Few plants are as misunderstood and unfairly maligned as cannabis. But hidden within its multifaceted history, uses, and controversies are stories of resilience, healing, and hope. Born after witnessing first-hand the transformative power of cannabis, Stigma Hemp, a Minnesota company, has taken on a mission to destigmatize the narrative around cannabis, ushering in a renaissance of acceptance, understanding, and ultimately health and healing. .
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At the heart of Stigma's journey lies a deeply personal story about the destructive potential of this misunderstood plant. Founder and CEO Josh Maslowski's mother-in-law helps manage disease after she was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer and given a 14-month prognosis for chemotherapy and radiation therapy He was tasked with researching and discovering alternative medicines.
Digging deeper: the rich history of cannabis
Maslowski began digging down a very deep rabbit hole of cannabis history and discovered that cannabis has been used for medicinal, spiritual, and recreational purposes in ancient civilizations, including Chinese, Indian, and Mesopotamian cultures. “It was revered, and as humanity progressed, so too was its use. In the 19th century, it became a staple crop for industrial use. Hemp, a type of cannabis with a low THC content, was also valuable. It emerged as a popular commodity and spurred economic growth and innovation, including the use of its fibers for textiles, rope, and paper.
“Interestingly, in Minnesota in the 1930s, it was common for medical students to learn how to make cannabis tinctures as part of their training,” Dr. Maslowski said. “They were widely available in pharmacies and sold on every street corner. “
prejudice against cannabis
But despite its medicinal properties and cultural value, cannabis has long faced stigma and misinformation. As Maslowski points out, cannabis could not be patented, which led to a campaign to discredit its use as a treatment. This effort included spreading misinformation about cannabis and blaming doctors who prescribed it.
Additionally, there was lobbying by industries such as cotton, wood, and synthetic fibers, which sought to protect profits from hemp producers, along with political prohibitionist policies that perpetuated the narrative of cannabis as a dangerous drug.
rick simpson oil
Through extensive research, Maslowski discovered exactly what she was looking for to help her mother-in-law: RSO. Rick Simpson, a Canadian engineer, first encountered the potential of cannabis as a therapeutic agent in the late 1990s when he discovered he had skin cancer. Unwilling to undergo conventional treatment, Simpson turned to cannabis as a potential treatment. Simpson said that when she applied the final product to her skin, it eventually disappeared. Simpson kindly began sharing the oil and recipes freely with other patients.
(Image: Stigma Cannabis Co.)
Maslowski said: “I immediately called a friend and said, 'I need a pound of OG Kush.' We found cannabis flower, so my brother-in-law and I made our first batch of homemade RSO. My mother-in-law had surgery to remove the tumor and started using it from the first week. She used CBD and THC in the right ratio and lived really well for 24 months. She had an excellent quality of life during those 24 months, even going kayaking with her grandchildren in her final weeks.
The inspiration behind Stigma
Being able to help his mother-in-law and uncovering the many potential benefits of cannabis, both medical, therapeutic, and recreational, led Maslowski to become a passionate advocate for the cannabis industry and found Stigma Cannabis, Inc. This was the trigger. Spread the word about CBD and THC to dispel any stigma or misconceptions about it. ”
He also pioneered hemp-derived THC beverages like his THC-infused lemonade iced tea, which is sold in liquor stores in multiple states across the United States and offers traditional alcohol-based beverages for therapeutic and recreational purposes. We also strived to create great products to use. A getaway for their money. Stigma was also named the People's Choice Award as Favorite Cannabis Brand at the MN Legacy Minnesota IV Cup.
From its ancient origins to its modern revival, cannabis has endured centuries of prejudice and persecution. Fortunately, companies like Stigma Cannabis Co. are helping rewrite the narrative around cannabis and sharing its many potential benefits, including improving quality of life for cancer patients. . And in the process, there will be a renaissance of acceptance and understanding.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, please consult a medical professional or health care provider.
Rolling Stone UK newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this featured content
