Welcome to Living in the Weeds, a series that explores the experiences of #neurodivergent people who consume cannabis.
In today’s episode, Lucy and Jessica continue conversing with Jamila Hogan, aka Jay Mills. She is a cannabis entrepreneur, content creator, educator, author, and community organizer.
We talk about:
- Jay’s annual women’s retreat in Jamaica, and how she selects the cannabis strains for participants
- Which strains Jay prefers to help her relax, lower stress, and manage her anxiety
- Terpenes! Which terpenes Jay likes, which ones she doesn’t, and why
- The sensory experience of rolling a joint and why it’s everyone’s preferred smoking method
- Cannabis as a creative tool versus cannabis as a medicinal tool
Why I Love This Episode with Jay Mills
Jamaican Dreams and Cannabis Streams
Our conversation kicks off with reminiscing about an unforgettable trip to Jamaica. Picture this: a bar lined with jars, each containing strains of cannabis as diverse as the island itself. Jamila, with her entrepreneurial flair, walks us through the selection process. It’s not just about the high – it’s about the terpenes. The scents, the flavors, the experience; it’s an art, and Jay’s our expert guide. Lucy has attended one of these retreats before and she shares that it was so transformative, she’s going again this year. Prior to talking to Jay, an all-women’s wellness retreat was not on my bucket list but you can bet it is now.
In this part of the conversation, Jay talks about how her neurodivergent symptoms can appear, and how she uses cannabis and mushrooms to manage. One of my favorite pieces of the conversation happens when Lucy admits she’s never noticed these at a retreat, and Jay shares that Lucy has helped her get out of these moments without even realizing it!
Cannabis isn’t just a recreational choice for Jay – it’s medicine. Managing anxiety, PTSD, and stress becomes a deeply personal experience, and I can’t help but be moved by Jay’s candid sharing.
Terpenes: The Symphony of Cannabis
Lucy, Jay, and I delve into the magic of terpenes. It’s one of Lucy’s favorite questions to ask, and Jay came prepared (didn’t you notice she was wearing a terpenes shirt?) Jay highlights limonene and caryophyllene as two of her favorites, and she and Lucy compare and contrast their experiences with limonene and pinenes.
It’s not just about the effects; it’s about the dance of flavors and aromas that elevate the cannabis experience. We’re not just smoking; we’re embarking on a sensory adventure.
Rolling Joints and Sensory Rituals
This episode brings a special moment where Lucy and I light up with a guest for the first time. Jay shares our love for joints, for the ritualist side of smoking cannabis. Sitting with these women, smoking together and laughing about our shared love for the plant was a truly special moment.
From the joy of rolling joints to the sensory delight of smelling and touching the green goodness, it’s a celebration of the holistic experience. It’s not just about smoking; it’s a beautiful ritual that engages all the senses.
Cannabis: A Creative Superpower
Jay is an incredibly creative women. This is evidenced in her business ventures, her retreats to Jamaica, her books, and in her approach to this conversation. So of course the conversation turned to cannabis as a catalyst for creativity.
The conversation transcends the recreational as we explore cannabis as a muse for creativity. Jay shares how cannabis has been her partner in the creative process, a tool for navigating life’s challenges, and a source of patience and presence. It’s not just about getting high; it’s about tapping into a superpower that aids in making dreams a reality. Cannabis as a muse for creativity is something I can relate to, and I know others can as well.
Cannabis, through Jay’s eyes, becomes more than just a plant; it becomes a companion on life’s journey. To everyone out there intrigued by the intertwining paths of cannabis and neurodivergence, this episode is a must-listen.
Wonderful interview