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ABOUT THE COVER
Kicking off 2025 with a bang is the imaginative work of Canadian illustrator Pete Ryan, in a cheeky homage to Operation, one of our favorite games of yesteryear. "A bespectacled child, [Pete] spent his time indoors, drawing endless pictures of bears and dogs," he writes on his website. "He now sits in a sun soaked studio in British Columbia and paints work for magazines, newspapers, advertising, and books." Pete's award-winning work has been published by The New Yorker, TIME, Scientific American and more.
ART BY PETE RYAN FOR LEAF MAGAZINES
@PETEXRYAN | PETERTHOMASRYAN.COM
CONTRIBUTORS
WES ABNEY, FEATURES + NEWS
ANGELA-JORDAN AGUILAR, FEATURES
DANIEL BERMAN, PHOTOS + DESIGNS
BOBBY BLACK, FEATURES + DESIGNS
JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION
PHIL FRANK, PHOTOS
MICHAEL GREENMAN, VIDEO
REX HILSINGER, FEATURES
MATT JACKSON, FEATURES
DANSTAN KAUNDA, PHOTOS
MEG MACDONALD, PHOTOS
BRENDA PHILLIPS, PHOTOS
JESSE RAMIREZ, DESIGN
MIKE RICKER, FEATURES
PETE RYAN, ILLUSTRATION
KELSEY STEVENS, PRODUCTION TERPENE TRANSIT, DISTRIBUTION
TERPODACTYL MEDIA, FEATURES + PHOTOS
LENA B. WHITE, AD SALES + PRODUCTION
BRUCE & LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES
We are creators of targeted, independent Cannabis journalism. Please email us to discuss advertising in the next issue of Northwest 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 ricker@leafmagazines.com to start advertising with Northwest Leaf!
Exclusive Cannabis Journalism CONNECT WITH NORTHWEST LEAF!
WES ABNEY
Editor’s Note
Thank you for picking up The Weed and Wellness Issue! It’s a new year and with it comes a fresh chance to focus on health and wellness. It sounds cliché, but health is truly the first wealth, and once squandered, it can be both expensive and difficult to recover. Luckily for us, we have a helper in Cannabis, which fits into every category of the ubiquitous world of health.
Back in 2010, I interviewed a marathon runner and athletic trainer who used Cannabis in training, racing and recovery. During the 28 miles of endurance running, he had a three-stage tincture and Gatorade system to keep the body moving. Years later I would take one of my first over 100 mg THC doses before running a Tough Mudder, which was 12 miles long with obstacles, including ice water, shock therapy and lots of mud. My body held up through the trials, my mind stayed free from the distraction of pain, and my recovery was much easier and aided by additional Cannabis use.
Since then I’ve regularly approached the gym with edibles in my system, not to try and float through a workout, but to push my body to a new limit while keeping my mind insulated from the workout I’ve found this same methodology to work during times of intens e stress, which happen often in a publisher's work life and as a father. Cannabis has helped me through so many difficult times — physically, mentally and emotionally — which is why I’ve dedicated my adult life to sharing our plant.
“CANNABIS HAS HELPED ME THROUGH SO MANY DIFFICULT TIMES — PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY...”
As I head into month 23 of no alcohol, I see clearly how I used to cope with drinking to deal with stress and how Cannabis has slid right in to that role. Even as a Cannabis patient and beLeafer, I didn’t have a full appreciation for the plant and how it has helped me until I really depended on it. I’ve had many tough days, and a few fun ones, when I felt like alcohol would have made things better. Each time I’ve used Cannabis, whether it’s hours later or the next day, I’ve felt so thankful that I chose the safer and healthier drug.
Health is like sobriety. It’s a battle fought daily and can be won daily. There will also be days where you lose, which is why intentional chea t days are great when dieting. Even with alcohol, if the goal is to drink less, what starts as a daily habit becomes easier over time. With Cannabis available in so many forms, it’s a wonderful time to put the plant at the center of your health and wellness plan. From the gym to the kitchen, or even in the bedr oom, Cannabis is ready to enhance and heal at the same time!
BAT POOP IN WEED
LEADS
TO DEADLY DOO-DOO TWO MEN WOULD SURELY WISH TO UNDO
TWO MEN in Rochester, New York, are dead after using bat poop to feed their Cannabis plants.
Bat guano is the excrement produced by bats, usually after a morning cup of coffee, and it’s full of nutrients and microbes that help feed entire ecosystems. It’s also packed with nitrogen, which Cannabis plants love. While bagged soils with guano are available at most grow shops, our guess is that they went to a more direct source, exposing them to a harmful fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum.
This fungus releases spores, which the men breathed in while inoculating the plants with the mixture. This fungal infection can cause fever and cough, which aren’t so bad, but blood poisoning and respiratory failure are a problem. Both men sought medical attention, but despite treatment with antifungals, they both succumbed to the bat poo flu. While this doesn’t mean we all need to start masking again, there is a lesson to be learned. According to WGME 13, the men initially used bat poop purchased online, but later turned to guano from a bat infestation in their attic.
As a side note, rabies has a 99% fatality rate once symptoms appear, so if bitten by a bat, get the rabies vaccine immediately! And leave its poop for the professionals.
CALIFORNIA POT HAS A PESTICIDE PROBLEM, JUST
LIKE THE UNITED STATES' FOOD SUPPLY
THE LA TIMES reported last month that more than half of the products tested for recreational sale contained chemicals and pesticides that are not being monitored.
While this is a problem largely for the recreational market, which has testing and regulations that the black market does not, it seems to be a pervasive problem for the country’s largest Cannabis marketplace.
The LA Times has been breaking news on this issue all year, with an intense focus on pesticides in pot. Though it might not seem as big an issue as the $24 billion Gov. Gavin Newsom has spent on homelessness, especially as the state celebrates the 20th anniversary of its 10-year drive to end homelessness, ripping on the pot industry generates clicks — so here we are.
Cannabis testing screens for specific pesticides, but this list of 66 chemicals doesn’t match the 290 screened in a private market test.
What’s still unclear to this longtime smoker is the actual effects of pesticides on pot. Our government allows pesticides to be sprayed on strawberries and apples until the day of harvest. Our wheat is treated with glyphosate not just during growing season as a pesticide, but as a desiccant after harvest. Yes, we spray poison on our wheat to dry it out and keep bugs out.
The big takeaways from the most recent exposé are the presence of pesticides and chemicals that aren’t being tested for, including an insecticide called pymetrozine, which was once an ingredient in Lysol. Cannabis testing screens for specific pesticides, but this list of 66 chemicals doesn’t match the 290 screened in a private market test.
While we aren’t smoking bowls of wheat, hopefully, it seems as though the fear of pesticides in pot might be a lot of hot smoke. The black market, which supplies a huge amount of Cannabis to the world, isn’t tested, and there isn’t an epidemic of health issues there. While there seems to be a lack of evidence that Cannabis does anything but help heal those who use it, we can’t wait to see the new FDA tackle glyphosate, artificial dyes, artificial colors and all the other food additives that are banned in the EU and Canada. There’s plenty of solid data on the harms from those, which the LA Times might want to investigate instead of pointing the finger at weed.
CANNABIS RESEARCH PAPERS SURGED IN LAST DECADE
THE LAST DECADE saw the highest number of scientific papers ever written about Cannabis, with more than 35,000 published in the past 10 years alone. Cannabis research has been largely blocked for the last 50 years by the Controlled Substances Act, which defines Cannabis as a drug with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medicinal benefits.
While most Americans find this classification to be total bullshit, it has done more than fuel the war on drugs but also restricted the ability to conduct research in the United States.
Worldwide, Cannabis is studied for a huge variety of reasons, from anti-cancer properties to a host of therapeutic benefits. The data is starting to amass, making it harder for politicians and law enforcement alike to malign the plant much longer. For NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano, the situation is clear, as evidenced by the statement published on NORML’s website.
“Despite the perception that marijuana has yet to be subject to adequate scientific scrutiny, scientists’ interest in studying Cannabis has increased exponentially in the past decade, as has our understanding of the plant, its active constituents, their mechanisms of action, and their effects on both the user and upon society. It is time for politicians and others to stop assessing Cannabis through the lens of ‘what we don’t know’ and instead start engaging in evidence-based discussions about marijuana and marijuana reform policies that are indicative of all that we do know.”
“Despite the perception that marijuana has yet to be subject to adequate scientific scrutiny, scientists’ interest in studying Cannabis has increased exponentially in the past decade..."
CANNABIS LEGALIZATION LED TO ‘IMMEDIATE DECLINE’ IN OPIATE OVERDOSE FATALITIES IN U.S.
A new paper has found that Cannabis legalization has led to fewer deaths from opiate overdoses across the country. While the doctor-prescribed opiate epidemic has tapered off, the country has been flooded with fentanyl from across the border. Although the numbers are declining, overdose deaths are still the leading cause of death for adults under 40 in 37 states. This is a terrifying statistic that demonstrates the ongoing wave of deaths associated with illegal opiates. While the paper, published out of Texas Tech University, has not yet been peer-reviewed, the data suggests that more people choose Cannabis, and fewer die, when pot is legalized. The paper, titled “Because I Got High? Recreational Marijuana Legalization’s Impact on Opioid Overdose Deaths,” is the first to show these findings, specifically that “legalization led to an immediate decline in opioid overdose death rates, which grew even stronger and persisted after five years.” We can only hope for more research, and more people choosing Cannabis over opiates as the new year begins.
WEED + WELLNESS BY THE NUMBERS
440,445
90.5%
A study from the University of Colorado found this percentage of people reported feeling more enjoyment during exercise after consuming Cannabis, while 69% of participants also reported a decrease in pain, and 59.5% said it increased their focus.
50%
Gallup reported that 50% of Americans have reported trying Cannabis at least once in their life, marking a new high point for Cannabis use in the United States.
$4,627
Data from Flowhub shows that dispensaries accepting debit cards earn this much more per day than dispensaries that do not.
72%
A study published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that 72% of participants said they would combine Cannabis and yoga again, citing significant improvements in mindfulness, increased mystical feelings and enhanced physical awareness.
37%
The number of full-time equivalent jobs supported by legal Cannabis in 2024, according to the 2024 Vangst Jobs Report. That represents a 5.4% year-over-year increase, with more than 20,000 Cannabis jobs added in the last year.
79%
The percentage of Americans who live in a county with at least one Cannabis dispensary, according to Pew Research, while 54% live in a state where recreational Cannabis is legal.
55% |47%
According to a recent study by The Harris Poll, this is the percentage of women over the age of 21 who consume Cannabis regularly, with the top three reasons being anxiety relief (60%), help with sleep (58%), and pain relief (53%).
The percentage of women and men, respectively, who said they were interested in losing weight, according to a study by the CDC.
21%
A recent study from CivicScience found that 21% of people participating in Dry January (no alcohol for the first month of the year) are replacing alcohol with Cannabis and CBD products.
Sunday Wednesday
Saturday
Thursday
NORTHWEST LEAF BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH ANDRICEIA CRAFT
Her love for fashion led her to modeling and photography, and she’s also a talented multi-instrumentalist who’s been playing piano since the age of nine. You’ll also catch her out and about blowing minds on her roller skates. Follow her on IG @exotic.flowerzz
YOU HAVE A GREAT NAME, WHERE DID IT COME FROM? My name is a combination of both my parents’. My mother is Andrea and my father is Maurice, so they got Andriceia. They made sure to follow proper grammar by following the ‘I before E except after C’ rule (giggles).
DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU GOT EQUAL ATTRIBUTES FROM YOUR PARENTS?
Like my mother, I’m free-spirited. She’s singing all the time. She goes wherever her heart takes her. She’s just herself — my dad, too. They’re just perfect for each other. My dad is very soulful and wise. I’m very into music and grateful that my dad turned me on to a lot of good music. He’s very supportive of all my artistic endeavors.
I ASSUME THEY’RE SUPPORTIVE OF YOUR BEING IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY? They love it. Both of my parents were Cannabis users. My mother can’t smoke due to a medical condition, but when I’m rolling something up, she’ll say, ‘Whoo, I miss that. Can you take an extra hit for me?’ My grandparents also use Cannabis medicinally. I’m glad to be in the business so I can be more educated and honor them.
IF YOU COULD TAKE YOUR FAMILY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD ON A VACATION, WHERE WOULD IT BE?
“MY GRANDPARENTS ALSO USE CANNABIS MEDICINALLY. I’M GLAD TO BE IN THE BUSINESS SO I CAN BE MORE EDUCATED AND HONOR THEM.”
Somewhere tropical like the Bahamas or Jamaica. I’d want to experience that way of life because some of my family members have rootage in Jamaica, so I think it’d be a great experience to take them there.
HAPPY TREES
354 CHARDONNAY AVE #3, PROSSER, WA HAPPYTREES420.COM
@HAPPYTREESPROSSER
OPEN MON.-SAT. 9AM-10PM SUN. 10AM-10PM
(509) 596-8430
BONGK.ME
(Pronounced: /bäNGk/, To hit or strike something) Heirloom quality pieces, TIG welded in Eugene, Oregon
VIBRATION STATION
LET’S GO!
Open for less than a year, this achievement did not come easily. When the ban on licenses was lifted last year and four new ones were issued to serve the city of Pasco, Washington, Gigi Greeley jumped on the opportunity. Having previously worked on the producer/processor side of the industry, she was ready to pivot into retail ownership. Now, with two tried and true confidants — Ashley Avila and Mario Gonzalez — who bring a combined 15 years of I-502 experience, the day-to-day operations flow with determination. And it shows!
TOPSHELF TREASURY
Who’d have thunk it?
What was once a corporate bank is now a bank of dank! After researching by visiting just about every shop in the state for nuggets of ideas, this room has truly taken on its own identity. Infographics on the wall showcase different landmarks of the state, capturing the cool PNW vibes. Small touches, like leaving notepads for visitors to scribble their interests, add a nice touch, and telltale knickknacks from around the state and the world help incorporate the warm, inviting decor.
SPICE OF LIFE
A slow pace is encouraged for all customers, with the intention of modeling a retail environment like Barnes & Noble or Macy’s — but in Cannabis. The budtenders all get medical training, which is why they’re referred to as consultants. Since there was a ban on retail licenses for so long and just a couple of stores having cornered the market, most Washington brands haven’t had a presence in this city. So now you can find products from grows in Bellingham, Seattle and other areas that offer the variety that we all love to explore.
STAFF PICKS
FLOWER
Khush Kush Larry Gelato - Manny
Sky High Pineapple Chunk - Mallory
FOG GMO - Jesus
1937 Blueberry Muffin - Melinda
DNA Gardens GG4 - Sergio
JOINTS
Fox Tahitian Orange Limeade - Gigi
“WHAT WAS ONCE A CORPORATE BANK IS NOW A BANK OF DANK!”
Alpha Cannabis Co. Blueberry - Cece
Seattle Sluggerz Greenwood Gas - Cam
CARTS
Plaid Jacket SuperBoof - Karissa
Fire Bros. Lemon Fiesta Disposable - Osciana
Slusheez Raspberry Lemonade - Cally
DABS
High Tide Hash Rosin - Alan
Pacific & Pine Rosin - Aaron
West Coast Gold GMO Live Resin - Blanca
Heavenly Buds Feijoa - Ashley
EDIBLES
Green Revolution Doozies Blue Raspberry CBN - Xavier
Drops Cherry - Cristina
Swifts Tiger Butter Truffle - Adri
EAGLE TREES FARM
In the shadows of Mount Baker, along the banks of the Nooksack River at exactly 420 feet elevation, sits this excellent example of a regenerative Cannabis farm. Welcome to Eagle Trees! Standing in the pasture, I could feel the farm’s energy — the natural spring aquifer providing clean water, the nutrient-rich soil built from long-term composting and cattle contributions, and the warm family atmosphere that made everything feel alive and connected. Bald eagles — literally flocks of them — soared overhead, nesting in the towering trees surrounding the property. The name Eagle Trees couldn’t be more fitting. It was one of those moments when everything felt perfectly in balance, and I knew this place was special.
kenny & jessica
EAGLE TREES uses regenerative practices to grow pure, healthy Cannabis with a minimal environmental footprint. Using natural methods like Korean Natural Farming, organic compost, probiotic inputs and animal husbandry, they prioritize soil health and ecosystem balance. Certified by Dragonfly Earth Medicine, they avoid chemicals entirely — no pesticides, fungicides or synthetic fertilizers — relying instead on clean water, sunlight and nature’s wisdom to produce high-quality Cannabis with care for the land, employees, customers and community. Since 2015, siblings Jessica “Jesse” Straight and Kenny Ingebrigtson have proudly operated Eagle
Trees as a family-owned farm. Kenny, the head farmer, compost magician and genetics wizard, creates the vast majority of the seeds the farm pops each spring. Kenny’s expertise drives the regenerative practices that set Eagle Trees apart — from creating nutrient-rich compost for potting soil to cultivating unique strains that thrive in Whatcom County’s ecosystem. Jesse balances her work in the garden with her role as a beekeeper and the farm’s bridge to sales, marketing and distribution. Together, their dedication to craft, family and community forms the foundation of Eagle Trees — a modern embodiment of the American farm.
What makes Eagle Trees Cannabis a better wellness product than others on the shelf today?
Jesse: At Eagle Trees, we view Cannabis as a product of its ecosystem. Regenerative farming nurtures vibrant, living soil rich in nutrients, microbes and organic matter. This vitality translates directly into the plants, enhancing their cannabinoid and terpene profiles for a truly full-spectrum effect. When users consume our Cannabis, they’re not just getting THC, CBG and CBD — they’re experiencing the synergy and energy of a spiritually healthier, more balanced plant.
Regenerative farming also fosters wellness in a broader sense: By growing in harmony with nature, we connect with the integrity of the land, water and wildlife. This connection creates Cannabis that is clean, potent and carries the energy of a thriving ecosystem, which resonates in the well-being of those who consume it.
Kenny: We take a deeply rooted approach to Cannabis farming that prioritizes nature, resilience and land stewardship. Our plants are sun-grown in native, living soil, nurtured by regenerative practices that enhance biodiversity and soil health. What sets us apart is our commitment to breeding seeds specifically for our unique microclimate. Over generations, our plants have adapted to thrive in our region, creating a closed-loop system that’s in harmony with the land. This local acclimation not only makes the plants stronger and more vibrant but also produces a wellness product with unmatched purity, potency and connection to the earth.
What are your go-to Cannabis strains for medicinal use? High-CBD strains?
Jesse: Cannabis medicine is highly individualized, and its effects vary from person to person. For me, it’s about finding the right balance to meet my needs at the moment. One of my favorite practices is what I call my ‘puff-puff walks.’ I’ll smoke a little flower and take a walk to the beach, my mind can wander while my body moves, and I get to bask in the beauty of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands.
At different times in my life, I’ve used Cannabis for relaxation, to shift a bad mood or to work through entrenched emotional spaces. It helps me gain new perspectives, often allowing me to see situations more clearly and with greater compassion for myself and others.
When I’m hiking or snowboarding, I love our Cinex Kush. It keeps me grounded in my body while offering an uplifting and heart-opening vibration. If I want to tap into my creativity or reset my mood, Royal Kush is my go-to.
When I smoke one of our CBD ratio flowers, the effect feels more focused and medicinal, offering relief with a gentler, less intense high. CBD and CBG are powerful tools for enhancing the benefits of Cannabis while mitigating potential side effects like sleepiness, anxiety or munchies. Beyond that, CBD and CBG are cancer fighters, mood enhancers and all-around wellness boosters.
Tooth (Dog’s Gift x Royal ACDC) and Oil Pump (Oilspill x Lifter). By breeding with smoker’s favorites like Sour Diesel, OG Kush and Royal Kush, these CBD/THC hybrids can be super flavorful and potent — something I find lacking in a lot of CBD Cannabis.
Where do you see the Cannabis industry in five years from now?
Jesse: I’m an optimistic person. I hope that in five years Eagle Trees will continue to be a resource for people who value natural, medical-grade Cannabis. We are currently beginning to tinker with smokeless options like tinctures and edibles to broaden our offerings.
“When users consume our Cannabis, they’re not just getting THC, CBG and CBD they’re experiencing the synergy and energy of a spiritually healthier, more balanced plant.”
EAGLETREES.COM
@EAGLETREESFARM
Kenny: I’ve been making tasty CBD/THC hybrids like Royal ACDC (ACDC x Royal Kush 7), Hounds
Kenny: I have hope for future changes, even in light of current oppressive policies. My dream is to have interstate commerce, where customers could order from our website anywhere in the U.S. This way, we could reach our much larger, social media-driven fan base. I also see a future where vertical integration is allowed for small-scale operations like ours. I’d love a drive-thru for all the skiers and snowboarders heading to Mount Baker.
L-R: Jason Hock, Delia Brands, Jared Parsons, Kenny Ingebrigtson and Jessica Straight
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SOULSHINE
BUBBLE HASH INFUSED DRINKS
Sip on liquid rosin and let your Soulshine for the New Year with new delicious infused flavors of 100mg THC hashy happiness.
“THESE DRINKS SMACK HARD FOR 100 MG, SENDING THE MIND FLOATING ABOVE A SEDATED BODY, MAKING EVERYDAY TASKS HOPELESSLY MORE DIFFICULT AND FUN…”
EDIBLES ARE A WONDERFUL WAY to melt through a dark winter night, especially when summer and sunshine seem so far away. It’s important to keep our inner fires and lights burning bright, which is why we add the Soulshine Hash Rosin drinks to keep us lit up like the Christmas lights your neighbor still hasn’t taken down. We started with the Strawberry Peach Mango, which sounds like a tropical paradise in one sip. First sips taste like fresh fruit, with a silky mouthfeel and easy finish, leaving the palate with a kiss of vibrant fruit as the hash gets to work. These little drinks are delicious solo and totally crushable, but they also blend well into a stoney mimosa or added to a morning smoothie for the super-motivated stoner.
The Blue Raspberry continues the enigma of flavor as the only color that is also a flavor, and it’s our favorite treat to get us higher than a Smurf’s floppy woolen cap. We know Papa Smurf would have loved to sip this Blue Razz nectar, hand-squeezing each nug and magic berry until the perfect concoction was brewed. Luckily for us, the scientific stoners at Soulshine perfected this recipe with a bright, tart and perfectly blue beverage that mixes great with Red Bull or stands alone as an adult version of Kool-Aid.
Whichever flavor you choose from the full lineup, they’re all powered by high-quality, food-grade bubble hash rosin, which delivers a full-spectrum high that’s intense, long-lasting and all-natural. These drinks smack hard for 100 mg, sending the mind floating above a sedated body, making everyday tasks hopelessly more difficult and fun as the hashy effects linger for hours. Great for mixers, these little drinks can power a whole punch bowl or be quickly slammed on a break to make the day infinitely more interesting!
Start the new year with a zing of sativa genetics and the highestquality terps and concentrates from the legendary Seattle brand House of Cultivar.
HOUSEOFCULTIVAR.COM
@CULTIVAR.FARMS
@THE.HOUSE.OF.CULTIVAR
HOUSE OF CULTIVAR | FOEMINA
Sativas are hard to find these days because they take longer to grow and are more difficult to manage than simple short-flowering indica genetics. While the market might have shifted to growing indicas, old-school and new stoners alike are clamoring for uplifting sativa strains to drive our stoney adventures.
The team at House of Cultivar has been breeding, growing and searching for fire genetics to fill this demand, and now they’ve launched Foemina, the essence of sativa brand disposables. Foemina is the Latin word for woman, which makes sense because all the weed we smoke comes from the female plant of the species. There’s also a lot of male-driven branding in the weed industry, so it’s refreshing to see something sleek and beautiful that honors the feminine influence of the plant.
We started with the Acapulco Gold, a classic strain that House of Cultivar has searched for and brought back to the market. The first puffs from this sleek disposable are full of vibrant citrus notes, followed by a smooth, thick vapor that sends waves of stoney, giggly energy to the mind.
Doubling down, we hit the Blueberry Yum Yum next, which hits like a truckload of gassy fuel crashing into a blueberry field, sending an explosion of fruity terps right to the frontal lobes.
Filled with full-spectrum live resin, these disposables hit hard and deliver uplifting, energetic effects — perfect for daytime seshing.
For those who love juicy rosin dabs, dive into a fresh patch of Mike’s Strawberry, which smells like a freshly baked strawberry tart that’s been iced in lemon-gas frosting.
“This gorgeous, lightcolored rosin oozes with berrylemon-gas notes with a strong kick of earthy cotton candy funk on the finish.”
This gorgeous, light-colored rosin oozes with berry-lemon-gas notes with a strong kick of earthy cotton candy funk on the finish. Lowtemp dabs send a rush of frontal lobe stoniness, with a jolt of euphoria and energy that’s happy-go-lucky.
Next we go tropical with the beautiful Papaya rosin, rich with vibrant island flower notes and a honeysuckle finish that leaves the mouth watering. First notes are bright and creamy, with a sharp citrus funk that tingles the senses as a dab is loaded. Papaya is another mentally euphoric strain, clearing the mind of stress and cerebral pressure in a blissful high that’s ready to tackle a stressful winter day. With new flavors and top-shelf quality, look for House of Cultivar’s new brands on shelves this year!
New Year, New You!
Self-care and skin care go hand in hand, and while you can’t get your hands high, you can relieve dry winter skin and more with CBD treatments from Basic Jane.
comes healthy goals, and skin care is an easy place to start a routine that will make a difference. As simple as a couple spritzes or a topical application, CBD is known to help with a variety of skin conditions. It’s been shown to help keep skin hydrated, act as an anti-itch reliever, reduce inflammation and pain, and aid with wound healing.
While the body makes its own cannabinoids, using CBD can help stimulate the body’s natural cannabinoid process while also stimulating the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate the immune system and healing processes.
Their line of sprays offers coverage for a full day, from the refreshing citrus and lime Awake, to the Relieve, a peppermint and menthol cooling reliever that’s great for midday aches, and the Relax, a sage and lavender blend that’s ready for a pain-free, blissful chill. These sprays are available individually or as a trio and can be sprayed topically onto any area of pain, like joints or muscle areas.
“The Relieve CBD Cream has a bright, thick menthol and peppermint zing that opens airways and brightens senses...” BASICJANE.COM
The Relieve CBD Cream has a bright, thick menthol and peppermint zing that opens airways and brightens senses as it’s applied. We rubbed the cream onto sore knees, where it had a quick absorption and a cooling tingle, and took an extra dollop for our hands. The quick absorption made it easy to apply, reducing swelling and giving skin a bright, refreshed glowy feeling. With a full line of CBD-infused products, including topicals, transdermal patches, sprays and chews, there’s an option for everyone — including our furry friends — at basicjane.com. To learn more about CBD and the many benefits of using it topically with tested products like the Basic Jane Gummies, search CBD benefits to learn how incorporating this non-intoxicating cannabinoid can help with your health.
CULTIVATED BY DUNGENESS DANK
MANDARIN COOKIES MANDARIN
SATIVAS ARE BACK on the menu in Washington, as demand for energetic and productive flower surges during the dark winter months. We all struggle with motivation as the sun disappears, which is why taking vitamin D supplements and smoking lots of Dungeness Dank is the cure for Seasonal Affective Disorder. While it won’t fix the Seattle freeze, lighting up a bowl of chatty sativa flower could open the door to a conversation, and from there the options are as limitless as the mighty Pacific Ocean.
A breath of fresh citrus gas awaits inside a jar of Mandarin Cookies, rushing into the senses like a burst of sunlight. First notes are all orange fizz, with creamy, tangy undertones that melt into a sharp cookies funk, smacking the palate with hints of permanent marker, skunky cookies, and a piney, zingy finish. Simply delicious and complex, the buds are lime green and super frosty, with a thick, sticky density that promises a slow-burning, heady smoke.
Breaking open a bud hits the gas pedal, releasing zings of citrus cooks as fingers are coated in resin. First tokes are sweet, sharp and all mandarin, with a smooth exhale and a funky cookies finish that coats the palate with repeat hits. Effects roll into the mind like a fog over the Puget Sound, bringing a strong chance of giggles and forgetful energy. This is a heavy-duty PNW sativa, meaning buckle up for heavy effects to accompany an energy befitting of the high seas.
Getting through a winter in the PNW is no joke, which is why we appreciate the attention to heavy-hitting strains like Mandarin Cookies.
Dungeness Dank is a craft-oriented producer that focuses on unique, pesticide-free strains with DOH-certified practices and cares for the plant that translates into superbly tasty flowers.
HOW MANGOES AND MYRCENE MIGHT HELP YOUR HIGH
HERBAN LEGEND?
A Kick from the Kitchen
Putting food and Cannabis together is a powerful combo, but there’s an old theory that says pairing the two might have another strong, unexpected effect. The premise is that eating a mango right after you smoke some weed will significantly increase the effect of your high, and this theory of putting the munchies first in order to intensify your high isn’t solely restricted to mangoes.
Anecdotal evidence is all over the internet stating how the high levels of beta-caryophyllene in broccoli, tryptophan in sweet potatoes, or fatty acids in nuts can be harnessed to synergize and amplify the potency of Cannabis. So let’s take a look at where this idea comes from. Is there any science to it, and most importantly, does it work?
Smoking the Science
The origins of this legend link to one of the most dominant terpenes in the world of weed: myrcene. This naturally occurring chemical compound is often prevalent in strains considered particularly stony or labeled as “indica” in stores. We’ve also come to understand that these compounds are responsible for the effects of Cannabis beyond the reach of just THC. Myrcene is currently thought of as influencing the impact of anxiety on a person, as well as having analgesic and antibacterial properties. Most importantly, for us, myrcene is thought
to have an effect on what we call the blood-brain barrier, a cellular wall that allows for the transportation of chemicals from our bloodstream to our brains.
Certain evidence points to a connection between large amounts of myrcene and how swiftly these neurochemicals pass through the cells and reach our brains. This would mean that the effects of consuming myrcenerich mangoes and Cannabis together would produce a robust and more effective delivery as the boost of myrcene carries that intoxicating canna-cocktail over the defensive wall and into the end zone.
Does it Work?
As of now, we don’t have any firm studies that link these two things as a definite psychoactive power couple. Of course it’s also important to remember that just like different harvests of Cannabis produce different levels of THC (and myrcene), so do mango crops. For example, the levels of myrcene present in many of the currently available strains of Cannabis, such as a Blue Dream or OG Kush, can often have 0.7% myrcene in a gram.
“CERTAIN EVIDENCE POINTS TO A CONNECTION BETWEEN LARGE AMOUNTS OF MYRCENE AND HOW SWIFTLY THESE NEUROCHEMICALS PASS THROUGH THE CELLS AND REACH OUR BRAINS.”
On average, the National Institute of Health states that mango pulp contains 0.09 mg/kg of myrcene, meaning you’d need “well over 1,000 mangoes to achieve anything approaching 1 gram of myrcene.” While consuming a large amount of fruit might have an effect on the brain’s intake of Cannabis, wolfing down that many fiber-rich mangoes in order to test this theory would give you a wicked stomach ache. There might be a small rush from eating a mango after you smoke, but that could very well be the joy of beating off cotton mouth with a sweet, juicy snack. In the end, further study is needed on myrcene’s effects to better understand how it might influence the bloodbrain barrier and help people achieve faster and more effective relief. However, most experts agree this falls under myth. If you’d like to experiment for yourself, most experts suggest consuming your mango raw, not cooked, to retain its terpenes, and the fruit should actually be consumed about an hour before you start smoking to give your body time to absorb the nutrients.
THE MISSION OF ASCENSION IS TO PRODUCE HIGH QUALITY, MEDICAL GRADE (DOH COMPLIANT) CANNABIS IN A SUSTAINABLE, EFFICIENT ENVIRONMENT, WITHOUT THE USE OF CHEMICAL NUTRIENTS AND PESTICIDES. WE ARE GROWING UTILIZING AN ORGANIC LIVING SOIL, ENERGY EFFICIENT LED LIGHTING, HIGH END AIR PURIFICATION SYSTEM, AND A FEED WATER IRRIGATION SYSTEM THAT MINIMIZES WATER CONSUMPTION AND RUNOFF.
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BLISSFUL BOND
HOW CANNABIS CAN ELEVATE ORGASMIC WELLNESS
The journey of wellness is one of deep connection — mind to body, heart to spirit and self to the symbiotic universe. When I sat down with Dr. Celeste Saenz, a naturopathic doctor with 16 years of experience specializing in women’s health, the conversation drifted into one of the most intimate yet profoundly transformative topics: the role of orgasms in human wellness. Paired with the synergistic potential of Cannabis, the discussion was enlightening and high-vibrational. Dr. Saenz, founder of Vitalis Naturopathic Medicine in Seattle, Washington, exudes a calming yet vibrant energy. Her work focuses on holistic healing, and her passion lies in empowering individuals — especially women — to reclaim their health and vitality. She explains how something as taboo as the concept of sacred orgasm can transform our physical well-being as well as emotional and spiritual health.
WHAT IS THE SCIENCE BEHIND ORGASMS AND WELLNESS?
Orgasming puts your body in an active state of praise and reverence for the gift of life. Physiologically, a cascade of feel-good hormones, including oxytocin, endorphins and dopamine flood the body. These chemicals reduce stress, improve mood and even boost immune function. They also enhance circulation and support cardiovascular health. It’s a full-body reset.
HOW DOES CANNABIS HELP WITH INTIMACY?
Cannabis can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, which is essential for intimacy. It also heightens sensory perception, making touch and connection a more vivid, enjoyable experience. Allowing people to tune into their bodies, enhances intimacy and pleasure.
ARE THERE SPECIFIC CANNABIS PRODUCTS YOU RECOMMEND FOR ENHANCING INTIMACY?
I recommend topical oils or lubricants for localized relaxation and heightened sensation. For systemic effects, a balanced edible or tincture can work wonders, just ensure you’re in a comfortable setting and start with a low dose.
WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR SOMEONE NEW TO COMBINING CANNABIS AND INTIMACY?
Begin with a mindful approach. Light a candle, play some music and take time to connect with your breath. Use a small amount of Cannabis, and focus on being present with your body and your partner. It’s about creating an environment of trust and exploration.
A JOURNEY TO PLEASURE
Dr. Saenz described orgasms as a full-body reset. Beyond the physiological benefits, orgasms also serve as a gateway to deeper emotional and spiritual states. “It’s an act of surrender,” she said. “In those moments, we let go of control, open ourselves to vulnerability and connect with something greater — whether that’s a partner, ourselves or the divine.”
Dr. Saenz emphasized the connection between pleasure and health. “Our bodies are designed for pleasure, but many people carry tension and disconnect from their physical and emotional selves,” she said. “Orgasms have the power to release built-up stress, regulate the nervous system and bring us back to a state of balance.”
"CANNABISINFUSED ORGASMS, WHEN APPROACHED WITH INTENTION AND CARE, CAN BE
A POWERFUL TOOL FOR WELLNESS AND SELFDISCOVERY."
Finding this balance can be a life-changing journey. “I’ve seen patients transform when they allow themselves to embrace pleasure,” she said. “It’s not just about the physical sensations; it’s about engaging with your body in a way that promotes trust, joy, connection, moving blocked energy and letting go of what no longer serves us. It’s a practice of deep liberation.”
THE ROLE OF SENSATION AND CONSENT
Dr. Saenz noted Cannabis’s unique ability to enhance sensation and relaxation since it works with our endocannabinoid system, which regulates mood, pain and pleasure.
“Certain strains or products can heighten awareness, making emotions more accessible,” she shared. “For some people, this means breaking through barriers of shame or trauma that have held them back from experiencing pleasure.”
She explained how specific Cannabis strains and delivery methods can be tailored to individual needs. “A high-CBD strain might be perfect for someone seeking relaxation and stress relief in the intimacy department, while a balanced THC-CBD strain can enhance physical sensations without overwhelming the mind,” she said. “Seek to find what works for your unique chemistry. It’s not about escaping reality but about engaging with it more fully.”
Consent is a non-negotiable and education is key, she noted. “Cannabis and intimacy require intentionality. Start with low doses, communicate openly with your partner or yourself and set the mood,” she said. “This isn’t just about having an orgasm; it’s about creating a space for healing and connection.”
EMBRACING PLEASURE AS MEDICINE
As our conversation drew to a close, I felt inspired by Dr. Saenz’s holistic perspective. In a world that often prioritizes productivity over presence, her work reminds us that pleasure is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Cannabis-infused orgasms, when approached with intention and care, can be a powerful tool for wellness and self-discovery. So why not embrace them as part of a vibrant, joyful, and balanced life?
Yearning for more?
Listen to Leaf Life Podcast #293 "The Big O” featuring Dr. Celeste.
TOPICALS
olive oil, calendula and full-spectrum Cannabis. Designed for external use only, it can be especially beneficial for females experiencing conditions like endometriosis or dry spells. Simply massage around your intimate regions and the high-THC formulation stimulates blood flow, increasing sensation and orgasm. The balm is particularly impactful for the cannabinoid receptors in the womb space. Fragrance-free and high potency, OM Love Balm can be used however your imagination allows. It’s available in licensed retail Cannabis shops throughout California with full-spectrum THC or online in a CBD-only formula. omliving.com | om-wellness.com | @getomliving
HER HIGHNESS CBD PLEASURE OIL
Unleash your passion with Her Highness CBD Pleasure Oil, a luxurious, plantpowered elixir designed to elevate your intimate experiences. This orgasmic enhancer combines hemp-derived CBD for soothing relaxation, Delta-8 for increased blood flow, and South American Spilanthes acmella extract to awaken your senses with pulsating magic. With a lush base of extra virgin olive oil and sensual notes of basil, vanilla and peppermint, it’s the ultimate indulgence for body, mind, and spirit — pure pleasure in every drop. herhighnesscbd.com | @herhighnessnyc
NEO SENSUAL TINGLE CBD INTIMATE GLIDE
Step into a world of heightened intimacy and sensual bliss with the NEO Sensual Tingle CBD Intimate Glide, uniquely formulated to stimulate the clitoris with tingling sensations that excite and delight. Infused with invigorating peppermint and vasodilators, this vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free formula awakens the body and spirit, enhancing pleasure with every touch. Whether shared with a partner or explored solo, this water-based glide elevates connection and self-discovery with a tantalizing tingle that lingers like a whisper of ecstasy. neosensuality.com
TAKE A T-BREAK!
QUITTING IS FOR QUITTERS, BUT WHEN IT COMES TO TOLERANCE AND CANNABIS, TAKING A BREAK COULD MAKE YOU THE BIG WINNER THE NEXT TIME YOU LIGHT UP.
IT’S the new year, and everyone is giving something up. Dry January is always commendable, and you won’t see this Cali-sober writer throwing shade at people for giving up the sauce. Taking a break from booze is a win, whether for a day, a month or a year! But I do have a problem with those new gym memberships, no-sugar, “new year, new me” folks on social media who see the opportunity to gain social credit points rather than make actual change. Change is hard, especially when it comes to addictive substances like alcohol, sugar or hard drugs. Luckily, Cannabis is nonaddictive, at least physically, and can play a role in your own health choices for this new year.
SHORT BREAKS & LONG BREAKS
Tolerance breaks don’t have to be all or nothing. It can mean skipping edibles, dabbing or not smoking before 5 p.m. Any chance to reset or refresh the endocannabinoid system is beneficial.
Our bodies have an endocannabinoid system integrated into our central nervous system, with a network of receptors that regulate and maintain neurological and physiological functions. Regular Cannabis use can lead to reduced receptor responsiveness, which isn’t harmful but can leave users feeling foggy, tired or unmotivated. Taking a break from smoking, dabbing or edibles can help reset the system, and even a short break can lead to a big high the next time you light up.
A long break from Cannabis does not lead to an “endocannabinoid deficiency,” but the body’s endocannabinoid system naturally produces cannabinoids to help regulate inflammation, pain and stress. Some theories suggest low levels of these endocannabinoids may contribute to migraines or IBS, and
that an imbalance could potentially create an environment where disease spreads more easily. However, this is unrelated to Cannabis abstinence. This system is crucial for balance, which is why cannabinoids are found in breast milk and why the body produces its own endogenous cannabinoids.
Our advice? Take short breaks and monitor your body and mental state to find the best balance for Cannabis in your life.
CHANGING YOUR ROUTINE
Waking and baking is a vibe. Let’s be real. There’s nothing quite like morning bong hits or dabs before floating to a coffee shop and taking an excruciatingly long time to order your normal triple vanilla latte. But is it the best way to start the day? The answer is undoubtedly yes if your plans involve adventures, shopping or a general lack of responsibility!
But those trying to make it in this difficult world and inflated economy might benefit from waiting to bake until a few hours after waking. Changing a routine starts with day one, trying something different and seeing if it helps. If it does, try to combine a few days and analyze the results. It doesn’t have to be major changes; simply waiting a few hours to smoke could make your day more productive. However, we all know someone who needs to take a bong hit by noon because, after lunch, they get grumpy. So this advice hits both ways: If you are struggling with the afternoon blues or can’t stand the mornings, perhaps the right blend of terps and cannabinoids will provide the smoky boost you need to sail through a happy day.
For patients, daily use can be a lifesaver. It’s also the only significantly beneficial drug usable daily, for decades, without major side effects. Even Tylenol or Ibuprofen can destroy the body after extended use. It can also kill.
“Tylenol accounts for more than 56,000 emergency room visits, 26,000 hospitalizations and an estimated 458 deaths due to acute liver failure each year, with the highest rate among patients aged 15 to 24,” says Jeffrey Folk, M.D., CMO of Piedmont Healthcare.
“TAKING A BREAK FROM SMOKING,
DABBING OR EDIBLES CAN HELP RESET THE SYSTEM…”
Given that there are no known adverse effects to Cannabis, it comes down to personal choices and habits. Cannabis can be used for creative energy to drive a healthy workday or can be a couch-locked inhibitor to success. This depends on strain choice, consumption method choice and intention. Weed certainly makes many things better, but if it’s slowing you down at times when you need to be productive, take a break! The bong will be waiting, and the high after a break always hits a little harder.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Cannabis is a beautiful plant that helps so many people. You cannot overdose on it, there’s no physical dependency or addiction, and there’s no hangover when compared to alcohol.
IS SOBRIETY FROM CANNABIS NECESSARY?
Sobriety is both a positive life decision and a surging trend, but is it necessary to take a break from Cannabis to be sober? A major question regarding Cannabis is that of use versus abuse. When a patient uses Cannabis in high doses, they are often using it as medicine, reaping benefits without negative side effects. Taking a break from Cannabis could lead to negative health issues for patients depending on the plant.
We should never judge how people use Cannabis but always be ready to pass a joint or share the advice that maybe it isn’t the right time to get high. Above all, we must not judge people for how they interact with the plant. What might be a devastating dose of highTHC edibles for one person could be the only thing keeping another person from suffering in pain or choosing opiates.
Cannabis is a gift from God and Gaia, a wonderful medicine, and a tool for helping with sobriety from other drugs and alcohol.
As this writer approaches two years of sobriety from alcohol next month, I know that Cannabis was a tool that has kept me sober, and I am so grateful for the plant that has helped us all.
FROM STIGMA
CANNABIS has long been a polarizing topic in the medical community, but 2023 marked a pivotal moment for its integration into health care. That September, the American Nurses Association (ANA) — an organization representing more than 5 million nurses nationwide — officially recognized Cannabis nursing as a specialty. Less than a year later, in June 2024, the ANA and the American Cannabis Nurses Association (ACNA) jointly published “Cannabis Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice,” solidifying the role of Cannabis nurses in the broader health care system.
“This is huge,” said Dr. Deanna Sommers, PhD, RN, CPNP, incoming ACNA president-elect for 2025 and one of the lead authors of the publication. “If you look at other specialties, they all have a scope and standards. Now we finally do too.”
The publication addresses the unique challenges nurses face in providing safe and ethical care for patients using Cannabis. From educating patients about its potential benefits and risks to navigating the complexities of federal and state laws, Cannabis nursing aims to bridge a critical gap in modern health care.
A NEW FRONTIER
Nursing is often described as the backbone of health care, with nurses consistently ranking among the most trusted professionals. Cannabis, however, has long existed in a legal and cultural gray area, creating serious challenges for both nurses and patients.
“Nurses are the most trusted organization through and through, and most people don’t go to their physician and say, ‘Hey, I was thinking about trying Cannabis,’” said Nicole Foss, MBA, RN and current president of the ACNA, during our conversation. “No, they’re going to talk to the nurse.” That means, whether they like it or not, nurses are already on the front lines of guiding Cannabis-using patients. The ACNA’s new specialty scope and standards give them the tools to do it responsibly. So, what is a Cannabis nurse? Cannabis nursing is officially defined as a specialty practice focused on the care of health care consumers seeking education and guidance in the therapeutic use of Cannabis. This encompasses everything from discussing Cannabis’s potential benefits and risks to ensuring its safe integration with other medications.
“WE NEED TO EMPOWER NURSES SO THEY CAN EMPOWER PATIENTS.”
-2024 ACNA PRESIDENT NICOLE FOSS, MBA, RN, ON
THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION
AND ADVOCACY
The ACNA was founded in 2006 by visionary leaders, the late nurse Julia (Ed) Glick and Mary Lynn Mathre, during the Fourth National Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics. It began as a collective of passionate nurses supporting medical cannabis patients when the field was still deeply stigmatized.
According to Foss, the group’s earliest efforts centered on “helping patients figure out how to navigate Cannabis when it was very, very taboo,” but it soon evolved to address bigger hurdles, such as outdated school policies, inconsistent regulations and a lack of formal education in nursing curricula.
FROM TABOO TO TEXTBOOK
With education at the head of their mission, the ACNA stepped in to begin formal
"Cannabis Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice" outlines 18 standards, divided between the traditional nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, outcomes, planning, implementation and evaluation) and professional performance (ethics, collaboration, research, education and more).
TO SPECIALTY
education. After three years in the making, “Cannabis Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice” was published.
The publication outlines 18 standards, divided between the traditional nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, outcomes, planning, implementation and evaluation) and professional performance (ethics, collaboration, research, education and more).
While drafting the document, Dr. Sommers and her colleagues faced significant obstacles, including federal laws that still classify Cannabis as a Schedule I drug. “Nursing curricula still barely mention Cannabis, other than substance abuse,” Dr. Sommers noted. “The federal ban doesn’t help. But we’ve got to align with reality: patients are using Cannabis every day.”
BRIDGING THE GAP
Many nursing programs simply do not address Cannabis’s potential therapeutic applications, focusing instead on substance-abuse concerns. Dr. Sommers points out that this creates a significant knowledge gap at the point of care, especially as more states legalize Cannabis for medical or adult use.
According to Foss, the ACNA hopes the new scope and standards will serve as a jumping-off point for curriculum development. “We need to empower nurses so they can empower patients,” she said. “That starts with education.”
ETHICAL CHALLENGES
The new scope and standards also highlight the ethical and educational complexities nurses often face. “We had a nursing student who tested positive for Cannabis three months before graduating,” Dr. Sommers recalled. “Four years of nursing school — gone. That just didn’t feel right to me, so I started digging deeper.”
Her inquiries led to the realization that many nursing schools operate under zero-tolerance policies that make little sense in states where adult-use Cannabis is legal. Dr. Sommers revised her own program’s policy to allow one retest, but the student’s sample came back “negative, dilute,” which certain clinical agencies still treated as a positive.
“That heartbreak — and others like it — was a major motivation to get involved with ACNA,” she said.
Foss, who has a well-rounded background working closely with veterans as well as Cannabis companies, sees firsthand the impact of legal inconsistencies. “Insurance is a hard game, but we’re at a tipping point,” she told me. “Some plans are finally ready to put CBD products on their portals. That’s taken three years of conversations just for one insurer.”
CERTIFICATION AHEAD
"WE’VE GOT TO ALIGN WITH REALITY: PATIENTS ARE USING CANNABIS EVERY DAY.”
With the new scope and standards published, the big question is: What comes next? For the ACNA, it’s about formalizing an exam that would allow nurses to achieve board certification in Cannabis nursing.
“People ask, ‘When can I take the test?’” Dr. Sommers said, laughing. “Well, we have to pilot and validate questions. Different states, different laws. It’s a process, but it’ll legitimize Cannabis nursing even more.”
POLICY SHIFT
Meanwhile, ACNA is pushing for change at the legislative level. The organization is collaborating with the ANA on policy discussions surrounding re-scheduling or de-scheduling Cannabis, effectively making it more accessible to patients without stigmatizing nurses. “Ultimately, ACNA wants Cannabis de-scheduled,” Dr. Sommers said. “We can’t just wait for regulators to catch up.”
Foss, who also has a background in insurance, emphasized that insurance reimbursement for Cannabis-based therapies could be on the horizon. “Nurses are in a perfect position to drive that conversation,” she said. “Whether it’s legislative or insurance-based, we want consistent, safe access for patients.”
NURSING THE FUTURE
Although “Cannabis Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice” marks a significant milestone, both Foss and Dr. Sommers agree there is much more to accomplish. They encourage nurses, educators and policymakers to get involved, whether by joining the ACNA, advocating for policy updates or expanding research on medical Cannabis.
For nurses and nursing students, the bottom line is that health care is changing — and Cannabis nursing could be at the forefront of a more holistic, personalized approach. “We’ll be doing a fundraising drive specifically for the scope and standards in 2025,” Foss said. “That’ll keep us growing, building this community.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Sommers echoed that there is no better time than now to explore Cannabis nursing. “I want people to understand how big this is for nursing.” CANNABISNURSES.ORG @ACNANURSES
2023-2025 ACNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE HIDDEN ALCHEMY OF WATER
LIFE’S SACRED WELLNESS ELIXIR
“The Hidden Messages in Water,”
A Gateway to Conscious Living
It all started with a book. Masaru Emoto’s groundbreaking research, “The Hidden Messages in Water,” reveals a profound truth: Water is not just a physical substance; it’s a medium of consciousness, responding to the vibrations of thoughts, words and intentions. Through visual experiments, Emoto demonstrated that water crystals exposed to loving words like “gratitude” and “peace” formed intricate, harmonious patterns, while those exposed to negativity became disordered and chaotic.
This revelation invites us to explore the unseen alchemy within and around us. If water, the essence of life, responds so powerfully to intention, what might this suggests for our bodies and the earth’s waterways. “The Hidden Messages in Water” is a call to honor the connection between our inner world and the oceanic universe that connects us all. Reminding us that words and actions activate a ripple effect. We encourage you to delve into this visionary book, let it inspire you to live with conscious awareness, choosing thoughts and words that uplift, heal, and create harmony. Follow the journey of this brilliant water alchemist at masani-emoto.net
Shungite
An Ancient Stone of Energization and Water Purification
Imagine a stone so powerfully ancient that it holds the wisdom of Earth’s origins and the potential to transform your water into a healing, energetic force. Shungite, a carbon-rich mineral found exclusively in Russia, is celebrated for its natural ability to purify water and enhance its vibrational frequency. When added to water, shungite works like nature’s alchemist, absorbing impurities, neutralizing toxins and infusing water with energy-balancing properties. This stone’s unique molecular structure, fullerenes, makes it highly effective at detoxifying while promoting anti-cancer and anti-viral properties.
Accessible and easy to use, shungite stones can be added to any glass or pitcher of water. Simply let them sit for a few hours or overnight, and your water becomes revitalized, tasting fresh and alive. By incorporating Shungite into your hydration ritual, you embrace a timeless connection to the Earth’s healing power. Explore the stoned alchemy of this Master purifier at www.karelianheritage.com/shungite-blog.
up-close
Berkey Water Filtration System
An At-Home Solution To Purify, Restructure And Elevate Daily Water Intake
Berkey isn’t just a filter; it’s a portal to clean, high-vibrational hydration.
The advanced filtration technology removes over 200 contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, pesticides, heavy metals and chlorine. Unlike other systems, Berkey maintains essential minerals that your body craves, delivering water that quenches your thirst and nourishes your cells.
This tool doesn’t rely on electricity or plumbing, making it a sustainable, off-grid choice. It empowers you to reclaim sovereignty over your hydration, no matter where you are. The water it produces tastes fresh, vibrant and full of energy. By bringing Berkey into your home, you’re not just choosing clean water, you’re aligning with a sustainable, purified flow of life force energy. For a deeper dive into this aquatic portal, visit theberkey.com.
Shungite
Emoto’s water crystal visuals
The Hidden Alchemy of Water
The Secret to Life and Wellness
Water is the original alchemist, the element that weaves life into existence. It connects us to Earth’s rhythms and nourishes every cell in our bodies — a flowing testament to our connection with the planet’s waterways. As humans, composed of about 60% water, our health depends on its purity. Far beyond quenching thirst, it carries energy, nutrients and vitality, supporting essential functions like detoxification, temperature regulation and energy production.
The quality of water directly impacts the health of individuals, plants and ecosystems. Contamination — from heavy metals and industrial chemicals to microplastics and pathogens — poses serious risks, disrupting wellness and the delicate balance of biodiversity. Polluted water sources turn a vital resource into a potential toxin, threatening the interconnected web of life. Scientific research highlights its role in mental clarity, physical health and emotional balance. Yet, the water flowing from our taps often contains hidden impurities. As masters of our reality, the solution isn’t found in bottled water or endless reliance on external systems; it lies in taking the power into your own hands.
Shungite and the Berkey System
1.
THREE MILDLY POTENT POTABLES to combat the winter blues or, even better, if you are one of the lucky ones, enhance your cold-weather cheer. The drinks are powered by Pruf Cultivar’s Astral Works, a high-CBD strain providing a sense of calm and a tropical, fruity taste. Sometimes, high CBD allows me to focus while enjoying a mild psychoactive experience. Other times, I want to get really, really stoned. Happy New Year! Laurie@Laurieandmaryjane.com
PRETTY POURS
Serves two
DOLE THIS OUT
Serves two
2 cups pineapple chunks
1 1/2 cups coconut milk
1 peeled orange, cut into chunks
1 cup coconut yogurt
2 tablespoons agave syrup
2 teaspoons canna-oil or cannabutter, melted
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Garnish with an orange slice
1. Just blend in the blender until smooth.
2. Divide between two glasses.
GREEN ACRES
Serves two
1 large ripe avocado, pit removed, peeled and cut into pieces
1 cup packed baby kale, rinsed
1 ripe mango, peeled and cut into chunks
2 cups almond milk
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons canna-oil or cannabutter, melted
1. Just blend in the blender until smooth.
2. Divide between two glasses.
KING
1 medium papaya, peeled, seeded and cut into pieces
1 medium banana, sliced and frozen
2 cups almond milk
2 tablespoons lime juice
2-4 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons canna-oil or cannabutter, melted
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 cup ice cubes
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons Tajín chili/lime seasoning
1. Combine everything but the honey and the Tajín in the blender. Blend till smooth.
2. Pour the honey on a small, flat plate. Pour the Tajín on a separate plate. Run the rim of each glass through the honey, then through the Tajín.
PAPAYA
Coldberger
Nicole Berger, better known as Coldberger, is a true product of the ’90s. In her work, you’ll see a lot of inspiration from the decade’s colorways and geometric shape designs.
WHEN CREATING and developing her art, she draws inspiration from the objects around her, reimagining them in her own style and voice. “I don’t care as much about what object I’m making — it’s more about putting my energy into the work; the canvas can be anything,” she said. “I love my style and the shapes and palettes I create, but another huge inspiration and driving force is my community. I get to play with my best friends, and that’s my work. How could I want anything else?”
Getting her start in glass in 2010, she attended Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia. The supportive, family-like atmosphere of the program gave her a strong starting foundation. Afterward, her education continued as she spent the next two years apprenticing with world-renowned artist Daniel Coyle.
“...it’s the community that drives me! I get to play with my best friends, and that’s my work…”
After spending 25 years in Pennsylvania, she decided it was time for some new scenery.
In 2016 she moved briefly to Montana to assist another legend in our industry, Christopher McElroy, also known as 2 Stroke Glass. This experience gave her an education in coldworking glass and various color techniques, as well as other skills in electrical work, woodworking and even breaking down a deer. After her stint in Montana was up, it was time for the next adventure.
The glass art scene has always been strong in Colorado, filled with many talented glass friends, and beautiful scenery — the perfect combo for her next home.
Coldberger is always on the move, it seems. When she’s not at home in Denver, you can catch her traveling the world at various trade shows, gallery openings and teaching classes. If you want to try to get one of these coveted learning opportunities, you can reach out to her about upcoming classes at the Corning Museum of Glass in New York or Barcelona Glass Studio in Spain. You can also catch her nearly every year at the world-famous Pilchuck Glass School, where she's been on staff since 2014.
Coldberger’s work has always been articulate yet fun, fashionable yet timeless, and always leaves me with a smile on my face.
COLDBERGER.COM | @COLDBERGER
2024 collab with Sibelle for DFO.
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Meds From The Feds
Although 38 states have legalized Cannabis for medical use, it remains prohibited on the federal level. But what many people don’t realize is that the federal government actually established a legal medical marijuana program of its own over four decades ago — one that’s provided a handful of patients with free weed from Uncle Sam himself.
REEFER FOR RESEARCH
America’s original medical marijuana program began, surprisingly, at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacology. In 1968, UMSP was awarded the first and only official government contract to supply the National Institute on Mental Health with marijuana so researchers could study its effects. They secured an outdoor garden space just off campus and an assortment of seeds, and by the end of that year, they’d produced their first crop of Cannabis. Among the first scientists approved to dip into Uncle Sam’s secret stash were Dr. Robert Hepler and Dr. Ira R. Frank at UCLA. In 1971, the duo published a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association titled “Marihuana Smoking and Intraocular Pressure,” which indicated that THC reduced eye pressure, suggesting Cannabis was a possible treatment for glaucoma and other optical conditions.
Unbeknownst to them, a young man across the country would soon arrive at the same conclusion through experimentation of his own.
ROBERT RANDALL
In 1971, 23-year-old Washington, D.C., taxi driver Robert Randall was diagnosed with glaucoma and told he’d likely be blind within five years. The prescribed eyedrops only seemed to make things worse. Then one day he smoked a joint, and to his surprise, it eased his eye pain and improved his vision. Randall began smoking weed regularly and eventually decided to start growing it himself. Unfortunately, in summer 1975, Randall and his wife Alice returned from vacation to find the four plants on their sun deck gone and a search warrant on their kitchen table, along with a note from the MPD requesting that they turn themselves in. It seems police noticed their plants while raiding a neighboring apartment and visited their place next.
to testify on his behalf. As a result, on Nov. 24, 1976, the judge ruled in Randall’s favor — dismissing the charges and affirming his use of marijuana as a “medical necessity.” That verdict marked the first time in 40 years that the U.S. government acknowledged that Cannabis may have medicinal use.
Meanwhile, Randall had also filed a petition in May 1976 with the DEA and NIDA requesting medical access to that Mississippi marijuana. Within weeks of his historic verdict, NIDA granted that petition, making him the first legally sanctioned medical marijuana user in American history.
Randall and his wife were charged with possession. Had they pled guilty, they could’ve simply paid a small fine and moved on… but within a week of their arrest, Randall learned about the Hepler/Frank study and instead decided to fight it — pleading “not guilty” and invoking the rarely-used Common Law Doctrine of Necessity to mount the first-ever medical marijuana defense. He even got Dr. Hepler
But his battle wasn’t over yet: As retaliation for his criticisms in the media, the FDA imposed harsh restrictions on where and how often he could obtain his meds, effectively cutting him off. In response, on May 6, 1978, Randall filed a sweeping lawsuit against the FDA, DEA, NIDA, DOJ and Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Apparently, officials were so terrified of the case going to trial that within 48 hours they’d settled out of court. The new agreement allowed Randall to receive Cannabis via a standard written prescription as part of a new FDA research effort called the Compassionate Investigational New Drug program, or IND.
The original University of Mississippi outdoor Cannabis garden.
The five patients receiving joints from Uncle Sam circa 1990 (left to right): Robert Randall, Corrine Millet, Elvy Musikka, George McMahon, and Irv Rosenfeld.
Randall’s first medicinal joint prescription.
COMPASSIONATE IND
Founded as a direct result of the settlement in the Randall v. U.S. case, the IND program was a concession made by NIDA to allow a select few patients with specific conditions to receive a monthly allotment of Cannabis from Ole Miss for “compassionate reasons.”
Here’s how it worked: After the plants were harvested and dried, they were shipped in large metal drums to a facility in North Carolina, where they were crushed, sifted and watered, then fed into a bulk cigarette-making machine. Next, those joints were freeze-dried and loaded 300-deep into round steel canisters, which were then stored in a freezer until being shipped off to the pre-approved doctor or pharmacist.
The government attempted to keep this new IND program under wraps because its very existence was a tacit admission that Cannabis did in fact have medicinal value — a direct contradiction to their official position and its classification under Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act. This is why it took nearly four years before another patient would be reluctantly admitted to the program: a financial adviser in Florida by the name of Irvin Rosenfeld.
IRVIN ROSENFELD
Since the age of 10, Rosenfeld suffered from a rare disease called Multiple Congenital Cartilaginous Exostoses — a condition that causes painful bone tumors to grow at his joints. Throughout his life, Rosenfeld underwent numerous surgeries and tried various medications before accidentally discovering that smoking marijuana helped relieve his pain and inflammation. Originally against illegal drugs, he was essentially peer pressured into smoking it while attending college in Miami in 1971. It didn’t affect him much at first, but one day, he smoked a joint while playing chess and came to the remarkable realization that he’d been sitting for over 30 minutes with no pain for the first time in years.
The following year, he dropped out of college and moved back to his home state of Virginia, where he and his doctor petitioned the FDA for approval to conduct their own medical study. After being stonewalled for years, Rosenfeld was about to give up hope. Then, in 1977, he met Randall at a college speaking engagement and was encouraged to keep fighting.
“He said, ‘You know, the government has no intentions of ever giving it to anyone else, but if anybody has a chance, you do.’”
With Randall’s guidance, in 1982, the FDA finally held a hearing for his case. After listening to his “very eloquent and convincing” testimony, the FDA granted his request, and in 1983 he became the second person accepted into the IND program.
With the help of Randall and Rosenfeld, more and more patients began petitioning for access to the program, including Iowans Barbara Douglas and George McMahon, Nebraska grandmother Corrine Millet, and Vietnam vet Lynn Pierson. But perhaps the best-known IND participant is the feisty firebrand, Elvy Musikka.
Within weeks of his historic verdict, NIDA granted his petition — making Randall the first legally-sanctioned
medical marijuana user in American history.
ENTER ELVY
Originally from Columbia, Elvy Musikka was born with congenital cataracts. At age 6, she had the first of many surgeries — some of which did more harm than good. In addition to her cataracts, Musikka was also diagnosed with glaucoma in 1975. At that point, her doctor unofficially advised her to use marijuana to try to save her sight. Like Rosenfeld, she had been against drug use up until that point, but in 1976, after learning about Randall’s case, she decided to try some pot brownies. The results were, according to her, “nothing short of a miracle.”
Musikka began using Cannabis regularly, and in 1980, she started growing a half dozen plants in her backyard in Hollywood, Florida. For nearly a decade, she grew and used Cannabis medicinally without legal incident — that is, until 1988, when a boarder she was trying to evict dropped the dime on her. When the police arrived on the evening of March 4, she didn’t try to hide the plants. Instead, she explained that they were her medicine and without them she’d go blind. Nevertheless, they confiscated her weed, arrested her and charged her with cultivation.
Musikka was facing a possible sentence of five years in prison, but rather than calling an attorney, she went straight to the media. Her story quickly caught the attention of both NORML attorney Norm Kent (who offered to represent her pro bono) and Randall, who also offered his assistance. Thanks to testimony by Randall and her ophthalmologist at her trial that August, the judge ruled in her favor, declaring: “I don’t see where a better case could ever be made for medical necessity. In this case, Miss Musikka is trying to preserve herself from serious bodily injury.”
Two months after her acquittal, Musikka was accepted into the IND, becoming the first woman to receive Cannabis through the program.
BUNK WEED & BLINDNESS
Unfortunately, Musikka’s struggles were far from over. After she moved to Eugene, Oregon, in 2005, NIDA refused to ship the tins to her new location, forcing her to fly back to Florida each year to pick up her joints. She also faced ongoing harassment at airports and on the road from law enforcement agents who didn’t understand or care about her unique legal status. But perhaps the greatest injustice inflicted on Musikka — and, in fact, all of the IND patients — was the poor quality Cannabis they received. Not
only was U-Miss’s weed loaded with seeds and stems, freezedried, and often many years old, but its potency was also abysmal — containing just 2% to 6% THC and practically zero other cannabinoids. Tragically, it was one particularly weak batch in 2012 that indirectly caused Musikka to go completely blind in her right eye.
“They sent us a bunch of garbage with no THC,” she told Freedom Leaf in 2016. “It was hemp — which I love to wear, but it didn’t do anything for my glaucoma.”
Apparently, the lack of THC (which she assumed she was getting from the joints) caused the pressure in her eyes to hit “critical levels.” In turn, this led doctors to perform emergency surgery, which they botched — causing the detachment of her retina and the loss of her optic nerve.
END OF AN ERA
At its peak in 1991, 43 people had been approved for the IND, but only 15 of them ever actually received any meds from the feds. Reportedly, government officials grew nervous about the program getting out of hand due to a large influx of applications from AIDS patients during the late ’80s. And so, in 1992, the Bush administration directed NIDA to stop accepting new patients, effectively ending the program for anyone who wasn’t grandfathered in — including nearly 300 patients awaiting approval.
“The government was never comfortable with this program,” Rick Doblin, executive director of MAPS, told the LA Times in 2015. “They are just waiting for all the people in it to die.”
Sadly, that’s gradually what happened. Today, only Rosenfeld and Musikka remain. Though still technically enrolled in the program, Musikka opted to stop receiving joints in 2020 — partly because she tired of flying to Florida, and partly because she’d rather smoke better bud. Which, of course, leaves Rosenfeld as the last patient still smoking Uncle Sam’s schwag.
“I appreciate what the government has done and hope it never stops,” he once said. “I feel very, very fortunate … I shouldn’t have been alive and I’m still alive. I take no other medicines; I’m in great shape because of the Cannabis. I’m living proof that medical Cannabis is real medicine.”
To listen to Bobby’s interview with Elvy, visit worldofcannabis.museum/podcast.
ANDRE GROSSMAN
DON RYAN/ALAMY
Patient #2: Irvin Rosenfeld.
Randall’s tin of joints.
Elvy Musikka and her joints.
LOBBY STRONG
with The Cannabis Alliance
Meet with lawmakers to advocate for sensible cannabis policies critical to businesses and consumers
Washington State Capitol, Olympia | February 20, 2025
MAKE BAD DECISIONS.
End of story. Well, there’s more actually.
See, we all know that it’s difficult to think clearly when gazing through the glowing lens of beer goggles. Because when everything in your periphery is enhanced by fuzzy glamour-shot lighting, the miscalculation alarm can be severely compromised when your weaker senses are enticed.
Suddenly, casting caution to the wind makes perfect sense, and you are down because you’ve just unlocked the jailed trap star who runs the city. That antisocial video gamer who clocked in this morning with a Best Buy name tag just got steamrolled by the tank that is the new, confident and boastful Chief Executed Baller. With a couple of shots and a beer satiating the gullet, the amazing new you has emerged. And this dude is a fucking player who struts with swagger and makes the calls, ready to order some rounds and make some forgettable memories.
This is the juncture in the evening where terrible ideas become sound opportunities to prove to the world that the Tin Man just needed a few drops of oil to lube up the joints. A few of these ill-advised decisions include tossing back a fifth shot of Fireball whiskey, doubling up on the stack of waffles, and cranking the ignition on the Hyundai. It all makes beautiful, perfect sense. Oh, and hooking up with your childhood bestie.
Not all decisions made when drunk are bad, however. The moment you decided to hit a homeless guy’s pinner on the sidewalk after slapping his palm with a 20 spot instead of calling Guido for an eight-ball of blow was the best choice you made all week.
