2024: Letter From The Executive Director

Dear Jane,

As we round out another whirlwind year, I find myself in deep reflection—profoundly grateful for this wildly magical journey and for every person who has poured into the project along the way.  Because of you, TIJP hosted 38 events in 6 Locations, serving 1770+ Janes in 2024 alone. 

You are all why we are here—on the precipice of something beyond transgressive, but transformative.

The Birth of This is Jane Project (TIJP)

TIJP was born out of necessity. I didn’t see or hear stories like mine—other people using this plant to confront, manage, and ultimately find healing from trauma. Instead, I encountered deeply rooted stigma surrounding both cannabis consumption and discussions of traumatic experiences—especially those involving sexual assault (SA) and domestic violence (DV). It was clear that an important population was being left out of the conversation and fight for medicinal cannabis – trauma survivors, especially women and non-binary ones. I decided we should be silent no longer.

Storytelling as a Bridge

I viewed storytelling as a bridge—not only to share these narratives but also to destigmatize conversations around trauma, healing, and medicating with cannabis, particularly for women and non-binary individuals. At that time, nearly every mainstream headline in favor of medicinal cannabis for PTSD centered on its efficacy for male combat veterans. 

While the term “trauma-informed” was gaining momentum in clinical circles, little was discussed about women particularly; next to nothing was mentioned about gender plurality and trauma. There was certainly no nuanced conversation about what we would coin “trauma-informed consumption”.

Shared Experiences

I understood that symptoms of trauma were experienced similarly across different contexts. The combat veteran I sat next to in the PTSD recovery group I attended after an assault at gunpoint understood me just as I understood him. I knew precisely what it meant to jump with fright from a slamming door or any loud, unexpected noise. I understood that you never really rest when you’re suffering from nightmares or night terrors. I recognized how being in a constant state of fight-or-flight affected one’s body, mind, and relationship with ourselves and society as a whole.

From Idea to Action

Soon after these realizations, I shared the idea for a black-and-white photo activism campaign with Jennifer DeSantis, Rebecca Washington, Mskindness B. Ramirez, Bri Smith, and Dr. Michelle Ross, who helped develop this concept into a campaign that introduced many to this work years ago. It was their early work, particularly that of Jennifer DeSantis and Bri Smith, that supported a blueprint of safety in the spaces we curate for those we would come to call, Jane’s.

It was the incredible photographer Molly Gilholm who brought the original vision to life in black and white. As an offering. That gift has remained our guiding artistic light. And Taylor Ecker, a renegade of an activist, warrior, survivor and gifted photographer, who photographed the Philly and Brooklyn event: You, too, have greatly influenced the artistry that is our I am Jane campaign, which has documented hundreds across the country with no plan of stopping.

Upon transcribing stories from Janes in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Brooklyn for the original idea, it became clear that while TIJP’s photo activism campaign to destigmatize use was onto something, we were also missing something big.

I listened to countless survivors share how the high price of regulated cannabis was a barrier to access and how they craved trauma-sensitive spaces to gather in community with others who also believe in this plant’s ability to reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and more. Shortly after returning home from the Brooklyn event, I couldn’t shake a voice whispering—and then yelling— “the project needs to be more than media!” 

And it did! What we were doing was transgressive and thought-provoking; we were even featured in a viral video republished on YouTube by NowThis Weed. However, documenting barriers to access without taking action to reduce or remove those barriers was no longer an option; it didn’t sit right with me.

A Shift in Focus for the Project

While we could have remained a photo-activism campaign dedicated to destigmatization —which likely would have continued gaining momentum on its own, I found myself constantly questioning: “How do we continue to focus on destigmatizing something people don’t even have access to?” 

This question was posed to founding board members Dr. Tiffany Bowden, Mskindness B Ramirez and Jay Whetzel. Each agreed when I explained the direction the work should change to meet the needs of those we were working with. 

In 2020 a decision was made to refocus TIJP’s efforts into becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—a decision that, while upsetting to those passionate about shooting a documentary as initially proposed, would go on to change countless lives.

Remaining true to our commitment to destigmatize trauma-informed consumption, TIJP grew to include cultivating desperately needed community and trauma-sensitive programming that uplifts the lives of trauma survivors like me and the first 50 who gathered in a TIJP circle. 

Centering Lives, Centering Jane

Every Jane over the years has touched my life, yet it’s the experiences of those courageous souls who gathered over 5 years ago that are etched into my mind. 

The Marine Corps veteran.

The Child Sexual Assault survivor.

The non-binary Jane who was sexually assaulted, but hadn’t had the courage to speak about it until a TIJP gathering.

The mother and daughter battling cancer.

The domestic violence survivor.

The daughter of a narcissist. 

The justice-impacted Jane drowning in fines with little anti-recidivism support.

The therapist scared to share her belief that this plant can help with trauma.

The Jane found in a trash can as a newborn—a memory living in her cells, even decades later.

The Jane who has miscarried nearly full term just weeks before sitting for a portrait.

It’s their lives—and those like them that we needed to center. And that’s just what we set out to do!

Programming, Impact, and Reliability 

Since those foundational days, This is Jane Project has touched the lives of thousands of Janes, donated over 150k units of compliant cannabis, and hosted over 100 events. And, as you will often hear, we’re just getting started! 

Through our long-time partnership with Leafwell, we have ensured hundreds had affordable access to physicians’ recommendations.

And through our signature compassion donation program Survivor’s Without Access (SWA) and thanks to partners across the supply chain, we are also proud to have coordinated the donation of thousands of units of compassionate cannabis for Janes in LA, SF Bay Area, Denver while expanding into Chicago and Lambertville, New Jersey earlier this year! Janes also have access to heavily-discounted ketamine therapy through Mindbloom. 

We also introduced a monthly Healing Happy Hour (HHH series), where Janes from across the country (and world!) join virtually to share space and learn about healing modalities —discovering our experiences are more alike than different. Under the leadership of Adelia Fakhri and T Warwick—with Jo Horsted providing emotional support at every event—this program has become more than just a place for community; HHH is a refuge.

Dozens of Janes, including myself, have logged in on the fourth Wednesday of each month for years in varying emotional states knowing that we are safe to come exactly as we are. There is safety in reliability as trauma survivors—and HHH is just that! If you haven’t experienced this healing-centered event series yet—get on it! We’d love to have you.

Then there’s the Jane who logs on from a non-legal state—a stark reminder that there is still unfortunately much work to be done in creating equitable access to this plant. 

Lastly, our quarterly offering—the HEARTs Healing Arts program—developed by former Program Director Jennifer Axcell and volunteer Priscilla Lira—has provided hundreds of Janes with safe spaces for healing art workshops and trauma-sensitive discussions.

Their early work planted seeds for the reimagined HEARTs program launched last quarter under Crystal Dominguez’s direction—a talented artist-mother-entrepreneur who now centers HEARTs around four seasons while incorporating modalities like clay paper paint—and more! We’ve also followed HHH’s lead by adding emotional support personnel to all virtual programming—a big welcome to Crystal Flores who stepped into this role! Your presence is invaluable; your skills are necessary for integration.

Trauma-Informed Information Technology and Data Collection

I’m proud to share that longtime Information and Technology Services (ITS) volunteer and executive Board Secretary, Ronni Eloff, accepted the role of Fractional Chief Technology Officer (FCTO) for TIJP this year. Their guidance coupled with a passion for ethical technology and legal compliance has been revolutionary for TIJP; setting the precedent for how and why TIJP protects privacy, and sources, stores, and uses technology and data protection. The creation of this department also provides information awareness and education to those influencing accessibility barriers and supports the true, intended nature of corporate social responsibility in the Cannabis Industry.

All this started when they were asked to create a demographic survey of our Janes in 2022. This information would break through a wall, providing critical data on demographics missing from the conversation! At the time, my guess was that we had served 500 Janes, a profound number on its own. The survey revealed there were already over 1,000 Janes in our community! It also highlighted a driving force in our work– that too many Janes lacked financial, emotional, and educational resources. 

61% of all Janes surveyed made less than $50k, of that, 42% brought home less than 25k. Legal weed just isn’t accessible– and SB-34 in California, while revolutionary, wasn’t helping Janes across state lines.  

It was the vision born from that survey that ultimately allowed more Janes access to medicine and modalities. We will forever be grateful for Ronni’s trust in an organization that, while rooted in good, needed executive leadership guidance in order to reach its true potential. Thank you for being one of those leaders.

Storytelling as a Pillar

If 2024 taught me anything, it’s the power of authentic storytelling. Watching the Content Marketing team do what they do– tell the story of TIJP, Janes, create beautiful content centering real life issues affecting our community, helpful resources, program impact, and more. To our Marketing Manager, Alicia Catherine Ezor, and Digital Content Producer, Parker Jesse Chase: Thank you for communicating the mission, vision, and why it all matters on behalf of TIJP.   

A Community Trust

To this community—you’ve entrusted us on your healing journey one way or another through these years. The truth is we’ve also entrusted you. Your belief in us, and patience as we’ve navigated uncharted waters, has nurtured us up until this point—we’re ready to step into 2025 with fresh eyes and ears, and a renewed commitment toward providing access. We haven’t always gotten it right—but you have shown us grace as we face every learning opportunity head-on and we are grateful. 

None of this work would be possible without generous support from our donors and incredible team members! Your investment in time, skills, products, and financial sponsorship has allowed TIJP to offer low-to-no-cost medicine, modalities, and programming to those most in need.

Acknowledgments

To Wana Brands Foundation, PAX, GRRRL Music, Leafwell, Baked by the River, Canna Content, CannaSite, Curaleaf, The Green Nurse, Nancy Chains, Radiant J Productions, My Bud Vase, Flower Hire,  Baked by the River, and every individual donor over the years- on behalf of every Jane we have been honored to support, thank you. 

To EventHi, Ispire, Mindbloom, Sonoma Hills Farms, MarQaha, Proof Wellness, Wyld, Ember Valley, Weed for Warriors Project, Lowell Farms, Kiva, Coastal Sun, Emerald Bay Extracts, NuLeaf Naturals, Stone Road Farms, Garden Society, Gaylna, Black Bird, Flower Union, Miss Grass, Verano, Select, Native Roots, Garden Greens, Grön Cannabis Edibles, Veritas, CannaCabana Bus, DADiRRi, and Swami Select– your in-kind and product donations have been a lifeline. 

To our community partners: The Social Impact Center who hosted a transformative Story of Self training and Know Your Rights workshop with LA Janes earlier this year, Illinois Women in Cannabis, The 1937 Foundation, Weed for Warriors Project, The Blue Bench, The Network of Applied Pharmacognosy, Club Kindness, Blunt Brunch, MJ BizCon, VFW Outpost 1, Impact One, Plesio Health, Marijuana Matters, ReCompass, and Leaf411– we’ve grown because you believed in our vision. Thank you for having us on this journey with you. 

To our retail partners– YOU are the first line of defense for Janes. Without you, there would not be a complaint pathway to get donated medicine into the hands of Janes. Thank you for opening your hearts and doors to this work: Fountain of Wellbeing, now ILLA, L’Eagle, Gorilla Rx Wellness, Baked by the River, PotCo, Native Roots, Posh Green Boutique, Sweet Flower, Curaleaf, Solful, and Delta Boyz.  

To the volunteers, board members, contractors, facilitators and allies helping to build this plane along the way. Our work will continue to transport healing for years to come. Of that I am certain. 

Final Thoughts

I also want to say thank you to our founding Board President, Mskindness B. Ramirez! Your belief in this unique vision has been both a force and superpower. On behalf of everyone at TIJP, thank you for years of inspiration and investment! To short-time Board President, Dr. Gregory Cannillas: thank you for joining TIJP during a critical time full of expansion and reflection necessary to serve more Janes! We wish you each the best and brightest in your future endeavors. 

In closing, I invite you to remember This is Jane Project when considering making tax-deductible one-time or annual donations. We have continued to provide no-to-low-cost programming because of your generosity. Help Jane Heal today! There is no contribution too small; truly, any amount is beneficial. 

2025 will be our 5th year as an NPO and we are excited to continue curating trauma-sensitive events, facilitating access to much-needed medicine and resources, and shedding light on the depth and breadth of cannabis for mental health. Whether you’re a Jane, Sponsor, Donor, Activist or Educator, follow along on our Journey through 2025 on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn or the website!

We are so ready to bring TIJP 3.0 to life in 2025. There are plenty of opportunities for you to support, help, and partner with us to create more access points to healing. Will you join us?

In Healing and with so much Love & Gratitude, 

Shannon