AACE INTERVIEW: Maria Borbon, Clear Cannabis Inc.
Maria Borbon
Maria’s Journey to Whole Health:
Resetting with cannabis both mentally and physically.
Growing up in a military family overseas, Maria Borbon’s childhood was a unique blend of discipline, structure, and exposure to diverse cultures. As an Asian, cannabis was a subject that remained shrouded in mystery, with stigma and misconceptions surrounding it. Little did she know that my journey would eventually lead me into the heart of the cannabis industry.
Maria’s journey into the cannabis industry began with education. Maria immersed herself in learning everything she could about cannabis cultivation, extraction methods, and the scientific advancements that were reshaping the industry. It was a thrilling experience to unlock the hidden potential of this plant, one that had been unjustly vilified for so long.
Through hard work, dedication, and continuous learning, Maria found her place in an industry that was rapidly evolving. I realized that my background, with its emphasis on structure and discipline, was an asset in an industry that demanded meticulous attention to detail and compliance with ever-changing regulations. - Ophelia Chong
How has your growing up in Asian countries formed your views on cannabis? And how or did they change as you aged?
Well, I'm a military brat. My dad served in the Air Force for 26 years. But my first experience was when I was 14 in the US; we lit up in a friend's car. I coughed, smiled, and said "umm that's good". Then we moved to Japan; this is where I had my son and graduated high school at Yokota AFB, in Fussa, Tokyo, Japan, in that order. Cannabis was hard to get in Japan unless you knew someone who knew someone and then you had to have the money. But our Japanese friends loved to trade for American things like Budweiser, name-brand things you can't get in Japan. It was taboo for military high school kids to obtain marijuana. After high school in '92, we moved to Cali. Luckily I had some high school friends that moved there too. While in college, most weekends were with friends who always had weed (regular or chronic) and shrooms. Dad was still in the military and he got stationed to go to Korea. They had to leave me behind, so I moved to Colorado in '97 and that is where I began my journey to find relief for the minor pains I had started to develop with my back.
Has living in CO educated you on the use of cannabis for your health?
Yes, when I moved to CO I started to develop more pain in my lower back and neck. Some years later I was mixing painkillers and alcohol every night; anything to relieve my pain. I did that for years, over 10 years. A few years after that, I checked myself into a facility to get help and reset myself. That is when I started my research with cannabis. It was legal and I could get my medical card that says I can smoke weed to help with my pain.
You have tested various THC and CBD products, what were your testing protocols and did they meet your expectations? How would you improve any of the products you use now?
Yes, It took me a couple of years to test, I started out with micro-dosing to see how much to consume and maintain that relief. I documented what flowers/ strains were consumed, the percentage of THC, where I was, how much I consumed, the consumption method, how the experience was, and how long it lasted. I even started working part-time at a dispensary to learn more and get that employee discount. I started out dabbing, and then I moved to flower. I prefer joints/pre-rolls (I still don't know how to roll a joint). I also love Leaf411, they are registered nurses that are cannabis-friendly. Everything can be anonymous, if you'd like you can ask them for anything cannabis health-related questions.
As a mother, how do you talk about cannabis to your children?
My kids are grown; my son is 31 and married, and my daughter is 23 and pregnant. It was actually my daughter who reminded me about getting a medical card. I never really had to discuss drug use with my kids. They knew better, also because my ex-husband is a drug addict. However, I like to educate others on cannabis and its uses. My kids, my brother, my parents, and some other family members all dabble with cannabis. For a short time, I consulted with anyone who was curious about cannabis, shared my experiences, and suggested different products to try.
What are your hopes for legalization in the US for cannabis? What do you think are the most significant roadblocks?
My hope is for more freedom to use, I would like to smoke out in public just like people who smoke cigarettes. In CO, you can purchase weed for recreational or medical use but there are very few places to smoke legally.
What are your favorite products?
I love joints and flower, I could smoke about an eighth a day unless I smoke a Twax joint that takes the place of a couple of regular joints. I also love The Clear vapes, I can vape throughout the day, at my desk, and on the road; it's very discreet. The Clear products are very potent and reliable, they have great flavors and they are produced the same in every state so I know I can count on them. Topicals help with the day-to-day on-the-spot relief. There is also Ripple, they have a product that is like pixie sticks which are also great to travel with. These products are used every day, all day. If I miss a treatment, I can be in pain for hours even after I take my missed dose.
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