The 'nuns' who grow medical marijuana

By Jen Christensen, CNN

Updated 2323 GMT (0723 HKT) April 7, 2016

The spiritual Sisters of the Valley grow medical marijuana in California. They use it to make lotions, tinctures and other products. Although they wear habits and modern clothing, the sisters have no official connection to the Catholic Church.
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The spiritual Sisters of the Valley grow medical marijuana in California. They use it to make lotions, tinctures and other products. Although they wear habits and modern clothing, the sisters have no official connection to the Catholic Church.
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Photographer Shaughn Crawford said the art in the sisters' house was a fascinating mix of Catholic items and tchotchkes that hint at cannabis culture.
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Photographer Shaughn Crawford said the art in the sisters' house was a fascinating mix of Catholic items and tchotchkes that hint at cannabis culture.
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The sisters grow potent varieties of medical marijuana they say are rich in cannabidiols, the chemicals thought to reduce nausea, suppress seizures, lower inflammation and help with anxiety and depression.
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The sisters grow potent varieties of medical marijuana they say are rich in cannabidiols, the chemicals thought to reduce nausea, suppress seizures, lower inflammation and help with anxiety and depression.
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The sisters use simple crockpots and coffee filters to create the special mix that goes into their products.
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The sisters use simple crockpots and coffee filters to create the special mix that goes into their products.
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The mix is used in a variety of products.
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The mix is used in a variety of products.
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"When we do these projects, we are not just trying to capture the people, but we are also trying to show a glimpse of the places and things that go on around them," said John DuBois, who photographed the sisters along with Crawford. "And the detail like their calendar with the water and growing cycles on the wall are all interesting details that really tell their story."
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"When we do these projects, we are not just trying to capture the people, but we are also trying to show a glimpse of the places and things that go on around them," said John DuBois, who photographed the sisters along with Crawford. "And the detail like their calendar with the water and growing cycles on the wall are all interesting details that really tell their story."
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Marijuana is stored at the sisters' home.
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Marijuana is stored at the sisters' home.
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Jars hold the sisters' products.
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Jars hold the sisters' products.
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"They were really welcoming and transparent about everything they did in their lives," DuBois said. "Sometimes people are guarded and don't know if they can trust you, but sitting with them confirmed this was the right project."
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