HISPANIC CULTURE and CANNABIS

The Spanish culture is so rich and vibrant. I remember being a little girl around the holidays and seeing my Abuela and my mom cooking up some amazing meals. Jamming to El Gran Combo or Marc Anthony while they glided across the kitchen floor going from the arroz to habuchuelas to tamales, etc. I'm sure I'm not alone with these hispanic holiday vibes. I am Puerto Rican and Columbian but was raised Puerto Rican, on my mothers side. I lived for the holidays and the family gatherings when we used to have them. The counters and tables were just filled with so much food and so many desserts. There was laughter and pictures being taken and it was beautiful catching up and getting together with family. Now things are a bit different because of well...life and of course this pandemic isn't helping either. Life can be a bit more lonely than usual to a lot of us but cannabis has helped me through so much. I prefer eating my cannabis when needed bc its a softer high when I microdose and its much more discreet than smoking it, but I don't judge if you smoke it. Trust me, if I could I would. 

I recognized my interest in cannabis inspired things after taking a Latin American class when I was 21 that mentioned cannabis' history in Latin America. Hispanic Americans actually have always had this ancestral connection to cannabis. The people of pre-Colombian Mesoamerica, connected to cannabis for healing, medicinal and spiritual purposes. Although cannabis has evolved these past few years as being considered normal. It has been around for a very long time. It has been highly valued around the world such as in Portugal, Spain and Latin American cultures. Cannabis is considered one of the milder entheogens. An entheogen is a chemical substance that is plant derived that is ingested to produce a remarkable state of consciousness usually for spiritual or religious purposes. 

In Mayan, Aztec and other Pre-Colombian indigenous cultures enthogens were honored because of there ability to guide users beyond their current reality and bring about perspective in their self. Long before North America got its sights on cannabis, Spain and Latin America had plenty. It had migrated to different parts of the world, from Africa and reaching South America before it was even introduced to North America.

We came a long, long way. I am very proud of our culture and of our history. I love the music, the energy, the strength, the love, the selflessness, the language and the food. The rice, the beans, the pernil with the most perfect crunch everytime. Don't even get me started on the desserts, Budin, Tembleque, Tres Leches and one of my favorites, Flan. Even though this holiday season may be a little quieter...let Athena’s Gifts bring you back to those memories of laughter, family and good food! We have this delicious Burnt Caramel Pecan Flan, (I;300Mg) that’s a must try! Just see for yourself! Looking for weed in DC? Check out our menu to see how you can donate and get gifted one of our edibles or flowers.