Exploring Life & Business with Leonor Sosa of Mary J’s Apothecary, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leonor Sosa

Hi Leonor, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My path into wellness has been anything but conventional—and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. My interest in holistic health started with food and nutrition, largely because I’ve been managing IBS since my early 20s. I thought I had a solid grasp on what it meant to be “healthy.” But if I had to pinpoint the true turning point, it would be when one of my daughters faced a health scare. That moment redefined everything for me. Wellness wasn’t just about eating the right foods; it was about bio-individuality, understanding the body’s innate ability to heal, and advocating for those we love.

Determined to keep my family healthy, I enrolled in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), diving deep into holistic health, nutrition, and the mind-body connection. What started as a personal mission for my family soon rippled outward, inspiring me to help others reclaim their well-being. But little did I know, my own health challenges would soon send me down an entirely unexpected path.

Then came COVID—a time of collective uncertainty, isolation, and, for me, personal health struggles. I found myself facing an illness that doctors couldn’t quite pin down, with medications meant to help only leading to more medications to manage their side effects. It became a frustrating cycle with no real solutions. So when traditional medicine didn’t have the answers, I turned to what I knew best: holistic healing. But this time, it wasn’t just about nutrition or minor lifestyle shifts—cannabis and yoga became my medicine. They helped regulate my nervous system, manage my symptoms, and, most importantly, gave me the clarity and strength to advocate for my own healing when so much was unknown.

That experience changed everything. I realized how many others were searching for the same answers—curious about plant medicine but lost in misinformation and stigma. That curiosity sent me deep down the cannabis research rabbit hole. I had so many questions: How is this plant helping me? Why does it work this way? And that’s when I discovered the Endocannabinoid System—a system in our bodies designed to interact with cannabis. The more I learned, the more I realized just how much this plant could help people. But if that was true, why had it been so heavily stigmatized?

I was born in California and spent my teenage and young adult years there—long before cannabis was legal, even in one of the most progressive states. Back in the early ‘90s, the “This Is Your Brain on Drugs” campaign was everywhere, and the stigma around cannabis was deeply ingrained. When I later moved to Georgia and then Texas, I encountered even stricter laws and an even stronger culture of fear and misinformation surrounding the plant. So, Denverites, forgive my initial skepticism! The reality is, much of the U.S. still views cannabis through that outdated lens.

For my health—and to fully immerse myself in understanding the plant—my family relocated to Colorado.

That’s when Mary J’s Apothecary was born—a space where cannabis, herbal medicine, and movement come together as a truly holistic approach to wellness.

Education and advocacy became my driving force, leading me straight into the cannabis industry. I didn’t just want to support the movement from the sidelines—I wanted to work hands-on with the plant, patients, and customers to truly understand its impact. That opportunity came when I became a budtender at The Kind Room—Colorado’s longest-established dispensary and the cutest mom-and-pop shop you’ll ever find. I later stepped into a management role, and it was there that my passion for education truly flourished. I found my sweet spot—helping people navigate plant medicine, breaking down stigma, and empowering patients to take control of their healing journey.

And just when I thought my journey had come full circle, I discovered LIT Yoga—a practice that seamlessly integrates cannabis and movement. It was a revelation, connecting the two healing modalities that had carried me through my toughest moments.

So here I am today—educating, advocating, blending movement with plant medicine, and helping others find their own path to healing. What started as a personal journey has evolved into Mary J’s Apothecary—a space dedicated to holistic wellness through education, movement, and plant medicine.

Through my blog, I break down complex topics like cannabis and integrative wellness in an accessible, informative way. Soon, I’ll be launching a podcast to dive even deeper—bringing in industry insiders, wellness experts, and personal stories to expand the conversation around plant medicine, movement, and mindful living.

For those seeking personalized guidance, I offer 1:1 canna-wellness coaching, helping individuals navigate cannabis and holistic health in a way that aligns with their unique needs. My private elevated yoga classes integrate movement, breathwork, and cannabis (where legally permitted), creating deeply immersive and healing experiences. And because community is at the heart of everything, I’ve started hosting quarterly wellness events that bring people together to learn, connect, and explore holistic healing in an inclusive, intentional space.

It’s been a wild ride, but every twist and turn has led me right where I’m meant to be—building a space where wellness is personal, plant medicine is honored, and healing happens on our own terms.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth? Not even close! But I’ve learned that the most meaningful journeys rarely are. My path has been full of twists, setbacks, and moments where I questioned everything—but each challenge shaped the work I do today.

One of the biggest struggles was navigating my own health issues. Dealing with an illness that doctors couldn’t quite pin down was frustrating enough, but the cycle of medications—each one leading to another to manage side effects—left me feeling powerless. Advocating for myself in a system that often prioritizes symptom management over true healing was exhausting. But that experience is what pushed me to explore holistic wellness on a deeper level, ultimately leading me to cannabis and yoga as true forms of medicine.

Then there was the stigma. Growing up, cannabis wasn’t something openly discussed as a tool for wellness—especially in the era of “This Is Your Brain on Drugs” messaging. When I moved from California to Georgia and then Texas, I saw just how deeply ingrained the fear and misinformation surrounding cannabis really was. Even after experiencing its healing benefits firsthand, I had to unlearn years of societal conditioning and push past my own hesitations before fully embracing it.

And let’s be real—navigating the cannabis industry as a Latina woman has come with its own set of challenges. While the industry is evolving, representation is still growing, and it hasn’t always been easy to establish credibility in a space where knowledge and opportunities can sometimes feel guarded. But those experiences have only strengthened my passion for education and advocacy. More than ever, I want to create spaces where people—especially women and communities that have historically been left out of the conversation—feel supported and empowered to explore plant medicine without fear or stigma.

Starting Mary J’s Apothecary was another uphill battle. The cannabis space is still evolving, and misinformation runs rampant. People either think they know everything about cannabis, or they’re hesitant because of decades of fear-based messaging. Educating people—without overwhelming them or making them feel judged—takes patience. I’ve had to find the right balance between advocacy and accessibility, breaking things down in a way that makes people feel empowered rather than intimidated.

And of course, entrepreneurship is no walk in the park. Learning to navigate the behind-the-scenes of running a business—from branding to marketing to legal considerations—has been a journey of its own. There have been moments of doubt, burnout, and wondering if I was on the right path. But then, I have a conversation with a customer or hear how much relief someone has found since our last interaction, and suddenly, every challenge, every setback, feels completely worth it.

At the end of the day, the road hasn’t always been smooth—especially in the ever-evolving legal cannabis industry—but every challenge has had its purpose. The struggles I’ve faced have shaped how I show up—for myself, my community, and those seeking alternative paths to healing. And I haven’t done it alone. Along the way, I’ve been guided, encouraged, and inspired by incredible people in both the cannabis and wellness spaces. Their support, wisdom, and shared passion have made all the difference, and I’m grateful to be part of such a growing, transformative movement.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Mary J’s Apothecary, we bridge the gap between plant medicine, movement, and holistic healing—offering education, personalized support, and immersive wellness experiences. My mission is simple: to empower people with the knowledge and tools to take control of their well-being through cannabis, herbalism, and mindful movement.

What We Do & What We’re Known For
Mary J’s Apothecary is a space where education meets experience. I offer a blend of canna-wellness coaching, elevated yoga, and community events, all designed to help people integrate plant medicine into their lives with confidence and intention.

Canna-Wellness Coaching – One-on-one sessions to help individuals navigate cannabis and holistic health in a way that aligns with their unique needs. Whether someone is new to cannabis or looking to refine their approach, I provide education, product recommendations, and guidance for mindful consumption.

Elevated Yoga & Movement – Private and group cannabis-enhanced yoga classes (where legally permitted) that incorporate breathwork, movement, and meditation to deepen the mind-body connection.

Education & Advocacy – Through my blog and upcoming podcast, I break down complex topics around cannabis, herbalism, and wellness, making information accessible and easy to understand.
Quarterly Wellness Events – I host intimate, seasonal gatherings where people can come together to learn, connect, and explore holistic healing in a safe, inclusive space.

What Sets Mary J’s Apothecary Apart?
There’s no shortage of cannabis brands and wellness spaces, but what makes Mary J’s Apothecary different is the focus on true integration—bringing together plant medicine, movement, and education in a way that’s both approachable and deeply intentional.

Education-First Approach – I believe knowledge is power. Whether it’s understanding the Endocannabinoid System, breaking down cannabis myths, or exploring herbal remedies, my goal is to make information digestible and empowering.

A Judgment-Free Space – Cannabis is still heavily stigmatized, and many people are curious but don’t know where to start. I create an environment where questions are encouraged, and people feel safe exploring plant medicine without fear or shame.

A Personalized, Holistic Lens – No two people are the same, and wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. My coaching, classes, and content are all designed to support each individual’s bio-individuality, ensuring they find the right path for their unique needs.

Bridging the Gap Between Ancient Wisdom & Modern Science – I integrate yogic philosophy and modern cannabis research to provide a truly well-rounded approach to wellness.

What I’m Most Proud of Brand-Wise
I’m most proud of the community and conversation that Mary J’s Apothecary is creating. People who once felt lost in misinformation, overwhelmed by the cannabis industry, or disconnected from their own healing journey are now finding guidance, confidence, and empowerment. Seeing someone have that “aha!” moment—realizing they can take control of their well-being in a way that feels right for them—is the most rewarding part of this work.

What I Want Readers to Know
Mary J’s Apothecary isn’t just about cannabis—it’s about holistic healing, self-empowerment, and reclaiming wellness on your own terms. Whether you’re canna-curious, deep in your wellness journey, or just looking for a space to learn and grow, this is a place where you’ll be supported, informed, and inspired.

This isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement. And I’m just getting started.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Apps That Keep Me Balanced
Peloton – My go-to for movement, whether it’s yoga, cycling, or strength training. The variety keeps me motivated and moving.

Oura Ring App – Essential for tracking sleep, recovery, and overall wellness. It helps me stay in tune with my body’s rhythms and optimize my health.

Structured – A game-changer for organizing my day. It keeps me on track with tasks, appointments, and routines without the overwhelm.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.maryjsapothecary.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryjsapothecary/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonor-sosa-868757170/

Image Credits
Devon Brooke Photography, Sarah Kullman, Oscar Sosa