Cannabis by the Sea Magazine, Fall 2023

CANNABIS By The Sea

Fall 2023

FEATURES Table of Contents

12 A Man for All Reasons

For more than a decade, Mike Robinson, a multiple cancer survivor, has used cannabis oils and nanotechnology extensively for himself and to help others deal with severe epilepsy, chronic Lyme Disease, PTSD, and pain management. He truly has turned adversities into possibilities, which include Genevieve’s Dream, Genevieve’s Carousel Challenge, ECS Balance Control, NANO TERPS, a Professional Cannabis Guide, as well as CBGa Crumble. Passionate is an understatement when describing his commitment to helping others.

18 Cannabis . . . A Ray of Hope for Veterans

Veterans could really benefit from the healing powers of cannabis in the treatment of PTSD. Cannabis offers a more natural alternative with CBD showing promise in reducing anxiety without the psychoactive effects of THC. Though we call our vets heroes and thank them for their service, we owe them a much deeper debt of gratitude and our unflagging support for their physical and mental care long after they have served. They deserve no less when it comes to the use of cannabis to help relieve their pain and suffering.

Blunt Advice 21

You asked. Ellie answered. This issue she dishes on edibles and the winding path to finding the right dosage along with canna-etiquette for a family-style BBQ. Always happy to share what has worked for her in the hope that it may work for you, Ellie’s advice is indispensable for the novice and seasoned cannabis person.

CANNABIS By The Sea

Bie & Bie Productions, Inc.

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Publisher — Bie & Bie Productions, Inc.

Editorial Director — Amy Marie Orozco

Creative Director — Melinda Bie

Contributors — Dianne Armitage, Peter Bie, Ellie Carr, Alonzo Orozco and Glenn Dubock

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.

From the Publisher

Welcome to the Fall Issue of Cannabis by the Sea Magazine!

It's hard to believe that we are officially in the last quarter of 2023 . . . I have no idea where the year has gone!

We enter the last months of this year with a sense of optimism regarding the legalization of cannabis - an optimism that I hope will continue to grow and foster change. The Department of Health and Human Services recently delivered a recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration that cannabis be moved from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance. Rescheduling cannabis would reduce or potentially eliminate criminal penalties for possession. This is a great step forward, but as we know, there is a long road to national legalization. Please do your part by supporting organizations like NORML , Americans for Safe Access, the Marijuana Policy Project. and Last Prisoner Project. These groups and several others like them, advocate for cannabis legalization as well as providing legal support to cannabis prisoners.

In California, where our office is located, cannabis is legal recreationally and medically, not a perk that several U.S. states share. We'd like to hear from you — what are the laws like where you live? How is the general attitude towards dispensaries? Visit our website and let us know — www.cbtsmagazine.com/contactus. Tell us what you think, what you'd like to learn about or maybe who you'd like to hear from!

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!

CONTRIBUTORS

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. Her current work as a restaurant hostess is providing endless fodder for future stories, as well as an avid appreciation for healthy knees and feet! “Thank goodness for CBD creams” is her new motto.

Peter Bie spent the better part of 50 years in the broadcasting industry, beginning as a DJ in 1965 (while still in high school), and took on various roles over the years as a music director, program director and, at one point, transitioning into doing news and anchoring both on radio and TV. Since 2012, he has proudly served as the president of the Santa Barbara, California chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America. His three years in the U.S. Army (1967 to 1970) were punctuated by two tours in Vietnam, the first as a military journalist and the second as a helicopter door gunner. The opinions expressed in his article do not necessarily reflect the views of the national VVA nor of the local chapter. Full disclosure: He is married to Melinda Bie, publisher of this magazine.

e Lu a Farm

Editor Amy Marie Orozco is a stickler for the Oxford comma. That may date back to grammar school when commas reminded her of pollywogs, which she loved to catch along with lizards. Proud of the fact that she still can diagram sentences, Amy truly mourns the loss of the correct usage of between -vs- among and finish -vs- done. Nonetheless, Amy is surprisingly socially adept for someone who works in isolation behind a behind 30inch computer monitor. www.amymarieorozco.com.

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 The 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 female body and loneliness. Ellie has served as an editor for Toyon Literary Magazine, Columbia Journal, and The Line. She currently works as a digital marketing manager and copywriter. When she's not writing, Ellie enjoys a nice meal out, visiting old bookstores, and biking around the city. CS

We grow sponges!

Cannabis 101:

CBGa: The Mother of Cannabinoids

As many are aware, cannabis, a plant known for its diverse array of compounds, has gained widespread attention for its medicinal uses in addition to recreational. Among the many compounds found in cannabis, CBGa (cannabigerolic acid) stands out as a crucial precursor, often referred to as the "mother of cannabinoids."

CBGa is a non-psychoactive compound that serves as the starting point in the biosynthesis of other well-known cannabinoids like THC and CBD. It is produced by the cannabis plant in its early growth stages, and enzymatic reactions subsequently transform it into other cannabinoids through a process known as decarboxylation.

CBGa's potential health benefits have sparked significant interest in the medical community. Research suggests that CBGa may have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties, making it a promising candidate for various therapeutic applications. Additionally, CBGa's non-psychoactive nature makes it an attractive option for those seeking relief without the intoxicating effects associated with THC.

As scientific understanding of cannabinoids continues to grow, CBGa remains a critical player in unlocking the full potential of cannabis-based medicine, making it a compound to watch in the ever-evolving world of cannabis research and therapeutics. CBGa can be found in a variety of products at your local dispensary, including concentrates, isolates, and tinctures.

CBTS Staff Report

CBGa's non-psychoactive nature makes it an attractive option for those seeking relief without the intoxicating effects associated with THC

“ “

A Man for All Reasons

By Dianne Armitage

Mike Robinson is a man who somehow has managed to turn adversities into not just possibilities, but in many instances, dreams come true. Among his numerous passions and pursuits are Genevieve’s Dream, Genevieve’s Carousel Challenge, ECS Balance Control, NANO TERPS, a Professional Cannabis Guide, as well as CBGa Crumble. His roles run the gamut from participant/user to creator.

For more than a decade, Mike, a multiple cancer survivor, has used cannabis oils and nanotechnology extensively for himself and to help others deal with severe epilepsy, chronic Lyme Disease, PTSD, and pain management. For several years, Mike was what is known as a compassion provider. He led a large group that gave cannabis products to those in need who might otherwise not be able to find or afford treatments.

He feels it is important for everyone to understand a couple of things. The first is that cannabis is not new at all, saying “We have evidence showing the ECS (endocannabinoid system) existing in fossils. Legalization is what’s new, as is marketing and other ways to gain consumers’ confidence in a brand. It’s what consultants are all about in any industry, and it’s part of a good ‘business plan.’ Patients especially need to realize this — they are part of a business plan — unless they’re working in a specific program. Some business models include patient education, but it’s rare to find one that teaches something new. My thoughts are patients need a bridge, someone like me, who’s done dozens of symposiums from keynote to organizational committee member. Someone who also didn’t understand and had to learn as much as they could to break things down. People need digestible information.”

Secondly, Mike believes that the endocannabinoid system, its balance, and its tone are not well understood. He explains, “Patients are unaware of the sheer number of endocannabinoids we have, as marketing is geared towards teaching about Anandamide, which is known as the bliss molecule.” He invites anyone hoping to educate themselves about this topic to visit his website: ECSBalanceControl.com.

Continued on Page

Continued from Page 11

Mike’s first encounter with cancer was in 2003 when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. During his initial cancer battle, Mike (like many cancer patients) felt as though the treatment was worse than the disease. Added to that (also like many cancer patients), no one had warned him about the possibility of side effects beyond those normally associated with chemo and radiation.

“I had surgery, where they removed the cancerous lymph nodes from my neck, and then they began the radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Only six weeks into this treatment, because of my epilepsy, I had to be hospitalized for the duration since I kept having really bad seizures,” Mike remembers. Prior to his diagnosis, he had been in awesome physical shape with his normal life filled with running, walking, surfing, and hiking — so not even his doctor expected what happened next.

About a week into that hospitalization, his right side went numb. Chemo-induced paralysis is a real thing and can hit anyone who’s had a head injury before having Western medicine’s cancer treatment. When this happened, he stopped all treatments and demanded to be sent home. “Thankfully, the hospital complied with my demands and released me. I spent the next three years in a wheelchair. During that time, I became addicted to opioids, which took me years to overcome. Smoking weed was one of the things that helped!” he recalls.

When Mike’s cancer returned in 2015, not only did he have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but he also had another type of Hodgkin’s lymphoma and prostate cancer — and all were stage 4. As one can imagine, he was reluctant to try chemo and radiation again, so, at a friend’s suggestion, he began looking into whether medical cannabis oil might be a solution.

It took some time to figure out what kind of oil worked best for him. He finally determined which did the best job, and felt it was clearly working miracles. After about two months of using cannabis oils regularly at night before going to bed, he would wake up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day.

Mike’s personal research has shown that CBD (cannabidiol) is an anti-inflammatory that can reduce pain and inflammation in patients with arthritis and other conditions involving chronic pain. It has also been shown to have neuroprotective effects against neurological disorders such as epilepsy.

Courtesy Photo

Mike Robinson

Mike and daughter Genevieve

Additionally, it is thought to reduce withdrawal symptoms from opioid use, as well as inhibiting cancer cell growth in human lab studies. Amazingly, it may help reduce nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment drugs. Studies are currently being done to see if it may provide relief for people suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease.

His quest for and love of knowledge led Mike to love in real time in his own life. It was due to his desire to give hope and share information that brought Genevieve and her family into his world. He recognizes how remarkable this encounter was when he mentions “A family was created out of the world of my role as a compassion provider. A man (that would be me) with a lot of cancers traveling around the nation hoping to build a Jacob’s ladder, found a child who responded and gave him the look of the ‘Golden Child’ as she came back to life using the plant. Far before I became a researcher and founder of the Global Cannabinoid Research Center. Without her, I don’t think any of this would have happened!”

Prior to cannabis oil

Genevieve was literally a prisoner in her own body. With severe autism, epilepsy, and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). She couldn’t walk through the house without issue, and she was stricken over 25 times a day with grand mal seizures. Her mom, Anne Mari, and sisters’ lives were also greatly affected since round-the-clock care was the norm.

“Gen brought us all together and a family was created,” says Mike. “I am proud of myself for helping raise her to age 20! I also became a dad to Sydney, who’s 13 and has grown so much in maturity, it’s incredible. We all use cannabis extracts to help with health issues and/or to maintain vibrant health. I came to this home to bring her oils as part of a massive legacy-based compassion program, giving oils away. Who knew I would end up giving my heart?”

He acknowledges there have been stumbling blocks along the way, sharing “I’m having a hard time entering the cannabis industry due to the crossover from giving, as well as the corporate angle in which the patient is not put above profit, despite hashtags, claims, and videos to the contrary.

Entities are in biz to profit, so it’s been extremely hard to find someone to work with who can handle the production side of things and who sees the vision that quantity of sales allows a quantity of giving, not just a pile of profit.”

Mike is diligently working on The Carousel Challenge. Genevieve grew up loving to ride the carousel in Santa Barbara. When it was removed in 2017, not only was she devastated, but most of Santa Barbara’s residents were too. You can find out more about what Mike is doing to remedy this by visiting his Facebook page: Genevieve’s Dream, The Carousel Challenge. Or on Instagram @CarouselChallenge. He is also highly involved in CBGa Crumble www.cbgacrumble. com. CBGa, or Cannabigerolic acid, is an acidic cannabinoid. It’s the precursor from which other cannabinoids are synthesized, including THC and CBD. Like other cannabinoids, CBGa is non-intoxicating in its natural state. It is Mike’s hope that both Genevieve’s Dream and his CBGa Crumble will eventually provide financial security for her in the future.

At the moment, he is once again facing the uncertainties cancer brings with it. He has recently been diagnosed with Mesentery Panniculitis, which is often associated with Lymphomas. He will be undergoing a series of tests to determine whether additional treatment is necessary. He is hoping the self-treatment he’s done for the past 12 months, which included using Nano cannabinoids while ingesting over 20 different plant extracts, will do the trick!

Quick to respond when asked what he hopes his legacy will be, “My hope is to bring about a change in the way cannabinoid medicine is approached, as well as the basic cannabis industry. I hope to see Genevieve’s Dream CBGa Brand and Genevieve’s Carousel Challenge come to fruition. But, the biggest legacy I can leave is a message of compassion and love that should last forever with the Cannabis Love Story: Cannabis Love Story - Mike's Medicines (www.mikesmedicines.com). And please remember, compassion is love!” Mike answers.

I’m having a hard time entering the cannabis industry due to the crossover from giving, as well as the corporate angle in which the patient is not put above profit, despite hashtags, claims, and videos to the contrary.

Small acts of kindness can have a big impact in making people feel welcome. When we reach out and connect with others, we can build a stronger community where everyone – regardless of their background – feels like they belong.

LEARN HOW AT

BELONGINGBEGINSWITHUS.ORG

CANNABIS By The Sea

A Ray of Hope for Veterans

By Peter Bie

Long after leaving the battlefield — or just being in an area that is labeled a “combat zone” — veterans are often left to grapple with the invisible wounds of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. Fortunately, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that cannabis may offer a ray of hope for those individuals

Many veterans with PTSD and anxiety traditionally have relied on pharmaceutical medications, but these are all too often accompanied by a range of side effects, some of which can be debilitating. Cannabis, with its active compounds like CBD and THC, offers a more natural alternative with CBD showing promise in reducing anxiety without the psychoactive effects of THC. In short, reducing the anxiety without getting high.

One of the hallmarks of PTSD is the re-experiencing of traumatic events through nightmares and flashbacks. But military vets aren’t the only ones who can suffer from these symptoms: first responders, rescue workers, police, doctors, nurses, or just about anyone who has survived a traumatic incident (or series of them), is more than likely to have some form of PTSD and its accompanying anxiety. Cannabis, particularly strains rich in CBD, can help alleviate these symptoms. One potential benefit is that it may interrupt the cycle of nightmares, allowing veterans to get more restful sleep.

As many a veteran will attest, the anxiety that goes along with the PTSD often leads to mood swings, irritability, and a sense of unease. Here again, cannabis can act as a mood stabilizer, helping the individual to regain a true sense of emotional balance. The endocannabinoid system in the body plays a major role in regulating mood, and cannabinoids in cannabis may assist in this process.

Veterans with PTSD can experience a heightened state of alertness and hyperarousal, which can be exhausting and detrimental to their daily lives. As one Vietnam vet put it, “I’m always super-vigilant and aware of my surroundings, even when I’m home. And it's been over 50 years since I was there.” Cannabis may help in reducing this hyper-awareness, promoting relaxation and a sense of calm.

Recent studies have shown that cannabis could be a reliable and effective treatment for not only PTSD, but provide for less reliance on prescription or over-the-counter medications.

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Home Baked: My Mom, Marijuana, and the Stoning of San Francisco

Alia Volz’ book “Home Baked: My Mom, Marijuana, and the Stoning of San Francisco” is her story of the family business, Sticky Finders Brownies, a cottage industry bakery churning out and distributing thousands of pot brownies in San Francisco’s swinging ’70s and AIDS pandemic in the ’80s. Funny, touching, and a history lesson all rolled into one, “Home Baked: My Mom, Marijuana, and the Stoning of San Francisco” was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for Autobiography. It is available wherever books are sold.

Cannasexual

Ashley Manta is a sexuality professional and coined the term Cannasexual®, which is defined as mindfully and deliberately combining sex and cannabis to deepen intimacy and enhance pleasure,” according to her website ashleymanta.com/cannasexual. She offers coaching for individuals and couples. Her writing has appeared in Dear Playboy Advisor, Leafly, and Dope Magazine, among many other publications. Fresh in outlook, Cannasexual clearly illustrates how far we have come since the groundbreaking days of Masters and Johnson. www.ashleymanta.com/cannasexual

Brave New Weed

What we really like about Joe Dolce’s “Brave New Weed” is its international scope. Published in 2016 and well worth the read today, the book presents the cultural, social, medical, and legal implications of cannabis in various parts of the world, like Israel and Holland, natch, with an eye to the future of plant. Dolce has a podcast, too, exploring cannabis from all angles with his guests. www.bravenewweed.com xxxxxxxxCS

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2019 over 500 military vets (primarily recruited from Massachusetts, which permits the use of cannabis for both medical use and for those ages 21 and older) participated in an anonymous survey conducted by the journal Clinical Therapeutics.

According to the survey data, 91 percent of respondents said that “medicinal cannabis treatment helped them to experience a greater quality of life, have fewer psychological symptoms and fewer physical symptoms. Twenty-one percent said their use of medical cannabis resulted in a reduction in their opioid use. Veterans who were Black, who were female, who served in active combat, and who were living with chronic pain were more likely to report a desire to reduce the number of prescription meds they were taking.” It is no surprise that this finding runs consistent with dozens of other studies over the past decade or so. The authors concluded that the data “should inform clinicians who work with the veteran population, as cannabis may be an effective means of helping veterans.”

In 2020 there were about 19 million vets living in the U.S. when studies showed PTSD affecting upwards of 20 percent of vets of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, 12 percent of Gulf War vets and 15 percent of Vietnam War vets. The most alarming stat of all: upwards of 20 vets (active, inactive, retired) per day commit suicide, many due to their overuse of prescription meds, consumption of alcohol, illegal drugs, or a combination of all three along with other stress and anxiety-related problems. While the Pentagon, the armed forces and the VA have made it a priority over the past several years to prevent these suicides, the numbers remain high.

So, where do we go from here in having medicinal cannabis as an alternative and, according to various studies, what appears to be an effective treatment for vets suffering from PTSD and associated symptoms? For starters, it needs more study with more vets already in the system.

But we won’t get far if Uncle Sam continues to list marijuana (cannabis) as a Schedule 1 drug, putting it right up there with cocaine, LSD, and heroin and defined as having no accepted medical use and high potential for abuse. Because of that status, VA clinicians are prevented from even recommending medical marijuana and can only prescribe medications approved by the FDA for medical use. Most products containing THC or CBD or a combination thereof, along with other cannabinoids are not approved for this purpose by the FDA. The same VA clinicians can’t even complete the paperwork or any forms required for VA patients to participate in state approved marijuana programs. (As of this writing, 40 states and Washington D.C. have medicinal cannabis programs and 23 states and two territories recreational or adult-use of cannabis.)

On the other hand, no veteran will be denied VA benefits if they use marijuana. And vets are encouraged to discuss cannabis use with their VA providers. And even though the VA health care providers will record marijuana use in the vet’s VA medical record, this is all confidential under patient privacy laws and cannot be used as a basis for denial of treatment.

Is there a light at the end of this very long tunnel? Maybe. In late August, the Department of Health and Human Services came out with a recommendation that cannabis should no longer be a Schedule 1 controlled substance. Instead, and this is the major change, it should be re-classified as a Schedule 3 substance — defined as having a lower potential for abuse. Among that group are anabolic steroids and painkillers with small amounts of codeine.

Yet, HHS stopped short of recommending decriminalization on the federal level. How do you square moving cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3, effectively putting it on the prescription-only shelf along with several steroids and Tylenol with codeine, yet maintain the same Schedule 1 arrest and punishment laws on the books? Not to mention the states that have already legalized medical cannabis and, in many instances, have halted or reduced their enforcement of certain cannabis related laws.

In October 2022, President Joe Biden, while calling for reforming cannabis laws, noted that “no one should be in jail for using or possessing marijuana. Sending people to prison for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives and incarcerated people for conduct that many states no longer prohibit.” It gives me a tiny ray of hope that the DEA, which will have the final say on this rule change, will eventually work this out to the country’s benefit.

While cannabis shows promise in helping veterans with PTSD and anxiety, it is essential to emphasize that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different individuals may respond differently, and it should be used in consultation with healthcare professionals.

Additionally, more research is needed to fully understand the complexities of the drug’s effects, especially when it comes to the use of cannabis based topical oils (for physical ailments) and micro-dosing with edibles (for any number of mental and/or internal ailments). Even the most ardent antidrug person should see the benefit in that.

We call our vets heroes and thank them for their service. Rightfully so. But beyond the cheers, the smiles, and handshakes, we owe them a much deeper debt of gratitude and our unflagging support for their physical and mental care long after they have served. They deserve no less when it comes to the use of cannabis to help relieve their pain and suffering.

[For more about how cannabis can be utilized to prevent and/or treat TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) in our military, see the story in the Spring 2021 issue of Cannabis By The Sea]

Peter Bie served in the U.S. Army from 1967-1970 with two tours in Vietnam.

Advice Blunt

By Ellie Carr

Dear Ellie,

Like many people I know, I've had a negative experience with edibles in the past. Still, I find myself intrigued and curious about the new CBD and THC combination edibles. I struggle with anxiety and am wondering if you have recommendations for using THC and CBD on a daily basis. I want to try edibles, but I can be a little sensitive to them and worry about their potency with daily use.

— Green Goddess

Dear Green Goddess,

Daily cannabis use is my favorite thing to do. There’s no shame in it, and I'll say that louder for the people in the back. Finding a product that works for you is crucial, even if it means trying new ones to discover what you don’t like. Daily cannabis use varies from person to person, but I'd love to share what has worked for me in the hope that it might help you too.

I can say that I am using cannabis in a more diverse and healthier way than I was just three years ago. It's an incredible time to be a weed smoker because our knowledge of the plant has expanded, and its medicinal and overall benefits are gaining widespread recognition and acceptance. While there was something special about smoking trim and the bits of leaves at the bottom of a baggie with friends behind the mall, I love my modern bud and edibles. Recent developments and trends in the world of cannabis have opened up new possibilities that we never had before.

My first experience with edibles was at the age of twenty-one, on my way to a concert with a friend. I had friends who prepared and packaged edibles, and managed to hook me up with two infused brownies that were 100mg each. On our way to the concert, we consumed both of the edibles, not realizing how potent they would be. The audacity of my early 20s . . . After a few hours and a somewhat other worldly experience, we left the concert before it even began, and I vowed never to touch an edible again.

It wasn't until recently that I started experimenting with 5:1 CBD and THC edibles. I began with a quarter, then a half, and now I consume the whole thing. Although these edibles aren't particularly high in THC, my past experience made me sensitive to edibles, and I’m always careful about what I consume as it is a different high than smoking cannabis.

I also struggle with anxiety and have tried various medications that ultimately didn't work. However, I've found that the 5:1 ratio, with 5 parts CBD and 1 part THC, is the perfect dose for the morning and helps calm my anxiousness and nervousness. Since CBD is non-psychoactive, a CBD-dominant product allows for a calm and relaxed high without experiencing fatigue or paranoia. It can even make you feel energized and clear-headed at the same time. I highly recommend this dose to anyone looking to incorporate daily cannabis use, especially those seeking an alternative to smoking or wanting to give their lungs a break.

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Products for You

Leaf & Flower

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Chef's Baking Apron

For grillin’ and chillin’, waking and baking, not to mention clean and green, the Marijuana Bud Chef’s Baking Apron is as durable as it is attractive. The tie-back closure and four-buttonholed strap make it truly one size fits all. Other designs available. The perfect gift — especially for oneself.

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The Armoire Home Grow Kit

Our friends at Green Coast Radio shared this nifty piece of furniture, The Armoire. It’s an easy-to-use grow system claiming, “from sprout to harvest in as little as 60 days.” The Armoire is designed for beginners, and there is a 90-day free concierge service with purchase in case help is needed. Get The Armoire and you’re dressed for growing. www.greengoddesssupply.com xxxxx CS

While there is a pure CBD option available, I've found the experience much more enjoyable when there's THC present. THC and CBD complement each other, enhancing the overall effects.

At a cannabis fair a few weeks ago, I discovered something called CBN (Cannabinol), which isn't as popular as CBD but is gaining recognition due to its potential benefits for sleep and pain management. It's also said that when you resist drowsiness while using CBN, it can turn it into an aphrodisiac. I suggest giving this a try, if you’re looking for a night routine as well.

As always, the right dosage varies from person to person, but these are some of my go-to dosages that provide a less psychoactive experience, alleviate my anxiety, and, in my opinion, offer a relaxing and calm high while still allowing for productivity and good energy. Experiment with cannabis in a safe and relaxing environment, and have fun with it.

Dear Ellie,

My wife and I recently attended a BBQ at our friend’s house and brought a joint to smoke later in the evening. Their kids, who are in their early teens, were also at the party. When I took out the joint, my friend asked me to wait until the kids went to bed. I couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed about bringing it in the first place. After we left the party, I wondered, is it okay to consume weed around my kids?

— Cannabliss

Dear Cannabliss,

The question of whether we can consume cannabis around kids is, well, a tricky one.

Answers vary based on individual preferences and choices regarding exposure to cannabis. Most of the parents I know tend to consume cannabis discreetly, either by taking gummies at night to relax or occasionally smoking a joint in secluded corners of their backyard only after their kids have gone to sleep. I think location is a huge factor in cannabis exposure. I grew up in northern California where cannabis culture was widely accepted and was the economic lifeline for many families in the area, but when I moved to the suburbs of Arizona, the cannabis culture was very different.

I now live in New York, where cannabis has been legal for recreational use since 2022. A few months ago, I attended a birthday party at a friend’s house, where I knew the majority of the crowd, and had smoked weed with them many times before. I brought homemade infused honey as a gift, and since I had extra, decided to give a few jars to other people. When I offered the jars, I noticed that people discreetly stashed them in their purses, deep in their jean pockets, and the host had placed one of the jars in a small, hidden cabinet above their stove. Technically, it would have been perfectly legal for us to enjoy the honey together, but instead of anyone making that suggestion, we continued to drink our alcoholic beverages (excessively) and act as if no cannabis was present at the party

I don’t have kids myself, so I decided to ask a few parents I know whether or not they consume weed in front of their little ones. One friend say they sneak away for a toke, but he’d never smoke in in front of his daughter, and that the same rules apply to alcohol. While my other friend said she didn’t mind if her kids see her using cannabis, which she often does on the patio while they’re inside, but she ensures they are not exposed to the smoke. While we might wish that cannabis use is widely accepted as a social norm, it hasn't quite reached that level yet. And I think the question is less about whether or not we can consume cannabis around our kids, and more about how do we culturally handle recreational use of marijuana?

My exposure to alcohol and cigarettes occurred at a very young age. My family frequently hosted parties and barbecues where alcohol and cigarettes were present, and as a child, I viewed this as normal. It was there, and I had no issues with it, nor did anyone seem concerned about my exposure. Even dining at restaurants, or grocery shopping, children are exposed to alcohol and cigarettes. Reimagining this to be cannabis, isn't something we’ve done yet. We're not walking into a local grocery store and seeing weed on the shelves, although that would be a dream. In states that have legalized cannabis, legally, having a glass of wine or a beer is no different from smoking a joint. But culturally, we are still grappling with the concept of recreational marijuana use.

My advice is not to be too hard on yourself or your friends for being cautious about their cannabis use around children. Consume cannabis around your family in a manner that suits your comfort level. I believe that exposure to cannabis is valuable, not in the sense of kids using it underage, but in understanding that cannabis exists, and they may encounter it at some point in their lives, whether or not they choose to partake.

In some cases, families raise their children on cannabis farms, where early exposure is inevitable, as it's a family business. Teaching your children about cannabis and how to use it safely is a reasonable approach, similar to discussing topics like sex. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, as people's preferences and opinions vary, but I believe there's no shame in educating our children about cannabis in the same way we do with alcohol, cigarettes, and prescription medications. Respecting people's decisions is crucial, and remember that your cannabis journey is unique and personal, and when compared to others, will surely look different.

Robin Karlsson

Maddy Park Founder, @CafeMaddyCab

Brownie

Mary Jane Rathbun (aka Brownie Mary and the Florence Nightingale of the Medical Marijuana Movement) was born in Chicago on December 22, 1922 and died on April 10, 1999 in San Francisco. In the mid-1970s she began making and selling cannabis brownies out of her San Francisco kitchen to supplement her waitressing income. In the early days of the AIDS epidemic gripping San Francisco, Rathbun noticed her brownies helped her sick customers better cope with wasting syndrome. Soon she began to make hundreds of brownies with donated cannabis on a daily basis and gave them to patients. More formal activism within the established political structure followed. Fortunately, Rathbun was alive when California voters approved the Compassionate Use Act in 1996; sadly she missed seeing the recreational use of cannabis made legal in 2016. Today, her legacy lives on in extra-oily pot brownies, according to a 2019 article in “bon appétit” magazine penned by Madison Margolin. The fat is where the cannabis compounds reside. Not one to share the secret to her brownies, she did advise to “look at how much oil the recipe calls for, and go for the one that uses the most oil.”

CS CBTS Staff Report

Photo: Jim Wilson

Imagine sitting in a cell for years, decades, or even for life, convicted of an activity that is no longer a crime, while thousands of other people build intergenerational wealth doing exactly the same thing.

That is the situation that tens of thousands of cannabis prisoners face today in the United States alone, while countless others languish in jails and prisons worldwide.

The Last Prisoner 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