Vol. I Issue II

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

SUBSCRIBE! www.juanazine.com/subscribe

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