HERBAGE MAGAZINE Issue #57 September 2023

COVER ART BY Melanie

Hi I ‘m Melanie, a self trained acrylic artist from the Panhandle of Oklahoma with a penchant towards bright hues. While canvas is the chosen media, my work can be found on guitars and violins as well. Driven by the “what if?” factor or possibly “why not?” with a little humor mixed in.

This painting “The Golden Hour” on a 30” x 30” canvas is a reminder that summer is never long enough. Deep saturated colors bring a richness and warmth to the painting.

Throughout the last several years I’ve held several classes and have been an instructor at several art retreats. My work to date is scattered across the US and is largely commissioned pieces.

I can be found on Instagram @_art.by.melanie. I’d love to hear from you !

Warmest regards, Melanie

JAMES BRIDGES

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Skepticism to UnderstandingCannabis Conversations

Editorial By James Bridges Publisher Herbage Magazine

The duality of cannabis as both a medicinal marvel and a regulatory challenge is, to me, the essence of an intellectual paradox. For Oklahoma, and indeed the entire nation, an informed dialogue should be a cornerstone of progress. In this we are lacking.

As we engage in this exchange or 'coming to terms', a multidimensional perspective emerges—one that synthesizes empirical evidence, ethical considerations, economic projections, and social dynamics. Proper representation must be in place in order for there to be an informed discussion.

We are all consistently creating change. It’s simply a matter of understanding the magnitude. A proper change is being called for in this instance. Most assuredly.

In this intellectual crucible, Oklahoma's trajectory hinges upon an intricate interplay of scientific insight and what we hope is an educated legislation. This collective of “intellectuals” that are poised to make a decision of profound consequence with the power to set precedent and reverberate across states. Oklahoma continues to influence narratives and legislative contours far beyond its borders. I wonder sometimes if those individuals forget.

Anticipating the future legislative landscape is akin to peering into a nebulous abyss. Best of luck to those who attempt such chaotic ventures.

The mere mention of recreational cannabis legalization creates a large and looming presence both tantalizing prospects and disquieting unknowns. The unknown of change as this industry continues it flight of freedom around the country.

Those of us that support cannabis continue to be confronted by skeptics who invoke outdated concerns of adolescent access, potential misuse, public health, religion, or even visibility of product or educational material. Especially without the stamp of approval from those that decide.

These visions of skepticism are more likely to be rebutted with truth and knowledge that comes from a strange and curious place called understanding, and is provided by the overwhelmingly canna-educated community in Oklahoma and beyond. Why are more of those that are truly educated in this space not being heard, even when listened to?

A trove of scientific inquiry is uncovering cannabis’ potential as a therapeutic agent. This has illuminated avenues for addressing ailments that have eluded conventional treatments. Chronic pain management, epilepsy, anxiety disorders, and even cancer patients, the list continues…

Let this serve as an instructive message for what lies ahead. The only guarantee that I can give is that there will be change. May we persist in aiding our fellow patients, fostering positivity, generating employment that helps the community as well as promotes the plant, and connecting with those that are “canna-uneducated” about the potential advancements in health benefits cannabis could bring for those in need. The responsibility for dialogue and advancement rests with us.

A time will come when future generations will remain untouched by the era of prohibition.

T R A I N O L O G Y & MOVIES

Aries (March 21 - April 19): Film: "Pineapple Express"

Why: "Pineapple Express" is an action-packed and comedic film that resonates with Aries' adventurous and energetic nature. The film's fast-paced antics mirror the excitement and spontaneity of Aries.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20): Film: "Half Baked"

Why: "Half Baked" combines humor and laidback vibes, reflecting Taurus' appreciation for comfort and enjoyment. The film's comedic approach to stoner culture aligns with Taurus' desire for leisurely experiences.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20): Film: "Dazed and Confused"

Why: "Dazed and Confused" captures the freespirited and social nature of Gemini. The film's exploration of friendship, humor, and youthful curiosity resonates with the Gemini's multifaceted interests.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22): Film: "Waiting..."

Why: "Waiting..." showcases the dynamics of a close-knit group, reflecting Cancer's emphasis on family and relationships. The film's humorous portrayal of restaurant life connects with Cancer's nurturing and protective qualities.

Leo (July 23 - August 22): Film: "Up in Smoke"

Why: "Up in Smoke" is a classic stoner comedy that aligns with Leo's desire for attention and self-expression. The film's bold humor and memorable characters resonate with Leo's vibrant personality.

SVirgo (August 23 - September 22): Film: "The Big Lebowski"

Why: "The Big Lebowski" combines witty humor and intricate storytelling, resonating with Virgo's analytical and detail-oriented nature. The film's quirky characters and complex plot offer Virgo plenty to ponder.

movie’s by movie’s by

The strain The strain

Libra (September 23 - October 22): Film: "The Breakfast Club"

Why: "The Breakfast Club" explores the dynamics of different personalities coming together, reflecting Libra's pursuit of harmony and connection. The film's themes of understanding and friendship align with Libra's diplomatic nature.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21): Film: "Requiem for a Dream"

Why: "Requiem for a Dream" delves into intense and transformative experiences, mirroring Scorpio's depth and passion. The film's exploration of addiction and human emotions resonates with Scorpio's complex nature.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21): Film: "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas"

Why: "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" captures the adventurous and exploratory spirit of Sagittarius. The film's surreal journey and eccentric characters align with Sagittarius' quest for new experiences.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19): Film: "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle"

Why: "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle" combines humor with the pursuit of goals, reflecting Capricorn's determination and practicality. The film's comedic journey resonates with Capricorn's disciplined nature.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18): Film: "Waking Life"

Why: "Waking Life" delves into philosophical and thought-provoking concepts, aligning with Aquarius' intellectual and visionary nature. The film's exploration of consciousness resonates with Aquarius' innovative thinking.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20): Film: "The Beach"

Why: "The Beach" captures the dreamy and introspective qualities of Pisces. The film's exploration of utopian ideals and inner journeys aligns with Pisces' imaginative and spiritually inclined nature.

S T R A I N O L O G Y & MOVIES

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Feminine Divine T H E

F E A T U R I N G : A L A N A S T U A R T

Written by: Brannan Bell

Meet Alana AKA Lala. She runs a women owned grow in Oklahoma City. She’s got a big heart, loves to learn new things and loves the land and mother nature hard

When you go through a lot in life, from a young age, people seem to have lived several lives and have so much depth to them. I love talking to individuals that have lots of love in their eyes, they speak with passion, have lots of knowledge and skill and they care about their own growth

To get to know Lala better, she shared her heart with me in how she was raised and what life was like in Chicago, NYC and California all the way to the land of Oklahoma.

Her mother is from Chicago, which is where she was born and raised This influenced her draw to diversity, good food and a blue collar lifestyle Lala’s father is from Brooklyn and she moved with him to the New York City metropolitan area when she was 15. As she describes it, life was fast, and they were left as kids to roam the streets, taking the train into the heart of downtown and interesting eclectic neighborhoods. Lala said with that, of course, came trouble!

G E T T O K N O W L A L A

“City life was rough, and it felt like you always had to watch your back so you didn't get jumped or get your bag snatched. This taught me to be aware and observant of my surroundings, which I believe is one way that helps me have such a great relationship with my plants. Always noticing their cues and adjusting my behavior to give into their optimal needs”

With inner city life there was affluence, but then there was the polar opposite. Alana says that a lot of her friends came from dysfunctional families. Drug use was rampant and they struggled with addiction. A lot of people didn't make it, some did and watching their recovery journey was something you never get over. Cannabis, the healing and loving plant that she is, was always there. "It helped bring a lot of us interesting characters together, soothe our souls and it created a culture of people connecting over herb and the real life struggles that will always be in the foundation of who I am. "

Lala mentioned that lately, she’s been trying to rediscover what it is she does for fun. I can personally relate to that sometimes too, with seasons and the ebbs and flow of life we go through. For the last 8 years of her life, if she wasn’t traveling, she was working on land based projects, homesteading, growing food for the community and trying to live a more regenerative, simple life. Her last project before coming to OKC, she managed a two acre homestead and an old Chicken Shack cannabis grow that she built from the foundation up in coastal California I always love a hard working woman who identifies with and loves the land. Finding new herbs to connect with and preserving food with all different kinds of methods, was absolutely thrilling to her.

"My favorite herb changes every season when I get to build a new relationship with whatever herb makes it my way for that growing year Lately, nettles have been near and dear to me. I brought seeds from a wild patch I would tend to out in California and never would have thought they would do well here in Oklahoma They usually grow near creeks and wet areas and they like their moisture One seed I had haphazardly thrown into a bed took off last summer and now I have a beautiful patch I harvest regularly Fresh for soups or dried for my daily herbal teas Nettles are so important for us as they contain so many minerals, nutrients and polyphenols."

I plants

Scan the QR code for more of Lala on The Cannabis Hangout Podcast.

Monday 10:00am - 10:00pm

Tuesday 10:00am - 10:00pm

Wednesday 10:00am - 10:00pm

Thursday 10:00am - 10:00pm

Friday 10:00am - 12:00pm

Saturday 10:00am - 12:00pm

Sunday 10:00am - 9:00pm

Visit Sugar Cannabis Dispensary today and embark on a voyage of cannabis exploration that celebrates the art of cultivation. Elevate your senses, elevate your standards. Indulge in the extraordinary.

1528 N Harrison - Shawnee, OK 405-788-5000 @sugaroklahoma

Unleash the Extraordinary at Sugar Cannabis.

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“Learning to get more comfortable in the kitchen preparing meals from farm fresh ingredients with friends, along with the alchemy of cooking with people is something I find enchanting I was working toward my life vision without the noisy drum and exhaustion of city life. Back to ze roots!” When they weren't on the farm, they were swimming and floating rivers on her packraft or hiking mountains Now, living and running a 120 light facility in a city with a small team is making Lala look at her life a little differently She currently helps manage the Partner Farmer program at Commonwealth Urban Farms. They focus on community abundance: using gardening and the commonality of food as a means of connecting neighbors and enlivening the local community. They grow vegetables, micro greens and cut flowers for individuals and restaurants in the metro area They also offer workshops and service/learning events on gardening, composting and urban farming. They are passionate about building a sustainable society, and believe that local food is a key part of what makes a community healthy and resilient.

Alana says that it’s a way for her to continue her passions, while now living and working in a city But, then it’s easy to hit burnout! She expresses that farming 6-7 days a week and trying to keep up with the grow, cannabis legislation, the ever changing laws around her business, marketing, sales, etc She had to ask herself, “Do I really want to take the small time I get away from the grow (sometimes it's just a half of a day) to keep growing? All I do is grow and produce, and as much as I love it I am missing some free time for play, dancing, creating and just hanging around with friends!” Her inspiration most definitely comes from the plants and people she can connect with, about them. Lala’s main goal coming to OKC was to save money to secure a property where they can once again do it all in one space, share fun and responsibilities with friends and family on the land!

"I can truly embrace my divine feminine in the garden! Tending and nurturing plants, deciding to impromptu nap under the plum tree and devour fruits, laying around with girlfriends blazing a doobie and sharing heartfelt stories about trauma and happiness, tears emerging with all the feelings felt and embraced.

I nourish my inner child with PLAY! Playing on the river, singing out loud, dancing with friends under a full moon, stretching, doing yoga, gathering with women and pulling tarot cards. Play is so important and I hope to have some more time soon!"

I N F I N I T E L O V E & G R A T I T U D E

B A N A N A S E A T

Banana Seat Botanicals is a woman owned grow here in Oklahoma and the way it came into fruition has been organic, while listening to her intuitive feelings and following the guidance This vision came to fruition after she lost her second grow, mid-covid era Her partner owned the land and had a different vision for the future of the property, while simultaneously a good friend got her exci ted about how inviting the Oklahoma medical scene was. One thing led to another and it all fell into place. Organic food and things organically falling into place are literally some of the best things for you

“My journey into growing cannabis came from this innate desire to get back to the land I was over the struggle of the concrete jungle, feeling like it cost money just to leave my apartment Feel ing unfulfilled by just another night out partying Consumerism at its finest, is illustrated perfectly in cities, especially NYC. The lifestyle was not aligning with what was starting to feel important to me. Having a desire to get closer to our food systems and nature is what started my journey out west! (That and all the hippies having all the fun! I had to let my freak flag fly barefoot in the dir t. Ha!) I had to get closer to the farmers and get my hands in the soil to start healing some generational trauma. Once out west, the whole world of cannabis opened her sticky arms to me and held me close!! She was always there for me, of course she would guide my path. I dove deep into communal living, tending to land and cannabis was a perfect plant to provide me with the life I desired most!”

Her love for food, herbs and plants has guided her from one place to another, connecting the dots along the way. Lala mentions that although her family was poor, they were rich in the culture they kept with them, which brings a different perspective to your life and how you live it. Her mother is Greek and her father Italian, and although a lot more mixed in, she said they really identified with those heritages. With those cultures, came food! As Lala says, “Sunday sauce!” Her grandfather was always cooking for her when he was alive. He went to the grocery store daily for the "freshest" ingredients. With her grandpa influencing her life with good food, she just had that taste on her tongue and then she needed to find out where to get the REAL food. Cannabis was her first herb love affair! Growing up with friends that also had dysfunctional families, cannabis brought them together and she really believes they used her as medicine to heal parts of them that they didn't even know were healing at the time. As kids who stick together, Lala said they made rituals around consuming, along with guidelines and many tears shed, just processing all the feelings cannabis helped us feel. It’s always best to talk and process things, rather than compartmentalizing in your mind and creating a mess To this day, she never thought she would have been guided to this path. “Cannabis literally led me here to OKC, led me to help tend to mama earth and my spirit along with it. She is really a miracle plant!”

U F C W i s A m e r i c a ’ s

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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

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

C a p t a i n K i r k ' s E d i b l e s t o t h e

e a i K i r k h

F W

U F C W f a m i l y .

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