Episode 5 - Healing and Truth Were Foundational to Making Cannabis Legal

Welcome to Sessions by the Her(B) Life. We are back for season 2 with a new lineup of people who have made cannabis their business. Between advocates, industry professionals, influencers and creatives, we’ll be showcasing some of the industry's best and brightest in a new episode every Thursday.

This episode we welcome two passionate cannabis advocates and industry professionals, Emerald Asuncion and Abi Sampson.

Tune in to listen to Emerald and Abi as they discuss their experiences being women of colour in the cannabis space, intersectionality, the roots of cannabis legalisation, and the dedication of the industry pioneers who have paved the way for the legalisation of cannabis in Canada.

Through their conversation they highlight some of the pitfalls of the legalised industry, which has all but forgotten minorities and indigenous peoples in the race to get to the top.

Many view this industry as new and emerging, which is only true when we consider it in the mainstream context. Truthfully this road has been paved by a long list of activists and advocates for decades.

While recreationally legal cannabis is just over a year old, Emerald has worked in the space for more than 7 years starting with the BC compassion club in 2013. She now works as the communications and culture coordinator as Pasha Brands, which is itself a prohibition era brand house.

Abi Sampson, a slightly newer addition to space, has been working in cannabis since 2015. She is the Chair of the Dandelion Initiative, a grassroots not-for-profit organization providing support and advocating on behalf of survivors of sexual assault. She’s worked with NORML Canada, a cannabis advocacy group in Canada, is on the board for NICHE Canada, and is currently working as Client Care Specialist at Canopy Growth Corporation. She is also a determined representative of her Filipino roots, which you’ll hear more about in this session.

Some advice for this episode, if you’re a foodie like us, you’ll want to take notes around the 35 minute mark when these two get into blazing and Filipino food for the ultimate munchie indulgence.

The Her(b) Life Sessions podcast is committed to broadening the cannabis conversation by highlighting the women working in the industry. Each episode we have a new set of hosts discussing contemporary cannabis issues, giving you a direct line into the evolving cannabis landscape. Don’t miss out on the next Sessions episode and subscribe now.

This session is brought to you with the help of Sundial Cannabis, the natural alternative for modern wellness.

If you want to know more about this Sessions hosts you can find them via the below links.

Emerald Asuncion via her instagram @eme_liketheaward

Abi Sampson via her instagram @iamabisinstalife and twitter @HiHeidiHigh

Sessions, by Her(B) Life is a production of Blue Dream Media.

Produced by Tiyana Matliovski and Executive Producer, Gill Polard.