DENVER / BOULDER
HEALTH + WELLNESS ISSUE
The healing power of nature.
BEST SUMMER EVER!
Three reasons to get out there.
{plus} WOODSTOCK DEBUNKED COLORADO HERITAGE GRAINS THE ANSWER TO HIDDEN DISEASES
THE NEW NORMAL
8.2019
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ISSUE 8 // VOLUME 4 // 8.2019
FEATURES 66 Hack Your Age
Eight great ways to age with grace.
98 Paddle Powell Now
Lake Powell is awash with snowmelt after a decades-long dry spell.
SP EC IAL R EP OR T
110 Holding On to Hope
Cannabis offers an alternative treatment for autoimmune diseases.
120 Peace, Love & Reality
Putting the Woodstock myth to bed.
128 Remembering Us
One couple’s experience with traumatic brain injury set to film.
98
GO WITH THE FLOW Follow the runoff from our epic snowpack into the lakes of the Colorado River basin.
every issue 15 Editor’s Note 19 The Buzz 28 NewsFeed FIX-A-FLATS
38 StarPowered 44 TasteBuds
GRAINS OF TRUTH
56 HighProfile
BLISSFUL SISTERS
72 LifeStyle
AN APP FOR EVERYTHING
80 TravelWell
ASCENDING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
90 AroundTown
THE ART OF SHINRIN-YOKU
144 HereWeGo
KICKED-UP CORN
Sensi magazine is published monthly by Sensi Media Group LLC. © 2019 SENSI MEDIA GROUP LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
ON THE COVER Photo by Jordan Lapekis / Lake Powell Paddleboard & Kayak
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sensi magazine ISSUE 8 / VOLUME 4 / 8.2019
EXECUTIVE FOLLOW US
Ron Kolb ron@sensimag.com CEO, SENSI MEDIA GROUP
Tae Darnell tae@sensimag.com PRESIDENT, SENSI MEDIA GROUP
Alex Martinez alex@sensimag.com CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
EDITORIAL sensimediagroup
Stephanie Wilson stephanie@sensimag.com EDITOR IN CHIEF
Leland Rucker leland.rucker@sensimag.com SENIOR EDITOR
John Lehndorff edible.critic@sensimag.com DINING EDITOR
Robyn Griggs Lawrence CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Natha Campanella CONTRIBUTING WRITER
A RT & D E S I G N sensimagazine
Jamie Ezra Mark jamie@emagency.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Rheya Tanner, Wendy Mak, Josh Clark em@sensimag.com DESIGN & LAYOUT
BUSINESS & A D M I N I S T R AT I V E Kristan Toth kristan.toth@sensimag.com
sensimag
HEAD OF PEOPLE
Liana Cameris liana.cameris@sensimag.com PUBLISHER
Ilee Desoto ilee.desoto@sensimag.com Chad Gatzemeyer chad.gatzemeyer@sensimag.com Richard Guerra richard.guerra@sensimag.com Steve McMorrow steve.mcmorrow@sensimag.com Amanda Patrizi amanda.patrizi@sensimag.com Tyler Tarr tyler.tarr@sensimag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS
Amber Orvik amber.orvik@sensimag.com CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR
Andre Velez andre.velez@sensimag.com MARKETING DIRECTOR
Neil Willis neil.willis@sensimag.com PRODUCTION MANAGER
Hector Irizarry distribution@sensimag.com DISTRIBUTION
M E D I A PA RT N E R S Marijuana Business Daily Minority Cannabis Business Association National Cannabis Industry Association Students for Sensible Drug Policy
14 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
NATURAL HEALING
editor’s
NOTE
I’m a magazine junkie, I’ll admit it. And it was
while reading an issue of Health magazine that inspiration for this month’s special report struck. The article focused on how women are disproportionately affected by “invisible illnesses”— lyme, fibromyalgia, lupus, and other autoimmune disorders. What it didn’t mention is that cannabis has shown to be an effective treatment for each of those. Robyn Griggs Lawrence explains why by highlighting the story of one woman whose lyme disease went undiagnosed for years until she discovered the healing power of the plant. Nature heals—that’s the message you’ll find throughout this month’s issue. Health and Wellness is the theme, and it plays out in a piece on the growing forest bathing trend. Colorado is the epicenter of the movement. Our mountains provide endless opportunities to practice the Japanese art of nature therapy. A walk in the woods is good for your mind, body, and soul, if you believe in that kind of thing. And as the saying goes, a life without health is like a river without water. This summer, the water in our rivers is flowing stronger than it has in years, thanks to the runoff from an epic snowpack that blanketed the Rocky Mountain headwaters of the Colorado River, which provides water to nearly 40 million people, flows through 9 National Parks, and drives a $1.4 trillion economy. Lake Powell is part of that. As a different saying goes, when the well’s dry, we know the worth of water. (Abe Lincoln said that.) After years of drought that dropped the water in the southwestern US to alarmingly low levels, things are changing in tangible ways. Lake Powell is up more than 50 feet this summer. As Robyn writes in this month’s cover story, the Rocky Mountain runoff has made its way into canyon cracks and crevices that have been dry for decades. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to visit the lake, it’s now. Make your great escape.
Stephanie Wilson ED I TOR I N CHI EF SENSI MAGAZINE
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Feeling Drained? Drink Up
Water is a key to your health and happiness. Just one
glass of water can boost your wellbeing, help you do all sorts of things: focus, ward off headaches, look glowy, feel energized, and more. But staying hydrated in Colorado isn’t an easy task. Not only is the high mountain air dryer than other states, there’s lower levels of oxygen, which means you breathe more rapidly and lose even more of that precious liquid in your body, according to the experts at Eldorado Natural Spring Water Company. True, they are trying to sell you more water but their science checks out. The age-old advice to drink eight cups of water a day isn’t totally accurate. Eight glasses a day would barely touch the constant thirst plaguing many Coloradan transplants, myself included. But it’s a good place to start. If you’re drinking constantly but still feeling parched, your body may not be retaining the liquid at a cellular level. Add some electrolytes to help your system absorb it more quickly. You don’t have to turn to a sugary sports drink for that, either. Coconut water is called “nature’s sport drink” for a reason. There are fizzy electrolyte tabs you can drop into your glass for an added boost; find them in the vitamin aisle. WebMD suggests you DIY your own enhanced beverage with just four ingredients: water, agave nectar, sea salt, and baking soda. Alternative option: 1:1 mix of citrus juice (for the potassium) and distilled water with pinches of salt and honey.
–Stephanie Wilson
Philip K. Dick Festival
Sterling, Aug. 9-11.
The revered science-fiction writer Philip K. Dick’s final resting place after his death in 1982 was in Ft. Morgan. The author of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, which begat the film Blade Runner, wrote many short stories and novels, often about what is real and what is not, and his stories and ideas have provided fodder for other films like Total Recall. Rest assured, the second-annual Philip K. Dick Festival is real, with fans and experts coming from near and far to celebrate this distinctive American writer with talks and panels about his legacy, rare books and memorabilia, an art exhibit and a tour of the author’s headstone at Riverside Cemetery. Aug. 9-11, Ft. Morgan, CO. –Leland Rucker All events are free. Details and schedules at PKD Festival Facebook page.
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Three Things We’re Looking Forward to This Month Latest and Greatest: Mission Ballroom Opens The new 60,000-square-foot concert space in RiNo opens Aug. 7 with the Lumineers, playing to a sold-out crowd who won the chance to buy tickets during a special lottery this spring.
Local Band Gone Big Time: OneRepublic with the Colorado Symphony at Red Rocks Some trivia for you: 1) The Grammy-winnging band formed in Colorado Springs in 2002. 2) Lead singer Ryan Tedder went to Colorado Springs Christian School; bandmate Zach Filkins was on his soccer team. 3) Tedder’s a proflic songwriter with crazy talents who’s written and produced songs with artists like Beyoncé (“Halo”), Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Adele, and oh so many more. 4) Tickets to both—Aug. 25 and 26—are sold out but available from resellers and guaranteed to be worth it for any fan of pop music.
Golden Photo Op: Blooming Fields of Sunflowers All the rain this year has primed conditions for a prolific bloom of sunflowers on the fields by Denver International Airport this year. Farmers plant hefty crops of the camera-ready flowers, which usually bloom late this month—a photo op that attracts hordes of photographers. Head out early morning or early evening for your best golden-hour shots. 20 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
–SW
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What's Popping
1) Hidden Idol, the long-running pop-up tiki bar on Colfax, isn't popping any longer. It's got a new permanent location hidden on the other side of town. Find it across from Jefferson Park on Clay Street, one building south of Briar Common. Sit on the patio, order some Spam, and sip on a fruity rum concoction that tastes just like summer. 22 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
2) Insta-Bait: Brick Bar pops up at EXDO Event Center in RiNo Aug. 8 to 11. Over one million blocks are being assembled to make this first-of-its-kind venue designed solely to provide a FOMO-inducing backdrop for your "it's hot, I'm hot" summer's-not-over-yet #thirsttraps.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRICK BARS
Tickets and info: thebrickbars.com.
3) Big Easy meets the Mile-High: The award-winning New Orleans Bacchanal wine bar is taking over the parking lot of The Source for two days this month, Aug. 10–11. Live jazz sets the backdrop to the soirée by wine-shopturned-eclectic-speakeasy-on-the-fly, where Safta chefs are providing a menu of the city’s best Israeli cuisine.
–SW
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24 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
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{newsfeed } by L E L A N D R U C K E R
FIX-A-FLATS
Hemp has been promoted as a remedy for myriad en-
acy. “There was a missing proponent of activism and ad-
vironmental problems, and one of the areas where it’s
vocating for people who might have gotten sick from this
showing promise is in cleaning up contaminated soil.
place,” she says. “It can be very stressful to find out you
Northeast of Denver in Jefferson County, the 5,237-acre
moved your family close to an active Superfund site.”
Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge is the innocuous new
[The US Department of Health & Human Services de-
name for Rocky Flats, a Cold War-era nuclear weapons
fines a Superfund site as any land in the United States
plant that’s home to some of the most contaminated soil
that has been contaminated by hazardous waste and
on earth. Now, a local group is trying to find out whether
identified by the EPA as a candidate for cleanup because
growing hemp might be able to help clean Rocky Flats soil
it poses a risk to human health and/or the environment.]
by absorbing pollutants through the root system.
It’s difficult today to appreciate the fear that motivat-
Tiffany Hansen is director of Rocky Flats Downwinders,
ed American Cold-War behavior towards the Soviet Union
a community organization she started in 2015 to spread
after World War II. The Rocky Flats Plant was built on the
the word to those who live “downwind” of the former nu-
remote, high prairie, 16 miles northwest of downtown
clear-weapons plant. “I found out then that I grew up three
Denver. It played a major role in nuclear-weapons pro-
and a half miles from Rocky Flats,” she says. “I didn’t have
duction during the Cold War. From 1952 until production
any memories of that. I was really surprised that I lived so
stopped in 1992, the plant was known more for efficiency
close to an area that went through so much history. How
than safety, manufacturing more than 70,000 plutonium
could this have gone on and nobody knows about it?”
pits, commonly called “triggers,” that were used in almost
She began conducting her own research, reached out
every nuclear bomb made during the US build-up.
to others on social media and read Kristen Iversen’s 2013
The general public was kept in the dark about the activ-
book, Full Body Burden: Growing Up in the Nuclear Shadow of
ities, and the crimes, until they were exposed years later.
Rocky Flats. Iverson also was raised near the plant with-
For starters, the high winds that frequent the area from
out any knowledge of what went on there, and her book
the nearby western foothills weren’t taken into consid-
inspired Hansen to raise awareness, especially for those
eration when the facility was built. There were numerous
people living in the area who don’t know Rocky Flats’ leg-
fires, incidents, and near-meltdowns that went unreport-
28 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
ORIGINAL PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ROCKY FLATS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Could planting hemp help clean soil at Rocky Flats? A local coalition of “Downwinders” wants to find out.
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 29
ed at the time. In 1957, a fire that began in a glove-box
Wildlife Refuge and operated by the US Fish and Wildlife
area in Building 771, a major production facility, spread
Services. People are now allowed to traverse the refuge
through the air-filtering system and blew a cap in the roof
on a trail system.
that sent contaminated air into the atmosphere.
To add to the confusion, subdivisions continue to be built
Another major fire in 1969 took two years to clean up
along the eastern and southern periphery. Unlike around
and was the costliest accident in industrial nuclear history.
most Superfund sites, these areas are high-end develop-
But production continued until the FBI and EPA raids of
ments. The Jefferson County Public Highway Authority,
the plant in 1989. Though the government denies it, many
after decades of trying, has been given the go-ahead to
believe that plutonium was released during those inci-
construct an extension of I-470 from Golden to Broom-
dents. Later, it was revealed that waste created during the
field, part of which would run adjacent to Indiana Street,
industrial process was being stored in more than 5,000
the eastern boundary of the former plant.
steel barrels haphazardly buried in an open field, which had leaked radioactive material into the ground.
Given the government’s past cover-ups and lack of candor, there are many who still wonder whether all that
After the plant was closed, the government and its con-
plutonium contamination was adequately confined and
tractors pled guilty to numerous environmental crimes,
whether those living downwind are still in danger. And
fines were administered, and an extensive, expensive
as Hansen notes, beyond the plaque at artist Jeff Gipes’
cleanup began. The Superfund site, where the actual pro-
iconic sculpture of a horse dressed in a red hazmat suit
duction took place, remains closed off—hopefully, forev-
and rubber boots on Highway 72 west of Indiana Street, a
er—and overseen by the Department of Energy. But the
tribute to those who worked at the plant, there is no men-
rest, after being considered uncontaminated in 2005 af-
tion of its mission or mistakes in the new upscale suburbs
ter a decade-long cleanup, is now called the Rocky Flats
being built around the edges.
30 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
(Continued on p.32)
Rocky Flats History and Legacy All Denver-area residents should be familiar with the history and legacy of the Rocky Flats Plant. The most exhaustive account is Len Ackland’s Making a Real Killing: Rocky Flats and the Nuclear West, which tells the entire story, from the purchase of the area from the Church family, through the years of production, and its final demise after the FBI raid. Kristen Iversen’s Full Body Burden: Growing Up in the Nuclear Shadow of Rocky Flats is a more personal account from someone who grew up near the plant with no knowledge of the plant’s activities. Also recommended is Wes McKinley’s The Ambushed Grand Jury: How the Justice Department Covered Up Government Nuclear Crime and How We Caught Them Red Handed, which details the important role played by the Rocky Flats grand jury in ending this sad chapter in history.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LELAND RUCKER
More information: ROCKYFLATSDOWNWINDERS.COM .
19005 E. Quincy Ave., Aurora, CO 80015
(720) 999-8919
www.GreenHeartDispensary.com sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 31
Hansen believes the health information the government releases is selective
R E S O U R CE M E DI C A L CE N T E R
and inaccurate. She has had her own medical problems, and has found many others—including people who have moved here since the plant closed—who are also experiencing health issues. She is particularly concerned about increasing incidents of breast cancer among younger women. A grand jury empaneled to look at Rocky Flats crimes wound up helping un-
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mask the deception. One member of that jury, a rancher named Wes McKinley, later was elected to the Colorado House. In 2012, he sponsored House Bill 12-1099, which created a framework for the study and use of industrial hemp to clean up contaminated soil. After meeting McKinley and finding out about the bill, Hansen applied for and got a catalyst grant from the Roddenberry Foundation (named after Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry), which gives small awards for innovative projects that address global challenges, according to its website. She has assembled a team that includes Dr. Michael Ketterer, a professor emeritus of chemistry and biochemistry at Northern Arizona University; growers RuBi Hemp Solutions; and Dr. Elizabeth Pilon-Smits, biologist and Colorado State University professor, who will advise the venture.
Re sour c eMed ica l Ce nte r . c o m
“This is a small pilot project.
DEN V ER, CO 7 2 0 -5 7 2 - 5 249 32 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
“It’s a small project to study if and whether hemp can work with radiation,” Hansen says. The group originally sought and was denied four 5-gallon buckets of soil from the Jefferson County Public Highway Authority. After some members of the commission expressed their concerns about the rejection, Hansen says, she was contacted by Jefferson County. “Next thing I know, we get an offer and permits, and then we got the soil. Ketterer will be working with the hemp farm to test soil before, during, and after.” Hansen, who uses CBD for her own health, is working with a cannabis company to produce a high-CBD cannabis strain called “Rocky Flats.” She hopes that having a Rocky-Flats strain—besides being a healthy option—can spur conversations and help raise more awareness about the former factory.
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Though disappointed with the reaction of the highway commission, Hansen cautions that the approach is not driven by advocacy as much as finally getting some real data to work with about the possibilities of now-legal hemp. “I am all about awareness,” she says. “What we find out could be helpful for the highway commission, and thinking more about how we deal with this. We need more research. This is a small pilot project. But if it has value, it’s a start.”
But if it has value, it’s a start.”
Photos courtesy of Michelle Koster Photography, LLC.
The National Wind Technology Center is located at the northwest corner of the Rocky Flats property.
(303) 341-7242
www.emeraldcminc.com sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 33
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{starpowered } by N AT H A C A M PA N E L L A
AUGUST
HOROSCOPES LEO
July 23–Aug 22
Ignore any judgements this month and be your biggest, brightest self, especially in your career. Shine a spotlight on your performance. The important people will see what you’re up to and appreciate your skillsets. You’ll feel like all is right in the world, and ultimately it’ll bring you more money, too.
VIRGO
Aug 23–Sept 22
The first part of August may find you feeling rather introverted and introspective, so use it to your advantage. Get lost in your own mind and focus on your priorities. When you emerge from your shell, let people see who you are. Voice your opinions, don’t hide your emotions, and stand strong in your own sense of self.
LIBRA
Sept 23–Oct 22
This month, you’ll stand out from the crowd by being your naturally likable self. Speak your truth. Stand your ground. Later in the month, things will quiet down and 38 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
you’ll feel a pull toward the metaphysical. Go with it. A mind-expanding experience enhances your appeal.
SCORPIO
Oct 23–Nov 21
Right now, work is in the spotlight, and your days may feel like a study in human dynamics. There are some coworkers you want to impress; some you don’t like that much; some that trigger you. Be careful not to explode. Meditate, advocate for yourself, talk it out. Act like you’re in charge of HR and you just may see some financial windfall as a bonus.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov 22–Dec 21
You’ll enjoy August—the stars are lining up. You get to do the things you love: explore, learn, and impress people with your knowledge. The time is ripe for travel. If you don’t already have a trip on the books, plan one. It doesn’t have to be big and pricey. Visit a local landmark. Explore the next town over. Discover new things—just think of the stories you’ll get to tell.
Leo, ignore any judgements this month and be your biggest, brightest self.
CAPRICORN
Dec 22–Jan 19
August invites you to explore who you really are. Of course, you may not love everything you find, but stay the course. The more you understand what motivates you and what keeps you stagnant, the easier it is to shift away from what’s not working. Being aware of what drives your ambition helps you better understand others—a hallmark of a good leader.
AQUARIUS
Jan 20–Feb 18
It’s a relationship month for you, Aquarius. It’s a good time to give some thought to the state of your love life: how it is and how it could be. Intimate partnerships have a big impact on your self-worth, taking a toll on your motivation. Make sure that you aren’t isolating— get out, be social, and talk about where your head is at. Seek clarity.
PISCES
Feb 19–Mar 20
This is time to cultivate your well-being. Be mindful of how often you’re tempted to numb yourself to tension and mental strain. When you’re checked out of your emotions, you’re checked out of your body and health, too. The next time you feel stressed, take an inventory of chronic aches and pains you have. Changing bad habits is easier than it typically is right now, so take advantage: eat better, move more, and find a medical professional who can help you make long-term health goals.
ARIES
Mar 21–Apr 19
Do what lights you up as much as you can this month. You’re at your best when you’re taking risks, being creative, and otherwise engaging in your wild side. This is a perfect month for adventure and travel. If you can’t get away, get lost in a book instead. Play tourist in your town. Stay active; it will help you keep anger at bay.
TAURUS
Apr 20–May 20
You might want to chill out and lay low with the fam. Go
with it. Spend time with the people you love and don’t be afraid to have real conversations with them. If you feel an infamous Taurus temper coming on, take a pause. Give a name what you feel, and ask for feedback. Silently holding onto grudges is no way to spend your summer.
GEMINI
May 21–June 21
One of your great fears is not being heard or understood. You have some good lessons ahead of you this month. If you feel like people aren’t listening, don’t get angry.
Check yourself instead. Are you listening to them? Make eye contact when you speak to people, and engage in quality conversations. By the end of the month, you’ll feel more appreciated.
CANCER
June 22–July 22
In August, have the uncomfortable money talks. If someone owes you money or you want a raise, ask for it. Don’t get angry, don’t freeze anyone out. Asking for what you need and deserve is part of a selfcare practice. Your bank account will thank you for it.
Aries, you’re at your best when you’re taking risks, being creative, and otherwise engaging in your wild side. This is a perfect month for adventure.
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 39
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IT ALL STARTS FROM A SEED Each year One:Eleven germinates our new genetics from seed pheno hunting for the best traits the plant has to offer. In our search for new genetics we focus on finding the best growth traits, Flavor (terpenes), high (Cannabinoid profile), and linage (Indica/Sativa/Hybrid). All of our One:Eleven Craft Cannabis is delivered in glass jars to preserve the terpenes. This same protocol has been brought to our Rosin Sticks. Each Joints is coated in Rosin then rolled in Kief to bring an amazing slow burning solventless specialty joint to the Colorado recreational market.
42 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 43
{tastebuds } by J O H N L E H N D O R F F
GRAINS OF TRUTH Colorado’s heritage grain revival is making gluten sexy again.
44 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
Once upon a time, wheat was the “staff of life,” a staple of diet. Literally, like, civilization resulted from grains. Since the recent keto, Atkins, paleo, and Whole30 anticarb campaigns, wheat—and its enabler, gluten—are now considered Darth Vader, Cruella DeVille, and Vlad Putin all rolled into one. Humble carbs are viewed as addictive substances and associated with obesity, diabetes, arthritis, allergies, cancer, and digestive disorders, not mention the best-selling “wheat belly” and “grain brain.”
culprit behind our dietary woes.
FOOLING YOURSELF WITH 21-GRAIN BREAD This may be hard to digest, but Nanna Meyer wants you toss out virtually every grain product in your home…except maybe oatmeal, if it’s fresh, whole, and organic. The associate professor in Health Sciences at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, is one of the
It scares me, frankly. Just pondering the possibility of
state’s foremost authorities on grain and health. Meyer
giving up wheat and gluten gives me the shaking hee-
doesn’t want you to stop eating wheat, bread, or grain
bie-jeebies so uncomfortable that even 100 milligrams of
products. She just wants you to cease ruining your body
CBD won’t touch it.
with all the refined crap. That directive especially applies
I heart wheat. I love a Hallelujah Chorus of grain-based joys, from croissants, flatbreads, and French boules to
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF NANNA MEYER
I also learned that wheat and gluten may not be the real
to any processed foods shilling themselves as whole grain, 9-grain, or 21-grain.
pancakes, crackers, and pizza. My toast with jam in the
“Get all of the industrial white four out—the pasta, all
morning is a spiritual experience. As a nationally known
breakfast cereals, all mixes,” Meyer says. “And then get
pie expert, my idea of a vacation road trip is traveling from
rid of the whole wheat Pop-Tarts and whole-grain pan-
bakery to panadería to boulangerie.
cake mix.”
However, as a man of a certain age with some nagging
That’s because the whole grains involved have been pro-
ailments, I am forced to consider the possibility that giving
cessed to within an inch of being inert. The flour—made
up wheat and gluten might significantly improve my qual-
whenever from wheat from wherever—has to be shelf-sta-
ity of life and general level of bliss.
ble, so it is by definition not fresh. “Even the cereals that look
I started talking to nerdy grain people across Colorado
‘healthy’ have nothing to do with real whole grains,” she says.
who are intent on changing the way we think about grain.
The solution is to replace them with whole organical-
Research led me to some incredibly tasty foods and bev-
ly grown grains that are freshly milled. (See “Find Fresh
erages made from local, ancient, and heirloom grains with
Colorado Grain Flour” on p. 47.) Sourdough bread—made
names like Red Fife, Blue Emmer, and White Sonora. The
from freshly milled ancient and heirloom whole grains—
later wheat variety was hugely popular in the 1700s and
is definitely on Meyer’s menu. “Once the flour gets fer-
1800s in North America and makes beautiful tortillas.
mented, it is much more digestible. It makes the nutrients
As was the case with craft beer and cannabis, Colorado
more available, and some people who have gut sensitiv-
is clearly leading the way. In Colorado Springs, the Sour-
ities can enjoy bread and other grain products,” she says.
dough Boulangerie uses a 350-year-old Italian sourdough
Nanna Meyer is no hippy-dippy granola aficionado. She
starter and organic Einkorn grain in its crusty artisan
founded the Sport Nutrition Graduate Program at UCCS.
loaves. At Safta, the acclaimed Israeli eatery in Denver,
An athlete herself, she says she saw the impact eating or-
wood-fired ovens produce fresh pita breads made with
ganic whole grains had on her own performance and that
heirloom flour. An Alamosa brewery offers farm-to-tap
of the Olympic athletes she has advised.
ale made only with wheat, yeast, water, and hops from
Celiac disease, an immune reaction to eating gluten,
one farm, and a rare 100-percent-wheat American whis-
affects only about 1 percent of healthy Americans, ac-
key is being distilled in Longmont.
cording to University of Chicago reports, although many
My research led me to another undeniable conclusion: I
are undiagnosed. Several million more of us have sworn
knew squat about wheat, grains, and gluten—especially
off gluten, but a study in the journal Digestion found that
that paper bag of white powder with the “flour” label sit-
86 percent of those who said they were gluten sensitive
ting in my pantry since Thanksgiving.
could actually tolerate it under the right circumstances. sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 45
46 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
“Grains are the final frontier of the farm-to-table movement,” says Mona Esposito. The Boulder-based “Grain Lady” became a passionate whole-grain educator, advocate, and consultant while trying to bake the best possible bread for her family for 15 years. She has helped to spearhead the Colorado Grain Chain.
Find Fresh Colorado Heirloom Grain Flour Even at twice the price, heirloom wheat flour will still be the cheapest ingredient you use. Think of it like fresh herbs and tomatoes: buy it fresh and only as much as you’ll consume. Here’s where to find some. FRONT RANGE: Besides Moxie Bread Co. and Dry Storage in Boulder, heirloom and native Colorado grain and flour is often available at farmers markets in Colorado. GRAINS FROM THE PLAINS: This Limon grower offers wheat berries and fresh flour—Colorado Windy White, Rustic Red, and Turkey Red. GRAINSFROMTHEPLAINS.COM PASTIFICIO: The Boulder pasta maker sells the freshly milled heirloom flours they use for their pappardelle. PASTIFICIOBOULDER.COM
ASPEN MOON FARM: The Hygeine farm produces organic Turkey Red and Red Fife wheat berries and flour. Also: Floriani red flint corn for polenta. ASPENMOONFARM.COM
MILL IT YOURSELF: Aspen Moon Farm recommends the counter-top, blender-sized Mock Mill to make fresh flour. MOCKMILL.COM
“Think about coffee. There was a time when almost nobody thought about coffee and didn’t know where their ground coffee came from. People just haven’t made the connection with grains, yet,” Esposito says. She offers well-researched information about wheat, grains, and gluten for consumers at her website, THEGRAINLADY.COM .
DOWN ON THE FARM Meyer knows the farm side of this equation because she is married to Dan Hobbs, owner of the organic Hobbs Family Farm east of Pueblo near Avondale. “In the late 1800s, there were more than 200 distinct varieties of grains grown in Colorado and New Mexico. Now there is just a handful,” says Hobbs, who teaches at the Grain School. He is three years into testing 20 heirloom and ancient wheat, rye, and barley varieties. “We are trying to find the sweet spot in a variety between yield, nutrition needs, and water use to survive the dry years,” he says. Hobbs says there are a lot of unanswered questions for Colorado farmers like him, such as whether you will pay more for heirloom grains the way you do for organic cantaloupes. The reality, he says, is that a well-marketed acre of Pueblo chilies can bring in $10,000, while even a pre-
“We don’t have all the answers yet,” Meyer says. “What we do know is that clearly our diets are deficient in fiber and other nutrients, and that overprocessed industrial wheat negatively affects our gut health.”
THE FINAL FRONTIER
mium, 50-bushel-an-acre price for wheat may only yield a farmer $3,000.
FARM-TO-LOAF TOAST AND GLUTEN-FREE WHISKEY Chef Kelly Whitaker has had a single-minded focus on
Meyer preaches “grain literacy” for everyone. She
milling his own whole grains since he first started cooking.
is the guiding force behind the Grain School at UCCS to
“Roller mills take all the nutrition out of grains as it grinds
build support for growing ancient and heritage grains in
them, and then nutrients have to be added back in to the
the Mountain States and has recently helped create a
flour. No wonder people feel better when they stop eating it.
new organization, the Colorado Grain Chain. The mem-
But our bodies are meant to consume grains,” Whitaker says.
bers include family businesses producing grain and grain
At Dry Storage, Whitaker’s new Boulder café and bak-
products from heritage, ancient, and locally adapted grain
ery, eight varieties of grain—including heirloom Rouge
including farmers, millers, bakers, brewers, distillers, and
de Bordeaux wheat and Ryman rye specifically grown for
nationally acclaimed chefs.
Whitaker—are milled into flour almost every day. Whitasensimag.com AUGUST 2019 47
48 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
2,000,000
The number of acres in Colorado devoted to growing wheat. That’s an area larger than the state of Delaware.
ker says they are used for pizza at his award-winning
high yield. Wroe’s wheat is grown at Arnusch Farms near
wood-fired Basta and for noodles for Denver’s Wolf’s Tai-
Keenesburg. “Heirloom varieties are more expensive, and
lor. At Dry Storage, he serves a flight of heirloom toast and
they are really finicky, but it’s worth it. Antero makes gor-
offers the varietal flours in reusable jars.
geous whiskey. It starts as a silky sweet clear moonshine,
Nearby in Longmont, 100 percent Colorado Antero Wheat Whiskey, one of the nation’s only single grain wheat whiskeys—is distilled by the singularly local Dry
and gradually mellows,” Wroe says. And, it is gluten-free, since the offending protein is distilled out.
Land Distillers. “We didn’t set out to use heirloom grain.
THE FARMER, THE CHEF, AND THE BAKER
We wanted a grain well-suited to Colorado, and it hap-
Eric and Jill Skokan own the 425-acre certified organ-
pened to be heirloom,” said Nels Wroe, co-founder of the
ic Black Cat Farm in Niwot that supplies CSA (Communi-
Longmont-based spirits company.
ty-Supported Agriculture) members, their Boulder Farm-
Antero wheat was developed by Colorado State University to be low water, low maintenance, and relatively
ers Market booth, and the two Boulder restaurants: Black Cat Farm Bistro and Bramble & Hare. sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 49
50 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
Among the crops being cultivated this year are White So-
Other Colorado heirloom treats
nora, a Swiss rye that has been cultivated for 1,200 years,
GRAIN BOWLS, BREADS, AND BAKED GOODS: Clyde’s gastropub, open to the public at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs, features a “food next door” celebrating locally sourced meat, produce, cheese, and grains. UCCS.EDU/DININGSERVICES
from our pigs, English peas, and charred onions,” he says.
and ancient Khorasan wheat. “That’s the ancestor of durum wheat used for pasta, so we’ll make fettuccine served with simple things from the farm, like smoked guanciale “These grains can be delicious and at the same time feed the soil,” Skokan says. “It’s not often that you get to have your cake and eat it too and make the world a slightly
WHEATVERLY ALE: Made only with wheat, yeast, water, and hops grown at Colorado Farm Brewery in Alamosa. COFARMBEER.COM
better place over time. We can also revive forgotten foods.”
FOUR GRAIN STRAIGHT BOURBON: A.D. Laws Whiskey House in Denver distills a beautiful bourbon from Colorado-grown corn, wheat, rye, and barley.
and baked goods. “For too long, we have gotten our grain
Louisville’s Moxie Bread Co. uses 100 percent organic heirloom wheat milled daily onsite in all its artisan loaves and flour from unknown places,” says Moxie owner and
LAWSWHISKEYHOUSE.COM
James Beard Award nominee Andy Clark. “It’s grown and
FUSILLI: Pastaficio in Boulder makes pastas from house-milled emmer, red fife, and einkorn wheats.
all goes off to the same silo. I wanted to know the wheat
PASTIFICIOBOULDER.COM
WHOLE WHEAT SANDWICH LOAF from a home “cottage” baker using wild-caught yeast and local stone-ground grain milled to order by Wild Things Artisan Baked Goods in Thorton. WILDTHINGSABG.COM ANCIENT GRAIN LOAF: Nightingale Bread in Colorado Springs house-mills heirloom organic grains for their sourdough breads, pastries, and pizza. NIGHTINGALEBREAD.COM
farmer just like I know the farmers who grow the vegetables my family eats.” It’s not as easy as just switching brands of wheat, he explains. “You have to find a supply first or a farmer who will grow it. People think I’m nuts for using heirloom wheat and doing a long, slow fermentation. “What we’re hoping is that we can start growing and using grains that humans can eat again.” JOHN LEHNDORFF hosts Radio Nibbles on KGNU (88.5 FM, stream at KGNU.ORG ).
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 51
52 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 53
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{highprofile } by L E L A N D R U C K E R
BLISSFUL SISTERS The Emich triplets’ Shine Restaurant & Potion Bar is more than a restaurant; it’s a hip healthy experience.
If you’ve been in Boulder for any length of time, or even
ty destination, especially with its small back room where
if you’re new, you’ve probably heard about Shine Restau-
touring acts played live music. It was, the sisters readily
rant & Potion Bar, the bright, airy eatery in the Village
admit, a crazy learning curve that began for them at age 24.
Shopping Center (2480 Canyon Blvd.). It’s owned and op-
“We had to get serious and disciplined and understand
erated by the Emich triplets, Jennifer, Jessica, and Jill, who
money, what was coming in, where we were spending it,”
have spent the last few years integrating Shine into the
Jessica says.
city’s thriving wellness and local-cuisine scene.
Jill adds: “We worked around the clock. Trilogy was where
The trio, aka the Blissful Sisters, grew up in New Jersey
we worked, where we partied, where we played.” After nine
in a large, hard-working Italian family where food was al-
years, they all were burnt out. “When we sold it, we were
ways a big part of their lives. They worked in their uncle’s
like, ‘That was fun, and we’re never doing it again.’”
grocery together as kids, which began a lifelong interest
Lots of things changed in the next couple of years. Jessica
that continues to this day. Jessica and Jill went to culinary
had her first child. Jennifer married and was diagnosed with
school and got their degrees, working in and managing
breast cancer, which brought the family together to help
restaurants to help fund their educations. Jennifer taught
her through her ordeal. Eventually, after Jennifer’s recovery,
English in Costa Rica for a while.
the sisters returned to the idea of another restaurant.
In a story recognizable to many who wind up in the area, Jill
So, three years after they sold Trilogy, they opened
relates. “Jessica was dating a guy from Boulder. I was dating
Shine. “We had people asking [what was next]. We had
his best friend and so we came out to visit,” she says. “We sat
gone through a lot individually and together as sisters,”
on a patio somewhere, and we had a bottle of wine, then we
Jill says. “We always did farm-to-table cuisine. Jessica has
had a second bottle of wine. And we were like, ‘We have to
her master’s in holistic nutrition, so we really dove into the
move here.’ We just felt that vortex of Boulder. It was really
nutritional value of the food, and where it all comes from.”
this energy that pulled us in. We felt that this was our place.”
Under executive chef Jessica’s direction, Shine uses or-
Less than a year later, in 2000, the sisters opened Trilogy
ganic ingredients whenever possible. Everything is made
Wine Bar and Lounge just off the Pearl Street Mall in down-
from scratch in a totally gluten-free kitchen. Jessica works
town Boulder. Trilogy soon became a well-known par-
with several local farmers to provide produce and protein.
56 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
The Emich triplets (from left): Jessica, Jill, and Jennifer.
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 57
58 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
She says that though it’s more difficult and time-con-
Besides its food, Shine is known for its libations, po-
suming than just ordering from a distributor and having
tions, and tonics. The concoctions incorporate all the sis-
ingredients delivered, local partnerships are essential to
ters learned over the years about juices, herbs, flowers,
Shine’s purpose and success. All meats are 100 percent
gemstone essences, and sound frequencies. Or as the
locally grass-fed. “For us, it really comes down to the rela-
menu says: “Enchanting beverages that transform your
tionship with the farmer,” Jessica says. “I go direct to them
experience to nourish from the inside out so you can
so they know what we need and what I’m going to buy.
SHINE from within.”
It takes time to create that relationship. Nothing we use comes from further than 10 miles from here.”
When they first created the potions, Jessica admits, they were fun to do and perhaps a bit kitschy. “But people
Those personal relationships work both ways. “I also
were saying ‘This stuff works. Where can I get it?’ Or then
want to go out and see what the farmers are doing, let
they come back in a certain mood and want a different
them talk about it.” Jessica says. “We cut out the middle-
one. So people kept hounding us. ‘We want more of this.’”
man in order to let them get more money, and then that
So they began experimenting and created several distinct
helps us get a better deal.”
PICK YOUR POTION Fairy Bubbles:
REPLENISH AND UPLIFT
Pomegranate and hibiscus herbal tonic that’s hydrating, antioxidant rich, and high in vitamin C to boost immunity.
flavors and fragrances. Three Laughing Monks, for instance,
Owl Eyes:
Three Laughing Monks:
Yerba maté and ginger herbal tonic, with claims to boost stamina and vitality, relieve stress, boost immunity, and aid digestion; plus chlorophyll to oxygenate cells and deliver minerals.
Spiced black cherry herbal tonic that boosts immunity, aids digestion, promotes longevity, rejuvenates kidneys and adrenals, helps relieve stress, and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
ENERGY AND FOCUS
NOURISH AND BALANCE
Not in Boulder? Not a
problem, because you’re not alone. Shine Potions are so popular, the sisters started bottling the concoctions to meet demand. Get yours in two days flat via Amazon. (AMAZON.COM/SHINEPOTIONS for 3-pack of 32 oz. bottles, $54.95)
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 59
60 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
blends spiced black cherry and lemon juices, honey, ginger root, reishi mushroom, cinnamon, astragalus, basil, amla berry, and nutmeg, whose flower essence is pathfinder and sound frequencies are “belly laughter” and “monks chanting.” I can’t claim that it made me laugh or chant, but this is not like drinking a soda. Flavors and sensations bounce around your tongue, changing with every swallow. “They are all adaptogenic herbs,” says Jill. “They balance your stress hormones so they work with your own individual body. If you’re feeling tired and run down, it’ll lift you up. If you’re feeling anxious and generally jittery at all, it will kind of bring you in balance. What’s so beautiful about these herbs is they work with your own unique being.” I ordered one of the biggest sellers, the Golden Eagle, which combines turmeric, albizia, tulsi basil, Colorado honey milk, orange peelgotu kola, and vanilla star anise with a kicker of CBD oil. “The herb called albizia is the bark of a tree called the tree of happiness,” Jill says. It was full, frothy, and delightful. Shine offers CBD and B12 shots for any of its drinks and potions. Like all their ingredients, the cannabidiol comes from a local company that provides water-soluble, full-spectrum CBD in tincture form. “We also do CBD cheesecakes and put [tinctures] in our desserts,” says Jill,
Keeping things localized while remaining competitive in
who has found CBD helpful for her own anxiety. “People can
an upscale, ever-changing market like Boulder is challeng-
order it on the side, they can add it to any of their drinks. You
ing. “We really want this to be a community place,” says
can even put it in your water here. We sell a ton of CBD.”
Jessica. “It’s really hard to know that you should eat local, you should eat organic, but then you can’t afford it. So we’re really trying keep our menu at a level where it’s affordable.” Being open to change is just part of the experience. Their recipe book, Eat, Drink, Shine: Inspiration From Our Kitchen, published in 2016, tells the sisters’ unique stories and shares recipes and tips on everything from soaking nuts to philosophies about food’s important part in life. “Everybody says Boulder’s changing, but there’s so much change happening everywhere,” says Jill. “So let’s think about where we’re spending our money, how we’re spending our money, what we’re supporting. We want you to know when you are eating here, your dollars are going not only to the restaurant, they are going full-circle.” As Jessica puts it: “People are voting with their dollars.” Spending even a “magic hour” at Shine is a vote for food that’s sourced locally, grown organically, and prepared holistically to nourish the community from the inside out. sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 61
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62 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
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HACK YOUR AGE
Eight great ways to age with grace by L I S A
M. CINI
“AGING GRACEFULLY” ISN’T AS EASY AS IT SOUNDS. IT’S AN EPIC BATTLE REQUIRING LEGITIMATE LIFESTYLE CHANGES TO SLOW THE AGING PROCESS SO YOU STAY YOUNGER LONGER. In my 25-year career developing interiors that uplift
led me to create eight aging hacks that will give every-
and give a sense of individuality to the elderly, I learned
one a shot at getting to the golden years with a little
how important quality of life can be. Designing for in-
more panache. In the words of David Bowie, “Aging is
dependent care facilities and understanding the senior
an extraordinary process where you become the person
community’s unique challenges and possibilities has
you always should have been.”
66 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
1: SOAK UP THE SUN!
5: PROTECT YOUR EARS
Sunlight helps the body produce two key things: vita-
You are three times more likely to fall if you have poor
min D, which is critical for strong bones, and serotonin,
hearing. Get your hearing checked. According to the Na-
which can improve your focus and your mood. (Do make
tional Institute of Deafness and other Communication
sure you protect your skin.) If you stay inside all day or
Disorders (NIDCD), one out of three Americans aged 64
live in a non-sunny area, you may suffer from seasonal
to 75 suffers from hearing loss, and 40 million under the
affective disorder or a sleep disorder because you have
age of 70 may suffer hearing loss because of concerts,
less sunlight to keep your circadian rhythm on schedule.
clubs, or other sources of excessive loud noise.
A great hack for those in this situation is blue light therapy. This branch of al-
6: FEED YOUR PASSION.
ternative medicine uses natural blue or
Write that book. Take those dance lessons. Go back
violet light to treat or prevent unwanted
to school. Travel. Living is about keeping that spark in-
health issues. Being surrounded by the light can reset your circadian rhythm, allowing you to get better quality sleep and
side you lit. Gene D. Cohen, a founding father of geriatric psychiatry, found that creativity is not limited to young people. “At any age, it can open people up to new possi-
increase your energy during the day.
bilities and add richness to life,” he states. According to
2: FOLLOW THE 20/20 RULE.
morale, improving physical health, enriching relation-
My friend Dan, age 75, recommends having friends 20 years younger and 20 years older than you are. Just like great vision is 20/20, maintaining perspective helps keep you energized and relevant. Opening yourself up to new experiences creates energy, wisdom, and connection, which are valuable for your mind, body, and soul.
3: GET A GUT CHECK. You may be taking vitamins and supplements, but if your gut’s microbiome is unhealthy, anything else you’re doing is a waste. The microbiome is a unique collection of microorganisms in and on your body that are a big factor in your wellness. You can get a microbiome home test at UBIOME.COM , which offers you the status of your gut health and suggests supplements according to your needs. A healthier gut increases your mental health, reduces inflammation and wrinkles, and improves sleep.
4: STEP UP. Stairs: Don’t avoid them. Climbing steps promotes lymphatic flow, which research published on the US National Institutes of Health website suggests impacts interstitial fluid balance and other aspects of your health. Lymphatic flow eliminates toxins from the body—particularly the brain—which helps clear the amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s. This healthy fluid balance in the brain could be a new target for treatment, according to a study from the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech published in Nature. So yes, climbing stairs is good for your brain—it’s all connected. If steps make you nervous, basic stretches and yoga are great ways to get your lymphatic system flowing.
Dr. Cohen, creativity can benefit aging by strengthening ships, and establishing a legacy.
7: GIVE BACK.
Happiness is often a matter of perspective. When you
give back through volunteering, mentoring, or other means, you discover what really matters to you. For organizations near you, visit CHARITYNAVIGATOR.ORG .
8: KILL THE SUGAR.
Reduce your sugar intake or eliminate it altogether. Not
only is sugar horrible for the brain, it also causes more wrinkles. Sydney endocrinologist Sophie Chan explains: “During glycation, toxic compounds called advanced glycation end products, or AGEs, are produced. These can cause wrinkles, sagging, dark circles under eyes, and a multitude of complications to your organs and blood stream, and fast-track diabetes.” Excess sugar also affects your mind. According to Very Well Mind’s website: “Excess sugar impairs both our cognitive skills and our self-control…resulting in slowed cognitive function and deficits in memory and attention.” Start off small by reducing the amount of sugar in your coffee. Try to eliminate all sodas. You will be surprised how much better you look and feel. LISA M. CINI is the author of three senior living self-help books: The Future is Here: Senior Living, Reimagined, Hive: The Simple Guide to Multigenerational Living, and BOOM: The Baby Boomers Guide to Leveraging Technology So That You Can Preserve Your Independent Lifestyle & Thrive. LISAMCINI.COM
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 67
68 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 69
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sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 71
{lifestyle } by I S A B E L L A VA N D E R H E I D E N
DIGITAL HEALTH CARE: AN APP FOR EVERYTHING A writer gives health and wellness apps the college try.
In the last few years, health/fitness apps have been on
at home, despite the app having over 300,000,000 items
the rise, promising to help you lose weight, gain peace of
in its database. Weirdly, I did find some lesser-known
mind through iMeditation, or better connect with hikers or
items including a few of my favorite Emerald Triangle craft
bicyclists in your community. So, how successful are they?
beers. I was also surprised to learn that a Taco Bell Crunch
Utility is obviously dependent on the user, but are health
Wrap Supreme only has 530 calories! MyFitnessPal would
apps truly helpful in finding more motivation and mind-
be a great tool for someone trying to closely monitor their
fulness? While my friends with fancy Fitbits sang their
diet and learn more about the nutritional value of food,
praises, I—by no means a health nut—was skeptical, but
but I was eager to be free from my food diary by the end
I gave it the college try.
of the week.
Considering there are no less than 300,000 health apps
I also tried the meditation app, Calm. Being a hardworking
floating around the digital sphere, I wasn’t sure where to
gal (not to mention a Virgo), I find myself stressing over triv-
begin. Starting with two “classic” apps, MyFitnessPal and
ial things constantly, so learning how to meditate seemed
Calm, I committed myself to both for a week. Would I be-
like it might do my body good. When you sign up for Calm,
come a vegan, a yoga instructor, and a health app addict?
the app asks you to choose between a few things to focus
I had to know.
on, such as better sleep, meditation, or managing stress.
MyFitnessPal helps users track what they eat and cal-
When you open the app, a blue screen appears and tells you
orie consumption while monitoring activity level to help
to “take a deep breath” and fills your ears with the delicate
achieve weight loss goals. Each day you search through
sound of a babbling brook. From there, users choose from
a vast food database to track your meals for the day and,
a variety of recordings that guide them through meditation
God willing, stay within the boundaries of your suggested
or help them fall asleep to a story read by Matthew McCo-
caloric intake.
naughey (no joke). “Alright, alright, alright!”
The most challenging aspect of MyFitnessPal was re-
For me, the bedtime stories were most effective. I was
membering what I had eaten each day and taking time to
out after just a few minutes—but never got to finish any
enter it into my food diary. It was also challenging to iden-
of the stories. (Unfortunately, McConaughey’s number
tify foods comparable in nutrition to the meals I prepared
isn’t provided through the app, so I couldn’t text him to
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sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 73
More than anything, it seems that these apps are about motivating users rather than improving their health for them.
74 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
find out what happened next.) While I enjoyed the guided meditations, it was difficult to sit through an entire session. I wondered if this was the point. By the end of the week, I didn’t feel any different, and I certainly didn’t become a vegan yoga instructor. While I found myself more interested in my general well-being, I couldn’t connect enough with either app to actually change my eating patterns or manage my stress. I asked my healthy friends about their experiences with apps. Many are runners or bicyclists, and they all talked about Strava, which utilizes your phone’s GPS to track your speed metrics as you move from Point A to Point B; when you’re done riding or running, you can look at a Strava-generated map detailing your route and performance metrics. You can also connect with other users to share trails and even initiate competitions. My friend Mike D. uses Strava to track his running, biking, and swimming. “For me, it’s been super helpful,” he says. “I think the main thing is rounding up. If I’m running, and I see I’ve gone 3.7 miles—I can’t leave that hanging there. I’ll go around the block a few times until it’s a solid 4 miles.” Strava’s social media component is a key motivational tool for Mike. “I wasn’t an athlete in school,” he says. “I was the opposite. So I’m always, always in favor of being supportive. Getting out the door is the hardest part, so if someone built a thing that helps hold me accountable, I’m all for it. Maybe it’s sort of like AA—some people need a sponsor.” Dave Larson, an employee at Revolution Bikes in California’s Emerald Triangle region, says the app has motivated him to ride harder and longer. “You can see where your friends are riding, and it inspires you to check out new spots,” says Larson. “Sometimes you’ll compete with them and be like, ‘Ahhh they took that trophy away, so I’ll go ride harder.’ Somebody else sets a goal, but I’m still working for myself.” More than anything, it seems that these health/fitness apps are about motivating users rather than improving their health for them. Daily reminders to engage with the app are a polite little nudge to get your 10,000 steps in or to login to your food diary to report the shameful number of tacos you had for dinner last night. I can’t say any of the apps I tried worked for me, but learning how they have motivated other people was inspiring in itself.
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 75
76 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
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{travelwell } by DAV I D D U R A N
80 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
ASCENDING TO THE NEXT LEVEL A life-changing natural high in the mountains of Baja California
I’m laying on a pile of blankets and pillows with my eyes closed, surrounded by 30 to 50 others doing the same. My body tingles with anticipation. At any moment, the first vibrational sounds emitted from the quartz bowls would reach my eardrums, followed by a medley of chimes. I keep peeking to see if the couple leading the sound healing session have picked up their instruments. As I attempt to stay focused, trying to block out other irrelevant sounds, I prepare my mind for the magical hour that would ensue. We’re all here to journey to whatever realm the healing sounds of the singing bowls and chimes would take us to that afternoon. This isn’t my first time at sound healing; I discovered it on my first day at the ranch—Rancho La Puerta, the destination spa in Baja California to be precise—and planned the rest of my days here around the experience. Known as a destination resort that helped start a modern fitness revolution, the 78-year-old wellness retreat has long championed itself as a place of peace and respite in tranquil surroundings. Consistently listed among the best spas in the world by venerable publications such as Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, the place has earned a global following. The meticulously landscaped property boasts an extensive network of trails throughout the sage scrub and chaparral of the San Ysidro Mountains that act as pathways for a kind of moving meditation. The ranch’s modern philosophy encourages technology cleanses and a healthy, plant-based diet, but the main draw has always been the award-winning spa. sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 81
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THE ENDURING GOAL IS THE INDULGENCE OF MINDFUL MOMENTS, OF GETTING LOST IN THE PRESENT.
The enduring goal is the indulgence of mindful moments,
decades. She affectionately refers to her husband as “the
of getting lost in the present. It can happen anywhere on
professor,” beaming a bit with affection whenever he makes
the ranch: In the spa during a deep tissue massage; on the
a cameo in one of her tales. The wellness resort they start-
courts rallying with the tennis pro; in the pool in the arms of
ed together decades ago has garnered a cult-like following,
the Watsu aquatic bodywork guide; or, like me, on the floor
growing into one of the world’s leading health and well-
immersed in the sounds produced by 300-year-old Tibetan
ness resorts. Located just across the Tecate border, an hour
singing bowls and Nepalese and Paiste gongs.
South of San Diego, Rancho La Puerta was designed as a
Founded in 1940 by Edmond and Deborah Szekely, the fitness resort remains family-owned today. Deborah, now
one-week experience. The ranch becomes a digital-free zone, and camaraderie with fellow guests is encouraged.
in her mid-90s, still comes to the property each week, re-
To visit Rancho La Puerta is to find balance and to incorpo-
galing guests with stories of life at the ranch through the
rate some of those experiences into daily life. The regular linesensimag.com AUGUST 2019 83
84 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
up of classes varies, with offerings for every fitness level. Be-
in seven different sizes and rate categories, each beau-
yond basic yoga and circuit training, the schedule features an
tifully decorated and many outfitted with wood-burning
assortment of unexpected ways for guests to get their heart
fireplaces—but no televisions, no Wi-Fi. (If you must stay
pumping. Hit the two-mile obstacle course, play pickleball,
tethered to the outside world, there are some limited Wi-
bounce on a trampoline, shake it to some Broadway chore-
Fi zones on site.)
ography, or bang out some beats during Cardio Drum Dance,
The meals are vegetarian-centric, though some include
which involves wailing on giant barrels with drumsticks. Even
seafood. By day three, I found myself loving the anticipation
with all that, however, the ranch’s enduring draws are the hik-
of discovering what’s on the creative, health-driven menu.
ing trails meandering through stunning mountainous scenery.
I’ve now been to the ranch twice, and my body and mind
Plus, there are some new, challenging running tracks lined
long for another return. It’s hard to incorporate all I have
with sage, rosemary, and lemon verbena.
learned during the retreats into my daily life, but I’ve been
Along with the fitness offerings, the schedule features
able to sneak in a few disciplines here and there. It’s less
classes for well-being, designed to invigorate the mind and
about changing my entire routine and more about being
spirit. Along with guided meditations and sound healing,
mindful of what makes me happy.
guests can join in the ancient practice of chant, explore the
Sometimes the mind needs to focus on a beauti-
labyrinth, and wander the reflexology pathway. The summer
ful tree while it clears itself during a few moments of
camp–like experience is best enjoyed with others. It’s not
much-needed meditation. For me, I like to recall those
uncommon to see couples, mother-daughter pairs, or friend
moments of lying on the ground, soaking in the sounds
groups at the ranch—some of which first met at the resort
of the singing bowls. Remembering those euphoric mo-
decades ago. That sense of community is part of the draw.
ments helps bring my mind to ease—and knowing that
Various pools dot the grounds, which also feature three
my mind is capable of ascending to that level is also
spas and designated bars for juice, coffee, and wine. There
somewhat calming. With time and practice, I can go back
are no rules to how to spend your time. You decide what
there anytime I want.
works best for you. What the ranch does is provide all the tools and options necessary for an enjoyable week. Accommodations come in the form of 86 garden casitas
RANCHO LA PUERTA’S seven-night, eight-day retreats start at around $4,000 per person and incude meals and snacks, lodging, transportation from San Diego Airport or the Tecate border crossing, and access to the full lineup of classes and facilities. Spa treatments extra. You’re worth it.
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 85
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sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 87
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{aroundtown } by J E S S I C A R E I N U S
Let go of what you know about your health and hiking and surrender to the forest.
THE ART OF SHINRINYOKU 90 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
Forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku, is the prac-
In Japan, the National Forest Agency has constructed
tice of using the forest as therapy for preventative health
over forty trails throughout the country that are exclu-
care and healing. Developed by the Japanese government
sively dedicated to forest bathing. The trails encourage
in the 1980s, shinrin-yoku is still used to improve physical
the public to experience the stress-relieving and calming
and mental well-being in Japan today.
qualities of shinrin-yoku, because the government under-
The general idea of forest bathing is to interact with the natural sights of the forest in a relaxing manner. Stopping
stands how important the mind and spirit connection are to the overall health of the country.
frequently to look at flora is encouraged, and wandering
Here in Colorado, the majestic Rocky Mountains rise to
aimlessly through the woods is exactly what shinrin-yoku,
form the backbone of the continent. The landscape is a
aka nature therapy, is all about.
complex mosaic of alpine peaks, valleys, shrublands, and
Forest bathing is more than a walk in the woods or up a
wide-open prairie grasslands. Colorado is in the southern
mountain trail. That’s hiking. Or it could be peak bagging.
part of the mountain range, which stretches 3,000 miles
One surefire way to tell the difference: check your bag. Is
from northern New Mexico to Alaska. Subalpine spruce-fir
there a piece of cardboard or a paper sign with the name
and bristlecone pines form significant forests at the tree
and elevation of a mountain on it written in Sharpie that
line in some areas. At lower elevations, lodgepole pine and
you plan on holding while posing for a photo at the sum-
aspen grow along the range, where forests of ponderosa
mit of said mountain? You may be peak bagging. If you
pine and cottonwood back up to pinyon-juniper woodlands.
plan on posting that photo to your “Summit Selfies” al-
It’s all crisscrossed by an unfathomable number of trails
bum: definitely peak bagging. Which, to be fair, is a form of
inviting you to dive in. A near-constant band of conifer for-
hiking. But it’s the opposite of forest bathing.
ests covering steep slopes and valleys from the tree line to
Another thing that is not the Japanese art known as
the foothills forms a sea of forest bathing immersion points.
forest bathing: bathing in a body of water in the forest in
As the shinrin-yoku spreads worldwide, forest bathing
any literal sense. Forest bathing is a bit of a hybrid be-
catching on locally. According to a 9 News report, more
tween hiking and meditating. It involves immersing in na-
people are trying it all over the country, where there are
ture with no destination in mind. Slowing down your mind
about 300 trained forest therapy guides to help get peo-
and your body to connect with the environment through
ple started. That number is trending up; the Association of
all five senses.
Nature and Forest Therapy is holding a multi-day forest
Allowing oneself to surrender to the flow of forest allows the mind to unwind, body to heal, and spirit to lift.
therapy immersion in September at YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, as well as an intensive week-long Forest
The many known effects of forest bathing include stress
Therapy Guide training at Shadowcliff Mountain Lodge
relief, mood elevation, hormone regulation, improved con-
near Grand Lake. There are more people interested than
centration, and boosted immunity. Researchers have even
slots available, and there is a waitlist for the training. The
noted a decrease in blood pressure for many patients who
organization wants to make it clear that they don’t train
use forest bathing as a therapeutic remedy. As the body
therapists; they train guides. “The forest itself is the ther-
begins to relax, the parasympathetic nerve pathways are
apist,” according to the literature.
stimulated, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. Anoth-
“On Forest Therapy walks, people have a wide range of
er benefit is the presence of compounds found in the forest
experiences, some of which they feel are significant, even
air, known as phytoncides (wood essential oils). Phytocides
profound. Guides are trained in the skills and perspectives
are produced to help plants and trees protect themselves
needed to be supportive witnesses of these experiences.”
from harmful insects and germs. When inhaled by humans,
A directory of trained guides is easily searchable on the
phytoncides provide beneficial and uplifting effects. Japa-
association’s website (NATUREANDFORESTTHERAPY.ORG ).
nese researchers have also discovered that when forest air
A search of Colorado leads you to information on guides
is inhaled, it increases the activity of white blood cells, or
like Minnie Kansman of Loveland, an author, travel consul-
leukocytes, the body’s natural immune defense system.
tant, and forest therapy guide. In September, she and her sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 91
92 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
“Look deep into nature, and you will understand everything better.” -Albert Einstein
husband are hosting a week-long excursion to Estes Park.
metro. The organization is by Leona Campbell, a Nature &
She describes the Rocky Mountain High Travel Adventure
Forest Therapy Guide who also trained at ANFT. She be-
as a combination of forest therapy, meditation, relaxation,
lieves Forest Therapy is best viewed as a practice rather
and guided hiking at your leisure.
than a one-off experience in the woods.
Other guides include Jaime Kopke of Golden, who’s web-
In Vail, the Nurtured By Nature Forest Therapy is led by
site (JAIMEKOPKE.COM ) invites you to “wander the woods
professional nature therapy guide Kayla Weber. Weber
and find yourself along the way.” On August 17, she’s
leads two- to three-hour tours during which the hike is
leading Forest Bathing with Evergreen Audubon at Alder-
rarely more than a mile. It’s slow going, sure, but the re-
fer/Three Sisters, a walk that concludes with a tea cere-
views are all glowing. A recent post reads: “Not only does
mony featuring tea made with local plants. In September,
Kayla lead you through a journey of connecting you to our
she’s offering a day-long Forest Bathing and Ephemeral
earth, she helps you reconnect with yourself. My experi-
Art Workshop at Buffalo Peaks Ranch’s Rocky Mountain
ences with her forest bathing knowledge and guidance
Land Library in Fairplay, an hour and 20 minutes west of
leave me feeling rejuvenated and humbled.”
Colorado Springs—a gorgeous drive that offers plenty of
Forest or nature therapy can be a private, individual
opportunities to stop and immerse in one of the state and
practice, enjoyed in a group setting, or perfect for a couple.
national forests so prevalent in the region.
Sometimes a slow silent walk through the trees is simply
On Airbnb, travelers looking for experiences along with lodging can sign up for the Forest Bathing Near Pikes Peak
the practice. Other times a technology-free forest stroll may be exactly what the body (and mind) needs most.
experience, offered every Saturday for up to 10 people at
The relationship between nature and humans is undeni-
SKOL Ranch in Florissant, Colorado—about halfway be-
ably real, ever present, and relatable, especially in the Em-
tween the Springs and Fairplay.
erald Triangle. As Albert Einstein once said, “Look deep into
Wind in Pines (WINDINPINESFORESTTHERAPY.COM), in the Denver area, offers public and private guided forest bathing walks along the Front Range and in the greater
nature, and then you will understand everything better.” This article originally appeared in Sensi Emerald Triangle and has been updated for the Colorado editions by local editors.
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 93
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After its longest drought, Lake Powell is awash with snowmelt from an epic Rocky Mountain winter. Water is flowing into slot canyons that have been dry for decades, creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences for fortunate boaters and paddlers. by R O BY N G R I G G S L AW R E N C E
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE AND JORDAN LAPEKIS / LAKE POWELL PADDLEBOARD & KAYAK
I PADDLED LAKE POWELL
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MAY. THE 186-MILE-
LONG LAKE MEANDERING THROUGH RED ROCK CANYONS IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER PLACE ON EARTH. GLIDING PAST THOSE WINDSWEPT SANDSTONE WALLS IN THE EARLY MORNING SUN, A CONDOR SOARING OVERHEAD, WATER GLITTERING LIKE DIAMONDS ON THE DOMES OF HIDDEN GROTTOES, IS AN EXPERIENCE WORTH TRAVELING THOUSANDS OF MILES FOR—AND MILLIONS OF PEOPLE DO. I WAS PRIVILEGED TO BE THERE. BUT MY TIMING COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER. Named for explorer John Wesley Powell, Lake Powell
1,960 miles of shoreline (more than California!) as they
is a reservoir along the Utah-Arizona border that was
adorn their feeds with shots of its swirling orange walls.
created in 1963 by the Glen Canyon Dam (NPS.GOV/GLCA ),
(Its Vivid Warm Instagram moment doesn’t look to be
which flooded the Colorado River to store and provide
subsiding any time soon.)
water for lawns and swimming pools in the fast-grow-
The second-largest reservoir in the nation took
ing Southwest. Once a regional favorite for boaters, it’s
17 years to fill, reaching full pool—24 million acre-
now an aquatic playground for tourists from all parts of
feet of water, 9 trillion gallons, 560 feet deep at the
the globe, who come to paddle and power through its
dam—in 1980. Its water level has fluctuated drastically
canyons, sip cocktails on houseboats, and hike along its
ever since. sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 101
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The last time it was nearly full, at 97 percent, was in 1999. When I paddled it—at the very end of the worst drought in its 56-year history, spanning 14 years—it was about 37 percent full. Still spectacular, but not 100.
EPIC WINTER, EPIC SUMMER As anyone who skied Aspen in June—just after I left Lake Powell—will tell you, it snowed, and didn’t stop snowing, in the Rockies this winter. Utah had one of its snowiest winters on record. In Colorado, snowpack was 751 percent higher than normal. “In virtually every numerical sense,” The Den-
ver Post reported, “Colorado’s mid-June snowpack is off the charts.” What happened to all that snow? It melted, of course, and flowed down into the Colorado River, which dumped more than 10 million acre feet of water into Lake Powell. As locals watched with glee, the lake swelled by more than a foot a day throughout June. When it rose by more than 50 feet, it made headlines in Page, Arizona, a town carved out of the Navajo Nation in the 1950s to service workers building the dam that now serves the tourists who flock to Lake Powell.
“NOTHING IS SOFTER OR MORE FLEXIBLE THAN WATER, YET NOTHING CAN RESIST IT.” —Lao Tzu
And what happened to all that water? It made its way into canyon cracks and crevices that have been dry for decades, and paddlers and kayakers now have a lot more privilege to be thankful for. Paddlers are riding the higher water farther into Antelope Canyon’s narrow slots, deeper than they’ve been able to reach in decades, says Joe Lapekas, owner of Lake Powell Paddleboard and Kayak in Page. sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 103
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NAVIGATING
LAKE POWELL
Lake Powell is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which is also home to the Rainbow Bridge National Monument (NPS.GOV/RABR ), the world’s largest sandstone bridge. Along with the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, and Zion National Park, is part of a national park tour known as the Grand Circle. More than 3 million people visit Lake Powell every year on everything from rented houseboats to paddleboards, wakeboards, and water skis. Travel reservations must be made well in advance (for houseboats, the wait can be years).
“This is like a bonanza for the tourists,” Lapekas told me in July—and it could be a once-in-a-lifetime thing. “As the lake continues to fill, the back of the canyon gets narrower and narrower, and it may get to the point that it pinches tight and you can’t paddle back any further,” he explains. “So, currently, our guests are getting to experience a very unique paddling adventure.” Lapekas has paddled more than 120,000 miles in all 50 states with his wife and business partner, Jordan. They can be trusted when it comes to these things. So, my timing could have been better, to say the least. And that’s easy enough to fix. I have no choice but to return to Lake Powell this fall—when peak-warm waters, light winds, and a noticeable falloff in tourists make it the best time to be there, anyway. ROBYN GRIGGS LAWRENCE, author of The Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook and Pot in Pans: A History of Eating Weed, is a digital nomad, traveling (mostly) legal states in her Airstream.
If you’re not renting a houseboat, the place to stay is Page, Arizona, just a few miles south of the Utah border. Page offers lodging, restaurants, a bowling alley, and a nicely stocked Safeway. You can get on the water with a paddleboard or a kayak from the family-owned Lake Powell Paddleboard and Kayak (LAKEPOWELLPADDLEBOARDS.COM ), where they’ll either guide you through or give you the information you need to traverse Antelope Canyon and other amazing spots. Spring and fall, before temperatures climb into triple digits, are ideal times to visit. Utah is in the Mountain time zone, while Arizona is on Pacific time and doesn’t recognize daylight savings—so time can be challenging. Always double check which time zone you’re in, especially when it comes to tours. Medical marijuana is legal in Arizona, where card holders from other states will not be arrested for possession but can’t purchase it from the state’s dispensaries. Utah is the last place you want to get caught with cannabis. Most of Lake Powell falls within Utah, so it’s best to leave medical marijuana back in Page when you’re on the water.
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 105
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SPECIAL REPORT
HOLDING ON TO HOPE Autoimmune diseases are hard to diagnose—and even harder to manage. But cannabis offers a fresh alternative to those seeking treatment for the untreatable. by R O BY N G R I G G S L AW R E N C E
Kate Phillips’ stomach hurt for years. IT GREW SO BLOATED SHE LOOKED
PREGNANT. AND NO ONE—NOT THE GASTROINTESTINAL SPECIALIST, THE NEUROLOGIST, THE FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE DOCTOR, THE NURSE PRACTITIONER SHE DROVE THREE HOURS EACH WAY TO SEE—COULD TELL HER WHY. Doctors prescribed her 41 different medications. One
that is more prevalent in New England than anywhere else
doctor said her illness was stress-induced, another told
in the world. Trouble is, she never got the flu-like symp-
her she had multiple sclerosis, and yet another said
toms or bullseye rash she’d been warned about. In her case,
she had cancer (which was terrifying). Phillips gave up
the spirochete bacteria from the tick that bit her attacked
dairy, gluten, and sugar and spent more than $100,000 on
the weakest part of her body—her stomach, which Phillips
medical specialists and snake oil doctors like the nurse
jokes was ruined by a classic Irish Catholic diet of boiled
practitioner, who put a coil on Phillips’ stomach to test
meat and starch while she was growing up in Boston.
for something that baffles her to this day. “You’re just so desperate, so sick,” Phillips says. “You don’t care what you have to do.” Suffering heart palpitations and seizures and no longer able to walk upstairs by herself, Phillips was forced to move in with her grandparents. When she was 21, a heart
“All those medical practitioners looked at my stomach as one little box. I became a symptom, not a person,” Phillips says. “That’s why, anyone with an autoimmune disease will tell you, it can take years to get a proper diagnosis.”
Cannabinoids and Inflammation
attack led her to the first of what she calls “Lyme-liter-
As many as 23.5 million Americans suffer from chronic
ate doctors” (LLMDs), who diagnosed her with postural
autoimmune disease, costing the nation about $100 billion
orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a circulation
every year, according to the National Institutes of Health.
condition, and Lyme carditis, a rare infection caused by
Often described as an attack on the self, autoimmune dis-
Lyme bacteria in the heart tissue. All those years, Phil-
ease is triggered when the body’s immune system mis-
lips had been suffering from undiagnosed Lyme disease.
takes healthy tissues for invaders, goes into overdrive, and
Growing up in the woods of Massachusetts, Phillips had
becomes inflamed. This can manifest as anything from
been constantly drilled to look out for the classic symp-
Lyme disease to lupus, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis,
toms of Lyme disease (named after Old Lyme, Connecticut,
rheumatoid arthritis, or Crohn’s disease—among some 80
where it was discovered), a tick-borne autoimmune illness
to 100 diseases that Health magazine describes as “invissensimag.com AUGUST 2019 111
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ible illnesses” because they’re difficult to diagnose. More
mental and emotional state. How can cannabis help them
prevalent among women, autoimmune disease is one of
transition to a space where they feel more compassion for
the top 10 causes of death for females up to 64 years old.
themselves and at peace with how their bodies are?”
Traditional medical treatment for autoimmune diseases is generally heavy on long-term antibiotics, pain-
Opening the Book on the Crazy Stuff
killers, anti-inflammatories, anti-depressants, anti-sei-
Phillips, a Chinese herbal medicine practitioner and
zure drugs, and steroids, which suppress the immune
former wilderness medic, says her Lyme disease diagno-
system and slow down inflammation but are so hard on
sis prompted her to “open the book on all the crazy stuff.”
the body that they can only be taken for a short time.
Cannabis, with its ability to modulate immune and ner-
Functional medicine doctors take a more long-term, ho-
vous system function and decrease inflammation, was
listic approach, addressing diet, lifestyle, and emotional
a natural choice. She began juicing cannabis fan leaves
health in addition to physical symptoms—and more and
after reading about Dr. William Courtney, a California
more often, cannabis is part of the program.
physician who recommends daily consumption of raw cannabis flowers or juiced raw cannabis based on scientific evidence showing raw cannabis could have a reme-
Within weeks of beginning her cannabis treatment, Phillips felt clear-headed for the first time in years.
diating effect on autoimmune disorder. Within weeks, she felt clear-headed for the first time in years. She moved on to more potent edibles and then concentrates, and with help from cannabis-friendly (or at least tolerant) doctors, she weaned herself off all her medications. In the process, she discovered her life’s mission. “I became a total nerd—I just wanted to know why cannabis was working,” says Phillips. “I have this lifelong, black-hole obsession with learning about cannabis.” After a stint working with a medical marijuana dis-
Dr. Joseph Cohen, DO, medical director of Journey 2 Life
pensary in Steamboat, Colorado, Phillips returned to
and Holos Health in Boulder, Colorado, says autoimmune
Brookline, Massachusetts, to be with her family and got
diseases are tricky to diagnose because they’re difficult to
involved with the state’s cannabis industry while help-
differentiate and can be triggered by many things, includ-
ing launch a boutique dispensary. She now runs Silk
ing dietary factors (gluten is a massive trigger), environ-
Consulting, which assists Massachusetts cannabis re-
mental toxins, and stress. The key to treating them is to
tail operations with management staffing and employee
remove those triggers and heal the gut, because about 70
training, educational content, creation, and events.
percent of the immune system lies in the gastrointestinal
As part of her work, Phillips speaks to doctor groups at
tract, he says. Cohen is among a growing number of doctors
prestigious hospitals around the state about the benefits
who are finding the immunosuppressive, anti-inflamma-
of cannabis for autoimmune diseases—often because so
tory properties of cannabinoids helpful in treating autoim-
many patients are asking about it. “They’re very accepting,”
mune disease, and often prescribes treatments high in CBD.
she says of the physicians. “But they’re a small number of
“Autoimmune diseases are such a huge collection,”
people, and medication is all they understand. It’s hard for
says Selma Holden, MD, a family physician in southern Maine who integrates mindfulness, yoga, herbs, and other complementary techniques into her clinical rep-
them to quantify something that’s not synthesized.”
Big Pharma Steps In
ertoire. “But one common originator pathway is this pro-
That’s about to change. A handful of reputable, even pres-
cess of inflammation, and the speckled evidence we have
tigious, studies have found cannabinoids helpful in the
in limited clinical trials or pre-clinical animal studies is
treatment of autoimmune diseases, and the medical world
showing that administration of exogenous cannabinoids
is taking note. Cannabinoids have been found to slow de-
does seem to reduce the impacts of inflammation. “
generative effects in multiple sclerosis patients and reduce
Holden is intrigued by the generally accepted description
destructive immune response and inflammation in lupus
of autoimmune disease as the body attacking itself. “The
patients. In 2014, University of South Carolina researchers
question is,” Holden says, “why did the body start attacking
found that THC can affect DNA expression through epigen-
itself in the first place? There’s a piece to explore about their
etic pathways to suppress inflammation. This year, a team sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 113
114 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
Cannabis can help some people transition to a space where they feel more compassionate for themselves—at peace with how their bodies are.
of Israeli researchers found medical cannabis to be “a safe
cannabinoid research and the man who discovered THC
and effective alternative for the treatment of fibromyalgia
and CBD. Feldmann says the company is following “tried-
symptoms” but cautioned, “Standardization of treatment
and-true pathways of developing medications that are
compounds and regimens are required.”
known to work”—namely, FDA approval, which entails ex-
Biopharma companies like Katexco Therapeutics and
tensive research and clinical trials—because that’s what
CannBioRex, which have spent years developing synthetic
the pharmaceutical industry has successfully done for
cannabidiol (CBD) therapeutics to treat inflammation and
six decades to ensure that compounds are safe and effec-
autoimmune disease, have been waiting for this moment.
tive before they’re released to the public.
As the political climate around cannabis relaxes and legal-
“The problem with medical marijuana as it is used
ization leads to greater acceptance, they’re preparing to put
today is that you’re guessing when you buy a product.
their synthetic CBD drugs through clinical trials—which
Many of the products you buy do not have the amount
Katexco CEO Jonathan Rothbard, a former Stanford Univer-
of cannabidiol they say they have,” Feldmann says.
sity professor, says “are the only way to prove the scientific
“That can be solved, but we are also prepared to tackle
viability of cannabinoid treatments to the FDA and the only
the elephant in the room, which is how much cannabi-
path by which medical cannabis will truly evolve.”
diol or other cannabinoid you actually need to get the
Every large pharmaceutical company is taking a good
maximum benefits for what condition. We are going to
look at cannabis, Rothbard told Forbes, and he expects
do proper, lengthy, and expensive clinical trials to make
many of them to launch their own clinical trials involv-
sure we know exactly what is the right amount to give
ing synthetic cannabinoids alongside Katexco, which is
for maximum benefit with minimum side effects for a
developing CBD-based therapies for autoimmune condi-
specific medical problem.”
tions including arthritis, Crohn’s disease, multiple scle-
Holden, for her part, is grateful for the costly and tedious
rosis, and irritable bowel syndrome. “While beverage
work these companies and others—including GW Phar-
and alcohol companies are joining the CBD bandwagon,
maceuticals, which recently released Epidiolex, a syn-
it makes sense that big pharma steps in, too,” he said.
thetic CBD-based seizure medication—are doing to satisfy
CannBioRex Pharma, which is exploring cannabinoid
the medical community’s skepticism about cannabis as
treatments for pain, arthritis, diabetes, and obesity, was
legitimate medicine, but she does not want to see canna-
co-founded by a powerhouse duo in the biopharma world:
bis regulated as a pharmaceutical rather than an herbal
Sir Marc Feldmann, an Oxford University professor who
medicine, because that would restrict people’s access to it.
won a prestigious Lasker Award for developing what is
“What I get worried about,” Holden says, “is when the
currently the best-selling class of drugs, the TNF inhibitors, including the anti-inflammatory drug Remicade; and Raphael Mechoulam, widely regarded as the godfather of
profit interests step in.” ROBYN GRIGGS LAWRENCE is the author of the bestselling Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook and the newly released Pot in Pans: A History of Eating Weed.
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 115
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PEACE, LOVE & REALITY: 50 YEARS LATER Could we finally put the Woodstock myth to bed? Probably not. by L E L A N D R U C K E R
THIS
MONTH,
WE
ARE
A
HALF-CENTURY
REMOVED FROM THE AQUARIAN EXPOSITION: 3 DAYS OF PEACE & MUSIC,
better known
as Woodstock. AS I WRITE THIS, ANOTHER
SMALL TOWN IN UPSTATE NEW YORK HAS DENIED A 50TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT FESTIVAL EVENT, BUT WE CAN EXPECT A BARRAGE OF OPINION PIECES AND MEMORIES OF THE ORIGINAL ALONG WITH UNCTUOUS EXHORTATIONS ABOUT HOW MUSIC WAS SO MUCH BETTER BACK THEN. It’s not like there weren’t other live concert “exposi-
tions” that summer of ’69. The Jimi Hendrix Experience was on the bill at the Denver Pop Festival in late June alongside Frank Zappa, Iron Butterfly, and Three Dog Night. Chaos ensued after the organizers of the Newport Jazz Festival in July decided to assimilate Led Zeppelin, the Mothers of Invention, and Sly and the Family Stone into a line-up that included the Sun Ra Arkestra and Bill Evans. The upshot of that one was that jazz fans were treated to Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, James Brown, and Miles Davis trying out his new jazzrock fusion on the same stage. sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 121
122 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
That same weekend, Zeppelin, which was in the midst of a conquest of the American market with its unique live performances, also played the Atlanta Pop Festival alongside Janis Joplin, Chicago, and Delaney & Bonnie. The first weekend of August saw the Atlantic City
It’s not like there weren’t other live concert “expositions” that summer.
Pop Festival, which was attended by more than 100,000 people at the local
bum Ladies of the Canyon, singing: “By the time we got to Woodstock / We were half a million strong / And everywhere there was song and celebration / ... / And we’ve got to get ourselves / Back to the garden.” Seven months after the seminal gathering in upstate New York, on March 26, 1970, I stood in line for opening night of Woodstock, a sprawl-
race track. It featured Booker T. & the MGs; the Byrds; the
ing documentary that celebrated three days of rock music,
Chambers Brothers; Crosby, Stills & Nash; and Iron Butter-
peace, love, and dope amid an audience of hundreds of thou-
fly. Many of those same acts played the Texas Internation-
sands who endured a monsoon, food shortages, bad acid,
al Pop Festival the last weekend of August, which drew
and impossible conditions while having an incredible time.
more than 120,000 people. Bob Dylan, who lived near but
It was even better for the rest of us. With a running
didn’t play Woodstock, did show up for the Isle of Wight
time of 360 minutes, the film seemed as long as the fes-
Festival across the pond in England a couple weeks later.
tival itself. It featured some of the most diverse, celebrat-
But Woodstock is the only one we seem to remember.
ed artists of the period—Hendrix, the Who, Joe Cocker,
There weren’t professional movie cameras aimed at the
Santana, Sly Stone, Crosby, Stills & Nash—in brilliant col-
stage at the other festivals, but news clips and photos of
or and dazzling, close-up camera angles that managed
Woodstock were almost instantaneously ubiquitous: col-
to even get inside festival opener Richie Havens’ tooth-
or pictures of stoned kids running around naked in ponds
less mouth while he sang. Enthralled, I returned to the
and celebrating the rain, the ribbons of cars left parked
theater the next night and saw it again, and bought into
on the roads leading to the venue, the enormous crowd
the hype—hook, line, and sinker.
stretching before the stage, quintessentially clad hippies
As I began learning more about the background of the
flashing peace signs, other such things. Rolling Stone de-
festival and the forces behind it, it became obvious that
voted an entire issue to the event. Life magazine peddled
there were actually two events: The first was a three-
a “special issue” of photographs that assured us of its im-
day gathering of musicians and 400,000 people that
portance. Folk singer Joni Mitchell (despite not attending
took place Aug. 15–18, 1969, near Bethel, NY; the second
the festival) released the eponymous track on her 1970 al-
the documentary that depicted it, or at least part of it. sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 123
124 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
The film was one version of what happened, but it was
to cash in on the then-burgeoning rock phenomenon.
carefully edited, and for those of us who weren’t there—
Add major advances in sound and stage technology, and
which is most of us—it’s really the only version.
Woodstock became the forerunner of rock superstar-
Was Woodstock an important gathering of the tribe? A cultural milestone? Proof that the hippie generation
dom, major tours, and even bigger money that exemplified the 1970s and beyond.
could live in peace and love no matter the obstacles? Yes and no. For some it was blissful; for others, not so much. “Ninety percent of those attending were miserable and would have left after the first night had transportation been available. I spent time with them, not with the celebs backstage where it was dry and there was food and drugs,” Mike Jahn, the New York Times critic who covered the festival, wrote in 2004. “They were huddled under blankets in the rain, looking more like those
Woodstock was more a harbinger of what was to come than an evocation of what came before.
photos of the fields of bodies at Gettysburg than like the nudes prancing in the lake or the celebs shouting ‘far out’ at one another and gabbing about the wonder of it all.” The euphoria over Woodstock’s wonderfulness faded
The much-hyped 50th anniversary concert was planned
rather quickly and dramatically. Less than four months
to take place this month, featuring The Killers, Dead &
later, on Dec, 6, 1969, a concert headlined by the Rolling
Company, and Jay-Z as headliners, but it fizzled. Thank
Stones (the same enduring band playing at Mile High
goodness for small favors, after the 30th-anniversary fi-
Stadium this month) at a speedway near Altamont, Cal-
asco at Woodstock ‘99. (Our editor in chief recounts her
ifornia, also captured with movie cameras, exposed the
weekend at that festival in the July 2019 feature, “Sounds
darker underbelly of the peace-and-love subculture.
Like Summer.” Read it on SENSIMAG.COM .) The chances of
They caught Stones frontman Mick Jagger pathetical-
recreating an event that most people remember from a
ly trying to calm an unruly crowd that had gotten ugly
movie are almost infinitesimally remote.
and confrontational, at least in part because of the
But the hype around Woodstock, and indeed the whole of
band’s arrogance and stupidity in planning. The result-
what we know as classic rock, continues. It was announced
ing film, Gimme Shelter, was the alter ego to Woodstock.
recently that the spot in Max Yasgur’s field where the stage
It showed one homicide in front of the stage, but there
once stood, almost lost due to the ravages of vegetation,
were other drowning deaths, and two more killed in an
has been found to give pilgrims another shrine to Wood-
automobile hit-and-run. It wasn’t pretty, and it damp-
stock Nation. Rhino Records is releasing a 38-CD set of ev-
ened the enthusiasm many felt about Woodstock Nation.
ery song by every band that played Woodstock—including
Woodstock, the festival, is generally thought of as one
some that probably were more representative of and should
of the most iconic events of the 1960s. There’s a slight
have been on the original film and soundtrack, like Creed-
bit of truth there, but not the way we think. It was more
ence Clearwater Revival, the Grateful Dead, and the Band.
a harbinger of what was to come than an evocation of
Ultimately, Woodstock was so much less about the decade
what came before. The release of the album, which fea-
it closed down than the one it begat. The myth is that we
tured two records of selected bands from the festival,
think we remember the event when we actually only saw
certainly caught the ear of my generation, but more im-
the movie. And like Joni Mitchell, no matter how much we
portantly, it got the attention of record executives eager
might desire, we can’t get ourselves back to the garden.
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 125
126 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
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REMEMBERING There is life beyond brain injuries—and one couple is telling their story through film, coming to a festival through you. by L E L A N D R U C K E R
It was just another night at home: JANUARY 9, 2016, TO BE EXACT. SCOTT TAKEDA AND LORI ALLRED WERE IN THEIR LIVING ROOM WATCHING FREAKS AND GEEKS ON NETFLIX WHEN SCOTT, INSPIRED BY THE FILM’S ’80S SOUNDTRACK, GOT UP TO DANCE IN FRONT OF THE TV. “The music was just really good, and I started danc-
for him not to be working was a huge red flag to begin with.
ing,” he says. “And my feet slipped out, and I fell.” Scott
And he would forget what he was doing kind of in the mid-
wasn’t too concerned; he went to bed about a half hour
dle of what he was doing, like leaving food on the counter.”
later. The next morning, he awoke feeling groggy and out
They finally decided to have a doctor check him out,
of sorts. “I didn’t think I had hit my head,” he says. “There
and that’s when they found that Scott, then 49, had suf-
was no immediate reaction. It’s like I was a little sore.”
fered a traumatic brain injury.
Beyond the fatigue, he didn’t think that much about it. You may know the couple. Scott and Lori both work in
Mind Matters
the film industry. Their company, BS Filmworks, makes
Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is one of the most mis-
and produces videos for corporate and local clients.
understood medical conditions of our time. It is caused
Scott, who began as a television news reporter (includ-
by a jolt to the head that disturbs the brain’s normal func-
ing some time in Denver), also has appeared as an actor
tion. Not every blow to the head causes TBI, and there are
in television (The Resident, Mr. Mercedes) and films, in-
degrees of injury. Most, called concussions, are mild. Ef-
cluding Gone Girl and the recent HBO movie, The Tale.
fects can subside after awhile or last the rest of your life.
After Scott’s fall, Lori began to notice subtle but real
Falls account for almost half of TBI injuries, affecting
changes in his behavior. Usually a workaholic, he was
both younger and older people, but they also can come
spending more time snoozing, and was slurring his words
from being struck by an object or in a motor vehicle inci-
and repeating himself. “For him to be sleeping all the
dent. Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain inju-
time—I mean he wasn’t a napper or anything,” Lori says. “So
ry death for people 65 or older.
128 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
US Remembering Us cast members (l to r) Dani Payne, Nev Scharrel, Mike Ostroski and Merlot the corgi.
The most surprising thing about TBI is that it is a major
that only Lori could notice, and they tried to keep it that
cause of death and disability, according to statistics from the
way. “It isn’t that he wasn’t nice before,” she says. “But he
National Center for Disease Control, contributing to almost
seemed to slow his roll.”
30 percent of all injury deaths. It’s a serious problem. But as Scott and Lori learned shortly after Scott’s diagnoses, there is a stigma about even discussing the topic of brain injury. “No one talks about traumatic brain injuries,” says Scott.
It’s Personal
C D C S TAT I S T I C S TO R E M E M B E R
Every day, 153 Americans die from injuries associated with traumatic brain injury.
Scott and Lori’s life changed dramatically after the diagnosis. Equal partners in life and work, they had those titles
Or as Scott puts it, “I don’t have the energy to be as
suddenly changed to patient and caregiver, which origi-
driven. I still think I’m well on the driven side of the
nally left Lori scrambling to keep up with the changes.
whole spectrum, but not where I was.”
Takeda developed what he calls the Shiny Object Syn-
Personality changes are common with head injuries. “You
drome. “I would just start doing something, then see
will hear a lot, especially when you hear the football player
something else, get distracted, and just go around and
stories, that their personalities change,” Lori says. “And usu-
around. And I would find myself, by about three o’clock in
ally that’s a very negative comment, but that doesn’t mean
the afternoon, finally getting back to the start of the trail.”
it always is. And you know, we got lucky.” Besides slowing
Some of the personality changes were subtle enough
down, Scott found it easier to memorize parts. sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 129
130 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
Lori says one of the main frustrations was not be-
that’s known for its medicinal potential. They became es-
ing able to share their knowledge. Beyond their fam-
pecially interested in CBD after watching the specials from
ilies, agents, and managers, they felt they couldn’t, or
CNN’s chief medical correspondent and well-known neu-
shouldn’t, talk with anyone. “I would get frustrated,” she
rosurgeon Sanjay Gupta on cannabis’ medical potential,
admits. “There was no one to bounce things off of.”
thinking that cannabis may help ease Scott’s symptoms.
There was a definite downturn in their income during
This is an area where cannabis might be helpful. Dr.
the first year, and they discovered ways to cover Scott’s
Helena Yardley, a neuroscientist, cannabis researcher, and
disability at work. Since Scott had the lead in some cli-
founder of Colorado-based 6 Degrees Wellness, says there
ent relationships, they would let him be the figurehead,
are a lot of data on the protective effects of CBD on the
and then Lori would take over from there. “Income needs
brain. “There’s not a lot of human data because it’s unethi-
to come in whether your brain hurts or not,” she explains.
cal to smack someone over the head to see how they fare,”
Lori started looking into the medicinal potential of CBD, a
she says. “But neuroprotection is one of the indications
chemical compound derived from certain cannabis plants
where there are the most data. There’s something there.”
C D C S TAT I S T I C S TO R E M E M B E R
Five years after a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury, 1 in 5 die. Nearly 3 in 5 remain disabled, and more than half have lost their jobs.
Scott (right) and Lori (center), pictured with producer Brock Sherman (left). sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 131
132 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
Scott was skeptical. He had never been curious about
They have finished a 30-minute version of Remember-
or used cannabis—plus, he’s allergic to smoke. Lori found
ing Us that portrays a man who slips on ice, and the effects
Dr. Alan Shackelford, the first medical person with whom
the injury has on him and his relationships with his wife,
Scott felt comfortable. The first time they met, Shackelford
family, friends, and colleagues. It’s a gripping, emotional
told Scott that he thought cannabis could really help him,
ride, one that many of the couple’s friends didn’t know
and he prescribed a specific strain. When Scott told Shack-
was about them until they read the script or saw the film.
elford about his allergy, Scott shares, “He went, ‘Oh, I don’t want you to smoke it,’ and prescribed me a tincture.” (A can-
C D C S TAT I S T I C S TO R E M E M B E R
nabis tincture is an alcohol-based extract used as a form of
2.8 million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury every year—more than double the number who are diagnosed with a top-10 cancer.
medicine, taken typically as drops under the tongue.) Even though he felt relief from his traumatic brain injury soon after starting the tincture, it still took Scott awhile to actually use his medical marijuana card. “I didn’t do anything for a full month,” he says. “It’s like I still couldn’t get like myself to do it.” But once he did, Lori began noticing a lessening of his symptoms. Since then, Scott has gone back to work. He says he has good and bad days, and
They are entering the half-hour version in film festivals
that the couple has learned to work around his disability.
around the country in hopes that someone will see the
Worth Remembering
possibilities and turn it into a full-length picture. “Like a lot of storytellers, we turn our pain into art,” Scott says.
Since part of their goal as filmmakers has been to
“There’s a shame and stigma that sits around brain injuries
show real things that happen in people’s lives, they de-
and cannabis and forces people into the shadows. We kind
cided to make Remembering Us, a dramatic film—not a
of touch on the fact that people fear what they can’t see.”
documentary—based around their experience to raise
Scott and Lori want Remembering Us (trailer available
awareness about the difficulties in dealing with trau-
on Vimeo) to help everyone better understand traumatic
matic brain injuries and, to a lesser degree, to let people
brain injury as well as reinforce the fact that cannabis is
know about the possibilities of cannabis as medicine.
being used by Americans of all backgrounds and persua-
Neither believe cannabis is a cure or magic potion, but
sions, not just the stereotypical stoners you see in many
both think it needs to be there as a tool for those who
films and television series. “We started saying that this is
want it. “We’re not here to promote cannabis, but it’s an
our chance to start the conversation,” Scott says. “It’s be-
option if you’re struggling and not getting relief.”
ing used by regular family people. That is the reality.”
KOA newsman Ed Greene (left) talked with Lori and Scott and the cast of Remembering Us at a private screening in Denver on May 5.
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 133
134 AUGUST 2019 Denver // Boulder
CANNABIS ONE
This Cannabis Retail Franchise Opportunity Is Anticipating Big Gains CANNABIS ONE PLANS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EVOLUTION OF CANNABIS AS A COMMODITY.
most advanced technology and the best resources, we can still only grow for about $300 a pound. With that being said, flower will be a commodity that will not be grown indoors at all. It will be grown in Colombia, in Jamaica, or in Oregon, where the natural conditions work best for those different strains to be grown,” he says. “And when you have the cost of living and labor expenses at lower prices, it will ultimately become a commodity like corn, and be traded on the futures market.” Cannabis One has been working on acquiring and producing assets and brands, putting definitive agreements on five or six different opportunities now, Rinker says, and concentrating on being a “house of brands.” That house includes The Joint dispensary brand; the flagship store opened in Denver in July 2015. The plan is to have 25 The Joint-branded dispensaries throughout the country by the end of this year, and be like a Starbucks in the sense of having a similar look, feel, customer experience, and line of products. Cannabis One has deals with infused products brand “Our goal is to become one of the biggest cannabis
Evergreen Organix in Nevada and acquired Honu
companies in the world.” That is P.J. Rinker, a former cus-
brand in Washington (expected to generate sales of
tom home builder for Lexa Custom Homes in Denver,
$15.5 million a year), both of which are top brands in
talking about Cannabis One and how the company is
the edible category.
positioning itself to acquire and enhance legacy canna-
The company is looking long-term to work with 150 dis-
bis assets, while watching cannabis become the com-
pensaries nationwide, with 30-40 percent of store space
modity it was always meant to be. Rinker is vice pres-
to be products from Cannabis One, and then expanding
ident of product development for the company and
into countries where cannabis can be legally sold. “We
leads the company’s work as a brand aggregator.
are working on Mexico, and we have projects going on
“Phillip Morris has claimed that it can grow flower
in Canada, and hope to export goods soon,” Rinker says.
for $1.50 a pound by switching out tobacco for cannabis and following the same grow and harvest processes,” Rinker says. “With us growing indoors, even with the
For more information, visit:
CANNABISONE.LIFE
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CANYON
Taking a Cue from Craft Brewing CANYON EDIBLES USES BREWING PHILOSOPHY TO MANAGE THE GROWTH OF THE BUSINESS.
Canyon is a Denver-based edible company found-
The company has a 5,000 square-foot facility with
ed ten years ago by Morgan Iwersen. “In 2009, when
25 employees, adding four more this year. “The edi-
we started, we thought we might get into cultivation
ble space has gotten very competitive, and we are still
but decided early on that we wanted to control the
growing. which is a testament to what we do.”
extraction and infusion process,” says Tim McMurray, Canyon COO.
People tend to trust Canyon because the company has been around for ten years, with products that
Canyon manufactures tinctures, gummies and hard
are fully infused, emulsified, and homogenous. “Early
candy. “We have been working hard the past two years
on, when a lot of companies were struggling with po-
to expand our line of beverages rooted in unique pack-
tencies and different effects and testing, our products
aging,” he says. Canyon launched the first RTD (ready-
were very accurately dosed and continue to be,” he
to-drink) coffee three years ago.
says. “That reputation and our service, where we work
McMurray spent 20 years in the craft-beer industry,
for and with our customers, is what sets us apart.”
and plans to use some of the philosophies behind the
Asked about expansion, he says Canyon is in conver-
small brewpub model with Canyon’s beverages. “There
sations with three outside markets. “We want to make
were a lot of one-batch products made and packaged
sure our Colorado mothership operation is continuing
in the small brewpub model, and we are going incor-
to innovate and grow before we expand, because we
porate seasonal products—similar to the craft beer in-
view growth as a natural thing, not a forced thing. It
dustry,” he says.
should happen organically.”
He sees lots of similarities between the craft beer and cannabis industries. “In the early part of that craftbeer industry, there wasn’t a lot of sharing of knowledge,” he says. Then around the year 2000, people
For more information, visit:
CANYONTHC.COM/CANYON-THC
realized that companies had their own recipes, but the basic premise of brewing craft beer was the same. The cannabis world is generally the same in that respect, and knowledge sharing is becoming more prevalent now. “The sublingual uptake of an infused beverage makes it perfect to bring functional ingredients in terms of how they interact with the body and infuse them with cannabis,” McMurray says. sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 139
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CHRONIC THERAPY
Family Cannabis Business Surges CHRONIC THERAPY MOVES ON FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS.
Chronic Therapy was begun in 2009 by co-owner and co-CEO Matt Saunders and Bob Domagata, one of his
up new dispensaries,” he says. “But right now we are looking more out-of-state than in-state.”
best friends from high school. “We started in the ga-
Hemp is not on the radar right now, he says, because
rage in my brother’s house as caregivers,” he says. “Then
the goal is to perfect what Chronic is doing first, from
my brother Jason decided to come into the business in
grow to dispensary to lab. “But we are very interested
2010. My mom Sandy came in about the same time.
in working with people who want to do some CBD
We are all 25-percent owners in the company.”
and THC combinations.”
Saunders had been a coach for the U.S. ski team specializing in aerial skiing; his mom and CFO continues her work as a philanthropist and entrepreneur doing projects in Zambia and working with the Francis-
For more information, visit:
CHRONICTHERAPY.COM
can friars; co-CEO Domagata was an economics major working in real estate, and his brother Jason Saunders is co-CEO and retail-store expert. The company bought and built a cultivation facility near the Purina factory in Denver, and in 2013 opened a medical cannabis store in Wheat Ridge. “We didn’t go recreational right away,” Saunders says. “We switched over four or five months after it was legalized to wait and watch. We wanted to be safe, smart and conservative.” The switch to recreational came in 2014, when the Chronic Creations lab, which makes butane and propane extracts and mixed-solvents extractions, came online. Chronic’s award-winning waxes, shatters, live resins and diamonds are in about 40 different businesses in 72 locations across Colorado. Chronic has applied for licenses in Utah, where the company is trying to vertically integrate its operations and do what it did in Colorado by starting off on the cultivation side and then moving into a dispensary (which Utah calls a pharmacy). “And we have some pokers in the fire in a whole bunch of places across the country,” Saunders says. In
Colorado,
the
purchase
of
an
additional
15,000-square-feet of cultivation space is being finalized. “We are always looking at opportunities to pick sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 143
{HereWeGo } by J O H N L E H N D O R F F
KICKED-UP CORN August is the juiciest month.
Colorado’s
sweaty
summer
culminates in an embarrassment of sweet vegetables and fruits ripe for the picking—including the state’s ask-for-by-name signature crop: Olathe sweet corn. Excellent corn is grown all over the state. Stop by the farmers’ market for enough ears on which to gorge, then spice up your late-summer barbecues with this recipe for elote, the Mexican-style street corn. INGREDIENTS
• 4 ears sweet corn, shucked • 4 tbsp plain greek yogurt • 4 tbsp light mayonnaise • ¹⁄₄ cup grated cotija or parmesan cheese • ground red chile powder or chili powder mix, to taste
• ¹⁄₄ cup cilantro, finely chopped • 1 lime, cut into wedges INSTRUCTIONS STEP 1: Grill sweet corn, rotating occassionally until cooked through with grill marks. STEP 2: In small container, mix yogurt and mayonnaise then spread over grilled corn. STEP 3: On each ear, sprinkle cheese and chile powder, followed by cilantro. STEP 4: Squeeze lime wedge over the whole thing and chomp away.
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