CANNABIS By The Sea
Spring 2023
Spring 2023
Meet Monna Sanner, a true force of nature who believes in the healing power of nature. Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Monna was approached by a cannabis company to be the CEO of a yet-opened dispensary and lounge in Lompoc, California. She succeeded to the surprise of no one. Now Monna is conquering another challenge — this one is for her life.
Budtending is becoming a more and more popular career choice. It’s a retail job with a decidedly high cool factor, that’s for sure. Want a behindthe-scenes look at working at a dispensary? CBTS Magazine asked the questions and HPC Dispensary answered. What would you like to ask a budtender? Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question.
This issue’s recipe has a rhythm all its own. Say “Southern Peach Cobbler and Infused Yogurt Pop” a few times and you’ll feel the beat. And you’ll want to beat it to the kitchen to start putting together this divinely decadent dessert from Chef Ayo Cherry. Make it your Fourth of July potluck dish for guaranteed popularity. Promise.
Bie & Bie Productions, Inc.
1072 Casitas Pass Rd., #286, Carpinteria, CA 93013 (805) 881-1218 | info@cbtsmagazine.com
Publisher — Bie & Bie Productions, Inc.
Editorial Director — Amy Marie Orozco
Creative Director — Melinda Bie
Contributors — Dianne Armitage, Peter Bie, Ellie Carr, Alonzo Orozco, Alex Robles, and MaryAnn Sweeney
Published seasonally four times a year by Bie & Bie Productions, Inc., Cannabis by the Sea is a lifestyle magazine dedicated to information on the health and wellness properties of cannabis.
Cannabis by the Sea makes every effort to ensure the published information is correct, informative, and practical. Editorial content is not intended to replace the advice of medical professionals.
Cannabis by the Sea advertisements do not imply endorsement of products or services, nor do they influence editorial content.
We’d love to hear from you. Send your comments and questions to info@cbtsmagazine.com
Send product samples to Cannabis by the Sea, 1072 Castias Pass Rd., #286, Carpinteria, CA 93013. All submissions, editorial and otherwise, become the property of Bie & Bie Productions, Inc. Bie & Bie Productions, Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited materials.
COPYRIGHT © 2023 Bie & Bie Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form or any electronic or mechanical means without written permission from the publisher.
Cannabis use is for adults 21 years of age or older. Consume responsibly. Keep out of reach of children.
Welcome to the Summer Issue of Cannabis by the Sea Magazine!
Over the past 4 years of working on Cannabis by the Sea, we have had the great pleasure of meeting some interesting, knowledgeable, and brave people who have been generous enough to share their stories with us. In this issue you will meet just this sort of person, Monna Sanner. Monna is the CEO of Oceans Dispensary & Lounge in Lompoc, California. The only legal consumption lounge on the California Central Coast. The first time I met Monna I was immediately taken by her energy and enthusiasm. She has a fiercely creative mind and a desire to share the cannabis experience, in all its forms, with everyone she comes in contact with.
Monna is now, once again, in the fight of her life and she still exhibits an energy that is unparalleled. At the risk of sounding patronizing, I find myself jealous of her bravery. If all of us could use even just a bit of the bravery she has, imagine where we could all be?!
The healing path that Monna is taking is a personal choice and is not for everybody, but it is a shining example of how this amazing plant can help us if used properly.
As summer slowly (and I stress slowly) arrives here on the Central Coast of California I am hoping your days are full of happiness, lots of laughter, and the best of all health, wherever you are!
As always, thank you for your support of Cannabis by the Sea magazine . . . just by reading, you are supporting. We look forward to continuing to introduce you to more amazing people, and, of course, providing you with more information on this amazing plant that we call cannabis.
Keep in touch!
- Melinda BieP.S. We would love to hear from you! Visit our website and reach out via our contact page or email us at info@cbtsmagazine.com. Tell us what you think, what you'd like to learn about or maybe who you'd like to hear from!
Dianne Armitage grew up in a family that loved music, storytelling, and reading. This love translated to a life filled with work writing copy, blog pieces, articles, and short stories. At the moment, she is working on her manuscript, Gullible’s Travels - A Rememoir.
Ellie Carr (her pen name) is a writer from San Diego, California. She received her MFA from Columbia University. Her work has been published in Morningside Post, Toyon Literary Magazine, Columbia’s Thesis Anthology 2022, and others. Her short story, “Pocket Full of Posies,” was adapted by Dell'Arte theatre and performed at Stories in the Tent. Currently, she is working on a collection of vignettes that explores the objectification of the body and love itself. Ellie has served as an editor for Toyon Literary Magazine, Columbia Journal, and The Line. She currently works as a content strategist and freelance copywriter. When she's not writing, Ellie enjoys a nice meal out, visiting old bookstores, and pursuing her interests in botany and literature.
After decades of pecking away on keyboards, editor Amy Marie Orozco is extremely grateful for the relief a topical cannabis cream brings to her fingers, especially when the weather is cold. Amy likes writing about cannabis and learning something new every day. When not at her computer, she enjoys watching her husband in the kitchen, spending time in her tiny patio garden, and avoiding mainstream news. Most of all, she loves being with family, friends, and pets. And the library. Amy loves public libraries.
In 2016, after California legalized cannabis sales and possession, Alex Robles began sharing his canna-knowledge. He is the force behind the weekly podcast In My Grow Show and is the host/ producer for greencoastradio. com. He also hosts and produces Air Tight, a cannabis music podcast. Alex has been using cannabis to celebrate and medicate for more than 30 years.
LastPrisoner
Project has one singular mission: to set them free. WE WILL NOT REST AND WE WILL NOT STOP UNTIL THE LAST CANNABIS PRISONER IS SET FREE TAKE ACTION. GET INVOLVED. www.lastprisonerproject.org
Cannabis is a psychoactive substance that’s been used for centuries for its potential therapeutic effects, including the ability to reduce anxiety. However, it’s important to note that cannabis also can cause or worsen anxiety at high dosages, and in some cases, it can even lead to panic attacks.
One of the main factors that can contribute to the anxiety-inducing effects of cannabis is the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis. THC is known to produce a range of psychological effects, including feelings of euphoria and relaxation. It can also produce unwanted effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis in some individuals.
There is some evidence to suggest that individuals who are predisposed to anxiety or who have a personal or family history of anxiety may be more likely to experience anxiety or panic attacks after using cannabis. Similarly, individuals who have a history of trauma or who are experiencing high levels of stress may also be more vulnerable to the anxietyinducing effects of cannabis.
The dosage of THC is also an important factor to consider when it comes to the potential for cannabis to cause or worsen anxiety. Higher doses of THC are more likely to produce unwanted psychological effects, including anxiety. In contrast, lower doses of THC may be less likely to produce these effects.
It’s also important to consider the method of consumption when it comes to the potential for cannabis to cause or worsen anxiety. Smoking cannabis can produce a more rapid and intense onset of effects, including anxiety, compared to other methods of consumption such as vaporizers. This may make it more likely for an individual to experience anxiety or a panic attack after smoking cannabis.
While cannabis may have potential therapeutic effects for some people, it’s important to be aware of the potential for it to cause or worsen anxiety at high dosages, even leading to panic attacks. It’s always a good idea to use caution when using cannabis and to be aware of your own personal risk factors for anxiety.
CS
“THC is known to produce a range of psychological effects, including feelings of euphoria and relaxation. It can also produce unwanted effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis in some individuals”
Sydney, Australia native Monna Sanner has only been in the United States for five years, but this woman is not only a force of nature, she’s trying to bring nature and its healing powers to one and all. This is no small feat for someone now calling Lompoc, California home.
Long considered a conservative stronghold, Lompoc is also home to the Vandenberg Space Force Base, a Federal Correctional Institution, the Lompoc Murals, flower growers, old neon signs, and a multitude of cannabis dispensaries. Monna knew she had her work cut out for her, but like so many other places these days, Lompoc’s political climate is becoming what is called moderately liberal.
No stranger to challenges, Monna utilized her hard-earned prior work experience to set up Oceans Dispensary & Lounge, sharing, “In 2019 I was approached by a cannabis company to join them as their CEO to help them get their business off the ground. Before coming to the U.S. I worked for Qantas Airways for more than 30 years in various roles, all of which
combined have given me the expertise I needed to start my own business.” Once she was able to help the cannabis company become successful, Monna knew she was ready.
When asked if she had a sort of template for starting her business, Monna says, “Everything I do is evaluated in advance, but I also take some very serious risks. I knew what I had to do, so I just got into it and did it. Having the previous experience was really like taking it from one store to the next and getting that up and running.”
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“That was in April of 2022. They gave me three months to get my affairs in order and said I would not make it without chemo and radiation. Well, I took my chances, changed a lot of things in my diet, took a whole bunch of natural herbs and vitamins, and used cannabis to help me sleep through the pain. I’m still here!”
Another element adding to both the complexity of her quest and her commitment is the reality that Monna has been battling cancer for the past 25 years. “In Australia, cannabis is still illegal. The medical side of it has only surfaced in the past two years. When I arrived in the U.S. I had just had a major surgery and I needed painkillers, but I wanted to avoid drugs. I avoided chemo and radiation, so I’m not about to pump myself with painkillers to help me along. The cannabis products on the market, when used correctly, are so helpful in relieving pain, aches, and even some symptoms. I’m currently in my fourth fight with cancer. A year ago I was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer that has metastasized to every possible part of my body.”
She continues, “That was in April of 2022. They gave me three months to get my affairs in order and said I would not make it without chemo and radiation. Well, I took my chances, changed a lot of things in my diet, took a whole bunch of natural herbs and vitamins, and used cannabis to help me sleep through the pain. I’m still here!”
Monna believes Oceans thrives because of her amazing team and her husband. “We hold smoke sessions and invite the public to come along and sample so they can give us their feedback. My staff also get samples from stores that want to be on our shelves, so they try it before we engage with them. I read a ton of reviews online, check out what the other stores are selling that may be of interest – and start my homework that way. Customer feedback is always the best!”
Are there any aspects of the business she would change given what she has learned since opening? “I guess one question I often ask myself is what can I do differently that no one else is doing? But as soon as I do it, others see the success and copy, so you are no longer unique. I often ask myself why I did this when I could have just stayed in a normal nine-to-five job. But I’m not your average nine-to-five person, so settling was never an option for me.”
Because patrons are partaking of cannabis products when Oceans Dispensary & Lounge holds events, her staff is well versed in Duty of Care. During events, they pay close attention to how each person is dealing with their consumption, so no one is in danger of overindulging or leaving impaired.
Monna’s favorite part of owning her business is the customers. “I love their faces and comments when we are able to help them and they return. Seeing returning customers is just the best part of my day. The other part is my staff. They are like my own family. Watching them thrive in a town like Lompoc, gives me some purpose to stay alive and keep the fight going!”
Oceans Dispensary & Lounge is located at 1101 E. Ocean Ave. in Lompoc, CA. The phone number is 805-742-8787, and the website is oceanssb.com.
We’ve all had moments where we’ve felt we didn’t belong. But for people who moved to this country, that feeling lasts more than a moment. Together, we can build a better community. Learn how at BelongingBeginsWithUs.org
Mary is a 27-year-old hailing from the state of Minnesota. With an unwavering passion for fitness, she dedicates herself to maintaining an active lifestyle and inspiring others to embrace the joys of physical well-being. As a big advocate for cannabis, Mary believes in its therapeutic benefits and actively supports its responsible use. Additionally, her love for animals knows no bounds, as she cherishes her two cats and takes delight in lending a helping hand to furry friends in need.
How did you gain your canna-knowledge?
I’ve been using cannabis medically and recreationally for many years prior to working in cannabis. But HPC has given us lots of opportunities for expanding our knowledge about the plant through training and getting to try different products that are available for consumers.
Do you find that your clients are becoming more comfortable asking questions and opening up about how they do and do not want to feel with regards to cannabis?
Yes - I think more customers are expanding their vocabulary surrounding cannabis involving terpenes and other cannabinoids they are interested in which helps them communicate what they are looking for with their cannabis use.
HPC is deeply rooted in community service - how have you been received as a dispensary?
Great! I personally have done a bit of volunteering with Food Share in their garden, and they loved having us out there helping them out.
What is your favorite aspect of being a budtender?
Connecting with all types of people through the cannabis plant and helping people find the relief they need <3.
Any product recommendations - what’s trending?
My current fav products are the Lost Farms chews, specifically the cherry limeade GMO ones! They’re basically a rosininfused Starburst! And my current flower brand right now is Lumpy’s! Indoor flower with crazy terp profiles!
Extra mayo, please. The Mayo Clinic’s “Medical Marijuana” book, that is. Available in paperback, this publication lays a good foundation of knowledge on cannabis—history, botany, endocannabinoid system, and the like— as well as an in-depth looks on using the plant for common disorders such as insomnia, PTSD, arthritis, anxiety, pain management, Restless Leg Syndrome, and more. “Medical Marijuana” is written for the layperson and is well-illustrated with drawings, info-graphs, and tables to better instruct cannabis’ science and benefits. Available where magazines are sold and online. www.mcpress.mayoclinic.org.
Most cannabis courses seem to cover basics of the plant’s botany, the most common ailments that best respond to cannabis, and a brief history. Enter Leafly’s Cannabis 101 series. Covering a smorgasbord of topics such as “How to stop the munchies when you’re high” to “How to consumer edibles” and everything in between, the series is a potluck of cannabis know-how and knowledge presented in an engaging manner. You will always find something to read and something to learn. www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101.
Ready to catch up on some reality TV? Be sure to add “Growing Belushi” to your binge watching list. The plot line is simple: Actor Jim Belushi builds a cannabis business from scratch in southern Oregon while proselytizing the plant’s benefits. Join Jim as he transitions from actor to farmer. www.discovery.com/shows/growing-belushi.xxx CS
"Being from the south, southern food was all that I knew,” recalls Chef Ayo Cherry. “One day, to my chagrin, I was taken to a French restaurant. Reluctantly I looked over the menu and with the help of a few others, I made my selection. In that moment my life was changed for the better.” That’s when she discovered a whole new cuisine that she didn’t know she would love. Her discovery led to an interest in French cuisine, followed by going to a French culinary school, and then becoming a chef for celebrities, such as Lil Wayne, and traveling around the world. “From something as simple as ordering coq au vin I became the chef I am today. That moment is what I want to share with people. A transformative experience that centers around food," sums up Chef Ayo.
On the next page, Chef Ayo shares her magical recipe for Southern Peach Cobbler + Infused Yogurt Pop. For more delights, follow @chefayocherry.
PREP TIME:
6 hours inactive + 40 minutes active
COOK TIME: 40 minutes
EQUIPMENT:
Kitchen Aid with ice cream attachment
Popsicle mold Popsicle sticks
1 cutting board
1 peeler
1 knife for cutting peaches
2 large bowls
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
1 fork
1 cheese grater
2 inch 9 X13 baking dish
1 inch diameter cookie scoop
INGREDIENTS:
Popsicles
4 5.3oz packages vanilla yogurt
20 mg liquid thc
4 popsicle sticks
Cobbler
2.7-inch x 1.7-inch
1. Before starting the recipe freeze the mixing bowl of the ice cream attachment overnight.
2. Add yogurt and to the frozen mixing bowl. Churn with the mixer on medium speed until it becomes creamy. Add yogurt to popsicle mold and add 5mg liquid THC to each popsicle. Insert popsicle sticks. Freeze overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
4. In a large bowl, combine peaches, ¼ cup white sugar, ¼ cup dark brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, water, and cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly and pour into baking dish. Let sit for 10 minutes. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine flour, ½ cup white sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using a cheese grater, grate butter into bowl, mix with a fork until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in boiling water until just combined.
6. Remove peaches from oven and drop the small scoops of dough over them. This recipe makes a lot of crust so drop them close together. Bake until topping is golden, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and serve immediately using circle dough tops as guides for servings.
7. Remove popsicles from freezer and place on top of hot cobbler. Garnish with fresh peach slices and enjoy!
8 fresh peaches, peeled and cut into thick wedges, about
12 wedges per peach
¼ cup white sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ cup water
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Biscuit Crust
2 cups AP Flour
½ cup white sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp salt
12 tablespoons butter, frozen
½ cup boiling water
Garnish
2 fresh peaches, thinly sliced
Dear Ellie,
I’ve developed a sudden sensitivity to weed, and I don’t know why. Despite being a consistent weed smoker, I started feeling anxious when high. I used to enjoy smoking with friends, in groups, and in public, always preferring cannabis over other substances like alcohol. However, lately, I’ve given it up. I miss smoking weed and want to resume, but I’m worried about potential anxiety or paranoia. How can I prevent a negative experience while getting high, and what are some alternative ways to consume cannabis that might be more suitable for my lowered tolerance?
You are not alone! This is a common change that many weed smokers experience. We all want to be the carefree weed smoker we once were, smoking doobies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and rolling up before any function. However, our bodies change over time and so do our tolerances. While suggesting a different strain like indica or reducing your dosage might seem like an easy fix, the truth is that we can develop a sensitivity to cannabis, regardless of regular consumption.
When I enter a room filled with pot smokers, I want to feel relaxed and comfortable. I want to be the person who hits the joint and participates with ease, but those days are gone, and have been replaced with feelings of anxiety and paranoia when smoking in public. I’ve come to realize that I am no longer a social smoker. Those days of hitting gravity bongs on stoops before class are behind me, but using cannabis certainly is not.
Feeling anxious or paranoid while high is a common side effect of cannabis use, and can sprout unexpectedly with time. These are common side effects of weed that are typically brushed aside since they don’t vibe with everything weed culture is about. I distinctly remember when I started feeling anxious while high. It began with episodes of paranoia, where I became jumpy and easily startled, or found myself restless in bed. I considered quitting all together, but found myself longing for a relaxing high, and leaning on harsher substances like alcohol to relax. A life that was completely cannabis free felt equally as dreadful and anxiety ridden as the weird highs I was experiencing. Weed is a plant with high yield, and with recent advancements, we have learned how to extract insanely potent forms of THC and CBD. The change in potency is something to be aware of, especially if you are starting to feel sensitive.
Regulating your doses and opting for a more CBD dominant product might help ease the negative effects and help you relax. Taking a fresh approach to cannabis can be both enjoyable and exciting, especially when exploring the right products that suit your preferences. I suggest trying products that are CBD dominant for a more relaxing and less intense high, or experimenting with topical ointments that gradually release CBD and THC into the skin.
Continued on Page 23
Snoop Dogg’s commitment to community and sharing his wealth is what we’re recommending. The jury’s still out on the Snoop Cereal, which is a collection of three varieties, as it’s scheduled to drop this summer. The varieties are Fruity Hoopz, Cinnamon Toasteez, and Frosted Drizzlerz, with nostalgia-touched packaging reminiscent of cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs, bug-eyed Cap’n Crunch, and magically delicious Lucky Charms. Broadus Foods has earmarked a portion of each sale to organizations tackling homelessness and food insecurity. www.snoopcereal.com.
For transitioning from work to home, hybrids can’t be beat. There’s calm not lethargy. There’s attentiveness without the desire to start a new project. And few deliver that balance as well as Glass House Farms does, plus CBTS staff swear by the fast-acting pre-roll. Your evenings are about to get a lot better. www.glasshousefarms.org.
Thinking about becoming a canna-beverage imbiber but not sure how to get started? Look no further. Find Wunder has a line of sparkling beverages with 3mg Delta-9 THC and 2mg Delta-8 THC. Throw in fruit juice and the drinks live up to the descriptions of “We’re cannabis in a can with nostalgic, bold flavors that sparkle” and “this unique combination of cannabinoids creates a gentle wave of relaxation and euphoria.” What are you waiting for? Available online and at dispensaries. www.findwunder.com. CS
My favorite edibles are in the range of 25mg CBD/5mg THC. The CBD provides a soothing body high, while the THC aids in absorption resulting in a pleasant, mellow high. There is no shame in lowering your dose and experimenting with new products to find what works best for you. Slow and steady is my approach to smoking cannabis, and the more I listen to my body and utilize products that suit me, the more I enjoy being high without the experience taking a dark turn. Exploring new products and lowering your doses is a great way to rekindle your love for weed!
I’ve been on an edible kick lately and want to start cooking weed infused dishes that are snack size but hit hard! Trying to get the most out of my bud. What are some foods that enhance the effects and duration of cannabis?
—Munchiezz
Dear Munchiezz,
Edibles are one of the best ways to enhance your high and get the most out of your weed. This is because THC is converted to a more potent form by the liver, which, when combined with the THC from the original product, intensifies the high. Anyone who has tried an edible knows that it’s a different high compared to smoking. Edibles have more of a blastoff sensation once they hit, and they're intensity can last for up to 8 hours. With that in mind, if you're seeking an even more powerful high, here are some foods believed to enhance the effects of cannabis:
Mango is considered the top food for enhancing your high. Chemicals called terpenes and mycrene found in mangoes reportedly synergize well with marijuana, offering similar euphoric and relaxing effects. Try a mango infused smoothie bowl with granola and berries.
For those who experience anxiety or restlessness when smoking weed, sweet potatoes are the ideal munchie food. Packed with vitamins, including vitamin E and vitamin B, sweet potatoes can boost serotonin production in the brain, thereby improving mood, reducing anxiety, and promoting relaxation. Vitamin B6 helps regulate and stabilize emotions, and when combinedwith cannabis, the result can be the perfect high. Try sweet potatoes drizzled with weed-infused oil topped with herbs. Herbs are another food said to boost and prolong the effects of marijuana.
In addition to being a beloved treat, chocolate contains a chemical compound called "anandamide," also known as the "bliss molecule." Anandamide produces effects similar to THC, including feelings of bliss and euphoria. Both anandamide and THC interact with the same receptors in the endocannabinoid system, amplifying the benefits of THC. Try some homemade chocolate chip cookies or double chocolate brownies.
Due to the high omega-3 fatty acid content, nuts can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress. When combined with cannabis, these fatty acids are believed to enhance its effects and provide a longer lasting high. Nuts and dried fruit are the perfect munchie snack that you can take anywhere.
You can enjoy these foods as snacks or infuse them with your cannabis to enhance the holistic effects of both the food and cannabis. Keep them on hand when you get the munchies, or use them as a base for your weed-infused dishes. You're already on the right track by choosing edibles as your consumption method, as they are known to “hit hard.” As always, when it comes to edibles, be mindful of your dosage to avoid ending up glued to the couch and wondering how to move your muscles. On some nights, maybe this is what you prefer. Good luck!
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Don’t let smoke get in your eyes. Invented by an Englishman, this wraparound cigarette holder uses its great length to keep bothersome smoke at bay. The gentleman may have been on to something in September 1939, long before medical studies irrefutably showed the dangerous effects of smoking tobacco. The contraption also prevented tobacco bits and bobs entering one’s mouth. Alas, the device never gained any market share.
CS CBTS Staff Report