Every individual’s cannabis journey has a distinctive and often unforgettable beginning. For Sara Payan, her intricate relationship with cannabis bloomed during her inquisitive teenage years. Initially sparked by youthful curiosity, her engagement with the plant took on an intensely personal and transformative dimension in her 30s. Confronted with a diagnosis of stage-three colon cancer, Payan grappled with the dual challenges of the disease itself and the debilitating aftermath of chemotherapy. Cannabis became her safe place, alleviating the intense pain and overpowering nausea. That life-changing event led to Payan’s path towards cannabis education and advocacy.
With her podcast, Planted with Sara Payan, she’s featured a confluence of diverse voices including musicians David Crosby and Steven Van Zandt as well as policymakers like Rep. Earl Blumenauer. Her journey in the cannabis industry has included educating others about the benefits of the plant and advocating for patients on city and state advisory boards. Payan’s growing legacy hints at a promising future when cannabis is celebrated for its immense potential.
High Times Magazine, November 2023
A Catalyst for Change
Payan utilized medical cannabis in her cancer recovery and to combat the effects of chemotherapy, but her insights into the therapeutic potential of cannabis were not just borne out of personal experience. Her family background, especially her mother’s immersion in medical research as a cancer investigator and hematology oncology nurse, provided her with a unique perspective. This familial bond armed her with an early appreciation of the many benefits of cannabis, especially in managing debilitating symptoms.
During Payan’s intensive cancer treatment, her interactions with dispensaries revealed a stark concern: the evident dearth of comprehensive consumer education.
“I didn’t feel empowered in my choices,” she says.
One particular incident, where inadequate guidance on edible consumption led to an overwhelming high …
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Author: Javier Hasse / High Times
