Cultivating Creativity: Art, Cannabis, and Wellness
Over the past year, I’ve been growing and studying the cannabis plant—a journey that began with a simple desire to connect more deeply with this incredible herb and see how it could be used in my natural dye work. Back in 2017, I was searching for fresh cannabis leaves (dry dose nothing for dye) to study and experience firsthand, much like I had done with other plants during my herbalist training. But sourcing fresh leaves was nearly impossible unless you were growing the plant yourself, and I didn’t know anyone outside the industry who was cultivating it.
Fate intervened when I found some seeds in an old bag of weed. To my surprise, they germinated, sparing me the need to buy seeds. While I’m far from a plant expert, my love for all things green made this project both exciting and rewarding.
I started growing indoors and transitioned the plants outside when the weather allowed. I wasn’t expecting much, but all my plants turned out to be female—not that I was growing for flowers, but it was fascinating to observe the flowering stages up close. To my delight, one plant produced enough flower to sample. While it wasn’t the best cannabis I’ve ever smoked, it had a lovely lemony zest and gave me a light, enjoyable buzz that made cleaning the house surprisingly fun. Not bad for a first attempt!
Lessons Learned and Creative Inspiration
This experiment taught me so much about the cannabis plant and its growth cycle. More importantly, it deepened my appreciation for its beauty and versatility. Over 2024, I had the opportunity to channel that inspiration into my art, creating pieces that celebrate the plant’s intricate forms and natural elegance.
As someone who uses cannabis both for wellness and recreation, I’ve loved incorporating its essence into my work. It’s a meaningful way to merge my passions for art, nature, and holistic health.
Check it out
Green Spot is my favourite cannabis shop in Calgary, and I feel incredibly lucky to have my artwork displayed on their walls. You should go say hi and see the mural in person if you get the chance.
Creating with the cannabis plant has been such a rewarding experience, allowing me to explore its alien like beauty in so many ways. From painting, ink and dye, aroma, and even taste, I’ve immersed myself in this plant through all the senses.
Cannabis in Wellness
If you’re curious about cannabis and its role in wellness, I highly recommend checking out The Cannabis Nurses + Co. Their insights on the endocannabinoid system have been invaluable to me.
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, I hope to see more focus on wellness-oriented products: full-spectrum oils, low-THC options, and natural formulations that avoid chemical-heavy vapes or edibles with inflammatory ingredients. Education is the key to shifting perceptions and promoting the plant’s true potential.
This journey has been an incredible blend of discovery, creativity, and connection. I’m excited to see where it leads next, both in my art and in the ever-growing world of cannabis wellness.
Follow Along: For more insights, art, and holistic inspiration, follow me on Instagram @_artbotanica or sign up for my newsletter.
Explore More: Interested in learning about cannabis and wellness? Check out The Cannabis Nurses + Co for valuable resources!
Thank you for taking the time to read my journey with art, cannabis, and wellness. Your support means the world to me, and I’m so glad you’re here!