Return to Boriken: Finding Home in the Land of the Great Lords

“Yo soy Boricua, pa’que tu sepas” – these words echo through the streets of Puerto Rico with pride and conviction. After six years of nomadic exploration across the United States cannabis industry and four transformative months in Puerto Rico during 2022-2023, I’ve found myself drawn back to the island that the Taino people called Boriken – the Land of the Great Lords. The land that my mother and one of my fathers comes from.

Florida had always been home, but something was missing. The connection to land, the depth of culture, the interweaving of historical threads that make up the fabric of daily life – I found all of this not in the Sunshine State, but in Puerto Rico. What I was searching for in Florida was what I once knew but the peninsula will never be as it was. I found what I needed and it was waiting for me in Boriken all along.

A Bridge Between the Mainland and Its Colony

The cannabis industry has long been a bridge between cultures, communities, and healing traditions. As someone who has spent years documenting and participating in the cannabis space, I see an opportunity to build meaningful connections between the mainland United States and Puerto Rico through this emerging industry.

Puerto Rico’s medical cannabis program already extends reciprocity to mainland patients, allowing them to access medicine while visiting the island. But beyond the technical frameworks, there’s potential for something deeper – a chance to honor and elevate the island’s rich agricultural heritage while creating sustainable economic opportunities.

Retracing Steps, Breaking New Ground

This return to Puerto Rico isn’t just about revisiting familiar places – it’s about seeing them through new eyes. Every corner of this island holds stories of the Arawak/Taino people, Spanish colonizers, and African ancestors who all contributed to the story of the island. As I plan to explore both familiar and undiscovered parts of the island, I’m committed to learning from local elders and community leaders about traditional spiritual practices, medicinal plants, and agricultural wisdom.

Supporting Local Roots

Small businesses are the heartbeat of Puerto Rico’s economy. From family-owned farms to artisan craftspeople, these businesses preserve cultural knowledge while adapting to modern needs. My mission includes supporting these local businesses, particularly those working to maintain traditional agricultural practices and those incorporating cannabis into their business models responsibly and sustainably.

Cultural Preservation Through Modern Enterprise

The history of Puerto Rico teaches us that true prosperity comes not from exploitation, but from respect for the land and its people. As Columbus and his men learned when they first encountered the generous Taino people, there is profound wealth in community and sharing. However, unlike the colonial past, today’s opportunities must be built on equity, respect, and mutual benefit.

Looking Forward, Honoring the Past

Just as Puerto Rico has maintained its distinct identity through centuries of change, incorporating influences while preserving its core culture, the cannabis industry here has the potential to blend modern innovation with traditional wisdom. The island’s unique position – politically, geographically, and culturally – makes it an ideal bridge between North American cannabis markets and Caribbean healing traditions.

I’m reminded of what the original Boricua knew – this island is truly a land of great lords, rich not just in natural resources but in cultural wealth. As I settle into this new chapter, I carry the responsibility of contributing positively to this legacy, building bridges that honor both tradition and progress.

The future of cannabis in Puerto Rico isn’t just about business – it’s about healing, community, and cultural preservation. It’s about creating opportunities that benefit both the island and mainland while respecting and elevating Puerto Rico’s unique heritage. As someone who has found their home in this land of great lords, I’m committed to being part of this journey, building bridges that connect rather than divide, and contributing to a future that honors all of Puerto Rico’s diverse roots.

Written by: Veronica “Vee” Castillo is known as the <Traveling Cannabis Writer>. She is a published writer, connector, traveler, and a member of the <Minority Cannabis Business Association> Board of Directors.

Her body of work, which includes over 200 published articles in more than 15 publications, covers all things and people in cannabis/ hemp/ and overall plant medicines. She can be found in both digital and print where she provides cannabis industry and community insights from her 6 year journey around the country.

She specializes in bringing to light the hidden gems in the plant space and beyond. Vee has relocated to Puerto Rico to help build the bridge between the mainland and its colony. You can follow her journey on Instagram: @vee_travelingvegcannawriter and/or LinkedIn: @Traveling Cannabis Writer