THE ENLIGHTENED VOICE
F RE E / L E A F M AGA Z I N E S . COM
#69 | J AN. 2022
INDEPENDENT CANNABIS JOURNALISM SINCE 2010
Enjoy your stay with your first 506 Merhar ave fairbanks ak
license number 20827
907-474-good www.goodtitrations.com
onsite consumption experience k next to walmart and lowe’s
Ask Your Budtender for that
Award-Winning Cannabis Wonder Woman
Black Rose
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Best Sativa Best Terps
SweetMatanuskaGreen@Gmail.com | SweetMatanuskaGreen.com Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming and addictive. Marijuana impairs concentration, coordination, and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under its influence. There are health risks associated with consumption of marijuana. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children. Marijuana should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast feeding.
672 E END RD #B HOMER, AK | 844-225-7600 | 907-299-1829 | SHAWN@FRONTIERCBDS.COM
FRONTIERCBDS.COM
THE WEED & WELLNESS ISSUE
[
JANUARY 2022
issue
#69
Happy New Year!
feature
jan. 2022
THE CHANGING FACE OF SPORTS
50
CANNTHROPOLOGY THE APOTHECARY AGE
DREW BARDANA WORLD OF CANNABIS MUSEUM
40 ATHLETES AND CANNABIS
DREW BARDANA
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SHOP REVIEW GREEN JAR, WASILLA
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11 14 18 22 24 28 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 49 50 52
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EDITOR’S NOTE N AT I O N A L N E W S BUDTENDER Q&A SHOP REVIEW CANNABIS RECIPES STRAIN OF THE MONTH BRAINS BEAUTY H E A LT H SEX SPORTS PETS EXITS C O N C E N T R AT E S P R O D U C T PA I R I N G S CANNTHROPOLOGY STONEY BALONEY
DREW BARDANA
POT FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
PETS & CANNABIS
O'HARA SHIPE
LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
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THE WEED & WELLNESS ISSUE
FEATURE
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LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
10
jan. 2022
healthy Cannabis recipes
Start your new year off right with a selection of tasty and healthy ideas for Cannabis treats....
RECIPES by LAURIE WOLF | PHOTOS by BRUCE WOLF
E S TA B L I S H E D 2 0 1 0
T H E E N L I G H T E N E D VO I C E
N O RT H W E S T L E A F / O R EG O N L E A F / A L AS KA L E A F / M A RY L A N D L E A F / CA L I F O R N I A L E A F / N O RT H E AS T L E A F
A B O U T T H E C OV E R For our first-ever Weed & Wellness Issue, Creative Director Daniel Berman looked to the Austin, Texas-based illustrator Angela Southern to bring the concepts and stories of this wide-ranging edition to life. Southern, a fourth-generation artist specializing in hand lettering, has worked with an impressive list of clients such as The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, American Greetings and Converse. “This cover was exciting to put together because I created all the lettering by hand with a brush!” says Southern. “There’s an energy and element of surprise that comes with brush lettering, and I’m obsessed with it.”
ART by ANGELA SOUTHERN @SOUTHERNANGELA
PUBLISHER
CONTRIBUTORS
WES ABNEY | FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
OSCAR AVELLANEDA-CRUZ, PHOTOS DANIEL BERMAN, PHOTOS BOBBY BLACK, FEATURES JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION TOM BOWERS, FEATURES CABIN 7 ORIGINALS, ILLUSTRATIONS MAX EARLY, FEATURES STEVE ELLIOTT, NATIONAL NEWS JEFF PORTERFIELD, DESIGN JESSE RAMIREZ, ILLUSTRATION MIKE RICKER, FEATURES MEGHAN RIDLEY, EDITING O'HARA SHIPE, FEATURES + PHOTOS JAMIE VICTOR, DESIGN DAN VINKOVETSKY, FEATURES NATE WILLIAMS, FEATURES BRUCE & LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES
WES@LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
CREATIVE DIRECTOR DANIEL BERMAN | VISUALS & DESIGN
DANIEL@LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
STATE DIRECTOR JOSHUA STAHLE | AD SALES
JOSH@LEAFMAGAZINES.COM 907-317-2536
CONTENT DIRECTOR O'HARA SHIPE | EDITORIAL
OHARA@LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
CONNECT WITH ALASKA LEAF Exclusive Cannabis Journalism @NWLEAF
|
@AKLEAFMAG
@NWLEAF
ISSUU.COM/NWLEAF FREE ONLINE ARCHIVE
EDITOR'S NOTE PHOTO by OSCAR AVELLANEDA-CRUZ @OKIAVE
ABNEY
Editor’s Note Thanks for picking up The Weed & Wellness Issue of the Leaf! THE CLASSIC SAYING that health is wealth is more poignant than ever as we find ourselves in a new year of uncertainty during a global pandemic – which is why we chose to focus our first issue of 2022 on all the ways that Cannabis can help add to a healthy lifestyle.
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As a child of the DARE era I was told that Cannabis was bad for you, could cause cancer, and tons of other drug war propagandized lies. But from my first toke, I’ve known that Cannabis made me and others around me feel better! This is now evident with stories told in the Leaf from people all over the world whose lives have been improved by access to our favorite plant. And now we are finding new and interesting ways to integrate Cannabis into our lives… From pre and post workout routines to our sexual lives, Cannabis can make fun activities even more enjoyable! And those struggling with addiction to substances like alcohol, pharmaceuticals or other drugs, can find relief in Cannabis and JUST AS A JOINT remove the negative input by replacing it with plant powered medicine. It’s SHOULD BE truly amazing what the right dose of terpenes and cannabinoids can do, and SHARED TO BE I hope that this issue inspires you to think about Cannabis beyond getting FULLY ENJOYED, high – and to explore how it can help your life or those of your loved ones. Just as a joint should be shared to be fully enjoyed, so must be the information about how Cannabis helps improve lives. By now most of America knows that smoking weed isn’t really dangerous, and a lot of people have experienced the joy of picking out a strain at a dispensary and trying it legally.
SO MUST BE THE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW CANNABIS HELPS IMPROVE LIVES.
But what America and our global community need to wake up to is how many pills Cannabis can replace, and how many diseases, health issues and addiction problems can be solved with the plant that was once considered the most dangerous drug. After all, the most dangerous part of Cannabis is the fact that it disrupts the pharmaceutical industry agenda, is safer than alcohol, and opens minds instead of clouding them. The scariest thing about the pay-for-play healthcare system in America is the idea that a plant grown in the backyard can replace half the medicine cabinet. Growing your own medicine and having access to it from trusted sources in medicinally oriented products is the epitome of health autonomy, and we are all blessed to live in a time where Cannabis is once again leading the pharmacological movement towards natural, safer medicines. So the next time you smoke weed for a headache, use a topical for back pain or have a friend complaining about sleep issues, suggest a specialized Cannabis product or a strain that has helped you. That’s how we plant seeds of change and help the people we love to embrace the plant we can all benefit from!
-Wes Abney JAN. 2022
leafmagazines.com
We are creators of targeted, independent Cannabis journalism. Please email us to discuss advertising in the next issue of Alaska Leaf Magazine. We do not sell stories or coverage. We can offer design services and guidance on promoting your company’s medicinal, recreational, commercial or industrial Cannabis business, product or event within our magazine and on our website, LeafMagazines.com. Email josh@leafmagazines.com for more information on supporting Alaska Leaf!
WES
PHOTO BY @SONDERFELTLLC FOR LEAF NATION
support alaska leaf and reach your customers! email state sales director josh stahle for more information on advertising in the leaf! josh@leafmagazines.com
LEAFMAGAZINES.COM | @AKLEAFMAG | #ALASKALEAF
Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming and addictive. Marijuana impairs concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under its influence. There are health risks associated with consumption of marijuana. For use only by adults twenty-one or older. Marijuana should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast feeding. License #3A-12437
national news
weird
MIDWEST
MISSOURI LEGALIZATION EFFORT HITS THE GROUND RUNNING
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WOMAN ARRESTED AFTER SMOKING WEED ON FACEBOOK LIVE
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LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
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heriff’s deputies arrested a North Carolina woman on drug charges after authorities got a tip she was about to smoke marijuana during a Facebook Live, reports CBS 17. About 9:15 a.m. December 2, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office learned Candace Keene, 33, was preparing to smoke Cannabis in a live stream on Facebook, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. “Investigators reviewed the social media account and was able to observe the video,” a spokesperson for the department wrote. “Investigators and H.E.A.T. Deputies went to the home of Candace Keene and spoke to her about the narcotics “WE WANT TO seen in the video, which THANK THE CITIZENS THAT she did not deny.” REPORT CONCERNS Investigators found TO US NO MATTER and “collected” unHOW LARGE OR SMALL,” specified amounts of THE SHERIFF marijuana. ANNOUNCED. They also claimed to have found controlled prescription medicine not prescribed to Keene during a search of the home. Keene threatened to “purposely” urinate in the cop car after her arrest, the sheriff’s office claimed. Deputies threw Keene in jail for the Facebook stunt. They charged her with possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a schedule VI controlled substance. For good measure, they also wrote her up for possession of drug paraphernalia, and damage to government property. Authorities set her secured bond at $4,000. “We want to thank the citizens that report concerns to us no matter how large or small,” the sheriff announced. “In North Carolina marijuana is illegal and we have a duty to enforce all laws, no matter the opinion.”
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percent of Missourians voted for medical Cannabis in November 2018; it was the most popular issue on the ballot.
jan. 2022
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dispensary licenses have been given out in Lansing, Mich. – but the limit has since been lowered to 55 shops, a number which will be reached through attrition.
oters could decide next year whether Missouri becomes the latest state to legalize marijuana, reports St. Louis Public Radio. A group known as Legal Missouri 2022 launched its initiative petition campaign December 2 in St. Louis. If the group gets enough signatures and Missourian voters approve, adults can legally purchase Cannabis for any reason. Legal Missouri 2022 presented key parts of their petition during the press conference, reports KSDK. Their main objective: legalizing the possession, purchase, consumption and cultivation of Cannabis for adults 21 and older. THEIR MAIN OBJECTIVE: LEGALIZING THE POSSESSION, A 6 percent retail sales tax results in estimated annual state revenues of PURCHASE, CONSUMPTION AND CULTIVATION OF CANNABIS at least $40.8 million, reports Lake Expo. Local governments would get an FOR ADULTS 21 AND OLDER. additional $13.8 million in annual tax revenue, according to estimates. That money, in turn, would cover program costs including conviction expungement. Surplus funds go to veterans’ healthcare, drug addiction treatment and the state’s public defender system. “It is finally time for Missouri to legalize and regulate the adult use of marijuana,” said John Payne of Legal Missouri 2022.
politics
EUROPE
CONGRESS LEAVES MARIJUANA BANKING IN THE LURCH
TINY NATION OF MALTA GOES LEGAL
A
final effort on federal marijuana banking reform by including it in Congress’ military spending bill failed December 7, reports Forbes. Provisions allowing American Cannabis companies to do business with banks were left off a larger defense bill currently under discussion in both chambers of Congress. The SAFE Banking Act passed the House in September as part the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2022. The Senate won’t likely allow the measure back in the final NDAA, according to Bank of America securities analyst Lisa Lewandowski. Lewandowski, however, pointed out that the disconnect between federal and state marijuana laws cannot continue long-term. This is even more urgent due to the $18 billion in legal Cannabis spending last year and the growing marijuana market. “My work on this bill is far from over,” said Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-Colo.), who spearheaded efforts for the SAFE Banking Act. “Going forward, I plan to pursue every possible avenue to get SAFE Banking signed into law.”
90
years is the age of Horacio EstradaElias, a seriously ill Cannabis life prisoner released in a dramatic reversal, serving for a nonviolent marijuana trafficking crime.
T
he parliament of Malta legalized Cannabis in early December. It makes the Mediterranean island country the first in the European Union to allow cultivation and possession of the herb, The Guardian reports. Malta enacted the new law by the weekend. Owen Bonnici, Malta’s minister for Equality, Research and Innovation, praised the decision. Possession of up to seven grams of marijuana will be legal for those 18 and above. Adults can grow up to four Cannabis plants. Those plants, however, must be hidden from public view. Adults are permitted to store up to 50 grams of dried herb. The law forbids public consumption of Cannabis, except for medical marijuana patients. Malta, the EU’s smallest member state, will probably be followed by other states across the EU in 2022, reports Baltic News Network.
normalization
UTAH FIREFIGHTER SUES OVER FIRING
U
tah firefighter Levi Coleman alleges the Ogden City Fire Department unlawfully suspended him from duty for refusing to surrender his medical marijuana card, reports the Standard-Examiner. Coleman’s suit accuses the defendants of discriminating against a government employee in violation of the Utah Medical Cannabis Act. Coleman has been a firefighter and EMT with Ogden since 2011. He said he suffers from chronic back pain, which didn’t interfere with his duties. He got a medical marijuana recommendation and a Utah medical Cannabis card in June. The President of Professional Firefighters of Utah told the Salt Lake Tribune the union is assisting and representing Coleman because the city isn’t following state law. It’s unlawful in Utah for any company to take action against an employee simply for being a medical marijuana patient, unless the person is impaired on the job. “This firefighter is following state law,“ said Jack Tidrow, president of the Professional Firefighters of Utah. “The employer is not.”
420
New York municipalities – 28% of the state’s total of 1,500 – have opted out of adult-use Cannabis sales.
75k $171m
square feet will be the size of top-tier Ohio Cannabis cultivation sites under a new law in the state legislature.
dollars in tax money could be added to Indiana’s coffers by legalizing marijuana, according to Indiana CANN.
STORIES by STEVE ELLIOTT, AUTHOR OF THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF MARIJUANA
interview
W H O ’ S Y O U R FAV O R I T E B U D T E N D E R ? T E L L U S W H Y ! E M A I L N O M I N A T I O N S T O R I C K E R @ L E A F M A G A Z I N E S . C O M
HE LOVES losing himself behind a drum set and letting it rip! In addition, Bryce is into old school Japanese style car builds called Bozozoku, and has put a good amount of time into his own 1988 Mazda MX-6. In the outdoors, he’ll always take a pause for a moment to realize the vastness of life and how we get to experience its wonderment. Follow him on IG @BRYCETHEBOTANYGUY HOW ARE YOU FEELING THESE DAYS, MAN? I’m doing all right, a little tired to be
honest, but lovin’ life. I have severe Tourette Syndrome and it often keeps me up at night. I also have Autism Spectrum Disorder, and on top of that I’m red/green colorblind. This is a big reason why I got into the plants, because they really help me medically. WHAT BENEFITS DOES CANNABIS PROVIDE FOR THESE CHALLENGES? Well, I’m
clearing my throat consistently and when I get nervous, like I am now, I roll my eyes. Generally, when I take an edible, smoke or dab – however I choose to use it – it brings those down. It takes the stress levels down and makes the muscles in my body and face relax, and it reduces pain in my body. Especially topicals, mostly the wrists and face for me. Without them I’d be in pain more consistently.
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LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
WHEN DELIVERING EDUCATION TO YOUR CLIENTELE, HOW DO YOU PHRASE THE BENEFITS? I help guide them in the right
Bryce Hoxeng
“I FOUND MY NICHE IN LIFE. I’VE BEEN GROWING THINGS SINCE I WAS 14 YEARS OLD."
ALASKA LEAF BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH
JAN. 2022
COLDSMOKE 840 KALIFORNSKY BEACH RD SUITE B SOLDOTNA, AL ASKA 8AM-10PM SUN-THURS 8AM-12AM FRI & SAT FB.COM/COLDSMOKEAK (907) 262-9333
direction with specific terpenes. For me, limonene is very helpful because it allows me to be very social, which is huge because of my ASD and getting nervous in big crowds. Without it, my Tourettes would be off the charts. HOW DOES YOUR FAMILY VIEW YOUR CANNABIS USE? My grandparents helped
raise me with my single mother, and they were very anti. My grandpa has since passed away and I believe that if he’s looking down upon me now, he is proud of the direction I’ve taken. Honestly, I’ve seen a lot of people who have gotten into the industry for money, and I understand it if that is your goal. For me, however, I really care about the product for myself and the people who use it. I’ve got a limited grow and it’s a giant blessing in my life. When you have a passion for something the money comes. That’s what my grandpa always taught me. I found my niche in life. I’ve been growing things since I was 14 years old.
INTERVIEW by MIKE RICKER @RICKERDJ PHOTO by O'HARA SHIPE @SHIPESHOTS
@greenjar_ak
Voted Best C in the annabis Mat-S Retai ler u Val ley
4901 E. Blue Lupine Dr. Ste. E Wasilla, AK 99654 907-631-3800
9am to 10am & 8pm to 9pm
Happy Hour
Save 20% off flower everyday
Order directly from our live menu
MARIJUANA HAS INTOXICATING EFFECTS AND MAY BE HABIT FORMING. MARIJUANA IMPAIRS CONCENTRATION, COORDINATION, AND JUDGEMENT. DO NOT OPERATE A VEHICLE OR MACHINERY UNDER ITS INFLUENCE. FOR USE BY ADULTS TWENTY-ONE AND OLDER. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. THERE ARE HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSUMPTION OF MARIJUANA. MARIJUANA SHOULD NOT BE USED BY WOMEN WHO ARE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING. #10008
shop review
BUDTENDERS Green Jar is home to two-time Mat-Su Frontiersman Best of the Valley budtender, Jonathan Lovelace. But Lovelace isn't the dispensary's only exemplary budtender. All 20 budtenders bring enthusiasm and a genuine passion for Cannabis to the table. As budtenders are the face of any dispensary, Green Jar works hard to ensure each budtender receives extensive training to be able to field any customer question.
PRODUCT SELECTION
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A commitment to only selling the best of the best is what makes Green Jar a true standout. According to their staff, even if a product passes state-level testing, there's no guarantee that quality-minded Green Jar will stock it. Before gracing their well-stocked shelves, products must be carefully examined by management to ensure primo quality. Among the gardens whose bud made the cut are Matanuska Medicine Woman, The Connoisseur, Absolem's Garden, Fox Creek and Tanana Herb Co. They also have a wide range of concentrates from AKO Farms, Choice Extracts and Cold Creek Extracts. In the mood for edibles? Pick from Arctic Bakery, Kreative Konfections, Einstein Labs, Lady Gray Medibles and GOOD. Your furry friends can even find CBD products to help with everything from anxiety to joint pain.
ENVIRONMENT & VIBE They say never judge a book by its cover and when it comes to Wasilla's Green Jar, you’ll find a deceptively plain exterior featuring a beautifully designed interior. Rustic wood finishes complement a Cannabis-green colored accent wall and custom foliage. Soft music playing in the background and low-lighting give the dispensary a calm, cool vibe that encourages you to stay awhile and hang – as many customers do.
LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
HISTORY In 2017, Green Jar became the first legal dispensary in the Mat-Su Borough, and it's something that they take great pride in. But Green Jar isn't just known for being the first – they are also known to be Canna-activists. When former Mayor Vern Halter tried to put forth a ballot measure to maintain prohibition in the Valley, Green Jar was on the frontline fighting to maintain legalization. Since then, Green Jar staff have attended every regulatory meeting to ensure a bright future for Cannabis in the Valley.
QUICK HIT The first dispensary you see driving to the Valley from Anchorage is Green Jar, which is fitting considering their status as the Mat-Su Borough's first legal dispensary. From knowledgeable staff to great product selection, Green Jar has earned its glimmering reputation as one of the Valley's best.
jan. 2022
WASILLA
GREEN JAR ALASKA'S AWARD-WINNING BUDTENDER JONATHAN LOVELACE.
GREEN JAR
GREEN JAR ALASKA
4901 E BLUE LUPINE DR, WASILLA, AK OPEN 9AM – 9PM DAILY THEGREENJARAK.COM @GREENJAR_AK (907) 631-3800
“A COMMITMENT TO ONLY SELLING THE BEST OF THE BEST IS WHAT MAKES GREEN JAR A TRUE STANDOUT.” Hashade bottling equipment
REVIEW by ALASKA LEAF STAFF | PHOTOS by O'HARA SHIPE @SHIPESHOTS
cooking with cannabis
R EC I P E S by LAU RIE WOLF | P HOTO by B RUC E WOLF
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healthy treats AS WE BEGIN 2022, some of us are planning to take better care of ourselves. More sleep, more exercise, more kindness and maybe even a better diet. That’s a good thing. We have had challenging times and they’re not over yet – so do what you can to be the best and healthiest version of your stoned self!
CANNABIS GRANOLA 4 cups rolled oats 1 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped 1/2 cup lightly toasted walnuts, roughly chopped 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots 1/3 cup dried cranberries 1/3 cup chia seeds 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg pinch salt 2/3 cup maple syrup 2 tablespoons infused coconut oil or butter 2 teaspoons vanilla
Makes 2, 5mg THC servings
GREEN SMOOTHIE 1 ripe avocado 1 1/2 cups coconut milk 1/2 cup cashew butter 1-2 tablespoons honey/sweetener 2 teaspoons canna-butter or oil 2 teaspoons hemp or chia seeds
1. Heat the oven to 300 degrees.
1. In a blender combine the avocado, coconut milk, cashew butter, honey and canna-butter. Process until smooth. 2. Divide between two glasses and top each with the seeds.
leafmagazines.com
Makes 6 cups, 12 servings, 5mg THC per serving
2. In a bowl combine the oats, almonds, walnuts, apricots, cranberries, chia seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. 3. In a bowl combine the maple syrup, infused oil and vanilla. Pour this mixture over the oat mixture, mix and spread on a parchment covered sheet pan. 4. Bake, stirring occasionally, until the granola is golden brown. Judgement call here, I like my granola on the darker side of golden brown – let your heart be your guide. Expect it to take 35 to 45 minutes. Cool completely before breaking into clusters. The clusters are the best. Keep in an airtight container.
Makes 20 Bonbons, 5mg THC each
EDIBLE ENERGY BONBONS 1 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup almond butter 1/2 cup hemp seeds 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips 10 teaspoons infused coconut oil 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey 1 tablespoon chia seeds 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut, toasted
jan. 2022
1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the oats, almond butter, hemp seeds, chocolate chips, infused oil, maple syrup, chia seeds and vanilla. Process until smooth. Chill for at least an hour. 2. Divide the chilled dough into 20 pieces. Form into balls and roll through the toasted coconut, pressing gently to adhere. Store in the fridge.
GRANOLA BOWL 2/3 cup vanilla yogurt 1/2 cup granola 2 tablespoons golden raisins 3 strawberries, trimmed and sliced 2 tablespoons toasted coconut flakes 2 tablespoons sliced almonds 1 tablespoon flax seeds
1. You really just want to mix this stuff. Add your favorite toppings and go wild!
#Dont feart heedi ble #sharelov e #cannabi sandyou #forbi dd enf ruit # b ewell | La uriea nd Ma ryJa ne.com
THE WEED & WELLNESS ISSUE
We have CBDs!
Frontier CBD * Hemp Bomb * Honey Root * Alaskan Healing Center
224 N Yenlo St, Wasilla, AK | 907-373-2839 | M-F 8a-10p, Sat 10a-10p, Sun 11a-7p
SUNDAYS 15% Off Cartridges TUESDAYS Two for Tuesdays Two Grams of Concentrates for $90 (Exclusions Apply)
WEDNESDAYS $40 1/8ths on All Strains THURSDAYS 1/2gm Pre-Rolls for $5 + All CBD & Merchandise 25% off FRIDAYS Buy 3 Edibles, Get a 4th for a Penny SATURDAYS 10% Off All Silver Plate Concentrates
Now Open at TWO
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9900 Old Seward Hwy
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STRAIN OF THE MONTH LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
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CARAMEL CARAMEL COOKIE COOKIE CBD CBD
jan. 2022
REVIEW by ALASKA LEAF STAFF | PHOTO by O'HARA SHIPE @SHIPESHOTS
AS THE RUSH of the holidays dissipates, we’re left with the warmth of our memories and probably more than one or two aches and pains. So, whether you’re fighting a sore shoulder from being packed in a middle seat on a cross-continental flight or nursing wounds from that new Nerf gun you bought your kids, Top Hat Cannabis’ Caramel Cookie CBD has you covered.
A GROWN BY
TOP HAT CANNABIS SMOOTH AS BUTTER, THE SMOKE LEFT A LOVELY POMEGRANATE AFTERTASTE
house favorite strain, Top Hat co-owner Lacy Wilcox says she can’t imagine life without Caramel Cookie CBD – and we’d have to agree with her. A cross between CBD Kong’s Kush and White Caramel Cookie Bread by Sumo Seeds, Caramel Cookie provides a relaxing, euphoric high that starts in your temples before slowly creeping down to your toes. The light green flower with brightly colored orange pistils is small in stature but a delight to behold. A crunchy, mostly frostless bud, Caramel Cookie easily snaps into smaller pieces that are perfect for packing into a bowl of any size. In fact, snapping the bud in half provides the same level of illogical pleasure as popping bubble wrap, and we’re here for it. Though Caramel Cookie is on the smaller side, it is packed with big boy flavor. Dried, the flower emits a powerful tropical scent with hints of earthiness. Truth be told, it kind of smells like a Hawaiian forest. Once burned, the flower releases an entirely different scent profile highlighted by sweet caramel and vanilla. Smooth as butter, the smoke left a lovely pomegranate aftertaste that lingered for several minutes. Oh, and did we mention that Caramel Cookie was recently named the top CBD strain at the Alaska Leaf Bowl? Yeah, this flower definitely slaps!
INDICA | 7.1% THC | 11.05% CBD @TOPHATCONCENTRATES THCAL ASKA.COM
“Why fly? When you can enjoy the most beautiful ride on earth”
ANCHORAGE TO HOMER June 1st-Aug 31st Monday – Friday Departs Anchorage Arctic & International – 724 W. International - Garrett’s Tesoro Cooper Landing Wild- man’s 300pm Soldotna Chamber of Commerce 500pm All times are approx. Stage Line Summer Schedule HOMER TO ANCHORAGE June 1st-Aug 31st Monday – Friday Departs Homer 830am 1242 Ocean Dr Soldotna Chamber of Commerce 1015am Cooper Landing Wildman’s 1115am
VISITING ALASKA
Sights seen from the road
SEWARD TO HOMER June 1st – August 31st Mon Wed Fri
Locally owned and operated by a Departs Seward 100pm lifelong Alaskan, Stage Line offers call ahead for pick up point passenger transportation, freight, parcel, and courier service, between Cooper Landing Wild- man’s 200pm Anchorage and the Kenai Soldotna 300pm Peninsula. Our schedule includes, All times are approx Anchorage to Homer, Cooper Landing, Soldotna, Kasilof, Ninilchik, HOMER TO SEWARD Anchor Point. Homer to Seward, June 1st - August 31st Soldotna, Cooper Landing. And any The Stage Line PO Box 353 Anchor Point, Mon Wed Fri points in between! MP flag stops AK available! Private party charters Departs Homer 1242 Ocean Dr 900am The Stage Line 1242 Ocean Dr Homer, Ak available! Reasonable rates, saves 724 W International Anchorage, Ak of Commerce time and money for travelling or your Soldotna Chamber Staging points only 1030am 907-868-3914 907-235-2252 shipping needs. Cooper Landing Wildman’s 1130 E-mail: stage.line@yahoo.com One of the top 10 most scenic www.stagelineinhomer.com highways.
THE WEED & WELLNESS ISSUE
MENTAL POWERS It wasn’t so long ago that our televisions were clogged with public service announcements warning us that Cannabis consumption was akin to tossing one’s mind into a frying pan and letting it sizzle. While today we know that such crude analogies are not, in fact, an accurate representation of “your brain on drugs,” we are still woefully under informed when it comes to understanding the role of Cannabis in the mental health of humans. From success stories of military veterans using Cannabis to alleviate symptoms of PTSD to concerns over potential changes in the brain chemistry of underage consumers, to say the situation is complex would be a massive understatement.
B
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eyond the vast array of different ways in which Cannabis and mental health can and should be studied, there’s also the underlying issue of the plant’s continued status as a Class I controlled substance. In stark contrast to the wealth of ongoing research being conducted in countries like Canada and Israel, the fact that Cannabis remains federally illegal in the U.S. means efforts to study its medical efficacy on all fronts are extremely limited. As the COO and co-founder of NorCal’s Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance (SCVA), Newsom had a first-row seat to witness the benefits Cannabis can provide to veterans suffering from PTSD and other related conditions. In addition to serving the SCVA’s mission, Newsom also believes it’s incumbent on organizations like his own to not only call for needed research, but to spearhead such efforts too, wherever possible. “We try as hard as we can to do as much research as possible,” Newsom said. “But there’s not much that can be done while the plant still falls under a Schedule I drug classification.” Despite this massive barrier, Newsom says the SCVA continues to do whatever it can. Back in 2016, for instance, Stanford University and the VA conducted a study utilizing both the SCVA’s Cannabis and veteran populace. “They did a seven or eight month study with questionnaires and Fitbit tests,” Newsom noted. “They looked at all their sleeping habits and everything like that – and that was a peer-reviewed study that was published a few years back.” Unfortunately, such studies remain a rarity, even now. As a result, Newsom can only offer his anecdotal observations when it comes to the overall possible value of Cannabis as a net positive for veterans wishing to treat symptoms of PTSD. Of all the contenders, it’s issues with sleep and pain, Newsom believes, where Cannabis probably makes the biggest impact. “I think most people in the veteran community, specifically, are using it to help with sleep regulation and pain management,” he said. “One of
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the big effects of PTSD is reduced sleep, as well as why some didn’t – should be part of that process.” high anxiety, hyper-vigilance, stress and depresCase in point: The topic of Cannabis and sion. All of those are things that can hinder sleep mental health leads to a lot of talk of promise, and we’ve seen that just being able to get proper and a healthy dose of frustration over the fact that rest can really make a big difference.” everything must still be cloaked in caveats until The ability of Cannabis to aid in sleep, which in more research is allowed and completed. turn leads to improved mental health, is but one Asked about the topic, Draisin agrees that of the endless fibers in this utterly massive heap research is of vital importance. of fascinating, if staggering, fabric. A distinctly “There is so much more research that is different thread can be found in the work of Dr. needed,” Draisin explained. “More information Alison Draisin, who practices Cannabis-assisted is needed. More protocols are needed. I still psychotherapy at Seattle’s AIMS Institute. feel like doctors and nurses don’t know enough Though she can appreciate why many may about Cannabis and the myriad uses it can have. assume the concept of Cannabis-assisted psychoOftentimes, without the proper knowledge and therapy is an extension of the understanding that education, I think that medical professionals don’t sitting on one’s couch and smoking weed makes always turn to Cannabis first. They turn towards them feel comfortable, pharmacology.” her approach and The same interest lies elsewhere. could be said for “In a therapy Newsom, who also situation,” Draisin underscored that explained, “I want the value of Canthe client to become nabis as a tool in anxious. I want clients promoting mental to have a shift, so then health is directly I can explore what’s tied to what legal really going on behind access we have to that anxiety. Some the plant. people will say they “It’s a human can’t use Cannabis rights issue,” because it makes them Newsom said. “We paranoid or anxious, need to have the but I actually like to put right to heal with - D R . A LI S O N D R A IS IN | S E AT T L E A I M S I N ST I T U T E clients in that state of whatever means anxiety, so that we can we deem fit for our explore what’s causing it and what’s coming up own personal healing journeys. Whatever is going for them.” to make us happier, you shouldn’t have to ask As part of the process, Draisin stresses that fopermission for it.” cusing in on specific Cannabis cultivars (or strains) There’s arguably nothing more important than a is, in her belief, of vital importance. healthy mind, so let us hope that greater oppor“If you’re going to do Cannabis-assisted psytunities to fully understand and better empower chotherapy, you should also be talking to your consumers on the subject of Cannabis and mental client about Cannabis. I firmly believe that looking wellbeing arrive shortly. This is one brain teaser at different cultivars with a client – why some work, which is long overdue for an answer sheet.
“There is so much more research that is needed. More information is needed. More protocols are needed. I still feel like doctors and nurses don’t know enough about Cannabis and the myriad uses it can have.”
H e a r D r. A l i s on D ra i s on on T h e Leaf Li fe Podcast S h ow #111 Psych edel i c Medi cin e.
“We need to have the right to heal with whatever means we deem fit for our own personal healing journeys. Whatever is going to make us happier, you shouldn’t have to ask permission for it.” -A A R O N NE WS O M , SA NTA C R U Z V E TE R A NS A L L I A NC E
STORY by ZACK RUSKIN @ZACK.RUSKIN for LEAF NATION | ART by DREW BARDANA @DREW.BARDANA.ILLUSTRATION
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NATURAL BEAUTY When it comes to the hippest beauty trends, Cannabis is an essential ingredient. Face serums, eye creams and lubricants of all kinds are changing what we think we know about beauty. This new wave of plant-forward products has brought with it insightful revelations, where beauty, self-care and Mother Nature are all intertwined.
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We
spoke with industry leaders to understand what makes us feel beautiful, and how Cannabis is connected to that narrative. While these founders’ products vary, their experiences tell a similar story: Beauty is a feeling rather than an outward expression, which is the opposite of what most have been conditioned to believe. “Healthy is beautiful,” shared Kim Howard, COO of Green Bee Botanicals. “Freckles are beautiful. Skin as dark as night is beautiful. A crooked nose is beautiful. Kindness and generosity are beautiful. Running a marathon at 346 pounds is beautiful.” Liquid Flower, a woman/veteran owned California legacy brand, shared with us even more wise words on the topic, from their founder Claire Steele. “Beauty is multifaceted, but overall, a balance between body, mind and soul,” she said. ”When you’re achieving this balance, it allows you to see beauty all around.” Known for their herb-infused bath salts, Founder and CEO of Om Edibles Maya Elisabeth, shared yet another take. “Beauty is feeling amazing in your skin, accepting all parts of ourselves, having beautiful thoughts and using beautiful words.”
HIGH STANDARDS
Beauty is a feeling rather than an outward expression, which is the opposite of what most have been conditioned to believe.
A quick search for Cannabis beauty products reveals a near-endless list of products with little data confirming their claims. What we do know is this: Regulated Cannabis products are subject to rigorous testing, meaning the product is safer than the random brand purchased online. Green Bee, best known for their serums and eye cream, is passionate about maintaining quality ingredients in their hemp and Cannabis lines. “We learned information that shocked us about mainstream cosmetics and how often they’re contaminated with lead, arsenic, harmful pesticides, etc.,” said Founder and CEO, former analytical chemist and lifelong botanist Bridget May. “Sometimes they don’t even contain CBD. Find a brand that shares COAs proving both potency and purity, and preferably find brands using whole plant extracts, not isolate.” Here we find health standards within the Cannabis community continuing to have broad implications for the beauty industry as a whole. “Cannabis is bringing wellness to the beauty industry,” said Gretchen Miller of Humboldt-based Kiskanu. “I believe the standards applied to clean Cannabis will roll over to the beauty industry.”
SOOTHING YOUR SKIN
Quim’s Cyo Nordstrom added, “Studies suggest cannabinoids are good at fighting inflammation. This is good news in skin care, because inflammation is behind common skin complaints that manifest as itchy, flaking skin.” “The use of topical anti-inflammatory ingredients can help with acne, psoriasis, eczema and premature aging of the skin caused by environmental pollution and the sun,” said May from Green Bee. “It all goes back to the endocannabinoid system. Scientific papers show that cannabinoids, including THC, CBD, CBG and others, are being used to treat a variety of skin conditions.” One important fact to mention: Applying THC to the skin will not have a psychoactive effect. While some products are intended to be transdermal, most topicals will not absorb into the bloodstream – a great option for those averse to other forms of Cannabis consumption.
Industry experts have seen staggering success using Cannabis and hemp compounds to heal dermatological ailments like psoriasis, eczema, acne, aging and more. With their line of face and intimacy oils, Kiskanu is intentional about what goes into their products. “The skin is the largest organ of the human body,” Miller shared. “Full of receptors ready to receive and absorb cannabinoids.”
FIGHTING AGING
According to the experts, Cannabis supports aging from all directions. “Antioxidants cancel free radicals which cause illness and wrinkles,” said Elisabeth of OM. “They literally heal telomeres as they begin to oxidize, which translates to supple, firm skin.” “CBD and other cannabinoids have been shown to improve circulation,” Miller of Kiskanu told Leaf. “Cannabis soothes the nervous system. Many people experience pain relief and can thus sleep better, allowing the body to rest and repair.” “The direct anti-aging benefits that Cannabis infused products have on skin include inflammation/fine line reduction, evening of skin tone and help with irritations,’’ said Steele of Liquid Flower. “Consuming Cannabis connects me to my body. As a result, I am more aware of areas where I can improve my health and wellbeing, such as exercising, hydrating, stretching, eating well and sticking to a selfcare routine.” Skincare is just a drop in the bucket of benefits that Cannabis has on beauty, self-love and overall wellness. Whether it be aging or internal beauty struggles, the sky is truly the limit. Elisabeth from Om believes you don’t need to be sick or injured to enjoy self-love. “Being a human calls for radical self-care that we must take on ourselves. I find answers in medicinal plants and herbs. A healthy mind equals a healthy body, which always translates to beauty, vibes and energy.” “I’ve seen firsthand the results Cannabis products can have compared to traditional products, it’s nothing short of magic,” Steele of Liquid Flower said. “Cannabis beauty is here, it has a ways to go since most people aren’t headed to dispensaries for beauty, but one day they will and it’s going to be great.”
STORY by ALEXA JESSE @ALEXAJESSE/LEAF NATION | ART by DREW BARDANA @DREW.BARDANA.ILLUSTRATION
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HEALTH FOR HER
The connection between Cannabis and women’s health dates back as far as Ancient Mesopotamia. Used in conjunction with herbs and beer, Cannabis was believed to relieve pain from menstruation and assist with easing difficult childbirth. Its usage continued in pharaonic Egypt, with Cannabis being imbibed orally, rectally, vaginally and topically. In fact, according to preeminent global medical Cannabis expert Dr. Ethan Russo, there is evidence to suggest that many of the world’s civilizations have employed medical Cannabis to treat women’s ailments. Nevertheless, modern medicine has eschewed female Cannabis use.
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“W
hen I began researching medical Cannabis 25 years ago, I was struck by the frequency of citations to these kinds of gynecological issues in the old literature. [Cannabis] was absolutely a mainstream treatment in the 19th century and among the most common reasons that anyone could use Cannabis. So, I was finding that there was a severe mismatch about what had been done historically versus current attitudes about the issue,” explained Dr. Russo during a recent phone interview. What Dr. Russo’s research unveiled is something many women have experienced firsthand: the prioritization of potential pregnancy and successful childbirth over the health and wellness of would-be mothers. “Women’s medicine comes near the bottom of the list in terms of priorities and research, unfortunately. And then there’s still this prevalent attitude that Cannabis is dangerous to women of childbearing age and can inhibit pregnancy, when in fact, that’s not the case,” explained Dr. Russo. “The National Institute on Drug Abuse has spent the last 40 years trying to document the ills of Cannabis use when [the evidence] isn’t there.” To better understand the implications of the medical community turning its back on medicinal Cannabis for women’s health, let’s look at the case of endometriosis – a painful disorder characterized by abnormal tissue growth outside of the uterus.
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Endometriosis affects an estimated 176 million women worldwide, regardless of their ethnic and social background. Unfortunately, without adequate medical care, many remain undiagnosed and untreated. Endometriosis.org reports that on average, it takes 6.7 years of symptoms for patients ages 18–45 to be diagnosed with the often debilitating illness. Contemporary treatments for endometriosis focus on symptom relief and include exploratory surgery, hormonal treatment to suppress and delay the recurrence and progression of the disease, and opioids for pain management. However, at least 50% of patients experience a recurrence of symptoms and tissue regrowth post-surgery. The result is chronic pain and, in many cases, infertility. “When you start looking at quality of life issues and the economic impact of this kind of disorder, it’s astounding,” said Dr. Russo. Despite a lack of support from many in the medical community, some researchers, like Australia’s Justin Sinclair, are paving the way for medical Cannabis. A research fellow and Ph.D. student at NICM Health Research Institute at Western Sydney University, Sinclair’s research focuses specifically on the use of Cannabis to treat, not mask, the symptoms of endometriosis. Sinclair’s research has found that the uterus contains very high amounts of anandamide, the first endocannabinoid to be discovered. The density of cannabinoid receptors within the uterus makes the organ significantly more responsive to Cannabis compounds.
Colorado-based Foria Wellness is currently one of the only commercial companies manufacturing Cannabis products specifically for women. Among the company’s most popular products are the Relief Suppositories with CBD. Customers rave about the product’s ability to relieve menstrual cramps, painful sex and endometriosis symptoms.
“IT’S
one of those things that pharmacists or, in many instances, some doctors, would call a ‘dirty drug’ because it can actually target so many different receptors at once. I would argue that’s the strength of Cannabis and why so many people are using it, not just for endometriosis, but so many other things – because it can tackle pain, all the way through to a lot of the comorbid symptoms that come with chronic illness,” explained Sinclair on a December 12, 2021 podcast with CBD Padrino in Australia. Dr. Russo concurs with Sinclair’s findings and believes that Cannabis could be one of the keys to curing endometriosis. “I think that with the right combination of Cannabis components – in other words, a preparation that has the right ingredients – that a
very good approach could be available to treating [endometriosis]. Certainly, there’s a crying need out there for development,” said Dr. Russo. Colorado-based Foria Wellness is currently one of the only commercial companies manufacturing Cannabis products specifically for women. Among the company’s most popular products are the Relief Suppositories with CBD. Customers rave about the product’s ability to relieve menstrual cramps, painful sex, and yes, even endometriosis symptoms. Still, the use of Cannabis to treat women’s health has a long way to go. “I think it would take a group of women with a lot of money to fund the effort if things are going to change,” said Dr. Russo with a sigh. “It’s just not going to be coming from the government here.”
STORY by O’HARA SHIPE @SHIPESHOTS/LEAF NATION | ART by DREW BARDANA @DREW.BARDANA.ILLUSTRATION
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TOKE N’ POKE There’s an ever-emerging, wide, new world of Cannabis tinctures and oils designed for use during sex. Typically, these products are referred to as lubricants, but their main function really lies elsewhere. It’s more about increasing sensation, stimulating natural vaginal lubrication and masking pain, rather than providing a little extra slip and slide.
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entry to the category was with Foria’s Pleasure oil, which contains THC. From there, I tried different oils/lubes made by Quim, Velvet Swing, Kush Queen, Her Highness, Toca and eventually, María Magdalena. Most of them contained THC, some were CBD-only. All give instructions to use generously over the vaginal lips, labia, clitoris and general vaginal area. It is also recommended, though not necessarily officially, to use inside the vagina, as well. But why is Cannabis, specifically THC, good for enhancing sexual pleasure? Why add it to sex at all? It’s a good question. Lindsay Wynn, the San Diego-based co-founder of Cannabis sexual wellness companies Oshihana and Momotaro Apotheca, explains that, first and foremost, THC is a vasodilator. That means it widens blood vessels, which allows for greater blood flow and, therefore, sensation. When a sex organ is aroused it receives a rush of blood. THC as a vasodilator also shows up elsewhere in the body – it’s why people’s eyes become bloodshot after smoking.
Using Cannabis lube is also a great way to introduce new things into the bedroom.
There are also CBD-only sex oils on the market. Some people swear by their efficacy, however, I personally think they’re mainly effective in dulling pain and little else, and experts agree. That isn’t a small deal, however: According to statistics from the American College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, 75% of women experience pain during sex at some point in their life. Anecdotally, I know heterosexual women who have to focus on other sex acts, apart from penetrative sex, because their vaginal and uterine pain is too much to handle. If this sounds familiar, CBD sex oils and suppositories are a good place to start. But if arousal and increased sensation is the deal, regardless of what kind of sex one is having with whichever parts, the focus is going to be on products featuring THC. Wynn has advice for those looking to figure out which products are worth it, versus those that are just jumping on the stoned sex bandwagon. “Buyers should do their own research to compare and contrast different products – how many milligrams of CBD or THC is in the products?” she suggests. This is an excellent point, as many manufacturers don’t even list dosage on their website or on the package. In general, there’s a dosing sweet spot that the best companies have determined for their own formulas, which include both THC and CBD, and are usually at higher milligrams. This will also mean the price is higher, but it’s worth it because a low dose is essentially ineffective. “You also need to examine which cannabinoid
the company is claiming is in there – what are they claiming it is doing? You have to consider what part of the body you’re applying to, if it’s a mucous membrane or not. Usually, [Cannabis sex oil] companies are claiming increased sensation,” Wynn explains. I get asked all the time if these oils work or not. Personally, I skip the CBD lubes. I know they work wonders for people with pain issues, but since I’m mainly looking for arousal, I think manufacturers claiming CBD sex oils work for arousal are peddling in snake oil. Wynn says she agrees. When it comes to THC, though, the results are all over the board. Part of this is due to active ingredients. Foria’s oils, for example, contain peppermint oil. Many others do, too, among other things. Obviously, if you slather that all over your genitals, it’s going to tingle right away – but many users wrongly attribute these feelings to weed. The trick is to apply it 30 minutes in advance of when one is actively trying to reach orgasm, which gives it enough time to absorb into the bloodstream and activate. And, to answer one of the most commonly asked questions on the topic: Yes, it is technically possible to get super stoned from using THC-loaded lube, though it is admittedly hard to do so. Wynn says that one would have to use quite a lot and specifically inside the vagina. The dosing also has to be high enough so there’s enough bioavailability for THC to be absorbed into the bloodstream at levels that produce an intoxicating effect. When used solely on outside vaginal tissue or other parts of the body (excepting the mouth and anus), a user won’t get high off of it.
THC is a vasodilator. That means it widens blood vessels, which allows for greater blood flow and therefore, sensation.
Both Wynn and I agree that the mental aspect is another benefit to using these oils. Rituals, in particular, are important and often overlooked parts of sex. Rituals are also important in Cannabis culture, like with rolling a joint or preparing a bowl. Wynn says that the focus of the oils in her line is not just for in-the-moment sexual enhancement, but a vital part of pre and post-care, too. “A sex ritual can include everything from, like, getting ready and shaving your legs to smoking a joint. Everybody has these different things,” Wynn says, explaining that Cannabis has a ton of psychosomatic effects. “For example, that feeling of, ‘I need to go home. I need to smoke a joint. Chill the fuck out.’ And whether it’s the joint or the ritual, it’s probably a combination of those things that make you feel good,” says Wynn. “That’s what we’re responding to as humans. And I definitely think there’s an aspect to that within topical oils as well. You can apply Cannabis lube and just have it be another action, or you can make it part of an intimate ritual.” Using Cannabis lube is also a great way to introduce new things into the bedroom. Wynn thinks that because using a Cannabis lube is similar in practice to using a non-medicated lube, it can be a less intimidating way to spice up a routine. “It’s not, like, a toy or a ball gag or whatever it may be that you’re into. I think there’s a lower barrier to entry here. It expands the conversation,” she says. Part of that expansion is that the conversation around Cannabis sex oils inherently revolves around vaginas and vulvas. After all, it’s the vagina’s mucous membrane that’s absorbing the oil and feeling the physical effects. This is particularly fascinating and exciting because up until recently, the mainstream dialogue about sex and pleasure was focused on heterosexual sex and, specifically, the man’s role and pleasure during it. The conversation has shifted, and weed can be thanked for that. Once again, Cannabis is leading the way to change.
STORY by JACKIE BRYANT @JACQBRY for LEAF NATION | ART by DREW BARDANA @DREW.BARDANA.ILLUSTRATION
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SPORTING GREEN
In his 20-year professional career, motocross rider Josh Hansen has won gold medals for Best Whip in Moto X at the Summer X Games and back-to-back gold medals at X Games 14 and X Games 15 in Los Angeles. But medals aren’t the only thing Hansen will take away from his storied career – he will also face the consequences of a slew of brutal injuries including broken limbs, separated shoulders, concussions and perforated intestines. “Motocross is just like that. You see your friends die, and people end up paralyzed and stuff. It kind of fucks with you after a little bit,” said Hansen with a shrug. jan. 2022 JAN.
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Of course, non-narcotic pain relief is only one way Cannabis can change the narrative of sports and substance abuse.
owever, when Hansen rattles off the mind-blowing list of injuries he’s suffered, he doesn’t talk about the proverbial elephant in the room – pain management. Currently, Cannabis and cannabinoids are banned substances by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which oversees professional and Olympic-level sports. To maintain perceived fairness, WADA conducts random urine tests both during competition and in the off-season. Therefore, if athletes test positive for THC outside of competition, they will not automatically be sanctioned. However, testing positive at any point in their career means they will likely get selected for a future test. As the world saw with Sha’Carri Richardson, a positive test for Cannabis can have devastating effects. “It’s kind of crazy because Cannabis can cost you corporate sponsorships. You can end up with fines. You can even be kicked out of leagues and banned from competitions,” Motocross rider Josh Hansen hopes for a more tolerant future. explained Hansen. The converse is not true of opioids. Though studies about opioid use in athletes are still When pro skateboarder Ryan Reyes tore his ACL in a in their infancy, reports by the National Institutes of fluke accident in 2014, he turned to Cannabis to help Health suggest that 52% of professional football playcope with the emotional trauma of the injury. ers have self-reported using opioids during their career. “I’ve had anxiety and depression for a long time, so, Of that 52%, as much as 71% have misused opioids. like, getting hurt meant I had a lot of time in bed to just And that number is likely to be a low estimate. think,” he said. “You get stuck in your head, and it’s According to a 2015 class-action lawsuit filed by not a good place to be in. Cannabis helped ease the former players against the NFL, the league had a susanxiety of being lost in my thoughts all day. It helped me tained drug culture that promoted keeping athletes on manage the mental grief of what I was experiencing.” the field no matter the cost. The key, Reyes explained, was imbibing Cannabis To put it in perspective, in 2012, on average, each with intention. team was prescribed 5,777 doses of anti-inflamma“I grew up in a family where everyone smoked – I tories and 2,270 doses of narcotics. Or roughly 150 never really did because my parents did. You know, it doses of drugs per player each year. wasn’t cool to do what your parents did. But with my The sad consequence is a slew of untimely deaths knee, I didn’t want to rely on traditional medications. and addiction that touches every sport. I turned to Cannabis with the intention of finding the Derek Boogaard, a former hockey player for the right dose to fulfill my intentions of relieving anxiety and Minnesota Wild and New York Rangers, focusing on healing faster,” explained Reyes. overdosed in 2011 due to a mix of alcohol Athletes aren’t the only ones fighting for the de-stigand oxycodone at 28 years old. Thoroughmatization of Cannabis in sports. Cannabis companies bred horse racing jockey, Michael Carl like Slim’s Top Shelf, Hytiva, Aurora Cannabis and Baze, died of a cocaine and oxymorphone Medterra have begun sponsoring athletes, competioverdose at 24. Professional wrestler Umtions and even playing fields. California-native Flav aga was found unresponsive in his home has even sponsored the High Rollers BJJ Tournament. and later passed at the hospital. The toxiA Cannabis-infused Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament, High cology report revealed he had overdosed Rollers has fighters smoke Cannabis before competing on hydrocodone (a painkiller), carisoprodol to win a pound of high-grade marijuana. (Soma, a muscle relaxant) and diazepam Wide acceptance of Cannabis use in sports might (Valium). He was 36 years old. still be years away, but athletes like Reyes and Hansen “In my mind, it’s just really ass-backare hopeful for the future. ward. Here there is a natural way to treat “It sucks not being able to make up your own rules pain that means you’re not having to pop to keep yourself safe and healthy. But the more investpills. But every time you go to the hospital, ment Cannabis companies can make into sports – I they give you a script for painkillers right think the better things will be,” said Hansen. “It will away. I guess it’s just the world we live in – kind of take some of the gray areas out of using Caneven if it is messed up,” said Hansen. nabis, and that’s a really good thing.”
Slim’s Top Shelf sponsors Skateboarder Ryan Reyes. STORY by O’HARA SHIPE @SHIPESHOTS/LEAF NATION | ART by DREW BARDANA @DREW.BARDANA.ILLUSTRATION
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AIR BUD
Anyone who has entered into my orbit, whether online or in person, knows I have a dog. He is, at this point, a three-year-old, 17-pound dachshund named Romeo and for the most part, he is perfect (just check my Instagram). He loves people, kids and other dogs, and is generally sweet and a good learner, too. Unfortunately, he loves me and other people a little bit too much. We have been having separation issues since he was a puppy, which for Romeo means he barks when left alone. It is sad and stressful for him, me and all of my neighbors, and the fact that his humans have been around him non-stop during Covid has been wonderful, but less great for tackling his separation anxiety and barking.
I’M
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Why I Insist On Giving My Dog Cannabidiol
one of those intense dog humans who likes to think we’re living with our pets rather than lording over them, so in general, I’m loath to correct normal dog behaviors. But I also hate being an inconsiderate jerk, and excessive barking isn’t good for anyone involved, whether canine or human. More structure in training was a given. Increasing Romeo’s exercise regimen also took top priority, so he could work off any excess energy. I also decided to include cannabidiol (CBD) in his daily regimen, something that the American Kennel Club, countless veterinarians and many others heartily endorse. Dogs have the same endocannabinoid system that humans do, so if one understands how CBD can affect humans, it’s a short leap to understanding how it can also help our furry friends. Research on the endocannabinoid system is always evolving, but basically, it’s the bodily system responsible for homeostasis, or regulation, and both mammals and humans possess one. It is intertwined with all physiological aspects of our bodies, and plays a role in regulating things like appetite, metabolism, sleep, pain, mood, memory, movement, inflammation and reproduction, to name a few. Though I’ve had marketers trying to sell me on CBD bath bombs for dogs (no, thank you), I settled on tinctures and treats, which are the two best and most popular ways to administer the compound to animals. Overall, I favor tinctures, because they enter the bloodstream faster and skip the digestive process – meaning the resulting dose will be more potent and therefore more therapeutic.
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“CBD is estimated to have over 40 different receptors, or cellular targets, in both human and animal bodies, and in fact has little affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors, the major receptors of the endocannabinoid system,” said Tim Shu, veterinarian and CEO of VET CBD, which makes CBD products for pets. Shu said that to help people understand the most common medical uses of Cannabis, he came up with an acronym: PAINS. “It stands for Pain, Anxiety, Inflammation, Nausea and appetite loss, and Seizures,” Shu said. Shu explained how CBD helps with anxiety. “CBD activates 5HT1A receptors, which are also known as serotonin receptors. Activation of these receptors helps relieve anxiety and makes us feel good. CBD also inhibits enzymes known as fatty acid binding proteins, or FABPs. It’s thought that inhibition of these enzymes leads to increased circulating levels of anandamide, one of our bodies’ own endocannabinoids responsible for alleviating stress and anxiety,” he said. “The mechanisms of action for other conditions like seizure control act on entirely different receptors and cells.”
Overall, Shu says that, as I suspected, oral use is better for “systemic conditions,” like dog anxiety, and topical for localized skin issues. When it comes to pet CBD, just like with humans, proper sourcing and dosing to achieve the aforementioned effects is crucial. It’s widely believed and agreed upon that Cannabis-derived is better than hemp-derived when it comes to human medicines, and with pets it’s the same. However, THC use in dogs freaks me out. I have definitely walked in on Romeo munching on an edible before, which was dosed for humans and sent him on a wild ride for a few days after that. It’s not an experience I’d ever like to repeat, so, again, dosing is crucial here and it’s why pet owners should only purchase CBD products – even those that are hemp-derived, that are formulated specifically for pets. “The amount of THC in pet-focused cannabinoid products is more beneficial because of the synergistic effects of multiple cannabinoids acting in conjunction to yield greater
Much like with human Cannabis access, there’s still a long road ahead for mainstream acceptance of therapeutic Cannabis use for pets.
therapeutic effects – the ‘entourage effect’ of full spectrum products,” Shu said, advocating for the presence of some THC that would be found in full-spectrum CBD. “Additionally, THC does have medical properties, and pets are able to benefit from it without getting high when used appropriately in the right dose and formulation,” Shu said, assuaging my fears. “THC can be used for appetite stimulation and nausea, inflammation and pain. It’s gotten a bad rep over the years because people only see what happens when pets get into their owners’ THC stash, which is selection bias.” Overall, Romeo’s separation anxiety treatment has been a smash hit. I know that training and exercise have had a huge impact on his behavior, but it’s also clear to me that the introduction of CBD has made a significant difference. Rather than appearing drugged or lethargic (CBD is non-intoxicating), instead it seems like CBD appropriately relaxes Romeo. It allows him to focus on the task or moment at hand, which in turn means that training is easier and more successful. Being happy and in-the-moment is a dog’s natural state.
They’re not supposed to ered over three decades ago, Many veterinarians are be worrying about the past and medical schools aren’t not CBD-friendly, so or the future, which is why teaching anything about it.” dog anxiety is considered a would-be pet caregivers Shu adds that he thinks it’s disorder. the equivalent of healthcare should approach theirs A word of caution: providers knowing nothing with caution and do Many veterinarians are not about the endocrine system, CBD-friendly, so wouldwhich is the system that cresome research first. be pet caregivers should ates and regulates hormones, approach theirs with caution and schools deciding it’s not and do some research first. worth teaching. So, much like with human Can“[Veterinarians] never learned about it in nabis access, there’s still a long road ahead for school,” Shu says of why many are CBD-averse mainstream acceptance of therapeutic Cannabis or ignorant. “We are hard-wired to fear what we use for pets. don’t know. But let me put it this way: If we don’t Still, the Cannabis community is not one to take learn everything there is to know about Cannabis such hurdles as anything other than just that – and the endocannabinoid system, aren’t we doing something to work around. Personally, I feel solid our patients and clients a disservice? The endothat providing CBD to my dog is a healthy choice. cannabinoid system is deeply intertwined with all We’re not totally out of the woods with Romeo’s other physiological systems, plays a crucial role in separation issues yet, but when I think of how far health and disease, and is present in humans and we have come in the last few months, I feel so animals. But the stark reality is that our medical relieved and happy I almost get choked up. Simply professionals know little to nothing about the enput, when used in concert with other training techdocannabinoid system, even though it was discovniques, CBD helps my dog be a dog.
STORY by JACKIE BRYANT @JACQBRY for LEAF NATION | ART by DREW BARDANA @DREW.BARDANA.ILLUSTRATION
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THE WEED & WELLNESS ISSUE
A GATEWAY OUT
Plant Medicine Advocate & Educator Anna Symonds on Cannabis as an Exit Drug.
It comes as no surprise that most pharmaceutical drugs have a laundry list of side effects that come along with their “cure.” Given that Cannabis has been found to be helpful for pain relief, PTSD, sleep disorders, appetite stimulation, anxiety and depression, why would we continue to go to hell and back with these detrimental aftereffects from pharmaceuticals, when there are plantbased medicines that have been widely available for thousands of years? Sadly, the answer is that over the past century, we have been misinformed and led to believe that taking lab-created pills is the only way of finding relief in our lives from our physical ailments and mental health issues.
WE
are all familiar with the classic speech from the doctor: “Take one pill in the morning and one at night, and you’ll be feeling as good as new.” But what if we were to tell you that there are options out there that could help alleviate your symptoms, all the while providing a better quality of life which far exceeds any lifestyle that involves toxic pharmaceutical medication? As we are all aware, there are many other forms of drug addiction outside of pharmaceutical drug abuse. From the start, Cannabis has taken the rap for being a gateway drug, when in all reality, it could very well be a way out – a life preserver for people drowning in other forms of addiction. Here, Cannabis functions as an exit drug and an entrance into a brighter life. Last month, we connected with plant medicine advocate/educator Anna Symonds, gaining insight on how she sees Cannabis continuing to provide an immense amount of harm reduction with both prescription drug and illicit drug use. “Pharmaceuticals are such a problem for so many people. Our medical system is pretty broken in a lot of ways, and our model of care often involves masking symptoms instead of treating the root causes of dysfunction,” said Symonds. More times than not, doctors have a cookie-cutter approach to treat what you’re dealing with, whether that be pain, anxiety or a mood disorder. A large majority of these medications can leave you in a fog, ultimately taking one step forward and three steps backward. “The side effects of pharmaceuticals are so massive for some of them that they’re hard to be considered a ‘side effect.’ Cannabis is a powerful herb, but it is very gentle to the body compared to other drugs,” said Symonds. “When it comes to harm reduction, I’ve met people who had an opioid use disorder, and they shifted to Cannabis,” Symonds explained. “Although they might over consume Cannabis occasionally, they are now safer and healthier. Their families are safer and happier. Ideally, we want to be free from the dependence on
substances and only use them as they choose, but that’s not always a reality, and life isn’t always easy. With Cannabis being an exit drug, it gives people the option to get out of a worse situation into a better one.” And with the plethora of different cannabinoid profiles and products that are currently available, there are undoubtedly plant-based options that have the potential to usher in a healthier way of living. As a WPL rugby player, Symonds has dealt with countless injuries, including two bulging discs and a herniated disc in her back. In addition to those, she has experienced head injuries from a couple of car accidents. Traditionally in the modern healthcare system, the answer would be to load a patient like Symonds with as many pills as possible, including opioids not intended for long-term usage. More often than not, these quickfix medicines often lead to a lifetime of abuse. With an intuitive sense of her body’s needs, Anna has been able to find different products that aid in her day-to-day life and make it significantly better. “I absolutely credit Cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) for helping me to heal both my body and brain.” With the wide variety of brands throughout the country offering more medicinally focused products, including capsules with extended releases and highly accurate dosages, now is a great time to consult with your regional dispensary to find out how to heal your body with Cannabis and replace certain pills. With precise test results showing the exact THC or CBD content, consumers can now confidently take the perfect dosage without the worry of overdoing the amount. “Having more transparency and accountability is a good thing,” said Symonds. “It’s opening the door for more people to consider having a relationship with Cannabis. People who are frightened of trying Cannabis have the opportunity to experience it safely.” There is an abundantly bright future that awaits us all. And with the proper dosages, settings and methodologies, certain drug addictions and dependencies can hopefully be a thing of the past.
“The side effects of pharmaceuticals are so massive for some of them that they’re hard to be considered a ‘side effect.’ Cannabis is a powerful herb, but it is very gentle to the body compared to other drugs.”
Anna has been able to find different products that aid in her day-to-day life and make it better.
STORY by MAX EARLY @LIFTED_STARDUST/LEAF NATION | ART by DREW BARDANA @DREW.BARDANA.ILLUSTRATION | PHOTO by MARK GORDON MURRAY
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PRESENTS
The
Apothecary Age Detailing Cannabis’ entrance into, and subsequent exile from, modern medicine.
THE BIRTH OF BOTANY Europe’s Scientific Revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries brought with it a surge of activity in both botany and book printing. As a result, a number of English herbalists began publishing a wave of treatises on plants and their medicinal properties. Among the first of these was a clergyman and Oxford scholar named Robert Burton. For most of his life, Burton suffered from “melancholy” – an epidemic of the day that likely encompassed clinical depressions and several other modern mental illnesses. In an effort to ease the angst of both himself and others, he spent over 20 years studying and writing about the topic. The Oxford clergyman and scholar Robert Burton. result was a sprawling, GILBERT JACKSON
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It’s estimated that the medicinal use of Cannabis dates back to at least 2900 BCE, when it was used by Chinese emperors who reportedly credited it with bringing “balance and healing to body, mind and spirit.” There’s also evidence that it was used by the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Hindus … but it wasn’t until the end of the Middle Ages that the idea of Cannabis as medicine began to take root in Western culture.
JAN. 2022
An assortment of vintage apothecary bottles and jars from the World of Cannabis collection.
pseudo-scientific magnum opus entitled “The Anatomy of Melancholy.” First published in 1621, the text is separated into three partitions, the second of which deals with proposed treatments. In it, Burton lists “hemp-seed” among the many herbs and spices purported to alleviate the malady. Next, in 1640, botanist John Parkinson noted in his “Theatrum Botanicum”: “The decoction, of the [hempe] roote is sayd to allay inflammations in the head or any other part, ” and that “it is good to be used, for any place that hath beene burnt by fire, if the fresh juyce be mixed with a little oyle or butter.” Then in 1652, proto-pharmaceutical manual “The English Physitian” (later re-titled “The Complete Herbal”) by botanist Nicholas Culpeper systematically cataloged hundreds of outdoor medicinal herbs and their uses – including hemp, whose extract he proclaimed “allayeth Inflammations in the Head … eases the pains of the Gout … Knots in the Joynts, [and] the pains of the Sinews and Hips.”
Nearly two centuries later, the topic of Cannabis and mental health was addressed in more depth by French psychiatrist Jacques-Joseph Moreau. As you may recall from the “HasHistory” installment of CannthroBotanist Nicholas Culpeper, pology (Aug. 2021), author of “The Complete Dr. Moreau co-foundHerbal.” ed Paris’ infamous Club des Hashischins, in part to study the effects of hashish on its members’ psyches. The results were published in his 1845 book “Hashish and Mental Illness” – the first scientific psychiatric work on the topic, in which he concluded that the drug reproduced the effects of certain mental illnesses, but was also helpful in aiding sleep, increasing the appetite and suppressing headaches. But arguably, the man most responsible for introducing Cannabis into modern Western medicine was an Irish physician named William Brooke O’Shaughnessy.
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WORLD OF Cannabis
By the 1930s, over 2,000 Cannabis medicines were being produced and sold at nearly every corner drugstore and apothecary in America.
PHOTOS OF BOTTLES AND CATALOG BY BOBBY BLACK | WORLD OF CANNABIS MUSEUM COLLECTION
O’SHAUGHNESSY As a young man, O’Shaughnessy studied anatomy, chemistry and forensic toxicology in Scotland – earning a doctorate in medicine from the renowned University of Edinburgh Medical School in 1829. On August 8, 1833, he joined the British East India Company and was assigned to India’s Bengal province, where he served first as an assistant surgeon in their army, then as Professor of Chemistry at the Medical College of Calin 1891, among others cutta. During this time in India, O’ShaughAnother reason was the invention of the … all of which extolled nessy observed indigenous doctors use modern hypodermic syringe in 1853, which the various benefits – Cannabis extracts, edibles and drinks (such allowed water-soluble drugs to be injected and side effects – of as bhang lassi) to treat various illnesses rather than ingested for faster effects. Since Cannabis medicines. that had confounded doctors back in the Cannabis medicines were not water-soluble, This flood of scientific UK (e.g. tetanus) and resolved to study the they couldn’t be injected and were eventually literature helped usher plant’s medicinal effects scientifically. rejected in favor of other medications that in a new golden age During the mid-1830s, he began adwere (such as opioids). for medical marijuana. ministering Cannabis compounds to every Aside from these practical concerns, For the first time in kind of animal he could get his hands on though, there was also the politics: A drastic 1850, Cannabis was – from domestic pets like mice, rabbits, shift in social attitudes towards Cannabis listed as a recognized cats and dogs, to livestock like pigs, cows, occurred during the early 20th century treatment in the United sheep, goats and horses, to various fish thanks to prohibitionist propaganda States Pharmacopoeia, and birds. After establishing the subfrom yellow journalists and the newlyand four years later, in stance’s relative safety, he graduated his appointed drug czar Harry Anslinger, the U.S. Dispensatory – experiments to human subjects (including who – by using its Mexican name Parke-Davis catalog featuring “American officially legitimizing it as himself). Over the course of his investiga“marijuana” rather than the familiar Cannabis” from 1935. a medicine by the state. tions, he concluded that Cannabis Cannabis or hemp – roused widespread Between 1842 and 1937, “Cannabis Indica” medicines were effective against a condemnation of the plant. Though the or “Indian Hemp” became the third most used wide array of conditions, including public at large didn’t realize that the compound (after alcohol and opium) in most muscle spasms, migraines, rabies, “evil Mexican weed” was the same Antique Cannabis so-called “patent medicines” – all of which, rheumatism, insomnia, epilepsy, drug that was already in their favorite Indica extract bottle thanks to the Pure Food and Drug Act of depression and tetanus. He also medications, the medical community from Eli Lilly. 1906, were required to list those ingredients as found hemp tinctures specifically to sure did. When Anslinger’s Marihuana “poison.” By the 1930s, over 2,000 Cannabe highly effective as an analgesic Tax Act was introduced in Congress in May bis medicines were being produced by nearly and anticonvulsant. 1937, the American Medical Association was 300 pharmaceutical companies, including In 1839, after years of study, among those who outspokenly opposed it. In major players like Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, O’Shaughnessy released his results his testimony to Congress, AMA member/lawyer Parke-Davis and Eli Lilly. In fact, in the late through the Medical and Physical Dr. William Creighton Woodward challenged 1890s, Eli Lilly and Parke-Davis even partnered Society of Calcutta – a comprethe bill’s use of the term “marijuana” and its to breed their own strain called “Cannabis hensive 40-page report entitled assertions of the drug’s links to addiction and Americana,” which Parke-Davis later sold in “On the Preparations of the Indian crime. He also explained their catalogs. Cannabis remedies were even Hemp, or Gunjah (Cannabis Inthat the law would place offered in the Sears-Roebuck catalog and dica): Their Effects on the Animal an unjust financial burden advertised in prominent publications like Vanity System in Health, and their Utility in on the medical community Fair and the Chicago Tribune. Cannabis had the Treatment of Tetanus and other and severely hinder any become the top-recommended treatment for Convulsive Diseases.” Three years further research into over 100 different ailments—with its flowers, later, he returned to England with the medical potential of Illustration of O’Shaughnessy hash, tinctures and tonics sold at nearly every a significant amount of Cannabis Cannabis. Woodward at work in the lab. corner drugstore and apothecary in America. and its various preparations, which proposed instead that he eagerly shared – along with his Cannabis could simply DISFAVOR & DECLINE research – with British pharmacists and physicians. be added to the Harrison So why did Cannabis medicines suddenly fall In 1843, O’Shaughnessy’s findings were published in LonNarcotics Act of 1914, Dr. William Creighton out of favor and disappear for over half a don’s “Provincial Medical Journal and Retrospect of the Medical which would have Woodward century? One reason was volatility. Cannabis Sciences” and were received as a revelation. Within a few years, regulated and taxed medicines had short shelf lives, their dosage pharmacists all across Europe were offering their customers it more reasonably. But despite his sensible was difficult to standardize, and patients’ Cannabis remedies for numerous ailments. Queen Victoria objections, Congress nevertheless passed the reactions to them were unpredictable due herself reportedly consumed a Cannabis tincture to ease her law – essentially ending the study and use of to variations in the potency and chemical menstrual pains after it was recommended by her physician Sir medicinal Cannabis in America. compositions of the plants. When new Robert Russell. Indeed, O’Shaughnessy’s work would inspire Five years later, Cannabis was removed from synthetic, single-agent drugs with more stable half a century of new medical research into Cannabis. the U.S. Pharmacopoeia. It wouldn’t be until chemical compounds, longer shelf lives and the passage of California’s Compassionate more precise dosing methods (such as aspirin THE GOLDEN AGE Care Act in 1996 – over 50 years later – that and opiates) were developed, Cannabis meds In his classic “Marihuana Reconsidered” (1971), Dr. Lester Grinthe medical use of Cannabis would once fell out of favor with medical professionals. spoon notes: “Between 1839 and 1900, more than one hunagain be recognized by U.S. law. dred articles appeared in medical journals describing the medicinal properties of the plant.” These published pieces included For more on medicinal cannabis history, listen to Episode #18 the first U.S. government-funded study by Dr. R.R. M’Meens’ of our podcast at worldofcannabis.museum/cannthropology. Committee on Cannabis Indica in 1860, as well as papers by H.A. Hare in 1887, J.R. Reynolds in 1890, and Dr. J.B. Mattison Story and photos originally published on worldofcannabis.museum and reprinted with permission. STO RY b y B O B BY B LAC K @ CAN N T H RO PO LO G Y for LEA F NAT IO N
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A HANDFUL OF TIMES IN YOUR LIFE, an event will occur that creates a personal shift and reorganizes your priorities. It is these clear moments of revelation that procure the cornerstones you will one day harken back to, as the rare incidents almost always happen when you are subconsciously ready, but unsuspecting. In an instant, your mind has determined, from opinion to absolute fact, an unequivocal understanding of how your belief system is quantified. What takes place is an utter recalibration of your mindset. And that it caught you completely by surprise is the crux of the magic that makes it so much more imperative, and rightfully your destiny. It could be anything. It’s that split second spark when a woman sees the nerd through a renewed lens, knowing resolutely that he, with his buck teeth and unattractive reading glasses, is the chosen partner for life and the father of her offspring. Or it’s the epiphany of the man who relinquishes the ego in discovery of the wisdom that true happiness is gained not by holding onto an idea that fuels years of regret, but instead by letting go of unfulfilling thought patterns that never served his higher purpose. Or it is the succulent tomato on a crisp bed of dewy lettuce with the perfect tang of dressing at the perfect juncture, that which opens a secret passageway to a level of appreciation that laid dormant in your awareness before that very moment of information insight. These episodes are personal discoveries that enrich your existence. We are to store them inside of our DNA so that the improvement in instinct is retained in future generations. This is the essence of human evolution. Kind of like the first time you got high.
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