The 'Weed Nuns' who devote their lives to cannabis

The 'sisters of the valley' as they are fondly called have all the belief and faith of every other nun but no connection to the Catholic church. Instead, their life long devotion is to cannabis. They spend their days growing it, smoking it and raising awareness about it's healing powers.

The nuns are not "sloppy smokers", according to their founder sister Kate, but "serious women with serious work to do". Their days are spent growing several medicinal strains on their California farm, which they sell in their online shop in form of various creams and tinctures. While they call themselves non-religious, they handle their weed with a sanctity that comes close: their growing process aligns with moon cycle, and the plants are harvested in what looks like formal ceremonies. 

Photographer duo Shaugn and John spent some time with the nuns for the collection of the images above. "We hunted down their contact info and begged them to let is hang out with them", says Shaugn which spurred on "a several year relationship" and many more trips. "Sister Kate (their leader) is by far the most surprising part" added Shaugn who he calls a "perfect mix of hippy cult leader and megalomaniac CEO".

It could take some time before their belief system is adopted accross the pond, but to UK drug policy makers, sister Kate has one mesage: "we have many choices in oils to use as lubricants to help you get your head out of your ass".