Cannabis Equity
Paula Wang
My thesis critically examines the potential of the cannabis industry to champion sustainability and social justice,
challenging its unwarranted stigmatization. In an era of ecological concerns and overconsumption, cannabis offers a
unique avenue for a more equitable and environmentally conscious future. This work analyzes current consumption patterns
within the cannabis sector to pinpoint opportunities for fostering a societal shift towards environmental stewardship
and mindful consumption. By advocating for regenerative agriculture, ethical sourcing, and community-focused practices,
this thesis explores how the cannabis industry can lead the way in cultivating a more sustainable and just future,
ultimately inspiring a new wave of conscious consumers.
This mind map visualizes my exploration of cannabis culture's vastness. To sort out my ideas, I charted its journey from
sustainability's tangible impact to slang's social nuances, investigating its presence across social, political,
economic, and artistic dimensions.
My first project, 'Hot Box,' explored discreet cannabis use via concealed packaging. Examining how inconspicuous design
shapes experience and perception, it linked to my thesis themes of altered states and ritual, sparking my broader
inquiry into cannabis as a catalyst for introspection and creative expression.
The 'th-me inhaler' was another visual exploration I developed, playing with the familiar form of a medical inhaler but
repurposing it within the context of cannabis consumption. My intention was to subvert expectations and explore the
potential for discreet and perhaps even ritualized methods of intake.
Then, I developed a series of photographs that showcase the therapeutic and meditative aspects of cannabis. By focusing
on the hands and their intricate movements, I captured the ritualistic nature of preparing cannabis. The tactile
experience of grinding and rolling, is not only practical but also a moment of mindfulness.
The successful development of my initial film series, which focused on the hands engaged in the ritualistic preparation
of cannabis, was a crucial stepping stone towards the creation of my Thesis Book. That film series allowed me to deeply
explore several key concepts that became central to my broader thesis.
What might seem like a routine act is here elevated to a moment of focused attention. This spread captures the tactile
engagement with the material, a quiet ritual documented frame by frame.
The grinder, the hands, the process. This grid of images abstracts the ritual, transforming the mundane into a study of
form and action.
The cover of my thesis book is an invitation into a private ritual. "WEED," bold and white on black, frames the personal
narrative within. "HOW I PREP MY" suggests an intimate focus on process, leading to the simple, honest declaration: "AND
SMOKE IT, TOO."