Breaking the negative stigma of cannabis is a joint effort. That’s why we’ve created this new interview series, ‘Breaking The Stigma,’ in which we interview women in the cannabis space who are doing their part.
Today we speak with Tsehaitu Abye, an Ethiopian American strategist and connector, who works with entrepreneurs and communities to design progressive systems that deliver on ideas in the cannabis industry, and the founder of the cannabis event series, Black Dragon Breakfast Club.
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Miss M. : How did you first discover cannabis and what did you think about it at
the time?
Tsehaitu: My parents are intellectual freedom fighting people of color. I grew up in a very alternative and spiritual setting as a child. My father is an Ethiopian historian- a revolutionary committed to social justice for Africa and the Diaspora.
Cannabis is a part of that. My mother is a teacher, historian and wellness guru with an extensive history in social movements and creativity.
Combine these people with the black hippie movement of the 80s and you get me: Tsehaitu Amlak-Om Abye. I grew up naive to cannabis. Matter of fact, I never saw it once a day in my life except for once.
Miss M. : Do you have a story about how you started using cannabis in your health
and wellness journey?
Tsehaitu: Throughout my youth I lived between Philadelphia and Hawaii. I was raised to be a good girl. There wasn’t the slightest chance of me consuming any type of cannabis, alcohol, boys, meat or sugar for that matter.
By the time my entire family moved back to Hawaii, I was 15, an older sister to two girls and the daughter to a single mother. Times were hard and I probably bottled up most of my pain inside.
I remember being very angry as a child. Extremely moody and always using food for comfort. I wished my body matched my super healthy vegetarian lifestyle. Unfortunately, depression does not disappear. Little did I know, I was self healing.
The information my mother passed on to me about mantras, meditation, trauma, pain, love, gurus, creativity and wellness were all coming together to push me out of depression and into a new life.
It wasn’t until I turned 18 and headed to the University of Hawaii at Manoa that I tried cannabis for the first time. Cannabis was part of my wellness journey. During that time, I would run up the hills of Manoa Valley and bike to Waikiki. I was hiking and learning how to swim all with cannabis consumption. Perhaps the beauty of Hawaii made it even better.
Miss M.: How do you currently incorporate cannabis into your health and wellness
routine?
Tsehaitu: Well, first I’ve had to acknowledge wellness is an ongoing process and that health is just as important. I incorporate cannabis for mental health, sleep, and anxiety. I don’t trust American medicine. I was raised with herbs, garlic, enemas and organic foods.
Meaning there is a real fear, knowing black females are not protected in this country has forced me to learn how to take care of myself. To be very honest, consciously using cannabis for health and wellness has forced me to take a deeper look at myself to fiercely face my personal pains and traumas.
If I do this, I can be more intentional about my cannabis use and an even better support to those who know less about the plant and it’s benefits.
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Miss M. : What’s the most significant way cannabis has changed your life?
Tsehaitu: The industry of cannabis has changed my life in ways I’m only now becoming present to. For the most part, my relationship with cannabis has been a bit shameful. I live in two worlds.
One world consumes and doesn’t judge while the other judges and maybe consumes. Cannabis is pushing me to re-evaluate my identity and my story. Whereas in the past, my story was dictated by obstacles, laws, and fear of the inevitable, my story now is unique, interesting and worth sharing. The paradigm shift is real.
Miss M. : Why do you want to help break the negative stigma of cannabis? Why is this important to you?
Tsehaitu: I want to help break the stigma of cannabis because I have to. Just like I have to break the stigma of black women. My opportunities are limited because of stigma. My family and my friends are negatively impacted by the stigma of cannabis.
People die because of stigma. I am not one to see and do nothing. As a trained labor organizer, I know what it takes to push a movement forward and so I will. If not for me, for you. The one who cannot speak up.
Miss M. : What are you currently doing to help break the stigma? Any projects? Outreach? Influence?
Tsehaitu: Many things. The negative stigma of cannabis is as bad as the stigma about black people and women so I’ve made myself the face of cannabis in Philadelphia. My aim is to create a culture that represents my values of integrity, community, leadership and love.
Most of us complain about what doesn’t exist rather than create a space for the future. “Lead with water” is how I plan to reverse the negative stigma of cannabis. You see, my life path is a 6 and I’m a sag with a Taurus rising. Whatever I do, must have great purpose and positively impact people. I’m the bullet and the trigger.
I am a content creator. First, I activate brands and create content for digital and print, with a rotating team of creatives. “Change the perception”, is a photo shoot series highlighting cannabis products, creatives and Dragons. I’m currently drafting a tv/web series focused on budding cannabis Leaders and Dragons. Maybe High Times and Issa Rae can join us.
I am a musician. Second, I’m a singer songwriter currently working on an album with cannabis as the theme. The first song is titled “Backwoods” confronting my over consumption and eventually transition to hemp cigars. This is another opportunity to connect creatives to cannabis brands.
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I create events. Third, The Rise and Grind is typically a daytime networking social for cannabis Leaders and Dragons. We recently completed a VIP brand activation highlighting 15 local ancillary brands at the 2019 Roots Picnic. We ended with an invite only Weekend Rise and Grind with music from Atlanta producer: FlwrChyld.
Btw, Are you a Dragon? A Dragon is a creative, progressive and industrious supporter who believes in an equitable shame-free opportunity rich cannabis industry. Here I invite new artisans and established brands to vend or activate their brand.
Cannabis Leaders are invited to meet others industry professionals, build relationships, workshop and learn. Dragons are welcomed to socialize, discover and connect in a safe cannabis space.
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Fourth, I’m a Cannabis Business Consultant committed to creating collective communities. I offer services in accountability coaching, brand activation, partnerships, social equity and inclusion, strategy and artist management. Connecting consumers and creatives to cannabis brands, one activation at a time.
Miss M. : Where do you want to see the cannabis movement go in the next five
years?
Tsehaitu: I want the movement to spread through the small forgotten towns of America. Where sick and isolated folk don’t know the progress that has happened in the cannabis movement.
I want to see Cresco invest in black boys and girls. We need a day of action and celebration to acknowledge the terror brought to so many peoples’ lives. A global apology and a commitment to reverse and mend the tragedies caused due to the criminalization of cannabis.
Health and wellness must be at the forefront of the cannabis movement. The health of Americans has to change starting with a global shift to alternative medicine. Unfortunately, I see the cannabis movement being used as a pawn over the next five years due to the lack of accessible and accurate information.
I want to see a national cannabis Coalition that is predominantly of color. I want to see cannabis stocks owned by minorities and women. I want to see the proven benefits of cannabis announced to the world. I want to see poor communities infused with the resources they deserve to build generational wealth and legacy.
Miss M. : How do you suggest other people can get involved in helping destigmatize cannabis?
Tsehaitu: Speak up at the dinner table, when you’re in meetings or at that event and the hosts asks for questions from the audience. Be the whistle blower, the old ball out. Make your voice and reasons why be heard!
Boldly make yourself the face of the local movement and become the thought leader you wish you had. Find the courage and strength to be fearless for the ones who are listening.
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You never know who needs your words of advice and knowledge. Many people are living in fear, shame and pain because of the fear of getting targeted, arrested, shamed, judged. How can Cannabis be so bad? But then again, how could black people be so bad….
Miss M. : What advice do you have for people who want to try using cannabis to heal but are afraid?
Tsehaitu: Start small and with a friend. First try Hemp derived CBD. Then if you have access, obtain cannabis derived CBD. I recommend experiencing THC in very small doses, no more than 5mg at a time. In a joint or in a beverage. Preferably tea, coffee or fresh squeezed juice.
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Shortly after consumption, write down all your reasons for why you think cannabis is good, then write all the reasons why you think cannabis is bad. Read clinical studies and research specific strains that are used for critical medical conditions. Keep your mind open and remember, cannabis is medicine. You have been tricked into believing it is for crazies and criminals.
As the founder of a Black Dragon Breakfast Club, Tsehaitu reconstructs tired cultural narratives into safe curated experiences that re-imagine the cannabis industry with marginalized communities at the forefront, thus de-stigmatizing the narrative that is often associated with these groups.
Tsehaitu has worked with national brands and organizations including Unite Here, AFT, Change to Win, The Sable Collective, SXSW, Reshma Saujani, The Roots Picnic, DACO, CanMyster, LEVO, Hamilton Cannagars and HempedNYC. To find out more about Tsehaitu, visit her on Instagram.
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