Herbage Magazine #54 June 2023

The Cannabis Industry Looking For Hope

Editorial By James Bridges Owner/Publisher Herbage Mag

My eyes and ears are open and I continue to learn. For this, I thank the bright light that continues to burn for the Oklahoma cannabis industry. This industry is in much need of a cooperative forward progression. The industry, once a marginalized and illicit market, has undergone a profound transformation in recent years. With the legalization and decriminalization movements gaining momentum globally, the emergence of a legal cannabis industry seemed promising. However, what was initially seen as a beacon of hope for both financial prosperity and social progress has become marred by the threatening realities of gentrification.

The financial battles faced by the legal cannabis industry are myriad. While the Oklahoma industry was initially fueled by the dreams of small-scale growers, the rise of corporate interests has threatened their very existence. Large corporations with substantial financial resources and political influence have begun revealing themselves and continue to attempt to push out those who have dedicated their lives to cultivating this plant.

The burdensome financial barriers to entry have hindered the growth of small businesses. Exorbitant licensing fees, excessive taxation, and strict regulations have created a playing field that is heavily skewed in favor of deeppocketed investors. This not only stifles the opportunities for budding entrepreneurs but also perpetuates income inequality and widens the gap between the rich and the marginalized communities who have disproportionately suffered under cannabis prohibition.

Let’s not forget! A lack of access to affordable licensing and regulatory compliance resources further marginalizes small-scale growers, impeding their ability to thrive in the industry.

Waking up to new rules and regulations set forth by those who continue to debate the "correct" way our industry should be operated has become a "normal" activity. Let's just say, it's not an activity that is craved by any that I have met in the industry .

The cannabis industry has become a breeding ground for money grabs and ignorant lawmaking. Over-regulation and convoluted legal frameworks have created a system where bureaucratic red tape suffocates innovation and hampers progress. Laws are often crafted without sufficient understanding of the plant's medicinal properties or the needs of patients and consumers.

The involvement of big pharmaceutical companies and other corporate interests has further complicated the landscape. Instead of focusing on the therapeutic potential of cannabis, these entities seek to exploit the industry for profit, often sidelining the well-being of patients and consumers. The excessive regulation and taxation also lead to inflated prices, making legal cannabis products unaffordable for many who could benefit from them.

Despite these challenges, we should not lose hope for the future of the cannabis industry. As society becomes more aware of the injustices and exploitative practices, there is growing momentum to address these issues. Grassroots movements advocating for fair regulations, social equity programs, and restorative justice are gaining traction, signaling a shift in priorities. Moreover, the increasing acceptance of cannabis as a legitimate medicine and its potential for various applications has led to a surge in research and development. Scientific breakthroughs are shedding light on the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, ensuring that its medicinal properties cannot be ignored or understated

By fostering a more inclusive and equitable industry, empowering small-scale growers, and prioritizing the well-being of patients and consumers, we can ensure that the future of the cannabis industry remains bright Through education, advocacy, and collective action, we have the power to reshape the narrative surrounding cannabis and build a thriving industry that benefits all stakeholders, not just the privileged few.

We in Oklahoma and beyond need a renewed focus on equity, justice, and community empowerment, we can navigate the murky waters and forge a path towards a more inclusive and sustainable future for the cannabis industry By learning from the past and fighting against those seeking to exploit this medicinal treasure, we can ensure that the promise of cannabis is fulfilled, enriching the lives of individuals and communities worldwide.

BACK BLISS

BY JAMES BRIDGES

A Balm for Depression & Anxiety How One Beekeeper Found Serenity in the Hum of Nature

In this, sometimes, fast-paced and stressful world, it can be challenging to find solace amidst the chaos. But sometimes, unexpectedly, a path reveals itself, leading us to a refuge we never knew we needed. For Katie Hazen, a beekeeper from a small town in Oklahoma, the discovery of beekeeping proved to be a transformative experience, offering solace, purpose, and a renewed sense of wellbeing in the face of depression and anxiety.

After traveling across Oklahoma to grab a couple of new nucs full of healthy bees and queens, Katie Hazen and I made our way down a bumpy dirt road that not many travel daily, which I’m certain is appreciated by the locals. We made it to an area where Katie’s good friend and one of her beehive sponsors lives and hosts a few of her hives near Guthrie, OK.

Admittedly, I almost instantly fell into a relaxed mode as I looked around at the huge mature trees. The nearly untouched landscape was where we needed to carry the nucs. We were transferring the honeybees to their new home.

The small little boxes, which were active little cities and neighborhoods of “worker bees” doing their honeymaking duties in order to keep our ecosystem running. It was as if I were standing in between a few natural generators of energy. In fact. I was.

Turning to watch Katie prepare the hives reminded me of why we were there. The look of calmness surrounded her and you could physically notice the stress being flushed from her body. I was convinced that this is a passion of Katie’s for a reason, and it wasn’t necessarily for the sweet taste of honey.

Unveiling the Hive:

Katie Hazen, a lover of nature, her family, and a cancer survivor, had reached a point where traditional therapies and medications no longer sufficed. “I was in a very dark place.” The resurgence of emotion was obvious as Katie explained how she stumbled upon an intriguing hobby: beekeeping. Little did she know that this seemingly modest pursuit would become her ultimate remedy.

Tending to the Bees:

As Katie delved deeper into the world of beekeeping, she discovered the harmonious relationship between these industrious creatures and her own well-being. The act of tending to her buzzing friends became a ritual that brought her unparalleled joy. The gentle hum of the hive became a soothing melody that drowned out the cacophony of negative thoughts that plagued her mind.

Nature's Healing Touch:

One of the most profound aspects of beekeeping for Katie was the undeniable connection with nature. The serene beauty of the countryside, combined with the meticulous care required to nurture the bees, created a sense of grounding that transcended her troubles. The sights and smells of the blossoming flowers, the gentle touch of the bees' wings on her skin, and the subtle aroma of fresh honeycomb all contributed to a sensory tapestry that allowed her to immerse herself in the present moment, away from the clutches of depression and anxiety.

Building Community:

Katie soon discovered that beekeeping was not merely an individual pursuit but a gateway to a supportive and vibrant community. Local beekeeping associations and online forums provided her with opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who shared her passion for these fascinating creatures. Engaging in conversations, exchanging knowledge, and participating in communal activities not only expanded her understanding of beekeeping but also gave her a sense of belonging that had been absent from her life for far too long.

Mindfulness and Purpose:

The practice of beekeeping inherently demands mindfulness and attentiveness. Katie found that as she honed her skills in hive management, she cultivated a heightened sense of awareness. Every action, from carefully inspecting the frames to ensuring the bees' welfare, required her undivided attention. This mindful focus offered respite from the ceaseless stream of negative thoughts, allowing her to find purpose in a seemingly simple task.

Sweet Rewards:

Beyond the emotional and mental benefits, beekeeping also yielded tangible rewards. Katie relished the sweet nectar produced by her bees, creating her very own jars of golden honey. This harvest provided not only a delicious treat but also a sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency. Sharing her honey with friends and loved ones, she witnessed the joy it brought to their faces, reinforcing her belief that she had found her true calling.

Katie Hazen's journey into the world of beekeeping stands as a testament to the power of finding solace in unexpected places. In her darkest moments, she discovered a path that led her back to a place of serenity and purpose. Beekeeping became the balm that soothed her troubled mind and brought a renewed sense of joy into her life. Through her experience, Katie reminds us of the healing potential that lies within nature and the transformative power of pursuing our passions.

As we navigate our own trials and tribulations, let Katie's story inspire us to seek out the hidden gems of nature and life.

HONEYBEES HAVE A UNIQUE WAY OF COMMUNICATING WITH EACH OTHER. THROUGH A DANCE KNOWN AS THE "WAGGLE DANCE,"

WORKER BEES CONVEY INFORMATION ABOUT THE LOCATION OF FOOD SOURCES. BY PERFORMING SPECIFIC PATTERNS AND MOVEMENTS, THEY INDICATE THE DIRECTION AND DISTANCE OF NECTAR OR POLLEN-RICH AREAS TO THEIR HIVE MATES.

WHEN HONEYBEES NEED TO FIND A NEW HOME, THEY ENGAGE IN AN INTRICATE PROCESS CALLED "SWARM DECISION-MAKING."

THE SCOUT BEES EXPLORE POTENTIAL NESTING SITES AND RETURN TO THE SWARM TO COMMUNICATE THEIR FINDINGS THROUGH A DANCE. THROUGH A DEMOCRATIC PROCESS, THE BEES COLLECTIVELY CHOOSE THE MOST SUITABLE LOCATION FOR THEIR NEW HIVE.

ROYAL JELLY IS A SUBSTANCE PRODUCED BY WORKER BEES AND FED EXCLUSIVELY TO POTENTIAL QUEENS. WHAT'S REMARKABLE IS THAT ROYAL JELLY DETERMINES THE FATE OF A BEE LARVA.

IF A LARVA IS CONTINUOUSLY FED ROYAL JELLY, IT DEVELOPS INTO A QUEEN BEE. IF NOT, IT BECOMES A WORKER BEE. THIS NUTRITIONAL DIFFERENCE INFLUENCES THEIR PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS, LIFESPAN, AND BEHAVIOR.

HONEYBEES ARE EXCELLENT THERMOREGULATORS. TO MAINTAIN THE OPTIMAL TEMPERATURE WITHIN THE HIVE, BEES PERFORM A REMARKABLE BEHAVIOR KNOWN AS "HEATER BEES."

THESE SPECIALIZED WORKERS GENERATE HEAT BY CONTRACTING THEIR FLIGHT MUSCLES BUT KEEP THEIR WINGS STATIONARY. BY DOING SO, THEY WARM UP THE HIVE DURING COLDER PERIODS OR COOL IT DOWN BY FANNING THEIR WINGS DURING WARMER TIMES.

Ft. Benét Comeau

By Brannan Bell

Meet Benét Comeau. She’s an intentional tattoo artist, a wife, and a mother who is well rounded with culture in how she grew up, always following her own intuition towards the direction she believed in. She has a gift of adorning art on people’s bodies and is really knowledgeable about Astrology Take a read below and enjoy this beautiful human’s story

“I grew up in Florence, Italy, for the first 13 years of my life, after which I relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico, for my high school years. Both my parents are artists and I grew up in their art studio watching them constantly create, and I have been drawing and making art for as long as I can remember Both Florence and Santa Fe are the epitome of venusian artistic cities, and I absolutely believe that had an enormous influence on me in the way I live my life in a constant state of creativity. My parents always gave me a lot of freedom and independence which I also think allowed me the freedom to explore my true self, and eventually the confidence to begin embodying it They themselves are very unique and eccentric, both Aquarius sun and stelliums if that tells you anything, and I definitely think it helped model a type of self-confidence that paved the path to not needing any outside validation in my unique and authentic self expression”

As far as she can remember she has always been deeply drawn to tattoos Benét says that, “Despite being a very traditional and Catholic city, Florence always had an underground scene of Punk rockers in the early 90s, and I was absolutely fascinated by their style, their culture, their ability to remain themselves against the extremely religious mainstream, and most of them had tattoos, which was such a beautiful and unique form of art in my eyes, even as a small child. I have been drawn to this craft as far back as my memory can touch”

Although, both Benét’s family and her private, prestigious prep high school later tried to convince her it wasn’t a realistic career and could only be a “hobby” Nobody took her seriously, but luckily she never particularly been one to allow outside voices to dictate her fate She tried to do the normal college thing a couple of times, moved across continents and cities to do so, until she finally ended up dropping out and realizing nothing else was worth pursuing, but the dream closest to her heart.

If you look back to the history of tattooing, humans have been using tattoos as initiations and rituals since the dawn of time, and to her, it only makes sense to hold them in such high regard.

“Every time we receive a tattoo, we are initiated into a new body in a sense, and whether it’s something we find extremely meaningful or a flash we choose off a wall or off of Pinterest, we are consciously or subconsciously choosing a symbol that represents something about our human experience in that moment, and choosing to mark it permanently”

How do you find balance within yourself while you constantly pour your energy out to others too?

It is of utmost importance to me to not become burnt out, because both my home life and my work require me to be in a fulfilled and healthy state of spirit to operate to my best capacity My family needs me at home as the mother to be as least stressed out as possible and set the emotional tone of the household, and to have my full attentiveness so that they know they always have my whole heart

For my clients, I need to not be burnt out so that I can make art to the best of my capacity and really tap into the creative magic and manifest art that is as intentional and authentic as it can be It’s harder to run out of energy for myself and others when my life feels more like a dream than a capitalist obligation, and I am so grateful every single day that I get to live like this.

Another enormous aspect has been having strong boundaries; being 100% honest with myself and others when I do not have the energy for something Having strong boundaries has brought so much joy, energy, and authenticity into my life!

“In a culture and society that has been brainwashed to pursue instant gratification and follow the masses, I do my best to remind my clients of how sacred every moment and decision can be in our life, especially one as big as a tattoo. Any and every moment can be ritual, when we give it our full heart and intention”.

How do you lean into creating and tattooing each individual's unique journey on their body?

Astrology really is so unbelievably deep and complex, I’ve been studying it for around a decade and still feel like I barely have dipped a toe into its infinite oceans It is such an important belief of mine, and so strongly related to how I understand the world around me, that it only made sense to come up with a way to incorporate it into my art. Doing tattoos based off of people’s astrology charts was a huge leap of faith for me, as I had never “professionally” done chart readings for anyone before offering this service, and it can be really intimidating to create a custom piece of art based entirely off what I channel through a reading of someone’s chart. This has brought me closer to astrology and my intuition than any aspect of my art before, and the synchronicities within the symbols that come through for the art and the clients’ lives and journeys continues to completely astonish me, and make me feel even more connected to both astrology and my own spiritual journey.

How do you fully embrace your Feminine Divine power within yourself? What does that look like for you when you choose to totally embody it?

I think that tapping into and embodying the divine feminine is something that is made quite difficult by this society that worships and is dominated by the masculine, but it’s something that every single one of us can and should do There always needs to be a balance between the feminine and masculine, but it’s hard to slow down and tap into the feminine in a culture that is always concerned with more masculine energy compulsions like action, logic/rational thinking, responsibility and assertiveness.

Learning how to slow down, tap into my inner voice and wisdom, fully feel my deepest feelings without attaching logical thoughts to them and really trying to be vulnerable with myself and those closest to me have been the most important practices for me, and have definitely had enormous payoffs in my journey I think the most important thing I ever did in my life in relation to embodying the divine feminine, was having a natural birth at home with my daughter, Aya; it required me to fully trust myself, my intuition, my body and my soul and ignore the outside voice of mainstream society that wanted me to give into the blind worship of science and birth in the hospital like what is the norm Birthing at home and on my own terms fully showed me the entire full spectrum of my human experience as a woman, both physically, emotionally and spiritually, and forced me to really take accountability for every part of it. My life has changed completely since doing that and I have accomplished things that I never thought I would have in my whole life, and I really owe my confidence in going after these enormous dreams to that home birth.

You recently just opened up your own private studio space, KaliMama’s Intentional Tattoos and manifested a dream! Did it totally blow your mind when it arrived?

Because I see tattooing as such a sacred and intentional craft, I’ve known for a few years that I needed my own space to really practice it how I want to and fully tap into my highest creativity. Tattooing has been capitalized off of like everything else, and deep down I knew that I couldn’t fully come into my truest most authentic artistry without my own space. I had to work through a lot of self doubt and fear to finally take the enormous leap of faith and open my own private studio, but it has been entirely transformational and also one of the best decisions I ever made

It felt a lot like birthing in a sense actually, as I had to trust myself and the universe fully and remember that big risk comes with big reward, every time that we are authentically following and embodying our hearts’ desire We have to meet big fear with bigger love, and sometimes it can be hard to do, especially when it matters most, but I fully believe with every fiber of my being that in this energetic universe, it always pays off.

What does intentional and ritual tattooing mean to you?

I think the most important aspect of an intentional tattoo is that it is truly honored as a permanent and transformational marking. The ritual aspect generally involves using spiritual or magickal correspondences to enhance a tattoo’s intention; for example, the tattoo can be done during a specific moon phase, astrological transit, or planetary hour. I also burn certain incense or herbs that align with the tattoo’s theme and meaning, and decorate my altar accordingly as well If clients have certain requests for the session, I am always happy to incorporate that too I just bought a course from an Italian school of magick that goes over all the various meanings of body placements in ancient tattooing as well, and look forward to studying and incorporating that to further my knowledge and practice.

Benet, in your own words, how do you awaken deeper into trusting this crazy life?

I think that for me the most important and most challenging lesson in life is to trust that there is always a bigger plan and that everything is happening for a reason, even when it is very difficult to feel like it is for the best. It is in our nature to seek control and essentially hallucinate an illusion of it, but the reality is that we don’t have it all the time, if ever. To really keep an open and trusting heart and fully surrender to the mystery of life is what it’s all about, at least to me

“The abyss is a feather bed”- that quote is perpetually playing in my mind and spirit. There will always be light and there will always be darkness, never all one or the other, and the constant state of flux is simply the nature of reality; all I can do is trust in the magnificent, infinite grand design of which I can only glimpse at a fraction at a time. This is the biggest lesson that both life experience and psychedelics have taught me. When I remember that everything is in divine order somehow is when I am the happiest and best version of myself

How have/are you created a life you love, on your own terms by following your own dreams?

How have/are you created a life you love, on your own terms by following your own dreams?

I can truly say that every aspect of my life is created on my own terms and in tune with my dreams Living authentically and following my inner voice, desires and intuition as often as I possibly can has brought me everything I ever wanted in life and more I am not saying every moment is perfect by any means, but I am so blessed and blissed out with my existence that some days I can’t even believe it Never giving up on the things that light my soul on fire and never shrinking myself down to fit into anyone’s ideological boxes of me, has paid off in every way imaginable and I am deeply grateful for this bizarre existence

Reading by Coley

The duality that one may be feeling during this Gemini season may feel at times overwhelming. However; you are a beautiful intuitive person and you trust yourself completely. It’s ok to reflect and meditate on any decision before acting.

All of the hard work you have put into manifesting is gearing up just for you. This will be a great time to partner with someone that shares your dreams. No more delay. There is unexpected movement. In the form of traveling and promotion.

Sometimes we need a little push to get going. So jump and do the darn thing already. Your logical? You have structure? Then guess what….. you will succeed.

Balance is of course always necessary and taking others input into consideration is always a good idea. This may even help in merging viewpoints to create better solutions it’s OK to take your time, but it’s definitely time to act.

We all feel challenged by money but don’t let that get in the way. Reach out to others for that comfort. You will grow stronger from this situation.

Remember sadness will heal with time and patience for yourself. Questions on love? It’s definitely time for those serious communications to happen. Focus on what you want in life and see where you and your partner are. Forgiveness and resolutions of problems can be healed if you’re serious don’t get it up.

You are so divinely loved and seen.

A TOKE OF wellness

In our time-squeezed world, it's easy to neglect our well-being amid the demands of our busy lives. We often fall into the trap of thinking that unless we do it all – complex fitness routines, strict diets, elaborate self-care rituals –we're somehow falling short. But here's the truth: true wellness doesn't require grand gestures or endless hours. By incorporating simple, sustainable practices into our daily routines, we can make a significant impact on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In this article, we'll explore the power of a couple small, sustainable wellness practices that prove taking care of ourselves daily doesn't have to be a daunting endeavor.

WATER I learned the importance of drinking water the hard way- kidney stones! After undergoing tests to determine the cause, my doctor delivered a simple verdict: I wasn't drinking enough water. Water is more than just hydration; it plays a starring role in numerous bodily functions. It regulates body temperature, lubricates joints, cushions organs, supports kidney function, aids digestion and nutrient absorption, and promotes detoxification. Concentration, mood stability, and cognitive function are all enhanced by proper hydration. It even keeps our skin healthy and supple. By drinking water every day, we support the optimal functioning of every cell, tissue, and organ in our body. (Psst! For an extra boost of hydration, check out our Instagram @highestintent2.0 for the recipe to make an “adrenal cocktail” and learn about its benefits!)

walking Walking regularly has many benefits, including increased energy, improved mood, improved weight management, and improved cardiovascular fitness. Research suggests that walking about 30 minutes a day, five days a week, is a good wellness practice. The key is consistency, not to be militant. So feel free to break up that time however suits you best, whether it's two fifteen-minute walks or three ten-minute walks. You can even mix it up by occasionally walking longer or faster for maximum benefits. With my current schedule, I aim to walk 4 days a week for about 15-30 minutes. I start with a slow 3-minute walking warm-up, then I pick up the pace and maintain a mindful posture during the walk, and end with a gentle stretch before getting back to my day. I also know that walking can feel monotonous at times so, if you need an extra boost of motivation, check out the Sweat Coin app!

breathing How are you breathing right now? Just take notice without trying to change it. Surprisingly, about 90% of people are only breathing at 50% of their capacity. Shallow breathing has a host of negative effects, including increased stress, anxiety, weakened immune system, fatigue, respiratory problems, neck and shoulder tension, and cardiovascular issues. As an asthmatic I've always had to be mindful of my breathing. When I focus on my breathing, one of my favorite breathing exercises is called alternate nostril breathing. You gently plug one nostril and with the other exhale as much as you can, then switch sides, plug the other nostril and breathe in. I do this five or six times per nostril. If you're interested in exploring breathwork, I highly recommend checking out Wim Hof on YouTube and connecting with my friend Bailee Bruc, a local medicine woman who offers private breathwork sessions in OKC. Those are my go-to resources for diving deeper into the power of breath.

Stretching + Posture

Practicing good posture helps to keep our muscles, joints, and organs in harmony, preventing unnecessary strain and discomfort. If we are consistent, then as we grow into our elder years, our bodies are still able to enjoy a good range of mobility. But the thing is: our modern lifestyle of slouching over screens and sinking into couches isn't helping us reach that goal. That's where stretching and mobility come to the rescue! Stretching loosens up our tight muscles, while mobility exercises increase our body's range of motion. Together, this dynamic duo promotes better alignment and flexibility for the long term. A couple of my favorite free online resources for stretching and mobility exercises are: Yoga With Adriene on Youtube and @Durable.Athlete on Instagram.

Despite the marketing noise, the reality is this- you can cultivate an impactful daily wellness routine by embracing the basics. By choosing consistency in key areas, such as mindfully hydrating with water, incorporating daily walks, being conscious of our breathing, practicing good posture, and engaging in thoughtful stretching, we can unlock the transformative power of these fundamental practices.

HIGHEST INTENT

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

@highestintent2.0

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