On the outskirts of Merced, California, three sisters are dedicated to growing marijuana. But they are not blood sisters; rather, they form the so-called "Sociedad de las Hermanas del Valle". Technically they do not belong to any official religion, yet their work with marijuana has a powerful spiritual component, and their products reach many people seeking relief from their ailments through the properties of cannabis.
Marijuana goes far beyond its traditional consumption. There are different subspecies and applications, which brings us to the generic term "industrial hemp", generally associated with Cannabis sativa. In California, a small group of women grows hemp under the "Sociedad de las Hermanas del Valle", led by Sister Kate, who has had a very eventful life. Medicinal cannabis not only became a stable income to overcome financial problems after the 2008 debacle, but also helped her nephew escape a harsh opioid addiction. Kate began participating in the Occupy movement in 2011, and her "nun costume" became part of the protest.
The sisters insist that their products do not contain THC, and their production follows a strict lunar cycle. Over the years, Kate has been in contact with very sick people, unable to absorb antibiotics due to liver deficiencies, or desperate to control the spasms of Parkinson's disease, relying on cannabis for relief. Sister Kate now has the help of Sister Darcy, a 24-year-old, and the recently joined Sister Rose. So far they have managed to stand firm against constant maneuvers from authorities, but things are expected to improve once Proposition 64 (which essentially legalizes cannabis) takes effect on the coming January 1.
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