Barbie grew up in Essex, and as her mother became disabled when she was 13 years old, she found herself juggling roles as both a student and a caretaker. Seeing her mother in pain throughout her life – and then seeing her life change because of Cannabis – was incredible to witness and inspired Barbie to make a change as well. Before long, they became patients together and began to visit the shop Barbie now works in today – Green Goods in Baltimore.
What was the reason you tried Cannabis?
I struggle with anxiety, and have had a hair-pulling disorder since I was 10 years old. Basically, when you get stressed out you pull your hair out – and I struggled with that for a very long time. I saw using Cannabis was an escape from that mentally, and with street Cannabis, you could not hone in on the effects you desire.
Did Cannabis help you with your weight-loss journey?
Yes! I was working a sedentary job and it was so boring staring at the same four walls and people every day. Physically, I was limited to certain things like not being able to stand for long periods of time. I decided I wanted to take control of my life and began exploring options with weight-loss surgeries. I had a gastric sleeve that caused me nothing but problems and then after they did a bypass, I have seen incredible success and results. The doctors did not want me to use Cannabis before or after my surgery, but once I had my medical card, they had to accept it. Now I like to say I’m running circles around my old self.
Does anyone in your family use Cannabis, other than your mom?
When I got into the program as a patient, my grandmother still called it ‘dope’ – which really got under my skin. I said right then and there I would end the stigma for her. Now she is a patient – she uses topicals and edibles mostly. She is so funny, we have come into the dispensary with a specific list and then I look over and she is ordering a dozen other things. My stepdad was completely against it as well – he used to dump street Cannabis down the toilet. Now he is using edibles and vapes and I couldn’t be happier about it.
What are some of your hobbies?
I love to do makeup – that’s one of my favorite things. Being in a different body for most of my life, makeup was something that was one-size-fits-all … I didn’t have to worry if it wasn’t going to fit me or come in my size. Cannabis has always been a hobby of mine of course. I have also been dabbling in photography and it’s exciting to learn new things as I go.
Did you vote ‘Yes’ on Question 4, and why?
Absolutely yes. I want to see where Maryland’s program can go – I’ve been seeing it change a little more year after year and going towards adult use. I’m excited to see what’s next for dispensary life … me and the patients all have a lot of questions. I know it will be taxed, but hopefully it will go towards roads and many other things we need in this community.
