Sarah Lee
Gossett Parrish Excellence. Efficiency. Integrity.
405/820-6205 slgparrish@mac.com www.sarahleegossettparrish.com
lawyer cannabis | litigation oil & gas | insurance
Issue No 5 Of Oklahoma’s Cannabis Lifestyle/News Magazine
contents FEATURES
James Bridges CEO/Publisher james@herbagemag.com
COVER ART BY STEFANIE BRIDGES
Marise Boehs Design/Creative
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Waste not
Scroll3 Media Sales/Marketing james@scroll3.com
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Make it last
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Time for security
Contributors Kayla Johnson Brittany Graham Sarah Lee Gossett Parrish Chip Paul Sleepy Advertising 405-487-9728 james@scroll3.com
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Crushing the stereotype
EVERY ISSUE 7 9 10
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Strainology Chip Paul
Half Baked News Cooking with grass Sleepy’s Garden Sarah Lee Gossett Parrish
Crushing the There’s been no shortage of stigmas and stereoational legalization: hope and reality. types attached to cannabis culture over the years. Here in the the Sooner state, we are a prime examEspecially within the last three decades. We’ve had ple of this. As of February 25, the Oklahoma Medical TV promoting the unsuccessful and often unreliable Marijuana Authority had approved 54,253 patient ap‘stoner’ friend stereotypes, the dire warnings of the plications. In just under eight months, nearly 55,000 government and the D.A.R.E. program about the people applied and were approved for their license. dangers and warnings of the woe that will befall all That’s 54,253 people who are able to access cannabis those who consume it. Cannabis culture has been of- as their medicine. 54,253 people that have more hope ten expressed by colorful, psychedelic images, junk now than they did eight months ago that they’ll be food, and tie dye clothes, with a general consensus able to live with less pain, with a better way to help that those who partake are missing out on their lives, manage their depression, or their stress. Hope is a and even the attitude that any who support it are powerful thing, and it can be the fuel people need to criminals. do more with Cannabis cultheir life. Hope ture isn’t cut and reminds people dry. It has its toxhow to give As of February 25, the Oklahoma Medical ic undercurrents, back to their Marijuana Authority had approved in some ways community, fueled in part by and for many 54,253 patient applications. these lingering Oklahomans, stereotypes. As those things with many induscollide. Distries, there’s dishonesty on the part of some, while pensaries, health clinics, farms, and processors are others remained trapped by their negative mindsets. popping up across the state in unprecedented numAs we all venture down this road of legalization, bers. In Tulsa alone, there are now more medical there’s no doubt that there’ll be setbacks. The oppo- marijuana dispensary licenses in the city limits than sition to legalization remains unwavering, however, there are Quiktrip or Starbucks. While it’s likely that the cannabis culture is slowly working to grow and not all businesses will remain, there is certainly no drown out the toxicity. There are two things that are shortage of business from the 54,253 patients, and drastically needed to be pushed onward by the new counting. There are high hopes for the strength of freedoms that come with either medical or recrethe market once it begins to fully establish itself,
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“Now, my friend, let us smoke together so that there may only be good between us.” Black Elk Black Elk Speaks
stereotype By Kayla Johnson
and Oklahoma could be facing it’s own gold rush, in green buds. There’s something more important happening than just the potential for income and sales. Nearly every week, in more than one town, there are free patient drives happening. People are donating to cover recommendations and fees for strangers they’ve never even met. People are pitching in to help businesses get ready to open, or to recover, when theft has occurred. They are educating each other. They are sharing how to grow, harvest, and cure your own cannabis. People are finally able to talk openly, and freely about what works and what doesn’t. More often than not, people fear what they can’t understand. By making it possible to bring cannabis and the work it takes to grow it into the light, it’s now possible to share the information more openly than ever before. Rather than selling information there has been a massive push of free classes and information in the state. Oklahomans have been working hard to make this bill not just a reality, but a reality for anyone who needs it. That reality has been brought to light, and for most people this has been a freeing experience. Reality allows cannabis patients to step into the light, with their heads held high. The reality of cannabis culture is far different than many have been led to believe, no thanks in part due to sitcoms, who often painted the ‘stoner’ buddy as unreliable, and even dishonest. Reality is revealing that cannabis patients aren’t just punchlines on TV, or unpleasant stereotypes in the flesh.
They’re your neighbor. Your daughter. Your best friend. The cook at your favorite restaurant. The teen who struggles with seizures. The veteran who now teaches at your child’s school. They’re nurses, lawyers, writers, and welders. They’re bankers, and business owners, and florists. They’re gamers, and runners. They’re farmers, and road workers and students. They’re intelligent, they’re sharp, they’re funny, they’re kind. Some have made mistakes and are trying to move forward in life. Others aren’t. Some go to church on Sundays, some go fishing, some snuggle their children on the couch. Just like anyone else. Just like you. Cannabis culture is a lot of things now, and there’s a lot it isn’t anymore. It’s what we make it now. The next step depends on how we continue to move forward and continue to grow what’s been established here so far. Missteps and setbacks are bound to happen. Let the spirit of giving that’s blossomed here in the state continue to expand. In other words, move forward in this new, hope-filled green world we’re building, with a firm grasp of reality in one hand, and a joint in the other.
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Strainology Aries: For you Aries, March 2019 begins with one foot on the brake and one foot on the gas pedal. There are a lot of things being thrown your way by a lot of different people right now. Stay energized, uplifted, and focused by grabbing some Purple Diesel.
Your March 2019 horoscope and what Cannabis strain will help you get through it!
Taurus: You like to be comfortable, and this dynamic trend of transformation may unsettle your senses. Cultivate present moment awareness, by treating yourself to the elevated sensory experience of the Sativa Alice In Wonderland.
by Brittney Graham Scorpio: Your home brings great comfort this month. It is the time to dream, play and explore your capacity for intimacy. Get creative with Purple Haze in March and be ready for blissful contentment throughout the day.
Gemini: Finances may be an area of delay and frustration, but you are in a position to resolve these issues as the month unfolds. Maintain your easy-going and personable style by trying some Banana Kush, which will help stimulate your creative juices and can help you remain talkative in social settings.
Sagittarius: Reflexing back into repetitive and habitual behavior leads nowhere. It is time for you to take a breather to assess the situation. AK-47 will have you relaxed and mellow to get that accomplished.
Cancer: You are in the home stretch of a two-year challenge. Don’t quit! Assess your direction, implement decisions and find solace in contemplation. Use Mendo Breath to help yourself release what is not worth keeping by letting it melt away with this Indica’s powerful body high.
Capricorn: Everyone deserves a break now and then. The only problem, Capricorn, is you may continue to run the treadmill. Sour Diesel delivers energizing, dreamy cerebral effects that will have you motivated to get off the treadmill and start accomplishing your goals.
Leo: Your relationships are up for healing this month of march 2019 Leo. Listen, truly listen, to the heart of another, and your lion-hearted nature will light the way for others to be more of who they are. Grab some Cherry Pie to get you happy and ready for all of these heart to hearts.
Aquarius: You are on a roll Aquarius, keep on with your bad self! Despite conservative trends, you are in the right place at the right time. Celebrate with the blissful, long-lasting, and euphoric Purple Kush, trust me, it is just your pace this month!
Virgo: Your no-nonsense approach to life is thrown for a loop. People come out of nowhere, requesting your services, and diverting attention to their needs. Take some time for yourself by medicating with Blue Cookies. This Indica heavy strain will have you wondering what the word stress even means. Libra: You are running in different directions this month trying to keep your world in balance. If you only focus on keeping other’s happy, you may miss the gifts of personal growth. Take time to relax with Bubba Kush in March and ease the heaviness as dreamy euphoria blankets the mind, crushing stress while coercing happy moods
Pisces: Happy Birthday Pisces! With Uranus in your Sun Sign for the next seven years, creative juices are flowing. March is the month to recognize your dreams and let them unfold in new directions. Grab some Agent Orange to keep you on your toes, and keep you open to positive surprises.
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From the Front Lines
The Oklahoma Medical Cannabis Movement
By Chip Paul In the opening weeks of the 2019 legislative session, the special committee which was formed last fall to assist with SQ788 roll-
out took action. As committee actions were wrapping up last fall, a combined “unity” draft was circulated and agreed as a good starting place for legislative actions in the 2019 session. It defines a proper regulatory and plugs the holes in the current regulatory structure issued by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA). True to their word, the committee members passed the “skinny unity” proposal and submitted their work to both the House and Senate for consideration.
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With the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority continuing to “act in a vacuum” and attempting to make rules under the Food Board, which was never intended as a rule making authority, our medical marijuana program clearly needs better definition. Lets all keep an eye on “skinny unity”!
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Half Baked News Cannabis News and Trending Topics Brittney Graham
Cannacon Is Coming To OKC
With the excitement of the Green Grow Expo that is happening in Oklahoma City this Month, it is hard to imagine that here is yet another big cannabis event coming our way. On April 18th and 19th the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City will be painted green! Well, not literally, but CannaCon is coming to town and that means green just might be the new black. The giant Cannabis expo will provide an interactive gathering of like-minded professionals uniting leading pioneers and entrepreneurs with investors and experts discussing the latest industry developments. Attending the event means gaining access to the next generation of cannabis technology and consumer products while discovering hot trends happening in the industry right now! You can visit the Cannacon.org website to purchase tickets and see the list of speakers and exhibits. Brothers Grimm Seeds, Fox Farm Soil & Fertilizer Company, Microbe Life Hydroponics, Mammoth Microbes, Nature’s Kiss, and Twisty Seeds are just a small list of the brands you will see there. You will not want to miss this!
You Need A Food License For That...
In case you missed it, last month, the Oklahoma Department of Health notified CBD and Medical Marijuana dispensary owners they’ll need a food license to be able to sell certain products by April 26th. What are these certain products they speak of? Well, under Oklahoma law the following are products are considered food: • Flavored tinctures or oils placed in the mouth or in other food. •Assorted types of baked goods, candies or chewing gum. • Infused honey • Infused bottled water • Other pre-packaged food products The notification has been causing headaches for dispensary owners especially since it is another cost that didn’t exist at the beginning of this year. The fee to apply for a food license with the state is $850 and another $335 annually after that. This is of course added to the ever-growing list of fees for cannabis business owners as legislation clears out gray areas SQ788 left behind.
Raking in the Green... The January numbers for Medical Marijuana Sales from the Oklahoma Tax commission came in late last month, and can we just say hold onto your herb! Sales topped a staggering $4.3 million, which happens to be 4 times the amount of sales from just the month before. The 7% sales tax alone generat-
ed $305,265, which doesn’t even include the standard sales tax that varies from city to city. Seeing all this green has the residents of Oklahoma asking, where is all that money going though? Legislation to hear proposed regulations that would provide a framework for medical marijuana 10
regulation to be able to answer questions such as this one could be heard on the House floor the first week of March. The proposal sets guidelines for medical marijuana testing, tax collections, seed-to-sale product tracking, packaging and employment restrictions.
Waste not by Kayla Johnson
Any patient who uses cannabis flower regularly as their medicine of choice has likely encountered stems here and there, depending on the quality of their purchased flower. For the ones who are able to grow at home, when harvest time rolls around, there Is almost no end to the stream of stems. While many people choose to simply discard them, they can actually be put to good use once you’ve let them accumulate for a few weeks. While stems don’t have the heavy coverage of trichomes like the actual flower, they can contain anywhere from 1-3% THC. That little bit adds up, especially if you’re a daily consumer. It’s well worth taking advantage of this extra bit of goodness. When you have to be extra mindful of a budget, for instance, or any other circumstance that keeps you from replenishing your supply, the stems you save can really come in handy when you’d be dry otherwise. Consider it a bonus that you’re slowly investing in and, luckily, it doesn’t take long before you’ve got enough to make use of. While you technically can grind these stems up and smoke them, it’s not necessarily the greatest use of them. Plus, smoking stems can lead to headaches
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that last for several hours and the smoke is extremely harsh. We’ve got better plans for them. Before you try using your stems for any of the ideas we’ve collected, it’s important to activate the THC in them by decarbing them, just as you would if you were using ground flower for anything other than smoking. This can be easily accomplished by heating your oven to 200*F, placing your stems (plus any leaves or shake, if you have any from growing) in a single layer on a baking sheet and heating it for 30-45 minutes, until dried and slightly toasty. Allow them to cool, and if you don’t plan to use them right away, store them in a dark, airtight container. Once you’ve done this, you’re ready to try one of the four ideas below. 1. Weed stem tea - this is one of the most common ways people reuse their stems and it’s one of the easiest as well. It can provide lasting effects without seriously impacting your day and, if you prefer, you can blend it with your tea of choice to cover the taste of cannabis. Place 1-2 grams of your decarbed stems inside a reusable teabag, or even a piece of cheesecloth. Boil water, and pour over the stems. Add another teabag of your choice if you wish. Steep five to
ten minutes, then remove the bags, add milk or sugar, and enjoy. 2. Weed stem tincture - Tinctures can be a great way to take your dose of cannabis in an easily adjusted manner. With stems, the results can vary based on how many stems you use and whether or not you add additional leaves or shake. In some cases, it can be stronger than you might expect. Test your initial doses in a low and slow manner until you find what works for you, that way you don’t accidentally end up taking more than you need. It’s an easy process to make tinctures, but it does take at least 30 days, so you’ll need some patience. To make it, roughly chop your stems and add them to a liter of Everclear or another high percentage alcohol. Reseal the bottle and store in a dark, cool place for a least a month, but make sure to shake it every few days. This helps the alcohol absorb the cannibinoid goodness fully. When it’s been at least thirty days, strain the mixture into a dark glass bottle then give a small amount a try. 3. Weed stem butter - Okay, this one is a given. Many people who make their own cannabutter simply add the stems to the rest of their flower, but you can actually use stems exclusively to make butter, leav-
ing your flower free for smoking or other uses. Bear in mind, it will take more stems to give it a stronger effect, but you can get a mild effect with as little as seven grams of stems to one cup of butter. Prepare it in at least that amount of ratio over medium heat for 30-40 minutes, then strain through cheesecloth into an airtight container and let cool. Use for baked goods, or add a bit to your coffee or tea in the mornings for a mild, soothing experience with your morning caffeine jolt. 4. Weed Stem skin ointment - This one takes a bit more time to stockpile the stems, but if you suffer from skin conditions, or are looking for something to help soothe bug bites come summertime, using a cannabis-infused skin rub can give you significant relief without the high. You’ll need 25-35 grams of stems for this, along with 1.5 cups coconut oil, 1/3 cup beeswax, and an additional 1/3 cup of olive oil if you wish. Melt your coconut oil (and olive oil if you’ve added it) in a saucepan over low heat, making sure to stir constantly. Take your decarbed stems, chop them roughly, and add them to the oil. Stir continuously over low heat for 25 minutes, and remove from the heat. Strain through cheesecloth into a jar and let cool. Then apply.
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Cooking with grass By Kayla Johnson
Ahh, the pot brownie. A staple of early cannabis culture that’s still a favorite today. These treats can pack quite a punch in a delicious, chocolatey square. There are dozens of different variations of brownies floating around the web. Everything from caramel and nuts to marshmallow fluff. Today we’re throwing back to a classic, fudgy brownie (if you want to add nuts, we’ll let that slide). As with any edible recipe, how much cannabutter you use (and the potency of said cannabutter) will impact your end
result. If your butter is particularly potent, or you’re relatively new to cannabis with a low tolerance, simply use half cannabutter, and half traditional unsalted butter. Don’t be afraid to tweak and adjust the amounts to your needs and preference. Your brownies, your rules!
Brownies Ingredients: 1 stick cannabutter (split with regular butter if desired) ¾ cup cocoa powder 1 cup cake flour 1 cup white sugar 1 cup bown sugar ½ tsp. Salt 4 oz. semisweet chocolate ¼ tsp. Baking powder ¼ tsp. Baking soda 2 large eggs 1 tsp vanilla Directions:
until just combined, and scrape brownie batter into prepared pan. Tap the pan firmly and carefully on the counter a few times to help smooth out the mixture and remove air bubbles. Bake for 15 minutes, rotate the pan, and bake for another 15. Remove, and let cool for ten minutes, then, using the parchment paper, carefully lift them from the pan to fully cool. Once cooled, cut up and enjoy.
Preheat your oven to 350*, and soften your cannabutter. Grease a 9x9 or 8x8 pan and line with parchment paper. Mix together your dry ingredients, and in a separate bowl, combine your vanilla and eggs. Melt the semisweet chocolate in the microwave in short bursts, and let cool if it got too warm before slowly mixing it into the vanilla and eggs. Add your softened cannabutter and gently fold it in until just combined. Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry bowl, taking care not to overstir,
Make sure you keep the leftovers in properly labeled containers so there are no surprised consumers later! 14
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Make it last By Kayla Johnson
The green floodgates are opening in Oklahoma, slowly but surely. Dispensaries, grow facilities and processors are popping up across the state. As the market continues to expand, more product will be available on the shelves. Even with what will hopefully be an abundance of quality medicine within our reach, the reality of life often swings back into view, and sometimes, things happen. Emergencies come up and throw personal budgets into upheaval. Businesses encounter setbacks… For any number of reasons you could find yourself lacking in the cannabis department. It is very important to make each purchase last as long as possible for people who live in a more rural community and don’t often make it into one of the major metro areas that’s rapidly turning green. Looking for a reason to take steps to make your bud stash last longer? Consider it a good practice in self control that can also benefit your tolerance level. If you’ve noticed it takes more of your flower or even your concentrates to get the same effect or relief that you need, it may be worth your time to take a tolerance break, or at least help yourself dial it back by really limiting what you use each day. Your wallet will thank you, too. To help you keep a better eye on how much you’re consuming each day, and to help you manage your doseages better, consider any of the tips below. Invest in a one hitter - Running anywhere from $5 to $10 each, a one hitter is one of the quickest ways to cut back on smoking more than you should when you’re trying to keep your supply full for longer. Only one small hit fits in at a time in these small pieces. It may surprise you how little you need to get quality relief. Get a grinder - Using a manual grinder to grind up your bud gives you a consistent product for smoking or vaping that burns easily and fully. This means all the little corners of each bowl or hit are fully combusted, leaving no scraps in the bowl and no green wasted. For those that prefer joints, cannabis that’s been ground evenly provides better airflow.
Get an organizer - In most pharmacies or pharmacy sections in stores, you can find weekly or monthly pill organizers. If you’re really determined to limit how much you consume, or you want to be as precise as possible with your doses, these can be a cheap and extremely useful tool. Just fill them with the amount of cannabis you want to use within the timeframe it contains, and for an extra seal of keeping it fresh.
Consider vaping - If you haven’t already tried it, vaping can be a great way to medicate, and there are dozens of options available, from portable dry herbs or dab ribs to tabletop vapes that fill bags. Most people find it takes far less cannabis to get the effects or relief they’re wanting with a vape, and as a bonus, for dry herb vapes, you can save your AVB (already vaped bud) for a dry day, or even use for edibles. Try mangoes - It may sound outlandish, but there’s strong belief that eating a mango before you consume makes the effects stronger or last longer. Mangoes contain terpenes, and eating them helps the THC in cannabis cross the blood-brain barrier much more effectively, meaning it happens quicker, and lasts longer. Just take a break - I know. It’s unpleasant to talk about… If your tolerance is sky high, or you are on the verge of running out when you can’t get more, taking just two or three days off from consuming if possible will do wonders for your tolerance. The longer you go, the lower your tolerance will get, but even just drastically reducing to one hit a day could help you stretch what you have just enough.
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Don’t forget your kief - If you’re using a grinder, chances are, it’s been collecting the kief (trichome crystals) in the bottom portion. This sandy, sticky powder can be a powerful boost in effects, and added to a small bowl can help your flower go a little bit further. The old rainy day fund - When you have access to plenty of cannabis, consider tucking a small portion back now and then. Embrace the ‘set it and forget it’
mentality. Leave it for when you’re running low. It’s important to remember that you should never leave cannabis where any children could have access to it. If you can lock it away securely out of sight it will help it to be out of your mind until you really need it.
Green Comfort Medicinal Dispensary, LLC. is a family-owned and operated dispensary, located in Haskell, OK. We have a variety of products ranging from Edibles, Vape Cartridges, Concentrates, as well as a large array of Flower. We also carry Clones and Seeds for all your home-growing needs. We strive to create a comfortable environment for all patients, no matter your medical conditions. Our staff are friendly and knowledgeable, while still giving the best service possible. We offer high quality products at an affordable price, while giving the patient 5% back on every purchase through reward points. For convenience, patients can even pre-order online by going to our website, www.GreenComfort918.com
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Open: Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm 17
Sleepy’s Garden bCompiled by Sleepy Himself
Recently, the active ingredient, glyphosate - found in the Monsanto product, Round-up - was found to cause cancer in a courtroom in the U.S. The company has covered up that fact for years and told the public that the product was safe. Glyphosate or Round-up has been used by Big Ag for years. So much so that they even began genetically modifying plants, AKA “the food you eat,” to be able to withstand that chemical so that they can spray it all over the field and not worry about killing the main crop they are cultivating. The only problem is that the chemical moves through the air and waterways into places it shouldn’t be. If you tested most Americans urine you would find glyphosate. In my opinion the only way to change the misuse of dangerous chemicals like glyphosate is through education. That’s why this month I’m talking about
Integrated Pest Management. What is integrated pest management? IPM is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties. Pesticides are used only after monitoring practices indicate that they are needed, and treatments are made with the goal of removing only the target organism. Pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, beneficial organisms, and the environment. Integrated pest management approaches Preventive maintenance is very important in your IPM regime. You should be constantly checking your sticky traps, field, building, or other cultivation site to identify which pests are present, how
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many there are, or what damage they’ve caused. You should invest in a Dino-lite digital microscope so you can scout bugs and take quality pictures to better identify the pest. Correctly identifying the pest is key to knowing whether a pest is likely to become a problem and determining the best management strategy. Once you have a problem, most of the time, it’s too late. IPM should be started from day one and never stopped. Approaches for managing pests are often grouped in the following categories. Biological control Biological control is the use of natural enemies—predators, parasites, pathogens, and competitors—to control pests and their damage. Cultural controls Cultural controls are practices that reduce pest establishment, reproduction, dispersal, and survival. For example, changing irrigation practices can reduce pest prob-
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lems, since too much water can increase root disease and weeds. Mechanical and physical controls Mechanical and physical controls kill a pest directly, block pests out, or make the environment unsuitable for it. Traps for rodents are examples of mechanical control. Physical controls include mulches for weed management, steam sterilization of the soil for disease management, or barriers such as screens to keep birds or insects out. Chemical control Chemical control is the use of pesticides. This is the last resort and should only be applied when all else fails. In IPM, pesticides are used only when needed and in combination with other approaches for more effective, long-term control. Pesticides are selected and applied in a way that minimizes their possible harm to people, non-target organisms, and the environment. With IPM you’ll use the most selective pesticide that will do the job and be the safest for other organisms and for air, soil, and water quality.
they try to rip you off. I guarantee vegetable farmers don’t pay the same thing you do. Be careful of middlemen with products marketed directly at the cannabis industry. Go start to the source. Here is a list of a few good biocontrol websites: Beneficial Insectary- https://www.insectary.com/
Bioline Agrosciences- https://www.biolineagrosciences.com/
Bio controls and where to buy bugs BioBest- www.biobestgroup.com One thing to always remember in the cannabis industry is everyone thinks you have huge profit margins so IPM Laboratories- www.ipmlabs.com
Common pest on cannabis and their predator
Spider Mites - Amblyseius andersoni, Amblyseius californicus, Neoseiulus fallacis Thrips - Amblyseius cucumeris, Orius insidiosus, Stratiolaelaps scimitus Fungus Gnats - Dalotia coriaria, nematodes Aphids - Aphidius ervi, lady bugs Whiteflies- Encarsia Formosa, Eretmocerus eremicus Nutrient dense and pesticide free food is the future. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides were made with the idea to make work easier. The microwave generation took to those ideas without fully understanding the negative outcomes these chemicals have, not only on
our bodies, but also our environment. When organics is done right we don’t need any of these dangerous chemicals. Stop giving these chemical companies your money and start looking at the damage they are causing. Did you know there is a dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico from the chemical runoff from the corn and soybean farms in Iowa and Illinois. The chemicals travel all the way down the Mississippi river and into the ocean. They say we can’t feed the world with organics. I say stop trying to feed the world and put an organic garden in your backyard to feed yourself. Aphids
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WHAT EXACTLY IS THE “UNITY BILL”? BY: SARAH LEE GOSSETT PARRISH, CANNABIS BUSINESS LAWYER*
You may have heard about the “Unity Bill” in the past few weeks, a proposed Act that relates to medical marijuana and made its way through the Oklahoma Legislature’s bicameral Medical Marijuana Working Group with a “recommend” to the Legislature for passage. The bill provides a framework to regulate medical marijuana here in Oklahoma, and fills in some of the areas intentionally left unaddressed by SQ 788 and the OMMA’s Emergency Rules with Additional Approved Revisions. There are also some new Proposed Permanent OMMA Rules, and these may be the subject of a subsequent column here. For now, let’s focus on the Unity Bill. I attended the final hearing on this Bill, and listened to the Working Group members discuss proposed amendments and their sometimes-differing visions for regulating our cannabis industry. It was encouraging to see both sides of the aisle working together to achieve a common goal. The Bill was approved by the House Rules Committee as House Bill 2612, and will likely be heard by the full House in the near future. It begins with a lengthy definitions section, followed by provisions that formally create the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority within the State Department of Health and charge the OMMA with its implementation.
NOTABLE PROVISIONS Sale of Seeds Notable provisions include language that allows a commercial grower to sell seeds, flower, or clones “to commercial growers”, thereby providing a much needed legal way for new growers to obtain seeds and clones. Language that would also have allowed the sale by growers to patients or caregivers was deleted. Patient Confidentiality The Bill preserves confidentiality of patients and caregivers, making the handling of all records, including the medical marijuana use registry (accessible to Oklahoma-licensed dispensaries to verify licenses), subject to all relevant state and federal laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). All records other than the registry are “deemed confidential” and unavailable to public. Municipal Ordinances In addressing the plethora of municipal ordinances, licenses, and permits, the Bill prohibits municipalities and counties from enacting guidelines that “restrict or interfere with the rights of licensed patients or caregivers to possess, purchase, cultivate or transport medical marijuana within the legal limits” set forth in the Bill and Section 420 et seq. of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, and prohibits requiring patients or caregivers to obtain additional permits or licenses. Firearms The Bill projects patients’ and caregivers’ rights to “own, purchase or possess a firearm, ammunition, or firearm accessories” and states that “[n]o state or local agency, municipal or county governing authority shall restrict, revoke, suspend or otherwise infringe upon those rights.” Employment Issues Patients with “safety-sensitive” jobs are enumerated, and the Bill provides employers are not required to permit or accommodate
the use of medical marijuana at the place of employment or during hours of employment and recognizes employers’ right to establish written policies about drug testing and impairment in accord with current Oklahoma law. No Doctors at Dispensaries Another provision prohibits “[a] physician who recommends use of medical marijuana” from being “located at the same physical address as a dispensary”. Home Extractions Limited The Bill prohibits operation of extraction equipment or the utilization of extraction processes in a residential property “if the equipment or process utilizes butane, propane, carbon dioxide or any potentially hazardous material in a residential property.” Seed-to-Sale The Bill requires an inventory tracking system that “shall allow for integration of other seed-to-sale systems”, provides minimum requirements for same, and mandates quality testing by licensees. Debate during the hearing ensued over the prohibition of license ownership by a publicly traded company, and the issue will no doubt arise again at a later date. New Licenses Created The Bill creates several new licenses, including a medical marijuana transporter license, testing laboratory license, research license, and education facility license. The new transporter license carries an annual fee of $100.00, and differs from the current license provided to each commercial business licensee upon request. The testing laboratory license is a new category of available commercial business licenses. The Bill gives the OMMA the authority to develop acceptable testing and research practices, standards, quality control analysis, equipment certification and calibration, and chemical identification, and sets out standards and specific requirements for testing and receipt of marijuana product for testing. It also creates several categories of testing, including: microbials; mycotoxins; residual solvents; pesticides; tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoid potency; terpenoid potency; and heavy metals. The research license requires an extensive application process with numerous requirements. The education facility license carries a $500 fee and may be issued only to a not-for-profit organization. This license allows the 501(c)(3) organization “to possess or cultivate marijuana for the limited education and research purposes” enumerated in the Bill. What’s the take-away? The Unity Bill represents a concerted effort to create a working framework for regulation and oversight of Oklahoma’s medical marijuana industry. It is, in my opinion, a vaillant effort. Kudos to Bud Scott and his team who worked tirelessly to draft a bill the Legislature might actually pass. While much work remains to be done and there are provisions in the Unity Bill that may divide, we are on our way to a thriving cannabis industry here in Oklahoma, and that is good news for everyone
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Time for security
Since June 26th, plans that may have been tentative for months or years before that have been able to take root here in Oklahoma. Businesses involving medical marijuana have sprouted up in shocking numbers throughout the state, taking many people by surprise, and causing a bit of a green boom. Buildings that may have sat empty around the state are suddenly being revived for dispensaries, grow facilities and care clinics. For those that have been biding their time waiting for legalization, they’ve been able to dive right in. As important as it is to have great product and a great location, one
By Kayla Johnson equally important item is surprisingly often overlooked: security. While legalization has changed a lot of things for the better, there is still a serious risk to cannabis businesses and owners from thieves and other criminals. A large number of dispensaries and grow facilities are putting their employees and their product at risk, especially if they’re taking chances transporting product themselves. Green Group Global, a security and logistics firm here in Oklahoma, is making an effort to not only ensure clients and their businesses are safe, but to educate them on the risks that remain today.
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An organization comprised of veterans of the military in addition to local and federal law enforcement officers that’s been established in the state since 2013, Green Group Global doesn’t lack for real world experience. With that experience comes hard lessons that become teachable moments. “All of this experience, we’ve taken a hard look at what we’ve learned, and the needs of the cannabis industry and applied those lessons where it fits.” Zoraida Holmes, chief administrative officer for Green Group Global, stated. “We are dedicated to com(con’t on next page)
“We are dedicated to compliance, and educating business owners. We want businesses to be able to get up and running easily, and to be able to continue to grow without delays or setbacks that could have been avoided with proper security measures.”
Zoraida Holmes
Chief Administrative Officer, Green Group Global
pliance, and educating business owners. We want businesses to be able to get up and running easily, and to be able to continue to grow without delays or setbacks that could have been avoided with proper security measures. Whether it’s surveillance equipment for their dispensary, secured transport from the grower to the processor from the grower, securing cash movements, or even background checks for employees and training.” With so much care and work being put into the businesses that make up the Oklahoma cannabis industry, it can be hard for business owners to add another item to their to-do list. “We know how hard it is to be in the process of getting your business up and running, especially for small business owners who are pouring their life savings into these companies. While ensuring their business or transports in a medically legal world may seem like just one more chore. All it could take is one setback or incident, and your business could be suffering major losses. Not to mention
the potential risk to yourself and your employees.” Green Group employees take their work protecting staff and assets seriously. While there’s obviously a business opportunity for a security firm, it’s so much more than that to the company, according to Holmes. “When businesses have the chance to succeed without security concerns or breaches, other businesses benefit in turn. It creates a more solid, strong industry overall. We see an opportunity to ensure business owners have the tools and information they need, in a way that works for them.” For Green Group, the emphasis on proactivity comes from a background of military veterans mixed with law enforcement officers from local and federal agencies. This gives clients the peace of mind knowing that not only is their business secure, but they know exactly what was done to make it secure, and how to move forward in a way that will keep it secure as it grows. “Our employees are CLEET certified, and with our focus on continuing our training, as the industry 24
evolves, we can adjust and adapt to the changing needs of our clients.” Holmes stated, “The lessons we’ve learned in our previous careers are invaluable when it comes to providing quality service and information business owners need to be both compliant and highly successful within the new medical marijuana industry here in Oklahoma.” The company is Oklahoma based, and the founders are from Oklahoma themselves. While other companies may be focused on the benefits to their business and income, Green Group’s focus has turned to the benefits of a healthy, safe industry and community. According to Holmes, it’s personal on top of business since they live here in the state. “This industry is giving a lot of people an opportunity to establish businesses that will then be able to give back to the community. That’s one of the main reasons we want to do our part in making sure the industry doesn’t just keep going, but sets the standard for how its done for the rest of the country.”
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