What does it take to shake off a lifetime of shame around cannabis? In this deeply personal conversation, Ray, Bee, and Kyla open up about their earliest experiences with the plant and the stigma that kept them silent for years.

From growing up in countries where cannabis use meant death penalties or jail time, to navigating parenthood, professional reputations, and internalised fear, this episode goes deep into what it means to use the plant and still feel judged for it.

We talk about finding language, finding confidence, and eventually finding community. This episode is a reminder that education is powerful, but so is conversation. And when we tell the truth about our relationship with the plant, we help others feel less alone.

Whether you’re still whispering about your use, or proudly rolling joints at dinner parties, this one is for you.

Content Note:

This episode includes discussion of drug-related stigma, global drug policies, parenting, and cannabis use. Listener discretion advised.

In this episode, we cover:

• How growing up under the War on Drugs shaped our beliefs
• Cannabis stigma across cultures, from Singapore to Australia to the Middle East
• What it’s like to be a mother who uses cannabis
• Why conversations with kids matter
• How cannabis compares to alcohol and pharmaceuticals
• Why so many women are quietly quitting alcohol
• Where to find (or build) community as a cannabis user
• The missing social spaces for conscious consumption
• How to start talking about the plant, with friends, family, and yourself

Bee Mohamed has worked in health policy for over 10 years, both in the public and private sectors. Bee was the inaugural CEO of ScriptWise, a health promotion charity addressing prescription medication addiction and overdose in Australia.

Bee is passionate about patient advocacy and working towards better drug policy reforms in Australia. She is currently an Ambassador for Harm Reduction Australia and Founder of Mata, an online platform sharing stories from the plant medicine industry.

You can find her storytelling at @mata_gathering

Ray Steele is a storyteller and connector, finding her path in this work through involvement in social responsibility, agroecology, regenerative and bioregional projects for over 10 years. She is a passionate living systems advocate.

After 15 years of severe migraines, a return to natural therapies offered her relief and heightened awareness of the interconnectedness between healing and living systems.

You can find her @ray.steele

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Disclaimer:
We are not doctors, and this is not medical advice. Everything shared here is based on our personal lived experiences and the stories of others. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or wellness routine.