Vol. I : Issue II
SX
Noir
on the importance of maintaining a healthy sex life, sex positive spaces, and her intimate cannabis routine
Microdosing Marijuana: why dosing is crucial to your experience Embracing your curls, and combating curlism
A Word
From Ms.
Mary Pryor
Marijuana &
The Best Year
Ever!
www.juanazine.com
CONTENTS L E T T E R
T H E
F R O M
E D I T O R
EXCLUSIVE LOOK INSIDE ISSUE II, P.6 Our editor-in-chief discusses the meaning, inspiration, and making of this issue!
H E R B
O F
T H E
M O N T H
DAMIANA, P.8 Graphic Motion Designer, Oluwabankè Bajela, brings to life an ancient herbal aphrodisiac that, when smoked, can produce a marijuana-like high!
C U R L I S M
LOVING YOUR HAIR, P.10 Natural hair care specialist, Urbane Boozer, explains how she combats classism, colorism, and curlism when practicing her craft.
A
W O R D
M A R Y
F R O M
M S .
P R Y O R
BEYOND PASSIONÂ P.14 She's not 'passionate' about cannabis, she's urgent about the opportunities that the cannabis industry present. Mary Pryor recounts; the origins of Cannaclusive; how their organization, as well as the industry has evolved; and why you should care.
M I C R O D O S I N G
WAKE & BAKE...WITH A PURPOSE, P.20 You don't have to get stoned-to-the-bone in order to enjoy the many benefits of cannabis. In fact, research has shown that when correctly dosed, cannabis stimulates all six senses, enhancing your ability to focus your creative energy.
S X
N O I R
COVER STORY, P.22 Many of us aren't comfortable discussing sexuality, because we aren't comfortable with our own. But times are changing, and how well we know ourselves directly affects our acceptance and tolerance of others. How will millennials navigate sex, love & lust in the digital age? SX Noir has the answers, and everything else you're afraid to say about sex.
W
ow...it’s already Christmas, Issue II is finally here, and the New Year is upon
us! Whether or not you personally had a good year, 2018 seemed to be...enchanted. This year gave us some of the most amazing music of the 21st century; monumental social justice movements, followed by hopeful political reform [in some cases]; and more celebrity beef than we could handle. But of course one of the best things about our year was presenting Juana to you.
In the midst of drastic cannabis reform around the world, Juana is our physical manifestation of art & culture - heavily inspired by cannabis. With little to no promotion, our first issue had over 500 reads within the first week, and an average read-time of 7 minutes! These figures not only represent a win for our team, but a win for the entire [billion dollar] cannabis industry.
Even more exciting cannabis-wins happened on the political front, as Canada was the first country to legalize the plant for adult recreational use; Michigan was the first state in the midwest to legalize the plant for adult recreational use, while Missouri and Utah legalized cannabis for medical use. In addition to this, cannabis stocks soared, and dispensaries are literally popping up everywhere. Undoubtedly, legal cannabis is a reality. But it’s time to get real about what that means.
[Left] This product helped me ward off negative energy while creating Issue II. Next week on our blog I will discuss this, plus more products I use to help me stay Zen! [Right] Our Issue I cover story had an awesome baby shower and is expecting any day now!
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
In our article, A Word From Ms. Mary Pryor, we had the simple idea to ask someone prominent and influential in the industry what their opinions where on the current state of the industry, and any advice they had for individuals looking to enter. In the end, her words were more impactful than we could have ever imagined. Although this story focused on the cannabis industry, anyone navigating any situation in life where stakes are high and odds are against them should read this article. Her urgency is inspiring, and her wisdom (she’s not even that old) unmatched.
Our cover feature continues the trend of Black-girl Magic and industry disruption with SX Noir. The creator of this sex positive digital platform explains why there needs to be more spaces for people of color, men, women and non-binary to discuss sexuality - and how she plans to destigmatize [sexuality] by simply existing.
It wasn’t until I began writing this article and doing research on sexuality, that I realized how much I was neglecting my own! Sexuality is one of the most natural and powerful things we possess, yet, as SX Noir mentions in the article, we are taught to actively suppress it. How we feel about ourselves sexually affects our overall self-esteem, and how we interact with other people on an intimate level, so why wouldn’t we be more open to discussing it? Exploring it? Or at the very least, learning about it? And I’m not talking about boring academia or raunchy porn. I’m talking real, honest conversations.
As always, it is my hope that you will enjoy reading this issue just as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Through all of the ups and downs on the journey to Issue II, it was focusing on the positive and being diligent in our pursuit to create amazing content, that really helped pull it all together.
This is our dedication to Marijuana, and arguably, The Best Year Ever.
Happy Holidays!
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
HERB OF THE MONTH Damiana TURNERA
DIFFUSA
Damiana is a low-growing, sub-tropical plant with yellow flowers and fragrant leaves. Although it is a masculine plant, “Damiana” is the feminine version of Damian - which infers that Damiana is the wild one "who tames”. Damiana is one of the best herbs for women's health, and is known to heighten the enjoyment of sex for both men and women. The origins of this plant trace back as far as the ancient Aztec civilization, where it became popular and more widely used - thanks to trade relations with the Guaycura. For centuries Damiana has been used medicinally for digestive purposes, as a relaxant / mood enhancer, and is even highly regarded as a sexual / reproductive health enhancer.
This ancient aphrodisiac can be brewed into a tea, made into a tincture, or smoked with other herbs. In folklore, damiana is used in lust infusions as well as lust spells, or is burned to help produce visions. Present day, people use damiana to help control anxiety, induce creativity...and of course to enhance the pleasure of sex.
Artwork by Oluwabankè Bajela
CURLISM
BY URBANE BOOZER
"THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY WAS CREATED TO SELL PEOPLE A STANDARD OF BEAUTY THAT THEY FEEL THEY DON'T ALREADY HAVE"
A
s a hairstylist, one of the most
general classification system.
frequent questions I get is, "what's my hair texture?" A question that most people
You’re probably thinking, “so what’s the
associate with having either "good" or "bad"
problem?” Well let me give you a brief
hair, and an ideology that I despise.
history lesson:
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not the question or
During slavery, throughout the Civil Rights
hair typing that I have a problem with, It’s
Movement - and even still today, people of
the thought process behind this question,
color, especially black people, face an
and what hair typing has become that I
overwhelming amount of prejudice,
found can be problematic.
discrimination, and systematic racism. For hundreds of years black people have been
Hair typing does in fact help people
unproportionately subject to psychological
understand how to best care for their hair,
warfare, the results of which have
and which products typically work best for
manifested as classism, colorism, and now
their “hair type”. This system, originated in
curlism.
the 1990s by Oprah Winfrey's stylist, Andre Walker, to market Walker's line of hair care
While Walker’s hair classification system
products, and has since been widely adopted
was intended to help industry professionals
and used throughout the hair industry as a
and natural enthusiast better understand
African-American hair texture and
why has the focus with the natural hair
how to maintain its health, it was
movement gone from embracing one's
only a matter of time before it
difference to outcasting the next?
became the center of deeply rooted The rebirth of the natural-hair
issues within the community. A
movement is indeed a beautiful thing,
social injustice that has hidden itself,
and is by no means overshadowed by
insidiously, and in many forms. An
curlism. However, it does exist.
all too familiar belief that some thing is better than the other. For example;
While curlism does exist, throguh our
kinkier hair being viewed as
actions, we have the power to stop it
unkempt, or undesirable; versus
from becoming a “thing”. So when my
looser hair, being viewed as more
clients ask me about their hair texture,
acceptable or attractive.
I tell them it depends.
The media is guilty of perpetuating
I tell them that what really makes
this belief, by rarely depicting people
someone's hair “good”, is the energy
of color in accurate and / or diverse
they put into it. Healthy curls are
roles. They are even more guilty of
cleansed, conditioned, and defined -
favoring people of color with hair
the same things you need for a “good”
that is “easier” to deal with. It’s sad,
spirit.
because just like it is important for I ask them about their routine, how
children of color to see images of themselves, it is also important for
some of us still have to fight these
they feel about their hair, and what
girls with frizzy hair to see images of
battles, or even battles within our
their goals are. And most of the times,
themselves.
own communities. But we should
I find that women - with kinkier or
all find comfort in knowing that
looser curls - are more satisfied when
As if being discriminated against
individuals who use something as
they aren’t classified, but instead are
because of the color of your skin
petty as hair texture to pass
given routines and products that just
judgement, are just simply
simply work best for them. Afterall,
ignorant.
you can’t fully love yourself if you
isn’t enough, imagine being discriminated against because of the
don’t love your hair.
texture of your hair. Curlism keeps people of color from obtaining
The beauty industry was created to sell people a standard of beauty
Although I don’t subscribe to hair
that they feel they don't already
typing. There is nothing wrong with
have, even though It has been
doing so - as long as you have
proven, time and time again, that
embraced your curls, and don’t think
lack of inclusion sows seeds of
less of someone else because their
intolerance, self-hate, and
hair isn’t like yours. It sounds
jealousy. These things then give
simple, and maybe even silly, but
dreadlocks, cornrows, afros, twists,
life to forces such as colorism,
some people need to be reminded.
bantu knots, and other natural
which threaten any chance we
hairstyles commonly worn by
have at tolerance and acceptance
individuals with kinkier hair.
of other people.
Another fun fact: It was only last
In reality all curls, kinks, and
year that the U.S. Army lifted its ban
coils are different, making one
on locs and twists! It’s a shame that
just as beautiful as the other. So
certain jobs, or from advancing positions at their current jobs. In fact, until this very day, there are a number of private institutions that have strict dress codes that prohibit members (or students) from wearing
Photograph by R
DISCOVERGIDI 2018 DECEMBER 27TH - JANUARY 2ND
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW THE JOURNEY
AWord
FROM MS. MARY PRYOR PHOTOGRAPH
BY
ERICA
JONES
The midterm elections this past November resulted in many victories. A record number of women and POC were voted into congress; the democratic party regained control of the house; and a record number of young voters made it all possible. But one of the more exciting victories was the progress made towards cannabis reform.
One of the least divisive issues in our country, cannabis reform has continuously gained support on a state and federal level. Although North Dakota residents voted against the legalization of recreational use of cannabis for adults, Michigan made history by becoming the first state in the midwest to legalize the recreational use for adults. While Missouri and Utah passed ballot measures that legalized medical marijuana. Additionally, five cities in Ohio voted to decriminalize the plant, and Wisconsin voters overwhelmingly supported non-binding ballot questions calling for cannabis reform...but what does all of this mean?
"
The reality is, we’re not ready. And we have to get ready.
"
Of course it means there will be
and we have to get ready. We’re
no criminal penalties for the
looking at an industry where
adult use of marijuana, but how
white people are throwing High
does this work? And who is
Tea parties...and it’s cute, but my
responsible for making it work?
question is how are you getting
Who is going to regulate the
this weed in your house? Who is
industry? Who is backing and
your supplier?” She joked.
simply haven’t been afforded to all of us, you become accustomed to coded language. People will ask you questions like; how did you find out about this? What brought you here? Or, What do you do?”
investing in the industry? Who is going to lead the industry?
Pryor’s questions, funny or not,
How do you get involved in the
are valid. It’s questions like these,
industry? Where do you start?!
along with a noticeable lack of inclusion in cannabis spaces, that
Well, according to Mary Pryor,
prompted the creation of
digital marketing strategist and
Cannaclusive.
“Even in my early thirties, and with all of the work that I have done outside of the cannabis space, I still get these types of questions,” she laughed. “My favorite one is, ‘wow, you’re so
co-founder of Cannaclusive, if you’re pondering these
As with many other industries in
questions for the first time,
this country, the higher you
you’re already playing catch-up
climb, the fewer people of color
in an industry that is growing at
you see. We’re left out of rooms
an exponential rate.
[intentionally and consequently] where important conversations
Founded in 2017, Cannaclusive
are being had, and where crucial
is an organization pioneered by
decisions are being made - some
women of color that is
that even directly affect our
dedicated to answering these
communities. This becomes a
questions, while also improving
social justice issue when affluent
the lack of diversity and
‘Marijuana Moms’ are glorified
inclusion within the cannabis
for their revolutionary parenting
industry.
in the media, while people with less accessibility are serving time
“On a state and federal level, we
in jail or have a criminal record
don’t understand how far
for possession - most of the times
behind we are,” Pryor noted.
for similar reasons ‘Marijuana Moms’ are glorified.
passionate about cannabis’... No b****, I’m an investor, I do dispenser relations, I have my own businesses, and I’ve been working in advertising and digital marketing for over a decade. But when you’re used to being one of the only ones in the room, you gotta get over it.”
Before she took the cannabis industry by storm, Pryor worked for major brands including Sony Music Group, Viacom, Black Enterprise, CBS News, Ebony Magazine, Rolling Stone, McCann XBC & McCann Health, Mindshare, and more. It was early on in her career that she noticed a need for agencies that catered to
“We don’t know how many opportunities we’ve missed out
“Cannabis is something that I’ve
on, or haven’t been afforded,
been using as a part of my
and it’s really scary when you
healing process in dealing with
look at how fast the industry is
Crohn's. Moving to LA was just
growing.”
having better access to it, and seeing if I wanted to be actively
More pro-legalization
found yourself in rooms that just
involved in the industry.”
niche audiences, especially people of color. Although she has worked for diversity and inclusion throughout most of her career, it wasn’t until she entered the cannabis space, that the need for Cannaclusive became apparent.
politicians have taken office, and large corporations have
“However, I quickly discovered
openly expressed their interest
when going to events that it was
in, or have already announced
just me, maybe two other black
their plans to get in on the
people … and it was wild,” Pryor
canna-business. Which means
recalls. The lack of inclusion,
the barriers to enter are rising,
however, wasn’t something new
and competition is getting more
to the Detroit native.
my business partner, Tonya Rapley, and I were like screw this - we have to be the ones to step in front of this.”
“The psychological effects of having to always speak on the
intense. “Unfortunately, if you’ve ever “The reality is, we’re not ready,
“After the third or fourth event
been black and smart, or you’ve
behalf others that are marginalized is a whole other conversation, but when you know
what it is and you’re tired of it, you
Past presidential administrations
When this “learning curve” [for
move quickly. You get tired of
have admitted that Nixon's war on
lack of better words] became
people trying to stifel you out of
drugs was not only a failure, but
apparent, the women of
the room, and we knew we
that it unjustly targeted people of
Cannaclusive evolved to be more
couldn’t wait for anything to be
color, ultimately subjecting
than just a representation of
handed to us.”
millions of people and their
inclusivity in the cannabis space.
families to the criminal justice
The organization now provides
“It only took us nine days to figure
system. According to the American
educational and consultative
out our aha moment,” she
Civil Liberties Union, both black
services to start-ups in the cannabis
continued. “Our original mission
and white people use cannabis at
space; they hold monthly meetings
was stock photography, due to the
similar rates, yet black people are
in New York (and soon Detroit);
lack of positive images of people
3.73 times more likely to be
and will host an online conference
of color using cannabis...I mean,
arrested for possession.
for at the top of the New Year.
we’re either made to look like
Shockingly, this number has stayed
Snoop Dogg, or we are Snoop
the same, or even increased in
“I’m not passionate, I’m urgent
Dogg. But we quickly discovered
states that have legalized
about doing this work,” said Pryor.
that there was so much more that
recreational use. And now, with
I’ve evolved beyond passion. I’m
we could provide people of color
federal legalization looming, the
about you making money, I’m
in this space.”
very people who are unfairly
about me making money. If I’m
targeted and punished are being
putting my time and effort into
There are in fact people of color
kept out of the narrative.
Cannaclusive the way I am, this
making major moves within the
Henceforth, our involvement in the
isn’t a passion. This is my
industry, but these people make up
industry goes beyond starting
business.”
less than a fifth of the $11 billion
businesses and investing. We have
industry, and only 4.3% of those
to be actively involved in every
Cannaclusive and Mary Pryor have
individuals are black.
aspect to ensure we too can
succeeded in stepping in front of
benefit socially, economically, and
the conversation, and providing
Even more alarming than the lack
politically. Because as it stands, we
solutions. Already a recognizable
of diversity in the cannabis
don’t have much of a foothold in
force in the industry, the
industry, is the fact that everyone
any of these areas.
organization and its members have
sees it, but few are doing anything about it.
just gotten started.
In the near future, the organization
The cannabis industry, still in it’s infant stage, has undoubtedly
plans on releasing a directory for
become a force to be reckoned with. This means the opportunity to
black and POC businesses for the
capitalize on this industry is still a tangible reality for many. But we
industry. Additionally, Pryor has
must be aware of these opportunities when they present themselves,
plans of connecting with
and be diligent in our pursuit. Because where there is money, there
Universities in order to get student
will be inequality.
organizations to stimulate these conversations on campus, and
“As for the future, we want to be able to support people more
maybe even creating a branch to
directly. But honestly, we don’t want to have to be around in five
get students ready for the business;
years. After three years we want to be able to say the work can live
as these are the kinds of
on, we’ve accomplished what we’ve sought to do.”
opportunities that will allow us to build generational wealth.
“You have to take people’s lack of knowledge and use it to your advantage,” she says. “If you live in a state that doesn’t have it’s shit together, you should move.”
“If your business / idea is viable,and you’re ready to do what you need to do, you need to move to a place that has available recreational, as well as the resources you need to see things through. Waiting may cause you to miss the skill and development you need to compete.”
Pryor urges those interested in the canna-business to stay educated, and involved by joining organizations such as Minorities for Medical Marijuana. “We’re already behind, so you can’t use lack of information as an excuse. There’s too much out there. Get people to believe in your idea and gain that monetary support. Friends, family, the block...however you can get it, because you can’t go to the bank.”
"
I'm not passionate. I am urgent about doing this work.
Click here to follow Cannaclusive on IG!
Click here to view 2018 stock photo set.
Microdosing By Rachel Nevels
A
fter hitting the snooze button twice already - you finally open your eyes, indulge in that ritualistic full
body stretch, and begin your day. After brushing your teeth and washing up, you proceed to get dressed; whip up a quick breakfast; and nibble a piece of your special cookie before bolting out of the door for a long day ahead of you.
Although you have a million deadlines and only a few hours to meet them, you aren’t panicked; your ability to focus is unmatched; you are more creative than ever; and best of all there’s no crash at the end of the day - all thanks to your special cookie.
That nibble you took of your special cookie is called microdosing. Essentially, microdosing is taking small amounts of cannabis (or a psychedelic) to reap the benefits while minimizing unwanted effects. For some, microdosing, in this sense, is apart of their daily routine. But for others, this concept seems foreign, and even more absurd - although pharmaceutical companies micro-dose drugs with harmful side effects, such as Ibuprofen, and sell it to us everyday.
With state cannabis laws loosening and federal legalization looming, there seems to be a new demographic of cannabis user every second. With that, the way in which people consume cannabis has become much more diverse. And with that, people's knowledge of dosing and portions will be crucial to their experience with cannabis.
For some, cannabis use helps them focus, reduces anxiety, enhances all five senses, and can even help relieve pain. But I’m sure we’ve all heard horror stories of someone who ate an edible and had a scary trip, or someone who smoked for the first time and became super paranoid and uncomfortably anxious. While it is true that some people's brain chemistry just simply processes cannabis differently than others, it is also true that varying strains and dosages affect one’s experience.
A few years ago, the world discovered that coder circles in Silicon Valley were microdosing LSD. People marveled at claims that microdosing [LSD] produced higher levels of creativity, increased energy, increased focus, and improved relational skills. Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, Inc., even credits his LSD experiences with opening up his mind and enabling him to see the world in a different light.
While there hasn’t been much scientific research on the long term effects of microdosing LSD, it says a lot that the people pioneering the tech industry rely so heavily on doing so, and is definitely a concept worth further exploration.
By the same token, we know that cannabis has relatively no harmful side effects, and depending on the strain, can produce the same results when “microdosed”. So if the idea of microdosing LSD is a little hard to wrap your head around, microdose cannabis instead! Unlike LSD, the potential for safe daily cannabis microdosing exists - and is more common than you think.
For at least the last century, the media has portrayed social and recreational use of cannabis as a mischievous activity; and is usually associated with reckless individuals merely chasing a high. So when most people think of consuming cannabis, they only think about going on a trip, or they associate it with “having a good time”. But for thousands of years, people have used cannabis as a healing herb, and they still do today! In fact, it wasn’t until recently that cannabis has seen such intense levels of THC (the chemical in cannabis that produces a “high”).
But of course the market for recreational cannabis calls for high amounts of THC and lower amounts of CBD (a chemical in cannabis with a significant amount of healing benefits without the “high” effect) - which is why being knowledgeable about dosing, and even the different chemical properties of cannabis is crucial to your experience. Because let's face it, getting stoned-to-the-bone isn’t always ideal.
Rather you find yourself wanting to relieve pain without drowsiness; or heighten your creativity without losing focus, microdosing marijuana may be a healthy option for you. Microdosing comes in many forms, and when considering microdosing as a lifestyle supplement (depending on how you want the cannabis to function) you can choose from a wide variety of edibles, flowers (smoking), oils, and vapes. While everyone’s tolerance is different, many experts suggest beginning with 5 milligrams and increasing dosages from there.
Alas, no matter how much research is done on human consumption of cannabis, it still isn’t going to be for some people - and that's okay! But there is no denying the fact that, when used with care, cannabis has dramatically enhanced people’s lives; improved people’s health; and even helps stimulate the economy.
SX NOIR PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERICA JONES
In a world where all we’ re taught about sexual health is the reproductive system and how to prevent disease, it is necessary to have sex positive spaces that destigmatize conversations around sex, love, and self-care. SX Noir, launching in the New Year, is one of those spaces.
“From a young age I was hyper-aware of the power of women and how intertwined sex is with everything we do,” says sexologist, and founder of SX Noir. “I also realized that although sex was in everything we did, it was to be actively suppressed.”
Traditionally, there has either been porn, monotonous sex academia, or late night sex talks with Sue Johanson for our burning and sometimes embarrassing inquiries about sex. But in the age of digital media and vast amounts of shared information, we now have the esteemed sex-blogger to look to for our sexual enlightenment.
“SX Noir is a sex-positive lifestyle platform that promotes conversation for millennials to understand sex, dating, and self-love.”
“My definition of sex positivity is having a positive attitude towards sex and removing the stigma from a healthy sex life. I have a keen interest in pleasure and how millennials will find such in the digital age - especially as it concerns technology. We need [these] spaces for people of color, men, women and nonbinary to discuss sex and dating. We simply don't have enough spaces.”
“The only place where sex positivity is talked about with any ounce of honesty is in a good sitcom, and that's not good enough. We have to do better,” she continued.
No. Sex-bloggers and activist do not replace scientific research or academia, but they do provide a much needed voice and space for niche audiences to discuss sexuality.
No. Sex-positivity isn’t a new concept, but the ideology has become more mainstream - and it couldn’t have happened at a better time.
Somewhere along the way, sexuality has become
“SX Noir takes on lifestyle topics through a sex-
so heavily perverted by society that many of us
positive stamp of approval for our users. My goal is
shy away from it, and don’t educate ourselves
not to scream ‘I’M A QUEER BLACK FEMME’
beyond what we’re taught (the birds and the
but to destigmatize by simply existing.”
bees), or what we see in the media. Not only this, but the narrative has been dominated and
If you have neglected, or are struggling to
controlled by white men for centuries - and we
understand your sexuality, start by educating
see where that has gotten us.
yourself. You may in fact already be living a “sex positive” life, but continuing education is key to
We all have our own unique sexual profile, and
maintaining your sexuality. It is also healthy to
coming into your sexuality is a process similar to
discuss issues that surround sexuality with a
becoming an adult; the better you get at it, the
community like SX Noir, which promotes
more there is to know! But this seemingly
conversations to understand sex and sexual health -
straightforward process can be complicated,
as it is all too common to feel alone, or like no one
especially when you neglect to nurture it and are
can relate to a certain situation you may be going
constantly feed images based on someone else’s
through. For those looking to enhance their sex
idea of sexuality (with no regard for your own).
lives in any way, at the top of your continuing
“[Early on] I realized that although we were always chasing pleasure, we never talked about it. I also found that people often tried to dictate what you should find pleasurable from a young age. I later came to the understanding that I love and am really good at connecting with others and putting myself in their shoes. I am selfless and nonjudgmental when talking to people about their sex lives, nothing surprises me. I don't judge first, I listen first,” the sexpert exclaimed.
Communities like SX Noir offer a safe space to explore sexuality without feeling ashamed for doing so, or without falling victim to the many pressures of society. Sexuality in this sense, isn’t so much about who you have sex with, but how you feel about sex and the role it plays in your intimate relationships, as well as your everyday life. This goes beyond choosing a partner, or which sex positions you like. Your sexuality is shaped by your individual values, culture, spirituality and experience. And it is all of these things that ultimately shape your sexual identity and how you choose to express yourself.
SX Noir and The Wing, a members-only work and community space for women, hosted a conversation with actress and activist Ashley Judd after the actress had gotten backlash for comments on Twitter and Instagram calling prostitution “paid rape” and other SWERF (sex-work-exclusionary-radical-feminist) ideations like “cash is proof of coercion”. Judd works with the organization Demand Abolition, whose goal is to eradicate the commercial sex trade.
education list should be the
found that almost two-thirds
trauma associated with sex
relationship between cannabis and
(exactly 62%) said it increased their
overcome those obstacles.
sex.
libidos and the pleasure of orgasm. The same team then surveyed a
“It is known that cannabis
Cannabis has been so wildly
larger group and their results echoed
psychologically helps the mind as
successful because it can be used in
the first study, concluding that 65%
well as physically helps the body
almost every aspect of our lives. It
of women found cannabis to
relax and when it comes to intimacy
can be taken as a pill, sublingually
enhance their sexual experience.
and pleasure - that is a big part of it
ingested, vaporized, smoked, eaten,
all,” she insists.
and even applied topically. In
While these studies may be
addition to the many ways you can
groundbreaking for some, cannabis
“I also strongly believe that
use it are even more reasons why
is known to have been used in
cannabis has incredible medicinal
you would want to. Alas, one of the
tantric sexual practices, as early as
benefits. The plant undoubtedly
most natural and amazing reasons to
700 AD in India - which means that
helps people dealing with anxiety,
use cannabis also happens to be one
the relationship between cannabis
depression, PTSD, insomnia, etc.
of the most taboo and least talked
and sex is nothing new.
But we are still in a space where
about. Sex.
most people tend to have a good [or SX Noir suggests cbd massage oils,
bad] reaction without much
“Cannabis is one of the most
cbd bath balms, or cbd tea for
consideration as to how they
commonly used substances,
novice cannabis users.
injected the plant, or which strain
alongside alcohol and tobacco, that
has to do with their reaction.”
can be really fun when done in a
“The idea is to start slow in order to
meaningful way,” she says. “Just
gauge tolerance and comfort level
Our comprehension of how cannabis
like your favorite cocktail it may
when introducing cannabis into the
interacts with our body, primarily as
take trial and error to find the
bedroom,” she explained. But if you
it pertains to our health, will have a
perfect fit. Personally, my favorite
want to kick things up a notch, she
huge impact on how the cannabis
cocktail is a shaken gin martini with
suggests trying a low dose edible
industry evolves. Through activism
a twist...preferably Hendricks, but I
(with your preference of sativa or
within the community, and by
will accept tanqueray. With my
indica), cannabis infused lube, a
stimulating conversations like this
marijuana I am less picky, but I do
trincture drink, or rolling a good ol’
one, SX Noir is not only making
lean toward sativa and like my
fashioned joint. The choice is yours.
strides within the sex industry, but
drink, I prefer a bit of a punch, so
within the cannabis industry as well.
dabs and wax blunts are more my
“My favorite way to introduce
style.”
cannabis into my intimacy
For as long as women have been
routine/bedroom is a beautifully
fighting for sexual equality and a
Both scientific and psychological
rolled joint with a glass of a light
voice on sexuality in general, you
studies on the effects of marijuana
pinot noir or sparkling rose,
would think that we would be
and sexual health / sexual
followed by a CBD oil massage, and
further along. But sexologist /
interocrouse are limited. However,
before bed...a delicious hash honey
platforms like SX Noir are here to
during a recent study at St. Louis
lavender tea with fresh mint.”
remind us that there is still work to
University in Missouri, researchers
be done; first on ourselves, then
surveyed 133 adult women during
Beyond pleasure, cannabis has the
annual gynecology check-ups and
ability to help individuals who have
within society.
SX NO IR Click For More
20
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Credits Cover
Photographed by Erica 'Love' Jones HERB OF THE MONTH
Motion graphic by Oluwabankè Bajela Curlism
Written by Constance 'Urbane Boozer' Nevels Edited by Rachel Nevels Photograph by Nicholas Bui (p. 9) Photograph by Urbane Boozer (p. 10, 11) A Word From Ms.
Mary Pryor
Written / Edited by Rachel Nevels Photograph by Erica Jones (p.13) Photo courtesy of Cannaclusive (p. 16) Photo courtesy of Mary Pryor (p.17) Microdosing
Written / Edited by Rachel Nevels Photograph by Rawpixel SX Noir
Written by Rachel Nevels Edited by Eulonda Nevels Photographed by Erica 'Love' Jones Creative Direction Elyse Hi / SX Noir
C & S Artistry Nashville, TN, USA
@CANDSARTISTRY
