Antuanette Gomez was a holistic nutritionist at a chronic pain clinic in 2015 when she learned just how often her patients used cannabis to manage their pain.
The eye-opening revelation made her curious about the endless medicinal applications cannabis could provide. Seeing this, she decided to create easier access to quality cannabis for all, which ultimately led her to pursue a career in cannabis.
“I think cannabis has the potential to change healthcare as a whole and bridge a hybrid model of natural alternatives,” said Gomez. After realizing cannabis’s wellness potential more than a half-decade ago, Toronto-based Gomez has since spearheaded Pleasure Peaks as its founder and CEO.
Pleasure Peaks brands itself as an “elevated sexual health company focusing on plant-based products and philosophy” since its inception in 2016. The brand’s identity and impetus arose as Gomez recreationally consumed cannabis to add a spark to the bedroom.
“It wasn’t until I worked in medicine did I understand that cannabis can be a great alternative for easing sexual health ailments for optimal sexual experiences,” Gomez shared. “I knew the cannabis lubricant was great for easing discomfort in the bedroom but it wasn’t until I met patients diagnosed with endometriosis, fibroids, and PCOCs that I took creating a medical cannabis company seriously.”
Pleasure Peaks is designed to improve sexual health through research on cannabinoid therapies for women with fibroids and endometriosis by the company’s Pleasure Labs initiative. The testing is conducted by doctors worldwide in sexual health medicine and cannabinoid research.
Pleasure Peaks also provides affordable sexual health products ranging from infused suppositories to infused lubricants. It has a diverse mix of products because every person has a unique sexual barrier and interests.
The company has also created an inclusive culture that invites conversation from every corner by hosting virtual online community pleasure classes, a podcast, and global tantric cannabis couple retreats.
“Women make up just as much of the market as men and I would personally like to see more women in all levels in the business of the cannabis industry,” said Gomez. “It’s important that we’re at the table to discuss topics and issues that matter to female consumers.”
By the end of next year, Gomez intends to extend her brand’s product reach internationally into Europe and South America. It’s currently in US retailers with plans to break into the Canadian market by January.
In addition to her day-to-day work at Pleasure Peaks, Gomez also serves as a consultant for the Green Rush Program, which helps cannabis-centric startups strategize go-to-market plans.
”We have endless resources on connecting startups to manufacturers, retailers, co-packers, lawyers, and accountants,” said Gomez. “It can be overwhelming to see all the limitless potential in the industry. What I love to do is show entrepreneurs they can live a life that is authentically theirs while being a part of a bigger cause and hopefully changing the world for the better … This plant has tremendous resources and when used consciously it could help save the planet.”
Here are five cannabis products that Gomez can’t live without.
Pleasure Peaks Suppositories
“I have the worst menstrual cramps and these save the day every month. I can’t leave them at home.”
Made with 50 milligrams CBD in a coconut oil blend, these suppositories may ease menstrual cramps and sexual discomfort for those seeking relief.
OGEN Freshly Baked strain
“This is the best strain to smoke in the morning, especially when paired with a morning routine of pilates and meditation. It’s the perfect mood-lifting strain to start your day right.”
Ogen’s Freshly Baked strain is sativa-dominant with THC levels reaching up to 25 percent.
MTL Sage n’ Sour strain
“The workaholic stoner in me needs this. This stain will have me energized and focused to take on a busy workday.”
A cross between Sour Diesel and S.A.G.E., MTL’s Sage n’ Sour is an energetic, sativa-dominant powerhouse.
GRAV Labs WaterPipe
“This is hands down my current favorite bong — she smokes like a dream. I’m always impressed by the Borosilicate Glass.”
Standing at eight inches tall, the wide base on this Grav Labs waterpipe makes for a stable smoke when passed around or resting on the coffee table.
OGEN Gas Berries strain
“I’m the type of person who cannot sleep without smoking a little something. I love this strain because it can put me to bed in 30 seconds. I use this for a good night of rest and it always does the trick.”
An indica-dominant strain, Ogen’s Gas Berries is bred from a cross of Sour Diesel, OG Kush, and Blueberry.