Sarah Lee
Gossett Parrish Excellence. Efficiency. Integrity.
405/820-6205 slgparrish@mac.com www.sarahleegossettparrish.com
lawyer cannabis | litigation oil & gas | insurance
Issue No 6 Of Oklahoma’s Cannabis Lifestyle/News Magazine
contents FEATURES 4
new monthly feature Women in the industry
James Bridges CEO/Publisher james@herbagemag.com
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Get your skunk on
Marise Boehs Design/Creative
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Ride to wellness
15
Beauty of CBD
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Cannabis and Cancer: A Personal Journey
Scroll3 Media Sales/Marketing james@scroll3.com Contributors Kayla Johnson Brittany Graham Kemisha Petersen Kate Kytle Sarah Lee Gossett Parrish Chip Paul Sleepy Advertising 405-487-9728 james@scroll3.com
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Finding Jon’s voice Let’s talk about the VA new monthly feature Patient of the month
History of 4/20
EVERY ISSUE 7 9 10
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Strainology Chip Paul
Half Baked News Cooking with grass Sleepy’s Garden Sarah Lee Gossett Parrish
Dr. Gina Caravaglia
It’s becoming pretty clear that Oklahoma is going to establish itself within the first year as a major powerhouse of cannabis in the United States. As of March 26, there are 1,193 dispensary licenses approved in the state, along with 2,161 growers and 605 processors to serve over 74,000 patients, and dozens of doctors offices across the state that are helping Oklahomans get their recommendations done. While in many other industries women tend to be in the minority, in cannabis,
Women in the industry by Kayla Johnson
women are becoming their own powerhouse, and taking the cannabis industry by storm. They’re opening their own businesses, starting their own farms, and their own medical practices, as is the case with Dr. Gina Caravaglia. Dr. Caravaglia owns Elevated Care Clinic in Tulsa with her daughter, Sheena, and has been doing patient recommendations for medical marijuana in the state since September 2018 when they opened the clinic for business. Though she’s moved around and practiced in other states, she also had a practice in Muskogee at one point before moving away. With the passage of 788, however, she decided to return at the encouragement of her daughter, and opened the clinic. “My daughter kept telling me about cannabis for years while I was out in California working in addiction medicine, and I just kept kind of brushing it off, but about a year ago, I was in a gourmet cheese store in Palm Springs, and my boyfriend and I bought some tea there. It tasted great, and my boyfriend pointed out that it had CBD in it, and I couldn’t
believe how good the tea made me feel.” When Oklahoma passed 788, her daughter suggested that she come back to the Sooner State. “She told me that people were going to be needing recommendations for their medical cannabis cards and since I’ve lived here before and I have a license to practice medicine in Oklahoma, why not come out and open a practice? And here we are.” Dr. Caravaglia takes pride in the fact that she treats the appointments for recommendations like any other doctor’s appointment. “Every patient that comes in gets a physical and we go over their medical history. A lot of doctors, especially some who do patient drives constantly, are all about just cranking out as many as they can, but I prefer to actually walk through it with them, talk about the benefits of cannabis and discuss methods of using it that would most benefit that particular patient and what’s ailing them, versus just signing their form and sending them on their way without discussing any of the information with them.” It’s more in depth and
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“Now, my friend, let us smoke together so that there may only be good between us.” Black Elk Black Elk Speaks
may be a longer appointment time, but for her, quality for her patients matters more than quantity to ensure they get what they need for a healthier life. While she’s not a pediatrician and does not make the first recommendation needed for pediatric patients to receive their medical card, she will make the second recommendation after meeting the patient and giving an exam like any other patient. While she takes a great deal of pride in being a doctor and doing the work she does, she admits it’s not always easy to be taken seriously, even by some of her own patients. “I have a problem with getting patients to call me ‘doctor’. They call me ma’am, or assume I’m a nurse or PA, and when I explain that I am a doctor, they tend to get very indignant with me, and start using it in a sarcastic manner.” The first woman to ever become a doctor, Elizabeth Blackwell, did so in 1849. 170 years later, and women in the medical profession are still facing disdain and a lack of respect, despite having gone through the same training and education
as any other doctor. “Women have been so oppressed over the centuries that now, when we’re supposed to be equal, it’s extremely important for women who have earned their title of doctor to be addressed as such, because they’ve worked for it just as hard, if not harder, than their male counterparts.” For Dr. Caravaglia, that lack of respect from not only patients, but other cannabis related businesses is one of the things she’d like to see changed about the industry. “It does feel like women in cannabis tend to be undervalued, even among other women who own cannabis related businesses. There’s no sense of camaraderie, and in some cases, individuals tend to try to take advantage of women when it comes to business.” Her daughter, Sheena, has even been the focus of inappropriate and hateful comments made, and Dr. Caravaglia hopes that professionalism will regain the majority foothold for the state’s cannabis community. “I was devastated by that, and while my daughter kept telling me to let it go, but it really crushed me that
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someone would be such a bully like that.” While there will always be those who treat women unfairly in one way or another, or even be outright hateful, there are still those who really make an effort to promote women in cannabis, and she makes an effort to focus on them and the positive side, rather than stewing in the toxicity that exists. “It’s hard, but at the end of the day, there’s nothing we can do but continue to keep doing what we’re doing, and let our work speak for us.” Despite the struggles that continue today for women, especially those in the cannabis industry, Dr. Caravaglia continues to hold her head high and keeps pushing onward. “I take a lot of pride in being a woman in the cannabis industry, especially as a doctor, and I really do love what I do. I love being able to help my patients live a healthier life, I love being able to help people get off of opioids or other medications they may be addicted to, and I love seeing how cannabis can dramatically change a person’s life for the better.”
777-GROW
SkunkGrow.com 8125 East 51st St. Suite-H, Tulsa OK 5
Strainology Aries: Happy Birthday Aries! April will bring you the opportunity to develop your talents in many different ways, what a way to celebrate! Another great way to celebrate is by grabbing some Birthday Cake Kush. This Hybrid will help with relaxation after a long day of talent development.
Your April 2019 horoscope and what Cannabis strain will help you get through it!
Taurus: This month is ideal for you to think about not only what you do not need only for yourself but what you can share with others. It might be a good idea to stay in one place while you do this heavy thinking, grab some Mendo Breath and be ready for a powerful body high.
by Brittney Graham Scorpio: This month will bring you signs that you need a change in your diet, work, habits, or daily schedule Scorpio. Taking time to process all of this information is very important. Tangie Biscottie can help with that! This Hybrid effects will hit you hard at first followed by a pleasant euphoria in the mind.
Gemini: Expect new experiences and plenty of accomplishments earlier in the month Gemini. Grab some Granddaddy Purple for later in the month to take some much needed me time. This Indica will keep your thoughts dreamy but your body will be stuck in one spot.
Sagittarius: Late April will mark changes and improvements in your work situation Sagittarius. In small doses Golden Pineapple can help you with the energy you need to get through work days. However, this Hybrid can also help with evening relaxation in larger doses.
Cancer: This month for you Cancer, urges that you act on those hunches you will be having starting the beginning of April. Grabbing some Mob Boss will really help you with this task. This hybrid will help with that muscle tension and knotty stomach from making all those decisions.
Capricorn: Capricorn, this month will put emphasis on your home, property, and family matters. This may not be an easy time for you in one or more of these areas. To life your spirits, grab some Sherbert. This Hybrid will release stress, tension, and melt that sour mood away!
Leo: You will have important goals for yourself in April Leo and you will be motivated to accomplish them. Grabbing Green Crack (AKA Green Cush) Sativa will help you fight any fatigue or stress you may feel during this time.
Aquarius: You are going to find yourself on the go this month Aquarius! We are talking lots of phone calls, involvement with neighbors, and maybe even some paperwork. Take a little bit of me time for yourself with Do-SiDos. This powerful Indica starts off as a buzz and then melts through your entire body.
Virgo: Pay close attention to your instincts this month Virgo as it will steer you in the right direction in early April. Ease stress and improve focus while listening to your inner self by grabbing some Sweet Diesel Sativa. Libra: April brings a very creative influence to your world and the opportunity to turn this into a paying situation Libra. Kepp the creative juices flowing with Candy Kush. This Hybrid will keep you euphoric while keeping stress away from your creative thinking space.
Pisces: Pisces, April is finally going to improve your finances so right now, commit yourself to creating the life you truly want. Purple Haze is perfect for you this month. This Sativa is famous for its cerebral stimulation and the way it awakens creativity.
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From the Front Lines
The Oklahoma Medical Cannabis Movement
by Chip Paul With the signing of the Unity Bill by Governor Stitt last month, we now have a proper regulatory environment shaping up under SQ788. The Unity bill is what was worked on during the course of the 14 weekly special
legislative sessions that were attended by lawmakers, activist, and members of cannabis trade. While it is certainly not perfect, it gives us 90% of what we wanted and expected in an SQ788 regulatory. These rules will over write what the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) has issued as emergency rules to date. While lawmakers have been sensitive to the fact that a significant amount of work has been done by the OMMA, the Unity law will over ride much of these efforts. So, what is left to do? Well a lot on the political front! We are continuing to watch the flow of bills thru the legislature and will ring the bell
NUTRITIONAL TARGETING • PLANT-BASED FLAVONOIDS HEALTHY ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM
should we need your help! We will also be watching the hemp regulations and how these synergize and tie in with our medical marijuana laws. The good news here is that lawmakers realize the tremendous position we are in, as a state, with respect to both our medical marijuana program and our emerging hemp program. Also, watch for some powerful new relationships as to patient advocacy and trade. Big plans in the works!
Opening April 2019
SPICE UP YOUR LIFE™
200 E. Morrow Road Sand Springs, OK 74063
7726 N. OWASSO EXPY. | OWASSO, OK 74055 918-949-6699 | GNUPHARMA.COM 9
Half Baked News Cannabis News and Trending Topics by Brittney Graham
THE NUMBERS JUST KEEP GROWING
FIRST OKLAHOMA 4/20 STARTING WITH A BANG!
Normally, green isn’t celebrated much after St. Patrick’s Day. However, this year in Oklahoma, green has been legally stretched into April! There are so many celebrations, expos, and openings happening this month in honor of the 4/20 holiday that we can only really show you but a snippet of everything. For instance, last month we discussed Cannacon which will be in Oklahoma City on 04/18 and 4/19. There is also the Chronic Palooza 420 that is happening on, you guessed it, the 20th of this month from 12 pm-10pm at State Fair Park. This is a FREE community event for anyone that is 18 years or older. There will be medical evaluations on site and over 20 live local artists performing. Be sure to check out Weedmaps, Facebook, and Google to stay up to date on all of the dispensary openings and specials so you have all the green you need to celebrate the holiday.
The amount of application being submitted and approved by OMMA have increased as the months continue. And by increase, we mean, by A LOT! On March 26, The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority posted their approval and submittal numbers. Here is the break down; 87,129 patient, 893 caregiver, and 4,345 business applications have been received. That is a total of 92,367. 74,778 patient, 642, caregiver, 1,193 dispensary, 2161 grower, and 605 processor licenses have been approved. That is a total of 79,379.
CVS and CBD
The major drugstore retailer CVS confirmed last month that they are selling CBD products in at least 8 of their stores currently and will soon carry more CBD products from Curaleaf. Those states include Alabama, California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, and Tennessee. .
Jelly Belly CBD Beans
Yes, you read that correctly, Jelly Belly is making a new line of jelly beans that are CBD infused. David Klein, the founder of the famous jelly bean brand, added CBD oil to 38 popular flavors and made Spectrum Confections Jelly Beans. Toasted Marshmallow, Pina Colada, and Strawberry cheesecake being among them. He even ad-
mitted to Cannabis Aficionado that their mango tastes more like mango than mango does. If this doesn’t get you more excited to try out these newly infused flavors, then you should also know that real fruit juice is being added to the recipe as well. The goal is to make the beans as healthy as possible. Driving this goal home are the three options that consumers will be provided; orig10
inal, sugar-free, and sour. Each bean will have 10ml of CBD. which makes it perfect for dosing as well. At the moment, the company website is showing out of stock. We have a feeling you will need to keep a close Ebay auction watch on these beans if you want to snag any in the near future!
Get your skunk on As of March 18, there are just under 70,000 patients in the state of Oklahoma. While there’s no shortage of growers and processors ready to put product on the market, there’s also a growing number of those patients who are choosing to grow their cannabis themselves. Demand creates supply, and stores that stock everything needed to take your own cannabis crop from seed to cured flower have been opening since the first patients received their cards last year. One of those businesses is Skunk Grow Supply in Tulsa. Their doors officially opened for business in November 2018 and for owner Patricia Griffin, it goes beyond simply being able to make a profit in this new industry. “I was a substance abuse counselor when I was in the Air Force,” she said,” I’ve seen careers and lives destroyed or even lost due to prescription opioids.” A native of Las Vegas, Griffin has witnessed the benefits of medical cannabis first hand after they legalized it there in 2000. “It was hard watching people suffer knowing there were safer alternatives they could not access.” Like many others, she was taken by surprise at the demand.
compiled by Kayla Johnson
“I wasn’t expecting the sheer volume of patients and caregivers interested in growing at home, but I love it.” The benefits of growing your own cannabis extend beyond having your own supply at home. “I think there is very real, therapeutic value in gardening, and when they succeed, it’s a sense of pride and ownership.” Skunk Grow Supply stocks everything from grow tents to nutrients and soil, even the equipment needed for a hydroponic setup, and a vast knowledge bank. “A good portion of our day at the store is spent answering questions from beginner growers,” said Griffin. While the store doesn’t do product installation visits themselves, Griffin said there are a handful of consultants that frequent the store that do home visits, and the store will be offering classes soon for those beginner growers. “We plan to have classes starting mid or late-April, and we also have a few links on our website to online classes and some free resources about growing.” skunkgrowsupply.com The demand and enthusiasm aren’t likely to start fading anytime soon, and for Griffin, it’s one of her favorite things about running her business.
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“Customers seem excited to grow something, often for the first time, and the people who say they kill any plant they touch come in and proudly show off photos of their healthy grow.” Beyond being able to help these customers, the feeling of community plays a strong role in her business. “Most customers come in, and just enjoy having conversations about their experience, and sharing their knowledge with others.” For those who are eager to get their own home grow going, Griffin has some advice. “Start simple, with good soil and a full spectrum grow light. You can get started easily, without a lot of equipment, and if you choose nutrients, many of them have a basic starter kit to get you going, and instructions. If you stick to basic gardening principles, you should be good to go.” She encourages patients and caregivers to not be overwhelmed by the growing array of choices when it comes to growing, and to maintain their enthusiasm. “It’s inspiring to see patients take an active role in their health.” Visit Skunk Grow Supply online at skunkgrowsupply.com or in their store at 8125 E 51st St Suite H, Tulsa, OK 74145.
The Oklahoma Ride to Patient Convenience So, you are in need of a Medical Marijuana Patient License, but need a physician’s recommendation first. There are a ton of patient drives and physician office options to get this accomplished, which is amazing. However, the thought of having to find where you need to be and when, if you need to call to make an appointment, what medical paperwork needs to be there with you, and how much money you will need start running through your mind. Not to mention the amount of time that will need to be set aside and amount of people that will be there just seems daunting. Kevin Webster, the owner of Ride to Wellness, heard these pleas and came up with a business model that essentially gets rid of all the above-mentioned worries with just an internet connection. It all started for Kevin when he was running a shuttle service to and from patient drives for the residents of Oklahoma. What he found was more and more patients that had a hard time standing for long periods of time, did not have enough time to set aside in their day, or had anxiety about being around so many other people at these drives. That is when Ride to Wellness was born! Being able to schedule, see the doctor, and get your physicians recommendation all with the click of a mouse is the most convenient way to get a medical marijuana card. The
by Brittney Graham
response from the patients have been overwhelming to say the least. “We probably do somewhere upwards of 70 to 80 a day and we schedule every day of the week,” Kevin excitedly told me during our discussion. That number is three times the number of patients that were being shuttled to and from patient drives. To get started, all that is needed to get the recommendation is any computer, tablet, or smart phone and an internet connection. Then head over to www.ridetowellness.com and click on the schedule appointment link. From there, the patient will receive a call from the card consultants that will walk them through the process. First, any questions the patient might have are answered. Next, the appointment will be scheduled with one of the OMMA certified doctors. After that, the patient will receive all the instructions and assistance needed to log into the video appointment. Last, the staff will help upload the recommendation to the OMMA website. Let’s talk money honey! The cost for the same day video consultation with a certified OMMA doctor is $154.95. There is a $10 discount offered for scheduling early, so in this case the early bird really does get the worm! There is also a veteran’s discount of $100.00 making the total $54.95. There is also a $104.00 charge that is paid directly to OMMA for the card fee. Since this is
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all done virtually, no cash is accepted, but Visa and Mastercard are welcome! Kevin has brought convenience and even privacy to the medical marijuana patients of Oklahoma, but he didn’t stop at the doctor recommendations. The sister company of Ride to Wellness called Grow Home has launched this month. “It is a thing for patients where we go out and set up their grow tents to help them get started on their first grow. Of course, of their 6 plants they can legally grow from home,” Kevin excitedly explained to me during our call. It is the same concept of wanting to help those in the community that have a hard time getting out to grow stores or dispensaries for one reason or another. Affordability has been at the forefront of the Grow Home Concept from the beginning. “Even though these people are getting their meds, a lot of them did not realize how expensive it is to buy the meds. This gives them a way to affordably grow their own medicine, have what they need, be within the law, and not have to over extend themselves trying to get their medication,” Kevin stated. Bringing the supplies needed to start a home grow as well as the instruction on maintaining it are all a part of this program. The future of the Cannabis industry especially in the mobile and virtual space seems to be sparking up in Oklahoma, are you ready?
Cooking with grass by Kayla Johnson
Spring in Oklahoma is a beautiful thing, with plenty of sunshine and warm air finally returning to the state. We go from being relatively cooped up to getting our hands and feet in the dirt, whether for work or a hobby. More often than not, what we eat changes too. This time of year, gardens come back to life, and fruits and veggies become more plentiful. This is the perfect time of year to try out those recipes that are a little lighter like the one we’ve brought today. If you’re able to use local berries for this one, more power to you! This particular one can be prepared in a variety of ways. If you don’t have access to a grill, you can definitely prepare it either in the oven or on your stove top, and it’ll still be delicious. But, if you’re lucky enough to be able to grill,
this is a great chance to stretch your grilling legs before summer. It will take the flavor to a whole other level. In addition, the vinaigrette recipe used to marinate the chicken also makes the perfect finishing touch for almost any salad. So don’t be afraid to experiment with it later on. It’s super simple, all you need is a blender, and you can make it in advance and keep it in the fridge. As always, how strong your final product is depends on the strength of the infused produce you used. The more precise you are in creating your cannaoil, the more precise you can get with your dosages in the end. Practice makes perfect!
Infused Raspberry Vinaigrette marinated chicken
Ingredients for infused raspberry vinaigrette 1 C. fresh raspberries, washed ½ C. infused olive oil ¼ C. apple cider vinegar 1 ½ TBSP maple syrup 1 TBPS lemon juice (if desired) Salt and Pepper to taste
or over rice with veggies!
Want to add a little kick? Add garlic powder, pepper, and paprika or cumin to the marinade before pouring it over the chicken for a smokier flavor.
Blend all ingredients in a blender or food processor until emulsified, and set aside for now. Take two pounds of chicken breast, boneless and skinless, and arrange in a single layer in a pan. Pour ½ cup of vinaigrette over the chicken, and use tongs to turn the pieces over, to ensure even coverage. Place the chicken in the fridge to marinate for 30 minutes to one hour, then prepare your clean grill by heating and oiling the grill grate lightly to prevent sticking. Cook the chicken over high heat on the grill, about 2-4 minutes each side, until the internal temperature at the thickest point reads 160 degrees. Remove from grill and let the chicken sit in a pan, covered loosely with foil, for 5-10 minutes. Serve with a salad,
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The Beauty of CBD
You have probably noticed all of the cannabidiol hemp oil, or CBD hemp oil that is popping up as an ingredient in beauty products! Anything from body lotion to facial oil have been advertised quite a bit recently. While this buzz seems to be fairly new and a fad, I can assure you that the truth is far from that. CBD infused beauty products have been gaining popularity with entire brands dedicating their image to this buzzy beauty ingredient. Mega retailer CVS is even selling CBD beauty products in 8 of their numerous stores with more to be carrying it soon. But what exactly does this additive do to help out beauty products and what are some of the misconceptions out there about it? The big question that usually comes to mind first when learning about these products is whether these infused beauty products will get you high. The short answer is no. The longer answer is that CBD hemp oil is sourced from hemp with lower trace amounts of THC than marijuana and high levels of CBD. THC is what is responsible for that trippy feeling that comes to mind when someone mentions the word cannabis. The high levels of CBD are a source of fatty acids and other nutrients that benefit your skin. Francesca Fusco, MD, a dermatologist based in New York City made a
by Brittney Graham
statement on her findings as to what those fatty acids and other nutrients do for your skin. “Studies have shown it can improve reduced barrier function, improve hydration, minimize moisture loss, and decrease inflammation,” she explained. CBD also has anti-inflammatory benefits because the primary receptor for CBD (CBD2) is found on immune cells, which is where inflammation takes place. This is major, because many skin conditions are connected to inflammation, which is why there are so many conversations about the power of CBD in the beauty industry right now. Let’s discuss some of the options that are out there for those in the CBD
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beauty care market or are wanting to give it a try. If you are looking for something to address dry skin try CBD hand and body lotion or infused moisturizer. Finding a product with cannabis sativa oil concentrate will also really help with redness as well as dryness on your skin. If you are feeling sore after a post work out or have muscle aches there are CBD bath bombs and salves that are perfect for that! No matter what you decide on, cannabis beauty products are certainly worth the try. With how many users that swear by the products to the test studies that seem to be popping up daily, we can see why they are becoming so popular. Next time you are in your local dispensary or CBD shop, talk with the staff and find which product might be a good fit for you.
Cannabis and Cancer: Myth, Miracle, or Something in Between? My Personal Journey by Kate Kytle, Holistic Health Practitioner and Cancer Warrior
I first became aware of the potential for cannabis to help so many disorders when I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in 2014. Well technically I became aware of it a few months prior to my diagnosis, when, in February of that year I had the first inkling that I might be having a reoccurrence of breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy in 2010 for Triple Negative, stage 0 DCIS, and of course they said they got it all, but here I was 4 years later with a reoccurrence of a very aggressive form of BC, and it had come back full force! I already knew that I was not doing chemotherapy, because it has not been shown to work very effectively for the more aggressive forms of breast cancer, so I started looking for more natural ways to help myself. When I Googled alternative therapies cannabis, in particular Rick Simpson Oil, kept coming up. Now, I have never been a big fan of the high from cannabis; I like being clear headed and in control, so I was very hesitant and skeptical about trying this, especially since I would have to do large amounts, every day, of a very, very concentrated cannabis oil and knew that the psychoactive effects would make me very uncomfortable, to say the least. But how could I ignore something that had so much good anecdotal evidence, and that, by all accounts, had a 40 to 50% success rate? So, I decided to buck up and give it a try. Now, I did not just dive in head first, I started doing some more research on what a good form for my type of breast cancer might be. This is when I first heard about CBD, and its anti-cancer benefits, and how it helped mitigate the effects of THC. So I started with a 2:1 CBD:THC tincture, and worked my way up from
there. Now admit that I was a wiener and started out with 1 drop under my tongue 3 times a day, and gradually increased to the 1:1. This took about a month. Not until I was able to do 3 drops, 3 times a day was I willing to try the oil. For those of you who have never done the oil, and for those who are very sensitive to THC like I am, let me just say right now that the only thing I can compare the effects to is eating a multi-dose edible all at one time, and when it kicked in you were convinced you needed to be taken to the ER. I never did get to the point where I liked it or could even say I was used to it. Even a grain of rice size dose was almost debilitating for me at first. When I tried to double the dose, I went in to a full-blown anxiety/paranoia attack. I stepped back down on my dosage until I could find someone to babysit me on those days I had to increase it. Needless to say, it took me 4 MONTHS to work up to a full gram a day, and I could only do 1/5th of the dosage twice during the day, and the rest at night. So, if you decide to do this protocol, please be aware it is not as easy as it sounds, unless you just love the psychoactive part. When I got my 2nd CT scan I decided it was definitely worth it, though, because a very aggressive cancer was all of a sudden not so aggressive. My tumors were not spreading any And I had more, and only a few areas had “brightened”, or shown any activity. By my 4th scan they were stable, and one had shrunk by 1mm. This was almost 10 months later, though. I was still doing a gram a day. As most of you have probably heard, this protocol is supposed to be 60 grams in 90 days to get rid of cancer. So that is the myth part: RSO, or full extract cannabis oil does not cure
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every cancer in 90 days. I absolutely believe that it has put some cancers into remission that quickly, but, as we all know by now, everyone is different and every cancer is different, so every person’s journey with this will be different. After that 4th scan I decided to go have another biopsy. Here is where my miracle occurred. What had once been a cancer with no targeted treatments had now changed to HER2+, which now has many targeted treatments, and from the research that I could find, high CBD cannabis helped those treatments work better, so I decided to go ahead and add the treatments to my cannabis regimen. Within 2 ½ months almost all the tumors were gone, and by 4 months there was nothing detectable! I stopped the infusions at that point. Oh, let me back up and say that by August of 2015 I just couldn’t do the oral form of the oil anymore, because it was causing me to have very erratic behavior, so I went to the suppository form, which was such a blessing! It had little to no psychoactive effects when administered this way. I kept using this form until just recently. I stayed virtually tumor free for a little over 2 years, but then the cancer gradually started to return. My doctors were amazed at how well I was doing and kept telling me that I didn’t really need to worry about it yet. Then, BAM, it spread like wildfire, just a few months ago, all while I was doing a maintenance dose of the suppositories every day, along with nutrition and supplementation. I was devastated by this news. I started checking with clients who had also been doing Medical Cannabis and found that almost all who had stage 4 had some type of reoc-
currence, although most not as bad as mine. I also found a lot of stories posted online from people who had been on the protocol, had success, went to a maintenance dosage, and then ended up with a reoccurrence. Most of these stories have been from people with the more advanced stages. Some of them went back on a
gram or more a day and were able to get it back under control. So, again, even the dosage for maintenance varies depending on your chemistry and the type and stage of cancer, apparently. I can only guess that those who were diagnosed with early stage cancers probably have a lower maintenance dosage. I am still dosing with cannabis also, but I have gone back to doing a very high dosage tincture because I just cannot do the FECO again, and dosage guidelines coming out of Israel and Spain are now to use micro dosing, which suits me just fine. I am still not having side effects from the infusions, and once again my tumors are not spreading, so I believe cannabis is still helping me win this battle, just not in the same way it has helped so many others. Is cannabis a miracle plant? I think it is in very many ways. If it can re-
lieve pain, mitigate nausea, calm the anxiety, protect the good cells in the body while helping the medicine do its work and be more effective, and shrink tumors for even a little while, then it is a miracle. Will it cure all cancer? And for good? No, it won’t; that is the myth. It works for some, but not others. But we all know the research in this area is still new, so maybe some day, with more research, the dosing and strains will be known for each different type of cancer, and we will be able to say that it does cure all cancers. But even if it gives you a few more years, then that is a miracle too, and makes trying it totally worthwhile. And I will take all the miracles I can get!
Green Comfort Medicinal Dispensary, LLC. is a family-owned and operated dispensary, located in Haskell, OK. We have a variety of products ranging from Edibles, Vape Cartridges, Concentrates, as well as a large array of Flower. We also carry Clones and Seeds for all your home-growing needs. We strive to create a comfortable environment for all patients, no matter your medical conditions. Our staff are friendly and knowledgeable, while still giving the best service possible. We offer high quality products at an affordable price, while giving the patient 5% back on every purchase through reward points. For convenience, patients can even pre-order online by going to our website, www.GreenComfort918.com
20% Discount to Veterans
10% Discount for Senior Citizens (65+)
300 E. Franklin St. Suite C. Haskell, OK 74436 • 918-938-0869 • www.GreenComfort918.com Email us at GreenComfort918@Gmail.com • Be sure to follow us @GreenComfort918
Open: Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm 17
Sleepy’s Garden From a beach front café in Costa Rica to a cannabis company in Durant, Oklahoma. bCompiled by Sleepy This month I visited Hicksford Farms and CannaMed dispensary. Hicksford Farms is a combination of the Hicks and the Crawford families. These families have been close friends for many years and jumped at the opportunity to become business partners with the passage of SQ 788. This family owned cannabis company makes you feel like part of the family and puts the patients first with quality products. After a tour of their top notch facilities, I sat down with Master Growers Kory Bailey and Jory Hicks. Also, joining us was Jory’s girlfriend Brett McMartin. Brett works in the dispensary and is the social media manager. Tell me a little about how the two families came together to create Hicksford Farms and CannaMed dispensary. Jory Hicks- The Hicks’ and the Bailey’s have been friends since I was
10 years old. Kory’s older brother (Cooper) and I went to school together and became instant friends because we were both the new kids. Kory and Cooper raced Motocross for years and ended up leaving school to compete. Our moms, Jennifer and Kristen, kept in touch and became close friends over time. Kristen remarried about six years ago to James Crawford, who is a well-known electrician in Southeastern Oklahoma. When SQ 788 passed, the two couples took the opportunity to follow a mutual passion in cannabis. What was it like in the beginning? Jory- The four partners, Jennifer & Jason Hicks and James & Kristen Crawford decided they wanted to apply for all three licenses: grow operation, dispensary, and processing. They knew that with hard work, the families could excel in all the facets of the cannabis industry. On October
1st, 2018, we popped 500 seeds. Kory and I were soon tapped in to have full control of the grow, with Jason and James overlooking the entire operation, and planning the future for the company. It’s super cool seeing a family run operation. Can you tell me about the family members and their roles in the company? Jory- Everything was done in housby the family. We built the racks in the grow room, painted all the beds, planned out every room, and my grandpa even hand-built the display cases at the dispensary. Kory- I was previously working for Crawford Electric, and myself and James’ son, Jeremy, helped with the building renovation and put up all the electricity. Jory- It was definitely an all hands on deck situation. My little brother, Tristan, and all the other partners’
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kids were up here in the summer making this building into a grow operation. During this time my girlfriend, Brett, and I were in Washington. This was before it became legal in Oklahoma and at the time, we were working with her family who are in the industry in Washington. Jory- This was summer 2018. So you guys were risking it? You didn’t know it was going to be legal? Jory- The partners had a strong feeling, an instinct that it was going to pass this time around. That mixed with hope and hard work made all this happen so we could start growing as soon as possible. It was definitely a go big or go home thing acquiring such an ideal large scale commercial facility so close to the vote. What’s your favorite thing about working with your family? Kory- I really like working by myself, putting my headphones on and connecting with the plants and really zoning into my work. I love working with Jory because we click pretty well.
Brett- The cool thing that both the Hicks’ and Crawford’s have in common, is that they are not passive aggressive in the least. If you are saying or doing something they don’t like, they will ask you why you are doing it that way. It saves a lot of time and energy in wondering. I think it helps make all of us feel more connected because we feel we can be honest with one another. So Jory you said earlier that you lived in Costa Rica for a while? Jory- Yes, our family is super close and when I graduated high school, we moved to Costa Rica together to chase the waves and live a different lifestyle. We were there for a while and got to meet a lot of interesting people. I linked up with some ex-pats who were growers in California, and my dad and I got to go out to their operation to trim as well as take care of an outdoor grow during the Fall of 2016. While I was in Costa Rica, I was part-owner and operator of a vegetarian coffee shop right near the beach. It was an incredible time and much different than life here. It’s all of our
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goal to be kicking it at the beach real soon. Why did you guys decide to go with the optic LEDs? Kory- Heat gain. Jory- Before this, I had only worked with HPS. I think the more LED cannabis that comes out the more people will want that quality. It definitely seems to be a little better quality. Maybe not higher THC per say but the full synergistic effect of all the cannabinoids and terpenes seems to be on point. I really think the COB LED especially brings the full effects out of the plants. The optics are rocking it. Do you guys spray pesticides? Jory- No, we try to stay on top of pruning, cleaning, and staying in the gardens that way we can avoid having to deal with issues on the back end. We haven’t had to spray anything. There aren’t any chemicals in the building at all and we release beneficial nematodes occasionally, which we think are a great tool. What’s your advice for new growers?
Kory- First thing you should look into is your budget because you are probably going to go over it. Pretty much everyone goes over their budget
for growing. Jory- Spend the money on the genetics. Get good seeds first. Kory- Yeah, definitely. Then it’s
just other little things like fans. You’re going to need fans in there. If you have an LED light hopefully it won’t get too hot. You’re going to need a hygrometer to check the temperature and humidity and a PAR meter. Jory-The PAR meter is key. A lot of people just go by the companies recommended heights on the lights and scorch their plants. You guys are crushing it man! So, you guys also have your processor license. What all products are you guys offering and where can you purchase them? Brett- Most of our flower is sold about 10 minutes from here at our dispensary, CannaMed in Calera, OK. We have Hicksford flower, moonrocks, rosin, cannagars, and pre-rolls. We are really wanting to expand our extraction operation and get into making clean cartridges. Currently, we have partnered with some awesome Oklahoma companies for cartridges, edibles, tinctures and more at CannaMed!
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OKLAHOMA MUNICIPALITIES CASHING IN ON CANNABIS? BY: SARAH LEE GOSSETT PARRISH, CANNABIS BUSINESS LAWYER*
When Oklahoma citizens passed State Question 788 (“788”), they limited the authority of municipalities to enact ordinances to further regulate medical marijuana retail businesses. Specifically, 788 provides “[n]o city or local municipality may unduly change or restrict zoning laws to prevent the opening of a retail marijuana establishment.” However, 788 is silent concerning municipal regulation of growers and processors, and does not prohibit cities from requiring additional licenses with fees. In the coming months, Oklahoma will likely see continued attempts by municipalities to cash in on cannabis.
Unity Act’s Provisions Concerning Municipalities
The Unity Act2 (“Unity” or “the Act”), codified as Section 427.8 of Title 63, provides “[m]unicipal and county governing bodies may not enact medical marijuana guidelines which restrict or interfere with the rights of a licensed patient or caregiver to possess, purchase, cultivate or transport medical marijuana” within the confines of 788 and the Act, and precludes municipalities from requiring patients or caregivers to obtain permits or licenses in addition to state-required licenses. Unity also prohibits ordinances that restrict the rights of patients and caregivers to own, purchase, and possess firearms and to possess marijuana for medicinal use. Further, it protects physicians who write medical marijuana recommendations from interference by municipalities to restrict or regulate same. Unity allows municipalities to access criminal history records of applicants for relevant local licenses and permits, and states OMMA licenses “shall not be issued until all relevant local licenses and permits have been issued by the municipality, including but not limited to an occupancy permit or certificate of compliance”. However, the Act contemplates a one-year conditional license if “an applicant has not received the necessary permits, certificates or licenses from a municipality” but “has fulfilled all other obligations required” by the Act. The Act also recognizes OMMA’s and municipalities’ authority to grant exemptions to businesses as to compliance with the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code, the International Building Code, and the International Fire Code.
Litigation Challenging Ordinances
A review of litigation contesting municipal ordinances suggests cities should simply align the city code with state law. Many have done so, but several smaller municipalities have banned most commercial marijuana operations within their limits, and many such ordinances contain virtually identical boilerplate language. Litigation challenging proposed or enacted ordinances involves, but is not limited to, these cities: 1) Broken Arrow (court struck down ordinance that levied $2,500 annual permit fee, classified dispensaries similarly to alcohol-related estab-
lishments and prohibited tenants from 1) Information contained herein provides general information related to the law and does not provide legal advice. It is recommended that readers consult their personal lawyer if they want legal advice. No attorney-client or confidential relationship exists or is formed between you and Ms. Parrish as a result of this article. 2) The Unity Act lacks an emergency clause, so it will become effective ninety (90) days after the last day of this legislative session growing their own marijuana without written permission from property owner); 2) Weatherford (ordinance challenged that prohibits dispensaries from staying open past 8 p.m. and locating on Main Street; restricts dispensaries to at least 1,000 feet from schools, child cares and other dispensaries and at least 500 feet from any museum or library; bans cultivation and processing operations; requires patients to abide by “all federal laws”); 3) Yukon (ordinance challenged that prohibits medical marijuana businesses from operating on Sundays or within 1,000 feet of schools, libraries, museums, playgrounds, child-care centers, churches, parks, public pools or other recreational facilities; any type of correctional center, halfway house or rehabilitation center; or another medical marijuana-related store; imposes annual permit fees of $600 for dispensaries and $240 for patients who grow in their homes); 4) Tulsa (proposed zoning code amendment [never adopted] challenged that required growing and processing facilities to be at least 1,000 feet from residential areas); and 5) Sulphur (lawsuit filed on basis of overregulation despite ordinance’s repeal on advice of counsel).
Unchallenged Ordinances
Municipalities that have aligned city ordinances to state law include, but are not limited to, Oklahoma City, Moore, Sand Springs, Stillwater, Enid, Bartlesville, Pawhuska (after rejecting an ordinance with strict regulations), and Midwest City. Municipalities with ordinances adding regulations and/or requiring licenses or permits with additional fees, including same for patients who grow at home, include, but are not limited to, Muskogee, Sallisaw, Comanche, Woodward, Dickson, Ardmore, and Slaughterville.
What’s the Take-Away?
In the coming months, more municipalities will likely enact ordinances that impact medical marijuana patients, caregivers, and businesses, requiring additional licenses and attendant fees. However, pending litigation, the Unity Act, and the people’s will as expressed in S.Q. 788 should encourage these cities to conform such ordinances to state law, and to refrain from restrictive regulation and excessive license fees.
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Finding Jon’s Voice by Kemisha Petersen
When I first met the Starr family, I was immediately greeted with a sense of a strong connection and bond. Right away the anxiety I often have of meeting new people dissipated as I took in their kind introductions and gentle energy. Jon walked towards me holding their youngest, Joseph, in his arms while their daughter Jane walked beside him. Heather then approached me, her hand grasped around Jon Jr.’s. Bending down and saying hello to him, Jon briefly made eye contact and smiled before motioning towards the door of the restaurant we would be sitting down at. He was lively and present, every so often grabbing his mother’s face and touching it with his own. As Heather and her husband began to talk about their journey with their son, the more I began to understand the monumental progress he has made in just a few short months. After all, this was a little boy who had been completely nonverbal, but was now counting and spelling his name. Jon Jr. was a year old when his mother began to pick up on the fact that something wasn’t right with his development. “He wasn’t really making eye contact,” she began. “He didn’t really like toys, and wasn’t wanting to engage socially the way typically developing children would.” Many children show symptoms of autism by twelve to eighteen months of age or earlier. With Heather’s background as a physical therapist and knowledge on pediatric disorders, this was enough to spike concern. Heather and her husband immediately enrolled their son into speech and occupational therapy, with speech being the most prominent delay for him. He was completely nonverbal, did not babble like most children his age, and was not attempting to make words.
They stuck with these therapy programs for a long time, but witnessed very little and slow progression in their son’s development. Jon Jr., now six, did not receive his autism diagnosis until he was five years old. It can often take many months, or years, to be officially diagnosed with autism because symptoms can continue to emerge – or fade away – as a child grows from infancy to their toddler ages. After recruiting the help and opinion of a biomedical doctor from Connecticut, submitting lab samples to discover his brain chemistry makeup, and trying out supplements such as serotonin, Jon and Heather began to see more improvements within their son. Then, roughly three years ago, they decided to start researching the benefits and effects of CBD oil in children with autism. There were minor but important changes, one of them being less self-stimulatory behavior (also known as “stimming”) in their son, which is repetitive body movements or movement of objects. However, the CBD oil just on its own was not enough to give Jon Jr. the full scope of relief he was needing. Once there was talk about legalizing medical marijuana in Oklahoma, which Heather admits to have been against her entire life, she began to do her research. She credits blogs and videos created by other parents in legalized states for giving her the courage needed to try medicinal cannabis products for her child, seeing as there is still not an abundance of research regarding children with autism and THC trials. “Basically what I found was that if there wasn’t going to be a positive effect, there wasn’t going to a negative one either. Something natural and from the earth wasn’t going to cause him any harm,” said Heather. “I went to his pediatrician for a recommendation, and the only reason why she said no was because there wasn’t enough research. She was in full support of our choice to seek it out, but I was going to get that recommendation one way or another.” Jon Jr. went on to receive his medical card in December of 2018, and shortly after his mother decided to visit The Peak dispensary in the Plaza District. There she met with owner Christee Wittig and together they crafted a plan of how to give him the adequate ratios of CBD and THC oils he was needing, ultimately settling with a 20:1 ratio with CBD being the dominant component. There have been massive changes within his behavior, and overall quality of life, since this new approach. Along with now being verbal, Jon Jr. has become much more engaged. Usually he was not one to play with his brother or sister, often needing to be prompted to do so before stopping after very short periods of time. Now, he seeks out connection with his siblings, grandparents, and others. Originally only sleeping for three to four hours at a time and then not sleep-
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ing again for two days, now Heather can count on one hand how many times he has woken up in the night since starting medical cannabis products last December. His father, Jon, noted another drastic change. “His ability to sit still has improved. Unmedicated, he will constantly flail his arms, jump and holler. He has really calmed down, and doesn’t become overstimulated like he was before starting THC.” “He has become more a part of our world. So much more present,” Heather said, smiling and relieved. Despite this incredible progress in their son, Jon and Heather would still like to see improvements and developments within Oklahoma’s medical cannabis industry and their products. “I would like more options for people like him, for children. Maybe people that are not really looking for things like pain relief above anything else,” Heather explained. “More options for patients who have needs like his, with more neurological type symptoms that need to be addressed and treated.” She described hoping to one day soon find a broader variety of CBD and THC tinctures with different numbers in ratios, so that way she won’t have to continue measuring the doses on her own. Heather also hopes to see the eradication of stigma against medical marijuana. “I want for people to know that it’s not everything negative you may assume it is if you haven’t tried it. It can be used for good and to help people, and I want people to know that.” Her advice to skeptical or wary
parents who have yet to go down the route she and her family took is simple: just try it. “You have to know your kid and you have to know what you are wanting to get out of it. I never wanted my son to be under the influence, and I didn’t want to change his personality or who he already is. I just wanted his anxiety to decrease, which is in correlation with his stimming. I wanted him to be able to open up and become part of this world more. And, I was hoping for more vocalization because I heard that was a possibility. It turns out that it definitely was.” As Jon Jr. continued to laugh and pull his mother’s face close, I decided to ask one last question about the future. Their future as a family, and Jon Jr.’s future as an individual. Like any parent, Heather and Jon just want their son to be happy in his life above anything else. They dream of him catching up developmentally with his others in his age group, to grow up and get a job, or to one day get married. They want for their son to be able to function in this world so that he can live a life that he wants, on his terms. As a family, they would love to continue being able to do things with him, that he continues to engage, and be able to tell his parents any needs or wants that he may have. Heather turned to smile at me again, excited for whatever is to come. “With as much progress as he has made in two months, I don’t feel like it isn’t possible. We can only go up from here.”
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Let’s talk about the VA by Kayla Johnson
The battle to legalize cannabis has gained substantial momentum with each additional state that continues to pass either recreational or medical cannabis laws, but despite the rising support from sea to shining sea, the federal stance has remained unchanged since the Controlled Substances Act of 1971. In the eyes of the government, cannabis has no medical value, and there are no possible treatments that cannabis could offer any ailment. Despite a handful of bills that have stalled out, there’s not been much effort in Congress to change this thus far. While state legalization is a giant step in the right direction, for the patients who use both cannabis and VA healthcare, it can still be a tricky path to walk. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is a federal entity, and it’s required to follow all federal laws, including the ones about cannabis. This means doctors who work at the VA can’t recommend cannabis to their patients, they can’t sign off on someone’s recommendation form, and because all VA facilities are federal facilities under federal law, the use or even possession of cannabis on VA grounds is strictly prohibited. To make the situation even more strenuous, for veterans who see the VA for pain management and choose to pursue cannabis on their own, it can cause problems. As with many healthcare providers, the VA regularly has veterans submit UAs (urinary analysis, AKA the drug test) to ensure they’re actually taking their medications, especially if they’re a veteran who takes painkillers regularly to manage pain. If cannabis appears on that drug test, many
doctors will refuse to continue to prescribe their regular pain medication, and while cannabis is certainly the answer to many prayers, there are a number of veterans who still need prescription painkillers for whatever the reason. Those veterans who do decide to use medical marijuana will not be denied benefits, besides the aforementioned conflict with VA physicians prescribing pain medicine, but while veterans (and all cannabis patients) are encouraged to discuss their cannabis use with their primary care physician, many find that their doctors through the VA are less than enthusiastic about their choice. Some simply repeat the old D.A.R.E.-esque propaganda about cannabis being a gateway drug to harder substances, while others are much more direct and personal with their dislike of the plant and their opinion of those who use it. It’s hard to tell whether the overall attitude at the VA towards cannabis and those who choose to use it is just strictly the official federal position, a severe lack of understanding about the wide ranging benefits of the plant, or just doctors doing what they’ve done for decades and push pharmaceuticals, when a better, more natural option was available. There have been a few bills that have been introduced over the last several years to give all veterans receiving VA care the ability to receive recommendations for cannabis from their doctors, legally use medical cannabis, and increase the research the VA does on cannabis and what benefits it has for veterans. As legalization sweeps across the 24
country from state to state, support for these bills has been gradually going up as well, as more and more people realize the potential relief it can offer, but thus far, nothing has taken root enough to incite serious change. In February of this year, Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia and and Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii put forward legislation that would give doctors from the VA permission to discuss and recommend medical marijuana for veterans who live in states that have legalized it, and would encourage further research into the benefits of cannabis for opioid abuse relief, a key step considering veterans are one of the most likely groups to struggle with opioid addiction. While there have been stirrings of political support for veterans and cannabis use, the VA remains a staunch pillar of opposition. It may very well be that they simply have to maintain their official viewpoint on it for the time being, but as is often the case with the VA and their standards and procedures, it’s the veterans who are suffering. In states where cannabis has been legalized, most people find the freedom to be open with their medical use of it. Yet those who in many cases have given a great deal, in one way or another for our country are still unable to discuss their use or the benefits of cannabis with their doctor without potentially being lectured, shamed, or even harassed about their use. In many ways, the VA can improve, and do better for our veterans. In regards to cannabis, one of the easiest ways to do this is to ensure their doctors and other health
In the eyes of the government, cannabis has no medical value... staff are given the opportunity to be educated in cannabis and the benefits, and to give them the chance to talk openly with their patients about it, rather than continuing the cycle of misinformation. People who have been opposed to cannabis in the past, once given access to the facts and science behind it, often change their opinion on it, and medical professionals are no exception. While there will always be those who are opposed for their own reasons, with one in four veterans using cannabis therapeutically, it’s getting harder and harder to deny the obvious: cannabis works, and our veterans deserve the access to it. There are rumors buzzing around the cannabis
community that federal deregulation or legalization could be coming by the end of this year or next, though there’s not much to base that off of. The Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor act could be the catalyst the VA needs to move forward with their research and allow veterans who live in medically legalized states to access cannabis without having to wait for the rest of the federal government to catch up. There are thousands of veterans working in the cannabis industry across the country, in addition to being patients. They own dispensaries, processors, grow facilities or farms, even labs and security companies. There are almost no areas of the
cannabis business that you can’t find a veteran in. Veterans are literally investing their lives and their health in cannabis because it works for them, and it’s changed their lives. For the VA to continue to hold a prejudice against those who choose to use it for their wounds, illnesses or injuries is unconscionable, considering that, like other patients who have found relief and wellness in cannabis, they’re walking, talking, living proof that cannabis IS medicine, and it deserves a place in the doctor’s office, even at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Times are changing, and it’s high time that the VA stepped up to the green plate for veterans.
...it’s high time the VA stepped up to the green plate for veterans. 25
Patient of the month
In the months since State Question 788 has passed, people have finally started to talk about cannabis openly, and share how it’s changed their life to have legal access to life changing medicine. Thousands of Oklahomans have gone from being treated as criminals to finally being recognized as patients, and every one of them has a story to tell. Angie White is one of those patients. A native of Maryland that moved to Oklahoma about nine years ago, she’s one of the 74,000 patients who have been set free by 788. “After we moved here, I started getting sick, and we could never really figure out what was causing it, or what was wrong.” Doctor after doctor couldn’t find out what was causing her symptoms, and for White, it was a painful waiting game. “It took seeing probably twenty doctors before one of them finally did a blood test and gave me a diagnosis of lyme disease.”
by Kayla Johnson Lyme disease is caused by a in November. “The feeling when I bacteria commonly carried got my card was just pure relief. I by infected blacklegged ticks wasn’t a criminal anymore, nothing specifically, and the bacteria would happen to my kids because is transmitted to us through of my choice of medicine, it was the tick bite. It has a wide just a wonderful, freeing feeling.” range of symptoms ranging Both White and her husband have from flu-like aches and fatheir medical cards, and with letigue with rashes to tremgalization came the opportunity to ors, seizures and severe not only be honest with their kids joint pain if left untreated. about their choice of medicine, but “Doctors in Oklahoma just potentially help their children in don’t know anything about the same way they’ve benefited. lyme disease, and so I was “Our two youngest, 13, and 15, doing a lot of research on will be getting their cards, and for lyme disease and startmy son who also has lyme disease, ed to read about how the pain relief from THC will be cannabis oils can help such a game changer for him to dramatically relieve some of those get through the school day. Knowsymptoms for people who suffer ing that my kids can receive legal from it.” access to safe medicine is a really Like many patients who are good feeling.” White says one of the biggest finally able to try cannabis for the benefits of having her medical first time for their illness or injury, card is the ability to grow and White found quick relief in cannabis oils. “I went from seizing six or make their own medicine. “The day I got my card, we germinated seven times a day, with the seizure seeds to start growing,” she said,” medications just not working, and I joined Facebook groups about I haven’t had a seizure in over two growing, I looked online, and years, since I was first able to try just gathered all the information it. The other medicines were just I could and ran with it because making my body toxic, cannabis there’s so much information actually worked, and I went from three medications to none.” People being shared among Oklahomans right now, trying to help each who suffer from lyme disease also other get started.” She and her usually suffer from severe anxiety husband converted their garage or even depression, but for White, into a safe, secure grow room, cannabis is the key to relieving and the benefits aren’t just in the those effects as much as the physend product.”Some days, the pain ical ones. “Now, instead of taking and anxiety are really bad, and something like Klonopin, I can take one of my oil pills, or grab my it’s just hard to get out of bed in the mornings, but knowing that I vape, and I can function again.” can go check on my own plants 788 was passed in June, in effect when the lights come on, it makes by August, and White had her card 26
it worth it, and it’s a really good feeling.” Growing her own medicine not only gives her the benefit of taking it from seed to end product, but it also has obvious financial benefits. “Right now, with the market still working things out, it’s so expensive to buy what I need to get the relief I need, but being able to grow and make what I need myself, it makes it much more affordable, and I really think for a lot of patients, growing their own is a good route to take, at least until things level out in the dispensaries.” For White, her biggest hope for the market is not only that prices go down, but that quality goes
up. “This is all new for Oklahoma, and if we really want to promote Oklahoma-based businesses and growers, it’s just going to take some time and learning to get things on the right track. We’ll get there, it will just take patience.” There’s no denying that cannabis has a huge, huge medical impact on every patient who’s tried it. But something more has been given besides just relief. “Knowing that there’s hope, there’s really hope that in five years, I could be improved enough to be back in a saddle, or doing whatever I love without having to break the law to get there or leaving Oklahoma., that’s everything to me. Like a lot
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of other patients, we were considering leaving Oklahoma for a legal state once I was diagnosed with lyme disease, but now, we don’t have to uproot.” White and her husband are considering starting a commercial grow as well, and being able to provide for her family in a way that can also benefit other Oklahomans simply adds to that hope-filled feeling. Knowing that the stigma she and other patients once faced is starting to fade is encouraging for White. “I’m not considered a ‘pothead’ anymore, or a drug addict, or a criminal, I’m a medical patient. I’m just Angie again.”
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The History of 4/20 Brittney Graham
Whether you are new to the cannabis community or have been in the scene for a long time, chances are that you have heard of the magically green 4/20 holiday. It is also very famous for referencing the time of day associated with medicating. Many have questioned just where this ganja holiday came from and have even speculated its beginnings. Since some still stigmatize cannabis, it has been linked with Hitler’s Birthday which is April 20,1889. While some believe that it is the active number of chemicals in the Marijuana plant. The reality of the significance behind this green number can actually be traced back to organic roots of a very open-minded community and the spirit of adventure. A group of 5 California teens in the fall of 1971, self-nicknamed, “Waldos”, were made aware of Cannabis plants that a Coast Guard member planted and could no longer tend too. In search of this crop, the group would meet outside their high school every week armed with the “treasure map” to the lucky spot. The time of the meeting? You guessed it, 4:20pm. One of the original members of the Waldos, Steve Capper, told the Huffington Post, “We would remind each other in the hallways we were supposed to meet up at 4:20. It originally started out 4:20-Louis, and we eventually dropped the Louis.” The bud was sadly never found, but that doesn’t mean that this group didn’t discover something else. A phrase that would soon be known internationally throughout
the cannabis community and the world. So how does that happen exactly? The internet was not around at that time which means we can forget social media. Enter the band, the Grateful Dead, whom the Waldos had open access too because one of the members fathers managed the bands real estate. Another member also had a close friendship with the drummer from the band so the Waldos were always at the shows. During the concerts, the group would run around back stage and when a joint was passed phrases would be thrown around like,” hey 4:20!” The phrase became global when Steven Bloom, A High Times reporter, saw it for the first-time during Christmas Week at a Grateful Dead concert in Oakland, California in 1991. The bands fans, also known as “deadheads,”, would congregate around the band area and pass around flyers. Bloom received one that read,” We are going to meet at 4:20 on 4/20 for 420-ing in Marin County at the Bolinas Ridge sunset spot on Mt. Tamalpais.” Of course, we all know that the rest was history once High Times ran with the story from their reporter. Is it not amazing to think about a phrase that has become more famous than its creators globally yet that is the main explanation of the holiday itself? Not only is the day very popular within the cannabis community, but also the time of day at which medication is taken. Regardless of the answer, I hope your 4/20 is as green as you want it to be!
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