In the latest episode of Branding Like a Boss, host Angela Pih sits down with Christina Wong and Wendy Zhang of Mogu Magu, a groundbreaking collective exploring the intersection of cannabis, Asian heritage, and the art of fine cuisine. Christina, a celebrated cannabis culinary artist and writer, and Wendy, a masterful chef with roots in Chengdu’s rich culinary traditions, share their journey of creating Mogu Mogu, a project deeply inspired by the Taoist hemp goddess Magu.
The episode uncovers the fascinating history of Magu, an ancient figure in Chinese lore celebrated for her use of hemp and her role as a protector of women and children. Christina and Wendy discuss their personal connections to Magu’s story and how it has fueled their mission to de-stigmatize cannabis, all while honoring the rich medicinal traditions of ancient China. They describe how discovering Magu provided a profound cultural link, helping them reconnect with their heritage in a modern, meaningful way.
Their passion for blending food and cannabis comes to life through elaborate, healing gatherings inspired by Magu’s celestial kitchen. Wendy explains how these meals, steeped in traditional Chinese medicine principles, are carefully crafted to nourish both the body and spirit. From bold Sichuan flavors to carefully curated floral and mushroom-infused dishes, the duo’s culinary experiences offer a celebration of cultural identity and plant-based healing.
Cannabis, Culture, and Connection: Mogu Magu’s Asian Cannabis Community Unites in Healing and Celebration
In a heartfelt gathering that took place amid the waning days of the pandemic, the founders of Mogu Magu, Christina Wong and Wendy Zhang, were moved to tears as they witnessed the vibrant coming together of the Asian American community in the cannabis space. The moment was described as a deeply emotional experience, representing a powerful shift toward cultural representation and unity within an industry often dominated by mainstream narratives.
Reflecting on the occasion, Christina recounted, “I was at a networking event, and I just started crying. It was so moving to see ourselves, a collective of Asian operators and brands, all represented together. The energy was palpable, and we weren’t just tearing up; we were smiling through it, feeling that sense of belonging and pride.”
This Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) culture, food, and cannabis collective, has been a platform to amplify this cultural representation through events and culinary experiences. Their gatherings, like the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival’s Mahjong Tea Garden, blend traditional Asian festivities with cannabis, all while fostering a sense of community. Wendy and Christina’s collaboration highlights the melding of Asian cuisine and cannabis, celebrating flavors through infused desserts and traditional foods like mooncakes.
The duo is driven by a mission to de-stigmatize cannabis use within the Asian community, often perceived negatively. Mogu Magu also shares educational resources like a cannabis education guide translated into 11 AAPI languages, a crucial tool for informing and changing perceptions. The guide’s reach has extended across continents, with stories of families in Taiwan learning about cannabis in their native language, breaking barriers of misunderstanding.
In their ongoing journey, Mogu Magu has collaborated with artists and brands that celebrate their heritage, like Sunday School, which infuses Korean culture into cannabis branding, and Potley, known for incorporating Asian flavors. This collaborative spirit, rather than competition, defines the ethos of Mogu Magu.
As Wendy and Christina continue to organize and curate these cultural events, they invite more members to join their journey. They are actively seeking artists for new projects and hope to share their rich experiences and visual stories with a broader audience.
The podcast episode highlights themes of cultural reclamation, the power of food as a form of love and community, and the role of cannabis as a historic, yet often overlooked, element of traditional Chinese medicine. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in how culture, cannabis, and cuisine can come together to tell a deeper, richer story.
Catch the full episode to learn more about Magu’s legend, Mogu Magu’s cultural impact, and how Christina and Wendy are creating magic through food and cannabis. Don’t miss it!
*The above article pertains to one discussion point from Branding Like A Boss, a multi-faceted episode. For other articles that feature more relevant and must-read discussions from this specific episode, click here. For more episodes, past and upcoming, subscribe to our Beard Bros Network Media Live Series YouTube Playlist. New to this B2B live series? Read more here.
