Elevate May 2021 by Elevate Nevada Magazine

MAY 2021

THE CONSUMPTION LOUNGE CONUNDRUM Nevada legislators tackle thorny issue of social use venues

MANAGING MENOPAUSE WITH MARIJUANA? YES, PLEASE!

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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 /Photographers: Josh Bell, Deanna Rilling General Sales Manager: Mark Damkroeger, mark@elevatenv.com

ELEVATION PUBLISHING LLC Chief Financial Officer Cassandra Lupo FINE THE AGENCY Partner Kelli Maruca, kelli@finetheagency.com

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Welcome to elevate’s Power to Women issue. With the buying power of women, it made sense that we put a spotlight on the demographic that drives 70-80 percent of all consumer purchasing through a combination of their buying power and influence. With the legal cannabis market expected to surpass $25 billion by 2025, female spending power will no doubt expand further into the cannabis industry in states where it is legal. For example, in 2019 in California, the total number of women purchasing cannabis nearly doubled from the previous year, according to a report by the San Francisco-based marijuana-delivery software platform Eaze, which drew on data from 450,000 customers and 4,000 survey respondents. That was just one important piece of intel I ran across while working on this issue. One that indicates to me that not only does elevate need to dedicate more editorial content to women, but cannabis brands also need to focus on the fairer sex. Cannabis companies should keep that financial detail top of mind when both developing and marketing products. Another key research point I discovered while writing the article “Not Your Mother’s Menopause” on page 9 was how much more profoundly THC affects women as compared to men. While interviewing Dr. Felice Gersh for that story, she relayed that many of her patients report feeling jittery after using THC and find they need to use less cannabis to get the same effect as compared to their male counterparts. She explained the difference was due to estrogen. A 2019 Canadian study, published in Psychopharmacology, gathered 91 volunteers between the ages of 19 and 25 and had them smoke a joint with either 12.5% THC or a placebo. “We found that women smoked less of a cannabis joint, had lower levels of THC in blood,

yet experienced the same acute effects as men,” details Justin Matheson, the study’s lead author. “So, I think the main takeaway is that women may need a lower dose of THC to get to the same degree of intoxication as men.” The study’s researchers theorized that estrogen could influence the metabolism of THC. Levels of estrogen could account for the differences in the study and the reactions that women experience when consuming THC. “In many regions of the brain, the number of CB1 receptors fluctuates with the amount of estrogen in the brain,” explains Josh Kaplan, assistant professor of Behavioral Neuroscience at Western Washington University. “Estrogen also increases the amount of the endocannabinoid, anandamide, thereby elevating the endocannabinoid system’s strength. Consistent with this, THC’s effects are strongest when estrogen levels are high.” That is an important piece of information for consumers to know and understand for dosing purposes. As well, for cannabis brands to be aware of when they are researching and developing new products. The female body’s sensitivity to THC explains another factoid I ran across: as cannabis consumers, women use lowerdose edibles and CBD-dominant products 42 percent more than males do, according to a 2017 survey from Eaze. That statistic not only notes women are looking for lower-dose THC products, but also why CBD has quickly eased past THC to become the more popular cannabinoid. I hope that as you read through this issue you, too, will find lots of valuable knowledge that informs your consumption habits as well as optimal ways to continue fostering the health and wellness of you and your family.

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THE MARIJUANA CONSPIRACY A new film tells the story of a real-life government study in 1972 that tested the effects of marijuana on women over the course of three months. The results have never been released. By Josh Bell

In 1972, the government of the Canadian province of Ontario commissioned a study on the effects of marijuana on adult women. Twenty participants were recruited for a 98-day experiment in which 10 of them smoked marijuana every day, with detailed data collected about their physical and mental health and their personal activities. These women were kept isolated from the outside world, with nothing to rely on but marijuana and each other. In 2013, Toronto Star investigative reporter Diana Zlomislic wrote a lengthy article about the study, whose results were never formally tabulated or released. That article caught the eye of Canadian filmmaker Craig Pryce, who started his career making low-budget horror movies with titles like Revenge of the Radioactive Reporter before shifting to TV. Pryce has been working mainly for Hallmark in recent years, directing some of the channel’s signature romantic holiday movies (Fir Crazy, Charming Christmas, etc.) and numerous episodes of the TV series Good Witch. “Diana wrote a really compelling story,” Pryce says, and he saw potential in it for a feature film. “I always have stuff in development, and that one kept rising to the top of my pile,” he says of the idea, which remained on the backburner for years. Eventually, Pryce had the chance to take some time off from what he calls his “day job” in TV to pursue a passion project that became The Marijuana Conspiracy, based on Zlomislic’s article. Pryce worked closely with Zlomislic to craft a narrative from the true story. The Marijuana Conspiracy is

a fictionalized account of five women who participated in the 1972 study. “[Diana] connected us with some of the real women that went through it, which was a really fascinating experience to talk to them and hear a lot more depth than the initial article,” Pryce explains. Actresses Julia Sarah Stone, Morgan Kohan, Brittany Bristow, Tymika Tafari and Kyla Young play composite characters based on the real women that Zlomislic and Pryce interviewed. “They had really vivid memories for something that happened so long ago,” Pryce says, “and some of them are still upset about what happened to them, and they still want answers.” The movie depicts these women from various backgrounds as they form the kind of bond that comes from enduring extreme circumstances together. Perhaps even more so than the steady cannabis use (twice a day, with escalating THC levels over time), the isolation and boredom wear on many participants, and Pryce captures the claustrophobic feeling of being confined to a single building for several months. “Although the experiment and the marijuana and the agenda are part of what sets up the movie, it’s also the women’s lives that I find interesting,” Pryce says. “The journey they went on, how they entered the place and the state of mind they were in, what they thought they were going to get out of it and what ended up happening to them.” There’s joy and frustration in equal measure for the characters in The Marijuana Conspiracy, many of whom are excited at the prospect of being paid to smoke pot at a time

in 1972. Pryce incorporates other important issues from the time period, including LGBTQ rights, racial equality and the treatment of women, all of which are just as relevant today as the legalization of marijuana. “I wanted it to be honest and truthful,” Pryce says of the movie. “It is entertaining, it has a flow to it, but it also is informative and provocative.” The next step in telling these women’s stories would be for the study data to finally be analyzed and released, which Pryce hopes will be more likely thanks to the movie. “That data apparently is still in Ottawa,” he says. “It’s, I think, accessible. There would just have to be someone who would actually go through all of it.” In the meantime, viewers can groove to the ’70s vibe of The Marijuana Conspiracy, engage with the characters’ stories, and marvel at how far the treatment of cannabis has come in the past 50 years. Pryce, who cites Dazed and Confused and Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle as his favorite marijuana movies, hopes that his film can eventually join that pantheon. “Yes, there’s lots of weed in them, similar to ours, but what makes them good marijuana films is that it’s not just about marijuana,” he says. That’s exactly what The Marijuana Conspiracy accomplishes, too. The Marijuana Conspiracy is now available for digital rental and purchase via all major outlets.

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when being caught with a single joint could send someone to prison for seven years in Canada. The study was part of a broader effort spearheaded by Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau (father of current Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau) to reform marijuana laws in Canada. That resonates through to 2018, when the younger Trudeau led Canada to legalize recreational marijuana nationwide. For Pryce, the film is about both entertainment and activism, although he stresses that it’s meant first and foremost as an engaging story. “The important thing is that it doesn’t only entertain [viewers], but that they come out with a true sense of these characters,” he says. As for cannabis, he reveals that he “brought some experience,” but says, “I didn’t want to push my own perspective on marijuana.” He prefers letting the movie speak for itself, and it clearly sets out the government’s goal in setting up the study. The outcome doesn’t quite fit that prohibitionist narrative, though, which is one reason that the results were never published or made part of the official record. In that way, the story of what the participants went through was never properly told, until Zlomislic’s article and now Pryce’s film. The characters in The Marijuana Conspiracy may be fictionalized hybrids, but they bring to life the struggles and ambitions of young Canadian women

NOT YOUR MOTHER’S MENOPAUSE

WOMEN ARE TURNING TO CANNABIS TO GET RELIEF FROM SIDE EFFECTS OF MENOPAUSE by Beth Schwartz

DOES CANNABIS HELP WITH MENOPAUSE? “Yes, depending on what the symptoms are,” confirms Dr. Junella Chin of MedLeafRx. “It’s a little bit tricky. Menopause

and perimenopause bring on a whole set of symptoms. But it’s not as cut and dry. It really depends on what your symptoms are, what you’re trying to treat, and then what your previous health history is.” “When you look at all the symptoms that women experience in menopause, it’s no big surprise,” Dr. Felice Gersh of Integrative Medical Group says of cannabis as an elixir for menopause. “I can’t give specific amounts and directions for how best to use it, but look at the issues that medical marijuana has shown to benefit such as various types of pain, sleep, and different things with mood. If you look at what women in menopause experience, they have high rates of pain; women experience far more pain than men do. They’re going to have more compression of their vertebrae, falls, and fractures, which cause lots of pain. And they make up the higher percentage of people suffering from osteoarthritis. Women have more mood disorders then men, more sleep problems, more digestive problems. So when you think about mood and sleep, particularly depression, insomnia, all those pain issues—it’s no surprise that women are turning to medical marijuana for some relief.” Let’s look at insomnia. “A lot of menopausal women just can’t get to sleep and then they can’t stay asleep,” explains Dr. Chin. “Cannabis is a nice thing to take for insomnia. When you have it occasionally, you’re basically nipping it in the bud. So if you have trouble falling asleep, you could take something that’s fast-acting, and that’s usually in the form of an inhaled version, like a vape pen, bud or flower. If you have trouble staying asleep and are getting up at 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. that’s when you use something like an edible or an oil tincture or a gel cap.” As for treating hot flashes and night sweats with

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I’m 51 years old. That makes me the average age to begin menopause in the U.S. So I speak from experience when I tell you that with the onset of perimenopause and menopause come a litany of side effects that make it a less than coveted experience. Night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, pain, low libido, fatigue, brain fog, and osteoporosis are the headline symptoms of going through this chapter of life. As more states, current count is 17, and Washington, D.C. legalize cannabis for recreational use it has become an increasingly popular choice for treating the effects of menopause. In a study released in September, researchers examined data on a sample of 232 women in Northern California who took part in the Midlife Women Veterans Health Survey. About half of the women, whose mean age was about 56 years old, reported menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats (54 percent), insomnia (27 percent), and genitourinary symptoms (69 percent). Of these, 27 percent said they currently use cannabis (in any form) to manage their menopause symptoms or have done so in the past. Those numbers are much higher than the 19 percent of women who reported using traditional methods such as hormone therapy. This makes sense, especially if you consider the symptoms of menopause. Cannabis has properties that can prove helpful for many of the effects resulting from menopause but there is a lot more to it than that. Considerations include bringing homeostasis back to the body’s endocannabinoid system, utilizing the right cannabinoids to regulate hormones, and even adding healing terpenes to the mix.

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cannabis, Dr. Gersh says data for those symptoms “is scant and conflicting. There’s some data that suggests that using cannabis will make vaginal dryness worse or won’t have a benefit on hot flashes or can even make them worse, and other studies show the opposite.” Dr. Chin agrees and recommends patients who flash and suffer from night sweats take natural supplements to help balance out hormones. “Basically, it’ll help you fall asleep and relax so you won’t notice the hot flashes as much if that makes sense. It doesn’t help you with the actual flashing, but patients slept through the night. Their sheets are still wet and they’re still sweating but they slept through it. I actually recommend other plant-based supplements like passionflower, lavender, bergamot, Melissa essential oil to help balance out hormones naturally.”

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THE ROLE OF THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM The body’s endocannabinoid system is one piece of the puzzle. It interfaces with all the other systems in your body. “Your lymphatic system, your immune system, your respiratory system, your nervous system, your fight or flight response, your relaxation…it also puts you to sleep, helps you eat and digest—all of that interfaces with the endocannabinoid system. There’s actually nothing in your body that doesn’t interface with the endocannabinoid system. That’s how important it is,” explains Dr. Chin. Menopause disrupts the endocannabinoid system which has cannabinoid receptors throughout the female reproductive system. “There’s an incredible relationship between our natural endocannabinoid system and estrogen and progesterone,” says Dr. Gersh. “A lot of people don’t know the endocannabinoid receptors are in the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and, in fact, the endocannabinoid system is critical for fertilization and embryo implantation. “When you’re in menopause your nervous system changes because the hormones are changing. So you might feel like you’re in a fight or flight mode more often than not so that adrenaline feeling that causes heart palpitations, the flashing or even just the pain and fatigue,” Dr. Gersh explains of how changing hormones effect the body. “Some women don’t get any of that, but they just feel slow like they’re moving through molasses, like they have brain fog. When you take cannabis it helps balance the endocannabinoid system, which in turn is sort of like this waterfall effect that helps balance your nervous system. We can go into more complicated science behind it, but basically it works on GABA receptors, serotonin receptors, and dopamine receptors.”

CANNABINOIDS & TERPENES It’s been theorized that the use of cannabis during menopause may help bolster the endocannabinoid system’s functions that are struggling to work without high levels of

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estrogen. “When you’re in full blown menopause there is no progesterone and there is no estrogen produced. That’s why the best candidates, in my opinion for using something like marijuana or any of these hemp products, is really menopausal women because you don’t have to worry about messing with their hormones because they aren’t making any,” explains Dr. Gersh. “There’s a lot of data that when you go through menopause you get the sort of metabolic chaos that comes along with menopause—you get inflammation, you get insulin resistance, and you get all these inflammatory processes in your vascular system, your bones, your joints and all of that. Taking predominantly CBD can help because you end up having an overstimulation of the endocannabinoid system,” Dr. Gersh continues, “There’s also data that for the brain you might be doing some good by taking small amounts of THC for both sleep and cognition. There’s just so much more research that we need to do because we know that sleep and cognitive issues are definitely problems for women as they age. There’s a real balance between a little bit of THC and then a heavier amount of CBD.” There is one vital thing to know when adding THC to your menopause regimen. “What’s interesting is women are very sensitive to THC, and it’s because of our estrogen,” imparts Dr. Chin. “So estrogen actually amplifies THC. You might notice your husband and your friends who are male can smoke more weed than you can and it’s because our estrogen makes us much more sensitive to it. So a little goes a long way. Women just can’t tolerate THC. It makes them feel jittery or like they want to crawl out of their skin. So then they look at cannabinoids like CBD or CBN (cannabinol). CBN is a cannabinoid that makes you sleepy, but it’s not THC.” Or you can skip cannabinoids and try a supplement called inositol that helps with sleeping. “Inositol is really great to help with evening out the blood sugar and getting a better night’s sleep. And then if you don’t want to take a pill, beans have a lot of inositol in them. So have some lentil soup, red beans, chickpeas, things like that,” explains Dr. Chin. In addition to cannabinoids, terpenes also factor into the healing properties of the cannabis plant. Terpenes are basically essential oils. “Terpenes are found in your kitchen. Rosemary, thyme, lavender, passionflower, bergamot — those are terpenes and are really great for balancing female hormones naturally,” details Dr. Chin. “And cannabis, luckily enough, has terpenes in it. So certain terpenes that are rich in certain cannabis strains might be lavender (linalool), it might help you sleep better. There’s limonene which is lemon and is a little more uplifting and so that’s really great for menopausal patients who just can’t focus. They may not

SHARE THE CANNA-LOVE THIS MOTHER’S DAY When the gift mom needs most is rest, relaxation and stress relief

elevatenv.com | may 2021

Interest in both CBD and higher-THC-level cannabis products is rising among mothers and for good reason. Last year in the lead-up to a Mother’s Day spent in quarantine, cannabis gifts associated with alleviation of stress acted as an alternative to traditional holiday gifting categories, i.e. fragrances and bouquets. A survey by Miss Grass, a cannabis e-commerce and lifestyle platform, found that cannabis use is replacing wine, with 21% of moms surveyed saying they had completely stopped drinking in favor of THC. “Mom juice (aka wine) is so 2017,” said one respondent. According to BDS Analytics, 47% of female cannabis consumers prefer inhalables, 36% prefer edibles, and 16% prefer topicals.

If She Loves Getting Flower We all know there is no one more productive than a mom. Enter Huxton’s sativa blend RISE. Seemingly made for moms and Mondays since sativa tends to promote productivity and will allow for focus while giving a mental lift. Huxton’s 7-pack of blended .5-gram pre-rolls are discreet in a compact tin and includes everything, matches and ashtray, mom needs for ease of use and enjoyment. All Huxton products are labeled by effect, not by plant type, so you are always in control of your experience. The brand’s RISE, HIFI and ZEN blends are a mix of curated genetics to help consumers work, play and rest. huxtonusa.com

She’s Always On-the-Go Panna Extracts 2:1 THC:CBD/CBN Cartridge is a good choice for those moms who have so much on their plate, between virtual learning and scheduling Covid-19 vaccines, that they need to find some stress relief. With THC working as the frontline cannabinoid for brain stimulation, followed with a nearly equal dose of healing CBD, and complemented by the sleep inducing CBN, the three cannabinoids fuse together to deliver a synergistic experience. This cannabinoid combination is commonly used to relax muscles, improve users’ sleep, reduce muscle pain, and relieve pain from temporomandibular disorders (TMJ) and fibromyalgia. euphoriawellnessnv.com

For the Glow Pro Is mom a sun worshipper? Hopefully she doesn’t overdo it, but if she spends a little too much time catching rays HotMess Kushmetics has a line called Baked that includes an After Sun Recovery Spray. It was specifically made to deliver relief when your skin is too sensitive to touch. With natural ingredients to help soothe and heal, CBD, aloe vera, calendula extract, allantoin, and Vitamin E, it’s a must for mom’s beach bag. The After Sun line also has a Body Lotion and CBD Lip Budder. hotmesskushmetics.com

For the Chocolate Lover If mom has a sweet tooth give her absolute bliss in the form of Dreamland White Chocolate Radiant Raspberries bar. Made luscious with indulgent white chocolate and real bits of raspberry, this fruit forward dessert bar will put her high in the clouds. It’s infused with pure cannabis distillate to provide some sedating and relaxing effects perfect for finishing off a busy day of being a mother. Designed for consumers who enjoy both savory and sweet flavors, Dreamland Chocolate bar comes with 10 doses for your mom to share or to keep all to herself. planet13lasvegas.com

The Gift of a Good Night’s Sleep If there is one thing every mom deserves this Mother’s Day, it’s an incredible night of peaceful, uninterrupted sleep. Look no further than Incredibles SnoozzzeBerry Chocolate bar with 20 mg CBN and 100 mg THC. CBN is known for its sedation properties so her dreams can come true with this CBN- and THC-infused chocolate bar made with dark chocolate covered blueberries and crispies. Each piece of dosed chocolate includes 2 mg CBN and 10 mg THC to ensure mom can get the recharge she needs on crazy days. thesourcenv.com

Put her Head in the Clouds LIIIL STIIIZY makes a practical gift because the portable, disposable vape device delivers both great taste and bigger clouds. Seemingly made for the on-the-go mom, LIIIL STIIIZY vapes are quick, easy to use, no clean-up, discreet, and smell is minimal. These are half gram vapes so the whole unit holds 500mg of vape oil and ranges between 78 - 90% THC. Whether she prefers sativa, hybrid, or indica, you’ll find one of her favorites with choices that include Strawberry Cough, Sour Diesel, Pineapple Express, Blue Dream, Birthday Cake, Do-Si-Dos, Grand Daddy Purp, and Hardcore OG. apothecarium.com

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This Bud’s for Her A cross between Loompa’s Headband and Watermelon Zkittlez, Summa Cannabis introduces its tasty Zour Watermelon as an optimal strain for busy mothers looking for a calming experience. This indica-hybrid strain is packed with terpenes that include limonene, caryophyllene, pinene, humulene and linalool. With an excellent dose of THC present, along with a full entourage effect from the highest present terpenes, users report Zour Watermelon is helpful for treating mood swings, chronic stress or anxiety, neuropathy and chronic pain. summacannabis.com

For the Novice Available in dozens of strains and flavors, consider Kabunky Kwik Sticks vape cartridges for a new-tocannabis mom. Not only are they discreet and portable, but also fast-acting and potent. Mom will love the instant effects that vaping cannabis produces, and she’ll appreciate that there’s no smoke or heavy smell because she’s not combusting plant matter. There’s no hardware or batteries or buttons to push. All she needs to do is draw on the mouthpiece to get a smooth, flavorful hit every time. nevadamademarijuana.com

If she wants to get unwined Skip getting her a bottle of wine or champagne this year. Turn mom onto cannabis beverages instead. Curaleaf has launched Select Squeeze which is an innovative THC-beverage enhancer offering consumers the ability to turn any beverage into a THC-infused experience. It comes in four flavors— Watermelon, Strawberry Lemonade, Hint of Sweet and Lemon Lime—and leverages the brand’s innovative nanotechnology to provide a premium moodset in 15-30 minutes. Select Squeeze is for mothers who want to consume discreetly and avoid a dreadful hangover. acrescannabis.com

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Hypnotic Hemp

When mom kneads to relax Photo credit: The NOW Massage

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Much like the sound of ocean waves softly undulating through the NOW massage studio in Henderson, a hempbased massage vibrates long past the actual treatment. Upon entry to my NOW studio massage portal, I am greeted with the lulling hum of the rising and cresting of the sea. This quickly sets the mellow tone for an experience that will be savored by every pore, tendon, ligament, and muscle in my body. I organized myself onto the heated massage table in preparation for the NOW 50 (as in minutes) massage with an add-on of Hemp Calm Balm. Aptly named, Hemp Calm Balm contains 200 mgs of hemp isolate, a coconut oil blend, essential peppermint oil, and Ashwagandha, which provides natural analgesic undertones. Hemp nourishes the skin with a boost of antioxidants and healthy fatty acids for smooth, soft and supple skin to begin the first vibration of the massage. As a natural hydrator, hemp seed oil is a powerful moisturizer that doesn’t clog pores and hydrates your skin. Meanwhile, your body will get the benefits of the powerful anti-arthritic properties of Ashwagandha which soothe the nervous system from pain response. As well, cannabinoids have solid anti-inflammatory properties meaning hemp oil will have a direct effect on any inflammation-based problems such as joint pain due to arthritis, rheumatoid joint inflammation, and osteoarthritis. The second wave comes in the form of Nataliya, who I dubbed the magical masseuse. This Ukrainian wonder intuitively digs into my body, finding knots of muscle and punishing them into submission, melting them away. Her fingers magnetically homed in on lumpy trouble spots I wasn’t even aware of in places I wouldn’t even think they could be. “The hemp balm gives me more glide,” says Nataliya, modestly explaining away her unknotting talents. “It really penetrates through, straight to the muscles.” Finally, with skin supple, muscle tension disappeared, the last vibration I experienced happened purely as an aftereffect. Just as the ocean tends to hypnotically lull me to sleep after spending the day frolicking in it, so do the reverberations of a hemp massage. I was ebbed into a night of deep sleep that was anything but standard.

elevatenv.com | may 2021

X 2020 L L L RUNTZ

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ELUSIVE.CANNABISLV KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. FOR USE ONLY BY ADULTS 21 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER

Nevada’s only consumption lounge is owned and operated by the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe at its Downtown Las Vegas NuWu Cannabis Marketplace dispensary. It opened in October 2019 but is currently closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.

THE

CONUNDRUM After stalling during the 2017 and 2019 legislative sessions, could social use venues come to fruition in 2021?

by Beth Schwartz he idea of cannabis consumption lounges has always been a sticky wicket. And not just for Nevada. There has yet to be a state that has a good handle on how best to implement social use venues. While several attempts have been made to put regulations for social use lounges in place, success remains elusive. The chief issue being how a consumption lounge sustains itself and generates revenue. When Nevadans voted to make recreational marijuana legal in November 2016, the ballot measure’s language specifically barred retail marijuana stores from allowing public consumption. Leaving the state’s 56 million tourists (average in a non-pandemic year) with no place to use cannabis. “The most compelling argument for the consumption lounges is you can buy it, you can possess it but there’s nowhere where you can legally consume it,” said David Goldwater, partner at Inyo Fine Cannabis dispensary located in Las Vegas. After much debate on the topic during the 2019 Nevada Legislative Session, legislators decided to table legislation

and order a study of consumption lounges be completed by January 2021. The cannabis industry’s governing body, Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB), released the study earlier this year. (It’s available at elevatenv.com/CCB Study.) While the study was being prepared, the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe opened a consumption lounge at its Downtown NuWu Cannabis Marketplace dispensary in October 2019. It is the state’s only consumption lounge. The Paiutes were able to open a lounge because it sits on sovereign land and therefore is not beholden to the same restrictions as the rest of the state. The 2021 Nevada Legislative Session convened in February and as you might have guessed consumption lounges are once again in play. Leading the charge is the newly formed Chamber of Cannabis which has made advocacy efforts to legalize social use venues in Nevada a priority, throwing their support behind Assembly Bill 341, sponsored by Assembly Judiciary Chairman Steve Yeager. (To follow this bill throughout the legislative session as it is debated and amended, go to www.leg.state.nv.us and use the Nelis function to search for the bill under legislation.)

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CONSUMPTION LOUNGE

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THE CONSUMPTION LOUNGE STUDY The Cannabis Consumption Lounge Study lays out parameters for how social use venues should be organized and regulated, including the provision that they will fall under the strict authority of the CCB. As far as licensing the venues, the CCB did not indicate a specific number or if there needs to be a limit to the licenses. However, the report noted consumption lounge licenses should be prioritized towards those who have been disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. This was a point that was glaringly missing during other rounds (medical and recreational) of cannabis licensing applications. Chamber of Cannabis President Tina Ulman “was happy to see that (consumption lounge) licenses would be prioritized to those who have been disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. In every conversation that we’ve had with the CCB, with legislators, and anybody of importance, they have said we know we need to do something for social equity, and we made it very clear to Tyler (Klimas, CCB Executive Director) that it’s embarrassing to our state.” Lobbyist A’Esha Goins and founder of Cannabis Equity Inclusion Community was not only pleasantly surprised that disenfranchised minorities will receive priority for social use venue licenses, but that consumption lounges must be “distinct and separate, which means that existing licensees have to apply like everyone else. If you already have a license to sell cannabis you have to now go find another space for your consumption lounge because it is its own distinct license with distance requirements.” The distance requirements outlined in CCB’s study are the standard distances required of all cannabis establishments. Nevada law includes the prohibition of lounges within 1,000 feet from all public or private schools, 300 feet from all community facilities, or 1,500 feet from an establishment that holds a nonrestricted gaming license. “I thought that was a very powerful move for the CCB. I interpreted that as them saying, we’re going to move forward in fairness in this industry,” added Goins. Licensing fees for consumption lounges were also outlined in CCB’s report with the regulatory board recommending that initial license fees should be set between $10,000 and $30,000, and renewal fees range between $3,300 and $10,000. “The only thing that gave me pause was the licensing fee. I thought it was steep,” said Goins. “I wasn’t too happy with the amount for the licensing that they suggested,” said Ulman. “You know one of the biggest barriers to entry was the amount that it took to get in and we feel that it should be treated like alcohol as the people of Nevada have asked and (in comparison) to get a license for alcohol, beer and wine it is $3,500.” Inyo’s Goldwater was surprised to see dram shop legislation included in CCB’s recommendations. Under

Nevada’s dram shop law, an alcohol vendor is not liable for serving alcohol to a person who is then subject to a civil action related to the consumption of alcohol. “Dram shop legislation and those considerations, regardless of how regulated you are, that’s a whole separate area of law that needs full consideration with lots of big implications,” said Goldwater. “And this isn’t like just throwing up a tent, there’s a lot of public interest that needs to be seen to in order to get consumption lounges working the way they should.” Regarding dram shop legislation, CCB’s study outlines that if the Nevada Legislature passes legislation to authorize consumption lounges then it should expand NRS 41.1305 to also apply to cannabis, noting that a cannabis vendor is similarly situated to an alcohol vendor and thus the civil liability standard and exceptions should be the same.

CONSUMPTION CONSIDERATIONS What is not spelled out in CCB’s study is what a consumption lounge will look like and how it will function. That is still up in the air with many possibilities to be considered by the CCB and CAC (Cannabis Advisory Commission). The report details that the type of business model a lounge will use could vary and lists examples that include having the lounge attached to a cannabis sales facility; a standalone facility; the ability to sell single use cannabis in the facility; or a facility that allows a customer to bring in legally purchased cannabis. While the function of Nevada’s consumption lounges will be up for debate, another issue plaguing Nevada’s cannabis industry will also be hotly contested as legislation is sorted out. “If there was one thing that the report missed, it was the black-market impact,” pointed out Goldwater. “Does this help or hurt the black market? Would consumption lounges be a place for illegal drug dealers to do more business? I think the number one concern is that our biggest competition right now is not other dispensaries, but the black market. If we have these consumption lounges, have we now just created a place for our competitors to come find their customers and sell to them?” That wasn’t the only omission in the CCB study. “They didn’t address the DUI thing. That’s a public safety issue. They want safe roads, they want safety in their homes, and that’s a respected concern. I have an expectation that Metro will come up against it. And that will be their concern because what I have been told is Metro doesn’t know how to respond to that. Right now, they have no direction. So, if people are coming from the social use venue, you know that they’re impaired. How do they respond to that? What is their directive?” wondered Goins. (Assembly Bill 400, currently making its way through the legislative process, addresses changing the criteria for determining when someone is driving impaired from smoking marijuana.)

THE ALLURE OF JOBS AND TAXES

THE BIDEN FACTOR The Biden administration could throw a wrench into the entire discussion. Should Pres. Biden decide to lift prohibition and make cannabis federally legal that would be a game changer. “If the administration somehow makes cannabis legal then you’re gonna have to find an answer to that question,” said Goldwater of the Nevada legislative body agreeing on consumption lounge legislation. Segerblom doesn’t see the possibility of Pres. Biden rescheduling marijuana as out of the realm of possibility. “They (the current presidential administration) have a lot on their plate, if they can do it without congressional approval they would like to,” he said. “They don’t have to authorize it, they can just de-schedule it and that frees up a lot of things like banking.” Ulman would like to see Nevada prepared for the possibility. “If that does happen then casinos would be allowed to have consumption in their establishments and that’s one reason why we would like to get it established in Nevada so that way when it does come federally, we’re prepared with the health and safety regulations and we have the knowledge behind what works and what doesn’t. And we can make a smooth transition into the casinos with cannabis.”

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While many issues need to be addressed from a legislative perspective, that is not daunting for social use venue advocates. “It’s just a win-win for everyone. It (consumption lounges) creates jobs, it creates taxes,” said an optimistic Clark County Commissioner Richard “Tick” Segerblom. “And right now, it’s illegal. If you come to Las Vegas and use it, you are asking to break the law.” Goins also sees the lure of tax creation. “I think the climate dictates to find new taxable income and cannabis is one of those ways of doing that. I believe cannabis can diversify our economy, but I don’t think that it can resolve the deficit in our economy alone. I don’t believe that any state or the nation as a whole should be thinking that that’s the answer to reconciling deficits,” she explained. “It’s gonna put it on the front burner,” said Chamber of Cannabis’s Ulman. “The reason being because of the opportunity that the state has for tax revenue with this new license. The opportunity it has to restore failed businesses and the opportunity it has to open new businesses. The opportunity it has to create a safe place for tourists and locals to consume where they’re not being criminalized. And after the cannabis industry has proven itself to Nevadans that they can operate well and break the stigmas that come along with cannabis use, we are at the right place and the right time to take this next step in cannabis commerce.”

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WHAT ARE THE ODDS? “I’d say it was an uphill battle to get consumption lounges,” predicted Goldwater. “I think there’s a lot of special interests that have some significant and legitimate concerns. There’s some concerns with people even within the industry whether or not it’s a good idea.” Ulman is aware of the industry’s lack of accord and is trying to get disparate groups on the same page. “One thing that we’re trying to do at the Chamber is to align all cannabis businesses on this topic so that we don’t have one business over here versus one business over there. The industry needs to be aligned so that when we go forward, we have a much higher chance of it passing.” Predicting a 95 percent chance of consumption lounges passing, Ulman concluded, “We have a very strong feeling after speaking with the CCB and legislators that social consumption will pass this year. We’re confident that this state is looking at bills that will create more jobs, more revenue, and more tourism.” Goins also believes some form of consumption regulation will pass this session. “I absolutely believe that policies for new licensing will be passed because what we’re watching is a trend in the nation to reform and reconcile budgeting. The pandemic has left all of these holes, and cannabis is the only tax dollar that’s not fully accounted for so the more cannabis licenses you have, the more taxable income you have. I don’t foresee them stopping new business.” CCB board member Riana Durrett believes there absolutely will be headway made on the consumption lounge conversation in Nevada. “I don’t know if at the end of the Legislative Session it will pass,” cautioned Durrett. “What’s interesting to me about the consumption lounges is in order for the state to regulate it, they are going to need to impose fees and you are going to need some Republican support for it to reach a 2/3rds vote.” Clark County Commissioner Segerblom predicts a 75 percent chance the Legislature will authorize something on the consumption lounge front. “My concern is they will be overly restrictive. Let CCB investigate and give licenses. We need to have the freedom to investigate and try things to see what works, have something in that room that makes people want to pay to be in there,” said Segerblom, who added, “The industry is definitely raring to go.” Segerblom may get his wish. Should Nevada’s legislators be unable to come to a consensus and pass a bill this session there is still hope. An amendment added to AB 533 in 2019 that temporarily barred local governments from licensing consumption lounges expires on July 1, 2021— leaving the venues and spaces where tourists can legally consume cannabis up to local governmental bodies in each jurisdiction to develop and regulate.

2021 CANNABIS LEGISLATION WATCH AB 322: POP UP CANNABIS VENDORS

is offering safe consumption. They're offering safe, regulated, tested product,” said Goins. “I think it would change Burning Man, right? It's going to change the way we do Electric Daisy Carnival. It's going to change all of that.”

AB 400: DUI REFORM This bill aims to change laws related to driving under the influence of cannabis by removing the nanogram testing. Assembly Bill 400 would change the criteria for determining when someone is driving impaired from using marijuana by requiring more than a blood test that is positive for THC. On April 20, the bill passed out of the Assembly on a party line vote, 26-16, with Republicans opposed.

AB 158: JUVENILE POSSESSION REFORM AB 158, co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno, Senators Dallas Harris and Chris Brooks, would reduce penalties for minors illegally in possession of alcohol or marijuana. Youth under 21 will not be criminalized for small amounts of cannabis, alcohol or tobacco. Also, records will be automatically sealed. It passed the Nevada State Assembly unanimously on April 20.

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This bill provides for the licensure and regulation of certain events at which the sale and consumption of cannabis or cannabis products is allowed. The brainchild of lobbyist A’Esha Goins, AB 322 “will operate in the same manner as a portable liquor license,” she said. “The portable cannabis vendor (PCV) license would be like a pop-up shop for cannabis. It would be a non-transferable license, with smaller amounts in licensing fees. If a person or team wanted to have a party and they wanted to have consumption, they would hire that host who has been licensed through the Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB).” That host could not only host the event, but the PCV license holder would also be able to sell cannabis. “The idea is that the PCV license holder can serve as the host for festivals such as Life is Beautiful (LIB). Now you could have LIB offer safe consumption because there is a Cannabis Compliance Board-regulated vendor at the festival serving cannabis,” explained Goins. “So that takes away from the public health issue. We always have this dynamic where we have a legacy marketplace selling product to people going into concerts or walking the concert selling product. Now you have a portable cannabis vendor that

Back to the (Sur)Real World

elevatenv.com | may 2021

Exploring interactive exhibits with the aid of edibles By Deanna Rilling Re-entering the “real world” after 2020’s pandemic might prompt myriad emotions. Though it may be easiest to fall back in step with the comforting familiar, now is a fantastic time to go full carpe diem by welcoming new experiences. Thanks to three new interactive art installations in Las Vegas, one can reinvigorate the senses. But for some, Covid-19 has prompted pervasive feelings of anxiety, anti-social awkwardness, chronic stress, and more, thus could need a pickme-up before being fully able to set aside worries and trauma. That’s just one of many ways where cannabis could help. Read on to learn more about Area 15, the Museum of Dream Space, Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit, and more—plus potentially helpful edible-pairing suggestions for each experience. Instead of loading up on Xanax or drinking a fifth of vodka, legal and regulated cannabis edibles are preferred by many as a safer alternate to find relief. However, as a general rule to note, experts abide by the suggestion to “start low and go slow.” Just like any other new regimen or medication, if you’ve never taken edibles before, test out your tolerance and reaction at home on a separate occasion in advance before heading out in public. Plus, always remember to have a designated driver/ rideshare when you do embark on an adventure. Also, don’t try to sneak in edibles—much like for food or drinks, security will put a kibosh on that upon being searched at entry. That being said, in the name of science, we did some of the research for you with some edible selections currently on the shelves in Las Vegas dispensaries (don’t forget many now offer delivery and curbside). We paired the effects with these different experiences to help remind us and elevate the wonders the real world still has to offer.

AREA 15 A full-day adventure awaits at the Area 15 complex. Though it technically opened last fall, people are finally feeling comfortable to venture out, so may as well go all out on your visit to Area 15. With an overall energetic and vibrant vibe, cerebral stimulation abounds and ooohs-and-ahhhs begin with outdoor sculptures. Once inside, though the interior atrium is engaging, you can choose your own adventure at Area 15 with assorted exhibits. For example, Museum Fiasco “Cluster” by Playmodes Studio is an “immersive sound-and-light spectacle.” This synchronized installation aims to explore the relationship between space, time, and perception for approximately 12 minutes of abstract scenes. For fans of Blue Man Group, “Wink World: Portals into the Infinite” from BMG co-founder Chris Wink offers six infinity multi-media mirror rooms described a “Psychedelic Art House Meets Funhouse.” Additionally, there’s the VR Oz Experience, AR Particle Quest, Brainstorm reaction center, Birdly flight simulator, and an Emporium with a variety of arcade games. For thrill-seekers, check out the Haley’s Comet indoor zipline. The latest addition, Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, can be a day of exploration in itself, so wear comfy shoes and keep your eyes open for clues, plus the mixology bar. And when you’re ready to take a load off and reflect, there’s cocktails in a digital forest, ice cream for the munchies, and The Beast restaurant by chef Todd English. When it comes to medicating with edibles prior to visiting Area 15, cerebral stimulation would be a recommended goal. For this active and engaging choose-your-own-adventure, Sip Elixirs’ Mai Tai shot gave us an uplifting, motivated-yet-chill

Top row of photos - Museum of Dream Space (MODS) combines infinity rooms with digital art and is located inside the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Palazzo. Bottom row of photos - Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit makes its Las Vegas debut on July 1 at a location yet to be announced. Photo credit Michael Brosilow

MUSEUM OF DREAM SPACE This is one exhibit where you definitely should look but do not touch. You may have heard about artist Yayoi Kusama and her infinity rooms—as well as a selfie-taker who crashed into the artist’s Washington, DC exhibit and damaged one of her signature pumpkins that previously sold for $800,000. For the Las Vegas limited-time exhibition located inside the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Palazzo, the Museum of Dream Space, or MODS, is inspired by the works of Kusama, combining the infinity rooms with digital art. Touted as an “immersive, magical, and unique art appreciative,” the goal of MODS is to push and then break the limitations of physical exhibits and media thanks to technology. MODS also presents special events, such as featuring abstract freestyle pop artist Pretty Done. While you’re more than welcome to take selfies at MODS, when it comes to medicating with edibles before you go, you’re gonna want to stay grounded and stable. Thus, a tiny pick-meup would be the best idea just in case. We recommend CANN Social Tonic in lemon lavender. With 4mg of CBD and 2mg of THC, it’s a calming mood boost to take the edge off being out in public again. Thanks to its fast-acting effects, you can try one, see how you feel then pop open another can or two if you’d like to up the ante. Learn more at mods-museum.com.

IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH EXHIBIT Probably the most chill offering of these three engaging outings and something new to look forward to is the original internationally acclaimed Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit. Making its Las Vegas debut on July 1 at a secret location yet to be announced, Lighthouse Immersive and Foster Entertainment’s creation incorporates 500,000 cubic feet of projections, 60,600 frames of video, and 90,000,000 pixels to basically step inside the works of Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh. Not to be confused with an exhibition of a very similar name currently showing at Area 15 (there’s some dueling exhibit drama going on, but that’s a different story), the Las Vegas expansion will be the ninth installation designed by Creative Director and Italian film producer Massimiliano Siccardi, paired with music by Italian multimedia composer Luca Longobardi and Art Director Vittorio Guidotti. As a more passive experience to get mentally lost in, a relaxing indica or hybrid would make for an enjoyable afternoon. Incredibles’ Snoozzzeberry CBN + THC candy bar featuring dark chocolate covered blueberries and crispies seems like a perfect, sophisticated edible for pairing with post-Impressionist art. If sharing with friends who all want to be on the same level, try Qualcan’s box of Rice Crispy treats, individually proportioned for ease of use. Learn more at immersivevangogh.com. We wish readers well as Las Vegas gets back to “normal” and hope you and yours enjoy these ahhh-mazing artistic offerings our city is lucky to have.

may 2021 | elevatenv.com 23

effect to grant the feeling of wanting to take in all life has to offer. A couple of Highly Edible Assorted Sativa Fruit Pucks would also be a good choice for added perkiness and mental focus. Learn more about the various exhibits at area15.com.

continued from page 11

want to add medication, but have a hard time focusing so they’ll take a cannabis strain with a little more limonene in it.”

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HOW TO START If you are interested in trying cannabis for treating symptoms of menopause, Dr. Gersh stands by the mantra of starting low and going slow. As for ingestion formats, she has used it all: gel caps, sublingual drops, salves, and vaginal suppositories. “I have quite an array of different types of hemp-based CBD and the full entourage, the full spectrum kinds of products and I use them liberally, especially in my postmenopausal women.” Dr. Chin starts women with more CBD-heavy doses if they’re cannabis novices. “That way they can get some cannabinoids in their body and not have to worry about feeling sedated or altered. I start with CBD first and then I start introducing THC in micro amounts to the CBD,” she explains, recommending a capsule or a quick dissolving tablet. She also suggests oral dissolvable strips, similar to breath freshening strips, made of CBD oil. “They come in one milligram, two milligrams and you can just pop a strip in and it dissolves under the tongue and you’re done. If you

don’t mind that earthy, sort of cannabinoid taste you could use a tincture too.” Dr. Chin points out that one of the advantages to using cannabis is it’s not all or nothing. “You can use it occasionally. You use it on the days that you need it and then on the days you don’t, you could just back off. It’s not like there’s a withdrawal period, or you have to wait six to eight weeks for it to work like a prescription medication such as an anti-psychotic or anti-depressant. “You’re dialing it in as you go. You might be having a really stressful time so sleep is really erratic and you’re flashing a lot so you might just use cannabis for that week a little more heavily and then you back off. If you’re on vacation and unplugged, for example, you might be sleeping great and might not need to use cannabis at all,” she finishes. The easiest way to proceed is by treating your symptoms. If you are suffering from insomnia, take a 5 mg indica gummy, a CBD sparkling soda, or inositol before bed. If you are having brain fog, then seek out some remedies to help you focus, whether that’s lemon essential oil or finding a cannabis strain with limonene or pinene. Maybe you are anxious about all the changes happening to your body, then seek out a tincture with linalool and put a few drops under your tongue or try using lavender essential oil. Dr. Gersh concurs, “Basically I’m prescribing cannabis for symptom relief, but I think that there could be some real underlying health benefits that go beyond just symptom improvement. But that’s where we definitely and desperately need more data because we know that women have all these problems. Women die from heart attacks as their number one cause of death. Women have high rates of dementia, almost three times that of males. Women have a lot of vaginal atrophy and pain and prolapse. So it would be nice to know what mechanisms are being affected by these cannabis products and are they going to potentially change how the body is working in ways that can be helpful for the long-term health of the woman, not just helping her feel better in the moment? I think that the answer will be yes for postmenopausal women, but I would love more data.” To which this 51-year-old says, “Ditto.”

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NORTH LAS VEGAS

CHEYENNE AVE

WASHBURN RD

BUFFALO DR

ALEXANDER RD

MESQUITE

CENTENNIAL PKWY

30b

HO NC RA

RAINBOW BLVD

LONE MOUNTAIN RD

ANN RD

SIMMONS ST

JONES BLVD

GRAND CANYON DR

DURANGO DR

215

HORIZON RIDGE PKWY HORIZON DR

515

BOULDER CITY AND LAUGHLIN

14b

Elevating the Conversation

with Dr. Swathi Varanasi, Integrative Health Pharmacist

r. Swathi Varanasi is a bilingual pharmacist specializing in integrative health and botanical medicine. A plant-based wellness expert, Dr. Swathi emphasizes an innovative and evidence-based approach combining both Eastern and Western medicine. Dr. Swathi received her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy and is certified in Medical Cannabis in Healer and Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University.

elevatenv.com | may 2021

What is an integrative health pharmacist? A lot of people aren’t aware of it because it’s a newer role. There’s definitely less than a dozen of us at this point. In terms of integrative health pharmacy, the way that I define it is looking at all the different modalities of health and healing, and seeing how we can use them in combination to best achieve and optimize patient outcomes. How do you effectively do that? By speaking to the patient, working with them as a team, and figuring out their treatment goals. Finding out what is the best combination of these different modalities to help them reach those goals. What that ends up looking like, for a lot of people, is a combination of some prescription drugs and then maybe some therapeutic aromatherapy, maybe some botanicals and herbs, including cannabis, of course, maybe some meditation and mindfulness. Also looking at nutrition and looking at what it means to have a nutrient dense diet. And then also movement, and exercise, and, of course, the importance of sleep. So, to me, Integrative Health Pharmacy is just trying to piece it all together and base it around the person and what they want and how I can be a guide in that process. How did you get involved with cannabis? I started learning about it for two reasons. First because it is so fascinating from a super nerdy biochemical standpoint and physiological standpoint—the endocannabinoid system, and how that functions in the body, how it impacts so many different organ systems and neurotransmitter systems. Secondly, just the amount of questions I was getting from patients and practitioners alike asking me: Can I use this with that? Or what is CBG? Especially now with CBD being so prevalently used and more and more people interested in it. So, the combination of that demand, plus how incredibly fascinating it really is, has lent itself to so many educational opportunities and working with patients and colleagues. Have you passed your knowledge on? I found an opportunity to work with an educational platform called Medical Cannabis Mentor. Through my

experiences and a lot of questions I received, I helped cowrite the first ever online course specifically for pharmacists and healthcare professionals interested in broadening their knowledge on the endocannabinoid system, cannabis science, and cannabis medicine. Something a lot of people don’t know is that cannabis is not a part of the core curriculum in any healthcare professional curriculum, whether we’re talking about physicians, or nurses or pharmacists, or anyone else. Regarding opioids versus cannabis, how do you guide patients with chronic pain? As a practitioner, particularly as a pharmacist, you’re always thinking about benefit versus risk. In terms of just looking at one versus the other it’s patient specific. But as a more blanket statement, I look at how the benefits outweigh the risks a lot more often with cannabis than with opiates. However, it depends on the patient’s situation. But I think cannabis can have an incredible role, especially in tapering off opiates. When people ask you about regulating their endocannabinoid system, is there one cannabinoid you recommend over another? Given the breadth of research on CBD, I think CBD really does show incredible benefit for optimizing the endocannabinoid system. I say that because the way it modulates and impacts the functionality of the endocannabinoid system, I think that it can have an amazing effect. Is there any way to increase the efficacy of cannabis? I think a lot of product lines are starting to integrate more terpenes in their products. For example, if it was just a CBD isolate, now they’re considering a CBD isolate plus terpenes. Sometimes terpenes can really help in terms of synergizing. And, of course, that speaks to the entourage or the ensemble effect in the body and the way a lot of the cannabinoids and terpenes all work together in the body to help the absorption and optimize their effect. To read our entire interview with Dr. Swathi Varanasi, visit elevate.nv/Elevating_the_Conversation

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