Stigma Cannabis Co. is Igniting a Cannabis Renaissance
In partnership with Stigma Cannabis Co.
Few botanicals have been as misunderstood and unfairly vilified as cannabis. Yet, within its multifaceted history, uses and controversies, there lies a story of resilience, healing and hope. Stigma Hemp, a company in Minnesota that was derived from witnessing firsthand the transformative power of cannabis, has taken on the mission to destigmatize the narrative surrounding cannabis and usher in a renaissance of acceptance, understanding and ultimately wellness and healing.
At the heart of Stigma’s journey lies a deeply personal story, one that speaks to the disruptive potential of this misunderstood plant. After founder and CEO Josh Maslowski’s mother-in-law was diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer and given a prognosis of 14 months with chemo and radiation, he was tasked with researching and unearthing alternative medicines to help her manage the disease.
Digging Deeper: The Rich History of Cannabis
Maslowski started down a very deep rabbit hole of cannabis history, discovering that it had been used medicinally, spiritually and recreationally in ancient civilizations including Chinese, Indian and Mesopotamian cultures. “It was revered, and as humanity progressed, so did its usage. In the 19th century, it became a staple crop for industrial use. Hemp, a variety of cannabis with low THC content, also emerged as a valuable commodity and even fueled economic growth and innovations like utilizing its fibers in textiles, ropes and paper.”
Maslowski notes, “Interestingly, in Minnesota back in the 1930s, it was common for medical students to learn how to make cannabis tinctures as part of their training. It was also widely available in pharmacies, and they were selling it on every street corner.”
The Stigmatization of Cannabis
However, despite its medicinal and cultural value, cannabis has faced stigma and misinformation for many years. As Maslowski notes, since cannabis could not be patented, a campaign was initiated to discredit its use as a therapy. This effort included propagating misinformation about cannabis and stigmatizing doctors who prescribed it.
In addition, there were lobbying efforts by sectors like cotton, timber and synthetic fibers who sought to protect their profits from hemp producers along with a political prohibitionist agenda that perpetuated the narrative of cannabis as a dangerous drug.
Rick Simpson Oil
Through his vast research, Maslowski discovered exactly what he was looking for to help his 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 medical treatments, Simpson turned to cannabis as a potential remedy. According to Simpson, he applied the final product to his skin, and it eventually went away. Simpson graciously began freely sharing the oil and the recipe with other patients.
Maslowski shares, “Right away I called my buddy and said, ‘We need a pound of OG kush. We found some cannabis flowers, and my brother-in-law and I made our first batch of home brewed RSO. My mother-in-law had surgery to remove the tumor and started using it week one. She used a ratio of CBD and THC, and she lived for 24 really good months. And most importantly, she had a great quality of life in those 24 months; she even kayaked with her grandkids in the final weeks.”
Inspiration Behind Stigma
Being able to help his mother-in-law and also uncovering the numerous potential benefits of cannabis, both medicinally, therapeutically and recreationally, inspired Maslowski to become a passionate advocate for the cannabis industry and to start Stigma Cannabis Co. “I feel compelled to spread the word about CBD and THC, to dispel the stigma and misunderstandings around it.”
He also endeavored to make some great products for therapeutic and recreational use, including pioneering a hemp-derived THC beverage, like their THC infused Lemonade Iced Tea that is sold in liquor stores in multiple states around the US and are giving traditional alcohol-based beverages a run for their money. Stigma was voted “People’s Choice Award” for favorite cannabis brand in the MN Legacy Minnesota IV Cup as well.
From its ancient origins to its modern-day resurgence, cannabis has endured centuries of stigma and persecution. Fortunately, companies like Stigma Cannabis Co. are helping rewrite the narrative surrounding cannabis and sharing its many potential benefits like improving cancer patients’ quality of life. And in the process, igniting a renaissance of acceptance and understanding.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.
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