Herbage Magazine #53 May 2023

Balanced, grace, and beauty, especially in the face of adversity.

COVER BY MOED ART MAY 2023

RX3 HAS THE R3M3DY

BY PAMELA JAYNE

HERBAGE MAGAZINE #53 - MAY 2023

P.O. BOX 420 SHAWNEE, OK 74802

JAMES BRIDGES

OWNER - PUBLISHER JAMES@HERBAGEMAG.COM

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MONTH

OUR BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH PROGRAM IS HERE TO SHOWCASE ABOVE AND BEYOND PERFROMANCE FROM BUDTENDERS AROUND THE STATE.

WE HAVE THREE ROUND OF VOTING, WHERE 1 WINNER PER AREA CODES 405 - 580 - 918 IS CHOSEN BY YOU ALL.

WINNERS RECEIVED PRIZES FROM

SAMANTHA B. (580) THE HIPPIE COLLECTIVE PONCA CITY, OK

TYRELL S. (405) THE GREEN DOOR SHAWNEE, OK

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COURTNEY (918) SEED (6TH/PEORIA) TULSA, OK

CASEY N. (918) ONE LOVE WELLNESS TULSA, OK

OZZY (405) SUGAR CANNABIS SHAWNEE, OK

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There Is Hope

Steve Miller - Essential Tremor

By Brannan Bell

Essential Tremor is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary shaking or trembling movements, most commonly affecting the hands and arms but also sometimes affecting the head, voice, or legs. The tremors can range from mild to severe and can worsen with movement or stress. ET is the most common movement disorder, affecting up to 1% of the population, and it typically starts in mid to late adulthood, but for Steve it began as a kid.

While the exact cause of essential tremor is unknown, it is believed to be due to abnormal communication between certain areas of the brain, particularly those involved in controlling movement. There is a genetic component to the disorder too. This hereditary condition has led his father, sisters, son and daughter to all having different levels of progression. When speaking to Steve he described the feeling as if you were sitting in a massage chair turned on high, vibrating intensely 24/7 and that’s what his day looks like, centered behind his diaphragm.

There is no known cure for Essential Tremor, but there are several treatments that can help manage the symptoms. These include medications such as beta-blockers and anticonvulsants, which can help reduce the severity of tremors, as well as occupational therapy and physical therapy, which can help improve coordination and reduce the impact of tremors on daily activities.

In some cases, deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery may also be recommended, which involves implanting electrodes in the brain to help regulate abnormal movement signals.

According to Steve, he hasn’t had the best of luck with doctors being willing to hear him out and listen to him or even let him demonstrate how it's effective, by putting a few drops of an RSO base oil, along with a combination of cannabis derived terpenes and cannabinoids. He doesn’t take any of the 43 different medications that he had previously been on for ET. Cannabis has been a major part of his healing journey for the last three years, when he started experimenting with this plant. There’s been multiple doctors who have lost Steve as a patient, simply because they wouldn’t listen to him. It also seems to be that they’re losing a Pharma patient because cannabis is healing him instead and it’s definitely a threat to the pharmaceutical industry.

Upon entering Steve’s home, he purposely didn't want to medicate before we got there so we could see the severity of his shakes and then to see them subside. By using the RSO combo in the morning, (about 160-200 mgs) which is about 6 grains of rice, it takes quite a bit for him to help. He applies about six drops to his wrists. Eventually, he stops shaking and his symptoms are not as prevalent from the start. This is applied two times throughout the day, followed by a nice dose of RSO to help him sleep throughout the night. This formula is what he’s been experimenting with on his own, making his medicine with the help of other knowledgeable minds.

"It's unreal! It's cannabis, it's the people's love, it's the culture. The way the medicine should be made"

Steve Miller

I got to sit down with Steve and chat with him about growing up, his experiences with Essential Tremors and figuring out what’s going on with it, and how he handles this disease on a daily basis. To get to know him a little better, I asked him how he grew up and what life was like dealing with ET.

Since third grade, Steve grew up in the house we were sitting in, that he currently lives in right now. I could only imagine the nostalgia and memories, being a 70 year old man living in the house you grew up in. 1962 is when they moved into the home and the main road was a dirt road at the time in the city; not anymore! Steve’s dad dealt with ET, and his mother had it too. Steve and both of his sisters also dealt with this disease, which I quickly learned can drive you absolutely mad, not being able to handle the symptoms. Steve has always had a gift of being a caretaker for other people and took care of his sister before she passed.

Drinking alcohol has been known to control the outer shakes and your cognitive function, but that can be a slippery slope. This disorder can cause people to create suicide by alcohol, and dealing with high anxiety symptoms. This method was always helpful, but not a good habit. Steve completely quit drinking though a few years ago and chooses to medicate with plant medicine only now.

Growing up was pretty tough for Steve and having Essential Tremors really affected him as a kid, even more so than being an adult. He started noticing the shakes whenever he was in first grade. His teachers even noticed it but didn’ know what to do with it, much like the doctors today he says. It wasn’t easy for him to make friends because no one wanted to talk to him, he was made fun of and always was alone, with horrible anxiety.

He failed first grade and was happy taking an F, because he couldn’t get up in front of the class and talk at all. Even as an adult, he’s had trouble with finding work for the same reasons. No one wants to hire you if they see you shaking, while working on machines and working on cars often. Steve emphasizes on the fact that he’s had to reinvent himself so many times for this exact reason. The anxiety that ET brings you can come out of nowhere and makes you so anxious that you just have to keep going and allow yourself to stay busy.

Anything with purple Steve says he is attracted to and it helps him. Myrcene and Caryophyllene are terpenes that tend to help with anxiety. His first time trying RSO happened to be a full-spectrum White Widow strain that was a 1:1. It calmed his inner tremor down to 50% of what it is normally and he could actually sleep. He currently has a grower, nourishing a 1:1 strain for him now.

The disease itself changes and you have to know how to deal with it, so you can live a life to where you feel like you have some kind of healing control of your body, without it driving you mad and living a miserable life. Sounds intense, but that’s exactly what ET is, it’s intense and affects your life, your brain function, your heart, and really all areas of your life. Cannabis has been a huge tool and trauma healer for Steve.

Steve’s main goal is to help kids with this disease. To have a program and the tools in place to diagnose kids in school with it and be able to recognize this disease and what to do so they could help themselves and be better students and take care of their wellbeing, without feeling lost and alone.

F, class had reasons. you and the many ET makes going attracted and help RSO Widow tremor he grower, to life of driving Sounds it’s brain your trauma this in be do better wellbeing,

During our time together we also touched on the power of other plant medicine that he hasn’t had the opportunity to dive into just yet, but plans on it to see how other plant medicines are also very beneficial to our cognitive and physical functions and could actually be surprisingly healing and powerful to a body that is experiencing Essential Tremors.

Essential Tremor Awareness, Mental Health & Cannabis Awareness are what Steve is passionate about. The power of cannabis as medicine and what it’s doing for people who experience ET is truly amazing and deeply healing in more ways than one. You can’t help but think what it would be like for everyone to be able to have access to this plant, including those who are incarcerated. This plant will eventually be healing to an entire Nation, once it goes Federally legal. In the meantime, people like Steve can share their stories and he even had the chance to medicate in front of the OMMA team and they were very moved after seeing the results right before their own eyes. He’s living out his childhood dreams and it’s touching to see. It’s one step at a time with like minded people helping others and gathering as a community to be heard.

Ailments

IF WE’RE NOT ALREADY ON THE SHELF AT YOUR LOCAL DISPENSARY, LET THEM KNOW TO HIT US UP ON LEAFLINK

FEMININE DIVINE HANNAH PEARL

By Brannan Bell

EMBRACING FEMININE DIVINE ENERGY IS A PERSONAL AND SPIRITUAL JOURNEY THAT INVOLVES ACKNOWLEDGING AND HONORING THE QUALITIES AND ASPECTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FEMININE, SUCH AS NURTURING, INTUITION, EMPATHY, CREATIVITY, AND RECEPTIVITY.

Hannah Pearl is an Intuitive Practitioner, an Herbalist, and an Astrologer. She enjoys re-connecting people with the natural cycles. Hannah offers services like spirit plant draw ing, which is a hand-drawn art piece that attunes our frequencies to the plant kingdom to draw wisdom. Within her expertise, she offers Reiki energy healing sessions, chakra alignment and aura cleansing, which is all helpful for mental/emotional blocks. She extends her gifts to clients by offering health consultations that incorporate astrology, principles from eastern philosophy to get a deeper insight to p atterns of harmony and disharmony and ways we can rebalance these energies through our daily rituals and habits.

She can help you with activating and awakening your own inner healer, understanding how plants and herbs can improve your health and well being, the cycles of nature and how to incorporate them for a more fulfilling life.

“The land is always speaking, we just need to get quiet enough to listen”.

Hannah is a passionate plant lady that has a dream and vision of educating and inspiring others on their spiritual/herbal awakening. She has studied Western Herbalism as well as Eastern practices since 2014 and is currently working toward being a Doctor of Natural medicine.

Ultimately, embracing feminine divine energy is about connecting with our inner wisdom, intuit ion, and power, and using these qualities to create a life that is fulfilling and aligned with our true selves.

FEMININE DIVINE

HANNAH PEARL

“We are energetically connected to everything, like a thread woven into a larger quilt, or the drops of water that make up the ocean”.

I personally have had the opportunity to spend time with Hannah, as she read me my natal chart and gave me a detailed explanation of my astrology reading. I’ve always admired Hannah for her herbal concoctions and her depth of knowledge with natur al medicine and her passion for the entire Universe. You can find our conversation below.

1. HANNAH, TELL ME ABOUT HOW YOU GREW UP AND HOW YOU WERE RAISED AND WHAT INITIALLY SPARKED A JOY WITHIN YOURSELF FOR THE OUTDOORS, MOTHER NATURE, AND TAPPING INTO HERBS, HEALING AND ASTROLOGY?

I don’t remember having much of a consistent home until I was about 9 years old. My mom traveled across the states with my br other and I, where we spent a lot of time outdoors. I believe that really instilled a deeply rooted love and appreciation for nature early on. My mom has always taken an alternative perspective when it comes to health preferring a more natural approach. She has been doing reiki since before I was born and she taught me the practice of meditation by the time I was 5. I took a lot of it for granted and stru ggled to connect, until life took my hand, or more like shoved me. I was about 16-17 years old when I developed some health issues, had already had a few traumatic life experiences, and by 19 I got hit by a car which was really the culmination point that led me down the path of integrating and aligning my mind-bodysoul. It spiraled me back to the natural path and into the world of herbs and constellatio ns. I ended up completely pivoting from trying to pursue a career as an esthetician and focusing only on the surface to diving much deeper into understanding more about my inner workings. Herbalism, nutrition, energy work and astrology are all just vehicles that have helped and continue to help me to develop a stronger connection with myself.

2. One way to embrace Feminine Divine energy is to cultivate pr actices that promote self-care, selflove, and self-acceptance. In what ways do you practice these?

I practice self-love, acceptance and care through consistent conscious awareness of my inner monologue. For a long time, I shamed myself for not doing or being enough. I was always striving for “perfection”.

If I didn't do X,Y,Z then I was a failure. It didn’t matter what I did or didn’t do, there was alwa ys a void. I realized that the void was just calling me to come home to myself. It’s not about all the things outside of us, but what's on the inside that counts the most. I believe that the way we speak to and treat ourselves sets the stage for the type of experiences and choices we will make in this life. When I “should” or “shouldn’t” myself, staying consistent with my practices is near impossible. It i nevitably ends with self loathing. When I speak to myself with love and compassion, when I accept and sit with all of the parts of myself, even the ones that don’t feel too great, I naturally want to care for and nourish myself through healthier choices, for example doing meditation, yoga, breathwork, eating + growing + preparing nourishing foods and herbs, and whatever else feels relevant in the moment.

3. YOU’VE MENTIONED BEFORE THAT MOTHER NATURE IS YOUR RELIGION. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?

I believe that we are all a part of nature, and the idea that we are separate from our environment is an illusion. As above, so below. The macrocosm and the microcosm. Everything is so deeply interconnected, we can see this physically with the root systems and the mycelial networks underground that are constantly sharing nutrients and information bridging the seemingly separate environment. We are energetically connected to everything, like a thread woven into a larger quilt, or the drops of water that make up the ocean. I personally have found the most peace, acceptance and love for all of life when I am out in nature so it only feels right that my devotion is to my body and to this land that I inhabit.

4. WHAT TYPES OF ACTIVITIES BRING YOU JOY AND FULFILLMENT?

I find so much joy in communing with nature in general, more specifically though foraging, identifying and learning more about the flora and fauna in my area, holding sacred space for my community, holding space for my body, creating art, making herbal preparations and nourishing foods for myself and my community, and being able to share all of this with my son and loved ones.

5. HOW DO YOU EMBRACE YOUR OWN FEMININE DIVINE ENERGY?

By fully trusting myself even when on the outside it doesn’t make sense. I believe deep down I have everything that I need within me and I don’t require external validation. And that to me is where my true power lies. Placing proper boundaries that protect my peace, I no longer take responsibility for others and their emotions. If someone doesn't resonate with what I have to say then it wasn’t for them anyways. I do not shrink myself any longer, or reserve myself to make others feel comfortable, growth is uncomfortable and if it triggers someone that is an opportunity for them to look inside of themselves and gain new perspectives that could catalyze and shift their reality, it is not up to me. My feminine divine energy is the part of me that knows that I am not here for anyone else, I am not here to please anyone, I am here to surrender to the greater unknown that lies within and to embody my authentic self in all of its essence so that I may step forward with confidence into my divine masculine or action with a solid foundation of trust.

6. WHAT IS ETHNOBOTANY AND HOW DO YOU USE IT TO UNDERSTAND HOW OUR ANCESTORS USED AND HO NORED HERBAL MEDICINE?

Ethnobotany is the study of plants and their traditional uses by indigenous peoples, using this information can help us to understand the deeper relationships and importance of specific plants to the land and to our ancestors. Our ancestors had an intimate relationship with plants, without needing technology to validate their importance and I think we can all at least acknowledge th at, if anything, we can use our scientific understandings of the medicinal properties of plants to validate what our ancestors already instinctively knew. We too can develop deeper relationships with plants around us by connecting with the environment. The land is always speaking, we just need to get quiet enough to listen.

7. YOU’RE AN HERBALIST. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE HERBAL BLEND THAT YOU RECOMMEND TO U SE ON A DAILY BASIS AND WHY?

It’s hard to say, everyone is so vastly different and our needs are going to vary from person to person. I will say though that living in cycle with the seasons, using what is readily available to us in our immediate environments and paying attention to the plants that are coming up around us can make a world of difference for overall health and wellbeing. Plants release certa in constituents that help them to survive as well as support the ecosystem as a whole, the types and amounts of constituents that are released are based on different environmental factors, such as the temperature, sun exposure, water, soil quality, etc. We are also exposed to these factors, so we can benefit from those specific protective and preventive constituents by utilizing the plants and herbs that are growing around us. Some examples of springtime herbs are dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) and wild violet (Viola odorata). As they start to blossom, they are supportive for our bodies in different ways such as strengthening our elimination pathways, alleviating allergies, boosting our immune system, and more, so that our bodies have an easi er time transitioning into summer.

8. CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR COMPANY, EIGHTH CHAKRA HEALING AND WHAT YOUR VISION IS?

Eighth Chakra is a company that my mother, Virginia Underwood and I started. We provide various tools, services, classes as well as facilitate ceremonial circles for the community with the intention of providing a space for individuals to develop a deeper connection with themselves so t hey can begin to tap into the innate divine wisdom that is available to us all. We have an ultimate goal of having a regenerative retreat center, where we will steward native species and provide a place for the community to gather and integrate their wholeness by connecting with the land, themselves, and one another.

9. BEING A MOTHER AMONGST ALL OF THE OTHER THINGS YOU DO, HOW DO YOU FIND BALANCE IN YOU R WORK AND LIFE?

It's a practice, every day looks different. I focus on taking it moment by moment, breath by breath. Tuning into and prioritizing my needs helps me to find harmony with all the moving parts. I find that if my cup is full, then I am able to pour into everything else more readily.

10. DO YOU HAVE ANY BOOKS THAT YOU'RE CURRENTLY READING THAT YOU REALLY ENJOY OR ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND? I LOVE TO KNOW WHERE MINDS ARE ATTRACTED TO.

There are so many books that I love, the list could go on and on but one book in particular that very much changed my life and still holds relevance to this day is called, You Are the Placebo: Making Your Mind Matter by Dr. Joe Dispenza. This book is a great ex ample of how powerful our minds are, that what we believe about ourselves and our capabilities can determine how external influences affect us. I finished this book the day before I was hit by a car, I sustained some severe injuries and I am lucky to be here now. When I woke up 3 days later, I had a completely different perspective on life. Whereas before I was overwhelmingly depressed, I had no motivatio n to keep going and I was praying for something to take me out so that I could escape myself, and all of my feelings. When I awoke, I was renewed and all I could express was gratitude for being alive another day. The hospital staff was shocked at how fast my burns and bones were mending and I truly believe that my outlook, and attitude towards the situation changed the outcome. For this reason I would with out reservation recommend this book.

11. IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF ANYTHING THAT YOU NEEDED TO HEAR DURING A TIME WHEN YOU DIDN'T RECEIVE IT. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?

You are not responsible for anyone else's emotions, thoughts or actions, all of which are merely reflections of the way people feel and what they believe about themselves. Keep doing you, it is okay to be misunderstood. It i s okay to stand out from the crowd, you were never meant to fit in. Your unique perspectives and expressions are a blessing. Keep cultivating respect for yourself, and don't give your power away or play small for anyone else, you do not require anyone else's validation in order to be worthy, you are innately worthy simply by being here, that's the only validation that you need. The only thing you can contr ol in this life is the way you perceive it and the responses you have to it, forcing your way will only create more resistance and suffering. Trust that you are making the right decisions, there are no mistakes. What is meant for you will never miss you! I love you.

12. AS A WOMAN AND EVERYTHING YOU EMBODY, HOW ARE YOU CREATING A LIFE YOU LOVE ON YOUR OWN TERMS?

I am following my heart, regardless of the external “noise”. If it doesn’t feel right, then it’s not for me even if everyone else is doing it. I believe that only we as individuals know what’s truly best for ourselves, and we have the power to tap into our inner knowing by developing a deeper relationship and understanding of ourselves. Continuing to be present with and creating space for all that comes up, for all that I ever was, will ever be an d all that I am.

Hannah is such a beautiful and intelligent soul. I’m sure you agree after ending up right here. I love how she’s fully embracing her inner wisdom and Feminine Divine. Her passions and drive for life, community and listening to her inner wisdom really takes her the places she wants to go and is inspiring! Our thoughts and words are extremely powerful and Hannah is here to remind you of your own innate wisdom. Don't ever forget, no one is you and that's your power.

YOU CAN KEEP UP WITH HANNAH AND SERVICES SHE OFFERS AT WWW.EIGHTH-CHAKRA.COM.

YOU CAN ALSO GET TO KNOW HANNAH MORE AND FIND HER FEATURED ON THE CANNABIS HANGOUT PODCAST, EP. #87.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

It may be time to shatter any illusions you have of yourself or others. Pill away these misconceptions about your life and see yourself for the amazing being that you are and how you were intended to be. There is nothing wrong with you. Break those illusions they are not true. You or someone you love may be suffering from something painful confusing or unpleasant. You must endure and push yourself through these moments in life. You should know that you are strong and it may be incredibly hard to know that in this moment you will move past this into better times. You are not alone.

Think about what it is you sincerely want out of life and whether you’re showing people your true self. Align your different personas into one and doing so you will conserve your energy. Think about situations where various personas work together to support your authentic self. Release the excess baggage from those personas so that you can find a free pass for your spirit and soul.

Plan your next steps with an eye to the long term. Have patience; there are more good things to come. This is a time to end those addictions or codependencies. The difficulties are lifting.

Information is coming to help you. It may be a bit uncomfortable to hear, but be present in your emotions and speak your truths with kindness.

Letting go of the belief systems that no longer serve you. Important life changing events and situations that will lead to significant opportunities of assistance in the forms of money, advice, and career.

The outlook is bright when lead with your passion. Take a breath and know the stability you have been seeking is near.

New friends will arrive and romance will flow. Take a break from society and commit to your spiritual growth. You have the potential to make life great!

Mushrooms are more closely related to animals than to plants! That’s a wild, but true, statement. Mushrooms breathe like we do. They take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. Similarly to plants, they are rooted and rely on their roots for nutrition! Over millions of years, plants and animals have evolved alongside our fungi friends, and we have developed a pretty intricate

Despite the lack of science, ancient cultures knew medicinal mushrooms worked. The fifth century alchemist Tao Hongjing described the appearance and e ects of several medicinal mushrooms. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine practices have used mushrooms as medicine for centuries and still do today! Mushrooms are also mentioned in Hippocrates' writings from 450 BC and in many ancient Greek and Roman writings.  In our modern world, spring has arrived! From immunity to allergies and a host of other benefits, it’s time to take a closer look at the role of functional mushrooms for our wellness routines.

Buying Mushrooms? What to look for!

Our Highest Intent tinctures contain two powerful mushrooms: Lion's Mane and Reishi. Most people ask me, "Are these psychedelic mushrooms?" The answer is, no! Psychedelic mushrooms contain compounds called psilocybin and psilocin. These compounds act on serotonin receptors and lead to altered states of consciousness and other psychological e ects. Functional mushrooms contain other bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans, terpenoids, and sterols, as well as compounds specific to each type of mushroom. These compounds have exhibited various health benefits including immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Mushrooms are fat-free, cholesterol-free, gluten-free, and low in carbs, calories, and sodium. Additionally, they are abundant in vitamin and mineral content, along with antioxidants, which are essential to a strong immune system. Let’s take a closer

The benefits of functional mushrooms are incredible, but not all mushroom products are created equal. When buying mushroom products, here are some things to look for:

Mycelium on grain vs fruited body Mycelium on grain is used in some mushroom products instead of fruited bodies. Mycelium has amazing benefits, but most "mycelium" products contain very little. Unfortunately, there is no way to separate mycelium from grain when it is grown on grain, resulting in an end product that is mainly grain starch.

Promotes the body’s anti-inflammatory response

Increase the growth of neurons in the brain  teracts with microbes in the gut to help train the immune system to recognize and

Reduces allergy induced inflammation Increases immune cell count and improves

Encourages the body's melatonin production Reduces heart damage caused by chronic diseases and unhealthy lifestyles.

high extraction ratios

The extraction ratio refers to the volume of mushrooms used to make the extract. In a 4:1 extract, four pounds of mushrooms make one pound of extract. Mushroom density and other physical characteristics determine that number more than extraction thoroughness. So if you see a big ratio like 100:1, then many mushrooms were wasted.

“Full-spectrum” If you leave myceliated grain long enough, it will form tiny fruiting bodies on the grain. If you ground that into a powder, it would technically contain mycelium and fruited bodies, aka full-spectrum. However, the reality is that the final product will still be mostly grain starch.

Might not even contain mushrooms

In 2017, 19 reishi mushroom products were tested for compounds consistent with Reishi mushrooms. The study found that 74% of those products did NOT contain the proper compounds! Always research the source of the mushrooms you buy.

Extracts vs powders Beta-glucans, triterpenes, sterols, these are the magical compounds our bodies crave and they're locked up inside mushroom cell walls. Because our stomachs are not capable of breaking down these cell walls, these compounds must be extracted to be e ective in our bodies. A mushroom supplement that is not the result of a duel-extraction will not provide the most benefit.

Mushrooms are powerful, naturally medicinal allies that can improve the quality of our daily lives. It is imperative to do proper research before purchasing mushroom products. Herbal Academy, DoubleBlind, and Oklahoma Fungi are a couple brands trusted by many to learn about mushrooms! You can also reach out to us on instragram to learn more.

This article is intended for educational purposes only. This information is NOT a substitute for medical advice from a licensed healthcare provider. Consult professional before consuming any herbs or making changes to your

Written By: Anna Wilder

Anna is a cannabis, psychedelic and wellness educator. She relentlessly researches, tries, and educates on wellness products and practices. Anna and her husband founded Highest Intent with the goal to help people practively care for themselves through the power of plant medicine

Become

LETTUCE LEARNING

BY CHET TUCKER LETTUCE SMOKE CANNA CO.

In today's world, so much of it exists in the palm of your hand ... literally. We have

In today's world, so much of it exists in the palm of your hand ... literally. We have walking computers and information and the tip of our fingerprints and with the tap of walking computers and information and the tip of our fingerprints and with the tap of a few buttons a plethora of options for what you're searching for is magically there for a few buttons a plethora of for what you're searching for is magically there for you to scroll and swipe through. Like any online application, the goal is to garner your you to scroll and swipe through. Like any online application, the goal is to garner your attention and time and the longer that you're swiping or clicking through images, attention and time and the longer that you're swiping or clicking through images, video, or other layered content, the more likely you are to inquire or transact. video, or other layered content, the more likely you are to inquire or transact.

As mentioned in prior articles, there are thousands of businesses competing for the

As mentioned in prior articles, there are thousands of businesses competing for the same space and customer/patient loyalty. The old ways of door-to-door sales are near same space and customer/patient loyalty. The old ways of door-to-door sales are near extinct but still an important piece to the spoke of the sales or productivity wheel. extinct but still an important piece to the spoke of the sales or productivity wheel. However, the magic again lies in the palm of your hand and just like a rabbit out of a the magic again lies in the palm of your hand and just like a rabbit of a hat, you can produce a near tangible impression upon the consuming viewer. So, hat, you can produce a near tangible impression upon the consuming viewer. So, though it's critical to have a solid product and price, if nobody knows what products though it's critical to have a solid product and price, if nobody knows what products are available at the touch of a screen, you have to be word of mouth only (which is a are available at the touch of a screen, you have to be word of mouth only (which is a powerful marketing piece whether good or bad). powerful marketing piece whether or bad).

So, if you are hitting the Oklahoma pavement with treads and 20-30 miles to the

So, if you are hitting the Oklahoma pavement with treads and 20-30 miles to the gallon in moving from stop to stop (or inversely asking a consumer to do it to visit your gallon in moving from stop to stop (or inversely asking a consumer to do it to visit your shop), why burn more energy, time, and money when you can leverage the power of shop), why burn more energy, time, and money when you can leverage the power of online media? It doesn't have to be the fanciest or most expensively contracted media? It doesn't have to be the fanciest or most expensively arrangement to produce the online content, it should just be clear, concise, and arrangement to produce the online content, it should just be clear, concise, and represent your company in the reality that it stands. If you're boutique, present represent your company in the reality that it stands. If you're boutique, present boutique. If you're a massive producer, display your ability for volume. If you've got a boutique. If you're a massive producer, display your ability for volume. If you've got a suite of products or pricing tiers, then indicate so (carefully done on some social suite of or pricing tiers, then indicate so (carefully done on some social outlets as to not be removed or banned). outlets as to not be removed or banned).

Having a website is certainly a great way to have a central landing place for anyone to Having a website is certainly a great way to have a central landing place for anyone to get to. Layering it with other social outlets like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, SnapChat, get to. Layering it with other social outlets like Instagram, TikTok, SnapChat, is certainly a springboard even if you don't want or can't keep up with a website. There is certainly a springboard even if you don't want or can't keep up with a website. There are great ways to post and share and expand your social awareness using these are great ways to post and share and expand your social awareness using these platforms. There are so many different tips and tricks to expanding your social platforms. There are so many different tips and tricks to expanding your social presence and branded material and so many different articles and links out there that presence and branded and so many different articles and links out there that can provide amazing tips and tricks for building your base of followers/viewers. You can provide amazing tips and tricks for building your base of followers/viewers. You definitely need your brand identity to speak clearly to what it is that you're trying to definitely need your brand identity to speak clearly to what it is that you're trying to convey. convey.

Additionally, there are transactional applications that act as promotional

Additionally, there are transactional applications that act as promotional advertisements for the consumer or businesses that you're trying to reach. advertisements for the consumer or businesses that you're trying to reach. WeedMaps, Leafly, IndicaOnline, Leaf Link, and more are great (but more expensive) WeedMaps, Leafly, IndicaOnline, Leaf Link, and more are great (but more expensive) ways to showcase your product presentations. It's just as important (and absolutely ways to showcase your product presentations. It's just as important (and absolutely critical if you're only doing B2B transactions) to establish a brand and reputation via you're only doing B2B transactions) to establish a brand and reputation via these B2B, with some end consumer outreach, applications. Clearly illustrating what these B2B, with some end consumer outreach, applications. Clearly illustrating what makes your product different via how it's produced and associated price point sounds makes your product different via how it's produced and associated price point sounds easy but you have to understand the market and your product offering so that you easy but you have to understand the market and your product offering so that you can separate yourself from your competitors. can separate yourself from your competitors.

Last, and unfortunately, there will be those that take advantage of your brand or Last, and unfortunately, there will be those that take advantage of your brand or content and steal or duplicate it. It's important to assess who you're doing business content and steal or duplicate it. It's important to assess who you're doing business with and have clearly defined ownership rights to the brand and content. It seems and have clearly defined ownership to the brand and It seems more prevalent in a space where cannabis was completely illegal and so many had to more prevalent in a space where cannabis was completely illegal and so many had to scheme for ways to navigate the black marketplace. It's certainly seeped into the scheme for ways to navigate the black marketplace. It's certainly seeped into the medicinal business world and you must find ways to protect yourself from those that medicinal business world and you must find ways to protect yourself from those that are copying or fraudulently packaging or selling products under your brand's identity. are copying or fraudulently packaging or selling products under your brand's identity. So, whatever platforms work for your business, take the time to ensure you're So, whatever platforms work for your business, take the time to ensure you're illustrating your brand and products in the best light. Be honest. Be transparent. Be illustrating your brand and products in the best light. Be honest. Be transparent. Be the business that you want others to gravitate to because you are doing the right thing the business that you want others to gravitate to because you are doing the right thing by your patients, business partners, and employees. It will pay off in the long run to be by your business partners, employees. It will pay off in the run to be what you present online and always stand behind the quality of what you're putting in what you present online and always stand behind the quality of what you're putting in the hands of businesses and consumers. Next month, we will touch on consumer the hands of businesses and consumers. Next month, we will touch on consumer facing transactions and how your product/service impacts the person at the checkout facing transactions and how your product/service impacts the person at the checkout counter. Until then, I hope you had a monumental 4/20 and that you're continuing to counter. Until then, I hope you had a 4/20 and that you're continuing to push for completely freeing the use and growth of cannabis. push for completely freeing the use and growth of cannabis.

When the market first took off, dispensaries were scrapping for any and all products

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When the market first took off, dispensaries were scrapping for any and all products contracts, most weren't willing to make said deals because of the supply and demand contracts, most weren't willing to make said deals because of the supply and demand and the uncertainty of whether those businesses would last. However, the market is still and the uncertainty of whether those businesses would last. However, the market is still lopsided with the supply being high (yes, I said high) and the demand not meeting the lopsided with the supply being high (yes, I said high) and the demand not meeting the level of production that's coming out of cultivation and processing facilities. Sadly, level of production that's coming out of cultivation and processing facilities. Sadly, there's been many frustrated with this flipped conundrum and taking it out on each there's been many frustrated with this flipped conundrum and taking it out on each other. That's not good business. If you're in a single lane (not vertically integrated), it's other. That's not good business. If you're in a single lane (not vertically integrated), it's important to understand that while some dispensaries may be negotiating at high important to understand that while some dispensaries may be negotiating at high margins, many are passing on the savings to the patients to compete at the retail level. margins, many are passing on the savings to the patients to compete at the retail level. Retail cannabis spaces don't have the "luxury" of the expense write-offs that other Retail cannabis spaces don't have the "luxury" of the expense write-offs that other cannabis businesses are able to leverage. Additionally, they will typically have a higher cannabis businesses are able to leverage. Additionally, they will typically have a higher cost of real estate (lease) and more compliance certifications and fees within their cost of real estate (lease) and more compliance certifications and fees within their respective city limits. Last, they are responsible for the 7% marijuan tax on top of all respective city limits. Last, they are responsible for the 7% marijuan tax on top of all other taxes and expenses. Let's wrap with some of the basics and etiquette that can be other taxes and expenses. Let's wrap with some of the basics and etiquette that can be

UFCW1000

It's important to respect each other's time and business space. For vendors that are out

UFCW is America’s cannabis Union, the voice for cannabis workers, and a partner offering solutions for the cannabis industry.

It's important to other's time and business space. For vendors that out there hustling face to face, store to store, be respectful and mindful of the retail space there hustling face to face, store to store, be respectful and mindful of the retail space in which you enter. You certainly will always take a back seat to any patients/customers in which you enter. You certainly will always take a back seat to any patients/customers that are in the store and I believe most everyone gets this "rule of thumb". If you do that are in the store and I believe most everyone gets this "rule of thumb". If you do come face to face, bring your professionally packaged samples/products ... and bring come face to face, bring your professionally packaged samples/products ... and bring your best. Too often, I've personally heard, "well this isn't what we currently have" or your best. Too often, I've personally heard, "well this isn't what we currently have" or credibility if you're bringing older samples or stuff that isn't professionally packaged to credibility if you're bringing older samples or stuff that isn't professionally packaged to display/pitch. There are far too many that have it together so you'll be wasting your gas display/pitch. There are far too many that have it together so you'll be wasting your gas and time if you're not coming to make the best impression. Next, respect the owner, and time if you're not coming to make the best impression. Next, respect the owner, purchasing manager, or budtender that may say "no" to even seeing the product or purchasing manager, or budtender that may say "no" to even seeing the product or declining it. They may have other appointments or they may not be taking in new declining it. They may have other appointments or they may not be taking in new products at that time. Shoot for a date and time on a calendar if they are interested. If products at that time. Shoot for a date and time on a calendar if they are interested. If they do agree to check out your product, make sure you're sharing what you need and do agree to check out your product, make sure you're need and that you're not taking up too much time. The good ol' elevator pitch of 2-3 minutes that you're not taking up too much time. The good ol' elevator pitch of 2-3 minutes should be enough to make the impression needed for a small chance at an on-the-spot should be enough to make the impression needed for a small chance at an on-the-spot

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For dispensaries, I feel it's equally important to be open and honest about where you're

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For dispensaries, I feel it's equally important to be open and honest about where you're at with products and needs. No need to waste anyone's time if you're not taking on any at with products and needs. No need to waste anyone's time if you're not taking on any new products or if you are only looking for a specific product. Additionally, it's not hard products or if you are only for a specific product. Additionally, it's not hard to be kind to the person that's out trying to share their products and earn a living. If to be kind to the person that's out trying to share their products and earn a living. If they call or come in, be kind and respectful and guide the person for a future date or they call or come in, be kind and respectful and guide the person for a future date or importantly, if an appointment or sale delivery was made, someone should be there for importantly, if an appointment or sale delivery was made, someone should be there for the appointment or to call and reschedule ahead of time if they aren't going to make the the appointment or to call and reschedule ahead of time if they aren't going to make the appointment. If there is a delivery, it's critical that money is there and the transaction is appointment. If there is a delivery, it's critical that money is there and the transaction is completed. I've personally experienced deliveries to dispensaries where there was no completed. I've personally experienced deliveries to dispensaries where there was communicated. That's unfair to the vendors and the person that's on a schedule of communicated. That's unfair to the vendors and the person that's on a schedule of deliveries. Last, many dispensaries have websites with customer/vendor contact forms deliveries. Last, many dispensaries have websites with customer/vendor contact forms to make appointments. It's a wise use of everyone's time to leverage these for making to make appointments. It's a wise use of everyone's time to leverage these for making appointments or avoiding wasted time with a business that's not interested in taking on appointments or avoiding wasted time with a business that's not interested in taking on new products. All in, it's common courtesy and doing your best to respect your fellow new products. All in, it's common courtesy and doing your best to respect your fellow man. Next month, we'll dive into the power of online awareness and communications man. Next month, we'll dive into the power of online awareness and communications

Blunts & Bogeys

By Michael Kinney

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Jake Spiegel could be heard from far away. After dropping a long birdie putt, he and his playing partners screamed in excitement before giving out high-fives and fist pounds between each other.

“I'll tell you right now, this is the team you want to be a part of,” Ryan Bloemke said of the group. “The energy's high. The weather's great. The atmosphere's great. Everybody's having a good time. We couldn't ask for more.”

This display of jubilation wasn’t at the Masters Tournament, which was being played at the same time hundreds of miles away, or some stuffy corporate retreat. Bloemke, Spiegel and the rest of their foursome from NexLeaf Cultivation were competing in the Blunts and Bogeys Golf Tournament.

Hosted by Herbage Magazine, the tournament brings businesses and individuals from throughout the Cannabis industry together for an afternoon of golf, fun and networking. The tournament was held Saturday, April 8 at the Choctaw Creek Golf Course.

“This event is important for team camaraderie and a little bit of exposure,” Bloemke said. “Just kind of exposure with the community. But with that being said, I mean, we're just here to have a good time and try to spread some awareness.”

With the temperatures hovering around 80 degrees, 30 teams convened in Choctaw for an afternoon on the links. But it was Exotic Cultivators who came out on top after shooting an amazing team score of 52 over the 18 holes.

Even those who didn’t take the top prize, couldn’t have been more pleased with the day, which included some very full and valuable gift bags, a catered lunch from DOPE Chef Jay , beverages and all the medical cannabis that patients could load onto their carts.

“We got blessed with the best day of the year so far for golf,” said Jamie Marshall of Dazed Cannabis. “So that along with the company getting to spend time with each other outside of work is always a positive thing. And getting to meet new people and getting to see what they're doing and how they're doing it is always interesting and fun.”

However, according to James Bridges, the Herbage Magazine founder and creator of the Blunts and Bogeys Golf Tournament, the event has always been more about bringing the industry together than the final score.

“We definitely wanted to show the overall unification of our community across the state,” Bridges said. “We had dispensaries there, we had growers there, we had processors there, we had photographers there. We had event people and festival throwers. We had distribution companies there. We even had apparel companies involved. And so, with all of these people, and with all of that, the thing I think of most is that it is VERY possible to have a group of like minded individuals gather onto a field of grass and play together as equals. Not just one sector of the industry. We can look at all the different sectors of this industry and have them come together and meet each other and have a good time and do all the things that we did in a big way. And we proved it.”

Sponsors and participants were made up of an eclectic group from around Oklahoma. They included: Oryon Cannabis, THE COWBOY CUP, Livesource Cloud, Electric Avenue Farms, Resonant Cultivation, 4H Pharms, HWY-Lines, Dazed Cannabis, NexLeaf Cultivation, The Laughing Goat, Well Rooted, The Cowboy Cup, UFCW 100, 77 Farms, Exotic Cultivators, Ruby Mae’s, Jagged Quail, The Pott County Hideout, Drip Cultivation, Stay at Home Dabs, B&K Buds, Bono-Ape, Pharm Phresh, Alliance Oklahoma, Holiday, Level Up, RX3 Gardens, and Vibe OKC.

During the past few years, Herbage Magazine has held several different golf tournaments. That includes the Herbage Golf Fall Classic, which was last held in September of 2022. Yet, this edition of the Blunts and Bogeys Tour is by far the largest he and his team have put on.

“I was more than pleasantly surprised,” Bridges said. “I think everyone benefits from it. The people that attended, participants, all of our sponsors. The golf course itself and the community of everyone that was involved. I think it was an overall success. So much so that we have scheduled our next two golf events for this year alone.”

Dan Carmel, owner of Oryon Cannabis, was excited. “As proud sponsors of Herbage Magazine's Blunts and Bogeys, we at Oryon Canna were thrilled to see cannabis and golf enthusiasts come together. Our team is passionate about promoting the positive effects of cannabis, and events like these help us do just that. We can't wait to continue supporting the cannabis community. Thanks again for having us, and we're grateful to play a small part in the growth of Oklahoma's cannabis culture.”

Brandon Leinberger from Oryon Cannabis agreed with Bridges' assessment of the need for the importance of industry-wide events like Blunts and Bogeys.

“It definitely ties people together,” Leinberger said. “No matter what you're going to do, it's got to make the community feel more together when you're doing things representing the same thing and sharing fun experiences.”

The growth in the tournament can be tied to the growth in the cannabis industry and its strong ties in Oklahoma. Since medical marijuana became legal in the state, cannabis has evolved and expanded to become a lifestyle, a way of community support, commerce, and even fun.

“It's been a great event to get together, connect and network with other owners, employees, everyone in the industry,” said Mike Cataldo of NexLeaf and LiveSource. “It's good to be outdoors and be active and do something besides sitting around. It's good to be out and about on a beautiful day and network. It's good for being together with the employees as well as just talking to people. I think it's important because it shows that you are part of something larger than just yourself. Just being part of the community is important to us and the Oklahoma cannabis community.”

Yet, it is still considered in its infancy, which is why industry events, like HerbageGolf, are important, said Hunter Hoppy from 4H Pharms.

“You know the cannabis community is not too big in Oklahoma right now,” Hoppy said. “It's still growing. So, getting everybody together and making sure everybody has their own back was good.”

Hunter used as an example the recent failed vote on State Question 820 that would have legalized the sale of recreational marijuana to anyone 21 and older as an example of why the people in the industry need to work together even more.

“I work in the cannabis industry, and I work in the mobile home industry. They're both small industries, but there is a lot of money in both industries,” Hoppy said. “So, we always stay tight-knit and we have each other's back. I think that's what it takes to be able to make this thing work. The vote for adult cannabis use just got voted down. I think doing things like this will keep everybody together and help make that happen one day.”

According to Cataldo, Blunts and Bogeys forces business owners to delete their more individualistic tendencies and look at the bigger picture.

“I think events like this are a necessary part to grow together versus as individuals,” Cataldo said. “A lot of times we are closed off within our company and we just worry about ourselves. Events like this create partnerships where we can all grow together versus individually.”

One of the first-time competitors at the Blunts and Bogeys was Joe Lee, an organizer with UFCW 1000. His union was one of the tournament’s sponsors and provided the golf carts.

As Oklahoma’s cannabis industry grows, Lee said his union wants to be part of their growth and make sure people understand just how specialized the workers are. “Cannabis workers are highly skilled professionals and should be recognized as such. They are extremely dedicated, knowledgeable, and passionate about the industry. They deserve to be recognized and have a voice in the workplace. That is why the Blunts and Bogeys tournament is so important. It gave him a chance to meet and talk to business owners about what it’s going to take to help the industry grow and get stronger.

“We bring a lot of things to the table as far as political connections, affordable health insurance and retirement plans. Things like safety on the job and just helping support the industry as a whole,” Lee said. “There is a lot of people's hard work, sweat and blood that’s gone into this industry and we want to help the industry survive and maintain.”

Almost to a person, the main word that was used throughout the day was community. Everyone seemed to know that whatever lies ahead for the Oklahoma cannabis industry, it is going to take the entire collective to keep it working and growing.

“I think it's important for us to have opportunities to get to know each other and spend time together,” Marshall said. “Because at the end of the day, we're all in the same industry, in the same business. And there are a lot of things that it's going to take a long time to get through all of this. I think we're going to have to have a lot of cooperative things that we do right in order to overcome some of the challenges that we have and that we're going to have.”

It may seem unrealistic to some that a friendly golf tournament can help strengthen and expand the cannabis industry. But those who have attended any of the past outings will co-sign on what the experience has done for them in terms of bringing people together.

Bridges says that he has been grateful that the community can find a way to unify. “I know there are so many other creative ways we can accomplish such positive results. I hope others in our community can come up with new creative ideas. As always, I hope Herbage Magazine can contribute to that positive outcome in any way possible. We will continue to reach our goals by staying true to one another.. We all want the same thing. We all want people to have a better way of life. We want them to have a choice and we want them to not feel bad about that. In a way we truly are a big family.”