Cultivating Mindfulness Through Cannabis

Cannabis has long been a tool for creativity, inspiration, and connection. For many, it offers more than just relaxation or a recreational high; it can be a gateway to mindfulness, healing, and self-discovery. Iman Benét Lewis, a culinary artist and activist, embodies this philosophy in her work and life. Through her use of cannabis, she has found ways to deepen her relationship with food, creativity, and the world around her. In doing so, she has turned her personal journey of healing and mindfulness into a platform for education and activism, merging the realms of plant-based cuisine, community, and cannabis reform.

The Roots of Activism and Cannabis Advocacy

Born and raised in the Bay Area, where cannabis culture has long flourished, Iman was exposed to the potential benefits of cannabis early on. Her advocacy for the plant began as early as 2014, working on the frontlines of cannabis reform before legalization transformed the industry. For Iman, cannabis has always been more than a trend or a business opportunity; it is a tool that she believes can change lives by offering access to mindfulness and healing. "Cannabis gave me the tools to drop into my body in a way that I might not have had the chance to otherwise," she explains. “It’s a tool to access the present moment in a way that’s really beautiful and mindful.”

Integrating Cannabis Into the Creative Process

This philosophy carries over into her culinary work, where she often integrates cannabis into her creative process. Iman describes how the plant helps her ground herself in moments of creative block, acting as a bridge between the everyday chaos of life and the calm, focused energy she needs to create. "I just catch the creative bug and head right into the kitchen," she says. "Food is very much my art, and it’s my favorite art form because it provides the most instant gratification. I can eat my art pretty soon after."

In her professional endeavors, Iman has developed a distinct culinary experience with her pop-up dining series, Ritual Dinners. These meticulously crafted, multi-course farm-to-table events focus on creating a deep connection between guests, the food, and the farmers who grow it. Designed to immerse participants in the present moment, these dinners emphasize community and nourishment. While cannabis has played a role in some of her past events, the Ritual Dinners are centered on the overall dining experience, inviting people to appreciate the artistry of food and the connections it fosters.

Healing Through Food and Mindful Consumption

Iman’s journey into the culinary world started with a personal healing process. As she struggled with her own health, she realized that there was a direct relationship between what she ate and how she felt. This epiphany led her to explore plant-based, high-vibrational foods, which transformed her physical and mental well-being. "When I started to change what I ate and ate more consciously, my whole paradigm shifted," she recalls. “My whole energy shifted.”

This transformation became the foundation for her career. In 2020, she published her first cookbook, Alive Again: The Gift of Eating Well, a personal account of her healing journey through food and a guide for others to nourish themselves more consciously. Writing the book, however, was not without its challenges. It was during the most overwhelming moments of the writing process that cannabis became her ally, helping her ground herself and keep perspective. "Cannabis offered me relief in those moments when I was most overwhelmed," Iman explains. "It becomes this sort of meditation on breath, on breathing in and exhaling. It has really helped me remember what’s real and what’s important."

Cannabis and Social Activism

Iman’s relationship with cannabis is deeply tied to her mindfulness practice, which she also extends to her activism. As someone who has been involved in social justice movements since her teenage years, Iman’s activism has always been about creating meaningful change, both personally and collectively. She started in the streets, participating in protests for Black Lives Matter and cannabis reform, but over time, she realized that true, lasting change begins from within.

"The most meaningful way I can create change begins at home, by empowering individuals to nourish themselves," she explains. "When people are fully nourished, they are better equipped to effect real change."

Food, Activism, and Empowerment

For Iman, food and activism are inextricably linked. By teaching others how to heal themselves through food, she believes she is contributing to a larger movement of empowerment and self-sufficiency. It is not just about what we eat, but about how we approach our lives, our bodies, and our communities. And cannabis, in her view, plays an essential role in this process. "I think cannabis is a medicine," she says. "When it is utilized as such, it can create healing in a meaningful way."

As cannabis becomes more widely accepted and integrated into mainstream culture, Iman is careful to maintain a conscious and mindful approach to its use. In her personal life, she uses it sparingly and intentionally, as a way to ground herself, find clarity, and tap into her creativity. "I like to keep it pretty conscious and mindful," she says. "I have it when I’m looking for inspiration, when I’m looking to ground and get present."

Cannabis as a Creative Ally

As a creator and business owner, Iman understands how easy it is to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Sometimes, when she is seeking a moment of clarity or inspiration, cannabis becomes her ally. "When I’m looking for a break and a moment of clarity, I reach for my cannabis tools," she admits. This conscious and mindful approach helps her integrate cannabis into her creative process without letting it take center stage.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Iman continues to weave together her passions for food, cannabis, and social change. While she remains deeply committed to her culinary work and pop-up events, she is also working on her next book, which she hints will delve even deeper into the themes of nourishment, mindfulness, and healing. Though the details of the book are still under wraps, she is excited to continue sharing her journey with those who are seeking ways to connect more deeply with themselves and the world around them.

Iman’s work reminds us that cannabis, like food, is more than just a substance—it’s a tool for connection, creativity, and healing. Whether she is crafting plant-based meals, advocating for social justice, or writing about her own journey, cannabis remains an integral part of her process.

As she puts it, "Cannabis has always had the potential to be a resource for healing, and I’m honored to see it finally being venerated for what it is."