Inside Mogu Magu
AAPI Culture + Cannabis + Food
Vol 4.5 // In this Issue:
Learn: Who is Magu, the Chinese Cannabis Goddess?
Mogu Magu? Inside our AAPI Cannabis + Food Events
Magu, the Chinese Hemp Goddess
Magu is the combination of two words: “Ma” meaning cannabis or hemp, and “Gu” which means aunt or maid.” She became known as the goddess of Mount Tai, where cannabis was grown for thousands of years.
The folktales of Magu tell stories of a mortal young maiden who cared for the poor and hungry, and healed the sick with an elixir of life. Known throughout China, Japan and Korea, she is a healing deity and a guardian of vitality.
The tales say she gave a peach to a poor elderly woman rather than sharing it with her father. She went home to cook the woman porridge, but her father locked her in her room so she was unable to bring the old woman food. When she escaped her room to see the old woman, the woman was gone and a peach pit was all that was left. Magu planted the seed and cared for it as it grew into a vibrant peach tree, and gave away the fruits freely to those in need.
While she is often depicted with peaches are the elixir of life, stories of Magu depict the maiden serving rare delicacies made from fruits and flowers during harvest season on Mount Tai. She was said to brew an elixir of life from the mountains.
The earliest known evidence of medical cannabis use was discovered in Central Asia some 2,500 years ago. So it’s not surprising that ancient East Asian folklore has a Hemp Goddess
Inside Mogu Magu
“Mogu” is the Chinese word for mushroom, and “Magu” honors the Chinese Hemp Goddess. Mogu Magu events start with the food — what really f***ing delicious food do we want to eat? Then we find an occasion that provides an opportunity to celebrate and learn more about our cultural heritage. We ask ourselves — What can we learn? What is the purpose of this event? And how can everyone benefit? What results is a beautiful union of community and camaraderie. The cannabis is just the cherry on top.
In my family, the art of searching for and eating really delicious food is the joie de vie of life. When I meet other people who love to eat and enjoy cannabis, it feels like I found a kindred spirit. The act of sharing a meal, passing a joint, and enjoying long conversations together bridges cultures, builds understanding, and brings us together.
We started co-hosting Mogu Magu gatherings with other AAPIs to explore our cultural heritage through food + cannabis + conversation. Since using cannabis is still taboo for many of our family members, this is a space where we can find belonging and shared perspectives.
“Growing up in America I ever really felt like I belonged when it comes to the Asian community. I had Asian friends here and there but outside of our love for food + shared immigrant experience, we didn’t have a lot of perspectives and interests in common when it came to representation and owning our narrative. I didn’t subscribe to the same goals and life milestones that make someone a stereotypical “good Asian kid” and always felt like a black sheep in my family + Asian social circles. It also doesn’t help that white-washed media and writers paint us in such a lame and monolithic light either. I didn’t relate to that version of being Asian, nor was I feeling a sense of belonging in IRL social circles.
It wasn’t until I started meeting other creatives and entrepreneurs in cannabis and food that I found the cool, unapologetic, culture-shifting Asian community I had been looking for my whole life.”
Chinese New Year Hot Pot
An array of thinly sliced meats, fresh vegetables, and dumplings cooked in a spicy Sichuan-style broth and dipping sauces. With Fly By Jing, Potli, Sundae School, and Toasty.
Poolside Rolling Party
Hand-rolled Vietnamese spring rolls, fried golden lumpia with tangy dipping sauces, and seafood hand rolls. Joint rolling lessons with Papers + Ink, because if you like cannabis you should know how to roll a beautiful joint.
Up Next: Autumn Moon Festival
In September, we’re celebrating Autumn Moon Festival with an intimate movie screening + conversation of “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” Featuring a mooncake tasting and storytelling of the Moon Goddess and Jade Rabbit.
additional photography by Dennis Saicocie + Ryan Tanaka + Elaine Chan
Want to get involved with Mogu Magu, sponsor our events, or work with us to create content for your brand? Contact me and let’s find a way to work together!
XOXO, Christina W.