SOWING THE FUTURE THE MISSION OF THUNDER WALKER

In the cannabis world, the presence and voice of female leaders stand out with unparalleled strength. I had the opportunity to attend the MJBiz Conference in Las Vegas, and upon arrival, I encountered this incredibly impressive woman and wondered, "Who is she?"

As I attended the various events there, I kept running into her and sensing her presence from afar. Intrigued, I grabbed my phone and googled her to find out who this stunning woman was.

Today I'm talking with Thunder Breathe Viper Walker, philanthropist, speaker, cannabis real estate expert, influencer, appraiser, and author. Thunder Breathe embodies the dedication, passion, and wisdom needed to drive change and innovation in the cannabis industry. Her commitment to equity, education, and promoting responsible cannabis use sets an inspiring example for all women looking to make their mark in this exciting field. Let's celebrate and learn from the strength and vision of this incredible cannabis woman!

As a pioneering woman in the cannabis real estate sector, could you share the challenges you have faced in this industry and how you have turned these challenges into opportunities?

I have made significant strides in the cannabis real estate sector, leveraging my extensive experience in real estate, cannabis, and entrepreneurship. Not only am I a business owner and cannabis advocate, but I am also deeply involved in educational initiatives through The Thunder Walker Experience. This platform focuses on the community and political goals of cannabis, offering educational opportunities, spirituality, mystical knowledge, and wellness, with a particular emphasis on how cannabis and psychedelics have transformed lives.

Navigating the cannabis real estate sector as a pioneering woman, I encountered obstacles such as a widespread lack of knowledge and representation. Fundamental elements of the cannabis industry, such as land for cultivation, retail, and industrial processing, are often overlooked. The overall potential and benefits of cannabis for state economies and property owners are frequently ignored. By dedicating two years to educating people about the intricacies of cannabis real estate and its valuation, I transformed these obstacles into opportunities. This involved engaging with potential industry experts and legislators to discuss the advantages of Green Zones and the vast investment potential within the virtual cannabis real estate sector.

Your work as a philanthropist reflects a deep commitment to the community. Could you tell us about a particular project or initiative you've undertaken throughout your career that you're especially proud of, particularly in relation to cannabis education or advocacy?

My philanthropic efforts, particularly through my nonprofit organization “I Need A Voice,” have had a substantial impact on supporting autistic and nonverbal children, offering a beacon of hope and support to families navigating these challenges. This initiative, close to my heart, brings together educators, parents, children, and policymakers to forge solutions to the unique needs of these children, promoting alternative communication methods and community engagement for holistic well-being.

Beyond these efforts, I have introduced innovative projects such as inclusive health education for nonverbal girls and “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes,” an educational program that explains the effects of medical cannabis and advocates for access to appropriately dosed pediatric cannabis. The Breathe House, another facet of my philanthropy, provides respite stays for families of children with disabilities who would otherwise be unable to afford vacations, demonstrating my deep commitment to improving the lives of the most vulnerable in society through comprehensive support and advocacy.

What inspired you to become a speaker, and how do you think your messages are influencing perceptions and policies regarding cannabis?

My path to becoming a speaker in the cannabis industry likely stems from my multifaceted background in real estate, wellness, and cannabis advocacy, combined with a deep personal mission to educate, uplift, and transform the cannabis community. My drive is attributed to my father's cancer, my entrepreneurial spirit, my in-depth knowledge of the cannabis sector, and a strong desire to share my insights, aiming to dispel myths, provide education, and advocate for the benefits of cannabis on a broader societal level.

My messages about cannabis significantly influence perceptions by offering well-informed, science-backed insights into its benefits, advocating for its therapeutic uses, and highlighting the economic advantages of the cannabis industry. By focusing on the importance of education, advocacy, and philanthropy, particularly through initiatives like “I Need A Voice,” and by promoting holistic approaches to wellness, I play a vital role in shifting public and legislative perspectives toward a more accepting and informed stance on cannabis.

My efforts to educate about the potential of cannabis, combined with my initiatives for inclusive healthcare and support for vulnerable communities, position me as a compelling and persuasive speaker. Through my work, I am not only influencing perceptions but also contributing to the evolution of cannabis policy, advocating for more inclusive, informed, and compassionate approaches to its regulation and use.

By embodying the role of advocate, educator, and leader, I leverage my platform to champion change, aiming to bridge the gap between the cannabis industry and societal acceptance, and in doing so, potentially influencing legislative efforts toward more progressive cannabis policies. My dedication to this cause, coupled with my innovative approach to philanthropy and education, demonstrates my influence on both public opinion and policy, making me a key figure in the ongoing dialogue surrounding cannabis legalization and its role in society.

THUNDER WALKER OKLAHOMA, USA

Can you describe the importance of valuing cannabis-related properties and how you ensure your valuations reflect both current trends and future potential in this unique market?

Valuing cannabis-related properties is crucial due to the unique and rapidly evolving nature of the cannabis industry. These valuations help stakeholders—from investors and lenders to owners and operators—make informed decisions based on the current value and future potential of these properties. This underscores the importance of such valuations and the approach needed to ensure they reflect both current trends and future potential:

1. Regulatory compliance and zoning

2. Market volatility

3. Investment and financing

4. Potential for future growth

I address the approach of first educating cannabis communities and then creating a scope of work for the project.

As an advocate for the cannabis industry, what legislative changes do you consider critical for the advancement and acceptance of cannabis, particularly from a real estate perspective?

As an advocate within the cannabis industry, my focus is on fundamental legislative reforms, specifically the establishment of pediatric cannabis programs and the implementation of a national medical cannabis system that allows patients to travel with their medication or transfer their prescriptions to other states. I am also dedicated to ensuring that cannabis businesses receive equitable treatment in banking and financial services, which is crucial for their legitimacy and growth.

These changes are not just about advancing the industry; they are about fostering acceptance and understanding of cannabis, especially from a real estate perspective, where the potential for innovation and community benefit is immense. Such reforms would mark significant progress toward the fuller integration of cannabis into society and the economy, demonstrating a holistic approach to its acceptance and use.

How do you approach the intersection of cannabis entrepreneurship and traditional Aboriginal wisdom, and what lessons do you hope readers will gain from your insights?

Respect and Recognition: I begin by acknowledging the traditional and sacred use of cannabis within various Indigenous cultures. Understanding and respecting these practices is crucial for any entrepreneur seeking to engage with cannabis in areas with a significant Indigenous presence. The plant and the people were here long before the universities and politicians, and I am reminded of this when working with patients.

Learning from traditional practices: There is much to learn from the traditional wisdom of aboriginal peoples regarding the cultivation of cannabis, its use, and its role within the community.

Cultural sensitivity in marketing: Applying cultural sensitivity to branding, marketing, and product development. Representation matters.

As an influencer in the cannabis space, what strategies do you employ to educate and engage your audience about the benefits and responsible use of cannabis?

I employ a multifaceted approach to educate and engage my audience about the benefits and responsible use of cannabis. These strategies include leveraging my platform and initiatives such as The Thunder Walker Experience and The Smoke Currency Tour.

This is how I do it:

Educational and Defense Platforms

• Inclusive Education: I use my role as an educator and advocate to provide comprehensive information about cannabis, focusing on its medicinal benefits, historical significance, and potential to improve well-being.

• Public Speaking and Events: As a speaker and participant in various cannabis industry events, I share my perspectives and knowledge, reaching a broad audience of industry professionals, patients, and the general public.

• Digital Content: Through digital platforms, including social media and websites, I offer information, stories, and updates on cannabis-related topics, making my knowledge accessible to a global audience.

The Smoke Currency Tour

The Smoke Currency Tour is a flagship initiative by Thunder Walker designed to immerse participants in the world of cannabis through education and first-hand experiences.

The SEED

A men's symposium on the legal challenges men face in cannabis and navigating the legal landscape from Legacy to Legal.

Weed Moms

The Most Powerful Person in The Room is a symposium for mothers in the cannabis industry, caregivers, and people who use cannabis.

Could you share a story from your journey that exemplifies your intuitive approach to navigating the cannabis real estate market?

I represent individuals who own properties located in the Green Zone and help property owners understand their responsibilities to the community and the land on their property. Cannabis can and will clean the land where it is grown. And I encourage people to do just that where it is legal to grow it.

How do you balance your advocacy for cannabis with the need to address and prevent potential misuse or misconceptions about the plant?

I always remind people of the importance of legacy and who is involved and why this medicine is legal in certain areas of the world. I also work diligently to be transparent and eliminate the stigma.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to become leaders in the cannabis industry, and how can they leverage their unique perspectives to drive innovation and social change?

Create a vision of your future in the cannabis industry and then move forward with those goals, always leaving the door open for others to follow. We are living through cannabis history; it's up to us to make this plant accessible to everyone. It's also important to release all those incarcerated for cannabis use and sales.

Patricia Ramirez

@patricia_delmar