As an Army veteran, I know how it feels to suffer from severe pain and mental health problems. I wanted to create a more natural method for those who, like myself, do not enjoy ingesting pill after pill. GoodAssCakez is meant to shine a light on someone’s dark day. To make your tastebuds dance and ease suffering.
Baking has always been a passion of mine. In 2017, I was in the Army, taking part in a field exercise in Indiana. I was lying on my bunk watching Cupcake Jemma’s YouTube video on making buttercream, and it hit me. I wanted to start baking as a profession instead of a hobby. I began ordering baking utensils, piping tips, piping bags, cake tins, and a small stand mixer to ensure that I would not have to wait on anything when I got home and could start practicing right away.
In September 2020, I finished my Army contract and finally had the freedom to bake more consistently. After almost ten years of service, I had severe joint pain throughout my body and a non-existence sleep schedule. I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I was prescribed pain medication, anti-depressants, and anti-anxiety medication. I thought there must be a better way of managing my ailments, as the medication would make me groggy and not present. I read an article about how cannabis helped with pain management, depression, and anxiety. Smoking cannabis was never a trend that caught my interest. That is when I started thinking about ingesting it, which led to incorporating cannabis into baked goods.
I did not know how to infuse cannabis into baked goods, nor did I see it as an art form. However, infusing cannabis has a deeper meaning than simply melting down butter or oil and adding flowers to the mix. I found a book called The Art of Weed Butter by Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey that changed my entire view of cannabis and infusing cannabis into food. The book is beautifully written, and it feels like the author is having a casual conversation with you. The author lets you into her journey and her experiences, which was relatable. The book gives you a little history of infusing foods. It talks about edible health and provides a potency chart and delicious recipes. It is pure genius and inspiring.
I was living in Washington State when the thought of starting an edible bakery came to mind. Per the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, I would have to buy a dispensary to sell edibles in Washington State. I wasn’t established. I didn’t have vendors or any connections. I thought my dreams of owning an edible bakery were over before they began. However, I was determined to make my dreams a reality. When I saw Arizona passed Proposition 207, the Smart and Safe Act, in November 2020, which allowed the possession and cultivation of recreational cannabis legal, I took it as a sign. I began researching the stipulations of obtaining a license to sell edibles. After extensive research and numerous phone calls, a license to sell marijuana and products was obtainable! I started applying for employment in Arizona. When I was offered a job, I didn’t hesitate to move. Luckily, the military granted me one last move, which I utilized to transfer to Arizona. Though my household items were taken care of, I did not have much money for traveling. If you have ever lived in Washington State, you know it is relatively expensive to live there. With $800.00 to my name, I moved out of my tiny apartment, packed my KIA Soul to the roof, and got on the road. Two days later, I arrived in Arizona eager to build what is now, GoodAssCakez.
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