Natalie Tran of Nabis
“My generation has a different perspective on cannabis compared to the past. We're not just buying into the old narrative of 'drugs are bad'. We question, research, and seek nuance. With the internet and social media, we have access to a wealth of information from various sources.”
In my first interviews on AACE, I approached Vince Ning of Nabis to discuss his entry into cannabis and his choice to be a distributor in 2019. I have watched NABIS evolve, grow, and like most companies in the cannabis industry, work their way through ever-changing byzantine regulations. NABIS is built on their choices of who they hire, they have brought together young, enthusiastic employees that are not working from any book, but they are writing it for the ones who come up after them.
One of those hires, Natalie Tran is what I see as a pioneer forging the path for the next generation while educating the generations before her. I am extremely proud today to feature Natalie Tran, Partnerships Manager of Nabis. - Ophelia Chong
You are in the new generation of cannabis, an era that only skimmed DARE and other anti-drug marketing; how do you feel your generation views cannabis and its benefits and uses?
My generation has a different perspective on cannabis compared to the past. We're not just buying into the old narrative of 'drugs are bad'. We question, research, and seek nuance. With the internet and social media, we can access a wealth of information from various sources.
We've realized the potential benefits of cannabis, like managing chronic pain, reducing anxiety, and a host of other conditions. It's not just about getting high but also exploring its therapeutic uses.
Of course, we understand the importance of responsible consumption. Like any substance, cannabis should be used wisely and in moderation. It's about finding balance and being informed.
But beyond personal use, we also see cannabis as an opportunity for innovation and addressing social justice issues. The War on Drugs hit marginalized communities hard. As we shape the cannabis industry, we must prioritize equity, inclusion, and making things right.
Your family history spans and mirrors how immigrants have left their imprint on American culture; how do you feel American culture affects your family’s views on cannabis and your participation in the industry?
Growing up in an immigrant family, refugees from Vietnam, with a Catholic background, my family's views on cannabis have been shaped by conservative values and the influence of American culture. American attitudes towards drug use and an emphasis on discipline, hard work, and abstaining from harmful substances have solidified their negative stance on cannabis. As a result, my participation in the cannabis industry has been met with resistance and concern from my family.
Navigating the cannabis industry without my family's support has posed unique challenges. We rarely discuss this topic at the dinner table, and the language barrier further complicates our limited conversations. However, I respect their reservations and traditional views, even as I maintain my distinct perspective.
When I learned that KhuenPhu & HiVi were collaborating on a cannabis guide translated into different Asian languages, I became extremely excited. It's fantastic to see a project initiated by our AAPI community that aims to promote inclusivity and combat the stigma around cannabis through education and guidance. This is also why I appreciate the work that you’re doing with AACE. I am eagerly anticipating the release of an edition with the Vietnamese translation, as it presents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between my family's traditional beliefs and my involvement in the cannabis industry. Once the Vietnamese edition is available, I plan to obtain a copy for each family member. I hope this will initiate meaningful conversations and facilitate a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
If you could peer into your crystal ball, and with your work at NABIS, how soon do you feel we will have interstate commerce?
While my role at Nabis keeps me connected with industry news and trends, predicting the exact timeline for interstate cannabis commerce is challenging due to the many legal and political factors involved. The growing momentum for reform and the demand for a unified regulatory framework suggests that we are indeed moving in that direction. If I had to make an educated guess, I'd say it might happen within the next five years.
It would certainly be a power move if President Biden decided to legalize cannabis as a reelection strategy, especially considering he didn't fully deliver on his 2020 campaign promise to decriminalize marijuana. Such a move could also serve to redress some of the harms caused during the War on Drugs era.
If you could infuse a pre-roll with whatever you wanted, what would you call it?
If I could infuse a pre-roll with whatever I wanted, I would call it Dimensional Mind Trip. With DMT making headlines in recent news, this will be my secret ingredient. The pre-roll would contain a no-till grown flower (shout out to Snowtill for introducing me to this growing method) as the base, with a live rosin infusion and a sprinkle of DMT, perfectly rolled in a hash wrap. No-till flower tastes and feels incredible on its own, it doesn’t need the unique infusion but just thinking out of the box, this would be an enlightening pre-roll.
NATALIE TRAN
Artwork created by Natalie Tran