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In the heart of central Mexico, beneath the glow of each full moon, a group of women dressed as nuns gather together on the outskirts of a village. This unconventional sisterhood, known as the Sisters of the Valley, is not affiliated with any religion. Instead, they have dedicated themselves to spreading the gospel of the healing powers of cannabis. While the image of marijuana-smoking nuns may seem rebellious in a country ravaged by the drug war and deeply rooted in Christianity, these women are determined to challenge societal norms and take back the plant from criminal organizations.
The Sisters and their Sacred Rituals
Every month, the Sisters of the Valley come together to honor the moon, animals, and plants. They surround a roaring fire, purify themselves with the sacred smoke of burned sage, and express gratitude. But their rituals take an unconventional turn when they collectively inhale from a joint and blow clouds of marijuana smoke into the flames. This act symbolizes their deep connection with the healing properties of cannabis.
The Sisters, while cautious about revealing too much about their operations, frequently document their activities on social media platforms like Instagram. Their posts showcase their care for cannabis crops, workshops, and attendance at cannabis-related events. However, their presence in Mexico is starkly different from that in the United States, where they run a successful small business selling CBD tinctures, oils, and salves online, generating over $500,000 in revenue last year alone. In Mexico, their annual sales are a mere fraction of that amount, amounting to around $10,000.
The Challenges of Operating in Mexico
Operating in Mexico poses unique challenges for the Sisters of the Valley due to the country's religious and political context, as well as the illicit nature of much of the cannabis production. While the legalization of recreational marijuana has progressed in some US states, Mexico remains caught in a legal grey area. The plant's association with cartels adds an additional layer of complexity and danger to their operations.
To protect themselves from potential threats, the Sisters conduct their business from a covert two-story concrete false storefront with only one finished room. They are cautious about revealing the exact location of their operations, fearing the intervention of the police or local gangs seeking to extort or harm them. Bundles of marijuana discreetly dry in hidden crevices, such as a tucked-away laundry line or within the confines of a stove.
Sister Bernardet, one of the nuns, shares her insights on the unique challenges they face: "The Sisterhood is in a totally different context here in Mexico – because of how religious the country is and because of the plant’s ties to cartels." Sister Bernardet, who also works as a homeopathic practitioner, prescribes marijuana to her patients suffering from cancer, joint pain, and insomnia. For her and the Sisters, their mission goes beyond rebellion; it is about reclaiming the plant from criminal organizations and harnessing its healing potential.
Embracing Cannabis as a Healing Agent
For centuries, cannabis has been used as a medicinal plant across various cultures. The Sisters of the Valley firmly believe in harnessing the healing properties of cannabis to alleviate pain and promote overall well-being. In Mexico, where traditional medicines and spiritual practices hold significant influence, the Sisters offer an alternative approach. Despite the prevailing religious and societal norms, they advocate for the recognition and acceptance of cannabis as a legitimate healing agent.
Through their online presence and workshops, the Sisters educate the public about the potential benefits of cannabis, dispelling myths and misinformation surrounding the plant. Their efforts aim to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and explore alternative treatment options. By embracing cannabis as a healing agent, the Sisters challenge the deeply ingrained beliefs about traditional medicine and pave the way for a more progressive approach to healthcare.
The Legal Landscape of Cannabis in Mexico
Mexico's stance on cannabis has undergone significant changes in recent years. While recreational marijuana remains illegal, the country has decriminalized the possession of small amounts of the plant. In 2017, Mexico legalized medicinal cannabis, allowing for the regulated use of marijuana for therapeutic purposes. This shift in legislation reflects a growing recognition of the potential benefits of cannabis and the need to address the country's drug-related violence and cartels' influence.
However, the implementation of these new laws has been slow and fraught with challenges. The Sisters of the Valley operate in a legal grey area, as the cultivation and distribution of cannabis for non-medical purposes remain illegal. This ambiguity exposes them to potential risks and limitations in expanding their operations. Despite the hurdles, the Sisters remain steadfast in their mission to promote the healing properties of cannabis, advocating for further legalization and regulation to ensure safe access for all.
The Future of the Sisters' Mission
As the Sisters of the Valley continue their journey in Mexico, their impact reaches beyond the boundaries of their small storefront and social media presence. By challenging societal norms and religious traditions, they inspire dialogue and reflection on the role of cannabis in healthcare and spirituality. Their commitment to reclaiming the plant from criminal organizations and advocating for its healing potential highlights the need for a more inclusive and progressive approach to drug policy.
As Mexico navigates the complexities of cannabis legalization, the Sisters' work serves as a catalyst for change. Their presence, although met with resistance and challenges, ignites conversations about the medicinal benefits of cannabis and the need to separate it from its associations with cartels. With perseverance and determination, the Sisters of the Valley continue to light the way toward a future where cannabis is recognized as a powerful healing agent, free from stigma and prejudice.