The 'nuns' who grow medical marijuana
Photos:
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.
Hide Caption
1 of 12
Photos:
Photographer Shaughn Crawford said the art in the sisters' house was a fascinating mix of Catholic items and tchotchkes that hint at cannabis culture.
Hide Caption
2 of 12
Photos:
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.
Hide Caption
3 of 12
Photos:
The sisters use simple crockpots and coffee filters to create the special mix that goes into their products.
Hide Caption
4 of 12
Photos:
The mix is used in a variety of products.
Hide Caption
5 of 12
Photos:
"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."
Hide Caption
6 of 12
Photos:
Marijuana is stored at the sisters' home.
Hide Caption
7 of 12
Photos:
Jars hold the sisters' products.
Hide Caption
8 of 12