My relationship with the cannabis plant has been an interesting journey. I was prescribed in San Francisco a few years ago, but since then, I was in a situation where I had no legal access to the plant when I was in the UK. I spoke to the Independent about this in 2018. Campaigners and advocates for the plant, including myself, have been really vocal which eventually lead to legalisation of CBD back in November 2018.
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound extracted from the cannabis plant. It’s a naturally occurring substance that’s used in products like oils and edibles to impart a feeling of relaxation and calm. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it’s not psychoactive.
Earlier this year I spoke to The Evening Standard briefly about doing more in the cannabis space, and one of the initiatives I have been a part of is the development of an education and information resource called CBDecoded with entrepreneur Vishal Khakhar, which you can find at www.cbdecoded.com.
In essence, CBDecoded is a London-based, independent digital platform dedicated to enhancing the understanding and communication of the health and wellness benefits of the cannabis plant. The platform seeks to destigmatise and humanise the plant by also profiling individuals that have benefited from the plant around the world.
We know there are untold healing benefits of cannabis that are being rediscovered, we want to see what potential there is to harness the benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids to offer a more holistic approach to our health and well being.
In addition to that, I’ve just recorded a podcast called Blunt with Kristina Spionjak, and will be speaking at the Europe Cannabis Expo 2020 on the Culture and Diversity panel, as I want to reiterate the importance of compassion, equality and diversity particularly within the cannabis space which we have to ensure is a reflection of the plant itself and Mother Nature.
There’s a tendency in the legalisation process for a small minority to benefit greatly and for the disenfranchised, and essentially the on the ground caregivers, who have been sharing the plant “illegally” for many years to suffer during the legalisation process. We have seen this happen in the US and Canada and I think that in the UK we have the chance to make sure that the legalisation process is more intersectional and allows those that have been sharing the plant to also benefit from the process.
It’s something that we collectively need to ensure and always be aware of and remember that the plant is a divine female energy. Those leading the charge must respect that, and avoid it becoming another unfair and unjust patriarchal money maker.
If you’re just discovering the benefits of CBD, CBDecoded is the most robust resource of information about the health and wellness benefits of the plant in the UK, visit www.cbdecoded.com.