My name is Justin & I am an addict of the worst kind. I know that sounds harsh, but it’s the reality of my disease & where my addiction took me.
The progression of my disease transpired very rapidly at a young age. I became homeless at 18 due to my little brother suffering a near fatal overdose. Its complicated, but DHS basically told my mom its me or my siblings. I held a resentment against my mom for a long time but I know now that she didn’t really have a choice. She had to protect the other kids, not the one that likes to shoot heroin.
I spent my days & nights in Kensington, Philadelphia. Looking back I realize the danger I was in. My days consisted of trying to not be sick. The “fun” phase didn’t happen for me, I was suffering from the very start. I ended up in jail, multiple times. Suffered many near fatal overdoses & almost lost my life on multiple occasions.
When I started KittyKannabis & Company, my mission was simple: to provide cats with premium, organic catnip and v while supporting causes close to my heart. But what I didn’t expect was how much caring for animals would teach me about my own life and my path to recovery.
Animals have a way of showing us the importance of patience, empathy, and presence. In caring for cats—watching them trust, play, and even forgive—I learned to slow down, observe, and respond with kindness. Those lessons became especially meaningful during my recovery journey. Just as a cat needs gentle consistency to feel safe, I realized that my own healing required patience, understanding, and small daily acts of self-care that i wasnt used to giving myself.
Through volunteering with the cat collaborative, I also discovered resilience & the power of patience. Cats face challenges and stress in their own ways and seeing them adapt and thrive inspired me to approach my struggles with the same quiet determination. They taught me to celebrate small victories, find joy in simple moments, and understand that setbacks are part of growth—not failure.
Creating a business that makes cats happy while supporting nonprofits for addiction and mental health has been a full-circle experience. I get to give back to other cats what my cats so freely gave me – unconditional love. Every bag of catnip I sell is more than a product—it’s a reminder that compassion, connection, and care can transform lives, human and animal alike.
Caring for animals didn’t just guide me through recovery—it continues to shape who I am today, teaching me lessons I carry into my business, my community, and my life. I thank my two rescue cats for loving me until I learned to love myself. I found my purpose, and will continue to share my story to show the world even the once hopeless addict can get clean & live life in recovery.
Justin H.
Please visit: https://www.KittyKannabis.com to view all their great products for your special kitty!
*Please note we are not a sponsor of KittyKannabis & Co. and do not receive any compensation for purchases made through their site.
