smoking weed
this incredible creative collaboration is brought to you by myself, kristin abigail, and lauren anderson from LE designs.
@thisiskristinabigail
@le.designs.mn
these phenomenal individuals whom we refer to as "the disruptors" are, just that; social disruptors, sparking change within the social fabric of minnesota at a very historically poignant time with the recent legalization (2023) of recreational weed.
the disruptors are the change-makers in our state: they are designers and they are scientists; they are small-business owners, and they are leaders in their field. they are makers and growers, they are healers and educators. and they all have this in common: they love weed.
meet the disruptors
anyone who operates professionally or non-professionally within the sphere of plant medicine like cannabis (or fungi medicine, like mushrooms), knows that it's going to take a lot more than legalization to de-stigmatize this ancient medicinal aid.
even as i write these words and opt to use the plant by it's name - the internet/google/meta/the government works against me through strict censorships.
the criminalization of weed in our country began in 1937. With a quick search of the names "Harry Anslinger" and "William Hearst", you ought to find loads of information discussing their racist campaigns, saturated with propaganda (lies) about the marijuana plant; this was always- and remains to this day- about keeping black and brown folks behind bars. (If you're looking for more education on the cannabis history in the United States, I highly recommend picking up a copy of The Emperor Wears No Clothes,(compiled and published in the 70s but Jack Herer) this is widely considered the "encyclopedia on hemp".
Herer writes a rigorous account of this plant and its various forms/qualities, including but not limited to: its medicinal uses, its uses in manufacturing, both of which date back centuries; Herer discusses hemps nutritional value, as well as its anti-erosion and soil healing qualities, and its incredible efficiency as a bio-fuel. A bibliography with printed copies of sited source materials/articles/studies is located at the end of the text.
the racist history and ongoing criminalization and stigmatization of this naturally occurring wonder of a plant is a largely untold narrative: as a white child growing up in the 90s, I was personally successfully brainwashed to believe that "marijuana was dangerous".
As a preteen, I was drawn to spending time with a group of immature ass boys. Their redeeming quality looking back being that they somewhat normalized the use of marijuana for me. I started to see it as relatively harmless, though saw it as creating a divide between my friends and I - little did I know my own stigmatizing of the plant was the divide.
So, when my friends smoked they'd do so without me around because they knew I didn't approve.
Fast-forward twenty years and I cannot get enough of this plant: in the literal sense, yes, as well as on a spiritual/mental level. I love love learning about this magical species!
In fact, I can say without a doubt that cannabis is solely responsible for bringing all of us together on this day to photograph the "Disruptors in Minnesota Cannabis: Minoritized Voices in Weed"
Let's meet them, shall we?
Associate Director DEI, University of Minnesota
@gayle.is.king
Tayanna Ahumada www.cultivatedglow.com
Natural Skincare & Wellness Small Business Owner, Cultivated Glow
@cultivatedglow
Kayla Fearing www.healingfearconsulting.com
Healthcare Cannabinoid Education Consultant, Healing Fear Consulting
@kfear11
@healingfearconsulting
Jordan Carpenter
Fashion Designer
Molly Jacobsen www.mjhabadashary.com
Hemp Farmer, MJ Habadashary
@mjhabadashary
Bronson Pe'a
Designer and Model
this stunning collection was made possible by our vendor team!
kristin vogt
co-creative director, stylist, videographer, collage art
lauren anderson
co-creative director, stylist, photographer
allison sheriff
floral designer, stylist, model
photographer
brooklyn kulla
makeup artist
brandon gutzmer
hair stylist
@freelancewolveshair
are you a small business owner interested in working together for your next project?
let's connect:
thank you for being here!
_
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