In Conversation With Culinary and Cannabis Creator Tamara Anderson
Tamara Anderson is a trailblazer you NEED to know.
As a nurse who regularly works with patients suffering from debilitating pain, she has witnessed how long-term use of pain medication comes with many consequences: damage to vital organs, addiction, and changes in personality. Harnessing research by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, noted neurosurgeon and CNN chief medical correspondent, Tamara quickly realized that she could bring both her passions together: a love of helping others with the healing power of the plant, and baking.
Along came Culinary and Cannabis, an empowering event forum bringing together patients, healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, food and wine experts. From the Cannaspa Wellness Club Workshop and Kit, to delicious infused dining experiences, Tamara's significant work refutes the stigma surrounding medical cannabis treatment - something we can all get behind! Culinary and Cannabis has also been recognized by USA Today and The Hollywood Reporter among others, with activations being held everywhere from Coachella to the Superbowl.
The Trim recently caught up with Tamara to learn more about Culinary and Cannabis and the future of the industry.
Tell us about yourself!
I'm a mom, caretaker, Registered Nurse, pastry chef and cannabis entrepreneur. My goal is teach people about the variety of ways in which cannabis can be used by creating a beautiful, comfortable atmosphere to learn.
What inspired you to create Culinary and Cannabis?
My inspiration came from the desire to educate people on the plant because I lost my son three years ago. He had a rare medical condition called Jobs Syndrome and I believe that if cannabis education had been available to me, he may still be here today.
At what moment did you realize you had something special?
When I didn't see anyone doing what I wanted to do and in the way I wanted to do it. Our original purpose was to highlight cannabis chefs in the most sophisticated way possible, and bring them from the underground into the light where people could find them.
What have been the most gratifying moments of your career?
The most gratifying is seeing guests find a product that helps with debilitating illness, where they couldn't work for years. Attending our events and finding the right product has brought many relief and some normalcy.
Cooking with cannabis can be daunting to some folks. Any tips for newbies?
Take it slow, do the math and big things don't come in little packages.
What's next for Culinary and Cannabis?
Next, we are transitioning to connecting brands with audiences outside of the cannabis community. It will accomplish brand awareness and cannabis education through hands-on experiences.
What are your hopes for the future of cannabis?
To be able to connect with people all over the world, inspire entrepreneurs to get into the cannabis industry, and help people discover how cannabis may help them.
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Follow Culinary and Cannabis on Instagram HERE for workshop news and more. To learn more about Tamara and her services, visit culinaryandcannabis.com.
Photos courtesy of Tamara Anderson.
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