One of the incredible things about the marijuana industry is the diversity in both product and people. Almost everyone in this burgeoning new sector has a fascinating story as to how they got involved, combined with a true love of cannabis and its healing properties.

Miss Envy is a perfect example of a passionate call to action which led to a wide array of fabulous products.

Herbal Dispatch interviewed Taryn, a heavily involved spokesperson for the company, about their dedication to a great product and how they are planning to combat the opioid crisis in Canada.

Miss Envy clearly has a diverse group of products. Can you tell me a little about how you got started and your efforts to offer a wide range of cannabis-based options?
Without going into too much detail, I was working at a dispensary the creator of Miss Envy supplied, he was operating solo. We became close friends during a troubled period in my life that he really helped me through.

I went on what you might call a “spiritual mission” backpacking through Costa Rica. After eating Iboga with a shaman, I knew the path my life was supposed to follow. I called (the owner) the next day and demanded the job.

Since then we’ve expanded while aiming to create a line of products that directly correlate to our own practices and beliefs; cannabis as an integral component to leading a healthy, well balanced, active lifestyle.

What are your best selling products and why?
Our best selling products are our topicals and CBD products.

Our Buddha Bar won best topical in the High Times Cannabis Cup this summer, it also happens to be my favourite product.

I was in a serious car accident last year and that bar has saved my life! If you’ve met me, I always smell like lemongrass. It was a re-innovated addition, developed from the Canadian classic Buddha Buddah. I don’t leave the house without either of those products.

We released CBD Dog treats earlier this year that have really taken off; the dog on the package is Chico. He eats better than we do most of the time and I think a lot of people (the good ones anyway) treat their dogs like their children. He might be Mr. Envy’s dog, but he’s my baby.

What inspires you to continue in the industry despite its challenges?
This is my calling, it’s what I know and it’s what I believe in.

Cannabis changed my life insurmountably, just as I’ve seen it change the lives of many that use our products. If we quit now, we’d be denying people access to clean, consistent, and affordable relief. I simply couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t [do this].

Miss Envy (Taryn Lee) and Sarah Blyth are providing access to cannabis and other natural alternatives to combat opiate addiction in the Downtown Eastside.

You are clearly putting in the effort to combat the terrible opioid crisis in Canada. Can you elaborate on how you are doing that?
We began working with Sarah Blythe and her Overdose Prevention Site when she and her partner approached us in June.

Sarah was already baking edibles and distributing joints to addicts in the community in an effort to help them transition from synthetic street drugs on to something more natural. The goal, while offering people a natural holistic alternative, is to also create jobs for those most affected in that community. They operate 7 days a week as part of the Downtown Eastside Market Society — another successful project of Sarah’s.

The Vancouver Police Department has been calling us a “dispensary without walls” and I’m happy to say they’ve publicly announced their support.

For our readers that may not be aware, why is cannabis a help in the solution to the opiate crisis?
People don’t wind up addicted to drugs because they’ve had perfect lives. They wind up where they are because they’ve experienced pain, loss, hardship, abuse, mental illness; the list goes on.

We already know cannabis can help with all of those things. Cannabis can help while experiencing symptoms associated with withdrawal, and CBD specifically has been shown to deter heroin seeking behaviour in mice.

In a study done by Dr. Marcus Bachhuber, in states where medicinal cannabis has been legalized, mortality rates from prescription painkillers has decreased by approximately 25 percent. We’re not saying cannabis is the only answer, it’s just one of many options we’re currently exploring.

What are your next steps with your company in general and also with your philanthropic efforts?
Take over the world Envy style, obviously.

We’re going international – I’m willing it into existence. We’ll be a household name all over the world, mark my words.

For the High Hopes Foundation, what I would truly like to see is other people within the cannabis industry taking up this cause in their own communities. Vancouver isn’t the only city in the midst of a crisis. We’re just pushing the line and doing something about it.

We’re very lucky we live in a city with a police department that understands common sense and supports our efforts.

Miss Envy’s Canna Sutra line of 100% organic THC infused massage oils are designed to deeply penetrate, relax and soothe.

We’re also expanding the Canna Sutra line — I’m looking forward to being that test bunny! ; ) As well, I’m off to China next week to scout out manufacturers for the clothing line we’ve been playing around with.

It’s been in the works for over a year, it should be a good one.

Do you have a plan as to how you expect to take your rightful place within the legalized landscape?
I suppose we’re just going to have to wait and see.

Although with the way things are looking, we either sell our souls to the devil or move south. I prefer option two.

Can you tell me a little bit about the fundraiser you just did in Vancouver and what it’s for?
We threw a boat cruise for industry enthusiasts, to introduce Sarah Blythe and her efforts in the downtown eastside.

Sarah has done tremendous work in the area for the past 12 years, opening the first Overdose Prevention Site of it’s kind in the world. Working with her on the High Hopes Foundation has been a dream. It has been a truly eye opening experience and I value every day I have spent at the site. I have a great amount of respect for those who dedicate their lives to the lives of others. She is an awe inspiring woman, I hope to be more like her someday.

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To support the High Hopes Foundation please make a donation to their Gofundme campaign.

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Madison Cole

Madison is a marijuana enthusiast based out of Ottawa, Canada. Although she uses a pseudonym, Madison has written for many major publications including Maclean's, Chatelaine, City Parent and others.

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