“I am a proud Jersey girl and grew up in Vineland, NJ. It's not the best neighborhood, but it was also not the worst in the Tri-state area. I grew up in an uber conservative household, so drugs, cannabis (or “weed” as they called it), or even alcohol was something that was heavily frowned upon by my family.” 

Their disapproval actually had the reverse effect on where I am today. I found out in high school that this “weed” thing wasn't so bad. However, I did not totally embrace the greatness of the plant until I was out of college, and had a major “exhalation moment” with cannabis. I started by smoking recreationally, and then in 2014 I was diagnosed with Chiari and that changed the game. 

I was having very severe symptoms and the doctors were prescribing me all kinds of pharmaceuticals to ease my pain, but the medication was literally killing me. I decided, against doctor's orders, to come off all the pharmaceuticals and try a more holistic approach for treatment, and cannabis was a part of that. Once I had surgery, and with the help of cannabis, I began to feel more like my old self. I knew what this plant had done for me, and I decided I needed to “pick up the baton” and help with the run for legalization. 

“I knew from my experience growing up that there was a message that needed to be highlighted and that the stigma around cannabis of who users were and what they looked like needed to change.”

What are Chiari malformations?

Chiari malformations are structural defects in the base of the skull and cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance.  

Headache is the hallmark sign of Chiari malformation, especially after sudden coughing, sneezing, or straining.  Other symptoms may vary among individuals and may include:

• neck pain

• hearing or balance problems

• muscle weakness or numbness

• dizziness

• difficulty swallowing or speaking

• vomiting

• ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)

• curvature of the spine (scoliosis)

• insomnia

• depression

• problems with hand coordination and fine motor skills. 

Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

After my brain surgery I knew there were people who were in more need, or as much in need as me, for relief from painful conditions who did not have access  or knowledge of the healing properties of cannabis. I knew from my experience growing up that there was a message that needed to be highlighted and that the stigma around cannabis of who users were and what they looked like needed to change. I made the decision to start changing that stigma by starting my business Hemp House ATL and a regional chapter of NORML called NORML Women of Georgia.

“The primary focus of my advocacy is de-scheduling and removing cannabis from the list of Schedule 1 Drugs…so many of our issues with banking, retail, total business submersion, patient access, higher arrest rates in black and brown communities, and the negative stigma are all bound by the Schedule 1 label.”

The primary focus of my advocacy is de-scheduling and removing cannabis from the list of Schedule 1 Drugs. The reason being is that so many of our issues with banking, retail, total business submersion, patient access, higher arrest rates in black and brown communities, and the negative stigma are all bound by the Schedule 1 label. If that changes, then that opens up my access as a patient and helps further my business as an entrepreneur. 

Entering a new industry wasn’t easy, but I had amazing mentors in activists Sharon Rachal, Ebony Thomas, Parisa Santiago, and Ted Metz,  and business people like Dr. Chanda Macias (Women Grow and National Holisitic Health Center), Gia Moron (Women Grow), and Hope Wiseman (Mary and Main). They helped to put me on a life changing course. I had a dream but no vision and these women helped me to formulate a vision and a path into the cannabis space. 

My best friend Jasmine told me last year, when I was stressed trying to get a lot done in a very short amount of time, “your business does not open overnight. Take the time to breathe with your business. Build a strong team and vet the people you want to bring on board who will help you..”

“I learned that it's going to be ok, and grand visions and divine purpose takes time to manifest and that all things happen for a reason and work toward the greater good.”

I did not listen, I moved forward, with the same veracity as I do when I have my mind made up, to the point where I was stressed out and completely empty by the end 2019 because I was trying to make all of my organizations great and I suffered for it. I learned that it's going to be ok, and grand visions and divine purpose takes time to manifest and that all things happen for a reason and work toward the greater good. It helped me to realize not everyone is going to see the vision the way I see it and will not be satisfied with the pace in which the vision is unfolding, but that is ok.  

“One thing that I’ve learned is that the same people who you begin your journey with will not necessarily be the same ones you continue and conclude your journey with.” 

I’m proud to look back over last year and see what we have created as a unit of women for Women Grow Atlanta and the adjoining and community. One thing that I’ve learned is that the same people who you begin your journey with will not necessarily be the same ones you continue and conclude your journey with. That was a super hard pill to swallow but yet the most profound message I have learned in business thus far. 

About Tianna Smith and The Hemp House:

Tianna Smith is the Founder and CEO of The Hemp House.

The Hemp House is the exclusive conglomerate and cultural home for creators, innovators, and thought leaders. We target business owners and entrepreneurs in the cannabis community looking for space to perform day to day activities. We provide private and shared co-working space  at a competitive monthly rate. 

With access to conference rooms, training facilities  and additional small business resources necessary to help you scale your start-up. Along with a host of  additional amenities designed to assist you in maintaining work, life, balance; The Hemp House is the inspiration needed to elevate you in reaching your higher and best self.