SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY Feb 2022
Sarah Lee
Gossett Parrish Excellence. Efficiency. Integrity.
405/815-3434 slgparrish@slgparrishlaw.com www.sarahleegossettparrish.com
lawyer cannabis | litigation | oil & gas
Southern Hospitality
PG 3 / SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY ABOUT THE COVER BY JAMES BRIDGES
By James Bridges
PG 5 / STRAIN OF THE MONTH BY JAMES BRIDGES
About The Cover
One could swim in the essence of cozy satisfaction felt in the room. It was late and I needed to experience something ‘different’. I found my way into a smoke lounge in Norman. While admiring the room as I settled into the oversized velvet sofa I was approached by an interesting character who immediately caught my attention. I could feel the creative energy pent up inside of this unique individual’s head. She told me her name was Stephanie Alexandria. As I started to speak she handed me a gift. She had hand drawn a special piece on a coaster. She wanted me to have it. I gazed into the drawing as she told me a story of one other piece she would love to show me. Titled Southern Hospitality, it’s a collage piece. It was created with paper, pen, paint, glue, and googly eyes. She spoke of a time when she was temporarily living in Wisconsin to help family. She said she wanted to create something that tied her back to her southern roots. She wanted to emphasize her lonesomeness, but also portray her longing for a partner in crime. In the piece, she reaches her arm out to offer gifts. Behind her she conceals a weapon. This symbolizes the desire for vulnerability and trust while at the same time exemplifying the fear of vulnerability and trust. The eyes above her boots symbolize watching your steps. To Stephanie, Southern hospitality is all about love and acceptance. Desiring vulnerability and trust yet being mindful of what you’ve experienced. I made my way out of the lounge as the gift that she drew for me made its way into my chest pocket.
ISSUE NUMBER 40 Feb - Mar
Owner & Publisher
James Bridges James@HerbageMag.Com
PG 9 / PTSD & CANNABIS BY DR PEPPER HERNANDEZ PG 10-11 / DOWN & DIRTY / COMMANCHE COMPOST BY JAMES BRIDGES PG 13 BIG MIKE COMPILED BY JAMES BRIDGES PG 15-17 / THE FEMININE DEVINE / UTOPIC VIBES BY VERONICA CASTILLO PG 20 / THE BUDTENDER DIARIES BY ANNA ERVIN PG 25 / UNIVERSAL CANNABIS 101 BY JASMINE HARVEY PG 27 / VALIDATION STATION BY KATHY LONG-BARKER PG 31 / WHAT IS LIVING SOIL? BY SAGE HOWELL COMANCHE COMPOST CO.
COVER ART BY STEPHANIE ALEXANDREA IG: @ greazegirl
Herbage Magazine
PG 7 / ACCEPTANCE BY JAMES BRIDGES
Advertising
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Tarra Quinn Tarra@Herbagemag.Com
Advertising Account Executive Amber Roberts Amber@Herbagemag.Com
PG 38-39 / TAROSTROLOGY BY ANNA ERVIN PG 41 / CANNA-RECIPE: HALF BAKED OATS BY ANNA ERVIN PG 43 / MMJ LEGISTLATION IN OKLAHOMA BY FELINA N. RIVERA PG 47 / BUSY WORK BY CARISA ROWE PG 49-51 / MERGED CREATION / BUD, SWEAT & TEARS BY JAMES BRIDGES
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Digital Marketing Expert Katie Hazen Katie@Herbagemag.Com Editorial Inquiries: Stuff@herbagemag.Com
PG 55 / THE CANNXIETY CHRONICLES BY CHARLES “UNCLE CHUCK” DUNCAN PG 58-60 / TASTY FARMS TULSA BY JESSI LANE PG 61 / LOTUS LETTERS BY KATHY LONG-BARKER
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Dear James, It’s me from the future. Before you go on a wild goose chase for some of the best medicine, please consider the possibility of me communicating in this very unusual fashion. About two weeks ago you were on a mission to find seeds for a fellow enthusiast. While on this journey you picked up a pre-roll that brought you back to one of your all time favorites strains. The essence of sweet and sour lemon and tangie could not be ignored any longer. You felt the strongest urge to find the best Tropicana Cookies in Oklahoma. With the seed hunting now placed on the back burner, you will hunt for this strain. You will travel throughout the state. You will ask fellow connoisseurs. You will make phone calls. You will even ask your next door neighbor, Melanie, as she looks at you with a blank stair and an overwhelming gaze of judgment.
pollennationcultivation.com
Please understand that I am trying to help you move in the right direction. It will save you so much time and anguish. You will thank me. If only you can interpret and take to heart my urgent plea for you to stop looking right now. You will not find what you are looking for in that strain. What you are looking for is definitely the taste and smell of Tropicana Cookies, however, it is not perfect for this month. Your new found creative motivation from the Tropicana as well and the destruction of your social roadblocks will help you overcome the inability to converse. But I want to give you a piece of advice. Want the giggles? Try adding Chem to it. The nutty and slightly cheesy tasting addition that leads up to an actual aroused sensation is why Tropicana Chem is my strain of the month for February. Thank you POLLEN NATION CULTIVATION. Tropicana Chem is heavy on Caryophyllene, which studies show a potential to reduce alcohol intake, making this terpene a possible treatment for addiction. Limonene is perfect for Anxiety & Stress relief THC Level 25.25%
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Acceptance By James Bridges
I had no idea of the extremely high speeds in which this vessel would achieve. I strapped in and looked forward to what I assumed would be one of the most important rides of my existence. “All aboard!” Comes from a faint voice in the distance. There’s a tunnel of sorts. It’s sucking me in. I can see a pinhole light coming into my point of view from a large span of space. The tunnel walls seemed to be vanishing as I looked more closely at that light. The walls of the “tunnel” were like plastic sheets. They started to dissolve. It was as if I were cleaning a window that had a hint of film along the edges. I could see clearer. So, I had to take the opportunity to look at my surroundings. I was hovering at the edge of the known and the unknown. I could see an enormous globe full of energy below me. I was able to look down at that globe and see bits of energy within it. I could sense struggle and conflict. I felt a negative vibration radiating from the constant anxiety and wonder. At that point I felt I needed to make a decision. Should I go further on this ‘ride of all rides’ or hang back and enjoy the idea of it? There was a figure of sorts. It was like a shadow. Let’s call it a silhouette. It seemed very familiar. I noticed that it was trying to catch my attention. Another silhouette zoomed into view and next to the other. This one seemed more curious as it cupped both eyes with its hands to take a peek. I realized they were both behind another set of plastic sheet-like walls. I knew at that point that there must be another layer. My own curiosity made the decision for me. I was going further on this ride. I shot up through another “tunnel”. This time I was thinking to myself that I must be dreaming. The walls actually looked like the patterns one would see when Captain Kirk would command the ship to go into hyperdrive. I came to a plateau of sorts as my trajectory stabilized. I was able to hover once again. This time there were many globes below me. Some of them were very far off into the distance. It was as if I were on the far side of a solar system and I could look back and see the alignments of stars and planets.
She was there. Her face was twice the size of my body. Her hair seemed to move as if it were alive itself. It was as if it were protecting her from whatever may attempt to harm the mind of a perfect being. Her eyes were shaped like a kitten’s eyes but had the depth of a panther. She could attack at any moment’s notice. I felt no fear. Oddly, yet only oddly in reflection, she was able to communicate with me in so many ways other than voice. The only audible words were a deep and cheerful accusation coming from her mouth. She kept saying, “You see”. Her eyes would tell me differently. “You see!” I was learning from the teacher as she was commenting on how well I was doing. I noticed she had no body. I tried to get a look behind the curtains, but every angle I chose only returned a solid wall. I could not see past her face and hair. I was puzzled. She roared her giant laugh. I smiled and was happy to amuse her. She seemed to already know exactly what I would do before I even did anything. Then I realized it was time to go. I wanted to learn more. She was able to help me feel somewhat satisfied until our next meeting. As she communicated with me, I slowly drifted back to the source of where this journey began. She told me to try to remember the faces of the silhouettes. I couldn’t. She asked me if they meant something to me. Depression is something that cannot be explained. It cannot be communicated through speech. Not with me. It’s a feeling. It’s a mode of being. In order to get past bouts of severe depression I have been able to lean on silent conversations with “silhouettes” or “spirits”, if you will… These conversions derive from the inability to communicate my modes through voice. The silhouettes sometimes represent the darkness that is around me. They sometimes represent happiness, or a glimpse at it. However, the most important conversation that I ever had with those silhouettes happened during this journey. When I looked back and noticed the two entities dancing and becoming one I knew I learned something. I knew because it made complete sense. It was simple and right in front of me the entire time. In order for us to grow we must accept the fact that we dance with all of these emotions within ourselves. The good and the bad. The next time you think the devil is in your house, ask him to smoke a bowl with you. It might get rather interesting.
I noticed a movement coming from afar. As I looked closer I witnessed the two “silhouettes” dancing with one another. They soon dissolved into one another. I could see a single “silhouette” form. It hovered off into the distance for a bit then it was as if it were traveling back to the globe which I started. Seemed odd, but made complete sense to me at the time. I felt the need for the existence of two entities to become one in order for it to realize what it’s purpose was. I turned my head to the forward position and looked up. I felt a warmness embrace my entire being as I accepted the fact that I was indeed on some sort of journey and not a dream.
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PTSD & Cannabis by Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D. CTC
Award-Winning Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner Photos Courtesy of Full Moon Farms, Humboldt County CA
Post Traumatic Anxiety Disorder, or PTSD, is a devastating and life-altering disorder that can develop following a traumatic event. Those who do suffer from it are trapped in that trauma, as flashbacks and dreams force people to relive their trauma over again, which can be manifesting in panic attacks, hypervigilance, overwhelmed emotions, sometimes disconnection from loved ones, and even self-destructive activity. PTSD is a difficult disorder to treat or even live with. But I personally do believe that focused therapy, meditation, and cannabis can help one get back to a healthy mindful life. Along with PTSD sufferers that claim this combination has helped them cope with their severe symptoms and, in some cases, thrive. It does take time, patience and diligence, but there is hope. Researchers from The University of Pennsylvania, The University of California San Diego, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and The University of Colorado collaborated on the study, which was supported by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The study’s authors consider the growing usage of cannabis for PTSD, particularly in areas where it is legal. “The results imply that it is some combination of THC, CBD and perhaps some of the many other parts of the cannabis plant that create the therapeutic effect. Cannabis has many molecules that can create a biological effect, including up to 120 cannabinoids, 250 terpenes and around 50 flavonoids.” The new study also adds to the growing body of evidence that cannabis can aid those with PTSD. For example, the researchers discovered that PTSD patients who smoked cannabis not only had fewer symptoms but were also 2.57 times more likely to recover from their condition during the trial than those who did not. What I would suggest to a medical patient in a legal state “When searching out cannabis for PTSD, remember these cannabinoids seem to work well with one another for anxiety issues. CBD, CBG and CBN may be of particular use. Also, these terpenes may be helpful limonene, linalool, bisabolol, myrcene, beta-caryophyllene. When trying a new strain or cultivar, use the micro-dosing technique to ensure proper dosage and to make sure there are no unwanted side effects. Contact a Cannabis Trained Professional anytime and keep track via your cannabis medical journal.” Hernandez 5 Cannabis Strains That Can Help Manage PTSD Symptoms. ACDC Sour Kush Blue dream
GrandDaddy Kush Harlequin Additional facts: At any given time, about 5% of Americans (about 13 million people) suffer from PTSD. In the United States, an estimated 8% of adults – or 1 in 13 people – may acquire PTSD at some point in their lives. Not all cannabis cultivars are alike, and as organic farmers continue to breed their specific genetics, users need to know what the cannabinoid profile is. Knowing the flower, they are testing can bring the best experience and outcome, and help make an educated decision on what will be the best product for their medical ailment. Please check with your cannabis therapy consultant for more guidance. All information in this article is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources. Please check with your Cannabis Educated Primary Health Care Physician or Educated & Trained Cannabis Therapy Consultant before beginning any new diet or lifestyle change. Written by Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D., CTC, CNHP in ECS & Naturopathic Medicine, Cannabis Therapy Consultant, The Founder and Education Director of the Cannabis Holistic Institute. To find out more about her Telemedicine Consultations, Educational Programs, YouTube videos, and other creative content, you can find her on the massive inter-webs on all platforms or at drpepperhernandez.com. Go forth, Go Cannabis...
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Down & Dirty Comanche Compost By James Bridges
I was reminded of the Legendary Comanche Chief, Quahna Parker. The Comanche Chief is forever anchored to the rugged land in both family name and in legend in Parker County, Texas. and found a prop Parker County, TX is the very ground where the Comanche Compost Company is headquartered. I had the special opportunity to sit down with the multifaceted creative mind of owner, David Mayer, and the very innovative Director of Education and Product Research, Sage Howell with the Comanche Compost Co. David started Meyer Materials in 2006. “It’s evolved from my passion with soil and agriculture.” David explained. “We were at the time purchasing farmland and developing it into wetland restoration habitats. We found a property in Fort Worth that we really thought had potential. We eventually started to realize that there were many opportunities to recycle commercial generated food waste such as daily yogurt.” The team developed a system that would extrude the yogurt out of the fully palletized products deemed to be off just a bit off because of quality assurance. The process allowed them to grab that bulk yogurt, recycle the plastic containers, meanwhile saving the yogurt for repurposing. The yogurt then goes into their composting process. Now that process is used for repurposing. This gave them the ability to add it to manure or alfalfa bedding which is used for example in various rodeos and stock shows. Their Fort Worth, TX property had a great deposit of sand, salt and clay. “We started to combine that with the various organic inputs to create something really awesome.” David was smiling ear to ear. “Our select product got into the major landscaping side of the business. We got into garden centers. We stepped up our game, in terms of what we were developing, in the way of potting soils and garden soils. We got into high-end compost product backed products for the retail sector.” David took a breath. The company slowly made their way into the cannabis sector. “It started with the Humboldt Seed Company”, David admitted. “Those guys approached us to develop soils around the seeds that they were trying to pop here in Oklahoma. They were breeding here. They came to me asking about different amendments that they could use for their outdoor grow facility. They were obviously interested in the compost, but they are also interested in our soil manufacturing capacity. The Comanche Compost Co. has many capabilities, including taking in peat moss, perlite, core, and things of that nature. By combining these high-end performance propagation tables they are able to achieve the highest performing soils in the region. “David and I both have a mutual passion for agriculture”. Sage Howell is the Director of Education and Product Research for Comanche Compost Co. “I was growing in a 30000 square foot GreenHouse in Toledo for Fresh Point, Cisco, and Hellofresh. I was developing these vertically integrated propagation systems and hydroponic systems for food. Once I had mastered that, all my focus went to one thing. How can remediate this 19 acres by the Clear Fork River estuary to be an organic farm? So I started to figure out that my cost of inputs was going to exceed what the returns were in terms of food. So I started calling around. I even went to Dublin Texas to work with dairy farms and learn how to make my own compost. I started to get alfalfa from other farms just to make my own compost. Then I met David. He was
really curious what I was up to because I had been calling a bunch of materials people in the industry. It was at this point the two forces would meet. David called Sage and invited him to lunch. “I have some worm compost you may or may not be interested in but I need to learn what you’re doing”, David’s curiosity would not allow for anything less. “We hit it off.” Sage smiled and glanced at David. “We spent at least 2 and a half hours discussing the finer points of using bacteria and waste products like coffee grounds. We spoke of turning it into something that could be of value. A product to be added to an agricultural list for a farmer or just somebody that wanted to be certified organic, but didn’t have the means to go buy nutrients from Michigan or Canada or Oregon. We discussed doing it domestically and locally by taking waste streams and turning it into a commodity. Turning soil into a vegetative crop. David approached me with the Comanche Compost and we just ran with it. The two passionate innovators decided to build out soils that produce organic flower buds, terpene and cannabinoid profiles that positively impact the landscape of commercial and home growing in the cannabis industry. I asked Sage about living soil. “So there’s a big importance, and this is something that you learn on a commercial scale. In Hydroponics you control every single detail from the microbiome in the soil horizon, your water, all the way through the plant being harvested. With living soil, you are not controlling the bacteria load that’s in your water, but you’re allowing it to mimic nature in a soil horizon zone. You’re mimicking the ability to have nutrients cycling through bacteria in your soil by utilizing either a beneficial bacteria microorganism inoculate, which we achieve with our compost. We’re introducing something like yogurt, but we’re letting natural bacteria be alive and present. This versus a sterile compost or a sterile soil is the difference between living organisms living soil and sterile soils. You’re trying to force feed your plants whereas in living soil, the roots interact with the bacteria.” Sage clarified, “In my opinion it’s a fact that living soils are producing more beneficial plants and good medicine because you’re depending on nature doing its work versus you controlling every aspect of nature. So you know it’s good to have a little bit of the mystery of the soil, but when bacteria and microryza do the work the plants are happier that way. David talked more about the opportunity to join both worlds. “It’s rather invigorating to know that you are on the cusp of something so interesting that it could change how patients and enthusiasts receive their medicine.” David’s passion was permeating. “I’m proud to say that we continue to push forward this combination of our coffee grounds and a formula that was developed by American Plant Food Texas A&M and ourselves through very extensive studies. We desire to meld the scientific with the organic so it does offer some kind of a medium that works to the best of it’s abilities within the shortest amount of time.” Organic composting and the overall complexity of the soil industry is an ever evolving thing. I myself have to do nothing but agree with the methods that are being set in place by Comanche Compost. I have full confidence that outstanding terpene profiles are being produced from their soils. Customer relations in Oklahoma, Texas and the region seem to only rave about what Comanche Compost is building and what kind of materials they are putting into our compost and their soils. Please learn more about this innovative industry changing company at comanchecompost.com.
Big Mike By James Bridges Herbage Magazine
Mike Bennett, AKA Big Mike, served 21 years in the military. 10 years in the Marines, and 11 years in the army to be exact. He himself would tell you that he was “pretty damn good at it”. Big Mike was injured in 2012 while in Afghanistan. He was on his fourth combat tour. He developed Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy or CIDP. CIDP is a rare type of autoimmune disorder. In an autoimmune disease, the body attacks its own tissues. CIDP paralyzes as it creeps through your body. Big Mike said that his, “started in my toes and it’s up my waist now”. “I’ve been in a wheelchair for 4 years permanently. I retired in 2013. I got on pills. So many pills. My pills were on pills.” “I was in the active duty military. So I never use cannabis.” Big Mike was reflecting. “My dad was an avid consumer. I never got to smoke with him. I loved that he would be hanging out with his buddies and enjoying life. I just thought I’d give it a shot. I did and I haven’t turned back. I haven’t used any over-the-counter medication for any prescribed from a doctor since. I mean… even like blood pressure medication. No pills are going into my body. I just use all different types of cannabis.” Big Mike continued, “In 1996, when I was in the Marine Corps, they did the Anthrax vaccination. It’s kind of a similar situation to the Covid vaccine. It was mandatory for the military. I developed some really bad skin problems. I get it in my face or my chest and my back. Now, all I use is cannabis cream. That’s it.” Big Mike travels all over the country and “my mom lives in Yukon. She’s completely deaf and she wears hearing aids. Back in the 60s and 70s she was going to concerts and so she’s completely deaf, but she reads lips. So she started talking to her doctor and everything and then got approved and got her card. She is an older lady and she doesn’t feel comfortable going to events like the Cowboy Cup or even dispensaries. So I try to help her out as much as possible.” Big Mike says that he is using cannabis on a different level than his mother. “She’s kind of relying on me as her doctor now. We talk about the strains and effects. We talk about the medicinal side of cannabis.” Attending some of the country’s top cannabis events doesn’t keep Big Mike totally occupied. He loves to play professional wheelchair tennis. He says he is constantly traveling. “I’m in Tennessee right now. I’ll be in Louisiana next week then I’ll be in Baton Rouge. Kentucky, Louisville, Kentucky, then I’ll be in Baton Rouge. From there I go to Dallas and then Colorado.” Big Mike says, “I’m constantly traveling. I heard about the Cowboy Cup so my buddy and I went and hung out at my mom’s house and told her that we are going to the Cowboy cup in Stillwater. She was so excited and it was just great to go up there and meet all these wonderful vendors and everything. Meeting Daniel was such an awesome experience. “I showed up on the first day of the Cowboy Cup. I’m wearing a hat that says Big Mike and Tennessee. So it already looks like I’m an out-of-stater. I’m in my wheelchair in line, but I notice that a sign says vendors only. I see one guy walking around with a radio on his hip. He happened to be Daniel without my knowledge. I told him I bought some tickets online. I asked if I was in the right area. He told me to check in at the building. “No problems.” So I went in and I was talking to all the vendors and stuff. Someone finally asked if I was a vendor. I told them that Daniel said to check in. They smiled and continued enjoying themselves. I saw Daniel later on during the cup. He sat down with me and asked if I had seen the lady in a wheelchair going around. I let him know that I had. That’s when he let me know that it was his wife.” Both Big Mike and Daniel Lewis say it was as if they had this immediate connection and now there’s an understanding of one another on a level that means more than just the surface. The Cowboy Cup is definitely one that I will return to year after year.
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The Feminine Divine
Healing with Plants & Crystals
Both recognized as “alternative medicine”, cannabis and crystals are utilized and consumed for multiple healing reasons: mind, body, and soul. In the western hemisphere, which is where The United States of America is, we generally weren’t, and still are not taught about healing with crystals. And I suppose in a country that wants man made pills to be the main source of “medicine”, why would they? But as I learned from Kristine D. Carlos, in her thesis: Crystal Healing Practices in the Western World and Beyond: “Humans have been using crystals for various healing and ritual reasons for centuries. Both geographically and culturally, a diverse range of groups have turned to crystals and gemstones to address diverse needs over the millennia. While the oldest legends of crystal magic date back to the mythical ancient continent
of Atlantis, whose people allegedly used crystals for telepathic communication, it is believed that the crystal customs continued to perpetuate in Egypt, South America, and Tibet over subsequent centuries.” Usually, America doesn’t recognize anything from earth as medicine. You see, crystals come from earth. Millions of years ago, liquid rock inside the earth cooled and hardened, and this is how crystals formed at the twinkling center of the earth. And like cannabis, a plant that grew wild centuries ago, and still could if earth wasn’t being destroyed as I type; are forms of healing that have been here since before humans. Holistically and in history, both have been utilized and consumed for healing, today, both are making their way into mainstream society; and there is a company that is offering both in one purchase: Utopic Vibes.
Products Wit
Utopic highs and crystal vibes, Utopic Vibes is an Oklahoma based medical marijuana processing facility that seeks to bring patients the best of both cannabis flower and healing crystals. Their focus is on uplifting the vibration of their patients through intention based healing. Owned by Kimberly Provance and Tonya Carone, this company believes that: “Caring for the mind, body, and soul is of the utmost importance for a healthy and happy life.”
“The team is Kimberly Provance and Tonya Carone, we met in Bartlesville in May 2020, at the start of the pandemic. Kim was visiting family and looking for alternatives to help her husband who is a cancer survivor. Tonya was working at a dispensary, had so much knowledge to share on terpenes and the healing components of the plant, and was genuinely interested in helping make sure the right products were recommended.
Kimberly and Tomya encourage Oklahoma patients to “catch the Utopic vibe” by consuming their line of intentional healing products with names like: chill, heal, create, passion, and uplift. Their intention with providing a product that incorporates earth into healing is to offer:
Kim’s background is in corporate America with 30 years in technology sales and sales management where she has always been motivated by helping people achieve their goal through products she has sold and represented. Kim sets the standard of ethical business practices, sources, cleanses, and charges every crystal Utopic vibes uses.
“Peace and tranquility. This is something everyone deserves in this life, and we are confident that our products will help you change your frequency to align with these states of being.” Kimberly & Tonya are the Owners of Utopic Vibes I just want to say that I absolutely love the concept, the message, and the intention of Utopic Vibes; what led you here to its launch? “We wanted to provide the patients of Oklahoma with a higher quality experience that can be used with intention. We both love crystals and appreciate the healing energies they can provide and wanted to share with others how crystals can complement and work together with cannabis for various experiences. The market was lacking a premium pre roll and we wanted to provide the best of everything for the patient from including high testing full flower, genuine crystal, custom cones for an even burn and an educational card for the strain and the crystal. We call our packs experience packs for that reason, it allows for a full experience of enjoying the high quality of the joint while learning about the product and also connecting with the crystal.”
Tonya’s background is in sales, organic farming, essential oils, as well as petitioning for SQ788. She has helped patients get their cards and then educated patients in dispensaries. We met and bonded over how the earth truly gives us what we need in our lives in both crystals and cannabis. Tonya handles all the sourcing of the product with the various grows, and she insists on high terpenes and quality. She also handles the production and quality control. Tonya’s Role: source growers and strains aligned with our 5 vibes.” Before launch, did you find that people overall loved, weren’t sure of, and/or didn’t understand your concept? “Unsure. Being two women in this industry coming to the market with this intention based approach with crystals and holistic healing; we were told many times it was a lot to ask of Oklahoma patients. But we stayed true to our beliefs that we could change the lives of patients and so, we launched and Oklahoma has welcomed us with open arms to help set the standard of true room based medicating.
th A Purpose Generally, we get this question from men: “what’s with the rock?” At first we were like “hey, that’s not a rock it’s a beautiful crystal!” It’s fun now because we have been able to educate so many people from various backgrounds on the benefits of working with crystals. Men also like to purchase them as they give the crystals to their wife or girlfriend, and they get big brownie points for that in addition to a premium joint to enjoy.
People really like to collect the cards too, they appreciate the information and seeing the various strains and how we change it up.” What are your top 3 favorite crystals and why? “That’s a hard one that’s like which kid is your favorite 😅. All of our crystals are our favorite depending on what we need in our lives at that moment. Trends with our patients have been our citrine and amethyst. Citrine for its abundance and inspiration and Amethyst is for encouragement of tranquility. As women we gravitate toward pink for love so the Rose Quartz is a favorite. Blue lace for positive vibes; this one’s fun to work with and lift your spirits and uplift your energies. Clear Quartz MASTER HEALER applifies energies, protects balances, and acts as a spiritual healer.” Can you talk about the inclusion of a crystal with your 5 packs? “Both cannabis and crystals come from our earth naturally, meaning the nutrients we get from plants that we use everyday and also in cannabis, create the crystals over thousands of years; so how can they not come together? We wanted to give the patient something other than a matchstick or lighter, we wanted to share the experience of the crystal with them in hopes of them achieving the highest level of whatever intention they are manifesting.
We love to see how our patients use the crystals (each come with a hole drilled) in making jewelry or other ways of carrying them. Some people like to bless others with their crystals. It gives the patient something positive to experience with each pack. That is our goal.” Which of the 5 options in your 5 packs is your best seller? “Create and Chill, lots of people like Heal too; we source really good 50/50 blends for that consistently. Create pleasantly surprised us and is currently our best seller.” Where can cannabis patients in Oklahoma find Utopic Vibes products? “We are in over 50 dispensaries now in the state, please find a dispensary near you on our website.” How do you all source the crystals and cannabis provided in your products/product packs? “We get our crystals from Arizona and Arkansas currently.” For someone that isn’t familiar with crystals and consuming cannabis for healing other than chronic pain, which strain do you recommend they try first? “They should start with the vibe that they are feeling… they may be going on a date that night and passion will do the trick as it’s a nice hybrid. If they need a positive boost, we recommend our Uplift. They all really hold the power of intention, so we recommend you start with what you consciously lead you to.” Both Kimberly and Tonya invite you to learn more at utopicvibes.com
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Painted Face Luxury Skincare is a five ingredient organic, all-natural lotion developed from years of experimentation with a variety of moisturizing elements. These five ingredients have proven most effective in the prevention of stretch marks and maintaining dry skin. Each jar is blessed with both honor and grace. An affirmation to bless yourself each morning as you apply. We envision Painted Face as war paint. Every
day is a battle. True warriors don’t just show up. They are at their best every day...whatever their best may be at that given moment. Consistency is key in skincare. Apply daily everyday as many times as needed and reap what you sow, both inside and out. May you be blessed with honor and grace. For the month of February, Painted Face will be offering a free 4oz jar to a survivor of suicide for every 8oz jar purchased. Send Painted Face a message if you would like more information or know someone you personally would like to deliver one to. Confidentiality will be highly regarded. At the end of the month, the remaining free jars (if any) will be donated to local tribes and mental health organizations. Follow us on Facebook @paintedfacehonorandgrace Stefanie Quillen Creator of Painted Face Luxury Skincare
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It wasn’t until I gained firsthand experience in a dispensary that I realized the weight of the responsibility that the role of a budtender carries. I hear about a lot of people diving into the entry-level position because they see it as the easiest way to get out of their stressful 9-5 situation and into an industry they think they’ll love. However, what I don’t often see are most of those people maintaining a job in the cannabis industry with that kind of mindset. Budtenders are the bridge that gaps patients and cultivators, the gatekeepers of a purchasing manager’s attention, and the final set of eyes to fall on the medicine that gets distributed to our friends, family, and neighbors. Tending buds is not for the faint of heart. It requires a certain amount of responsibility, initiative, and passion to fill these shoes, and if you can’t keep up with industry news and standards you’ll quickly find that this field can bring just as much discomfort as whatever position you previously held. The vast majority of patients who shop for cannabis look to their tenders for advice on product selection, dosage, and consumption methods. In a lot of cases, if you aren’t equipped with the right knowledge (or willingness to learn alongside your patients), those customers will chew you up and spit you out. Put yourself in their shoes. While most of us find ourselves actively engaged in this industry daily, the average consumer isn’t likely to have quite as much access to the wealth of information or networks that we do. When a patient asks about a product, it’s a budtender’s responsibility to be informed about the cultivation, processing, and consumption of that product. And in my opinion, patients are entitled to learn as much as they want to about their medicine. Another important role a budtender plays in this industry is holding the keys to their purchasing manager’s gaze. I don’t know if all dispensaries work like this, but in my experience, it is nearly impossible for brokers to get past a good budtender without an appointment with the store’s buyer. We can smell you from a mile away, and it’s not that we don’t care about the product your pushing, it’s just that you’re the 7th person we’ve turned away that day. If you really want to get your foot in the door, consider the first 30 seconds of your presentation walking into the dispensary to be your most crucial for making an impression. We don’t always have time to hear the whole spiel, but managing to pique our interest could potentially get you a lot closer to putting your product on shelves. I’d love to dive into this topic more, but look at it this way: budtenders are the ones that have to move whatever you leave in inventory, so sell it to us the way you’d want it sold in our store. Finally, the most important responsibility that falls in a tender’s lap is a final inspection of the product being sold before it lands within the hands of the consumer. This requires a certain amount of knowledge about industry standards and the biochemistry of cannabis. The last thing anyone in our industry wants is to find that a faulty product found its way into the pocket of a patient, and the last thing a patient wants to hear is that they consumed something unsafe or not up to par with industry standards. A patient’s individual role in purchasing cannabis is to advocate for their health. It’s important to share as much information as comfortably possible, particularly when asking about dosage and consumption methods. Nobody else knows your body better than you do. Keep a patient journal, report your experiences with each product, and let your budtender know what works for you next time you hit up the dispo. With that being said, a budtender’s responsibility to continuously learn, educate, and inspire healthy choices never truly ends. My hope is that this column will help create a safe space for tenders and patients to find common ground, inspiration, and education. I would like to invite both parties to submit any questions, stories, or topics that might come up in the dispensary. Please send your submissions here → Anna@Herbagemag.Com
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Universal Cannabis 101 Entourage Effect by Jasmine Harvey Let’s dive into how the Entourage Effect works! The Entraounge Effect is a combination of all compounds and chemicals found in the cannabis sativa plant. The cannabis sativa plant is vast in her ways with hundreds of different compounds, cannabinoids and terpenes. With this, they all perfectly harmonize with one another to bring us the balance of the Entourage Effect.
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The most common way individuals think they are able to medicate and have a cerebral change, head high if you will, is the chemical compound THC. This may be true but is not wholeheartedly.
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In order to receive the full benefits of cannabis you must have all compounds, cannabinoids and terpenes working together to give you your complete relief from what ails you. There are many different classes of chemicals such as amino acids, carbohydrates, fatty acids and terpenes that are the building blocks that help give you your cerebral change, pain relief, reduction in anxiety and so much more. This is due to the synergy of these compounds and chemicals. When you smell your cannabis and get a “nose” for what your body is craving, those are the terpenes, which we will go in depth next. Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD play off of each other to give the full holistic effects of your cannabis, these are two of many that aid in this cycle of help. Many variables come into play on the profile of your cannabis to help different ailments. This may be seen in the manner in which it is grown, the genetics and many more. With the combinations of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and other molecules they all synergistically work together to give you the full holistic benefits of the cannabis sativa plant, making it the Entourage Effect.
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With so many different and unique compounds and structures of the cannabis sativa plant you are able to grasp the full benefits from consuming every aspect of it. These ways may be inhalation of the flower, consumption of a full spectrum product and eating or juicing the cannabis sativa plant.
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The vast universe of Cannabis awaits!
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Validation station By Kathy Long-Barker
Let’s talk about the side of cannabis that isn’t as widely known. The anxiety ridden mind bending side. Many look at me funny when I tell them that possibility even exists. “Man, I wish I had your tolerance, that’s what everyone wants!” Then I watch their faces fall into uncomfortable surprise as I tell them what an average dose of this plant medicine looks and feels like from my particular point of view. I first began smoking when I was 18. My Dad was no stranger to the stress relieving properties of the magical grass, and he always told me, “If you ever want to try it, try it at home with me, ok?” True to my word, I asked one night when some of my friends were over and had some of their own. Everything was fine. Mind you it was probably the lowest potency shake you could get your hands on, as this was in Texas, twelve or so years ago. I felt a little sleepy but that was the extent of it. This is how most of my encounters went until the age of 21 rolled around and I had my first run in with a humongous bong shaped like satan. Looking back, maybe I shouldn’t have cleared the entire thing. I remember the strain like a phantom that still taunts me. ‘Train Wreck.’ To make a long story short, I went to Krogers to distract myself, was convinced all two employees at 11:30 at night ‘were on to me’, and concluded that my best option was to vomit like the exorcist all over aisle seven. Poor guy. He hated me. I could tell as he dead panned me and said: “Let…me get…the mop.” That was my first unpleasant experience. Not fun, but not mind shattering. I suppose the universe thought it should break me in. Cool. Whatever. Fine. I had a handful of experiences after that that taught me about dosage and what my tolerance was. I was getting a pretty good hang on things until One day I met ‘Girl Scout Cookies’ by way of a kiss from my now husband, Johnny. I would have thought a second hand toke wouldn’t be too bad. Next thing I knew my Dad was standing in front of me, his face contorting into worry. “Wow, your pupils are REALLY big” All I can remember is the gaping cloud of fear that engulfed my chest as I squeaked “WHAT, OH NO!!” Immediately after, my spiritual body was ripped from my physical form and I began being thrown into a “whooshing” sensation, three years forward in time. Then I would come back into my body. Then I would “swoosh” three years backwards in time before returning to my physical form. I didn’t get to see any nifty past or future visuals, it was more of an etheric awareness I could measure in terms of ‘time’. Somewhere amidst that sensation my mind threw in visuals from a nightmare I’d had around that time. Shadowed demonic dogs that took bites out of my forearms like bubblegum taffy. It went on for what felt like hours, but was proba-
bly more like fifteen minutes. With each return to the present awareness, I would realize I was still crying and holding onto Johnny’s pant leg while begging him to not let ‘them’ take me away again. Who were ‘them’ you ask? I have no idea, and that creeps me out just a little more when I think about it. It felt endless not only for me, but my partner as well. In another present blip of awareness he touched my shoulder and told me to find an anchor. Some kind of mode to distract myself. I just sobbed because he sounded like he was underwater, and it only made everything seem more broken in my then fractured mind. “Draw it, babe!” he urged. I blinked as something clicked into place. “Draw it?” I repeated. Then my focus started to funnel like tunnel vision towards my sketchbook, instead of dragging me off again. “Take everything you’re experiencing and put it on the book instead of on yourself,” he said. He was brilliant. I nodded, as hot tears ceased their falling. Pen in hand, I just started scribbling shapes, and words, anything that came to my perception. They were barking mad, but at least they were something. Not some psychotic jumble of fear and confusion. It took another ten minutes, but I’d successfully drained the last lines of madness onto the page. All that remained was exhaustion, which I happily allowed to throw me into a nap. I had one more experience like that, but less severe. I don’t remember anything about the strain except for the fact that it was different from what had me time traveling. I’ll tell you one thing though, it was enough to have me back off from THC and start asking questions. What is the purpose of THC for me? Am I just using it to escape aimlessly or is it actually benefiting me? Why did this uncomfortable reaction happen to me, but not most others? Was there a reason? Did it actually happen to more people than I was aware of? Actually, YES. It did! Working in a dispensary with a CBD section has led me to meeting many patients with similar issues. I’m not a licensed authority on mood disorders, but I know that my mother has the same issues with cannabis, as well as my grandmother. Her side of the family has a few members with Schizophrenia among other mood disorders like Borderline Personality Disorder. It’s in our blood line, regardless of us not actively having signs or symptoms. If you have ever experienced similar situations to what you’ve just read and are curious, hit up google for some interesting studies! Discern for yourselves and I wish you all the best in the great quest for understanding. Love, Kat.
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utopicvibes |
utopicvibesOK | Utopicvibes.com
Coming Next Issue We are excited to announce that Hopper has joined the Herbage family. He recently relocated to Oklahoma from his native California to start a family and continue his cannabis career which has spanned 30 years and includes nearly all facets of the industry-Growing, music, solventless extractions, media (print and radio), founding and running a collective known for its charitable contributions on behalf of the cannabis community, and more. Each month he will be reviewing strains and products in a column written by his wife, Pamela Jayne, called The Chronniseur, and is looking forward to sampling Oklahoma’s finest. You can find out more about him on IG @hopper448 If you are interested in submitting a product, please reach out to Tarra@Herbagemag.com.
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What is Living Soil? By Sage Howell Technical Director, Comanche Compost Co.
I come from generational farming dating back to the dust bowl. I have been a commercial hydroponic operations specialist for vertical food farms, an organic certified agronomist, and cannabis cultivation consultant for almost a decade. Exclusively here at Herbage, I am honored to bring you information pertaining to some pressing topics in cannabis, and I hope to shed some light on what we do at Comanche Compost and share some of the information I have gathered over the years. The forest never needs fertilizer, yet huge trees emerge from it. After thousands of years and cycles not a single “forest farmer” has added nutrients to the natural cycle. Why? Because Mother Nature has developed a symbiotic relationship between the plants and the microbial life in the soil. The fungi, bacteria, protozoa, and many other types of microbes form a complex soil food web that helps feed the plants. This Utilizes the natural exchange from carbons and sugars that the plant releases (extruded exudates) through the roots into the soil. With this in mind, let’s walk through what Living Soil is and how Comanche Compost Co is the leader in cannabis soil production. Living Soil is different than the traditional salt-based solid or liquid nutrient feeding which has been popular since the 1970’s. Most experienced cannabis connoisseurs prefer organically minded growers and naturally grown, terpene rich cannabis found in organically grown cannabis. The non-organic nutrients that are commonly used in grows are chelated minerals. Chelated refers to the binding of a mineral to an organic amino acid. This allows for all of the micro and macronutrients to be readily available to the plant for immediate uptake. In Living soil the goal is to center the growing method by building your microbial life throughout the soil horizon. This gives power back to the plant. Cannabis has historical roots that date back to 8000 BC and have evolved over time to feed their own needs through the soil. Comanche Compost Co. builds the soil, cultivators build the ecosystem, and the plant develops the relationship with both creating Living Soil. Living Soil differs vastly from the chelated, synthetic nutrient solutions and chemical additives found in grows today. Comanche Compost Co. harnesses the power of the microbes, mycorrhizae (fungi), and bacteria in the soil and allow the plant to feed itself what and when it needs it. We are cultivators that want to supply the optimal ecosystem to help the plant and soil-food web do their work. When conditions are correct this results in promising yields, outstanding terpene production, and healthy plants. A true living soil system incorporates biological active soil that eats and feeds off of what is in the material. According to Jeff Lownfels, author of Teaming with Microbes, “Plants get energy from the sun and uses it to produce extrudates (sweat) and drip them through the roots, they attract bacteria and fungi, which eat the carbon in the extrudates. Bacteria and Fungi in turn attract Nematodes and Protozoa who eat them (for their carbon) and poop out the excess nutrients (diverse and abundant) in a plant usable form. The extrudate mix from the plant attracts more of what it needs to grow. The plant is in control.”
A true Living Soil has compost that has beneficial bacteria, fungus, and nutrients that are being cycled by the organisms teaming throughout the mixture. Comanche Compost sources and blends their own materials, nutrients, and organic matter at our own facilities utilizing state of the art material mixing systems, clean water, and with a master composter overseeing every step of the cycle. We build our soils with care in each batch, mixing old craft growing methods with science-based measurements to create our premier line of soil and soil products. From composted industrial cold brew coffee, spent mushroom grains, yogurt from your favorite on the go provider, to worm castings, everything put into our compost is meant to feed the microbes and in turn feed your plants! In this spirit, Comanche Compost Co. was founded to offer growing solutions that combine the generational knowledge of outdoor growers from the Pacific Northwest with the latest emerging techniques and methodologies arising from the indoor growing culture of the Southwest to produce undeniable results. In a nutshell, we incorporate new science-based cultivation methods with old craft growing techniques to create proven products that produce results. Our products are living soil blends, composts, organic dry fertilizers & plant stimulants which are all naturally rich in organic nutrients, acids & enzymes, and teaming with specific microbes. Our unique recipes are proven to support consistent growth from seed germination, all the way through to harvest, with a hyper-focus on the development of potency, flavors, and aromas of the end product. We combine the spiritual with the scientific to produce an undeniable difference in every product. We good stewards for the good grow, as well as of the earth. Our products are designed to leave the earth better then we found it. We are always pushing the limits on what we can do to limit our dependence on peat moss and other unsustainable growing products to leave the industry in a better place than when we found it. With a living soil system, the main goal is to take good care of the soil life so the soil life will take very good care of your plants. To feed the soil, not just the plants. This means more nutrients available to the plant over time and not leached out of your system. All the most impressive genetic qualities of each different unique cannabis strains are expressed to the fullest in living soil, the flavors, aromas, colors, terpenes, and psychoactive effects that the enjoy medicinally or recreationally. And that is why most connoisseur communities prefer living soil cannabis. Learning how to cultivate cannabis in living soil will allow you to make the most natural and finest, top-shelf flower on the market. Most people don’t do it because, much like in the restaurant business, it is easier to prepare mass-market “fast food” with less nutrients. But, if you can master the living soil method, your product will always be superior. You will have to explore genetics that respond best to living soils but the quality commands a much higher price that compensates for total revenue and margins. Better yields in many cases have to do with genetics, pruning and having the right environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, and airflow). Inhaling organic, living soil cannabis is smooth and tasty, the type of high is cleaner and you need less of it to achieve incredible healing and recreational experiences. This is why we say we make “Good Medicine for The Good Grow.” Because the difference is undeniable!
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Tarostrology February 15 - March 15, 2022
by Anna Ervin The universe never fails to amaze me. Though I have pulled these cards for February 15th through March 15th, I am presently sitting underneath an Aquarius new moon. I can already see how some of the cards I’ve pulled here today might relate to everything we’ve been going through over the last few weeks. For me, the last month was all about uncovering the mysteries of my own existence, seeking a healthy flow of energy in my material world, and taking some time away from my day-to-day worries to find a little inner peace. Meanwhile we can acknowledge but also ignore the knight of pentacles in my venus placement.. for now. Moving forward, I might find myself mourning the loss of those attachments while also untangling myself from the limitations that I allow to hold me back. Because I’m beginning to see the flow of energy between the cards I pull each month, I’ve decided to touch on the things that came up for us during the last cycle. As always, if something resonates with you, claim it. If it doesn’t, write it down and come back to it later. And if you’d like to use your “big four” astrology signs for a deeper reading, remember to consider the following placements: Sun - ego, identity, the root of your personality Moon - your emotions Ascendent - surface value, how you’re perceived, your “mask” Venus - love, your intimate relationships
Pisces: Ten of Swords As we get ready to enterPisces season, the ten of swords indicates that these sweet water signs may be feeling a bit down and out. If this applies to you and you’re feeling like you can’t take another hit from the universe, trust that this difficult time will soon be over, and things can only look up from here. If it’s helpful, tap into the new ways of thinking and intellect that you managed to pick up during last month’s cycle. Bad things don’t happen in our lives for a good reason, but they do carry the potential to help us learn and grow. If nothing else, this month will soon help you realize just how unbreakable you are. Jan/Feb: ace of swords Aries: Five of Cups Aries, last month the seven of cups invited you to read behind the lines and uncover hidden truths that might surround you (and during a mercury retrograde, bless). Perhaps you were able to reveal someone’s true
Cancer: Nine of Swords Cancer, last month invited you to evaluate the way you give and receive energy; time, money, and resources. Were the scales balanced? This month, the nine of pentacles indicates that perhaps you’re being kept up at night by anxieties that are bigger than you. It’s okay to acknowledge Gemini: Page of Swords your fears and concerns, After what might have but ask yourself if the been a month full of dif- energy you feed those ficult lessons in both ac- anxieties is helpful or countability and surren- proactive. Be cautious der, hopefully my Gemini of worrying about things friends have been able that don’t actually efto pick themselves back fect you, taking on other up and dust off the de- people’s tension, or letbris from the tower’s ting fear paralyze you. wrath. However, now is I’m not here to preach not the time to let your that any of that is easy, guard down. The page but your sanity will thank Taurus: Page of Wands of swords invites Gem- you later. Deep-bellied Lovely Taurus, the knight ini placements to heed breathing is a good place of pentacles last month caution surrounding the to start. gave you an opportunity energy that feeds your Jan/Feb: six of pentacles to examine and get seri- thoughts. In some casous about your income, es it can be explorative finances, and home. I’m and insightful to allow sure that you’ve been your thoughts to take on hard at work curating a a curious or playful nahealthy home and ma- ture, just make sure you terial world for yourself aren’t being reckless or and those you love, but hurting anyone else in you may be feeling that the process. it’s time to step a hair Jan/Feb: the tower
colors, or see a situation in a new light. Though not always a negative experience, shining light on shadows can create a call for change. Today, the five of cups reminds you that it’s okay to mourn the loss of the things you once loved (or maybe still do), just keep in mind that you still have so much life and love to look forward to. Allow yourself to grieve because it’s an essential part of your journey, but don’t lose hope in all of that sorrow. Consider taking some time to journal and reflect on the lessons that heartache can teach us. Jan/Feb: seven of cups
outside of your comfort zone. Challenge yourself to be a little more playful with the way you allow energy to flow in your life this month. The page of wands asks that you approach ideas, both new and old, with a childlike sense of curiosity. Jan/Feb: knight of pentacles
Leo: Eight of Swords Feeling trapped, Leo? Perhaps you missed the memo on last month’s cue to avoid stagnation, and now you’re unsure of how to move forward. Either way, the eight of swords invites you to unbind yourself from the limitations and boundaries that you allow to tie you down. It’s time to clear the smoke and open your eyes to the reality of your situation– the only person holding you back is you. What kind of limiting beliefs have you allowed to occupy your headspace? Do the people and energies in your life support your best interest or limit your mobility? It’s not always easy to face the truth, but you and I both know you can’t stay stuck here forever. Jan/Feb: four of pentacles Virgo: Five of Pentacles Last month the six of cups invited Virgo placements to face people or memories from their past. If this is true for you, it’s possible that some of those influences brought opportunities or blessings into your life. This month, the five of pentacles indicates that you may be feeling isolated or alone in any struggles you’re currently facing. I’d like to invite you to consider this: are you feeling alone because others refuse to help, or could it be that you refuse to receive help? Sometimes it feels
like you’re drowning while the whole world keeps swimming around you. It’s not that your friends and family don’t care about you, they might not even realize the weight of the burdens you carry. Open your heart, virgo. It’s okay to ask for support. Jan/Feb: six of cups Libra: Ace of Swords After a moment of reflection over the craft or trade you’ve built for yourself, my sweet Libra friends might be seeking just what the ace of swords is intended to offer. This month brings blessings in the form of intellect and new ways of thinking. Communication should flow effortlessly, your studies may suddenly become more appealing, and brain power seemingly limitless. When it comes to the inner workings of your mind at this time, your cup overflows. Jan/Feb: seven of pentacles Scorpio: Ten of Pentacles The ten of pentacles is always a good indicator for material wealth and a happy home. Scorpio placements may find that family (whether chosen or not) bring opportunities and blessings into their lives at this time. After a month that called for reflection and solitude by the four of swords, comforts coming from your nearest and
dearest should make you feel warm and fuzzy– unless you’re a November Scorpio, in that case I’m not sure you feel anything at all. Kidding. Kind of. Jan/Feb: four of swords Sagittarius: Eight of Cups Sagittarius, while last month invited you to embody the emperor’s authoritative and disciplined presence, hopefully you can use that sense of entitlement and foundation for this next card. The eight of cups indicates that it may be time for you to walk away from something that no longer serves your greatest good. It’s possible that you’ve built strong emotional attachments to whatever this is, and walking away won’t be the easiest choice, but it’s the right one. If you’re feeling uneasy about leaving a situation behind, remember that closing some doors can help others open. Tap into the emperor’s courage and strength that you were encouraged to develop in the last cycle. Jan/Feb: the emperor Capricorn: The Fool Last month, Capricorn placements were invited to have a little fun with the way they handle money, career, and the material by the page of pentacles. Keeping that same lighthearted theme for this cycle, the fool invites my Cap
friends to take a literal leap of faith into a brand new adventure. The journey that lies before you may not reveal itself just yet, you may never know if it’s the “right” move to make, but now is the time to put your faith in the universe, lean into your childlike sense of wonder and exploration, and jump in anyway. Jan/Feb: page of pentacles Aquarius: Ace of Pentacles Another beautiful cycle of blessings for sweet, dreamy Aquarius placements. Last month the focus was love and relationships but today we’re shifting into the material. The ace of pentacles indicates that blessings and opportunities in the form of income, career, or material wealth will flow into your life with ease during this time. You may feel especially connected with the earth, something that may not always come naturally if you spend a lot of time in your own mind. Investing a little energy in nature could help you feel even more grounded in the tangible, physical world, and potentially help you manifest more abundance from the universe. Gratitude, always. Jan/Feb: ace of cups
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2022 Medical Marijuana Legislation in Oklahoma What bills will become law & how will it change the industry? By Felina N. Rivera, Cannabis Attorney Every year, Oklahoma legislators propose bills for our state congress to consider in hopes of creating new laws. Since the passage of State Question 788 in 2018, hundreds of bills have been proposed pertaining to medical marijuana, but only those that pass both the House and Senate and are signed by the governor actually become law. The Second Regular Session of the 58th Oklahoma Legislature is scheduled to convene on February 7, 2022. Legislators had a deadline of January 20th to introduce bills they want considered this session. This year over 100 bills proposed relate to regulation of medical marijuana. Next, they will be debated, voted on, amended, and could potentially change the landscape of the cannabis industry by the time the Legislature adjourns on May 27. Between now and the end of May, I will be following cannabis related legislation in Oklahoma as these bills make their way through congress and share my findings with you each month. Most of the bills proposed this session come out of the House of Representatives. Representative Scott Fetgatter from District 16 is a regular contributor of cannabis legislation, and this year is no different. Some of the bills he has proposed include: HB3019 – would do away with opaque product packaging requirements, instead requiring dispensaries to put products in opaque “exit packaging” upon purchase.
Felina N. Rivera Managing Attorney
Renaissance Legal Solutions, PLLC Phone: (405) 247-0647 Felina@RLSLawyer.com Instagram @okclatinalawyer
HB3347 – would allow medical marijuana businesses to take the normal business tax deductions generally disallowed by Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code on Oklahoma State Tax returns. HB3634 – would create a new “Medical Marijuana Wholesaler” license, that would allow for the purchase and sale of products on behalf of other licensed businesses in the state. Wholesale licensees would also be subject to seed-to-sale tracking. HB3734 – would create a temporary medical marijuana business license for dispensaries, grows, and processors, requiring all those seeking licensure to first apply for a temporary business license. The license would be valid for 180 days while applicants seek annual licensure. Applicants would also be expected to submit more information than previously required, including information about sources of funding, ownership of property, security, power sources, water diversion plans, cultivation plans, proof of insurance, and other information OMMA requests. HB3742 – would penalize growers who abandon land used for harvesting marijuana crops without restoring it to its previous condition. HB3754 – would create the “Oklahoma Adult Access to Marijuana Act” and outline regulations for the recreational purchase and use of marijuana by individuals over the age of 21. Other popular topics covered by proposed legislation involve different ways the number of licenses issued can be capped (see HB2987, HB2989, HB3726, HB3727), limiting ownership of businesses to Oklahoma residents only (HB3268), or changing tax revenue allocations (HB3083, HB3037, HB3530). Next month, I will share some of the bills proposed Oklahoma Senators and provide an update as to what bills look to be moving forward – and which ones will likely die before the end of the session. Between now and then, please feel free to reach out to me if you would like a complete list of proposed cannabis legislation or have any other medical marijuana legal questions!
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The art of dialing in your mind and body to chase your thoughts to their inevitable ends. We meditate, we make art, we garden, we dance, we run… We run after the void, seeking the end of understanding or to quiet the noise so that we can feel the static of oblivion. La petit mort – or the little death – is the release of energy that untethers us from all that we know. These little deaths are the endorphin rush from a great work out, the high of closing a big deal, the crashing waves following an orgasm. All we are chasing is that burst of pent-up energy that allows us to bask in our afterglow or the silence of the expulsion.
granting the grace of eternity to those around them. For others, the disconnection is harsh, causing them to reverberate chaotic energy.
As philosophical beings, we explore our comprehension of reality. Its heady work. Work that drives exceptional minds beyond the void, some driven to madness. Philosophers have influenced the evolution of the human consciousness for millennia by sharing their personal understanding of reality with any listeners who will receive them. Socratic philosophers believed the world was only as real as we universally believe. This gave birth to Western philosophy and innumerable philosophical disciplines.
Preceding Western philosophy are the concepts of karma and balanced chakras. These provide a mission and a legend for Vedic philosophers. They are seeking to achieve ultimate knowledge through good intention, balance, and discipline. Vedic practices include Yoga, Tantra, and Ayuverda which prescribe routines for physical and mental fitness. These routines could direct followers to fast or meditate until they enter a state of altered consciousness. Somatic practices in the Vedic traditions included plantbased concoctions and relied heavily on cannabis in the development of Taoism, or so it is understood. Even earlier in human consciousness, at the dawn of civilization, Mesopotamian philosophy centered on living a life as laborers for the gods so that the world would not spin into chaos. Early human developments such as these relied heavily on the leadership of spiritually gifted individuals who were tasked with knowing, understanding, and responding to the needs of the people in their collectives. In an article titled “Psychedelics and the Ancient Near East”, author Diana L. Stein describes the plant-based medicinal practices of third and second Millenia Mesopotamians. Stein further explains that “the resulting concoctions were applied as salves, ingested as potions, powders, and pills, or inhaled as fumes in order to treat all manner of ailments, both real and imagined. Certain drugs were prescribed for their mind-altering effects. Some of these brought about sedation, anesthesia, or analgesia. Others were administered in order to relieve or overcome inhibition, fear, panic, and depression as well as, in the odd instance, to induce hallucinations.”
Over the two and half millennia, since Socrates spun his thoughts into the web of consciousness, Western philosophy has discovered and developed into countless iterations of reality, each tethered to one another through an invisible network of consciousness. As we outgrow our collective understanding, the energy that we have built for growth must be absorbed until the collective conscious achieves a reset. Every time we condense enough energy to affect change, we’ve progressed into a deeper collective understanding of who we are. The duality of being both The observer and the observed catalyzes many of us forward into the void. We are wanting to understand more of ourselves. This inevitably leads to a desire to understand those around us and how we are all connected. The limit of understanding is set by our connection to our consciousness. Within the conscious mind exists ego, which brings awareness of self and within that knowledge we can only understand the world. In that regard, we can only understand our non-existence. We as individuals are nanoscopic in comparison to all that binds us. The dissolution of self, or ego death, as it has come to be known, is where we achieve the realization of everything and nothing. These realizations are fleeting because the conscious mind seeks constantly to understand beyond its own knowledge. At this juncture, gleaning knowledge becomes a compulsion, a subconscious fixation to find the next unknown and know it. How we achieve that state of absolution from reality varies greatly. For some, bliss comes simply. These people are capable of walking with the void and
To best tap the collective consciousness, our energy must be flowing in the correct direction and there must be no interruption to the flow of that energy, such as the limitation of our own consciousness. Being that individual consciousness is a mitigating factor to collective consciousness, we must first identify the channel of energy that we are seeking to join and then dissolve our ego into the ether. We must know how to achieve la petite mort.
Heralded as sages, healers, and prophets, these guides would utilize plant medicine to journey beyond consciousness seeking communion with the gods, ancestors, or with trapped spirits. Many of these ancient philosophers understood that hallucinogens could remove the barrier of consciousness. In some civilizations, as evidenced by Mesopotamian anthropology, the guides would utilize hallucinogens to improve the health of a particular individual. Shamans in northern cultures administered mushrooms and mushroom teas to raise moral during brutal winter months. This evidence of plant-based medicine to induce hallucinations in the earliest known human civilizations indicates an innate understanding of en-
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theogenic nutrition. Those little deaths, the quiet moments – those are the place where sanity is found. The shuddering breath after finishing a marathon or the roar of a crowd so connected to the music on stage that they move like so many birds on the wind. That is where we remember that we are more than one; it is the only space we can hold everything and nothing. In every documented explosion of human evolution, psychoactive compounds are evidenced to treat illness, heal communities, and explore the limits of human understanding and innovation.
Busy Work By Carisa Rowe
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Merged Creation Bud, Sweat & Tears By James Bridges
“A lot of who and how I am today is because of my upbringing and living on a farm.” Jason was speaking about his upbringing. A foundation of experience that would one day catapult both Jason and Avis to coming ever so closely to that nirvana which we all seek. The type of feeling that allows you to embrace your strengths, balance your weaknesses with your partners strengths, and accomplish great things no matter how tall that mountain may seem. Bud Sweat & Tears is locally owned and operated by Jason and Avis. The couple has dedicated most of their adult lives working for corporate America. Both with a proven track record of creating efficiencies and improving quality standards. Life on a farm to many is something that could easily be romanticized. Especially to ones that have never operated or lived on one. “I couldn’t tell you a 9/16 from a 1/2-inch wrench when I moved to the farm as a boy.” Jason was reflecting on the earliest times on that family farm. “My uncle would call out to my 4-year-old nephew to go grab the wrench. Unlike myself, this little guy would bring back the exact wrench that my uncle needed.” Jason described how he felt at that moment that he really needed to learn some things. It didn’t take him long to learn all the intricacies of working on a farm, and eventually ended up running his uncle’s entire farm. “There is no such thing as a weekend, or you know just working weekdays, when it comes to a farm. It is no different when you are cultivating cannabis. When I am at the farm, I work till the lights go out. I’m the first one up the next morning. I don’t think you’ll find anybody that works harder than a farmer. We won’t go and enjoy life until the work is finished. That’s a way of life I picked up from farming.” “These girls out here,” Avis pointed over her shoulder. “These girls are our boss. Ultimately, we don’t do anything until the ladies have been taken care of. They are the ones that approve for us to have a night out on the town.” I glanced over at the beautiful flowering plants as she explained. “I am at the grow 7 days a week. There is no such thing as a 5:00 quitting time, no sick days, or vacation days in farming-life.” While Avis grew up as a city girl, she has always respected farmers and recognized that it’s a way of life. “If you think about a farmer, people know farming and hard work go hand-in-hand. I don’t think that we, as cannabis-farmers, receive that sort of same status.” Avis brings up an interesting question. “Does the national farming community give respect to the dedication, education, and progression of cannabis cultivation methods?” I do not possess the data nor claim this as fact. However, in my opinion, which derives from the opinions of many cannabis farmers and some that are not, is that the respect level to cannabis farms remains minute in comparison.
Phone: 405-473-2847 or 405-203-0085 Oklahoma, United States
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Most farms of this level are “family” farms. That is just fine and dandy with this couple. While speaking with them, I was able to grasp an overwhelming sense of positive flow. The two have not only discovered an efficient and prosperous way to cultivate good clean medicine, they figured out a way to make this a part of their family life.
If I were a home builder, the first thing that I would do if I had the opportunity to enter a new acquaintance’s home, would be to look at how it is built. Specific little details that would indicate whether or not this person should be allowed to swing a hammer. I asked both Jason and Avis if they do the same when going to other grow operations.
It’s rather unique to find something that should not work and witness it actually succeed and exceed expectations. The couple works as an efficient machine that consists of patterns and puzzles only known by Jason and Avis. Some might say only the closest of souls could achieve this together.
“When I look at other grows, I feel like there’s things that I learn that could work for us and there’s other things that wouldn’t. If another grower has already learned a lesson and shares that story with us – we are happy to not repeat that same mistake. When talking with them, there is knowledge that we share. I am always looking to see if another farm is in compliance, help them to improve their marketing strategy, or give tips on processes. We both love giving pointers to how our growmies can protect themselves or improve based on our experience.”
The couple realized quickly they worked extremely well with one another when they were able to drive in their own lanes, in a manner of speaking. They play off each other’s strengths and balance each other’s weaknesses fluidly. While neither have things they “wouldn’t do” their talents naturally align them to specific jobs. For instance, Jason is the ‘muscle and brute force’ at the farm – construction projects, fixing building or equipment issues, and he’s the one you will find monkeying up and down the racks a million times. While Avis is the ‘data queen’, she keeps the farm compliant and knows all the numbers. She focuses on ways to keep a room full of dirt – exceptionally clean and takes on the meticulous aspects of the business. Together, they bounce off each other to identify the best workspace efficiencies and workflows. Genetics brought into the farm, vendors they select to work with, or dispensaries they choose to have represent their brand is always a joint decision. “As the data queen, I’m a big fan of having procedures and tracking data.” Avis describes her satisfaction with organization and having the information in front of her, “When we are ready to expand, we have standard operating procedures. Our SOP’s document all our processes and the different stages of harvesting. These exist for us to reference back to and forward-looking for when we hire a staff, to be able to say this is exactly how to do any portion of a harvest successfully.” These SOP’s have been created through many of our own lessons learned, as well as from some of our trusted industry-experts, and our mentor.
Avis left me with a strong sense of solidity in her words, “Cleanliness and preventative maintenance are two important keys to success. Simple things like using a sterile room to disinfect your shoes and clothing before entering, wearing rubber gloves anytime buds are being handled, and even limiting visitors that come into the flower space.” “While we always learn from other grows, one of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is to be transparent before another grower enters your building or you enter theirs. It is surprising that farmers would invite you into their grow only to realize after you walk in, they have been fighting an outbreak with mites, thripes, powdery mildew, or another transferrable issues. We believe as a cultivator you should always speak up before exposing another farmer to a known issue that could be easily transported back to their farm. We understand this happens throughout the state and is often a novice mistake of not asking before entering – Are you experiencing any issues in your personal or commercial grow? Vendors that visit our farm, we always request that we are the first (or only) farm they visit that day” In respect to being inside others grows, Jason added, “I’m looking for wins, but I’m also that checkbox type of person. You know… is that HVAC set up right? If they’re going to have problems with that, how do we fix it? Can we make this more efficient? Why did that not work? In the past several
years since medical became legal in Oklahoma, I’ve been in other grows at least 3 or 4 times a month. It’s a beautiful thing, I’ll ask those questions of wins and losses. We talk them over with one another. We learn.” Avis commented that “Even late at night Jason will be on social media. He will ask me a question about something random that we are doing that works well inside the grow. I’m like… ‘Why are you caring about that right now – it’s 11:00pm!’ Then Jason says something like… ‘These guys are looking for a solution and what we found might help.’ He definitely has a passion for helping others succeed.” Avis continued, “Going into business with someone that you’re dating was scary. If we’re not good business partners then that affects our entire life. That could either be the end of us or that could be the best thing ever. We had a really solid relationship when we started this business. We’ve been dating for almost eight years and plan to get married on our upcoming anniversary.” The couple have essentially opened their relationship as part of what’s at risk. In order to balance this risk, to achieve the proper amount of reward, and maintain positive flow - a solid understanding of one another’s strengths and weaknesses must be created. Once the Blackburn’s collectively connected those strengths and weaknesses, they were able to focus on the emotional side of things. In other words, they’ve got each other’s back. “When we were going through and trying to figure out a business name, we recognized there were some catchy ideas that other companies had come up with.” Jason remembered watching the cannabis community start in Oklahoma. “While we wanted a catchy name, we also wanted our name to have a meaning behind it. One of us would come up with an idea, and the other would say ‘eh’ – so we started a list, that way when there was a name one of us thought of, it had a place to be referred back to” The two would go back and forth with names. They kept an ongoing list. Almost as if they were debating naming their soon to be newborn children. Finally, it came down to a deadline to choose. “The deadline for a name was approaching,” Avis was laughing. “That weekend was when we needed to make the deci-
sion so we could file. Jason rattled off ‘what do you think bud, sweat and tears’? Without a word, I jumped on the computer. He asked me ‘Are you going to add it to the list?’ I told him, no that’s IT! There was no question. We purchased the domain and LLC immediately, and that following Monday we were able to file our OMMA paperwork. Now here we are!” Their company name represents what they produce, the hard work that they put in, and the emotions or occasional tear. As I am noticing a sense of worry about some unanswered questions, I wanted to know how they felt about the specific evolution of the cannabis industry in Oklahoma. Jason pleaded, “I would love for there to be some sort of growers alliance, that is statewide. We need to work alongside one another. We need to come together and protect our craft brands and have a way to separate the boutique from the mass production or outdoor quality.” During my visit, I was able to fully understand and get a sense of the passion it must require to gain loyalty from a patient, as a medicine provider. It’s quite remarkable. There are specific strains that the power couple from Bud, Sweat and Tears cultivate that have such lasting and medicinal values for it’s consumers that they seek them out from across the state. When was the last time you called Paul Ehrlich, creator of chemotherapy, to ask for the best line of radioactive juice? Or even someone from the Sackler family to ask why they are perfectly content with being responsible for so many atrocities, such as creating OxyContin? This cannabis community is becoming exactly what it was meant to be in my point of view. A community for the community. A little Bud, Sweat and Tears can go a long way when you have a ton of people alongside you ready to do their part. Both Jason and Avis can be an inspiration for many. It is possible to work alongside one another as a family unit. It is okay to recognize one another’s strengths and weaknesses. It is ok and can be perfectly satisfying to join all of those worlds as they intertwine and grow to its natural evolving self. You can learn more about this power couple and the journey of Bud, Sweat and Tears on their website at bud-sweat-tears. com or on Instagram @bud.sweat.tears
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Oklahoma Cannabis Achieving New Heights
Daniel Lewis Creator & Owner The Cowbiy Cup
The Cannxiety Chronicles Welcome back my friends. Welcome to 2022. Anxiety will be on the menu. So, in a small attempt to help those already experiencing Anxiety symptoms and especially the record number of people experiencing Anxiety for the very first time, I bring you The Cannxiety Chronicles Pt. 2. My 6 Part offering to those who may be looking for more information on how cannabis might help in alleviating their symptoms. First, let me make it very clear. I am not a doctor or medical professional in any way, shape or form. I am just your average middle aged guy who happens to have used cannabis for the last 35 years. I will argue that I have probably absorbed more information on cannabis by doing my own research over the last three and a half decades than I would have received by anything available to the medical or pharmaceutical professions. They were just not interested in cannabis unless it was discussing how to campaign against its use. Last month we opened the conversation regarding Anxiety and Cannabis by discussing how it tackles tremors. How specific neurotransmitters in your body, specifically GABA, and compounds in cannabis, in this case THC and CBD, work together to help the Central Nervous System “calm” the body during certain tremor events.
Charles “Uncle Chuck” Duncan
Educating & Elevating Hearts & Minds
Uncle Chucks Cannabis Camp offers
Cannabis Education in an easy to understand format and focused on helping groups and individuals with Anxiety or Depression that are looking to include cannabis into their treatment regiment. Classes are available Online or In-Person. Individual classes Group classes Cannacian Certification Classes (Levels 1 to 3)* Cannabis Primers Addressing Anxiety/Depression with Cannabis Don’t let Anxiety or Depression stop you from living life. Cannabis can help you enjoy it once again. myecstherapy.orG
This month I thought it would be interesting to discuss a controversial subject. Using cannabis to boost your energy. I know, that sounds nothing like what you see portrayed in Movies or TV shows. The “stoner” is usually clueless, hungry and lethargic. This stereotype is not only wrong, it’s dangerous. Aside from just being incorrect, it also provides fuel for parents who refuse to entertain its use and for politicians who actively campaign against it. There are people right now who are suffering needlessly because of a stereotype that’s not taken seriously due to its comedic value. Ironically one of the common symptoms of Anxiety is Fatigue. Again, not inline with the stereotype for those with Anxiety but true nonetheless. This should also be a lesson on why stereotypes should be prohibited, not cannabis. In the cannabis world, Indica is typically connected to strains that make you more mellow and sleepy. Sativa is typically associated with strains that give you a boost of energy. For those suffering from anxiety induced fatigue, the key to relief just might be finding that certain Sativa Dominant Strain. Not every strain works the same for everyone else. Nor does every strain name act the same when grown by different growers. This is typically when I like to discuss Phenotypes and the importance in finding and following growers you like more than strain names. But this month’s article is about using cannabis to help alleviate feelings of fatigue. One of the first things you should look at when making your cannabis purchase is the Terpene profile. Remember from class, Terpenes are the oils contained in plants and spices that provide the aroma. A high percentage terpene count, say 4% or more, will generally reflect a well grown plant as well as a memorable smoke. I used to smoke traditional tobacco pipes and the aroma was the beginning and end to most purchases. While other factors should go into your cannabis purchase, the proper terpene profile is important. Pinene is a terpene that provides alertness and increased energy. Limonene is another tepene known for its ability to be a mood lifter and provide a sense of motivation. These two terpenes can be found in a lot of famous strains. Two of my favorites to use when seeking energy (creative or physical) are Super Silver Haze and Acapulco Gold.
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Olahoma Cannabis Love what you do.
Vetmaps by Anna Ervin
Vetmaps, an initiative established by James Ladabouche of Midwest City, is an organization seeking to bring veterans and dispensaries together by working to ensure that Oklahoma veterans have access to a medical marijuana card. Once Vetmaps is launched, the platform will list dispensaries that are veteran-friendly, including discounts and incentives on their menu; as well as educate vets on the benefits of cannabis as an alternative to other highly addictive medications. James, a veteran himself, feels strongly about this mission because of his own journey with cannabis. Opioids prescribed for an injury in 2009 forced James down a deadly, self-deprecating path. He was taking pharmaceuticals just to feel “normal”, but the dependency became too overbearing. After watching his wife, children, and friends walk out of his life, James felt that he no longer had anything worth feeling normal for. It wasn’t until after he tried to commit suicide that someone introduced cannabis into his life. Cannabis didn’t just help James overcome his opioid addiction, it tackled the root of the issue by helping combat his anxiety, depression, neuropathy, and PTSD. Through his journey, James was able to trade in a slew of pharmaceutical prescriptions for one miraculous plant. He has made it his to share his journey with other vets who may be struggling with addiction or opioid dependency. James hopes to help veterans to understand that there is an alternative. You can help James and Vetmaps achieve their mission by making a donation to sponsor a veteran. The average cost of an Oklahoma Medical Marijuana license is $125, or $45 for those with Medicare or Soonercare. Your donations will help provide medical cards to veterans free of charge, host special events, and manage Vetmaps’ digital platforms for resources. Gofundme https://gofund.me/d553b4fa
Tasty Farm Delicious, Ethical, Sustainably
Life Changing By Jessi Lane, Patient Advocate
is a Writer and Oklahoma Cannabis Industry Professional since 2018. She is a Certified Cannacian III and Trichome Institute Certified Cannabis Consultant with a “full spectrum” Postpartum Wellness background.
The Tasty Farms family asks, “What happens when you need a natural medicinal option but can’t or don’t want to smoke CBD or medical marijuana?” Tasty Farms understands in a very personal way that for some, combustible consumption just isn’t an option, but neither is a lifetime of immeasurable pain.
“Tasty Farms is a family of people that have experienced the pain management nightmare. Our layered approach to micro dosing with either CBD or medical marijuana products is a natural way to improve your Amidst a crowded, bustling lounge enters a radiant, daily quality of life.” Together with Mike, Jeannean’s naturally beautiful girl with a young Laura Ingalls look husband of 35 years and father to Kat, and with the about her striking face and a professional dancer’s tireless efforts of Kat’s spouse Lucas, Tasty Farms is form. Her movement is somehow both rigid and grace- a true soil to sale, family-owned and operated Oklahoful, as she seems to glide through the room like the ma Cannabis as Medicine Company. Their dedication gentlest flutter of a butterfly’s wing. She is sweet and to the cause stems from a hereditary Invisible Illness welcoming in her greeting. Her family calls her Kat. dear Kat survives with known as Arnold Chiari MalforNot too far across the room sits Kat’s mother, Jeanne- mation (ACM) an, “Neaner” Miller. She is charismatic and naturally . commands the room. Neaner is the woman you want Experts tell us ACM is a condition where the brain tisto sit next to at the dinner party. She is an Oklahoma sue extends into the spinal canal and occurs when Cannabis Industry Entrepreneur and the backbone of part of the skull is misshapen or smaller than is typthe Tasty Farms family. ical, pressing on the brain and forcing it downward. “It was misdiagnosed from birth,” recounts Jeannean. She goes on to say, “[Kat] was thought to have heart issues. When they couldn’t figure anything out they said she just had a temper and we wrote it off to her being the middle child- not dealing with extreme pain and not being able to communicate that.” Young Kat was fighting an unknown battle her family was not equipped to forego, as it would be 21 years before Kat received her diagnosis via a CT scan showing a 13mm herniation of her brain. She found joy through music and in dancing, however the immeasurable pain Kat was surviving through would be insufferable to the average person. Receiving senso-
r s w t h s p w g h im h h K h
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rms Tulsa ry transmissions -like turning on the light- easily over stimulates Kat’s brain. She experiences blinding pain when yawning; coughing is out of the question. Kat tells us, “If I sneezed I would drop to my knees.” In her lifetime Kat has seen over 250 medical professionals, however the healthcare she received was sub par, at best. Kat just wanted to dance, to move, to be without pain but also without the debilitating and dangerous effects of the traditional pain medications she had been prescribed throughout her life. These drugs impaired her so much so that she couldn’t care for herself, “she couldn’t even tell me what she wanted on her pizza,” recalled Neaner. Quietly, almost to herself Kat remarked, “[I thought] If I was not here anymore, how much easier it would be for everyone else.”
ics. Kat was also now experiencing seizures induced by pain management. “We began to search for natural ways to end this cyclical nightmare.”
Meanwhile Kat and Jeannean found community in the Walk Across America family. Neaner bonded with mentor, Carol, who encouraged her to look into the not then legal and still taboo subject of cannabis as medicine. Jeannean was a diligent mama bear that buried herself in online research and together they got Kat the medicine she needed in the form of RSO, beginning her titration right away. “When we got this first oil, that’s what started Tasty Farms,” recalls Jeannean. This treatment eased Kat through the otherwise unbearable pharmaceutical detox. Upon doing so the ladies openly informed her pain management doctor. d “I have been labeled a ‘Drug Seeker’ by medical pro- She was offered Methadone and when she rejected al fessionals.” Kat tells us, all the while prescribing her that life darling Kat was dropped from treatment and r Dilaudid and Fentanyl, among a list of other pharma- blacklisted. Luckily, Carol the Great connected them s ceuticals. Moving all over to seek the care of special- with the right Surgeon, Dr. Rosner, and they aligned e ists and new drug treatments is very expensive. Kat with a physician they love and of whom Kat is still uns even underwent incomprehensible tortures such as der her care, Dr. J Edwards. - the cauterizing of her neck via pain management clinn s -
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Kat not only survives with ACM, for which she has undergone three separate surgeries, she is also plagued with other comorbidity issues including EDS and Pott’s disease. Nonetheless, she has applied for and been denied Disability five times. Sadly, this is common among the Invisible Illness population. Kat’s desire to help others can be found in the act of giving her last few dollars to a Dollar Store purchase of necessities for a displaced person in her hometown. She tells us, “I just wanted him to know I saw him.” It can also be found in the selfless giving of herself to Tasty Farms. Along with Jeannean and their spouses they have developed a Body ReLeaf line of products that “will improve your quality of life.” Boy, are they right and Kat is the living, breathing, dancing data to show it! Tasty Farms’ detoxifying Full Spectrum cannabis layering line offers products intended for micro dosing for a patient’s daily maintenance, and macro dosing for break through pain. “Each one of our products were developed due to necessity,” Jeannean reiterates. Their Gluten Free, sugar free Body ReLeaf Drops are RSO infused, and made using Olive Oil- which provides it’s own profile of added benefits. Patients with nut allergies, unlike
MCT oil based products, can use the Drops. Their GF RSO infused Honey is sourced in Glenpool by rescued hives. Tasty Farm’s Full Spectrum RSO infused ReLeaf Balm push up stick offers transdermal relief with added Activated Turmeric and Kratom, natural butters including Hemp Seed, Beeswax, Olive Oil, and Essential Oils. The GF, sugar free, dairy free Peruvian Cacao Mushroom Mix includes Red Maca, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Chaga, Marshmallow Root, and Bolete Mushroom Powders. CBD Comfort Suppositories are available in packs of five. When looking to support a true vertically integrated, family-owned and operated brand who strives to improve the quality of lives first and foremost, lean into Tasty Farms where Neaner reminds us, raising her arms with exuberance, “everything goes through these hands.” Kat understands and appreciates the value of life and tells us she doesn’t know how long her life will be but she hopes to create something that will continue to help people after she’s gone. “If we can reach one person a day we are doing our jobs”.
Tastyfarmstulsa.Com
Lotus Letters Mysterious ways By Kathy Long-Barker Before you towers the most mind numbing physical conjuration of terror, your own personal brand brand of fear. It cackles dark inky tendrils, certain of your demise to come. Much to the nightmarish consciousness’s dismay, you simply shrug at it and wait for it to do whatever it claims it’s going to do. Gone are the days of your near instant submission. You function in trust these days. You will not be moved. Begrudgingly, it ceases its theatrics and produces a battered looking envelope for your viewing.
Dearest Daring Divine. If you are reading this now, you’ve traversed many levels of consciousness to arrive here. You’ve done ‘the work’ and faced many a demon, only to realize that in truth, they are reflections of you. You are nothing to fear. You are everything to love, and as pouty as they look, your demons hold the highest gratitude for listening instead of shrieking. So on behalf of the darkness, thank you. After all, we both know they can’t break character to tell you themselves. I’m sure by now you’re catching on to the fact that the simple phrase ‘everything happens for a reason’ isn’t just some vague excuse to have you give up on asking general questions. Nay, everything really does happen for a reason. Whether it be to acquire understanding about something, or to deliver you to better ground amidst your challenging terrain. Let’s have an example. Take the Typist for these letters, Kathy! Yes, she was a prime example of the saying ‘everything happens for a reason.’ She’d been transportationally challenged as of late due to issues with her car. Times are tough I hear, in the year 2021 when it happened. She was doing her best, but not enough to afford the repairs on her car let alone acquire a new one. SO the universe, or in Kathy’s case the ‘herniverse’ got clever. She was using Uber for a short time, when things went nearly as badly as they could go. Her driver took her to a cul-de-sac instead of her destination and informed her she would need to pay more money if she wanted to be taken to the proper place. Afterwards he spoke to someone who approached the car in a few creepy sounding words. Kathy tried giving him the address 3 different times to put into his GPS. Instead he asked her for her phone. You can imagine how badly this could have gone if she had given it to him. Or for any younger and more naive individual who would comply out of fear. What really made this sink in was the fact that when the driver finally delivered her to her destination she came to realize the back doors were child safety locked. Oddly enough, the fear and gravity of the situation hadn’t sunk into our dear typist until later on in that day. She had remained calm and mindful. What came out of this encounter? What was the reason? Her mother and father in law bought her a cash car the very next day. No questions asked, no payback required. The experience was frightening in hindsight, but she was divinely protected all along. Her family needed to see her in real danger to offer a helping hand. Now I challenge you dear reader, the next time you find yourself up against your own personal brand of fear, ask it point blank: “what’s the reason?” Fairfarren love, The YOUniverse My heart goes out to all the individuals and families who were not as lucky as I was and have experienced loss to the human trafficking system. I could never presume to give you a definite reason for such pain. Only you can illuminate your reason for your experience. Being a human can be beastly at times. I love you, and It is my deepest hope, your loved ones find their way safely home if they can.
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Oklahoma Cannabis leading the green wave
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C H LO E B E T H
B E AU J E N N I N G S
As the pioneers of a one-of-a-kind, full-scale cannabis company, we have the ability to manufacture medical marijuana products in every format you can imagine. At Stash House, our primary goal is to streamline and simplify every process from beginning to end to supply the highest quality medical cannabis products in Oklahoma. As the leading medical marijuana manufacturing and distributing company in the state, Stash House strives to build relationships with local dispensaries to provide the highest quality products to your patients. Stash House also aims to simplify the distribution of medical marijuana while bringing your customers the best goods, services, and educational support. At our facilities, we have the capacity to produce pre-rolls, infused blunts, edibles, transdermal patches, vapes, concentrates and more. Our state-of-the-art online ordering platform allows your dispensary to easily navigate a wide selection of brand-name products and benefit from frequent deliveries and the most consistent routes in the state. By partnering with us, you will have exclusive access to our portfolio; including recognized brands such as Cheeba Chews, Green Hornet, Dabba, 1906, Rove, Crumble, Kiva, Fireball, Dixie, Mary’s Medicinals, Wana, Packwoods, Saints and many more.
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No Delivery Fees Ever! (918) 960-3695
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