I started smoking marijuana early in college. A boyfriend turned me on to it and I never looked back. To this very day I medicate. However, it’s far different than back in those college days. Today I enjoy a toke or two before I go into meditation. I meditate straight, too. I like to mix it up.
In my earlier life cannabis served a different role for me. The plant (I’ll call her she) kept me sane. Well, what I mean is she took the anxiety away. She gave me euphoria instead. Not a bad trade. In fact, such a good trade that she accompanied me throughout my life… single, married, unmarried, coupled, married. She has been a constant in my life.
Marijuana’s still a constant in my life, but now for a very different reason.
I remember when I started working with marijuana as a spiritual plant… or as some say, Plant Teacher. That’s when Joan Bello came on my radar screen with her book: The Yoga of Marijuana. I was guiding cannabis elevation ceremonies in Denver at the time so what she was saying resonated for me – that the plant amplified the capacity for spiritual expansion.

Challenges and controversy swirled around Joan Bello
She started her marijuana mission in the early 70s when, against all legal dictates, she listened to her gut and taught her 5-year-old son to smoke a joint in order to treat his epileptic seizures. This was long before the research and advocacy underscored the plant’s efficacy in doing so. She claimed it cured him. She went on to join the marijuana advocacy movement to support AIDS patients and others with medical maladies.

Joan brought ancient Eastern knowledge to the Western mind with her books on spirituality and cannabis.
“The people who truly appreciate my work are myfellow travelers on the path of life.We are simpatico in the truest sense of that word.We are here on this planet to share ourunderstanding of the wonder of marijuana.”
Did you know of Joan’s work? Have you considered the intentional use of cannabis for spiritual expansion? I invite you to drop down to the comments section and let me know what came up for you in reading this ode to a “marijuana guru.”
Lovely share. I’m sorry for your loss, Becca. Joan sounds like a fascinating person.
Thanks Chris:) I’m sad for her loss but as you know, in working intentionally with our emotions, with sadness, we know that if we don’t care about something, we’re not sad. But what can replace that sadness in our hearts is the remembrance of the beauty she left us during her full and absolutely remarkable life.
Thanks for sharing this!
I have both her books & was always impressed with her forward-thinking & courage.
I was glad to learn more from you about her life & work.
Blessings upon her & her transition.
Lex! Yes Joan was indefatigable and persistent! What strikes me in this day of people obsessively using social media to cultivate a “higher profile” – Joan never cared about those things. She let events unfold organically without the slightest concern of “being seen” and counting “likes”. Of course, being of a certain age, leveraging online exposure was not a part of her formative milieu as it is for the rest of us. Irregardless, it was quite apparent that she had her ego in check and was singularly focused on her world service in showing us the way with this Plant… Read more »
Becca, aloha. My name is Bre wolfe. I found out about you from Joan. I wrote a book she endorsed called Breathe, your guide to yoga cannabis and spirituality. I was shocked and saddened, so saddened, to hear of her passing. Het daughter reached out. I wanted to thank you for taking the time To write about her. She was my mentor! I’m so glad you gave her time and honored her like you did! Sending you love and light!
Bre! Joan actually mentioned you to me in our last conversation and said we should meet – if that sounds good PM me – I’d like to be in touch. Congratulations on your book!
Thank you for turning us on to this author!
David you are so welcome. Her writing deserves attention!
Did not know of Joan’s work, will definitely look up her book. Sorry to hear she’s no longer with us. I.also prefer the smoky, breath-like word “marijuana,” Now that you’re mentioning it, I realize cannabis sounds wrong; overstuffed, bulky – like “caboose” and “baggage.” My relationship with marijuana has always been like a private consultation for deeper understanding – and to appreciate music. I’ve never wished to be high at social events or while working with people. That would feel nightmarish. For me, it’s more of a quiet friendship.
Joan would have liked hearing you say that!
Thank you for this sweet remembrance. I’d read Joan’s book but never met or talked with her. She was a shero and a pioneer. Did not know she was also from Pennsylvania! Rest In Power, Joan.
I appreciate that Ellen:) Joan was a shero and a pioneer … and YOU should know – given your enduring historical documentation of both remarkable women and men in this arena. Thank you for your important service in doing this documentation work.
Thanks, though I’m mostly too busy being an activist myself to document that movement heroes and sheroes; my work is more about famous folk in the arts, etc. to break the stigma against marijuana (or cannabis, if you prefer). I am working on a piece about Joan for my Tokin’ Woman blog, so thanks for bringing her passing to my attention.
You’re so very welcome. Wonderful to know about your latest cannabis centric projects.
Cannabis.Marijuana
Reefer…its how I refer to the green wonder..I would love ❤ to expand my spiritual side with some kind of goal in mind. I first tried Marijuana when I was only 13.
I’m still loving. It till this day..I’m 64 now.
Absolutely, the green wonder … however we describe it! You’re in the right place for insights on spiritual expansion:)