MAY 2018
KNOWLEDGE
OVER STIGMA WITH RIVER VALLEY REMEDIES
GREEN SUMMER
WHY
TERPENES
EVENTS BUDFEST & MORE!
MATTER
GREENEUGENE.COM
staff EDITOR Sierra Pedro
COPY EDITOR Delaney Rea
WRITERS Kelsey Tidball Anna Glavash Skyla Patton
PHOTO EDITOR Trevor Meyer
PHOTOGRAPHERS Jonathan Roensch Michaela Barnes Keven Salazar Michael Davies
DESIGNERS Darragh White Devon Reed Ryan Giskaas
INTERIM PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER Kathy Carbone
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cole Petroccione
DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Lindsey Smith
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Alice Liggett Carson Bieraugel Edith Gonzalez Dani Torrey Stella Kalomiris Alli Utti Annika Minges Bradly Brewster
ORIGINAL BUDFEST ARTWORK by Neal Williams COVER ART REMIX
by Cole Petroccione Green Eugene is published by Emerald Media Group
hello
Green Eugene is a magazine focusing on local cannabis culture. The magazine celebrates Eugene’s thriving cannabis industry and connects the Eugene community to the many cannabusinesses in the area. Green Eugene is your guide to exploring Eugene’s culture and community of cannabis. For all those who smoke, grow or medicate — this is for you.
Looking to Advertise? To advertise your cannabusiness or reach those actively engaging in Eugene’s cannabis culture, contact our Advertising Department at ads@dailyemerald.com or 541.346.5511 ext. 303.
BudFest Eugene
JUNE 23 24580 Suttle Rd, Veneta, OR Celebrate the start of summer at this private, membership-only event featuring music, food, dancing and lawful cannabis consumption from 1-8 p.m. Come hear music groups including Soul Vibrator, Fortune’s Folly, One Dollar Check and more! Register as a Budfest Community member to attend. Register online at budfesteugene.com or day-of at the gate.
Hemp & Cannabis Fair
JUNE 2 JUNE 3 Benton County Fairgrounds, Corvallis, OR
Oregon Country Fair
JULY 13 15, 11 A.M. 7 P.M. Veneta, OR
Concert: Ziggy Marley
JUNE 14, 7 P.M. Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road
Words by Skyla Patton
4th Annual Oregon HempFest
JUNE 16 JUNE 18 18183 Elkhead Rd, Oakland, OR
Cannabliss Couples Retreat
Who doesn’t love a nice tart flavor with a good sour face to follow? Lemon Kush won’t actually twist you up, but it’s still time for this hybrid to have a turn in the spotlight. A descendant of Master Kush and Lemon Joy, this sativa-heavy strain is actually quite difficult to come by due to the high amount of variations that have been produced in backyard breeding. The name gives away its general aroma: Lemon Kush is heavily scented with sweet citrus, a sour tang and the earthy flavors of classic kush. This sour flavor comes from the incredibly high content of limonene, the same found in the peels of citrus fruits as well. It’s largely regarded as one of the best-tasting strains around, and was featured in our pairings guide as a nice citrus touch with the same foods you’d add actual lemon zest or juice to. These buds are naturally compact, with rich and bright orange and yellow hairs that give it a fun, colorful look. Lemon Kush is renowned for it’s mellow, relaxed vibe and is one of the best strains to relieve general tension and stress. On the downside, it’s also a killer strain for cotton mouth and the munchies, so be sure you’re prepared for both side effects before you settle in with this strain. Lemon Kush is best suited for a nighttime smoke rather than something you’d puff on before going out into your day, and can be quite helpful for insomnia or other sleep-related issues. Don’t think of it as a couch strain, though; the energy is considered uplifting and creative much more often than groggy or tiring. It’s interesting lineage can lead to a surprise combo of the hybrid, but generally, you’re likely to get something with a high THC percentage and mostly sativa-based effects. This is a great strain for an arts and crafts night or to whip up a new meal you’ve been itching to try.
JULY 1, 13 P.M. 45560 South Gate Creek Road, Vida, OR
Northwest World Reggae Festival
JULY 27 29 Mt. Hood, OR
Portland One Love Reggae Fest
JULY 28 29, 12 P.M. 12 A.M. The Eagle Lodge, 7611 Exeter Ave. Portland, OR
INDO EXPO
AUGUST 4 AUGUST 5, 10 A.M. 5 P.M. Portland Expo Center, OR
THC Fest
AUGUST 18, 1210 P.M. 2700 Lakeshore Drive, Selma, OR
Farwest
AUGUST 22 AUGUST 24, 10 A.M. 6 P.M. Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR
Marijuana carries with it a plethora of medical benefits, relaxing qualities and an overall mellow vibe for most consumers. While overdosing is not actually possible in the dangerous sense, it is absolutely possible to take just a little too much and end up having a bad time, also known as “greening out.” Eating a dosage too high for your tolerance or even taking one puff too many on a joint can lead to some undesirable side effects, but fear not; but if you ever end up with unpleasant side effects, there are a few things you can do to nullify the experience. Check out these guidelines on taking the appropriate amount and how to calm down if you get a little too high.
2. Controlled Breathing
TAKE 5
3. Play Calming Music
When trying an edible for the first time or experimenting with a new one you’ve never had, dosing can be a daunting challenge—especially because the right dosage isn’t always clear with every product. A good rule of thumb to follow is the “take five” standard, introduced by Leafly in an article a few years back. For most beginners, 5mg is the sweet spot with most edibles. It's a great way to test the actual strength of the product without taking too much and ending up greening out. For veteran cannabis users, you’ll eventually want to go beyond the standard 5mg to 10mg or even 15mg, depending on the product. Still, it’s always better to stay on the safe side, especially the first time. Once you’re used to an edible, experiment with larger doses as soon as you feel comfortable doing so.
TIPS TO CALM DOWN You’re a little too stoned, and that’s OK—it happens to the best of us. It’s important to remember the bottom line: you’ll be okay! If you’re feeling weird or starting to experience anxiety, follow these tips to mellow out and stay calm.
1. Find A Quiet Place Whether you’re at a party or with friends when you start feeling uncomfortable, you’re more prone to feel paranoid or anxious in stressful or high-energy environments. If possible, separate yourself and take a short walk outside or find a quiet room where you can sit or lie down for a few moments to gather yourself. If you’re in public or can’t leave, take a bathroom break to breathe or find a comfortable seat to relax in until you feel more in control.
4 | GREENEUGENE.COM
A common practice for panic or anxiety attacks is controlled, structured breathing. This will control your heart rate and give you something to focus on. Along with this, breathing slowly and calmly will serve as a good reminder that you’re okay and help you concentrate on relaxing your body and mind. Popular exercises include breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth, or the 5/7 rule: inhale for five full seconds, hold it for a brief moment, and then exhale slowly for seven seconds. Music is a tool for many different ailments and can rapidly relax your mind even in high-stress situations. Headphones are ideal for isolating your thoughts, but if that sounds uncomfortable, playing something soothing on a stereo or the TV works just as well. Despite your regular taste, try to avoid music with rapid tempos or intense rhythms — even though you usually enjoy it, it can be stressful when experiencing negative side effects. Opt for something calm like indie instrumentals or music designed for sleeping.
4. Eat Some Snacks and DRINK WATER! Drinking water is literally never a bad idea. Keeping your body hydrated is crucial for overall health and can actually help regulate your system effectively enough that it can nullify anxious feelings or stress. Along with this, eating a few light snacks like crackers or a piece of toast can add some substance to your stomach and get you a step closer to normality.
5. Distract Yourself If all else fails, finding a task or something relaxing to occupy yourself with can absolutely help calm your mind and provide your busy brain with something to focus on instead of the nervous feeling in your stomach. The worst thing to do is remain in an environment or situation where all there is to do is concentrate on your rising anxiety. Journaling, watching a TV show, or even a hot bath (or cold shower) can help you concentrate and relax your body and mind. However, it’s important to listen to your body and not shut out everything; pay attention to your symptoms in case you need help or some extra TLC from a friend.
Photo by Sierra Pedro
How and when did you become a budtender? I started out in April of 2015 working for Joe and Chelsea Hopkins at The Greener Side. Bloom Hill Botanicals, my family's cannabis farm, provided The Greener Side with some flower and I jumped at the opportunity to work one-on-one with patients. I'm indescribably grateful for them and the opportunity to work as a budtender just as adult-use legalization became a reality in Oregon. I wanted to broaden my experience within the cannabis industry, and because of that, I've worked with several different brands. Over time, I took positions at Cannabliss’ the Sorority House and Green Health. All the while, I was still actively a part of Bloom Hill Botanicals. I finally found my fit for budtending in River Valley Remedies, and I really feel as though I've won the employment lottery working here.
What was it like the first time you got high? I felt all the constantly incoming stimuli from my anxiety suddenly become very orderly and manageable. I was in a safe space with people I trusted. Because I grew up in the area, the cannabis was a really good quality too. It was like I went from staring at a Jackson Pollock to a fractal. Everything had a lot more order to it.
What’s one funny or weird customer interaction you’ve had? I once had an older gentleman ask me where my ruderalis was at because all the real growers knew that was the best stuff out there. Ruderalis is another taxonomy of cannabis, like indica or sativa, and it's usually associated with high fiber and low cannabinoid output.
How do you approach recommending a product to a customer? Questions, questions, questions! I start by genuinely asking them how their day is going. Making the consumer feel welcome and connected with is essential to getting honest answers to questions relating to cannabis and how and why they use it. What's your desired effect is probably the question I ask most behind the counter. Some consumers will have really specific end results they're looking for and some are just looking for the current staff favorite. Budtending often requires unpacking incomplete information a consumer picked up online or from prohibition area, so getting to know the consumers baseline is really important. It all starts with being an engaged listener.
What’s one stereotype about cannabis users that’s true? What’s one that’s false? If working in weed has taught me anything, it’s that the only guaranteed commonality between cannabis users is that they use cannabis. The people I get to help in a day represent such a wide array of life experiences I don't think that there's a particular stereotype that rings true for all or even most of them.
What do you look for in a strain? Mostly smell. When I'm on the consumer side of the counter, I'm the person who wants to smell every jar. I also like to look into the producer and the genetic lineage of the strain. If a strain has a terpene profile available to look at that is always a huge plus for me. I make a note to look out for that producer at other shops in the future.
What’s special about this shop? Education! There is a constant push for education of our staff which leads to education and empowerment of for our consumers. We aren't just looking to push you into the trendiest product or highest THC. We really want you to be in control of your experience and getting the most out of using cannabis. Looking at cannabis not just as a single active ingredient but a medicinally beneficial plant containing thousands of compounds is at the heart of understanding cannabis' full potential.
Best part about the job? Worst part? I think the answer to both questions is the same: the people. Getting to know and help so many people is deeply rewarding; however, because cannabis is such a life-changing substance for people, the stories they share can be very emotional and even draining at times. However, hearing about someone being able to manage the side effects of their chemotherapy or the symptoms of their MS makes all of the emotional investment worth it.
GREENEUGENE.COM | 5
Words by Anna Glavash What do lemons, pepper, lavender, eucalyptus, mangoes, lilacs and hops all have in common? They all smell fantastic because they all contain terpenes.
V
isitors to the “terpene experience booth” at the Cultivation Classic cannabis competition in Portland on May 12 could experience all kinds of smells—and some tastes too—in an interactive display of snacks and bouquets. The booth belonged to Green Leaf Lab, an analytical cannabis testing lab that offers terpene testing services. The idea was to demonstrate where terpenes are commonly found. In fact, Amanda Day, aka @terpodactyl_, social media coordinator and former budtender for TJ’s Provisions, says “terpenes exist in every living plant.” This includes the cannabis plant, and cannabis users have been hearing more about terpenes lately. According to Green Leaf, terpenes are aromatic molecules found in plant resins. They account for the vast array of smells and flavors found in cannabis flowers and extracts. You know that citrus smell, or the cheesy one, or the piney or diesel aroma of your favorite strain? It’s all terpenes, and it turns out they affect more than just smell and taste. Though information about terpenes has been around for as long as aromatherapy, cannabis users are beginning to learn more about the effects of terpenes on their experiences with specific strains. So why would you want to know a strain’s terpene profile? Day says, “Whether you’re looking for a recreational experience—you want to giggle or have a good time or feel kind of loopy or have a ‘traditional high’—or if you go in looking for something to help with your anxiety or sleep, terpenes are a huge part of that. It absolutely is not reliant upon the THC, CBD, THCA, CBN or any other cannabinoid, for that matter.” There’s a perception in the recreational market that higher cannabinoid content means a better high. This has led to customers shopping by THC percentage and preferring more potent strains. Testing for cannabinoid potency is required for all cannabis products, but terpene profile testing isn’t. Day says THC content is only one part of the experience of a high, and that other cannabinoids, along with the unique terpene profile of a strain, create something known as “the entourage effect.” If you haven’t heard of it, the entourage effect is the theory that all of those components work together synergistically to produce the experience of a high. Though there isn’t a lot of research available on it, the theory has been bolstered by the studies of Dr. Ethan Russo, which suggest various ways terpenes interact with cannabinoids to create a whole experience greater than the sum of the parts. “Many of us have tried a cannabis product that may have had 25 percent THC, but not had that same wonderful experience as with another product that maybe had an 18 or 19 percent
THC,” says Anthony DiFalco, sales director for Green Leaf. He says this is due to the entourage effect and the other components of the product, including terpenes, which can produce a more pleasant effect depending on the user. With all the different combinations out there, how to know what’s optimal? “The nose knows,” Day says. She explained that TJ’s doesn’t advertise cannabinoid percentages up front and instead turns their jar labels backward so that when people come in, they’re shopping with their eyes and noses first and not by potency. “Smelling something and really thinking it’s pleasant might be a good way to start,” Day recommends. There’s an incredible amount of information available about terpenes that we’re already wellacquainted with, like linalool. “The linalool that’s in lavender that calms you down is the same linalool in the cannabis strain that puts you to sleep. It’s important that people realize that connection is there and that information is already out there,” Day says. So how can you go about finding it? Get curious and do your research. Though some dispensaries are now listing the most prevalent terpenes in the flower they sell and producers of extracts and edibles are starting to add them to labels, terpene content is far from being universally advertised. Unlike when your server walks you through the tasting notes in each bottle on a wine list, most budtenders aren’t trained to talk terpenes with customers. To spread knowledge, Green Leaf makes profile cards for specific strains and makes them available to producers. The producers can then share them with dispensaries or directly with consumers. Day recommends checking Leafly or following labs on social media to get informed about strain profiles. In theory, dominant terpenes should be consistent across a strain no matter who grows it. DiFalco says many farmers and smart consumers understand the value of knowing a terpene profile, but when it comes to dispensaries, the challenge is “bridging the gap.” His goal is to get them to talk about terpenes more, and he says consumers play a big role in this. He’s trying to educate consumers to ask more questions at the dispensary. Stay curious, and you just might learn something. To learn about specific terpenes, check out River Valley Remedies “Terpene Series” on the last Sunday of each month. These educational talks are free to attend and are presented by Maria Worsley of Medicine Farm Botanicals, who’s very knowledgeable about existing research on terpenes and their effects on the human body. She focuses on a different terpene each month-beta-myrcene in April, alpha-pinene in May.
GREENEUGENE.COM | 7
8 | GREENEUGENE.COM
Words by Delaney Rea | Photos by Michael Davies SPONSORED CONTENT
“Destigmatize.” It’s a word that gets thrown around a lot in conversation about the cannabis industry. We’ve all heard canna-advocates express their desire for wider acceptance and deeper understanding of the plant, but how does it become a reality? What tangible steps can be taken toward reaching recognition of the full form and function of cannabis? According to River Valley Remedies, the answer is simple: education. First, a brief history: River Valley began operation in 2015 as a medical farm in Salem. Marion County, which the capital city resides in, was one of the areas that opted out of recreational sale. While this made the idea of sale in the area a non-starter, another Oregon city lay waiting in the wings. On the eve of 4/20 this past year, River Valley opened shop as a dispensary in Eugene. Natalie Raulin, River Valley’s resident marketing guru, is one of the core staff who helped the Eugene venture find its initial footing. Raulin’s mother, a midwife from Scotland, introduced her to a healthy dose of medical knowledge as a child. Much of this involved non-Western, medicinal plant practices. This background, along with her chemistry studies, fits River Valley’s approach like a glove. “[Non-Western] medicines have been around for thousands of years. We wanted to present that tradition to Eugene,” says Raulin. She’s far from alone. Much of the River Valley team comes from a background in plant medicine, which helps them cater to customers’ medicinal needs. With a pre-existing population in Eugene that was open to non-traditional medicine, it hasn’t been a challenge for River Valley to convince the community of the utility of their
products. They essentially operate like a classic apothecary, guiding their patrons individually to make effective use of their services, whether they be medical or recreational. However, this isn’t to say that the dispensary deals solely in cannabisbased remedies. In fact, much of its herbal section doesn’t include cannabis-based products at all. To help the community better comprehend the benefits of cannabis, River Valley has made concerted efforts to provide them with proper education. As Raulin puts it, the public has a habit of simply looking at the indica and sativa properties of the flower they choose to consume. An approach like this can allow only a skindeep experience. River Valley combats this with workshops, panels and more events that encourage deeper, more informed interactions with cannabis. Raulin also writes a monthly Q&A with cannabis experts for the Eugene Weekly, which helps River Valley reach a broader portion of the Eugene community. Educational events occur every month at River Valley, including workshops on how to grow mushrooms and how to create your own tinctures. Tinctures, which are alcohol-based cannabis extracts, were a primary form of cannabis medication prior to the enactment of cannabis prohibition. They serve as an entry point for many users to smokeless cannabis use. River Valley has hosted recurring tincture making workshops, and the events are among their most popular with community members. Since initiating the series, River Valley has only seen attendance to its various events grow as more people become interested in broadening their cannabis knowledge. “Two months into the business, we had around GREENEUGENE.COM | 9
20 people showing up. Now, we see more than 100 attendees at [events like] our psilocybin talk,” says Raulin. Psilocybin, a naturally occurring compound produced in over 200 strains of mushrooms, is another type of holistic medicine River Valley aims to bring to those in need. Research suggests that the compound could be effective in treating depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Currently, there are restrictions in place that restrict them from offering products that use the compound. However, that could change in the near future. The Oregon Psilocybin Society (OPS) is a group working to bring awareness of and access to psilocybin in Oregon. OPS works in response to increasing research surrounding the safety, benefits and risks associated with controlled psilocybin consumption. Currently, the group is working on the Psilocybin Service Initiative (PSI), an effort for which they are trying to land a spot on the 2020 Oregon general election ballot. If passed, the measure would create access to psilocybin services in Oregon. By holding events that address subjects like psilocybin, River Valley helps raise awareness about the compound.
10 | GREENEUGENE.COM
Coming up, it won’t be a simple task for River Valley to achieve their goals. Oversaturation in the market will prove a challenge to overcome. “There’s a shop on every corner on our street alone,” says Raulin. “We don’t want to compare ourselves to other stores, but we are aware that they’re there.” Despite the competition, Raulin says they don’t want to see competitors fail. They encourage efforts by other locations to provide similar education, with success of the overall industry reflecting well on them in the long run. So how does River Valley set itself apart? Developing strong relationships with farms is a start, especially as the farms themselves face an uphill battle to move their product out of their warehouses and into the hands of consumers. According to Raulin, there’s an excess level of unused flower in farms around Oregon that far exceeds the amount of consumer demand. River Valley has experienced a resulting influx of farmers attempting cut deals to unload their product. By making it a goal to avoid the lure of this cheaper, typically lower-quality product, River Valley strives to maintains the integrity of their existing farm partnerships and continues to deliver superior-quality flower to their customers.
Moving forward, River Valley aims to continue expanding their event offerings. For example, they just started their terpene presentations series, which will run through the rest of the year. Additionally, they want their education to reach beyond the existing cannabis consumer base. “We want the whole community to be educated, not just [our patrons],” says Raulin. “We want to put our hands wherever we can help.” River Valley Remedies’ hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. They are located at 1985 W 7th Ave. Visit them online at RiverValleyRemedies.net, and learn more about OPS at Opsbuzz.com.
Fill in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and 3x3 block. Use logic and process elimination to solve the puzzle.
SOLUTION
go there with
JOIN OUR TEAM!
We are seeking canna-savvy UO students to join the Green Eugene team!
ethosmagonline.com Fill in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and 3x3 block. Use logic and process elimination to solve the puzzle.
FEBRUARY 2018
ion 4/20 Edit
April 2018
OTS DEEP RO PASSION DEEPER
BUD TEN DER
SPO TLIG HT
TYLER BANKS KYRSHA WITHERSPOON
BUDTENDER SPOTLIGHT How to Stash
YOUR STASH
THERE ’S WEED IN THAT?
DABBING FOR DUMMIES
GREENEUGENE.COM
LivWell Enlightened FLOWER TO Hea JAR lth From Colorado to Eugene, LivWell joins EXTRACTION local industrythe ever-expandi ng GREENEU
TOP 10
G E N E .C O M
Munchie Must-Hav es Which StrQUIZ: ain Are You?
APPLY NOW!
SOLUTION
Writers Advertising Account Executives Social Media Coordinator Email engage@dailyemerald.com
@EMGPhotoBooth GREENEUGENE.COM | 11
Some say that giving their piece a name makes them less likely to break it. Others say a funny name can give new friends a good laugh. Regardless of your reason, bong naming is a common rite of passage for smokers, and it’s a great way to express your personality in a clever, fun way. By talking to locals, students and Instagram users, we found some of the best bong names around Eugene.
Bong Marley Bong Marley as a tribute to Bob. Plus, I love all the hits from both! - @oregondaze
Jimmy Rip-It I dubbed mine ‘Jiminy Rip-It'. - @banksgton
Apollo
Apollo, because the sound waves from the first moon landing are printed on the top. - Anonymous
Prometheus Prometheus. It’s not out of this world. - @scott.em
Heisenberg
- @scott.em
Heisenberg because it's a beaker... and you know, Breaking Bad. - Blake Salazar
Dr. Gonzo
I named my beaker Dr. Gonzo because science. Also Gonzo the blue Muppet matched the stem clip. I felt like Hunter S. every time I hit it. - @bananna_milk
I refuse to name any now because I’ve broken every single one that’s been named before. - @cadyclanfarml
Have a bong name you'd like to share? Find us on instagram @greeneugenemag.
Feeling left out if your glassware doesn’t already have a name and you need a little inspiration? Try this online generator to craft the perfect name for your piece: thcoverdose.com/bong-name-generator. Photos taken at Midtown Direct.
EMERALD
“THE PINNACLE OF CANNABIS TESTING SERVICES.” -Edibology
greenleaflab.org
541-731-3118
Event Staff
Emerald Photobooth is looking for personable, and hard working students to join our team!
JOIN OUR TEAM! emeraldphotobooth.com GREENEUGENE.COM | 13
Goodbye Cramps
Hello Cannabis
Words by Skyla Patton | Photos by Michaela Barnes & Trevor Meyer
Cannabis is progressively gaining more recognition for its medicinal qualities. Renowned for its ability to relieve anxiety, muscle tension and other minor body ailments, medical marijuana continues to be tested for more medicinal capabilities. Pain-relief products are hot in the cannabis market, and the monthly pains of PMS is just one ailment they can alleviate. Cramps, bloating and other horrendous side eects are woes that women were forced to sit through until recently. All kinds of cannabis products are claiming to relieve menstrual cramps, help with swelling and provide overall relief for the monthly struggle. Check out these product suggestions that feature testimonials from women who have experienced the relief themselves.
Lunar Balance Balm by Ceres Garden This herb-packed topical is a one-stop shop for pain relief, and it’s uniquely designed for women’s monthly pains and aches. The title lunar balance comes from the origin of the word menstruation, which can be translated to moon from it’s Greek roots. Ceres Garden is an up-and-coming medicinal cannabis line, packed full of just about every tincture, balm or strain you can imagine. They’re committed to making products that serve a primary purpose: making you feel better. Made with a combination of primrose oil, willow bark and black cohosh, this balm packs a whopping 175mg of THC and CBD, which is perfect for curing cramps, muscle aches or even general headaches. Ceres Garden isn’t located in Oregon permanently yet, but can be ordered online from third-party distributors like Cascade Herb Company for only $15.
“Herbs can help us in a variety of ways: by granting relaxation, offering pain relief, reducing muscle cramping, strengthening immunity, and stimulating the senses. These physical effects also improve our mood and wellbeing. They invite us to honor ourselves.” Alexis Gandara, Whoopi & Maya Herbalist
“I didn’t know a topical could help so much, but every time I put it on I felt instant relief. I haven’t had to use it since my surgery [for endometriosis], but leading up to it I used it almost daily and it helps immediately.” Sarah, 29, Washington
Whoopi & Maya
Produced by the one and only Whoopi Goldberg and famous Om Edibles creator Maya Elisabet, this female-led power company offers some of the best PMS pain relief on the market. Their tag line of “soak, savor, rub, and relax…” nearly puts you to sleep just reading it, but also perfectly describes their target areas of menstrual relief. Melting chocolate, herbal cannabis tincture, bath soaks and a soothing muscle rub are all offered by this brand for targeted pain relief across the board. A cult favorite is the raw cacao: considered to be a superfood on its own, when combined with cannabis this sweet treat can cure your cravings and relax your tense joints all at once with your choice of CBD or THC. Perfectly paired with vanilla ice cream, on toast or even just as a sweet snack this chocolate is tasty and healing all in one. Whoopi & Maya have flash sales at Oregon dispensaries, so keep an eye out for local pop-ups or deals.
Sacred Herb Medicinals
This rub-on stick, which looks similar to your average deodorant, is a powerful antiinflammatory that will numb and relax any pains you may have. Mixed with essential oils of your liking, fifteen different herbs and organic waxes to solidify it, this rub-on magic is perfect for swelling or harsh cramps. It’s also good for bruises, small scratches and sore muscles. Made with heat-resistant products, it’s compact enough to fit in a purse or backpack and won’t melt during the heat of the day. If you’re looking for something even more compact and discreet, they also offer a CBD roll-on oil. Designed specifically for migraines, this roller is perfect for targeting specific areas of pain, like a swollen lower back or a tension headache. Sacred Herb Medicinals are offered at nearly every dispensary in Eugene and can also be ordered online. Roller balls and sticks alike range from $24 to $30 depending on location.
“It’s made right here in Bend [where I live]. I just roll it [the rub-on stick] over my lower abdomen and it works like magic!” Leona, 27, Bend Foria Relief
For those of us who are dying for relief and need immediate gratification, Foria Relief is here to save the day with suppositories. This female-empowering company focuses on confidence, comfortability and pleasure for all women, utilizing the healing powers of cannabis to further that goal. Designed to target the specific areas of pain and tension caused from menstruating pains, these easy-to-use inserts have swept the market of cannabis pain relief products and are some of the best and fastest relief available. Carefully crafted with exact serving sizes of THC and CBD, the healing goes straight where it needs to and can ease the worst of PMS pains. Unfortunately, Foria is not yet located in Oregon, but it can be ordered online from their site at foriapleasure.com.
GREENEUGENE.COM | 15