Two self-proclaimed nuns are on a mission to heal with medical marijuana. Sisters of the Valley nuns Darcy Johnson, 24, and Christine Meeusen, 55, believe in the healing powers of marijuana rich in cannabidiol.
The sisters grow a variety of marijuana strains in the yard of their home in California’s Central Valley. They make salves, lotions, and tinctures harvested around the lunar cycle and cultivated during prayer.
Marijuana rich in cannabidiol is thought to be effective in treating the mental disorders anxiety and depression. Considering that 40 million Americans, or 18% of the population, struggle with anxiety disorders, the sisters believe this holistic, natural treatment route is the best option available.
Research shows that cannabis can also be used to treat chronic pain, post traumatic stress disorder, epilepsy, and even cancer. The sisters say their plants contain little to no THC, preventing the patient from getting high.
The Sisters of the Valley marketed their products through the eCommerce website Etsy up until they were shut down on March 24. Etsy said the Sisters of the Valley Shop was shut down in accordance to their policy that does not allow the sale of drugs on their platform.
While their sisterhood is not directly tied to the Catholic Church, their allegiance is to feminist ideals. CNN reports that their business statement is to “respect the breadth and depth of the gifts of Mother Earth, working to bridge the gap between Her and her suffering people.”
According to the sisters, women will bridge the gap between the acceptance of medical marijuana as a medicine and a recreation drug. They both insist they are not in this industry for fame or money; they just want to utilize their natural born gift for healing.