My Story

Words by Nadia Ibanez

I read somewhere a long time ago that your body’s cells change every seven years. Scientifically, you’re supposed to be a new person. Physically, spiritually, and mentally, I’ve seen a change within myself. I don’t remember all of the details but I’ve definitely felt at least two transformations since my early 20s. Most recently, this transformation of how I see the world and how I see myself shifted because I’ve incorporated cannabis into my life.

Cannabis was never an interest to me until about a year and a half ago. I went all through high school and college thinking pot was lame and for people that I didn’t associate myself with. I didn’t understand it and the thought of inhaling smoke on a regular basis seemed damaging to me. But one night, cannabis found me and I haven’t really looked back since.

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My former roommate had just gotten back from a road trip to Oregon and he came back with some really quality flower. He also wasn’t a regular user but he decided to try it for himself. I was hesitant when he offered it to me. But I trusted him, we were at home, and I was comfortable. My roommates and I smoked out of a cheap pipe he got from the dispensary and we sat outside and chatted about who knows what.

It was at that moment that I realized we were bonded and cannabis connected us. That night spurred us into many more nights of going deep into conversations about our life, watching visually stimulating movies, eating so many snacks, and entertaining ourselves in a manner that was so foreign to me. I didn’t totally understand the effects of cannabis, but I knew that it was opening up all sorts of doors.

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I medicate on a frequent basis now. I’m tending to my insomnia without taking sleeping pills or drinking alcohol. My stress and anxiety level is manageable now. I’ve made friends out of strangers because I’ve shared a joint and conversations with them. I’ve spoken with other users and seen how their usage has cultivated a new passion. I’m working to become part of the cannabis community in the Bay Area.

Cannabis has helped form me into the woman I am today. It’s helped me to see who I really am. It’s been there when I needed a creative release after a really intense day at work. It’s a little treat for me when I have an entire Saturday to myself where all I want to do is walk around the city and explore outside. And more importantly, it’s helped me process thoughts and come up with alternative solutions to issues I’ve been dealing with.

If you’ve met me in real life, you probably get a sense of my “hippie” or “bohemian” lifestyle. I love to be outdoors; I love talking to people and I think I’m really good at getting people together. I love wandering a new neighborhood and “going where the wind takes me” because I know whatever is on the side is going to be wonderful. I have an incredible and positive outlook on life and I think that shows.

I savor the time I have by myself because it resets me. And when left to my own devices, a cup of coffee and a joint are always the makings for adventure. If you’ve never met me and need some sort of visual for who I am as a person, consider me some sort of modern day Disney princess, minus all that damsel in distress bullshit.

I take moments out of my day to smell the roses or admire a succulent garden in my neighborhood. I notice when I’m being followed by a butterfly or a dog because I’ve learned how to be more present. I find significance and meaning in song lyrics. I try with all of my power to listen when people are speaking instead of just hearing their words. I tear up because I’m so happy with the life I’ve created.

Lastly, my writing style is transforming. I’ve been writing professionally since 2006. I wrote for fancy print magazines about luxury lifestyles, spa days, and beachside real estate. I’ve managed magazines, other writers, photographers, and the like to produce deliverables that weren’t always 100% me or what I stand for. I’ve had to follow other people’s rules when it comes to oxford commas, AP Style, headers, word counts and search engine optimization.

And now, I want to do it my way – with this blog.

My last few pieces on Wander Magazine have been some of my favorite because they were influenced by my cannabis use. I first wrote about my usage when I went to a cannabis cooking class in Oakland. My story about my recent trek on the Inca Trail in Peru was sparked because I was so stoned while watching the TV show mentioned in my story. I was fully engulfed in that moment and saw my life outside of my body all while having a crazy breakthrough.

My creativity and passion for writing is blossoming and transforming. And this platform might be the best way to express my gratitude for the experiences that cannabis offers and intertwines with. I intend to use this blog as a way to share my experiences, connect with the community, and learn about myself and others.

I hope you enjoy it.