LAS VEGAS
Shell Shock
Cannabis Helps Autoimmune Diseases
{plus} THE TRUE FACE OF DEPRESSION
THE NEW NORMAL
8.2019
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4 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
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6 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
ISSUE 8 //VOLUME 2 //8.2019
FEATURES 24 Remembering Us
This is life beyond brain injuries—one couple’s story-turned-documentary, coming to a film festival near you.
SP EC IAL R EP OR T
30 Holding on to Hope
Cannabis offers a fresh alternative to those seeking treatment for autoimmune diseases.
36 Begin the Conversation
This is Depression explores the pain, offers hope, and brings comfort.
40 Meet the Mastermind
40 BRAIN POWER Meet the body electric.
Your crash course on the endocannabinoid system.
every issue 9 Editor’s Note 11 The Buzz 16 TasteBuds
A CULINARY LOVE AFFAIR
18 HighProfile
BEYOND HOMELESSNESS
48 The Scene
SENSI NIGHT
50 HereWeGo
HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT
Sensi magazine is published monthly by Sensi Media Group LLC. © 2019 SENSI MEDIA GROUP LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 7
sensi magazine ISSUE 8 / VOLUME 2 / 8.2019
EXECUTIVE FOLLOW US
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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
Debbie Hall debbie.hall@sensimag.com MANAGING EDITOR, SENSI LAS VEGAS
Leland Rucker leland.rucker@sensimag.com SENIOR EDITOR
Robyn Griggs Lawrence CONTRIBUTING EDITOR sensimagazine
A RT & D E S I G N Jamie Ezra Mark jamie@emagency.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Rheya Tanner Wendy Mak, Josh Clark em@sensimag.com DESIGN & LAYOUT
sensimag
BUSINESS & A D M I N I S T R AT I V E Kristan Toth kristan.toth@sensimag.com HEAD OF PEOPLE
Pam Langsam pam.langsam@sensimag.com Abi Wright abi.wright@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
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editor’s
ACUITY
NOTE
Health and wellness mean so much to creating
and living a full life. While physical fitness and freedom from disease and illness are vital, mental health (including our emotional, psychological, and social well-being) is just as important. In the words of Michelle Obama, “Whether an illness affects your heart, your leg, or your brain, it’s still an illness, and there should be no distinction.” We open the conversation about depression and the potential for suicide. There is no shame in reaching out for help. More importantly, if you see a family member or friend in trouble, you can
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anyone. Caring professionals are available to guide anyone, from adolescents to older adults, during the ebbs and flows of life. This is not to say that medicinal cannabis is not valuable with issues of anxiety, PTSD, and sleep disorders. However, the message is to really talk to those you know and care about and not assume that taking something will make it better. The landscape is changing to help the most vulnerable. An
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MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS AND ANTI-AGING
ition. The woman behind the project speaks candidly of her own struggles, but she still became a beacon of light. The wellness of a community is vital to the continuing health of the people living within it. We will continue to grow the movement towards ongoing
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While embracing a pro-cannabis attitude, Sensi is part of the mainstream and reaches out with a collective goal to be part of creating a better Southern Nevada for locals and tourists. Thank you for selecting and reading Sensi, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with you, our readers. Yours in the new normal,
Debbie Hall
M ANAG I NG E D I TO R SENSI LAS VEGAS
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 9
10 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
Sparkling Bubbles Drinkmate adds zing to beverages.
Fizzy drinks dance on the tongue and add zest to cocktails. Why buy retail when you can make your own sparkling beverages? Drinkmate All-in-One Spritzer (IDRINKPRODUCTS.COM ) combining both function and portability to sparkle any beverage, including fruit juices. Its convertible design is a standalone countertop model that converts to a portable beverage carbonator. Water, juice, tea, coffee, and wine transform into sparkling drinks with a special touch. Add sliced or whole fruit to a bottle of water, refrigerate, strain, and then carbonate the concoction in Drinkmate. Love to make cocktails? For a simple syrup base, combine peppermint leaves strained in 2 cups water, ¼ cup of sweetener or sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lime extract. Carbonate and add a favorite spirit. No need to buy champagne when mimosas can be made by mixing a favorite juice with two parts chilled white wine, carbonating, and topping off with a garnish. All-in-One Spritzer is easy to operate and clean, and best of all, no electricity or batteries are required. Accessories are available to add to –DH the sparkle.
Beyond Cerebral Celestia swoops onto the Strip.
The all-new, one-of-a-kind, circus-style, family-friendly production Celestia (STRATRISING.COM ) has opened at The Strat Hotel, Casino, and SkyPod. During the show, two playful clowns enter the magical, celestial world guided by a girl made of stars on a
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journey of the light and dark side. Acrobatics, dance, aerial feats, contortionists, and a Wheel of Death, driven by
making it fluid as a living thing. Colorful costumes,
a live band, showcase the multicultural performers in
imaginative characters, original music, and breathtak-
an eye-popping, immersive experience. The cast pops in
ing scenery transform the tent from a showroom to
and out of the audience with humorous and heart-tug-
the illusion of another dimension.
ging moments highlighted by beauty and grace.
Celestia offers eight 70-minute performances per
The unique 30,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art the-
week, 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and 7 p.m.
atrical tent located along the Las Vegas Strip creates a
and 9 p.m. shows Friday to Sunday, and dark Monday
world of fantasy and imagination, combining technol-
and Tuesday.
ogy and artistry. The lighting accents the surroundings,
The Strat // 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. S. // Las Vegas // (702) 380-7777
–Debbie Hall
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 11
INSIDE OUT
REAL BODIES at Bally’s opens the world of human anatomy. How do our bodies really work? What makes them magnificent? REAL BODIES at Bally’s (REALBODIESATBALLYS.COM ) offers a thought-provoking exhibition of human anatomy. The exhibit features 20 real, perfectly preserved human bodies and over 200 anatomical specimens in a fun, educational experience full of endless Instagramable moments. This attraction provides a great mix of education with museum-quality vignettes so you learn about your body’s health from the inside out (literally). You’ll see how your body works together using many modalities, including art gallery displays with the work of artists from Las Vegas’ bustling art scene. It is personalized with stories throughout that bring in human elements such as breathing, hunger, the rhythm of the heart, love, motion, thought, and medtural, and emotional narratives transform the way the human body is viewed. Compelling, immersive galleries draw people in as unique perspectives on human anatomy and its importance to world cultures are presented. This powerful exhibition will connect audiences to a more profound sense of what it means to be alive.
–DH
Bally’s Las Vegas //3645 Las Vegas Blvd. S. //Lower Level //(702) 777-2782
Safe Rays
Greenerways Organic provides protection without the chemicals. The hot, white rays of the desert sun beckon summer fun, but protection with sunscreen is vital. The chemicals in those sunscreens can affect people and waterways. Greenerways Organic (GREENERWAYS.COM ) has introduced its latest product: 2-in-1 SPF 30 & Bug Repellent. Made from beneficial organic essential oils, including lemongrass, cedar, and citronella—these ingredients have been proven effective in deterring pests. The sunscreen features broad spectrum SPF 30 (UVA and UVB protection) made with lab-tested natural ingredients that are water resistant and reef safe. While the Federal Drug Administration has determined zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (common ingredients in sunscreen) are safe to use, other chemicals used in sunscreens (such as oxybenzone, or octinoxate) need further evaluation. Jayme Bella, a mother, developed the brand for her family with a desire to help other children. Bel12 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
PHOTO BY EDISON GRAFF
icine, demonstrating why the body works the way it does. Anatomical, cul-
Opening Up
Silver State Health expands mental health and primary care services.
Silver State Health (SILVERSTATEHEALTH.ORG ), a nonprofit community health center, recently expanded its mental health and primary care services. Assisting the underserved and unserved populations in Southern Nevada, it is now the largest bilingual health center in the city. A ribbon cutting and sign-reveal ceremony celebrating the grand opening included representatives from the Latin Chamber of Commerce. Representatives on behalf of Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-1) and Senator Jacky Rosen (DNV) presented proclamations acknowledging Silver State Health’s efforts to increase medical care resources for the public. “It is vital for health care providers to acknowledge the link between mental and physical well being for patients,” says Silver State Health CEO and Executive Director Ryan Linden. Over 20 health care practitioners, including pediatric therapists, social workers, and primary care physicians, treat patients of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses for mental and physical health issues. Silver State Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center working towards all patients receiving quality medical care from translation to transportation services and offers sliding-scale fees in a culturally inclusive environment for accessibility for all who seek out treatment.
–DH
2255 Renaissance Drive // Las Vegas // (702) 471-0420
la’s grandmother used essential oils and kept a diary with her formulas, which are now used in Bella’s company. Greenerways offers safe, chemical-free products, and its line includes Insect Repellent, Mosquito-Free Zone, 2-in-1 Hand & Surface Cleaner, and All-Purpose Cleaner. Made in the US, the products are USDA-certified organic, nonGMO project verified, DEET-free, and safe for the environment. Uses including swimming, hiking, fishing, and hunting as well as on camping gear and clothing. –DH sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 13
A Family Affair
Opportunity grows with Quiet Storm Foundation. The playing field of life is not level, and for many, opportunities to excel are scarce. The Watson family wanted to change that, so they began Quiet Storm Foundation (QUIETSTORMFOUNDATION.ORG ) in 2009. The organization reaches out to children and their families, especially those of African American and Latino descent. The service-model nonprofit organization brings community partners together through volunteer service, fundraising, and in-kind donations. Quiet Storm Foundation fosters creative educational learning opportunities, innovative training, social skills development, community service projects, service learning engagements, health awareness, fitness training, and recreational experiences. Its out-of-school program enhances the talents, skills, and academic achievements with an emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, al, social, and spiritual wellness for its participants. Quiet Storm mentors provide leadership training with community projects, learning development opportunities, and other special events. Its students are challenged to take their place as leaders within the community. The Quiet Storm Foundation creates a positive impact on underrepresented youth by providing opportunities to advance their academic and life goals and make a difference in the coming years. 718 S. 8th St. // Las Vegas // (702) 778-3315 14 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
–DH
PHOTO BY BILL WEGENER RAFAEL
Arts, and Math (STEAM). Health incorporates mental, physical, emotion-
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 15
{tastebuds} by D E B B I E H A L L
Bok Bok Chicken
Four locations in Las Vegas and Henderson BOKBOKCHICKEN.COM
CULINARY LOVE AFFAIR Bok Bok Chicken combines passion with healthy choices.
Healthy eating nourishes the body, assists
companies, so the welfare of their customers
with weight control, and promotes well-be-
is No. 1, with everything from nutritious food
ing. Add affordable with ready-to-go for
to excellent service.
dining in as well as delivery options, and Bok
What makes Bok Bok Chicken so different?
Bok Chicken offers a wholesome option that
The free-range chicken is rotisserie cooked
includes vegan and vegetarian choices.
in a delicious, healthy way, imparting lots of
The husband-and-wife team of CEO Jacob
flavor with a spice combination that has been
Tchamanian and majority owner Silva Cha-
used for hundreds of years, adding taste
manian—Armenians who have been in the
without salt and fats.
US for over 45 years—infuse true passion into their restau-
“In most of our food, we use cumin, which is even men-
rants. Along with this venture, they own several health care
tioned in the Bible and used as currency, it was so valu-
16 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
able. In most Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine power food, many of the foods are seasoned with cumin,” explains Jacob. “We prepare our food using a combination of spices, and everything is made fresh daily with real ingredients for real food.” Out of 450 family recipes, they selected the items that appeal to different cultures as well as vegan and vegetarian choices. Sweet and savory are also part of the menu items, and meats include chicken and beef, including the whole bird and marinated beef dinners. One of Jacob’s favorite salads is the vegan, Tabbouleh gluten-free quinoa salad with tomato, onions, parsley, and spices. The Bataba salad, also vegan and gluten-free, is made with potato, green onion, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices. The gluten-free lentil soup combines potato, Swiss chard, garlic, lemon, and spices. Hummus, muttabal, fattoush salad, and tabbouleh tempt any palate while giving the body energy. Thin Lebanese bread is there to scoop up the deliciousness waiting on the plate. Shawerma pita is flame-broiled, marinated beef wrapped in pita with roasted tomato, tahini, and piaz, or make it a shawerma panini in a pressed French roll. The chicken pita combines rotisserie chicken with tomato and garlic sauce,
“WE LOVE THE WEATHER AND ATMOSPHERE. IT WAS THE PERFECT TIME TO OPEN OUR DREAM RESTAURANT SHARING THE FOOD WE LOVE WITH THE PLACE WE LOVE—LAS VEGAS.” —Jacob Tchamanian
and the chicken panini adds the ingredients to a French roll. Vegan falafel is made to order, wrapped in a pita with lettuce, tomato, and tahini.
Bok Bok honors and pays homage to family. Every single item on the menu is created using Chamanian’s recipes that
Cheese boreg (vegetarian) is fried dough filled with
were handed down by previous generations. Dishes have
cheeses, green onion, parsley, and spices served with
been perfected throughout the years, and every special in-
zaatar, and sarma (vegan) are grape leaves stuffed with
gredient and flavor adds a taste of their shared tradition.
rice, onion, and spices.
The couple moved to Vegas in 2017 and opened the
Desserts are more than sweets, including baklava, layers
first Bok Bok location in 2018, adding more locations
of filo pastry and nuts soaked in rosewater syrup; ashta,
this year. “We love the weather and the atmosphere,”
shredded filo dough with sweet cream and pistachios; and
Tchamanian says. “It was the perfect time to open our
gatnaboor, rice pudding with cinnamon and rosewater.
dream restaurant sharing the food we love with the place we love—Las Vegas.”
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 17
{highprofile } by D E B B I E H A L L
BEYOND HOMELESSNESS
PHOTO BY JOSHUA LANZARINI
Merideth Spriggs walks the talk of help and hope.
18 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
“I FEEL PEOPLE BECOME HOMELESS BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN BROKEN FROM THE COMMUNITY. IT IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY TO RESTORE THEM BACK WITH THE COMMUNITY AS PART OF THEIR HEALING.” —Merideth Spriggs When you imagine a homeless person, someone like
ence for additional outreach services and was the lead on
Merideth Spriggs would not come to mind. She is young,
the Southern Nevada to End Veterans Homelessness. Her
beautiful, articulate, and educated. However, almost 12
role in the community from 2014 to 2018 was as regional
years ago, Spriggs found herself homeless through a se-
outreach coordinator, which included reporting outcomes
ries of events, including a break from her family and other
to the local jurisdictions, county, state, and federal part-
support systems. She worked two part-time jobs and still
ners. This included the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police
was forced to live in her car because of the broken econ-
Department and organizations such as Help of Southern
omy and rising cost of living. Once she got back on track
Nevada, Veterans Administration, Catholic Charities, and
with her life, Spriggs devoted herself to helping the home-
Salvation Army.
less with innovative and life-changing options.
When the contract ended this year, Spriggs changed di-
She created Caridad (CARIDADCHARITY.COM ), which
rection, discovering that “we realized that at the end of the
means charity in Spanish and Portuguese, to help the
day, we could be the best at street-based outreach and give
homeless. It started with telling stories of the homeless in
the best customer service, which we didn’t have before.
San Diego to create awareness and advocacy.
The data shows we got the best results with the lowest
“I really fell in love with doing street outreach,” she says. “I
costs possible in the county.”
feel people become homeless because they have been bro-
However, the most people housed in a single month
ken from the community. It is everyone’s responsibility to re-
were 10. Affordable housing is disappearing, as costs rise
store them back with the community as part of their healing.”
in Southern Nevada, and funding is difficult to obtain for
In 2013, Spriggs made a move to Las Vegas to work for
street outreach. Caridad’s board of directors discussed con-
The Downtown Project, providing services for the homeless. A year later, she started Caridad in Las Vegas (closing the San Diego office) through the help and financial assistance of The Downtown Project. It began with a sock and underwear drive to distribute to those in need, as well as offering educational panels. Then the city of Las Vegas award-
sidering a different direction. Synchronicity occurred when Fergusons Downtown, a neighborhood revitalization project at 10th and Fremont streets, reached out to Spriggs. Caridad is taking over the operation of the community garden, formerly Ferguson’s Freight Farm. The new commercial farm, Caridad Gardens, will encom-
ed Spriggs a contract to create and
pass food supply, revenue, em-
use a customer service-based
ployment, and therapy.
approach to help the homeless.
“It is under a big, beautiful
She also got a contract with
pod worth over $70,000, and
the Fremont Street Experi-
we lease the land for $1 a year.
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 19
20 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
We are reinventing it as a jobs program for homeless veterans and partnering with US Vets,” Spriggs says. “They provide housing for vets close to the farm, and it is such a great program. However, what makes this program different is that we understand that population. We don’t want to duplicate anything, just fill in a gap.” The model of using lower barriers will allow support and guidance without the usual consequences when someone misses work without notice or demonstrates an inability to complete a task. If an employee goes on a bender, for example, Caridad staff members will reach out, find out about the problems that person is facing, and provide services and help. The person still has a job, but they don’t get paid
ue community development. Youth living in at-risk neigh-
for the amount of time missed.
borhoods will benefit from monthly educational garden
“This can give people the incentive to try. We are going
workshops offered free of charge.
to surround them with love and provide them with busi-
Another reason for potential success for the program is
ness community mentors,” she says. “If it is not a good fit
that the homeless vets working at the farm can remain in
even with all of the job options, we will have specialists who
their indoor lodging for longer periods. Other shelters, with
can help.” Caridad outreach and SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access,
the exception of the Las Vegas Rescue Mission, require
and Recovery (SOAR) staff will also support the homeless
their residents to check in and out daily. “We don’t want our
working on the farm. A representative from SOAR can as-
farmers to worry where they are going to sleep that night,
sist individuals who need to file for disability with Social Se-
and we know our men and women that are part of the proj-
curity, and training is available.
ect are indoors at night,” Spriggs says. The reality, according to Spriggs, is that “it is difficult to ac-
produce to sell to downtown businesses, including its
complish or achieve anything when you are in survival mode.”
many bars and restaurants, and in partnership with the
Another aspect of the garden will be a therapeutic effort,
Ferguson’s Market in the Alley. It is designed to become a
especially for those suffering from PTSD. It is all about the
self-sustaining business, provide employment, and contin-
wraparound services, including social works, mentors, and
MARKUS SPISKE
Caridad will use urban agriculture to grow herbs and
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 21
baileyscbd.com @ b a i l eys c b d
22 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
business leaders. Basic skills such as running a cash register, keeping inventory, dealing with vendors, and interacting with others will be taught. The approach of becoming part of the job force, and ultimately the community, is a big focus for Caridad. Still, there is a long way to go to bring everyone inside. For the working class, van and car life is becoming a way of life. The fastest rising sector of the homeless population is people under 18 and families. The largest population of homeless youth in the country live in Southern Nevada. Today, for those living paycheck-to-paycheck with less than perfect credit, the obstacles to renting a place to live (including first and last months’ rent and security deposit) can become insurmountable. For those who are evicted, the challenge is quadruple because they’re considered a risk. Her time of homelessness still affects her 12 years later. Despite the great work and accomplishments, she discovered she suffers from PTSD from the time she was homeless, even though it occurred 12 years ago. When the contract with the city ended, and she had to lay off her staff, it was a trigger bringing up unresolved feelings from that period in her life. “I would push it aside and tell people that once I got a good job, got indoors, and started a new career, I never looked back,” Spriggs explains as she admits she probably didn’t take the time necessary to take care of herself. “I needed to deal with the wounds that were caused that made me become homeless. It pops up in weird ways, and there are still days where I have to fight to get out of bed.” The problem of homelessness is not simple, nor can it be
LEAF: RYAN JACOBSON; TOOLS: MARKUS SPISKE
fixed by feeding and housing people in mass. It takes the efforts of the community to understand the trauma, the mind-numbing fear of surviving on the streets, and breaking of a person’s spirit as well as the complexity of its many challenges and obstacles. Spriggs embodies the innovation and heart of solving the pain of people living on the streets, in tunnels, and outside of the city. “Nobody wants to be homeless. I ask what as a community are we doing wrong that the options offered are not working and the homeless population continues to grow.” sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 23
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.
24 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
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 25
26 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
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 27
28 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
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 29
30 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
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 31
32 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
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 33
34 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
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 35
BEGIN THE
CONVERSA This is Depression explores the pain, offers hope, and brings comfort. by D E B B I E H A L L
36 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
ATION R. AVERY BURTON NEVER EXPECTED TO FACE
the aftermath of depression
RESULTING IN SUICIDE. HE CERTAINLY NEVER PLANNED TO WRITE SUCH A DEEPLY MOVING, PERSONAL BOOK ABOUT HIS SON AVERY, WHO SUFFERED A MAJOR DEPRESSIVE EPISODE IN 2017 AND ULTIMATELY TOOK HIS OWN LIFE AFTER GRADUATING FROM COLLEGE. “I wrote the book to honor his memory and to help edu-
but he studied hard, worked hard, and embodied a very
cate friends, family, and loved ones about the serious is-
healthy person physically and mentally. He was an
sue of depression and how it impacted my family. Hope-
amazing big brother who supported everyone.”
fully, the readers can learn from our experience,” he says.
As R. Avery wrote in his book, “If you asked me the
“The title, This is Depression, is meant to convey that
top 20 things I worried about as a parent, depression was
depression doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to any-
number 40.”
one anywhere at any time. I wanted to have the word
But Avery wasn’t perfect. He coped with a slight stut-
depression in the title of the book so that we can destig-
ter, debilitating stomach problems, and shyness. Avery
matize the conversation around mental health.”
also experienced life when, for the first time, he didn’t
Certainly, the life path both R. Avery and Avery walked
fit in somewhere and left a job that wasn’t right for him.
on would not give any indication that this would become
He would later tell friends that life after college seemed
part of the family’s history.
to be moving fast for him. But he was disciplined with
R. Avery had accomplished so much, personally and
a plan, and everyone assumed everything was on track.
professionally, while focusing on giving his family the
After graduation from UNLV, Avery became stressed,
very best. In 2000, Team Burton—the name coined by his
lethargic, and withdrawn. He told his mother, “Life is
wife—moved to Henderson, Nevada, which Forbes maga-
hard, Mommy.” He spoke with his dad about not having
zine named the second safest city in the nation. His wife
what it takes to work in the medical profession. R. Avery
and three sons experienced the best in education, leisure
listened and offered support. Avery hid his fear and pain
time, and vacations while building a solid foundation.
and told his dad that everything was okay.
Avery, the eldest son, grew to become a well-loved per-
Then R. Avery received a call no parent wants to re-
son demonstrateding leadership abilities. He had a win-
ceive. One of Avery’s friends reached out to let him know
ning smile, a passion for fitness, and a sharp mind. Av-
that Avery was talking about suicide. It was one of many
ery graduated cum laude from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a degree in kinesiology on May 13, 2017. Avery had planned to attend graduate school in December to obtain advanced degrees, including a doctorate, as part of his career plan to become a physical therapist. He’d put “Call me Dr. Burton” on his Snapchat. He had a close circle of friends, a loving family, excelled at work and school, and was a fit, handsome young man. “He was a parent’s dream. Maybe he didn’t always clean his room and could frustrate his mother and me, sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 37
38 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
Depression—what emotions, thoughts, and feelings does that word evoke? Mental illness—is that relegated to mass killers, the homeless, and people you don’t know? Depression and mental illness can affect anyone at any time. This statement might seem trite to some and a simplification to others. Depression needs to be discussed and treated as a medical condition. It is one of the leading causes of death in Nevada and nationally. Visit AFSP.ORG for help and information. In 2018, through the help of Public Education System, the Avery Burton Excellence in Sports and Academics Scholarship at Foothills High School scholarship fund was established. The nonprofit Avery Burton Foundation was launched this year to provide mental health outreach and advocacy. The communications firm of R. Avery was hired in 2016 work on the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol, the ballot initiative for adult-use recreational cannabis in Nevada. R. Avery understood the implications of legalizing adult-use recreational cannabis and discussed them with his family on many occasions. While cannabis is valuable both medically and recreationally, it does not cure depression. It can mask symptoms, especially when combined with alcohol, and it is crucial to observe, communicate, and take steps. Do not assume the person is doing okay if other signs appear.
The title, This is Depression, is meant to convey that depression doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone anywhere at any time. I wanted to have the word depression in the title of the book so that we can destigmatize the conversation around mental health.” —R. Avery Burton It was through his social media posts and texts that he expressed the turmoil raging inside. He had turned to self-medication, including cannabis and alcohol. He was trying to balance his serotonin levels, relieve his anxiety, and increase his dopamine levels. Avery was also trying to stimulate his appetite and to relax in social settings. But the pain remained and grew to the point that he needed to find a way to make it end. He drove to Hoover Dam, climbed over the guardrails, and leapt to his death. Avery had posted his suicide note on Facebook on July 24, 2017. The first line read, “The first thing everyone should know is that it’s nobody’s fault.” His father got a text from his middle son, asking if he had seen Avery’s post, and that is how he found out about his son’s suicide. Then came the grief, questions, rage, sadness, and despair. As time has passed, R. Avery has been learning
surreal moments that summer, and R. Avery went into parent mode with his wife. They talked about everything except confronting their son.
and living with this life’s chapter. In the aftermath of his son’s suicide, R. Avery found solace in the spiritual world, reconnecting with a high
“This was a very serious emotional and health problem,
school friend. He and his family have their faith and
and we tried to fix it with love,” he explains. The family decid-
have also sought counseling. R. Avery has also dedi-
ed to go on a vacation during this period, and everyone saw
cated himself to learning as much about depression as
this as a depressive episode, a momentary lapse that could be
possible and educating others. Signs of depression are
cured with care, support, and fun. Now R. Avery realized that
listed in the book and on AFSP.ORG .
was a temporary fix, at best, and his son was not the same. Avery’s depression began to escalate in June and hit a fever pitch the first week of July. He lost weight, ex-
This is Depression is just one step in R. Avery’s ongoing commitment to open the conversation about depression and shine a light on a problem that can be helped.
perienced enormous pain, withdrew from his friends,
“I was the first one to stereotype depression. I am now
worked out less, and had trouble getting good sleep.
working on creating awareness and outreach,” he says.
There was literally a war going on internally with his
“Education and destimatizing depression and mental
body and mind.
health is what helps.” sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 39
40 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
Meet the Master Mind Your crash course on how the endocannabinoid system optimizes wellness. by J U L I E M O N T E I R O , R N , B S K
The endocannabinoid system IS THE MASTERMIND OF YOUR BODY’S HARMONIC BALANCING SYSTEM. IT’S A
CONDUCTOR DIRECTING A SYMPHONIC MASTERPIECE WITH EVERY ORGAN AND CELL IN YOUR BODY, LIKE INSTRUMENTS PLAYING THE SONG OF LIFE. Our body naturally produces endocannabinoids, or compounds that naturally bind with our endocannabinoid systems through receptors to promote and maintain cellular balance, or homeostasis. Each organ, as well as most cells in your body, has these receptors, called cannabinoid receptor sites. Depending on the receptor site, and on the cannabinoids, the outcomes can literally make the difference between life and death. In cases of many cancerous tumors, for example, binding to the CB1 generally induces apoptosis, or cell death, while binding to the CB2 induces cell autophagy, or new cell birth. Scientists and clinicians can target, supplement, and manipulate the endocannabinoid system using botanical compounds from plants known as phytocannabinoids. Cannabis has the highest concentration of phytocannbinoids out of any other single species in the
cannabaceae family and works exceptionally well. Your body is hardwired to work with the endocannabinoid system. When you don’t have enough cannabinoids in your system, you can become sick or develop genetic mutations that cause imbalances, a state known as clinsensimag.com AUGUST 2019 41
42 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
Cannabis has been used since at least 6,000 BC as a source of food, fiber, and medicine. ical endocannabinoid deficiency. As with any deficien-
docannabinoid system is not fully recognized as a therapeutic target, so many people don’t get the benefits from it. We have come a long way, yet we still have a long way to go in integrating cannabis as a well-used option for health and wellness within the healthcare industry. NURSE JUHLZIE, aka JULIE MONTEIRO, RN, BSK educates professionals, patients, caregivers, corporations, and legislators on cannabis therapeutics and the science behind it. She is the founder of the Nevada Cannabis Nurses Association and a member of the American Nurses Association and Nevada State Nurses Association. She has earned certificates in the Basic Core Curriculum for Cannabis Nursing and the Advanced Curriculum for Cannabis Nursing. (@ASKNURSEJUHLZIE )
cy—vitamin, mineral or otherwise—you can take supplements to replenish your body and maintain balance. This is the same with a deficiency in our endocannabinoid system. If you are deficient, you need phytocannabinoids to balance that deficiency. As nature would have it, cannabis is a diverse plant that can supplement and balance your endocannabinoid system, reducing symptoms and improving overall health and wellness. Products can be specially made using synthetic or isolated cannabinoids and/or terpenes. A full-spectrum oil with phytocannabinoids such as the wellknown cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), as well as cannabigerol or cannabichromene, can be used to treat many human and animal ailments. Cannabis has been used for thousands of years as a source of food, fiber, and medicine, as is evidenced by various archaeological finds dating back to the Mesopotamian and Yamnaya (Central Asia) civilizations in 6,000 BC. While the plant’s origins can be traced back to an-
Glossary of Terms The Endocannabinoid System is a molecular system responsible for regulating many processes in the body, including immune response, communication between cells, metabolism, memory, and pain regulation. Cannabinoids are biologically active chemical constituents in flowers. There are over 140 cannabinoids in
cient civilizations, cannabis’ history of global migration
cannabis, each with its own properties.
has been far more complex—even somewhat sinister, as
Cannabinoid receptors such as
demonstrated by its prohibition in the 20th century.
CB1 and CB2 are a class of cell mem-
In the 19th century, cannabis emerged as a main-
brane receptors where cannabinoids
stream leader in medicine, with the first American
bind and cause cellular reactions.
studies conducted in the 1840s finding that cannabis
Endocannabinoids are compounds
suppressed headaches, increased appetite, and aided sleep. Cannabis was added to the US Pharmacopeia in 1850, originally listed as a treatment option for numerous afflictions including neuralgia, tetanus, typhus, cholera, rabies, dysentery, alcoholism, opiate addiction, leprosy, incontinence, gout, convulsive disorders,
produced naturally by animals that combine with cannabinoid receptors. Phytocannabinoids occur naturally in the cannabis plant and some other plants. CBD and THC are the
tonsillitis, insanity, excessive menstrual bleeding,
most studied phytocannabinoids.
and myalgia. The first patented cannabis tinctures
Endocannabinoid deficiency
were sold over-the-counter at drugstores and made by
reduces the body’s ability to regulate
leading innovators like Pfizer (1849) and Lilly (1876).
functions properly, leading to imbal-
Today, medical cannabis is available in many forms.
ance and allowing diseases to arise.
Some products are specifically designed to target and manage conditions, while others eliminate the guesswork associated with titration (dosing). However, the ensensimag.com AUGUST 2019 43
44 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
COHEN MEDICAL CENTERS
Celebrating a Decade of Care COHEN MEDICAL CENTERS HELP FAMILIES FIND ACCESS TO MEDICAL CANNABIS.
Patients are the focus, with advocacy the by-product,
says Ayako Monsell, general manager of the Nevada
for one small but mighty cannabis doctors’ office em-
operations. “You come to the office, and we help you
powered by hemp.
through the entire process. It’s not just getting a medical
That’s the story behind one of the more progressive
card, but education about cannabis.”
and forward-thinking medical cannabis doctors’ group,
Cohen Medical Centers is very interested in helping
Cohen Medical Centers, with offices in Denver and Las
other states understand what is still needed for canna-
Vegas.
bis patients. As the recent president of the Coalition for
In 2009, Robert Cohen was helping new cannabis busi-
Patient Rights of Nevada, Robert played a key role in lob-
nesses in Colorado get set up with phone and internet
bying activities during the latest state session, along with
services and heard that people were looking for doctors
other dedicated patient advocates.
to help provide medical cannabis recommendations. He
Cohen Medical Centers fully supported bills about
knew of a doctor, and shortly after, he brought his father,
expanding the qualifications for getting a medical can-
Dr. Richard Cohen, out of retirement, and he quickly be-
nabis card to include conditions such as HIV and other
came a pioneer of early medical cannabis legislation.
immune or neurological diseases, but more importantly,
Family has always been first at Cohen Medical Centers.
opioid dependency, anxiety, and autism.
Robert’s wife, Noel Cohen, was instrumental in begin-
“Some doctors want to plant everyone on all of these
ning the business. He eventually brought in his son, Evan
pharmaceutical medications that may help in the short
Cohen, and then his sister, Lisa Escalante, to work in the
run but not the long run,” Monsell says. “If we can find
Denver office. The family business did so well that Robert
something that works, that is natural, let’s do that. More-
decided to branch out into Las Vegas.
over, cannabis continues to be shown to heal.”
In Las Vegas, Cohen Medical Centers offered a line of trusted whole hemp products well before the recent CBD craze. “We’re the one-stop shop to medical access,”
For more information, visit:
COHENMEDICALCENTERS.COM sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 45
10% DISCOUNT CODE:
SENSIMAG
46 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
WELLNESS PREMIUM PRODUCTS
Wellness Premium Products HEMP SEED OIL HAIR CARE PRODUCTS GET TO THE ROOT OF HEALTHIER HAIR.
Hemp can change the world.
Burk, a hemp beauty educator, says that she and Ne-
That’s what Taylor Burk, Miss Nevada Earth 2018-
vada locals tend to have dry, coarse hair because ofdue
2019, believed when she boldly became the first con-
to the desert heat and hard water. That all changed for
testant in a beauty pageant contestant in American
her after using the Wellness hair care system. “My hair
history to publicly support hemp.
instantly became strong, flexible, hydrated, and shiny.
“Due to the lack of education and general confusion
That’s because our products are created with an exclu-
between psychoactive and non-psychoactive uses of
sive micro-capsule technology, which allows the ben-
cannabis, promoting hemp during my reign was ex-
efits of protein-rich hemp to penetrate deep into the
tremely controversial at the time,” Burk says. “I found
hair core, and heal the hair follicle from the inside out
it interesting how not many people were aware that
as well as topically. All of the Wellness formulas cater to
hemp is the epic game changer in the beauty and well-
scalp health and stimulate the blood flow necessary for
ness space, but also environmentally, economically, and
new hair growth.”
industrially.”
The company is collecting testimonials from people
Fast forward to 2019. Taylor met her business partner,
using their line of products and hopes to introduce
Roni Josef, the founder and guru in the professional
more Wellness products in the near future. “We are
beauty space working on the global expansion of Well-
getting testimonies that showcase reactions from real
ness Premium Products, makers of luxury botanical,
people about their results using our products,” Burk
hemp seed oil hair care products from Israel.
says. “We must remain authentic in this beauty industry
“I love the culture of our company,” Burk says. “We
because the positive impacts that organic hemp seed
help so many people and bring hope to all of the men
oil brings to people are too powerful to not share with
in women who suffer from hair loss and dry, chemically
the world.”
damaged hair.” The wellness line of products includes shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask that comes with ampoules and serum, which doubles as a heat protectant. All prod-
For more information, visit:
WELLNESSPREMIUMPRODUCTS.COM
ucts are to be used together for complete hair health. sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 47
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MACARENA PHOTOGRAPHY
SENSI NIGHT LAS VEGAS
Temps hovered at triple digits outdoors, but HOT describes Sensi Night Las Vegas. The crowd danced to beats by DJ Breeze while sipping speciality Sensi Strain cocktails. The afterparty included a VIP screening of Culture High sponsored by MedMen.
48 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas
Where: Eclipse Theaters When: June 24, 2019
sensimag.com AUGUST 2019 49
{HereWeGo } by D E B B I E H A L L
Hatsumi
Fergusons Downtown // 1028 Fremont St. //Las Vegas
HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT Yerman the Sad Yeti character puts a face on depression.
Yerman the Sad Yeti looks over the space of Hatsumi, the hip, new Japanese restaurant at Fergusons Downtown. In one incarnation, Yerman’s hesitant smile gazes out at the patrons. In another painting, the visual showcases Yerman’s exterior “exploding” to reveal the interior of emotions. The two paintings demonstrate a back story for the artist and those who view it. The artist and creator of Depressed Monsters (DEPRESSEDMONSTERS.COM ) art, apparel, and toy line, Ryan Brunty utilizes his artwork for mental health advocacy. “In 2012, my grandfather passed, and that was the first time I realized I had issues with depression. I didn’t leave the house and couldn’t get out of bed,” he explains. “I finally decided to express myself and create Yerman, who encapsulated what I was feeling. Other people saw that too.” Every time he paints, Brunty expresses his narrative in his art about how he felt at the time. His artwork continues to demonstrate his mental health journey while developing his artistic scrapbook as a beacon of hope for other people. 50 AUGUST 2019 Las Vegas