MARCH 2018
HIGH STAKES Investing in cannabis market could prove to be ultimate gamble
WILL U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL SESSIONS' TERMINATION OF COLE MEMO IMPACT YOUR ACCESS?
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from the editor
Publisher Guy Bertuzzi, guy@elevatenv.com
Editor-In-Chief Beth Schwartz, beth@elevatenv.com
Creative Director Brooke Bertuzzi, brooke@finetheagency.com
Contributing Writers and Photographer: Justin Alexander, Kayla Anderson, Amanda Connor, Riana Durrett, Hector Leyva Media Consultants: Mark Damkroeger, mark@elevatenv.com Denise Diaz, denise@elevatenv.com
ELEVATION PUBLISHING LLC Chief Financial Officer Cassandra Lupo
FINE THE AGENCY Partner Kelli Maruca, kelli@finetheagency.com
Graphic Designer James Nigbur, james@finetheagency.com
Account Coordinator Kimberly Chang, kim@finetheagency.com elevate nevada magazine makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors, false data or omissions. elevate nevada assumes no responsibility for any claims or representations contained in this publication or in any advertisement. elevate nevada magazine does not encourage the illegal use of any of the products or advertisements within. Reproduction in whole or in part strictly prohibited. All rights reserved. To subscribe to elevate nevada, visit elevatenv.com/subscribe/. 7120 Rafael Ridge Way, Las Vegas, NV 89119 Phone: 702.855.3843 | Email: info@elevatenv.com
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Let me start with acknowledging what a long strange trip it has been as I welcome you to the third anniversary issue of elevate. This is the 34th issue we have published and quite a bit has changed. When we launched the magazine three years ago, finding a physician who knew anything about cannabis and how it worked in conjunction with the body’s endocannabinoid system was as scare as hen’s teeth. As you can imagine, this made finding doctors who would agree to be interviewed for articles with a medical slant an extremely tough proposition. Patients weren’t all that eager to talk either. Finding a patient who wanted to share their story with the world was a challenge. Most people didn’t want their name or the fact that they were using cannabis to find relief from migraines, PTSD, multiple sclerosis or any variety of conditions to become public knowledge. But that was three years ago and things are different today. I now have a handful of doctors I can go to for help explaining the benefits of cannabis and how exactly it works to relieve pain, aid with sleep, or work in combating autoimmune diseases. Patients are much more open now too. I used to offer anonymity to them as many were concerned for their jobs or federal benefits. Now patients are much more willing to share their name and their story, especially if they know it will help others suffering from the same condition. Whenever I interview someone for a story, I always ask them what they have learned about cannabis that surprises
them the most. I love hearing the answers because no two are ever the same and they are all very thought-provoking. Because I have heard such a great variety of answers from physicians, legislators, patients and industry leaders, I have had a lot to ponder. For me, the biggest surprise has been how cannabis, or more specifically certain terpenes and CBD (cannabidiol), has a sedative effect. Never would I have thought using something as simple as a hemp CBDbased facial moisturizer would deliver me into a sound sleep every night. The healing power of sleep cannot be denied and could help so many in their quest to begin finding relief from myriad conditions and diseases. With that in mind, I decided we should run a story investigating cannabis’ sleep properties. Since it’s our anniversary issue what could be better than giving readers the gift of better sleep using such a simple and natural remedy. Kayla Anderson explores this in her story “America – the Land of Sleepless Nights & Groggy Days” on page 30. Also for the cover of this special anniversary issue, we asked chocolatier Kristal Chamblee to create a custom chocolate sculpture that represented our three years as a magazine. She took the challenge and designed a piece that not only illustrates elevate’s growth using butterflies and flowers, but also cleverly acknowledges our three years as Nevada’s channel for cannabis education and information. elevate and celebrate,
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ELEVATE YOUR STATE
Cannabis updates from across the United States
PENNSYLVANIA: On February 15, less than two years after Governor Tom Wolf signed Act 16 into law, six dispensaries began selling medical marijuana to patients and caregivers. To date, 10 dispensaries and 10 grower/processors have been approved to operate. Over the next few months, up to 81 dispensary locations are scheduled to open across the state. More than 17,000 patients have registered to participate in the medical marijuana program, with nearly 4,000 certified by a physician. As of mid-February, 708 physicians have registered with the department and 376 have competed the training to become certified practitioners.
VIRGINIA: Governor Ralph Northam signed a major piece of medical marijuana legislation on March 9. Northam’s signature is the final step in the process to legalize the use of cannabidiol (CBD) oil or THC-A oil for the treatment to alleviate the symptoms of any diagnosed condition or disease determined by the practitioner to benefit from such use in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Virginia Senate and House both passed House Bill 1251 in late February, sending the legislation to the desk of Gov. Northam. Under current Virginia law, a practitioner may only issue such certification for the treatment of or to alleviate the symptoms of intractable epilepsy. With this bill, the supply of CBD oil or THC-A oil can be dispensed by a pharmaceutical processor from a 30-day supply to a 90-day supply in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The recommended language of this bill was put forth by the Joint Commission on Health Care, and is identical to SB 726, which was passed by the Virginia Senate on March 8.
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TENNESSEE: Two Republicans introduced a bill in January that would make Tennessee the latest state to allow medical marijuana. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, and Sen. Steve Dickerson, R-Nashville, would only allow oil-based manufactured products, such as pills or lotions, and would not permit the sale of raw cannabis, also known as marijuana, as is common in other states. The Faison-Dickerson legislation would not permit any recreational use of marijuana.
VERMONT: In January, Gov. Phil Scott signed Vermont's marijuana bill into law, making the state the first in the country to authorize the recreational use of the substance by an act of a state legislature. The law, which goes into effect July 1, allows adults to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana, two mature and four immature plants. Vermont will become the ninth state in the country, along with Washington, D.C., to approve the recreational use of marijuana. The other states and Washington authorized the recreational use of marijuana through a vote of residents. Vermont law contains no mechanism that allows for a citizen referendum.
Medical Cannabis is Legal Medical Cannabis is Illegal
MARYLAND: The state's dispensaries began selling medical cannabis on December 1. Patients have waited years for the state’s first dispensaries to open—Governor Martin O’Malley legalized the drug in 2014 but the state did not approve the first legal dispensary until July 2017. To date, the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission has licensed 14 out of 15 growers, 12 out of 15 processors, and 10 out of 104 dispensaries. The state expects eventually there will be 102 dispensaries spread across the state. Patients with chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder and illnesses that cause nausea, among other conditions, can potentially qualify for use of medical cannabis.
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Leadership on Marijuana For years, Chris G. has been at the forefront of the successful movement to change Nevada’s marijuana laws, helping to lead efforts every step of the way. In 1999, as an assemblywoman, Chris authored legislation to decriminalize an ounce or less of marijuana. Under her leadership, it was passed by a Republicancontrolled senate and signed into law by a Republican governor. After medical marijuana was passed by ballot initiative in 2001, Chris wrote the legislation to implement it, once again with a Republican-controlled senate and governor. Chris then served as the unpaid spokesperson for the Marijuana Policy Project, which fought for full legalization through a ballot initiative; even debating the issue with President George Bush's drug czar. Today, marijuana is legal and generating millions of dollars of revenue for the state of Nevada. The fact that Chris had the guts, foresight and political courage to champion this legislation is one of the reasons she will be such an effective governor.
Primary Election June 12 Early Voting May 26—June 8 www.ChrisGForNevada.com Remember to register as a Democrat for the primary!
OP-ED
TACKLING THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC WITH MEDICAL MARIJUANA By U.S. Congresswoman Jacky Rosen (NV-03)
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n January, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a pointless political crusade against legalized marijuana. While there is no shortage of misinformation Attorney General Sessions is peddling about cannabis, one of the most damaging and false is his claim that many heroin addicts start their addiction with marijuana, and that marijuana is “only slightly less awful” than heroin. This is fundamentally inaccurate and does not reflect the data on this issue. Opioids have become one of the leading causes of death in our country, killing an average of 115 Americans per day. This heartbreaking reality is why Attorney General Sessions’ focus on marijuana is so alarming. His baseless assertion that marijuana leads to opioid addiction repeats a tired and widely debunked argument. Instead of using resources to combat the dangerous opioid crisis, the Attorney General is opening the door for the Justice Department to use its limited resources to target legal marijuana consumers and businesses. A great number of deaths related to opioids are the culmination of years of dependence that began with legal prescriptions for opioids to relieve pain. The same types of pain for which these legal opioids are being prescribed can be treated with medical marijuana, all without the potentially fatal consequences of opioid abuse. Cracking down on legal marijuana would likely worsen the opioid epidemic. Studies show 25 percent fewer opioid overdose deaths in states with legalized medical marijuana. In Colorado, where cannabis is legal, studies have tallied a 6.5 percent drop in opioid-related deaths since the introduction of legal recreational marijuana. That’s why I’ve signed on in support of the bipartisan Marijuana Effective Drug Studies Act in Congress. This bill will help improve scientific research on safe and effective ways to use medical marijuana. It also streamlines the research registration process, which is currently burdened by marijuana’s Schedule I status. Cracking down on legal marijuana use would not only infringe upon the rights of states that voted in favor of it, but also rob us of an important tool to combat opioid abuse -- a fight we’re currently losing at a painfully high cost. Our focus should be on addressing the problems that are actually affecting our families, not chasing ideological goals that have been long debunked by the medical community.
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Cheers to chocolate and
three years of elevate!
photography by Hector Leyva, SugarMill Studios custom chocolate sculpture made and designed by Kristal Chamblee
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NV CANN LABS IS PROUD TO PERFORM TESTING FOR
ON THE COVER Using only her moxie and 22 lbs. of dark and white chocolate, chocolatier Kristal Chamblee created our cover sculpture in celebration of elevate’s third anniversary. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, the 24-year-old has been working in the cannabis industry with her sights set on a future that involves infused dining.
KRISTAL’S STATS Favorite dessert: Cinnamon Roll Favorite way to relax: Smoking a joint in the great outdoors or if I am already stressed, baking is my favorite way to relax.
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Qualifications: Associates of Applied Science: Patisserie and Baking, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Awards: Qualified for Top 20 at World Food Competition, Dessert category, 2014
Accreditation #97453
info@nvcann.com • 702.826.2700 6631 Schuster Street, LV, NV 89118 Keep out of the reach of children. For use only by adults 21 years of age and older
Industry Cred: I appeared in a recent episode of the docuseries “On the Run Eatin’” during which I made an infused meal for the show’s host and hip-hop star N.O.R.E. Biggest Professional Challenge: Waiting my turn. I see chefs who are great, and I want to get where they are at. I have talent and skills and I just have to hone in on that and wait for opportunities and jobs to come my way.
N OW OF F E RI NG N E VA DA’ S BE S T DI S P E NS A RY RE WA RDS P ROGRA M .
Kitchen Assistant: I refer to my pig Kaos as my Roomba or kitchen vacuum.
DE S I GN E D W I T H Y OU IN MIN D.
Next adventure: To cook infused dinners when regulations change and allow for that. I think that the edible form is the most satisfying way to be able to enjoy the cannabis experience and actually eat what you want and not the fixed stuff on the shelves today.
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Goal for 2018: I turn 25 this year, so I want to evaluate my life. I think this is the year I am going to get serious about being in this industry.
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Professional Highlight: When Vice wrote me up as an upand-coming stoner chef.
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Where do you see yourself in five years: Owning a cinnamon roll shop called Bun Huns. Living here in Las Vegas I could see myself having a Hooter’s style cinnamon shop. All the girls would have big buns on their heads, and wear little shorts, and I would play cool Beyoncé music in the background. That’s the goal -- to wake up every morning and love going to my job.
Theresa A., Anxiety Patient
“As soon as I walked inside, I felt comfortable. The staff answered all my questions and made sure I knew how to use the products before I left. It’s so good to be feeling better.”
Visit us at:
7885 W Sahara @ Buffa lo 9 am to 10 pm Ever yday (702) 778 -79 87 | A p o t h e c a r i u m . co m
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Keep out of reach of children. For use only by adults 21 years of age and older.
LAS VEGAS (Medical* & Retail)
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*Medical Patients receive priority check-in and check-out
Keep out of reach of children. For use only by adults 21 of age and older. Š 2017 The Source. All Rights Reserved. 20171024
from the publisher
Happy anniversary to us! I’m astonished to think it was just three years ago this month when we published the inaugural issue of elevate. We launched this magazine on April 20th of 2015 and what a long/short three years it has already been. We have been blessed by our readers, our advertising partners, and the community for accepting us with open arms. The path Nevada has set for the rest of the country is bar none the best! To being present when the first Southern Nevada medical marijuana dispensary, Euphoria Wellness, opened (I was their lucky number 77 patient that day) in the summer of 2015 to watching adult-use come in with a bang last July, the journey has had its highs and lows. I have been very blessed to be part of a burgeoning statewide industry that sells approximately $1 million dollars’ worth of product each month. On top of it all, I am lucky enough to call a lot of the dispensary, cultivation, production facilities, and lab owners my friends. Our partners in this issue are just one of the reasons we produce this magazine each month, and I implore you to support them. The elevate family would like to thank the following partners who have stuck with us through the tough times as well as sharing the good times – the Apothecary Shoppe, the Apothecarium, Ashcraft&Barr, Cannabiotix, Cannabella, Nevada Made/Kabunky, Connor & Connor, DB Labs, Euphoria, Evergreen Organix, Exhale, the Grove, Inyo, Jardin, KYND, LP Insurance, MMJ America, NLV Organics, NUWU, NV Cann Labs, Polaris, Qualcan, Redwood, RX Green Technologies, ShowGrow, Silver Sage Wellness, The+Source, Sting, Sweet Cannabis, Thrive, Virtue, and our favorite Mexican restaurant El Dorado
Cantina (you can usually find a member of the elevate team there at least three times a week). As we continue to grow -- as readers, patients, consumers and advocates -- let’s keep coming together to show the world what happens in Vegas is the example that should be followed. We are experiencing history in the making so scribble down notes, take pictures, memorialize your experiences, and give a lot of love to your budtenders for helping you make the right choice. For me, a few of my favorite highlights illustrating the magazine’s growth during the last year have included the creation of an elevate strain by Virtue (which now also comes in cartridges) and being awarded Best Magazine Cover and Best Magazine Website at the 2017 Nevada Press Awards. Finally, I would like to thank you the reader! Thank you for choosing to read elevate, to bring it home and to share it with your families. We are just beginning, and some major things are coming in the next couple of years. But home means Nevada and this will always be where elevate started and where it was received with open arms. Recently a dispensary owner told me, “I am renewing an ad, not because it works, which it does, but because we need elevate in this industry. elevate is what will make the mainstream accept cannabis.” A path we continue to forge with each issue we publish. Salute,
P.S. I surround myself with the best, so thank you, Beth, Brooke and Jonathan for making my dream a reality!
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Celebrate Earth Day >>> April 22 TAKE FLIGHT This Earth Day wander through the Springs Preserve’s unique Butterfly Habitat and witness the fascinating dance between butterflies, the plants that sustain them, and their important role as pollinators in the ecosystem. You'll emerge from the Butterfly Habitat at Springs Preserve with a better understanding of the environment needed for the survival of these spectacular animals. Tickets are $3 for non-members; $2 for Springs Preserve value members. The seasonal habitat is open daily from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. through May 28. springspreserve.org
POWER TO THE PETAL Give your pre-roll a rosy flair. Rolling your cannabis in rose petals is trending right now. All you need is rose petals and an oven-safe pan. Line three petals together on oven-safe pan, then set your oven to broil, and put them in for about 10 seconds. After removing the pan, the next step is to line up the petals by licking the bottoms. They should all be sticking together. Now, place them back on the pan and back in the oven for 10 more seconds. Remove and wait about two minutes before adding bud. They will be nice and crisp, but workable. Finally, drop in your strain of choice, already ground up, and proceed rolling as normal. Courtesy of herb.co
GO GREEN In its eighth year, GREENFest is a solar-powered festival and Earth Day celebration that brings together Southern Nevada's sustainable community to educate the public about various ways to become more sustainable, including environmental topics and exhibits to create a more enjoyable and healthy lifestyle. Held at Downtown Summerlin’s Pavilion from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, attendees can plug-in by participating in the third annual 'Drive Clean Energy Las Vegas' procession, imbibe at the beer and wine garden, check out organic gardening and composting demos, and go on treasure hunts. greenfestlv.com
CHEERS TO THE HEALING PANDA Toast Mother Earth with a Pink Dragon Protein Shake or Beet Limeade juice from Kenny Knoll’s gluten-free cafe and bakery, Great Grubbing, in Henderson. While you’re there order the café’s Fully Loaded Egg BLT smeared with a tongue tantalizingly fresh guacamole spread so good it assures a return visit. Before you leave, check out his new product line, The Healing Panda, made with pure CBD isolates out of Colorado. From CBD-infused olive oil, peanut butter and doggy treats to fat-burning coffee, gummies and chocolate, you will be very happy you stopped by this hidden gem. greatgrubbing.com, thehealingpanda.com
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STANDING OVATION for
Best inClass
Celebratory strains and products for commemorating everything from the mundane to those occasions worthy of an elevated salute By Justin Alexander
B
eing designated ‘Best in Class’ is a distinction given to a top strain or product that performs masterfully for any and all occasions. Whether you are celebrating a momentous anniversary, a milestone, like perhaps a 3rd anniversary, or the revelry of 4/20, the products in this review are your go-to’s for consistently optimal effect and enjoyment. Defined as the highest current performance level in an industry and used as a standard or benchmark to be equaled or exceeded, this review encompasses edibles, flower, vapes, and concentrate submitted by local cultivators, producers, and dispensaries who deemed these choices ‘Best in Class.’
EVERGREEN ORGANIX CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE MINIATURES In the edibles category, Evergreen Organix’s Chocolate Chip Cookies have long been ‘Best in Class,’ working for all occasions and widely carried in every major dispensary throughout the state. “Our chocolate chip cookies were our debut edible and soon grew to be a favorite of the Nevada marijuana community,” says Evergreen’s Jillian Nelson of the product originally released in 2015. “Using only premium ingredients, our talented team of chefs created this recipe and we are proud to say that our Chocolate Chip Cookies are our top selling product.” A signature recipe of Evergreen chef Jamie Lockwood, the chocolate chip cookies, at 8.37 mg of THC per serving, only have a handful of ingredients and are free of additives and fillers. They are portioned just right for the average consumer. It is always recommended to start with 5 mg and work up but if you are particularly sensitive, you might want to break some off and set it aside to start as these little snacks are as good as they come. “Our passion for edibles stemmed from the personal accounts of medical cannabis patients who need smoke-free options,” Nelson says. “While tinctures and oils have been a long-standing edible method, we wanted to create products that both taste good and offer a precisely-dosed medicating method for consumers.” There’s always something cooking in the Evergreen Organix kitchen and presently they are responding to industry demand by working on a 1:1 CBD line of edibles and expanding the variety of products to offer more consumption methods outside of pastries. “We have received a lot of feedback from medical patients and recreational consumers with regard to types of edibles they would like to see and different consumption methods that are discreet, fast-acting and precision dosed,” Nelson says, who adds that Evergreen will re-release their Mint Thin Cookies in celebration of 4/20 during the month of April. “The options are truly endless and we are excited to be growing with this ever-evolving industry.”
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REMEDY'S LEMON KUSH The benefits of Lemon Kush strain have been well proven since it came on the scene a year ago -- making it not only a ‘Best in Class’ choice, but also Remedy’s go-to for those seeking stress relief and a lemony buzz to lift depression. This is a ‘Best in Class’ flower thanks to the grower’s ability to maximize each strain to its fullest potential. “This is achieved only by knowing the exact attention, environment and nutrients that each strain needs, and catering to those specifics,” explains Chris Welch, Cultivation Director for Remedy/Silver Sage Wellness. “The breeders were looking for a more sativa-dominant hybrid that had energetic and uplifting effects with relaxing indica body effects on the backend.” Success aside, Lemon Kush’s genetics are not clear. “The origins of this strain are under debate,” notes Welch. “Some cultivators claim the origins of Lemon Kush are from when Alien Genetics crossed a Lemon G-13 clone with an Afghani Kush Landrace strain. Other cultivators claim it is a cross of Lemon Joy with Master Kush.” Regardless, as the name indicates, the delightful, sweet and citrus flavors of lemon mix with the earthy properties for which Kush is known—the high is uplifting and creative, washing away the sourness of the day-to-day with a THC level of 26 percent. “Remedy's Lemon Kush is known to test high in b-limonene (8.2 mg) which helps treat stress relief and depression, myrcene (7.8 mg) which can be used as a sedative, anti-inflammatory or antibiotic, and caryophyllene (3.5 mg), known for its use on cancer, for anti-anxiety, for reducing alcohol cravings, and as an antidepressant,” says Welch.
KABUNKY’S MILK ‘N’ COOKIES KRUMBLE A krumble of Milk ‘n’ Cookies, in this case, means something different than what Santa leaves behind on his plate the night before Christmas. This soft, flaky wax resembles cookie dough in its consistency and is just as delicious. An indica-leaning hybrid, the first notes one picks up after a hit from the dab rig are sweet, then the gassy OG flavor hits the back of your mouth and it all becomes familiar for those who are used to smoking superior strains.
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“Milk ‘n’ Cookies delivers an extremely heavy body high that will leave you nice and relaxed without any anxious afterthoughts,” says Kakunky’s Chris DeGraff. “This strain is a prime example of crossing a great old-school strain (XXX OG) with a newer strain in the industry (Cookies and Cream) giving it that great high with a phenomenal terp profile to match.” Its terpene profile is limonene (2.4 mg), myrcene (0.3 mg), linalool (2.3 mg), caryophyllene (3.6 mg), and pinene (1.6 mg). Boasting both pain relief and relaxation resulting from 716 THC and 2.2 CBD, Kabunky‘s Milk ‘n’ Cookies krumble is ‘Best in Class’ because a little goes a long way and its potency does not disappoint when you need to unwind from a rough day.
8|FOLD GOLD CONNOR’S COMFORT, THE+SOURCE
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“With the 1:1 THC|CBD ratio, this strain is great to maintain while you're out and about without making you want to lay on the couch,” says The+Source Dispensaries’ Courtney D. Barker of choosing 8|Fold Gold Connor’s Comfort as a ‘Best in Class’ flower. Packed with standout terpenes of terpinolene (6.88 mg) which acts as a sleep aid, b-myrcene (4.08 mg) for help with pain management, and anti-inflammatory a-pinene (2.54 mg), the strain’s genetics are a cross between G-13 and Lemon Skunk. The fruity taste of the smoke produced by these dense buds is one of its best characteristics. On the market for a little over a month, Barker says it has become a customer favorite because of all these qualities. It tests at 14.26 percent THC and 11.96 percent CBD. “We felt that there was a need to have a CBD strain that would allow you to get the pain relief you needed, but not be clouded from a higher THC percentage,” she explains. “Once everyone is more knowledgeable about the benefits of CBD, I think we’ll see more customers wanting all varieties of CBD strains.” For 4/20 revelers, both locations of The+Source are planning celebrations including food from Cheba Hut, giveaways, vendors, and deals on products all week. “Plus, we're going to be giving away a pound of flower to one lucky customer on 4/20,” Barker says, noting it will be dispersed as 1 half ounce per week, for 32 weeks, with purchase.
TROPICAL TWIST VALHALLA GUMMIES, THE APOTHECARIUM Besides cookies, gummies are easily everyone’s favorite edible. They are a fast, easy way to dose anywhere and ideal for those who cannot smoke their favorite cannabis product. Since its debut in 2014 in California, Valhalla Confections has become
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a ‘Best in Class’ producer, rapidly gaining popularity for its consistently-dosed, great tasting and fastacting candies. Valhalla’s Gummies are available in indica and sativa (both with 10 mg THC per gummy), and CBD (10 mg CBD, 5 mg THC per gummy)—all with the same effects as flower. Sativa is for those who want a pick-me-up, indica for those who are looking for a good night’s rest, and CBD for those who want the best of both worlds. “Medical patients find that our 2:1 ratio, CBD to THC gummies are the perfect fix for many ailments that the patient may be troubled with,” says Brian Scott, co-founder, Valhalla Confections. “Being one of the only strain-specific gummies, it is easy for users to choose what type of effect they would like. With three flavor varieties of tangerine, tropical twist and sour watermelon, our great tasting, long lasting gummies are dosed precisely to have the same effect every time.” In addition to being handcrafted by team members in Nevada, California and New Mexico, Valhalla Gummies are gluten-free and made with kosher gelatin, organic sugar and no artificial sweeteners. According to Valhalla’s research, kosher gelatin “is loaded with goodness, for improved metabolism, healthier and more beautiful skin, healthy joints via reduced inflammation, and has even been shown to help you sleep.”
CITY TREES’ JACK HERER 500 MG DISTILLATE CARTRIDGE In the world of vapes, City Trees’ Jack Herer takes one of the most sought-after strains and packages it in a convenient format for obvious inclusion in elevate’s ‘Best in Class’ review. Possessing a storied history, this hybrid has been on the market for more than two decades and has amassed quite a following. “This strain was developed to become one of the first easy-to-grow outdoor/indoor varieties, named in honor of the famous [weed] advocate and [‘Emperor of Hemp’] Jack Herer,” explains City Trees’ Director of Operations Don Decatur. “The most pronounced terpene found in Jack is terpinolene. This powerful terpene gives Jack its unmistakable smell.” As a flower, Jack Herer is a cross between Haze, Northern Lights #5, and Shiva Skunk—and while it is
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uplifting and thought-provoking, it is also strong and boasts extremely social effects. Best for patients with mental and neurological disorders, this medicine can be used to treat bipolar disorder, anxiety, migraines, PTSD, and ADHD. The pine smell is unmistakable with hints of the great outdoors and forest dominating. Another benefit of this vape is City Trees' CCell technology, which has a 360-degree heating coil embedded into the ceramic for even heating, consistency and prevention from overheating. This improves flavor, insures continuous oil absorption, increases uptake and flow, and reduces leakage and breakdown. Not only is it a superb oil, but the vessel matches its ‘Best in Class’ status.
THE GROVE’S THC BOMB It’s the question that most of us constantly ask ourselves— indica, sativa or hybrid? And when you are indifferent to the answer, why not reach for something that has it all? The Grove’s THC Bomb has very diverse qualities based on its phenotype, making it a ‘Best in Class’ flower for those days when you just can’t decide your personal vibe. “THC Bomb is worthy of being ‘Best in Class’ because it’s a great choice for both experienced users and those who are new to marijuana looking for a potent option,” says TJ Hoven, general manager of The Grove. “It’s a well-rounded indica hybrid blend that will not overpower users. The balanced earthy and fruity flavor is also popular among connoisseurs.” Testing high in THC at around 28 percent, “bomb” qualities include standout terpenes such as caryophyllene (3.2 mg), myrcene (2.2 mg) and humulene (1.6 mg). “Caryophyllene has many medical benefits, including analgesic properties, alcohol-craving reduction, anti-cancer and anti-anxiety,” Hoven says of the THC Bomb, which has a proprietary genetic background because of “its wondrous nature. Myrcene has natural antibiotic and sedative properties, while humulene’s potential effects include being anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor.” It’s not named “Bomb” because it will knock you off your feet, but because of its other outstanding benefits from a high terpene profile and high THC. “It has a great effect on mood, lessening stress, depression, pain and insomnia,” Hoven says. “It’s a great choice for those dealing with attention deficit disorder looking for a product to help them focus on one task. This long-lasting "bomb" high is also great for social engagements as well as personal, creative time.”
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KYND CANNABIS’ MTF FLOWER MTF from Kynd Cannabis is the cultivator’s most popular sativa strain and having been around since the ‘70s it’s also a classic, making it an easy selection for the ‘Best in Class’ category. “Classic strains are making a comeback,” says Mike Rognier, director of cultivation for TahoeReno Botanicals. “There’s tons of interest right now in finding landrace strains, lots of research going into locating and testing them as they have not been “diluted” like lots of today’s strains and could have medicinal properties yet to be discovered.” And besides being an undiluted strain, couldn’t we all use an old-school pick-me-up? “It is an extremely uplifting, motivating and mild high, with lots of citrus taste and it is great for depression and stress,” says Mike Rognier, director of cultivation for Tahoe-Reno Botanicals. “Novices and experienced users both appreciate its medicinal effects.” An original strain straight out of the Matanuska Valley in Alaska, MTF has become a legend for good reason, it has standout high terp levels of terpinolene and limonene and THC-A of 23.04 percent, THC at 20.49 percent, and a bit of CBD at .07 percent. MTF is big and strong with a giant earthy, piney, fruitiness and a long-lasting high that combines to give a steady euphoric rise, sustained stress relief and energy, and increased mental clarity.
MATRIX DREAM QUEEN HYBRID Dreamily royal, the Dream Queen sativa-dominant hybrid flower from Matrix has a sweet, earthy and berryfilled flavor profile that will leave you happy, uplifted and creative. Find yourself looped in a euphoric dream, complemented by the intense taste of bubblegum and pineapple making it a ‘Best in Class.’ A cross of Blue Dream and Space Queen, Dream Queen has been on the market since August 2016 and tests at 21 to 23 percent THC. “It is a heavy yielder that finishes in eight weeks, and has a very distinct citrus nose,” says Matrix’s Evan Marder. “I imagine it was developed because growers like fat buds that finish in eight weeks, and people like to smoke weed that tastes like oranges.” Dream Queen’s terpene profile consists of caryophyllene, myrcene and humulene. Marder offers that while concentrates are growing in popularity and improving, there are plenty of flower lovers out there who aren’t switching. “I don’t see flower going anywhere anytime soon, if ever. There will always be people that simply
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love cannabis in its natural form, and for a lot of good reasons,” Marder says. “One of our main focuses was to get all of our oil and concentrates to have a full cannabis derived terpene profile, which we have achieved. Once the market moves more abundantly to concentrates with that type of quality then I think the popularity of flower will narrow to some degree, but there will always be a place for it. It’s just too much fun to look at, smell, and smoke great cannabis.”
KUSH MOUNTAINS FROM CANNABIOTIX Due to the unique diamond shape of its buds and its distinctive flavor of candy and gas, Cannabiotix Kush Mountains finds itself in ‘Best in Class.’ The Mountains are mighty and one hit will take you to another plateau. An indica, Kush Mountains tests in at a hefty 30.5 percent THC and gives an earthy, heavy high that will make it your go-to for pain and stress relief. From the highly lauded Kush lineage, Kush Mountains is made from the Cannabiotix White Walker OG x Blue Flame OG breeds. Good for very experienced smokers, it is a relaxing sedative yet potent, working for daytime use with a terpene profile of limonene (7.9 mg), myrcene (3.8 mg), linalool (1.6 mg), and caryophyllene (.8 mg).
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Launched in early 2017, Hawaiian Butterscotch possesses a flavor that you won’t soon forget --making it a ‘Best in Class’ for the unique way it tickles your palate and dances on your tongue. Medizin representatives say that Hawaiian Butterscotch flower prerolls are one of its hottest in-store items. “Hawaiian Butterscotch offers a unique experience for our cannabis connoisseurs,” says David Farris, Director of Marketing for Medizin, of the strain that tests at 21.8 percent THC. “While delivering a pleasant surge of creativity, you can expect a soaring bliss once consumed. This dense variety offers explosions of resin and deep purple hues.” The flavor profile of this strain is a mix of butterscotch candies and the other sweet flavors of the big island and has the unique terp trans-ocimene as well as d-limonene (5.27 mg), cis-ocimene (5.15 mg), b-myrcene (1.80 mg), a-pinene (1.47 mg), and b-pinene (1.27 mg).
Cooking Cannabis EXCLUSIVE LEMON DROP MARTINI PAIRED WITH MEYER LEMON ZEST & SZECHUAN PEPPER SEARED SCALLOPS By chefs Dennis Hicks, Greg Chapin, and Mike Richardson of Exclusive Chefs The days of Normal Rockwell are a picture of the past, no longer relevant in the goals of America and globalist philosophers. “As culinary artists, we both support and encourage the Art Renaissance we find ourselves hurtling through at this moment in time. We are evolving at a harried pace as are culture, tech and art,” explains Exclusive Chefs’ Michael Richardson. “We discover innovation that results in the way we perceive ‘art and ourselves.’ Our lemon drop martini and seared scallop is a perfect pairing with a macadamia nut sativa oil sear that will have you chatting about the dynamic beauty of your current journey all night long.”
MEYER LEMON ZEST & SZECHUAN PEPPER SEARED SCALLOPS:
EXCLUSIVE LEMON DROP MARTINI:
1 lb. Sea scallops (Bay scallops are the small ones) 2 tsp. butter 2 tsp. grapeseed oil 1 Meyer lemon, zest 1 Tbsp. Szechuan peppercorn, toasted and crushed 1 Tbsp. Macadamia nut sativa oil* *(To make your own Macadamia nut sativa oil, cook .5 gram of sativa shake, 5 macadamia nuts, and 1 cup peanut oil on low in crockpot for 4 hours.)
1-½ oz. Grey Goose vodka 1/2 oz. triple sec 1 tsp. superfine sugar 3/4 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
DIRECTIONS: Add butter and oils to a 12- to 14-inch sauté pan on high heat. Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Once the fat begins to smoke, gently add scallops, making sure they are not touching each other. Sear scallops for 1-1/2 minutes on each side. Scallops should have a 1/4” golden crust on each side while still being translucent in the center. Serve immediately and begin the celebration.
DIRECTIONS: Mix Grey Goose vodka, triple sec, sugar and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker that is half filled with ice cubes. Shake well to make sure sugar is well-blended. Pour strained liquor into a sugar-rimmed martini glass and garnish with a twisted peel of lemon. Note: To create a sugar-rimmed glass, take a lemon wedge and rub the drinking surface of the glass so it is barely moist. Dip the edge of the glass into sugar for a golden crust on each side while still being translucent in the center.
Please remember when cooking with medicinal cannabis you are cooking with a medicine and the medicine amount and portions of the food ingested should always be taken into consideration. Always start out with small portions or doses and wait 30 minutes to an hour before eating any additional portions of food that has been medicated.
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America -- the Land of Sleepless Nights & Groggy Days Could cannabis be the natural answer for a sleep deprived nation? By Kayla Anderson
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N
ot getting enough rest is something you should be losing sleep over. Seriously. Not only does it age you faster, but it can lead to weight gain, put you at risk for chronic diseases, and even cause depression (or at the least, seriously mess with your mind). A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor study (see graphic on pg. 33) found that approximately 35 percent of Nevadans reported short sleep duration (less than 7 hours of sleep per 24-hour period). Lack of sleep can be attributed to stress, noise pollution, screen pollution, irregular work schedules, and other distractions stealing away time from our resting periods. Fortunately for cannabis users, certain products used mainly to give relief to other ailments and maladies may contain compounds or natural ingredients that could make tossing and turning a thing of the past. “Thirty to forty percent of people complain of some sleep issue -- chronic, acute stress, and poor sleep hygiene. As people age, their sleeping patterns get worse, and shift workers may have a hard time keeping a regular sleep schedule,” offers Dr. Sean Devlin of Reno’s Gerber Medical Clinic, who specializes in integrative medicine and oncology. Whether his patients have pain, anxiety, or both
are preventing them from sleep, Dr. Devlin has found that usually cannabis can treat both simultaneously. This is the case with Lake Tahoe resident Justin Kaamasee, who in the past 10 years has worked between two and three jobs to make ends meet and often holds an erratic work schedule. In the summer of 2016, he worked 12-hour days at a local golf course and then had another part-time evening job at a liquor store. Getting off work at 11p.m. and then having to get up six hours later for his golf course job would cause Kaamasee a bit of anxiety, until he discovered cannabis ensures him a good night’s rest. “I can eat an edible a couple of hours before I get off work and know that I’ll fall right asleep when I get home. Or I’ll take a couple of hits and it’ll knock me out and I know I’ll wake up feeling fine,” says Kaamasee. “My previous experience with cannabis and sleep was a factor in getting my medical marijuana card and now I’ll search out indicas. “I stay away from sativas because of my anxiety, which has calmed down a lot. If I do get anxiety, it’s about not getting enough sleep since I work crazy hours. I would get nervous when I had to get up the next morning...if I accidentally slept in and lost half a shift, that’s a lot of money,” he adds.
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“We have to consider it as a therapeutic herb. It has less side effects than even aspirin.” Kaamasee says he’s been able to test what cannabis products work for him over the years to be able to dial in the exact amount of sleep he needs to wake up energized the next morning. “It’s helped me a ton. Ever since I started using it, it has actually helped me to learn how to sleep better without it,” he offers. Dr. Devlin, who has practiced medicine for 15 years and believes in blending natural therapies with traditional
methods, emphasizes that before he prescribes cannabis to a patient, he inquires about their sleep habits and hygiene first. “Make sure your sleep environment is at a good temperature and that there is no noise, light pollution, or electronics in the room,” he says. “Only two things should take place in the bedroom -- intercourse and sleep.” Once he finds out more about a patient’s sleep habits, Dr. Devlin will then review their medications to determine if they have any side effects associated with their sleep disruption and figure out if they’ve ever had an issue with sleep apnea and/or snoring. Dr. Devlin, who became more proactive about cannabis’ wide range of benefits over the last decade as states began to legalize cannabis, suggests that patients interested in using cannabis for purposes of sleep should start off with a tincture or a pill, but the dose size really depends on the individual. “You want to go with an indica, or something with myrcene, linalools, or borneol in it,” Dr. Devlin says of common cannabis terpenes that have a sedation effect. “Terpenes work well with indica strains to help with sleep.” Terpenes are basically aromatic essential oils made up of organic compounds found in various plants that may contain properties to attract pollinators and/or deter predators.
INTRODUCING OUR NEW CANNABIS GHEE! WHAT’S GHEE-BUTTER? Medicated ghee from Cannabella is extremely versatile and can be used as a topical or for cooking. Ghee can be used to top popcorn or make Paleo butter coffee, to cook eggs, as a spread on baked goods or a sauce for veggies or meats, and can be added to hot cereals or stews. • Ghee is made from organic, cultured, grass-fed butter • It’s shelf stable and requires no refrigeration • It’s high smoke point is 485°F for great buttery flavor with no burning • Improves digestion and meets dietary standards for Paleo, Ketogenic, Low Fodmap and Whole30 • Lactose- and casein-free, it’s safe for dairy intolerance
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CANNABELLAKITCHEN.COM
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Popular terpenes with sleep-inducing effects include: Linalool - smells like lavender and prompts a sedative feeling. Terpineol - releases a floral scent and a relaxing effect. Myrcene - releasing a clove-like, earthy smell, this terpene stimulates the CB1 receptor found in the brain and central nervous system to help restore balance. It has also proven to be an effective sedative, muscle relaxer, and anti-inflammatory. Caryophyllene - also has a clove-like, pepper scent and creates a soothing effect, known to help treat anxiety and depression. Borneol - offering a therapeutic, camphor flavor, borneol acts as an antiseptic, analgesic, bronchodilator, and has anti-insomnia effects. Beyond terpenes, there is a broad spectrum of calming effects found in cannabis. “CBD (cannabidiol) alone causes sedation,” explains Dr. Devlin. “For most patients, indica helps them almost immediately. I recommend a good healthy dose of THC and CBD. The induction time is short. To solve premature awakening, have a small bedside dose if you happen to wake up in the middle of the night.” In fact, studies have shown that doses of THC in conjunction with the sleep-inducing endocannabinoid compound oleamide can help stabilize sleep respiration. Medical marijuana patient Drew Cox says he smokes indica flower for its sleep-inducing compounds. "Some of the properties have a calming effect,” he says, pointing out his favorite XXX
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‘Sleep & Cannabis’ class set for April 27 As part of its Patient Education Series, The Apothecarium will be presenting ‘Sleep & Cannabis’ on April 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. at its dispensary located at 7885 W. Sahara Avenue. The class will cover cannabis and sleep from a medical perspective, understanding which components of cannabis (strain type, terpenes etc.) play into
sedation as well as the types of products available. The interactive education class with presentation and Q&A will be led by board certified medical psychologist Dr. Howard Rubin, board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jon Greenfield, and internist Dr. David Kipper. Admission is free with RSVP to matt@apothecariumlv.com.
OG indica blend puts him out and is high in cannabinol (CBN), a cannabis compound with analgesic properties. Cox likes to suggest XXX OG because he also feels that it’s the root of where it all started and what people are most familiar with. If smoking is not appealing to you, there is a wide range of other cannabis products on the market that aid in a healthy trip to dreamland that come in the form of tinctures, oils, syrups, CBN patches, indica strains, and even cannabidiol (CBD) facial moisturizers and serums of which elevate editor Beth Schwartz will happily attest to their sleep-inducing powers from personal experience. Medical patient and NuLeaf Dispensary specialist Lisa Gresham says that cannabis helps her with sleep because it has an instantaneous effect. “It’s one of the reasons why I got my medical card, but the first reason was to reduce opioid use,” she says of taking copious amounts of morphine to ease her pain from a serious injury. “We have to consider it as a therapeutic herb. It has less side effects than even aspirin,” says Dr. Devlin, who notes most of his patients get help for treatment of chronic pain and believes cannabis can greatly help those suffering from insomnia due to their muscle/joint pain or adrenal overload. He also believes cannabis can help prevent people from using street drugs or help them cope
Your unique business deserves an experienced law firm ASHCRAFT & BARR | llp attorneys understand that every business is unique. Our attorneys have over 35 years combined experience in highly-regulated industries, including cannabis, liquor, and gaming and have been representing marijuana businesses since legalization in 2013. Put our experience to work for your unique business. Call us today at (702) 631-7555 for a free consultation. 2300 W. Sahara Ave., Ste. 900, Las Vegas (702) 631-7555 • www.AshcraftBarr.com
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with addiction and has helped hundreds of people find sleep with cannabis and has even helped people who have been on methamphetamine binges and used marijuana to come down. “There is a 50 percent reduction in perceived pain (in patients who use cannabis) because it blocks the emotional element associated with pain,” Dr. Devlin says. “Their quality of life is also improved because cannabis has a lot fewer side effects than using opiates.” While his main demographic of cannabis-for-sleep users is those ages 50 and up, Dr. Devlin also prescribes cannabis to treat glaucoma, anxiety, and insomnia. If the brain is receiving doses of cortisol at night, that too can prevent deep sleep. Chronic insomnia can be lethal -- causing someone to experience severe depression or suicide -- which cannabis can help prevent. A two- to three-milligram dose may cause someone to feel slightly euphoric, but another benefit of cannabis is that you can mix it with other natural herbs such as melatonin or ginseng and it won’t cause an overdose. That can’t be said for mixing opiates. Dr. Devlin encourages anyone considering using cannabis strictly for sleep to institute a sleep hygiene overhaul and consider participating in a sleep study. A sleep study includes checking hormone levels (such as cortisol and thyroid) or
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neurotransmitter levels in the brain, which can be depleted through long periods of stress. This will aid in diagnosing adrenal fatigue and exhaustion. “In younger people, a loss of sleep occurs when they have a big life change or enhanced drama, then they develop chronic insomnia as they get older. It also helps to treat PTSD or wartime trauma with veterans. So many veterans are using it, if VA Hospitals don’t allow it or consider it as a medicine then their physicians could be mistreating them,” says Dr. Devlin. “Like with any medication, cannabis can be used transiently. If people use it and it works, then you can ween off of it to get back on a regular sleep schedule. Start with that, and don’t use marijuana exclusively with sleep -- it can be used as a cocktail with other natural medicines (like melatonin). You can’t mix and match benzos because then people would die -- there are many instances when people inadvertently do that, and they don’t wake up in the morning.” No matter what you are using cannabis for, Dr. Devlin believes that cannabis is surely a better choice than opiates. “I prescribe sleep diets to people first. There is cognitive dissonance in the world of medicine right now regarding the use of cannabis and its benefits. The facts don’t meet the practices,” he concludes, adding, “If you swap out opiates with cannabis, I bet you’ll see less deaths.”
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LEGALEASE
WHAT TO SAY OR NOT TO SAY: NEVADA MARIJUANA ADVERTISING RESTRICTIONS 101 By Amanda Connor, Connor & Connor
A
dvertising marijuana in Nevada is a tricky business. On one hand, it is important for businesses to promote and advocate for their brand. On the other hand, advertising violations have fierce consequences that, in some cases, could cost a marijuana establishment their license. Thus, it is important for all marijuana stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the state’s advertising rules and restrictions. With the passage of retail marijuana last July, Nevada recently changed its advertising guidelines in regulations recently adopted by the Legislative Commission. The new regulations impose more detailed and stricter guidelines for advertising marijuana businesses and marijuana products. Below are some of the crucial regulations marijuana establishments must follow to stay in compliance.
GENERAL ADVERTISING AND SIGNAGE When a marijuana establishment wants to be known, the best and easiest way to advertise is through traditional means. This includes billboards, magazine advertisements, and social media. Many establishments opt for these methods, but there is a fine line between promoting a message and noncompliance. Most importantly, all advertising (except social media) needs to be submitted to and approved by Nevada’s Department of Taxation prior to use of the advertisement or marketing
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material. Advertising approval is a crucial step for marijuana establishments. Advertising violations often come from those who do not first seek approval. All advertising, including social media, done by a marijuana establishment or on behalf of a marijuana establishment, shall not: • Be false or misleading • Promote overconsumption of marijuana or marijuana products • Depict the actual consumption of marijuana or marijuana products • Depict a child or have objects that suggests the presence of a child or be designed in a way that may be appealing to minors • Advertise or offer marijuana or marijuana products as free or donated without purchase In addition, all advertising, including social media, for a marijuana establishment or its products shall contain the warnings prescribed by the Department which currently are: • Keep out of reach of children • For use only by adults 21 years of age and older Even if the artwork of the ad is approved, the placement of the ad must also be approved. There are several guidelines
for businesses to follow regarding placement of the ads. First and foremost, the advertising rules were generally constructed to keep children in mind. One restriction placed on marijuana advertising is the prohibition of ads within 1,000 feet of a public or private school, playground, public park, or library. Advertisements are also prohibited on public transportation vehicles, at sports or entertainment events allowing those younger than 21 years of age to attend, or through any publication or radio where the audience is primarily underage. In addition to these state requirements, it is also important for marijuana businesses to be aware of local rules when advertising. For example, Clark County has a separate advertising approval process. Localities may also enact their own rules that place more restrictions than the state level, but both local and state rules must be adhered to.
PACKAGING & LABELING Another important area for marijuana advertising is with regards to the packaging and labeling on marijuana and marijuana products. For example, the law requires that the consumer be aware that what they are purchasing is, in fact, marijuana or a marijuana product, and that the packaging shows the accurate amount of THC within the package. Warnings are also required on the packaging and labeling.
Additionally, Nevada prohibited the use of cartoon characters, toys, mascots, or action figures to promote a marijuana product on packaging or labels. As for the products themselves, Nevada outlawed the appearance of lollipops or ice cream, products modeled after a brand primarily marketed to children, and products that have marijuana infused into commercially available foods. These restrictions, like the ones above, were placed in effect to make the packaging and labeling less attractive to children. As packaging is considered a form of advertising, all packaging must be submitted for approval. Overall, advertising is an important part of a marijuana establishment, and can boost a marijuana business tremendously in the state of Nevada. However, it is imperative that the rules are followed. The consequences of advertising violations, such as penalties, fines, and suspended or revoked licenses, can be very detrimental. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, businesses should focus on advertisements and packaging that educates the consumer, caters only to the adult community, and promotes safe consumption.
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DISPENSARY MAP A Guide to Cannabis in Southern Nevada
RENO
PECOS RD
Y
JONES BLVD
CACTUS AVE
SE
O .R
WY
PK
ST HENDERSON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
PARADISE RD
VEG LAS Y RACETRACK RD
PKW AD E ME LAK
HORIZON RIDGE PKWY
HORIZON DR
515
GE SUNRSIDPKWY HEIGHT
16b
MARYLAND PKWY
D BLV AS
L RD
VD
29b
6TH ST
COMMERCE ST MAIN ST 3RD ST
VE
TER WES
AVE
ND
RIA
HIG
UST
HLA
12b
215
GIBSON RD
RD
STEPHANIE ST
WARM SPRINGS RD
HENDERSON WIGWAM PKWY 16a
NA
RANCHO DR
LAMB BLVD
PECOS RD
SET
PKWY
DECATUR BLVD
15
HIG SO HL UTH AN ER DS N PK W
SUN
31b
BL
WY
SILVERADO RANCH BLVD
18 AVE
SAM BOYD STADIUM
8b
WINDMILL LN
PEBBLE RD
OD
RH
N
AMO
E DI
BLU
WO
33
515
4c DESERT INN RD
DE
5a
D RD
LLY
KAREN AVE
UL
WINDMILL LN
SUNSET COUNTY PARK
SAHARA AVE
BO
7
HO
RUSSELL RD SUNSET RD
23a
OAKEY BLVD
8a 13 24 ST. LOUIS AVE
E TWAIN
GREEN VALLEY
15
MCCARRAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
4a
GREEN DISTRICT
FLAMINGO RD PECOS RD
VEG
LAS VEGAS TROPICANA AVE
14
25
DESERT INN RD
22 SANDHILL RD
AS B
18
30b
17
SAHARA AVE
11
STR
23a
215
WARM SPRINGS RD
10
4c
THE
17
NELLIS BLVD
24
EASTERN AVE
8c 29a
RUSSELL RD
SUNSET RD
13
CHARLESTON BLVD
8a
MARYLAND PKWY
34
4a
1
IND
MAI
15
TROPICANA AVE
15
IP
1
9 28
JONES BLVD
RAINBOW BLVD
BUFFALO DR
FLAMINGO RD
NELLIS BLVD
D
N 5TH
EE R LOS
N ST
32b 5b 3 20
3 20
SAHARA AVE
BONANZA RD
4b DESERT INN RD
OAKEY BLVD
5b
32b
CHARLESTON BLVD
OWENS AVE
BERMUDA RD
DURANGO DR
FT APACHE RD
TOWN CENTER DR
HUALAPAI WAY
SAHARA AVE
VEG
WASHINGTON AVE
27
31a
2
RTH NO LVD NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE
B AS
LAKE MEAD BLVD
19
LVD
ALTA DR
PAHRUMP
5c
MARYLAND PKWY
95
CHARLESTON BLVD
30a
LAS
WASHINGTON AVE
215
160
23b CAMINO AL NORTE / MLK
WY
26
SIMMONS ST
VEGAS DR
PK
159
DECATUR BLVD
CAREY AVE BLVD
LAS
LIN
NORTH LAS VEGAS AIRPORT
LAS VEGAS BLVD SOUTH
ER
21
CRAIG RD
32a
DECATUR BLVD
MM
15
NORTH LAS VEGAS
R
SU
MESQUITE
CENTENNIAL PKWY
WASHBURN RD
OD CH
BUFFALO DR
ALEXANDER RD
ANN RD
N RA
RAINBOW BLVD
LONE MOUNTAIN RD
CHEYENNE AVE
12a
JONES BLVD
GRAND CANYON DR
DURANGO DR
95
LAKE ME AD
6
215
BOULDER CITY AND LAUGHLIN
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1. Acres Cannabis acrescannabis.com 2320 Western Ave Las Vegas, NV 89102 702.399.4200
8b. Essence Cannabis Dispensary essencevegas.com 4300 E Sunset Rd Ste #A3 Henderson, NV 89014 702.978.7687
17. Nevada Wellness Center nvwellnessctr.com 3200 S Valley View Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89102 702.470.2077
28. The Apothecary Shoppe theapothecaryshoppe.com 4240 W Flamingo Rd Ste #100 Las Vegas, NV 89103 702.740.4372
2. Apothecarium apothecariumlv.com 7885 W Sahara Ave Las Vegas, NV 89117 702.778.7987
8c. Essence Cannabis Dispensary essencevegas.com 5765 W Tropicana Ave Las Vegas, NV 89103 702.500.1714
18. NuLeaf www.nuleafnv.com 430 E Twain Ave Las Vegas, NV 89169 702.297.5323
29a. The Dispensary thedispensarynv.com 5347 S Decatur Blvd Ste #100 Las Vegas, NV 89118 702.476.0420
3. Blackjack Collective blackjackcollective.com 1860 Western Ave Las Vegas, NV 89102 702.545.0026
9. Exhale Nevada www.exhalenevada.com 4310 W Flamingo Rd Las Vegas, NV 89103 702.447.1250
19. NuWu Cannabis Marketplace Nuwucannabis.com 1235 Paiute Circle Las Vegas, NV 89106 702.844.2707
29b. The Dispensary thedispensarynv.com 50 N Gibson Rd Ste #170 Henderson, NV 89104 702.476.0420
4a. Blüm LetsBlum.com 1921 Western Ave Las Vegas, NV 89102 702.718.Blum
10. Inyo Fine Cannabis Dispensary inyolasvegas.com 2520 S Maryland Pkwy Ste #2 Las Vegas, NV 89109 702.707.8888
20. Oasis Medical Cannabis oasismedicalcannabis.com 1800 S Industrial Rd Ste #180 Las Vegas, NV 89102 702.420.2405
30a. The Grove TheGroveNV.com 1541 E Basin Ave Pahrump, NV 89048 775.556.0100
4b. Blüm LetsBlum.com 3650 S Decatur Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89103 702.627.Blum
11. Jardin jardincannabis.com 2900 E Desert Inn Rd Ste #102 Las Vegas, NV 89121 702.331.6511
21. Panacea Quality Cannabis lvpanacea.com 4235 Arctic Spring Ave Las Vegas, NV 89115 702.405.8597
30b. The Grove TheGroveNV.com 4647 Swenson St Las Vegas, NV 89119 702.463.5777
4c. Blüm LetsBlum.com 1130 E Desert Inn Rd Las Vegas, NV 89109 702.536.Blum
12a. Jenny’s Dispensary Jennysdispensary.com 5530 N Decatur Blvd North Las Vegas, NV 89030 702.718.0420
22. Pisos Dispensary pisoslv.com 4110 S Maryland Pkwy Ste #1 Las Vegas, NV 89119 702.367.9333
31a. The Source thesourcenv.com 2550 S Rainbow Blvd Ste #8 Las Vegas, NV 89146 702.708.2000
5a. CANOPI canopi.com 6540 Blue Diamond Rd Las Vegas, NV 89139 702.420.7338
12b. Jenny’s Dispensary Jennysdispensary.com 10420 S Eastern Ave Henderson, NV 89052 702.718.0420
23a. Reef Dispensaries reefdispensaries.com 3400 Western Ave Las Vegas, NV 89109 702.475.6520
31b. The Source thesourcenv.com 9480 S Eastern Ave Ste #185 Henderson, NV 89123 702.708.2222
5b. CANOPI canopi.com 1324 S 3rd St Las Vegas, NV 89104 702.420.2902
13. Las Vegas ReLeaf lasvegasreleaf.com 2244 Paradise Rd Las Vegas, NV 89104 702.209.2400
23b. Reef Dispensaries reefdispensaries.com 1366 W Cheyenne Ave North Las Vegas, NV 89030 702.410.8032
32a. Thrive Cannabis Markeplace thrivenevada.com 2755 W Cheyenne Ave Ste #103 North Las Vegas, NV 89032 702.776.4144
5c. CANOPI canopi.com 2113 Las Vegas Blvd North North Las Vegas, NV 89030 702.420.2113
14. Medizin medizinlv.com 4850 W Sunset Rd Ste #130 Las Vegas, NV 89118 702.206.1313
24. Sahara Wellness 420sahara.com 420 E Sahara Ave Las Vegas, NV 89104 702.478.5533
32b.Thrive Cannabis Marketplace thrivenevada.com 1112 S Commerce St. Las Vegas, NV 89102 702.776.4144
6. Deep Roots Harvest deeprootsharvest.com 195 Willis Carrier Canyon Mesquite, NV 89034 702.345.2854
15. MMJ America mmjamerica.com 4660 S Decatur Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109 702.565.9333
25. Shango Las Vegas goshango.com 4380 Boulder Highway Las Vegas, NV 89121 702.444.4824
33. Top Notch THC topnotchthc.com 5630 Stephanie St Las Vegas, NV 89122 702.418.0420
7. Euphoria Wellness euphoriawellnessnv.com 7780 S Jones Blvd Ste #105 Las Vegas, NV 89139 702.960.7200
16a. Nevada Made Marijuana nevadamademarijuana.com 3195 St. Rose Pkwy Ste #212 Henderson, NV 89052 702.737.7777
26. ShowGrow showgrowlv.com 4850 S Fort Apache Rd Ste #100 Las Vegas, NV 89147 702.227.0511
34. Zen Leaf zenleafvegas.com 9120 W Post Rd Ste #103 Las Vegas, NV 89148 702.462.6706
8a. Essence Cannabis Dispensary essencevegas.com 2307 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89104 702.978.7591
16b. Nevada Made Marijuana nevadamademarijuana.com 1975 S Casino Dr Laughlin, NV 89029 702.737.7777
27. Silver Sage Wellness sswlv.com 4626 W Charleston Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89102 702.802.3757
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Keeping up with Cannabis An overview of Nevada’s newest adult-use regulations By Riana Durrett, Esq. Wait, Nevada has new adult-use cannabis regulations? How do we have new regulations when Nevada’s dispensaries have been selling adult-use cannabis since July 2017? The “new” regulations replaced short-term regulations that were put in place while the permanent regulations were being drafted and discussed in a series of public hearings. So, what do the new regulations do? Let’s start with a little background on how we got to the new regulations and then a high-level overview of what they do. Background June 2013 April 2014 Nov 2014 July 2015 Nov 2016 May 2017 July 2017 Feb 2018
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Nevada Legislature enacted medical marijuana sales program. Initiative Petition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol (“Question Two”) was filed with the Secretary of State. Health Department issued licenses for medical marijuana establishments. First medical marijuana dispensary opened. Question Two passed, required Department of Taxation to regulate adult-use marijuana. Department of Taxation adopted Temporary Regulations. Adult-use sales of cannabis began. Nevada Legislature adopted permanent regulations based on input from stakeholders in a Governor’s Task Force, public workshops, and written comments.
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High-Level Overview Is delivery allowed? Yes. Retail stores may deliver adult-use marijuana to private residences. Make sure you are purchasing only from one of the legal retail stores listed on marijuana.nv.gov. There are strict regulations on who can deliver and verification of age. Are there limits on edibles? Yes. An adult-use edible may only contain up to 100 mg of THC per package and only 10 mg per serving. In addition, there are extensive packaging and labeling requirements under the regulations, written notifications that must be provided with each purchase, and required signage in retail stores. Are there purchase limits? Yes. A person over 21 years of age may not purchase more than: 1) One ounce of usable marijuana other than concentrated marijuana; 2) One-eighth ounce of concentrated marijuana containing not more than 3,500 mg of THC; and 3) One-eighth ounce of concentrated marijuana or 3,500 mg of THC contained within one or more edible marijuana products. Does the government track your purchases? No. Retail stores must verify that a person is over 21 years of age to enter a retail store or make purchases, but your information does not go into a government database. The medical marijuana patient registry is only for medical marijuana patients.
Are there advertising restrictions? Yes. Each licensed establishment must obtain preapproval for advertisements, signs, logos and marketing. Every advertisement must include “Keep out of Reach of Children” and “For Use Only by Adults 21 Years of Age and Older.” In addition, advertisement regulations prohibit certain content, prohibit certain locations, and prohibit certain mediums and audiences. Will more licenses be issued? Yes. Under Question Two, the Department of Taxation is obligated to issue more retail store licenses. Is training required? Yes. Each person that works in a marijuana establishment must receive training prior to beginning their work and they must obtain a “registered agent card.” The requirements for persons working in dispensaries have expanded and each dispensary agent will need training on the new requirements. For training options, visit www.nvdispense.com. Is outdoor cultivation allowed? Yes. Under Question Two, outdoor cultivation is allowed with certain restrictions under the permanent regulations. Are “home-grows” allowed? No. Only persons more than 25 miles away from a retail store may cultivate up to six (6) plants. These plants cannot be sold. Are establishments required to have security? Yes. Marijuana establishments have extensive security including cameras, electronic surveillance, alarm systems, security staff, lighting, limited access areas, protocols for minimizing cash on hand, communication with law enforcement, emergency response training and many more. The security regulations have been further expanded under the permanent regulations. Some marijuana establishments have helped solved crimes in their immediate area that were unrelated to the establishment because their surveillance is so extensive. Is testing required? Yes. Adult-use marijuana undergoes testing for pesticides, mycotoxins, E. Coli, yeast and mold, metals, foreign matter, levels of THC, terpenes, and more. Many products are tested multiple times throughout the process. The permanent regulations add testing requirements, including shelf-life testing, homogeneity testing, and aspergillus testing. For more information on Nevada’s laws and regulations, visit marijuana.nv.gov. For online and in-person classes on certain regulations, visit www.nvdispense.com.
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PROFILE
Election 2018
Gubernatorial candidate Steve Sisolak weighs in on cannabis, guns and education Nevadans will head to the polls this year to elect a new governor. The primary election will be held June 12 and the general election is set for November 6. There are many important issues to consider. Gubernatorial candidate Steve Sisolak shares some of his thoughts and ideas with elevate readers.
Why are you running for governor? Our state faces a lot of tough issues, and I’m a problem solver. I’m what they call a pragmatic progressive -- and ‘progress’ is at the heart of the word ‘progressive.’ I believe to make that progress we must put aside our differences and find common ground. I also think I bring diverse experience as an entrepreneur, a University Board Regent, and a Clark County Commissioner. My experience will help me work to strengthen Nevada’s economy, improve public schools and fight for the things that matter by working together. What plans do you have for the cannabis industry? Nevada’s cannabis industry is something we should be proud of. We built a gold standard of laws, regulations and safety requirements that are unmatched in any other state. Our implementation has proceeded smoothly, with local governments given a great degree of local control. The revenue produced is exceeding expectations, providing critical support to state and local budgets. Because of this diligent work by the Nevada Legislature and state regulators, I have full confidence that
our cannabis industry can continue to grow. As governor, I will fully support and continue to encourage the cannabis industry's integration in the greater Nevada tourist economy. Currently, the majority of tax revenue from cannabis is going into the state’s rainy day fund. Would you change that or keep the status quo? Fundamentally, the revenue generated from cannabis should be going to increase funding for education. Nevada has had adult-use marijuana since July 1st but no place for tourists to legally use it. What fix do you propose? Tourism is crucial to our state, and hundreds of thousands of Nevadans are employed as a result of the tourist economy. I believe that cannabis could play a role in its continued growth. With that in mind, we need to resolve the issue of where tourists can consume safely. I would like to work with all parties, including the Legislature, to find a solution to this issue. Since U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded the Cole Memo
in January there has been a lot of uncertainty. What do you want patients to know about your views on Nevadans’ access to cannabis? That they’re not alone in this fight. The people of Nevada have spoken and I promise to fight to protect those who have benefitted under our voter-approved laws. The local community was severely affected by the 1 October tragedy, do you have any gun control legislation you are planning to propose if elected? 1 October hit me in a very personal way. I saw firsthand the carnage that one person with guns can inflict. And too many other communities continue to go through the same trauma. That’s unacceptable and I won’t stand for it anymore. That’s why I support implementing our background check law and banning bump stocks, expanded cartridges, silencers and assault weapons. What’s the one issue you are willing to lose for? Education. Year after year, we rank at the bottom of the national lists. Last place is the last place Nevada should ever be. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to turn our schools around.
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PROFILE
Select CBD -Your Answer to Counteracting Psycho-activity
The marijuana industry’s requisite 420 celebrations will be in full gear this month. With so much revelry going on, you may want to consider some remedies to have on hand if you happen to overindulge and eat one too many THC-infused brownies for a less than pleasant high. One such remedy comes from Select CBD Oil which has the benefit of offering relief from too much THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. By using Select CBD people can reverse their high. Long accepted as an effective means to counteract the psychoactive effects of cannabis, CBD or cannabidiol can peel back the uncomfortable haze of THC. “CBD and THC are both cannabinoids found in hemp. You can think of them as two keys that fit in the same lock, they both interact with the endocannabinoid receptors in your body. CBD is nonpsychoactive and modulates excess cannabinoid activity in the brain, mitigating the anxious paranoid side effects associated with THC overconsumption,”
explains Luke Fletcher, Director of Sales for Select CBD. While most cannabis strains have high amounts of THC, the amount of CBD in them is miniscule, thus hard to extract. Hemp plants are the opposite, with CBD being the dominant ingredient and THC found only in small, still illegal, amounts. Not only is hemp CBD a potent force for counteracting THC, but products like Select CBD which contain it are federally legal to sell and purchase in the United States unlike cannabis. “We isolate CBD from hemp because of the high CBD content and the legal landscape of hemp is different than cannabis. We then test to make sure there is only CBD in our oil and no THC. There is a huge demand for pure CBD products that provide relief without the high feeling from THC,” further explains Fletcher Select CBD offers three different vape pens -- Revive, Relax and Focus -- with the first two being more suited to eliminate being too high. “We use a small amount
of diluted organic essential oils in our pens and they have their own therapeutic benefit and pair nicely with CBD. Any of our flavors will do a great job to counteract the feeling being too high,” says Fletcher. “The peppermint pen will focus and sharpen your wits, the lavender pen will calm any anxiety, and grapefruit will bring you back to that happy state of stoney bliss.” Inhalation via vaping triples the bioavailability, or amount of a substance your body can actually absorb and use, of cannabinoids compared to ingestion. “During vaporization, CBD enters your lungs and diffuses directly into your bloodstream rather than passing through your gut and liver,” says Fletcher. “For example, the oral bioavailability of CBD is roughly 15 percent. That means for every 100 milligrams of CBD that you eat, only 15 milligrams will actually reach your bloodstream. When you vape, you are allowing nearly four times as much CBD to enter your circulation for a maximum bioavailability. Essentially, this means you can achieve the same beneficial effects with a much smaller amount of CBD.”
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Elevating the Conversation
S
with Carmen Jones, M.D.
ince she started recommending cannabis in 2012, Dr. Carmen Jones has been surprised by how it has helped so many people with such a variety of maladies. “I have patients who, many through tears, thank me on a regular basis, for doing “this work.” Every week, without fail, someone says, ‘My life has been changed,’” explains Dr. Jones. Not only does Dr. Jones see patients at a medical marijuana clinic, but she was also appointed to the role of patient advocate for Clark County Commission’s Green Ribbon Panel, which examines various issues related to recreational marijuana.
In what capacity did you first get involved with cannabis? After familiarizing myself with the State of Nevada’s medical marijuana registry program, I began seeing patients in 2012 for their MMJ patient card certification. I soon began to learn more about the industry, type of patients who were coming in, and their medical conditions. Like many others, I had preconceived notions about the type of patients that would try to obtain a card. I was determined to be diligent and critical of them, scrutinize them according to the regulations set forth. I quickly learned that my biases were often unfounded. How did you educate yourself about cannabis? Currently, the medical community has relied on studies that are more than 20 years old. Since there were little to no recent “evidence based” studies available, the majority of the information was found on pro cannabis websites and YouTube. As time passed, my education came from anecdotal evidence learned directly from the patients who returned with reports of their experiences. I continue to learn new things every day. Do you think patients are feeling more comfortable speaking to their doctors about using cannabis? Yes, to a degree. Because of their newly found success with medicinal cannabis, patients are feeling better. This has given them the confidence to have the conversation with their doctors about this alternative treatment. I always encourage them to participate in their own treatment choices. The most common complaint I hear is: “Doctors only want to give me pills.” I remind them that they have a right to participate in their own care. If they don’t want to take pills, then discuss other treatment options with their doctors. What’s one of the biggest misunderstandings about cannabis? It is probably that only a certain type of person uses it. We all have implicit biases, but as it pertains to cannabis, the propaganda depicting the user as a stoner, pothead, or other stereotype that is frowned upon in our society is far from the average patient I see. I rarely see those “stereotypical” people. Essentially, there is no “type.” I have seen everyone from clergy
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to police officers. In fact, the average age of the medicinal cannabis patient is around 60 years old, which make sense since they are the ones with aging medical problems. Do you think cannabis will eventually be taken as a preventative medicine? I believe it is already being used preventatively. This is especially true for medicinal users. Those patients with seizure disorders, migraines, autoimmune disorders, and chronic pain use it daily and preventatively with very good results. To be clear, in no way do I condone or advise stopping or changing the use of their prescribed medicine for these and other conditions. However, patients with these types of conditions seem to have the best results. As a member of Clark County Commission’s Green Ribbon Panel, how have you been able to advocate for patients? I believe I was able to provide additional context for the panel, especially as it pertains to how the medical patient may be affected with the rollout of recreational cannabis. Because of those efforts, the medical patient has several benefits afforded them that the recreational client does not, namely, more potent products, less cost, and the ability to possess a larger quantity. These benefits can make a real difference to cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and chronic pain patients. What are some emerging trends you foresee for cannabis? CBD products and its growing acceptance by the public seems to be the current trend. However, found in the plant, are around 80 known cannabinoids, often working synergistically to provide some form of medical relief. I believe that as we learn and isolate more chemical components of this plant, the trends to consume it will continue. Terpenes, the “essential oils” of the cannabis plant, have recently been discovered by the public as having medicinal value, so that is the newest trend I have seen. To read our entire interview with Dr. Carmen Jones, visit elevatenv.com/Elevating_the_Conversation
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