Florida Grass Roots Magazine - May/June 2019 by Grass Roots America Magazine

MAY/JUNE 2019

SEX & CANNABIS CANNABIS WOMEN WOMEN IN IN THE THE KNOW KNOW Q&A’S Q&A’S

ANXIETY ANXIETY CHRONIC CHRONIC PAIN PAIN EPILEPSY EPILEPSY FIBROMYALGIA FIBROMYALGIA MENSTRUAL MENSTRUAL PAIN PAIN MIGRAINES MIGRAINES PTSD PTSD

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At this stage growth accelerates for several weeks. Our magazine is growing quickly too! The stem will grow thicker and taller and will develop more leaves and branches. Read the articles by our two new writers this month, Brian Houck and Rachael Carlevale. Your plant needs fresh warm water, dry air, nutrients, and as much soil space as possible. Our team is growing every day!

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Welcome! The people we interviewed for this Women’s Issue were interesting, their passion for the medicine of cannabis enlightening, and their personal journeys heartwarming. The women in cannabis we highlighted were inspiring with the stories of their journeys with the medicine. Sex, yes, we wrote about sex in a scientific based magazine. Be sure to read this one to learn if and how cannabis can play a part in your healthy sex life. “The Dis’s - Disorders, Diseases, and Discoveries:” we tried to give hope to those searching for information. We sought out people that are either living with or helping people with dis’s, to bring information to you. This issue we have added a new columnist, Rachael Carlvale. She will be contributing a column on Yoga and Cannabis, and a Grower’s Advice Column. Be sure to check her columns out. To learn more about Rachael, read her bio and article this issue. Thanks for reading our celebration of all things feminine.

- Nan cy

SEX &

CANNABIS WOMEN IN THE KNOW Q&Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

ANXIETY CHRONIC PAIN EPILEPSY FIBROMYALGIA MENSTRUAL PAIN MIGRAINES PTSD

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OUR TEAM FOUNDER EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Nancy Moss

COPY EDITOR

Dawn Hayford

GRAPHIC DESIGN / PRODUCTION

Melissa Morris

WEB DESIGN / IT LEAD OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR / SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH EVENT MARKETING / TEAM ASSISTANT TRADE SHOW MARKETING TEAM SOCIAL MARKETING TEAM

Alex Moss Sarah Moss Skylar Williams Rosanne Martino & Alex Raffay Green House Healthy

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & COLUMNISTS

Antonio DeRose Lea Holz Brian Houck Marcus Najera Dr Debra Kimless Maxine Taylor Heather DeRose Sarah Moss

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TABLE OF THC - THE HE ALING COMPONENT WOMEN WE LOVE DR. MEL ANIE BONE MARY CARNIGLIA CAROLINE COVONE K ARIN SPINKS CHESTER TAR A DEMOND PARISA R AD MARTHA MONE TEMAYOR MA XINE TAYLOR DR. MARTHA ROSENTHAL

10 13 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30

THE USUAL MEDICAL MINUTE

IDEAL STRAINS

CBD GOODNESS

HEALTH FITNESS

CONTENTS GANJASANA CANNABIS + SE X DISORDERS, DISE ASES, DISCOVERIES CANNABIS & ANXIE T Y CANNABIS & CHRONIC PAIN CANNABIS & EPILEPSY CANNABIS FOR FIBROMYALGIA COMBATING MENSTRUAL PAIN MANAGING MIGR AINES

ASTOLOGY FORECAST

RESEARCH CORNER

33 36 39 40 42 44 47 48 50

COOKING WITH CANNABIS

SNEAK PEEK

CONTRIBUTING

RACHAEL CARLEVALE

ANTONIO DEROSE

HE ATHER DEROSE

LE A HOL Z

Honoring plant spirit medicine as founder of Ganjasana: Cannabis Yoga Ceremonies and School, Rachael is a curandera hea ler, teacher, and activist farmer based in Colorado. She is a conduit for awakening messages from the natural world, a “steward of the medicine,” and roots her practices in the ethics of permaculture -earth care, people care, fair share. She believes in holding space for practitioners to cultivate and deepen safe, harmonious plant medicine relationships for transformation and healing. She aims to raise awareness of indigenous wisdom to unite holistically and regenerate body, mind, and soil. Rachael embodies her work in the mountains where she mindfully grows dogs and regenerative living organic cannabis, worms, and soil; and offers healing retreats, courses, and yoga teacher trainings.

Antonio is the Co-Founder and COO of Green House Healthy, a health and wellness company promoting cannabis as part of a healthy and active lifestyle at GreenHouseHealthy. com. He is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, competitive trail runner, freelance writer and speaker. His company hosts educational and athletic events, teaches cannabis positive fitness and nutrition classes, and provides promotion and media services. Antonio has several years of experience with cannabis, including having worked on an all organic outdoor farm with 6000 plants, from seed to sale. In 2017, he became the first male to complete an entire 420 Games National Tour, a traveling athletic event series focused on de-stigmatizing the lazy stoner stereotype. He is also an official NORML Athlete, representing NORML Athletics.

Heather Derose Heather DeRose is the Co-Founder and CEO of Green House Healthy. She is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, trail runner, writer and speaker. In 2017, she became the first female to complete an entire 420 Games National Tour, an athletic event series focused on raising awareness about cannabis and its consumers. She placed 3rd in Seattle, 2nd in Portland and 1st in Denver. She is also an official NORML Athlete, representing NORML Athletics, and the Colorado NORML Athletics Chapter. Heather has placed in several races and plans to continue to trail race to raise awareness for epilepsy, healthy lifestyles and the benefits of cannabis. Heather speaks about how cannabis helps her epilepsy, PTSD, anxiety, weight management and as an athlete. It is her mission to share the many benefits of cannabis for people, animals and the planet!

Lea Holz is a writer, musician, and cannabis enthusiast who recently relocated to the Fort Myers area from Boulder, CO. Lea came to the cannabis industry after experiencing life-changing results from her own journey with natural medicines and has been a passionate advocate ever since. As a patient and educator, she strives to normalize this ancient herb and empower patients through their own exploration. When she’s not reading about weed science or visiting dispensaries, you can find her in a local cafe, sipping espresso and writing.

WRITERS

BRIAN HOUCK

DR. DEBRA KIMLESS

SAR AH MOSS

MA XINE TAYLOR

Brian Houck is a promising young journalist who studied at Florida Gulf Coast University. He grew up all around South Florida, from Palm Beach to Tampa, then finally moved down to Fort Myers for college. Brian has an insatiable thirst for knowledge and continues his education by learning about people and their stories. He worked briefly at Naples Daily News and also contributed post-Hurricane Irma coverage for National Geographic. Brian has worked diligently to educate himself on the medical uses of cannabis and sees it as a potential key to slow down the opioid epidemic that is plaguing the United States. From seeing the benefits of cannabis in his surrounding life, he wants to further educate himself and those around him.

Debra Kimless, M.D. graduated magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa from Muhlenberg College with a double major in Natural Sciences and Biology. She attended medical school at Rutgers, residency at Temple University Hospital, and is a board-certified Anesthesiologist with a subspecialty certification in Pain Medicine. Motivated by her mother, who at the end of her life suffered with intractable pain and responded paradoxically to opiates, Dr. Kimless traveled the world to learn if medical cannabis could have been an option. She studied under the most respected experts in cannabis medicine and research and has become a passionate champion for medical cannabis. Dr. Kimless shares her knowledge by speaking with health care providers, patients and legislators about medical cannabis as a therapeutic option. She consults with patients pro bono, treating them with whole food all plant diets and medical cannabis, and collects patient data to present at conferences and seminars around the world.

Sarah attends Auburn Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College of Science and Mathematics where she studies Biomedical science with a focus on molecular biology. She is also working on her Masters degree in Clinical Genetics and plans to complete a PhD in epigenetics before continuing onto medical school. She has completed 3 summers of research at a world class biotechnology institute as an bioinformatics intern under Dr. Elizabeth Worthey, along being an undergraduate research assistant at Auburn University in the drug discovery and development department under Dr. Murali Dhanasekaran.

Maxine Taylor is a pioneer in astrology. She was integral in getting astrology legalized in Atlanta, Georgia. She was the first person in the country to be a licensed astrologer. As of late she is focused on spiritual coaching/healing, doing readings, and keeping with the times. She has a YouTube channel (Maxine Taylor) where she posts videos multiple times a week in an attempt to reach out and touch as many people as possible.

DO YOU HAVE A MEDICAL CANNABIS CARD IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA? DO YOU WANT TO BE INCLUDED IN A SURVEY STUDYING THE BEST PRACTICES IN MEDICAL CANNABIS USE? IF SO, WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! PLEASE GO TO THE LINK BELOW TO TAKE A FREE ONLINE SURVEY TO TELL US ABOUT HOW MEDICAL CANNABIS HELPS YOU. h t tp s:/ /s urv ey . f gcu . edu /M edical-C an n abis -U se- Su rv ey. aspx

YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OR OLDER TO PARTICIPATE AND HOLD A MEDICAL CANNABIS CARD FROM THE STATE OF FLORIDA. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS SURVEY, PLEASE CONTACT THE CREW DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH AND EDUCATION, DR. MARTHA ROSENTHAL AT 239-590-7220 OR MARTHA@FGCU.EDU

THIS SU R VEY IS A PART OF THE C ANNAB IS, R ESEAR C H, AND WOR KFOR CE INITIATIVE (C REW) AT FLORIDA GU LF C O AST U NIVER SITY . THE GO AL O F THE SUR VEY IS TO ASC ERTAIN DEMO GR APHIC INFO R MATION AB O U T MEDICAL CANNAB IS PATIENTS IN FLO RIDA. TH IS SU R VEY IS VOLU NTAR Y , ANONYMOU S, AND C AN BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME WITH NO PENALTY . THE SURVEY WILL TAKE ROUG HLY 20 MINUTES TO CO MPLETE.

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JUNE 12-14, 2019 | MJBIZCONNEXT | NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA In such a fast-paced industry, MJBizConNEXT brings together the thousands of industry innovators disrupting the cannabis space and 275+ exhibitors who are paving the way. This is where experts meet to discuss shared challenges and plan for the future of retail tech, sustainability, and cultivation. JUNE 21-22 | CANNACON | DETROIT, MICHIGAN Welcome to the Motor City - our team will be in Detroit, Michigan to delve into the world of entrepreneurs, marketing and branding. At CannaCon, we will be a part of the emerging marketplace that is cannabis. JUNE 28-30 | FLORIDA MEDICAL CANNABIS CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION | ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA The Florida Medical Cannabis Conference & Exhibition will be in St. Petersburg, FL from June 28th - 30th. We will be among physicians, seasoned medical professionals, attorneys, as well as banking and finance representatives.

LOOK FOR US AT OUR BOOTH AT THESE EVENTS. TELL US YOU READ ABOUT THE EVENT IN THE WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ISSUE AND RECEIVE A SPECIAL GIFT!

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C TH THE H

PON M O C EALING

ENT

BY BRIAN HOUCK

THC is a peculiar chemical. Scientifically known as tetrahydocannabinol, it can have a variety of effects on the human body. In recent years, studies and clinical trials to better understand THC’s properties have succeeded in demystifying the chemical byproduct and the plant from which it is produced. What 50 years ago was seen as a drug of hippies and lazy people, cannabis is now a drug being recommended to even grandparents to help relieve aches and pains, including the side effects of chemotherapy. The perception of the general populace is shifting as people are receiving benefits in their health and quality of life.

(controls memory and stress), and the cerebral cortex (controls higher cognitive function). CB1 is a receptor triggered by the neurotransmitter anandamide, which controls such reactions as pleasure, motivation and appetite, among others. THC is very similar in structure to anandamide and fits snugly into the CB1 receptor. When joined, the CB1 receptor is activated and THC’s psychoactive effects can be felt.

Because of the parts of the brain and ECS that THC interacts with, it can be beneficial in addressing pain, insomnia, and nausea (just to name a few). In fact, it is so beneficial to a wide range of health problems that synthetic versions THC is well-known as the psychoactive ingredient have been approved for treatment of nausea and it is just one of the cannabinoids in cannabis that appetite issues associated with chemotherapy and AIDS treatments.1 Just when ingested are processed how much more by the body’s endocannabinoid “THE PERCEPTION imagine effective the natural remedy in system (ECS), which regulates mood, memory, appetite and OF THE GENERAL its original form can be! pain. The system is a network POPULACE IS Trials conducted by the Univerof various receptors across the body, the most relevant being SHIFTING AS PEOPLE sity of California’s Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research to the CB1 receptors found in the ARE RECEIVING test the short-term effectiveness brain. These CB1 receptors are located throughout the BENEFITS IN THEIR of cannabis to help neuropathic pain featured a group of qualifybrain. They can be found in HEALTH AND ing participants smoking cannathe hypothalamus (controls appetite), the hippocampus QUALITY OF LIFE.” bis cigarettes, one group smok10

ing with 1-8% THC and another cy. Experimentation is key, and smoking a placebo with no THC learning how your body reacts at all. to different levels of THC is vital. The results found that the cannabis with THC greatly reduced the pain intensity, “with patients reporting 34-40% decrease on cannabis compared to 17-20% on placebo.”2 Patients were also asked if they had experienced a 30% pain decrease, “which is relevant since 30% decrease in pain intensity is generally associated with reports of improved quality of life.”2 The patients who had taken cannabis with THC said they had seen a pain decrease at a rate of 46-52% as opposed to the 18-24% of placebo-taking participants.2

“LEARNING HOW YOUR BODY REACTS TO DIFFERENT LEVELS OF THC IS VITAL”

Over the past 50 years, marijuana has been cultivated in a way that has increased THC levels in present-day versions of the plant. Breeders were growing marijuana to respond to the demand for higher THC. At the same time, other breeders were breeding plants with high CBD, or for the terpenes they produce. With increased awareness of the medicinal benefits of cannabis, breeders are working to adjust ratios of THC/CBD/Terpenes based on the needs of the medical consumer. We have had a long, tumultuous history with the cannabis plant. It was one of the earliest plants to be cultivated, and its uses in clothing, food, and medicine date back thousands of years.

As the public is made increasingly aware of cannabis as a medicine, patients are telling their friends and families that Every patient and situation are they are using cannabis to help different and require person- a multitude of ailments. alized treatments based on diagnosis and tolerance. There THC is psychoactive, and it can is no strict formula to follow for get you high—but when used cannabis treatment— especial- correctly for medical purposes ly in its current medicinal infan- and in the correct ratios, it can help.

1 https://selfhacked.com/blog/tetrahydrocannabinol-thc/ - 2 Grant, Igor, J. Hampton Atkinson, Ben Gouaux, and Barth Wilsey. “Medical Marijuana: Clearing Away the Smoke.” PubMed Central. 4 May 2012. US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. 26 Apr. 2019 <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC3358713/>

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Dr. Melanie

Bone Cannabis Industry Physician & Educator BY HEATHER DEROSE

Dr. Bone sat down with Florida Grass Roots Magazine to tell us about her journey to cannabis as medicine through a family health crisis. She also shared with us her goals for the future of her Women in cannabis are affecting the industry practice and cannabis. in powerful ways. They are leading the industry Cannabis medicine was not always a part of in executive roles that exceed other industries. Dr. Bone’s practice. She discovered one of her Many are sharing their knowledge and expertise to five children, Carlton, was overusing cannabis as a teenager. Because of Carlton’s overuse of educate and empower others. Dr. Melanie Bone is one of the women driving the cannabis, Dr. Bone and her husband decided to industry forward as a physician and educator in send him to a wilderness program to try to help. West Palm Springs, Florida. She is a board-certified “Carlton was given a mood stabilizing medication gynecologist, robotic surgeon, and medical and ultimately developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome, a rare, life-threatening reaction which cannabis practitioner. She sees women, men, and children and certifies causes the body to look and act like it has been them for medical cannabis. Dr. Bone works with her burned,” Dr. Bone said. patients to maintain total body health by finding a Carlton was in the Intensive Care Unit and Dr. Bone role for cannabis, in addition to diet, exercise, and said that she was “Vowing to bring an alternative to the drug that caused the disease.” mind-body work.

HER SPECIFIC AREA OF INTEREST IS THE “INTERSECTION OF WOMEN’S HEALTH AND CANNABINOIDS, BOTH FOR TREATMENT OF DISEASE STATES AND FOR GLOBAL WELLNESS.” 14

Afterwards, it was clear how cannabis was helping her son treat his social anxiety, and she began to study the benefits of cannabis for anxiety as well as many other conditions. With the support of Carlton, Dr. Bone opened her own practice in Florida. Her practice is devoted to improving the lives of people of all ages through the use of cannabis. Her specific area of interest is the “intersection of women’s health and cannabinoids, both for treatment of disease states and for global wellness.” She treats women of all ages and has an interest in managing menopause symptoms with bio identical hormones and natural plant medicines. Her mission as an educator is to provide guidance and support to her patients, especially to those with no experience with cannabis. One of her passions is to educate her patients about their Endocannabinoid Systems (ECS) and how it interacts with the cannabis plant. After office hours, Dr. Bone spends her time fulfilling her mission by presenting lectures to her colleagues or speaking about topics from cancer to medical cannabis patients. She is dedicated to educating others and offers second opinions to patients all over the United States. She plans to continue her work with leaders in the industry, and she has plans to develop a line of products utilizing cannabinoids for her patients’ overall health and wellness. Dr. Bone’s goals for her future are to continue learning about cannabis as medicine and to educate others to improve the quality of life for millions around the world. 15

NNABIS A C N E M O W IN

Mary carniglia

Like many women who enter the cannabis space, Mary Carniglia strives to reverse the negative stigma associated with the plant, and as Patient Educator and Administrative Coordinator for a cannabis evaluation clinic in Denver CO, she gets plenty of opportunity to do exactly this. But her motivations have even deeper roots. One day, Mary learned through a cousin that her great-great uncle Harry Anslinger had taken a major role in cannabis prohibition. “All I could say was, WHAT?!” Mary says. “At that point, I felt an obligation to be a part of un-screwing-up what he screwed up.” Mary’s first experiences with cannabis came suddenly, and with some unexpected sideeffects. While waiting for a friend to arrive home, she was offered a gravity bong hit by her friend’s husband. “I fell asleep before 16

“

ALL I COULD SAY WAS,

WHAT?!

AT THAT POINT, I FELT AN OBLIGATION TO BE A PART OF UN-SCREWING-UP WHAT HE SCREWED UP.

”

my friend came home,” Mary muses. “At that point, I began to unravel what I had been told about cannabis vs. what it was really like.” Over the next several years, Mary began exploring cannabis more actively and found her life enriched more and more. From the long, dynamic conversations she had with her boyfriend shared while on medicated walks, to the nausea relief she experienced during occasional migraines— cannabis was becoming an important and positive part of

Mary’s life. She was eager to speak out about how it was helping her and others around the world, until her voice was stifled by an unsettling experience. After being pulled over for having out-of-date plates, Mary was illegally searched by a police officer who found a leftover joint in her purse. The officer forced her into the back of his police car, took $80 out of her wallet, and threatened to assault her if he ever caught her again. Mary walked away from the experience physically unharmed but frightened for her rights and well-being. “After that, I clammed up. I was terrified of letting anyone know I consumed or supported. It was unsafe on a completely different level than I had ever imagined,” Mary says. “So, I decided to bide my time.”

When laws in her home state didn’t gain as much traction as she hoped, Mary decided that she needed to take a more active role in the movement. And so, move she did – to Denver, CO. “My main focus when I relocated was to have a safe place to be loud,” says Mary. “To be loud about updating wording on laws – to be loud about helping to unroll and end prohibition and give language to other states to help legalization efforts – and to openly learn and educate about the science behind the plant.” This passion ultimately landed Mary a position as Volunteer Coordinator for a large medical cannabis conference in Denver. “It was my first job in the industry and provided me a huge education on the science behind cannabis, what studies were happening, and where the industry was as a whole,” says Mary. Today, Mary spends her days in a dynamic role at the clinic answering patient inquiries on cannabinoid education, cannabis law, and other varied topics while scheduling patients. “Sometimes they are calling from out of town, sometimes they are flying in for an evaluation, and sometimes they are in other states and want to

know what to do and how. Those can turn into lengthy conversations, but I give them the best and as much info as I can,” Mary says. When she has a chance, she heads to the capitol to help provide testimony on behalf of the clinic for bills involving qualifying conditions, patient rights, and other topics designed to provide ease to the patient population. She also gathers with local doctors and members of the community for Cannabis Clinician Colorado’s monthly meeting, where presentations and lectures are offered to provide updates on recent research and legislative changes that may affect doctors writing cannabis recommendations. Mary’s tireless advocacy and bubbly passion for patient care is admirable, but at the end of the day, she just loves weed. “Can I say that?!” Mary laughs, “Because I do! It makes everything better. It makes life in general more comfortable. I’m bummed that people have such poor misconceptions due to a fear of the unknown. Cannabis is not something that takes away, but enhances, your life.”

MARY’S TIRELESS ADVOCACY AND BUBBLY PASSION FOR PATIENT CARE IS ADMIRABLE, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY,

SHE JUST... LOVES WEED.

She primarily works with The Grateful Veteran organization which, among many other services, assists veterans by getting them off of addictive opiates and on to medical marijuana to soothe their ailments; she is a...

WEED WARRIOR BY BRIAN HOUCK

Utilizing the discipline she deployed as a U.S. Marine, Caroline Covone wakes up at 6 o’clock every morning in Southwest Florida and makes a piping-hot pot of coffee with a few drops of Girl Scout Cookies tincture in her mug to help with nearconstant pain resulting from multiple unsuccessful knee surgeries. She then makes a fresh, healthy lunch from scratch for her daughter, complete with fruits and vegetables cut in fun shapes.

Before the family wakes up, she tidies the household getting everything ready for the day. When her daughter wakes up, she feeds her breakfast and takes her to school. Caroline then ventures to the gym to work out, followed by physical therapy. She focuses on her physical well-being by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly, believing that if you take care of your body it will take care of you. She smears CBD cream on her leg or takes a few drags from her vape pen to mitigate her pain. An individual with a strong motor, medical marijuana is the only pain relief that allows her to keep her high-functioning fast pace. As devoted as she is to taking care of herself and her family, she is equally dedicated to helping others. Covone spends her free time volunteering with military veterans. She primarily works with The Grateful Veteran organization which, among many other services, assists veterans by getting them off of addictive opiates and on to medical marijuana to soothe their ailments; she is a weed warrior.

COVONE SPENT FOUR YEARS AS A MARINE, ENLISTING STRAIGHT OUT OF ST. BARTHOLOMEW CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL IN PITTSBURGH, PA. “AS SOON AS I COULD, I DID.” 18

She became adamant about joining the service 18 years ago. Nuns pulled students out of class and ushered them into the cafeteria to inform them that the twin towers of the World Trade Center had fallen and America was under attack. Covone had a friend at the time whose father worked in one of the buildings. She recalls the girl getting picked up by her mother in tears and never seeing her friend again. That “shook me to my core,” she said, because she couldn’t understand why all those innocent people died. As she got older, she heard bits and pieces about the incident until she was old enough to take to the Internet and fully learn the grim truth. “I just made my decision and said I’m going to do something,” she said. Unfortunately, during her time in the service, she experienced non-combat mental trauma and still suffers from PTSD as a result. As is the case for many veterans, she was prescribed multiple medications to combat her diagnosis, then more medication to counteract the side effects of the

original. She couldn’t stand the feeling of not being clear-headed and present in the moment. Around this time, she also had knee surgery. Then she needed three more to correct mistakes made in the first. She was prescribed more medication. During her recovery, she commiserated with fellow veterans about all of their medications and heard that some of them were getting the same pain relief by using marijuana instead. At that point in time marijuana was illegal in just about every U.S. state, shrouded in the stigma that has surrounded weed for decades. Florida voters legalized medical marijuana in 2016, yet the stigma still plagues the patients who use it simply to make it through the day. Covone not only struggles with that and the judgement that comes with being a mother who uses marijuana as medicine. “I

“IF IT WAS NOT FOR THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA, I WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO GET UP AND DO THE THINGS THAT I DO.”

think people are scared to say anything, especially women, and especially mothers because they know that people still view marijuana as a drug and people think that you can’t function… but that isn’t true in the least bit. “If it was not for the medical marijuana,” Covone says, ”I wouldn’t be able to get up and do the things that I do.” In the future, Covone wants to study to become a nutritionist, a desire based in her love for using food to keep her body as strong as possible. She says she will likely never stop helping veterans. As Covone speaks, her passion for helping others is evident. For her, volunteering is a choice but also a compulsion. She seems very aware that though she has her struggles, there are people out there who have circumstances far worse. Worse yet, they are not getting proper guidance and support. In her eyes, the least she can do is volunteer some time and knowledge to help people find the right path for them.

ABIS N N A C N E WOM IN

K arin Spinks chester

Karin Spinks Chester is an experienced cannabis activist and event producer with a strong background in community organization and a commitment to furthering cannabis law reform. Living in Hillsboro, Missouri, Karin was heavily involved with the legalization movement, having served as the Outreach Coordinator for New Approach Missouri since 2016. New Approach Missouri was the leading campaign behind the passing of Amendment 2, which legalized medical cannabis in the state just last November. She now works as Vice President for MoCannTrade (Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association) and is the Executive Director of Greater St. Louis NORML. She is also the Founder and CEO of her own company, Midwest Canna Expos, who recently produced Missouriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest medical cannabis conference, MoCannBizCon+Expo. Midwest Canna Expos produces educational events, conferences, and expos both independently and in partnership with cannabis industry trade associations. In addition to all of this, Karin spends what little spare time she does have as the Founder of The Missouri Patient Project, a photographic and biographic documentation of current and potential cannabis patients in the state of Missouri. We were able to get in touch with Karin to learn more about her story and what she hopes to accomplish now that Missourians will have access to medical cannabis. 20

Q&A

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU’RE DOING?

I primarily consider myself an activist and an event producer second. Ensuring the passage of Amendment 2 was a primary goal for so long, and now that we have a legal system established in Missouri, my focus has shifted to event production. I’m going to be doing more cannabis and hemp conferences, as well as producing educational events for patients and physicians. Spreading credible knowledge about the medicinal benefits of this plant is something I’m very passionate about, and I have several plans to do that through events.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY?

I started off in cannabis as a patient and activist working on signature collection in 2016 for the medical program for Missouri. I was the Outreach Coordinator for New Approach Missouri where I helped with volunteer recruitment, training, fundraising, and event planning. That year we did not make the ballot but we continued fighting until we got it passed in 2018.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

My company, Midwest Canna Expos, was really born out of me being an activist. I started planning events and conferences as a way to raise funds for the Amendment 2 campaign, and found I had a knack for it. After legalization, it was a natural segue for me to continue doing so, but under my own banner. I have assembled an amazing team of people who share my passion for cannabis and education, and we plan to continue spreading knowledge and awareness through our events.

WHAT MAKES YOU SO PASSIONATE ABOUT CANNABIS EDUCATION?

I am passionate about cannabis education because when people are presented with the facts about cannabis, how it improves the quality of life for so many people, and they can see the truth of it, they are always convinced. I truly believe educating people about the plant is the most important thing we can do as advocates and as industry professionals.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE AMBITIONS?

My hope is to grow my company to the point where we are the premier cannabis education company for conferences and events. MoCannBizCon+Expo was such a successful educational conference, it attracted over 2200 attendees in just 2 days. That’s an incredible number of people, which goes to show how many people are wanting to learn more. We already have other events in planning stages, and the prospects for the future look good. A big part of my business plan is being able to use money the company makes to further education on all levels, including education for patients and physicians.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER WOMEN WANTING TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS?

I think for women breaking into an industry, it is really important to make connections with other strong women who want to lift each other up. Even when it gets hard, you have to focus on the positive. It isn’t easy, but I’m fortunate to be involved with groups and people who value what I have to offer. I think women have a much better shot in the cannabis industry than in other industries. I think people in the cannabis industry tend to be more openminded and more freethinking than other people, and in many ways, have moved past stereotypical thinking. Of course, one of the best ways to connect with other strong women is by getting involved and attending events!

MOTHER

PATI ENT

FISHERWOMAN

CANNABIS ADVOCATE MERMAI D

EDUCATOR

NURSE

WI FE

BY BRIAN HOUCK

Tara DeMond was too excited to sleep. She had just started her first job in the medical marijuana industry, and it would be the first step on her journey. DeMond took a pay decrease by taking the job, but she wanted to get her foot in the door in the industry. “I couldn’t stop,” she said. “It didn’t matter what they were paying me.” She was working six days a week. If they had been open Sundays, she would have worked then, too. The startup reminded her of the adrenaline rush she experienced helping people when she first became a nurse. She was so excited to be at the forefront of medical marijuana in Florida that she would tell her husband, “It was like Christmas Eve, I couldn’t sleep because of the excitement.” Tara DeMond was semi-retired when she moved to Florida, working part-time as a legal nurse consultant focused on occupational diseases. When the opportunity to work at a medical marijuana treatment center became available, she thought, “I bet my husband would think that would be really cool if I went to work for a marijuana doctor.” His response? “You’ve gotta do it.” She started off as a sales associate, though she never previously worked in retail. For her, it was all

about patient education, taking it as a challenge to educate herself on all aspects on the medicine. She read of marijuana helping children have fewer seizures and of Parkinson’s patients having their symptoms decrease. She became a physician outreach liaison, where—as a nurse—she would go out and educate physicians who were not yet familiar with marijuana. She also worked in patient advocacy; she would do events and talk about the benefits of medical cannabis. Instead of starting with a marijuana strain that is too strong, DeMond advises patients to start off with a low CBD product then proceed to one with a higher CBD content that has a touch of THC. “All of my patients seem to get a better response with that,” said DeMond. She understands every patient is different and what works for one may not work for another. It is important that they test different products to find the one which works best for them. She then got a call from another MMTC. Surterra promised to be a place where she could work directly with patients. She started off as a

patient advocate, “going to music festivals and home shows trying to interject myself into the community where other MMTCs weren’t… Nobody was really going out into the community.” DeMond recently has also taken on the role of provider advocate. She educates doctors on new developments in the medical marijuana industry. “As with any medicine, is important for a doctor to be educated about what he/she is prescribing,” DeMond says, so she teaches the

basics as well as more in-depth concepts. DeMond also works with Florida Gulf Coast University in their newly created cannabis program. She goes into classes and teaches students about what it is like in the industry and helps find them internships and opportunities for real world experience. The couple’s goal is to inform students about the whole process “from seed to sale” to give them the full scope of the medical cannabis business.

The Grateful Veteran, a nonprofit organization, was formed by Tara and her husband Jeff, a disabled veteran who retired from the Navy after 20 years of service to our country. The Grateful Veteran was formed to assist veterans in all aspects of life including educating them about the benefits of medical cannabis. Their goal among others: To teach how Marijuana can be a safer equivalent to addictive pain-killing opiates. TO LEARN MORE OR SEEK ASSISTANCE FROM THE GRATEFUL VETERAN ORGANIZATION, EMAIL

TheGratefulVeteran@gmail.com

NABIS N A C N E M WO IN

Parisa R ad

Women Grow was founded in 2014 in Denver, Colorado. A female-founded and managed company, Women Grow was created around four pillars of value. These pillars are: connect, educate, inspire, and empower. They are an organization encouraging women to get involved in the cannabis industry, and they are dedicated to providing the tools and networking necessary to succeed. We are pleased to have had the chance to chat with Parisa Rad, who is the Market Leader Program Director. Parisa Mansouri-Rad also known as “The Marijuana Momma” is a marketing executive and cannabis advocate whose experience as the mom of a special needs child propelled her into the industry. When spinal fusion surgery to correct scoliosis left her then15-year-old daughter with a 24

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rare, life-threatening condition characterized by chronic abdominal pain, Parisa’s search for palliatives led her to medical marijuana. After witnessing her daughter’s dramatic improvement, Parisa decided to leverage her marketing experience to re-brand the maligned cannabis industry through ongoing advocacy and education of the public on the benefits of medicinal marijuana. Parisa graduated with honors from New Mexico State University with a Major in Agriculture Business and a Minor in Marketing. In addition to being the Market Leader Program Director for Women Grow, she is also the President of MjMomma Consulting LLC, a cannabis-focused marketing agency.

WHY DO THEY CALL YOU THE MARIJUANA MOMMA?

I’m a marketing executive that works with several female owned businesses in the cannabis space. Marijuana Momma is my personal platform, simply a behind-the-scenes of working in the industry and how we use the medicine as part of our everyday life. Just trying to end the stigma by normalizing!

WHAT DO YOU DO AS THE MARKET LEADER PROGRAM DIRECTOR?

As Director, I support our current market leaders in various states throughout the US, as well as recruit new market leaders by identifying talent in new markets. I host monthly Signature Pop-up events throughout the US, and US territories such as Puerto Rico, and I’m planning international events as well later this year.

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH WOMEN GROW?

I got involved by simply attending Signature Networking events in my city of Phoenix and was truly blown away by my first Women Grow Leadership Summit in Denver. The talent, drive, and passion for the plant truly empowered me so much so that the experience propelled me to join and volunteer my own talents and experiences for our Phoenix market. I supported our local market for two years and was just recently promoted to our elite national team.

IN YOUR OWN WORDS, WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF WOMEN GROW?

It’s an evolution of female leadership, a platform that not only helps our Market Leaders, but can be a platform for many brands & businesses looking to connect with leaders in the industry, men and women alike.

WHAT IS WOMEN GROW DOING RIGHT NOW? (FEEL FREE TO PLUG ANY CURRENT EVENTS OR PROJECTS YOU’D SPECIFICALLY LIKE MENTIONED)

Women Grow is GROWING. We are hosting events to identify talent in new markets, and I’m specifically focusing our next events in Arizona, New Mexico, California, Puerto Rico, Georgia, and Hawaii, with more markets to come! I’m really excited about how we recently hosted our first ever parenting and cannabis pop up in Santa Fe April 5th! As a New Mexico native, I’m enthusiastic for the future of NM and the possibilities of bringing more awareness to the plant as an alternative to deadly pharmaceuticals.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE OF WOMEN GROW GOING?

Women Grow is moving into new territories and even countries in the near future. We have so many exciting projects and we can’t wait to share soon! Our next big event is the Leadership Summit, June 7-8, in Washington DC!

NABIS N A C N E M WO IN

Martha r monetemayo

Certified Nutritional Consultant Martha Montemayor founded Healthy Choices Unlimited, a medical cannabis evaluation clinic with locations across Colorado, in 2012. The next year, Sanjay Gupta’s “Weed” program aired on CNN. People from all over the world called her clinic asking about using cannabis to help sick children. Then hospitals started calling her saying “Help! All these parents are calling asking us about medical marijuana, but we don’t know anything about it.” Montemayor started speaking at hospitals. There, she discovered a huge knowledge gap: the average hospital doctor knew less about cannabis than the average teenager did. While speaking at Denver Health, a neurologist held up a research paper Montemayor had passed around and asked, “Do you think I could talk to this Raphael Mechoulam guy?” Since she already had Dr. Mechoulam’s contact information in Israel, she replied “Yeah, I think I can arrange that.” And the Marijuana for Medical Professionals Conference was born.

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In 2014, Montemayor founded Cannabis Clinicians Colorado, a non-profit professional society dedicated to supporting health professionals and medical marijuana professionals through education and research. She and BFF, Sarara Corva, have now produced over 50 hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) certified learning through their Marijuana for Medical Professionals–known as MJ for MDs–conferences. This year, MJ for MDs is going international with a CME program at the CannAmerica conference in Uruguay in August 2019. She’s also curating an online learning program with Green Flower Academy. CCC’s first IRB-approved research study on retired athletes and CBD is currently underway in Denver, CO and Miami, FL with former Buffalo Bills linebacker-turned-MD, Dr. Hervé Damas. Look for results to come out this fall. We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Martha about her journey through healthcare and cannabis, and here’s what she had to tell us...

WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN THE INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW?

Well, Healthy Choices Unlimited, the for-profit medical cannabis evaluation clinic that pays the bills, is still going strong. Since 2012, we’ve helped over 20,000 people join the Colorado Medical Marijuana Registry. The non-profit I’m director of, Cannabis Clinicians Colorado, has the next MJ for MDs conference coming up in Uruguay at the end of August, 2019 and is working on an IRB-approved study on CBD and quality of life in retired athletes. The research is really exciting. It’s an unfunded pilot study on 5 different forms of donated CBD products. We want to see if quality of life improves in the areas of pain, sleep, and mood as collected by the MB Clinical phone app. We want to see if one route of administration is better than another and if results are dose-dependent. We’re using the WAVi quick EEG brain scan at each visit and the Roberto 6-minute cognition test for objective markers. Former pro boxer Mike Tyson, of the Tyson Ranch, donated the money for supplies and travel for the study; all the people are volunteers. Our lead physician is Hervé Damas, MD of Miami, Florida. We’re hoping to get enough data from the pilot to launch a full 2-year study with public and private funding.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR MEDICAL CAREER?

I’m a serial entrepreneur. In 1998, I sold an international satellite systems integrator company I had helped found years before and moved to Denver. I walked into an acupuncture clinic looking for help for migraines, and the old guy at the front desk could not use the computer well enough to check me out. So, I offered to help him. I was the business manager there for 10 years. By the time I left, I had learned enough from the practitioner to take the certified nutritional consultants’ exam. And I was now business manager for a bunch of other clinics as well. I started in cannabis April 1, 2010, as GM for a medical clinic that also did medical marijuana evaluations. Two years later, I started Healthy Choices Unlimited.

WHAT LED YOU TO GET INVOLVED IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY?

I was already familiar with cannabis as medicine, as both my high school roommate and my ex-husband suffered from epilepsy. Both used cannabis with some success to control seizures and stop pain and nausea following a grand mal. My ex actually applied for a Colorado medical marijuana registry card in 2001, the first year you could. But at that time, you had to get your meds from your friendly neighborhood drug dealer, so the quality and consistency varied widely. Starting the dispensary system in 2009 has been a boon to patients and a mountain of new information for the health professionals that care for them.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE MOVING FORWARD?

CCC’s mission is furthering cannabis medicine through education, research, and responsible patient care. My dream is to someday have a foundation for CCC so we can fund a “consumer reports of cannabis” type research center for unbiased studies on things like pharmacokinetics of different routes of administration. I’m also working on an online physician training course with Green Flower Media to help more health professionals learn about a plant that as many as half of their patients have tried. Bridging that learning gap remains the main focus of the group.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER WOMEN WANTING TO GET INVOLVED IN THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY?

Gosh, that’s a tough one. I never went to college, save a single junior college accounting course in 1988, when I started the satellite networking company. (Somebody had to do the books.) I never believed college, much less medical school, was in my reach, as my father died when I was very young, so we grew up poor. That belief held me back. So, what I would say is to believe your dreams are possible, no matter what. Do not let self-limiting beliefs hold you back. Confidence covers a myriad of flaws. 27

Maxine taylor A S T R O LO G E R

BY BRIAN HOUCK

Maxine Taylor is a pioneer in astrology. She was integral in getting astrology legalized in Atlanta, Georgia. She was the first person in the country to be a licensed astrologer. She graduated from the University of Florida in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in education. After getting her degree she moved home to Miami, Florida to teach at Miami Senior High School for two years before moving to Atlanta. That is when her life totally changed. She found herself on a houseboat in the middle of Lake Lanier with a group of people, most of whom she’d never met. A lady much older than Maxine started talking to her about astrology and told her everything that was going on in her life, based solely on her sun sign. A sun sign is the position of the sun during the time of one’s birth which then distinguishes you as either Leo, Virgo, Cancer etc. “It blew me away” Maxine recalled, “It sounded like she knew me.” Maxine was a self-proclaimed skeptic, bringing in previous prejudices, but when the woman started talking, Maxine’s mindset totally shifted. Later in the week, she was at the supermarket and picked up a book on astrology that had a forecast for the upcoming year, depending on your sun sign. At this point, she was jobless after leaving her job at Miami High and was living “hand-to-mouth.” In that book, it stated that for her sign, all of her financial problems would be solved by the 18th of August. Sure enough when the 18th came around she received her 800 dollar retirement check from Dade County Florida. Maxine recalled, “It took me maybe two minutes to call information and get the phone number of the American Federation of Astrologers.” She was fascinated and determined to find out more. She began researching astrology, and as she was studying, it came to her out of the blue that she was to be the one to legalize astrology. This would not be an easy task or one for the faint of heart because astrology, as it still is in many places, was considered on-par with fortune-telling and there was strong opposition to its practice. Everyone told her she would never accomplish that in the middle of the Bible belt and her response was, “Oh yeah? Watch me.”

Maxine continued on studying and taking classes until she was eventually invited to be a part of the Advanced Astrological Study Group of Atlanta. The time had come, and she knew it was time to push for astrologyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legalization. She earned a meeting with the DeKalb County commissioners in November 1969 through persistence and diligence. They granted her the first official business license to practice astrology ever issued in the state of Georgia. Since receiving her license, Maxine has cofounded multiple organizations such as the Metropolitan Atlanta Astrological Society, the Atlanta Institute of Metaphysics, and the Atlanta Board of Astrological examiners. She also made regular appearances on CNN as an on-air pundit for astrology, even being interviewed on The Larry King Show. She is currently on the board of the American Federation of Astrologers. From our conversation, it was evident that Maxine is an exceedingly gracious and generous person. She does not seem to be driven by monetary motives but rather the desire to help others understand events that are happening and upcoming. When we spoke, the first thing she did was ask me about myself, my goals, and my ambitions. While she looks out for herself, she has made a career out of helping other people make sense of events in their life both good and bad. Maxine is a strong believer in the law of attraction and as a result likes to focus on the positive with her clients. She practices what she preaches, and that belief and positive outlook carries over into her personal life as well. As of late she is focused on spiritual coaching/ healing, doing readings, and keeping with the times. She has a YouTube channel (Maxine Taylor) where she posts videos multiple times a week in an attempt to reach out and touch as many people as possible. FLORIDA GRASS ROOTS MAGAZINE READERS: Get a 12 month personal astrology reading recorded on video with a legend in the field FOR ONLY $100!

Visit MaxineTaylor.com/FGM for more details.

Q&A

ABIS N N A C N E WOM IN

Dr. Martha Rosenthal

Martha Rosenthal’s life has been about education. After earning her master’s degree in neuropharmacology from Brown University and a PhD in neuroscience from UCLA, Dr. Rosenthal joined Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) as one of the founding faculty and never looked back. Currently in her 22nd year with the university as Professor of Neuroscience and Physiology, Dr. Rosenthal teaches classes on drugs, human sexuality, physiology, and neuroscience. A fascination with medical cannabis as a substance and potential medicine led her to be one of the innovators in the development and oversight of FGCU’s cannabis-focused study program, which prepares and coaches future industry professionals for entrance into the thriving world of cannabis business, science, cultivation, and more. When she’s not teaching, Martha is writing textbooks on drugs and researching their applications, participating in Ted Talks and podcasts, and being an all-around inspiration. We had the pleasure of sitting down with this vibrant educator and entrepreneur to learn more about what drives her and her work in the cannabis space, and what the future has in store.

Mar tha’s Podc

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HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU’RE DOING? I am a professor of neuroscience and physiology at FGCU, where I’m one of the founding faculty. I’ve been teaching about drugs for 25 years and published my latest textbook about drugs in 2018. I am the Director of Education and Research for the Cannabis Education, Research, and Workforce initiative (CREW) at FGCU, and I’m overseeing the creation of a multidisciplinary focus of study in cannabis, a professional certificate program in cannabis, and a number of research projects.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY?

Cannabis has always particularly interested me—not only for its physiological effects, but for its history and social policies. The fact that it is a schedule I drug despite fitting none of the criteria has made me wave my arms in the air in frustration. My life has been dedicated to education, and I love that I have the opportunity to educate so many people about this fascinating substance. I’m honored to be one of the many people committed to getting the word out, so we can best serve not only individuals’ physical and psychological health, but also help to influence laws and policies regarding medical marijuana in Florida and across the nation.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROJECT?

The CREW began last fall, when Professor Sam Walch and I team-taught a course about cannabis at FGCU. Apparently, it was the first undergraduate course on cannabis in Florida and we were interviewed by local news. Once the word was out, the floodgates opened, and we were inundated by those in the industry saying they wanted to hire our students! We realized that this was bigger than a single course, and proposed the Cannabis Research, Education, and Workforce initiative. We had the support of our Dean, Provost, and President, and we were off! It’s been a whirlwind, and every day we build on our program. CREW has quite a few projects going on! We are creating a cannabis focus of study, and students can get a B.A. in Integrated Studies with a focus in cannabis. We have courses in botany, law, physiology and pharmacology, pop culture, and many others, all related to cannabis. FGCU is also offering a multidisciplinary professional certificate in cannabis through our continuing education department. Our first workshop is May 6-10 at FGCU. Our presenters are experts in cannabis law, accounting, business, medicine, growth and extraction techniques, advocacy, and other cannabis topics. There are still a few seats left for this workshop, and we hope to have another workshop over the first 2 weekends in August. We also have 2 research surveys in the works—one for medical marijuana patients, and one for physicians—and I’m also working with a physician to analyze some of his data. In the coming years, we’ll expand our cannabis research here at FGCU. Finally, Sam Walch is working with our students to get them internships and jobs in the cannabis industry.

WHAT MAKES YOU SO PASSIONATE ABOUT CANNABIS EDUCATION?

The endocannabinoid system is the most fascinating, complex, ubiquitous biological system I’ve ever studied! It regulates so many functions in the body and helps maintain balance and homeostasis. I love that we have only known about the endocannabinoid system for a couple of decades, yet it has such important, widespread effects. It’s exciting that there’s still so much to learn about it. Add the fact that cannabinoids are so safe and have such potential therapeutic benefits makes it all especially exciting.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE AMBITIONS?

I’m going to keep on getting the word out about this fascinating substance, and how it impacts our bodies, our minds, and our society.

art CANNABIS

COMING IN OUR JULY ISSUE

Featuring 4 exciting cannabis-inspired artists.

Grow with us! .COM

GANJASANA REVIVING ANCIENT CANNABIS PLANT SPIRIT TRADITIONS WITH RACHAEL CARLEVALE

thousands of years ago— is to harness a deeper understanding, from soil to flower. Seeing ganja as a sentient being, we can heal through these symbiotic relations. When we feel and know the life in the soil, we begin to understand our purpose, and connection

and bring a stillness to truly become present. Mindfulness, by definition means to pay attention to the present moment, without judgement. We can powerfully become aware of this present moment and find gratitude in the now when intentionally working with cannabis.

Carlevale emphasizes the fact that the ganja plant is the true teacher, and her purpose is to simply hold space—a safe container to explore and deepen these cannabis plant spirit Sitting connections. Enlightenment is on their yoga mats to nature by becoming allies not something we attain, rather in a candle lit room in with the natural world. Carlevaa remembering of divine wisdom Boulder, CO, students hold le developed the practice from that is fundamentally held within their hands out as Red Wiggler the roots of her own experience, our DNA. It is a peeling away of worms slither across the marma healing her body from cancer all the influences that prevent us points of their palms (energy through the cultivation of canfrom living in our highest truth. points in the body). The worm’s nabis and the practice of yoga. bio slime activates these points, Ganjasana aligns regenerative She has the students hold up a and the vermicompost (worm cannabis “Ganja” (from the San- fan leaf, the wide nutritious part excretions) contain a bacteria, skrit word Ganjika) with sacred of the plant whose function is to Mycobacterium vaccae, that has yoga methods “Asana” and is harness the energy of the sun been found to release serotonin founded on the ethics of Per- through photosynthesis. She in the brain, the chemical maculture—earth care, people instructs the students to speak that makes us feel happy and care, fair share. to the plant, to whisper their inrelaxed—and connected to the Plants arrived on Earth many tentions, sankalpa, their quesganja plant medicine. years before us humans, and tions. She instructs participants to actively use their senses— The essence of Ganjasana—a they hold inherent knowledge— sight: gaze and contemplate all Cannabis Yoga ceremony de- if we can learn to quiet our of the energy it took to create veloped by Rachael Carlevale, minds enough, we will be able to the ganja plant; touch: to notice who aims to revive the ancient listen. Our minds are constantly the various textures and parts of practice of working with plant running. We have a chatter, the leaf; smell: to take in the aromedicine in body, mind, and chitta, that through mindfulness matic compounds; and to listen. spirit, just as our ancestors did practices, we can learn to quiet

GANJASANA ALIGNS REGENERATIVE CANNABIS “GANJA” (FROM THE SANSKRIT WORD GANJIKA) WITH SACRED YOGA METHODS “ASANA” AND IS FOUNDED ON THE ETHICS OF PERMACULTURE—EARTH CARE, PEOPLE CARE, FAIR SHARE. 34

Putting the leaf up to their ears, the students refine their awareness to hear the messages of the ganja plant spirit. Cannabis has shown up as a holy sacrament in many cultures across the world. The oldest mention of cannabis is in the ancient Vedas, sacred Hindu texts from India, which state that Shiva is known as the Lord of Bhang, a cannabis elixir. Sadhus, Holy Yogis from India, have been pairing the sacred cannabis plant with yoga, and Ganjasana seeks to revive this ancient tradition. Ceremonies are designed to deepen alignment of body, mind, and spirit with the master cannabis plant through the practices of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. “We value the most ecologically conscious, sustainable, and safe cannabis pairings with our yoga practice. We believe in medicine of the purest form, that goes beyond organic cannabis that aims to not only be sustainable, but regenerative in nature; grown through permaculture styles, and biodynamic living systems. In order to deepen connection with plant spirit, in respect for ourselves, our community and our environment, it is vital that no chemicals, fertilizers, or pesticides are used in the growing process.” Carlevale explains. Ganjasana serves regenerative cannabis, and designs ceremonies around a specific genetic cultivar

to keep the container of the ceremony and participants on the same plane. Mindfully consuming, starting with slow and small solutions, helps to cultivate a positive, legal, and meaningful experience. Carlevale chants to praise the holy ganja “Om Shiva Shankara, hari hari Ganja!” – Know in your heart, that God accepts the smoking of sacrament as worship… the plant represents the body, the burning is the fire of the mind, the smoke is the spirit, the high feeling is the union, yoga. Ganjasana leads cannabis yoga ceremonies nationally and offers a 100-hour Yoga Alliance Certified continuing education course for those looking to share these practices with their communities.

PLANT CEREMONY CURANDERA | PERMACULTURE FARMER YOGA TEACHER | MINDFULNESS EDUCATOR | CANNABIS ACTIVIST & CULTIVATOR

www.Ganjasana.com 35

Cannabis Sex EXP LO R I N G N EW O PTI O N S

BY L E A H O L Z

Yes, sex and cannabis. Why would you overlook this area of your life when you contemplate your cannabis use? By now, you know cannabis can help treat countless health issues. From the top of your head to the tips of your toes, nearly every inch of your body can benefit from a little cannabinoid love— but there may be one very important area you’ve overlooked. In a first-of-its-kind US study published in the Journal for Sexual Medicine, researchers at Stanford University Medical Center set out to assess the relationship between how often people had sex and how often people used cannabis. Expecting to find less frequent sexual activity amongst cannabis users due to concerns that use may impair sexual desire, researchers were surprised to report that in a fourweek period, non-cannabis using women had sex an average of six times—while the cannabis using counterparts reported 7.1 sexual encounters in that same amount of time.1 While Senior Author Michael Eisenberg cautions against the misconception that smoking cannabis will lead to more sex, the study does suggest some very groundbreaking notions. Frequency of sex gradually and steadily increased alongside frequency of cannabis use, and this dose-dependent relationship suggests that cannabis could play an active role in supporting and possibly treating a myriad of sexual issues. In the United States today, a whopping 43% of the female 36

population reports struggling with some sort of sexual dysfunction.2 That’s nearly half of women in the United States missing out on the joy, gratification, and health benefits of regular sexual expression. “43% OF THE FEMALE POPULATION REPORTS STRUGGLING WITH SOME SORT OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION” The majority of reported sexual dysfunction in women is generally categorized as one of the following: lack of desire, inability to orgasm, problems reaching arousal, and/or pain during sex. Could cannabis provide an answer for relief? For post-menopausal women and men suffering from sexual dysfunction, cannabis use can be used to increase sensations and experiences. Many doctors are recommending cannabis to aid with difficulty orgasming, or for with low libidos. It could be that using cannabis in small doses may offer relaxation that lowers your anxiety levels, releases tension in your muscles, provides anti-inflammation, and lowers your inhibitions.

Dr. Hervé Damas, Miami, FL holds workshops to educate patients on the products, methods, and strains available to treat common sexual issues. He recognizes cannabis and sex as two topics intimately entwined. So, how does cannabis make sex better?

The sociology department at the University of California Santa Barbara has stated that while people sometimes feel aroused after consuming cannabis, most of the time they fall somewhere in between.3

“Our body’s natural endocannabinoid system is key in regulating things like pleasure, pain, relaxation and homeostasis,” says Damas. “When it is activated by the cannabinoids in cannabis, it can leave users feeling relaxed, with increased pleasure and decreased pain.”

There are very few studies using marijuana. “It’s a wonderful tool that nature gave us to connect with our bodies and ourselves and the sensuality of life,” says Dr. Nick Karras, a San Diego sexologist and author of The Passionate High: A Guide to Using Cannabis for Sex and Intimacy.

Anecdotal evidence exists in the form of thousands of women enjoying a multitude of new and emerging products designed to add some spice to their bedroom routine. Whether it’s a deeper connection with your partner, heightened sensation, or physical support you need, cannabis can be at your service.

The cannabis industry’s sex market is growing—according to research from the Global Wellness Institute, the global health and wellness market reached $3.7 trillion in 2016, with expectations in growth projected at 17 percent over the next five years.4 And with the legal cannabis industry booming, medically-infused

products with the aim of treating women’s sexual issues have the potential to claim a significant slice of the pie. Already, analysts project Health and Wellness to be a noteworthy growth sector in the US cannabis market.5 You know what that means: more options to help you reach your optimal pleasure experience. “Introducing cannabis in the bedroom can lead to increased arousal, making sex even more enjoyable,” says Damas. “For some people who experience increased pleasurable sensations with cannabis, this effect can make sex feel even better.” An informal poll by Psychology Today showed that 67% of respondents felt cannabis enhanced their sex lives. 20% claimed it depended entirely on the circumstances at the time.6

References: 1 https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(17)31417-0/fulltext - 2 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9121-sexual-dysfunction 3 http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/article/sex-and-marijuana - 4 https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/press-room/press-releases/wellness-now-a-372-trillion-global-industry/ - 5 https://investingnews.com/innspired/cannabis-boost-sexual-health-lucrative-cbd-trillion-dollar-market/ - 6 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/all-aboutsex/201105/marijuana-and-sex-surprising-results-blogger-s-informal-survey

“WHEN IT IS ACTIVATED BY THE CANNABINOIDS IN CANNABIS, IT CAN LEAVE USERS FEELING RELAXED, WITH INCREASED PLEASURE AND DECREASED PAIN.” 37

DO YOU HAVE A MEDICAL CANNABIS CARD IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA? DO YOU WANT TO BE INCLUDED IN A SURVEY STUDYING THE BEST PRACTICES IN MEDICAL CANNABIS USE? IF SO, WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! PLEASE GO TO THE LINK BELOW TO TAKE A FREE ONLINE SURVEY TO TELL US ABOUT HOW MEDICAL CANNABIS HELPS YOU. h t t ps : / / su r v ey . fg c u. ed u/ M ed i ca l- C a nna bi s - U s e- S ur vey . as px

THIS SU RVEY IS A PAR T O F THE C ANNAB IS, R ESEAR C H, AND WO R KFORCE INITIATIVE (C R EW) AT FLO R IDA G ULF C OAST U NIVER SITY . THE G O AL O F THE SU R VEY IS TO ASCER TAIN DEMO G R APHIC INFO R MATIO N AB O U T MEDICAL C ANNAB IS PATIENTS IN FLO R IDA. TH IS SU R VEY IS VO LU NTAR Y , ANO NYMO US, AND C AN BE DISCO NTINU ED AT ANY TIME WITH NO PENALTY . THE SU RVEY WILL TAKE ROU G HLY 20 MINU TES TO C O MPLETE.

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE DIS’S

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K im

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s, M

“What, me? Worry?” This iconic signature phrase was on the front cover of MAD magazine, emblazoned under the face of Alfred E. Newman. Anxiety, and the associated psychological and physical symptoms, is the most prevalent mental illness in the US—affecting approximately 18% of the population. Anxiety manifests differently in each person and it originates from a variety of risk factors including life events, genetics, and personality. And although the “What, me? Worry?” attitude is attributed to male archetypes like Alfred E. Newman, it is women who primarily suffer from anxiety disorder, twice as frequently as men. There are traditional therapies that are used to treat anxiety and its co-associated disorders. The treatment protocols and success rates vary, just like the anxiety presentation itself varies from patient to patient. Patients respond differently to different treatment options, and some may do well with a combination of techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, other complementary treatments, and a pharmaceutical medication. This multi-modal approach is wellaccepted by traditional medical practitioners even though it has varied success rates. 40

So how does cannabis fit? It depends. Some physicians and other health care providers are suspicious of cannabis, believing it will cause more harm than good—and in truth, that is a possibility. The over consumption of cannabis products containing high concentrations of THC, the intoxicating molecule in cannabis, may actually mimic a panic attack. Patients who do not consume

IT IS WOMEN WHO PRIMARILY SUFFER FROM ANXIETY DISORDER, TWICE AS FREQUENTLY AS MEN

cannabis regularly, overconsume cannabis with high concentrations of THC, or who are completely new to consuming cannabis may be sensitive to some of THC’s effects. THC may cause a rapid heart rate, dry mouth, and an overwhelming feeling of fear or anxiety—which is similar to many of the symptoms experienced with a panic attack!

However, there are many patients who use cannabis to help treat their anxiety disorders. How can this be if the effects of THC imitate a panic attack? Well, the answer is that not all cannabis is alike. Cannabis is like an entire pharmacy in a plant. Different cultivars and cannabis products contain varied amounts of THC and the nonintoxicating CBD (the second most predominant cannabinoid), as well as other constituents. The different combinations of chemicals can be used to discover which mix helps reduce anxiety for each individual patient. If you are considering using cannabis to see if it works for your anxiety, you may want to start with a cannabis product that contains all or mostly CBD. CBD is a nonintoxicating chemical that carries no risk of causing panic attacklike effects, as it works differently in the body than THC does. There are also animal studies which report that CBD does work on serotonin receptors—and these are the very same receptors that pharmaceutical drugs known as SSRIs target to treat anxiety.

Another animal study showed that CBD helped increase the number of hippocampal nerve cells in the brain. (Hippo-what?) The hippocampus is a structure in our brain that is in charge of many things, such as regulating memory and emotions. This includes anxiety. Brain scans of people who suffer with anxiety show that they have a smaller hippocampus than people who do not have anxiety. Both CBD and SSRIs may help to regrow the hippocampal nerve cells to increase the hippocampus size and possibly reduce anxiety. What about terpenes? As we know, cannabis is more than just cannabinoids. There are over 400 constituents in the cannabis plant. Terpenes are some of the chemicals that give cannabis its scent and taste. They also have therapeutic effects. Cannabis products that contain the terpenes myrcene and limonene, for example, may create a sense of relaxation and may lessen the feeling of anxiety. Cannabis products that contain a lot of the terpene pinene may create an energized and focused feeling in some, but may make other people feel anxious.

The upshot? Is THC the evil demon? Not necessarily. There are patients who require some amount of THC in combination with CBD to effectively treat their anxiety. It is just prudent to start at a very low concentration of THC or start with no THC and slowly add THC and titrate to higher concentrations of THC if needed. The panic-like feeling dissipates with continued cannabis use. There is no one cure for every person, whether it is conventional medical therapy, medical cannabis, or a combination. Risks and benefits of every treatment need to be weighed before starting any treatment. Consult your recommending physician and be willing to try different combinations, as every person responds differently.

NOT ALL CANNABIS IS ALIKE 41

BY LEA HOLZ

CANNABIS CHRONIC PAIN AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. GREGORY SONN OF THE IONA CANNABIS CLINIC

I found myself sitting in a room of twenty or so recently-hired budtenders in Boulder, Colorado, listening to a lecture from our new managers on qualifying conditions for medical marijuana patients. “Who in this room has experienced chronic pain?” asked one of the trainers. To my surprise, nearly all hands in the room shot up into the air, and most of those hands belonged to women. It may have been shocking at the time, but chronic pain—medically-defined as pain that lasts longer than three months—is no stranger to the vast majority of Americans. And just like that room full of newlyhired employees, over half of Americans struggling with pain that lingers are female.

UNFORTUNATELY, THE WAY DOCTORS TREAT MOST AILMENTS IS BASED ON UNDERSTANDINGS OF MALE PHYSIOLOGY4, AND WOMEN THUSLY EXPERIENCE A HIGHER RATE OF MISDIAGNOSIS. Chronic pain affects about 100 million people or one third of the population.1 Combine those in the United States suffering from diabetes, cardiovascular 42

disease, and cancer, and their numbers still aren’t as great as those suffering from this common condition. Of those with chronic pain, a whopping 70% are women.2 On top of this, an estimated and staggering 80% of our population suffers with some form of depression and anxiety, which is often associated with the coping of physical pain. And, you guessed it, from the age of puberty to the age of menopause, a woman is twice as likely to have an anxiety disorder as a man.3 It’s no wonder, then, that a 2017 report found that of the 813, 917 registered cannabis users in the United states, 62.2% were using it to treat their enduring pain.4 This represented the largest group of people using cannabis for evidence-based conditions in the study and appears to mirror what we see in dispensaries and doctor’s offices around us. It seems that across the board, chronic pain has become an epidemic. Thankfully, medical cannabis offers a viable option for relief, and healthcare professionals in the cannabis space are here to help guide the way for patients seeking help.

I sat down with Dr. Gregory Sonn of the Iona Cannabis Clinic to get a better idea of what chronic pain means, involves, and what new patients should keep in mind during treatment with cannabis products. Chronic Pain is the number one diagnosis that Dr. Sonn treats in his practice. He defines chronic pain as any type of physical and or emotional pain that has extended past the normal period of time. Of course, what is considered normal often varies person to person.

“For a PTSD or emotional pain patient,” says Sonn, “the expectation for pain to linger is six months. For a physical pain patient, it is three months. So, for example, if there is a death in the family and a person is still severely grieving after 6 months, that is considered chronic. For a physical pain patient: pain that lingers after the initial onset that should have dissipated, but has not, is considered chronic.”

There are a myriad of options for women seeking chronic pain relief through medical cannabis. Transdermal patches, salves, and skin creams containing CBD and other cannabinoids are used by many patients with joint pain, menstrual cramps, and muscle soreness. Tinctures, tablets, and concentrates provide a familiar route of delivery for patients who are trying to reduce or discontinue their opioid medications. Full-spectrum products As is proven in study after study, women’s health and whole flower cannabis for vaporizing or is a unique entity. The female body responds dif- smoking are also options some patients use for ferently than the male body when it comes to many more intense or psychological pain. Each patient’s forms of treatment; it also responds completely dif- ideal dose and delivery method is unique. ferently to pain. A substantial amount of data even “My patients greater than 50, for example, suggests that women feel pain more strongly and generally prefer oral medicines specifically and find acutely than men. Unfortunately, the way doctors pretty good comfort, confidence, and success,” treat most ailments is based on understandings of Sonn says, “While my younger groups of female male physiology4, and women thusly experience a patients are definitely finding their way to inhalation higher rate of misdiagnosis. One study even found products.” that women were seven times more Talking to your doctor about your home likely to be misdiagnosed and sent state’s available options is the best home from the hospital in the midway to determine the best product or THERE ARE A dle of having a heart attack than their method for you. MYRIAD OF male counterparts.5 Dr. Sonn finds a high level of success OPTIONS FOR with most of his chronic pain patients Interestingly, women are also less WOMEN SEEKING who seek medical cannabis as an likely to turn to opioids for their chronic CHRONIC PAIN option. However, there are a few pain. Perhaps this is why Dr. Sonn recognizes some of the unique trends RELIEF THROUGH conditions that are tricky to treat and do not always respond well to amongst his female patients that MEDICAL cannabis therapies. he keeps in mind when considering CANNABIS. cannabis treatment options. “In my practice, I’ve had poor responses in women with iatrogenic “In general, the women I see are more tremors,” says Sonn. “It unfortunately is not one likely to acknowledge significant pain issues and potential treatments. They seem in general to be of the things I see good results for. I also see a more open to natural alternative options,” he says. lot of women with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The “There are definitely groups of people (women problem with advanced RA is that cannabis works aged 30 to 50 years old, for example) that have this best with this when prescribed at an early age, unbelievable amount of anxiety and depression before the condition has had a chance to advance.” that they are willing to acknowledge and treat. For this reason, Dr. Sonn encourages any young When we get to the 50 to 80-year-old-women, they women diagnosed with any type of RA to get into definitely acknowledge the greater pain aspect and their state’s cannabis program as soon as possible treatments more openly.” to prevent the advancement of this—or any— The doctor’s experiences run parallel to findings disease. from a review of 18 studies completed by “My recommendation, when it comes to a medical Miaskowski and colleagues, who observed lower cannabis evaluation, is to do it as soon as you opioid consumption postoperatively among have a thought about it,” Sonn says. “If you are women.6 Could this be due to a higher tendency thinking about cannabis as a treatment option, try amongst women to consider and seek out natural it. Because if you think it will help, it likely will. And the sooner you can break those cycles of chronic alternative therapies? pain, the better you will feel.” 1 Ivker, Dr. Rav. Cannabis for Chronic Pain. New York: Touchtone, 2017. Print. - 2 https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/women-and-pain-disparities-in-experience-and-treatment-2017100912562 - 3 https:// adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/women/facts - 4 http://www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/Reports/2017/health-effects-of-cannabis-and-cannabinoids.aspx - 5 https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/women-andpain-disparities-in-experience-and-treatment-2017100912562 - 6 https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM200008243430809 - 7 https://www.jpain.org/article/S1526-5900(04)01114-9/fulltext

Cannabis AND Epilepsy By Heather DeRose

MY NAME IS HEATHER, AND I AM ONE OF THE 65 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE WORLD LIVING WITH EPILEPSY TODAY.

Epilepsy is a disease characterized by the unprovoked reoccurrence of seizures. Seizures may be caused by a traumatic brain injury or have an unknown cause. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, the condition effects 65 million people worldwide and 3.4 million people within the United States—this makes it the 4th most common neurological disorder around the world. Epilepsy effects more people than Autism, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Cerebral Palsy combined. The condition causes more than 50,000 deaths per year—more than those affected by breast cancer. An estimated 1 in 26 people will have a seizure at some point in their lifetime. Epilepsy is a spectrum condition and includes a wide range of seizure types and control which vary from person to person. I was diagnosed when I was 44

a teenager with Tonic-Clonic seizures—previously known as a Grand Mal. This seizure is what most people commonly imagine those diagnosed with epilepsy experience. When I experienced a seizure, I would typically have a few seconds worth of warning: I would begin to feel nauseous or sick before losing

consciousness and convulsing. As with many people diagnosed with the condition, I had several tests done to try to figure out what was causing my seizures. Epilepsy is very difficult to study, unless a patient is hooked up to an EEG machine to find problems related to electroactivity in the brain. The tests

try to induce seizure activity in order to analyze the activity during occurrence, and it can be stressful for the patient. I had several conducted, but despite deprivation of both food and sleep, doctors could not produce a seizure to study. They also conducted a brain scan, which did not show any abnormalities.

SINCE EPILEPSY PRESENTS UNIQUELY IN EACH PERSON, IT IS DIFFICULT TO TREAT. An estimated one-third of the population with the condition cannot control their seizures. Millions of people taking medication with harsh side effects are still unable to control their seizure occurrence. Of those living without seizure control, 1 out of 1,000 will die from Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) each year and researchers have not yet found a cause for these deaths. Since the condition causes so many deaths, and the majority of people

living with this condition have no seizure control with the harsh medications, cannabis has become a natural and effective treatment option. After all of my tests, the doctors told me that they could not trigger a seizure and had no conclusive evidence on correlation between a trigger and seizure occurrence. They also told me I could never have a seizure again, or I could risk them occurring every day for the rest of my life, without pattern or warning. Obviously, this left me— as well as many others affected by the condition—unsure of what my future would hold. The stigma and misinformation surrounding the condition also made it very difficult to cope with at such a young age. At

times, public misunderstanding and challenges may be worse for the person than the seizure itself. I continued to have seizure reoccurrence into my early twenties. After researching the topic extensively, I decided to try cannabis for epilepsy and overall health and wellness. This was when I learned about the case of Charlotte Figi and how her seizure occurrence was dramatically reduced with Charlottes Web. I also learned about patent number 6630507 that the U.S. government holds on cannabinoids as antioxidants, neuroprotectants, and a powerful anti-inflammatory. Due to federal regulations and limited access to cannabidiol (CBD), it has taken several years

to collect research on cannabinoids. Fortunately, evidence from laboratory studies, anecdotal reports and clinical studies have shown the potential of CBD to help control seizures. Many recent studies have also shown the benefit of CBD in treating specific groups of people with epilepsy who have not responded to traditional therapies. However, more research is still needed. The cannabis plant has over one hundred different cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and other phytonutrients. All of these plant compounds work together within each person’s own regulatory system, the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is said to be the most important regulatory system within the body to promote homeostasis. Last year, the evidence on the cannabinoid CBD was conclusive enough for the FDA to approve a pharmaceutical drug called Epidiolex. The catch: it can cost over $32,500 per year. This wasn’t the first time a synthetic cannabinoid had been developed. In 1985, the FDA approved the synthetic version of the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC) in the form of a pharmaceutical drug called Marinol. This drug has been used to treat some patients undergoing chemotherapy or those diagnosed with HIV. However, due to high drug costs and with new research being conducted, many patients are choosing natural cannabis medicine that can be purchased from dispensaries. Patients using full-spectrum and whole plant products obtain additional compounds within 45

the plant that act synergistically. This is called the Entourage Effect, and it is still being clinically researched.

I AM A PROPONENT OF USING THE MOST NATURAL STATE OF THE CANNABIS PLANT AS MEDICINE TO OBTAIN AS MANY CANNABINOIDS AND OTHER PROPERTIES FOR MEDICINAL BENEFITS. I moved from my home state of Missouri and have lived in Colorado with access to regulated, legal cannabis for almost 4 years. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been seizurefree for almost 2 years, and credit my overall seizure control to cannabis, food medicine, and physical and mental health practices. For those looking for seizure control for themselves or a loved one, I recommend incorporating cannabis. I think about cannabis as a daily vitamin. A vitamin that works with the natural ECS within our bodies and has minimal side-effects, especially when compared to the harsh side-effects of commonly-prescribed epilepsy medications. When looking to try a cannabis product, consult with your physician first. If they are not open to the medical benefits of cannabis, speak with another doctor willing to discuss your treatment decision. I recommend growing your own medicine, if possible, or obtaining it in a legally regulated market, which may mean moving to a legal state. Even with all the studies and research, dosage is the most unknown component about cannabis therapies. The answer is still start low and go 46

slow. I recommend obtaining the test results to know exactly whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in your medicine and record the effects and dosages on an app or journal to find what works best. With cannabis as a known option of natural treatment for those diagnosed with epilepsy, it is widely sought after by patients learning more about the benefits and wanting to try a less harsh medication with hopes of better results. This provides hope for those with conditions in which cannabis may help. Since medical cannabis has been proven to help many who suffer from epilepsy and has the ability to save lives, I urge you to discuss the topic and to get involved so we can make a difference to ensure people with seizures have the opportunity to improve their quality of life to the fullest!

HEATHER CELEBRATING 2 YEARS SEIZURE FREE! APRIL 19TH, 2019

CANNABIS FOR

FIBROMYALGIA

BY ANTONIO DEROSE

Fibromyalgia is a common condition with very little understanding. The American Chronic Pain Association reports, “Fibromyalgia affects an estimated 2 to 4 percent of the US population, or as many as 6 to 12 million people.” The condition is much more prevalent among women than men, with women making up approximately 90% of fibromyalgia patients. Known for causing widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction, doctors still don’t know what causes the condition, and more research is being conducted. However, back in 2004, a literary review suggesting So why would it be important to discover that a possible cause for fibromyalgia was published cannabis could help the millions of people who in the Neuroendocrinology Letters, an internal suffer from fibromyalgia? There’s two reasons peer-reviewed medical journal covering neuroen- for this. First, the current medical treatment docrinology. The review was published by neurolo- plan for fibromyalgia is mostly prescriptions for gist, Dr. Ethan Russo, who suggested fibromyalgia pharmaceutical pain killers, antidepressants, and and other conditions displaying “comeven anti-seizure medications. Several mon clinical, biochemical and pathoof these medications are known to “MEDICAL physiological patterns, suggest an have dangerous side effects, and CANNABIS underlying clinical endocannabinoid TREATMENT HAD many pharmaceutical pain killers are deficiency that may be suitably treatopioid based with have extremely high A SIGNIFICANT ed with cannabinoid medicines.” This rates of addiction. Since our country is FAVORABLE suggestion points to a lack of cannacurrently in an opioid epidemic, having EFFECT ON binoids like THC and CBD, which interan alternative medicine like cannabis PATIENTS WITH act with our endocannabinoid system FIBROMYALGIA, can help keep fibromyalgia patients to moderate homeostasis in the body, live a better quality of life without fear of WITH FEW as being the underlying cause of the getting addicted to a deadly painkiller. ADVERSE chronic pain and other symptoms sufEFFECTS’’ The second reason is that it already ferers of fibromyalgia experience. falls in line with the complementary Although Russo’s theory hasn’t been treatments being suggested in addiscientifically proven, newer research tion to pharmaceuticals. These treatresults are indicating cannabis can ments include other natural and orhelp fibromyalgia patients. In 2018, ganic healthcare remedies, like active a study on treating fibromyalgia with exercise, acupuncture, massage, and medical cannabis was published in physical therapy. Cannabis can actuthe Journal of Clinical Rheumatology ally be incorporated into all of these which concluded, “medical cannabis activities to encourage a synergistic treatment had a significant favorable focus of holistic healing. In the end, effect on patients with fibromyalgia, more research needs to be conducted with few adverse effects.’’ Their data in order to produce more conclusive was collected from two hospital evidence, but it’s starting to look like registries of patients diagnosed with cannabis may be one piece of the anfibromyalgia and treating the condition swer to treating fibromyalgia. with medical cannabis in Israel, which is the leading country in the world for cannabis research. 47

COMBATING MENSTRUAL PAIN with Cannabis by heather derose Many women are plagued with menstrual pain each month. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, dysmenorrhea is the most commonly reported menstrual disorder. The pain can vary from throbbing cramps to cramping pain in the lower abdomen. Other symptoms can include lower back pain, nausea, diarrhea and headaches. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) symptoms usually begin 1 to 2 weeks prior to your period and can include weight gain, bloating, irritability, and fatigue.

FOR SOME WOMEN, MENSTRUAL PAIN CAN BE DEBILITATING. Women who experience pain for several days a month have options to endure the pain or medicate to alleviate symptoms. 48

Many women turn to over-thecounter NSAIDs (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs) such as Ibuprofen for pain relief. At prescription doses, these drugs can provide relief with inflammation. However, these drugs are synthetic, and the human body does not have a regulatory system to process them. This leads to side effects. In addition, these treatments usually do not provide adequate symptom relief for patients. NSAIDs raise the risk of having a heart attack or stroke and can cause stomach bleeding and death. Prostaglandins are inflammatory chemicals that peak during menstruation. NSAIDs work by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for producing prostaglandins (COX-2). This means that NSAIDs could potentially decrease all the symptoms aggravated by prostaglandins, including inflammation, contractions, and pain. However, NSAIDs

can also have unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects, because they inhibit another enzyme (COX-1). For this reason, NSAIDs should be used with moderation, and people with certain digestive issues might want to avoid them entirely.

RESEARCH SHOWS THAT, SIMILAR TO NSAIDS, CBD ALSO INHIBITS THE PROSTAGLANDIN PRODUCING ENZYME. Unlike NSAIDs, CBD preferentially inhibits COX-2 over COX-1. In simpler terms, this means its anti-inflammatory benefits come without the gastrointestinal side effects. Not only does CBD inhibit the COX-2 enzyme, but both CBD and THC physically stop

your DNA from producing as much of the enzyme overall. Many healthcare professionals suggest patients start taking painkillers an hour or more before symptoms start – whether they are NSAIDs or cannabis treatment. Not starting treatment until pain symptoms start makes it more difficult to regulate pain, because the prostaglandins are already causing inflammation. Having a natural option that provides tremendous symptom relief is why women are turning to cannabis products.

Cannabis has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years and with the expanding growth of knowledge and availability, it is quickly becoming a household treatment product. Cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are credited with aiding a variety of conditions including anxiety, inflammation, nausea, pain and others. Cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the entire body, including the uterus. The receptors within the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS) work with the cannabinoids found in cannabis to help naturally regulate the body’s response to pain and inflammation. Cannabis is also known for its muscle relaxing and vaso relaxing benefits, which can aid in menstrual symptom relief. Incorporating cannabis foods can also help manage menstrual symptoms, because they contain gamma linolenic acid which helps maintain hormone balances. Cannabis foods contain high levels of magnesium, which can reduce pain and inflammatory prostaglandin levels as well. Other natural treatment options, such as heat application, exercise, vitamins, healthy lifestyle, and stress reduction may decrease discomfort for women. Patients may seek additional options if they don’t find relief with NSAIDs or cannabinoid therapy which could include a prescription for non-hormonal drug treatments, the contraceptive pill, stronger pain relievers, and the intrauterine system (IUS). All come with lengthy side effect lists. Healthcare professionals are learning more about the benefits of cannabis and are educating and prescribing cannabis to their patients.

Dr. Melanie Bone is a board-certified gynecologist and a medical cannabis practitioner. Her mission is to, “be an educator and to provide the guidance and support so very necessary to give to patients, especially those who have no experience with cannabis.” Dr. Bone specializes in “the intersection of women’s health and cannabiniods.” She is working in the industry educate others about, “cannabiniods for women’s wellness from menarche through menopause.” With doctors like Dr. Bone prescribing cannabis for overall health and menstrual pain management, cannabis has become the natural go-to for maintaining a woman’s ability to function and manage pain, as well as overall health and wellness benefits. Dispensaries carry products that specialize in treating menstrual pain, such as vaginal suppositories. Patients can get cannabinoids directly to the area that needs it, with little or no psychoactive effects. Other cannabis products can aid in providing symptom relief like topicals, edibles, smokables, sublinguals, patches, and more. Modern women are beginning to take advantage of the cannabis plant as a tool for menstrual pain and as a health product for themselves and their families, as it was used thousands of years ago. With knowledge and availability growing, cannabis is spreading its power to provide health benefits and improve the quality of lives for millions around the world.

CANNABIS HAS BEEN USED FOR ITS MEDICINAL PROPERTIES FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS...

Managing

Migraines WITH Cannabis BY ANTONIO DEROSE

Many of us have experienced some sort of headache, and several of us have experienced migraine pain. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, migraines are a neurological disease that affects 39 million people in America and 1 billion people worldwide. Migraines are more than bad headaches, and are often characterized with symptoms like severe throbbing pain, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to lights, sounds, and smells. The severity of migraines is often misunderstood, and most people discredit how incapacitating true migraines can be. Migraines are reported as being “the 6th most disabling illness in the world” and “every 10 seconds, someone in the U.S. goes to the emergency room complaining of head pain,

and approximately 1.2 million visits are for acute migraine attacks.” In addition to being one of the most common visits to emergency rooms, more than 4 million people experience migraine pain on a chronic daily basis. Now that we have a better understanding for how incapacitating and frightening common migraine pain is across the world, let’s take a deeper look into the different types of migraines, before discussing how cannabis may be able to help. The American Migraine Foundation defines a total of nine different types of migraines. The most common is a Migraine without Aura, but almost one in four will experience a Migraine with Aura, also known as a complicated

migraine. Those who suffer from these complicated migraines “experience aura, a series of sensory and visual changes that can range from seeing black dots and zags to tingling numbness on one side of the body, or an inability to speak clearly. Aura sets in shortly before or during a migraine, and can last anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. Aura is the second of migraine’s four stages, and anyone who experiences it will confirm it is an unmistakable warning sign that the severe head pain is on its way.” Retinal migraines occur when the headache causes temporary loss of vision, and is most common in women. Loss of vision can last as short as a minute or as long as a few months. Hemiplegic migraines result in symptoms similar to stroke, with weakening

on one side of the body and loss of feeling or numbness. Chronic migraines are defined as having headaches more than 15 days a month, and there are several other types, including migraines without head pain, ice pick headaches, cluster headaches, and cervicogenic headaches, which are actually caused by pain in the neck and tension on the spine. So how can cannabis possibly help manage migraines? Let’s take a look at the research. The Journal of Headache and Pain published the results of a research study focused on the activation of CB2 receptors as potential therapeutic targets for migraines. Our body’s endocannabinoid system has CB1 and CB2 receptors. These are what the cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with, and both are being found to play a role in managing pain. “Recent research suggests that also CB2 receptors, especially located outside the central nervous system, play a role in the perception of pain.” This research study, which was conducted on mice, stated “pharmacological manipulation of the CB2 receptor may represent a potential therapeutic tool for the treatment of migraines.”

There was also a comprehensive review of several scientific studies, regarding the relationship between the endocannabinoid system and migraines, published in Experimental Neurology. The review, which examined over 80 scientific studies and references related to the topic, concluded, ”activation of the ECS (endocannabinoid system) represents an interesting potential tool for reducing physiological as well as inflammatory pain-the types of pain most likely involved in migraine attacks- although the involved mechanisms need further investigation.” Ultimately, this means cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which interact with our ECS (endocannabinoid system), are already being proven to help manage the types of pain associated with migraines, but more research is needed to find out exactly why. So the next time you have a migraine or head pain, consider trying a cannabis product for relief and find out why so many people are already replacing common over the counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications with cannabis a safer alternative. 51

MEDICAL MINUTE BY LEA HOLZ

How to Avoid a Negative Dispensar y E xperience Recently, a friend told a disturbing story: On her first trip to a dispensary, his 80+ year old grandmother came home with a large bag. The budtender had encouraged her to buy every vape cartridge and tincture product in the store. Despite the many containers of tincture, and vaporizers that spilled from her bag, the patient had left the dispensary with very little product knowledge, or directions. Alarmed, her family struggled for answers. They turned to a family member who had attended FGCUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first WEED course last semester. They asked if it was normal for grandma to purchase so many products on the first visit? He was shocked to see a new patient receiving so many products, and most of them not what the recommending doctor had suggested for the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conditions.

I have heard my share of disparaging dispensary stories over the years. I learned just how valuable a kind, knowledgeable, and communicative budtender really is. Thankfully, the stories of blatant patient disregard and manipulation have been fairly isolated. Hopefully, the majority of faces in the cannabis industry are here to help, and with a little awareness and preparation, you can make your dispensary visit the best possible. Read on for three facts to keep in mind when purchasing from your local dispensary. Hopefully, they will keep you and your loved ones from falling victim to a negative dispensary experience.

HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? WHY WAS A PATIENT TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF? HOW COULD THEY PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING IN THE FUTURE?

A DISPENSARY IS A RETAIL STORE. Patient be wary: while cannabis dispensaries promote themselves as medical centers and often offer rich opportunities for education, they are retail stores. Retail stores, by design, thrive on their ability to sell as much product as possible. In structure, dispensaries are no different than your local Target or Publix, and if you’ve ever found yourself working the frontlines of a busy retail store, you know how it works. A store purchases (or produces) a product, with an expectation of how much will be sold. If these items don’t sell, the product is marked down to encourage sales, and salespersons on the floor will be encouraged (and incentivized) to sell as much of the product as possible. This structure works well when you’re selling bags of chips and skinny jeans, but when applied to something like cannabis and human health, risks come into play, and unfortunately, all of the risks are to the patient. A quick search of dispensary job reviews on Indeed.com will yield multiple accounts of former dispensary workers being pressured to sell patients unnecessary products in the face of declining demand. The problem with this model is obvious: How can a budtender provide ethical care when their superior’s instruction directly conflicts with the patient’s needs? What if a CBD vape pen is on sale, but what the patient really needs is CBN tincture? Can you trust your budtender to proceed ethically? In cases like this, the patient is at the will of the budtender’s judgement, and when judgement is influenced by industry demands, patient satisfaction is put at risk. The solution? Be informed of your dispensary’s return policy, practice logic, and make sure you research all products you plan to buy before entering the store. Use your budtender as a reference, but have your own backup information on hand. Also, don’t be shocked by the fact that… 54

YOUR BUDTENDER HAS NO CERTIFICATION. The cannabis industry is young. Medical cannabis programs vary in structure and policy, but all have one thing in common: there is no governing body for, no nationallyrecognized standards for, and, in almost all states, no state training or certification required of those who sell your medicine in a cannabis dispensary. That’s right—it is easier and less expensive to become certified to advise medical cannabis patients on a dispensary floor than it is to apply makeup at a beauty counter or cut someone’s hair. While some impressive private education programs are available throughout the US and online, most are not regulated by a governing body. Many offer private certifications in cannabis education and budtending, but no national standard or testing is currently recognized or required in the US to sell medically-infused products as a dispensary worker. Background checks are often required, and each state writes its own policy on licensing mandates—but of those licensed to sell cannabis, most require no cannabis education either. Now, that’s not to say that there aren’t passionate, well-informed industry professionals out there eager to provide good patient care. There certainly are, and the dispensary is one of the best places to find them! However, many new patients mistakenly assume that the same certifications and education required of your nurse, doctor, or pharmacy are also held by your local dispensary workers. Like any retail store, most dispensaries require their employees to undergo some training on product knowledge and sales, but not all require budtenders to understand how and why these products work. This is why, prior to entering a dispensary, it is essential to remember that…

YOU NEED TO KNOW THE ROPES. It never feels good to be taken advantage of, but it happens to the best of us. To avoid this experience, practice the same caution you would in any retail store. Do your research before speaking with a salesperson. Read up on what cannabinoids, terpenes, and strains may be of most benefit to your individual condition. Enter with the knowledge of what to ask is a good way to ensure your budtender has the resources he or she needs to help you. It will also help you recognize who has the education and experience best suited to assist your needs. When you do choose to work with someone, choose an individual who can answer your questions with ease. And never feel pressured to leave the store with a product you’re unsure about. The dispensary will still be there tomorrow after you’ve had time to sleep on it. How can a patient tell the difference between good and not-so-good service? Ask plenty of questions and prepare yourself with basic working knowledge of cannabis and your body. Listen to the answers and proceed accordingly. Your budtender may be able to talk about the cannabinoids and terpenes present in a vape cartridge, but can they tell you how those terpenes were derived and what they do? An educator may be able to talk about the ratios of THC to CBD in a product, but can they explain the Entourage Effect? Most importantly, does the person working with you have an obvious interest in helping you feel better? By assuring you are informed about your condition, which products work for you, and have made your choice for routes of administration, you can be assured your trip to the dispensary will be rewarding instead of overwhelming.

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YOUR IDEAL WHITE WIDOW White widow is a very uplifting strain that can increase energy and help to clear the mind. This strain has an average THC composition of 20% and also has some phenotypes exceeding that amount. Typically, the user Is able to remain functional, and it can even be good to help with social anxiety. Due to its quickness, the user can expect to receive pain relief fast. While helpful with pain, this can be a very creatively valuable strain, perfect for when the user is lacking inspiration.

ALIEN BUBBA BERRY Alien Bubba Berry is a potent strain not recommended for first-time users of cannabis due to its intense nature. This strain is indica dominant and best for treating chronic pain. The strain is also good for those that suffer from insomnia or depression and anxiety. It is best to use this strain at night or in the evenings to relax and unwind.

3D CBD 3D CBD is a carefully crafted strain that keeps patients in mind. With a THC:CBD ratio of about 5:8, this earthy-flavored sativa is preferred for treating pain, inflammation, and muscle tension. Consumers susceptible to THC-induced anxiety may also appreciate the sobering, relaxing balance CBD has to offer. It offers a pine, tea, and woody aroma.

CANNABIS STRAIN PURPLE GOO This indica is pure relaxation with a blissful twist. Providing users with a moderately strong heaviness in the body and a euphoric sensation, Purple Goo is a great strain to use at night and works well for users who suffer from anxiety, pain, and/or depression. This is a sweet-tasting strain with a piney, floral scent.

CANNATONIC A hybrid strain bred by Spanish seed bank Resin Seeds specifically for its low THC content which is rarely ever above 6%, and high CBD content between 6-17%. It produces a relatively short-lived, mellow high that is both uplifting and relaxing, thanks to the high CBD content. Cannatonic is often used to treat pain, muscle spasms, anxiety, migraines, and a wide variety of other physiological and psychological symptoms. It presents with an earthy odor and a mild, sweet, vaguely citrusy flavor.

MANGO KUSH Mango Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid of Hindu Kush and Mango, with the THC content up to 16% but typically ranging from 10-12% with 0.3% CBD. The euphoric effects of this strain hit fast with a heavy body sensation that can ease pain and inflammation. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sativa counterpart gives an uplifting affect that can help ease anxiety, making it good for social settings. This is not a strain that would typically be used during the day, but it can be used during the day (if needed) for relief from acute pain.

CBD

With the signing of the Farm Bill of 2018, cannabidiol (CBD) produced from industrial hemp is now legal almost everywhere in the United States. You can see the explosion of CBD products on the market place. Today, you can purchase varieties of CBD on the internet, your corner store, drug store, grocery store, or smoke shop. There are CBD retail outlets just selling CBD. As in any industry that has such huge potential for profits, there are unscrupulous people selling bottles of who-knows-what as CBD.

Before you buy that tincture or gummy from the local store, stop and check it out first. Does it actually have CBD in the product? How much is in the product? Where did the CBD come from?

Was it tested by a 3rd party lab?

How was it extracted from the plant?

Is the item safe?

These seem like crazy questions to have to consider before buying and taking CBD. Most people believe if it is on the market, it must be safe. NOT TRUE! In this quickly changing marketplace, the regulations for safety and testing have not kept up with the influx of people manufacturing, and white bottling CBD. White bottling refers to the process in which a person/company resells their CBD products, usually in plain white bottles to another person/ company. That second seller then adds their label to the bottles and resells it. Consider that this process could have happened 10 times from the time the original CBD left the producer. When the white bottling occurs, more often than not, the middle man adds something to the product in order to resell more than what they originally purchased. In other words, the original product that may have been lab tested is now changed. How many times has someone added something in order to sell more of a product than what they purchased? You will never know what is in your bottle, until 3rd party testing is mandated for each and every product that we as consumers use in any manner. 58

How many people have changed/added to it from the producer to you?

I first met Kim Britton and Pure Spectrum several years ago. I was in Kauai trying to find CBD for my sore body. The smoke shops had just stopped selling CBD the week before my arrival. I found 2 vials on another island, but that was all that was available. I did an internet search and decided to try Pure Spectrum. I phoned their office, and Kim answered the phone. Our hour-long conversation left me convinced that I had just met a walking encyclopedia on CBD and the endocrine system. Kim often quotes Dr. Mechoulam, from Israel, the grandfather of THC and the Endocannabinoid System. She is constantly updating herself with studies and reads every book she can get her hands on to continue her education. Kim Britton, Pure Spectrum of Evergreen, Colorado, recently spoke with us about how she is working tirelessly to educate people on the benefits of CBD, and also why it is important to purchase safe, tested products. Kimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey into the cannabis industry began when she moved to Colorado from Kansas, where she was born and raised until 9th grade. She was in school when Colorado first became a medical marijuana state. Once an adult, she had the opportunity to have an interview for a local Medical Marijuana

Dispensary. She was hired as a “budtender” and quickly learned as much about dispensaries as she could. Soon, she and her partner had their own dispensary and grow. The dispensary they purchased was not in compliance with the state regulations. At the time of purchase, the dispensary was not in compliance with state regulations. Kim took on the job of bringing it into compliance in quick order. Kim had a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) shortly after their business was up and running. Her recovery was long and difficult, and she has lingering effects to this day. She turned to hemp and CBD to help with all the problems she was experiencing due to the brain injury, not wanting to take addictive, strong pain medicines. She journaled her results, and tried many hemp/CBD products and methods of ingestion. At

first, she was taking 3+ bottles of tincture a month. It was during this time that they encountered a grower that was developing a strain of CBD/hemp for a young girl that had come to Colorado because of her severe epilepsy. Their interest in CBD and hemp was peaked. From Kim’s journals, they studied her results with CBD. They decided to form Pure Spectrum, and focus on hemp-derived CBD products. They operate from their headquarters in the beautiful mountain town of Evergreen, Colorado. My first trip to Evergreen was on a sunny winter day. Snow capped mountain ranges greeted me, as well as elk, deer, and groundhogs! I turned into the Pure Spectrum lot and marveled at the sleek mountain chalet that is their headquarters. Meeting with their team of professionals, it was easy to see why they have a faithful following. I spent the day with their

team and visited and listened to many customers’ stories of using their CBD products and how they felt it helped them. Kim, currently the director of National Sales, has a way with customers that makes them feel at ease talking with a complete stranger about their health, disorders, and what they have tried prior to turning to CBD. She educates each person she comes into contact with, and all leave their conversation knowing that Kim Britton is now in their corner and will work tirelessly to see that they try to have improvements in their well-being. Kim tells us we should be on the lookout for new products coming soon from them that will “get the attention of those people not yet convinced of the potential effects of CBD”. They have new strategic partnerships on the horizon, along with new products. She reports that 2 puffs and her headache is gone.

LOOK FORWARD TO KIM’S CBD COLUMN IN OUR JULY ISSUE.

Cannabis & Inspiring CONSUMING

BY ANTONIO DEROSE

THE WORLD

IN HONOR OF OUR WOMEN’S HEALTH ISSUE, THIS MONTH’S CANNABIS AND FITNESS COLUMN HIGHLIGHTS SIX INSPIRING WOMEN WHO ARE SHATTERING THE STIGMAS OF CANNABIS THROUGH SPORTS.

MARTE’ HEPBURN

Merrimac, Wisconsin | Running, Biking, Swimming, Rock Climbing, Hiking Hepburn calls herself a “senior cannabis athlete.” Recently, at the age of 66, she set a High Five Challenge where she completed races in lengthening distances starting with a 5k and progressing to a 4.2 mile, 10k, Half Marathon, and finishing with a Full Marathon where she placed 1st in her age group. In addition to her running accolades, Hepburn is an avid traveler who incorporates fitness in her travel plans, as seen pictured here in her summit of Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata, Calgary, Canada. These are only a couple of her many athletic adventures, including her upcoming plans to bike 100 plus miles along the Erie Canal Bikeway in New York later this year. When asked how cannabis helps her as an athlete, Hepburn had this to say, “I find cannabis helps me get though the long distance running and takes the edge off any aches or pains. I can focus on the run, bike, swim, or climb rather than focusing on discomfort or pain.” Her routine around consuming cannabis includes edibles and topicals lotions, sprays, or oils which she uses before and after activity. 60

LIA ORIEL ARNTSEN

Boulder, Colorado | Running, Hiking, Mountain Climbing, Picking Up Litter Arntsen, who happens to be Marte’ Hepburn’s daughter, describes herself as an “awareness athlete.” She defines an awareness athlete as “someone who uses their athletic ability to complete races, adventures, and challenges to bring awareness to critical environmental and social issues and causes.” Just like her mother, Arntsen incorporates travel into her adventures as an athlete, and she is pictured here running in last year’s MoonRun Marathon in Monteverde, Costa Rica, where she raised $350 for sloths at the Toucan Rescue Ranch. Arntsen is also the founder of health and wellness company, You Canna Be Well, where she educates about the benefits of cannabis for a healthy lifestyle. Her advice for anyone curious about trying cannabis for activity is, “Play around with high CBD edibles and strains if you are concerned that cannabis may make you drowsy or unmotivated.” For her, “Cannabis acts as a motivator, to get me excited to go do something crazy, like run 25 miles through the jungle.” This year she’s planning an Eco-Triathlon involving biking, hiking, and cleaning up our planet.

SARA HAMALA

San Diego, California | Walking, Hiking, Group Fitness Hamala is a certified personal trainer who offers small group strength and stretch classes, private personal training sessions, hosts a biweekly hiking group, and is the Founder of lifestyle brand, Team Cannababes, where she encourages active living and cannabis for wellness. Hamala prefers to vape or smoke before a workout. She says it helps her “to dial in and focus on the workout ahead, as well as acting as a bronchodilator to decrease airway resistance and increase airflow. Cannabis is wellness, and—if you use it responsibly—it can really boost your overall performance.” Last year she completed the Rugged Maniac 5k which included 25 obstacles throughout the course, and she plans to do it again later this year.

BETHANY “B-TRAIN” SEMEIKS

Denver, Colorado | CrossFit, Ice Hockey, Roller Derby Semeiks says, “I don’t like being high, but I know the benefits of cannabis.” This is her reason for primarily using CBD topicals, and CBD only or very low THC edibles. “I’m not saying that I’m not sore and leg day doesn’t hurt, but it helps with mental clarity and tomorrow to be less painful.” Considering she spends 5 days a week working out at CrossFit Watchtower, on top of running Sales Strategies for GoFire, who produces their own Gofire Inhaler with an integrated plant medicine health suite, it’s safe to say she lives an incredibly active lifestyle. Being in the healthcare industry, her advice for choosing the right cannabis products is: “Look at the testing. If you’re thinking about buying a product and easily find the testing results, don’t waste your money.” Testing results can typically be found on the labeling, or on the manufacturer’s website.

ANNA SYMONDS

BECKY MADSEN

Portland, Oregon | Rugby, Yoga, Dance, Martial Arts Symonds played in the USA Rugby Women’s Premier League and the USA Touch Rugby National Championships. She is a member of Athlete’s for Care, and the Director of Education for Eastfork Cultivars, where she manages the CBD Educational & Certification Program, CBD Certified™. Symonds is a strong proponent for only using “cannabis products that are grown organically and regeneratively, with a strong preference for sun-grown cannabis and craft hemp.” She says, “Organically-grown, full-spectrum products will give you the greatest range of potential therapeutic benefits. For me, flower is a tried and true remedy that I like to use the night before competition for rest, and then directly afterward for immediate pain relief and to speed healing.” This is great to hear from an athlete and cannabis educator, considering Florida recently passed legislation allowing flower consumption.

Las Vegas, Nevada | Trail Running, Ultra Running Madsen embodies every aspect of what it means to be a trail runner. “It is important for me to not only race but to give back to the trail running community.” In just the past 12 months, her race resume is 11 races long, including the Black Canyon Ultras 60k, the Skyline to the Sea 50k, and the Kodiak 50k, spread out with several full marathons in between. Madsen prefers to vape before and during her endurance runs, and she smokes flower after to relax and help reduce pain and inflammation. She highly recommends the use of natural remedies like cannabis over common NSAIDS, which are known to have harmful side effects. For those who may be curious about cannabis and activity, she tells us, “I used to not smoke before I ran, and the thought of doing so seemed kind of strange. During a recent marathon, my buddy offered me up some CBD oil about 9 miles in. I was struggling with my run, in a negative headspace already and figured, why not? 30 minutes later, everything turned around for me. I got my groove back, was in a positive mindset, and ended up having a successful race. After that, I started experimenting more. I tried a few methods and a few strains, and now I have my goto routines.” On top of competing in another long list of races this year, she is also committed to giving back to the community by volunteering at an assortment of local races, pacing friends at the Javelina Jundred 100M, and crewing at the Leadville 100. 61

y a M

ASTROLOGY

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) May is a month of financial empowerment for you. Take charge of your finances and throw yourself into money-making projects. Release all emotional blocks to wealth. By mid-month, include others in your plans.

LIBRA (Sept 23 - Oct 22) Your greatest power now lies in discovering the hidden beliefs that are limiting you. It’s time for you to transform! Then help others create wealth and abundance by sharing the secrets you have discovered.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) May is the time to make your own rules and do your thing your way. You know what works for you, so put your plans into action. As the month moves along, you’ll be able to interact with others and focus on your relationships.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21) Your power now lies in creating balance, harmony and win/win situations so that all parties get what they want. Create new partnerships and treat others as your equals. By mid-month you step forward into your own power.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20) You gain strength now by working behind the scenes, away from prying eyes. Pull back, retreat and give yourself time alone to contemplate and relax. By mid-month you’ll be ready to throw yourself into your work.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21) Your power comes from doing what it takes to get the job done, no matter what the task calls for. You succeed by putting your attention on service rather than on a reward. By mid-month you’ll be able to pull back and recharge.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22) Your friends are an important part of your life, and being a friend is equally important to you. Now is the time to expand your social circle and have fun! People love you, and this will become more apparent as May moves along.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - January 19) This is your month to enjoy yourself, so spend time with your friends, your children and all the people you love. It’s a time to reward yourself for what you have accomplished. So have fun and live the dream!

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) Express your power and authority in your career. Grab the lead spot and move upward. Combine business with pleasure for the best of both worlds whenever possible. By mid-month, turn to your home and family for support.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18) Now is the time to build a stronger foundation with your family. Make sure you are all on the same page and can work as a team. Then take the lead in all areas of your life, particularly your career. PISCES (February 19 - March 20) Your ideas are inspired and powerful, so share them only with supportive people who give you positive feedback. These ideas will continue to expand and grow, and you will see how to express them on a larger scale.

VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sept 22) Step back, see the big picture and the opportunities that await you, and expand in all areas of life. Release all limiting beliefs, spread your wings and do it all. The only limitations are the ones in your mind.

Maxine taylor

ASTROLOGER

Maxine Taylor became America’s First Licensed Astrologer after mounting a legal challenge to legitimize astrology in the 1960’s Bible Belt state of Georgia. She became CNN’s Original On-Air Astrologer when the network launched. maxinetaylor.com

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Ju n e

FOREC AST ARIES (March 21 - April 19) Take care of domestic issues, put your family first and create a strong home base. This is the foundation of your life. Once this is in place, you will see a bigger picture and options you hadn’t seen before that expand your horizons.

LIBRA (Sept 23 - Oct 22) You are on the fast track to the top in your career so put your ambitions into action and throw yourself into the lead spot. Speak with those in authority who can help you. As your ideas increase, share them with others.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) Your ideas are powerful, especially those that relate to money. By mid-month, the opportunity to increase your income by investing with others can present itself. Check out all the details before signing on the dotted line.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21) Your eyes are opened to new opportunities and you see the big picture. You are ready to leap forward and expand your reach. All it takes is the money to finance your move. By mid-month you should be able to swing it.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20) Money is your focus this month, and the more attention you give it, the more it will increase. This is also a good time to get clear on your priorities and values. By mid-month, you can include others in your plans.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21) Be a detective and check out every detail, especially where money is concerned. If you are thinking of investing with others, do your due diligence. Keep your findings to yourself. You may find that you can do better on your own.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22) Your way is the only way that will work for you, so do what you want, when you want, how you want. Your mantra is “My way or the highway.” Stay focused on your plans and by mid-month, put them into action at work.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - January 19) You love getting out there and being with people, but the energy required can be draining at times. The solution is to pull back, get away from it all and give yourself time alone to enjoy your own company.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) Take the first half of the month to recharge by pulling back and spending time alone. Use this time to think, plan and enjoy your own company. By midmonth, you’ll be ready to socialize and have fun.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18) Now is the time to throw yourself into your work and take care of all the small details that create success. By midmonth you’ll be able to balance this by putting your attention on you friends and social life.

VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sept 22) You are able to divide your time between your friends and your career, and your desire to be a friend to all indicates that your humanitarian side is strong. Your family will want equal time by mid-month, so include them in the mix.

PISCES (February 19 - March 20) Your social life is very important now, so throw yourself into fun activities with friends and family members. Around mid-month you will have an opportunity to advance in your career. Go for it!

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While attending the Cannabis Science Conference in Baltimore, there were two presentations that stood out to us. First was on “Treating Geriatric Conditions,” and the second was “Why Lab Testing Matters.”

RESEARCH CORNER COLLECTED BY SARAH MOSS

“TREATING GERIATRIC CONDITIONS” Dr. Dustin Sulak presented the research done by Abuhasira, Schleider, et al. on their published research from the European Journal of Internal Medicine: “Epidemiological characteristics, safety and efficacy of medical cannabis in the elderly” The results from the study gave evidence that 93.7% of the study population reported an improvement in their condition after just six months of cannabis use to treat their conditions.

In this study they found evidence to suggest that the therapeutic use of cannabis is safe and efficacious in the elderly population.

At the beginning of the study 79.3% defined their quality of life as either bad or very bad, and by the end of the study a remarkable 58.6% defined their quality of life as either good or very good!

The majority of the population in this study used cannabis to treat chronic pain, cancer related pain, parkinson’s disease, irritable bowel disease, etc.

“WHY LAB TESTING MATTERS FROM A PHYSICIAN’S PERSPECTIVE” The talk “Why lab testing matters from a physician’s perspective” by Andrew Rosenstein, the CEO of Steep Hill Maryland, gave knowledgeable insight to the risks that certain populations of medical marijuana users have. For example the elderly, immunocompromised, and children are at risk if we do not have rigorous standards for medical cannabis. The effects of terpenes are so beneficial. Therefore, if we are testing for terpenes, we will know the medicinal effects each terpene have. Microbial testing matters. If your medicine is contaminated with mold, microbial, mycotoxins (toxins excreted by fungus), or fungi, you can have not only the symptoms you were trying to treat before but also secondary symptoms as a result of the exposure to contaminated cannabis products.

Lab testing on your medical cannabis is so important, especially in medical states, due to the majority of patients being immunocompromised in one way or another. Drugs you get from the pharmacy are FDA regulated; your medical cannabis should be too. If medical cannabis patients are using products that are not lab tested for mycotoxins the chances for negative outcomes from medical marijuana use increase.

https://www.ejinme.com/article/S0953-6205(18)30019-0/fulltext

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COOKING CANNABIS with

All About Edibles

An edible is a cannabis-infused food item. Basically, anything you swallow to allow your digestive system to do it’s thing and absorb the THC/CBD into your system. One of the benefits of using an edible is they tend to last several hours in your system and usually have a pretty steady delivery. The first edible most consumers eat is the GUMMY! Gummy’s are usually the second thing people learn to create with cannabis, after a brownie, but usually the first edible they digest. Gummy making is a very simple process, made easier with the introduction of the “gummy machine” that makes it easy enough for anyone to produce an edible. The basics are water, gelatin, cannabis, and then pour into a mold to set. Once cooled you pop them from the molds, and keep in a moisture proof container. So, you have produced your gummy and want to test the effects. You pop the small, chewy gummy into your mouth and eat it. Nothing… 10 minutes later... nothing… Wow, usually when you vape you feel it quickly; maybe you didn’t eat enough? WAIT!!!

an edible to get into your system. Most edible packaging suggest that time of effect can range between 30 minutes to 1 hour, or more.

THE LARGEST ISSUE WITH EDIBLES IS PEOPLE OVERCONSUMING, DUE TO NOT ALLOWING ENOUGH TIME TO PASS FOR THEIR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM TO PROCESS THE THC. The favorite pot brownie recipe from the 1970’s was to grind some weed, put it into a brownie mix, bake, and eat. What we didn’t understand then was that raw cannabis contains THCA; the A is a molecule that must be activated by heat to give the psychoactive effects. It doesn’t activate just by baking it into food items. We do that when we put heat to the cannabis, like when you light a joint. On a recent visit to my favorite dispensary, they offered a selection of edibles that included: Truffles, Gummies, Chocolates, Pills, Sugar Drops, Tinctures, Icicles, Caramels, Confections, Taffy, Cookies, Brownies, Cheesecakes, Carbonated Sodas, Ice Tea, Cannabis Beer, and CBD water. Over 200 products offered in one dispensary. Chocolate works of art and a variety of baked goods that was incredible! Don’t overlook eating your cannabis. Come back to our Cannabis Cooking Corner each issue and look online at FloridaGrassRoots.com for some of our favorite recipes.

Taken orally, cannabis does not enter the bloodstream until after being digested, or broken down in the stomach and absorbed in the intestines. As with the difference between vaping and using a tincture, there is a definite difference in the amount of time it takes for

Wrap up... It has been so wonderful to learn about the women that we had the privilege to interview in this issue. We met women changing the world with their passion for this industry, as well as women making changes for themselves and their health. We engaged with everyday women, like ourselves, that have chosen to use cannabis for their health. We dove into some of the Diseases and Disorders that plague women (and men), and read stories of relief using marijuana to treat these â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dissesâ&#x20AC;?. We learned of Heather going over two years without an epilepsy seizure while treating her epilepsy with cannabis. We read about how THC and CBD may help with Migraines. Reading this section gave me hope that there is help out there, and we are committed to bringing more research and studies in the future. I hope you enjoyed this journey into Women and Cannabis. As I look at what the July issue holds, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Children. Children using Cannabis as medicine. Read their stories of hope and health.

- Nan cy

Coming Up..

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Florida Grass Roots Magazine - May/June 2019

Articles inside

Cooking with Cannabis

Research Corner

Astrology Forecast | May/June

Fitness | Consuming Cannabis & Inspiring the World

CBD

Your Ideal Cannabis Strain

Medical Marijuana Minute

Managing Migraines with Cannabis

Combating Menstrual Pain with Cannabis

Cannabis & Epilepsy

Cannabis & Chronic Pain

Cannabis & Anxiety

Cannabis + Sex

Ganjasana with Rachael Carlevale

Women in Cannabis | Dr. Martha Rosenthal Q&A

Maxine Taylor, Astrologer

Women in Cannabis | Martha Monetemayor Q&A

Women in Cannabis | Parisa Rad Q&A

Cannabis Advocate | Tara DeMond

Women in Cannabis | Karin Spinks Chester Q&A

Caroline Covone | Weed Warrior

Women in Cannabis | Mary Carniglia

Dr. Melanie Bone | Cannabis Industry Physician & Educator

THC - The Healing Compound