VOLUME 1: ISSUE 1
THY
ETERNAL
SUMMER:
Celebrity Hairstylist, Savis, talks Cannabis, Pregnancy, and more! An Intimate Moment with Shayba Diaz Muhammad. Cannabis Reform; The Way With Missouri?
www.juanazine.com
CONTENTS H E R B
O F
T H E
M O N T H
LEMON BALM, P.5 Lemon balm has a long and interesting history. The herb is known for it's versatility, healing properties, and more.Â
C A N N A B I S
&
P R E G N A N C Y
EVERYTHING WE DON'T KNOW, P.8 A rant about the lack of scientific research there is in regards to cannabis and pregnancy.
E N D O
THE ORIGIN OF THE FAMOUS TERMÂ P.9 Natural haircare specialist Urbane Boozer tells an intriguing story about the human endocannabinoid system, Missy Elliot, and a potential cure for permanent hair loss!
A N
I N T I M A T E
S H A Y B A
D I A Z
M O M E N T
W I T H
M U H A M M A D
INSIDE THE MAHNAL STUDIO, P.13 We get personal with the jewelry designer, and she discusses growing up in the Nation of Islam, how Mahnal came about, why research and science are crucial for cannabis reform, and her future plans.
O V E R
T H E
I N F L U E N C E
COVER STORY, P.19 Celebrity hairstylist Savis Davis was our inspiration for this issue, and we're thrilled to share her story with you! Earlier this month the stylist and her finacĂŠ announced they were expecting, which was even more perfect because she got to weigh in on 'Cannabis & Pregnancy'. Davis also talks to us about what inspires her, and how she came up with her signature gypsy locs.
B E L L W E T H E R
M I S S O U R I
WILL CANNABIS REFORM BE 'THE WAY WITH MISSOURI'?, P.23 Three measures for the legalization of medical marijuana will be on the Missouri ballot this year, will one of these measures determine the fate of cannabis in the U.S.?
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Welcome! I’m not quite sure how this begins...or how it ends for that matter. All I know is that my heart is full, my soul is on fire, and I can’t wait for each of you to experience Juana magazine. As the creator and Editor-in-chief of this magazine, it is my job to convey our mission and purpose with you. The feedback we’ve received thus far has been reassuring, and helpful to our continuing growth as a women-led independent magazine. Hearing positive feedback about our mission, the work we have done, and our aesthetic means more to us than anyone could ever know. We’re sincere in our effort to create a space for women to be their most authentic selves - because no matter how many of these spaces exist, there will always be room for more. As long as society has it’s way of conforming us and insidiously warping our values; how we feel about ourselves; and how we feel about others, there will be a need to remind ourselves of our individual magic. Juana aims to inspire women to inspire themselves and those around them. We accomplish this by challenging social norms and invoking stimulating conversation through art, culture, and cannabis. We emphasize the normalization of cannabis, as it is an area of opportunity for women (especially women of color) to establish themselves in an already billion dollar industry. As federal legalization becomes a reality for us, it is important for women and people of color to establish themselves NOW! Medical cannabis is now legal in 31 states and Washington, DC. While recreational cannabis is legal in 9 states and Washington DC. For years people of color, from all different walks of life, have used cannabis for both medicinal and recreational purposes; healing themselves as well as their communities. And for years these same people have been unfairly targeted by our justice system, ruining millions of lives and even more families for something that is now mainstream and “cool”. It goes without saying, that we would be remiss if we don’t have a stake in the cannabis industry, in one way, or another.
Although it may seem far-fetched to start a business in an industry whose main resource is still considered an illegal drug (on the federal level), the industry is still in it’s infant stages. Meaning the industry is small and barriers to enter (depending on which sector of the business you wish to enter, and the state you are in) are low. So even if the unpopular opinion, that “the cannabis-hype will fade”, comes true, at least we would have made a significant contribution to this movement. And that will never be forgotten.
It is no coincidence that we released this issue on the first official day of fall. The Autumn Equinox is associated with gratitude, reflection, and change. The title of this issue, Thy Eternal Summer, is representative of our Summer harvest - and our gratitude for how much we’ve grown, and all that we’ve accomplished over the past few months. Taken from a line in William Shakespeare's famous Sonnet 18, Thy Eternal Summer should serve as a reminder to always have the spirit and resilience of summer, no matter what season you’re in. In this issue, we not only explore the racial and economic disparities that exist within the cannabis industry. But we are challenged by Shayba Diaz Muhammad, founder of Mahnal, to not just accept the facts as they are presented to us. But to challenge growers, dispensary owners, and pharmaceuticals to be open and honest about the chemicals used to grow and treat a lot of the marijuana people consume.
"As long as society has it’s
way of conforming us and
insidiously warping our
values; how we feel about
ourselves; and how we
feel about others, there
will be a need to remind
ourselves of our individual
magic."
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
2
We also explore the lack of research in the industry, leaving pregnant women, like celebrity hairstylist Savis Davis, no other option than to test hypothesis’ themselves. When we talk about women inspiring themselves and inspiring others, we mean women like Davis. Women who not only make their own medicine, but in their third trimester of pregnancy are still traveling the world for work. In the following pages, you will find an abundance of information, and inspiration. It is our only hope that you take this, and become inspired to take action in form or another.
“So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.”
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
'HIGH VIBES' X
ELSAMARIT
HERB OF THE MONTH
Lemon Balm / THE
CALMING
S o w n m i n t w a s
i n
e a r l y
f a m i l y p l a n t e d
e v e n
u s e d
HERB;
s p r i n g
t h a t n e a r
b y
t h e
b e e
a t t r a c t i n g
l o v e ,
N o t
o n l y t h e
d o e s
a s
i n
a s
s e a s o n i n g ,
Artwork by C & S Artistry
MELISSA;
l a t e
h i v e s
I n
h e a l i n g
s u m m e r ; l o v e ,
t o
b e e k e e p e r s
s a t i s f i e d .
g o o d
o r
r e p r e s e n t s
h o n e y b e e s
o v e r a l l
SWEET
BEE
h e a l i n g ,
e n c o u r a g e
o f
t h e
f o l k l o r e
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w o u n d s ,
BALM;
L e m o n
a n d
b e e s
T e m p l e i s
b a l m
u s e d
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AND i s
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OGHOUL f e m i n i n e
v e r s a t i l i t y . t o
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w a r d
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t h e i r h e l p
p l a n t
a n c i e n t h i v e ,
k e e p
n e g a t i v i t y
a n x i e t y ,
a n d
f r o m
t h e
t i m e s a n d
t h e
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w a s
s a c r e d
w h i l e
p r o m o t i n g
h e a l t h .
t h i s
s h a d e .
p l a n t
Y o u
m a k e
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c a n
g r o w
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s a c h e t ,
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s m o k e
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w i n e ,
w i t h
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s u n ,
s m o o t h i e ,
a s u s e
w e l l i t
h e r b s .
6
Pink Himalayan Salt www.butterlovebylc.co
CANNABIS & PREGNANCY We literally know nothing about cannabis and pregnancy. Like, seriously, nothing. Of course, there are studies and research out there (about pregnant rats and cannabis), but none containing any conclusive evidence for those wondering if they should, or should not consume cannabis while pregnant. Mothers who have chosen not to use the herb during their pregnancy have endured months of pain, nausea, and / or not being able to eat. While those who have decided to use cannabis while pregnant have been heavily scrutinized and judged by those who frown upon it (it is important to note here that “using cannabis” does not exclusively refer to smoking it). Although medical professionals don’t suggest consuming anything that may, or may potentially harm you or your growing fetus (which is pretty much everything these days if you ask me), most practitioners agree that it is okay to have up to two “standard glasses” of wine a week while pregnant. So if you’re okay with this, I have to ask; Is one really worse than the other? Or are you just judgey? It should be known that just because more people are doing it doesn’t mean it’s safe. However, just because people aren’t doing it doesn’t make it uncivilized. Due to the lack of information on the matter, we actually owe women who are using cannabis while pregnant a huge debt for doing what they believe is best for their families, and their potential to help pioneer studies for women in the future.
"
Here’s to babies, understanding one another, and more research on cannabis and pregnancy!
"
8
"Endo" By Urbane Boozer
Photograph by Robert Nelson
A
ll of the contradictions, conundrums and exceptions to the rules within the English language become very apparent when you look at the Cannabis industry. Is it Cannabis? Weed? Marijuana? Ganja? Reefer? Pot? Endo? Or outdo?! According to slang scholar Jonathon Green, there are at least 1,200 "slang" terms related to marijuana, and hundreds more to describe one’s state of intoxication after consuming the drug. My personal favorite term would have to be "endo", which I have come to find has roots in ancient Greece, is often a misspelling of "indo", and has connections to a possible remedy for permanent hair loss. The first time I heard the word was in Missy Elliott's 1997 hit, The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly);
"WHEN THE RAIN HITS MY WINDOW I TAKE AND *COUGH* ME SOME INDO" At that point in my life, the only thing I knew about cannabis was that I shouldn't do it. And as I grew older, I began to understand the dangers associated with drugs and drug abuse - as I had been taught about them in school and witnessed them in real life. So the thought of ever doing any kind of drug terrified me. Anyhow, as we skip ahead a few years; my career as a natural hair care specialist led me to a love of essential oils and the plants they derive from, which ultimately led me down a rabbit hole of song lyrics, Urban Dictionary, scientific journals, and a potential cure for permanent hair-loss! It all started with a simple Google search for, you guessed it, "cannabis hair products". It wasn't long before I ran into articles that praised the nonpsychoactive element of the plant, CBD, for its many healing properties. So, of course, I had to find out more about this CBD as it related to hair care. What I found was a ton of research linking the human body's natural endocannabinoid system to cell growth control. Long story short, these neurotransmitters, acting as receptors, bind with CBD, activating the many nutrients found in CBD (Vitamin E, Omega 3 and Omega 6 acids), restoring damaged cells, and stimulating hair growth.
It was at this point in the hole, where I immediately thought about Missy's lyrics and googled them - thinking I'd find some deeper meaning connecting the use of the drug to our endocannabinoid system. What I found instead, was that the words indo and endo are often used interchangeably, but they aren't actually the same thing. Indo refers to the indica subspecies of the cannabis plant, widely believed to have originated in India. While endo, the ancient Greek word for within, refers to a substance that is derived from the cannabis plant after it is hung to dry that many believe is just as potent as the flower. Alas, neither of these terms refer to weed grown "indoors", which is a term I believe originated from Ice Cube's famous line in Friday, when Craig and Smokey were smoking on Craig's porch; "I thought you said this was Indo...smells like Outdo." A few hours later, I finally escaped the hole and returned to planet earth with a wealth of knowledge about cannabinoids, different species of marijuana, the etymology of endo, and a few ideas about how all of these things can be used to revolutionize the hair industry. Needless to say, I have come along way from my days as a student tormented by the thought of ever using "drugs". And while I don't see myself smoking anytime soon, I am very interested in the many benefits cannabis and CBD have to offer those in need. While it has yet to be scientifically proven that CBD can cure genetic hair loss, or reverse the process of snatched edges. Science does tell us that the natural qualities found in CBD can help improve the condition and the thickness of hair for a sustained period of time. CBD can also improve mental and physical well-being by and reducing stress & anxiety - which can contribute to hair loss. So it kind of goes without saying, that with a little more research and support from both the cannabis and hair industries, maybe we can find a cure for hair loss. Until then, the lack of research and support on such issues will continue to result in miseducation, misinformation, consumption / use of harmful products, and a bunch of ambiguous and confusing terms.
Constance Nevels is a natural hair care specialist, and owner of Urbane Boozer Hair Salon and Studio, based out of St. Louis, MO. www.urbaneboozer.com 1708 Delmar Boulevard 63103 314.499.8141 10
AN INTIMATE MOMENT
With Shayba Diaz Muhammad, Inside Her Studio
PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHOLE SCHNEIDER
By Rachel Nevels
[Left] photograph of a sketch in Muhammad's St. Louis studio. [This page]] Muhammad working in her studio. wearing the Janan Necklace, $82.00. Available at mahnal.com.
N
othing about oxygen tanks and buckets of cleaning solution say, “feng shui”. But somehow, Shayba Diaz Muhammad, founder and head designer of Mahnal, has made her studio / workspace something to marvel.
But that's the short version, and although Muhammad makes it look easy, as any entrepreneur will tell you, creating and running your own business is anything but. You need a multitude of skill sets, experiences and patience.
Much like her jewelry designs, being present in her workspace made me feel peaceful, elegant, important. I was literally like a kid in a candy factory...Willy Wonka’s candy factory - if candy were jewelry, and Willy Wonka was a black woman.
“Studying fine art formally was actually a really exciting yet really frustrating time for me,” she shared. “I excelled in all of my courses and have great relationships with all of my teachers because of it. But what I didn’t like was having my creativity limited. I wanted to fine-tune my technical skills, yes, but I wanted to explore my own concepts. There were some things I knew I wasn’t interested in learning and other things I wanted to learn but was limited by my major [fashion design] from taking advanced courses in. This should have been an early sign that entrepreneurship was the route for me.”
“I actually went to school briefly for fashion design in Chicago,” the designer said, breaking the silence and my gaze at her working. “I can’t remember a time growing up when art wasn’t apart of my life,” she continued. “It was all around me and seemed everyone in my family was some sort of artist, I never really saw myself or my identity outside the scope of an artist. A strong inclination toward fashion in particular is what led me to fashion school, yet [eventually] I found jewelry to be a little less time consuming to produce while still giving me that same sartorial satisfaction of sewing and pattern making for clothes. I actually got my start while working as a visual merchandiser focusing in jewelry, and began creating my own pieces to save money...I was an accessory addict back then and spent so much money shopping!” The pieces she created for herself in order to save money would eventually catch the attention of customers, who would eventually become loyal clients and Mahnal was born.
However winding the road, Muhammad eventually narrowed her focus on creating simple, delicate, and timeless jewelry designs that accent the “natural elegance of a woman”, while inspiring and adorning her. “With the jewelry I create I really want women to take away a sense of connection,” the designer expressed. “I try to use the jewelry, through Arabic language, to express ideas that remind us to slow down and feel again. We live in an unnaturally fast paced world, and because of this we don’t have a good relationship with time and our place in it. It’s [understandably] easy to lose touch with the
present and feel a sense of gratitude. So that is what this jewelry is about. Each piece via form, function, or its given name serves as a medium of introspection and reflection - and it’s all handmade so each piece has a bit of a character of its own.” She goes on to say that the pieces are imperfect (as they are handmade), as humans tend to be, which serves as a reminder of what truly makes the world go-round. The beauty that Muhammad translates in her designs goes beyond her keen eye and love of art. It goes back to her upbringing in the Nation of Islam. “Yes, I was raised muslim in the Nation of Islam,” she professed. “My grandparents joined when the Honorable Elijah Muhammad was still with us. I grew up hearing stories about how my grandfather met Malcolm X and what it was like to be muslim in those days. So being raised in a culture that makes it a point to not only celebrate and educate about Black achievement- but rears us to actively continue to carry that torch, is vastly different from that of mainstream America.” “I am forever grateful for having such a unique, and rare gem of a community to belong to where we all have the common goal to refine and be our best selves, to then serve our community in an effort to make it the best community. This is intricately woven into my
and their owners are not necessarily adding value to the community. As ambitious as it may sound, I really want this phenomenon to pivot in a direction that shifts the current socio-economic condition.” Not only does she run a successful business while giving back to the community and other entrepreneurs, she embodies her beliefs and ambitions without coming off as...well, holier than thou. In a conversation about the concept of our magazine and the cannabis industry in general, the designer had this to say; “I have a very unique stance on marijuana use. As for my relationship with it, I don’t really have one aside from being a former smoker. It was something I let go of a few years ago for a few reasons I’ll share with you. I am absolutely for the legalization of marijuana because I know that criminalizing the use targeted our community and had detrimental effects. It doesn’t make logical sense to criminalize marijuana and not criminalize alcohol, tobacco, and honestly some of the ingredients we’re finding on the shelves of our grocery stores today. On the flip side, there’s this culture right now that believes marijuana is all benefit, no side-effect and that’s just not a conclusion based on facts. Inhaling smoke is harmful, elevated THC levels are harmful, processed marijuana is also estrogenic. I don’t claim to be the expert here, but I do think people need to go into using any drug educated first.” “There’s a lot of misinformation, as well as information being left off of the table and out of the conversation when we talk about educating people on marijuana and it’s value,” she continues. “I would actually like to highlight here the work and scholarship of Dr. Wesley Muhammad. He’s really been championing bringing some of this left out research to the forefront. Because it doesn’t run parallel to commonly accepting opinions, it is seen as controversial. I, however, am of the belief that if it is science-based it needs to be considered and included in the conversation. We have to let the science, not politics or groupthink, have a larger stake in shaping the trajectory of marijuana use into the future.”
[Continued from previous page] sense of purpose in creating things that feel meaningful and complementary to my community. The result of which manifested as The Makers Program. The Makers Program is Muhammad’s latest endeavor, in which she provides Black and Latino artists with the resources and guidance they need to empower themselves. “Through a series of 12 workshops, over a period of 12 weeks creative entrepreneurs learn the fundamentals of building a business,” she shared. “Things like wholesale, pricing, forming a legal entity, marketing, bookkeeping, and more will be covered. The 12th week will culminate with a pop-up event called The Makers Mart where the artists will present their products to the community, and the community will get a chance to come and shop from the artists as well. So the idea is really to empower people to use their talents and build a business. Small business is the key to good economic health in any community, but we really need this most.”
“Having people close to me struggle with cancer, and knowing that marijuana [used medicinally] can help with that gives the plant a lot of value for me. So, honestly it’s a bit complicated for me but at the end of the day I am loyal to good health, lucid minds, and a clean, functional body ingesting as little toxins as we can help.” You can find Mahnal jewelry, as well as more information about The Makers Mart via Mahnal.com. You can also find Mahnal designs at brick and mortar locations in St. Louis, Chicago, and most recently Tokyo, Japan! Follow the brand on social media, @Mahnal for more updates, pop-up shop locations, and more!
“Some of the most pivotal lessons I learned were really the value of access to resources and guidance,” she continued. “So as an entrepreneur there are already a ton of areas you need to be competent in to do well. As an artist that’s foreign, because your area of expertise is your craft. Now add on top of that, you’re black or brown- the degree of difficulty is magnified even further. So in reflecting on my own experiences and also asking a lot of questions from the artists from my own community, I incorporated those exact needs into the programming for The Makers Program.” "In the coming years, I really see The Makers Program really filling the void of small businesses in our community. When we enter our communities many of the businesses we see are not black-owned
15
We have to let� the science, not politics or groupthink, have a larger stake in shaping the trajectory of marijuana use into the future.
Over The Influence Savis Davis By Rachel Nevels
"The obstacles I’ve faced in setting myself apart as a stylist is just staying in my lane and doing what works for me. And I know that sounds simple, but we live in a culture where we’re all kinda transforming into the same person. But I had to stay in my lane."
I
n The Age of the “Influencer”, it’s always refreshing to actually meet one. Real Influencers do so from behind the scenes;
innately and unconsciously sparking ideas and shaping values for others. Real Influencers don’t just call you to action; they inspire you. They are the blood flow of culture; humanity. We’ve underestimated what it means to influence someone - and that can lead us down a dangerous path. After all, it is influence that affects what we wear; what doctor we choose; which restaurants we eat at; why we vote; whom we vote for, and so much more. Within the hair community, Savis Davis - soon to be Austin, has made quite a name for herself as a stylist, as well as an influencer. She filled her summer calendar well before summer was over - having done personal styles for the likes of rapper Lola Monroe and actress Tae Heckard. And most recently, she was a featured stylist at the Bronner Brothers International Beauty Show on their main stage. She has not only proven herself as an influential hairstylist but as a creative in general. From culinary art to body art [tattooing], it seems as if she can do anything! In a little under a year, Davis’ signature gypsy locs took her from aspiring stylist to traveling celebrity stylist. Her look [and services] inspiring many women to “embrace their natural beauty”. In fact, the photo of her on our cover is what inspired this issue. 20
Having known her personally for quite some time, Davis has always had a compellingness about her that's hard to pinpoint. She’s full of love and light. She supports all of her peers. She gives off an air of humility and unmatched confidence. And she always has the best weed. In all seriousness, much like way leaders in the cannabis industry are changing the way we view cannabis, Davis and her gypsy locs have challenged the way we view an entire group of people (or at least a particular hairstyle associated with those people). Beyond this, she has challenged individuals to see and accept themselves. “The obstacles I’ve faced in setting myself apart as a stylist is just staying in my lane and doing what works for me,” she said. “And I know that sounds simple, but we live in a culture where we’re all kinda transforming into the same person. But I had to stay in my lane with that I knew was dope. Even if no one else thought it was." Davis recounts when she first started, how many people wanted the style, but after seeing the finished product on themselves became apprehensive and uncertain. “A lot of people weren’t used to something so unique,” she said. “So they didn’t like it, or wanted their money back. But after a few compliments, and a couple more days, they would hit me back like, ‘I love these everybody stops me’ and blah blah blah.” As her official website states, “it takes a mentally strong and confident individual to rock these babies. With society’s pressures of being dripped in diamonds and glued down with weaves, we're programmed to forget natural beauty.” Additionally, before booking an appointment, she even urges those interested to be mentally prepared - accepting your individual beauty is a prerequisite to obtaining the style. Whether or not you consider yourself to be spiritual or superstitious, it is widely accepted that when someone does something drastic to their hair, it changes them in one way or another. So then, how does one come up with such a hairstyle, along with such an impactful concept? “Gypsy Locs kind of created themselves,” she said about the signature look. “I just put myself fully into my craft...my freeness, wildness, and uniqueness. I never really want to do things like others. I feel like the only reason I survive is being creative. That’s all I’ve really been good at from my childhood until now.” The celebrity stylist even has a unique approach to staying motivated. “I’m Inspired by the weirdest shit .. like when I’m feeling uninspired I smoke my favorite strain, Blue dream, - it’s a really chill sativa, so I can create and I don’t get sleepy or drift off mentally; watch
a movie about slavery; then play Sza’s album while strolling through artwork from the 50’s or 60’s.” The result of these creative rituals includes, but are not limited to, revolutionary hairstyle’s, and apparently a killer cannabis-infused vegan mac and cheese! In March of last this year, Davis’ boyfriend, rapper “Mvstermind”, proposed to her (I was there, it was beautiful). And earlier this month, on the day of our interview, the couple announced that they are expecting! Only a few short months away from giving birth, Davis is still going strong with projects and appointments. Although, she hasn’t been using cannabis as a part of her creative ritual, but instead as a part of her homeopathic remedy for morning sickness. “I lost a dangerous amount of weight because I couldn’t eat. I was weak and would be in the bed all day long. It was actually kind of depressing. So I was like fuck this, I have to do something.” Not a fan of western medicine / pharmaceutical meds, she made the decision to at least consult a doctor about her options. “I didn’t want to get in trouble for having marijuana in my system while pregnant, but I researched the medicine they gave me, and all of it contained horrible chemicals and had proven adverse effects in women (and their children) who had taken it. So I did my own research, and decided to use natural herbs instead.” Aware of the lack of research, Davis makes her own tea or uses a vape pen in sparing dosages to help with her appetite. “You should be careful with how much of anything you consume. I once underestimated this and ended up in the hospital after eating an entire 100mg edible. I just simply wasn’t aware of dosages when it concerned cannabis. But that was a while ago, and I consider myself an educated consumer now. Beyond that, I’ve seen marijuana heal people with serious illnesses.” Davis uses her 8-year-old niece as a prime example. “My niece has had horrible seizures since she’s been a toddler, and when she was five her doctors prescribed her all these pills - one to stop the seizure, one for this, another one for that, one to put her to sleep - it was a lot. It was also very expensive, almost $1,300 a month for two years,” she recalls. “But then CBD oil became a thing, and they started using that. And even though it’s more efficient, oils can also get expensive thanks to how marijuana is regulated [or lack thereof] - you pay hundreds of dollars for a very small amount, and depending on how often someone has seizures, it starts to add up.” So when she can, Davis uses her culinary skills to make her niece butter [to cook with], which has been as effective as the medicine she uses.
[This page] Davis and Austin backstage after his marriage
Not just anyone can inspire you to go to such extremes with your hair; your inner and most outer self. If she isn’t whipping hair in her mobile salon, she’s whippin’ in the kitchen...literally, and if she isn’t there, she’s more than likely somewhere being creative. Leaving a trail of inspiration and gypsy magic for all of us to find.
proposal last March. [Opposite page] behind the scenes of Davis' maternity shoot. Featuring her signature Gypsy locs in purple.
IRUOSSIM REHTEWLLEB
WILL THE FUTURE OF CANNABIS REFORM BE 'THE WAY WITH MISSOURI'? OR WILL THE STATE SIMPLY FOLLOW THE NATIONS CURRENT TRENDS?
H
istorically, the state of Missouri has been considered our nation's Bellwether State. This simply means that Missouri has voted for every winning president from 1904-2016, with the exceptions of 1956, 2008 and 2012. Reasons for this phenomenon are strongly linked to the location and demographics of the state. For well over a century, the nation has not only looked to Missouri to predict the next President, but to also lead the way on social issues such as stem cell research, LBGTQ rights, education, and more. However, in recent years this coveted title has been challenged by other potential Bellwether’s such as Ohio, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and California - states that also closely mirror the nation’s political and cultural make-up. Some experts have gone so far as to say that Missouri is no longer an indicator of the future, but an indication of what is trending.
During the upcoming November elections, a number of states will have ballot measures or proposed legislation, which will affect access and availability of medicinal and / or recreational marijuana. This comes as no surprise, given the steady increase in the number of Americans who support full legalization.
Missouri has already made [somewhat] progressive changes to marijuana laws in the past few years, including decriminalization (to a certain extent) in 2014, and some jurisdictions choosing not to spend resources on cases involving petty amounts of marijuana - but instead on other, more serious crimes. Additionally, the state has an active hemp industry, and products containing the non-psychoactive component of cannabis, CBD, are sold at various locations. However, there is still work to be done. So much so, that on November 6th, the state will choose between three different measures; Amendment 2, Amendment 3, and Proposition C.
Amendment 2, supported by New Approach Missouri (NAM), is the most popular of the three and focuses on patient care. This proposal will not only allow patients and caregivers to grow up to six plants on their private property but would allow marijuana to be used to treat "any other chronic, debilitating or other medical condition" according to "the professional judgment of a physician."
Amendment 3 would be spearheaded by physician-attorney Brad Bradshaw, and would focus on medical research. Funds from future marijuana-sales would go toward setting up a research institute that will focus on finding cures for currently incurable diseases, as well as a transportation infrastructure for the campus, medical care, public pensions and income tax refunds.
Proposition C, supported by Missourians for Patient Care, focuses more on business enterprise and would give local governments more control over medical marijuana businesses. Proceeds would be split four ways to fund veterans health care, public safety, drug treatment programs and early childhood development initiatives.
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A sign supporting Amendment 2 inside of Mr. Nice Guy, a popular smoke shop located on Cherokee Street in St. Louis, MO.
While each measure addresses important issues, there can only be one. The best one. The one that will determine Missouri’s place within the Cannabis Industry. The measure that most closely reflects the times, addresses racial injustice and disparity in regards to marijuana and will provide the necessary insight for a recreation campaign (coming in 2020) is Amendment 2. In fact, the NAACP is the most recent organization to openly endorse NAM’s initiative.
Adolphus M. Pruitt, II, President of the St. Louis chapter of the NAACP, stated that “Marijuana and racism have long been intertwined, dating back to the post-Prohibition era in the 1930s when the country’s first drug czar gained traction for his war on marijuana by invoking a fear of black people. The broader legalization of Medical Marijuana in Missouri is a social justice issue, but only if it is linked to some type of effort to make sure members of minority communities are able to participate in the cannabis industry as growers and sellers, not just workers. Amendment 2 and its backers (New Approach Missouri) offers the best opportunity for such.”
“The impact and dangerous side effects of opioids and painkillers are well documented and continually ruin lives in Missouri,” he went on to say. “Medical marijuana is empirically proven as a safe and effective alternative to opioids and painkillers. But right now, doctors and patients aren’t allowed to consider this option when making a personal healthcare decision.”
“Amendment 2 represents a safe, responsible, and patient-centric way forward for Missouri to become the 31st state to allow medical marijuana. Amendment 2 is about putting health decisions back in the hands of patients and their doctors, allowing medical marijuana use under the supervision and expertise of doctors, not government bureaucrats.”
So far, 31 states and Washington, DC have legalized medical marijuana. While only 9 states and Washington DC have legalized recreational marijuana. In more ways than one, Missouri could benefit from legalization. Especially with guidance from NAM and Amendment 2. The millions of dollars in taxes said to be generated by this measure could be used to improve the state's schools, transit-system(s), and so much more.
On its last straw, will Missouri defend its legacy as the Bellwether of the nation by voting to legalize medical marijuana? Will Amendment 2 shape the way the rest of the nation handles cannabis reform? Or will the state be a late adapter to the cannabis industry, simply following trends?
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Credits Cover
Bellwether Missouri
Photographed by Muhammad Austin
Photograph (p. 23) by Logan Troxell Photograph (p. 24) by Rachel Nevels Quote from NAACP via www.http://greaterstlnorml.org/st-louisnaacp-president-endorses-amendment2/ Special thanks to GSTLNORML for having us at their August board meeting.
Herb of the Month
Painting by C & S Artistry IG @Candsartistry
Cannabis & Pregnancy
Written by Rachel Nevels Photograph by Matthew Brodeur
Endo
Written by Constance Nevels (Urbane Boozer) Photograph (p. 9) by Robert Nelson Photograph (p. 10) by Christin Hume
AN INTIMATE MOMENT
WITH SHAYBA DIAZ
MUHAMMAD
Written by Rachel Nevels Photographed by Chole Schnider Special thanks to Diaz-Muhammad for allowing us into her workspace.
Over the Influence
Written by Rachel Nevels Photographed by Muhammad Austin Photograph (p. 22) by Rachel Nevels Special thanks to Savis Davis and Muhammad Austin for sharing an intimate moment of their lives with us.
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