to submit a smoking diary? Get in touch.

Interview: CBD Entrepreneur, Alexis Rosenbaum

We asked Alexis Rosenbaum, founder of Rosebud CBD, to provide some insight into her experience and business savvy in the cannabis industry. She talks about life as an entrepreneur, the women of cannabis who inspire her, what sets rosebud apart, and what she believes is the biggest misconception about CBD.

High Herstory: Can you tell us about your company, Rosebud CBD?

Alexis: Rosebud CBD oil is a full spectrum CO2 extract of CBD rich hemp flower sun grown on a small farm in Oregon. We are third party lab tested and share these results on our website. Rosebud wants buying cannabis products to be like buying our food and personal care products where ingredients matter, knowing the farmer or founder, and buying from companies that offer transparency. Rosebud CBD Oil came to market in April of this year after realizing the demand for a transparent, organic, US grown and processed CBD supplement. I had my first edible on my 29th birthday (4 days post 4/20) and soon after, smoked my first joint. My mind was blown that I had avoided cannabis for most of my life.After finding the right dosing with flower and seeing its tremendous impact on my life, I was on the hunt for other ways to bring this plant to more people. CBD oil offers medicinal potential without the high. From seed, to stalk, to flower, hemp is going to change the direction of our world.

High Herstory How long have you been working on the Rosebud CBD formula?

Alexis : I started working with my farm during the winter of 2017. It all happened pretty fast, but that's sort of how I like to do things. I'm on a mission and when I'm ready, I AM READY. Luckily my farm was on the same page.Our formula is simple, and we plan to keep it that way. Rosebud believes in whole plant cannabis standing on its own - only the good stuff from the all powerful and mighty hemp plant.Rosebud consists of a CBD hemp oil extract and fractionated coconut oil. Cannabinoids are fat soluble and are most effective when consumed with fat. Coconut oil contains saturated fat which helps the body absorb the cannabinoid. Using MCT oils allows for a relatively rapid release of cannabinoids compared to other oils. MCT oils are also directly metabolized into energy allowing your body to burn those fats and put the cannabinoids they hold to use right away.

High Herstory: What differentiates Rosebud CBD from other CBD products out there?

Alexis : First and foremost, Rosebud CBD is transparent. We share our test results and have plans to introduce our customers to our farmers later this year. We want buying cannabis products to be like buying food and personal care products; ingredients matter, know your founders, buy from companies with a mission beyond profit, and seed to soil transparency.Rosebud CBD is sun grown on a small farm in Oregon without herbicides, pesticides, solvents and does not include ingredients such as fillers, flavorings, sweeteners or preservatives.Rosebud is a full spectrum CO2 extract offering whole plant in its most natural form extracted with a process that retains the plants natural compounds and makes the least amount of environmental impact. CO2 extraction requires no solvent residues, no heavy metals or other impurities that are typically found in other extracts.And lastly, we are women owned.

High Herstory: When did you realize you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Alexis: My childhood was really great. My parents didn’t go to college, so they taught us common sense, street smarts, and how to problem solve. We were given free rein to do as we please, and this freedom allowed me to build anything. I was raised by a mom who built a multi-million dollar construction business.In a long winded way, I guess you could say entrepreneurship was decided the moment I learned I could make a dollar off a braided bracelet in elementary school. The power to make my own money meant I could do my own thing, and I always wanted to get paid to be myself.

High Herstory: What is your favorite part about running your business?

Alexis :The challenges and problem solving really get me hyped. I love stressing out, crying, and chipping away only to find myself breaking through what felt like a steel wall. Now more than ever, we are all connected to our phones working for someone else’s dream. We aren’t given many challenges to solve, and I truly believe this is the root of most of our collective depression. We are meant to build with our hands, get in and get dirty, and figure shit out.I also love meeting new people. I thrive off networking. I go to a networking event almost every week and I challenge myself with something new each time

High Herstory: What has been your biggest challenge in business so far? How did you overcome it?

Alexis: Visuals. When I first launched Rosebud, I was not in a good place with visuals of the brand. I am still very much struggling with what this brand looks like. Rather than digging myself deeper and deeper searching for the answer, I decided to keep it simple, let the product speak for itself, and hopefully the visuals will continue to appear and evolve. In the cannabis industry, credit card processing and banking is a pain. They nickel and dime you left and right. The processor I am using now is great, but expensive. I am actually shopping for other options and believe the more the industry advances the more options we will have. I pay roughly 10% a swipe when all is said and done. That is not sustainable when other industries are paying a standard 2.5% or less.

High Herstory: What is the best piece of business advice you can give us?

Alexis: Oh man, just one?! I am going to give two! (1) Everyone has an opinion, suggestion, direction, and a million ways they’d do it differently or better. I think most of us who own businesses think this way - how would we do that better or differently? While these comments usually come from a well-intended place, it’s usually when these suggestions are in your face every day that make it hard to see your own vision. Find your lane, pave it the way you want, and always follow your gut.(2) Get started. Wherever you are with whatever you have, get started.

High Herstory: How do you feel that women are shaping the cannabis business community?

Alexis: Women are powerhouses and this is an exciting time for us. As a new industry, we have the opportunity to open the door to collaboration, friendly competition, and to realize there is enough space in the market for all of us. And that market is up for grabs for anyone.Women have the opportunity to step in and lay the ground rules for this industry. When we come together we are a force to be reckoned with, and I have experienced that with industry women in NYC.I have seen women in cannabis stand strong against the bro culture we have all played along with and no longer want to be a part of. You have publications like Broccoli Magazine calling out the wrong doings of businesses that we all support, such as: Select CBD CEO and founder’s allegations of rape and Med Men’s anti-immigration donations.We have female-focused companies like: Ladies of Paradise, MJLifestyle, Girls Who Say Fuck, and so many more that are redefining the cannabis culture. There are so many women changing the imagery, products, and information we use, consume, and understand: Stonedware Company, SVN Space, Chelsea Leyland, Miss Grass, Love and Destroy … I could keep going!

Women Spies You Didn't Know About: History's Unknown Black Female Spies

When most people think of spies, they think of James Bond, Jason Bourne, and Jack Bauer. However, women have been the backbone of the intelligence community for years, fighting for equality and recognition. In the 1940s, when the CIA was first created, women took on a large role, including recruiting spies, translating letters, and analyzing intelligence. In fact, there were more women than men in the early CIA. Black women have made vital contributions to the cause of freedom and liberty, and they've done so in the face of oppression. Here are some Black female spies that history books have likely forgotten about.

Josephine Baker 

Born into poverty in St. Louis Missouri, Baker would become a vaudeville star, fashion Icon, civil rights activist, and a spy for the French Resistance during world war 2. What a trail blazer! Josephine’s celebrity was the ideal cover for her espionage work. She possessed social power and was already traveling all over Europe. Whether she was a performer or celebrity guest, she would attend diplomatic parties and events, collecting intelligence about the movements of Nazi troops. She would pin the information to notes on her underwear knowing they would not dare search her at the border. She sometimes worked with fellow secret agent Jaques Abtey, who pretended to be her assistant and recorded information in invisible ink on her sheet music. When the Nazi’s became suspicious, Josephine fled France for Portugal. Baker was awarded both the Croix de Guerre and the Médaille de la Resistance for her service.

Mary Jane Richards

Mary Richards aka Mary Bowser aka Richmonia Richards used so many aliases throughout her work as a spy during the civil war, that her true name still lies in dispute. She was born into slavery and then freed in her youth by Elizabeth Van Lew and her mother. It is believed she received an education in New Jersey, and she even traveled as a missionary to Liberia; we know this because 5 years later she was arrested during her return to the United States. Mary was charged under a law in Virginia that prohibited educated blacks from entering the state. Elizabeth Van Lew eventually heard of the arrest and posted her bail. Elizabeth Van Lew was a wealthy Virginian who also happened to run an espionage circle called the Union Underground. It’s important to note that Mary was born with a photographic memory and used that to create aliases to move about after her arrest. Elizabeth soon recruited Mary to become a spy. Mary Bowser infiltrated the home of Jefferson Davis, the confederate president, posing as an uneducated servant in the southern white house. While cleaning up after Davis, she would memorize all his sensitive documents and report back to Van Lew. She was perhaps one of the most integral parts of the spy ring. After the war, she would go on to open schools for free people and toured the country giving lectures on her time as a spy.

Unnamed Wife and Dabney

Unfortunately, many women are lost to history because nobody recorded their names. But that doesn’t mean we can’t honor the actions that we do know about. Our Unnamed Wife escaped slavery with her husband, Dabney, during the Civil War. They made it together to the Union Army Camp in Rappahannock, Virginia. Dabny relayed information he had gathered while serving as a cook to the confederate soldiers. Our unnamed women volunteered to re-enter the South and pose as a washerwoman for a prominent general. She would memorize important information while working at his headquarters using a secret communication code she developed through the clothing she carefully positioned and hung on the laundry line. What incredible courage and smarts!

Activists and founders of cannabis brand, PussyWeed

Pussy & Weed are obviously High History’s favorite combo, so naturally we love PussyWeed. With their mission of safety and fellowship in the cannabis space, it’s clear to see why they have made such an impact on the New York cannabis community. Education, advocacy and community through incredible content and normalization are at the heart of their mission. You will also love PussyWeed’s groovy grinders, stash jars, hats and limited edition candles that recycle to become a sleek new stash jar with a bamboo lid!  We loved learning more about PussyWeed and how they are growing as a brand.

High Herstory: First things first, tell us a little bit about the inspiration for your name.

PussyWeed: In the fall of 2016, the three of us were heading into our senior year of college at Barnard and NYU. Most of our late night conversations those days revolved around gender, policy and who was going to pick up weed next. Together we felt the need to destigmatize women in the context of cannabis and felt empowered in our use of the word “pussy”. And with a name like PussyWeed, you won’t forget it.

High Herstory: How did you decide that you wanted to go public with your consumption and create something to help burn the stigma? 

PussyWeed: We sold out of our first batch of t-shirts with our logo so quickly that we had a feeling we were on to something. Friends of friends of friends were reaching out to us on social media to thank us for spreading the word and burning the stigma. We started small, in our dorm room, and since graduation we haven’t looked back.

High Herstory: We love your merch, particularly your hats and postcards, which feature handmade illustrations and are limited to 100 prints each. Tell us a bit about the artists you work with!

PussyWeed: Each artist we worked with on the cards has their own different little story.

The current postcards we carry are from Mia Ohki and M Erazo
. Mia was the first person we ever cold emailed from PussyWeed, and she was super into the idea of being a part of this series! She is a Japanese Canadian artist and does a lot of work on intentional consumption.

We met the talented M Erazo at a *weed* party in Brooklyn back in the day. Under the name Emulsify, they create art that helps them heal, learn, advocate, and imagine new worlds. We are so honored to have such incredible artists join our postcard series!

High Herstory: Advocacy is a core pillar of PussyWeed. Other than joining your mailing list to stay up to date on news and education, how do you suggest our audience get involved with legalization and community efforts?

The first thing we always say is to find out who your local representatives are. Then see where they stand on current cannabis bills in your area; it’s usually listed on their websites. Sending them an email or a letter voicing your support on certain bills goes a long way. Other than that make sure you know your facts. Check out @cannaclusive they are an incredible resource for education and are always organizing different community events. The last thing you want is to spread misinformation or to use your voice for the wrong things. Having the ability to speak openly about cannabis is a privilege so don’t take that for granted.

High Herstory: Other than by following you on social media, how can we best support you right now?

Subscribe to our newsletter! It’s our hidden gem. We do a bi-monthly policy roundup, stoner astrology and shout out different folks we think y’all would love.You can also find our shop at www.pussyweed.org ! We just launched our new candles (that become stash jars) to promote sustainability within cannabis, and they make your house all cozy.

Home Baked: My Mom, Marijuana, and the Stoning of San Francisco Author, Alia Volz, opens up about what it was like to grow up with parents who made medical marijuana history.

Alia Volz is the author of the new memoir Home Baked: My Mom, Marijuana, and the Stoning of San Francisco (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2020), winner of the Golden Poppy Award for Nonfiction from the California Independent Bookseller Alliance and finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award in Autobiography. 

She’s a homegrown San Franciscan. Her work has been published in The Best American Essays, The New York Times, Bon Appetit, Salon, and The Best Women’s Travel Writing. Her family story has been featured on Snap Judgement, Criminal, and NPR’s Fresh Air.

Alia has received fellowships from MacDowell and the Ucross Foundation and has twice been awarded the Oakley Hall Memorial Scholarship from the Squaw Valley Community of Writers.

However, Alia didn’t grow up like the average kid – she grew up with parents who believed in the magic of cannabis edibles, long before it was cool, and way before it was legal.

We caught up with Alia in advance of the release of the paperback version of her book, Home Baked: My Mom, Marijuana, and the Stoning of San Francisco, on 4/20. Learn more about Alia, her upbringing, and how her story is important to cannabis history by reading our interview below.

High Herstory. Your mom, Meridy, began Sticky Fingers Brownies: a cannabis edibles business that boomed during the 70s and 80s, when weed was much more illicit, and definitely not regulated. What did her business risks teach you about going after your own career dreams?

Alia Volz: My mom is one of the hardest-working people you’ll encounter. She makes her own luck. I don’t like to use the word “manifestation,” because this isn’t about dreaming or meditating something into existence. It’s about determination, hustle, bold moves, and creative thinking. If the infrastructure doesn’t exist for what my mom wants to do, she builds it herself. She became a cannabusiness pioneer by not letting anyone else dictate what she could or couldn’t do.

These are invaluable lessons for an author. Writers will hear “no” fifty times before a publisher says “yes.” It’s a career with few opportunities for success and many pitfalls. You have to build your own support system, work insane hours for little pay, and not let rejection blow you off course. Then, there are rare and wonderful moments when you can survey your progress and realize you’ve accomplished the impossible.

At one point, the family business was moving about 2,800 brownies per week. Did your family face any criminal penalties or scares during this time?

They never got busted, fortunately. There were close calls, like when undercover narcs sniffed around my mom’s customers in the Castro, but they managed to slide under the radar. I attribute this to a smart business model. The Sticky Fingers Brownies salespeople each developed delivery route through a particular neighborhood. Rather than selling to strangers on the street, they catered to regulars on the job—people who worked in cafes, boutiques, medical offices, florists, etc. Most customers bought dozens every week—and then distributed them through their own social circles. The brownies circulated widely, but very few people knew where they came from. The cops never figured it out.

My folks also believed in hiding in plain sight. They dressed flamboyantly. Especially my dad, who sometimes looked like an early club kid. Their thinking was that if they drew attention to themselves, they would appear to have nothing to hide. Undoubtedly, racial privilege also played a role. A pretty white woman with a baby stroller wasn’t perceived as an obvious suspect. Had we been a family of color, things might have ended differently.

How did your mom pivot from serving hippies to caring for sick AIDS patients with cannabis edibles? 

Alia Volz: Sticky Fingers launched in 1976, so the flower children had already gone to seed. New creative and activist movements were proliferating. My mom’s strongest client base was always with the LGBTQ+ community flourishing in the Castro. 

When HIV-AIDS began to rampage around 1981, longtime friends and customers started getting sick. There wasn’t an effective pharmaceutical treatment until late 1995, so people were desperate for relief. Cannabis wasn’t going to cure AIDS, of course, but it eased some of the worst symptoms. Since my mom already had strong distribution channels within the LGBTQ+ community, the shift to palliative care came naturally.

High Herstory: There are many challenges growing up as the child of illicit business owners: mainly distancing yourself from peers who may put your family’s freedom at risk. What advice would you give parents in risky industries who are raising children, while also not being ashamed of their work?

Alia Volz: If your kids have to keep secrets in public, make sure they experience openness at home. Home should be a refuge where the child can let it all hang out and know they are loved, valued, and respected. My parents never disguised the nature of their business—or the fact that it was illegal. They were proud to work in cannabis. Yes, it was a secret, but there was no shame in it. Of course, it wasn’t always easy, especially during the Reagan-era drug war. I struggled to make friends, and there were moments when I wished we were a “normal” family. But honesty and intimacy within the cannabis community helped compensate for having to be guarded around other kids.

High Herstory: Your parents were spiritual. Do you have any cannabis spirituality practices of your own?

Alia Volz: Nope. Maybe it’s my small way of rebelling against my family.

Your new book, Home Baked: My Mom, Marijuana, and the Stoning of San Francisco is coming out in paperback on 4/20 of this year! What was the driver for you to come out with this book last year (in hardcover) during this changing time? 

Alia Volz: Cannabis history is thick with hidden stories like the one I tell in Home Baked. The nature of prohibition meant that many of the crucial developments along the path toward legalization happened in secret. These are fabulous, epic stories! Who’s going to preserve them for posterity?

I chipped away at Home Baked for years. But it was during the lead-up to the 2016 election—when my home state of California legalized adult recreational use—that I shifted into high gear. In the debates I heard around legalization, I noticed that the legacy of HIV-AIDS activists in the cannabis world was being forgotten. This felt like a kind of erasure. In truth, we would not have today’s access without the labor and balls-out bravery of people who were literally fighting for their lives during the crisis. Having grown up embedded in that movement, I realized I held a vital piece of the story. 

High Herstory: Are you reclaiming the word “outlaw”?

Alia Volz: My mom styled herself as a Robin Hood figure – someone who broke unjust laws to do what she believed was right. I do think there’s power in that. Living as an outsider forces you to think critically and develop your own moral compass. You have a different awareness of power dynamics than most people. You don’t look to society to dictate what’s right or wrong; those are personal decisions made according to your own values. Looking back now, I’m grateful I was raised to think for myself.