A collective of five women is determined to reclaim cannabis from criminal organizations. They cultivate the plant in a confidential location, running a successful small business that sells various cannabis-based products. Contrary to their appearance, these women are not affiliated with the Catholic Church or any religious group; they are part of the Sisters of the Valley, an international organization established in 2014 with a mission to advocate for the therapeutic potential of cannabis.
Sister Kika, the group's "church" secretary, acknowledges the curiosity their presence generates, particularly when seen as nuns with a joint or at events like marijuana expos. They leverage this attention to convey their intended message while clarifying that they harbor no opposition towards any religion.
Engagement in the cannabis industry has strained relationships within their families, echoing a larger societal stigma they strive to combat—especially in Mexico, a nation deeply entrenched in Christianity and plagued by drug-related conflicts. Consequently, their business in Mexico generates only a fraction of the revenue compared to their counterparts in the U.S.
Sister Bernardet highlights the challenges they face in Mexico, where legality concerns force them to operate discreetly, unlike their legally recognized counterparts in California. Operating in a legal gray area within Mexico, where much of the cannabis production remains linked to criminal entities, poses threats of potential extortion or harm from law enforcement, politicians, or local criminal groups if their whereabouts are exposed.
Despite these risks, the Sisters frequently travel to Mexico City, advocating for complete legalization and conducting educational workshops encompassing diverse topics, ranging from cannabis-infused product preparation to the scientific intricacies of the plant.
Sister Bernardet emphasizes their activism with the plant, aiming to eradicate stigma and reclaim cannabis from criminal associations. Their ultimate goal is the legalization of cannabis, believing it will eliminate the violent aspects associated with its production and distribution. They advocate for the allowance of self-cultivation for personal use, asserting that they consume what they grow, steering clear of purchasing cannabis from criminal entities and producing their medicinal products from their cultivated plants.
Their efforts have begun to change minds, especially within their close circles, gradually dispelling taboos associated with cannabis even within their own families. Sister Kika notes that sharing her learnings from expos has helped her family shed preconceived notions about the plant, fostering open conversations about it among her relatives.
sources: https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/mexico-drugs-nuns/
