Wake + Bake: A Trauma Queen’s Guide to Cannabis-Infused Mornings
By Jerico MandyburJimanekia Eborn is a comprehensive sex educator and a sexual assault and trauma expert. She’s also a queer media consultant and the host of Trauma Queen—a podcast mini series for assault survivors. She’s also a gifted speaker and retreat space holder. And if all that wasn’t enough, Jimanekia’s also a passionate advocate for our favorite plant.
If you’re not familiar with the safe and brave space that is her informative, enlightening, and warm Instagram account, well, there’s no time like the present, bb. Get amongst it. In the meantime, let Jimanekia show you how she incorporates cannabis into her morning routine—and makes use of THC and CBD products all along the way.
Jerico Mandybur: How did you and cannabis meet?
Jimanekia Eborn: Honestly, it has been around me for some time. I did not indulge until around my mid-twenties. I was hanging out with a guy and I was like, “actually, let me try it.” It was, of course, a mess at first. As it is for most folks because we’re not aware and/or consume too much. But, after that it was smooth sailing and I learned when my stopping point was.
I have been at multiple stages with weed. From non-smoker, to sometimes, to every day, to where I am now. I will smoke on occasions—maybe a few times a week. But, also it depends if I have been having more body pain that week or if I’d like to treat myself.
What time do you wake up?
Monday to Friday, my alarm is set to go off at 8:20 a.m. After that, I check to see how many messages I will have to navigate through later. And then I check in with my body because some days, my body likes to rebel against what I want to do.
What does your daily cannabis routine look like?
It varies! I don't have a specific intake with THC. I’ve started consuming CBD more normally, as someone with tendinitis in both hands. And I have to use them all the time for work, so it’s helpful. I love a pen, a salve, and a tincture—and hell, I might use them all through the day.
First product you reach for?
I really enjoy a vape pen. CBD or THC, or a combination of them. There is something about the smoking sensation that really is calming to me.
CBD skincare hack?
Use it! Lol. There are tons of products out there, we just don’t really buy them. Or we have all the products and just don’t use them.
Song that *actually* gets you up?
“Ayy Ladies” by Travis Porter feat. Tyga. It reminds me of good times during my undergrad in college. And it literally just makes me hype every time I listen to it.
Morning self-care ritual?
I wake up and stretch. I also have to wake my hands up a lot of mornings and move a bit slow because of my tendinitis. I then get out of bed and put clothes on because I sleep naked. Open the door so the puppies can come in and run around my room in excitement. Rub some puppy belly. Go to the restroom and then stretch again. Then I get back in bed and cuddle with the puppies for a bit. And then I have some hot lemon water. I've been super excited to have more CBD products to add into my morning self-care. I like to ease into my day, because I know most days are pretty busy in the morning. And since I work in trauma, I don't want to be overwhelmed right out the gate.
Favorite thing to eat in the AM?
Eggs over medium and some sautéed veggies. Or hash browns and scrambled eggs.
Everyday comfy outfit?
Sweats and a sports bra—it just feels like I'm balanced when I wear this. Or booty shorts, knee-high socks, and a t-shirt. I love to balance out my body temperature-wise.
Vape, tincture, topical or edible?
All of the above! It depends on what my needs are at that moment. I love a topical for my hands and my neck. I love the sensation of vaping. I love to use edibles for a body high that also helps my pain. Tinctures are great to add to my drinks or to indulge in. I love having the options of all of these, so I tend to have all of them on hand—CBD and sometimes THC versions.