NARELIS CORTÉS - TINTA BONITA - “CHRONIC LOVE”

Committed to understanding each patient's story and experiences of how cannabis has changed their daily life and improved their quality of life in their unique way, we bring you the KRONIC LOVE section, featuring exclusive interviews to answer common questions and inspire others to make the switch. Are you a medical cannabis patient and want to share your story? We want to hear from you ! Contact us at info@sensculture.com

We know you're a spokesperson and advocate for cannabis. How difficult has it been to spread the message, and what benefits have you achieved with others? First and foremost, the cannabis plant deserves the most recognition; it's the star of the show. The reality is that nothing is easy, but since I have a lifelong experience with cannabis and am genuine, no one can really argue with me. You're a cannabis patient. How has this plant changed your life? I suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and tremors (involuntary movements in certain parts of the body). Cannabis is one of my medicines. I treat chronic pain, spasms, and tremors with cannabis. I was on morphine, tramadol, and other medications to treat these conditions. I was on about 20 medications, and I was able to gradually wean myself off half of them. What are your favorite methods of consumption? Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid? Vaporizing the flower and extracts. I like hybrids or indica-dominant strains. I also really like CBD in extracts.

How do you think cannabis can transform Puerto Rico, both economically and culturally? Economically, like any other emerging industry, it can bring significant economic activity. The industry can create direct and indirect jobs, as it requires many services that can benefit our island. For example, security guards, surveillance camera installations, security alarms, cleaning services, and other services are needed, none of which involve handling the cannabis plant itself. Culturally, Puerto Ricans are accustomed to understanding that a plant can be medicinal. At some point in our lives, we've seen a grandmother or an elderly woman prepare a tea, a fermented beverage, or the typical sofrito made with plants from the garden. For us, it's culturally acceptable to see a plant as medicine, and in religious contexts, many view it as a matter of compassion.

Do you think the textile, nylon, pharmaceutical, fuel, and agricultural industries could be affected by the full legalization of cannabis? I don't see any industry being affected. The reality is that we see news daily of many leaders in those industries you mentioned shifting to other markets, such as hemp and cannabis. Now we see famous beverage brands, artists, and even candy brands entering the hemp or cannabis industry. I understand that the legalization of the plant, or rather, its decriminalization, will only benefit everyone involved in both industries. I say decriminalization of the plant because the reality is that cannabis and hemp are legal, in some form, in many states, including Puerto Rico. It's legal for medicinal purposes. It's not legal at the federal level, but it is legal at the state level in many states. However, you can't use banks to store the money due to federal regulations governing banks. It's considered an illegal substance in their eyes, and you're seen as a criminal. Once cannabis can be reclassified under the Controlled Substances Act at the federal level, a whole industry can be established, one that can conduct banking transactions and pay its taxes legally.

What message do you want everyone to know about cannabis? That it's a wonderful plant that helps the body heal. The cannabis industry should always prioritize patients and make a good product. If you make a good product, people will come. Don't be blinded by profits. They should also unite and be a voice.

If cannabis is fully legalized on the island and at the federal level, how do you see Puerto Rico in 10 years? That depends on how much people want to move forward with it. We have the potential to be a place that produces a good product; we have the infrastructure and the people to provide the services. We can be a great destination for medical or recreational cannabis tourists. Many in the Caribbean are in the process of changing their laws to allow this, but we have an advantage over many others. I see that Puerto Rico has a lot of potential in many new industries, such as renewable and sustainable industries. I believe that if we make these changes, in 10 years our island will be a different place.

We need to send our daughters to

other countries to look for jobs.