In a country torn apart by drug violence and deeply rooted in Christianity, the sight of a marijuana-smoking nun is an act of defiance.
The Sisters of the Valley, a non-religious international group founded in 2014, is dedicated to spreading the message of cannabis’ healing properties. These women, who don traditional nun habits, gather on the outskirts of a village in central Mexico beneath the full moon. They perform rituals, cleanse themselves with sage, and express gratitude for nature. And then, they light up a joint and blow smoke into the flames.
Although the Sisters of the Valley are not affiliated with any religious institution, their presence in Mexico is especially provocative. The country has been ravaged by a drug war, and the strong influence of Christianity makes the image of a marijuana-smoking nun a symbol of rebellion.
In the United States, where recreational marijuana is legal in many states, the Sisters of the Valley have established a successful small business. They sell CBD tinctures, oils, and salves online, generating over $500,000 in revenue last year. However, in Mexico, where cannabis remains in a legal gray area and is often associated with criminal organizations, their sales only amount to around $10,000 annually.
The Sisters of the Valley are cautious about revealing too much about their operations due to concerns about police intervention or extortion by local gangs. They operate out of a discreet two-story concrete storefront with minimal information available about their location. Bundles of marijuana are hidden in clandestine spots, drying on laundry lines or concealed in the stove.
One of the sisters, known as “Sister Bernardet” online, works as a homeopathic practitioner and prescribes marijuana to patients suffering from cancer, joint pain, and insomnia. She explains that their mission is to reclaim the plant from the hands of drug cartels.
The Sisters of the Valley draw inspiration from the Beguines, a lay religious movement that emerged during the Middle Ages. Like the Beguines, these women are unmarried and live a spiritual life dedicated to scholarship, charity, and spirituality.
Despite the risks involved, the Sisters of the Valley continue to advocate for the legalization of cannabis in Mexico. They post regularly on social media platforms, sharing updates about their cannabis crops, workshops, and participation in cannabis-related events. They also collaborate with other activists in Mexico City who are pushing for full legalization.
These women argue that the war on drugs in Latin America has been a failure, leading to widespread violence and mass incarceration. By promoting the healing powers of cannabis, they hope to challenge the negative stigma surrounding the plant and bring about change.
The Sisters of the Valley face opposition and tension within their own families, as Mexico is predominantly Catholic and deeply conservative. However, some family members have come to accept and support their mission after engaging in conversations about the plant and the legalization movement.
For these brave women, the fight to reclaim cannabis from criminal organizations and promote its healing properties is a calling they are determined to pursue. By challenging societal norms and religious beliefs, the Sisters of the Valley are paving the way for a new perspective on cannabis in Mexico.
