Which do you use? Cannabis
How do you consume? Smoke and vape
How long have you been using these products?
More than 5 years
What made you seek out these products? Was there a specific situation?
Ten years ago, I experienced a number of devastating miscarriages. To cope with the physical and mental pain, I turned to cannabis—as I saw how much it helped my sister-in-law battling cancer. I ended up having a healthy, happy son who is now nine years old!
Cannabis was transformational for me—and I immediately knew that I wanted to forge a career in the industry. I am now the proud owner of Socíale Dispensary, a social equity dispensary in Park Ridge, IL. We are a female-founded, female-owned, and minority-owned dispensary, and I’m proud to be one of the few Indian-American dispensary owners in the country
What hesitations or concerns, if any, did you have before starting?
Cannabis has been a part of Indian traditional medicine for centuries, but ironically, the plant is now banned in the nation. Even though I’ve been in the US for over 15 years, I bought into a lot of the taboos around cannabis—and was afraid to partake. As a dispensary owner, my mission is to not only destigmatize cannabis here in the US, but also back in India.
What is the biggest change you’ve noticed since using these products?
Whenever I consume cannabis, I feel infinitely more relaxed and reflective. It is the perfect antidote for a stressful day.
Tell us your routine for how/when you use these products.
I typically indulge after work, on weekends, or with friends at dinner parties.
What are your go-to brands or strains (of cannabis)?
You can’t beat sativa!
What advice do you have for anyone looking to use cannabis or CBD products?
Research and find out the best strains for you! Also, if you’re in the Chicago, IL area, stop into Socíale—our budtenders are true experts and can recommend the perfect products for you
