Tengku Chanela Jamidah is a champion for change. A descendant of Malaysia’s royal Pahang family, she has embarked on a journey that’s brought her international success as an entrepreneur, media personality, and social activist. Appearing in various media and TV from a young age, she has used her influence and platform to encourage and empower young women to harness their passion and creativity for good causes. While Jamidah has helmed two major fashion and beauty brands, been lauded as Malaysian Harper’s Bazaar’s Most Stylish and Women’s Weekly’s Great Women Of Her Time, and developed the holistic wellness brand JIWA, her hemp and cannabis advocacy has been among her greatest achievements.
Tengku Chanela Jamida's Cannabis Advocacy: Halal Hemp, Last Prisoner Project And More
Jamidah works to support medicinal cannabis use and cannabis legalization throughout Asia, creating strategic partnerships in the private and public sectors. She founded Halal Hemp in August 2021, an initiative that focuses on reclaiming cannabis for an Eastern audience. Through Halal Hemp, she seeks to educate and provide resources to Muslim and BIPOC communities about halal medical cannabis cultivation and guidance for entering the cannabis space as entrepreneurs and consumers.
In 2021 Jamidah also organized a fundraiser with the restorative justice nonprofit Last Prisoner Project to support Dr. Ganja, a cancer survivor and cannabis activist awaiting a possible death sentence in Malaysia for his years of selling hemp-based edibles to medical patients. Joined by cannabis icons such as industry pioneer Steve DeAngelo and actor/choreographer/media personality Jay Jackson (Laganja Estranja, one of the most successful performers to have emerged from RuPaul’s Drag Race), Jamidah and LPP sparked the first international cannabis release effort in history.
This spring, Jamidah took another step forward for global cannabis advocacy, becoming the first AAPI and Muslim advisor to the board of Regennabis, an organization that advises clients in cannabis, hemp and psychedelics in alignment with the United Nation’s Sustainable Global Development policies.
For a walk on the more lighthearted side of cannabis, Tengku Chanela Jamidah shared her favorite songs with us for a Weedsday Playlist. She noted that the following tunes are her “return to self moments, every time I connect with plant medicine.” Enjoy the elevated harmonies on this playlist fit for a princess.
Tengku Chanela Jamidah's Weedsday Playlist
Please Wait (Matt McWaters and Ta-ku) Featuring Masego - "Flight 99"
The world has evolved so much in recent years, but this tune is a reminder that you can take a flight in your mind, tapping into that elevated space through the use of cannabis. Masego is a total vibe, his voice is so soothing. This track is one I play when I'm about to take a flight and journey up amongst the clouds.
Cleo Sol - “Promises”
I love the melodic voice of Cleo Sol… her music is intentional and raw. She recently became a mother and her latest album was testament to the power of the feminine. It reminds me that the plant is female and that there is an abundance of wisdom that only the female and Mother Nature can provide. I pair this with Koan's cordial called BALANCE, as it's probably the smoothest feeling I've experienced from a cannabis beverage. It really allows me to connect with myself and my body. Music has a way of uplifting, shifting mood and vibration and we need to dedicate time in our busy schedules to allow ourselves to experience it fully and often.
WizKid Featuring Tems - "Essence"
A summer track that’s on everyone's playlist. I love the Afro element and beats. I played this on repeat all last summer and danced nonstop. Our bodies hold a lot of stuck and stagnant energy, dancing is one way of releasing it and is beneficial for our emotional and mental wellbeing. I imagine myself on a beach, sand in my toes, sun kissed skin, in a sarong, the cool ocean breeze, surrounded by friends and loved ones, all grooving in the same rhythm with cannabis cocktail in hand. This time it's PLAY by Koan.
SG Lewis Featuring J Warner - "Aura"
Most people don't know this, but I was heavily involved in the underground dance music scene in Malaysia and Australia. We used to throw parties in Queensland called dark n dirty. Although this track isn't like the genre I used to push (deep house and techno), I still love my classic house tracks. There's just this joyful feeling when you listen to “Aura” that makes me smile. I believe all of us have an aura; mine is purple, which makes sense as an empath and intuitive. Take care of that aura of yours, be aware of yours and others’ energy.
KAYTRANADA Featuring SYD - "You're The One"
I've been a fan of Kaytra ever since he was featured in Boiler Room, perhaps earlier. I watched his closing set at Coachella and recently at the MLS All Star concert several months ago and each time, I get super hyped and have such a great time. He just has a way of delivering music that is funky and makes me feel alive, with some soul added in. Instead of things, I collect experiences and create memories that can't be replaced and replicated. Especially when you share those moments with special people. I feel like Kaytra and cannabis is so complimentary in a way that gets deep into your skin and embeds in your spirit. I love how cannabis can heighten all my senses and cause feelings to be enhanced. It's such a magical plant that offers so much to everyone having this human experience.
For more about Tengku Chanela Jamidah, visit halalhemp.org and jiwaspace.com.
What are your favorite Weedsday tracks? Tell us about them - reach out at @honeysucklemagazine on Instagram and @HoneysuckleMag on Twitter!
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Featured image: Tengku Chanela Jamidah with Steve DeAngelo at the fundraiser for Dr. Ganja (C) Galen Oakes @galen.oakes
