WHO ARE WE?

Hello, my name is Erica, and I am the Kanna/Kannabis Librarian. A little bit about me, I graduated in December of 2021 with a master of library information science. I searched for positions in the library and archives field before the pandemic struck; however, I continued to seek employment while completing my degree but received little consideration.

In the spring of 2022, I received several job rejections, and my mental health was suffering. I have been a cannabis consumer for several years and found the plant very helpful during times of stress to relax my mind. Since I enjoyed the various benefits of cannabis and found my highs more enjoyable since tending to my mental health, I realized I could use my skills to create an online library where people can find information regarding cannabis and other plant medicine.

The idea for The Kannabis Library came about thanks partly to attending various cannabis-related events and listening to the amazing stories people shared. Hearing the stories of how cannabis changed those people’s lives was incredible, and the fear of telling others due to the stigma of cannabis was relatable to me. It took me five years before I told my mom that I consume cannabis. I credit the pandemic for pushing me to stand in my truth.

I told my mom that cannabis was not a dangerous plant, as so many have made it out to be, but she didn’t believe me. So, I began researching and presented the findings to my mom, who would retort with the common misconception that cannabis was harmful. I continued to educate myself and shared the information with my mom.

Knowing that I am not alone in trying to inform the many people who still view cannabis in a negative light and collecting information that could attest to the many benefits of cannabis, I thought I must do something with this information. So, I decided to create a digital library focused on cannabis and other plant medicine information so people have resources they can use and offer others who are also looking to educate themselves about plant medicine. I also included mental health resources because the combination of therapy and cannabis helped me break through my depression and rediscover peace.

I want people to find the information they need to make the best-informed decision for themselves or their loved ones.