AACE INTERVIEW: Nhi Kha of Sativa Remedy
An Advocate for Hope
Fear - It’s the biggest challenge. 90 years of prohibition have left many folks fearful of the cannabis plant and disconnected from its medicinal potential. - Nhi Kha
When you meet someone, your first impression is always the bellwether to forecast their path. At a young age Nhi took up the responsibility to bridge the gap between the past and the new for her parents, this forged her path to being the guide for those most in need. Nhi is the co-founder of Sativa Remedy, a dispensary in Tonawanda NY, and she serves the community with not only plant medicine but the education that allows the patient to gain knowledge on being their own best advocate for their health. I am honored to have Nhi Kha on AACE, her path forward will create the signposts for those who choose to enter the cannabis community and to thrive. - Ophelia Chong
In your experience as a young immigrant to the US from Thailand, the roles were reversed as you were your parents’ guide when you arrived. How has that relationship shaped your interaction with your entry into the cannabis industry?
I was really fortunate to be raised bilingual, speaking Vietnamese and English. At a young age, I was able to translate for my parents and help guide them through life in America. This became challenging as we navigated my father’s lung cancer diagnosis when I was in college. Raised in a conservative, Christian, household, I was completely fearful of cannabis until I began consuming it in college. At first, I viewed smoking cannabis as recreational - a way to rebel from my upbringing and take part in a typical American college journey. I didn’t know it at the time, but cannabis was my medicine and remedy, helping me to cope with anxiety, depression, and life in general.
It was difficult to explain cannabis to my parents, but when my dad’s health and quality of life started to decline, my family was left with few options. During this time, it was hard to find information, education, and even access to plant medicine. The doctors weren’t much help either. Medical cannabis in NYS was still fairly new, limited, and outrageously expensive. In order to get my dad to try cannabis, I had to start learning as much as I could while translating these concepts into easy-to-digest Vietnamese words, ideas, even metaphors. After months of convincing, we started my dad slowly with CBD isolate tincture then full spectrum CBD, until he was open to using high THC medical cannabis. Going through it all and seeing the positive impact cannabis had on my dad’s quality of life, I knew I could replicate a similar experience for others in a retail setting.
As a lifelong learner, cannabis education is an ongoing, continuous journey. For my customers at Sativa Remedy, I’m able to listen to their needs, educate and simplify concepts, providing guidance as needed. I use the “K.I.S.S method” and try to keep cannabis education easy to digest, relatable, understandable. I’m also an advocate for accessible plant medicine so I strive to carry high-quality affordable products at the hemp dispensary.
Your advocacy of the plant began in college as you explored different career paths and social interactions. Tell us about your advocacy with your position at NORML and as an advocate to friends and family.
I was introduced to NORML back in early 2017 when interning for a medical cannabis doctor. This was during a time when medical cannabis laws were first being introduced in New York. It was the first time I was introduced to cannabis advocacy and witnessing testimonies from actual doctors and patients on the health benefits of cannabis. That first NORML meeting really sparked my interest in cannabis advocacy, medicine, and science. Currently, I hold the position of Deputy Director of WNY NORML and I believe advocacy has to continue after legalization to ensure consumers have safe, affordable access to cannabis. As an advocate and leader, I hope to continue educating and connecting consumers with safe quality plant medicine.
What are the pitfalls that could happen with legalization in the state of NY? How will you avoid some of the issues we had in California (i.e. social equity, MSOs, not educating but putting the emphasis on numbers over patients)
The NYS MRTA Legalization bill did a great job of setting a stage for an equity first model. The provisions set forth in the bill are centered on equity, diversity, and inclusion in the industry. The major pitfalls will come up as regulations and licenses are rolled out. Cannabis advocates and leaders will have to hold the state’s Office of Cannabis Management accountable for maintaining and ensuring equity and diversity in the upcoming years as the industry expands.
For social equity applicants, I think a lack of access to capital and resources will be a tough barrier to entry into the regulated cannabis market.Many of the MSOs will be able to enter the NYS marketplace on day one while many folks will have to wait until resources and funding are available. I remain optimistic because the regulated cannabis industry is so new and it’ll take many years before the industry settles. I tell folks all the time that it is never too late to start! As a cannabis entrepreneur, I hope to use my work in the industry to lead by example, educate, guide, and elevate others looking to enter the industry.
For the people. For the plant.
What is your hope for the future of Cannabis?
Ending the War on Drugs. Decriminalization, expungement, and increased access to plant medicine.
A thriving craft cannabis industry built on innovation, sustainability, inclusion, and diversity.
Social equity, inclusion, and ensuring BIPOC entrepreneurs have access to the cannabis industry through education, guidance, support, and capital.
These hopes have already manifested themselves through the tireless work and efforts of so many advocates and leaders in the cannabis industry and community. I hope that I can be part of advancing this work and building something much greater than myself and my business.
What is the biggest roadblock that the general public has about cannabis?
Fear - It’s the biggest challenge. 90 years of prohibition have left many folks fearful of the cannabis plant and disconnected from its medicinal potential. Most of the public assumes all cannabis has high THC ratios and is completely unaware of the numerous other varieties, ratios, and methods of consumption that are available now. That’s why education and normalization of this plant is so important! We have to unlearn and detach from that fear and propaganda.
Because hemp and cannabis are now legal and accessible in New York, I’ve seen so many folks in my hemp dispensary looking for more natural remedies. That’s where I come in to help remove some of the fears and reconnect folks with good healing plant medicine. In some way, the pandemic really motivated many to rethink their health, both mental & physical, while also motivating them to research and explore more on cannabis.
Finally, how do you relax at the end of the day?
You’ll catch me taking a dab of cannabis concentrate promptly at 7:10 (LOL!) most evenings to unpack the day. If I’m lucky and can get my hands on some quality uplifting Sativa flowers, I’ll opt for that in a bong too! Usually followed by walking off the day with my dog, Snowball.
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