Herbage Magazine #55 July 2023

SCAN FOR VIBES

HERBAGE MAGAZINE

ISSUE 55 - JULY 2023

MUSIC VIBES BY gem APP x gem APP x

Cover Art by Roxxann Murphy

COVER ART

BY Roxxann Murphy

Look At You

Greeting by James Bridges Owner/Publisher Herbage Mag

Just as the owl, which is represented on our cover, is associated with keen insight and seeing through darkness, cannabis can be seen as a tool that helps individuals gain new perspectives, enhance creativity, and delve into the depths of their consciousness. The altered state of mind induced by cannabis can lead to introspection, self-reflection, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.

Roxxann Murphy uses vivid colors, high contrast and organic, swirling shapes. Mostly on black or dark backgrounds, she creates abstract worlds that seem to glow. Her abstract work is often laced into more figurative portraits. The heavy line work accentuates the beauty and emotion she perceives in her chosen subject.

Roxxann lives in Norman, OK and has shown her work in Paseo Creativity Center, Mainsite Gallery, Gallery 259 and Lively Beer Works. She has merchandise available at Factory Obscura and her first solo show at Stash in Norman in July.

Commission inquiries: roxxstar7@gmail.com or instagram

@roxxannmurphy

The unseen can be paralleled with the exploration of spirituality and metaphysical realms within the cannabis community. Cannabis has been used in religious and spiritual practices throughout history, particularly in cultures where it is considered a sacred plant. It has been utilized to facilitate meditation, enhance spiritual experiences, and connect with the divine. To me and many others, the owl's spiritual meaning can be seen as an affirmation of the profound and mystical experiences that can be accessed through the use of cannabis.

The owl's wisdom and intuition can also be reflected in the responsible and mindful approach within the cannabis community. Just as the owl is a symbol of foresight, individuals in the cannabis community embody the wisdom associated with the owl. They understand the importance of self-awareness, and respecting the plant's power.

Through the exploration of personal growth, introspection, and spirituality. The owl's association with knowledge and insight resonates with the experiences and beliefs of individuals who appreciate the transformative power of cannabis. By embracing the owl's symbolism, the cannabis community can continue to navigate its journey with wisdom and mindfulness, fostering a deeper connection to oneself, others, and the spiritual dimensions of life.

This is a path to wisdom, intuition, and mystery.

Bryson’s Journey Crossing

The Threshold

By Brannan

Bell

Meet Bryson. He was born in Talihina, Oklahoma on July 22, 2010 and lives in Idabel, Oklahoma. Bryson has Tourettes Syndrome and he's been taking CBD and using Medical Marijuana to treat his neurological disorder that he has experienced since he was 7 years old. Bryson is nearly 13 years old now, he's a black belt in Taekwondo and was recently promoted to gray belt/ black stripe in Jiu Jitsu. Bryson is also a two time Golden Gloves winner and he trains in Mount Pleasant, Texas at 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu in Idabel. He uses a dose of 25 MG of CBD or Nature's Key 25:1 gummies before training and before tournaments. He's completed in submission, Hunter Pro AGF, Naga and Newbreed. Bryson's father, Kyle, says that “when people meet him and watch him compete, they always ask what's his secret and honestly it's his disability and his medicine that's making him excel”.

Bryson says that he still has some tics if he forgets to take his medication, but it isn't noticeable anymore like it used to be he says. He didn't know what Tourette's Syndrome was until his dad had him diagnosed. Kyle let his son know what to say or how to react if it was ever brought up in conversation. He didn't want Bryson to have to take pills and go the pharmaceutical route, so he started giving him CBD that he’s been taking everyday for as long as he can remember. In the beginning, he used 25mg tinctures, but didn't like the taste. Now he enjoys a 25:1 by Nature's Key gummy and some CBD gummy rings.

Kyle grew up with Tourette’s Syndrome, but didn't fully understand it until he started to notice Bryson having uncontrollable neck movements when he was 2 or 3 years old. He says that Bryson was blinking a lot and making weird noises and always looked very uncomfortable and as a father, just felt helpless watching him. Kyle was afraid people were going to make fun of him or be mean to him, so he googled everything to see what was going on with him and what he could find and it was Tourette's Syndrome that matched his symptoms. Kyle remembers having similar tics growing up and he didn't want him to go through what he did, so Kyle got himself diagnosed and was prescribed SSRI medication. He says the only reason he went through with having himself diagnosed, was to try the medication for it at first to see if it was a working option. Soon after that, he didn't like the zombie feeling effect it had on him and knew his son Bryson couldn’t handle it either and that’s what led us to exploring CBD.

I asked them how they have navigated dealing with other peoples questions. Kyle mentioned they didn't tell anybody he was taking CBD because it wasn't legal in Oklahoma yet, when he first started giving him micro doses, but it was working. He then noticed his tics drastically decreasing. When Bryson was 7, Kyle started to search more about Tourette’s Syndrome and found that cognitive behavioral therapy helped manage tics and that Medical Marijuana was a method to help. With that knowledge, Kyle signed him up for Taekwondo since that was the only thing their town offered at the time and he excelled at. Shortly after that it started to go uphill and his dad started to take him to tournaments and he was winning at almost every one of them! People would ask at the tournaments how is he so focused and what is his secret? Kyle’s answer would be, “ I don’t know”, but in the back of his mind he was thinking it has to be the CBD or the Tourettes or a combination.

Kyle went on to say that when Bryson was about 8 or 9 it finally became legal in Oklahoma. When that happened, he took him to the Tulsa higher clinic to get his MMJ card. That’s when he finally felt comfortable enough to share with others that he’d been using CBD this whole time.

The process of getting Bryson's medication was difficult before it became legal. It was a very stressful time for them both, but thankfully today they have the privilege and it's not difficult to get what they need. Kyle expresses that the only foreseeable hurdle, if any, is that he's a Choctaw tribal member and that Marijuana isn't federally legal. Bryson's Favorite medication at the moment is a 25:1 gummy from Nature's Key he takes twice a day. Once when he wakes up and the other before he trains for Jiu Jitsu and Boxing.

For anyone who is not familiar with Tourettes, they shared an important fact that people should know. People with Tourettes Syndrome can NOT help the tics they have and that they are involuntary when they do happen. As a parent, Kyle’s best advice would be to just let your kid tic and provide love and a safe place for them to do it so they don't feel they have to suppress it in front of you. You're making it worse by telling or asking your kid to stop. There's a tip of the iceberg picture that I have seen on Google that helped me understand what all comes with it.

Always research what you don’t understand from credible sources and start slow and micro dose until you understand your tolerance. Speaking from experience, Kyle would also mention to keep CBD water with you in case you don't like the feeling if you're trying THC. It’s always a good way to balance yourself out and help you come down quickly. Definitely try CBD first, it will not get your kid high. That's the biggest misconception about CBD that we run into when letting them know what Bryson takes before he competes.

Tourettes doesn't seem to have a huge factor on Bryson’s day to day anymore and everyone that knows him knows he has it. Bryson wants to be an ambassador for Tourettes Association one day in the near future. Kyle feels like if he didn't go through it first with himself, he would be lost. They are very fortunate in that aspect, especially when the combination of his MMA training and Medication is working.

In the meantime for the Summer, Bryson will be training at 10th Planet in Mount Pleasant to get himself ready for a superfight event they will be hosting in September 2023.

POOL SIDE POOL SIDE WITH WITH

Divine F e m i n

Featuring Lauren Sydney

By: Brannan Bell

M e e t L a u r e n S h e ' s a n a t i v e t o O k l a h o m a a n d a l t h o u g h h e r c h i l d h o o d w a s n ’ t “ n o r m a l ” , s h e w a s h a p p y H o w w e ' r e r a i s e d f o r e v e r i m p a c t s u s i n o n e w a y o r a n o t h e r . L a u r e n i s a b e a u t i f u l s o u l t h a t s h i n e s b r i g h t f r o m t h e i n s i d e o u t H e r m o t h e r g a v e b i r t h t o h e r a t 4 1 a n d w a s c o n s u m e d v i a I V F i n t h e 9 0 s , s h e ’ s h e r m o m s o n l y c h i l d a n d h e r d a d s f o u r t h . S h e h a s a l w a y s c o n s i d e r e d h e r s e l f a n o n l y c h i l d b e c a u s e s h e i s t h e y o u n g e s t o u t o f h e r s i b l i n g s , a n d t h e y w e r e n ’ t a r o u n d m u c h g r o w i n g u p T h e y w e r e a b i t o l d e r t h a n h e r , l i v e d i n a d i f f e r e n t s t a t e , a n d h a d t h e i r o w n l i v e s b y t h e t i m e s h e w a s b o r n M o s t o f L a u r e n ’ s e a r l y c h i l d h o o d s h e s a y s w a s s p e n t e x p l o r i n g o u t s i d e . “ M y m o m a n d I w o u l d p l a y “ d i s c o v e r y ” i n t h e c r e e k . I r e a l l y l o v e d b a r b i e s , p l a y i n g d r e s s u p a n d p u t t i n g o n f a s h i o n s h o w s i n t h e l i v i n g r o o m f o r m y m o m a n d h e r c a m c o r d e r ” S h e m o v e d f r o m T u l s a t o t h e o u t s k i r t s o f B r o k e n A r r o w a t a g e 7 , g o i n g i n t o t h e t h i r d g r a d e T h e a r e a o f B r o k e n A r r o w t h a t s h e m o v e d t o , s h e d e s c r i b e s a s b e i n g v e r y d i f f e r e n t f r o m E a s t T u l s a t o h e r , w h e r e t h e r e w a s m o r e d i v e r s i t y . T h e n e w h o m e h a d t h e e n t r a n c e a n d e x i t o f f t h e h i g h w a y , a W a l m a r t a n d a S o n i c . G o i n g t o s c h o o l , L a u r e n w a s o n e o f t h r e e c a u c a s i a n s t u d e n t s i n h e r c l a s s S h e d e s c r i b e s h e r r e l o c a t i o n a s , “ m o v i n g t o a s u b u r b w h e r e m o s t e v e r y o n e d r i v e s a t r u c k a n d w e a r s R e a l T r e e ” . S o o n a f t e r m o v i n g i n t o t h e i r h o u s e , h e r p a r e n t s g o t a d i v o r c e . L a u r e n w a s p r i m a r i l y r a i s e d b y h e r m o t h e r , b u t b o t h p a r e n t s h a d s p l i t c u s t o d y . G o i n g b a c k a n d f o r t h b e t w e e n “ m o m a n d d a d s ” , L a u r e n b e c a m e v e r y a d a p t a b l e t o c h a n g e , a s w e l l a s a n y o t h e r k i d t h a t e x p e r i e n c e d a n e v e r y o t h e r w e e k e n d r o u t i n e U p o n h e r a d u l t h o o d , s h e d i d n ' t r e a l i z e h o w m u c h h e r p a r e n t s d i v o r c e a f f e c t e d h e r g r e a t l y .

F r o m a y o u n g a g e , L a u r e n ’ s m o t h e r c o n t i n u o u s l y h e l p e d f e e d t h e i n d i v i d u a l i t y i n s i d e o f h e r . A n y t h i n g s h e w a s p a s s i o n a t e a b o u t , s h e s u p p o r t e d . F r o m s p o r t s a n d h o b b i e s , t o s h a v i n g t h e s i d e s o f h e r h e a d a n d d y i n g h e r h a i r g r e e n L a u r e n d e s c r i b e s h e r s e l f a s a n e c l e c t i c t e e n a g e r , w h o d r o v e a l i t t l e y e l l o w 2 d o o r c h e v y a n d w a s i m m e r s e d i n a l l t h i n g s a r t . S h e e m p h a s i z e s o n h o w t h i s b l e d i n t o h e r a d u l t h o o d s h a p i n g w h o s h e b e c a m e , w h i l e f o r e v e r f e e l i n g g r a t e f u l t o e x p e r i e n c e h e r y o u t h t h e w a y s h e d i d

To dive deeper, please enjoy the Q & A Below with Lauren:

Y o u ’ r e a b e a u t i f u l f o l l o w o n I n s t a g r a m b o t h i n s i d e a n d o u t . W h e r e d i d @ i n t h e g r a s s l a n d c o m e f r o m o r i g i n a l l y ?

B e f o r e I n t h e G r a s s l a n d w a s c r e a t e d , m y h a n d l e o n I n s t a g r a m w a s L a u r e n . a b l o o m , w h i c h m e a n s c o v e r e d i n f l o w e r s . M y p a g e w a s f u l l o f p h o t o s o f t h e f l o r a l a r r a n g e m e n t s I w a s m a k i n g f r o m w o r k a n d t h a t i s p r e t t y m u c h a l l t h a t I p o s t e d I c a m e t o r e a l i z e t h a t t h i s w a s t h e m a j o r i t y o f h o w p e o p l e p e r c e i v e d m e . I f e l t t h a t i t w a s n ’ t a l l e n c o m p a s s i n g o f w h o I a m I w a s a f l o r i s t , a m o n g m a n y o t h e r t h i n g s . H u m a n s a r e o b s e s s e d w i t h l a b e l s a n d w e a r e c o n s t a n t l y s e a r c h i n g t o f i t i n t o a n i d e n t i t y A l t h o u g h I b e l i e v e t h e r e a r e t h i n g s “ a b o u t u s ” t h a t m a k e u s , “ u s ” i t d o e s n ’ t m e a n t h a t i t i s a l l t h a t w e a r e . I n t h e G r a s s l a n d w a s b o r n f r o m t r y i n g t o b r e a k o u t o f a b o x a n d e x p a n d I s t a r t e d s h a r i n g m o r e o f m y t h o u g h t s a n d p a s s i o n s . I a l s o s t a r t e d s h a r i n g m o r e o f m y s e l f I w a s t r y i n g t o t h i n k o f a h a n d l e t h a t w a s t r u e t o t h e o v e r a l l c r e a t i v e e x p r e s s i o n I l i v e i n O k l a h o m a , a g r a s s l a n d a n d a m c o n s t a n t l y e n g r o s s e d i n n a t u r e I ’ m a l s o h e a v i l y i n v o l v e d w i t h c a n n a b i s , a k a g r a s s S o i t h a s a c t e d a s a d o u b l e e n t e n d r e .

You’re very creative and you love flowers. How do you tap into your own creative mind and bring it to fruition?

My journey as a floral artist began in 2018, six months after I had my son. Back then, I didn’t really have a creative process because I was happy to just be touching flowers. There was no rhyme or reason to what I was doing. Since then, my creative process has grown. Due to my background in art, I’ve had an interest in natural shape and color theory Integrating both of those concepts has been challenging but immensely transformative for me. As a florist, you are working with what nature has provided and that is somewhat limited.

When arranging, I typically come up with a personality for whatever it is that I’m making. If the flowers I am working with are vibrant, punchy, and round in shape, the arrangement could transform into a gal who puts on her favorite sundress to get mimosas with her friends for Saturday brunch. If the flowers are angular, neutral and white, with a pop of color- the arrangement could transform into an orthodontist with extremely nice teeth, fun colored tennis shoes, and leaves the office carrying a leather work bag

What does healing and inner work look like for you?

I believe that healing and inner work is constant There is this “fix our problems” or “getting over it” pressure that lives in society, but I don’t think that’s how it works

Reframing our thoughts and switching our perspective towards trauma or life experience is the beginning but taking action towards change is the kicker. You can be aware of your problems all day, talk about healing, read all the books, and sage your life but nothing will REALLY change until you take steps and move towards your highest expression.

You’re a beautiful writer and your captions are always very profound on IG. How has expressing yourself through your page been for you with your social presence?

Much of my writing is through the collective eye and from my own experience. I’ve been gifted many beautiful moments in my life Most of them have been emotionally trying and hard, but I think I have been gifted the moments for the opportunity of growth and relatability On my platform, I believe that there must be a healthy balance of vulnerability and privacy Navigating this has been interesting because although I want people to come to any of my platforms and feel as if they aren’t alone in their life, I have come to enjoy being a hermit I am pretty open for people, which causes people to feel as if they know me but really they are reading about themselves too. So there is a lot of juxtaposition. Although In the Grassland is me, I am not in the grassland

What does a human design reading look like and entail?

A Human Design reading is an approach to self-discovery and personal growth that combines elements of astrology, the I Ching, the Kabbalah, and quantum physics. It is based on the concept that each person is born with a specific "design" or energetic blueprint that determines their strengths, challenges, and life path During a reading, I will analyze your birth information to generate a body graph (a visual representation of your unique design). I will interpret the various elements of your chart and provide insights into your personality traits, strengths, weaknesses, life purpose, and potential challenges Through the reading, I will encourage you to reflect on different aspects of your life to help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and how you can align with your authentic nature

Lauren expresses that “Human Design is considered a tool rather than a scientifically proven system. Its relevance can vary from person to person, and it's up to each individual to decide how they resonate with the information and integrate it into their lives”.

Connecting nature and the spirit. What are your passions with @beyondthegrassland?

Beyond the grassland is a space for the soul to flourish. My passion for holistic health and wellness began when my son was born, as I had a spiritual awakening and saw the importance of integrating all sides of the self The mind, body, and soul Beyond the grassland is a space for using tools, such as eco therapy, energy work, therapeutic touch, color therapy to help transform dis ease.

What are some sacred rituals for your well being you practice?

I practice meditation daily and view it as self care It wouldn’t be sacred if I told you the nitty gritty, but what I will say is that I incorporate oils, tinctures and tools from @NativeEarthHSC into my practice I think experimenting with what meditation looks like for you is important There is no right or wrong because it is different for everyone. Meditation is not one size one size fits all

"You're not the season you ' re in. One of the beautiful things about life is that we are blessed with experiences that don't define us " .

SHAWNEE 24HRS

YS DO YOU FULLY EMBODY YOUR DIVINE FEMININE POWERS?

m y l i f e , I f e l t v e r y d i s c o n n e c t e d f r o m “ f e m i n i n i t y ” b u t h a v e a l w a y s k n o w n t h a t I a m a w a s n ’ t u n t i l r e c e n t l y t h a t I f i n a l l y c o n n e c t e d t o t h i s s i d e o f m y b e i n g . W e h a v e t h e y t o e m b o d y o u t D i v i n e F e m i n i n e p o w e r s b y e m b r a c i n g t h e a u t h e n t i c s e l f . I t b e g i n s b y g w i t h i n t u i t i o n a n d h o n o r i n g o u r e m o t i o n s w h i c h a l l o w s u s t o t a p i n t o o u r i n n e r

d g u i d a n c e . B y c u l t i v a t i n g s e l f - l o v e a n d s e l f - c o m p a s s i o n , w e c a n c r e a t e a s t r o n g f o r e m b r a c i n g o u r F e m i n i n e D i v i n e p o w e r . E m b o d y i n g t h e D i v i n e F e m i n i n e a l s o i n v o l v e s v u l n e r a b i l i t y , r e c o g n i z i n g t h a t i t i s a s o u r c e o f s t r e n g t h r a t h e r t h a n w e a k n e s s A s a v e h a d t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o n u r t u r e a n d c r e a t e l i f e , m i r r o r i n g t h e c r e a t i v e p o w e r o f t h e m b o d y i n g t h e D i v i n e F e m i n i n e i n m o t h e r h o o d a l l o w s m e t o g u i d e m y c h i l d w i t h l o v e ,

, a n d e m p a t h y T h r o u g h t h e a c t o f n u r t u r i n g a n d p r o v i d i n g a s a f e a n d n u r t u r i n g , I c a n e m b r a c e t h e q u a l i t i e s o f p a t i e n c e , u n d e r s t a n d i n g , a n d u n c o n d i t i o n a l l o v e , f u l l y t h e a s p e c t s o f t h e D i v i n e F e m i n i n e .

NOURISH YOUR OWN INNER CHILD? HAVE YOU RECOGNIZED THE THINGS THAT DO?

m a n l i v i n g i n 2 0 2 3 , w e h a v e b i l l s , o b l i g a t i o n s a n d h a v e t o m a k e a n i n c o m e t o p r o v i d e s e c u r i t y T h a t o u g h t i m e a n d l o v e , I ’ v e s a t w i t h l i t t l e L a u r e n t o f i n d o u t w h o s h e i s . A s k i n g h e r a n d l i s t e n i n g t o t h e W h a t d o e s s h e l i k e ? W h a t d o e s s h e e n j o y d o i n g ? A m o n g m a n y t h i n g s , s h e l o v e s b e i n g o u t s i d e , a r t s i n t i n g , a n d d a n c i n g . S h e e x p r e s s e s h e r s e l f o u t w a r d l y t h r o u g h c l o t h i n g a n d j e w e l r y a n d i n w a r d l y d w r i t i n g S h e r e a l l y l o v e s t o l e a r n a n d i s v e r y e x p e r i m e n t a l i n n a t u r e I ’ m c o n s t a n t l y w o r k i n g t o w a r d s i n n e r c h i l d b y s i t t i n g w i t h t h e p a r t s o f l i t t l e L a u r e n t h a t w e r e n e g l e c t e d o r s h o v e d t o t h e s i d e b y y g o i n g b a c k t o m y r o o t s a n d a l l o w i n g m y s e l f t o b e f r e e b y n o t b e i n g t e t h e r e d t o a n y t h i n g r i g i d

HOW HAVE YOU CREATED A LIFE YOU LOVE ON YOUR OWN TERMS?

I i d e n t i f y a n d c l a r i f y m y v a l u e s a n d p o u r i n t o m y p a s s i o n s I t a k e t i m e t o r e f l e c t o n w h a t t r u l y m a t t e r s t o m e . I e x p e r i m e n t w i t h w h a t b r i n g s m e j o y a n d f u l f i l l m e n t T h i s s e l f - r e f l e c t i o n h a s h e l p e d s h a p e m y p a t h a c c o r d i n g t o m y o w n d e s i r e s a n d a s p i r a t i o n s . I ’ v e s e t c l e a r i n t e n t i o n s f o r m y l i f e I b u i l d m y l i f e o n m y t e r m s a n d t h i s r e q u i r e s s e t t i n g h e a l t h y b o u n d a r i e s a n d l e a r n i n g t o s a y n o t o t h i n g s t h a t d o n ' t a l i g n w i t h w h a t I s e e I p r i o r i t i z e s e l f - c a r e a n d m a k e t i m e f o r a c t i v i t i e s t h a t n o u r i s h m y m i n d , b o d y , a n d s o u l .

I s u r r o u n d m y s e l f w i t h l i k e - m i n d e d a n d g o o d h e a r t e d f r i e n d s w h o u p l i f t , i n s p i r e , a n d h o l d m e a c c o u n t a b l e

C r e a t i n g a l i f e t h a t y o u l o v e i s a n o n g o i n g p r o c e s s .

T h e C a n n a b i s H a n g o u t

E p . # 1 5 0

E m b r a c e p o s i t i v e m i n d s e t s a s y o u n a v i g a t e t h r o u g h c h a l l e n g e s a n d c h a n g e s S t a y c o m m i t t e d t o y o u r v i s i o n

a n d a u t h e n t i c i t y a n d k e e p t a k i n g s t e p s t o w a r d s t h e l i f e y o u d e s e r v e t o l i v e O n e t h a t y o u l o v e

HERBAGE FILM SELECTION

O R Y O U R V I E W I N G P L E A S U R E

T h e s e 5 c a p t i v a t i n g d o c u m e n t a r i e s

o f f e r a d i v e r s e r a n g e o f p e r s p e c t i v e s

o n c a n n a b i s , i l l u m i n a t i n g i t s

c u l t u r a l , m e d i c i n a l , a n d e c o n o m i c s i g n i f i c a n c e . B y c h a l l e n g i n g

s t e r e o t y p e s , e x p o s i n g i n j u s t i c e s ,

a n d p r e s e n t i n g t h e p o t e n t i a l

b e n e f i t s , t h e s e f i l m s a i m t o f o s t e r a

m o r e i n f o r m e d a n d p o s i t i v e

u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f c a n n a b i s . S o s i t

b a c k , r e l a x , a n d e m b a r k o n a n

e n l i g h t e n i n g j o u r n e y t h r o u g h t h e

w o r l d o f c a n n a b i s .

J

ULY

ARIES

(MARCH 21 - APRIL 19):

IN:

STRAIN: "FIRE OG" - THIS POTENT AND ENERGIZING STRAIN MATCHES ARIES' FIERY AND ADVENTUROUS NATURE, PROVIDING AN UPLIFTING AND INVIGORATING EXPERIENCE

TAURUS

(APRIL 20 - MAY 20):

IN: STRESS

STRAIN: "GRANDDADDY PURPLE"KNOWN FOR ITS RELAXING AND SOOTHING EFFECTS, THIS STRAIN COMPLEMENTS TAURUS' GROUNDED AND SENSUAL DISPOSITION, PROMOTING RELAXATION AND STRESS RELIEF.

GEMINI

(MAY 21 - JUNE 20):

IN:

STRAIN: "SOUR DIESEL" - WITH ITS CEREBRAL AND UPLIFTING PROPERTIES, THIS STRAIN ALIGNS WELL WITH GEMINI'S CURIOUS AND SOCIAL NATURE, PROVIDING AN ENERGETIC AND STIMULATING EXPERIENCE

CANCER

(JUNE 21 - JULY 22):

IN:

STRAIN: "BLUE DREAM" - THIS BALANCED HYBRID STRAIN MIRRORS CANCER'S NURTURING AND INTUITIVE QUALITIES, OFFERING A RELAXED AND EUPHORIC STATE WHILE PROMOTING CREATIVITY AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING

S

TRAINOLOGY

COMBINING CANNABIS STRAINS WITH ZODIAC SIGNS

LEO (JULY 23 - AUG 22):

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 - DEC 21):

IN:

STRAIN: "GOLDEN GOAT"REFLECTING LEO'S VIBRANT AND CONFIDENT PERSONALITY, THIS UPLIFTING STRAIN OFFERS A EUPHORIC AND ENERGIZING EXPERIENCE, IGNITING CREATIVITY AND A SENSE OF JOY

VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEPT 22):

IN: EFFECT TO ENHANCE

STRAIN: "GREEN CRACK"DESPITE THE MISLEADING NAME, THIS STRAIN SUITS VIRGO'S ANALYTICAL AND PRACTICAL MINDSET, PROVIDING AN INVIGORATING AND FOCUSED EFFECT TO ENHANCE PRODUCTIVITY.

LIBRA (SEPT 23 - OCT 22):

IN:

SCORPIO (OCT 23 - NOV 21):

IN:

STRAIN: "BLACK WIDOW"EMBRACING SCORPIO'S INTENSE AND PASSIONATE ENERGY, THIS POTENT STRAIN OFFERS A POWERFUL AND LONG-LASTING HIGH, ENHANCING INTROSPECTION AND DEEP THOUGHTS.

IN:

STRAIN: "TANGIE" - MIRRORING SAGITTARIUS' ADVENTUROUS AND OPTIMISTIC SPIRIT, THIS CITRUSY STRAIN DELIVERS A CREATIVE AND UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE, FUELING INSPIRATION AND EXPLORATION

CAPRICORN (DEC 22 - JAN 19):

IN:

STRAIN: "NORTHERN LIGHTS"THIS CLASSIC AND RELAXING INDICA STRAIN COMPLEMENTS CAPRICORN'S DISCIPLINED AND HARDWORKING NATURE, PROVIDING A CALMING AND TRANQUIL EFFECT.

AQUARIUS (JAN 20 - FEB 18):

(JAN IN: PERFECT FOR

STRAIN: "JACK HERER"ALIGNED WITH AQUARIUS' PROGRESSIVE AND INTELLECTUAL MINDSET, THIS ENERGIZING STRAIN PROMOTES FOCUS, CREATIVITY, AND A CEREBRAL HIGH, PERFECT FOR DEEP THINKING.

PISCES (FEB 19 - MARCH 20):

20): IN:

STRAIN: "PURPLE HAZE"REFLECTING PISCES' DREAMY AND IMAGINATIVE NATURE, THIS PSYCHEDELIC STRAIN OFFERS AN UPLIFTING AND EUPHORIC EXPERIENCE, ENHANCING CREATIVITY AND INTROSPECTION

U F C W i s A m e r i c a ’ s

c a n n a b i s U n i o n , t h e v o i c e

f o r c a n n a b i s w o r k e r s , a n d a

p a r t n e r o f f e r i n g s o l u t i o n s

a n i r e f n l o t e c b i s .

U F C W 1 0 0 0 w o u l d l i k e t o

w e l c o m e i t s n e w e s t m e m b e r s

T h e v a u l t t o t h e U F C W f a m i l y .

c e i h l C

L E T T U C E L E A R N I N G BY

CHET TUCKER

LETTUCE SMOKE CANNA CO.

From the last editorial, we covered setting your product apart and how it

From the last editorial, we covered setting your product apart and how it reaches the masses via the retail dispensary outlets. This month we dive reaches the masses via the retail dispensary outlets. This month we dive into some ways to listen, learn, and navigate product sales from the retail into some ways to listen, learn, and navigate product sales from the retail counter. If your product/s have made the shelves, how can you ensure counter. If your product/s have made the shelves, how can you ensure dispensaries and patients are moving through it? Product. Price. Place. dispensaries and are moving through it? Product. Price. Place. Promotion. Those are the 4P’s we will touch on. Promotion. Those are the 4P’s we will touch on.

First, we’ve covered a good portion of product and how it sets yours apart First, we’ve covered a good portion of product and how it sets yours apart from the hundreds, if not thousands (flower), in the marketplace? Is it from the hundreds, if not thousands (flower), in the marketplace? it packaged well and compliantly? Does it clearly “advertise” what’s being packaged well and compliantly? Does it clearly “advertise” what’s being presented for sale/consumption? Does it come with a guarantee of presented for sale/consumption? Does it come with a guarantee of quality? All are important to reaching the shelves and providing an ease in quality? All are important to reaching the shelves and providing an ease in which the “budtender” or “cannacian” can help promote the product. which the “budtender” or “cannacian” can help promote the product.

Next, we have a price. It’s oftentimes looked at first as a measurement of Next, we have a price. It’s oftentimes looked at first as a measurement of current and fair market by both dispensary and consumer. Often they are current and fair market by both dispensary and consumer. Often they are tiered based on a basic bottom, mid, and top shelf option. It’s important tiered based on a basic bottom, mid, and top shelf option. It’s important to understand the market and how supply and demand for the cost of to understand the market and how supply and demand for the cost of ingredients and compliance (licensing, permits, packaging, etc) plays into ingredients and compliance (licensing, permits, packaging, etc) plays into fairly pricing the product. What often gets overlooked is that the cost that fairly pricing the product. What often gets overlooked is that the cost that the retailer is marking includes all taxes and the fact that dispensaries pay the retailer is marking includes all taxes and the fact that dispensaries pay higher rent with no tax breaks. higher rent with no tax breaks.

Being cognizant of how those factor into the pricing includes the location Being cognizant of how those factor into the pricing includes the location and financial demographic of the retail outlet. Certain areas of the state and financial demographic of the retail outlet. Certain areas of the can vary pricing by 30% or more due to quality of location and its ease of can vary pricing by 30% or more due to quality of location and its ease of entry. So, the place in which your product reaches means that sales may entry. So, the place in which your product reaches means that sales may be slower or faster based on the affordability of the local marketplace. In be slower or faster based on the affordability of the local marketplace. In addition, the hours of operation and placement of product within the addition, the hours of operation and placement of product within the dispensary will play a role in product sales. dispensary will play a role in product sales.

Last, we have promotion. How is it being promoted at the dispensary? Are Last, we have promotion. How is it being promoted at the dispensary? Are there joint efforts to ensure the product is correctly labeled and displayed there joint efforts to ensure the product is correctly labeled and displayed within the location as well as online via MAGAZINE advertorials and within the location as well as online via MAGAZINE advertorials and advertisements, Website, WeedMaps, Leafly, as well as social media advertisements, Website, WeedMaps, Leafly, as well as social media platforms. Next, is the person behind the counter familiar with the platforms. Next, is the person behind the counter familiar with the product and what sets it apart. Is it the way it’s produced, priced, or product and what sets it apart. Is it the way it’s produced, priced, or packaged (or any/all) that keeps the product fresh and desirable. In the packaged (or any/all) that keeps the product fresh and desirable. In the end, the patient/consumer will dictate much of the loyalty and repeated end, the patient/consumer will dictate much of the loyalty and repeated turnover of the product. Does what was sold to the consumer match the turnover of the product. Does what was sold to the consumer match the promoted expectations. If you can WOW them with the 4P’s then you’re promoted expectations. If you can WOW them with the 4P’s then you’re far more likely to have a successful product and retail counter. far more likely to have a successful product and retail counter.

A TOKE OF wellness

No other molecule in the universe has a more significant and irreplaceable impact on our overall existence than water! While we are frequently advised to "drink more water", the importance of water extends far beyond quenching thirst. Let’s talk about how water works in the body, explore how much we should consume on average, consider the possibility of overlooking symptoms of dehydration because we don't feel thirsty, and most importantly, discuss some of the best ways to hydrate!

Water is not just simply this thing we drink sometimes, take showers in, add to recipes, etc. We are made up of more than 70% water, which is found in every cell, tissue, and organ of our bodies. Water acts as a solvent, enabling chemical reactions to occur and facilitating the transportation of nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body. It also helps regulate body temperature by serving as a coolant when we sweat. Additionally, water lubricates our joints, protects vital organs, and plays a role in maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails.

My mother would always tell me, “By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated”. In my younger years I thought she was being so militant about it, but she was right. Beyond the classic symptoms of thirst and yellow tinted urine, other symptoms of dehydration can include fatigue and weakness, dizziness or feeling lightheaded, headaches, muscle cramps and irritability. We can often write off these symptoms as being hungry (which could also be true), “in a mood”, or needing caffeine. The reality may be as simple as, we just need to properly hydrate! So let’s jump in and keep it simple.

Q

How much water should I drink everyday?

A I greatly trust the advice of Dr. Andrew Huberman (I’ll save you his glowing credentials and just suggest that you look him up). He suggests that we drink 80 oz of water within the first 10 hours that we are awake. The reason for the timeframe is the body's circadian rhythm. The kidneys do the bulk of their work within the first 10 hours we are awake and then output reduces (ideally so that you’re not waking up throughout the night to pee). *Remember, we are all different and therefore 80oz is an average. Listen to your body as you increase your water intake.

Q What kind of water should I drink ?

AWater with a good mineral content. Spring water and volcanic water that are bottled at the source are great options. For example, Ozarka, a very common water brand, is 100% natural spring water. Other examples include, Mountain Valley, Evian, Liquid Death, and San Pellegrino. It’s ideal to stay away from filtered water as it removes contaminants but might also remove essential minerals.

HIGHEST INTENT

QWhat are other effective ways to hydrate?

AWhile drinking quality water should make up the majority of our hydration quota, there are definitely other tasty ways to stay hydrated. Personally, I love coconut water. Coconut water is naturally rich in electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium. Electrolytes play a crucial role in maintaining proper fluid balance, supporting nerve function , and facilitating muscle contractions. Also, some fruits and veggies contain water: watermelon, cucumbers, zucchini, oranges, pineapple, strawberries, and a few more! And lastly, if you haven't tried an adrenal cocktail, summer is the perfect time to start and they’re easy to make! Hydration has a huge impact on our adrenal system as it aids in hormone regulation, stress responses, energy production, blood pressure regulation and electrolyte balance. So give yourself a treat and do your body a favor, try this super tasty recipe:

Adrenal cocktail

1/2 cup pineapple juice +

1 cup coconut water +

1 cup water +

A splash of lime juice +

A pinch of sea salt +

Proper hydration is a habit we must develop and maintain every single day! The good news is there are other efficient and tastier ways to achieve that goal than simply, “drink more water”. Prioritizing hydration is a simple key to living a better life physically and mentally each and everyday!

Written By: Anna Wilder

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.

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

GRATITUDE & CELEBRATION

BROUGHT TO YOU BY OAK, ASH, & THORN

READING BY COLEY HAYES

Can you feel the excitement and buzzing like something is coming You're not alone This is going to continue for the month The June 21st summer solstice, has allowed a shift for exciting things to happen Keep that eagerness going

Give yourself no distractions, and follow your intuition. Let go of any worries and fears regarding the information you receive on your journey. This is definitely your sign for movement. Expect many new and possibly exciting things to happen. Believe in yourself and know you have what it takes.

You have the confidence to get exactly what you want in life. Make a list and reflect on your wishes, dreams, and desires You have them for a reason, go for it! No more focus on the “worst case scenario” as of now you will no longer allow your worries to grow out of proportion You have the freedom to go anywhere, and be all you desire to be

Bring some fun into your decision making process Flip a coin! The opposing feelings are not your intention, that is your anxiety and ego that needs to take a backseat. Bring the light and joy into all you do.

Oak Ash & Oak Ash & Thorn Thorn