The road to growing cannabis isn’t always a miraculous or glorified one. A lot of times people seek cannabis as a last resort. It’s because a vast majority of us still have reservations, mistaking the healing properties of cannabis as an excuse for cannabis users to get high. Plant mama Tiffany was no stranger to this. After loosing both her grandmother and dog to disease she became more interested in getting involved in the growing side of the cannabis industry in her hometown, Oakland.
From working the front desk at a local dispensary to tending to her own homegrown cannabis crops, Tiffany describes growing cannabis as being something anyone can do. And should do. It certainly helps alleviate some of costs of high taxed regulated cannabis. And absolutely allows cannabis users to develop a deeper appreciation for the plant. “I think everyone who medicates, should get to a point where they can grow their own plants. We all have different ailments and reasons why we medicate. Why not learn to grow something specifically for your own needs?â€
What if our health care system was centered around our self-care system and regimens? Cannabis creates a shift in paradigm, where no one patient is treated the same. Instead of getting prescribed a medicine, you’re prompted to take your health and wellness into your own hands. With that approach in mind, there are endless possibilities. It’s a gateway to all plant medicine and all the beauty of know yourself better than ever before.
Green Goddess Glow: What inspired you to start growing cannabis?
I started working in the industry around 2014. I received a job as a receptionist and helped open a beautiful and fun dispensary in Oakland. Telegraph Health Center, known to the real ones as THC, gave me the opportunity to learn and meet so many people. I wanted to help people and work on healing each other with this beautiful plant. After 4 years working in a dispensary, I moved away for my career and then Cannabis was legalized. Prices went up and it felt like the perfect time to start my growing journey. I also think it is important to grow your own “produce†if you can.
I think everyone who medicates, should get to a point where they can grow their own plants. We all have different ailments and reasons why we medicate. Why not learn to grow something specifically for your own needs?
GGG: What does growing your own cannabis do for you? Do you consider it a form of self-care?
It gives me a responsibility to take care of another living thing. It allows me to save money. It gives me a chance to watch something grow in my own personal “garden.†It’s very satisfying to not depend on someone else to give you what you need. Definitely think it can be looked at, as a form of self-care.
GGG: The biggest challenge with growing cannabis has been…
Having patience, learning what exactly to do, and making time for it. You have to make time, and if you have a busy schedule, that can be difficult—especially since I grow indoors.
GGG: The most rewarding thing about growing cannabis has been…
Knowing exactly where it came from.
Also, sharing my journey with others who love this plant. I know a good amount of farmers and when one of them was excited to see my journey and offered assistance, it truly made it more exciting. This plant brings people together, not apart.
GGG: Tell us about yourself and how cannabis fits into your lifestyle.
I’m a woman who suffers at times from not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep. Sometimes it’s hard to relax and to tame my anxiety. Cannabis has helped. If I am being honest though, the reason I am in this industry, is to help others. I lost one of my Grandmothers a few years ago, and she was only 65. I feel this plant could’ve helped her and maybe kept her here a little longer. Maybe, she would’ve stopped taking so many prescription pills, and being reliant on them. I felt like I learned about the benefits and all that this plant can do too late. I wish I could’ve used it on my pup that passed away three months after her. One night, he woke my step dad up to go outside to pee, circled around and fell over. Two seizures or two strokes, the Vets couldn’t tell. But it changed him and they put him down. Said he might not of recovered. I’m sad that he died in pain. I truly feel in my heart, this plant would have made them more comfortable and not in pain. I was just too late. But since I am still here, I can help others now, and educate them and get them what they need.
Working in the dispensary, I witnessed people get better and healthier. People who needed canes, no longer needed them with the assistance of CBD. Folks with major pains from surgery or whatever else used edibles or tinctures. There’s so many ways to medicate and take care of ourselves. You don’t HAVE to smoke. And that’s exactly why we do this, to educate and help others find a to implement into their lifestyle. If I can help the fight to encourage people to transition from pharmaceuticals to cannabis, I will be saving lives. That’s what I am here for and that’s how it fits into my lifestyle.