“We need to see more women in power: more women included in conversations; more women included in decision-making processes; diversity in every sense,” says Anjela. Her words, full of conviction, offer a glimpse into her journey, which has made her not only a celebrated cannabis influencer, but also a staunch advocate for equality and diversity in the cannabis realm.
Known to his legion of over a million followers as Koala puffs, Anjela took the cannabis world by storm after emigrating from Ukraine to the United States, connecting with a community that resonates with her genuine, relatable, and often entertaining content. But behind the smoke and mirrors of social media, Anjela’s journey is deeply transformative and inspiring.
From miscreant to lawyer
“I was actually very against cannabis,” Anjela recalls, sharing a surprising confession from one of the industry’s biggest influencers. However, a singular positive experience sparked her interest in further exploring the world of cannabis.
“Cannabis actually made my relationship with my mother much stronger than it was before. When I first started smoking, she wasn’t very supportive of the idea which was a challenge for me because it wasn’t something I would stop. do We ended up bonding over cannabis and she was even open to trying it,” Anjela says.
For her, the distinction between recreational and medicinal uses of cannabis is key to understanding the plant: “Just like some people drink a beer after a hard day at work, I will smoke to let loose or relax after a hard day. At the same time, It’s also medicinal for me. I had trouble eating even as a child and now I use cannabis to regulate my appetite.”
But his exploration of plant medicine didn’t stop there; Psychedelics, such as mushrooms, also played a vital role in her evolution, aiding her in personal decision making and self-awareness. “Mushrooms help me a lot. They make me realize that I can make these decisions for myself and not for anyone else,” she says.
Navigating the cultural crossroads between cannabis and traditional substances like alcohol, Anjela offers a candid comparison: “When I smoke I definitely feel more relaxed; when I drink alcohol, I can sometimes feel nervous and the next day I feel unhappy and unsure about anything drunken decisions. But when you smoke, you usually just eat a few munchies and go to sleep without a hangover or guilt the next day.”
Anjela, the entrepreneur
Beyond her personal journey, Anjela’s collaboration with TRP (a cannabis retail, cultivation and distribution platform) on the launch of its brand is a testament to its vast reach. “I’ve seen them do other collaborations and thought we’d be a good fit. They have some great people on their team who know exactly what they’re doing,” she explains.
Diving into the heart of the Koala Puffs brand, Anjela shares insights into her curation process, a blend of intuition and passion: “I actually blind tested all the flower samples. So there are no strain names or anything else that means what I’m smoking. I like to blind test them so I can choose the best strains that give me the best experience during my session.”
Anjela, the activist
As the conversation shifts to the broader landscape of the cannabis industry, Anjela’s passionate stance on representation becomes evident. “Everyone looks at a situation differently, and that’s why we need diversity. Everyone has different backgrounds, different lifestyles, and different experiences. That doesn’t make anyone inferior to anyone else; it simply gives them a different point of view. “
In his opinion, cannabis users are often misunderstood, regardless of their identity. “The most common misconception about stoners is that we’re lazy. When I started smoking I really discovered my creative side and started thinking outside the box and doing more things,” he continues, addressing prevailing stereotypes about cannabis users . “It also helps me see a different point of view. Alcohol is bad but it is praised. When I smoke I can still do things normally.”
Angelo, the stoner
Offering a candid look at her personal drinking habits, Anjela admits: “I smoke a lot, more than the average person, but I also listen to my body. If I’m with people and they pass me off, but I’m already at a good level, I’ll quit to smoke more. This is sometimes difficult when I’m at an event because everyone sees me as “Koala Puffs” and expects me to smoke a lot even if I don’t need another puff because I’m already at a good level.”
However, he warns newcomers. “Make sure you’re in a comfortable environment and with someone (or people) you feel comfortable with. Don’t do this at a party to try to look cool, as you might overdo it and make yourself look bad. Try your first time… and then you’ll have a negative view of cannabis. Also make sure you pace yourself. You can take a puff or a small piece of edible and see how it feels. You can always smoke or eat more but there’s no going back,” ensures.
Anjela’s fervor becomes palpable when she speaks on the topic of advocacy, highlighting the vital need for cannabis legalization. “You drink as much as you can, I’ll smoke as much as I can and let’s see who drinks first. Cannabis can make you feel good and at most it can make you very hungry for snacks and then you fall asleep. If you drink alcohol excessively, most likely You’ll feel like crap and have a hangover the next day. And usually it’s drunk people who get aggressive or want to fight when they’re too drunk. I fall asleep and take a nap when I’m too high.”
On a lighter topic, when asked about her dream cannabis companion, Anjela’s response is immediate. “Miley Cyrus,” she says, her eyes shining. “I feel like she would be a fun person to have a smoke session and a fun conversation.”
Anjela, the educator
Reflecting on her journey and surprising success on platforms like Instagram, Anjela’s humility is evident. “I honestly think I was lucky. I was posting cannabis content when Instagram allowed more cannabis content on their platform. I was easily recognizable because a lot of people smoke alone or have never seen anyone else post cannabis content and that makes them feel good when their love for cannabis is shared and talked about publicly.”
Despite her accolades and massive following, Anjela remains rooted in her mission, envisioning a future where the cannabis industry and influencers come together to spread accurate information. “We are so censored on the platforms; if we could talk freely about this plant, there would be so much more information for everyone.”
“I grew up in Ukraine, where children drank alcohol at the age of 12 and it was completely normal. But because I had information about alcohol and it was accessible to me, it made me less curious. But products that are taboo like cannabis, it makes people more curious and there’s a lot of misinformation out there because it’s not yet federally legalized,” he adds.
With a heart dedicated to advocacy, empowerment, and truth, the conversation with Anjela serves as a masterclass in understanding the depths of the cannabis industry. “Don’t let people hold you back. Some people may not support you if you post cannabis, but if that’s your passion, don’t listen to anyone but yourself. Some doors may close but you’ll see how many doors will open if you stick to what you passionate.”
As he concludes, his words about the historic injustices of the War on Drugs leave a profound impact: “Records need to be expunged for everyone in prison on cannabis charges. We need it federally legalized.”
This article originally appeared on Forbes and appears here with permission.
Photo: Courtesy of Koala Puffs. Cover by El Planteo.