Sensi Magazine - Orange County (November 2019)

ORANGE COUNTY

THE NEW NORMAL

RAISE YOUR CUPS High tea is back

Fancy Dogs

Natural enlightenment

Gratitude

Lifting you up on IG

{plus} NO NEED TO PUT A RING ON IT

11.2019

sensimag.com NOVEMBER 2019 3

4 NOVEMBER 2019 Southern California

sensimag.com NOVEMBER 2019 5

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6 NOVEMBER 2019 Southern California

ISSUE 11 // VOLUME 2 //11.2019

FEATURES 18 Woo-Woo Woofers

The pet wellness industry is taking off in California, where you’ll find plenty of ways to pamper your pooch.

40 Single, Not Sorry

More and more people are choosing uncoupled adulthood.

NOW IT’S A TEA PARTY

30

HITTING THE COLORADO SLOPES

36

every issue 9 Editor’s Note 11 The Buzz 24 AroundTown

PLANT, PEOPLE, AND PLACE

30 HighProfile

TEA CUPS UP

36 TravelWell

HIT THE SLOPES

50 HereWeGo GRATIFIED

Sensi magazine is published monthly by Sensi Media Group LLC. © 2019 SENSI MEDIA GROUP LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

ON THE COVER (SAN DIEGO EDITION) Photo by George Evans

sensimag.com NOVEMBER 2019 7

sensi magazine ISSUE 11 / VOLUME 2 / 11.2019

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

Doug Schnitzspahn doug.schnitzspahn@sensimag.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Dawn Garcia dawn.garcia@sensimag.com

MANAGING EDITOR, SENSI SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Leland Rucker leland.rucker@sensimag.com SENIOR EDITOR

Robyn Griggs Lawrence robyn.lawrence@sensimag.com EDITOR AT LARGE

sensimagazine

David Durรกn, Nicole Riggs, Rachel Svoboda CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

A RT & D E S I G N Jamie Ezra Mark jamie@emagency.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Rheya Tanner, Wendy Mak, Jason Jones, Josh Clark em@sensimag.com sensimag

DESIGN & LAYOUT

BUSINESS & A D M I N I S T R AT I V E Kristan Toth kristan.toth@sensimag.com HEAD OF PEOPLE

Rob Ball rob.ball@sensimag.com Angelique Kiss angelique.kiss@sensimag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS, SAN DIEGO

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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

8 NOVEMBER 2019 Southern California

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Life in Southern California

often includes

countless days of sunshine, momentary escapes to the sea or snow, culinary boundlessness, and an element of style that ranges from chic to understated.

This issue features a culmination of luxurious ladies who founded a line of cannabis tea, a deep dive into singlehood and loving it, and recipe resources that make cooking and cocktailing more fun. This month’s issue is also about exploring appellations, giving our canines the best in wellness, and discovering influencers who positively influence.

Now that fall is officially on our doorstep, start thinking about the things you’ve learned this year, the obstacles you’ve overcome, the risks you’ve taken, and how you plan to curate the year that’s right around the corner. Taking a moment to remember who you’ve been this year opens the door to more than self-reflection. It’s a promising opportunity to manifest an even greater version of you in 2020—and there’s nothing quite like a little reinvention.

November not only marks a change in everyday life and style, it marks the beginning of transition and reinvention for the new year. It’s time to unpack your sweaters and those gorgeous statement scarves, pull those boots out of their boxes, plan that trip to the mountains, and welcome in whatever is next.

Live boldly,

Dawn Garcia

M ANAG I NG E D I TO R

SENSI SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

sensimag.com NOVEMBER 2019 9

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These 16-month calendars feature visual cues of joy and positivity that rule supreme throughout the year, the month, and the days. Plus Ley seems to understand the design-thinking entrepreneur who loves aesthetics and effectiveness.

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The A-to-Z of all things… is your handy hardcover guide to just about everything that has to do with alcohol. The Gin Dictionary begins with using juniper berries and making the perfect gin and tonic; the Whisky Dictionary tells you the history and heritage of whisky, including explaining why, in the United States, we spell whiskey with an “e.” The Tequila Dictionary breaks down tequila, agave, and mezcal spirits without making you feel like you’ve just been handed a dunce cap. The entire series, published by Octopus Books, will educate you and get you well on your way to a happy cocktail.

Check out their other books, such as Fine & Classic Cocktails, The Bourbon Bible, The World Atlas of Gin, SIP: 100 Gin Cocktails, and several fascinating cookbooks, including One Pot Feeds All, Happy Curry, and Gifts From the Modern Larder.

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This cookbook is a guide to eating clean and using fresh ingredients to create extraordinary dishes. Featuring more than 100 recipes, practice charts, seasonal produce guides, and a how-to on utilizing all your vegetables, Love & Lemons Every Day is not only a visual stunner but a practical and approachable look at plant-based eating. You can also find free recipes on the website. –DG LOVEANDLEMONS.COM/COOKBOOK

sensimag.com NOVEMBER 2019 13

W H AT TO D O

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WOO-WOO

18 NOVEMBER 2019 Southern California

WOOFERS I’m sitting at my desk

IN THE

EARLY HOURS OF THE MORNING STRUGGLING TO WRITE THE ANECDOTAL OPENER TO THIS

The pet wellness industry is taking off in California, where you’ll find plenty of ways to give your pooch some extra pampering.

STORY. THERE’S SOFT MUSIC PLAYING, SO SOFT I CAN HEAR GIDGET’S CONTENT SNORES COMING FROM THE PINEAPPLE DOME SHE SLEEPS IN WHEN I’M AT MY DESK. If the music were too loud, she would stomp as much as a chihuahua could out to the living room to get in her pressure-activated heated bed, engulfed by the soft white throw blanket I bought for myself. Gidget saw it.

She wanted it. She got it.

This is the way it works. The nails on my fingertips are past due for a manicure (Gidget got hers done today). My dinner was peanut butter spooned from the jar. Gidget dined on a gourmet blend specially formulated to deliver the exact level of antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, probiotics, and minerals she needs for optimal health. After dinner, she got a bath and a towel massage before tucking into the pineapple. That’s when I sat down to start writing.

I work hard so my dog can have a better life. The meme

by S T E P H A N I E WILSON

is real.

HOOMANS AND FLOOFERS I wouldn’t have it any other way. Gidget may be a furry freeloader, but she’s my furry freeloader and I love her hard. Because she is awesome. All dogs are. Fight me: I’m an elder millennial, and I’ve got a generational army of pet-pampering 20- and 30-somethings to back me up.

Millennials have been accused of killing a whole host of things.* Really, we’re just redirecting our limited discretionary funds to things we deem more worthy than, say, an intrinsically worthless shiny stone that De Beers’

*I typed “millennials killed” into the search bar and autocomplete results included “mayo,” “Hooters,” “golf,” “romance,” and “malls.” We should be thanked; all of those sensimag.com NOVEMBER 2019 19 needed to go—yes, including romance as defined by the patriarchal archetype, but that’s a different topic for a different day. We’re talking about dogs here.

20 NOVEMBER 2019 Southern California

marketing firm convinced Americans is a token of love

Us hoomans

and esteem that lasts forever. (Read: millennials are killing diamonds.)

Millennials do spend money on pets. This year, the US

chase our

pet industry is projected to rake in $75.28 billion, up more

heckin floofers,

than 30 percent since 2010 according to the American Pet Product Association (APPA). A majority of millennials (76

iPhones in hand,

percent) would be more likely to splurge on luxury items

snapping pics

like expensive treats or a custom bed for their pets than for themselves.

“The pet care industry is booming, as people around

of their snoots

the world—especially millennials—blur the line between

and bleps to

The senior brand manager of Purina, Ryan Gass, suggests

share with frens, posting with captions about the goodest boy in the world.

human child and animal,” according to Business Insider. that millennials are putting off marriage and having children, turning to pets to “fill that void,” but I don’t know what void he’s talking about, so we’re moving on.

Millennials’ love for their pups is so intense, it’s spawned its own language. Us hoomans chase our heckin

floofers, iPhones in hand, snapping pics of their snoots and bleps to share with frens, posting with captions about the goodest boy in the world.

This has all led to a rise in what more serious folks call the “humanization of pets.” Sounds ominous. But it indicates how much our lives and our pets’ lives are intertwined—and therefore following the same trends. And what’s trendier or more millennial than wellness, wellness everywhere?

In 1979, veteran journalist Dan Rather quipped during an episode of 60 Minutes, “Wellness…that’s a word you don’t hear every day.” Fast forward 40 years, and we’re hearing the word so much every day it’s almost lost all meaning. The fresh “pet wellness” phrase could mean pets are doing well overall or it could mean pets are judging you for not drinking kombucha.

Don’t worry, dogs don’t judge. But they are getting more probiotics in their diets, just not from kombucha. Probiotics in pet foods sales grew by 139 percent last year, according to the Nielsen market report, “Trends in Pet Care Mirror Those of Pet Owners.” We eat super foods; our dogs eat super foods.

We take CBD; our pups take CBD. We get massages; our dogs get massages. We have fitness studios where you can work out with your dog, acupuncture for pets, doggy day spas with swimming pools you can rent out for puppy parties.

LAYING ON HANDS Oh, yeah, and dog Reiki is a thing here, too. Gidget hasn’t tried it yet; she—like me—thinks it sounds a little bit woo-woo.

This is how Health mag describes the basic principle: “Energy medicine (or biofield therapies) is the act of sensimag.com NOVEMBER 2019 21

22 NOVEMBER 2019 Southern California

channeling and manipulating the energy that courses

It’s a nonsurgical, drug-free option for correcting dis-

through your body in order to heal it. This can be done

orders related to a fixation in the spine or joint. When

with hands-on practices such as acupuncture and Rei-

vertebrae become immovable through trauma, injury,

ki, as well as sensory-based experiences, like the use of

or standard wear-and-tear, the joints between them

crystals, sound baths, and aromatherapy.”

become jammed, often affecting the nerves in the con-

While energy medicine is the farthest mystical ex-

gested area. Those nerves are the communication link

treme of the modern wellness world, there are some

between the brain and the spinal cord, so when they are

forms backed by science. Acupuncture, for one, and even

out of order, it can set off a cascade of effects that leads

Reiki. Health reports that a 2010 review of research in

to pain and loss of function.

the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine found

But pets can’t tell us where they hurt or why they’re

strong evidence that biofield therapies such as Reiki and

limping, so treatments are a bit more complicated. When

therapeutic touch can alleviate pain.

working with animals, Block looks for abnormal or re-

In Torrance, Tranquil Pet is all about these modalities.

Run by Jean Brusavich, CAMT, the holistic veterinary ser-

stricted movement, with a goal of restoring it to reduce pain and improve mobility.

vices offered include reiki, canine aquatics, and massage.

Animal chiropractic care is not meant to replace vet-

Brusavich specializes in working with Reiki to treat a

erinary medicine. Rather, animal chiropractors work in

range of issues, such as end of life transitioning, stress,

conjunction with veterinarians, treating areas that often

anxiety, trauma, pain, injury, abandonment, and more.

go unnoticed by traditional care.

“Reiki is safe, gentle, stress-free. There need be no

And that pain in your back as a result of hunching over

physical contact and Reiki treats the entire person and/

your desk spoon-feeding yourself peanut butter while

or animal, including physical, mental, emotional, spiri-

your pooch snuggles in your new comforter? As it turns

tual levels simultaneously,” says Brusavich. “Due to its

out, living with a dog is good for human health as well.

noninvasive, painless nature, Reiki is a natural healing

Having a pet lowers stress, reduces blood pressure, and

method for all, especially our pets, as animals are ex-

may even help you live longer. So says science. So they

tremely sensitive to energy.”

deserve to live the same aspirational lifestyle to which

The caveat: It could be a placebo effect, and our pups aren’t swayed by the power of suggestion. But if you think it’s working for her, then the session is working— for you. It’s called the “caregiver placebo effect,” and

we have made them accustomed. It’s the least we can do to repay the unconditional love.

Rebecca Treon contributed to this piece.

there’s nothing wrong with it. As long as it’s used in conjunction with traditional vet visits—a supplemental part of a whole wellness plan.

CHIRO FOR CANINES Dog chiropractic is an another emerging field gaining traction as a beneficial supplemental treatment therapy.

In Irvine, Animal Chiropractor Dr. Norman “Rod” Block has made it his mission to provide chiropractic care to all animals. “Animals are amazing. Unlike humans, who are constantly distracted by life, technology, media, and work; animals live in a state of being.” says Block, who is also the author of Like Chiropractic for Elephants. “This sense of PHOTO BY STEPHANIE WILSON

being and observing allows an animal to be in a constant state of awareness, which nature has given it in order to survive. Being gives them a sixth sense.They know if one is in fear, pain, happy or sad, or if they’re a threat.”

According to Block, animal chiropractic care—adjusting the joints and spine—releases pressure and obstacles, giving our animals proper energy flow and movement, simultaneously providing relief of pain, stress, and fatigue. sensimag.com NOVEMBER 2019 23

{aroundtown }

by N I C O L E R I G G S

UNDERSTANDING PLANT, PEOPLE, AND PLACE We spoke with local farmers and French winemakers to understand why cannabis appellations matter.

24 NOVEMBER 2019 Southern California

Wendy Kornberg, Doug Cook, and their daughters, Coral and Mirabella

On a warm July morning in Humboldt County’s Benbow Valley, 5-year-old Mirabella plunges her hand into the earth.

The blue sky shimmers over hills densely forested with madrone, manzanita, and oak. Down the path flows the emerald waters of the Eel River, where she’ll go swimming later in the day. Mirabella scoops a handful of dirt, adds compost

CONSUMERS UNDERSTAND APPELLATIONS TO MEAN A PLACE OF ORIGIN WITH UNIQUE GENETIC FACTORS THAT RENDER DISTINCTIVE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.

and chicken manure, and lifts her cupped hands to the sky:

In 2018, the California Department of Food and Agriculture

“This is how I make soil,” she explains. Her 9-year-old sister,

(CDFA) established the CalCannabis Appellations Project to

quick-minded Coral, makes a different blend: more compost,

expand on county-of-origin regulations and create a state-

less chicken manure. They learn this from their parents,

wide Cannabis Appellations system by January 1, 2020. With

Wendy Kornberg and her husband, Doug Cook, who run Sun-

two months to go, working groups are still actively grappling

nabis, a state-licensed family farm. Nearby, cannabis plants

with what the guidelines will be.

(varietal 24K#6) bloom under the Humboldt sunshine.

WHY DO APPELLATIONS MATTER?

Unlike the wine industry’s American Viticultural Area (AVA), which is largely a geographic designation, an appellation is a legally defined and protected indication of not only where an

The root of appellation, from the Latin appelāre, means “to in-

agricultural product comes from but also how it’s produced.

voke, to summon.” Around the world, consumers understand

Bordeaux wine, Roquefort cheese, Champagne—these are

appellations to mean a place of origin with unique genetic

all appellation products because they express their native

factors that render distinctive agricultural products. Appella-

environment through food and drink.

tions are fundamentally related to what the French call ter-

“Appellations express the character of a place,” explains

roir, meaning not only soil but the overall native environment,

winemaker Pat Knittel, who bottles both North Story wines

which is not to be frelaté (corrupted or modified).

and Wrangletown Cider in Arcata. sensimag.com NOVEMBER 2019 25

gratitude 26 NOVEMBER 2019 Southern California

“CURING IS AN ART THAT IS LEARNED OVER TIME AND TRANSMITTED BETWEEN FARMERS, A LEGACY THAT WE CAN DRAW ON.” —Dominic Corva

To understand the complexity and potential of appella-

“Worms enrich the soil biology and maintain soil moisture,”

tions, we studied each component of a working cannabis

explains Lloyd. “Everything is part of the nutrient cycle, and

farm and how it relates to the genetic expression of a place.

worms, who eat from half to two times their weight ev-

SOIL

ery day, are a natural way to convert a biomass into nitrogen-rich, calcium-rich, plant-ready nutrients.”

The soil in which plants grow is a key aspect of appellation

In Holmes Flat, Sunshine Johnston lives and farms at Sun-

products, from cannabis to wine. “The soil is alive,” says So-

boldt Grown. The daughter of back-to-the-landers, Johnston

phie Kumpf, a third-generation winemaker and owner of

grew up in cannabis and today, she is one of the leading dry

Kumpf & Meyer in Alsace, France. In her approach to farm-

cannabis farmers in California, along with neighbor, Chrys-

ing, she seeks to “interfere as little as possible in the natural

tal Ortiz of True Humboldt. Both farmers utilize sustainable

process.” In France, it’s common knowledge that native soil

cultivation practices without the use of irrigation. Johnston

gives an appellation product its unique geographic expres-

understands her environment in dialectical terms: “The land-

sion, which consumers are willing to pay for.

scape creates us, and we create it too.” As state regulations

At Sunnabis Farms, Wendy Kornberg admits to being “a research junkie” when it comes to soil. She points to her 8,000-square-foot “proving-ground” garden, where she will conduct an A/B test by growing a portfolio of varietals across different soil managements: biologic and Korean Natural Farming (a method that uses indigenous micro-organisms such as bacteria and fungi to produce fertile soils). She plans to get feedback from consumers through QR codes.

Stacey and Lloyd Barker own Local Worm Guy, voted Best New Business in Humboldt County in 2019. They work with several cannabis cultivators to optimize sustainable farming techniques for “living soil.” sensimag.com NOVEMBER 2019 27

In Garberville, Kristin Nevedal, founder and executive director of the International Cannabis Farmers Association (ICFA), notes that though most of California’s legal cannabis is grown indoors, it’s impossible to classify by metrics of quality related to appellation. “Indoor high-intensity discharge usage is a modification of terroir—as well as a climate issue—so it should not qualify for appellation,” says Nevedal.

WATER Agriculture needs water, and with climate change, conservation is more urgent than ever. “Understand that water is part of a watershed,” says Johnston. “How do you share that watershed with the environment?”

A World Bank report released in August 2019 warns of the economic consequences of a clean water shortage.

Forward-thinking cannabis cultivators and winemakers are acutely aware of the challenges ahead. Both industries are innovating with dry farming and/or minimal water use.

In Alsace, Riss uses bacteria and micro-organisms as a natural pest repellent to retain moisture in her vineyard. Letshake out, what might appellation guidelines say about soil regulation in the future? “You want to build soil, not throw it away,” says Johnston. “Cultivate microbiota that are native to your region.”

In France, Catherine Riss is the owner and winemaker at Domaine Riss in Reichsfeld, Alsace. “In Alsace, terroir has a lot to do with the geological composition of the soil.

Terroir is complex,” she explains. “It’s the soil, but also the slope, the sun exposition, and the varietal.” Her vineyards are on two soil types: sandstone terroir and slate terroir.

Whether it’s wine or cannabis, she sees the future of appellations as “local and sustainable.”

LIGHT Terra Carver is executive director of the Humboldt County Growers Alliance (HCGA), representing more than 270 Humboldt County growers, and participates in the working group that will define appellation guidelines for California’s cannabis industry. Carver believes cannabis farmers are positioned to become leaders in sustainable agriculture, particularly sun-grown. “We want to take her [cannabis] back outside,” says Carver.

28 NOVEMBER 2019 Southern California

ting ground cover grow tall between the vines “keeps the soil cooler and moist,” explains Riss. Appellation-designated cannabis farms can draw on practices of minimal water use to provide the sustainability value that consumers demand.

ery morning,” explains Sandomeno. The couple pays careful attention to every step of the process and is especially adamant about proper curing, emphasizing that it takes time.

“Curing is an art that is learned over time and transmitted between farmers, a legacy that we can draw on,” says Dominic Corva, the recently appointed co-director at the Humboldt Institute for Interdisciplinary Marijuana Research (HiiMR) at Humboldt State University.

“The cultural stories about cannabis provide extra meaning that has exchange value while also reproducing human skill across generations,” says Corva, who is also the founder and executive director at the Center for the Study of Cannabis and Social Policy (CASP) in Seattle. For these reasons, practices and generational knowledge are an integral part of where appellation lines are drawn.

MARKETING Appellations touch on environmental standards, varietals,

VARIETALS

and cultivation practices. Ultimately, these combine to

What will appellation guidelines look like when it comes

create an appellation product that is a unique genetic expres-

to varietals?

sion of a place.

Watershed expert and cannabis consultant Hollie Hall says

Jesse Fiedler, a cannabis professional with experience

more data is needed. “It’s about the phenotype expression

across the supply chain, sees “a parallel between Cuba’s ci-

of genes,” she explains. Connoisseurs of cannabis recognize

gars that have been crafted by knowledgeable artisans over

that the same varietal grown with similar practices in differ-

decades and the Emerald Triangle’s cannabis, cultivated by

ent environments still looks, tastes, and feels different.

experienced growers with intimate knowledge of the local

Clearly, terroir plays a role in the final product, as does

climate.” To explain, he asks with a laugh, “Who would you

climate. “Certain mold-resistant strains are best suited to

rather get a cigar from? The old lady who’s grown it for 35

the Humboldt climate,” notes Rob Golightly, co-owner of a

years or a guy who just bought a farm?”

10,000-square- foot farm.

Amanda Reiman is the head of community relations at Flow Kana, a Mendocino County collective that processes

PRACTICES

and distributes cannabis from small-scale farms in Northern

As farmers come together, they’ll want to define what drying

California. “Appellations are a way to add value and differen-

and curing practices specific appellations should follow. Such

tiate,” explains Reiman. “If we’re going to establish appella-

measures will further differentiate appellation-designated

tions, we have to hold true to these values.”

cannabis from commercial products that are often cut too

Whether you think in terms of marketing (value-added

early, flush-dried, and rushed to market—the fast-food of

distinction in the market) or biology (exploring the genetic

the industry, or “Styrofoam cannabis.”

expression of a place), appellations become powerful when

At Sunrise Mountain Farms in northeastern Humboldt

they mean something—sustainability, craft, or climate.

County, Lorelie and Dave Sandomeno farm cannabis at 2,500

The challenge is to define meaning in the face of a rapidly

feet in elevation, bordered by national forest. “The plants

growing industry, climate change, and ever-evolving laws

drink spring water, root into vital soil, and see the sunrise ev-

regulating cannabis cultivation and sale. sensimag.com NOVEMBER 2019 29

{highprofile }

by R A C H E L S VO B O DA

TEA CUPS UP Introducing high tea, a more thoughtful for that other kind of adult beverage.

30 NOVEMBER 2019 Southern California

Founded in 2015 by former journalist Amanda Jones

percent to 27 percent. Jones and Chapin believe this is be-

and tech entrepreneur Jennifer Chapin, Kikoko, a cannabis

cause, “big money is coming in, and the big money is white

tea brand, emerged as a solution for women to take back

and male.” This led them to research consumption among

their health and life with more joy. Kikoko was created to

women, including alcohol consumption.

help revolutionize women’s health after a mutual friend of

Women are an equally targeted audience for alcohol mar-

theirs was looking for an alternative to pharmaceuticals to

keting campaigns. Brands realize that in modern society, it’s

alleviate the pain, anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite, and

the moms, sisters, friends, wives, and boss ladies who are in

nausea she felt while battling cancer.

need of a remedy for stress relief, playing to their desire for re-

Having worked together at

laxation. Usually, a good glass

a nonprofit in the year prior

of wine, or as market trends

to founding Kikoko, Jones

show, brown spirits or tequila,

and Chapin were familiar

appeal to the working moms

with how to successfully

and women out there who

build a positive team envi-

need to wind down at the end

ronment for a company to

of the day. This shift in market-

thrive. “With no prior histo-

ing directly to women is seen

ry in the cannabis industry,

in films, books, social media,

there was a steep learning

including the wry, inappropri-

curve at first but getting

ate comedic moms and found-

in early was worth it,” says

ers of #IMomSoHard, Kristin

Jones. The cofounders are

Hensley and Jen Smedley, who

mindful about building a

have built a wildly successful

company and doing things “the women’s way.”

career around drinking—and riffing on motherhood.

According WebMD, alcohol consumption among women

their nearly four dozen employees work in an environ-

has increased over the years. “Males still consume more

ment built on trust, respect, and open communication.

alcohol, but the differences between men and women

According to Marijuana Business Daily, in 2017, the num-

are diminishing,” says Aaron White, PhD, senior scientific

ber of women-run cannabis businesses dropped from 36

advisor to the director of the National Institute on Alcohol

PHOTO (LEFT) BY GEORGE EVANS

Structuring the company with this foundation means

sensimag.com NOVEMBER 2019 31

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Abuse and Alcoholism. Women around the world continue to raise a glass in solidarity, bonded by the foundation that work is hard, kids are challenging, husbands are a chore, and alcohol is necessary. But small doses of cannabis may offer a better solution than booze.

Upon launch, Jones and Chapin put a major focus on micro-doses of THC. Formulated in low doses that range from 3 milligrams to 10 milligrams of THC (a 1-gram joint, by comparison, has roughly 10 times that), their teas re-

DON’T STEEP ON THESE TEAS All Kikoko teas are sold as individually wrapped sachets and cans of 10 tea bags. There is a ready-to-go gift box with one of each type of tea in a reusable box. Prices range from $5 to $65, depending on the product.

quire little more than heating water, pouring it in a cup, and enjoying. The teas, however, don’t have the same after effects of alcohol—night sweats, increased weight gain, self-loathing or anxiety, sleeplessness. Hangovers aren’t conducive to being on your A-game.

According to Jones and Chapin, low-dose products that won’t get you stoned are the future of cannabis use. Anyone who has ever had a bad time from too much THC might agree. “We were hearing over and over what we call the ‘whole brownie syndrome’ where they ate the whole

In addition to tea, Kikoko is expanding to offer additional products to its loyal consumer base.

New Zealand Manuka and Kanuka Honeyshots are cannabis-infused and come in four blends that are complementary to a tea: Calm pairs with Simpa-Tea, Snooze pairs with Tranquili-Tea, Focus pairs with Positivi-Tea, and Buzz can be enjoyed on its own, since it contains 10 milligrams of THC.

brownie and rode the crazy train for hours and hours,” says

Honeyshots can be eaten directly from the package or added to smoothies, juice drinks, toast—anything you can think of. Honeyshots can be purchased individually for $5, in packs of 5 for $25, or in a pack of 10 for $48.

to get very high all the time—they wanted an alternative to

Jones. Kikoko is meant to curb the side effects of alcohol by offering a healthier and more tolerant form of unwinding.

“When we first started the business, people said, ‘You have to do it this way,’ and we said, ‘Why? Let’s just do it the way we think is right,’” Jones says. “We were told we’d get laughed out of dispensaries with low doses. We had a strong gut feeling that women all over the place didn’t want that. Ideally, we’d like to go even lower,” says Jones.

Kikoko also has more low-dose THC and CBD products that will be launching soon. These will include mints, tinctures, and more gift boxes.

Similarly, to the teas and HoneyShots, there will be multiple blends of each product to address different health and wellness needs.

For more information, visit KIKOKO.COM .

sensimag.com NOVEMBER 2019 33

www.ikanikfarms.com

34 NOVEMBER 2019 Southern California

C11-0000499-LIC

enjoy the high

There are currently four formulas offered to address

Positivi-Tea is a cannabis tea for enhancing your mood

different health and wellness concerns most frequently

and creativity. It is caffeinated and has organic herbs like

reported by women.

mint, green tea spearmint and lemon grass with 10 milli-

Sympa-Tea is a cannabis tea for pain and anxiety. It’s

grams of THC and 5 milligrams of CBD per tea bag.

caffeine-free, has healing anti-inflammatory herbs from

The goal of Kikoko is to make life easier for women and

turmeric, ginger, and black pepper plus 3 milligrams of

remove the stigma around cannabis in order for people,

THC and 20 milligrams of CBD per tea bag.

particularly women, to make healthier decisions. If canna-

Tranquili-Tea is a cannabis tea for sleep. It’s caf-

bis can successfully make you a more tolerant mother and

feine-free, has sleep supporting herbs from chamomile

allow you to better cope with all the craziness in your life,

and valerian, plus 3 milligrams of THC and 5 milligrams of

then maybe it’s time to explore it as a viable option.

CBD per tea bag. This low THC tea is great for anyone with sleep issues.

Jones and Chapin encourage Kikoko customers to host private high tea parties where women can sample

Sensual-Tea is a cannabis tea for sex and connection.

cannabis tea in a setting that’s non-intimidating. It’s fully

It’s caffeine-free, has organically sun-grown herbs from

legal in California to host a private event at your home and

hibiscus cardamom, rose petals, and licorice root with 7

serve your guests marijuana tea (if they’re over 21). The

milligrams of THC per tea bag. This medium-high THC tea

female founders offer step-by-step high tea guides, reci-

is a discreet and healthy alternative to edibles that en-

pes, information to educate your guests, and the do’s and

courages passion and playfulness.

don’ts at KIKOKO.COM . sensimag.com NOVEMBER 2019 35

{travelwell }

by DAV I D D U R Á N

HIT THE SLOPES Your guide to traversing through Vail, Colorado.

Vail Mountain has been attracting

They provide service back and forth

domestic and international travelers

throughout the day. One of Vail’s

since it opened in 1962, and today

gleaming attributes is it is home to

stands as one of Colorado’s most

one of the largest free transporta-

popular destinations and a world-

tion systems in the country. Buses

renowned ski resort. This month

are constantly traveling between Vail

launches the season with opening

Village and Lionshead to help you get

day taking place November 15.

to and from whatever activities you

For those who want to escape local

have planned and whatever hotel you

terrain to try something a bit more

decide to stay in. Whether you are an

mountainous, Vail is calling. With

avid skier or a lover of hiking and en-

some of the best skiing and snow-

joying nature—or both—Vail has you

boarding around, Vail launched North

covered year-round.

America’s largest snow-making en-

“The Mid-Vail experience is going

hancement project and progress is

to be something I think that our early

quickly coming together just in time

season guests, if they haven’t seen it

for a new season. The first phases of

before at that time of year, are real-

the expansion will offer guests a leg-

ly going to fall in love with,” says Di-

endary early season experience with

rector of Mountain Operations Bryan

more predictable dates, and deliver a

Rooney, “The sweeping views of the

better late season. The project will have 421 new snow

Gore Range from up there are phenomenal.” (VAIL.COM )

of snowmaking, giving travelers more terrain to traverse

WINTER ACTIVITIES

than ever before.

Vail Mountain

The ski region is relatively painless when flying into

With more than 5,200 acres of developed ski and snow-

Denver International Airport, and the large ski chalet

board terrain and 31 lifts, Vail Mountain during the winter

luggage carousels will nudge you that you’re in the right

is one of the premier winter destinations in the US. Enjoy

place. With several airlines flying non-stop to Denver,

the seven legendary back bowls full of soft powder that

the easiest way to get to Vail is by way of shared

span six miles, the natural terrain that mimics a back-

(or private) shuttles through Epic Mountain Express

country skiing experience in Blue Sky Basin, and the 127

(EPICMOUNTAINEXPRESS.COM ).

runs on the front side of Vail Mountain.

36 NOVEMBER 2019 Southern California

MATTHEW INDEN/MILES

guns and 19 miles of new pipe with more than 500 acres

Cross Country and Snow Shoeing Vail Nordic Center is in East Vail at the Vail Golf course.

Along with views of the Gore Range, there are 17 miles of groomed trails for skate and classic cross-country skiing and more trails for snowshoeing. Another Nordic Center is located at Vail’s Golden Peak, where cross-country skiers enjoy 19 miles of groomed trails with spectacular views.

Experience the peace and quiet of the backcountry and get some great exercise.

Ski-Biking Explore the mountain at night while ski-biking with a group of like-minded adventure seekers. Steer down the mountain with a headlamp during these nocturnal tours, which are available throughout the winter season for skiers and snowboarders who are comfortable on blue and black runs.

Strap on short skis for balance, but once you get going, lift your feet and just hold onto the handlebars as you swivel

MATTHEW INDEN/MILES

the bike back and forth across the slippery snow.

sensimag.com NOVEMBER 2019 37

Should you decide to book a trip to Vail once fall and winter have gone, there are still plenty of off-season things to do.

NON-WINTER ACTIVITES LA NONNA

WHERE TO EAT La Nonna // LANONNAVAIL.COM

Piney River Ranch // Located 9,350 feet above sea level at the end of a dirt road, the ranch is Vail’s most breathtaking destination for weddings, retreats, reunions and of course, daytrips. Piney River Ranch is open seasonally from June 21 through the last weekend in September.

(PINEYRIVERRANCH.CO M )

This is the place where you gather with friends and family to enjoy delicious food. Executive Chef and Owner Simone Reatti has revived the recipes he learned to prepare in his youth, growing up in Cortina d’ Ampezzo with his grandmother, hence the name of his restaurant. The menu reflects that inspiration and showcases his 20 years of experience in creating the rustic and delicious cuisine of his native village in

Epic Discovery // Summer in the mountains is made easy with Vail’s Epic Discovery. Made up of adventure courses, ziplines, a mountain coaster, tubing hills, a climbing wall, and bungee trampoline. The options are endless. Epic Discover typically opens in mid-June.

Gore Creek Fly Fishermen // Spend a day on a guided fly fishing trip with Gore Creek Fly Fisherman, which has been providing products and trips to the public for over 35 years. Learn how to catch fish all year long with fully licensed, professional guides. (GORECREEKFLYFISHERMAN.COM)

the Dolomites. Expect fresh homemade pasta, which is made daily using Pivetti flour from Ferrara, Italy, as well as locally sourced ingredients that are used whenever possible.

ence with their German Glühwein Cocktail and make your way through the traditional menu before ending your eve-

Almresi // ALMRESI-VAIL.COM

ning with homemade Black Forest cake.

Inspired by the Alps and the Rocky Mountains, the Almresi experience is unlike any other in Vail. Bringing a touch of

Sweet Basil // SWEETBASILVAIL.COM

romantic charm and European culture to the pristine and

A creative American restaurant located directly in the heart

rustic Vail Village, the international staff from Germany,

of Vail, the menu features imaginative seasonal cuisine

Austria, Switzerland, and America wear traditional and

with an innovative array of diverse influences. Expect to

authentic garb made by Wiesnkönig, a young and stylish

find items such as fried cheese sticks made with crispy

fashion brand that is the official licensed supplier for the

halloumi, olive tapenade, and served with harissa ketchup,

world-famous Munich Oktoberfest. Beyond the staff and

as well as root vegetable Bolognese served with whipped

atmosphere, it’s all about the food here. Start your experi-

parmesan, preserved tomato, sweet basil, and pappardelle.

38 NOVEMBER 2019 Southern California

FOUR SEASONS RESORT VAIL

WHERE TO STAY Four Seasons Resort Vail // FOURSEASONS.COM/VAIL Having just completed a series of enhancements to its main lobby area and public spaces, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail offers 121 guestrooms, provides a complimentary Ski Concierge that serves all the way to the slopes, and has an award-winning full-service spa, indoor/outdoor meditation garden, and a sunken 75-foot all-season outdoor saline pool that offers a serene atmosphere to relax and enjoy the outdoors year-round. In addition, through their partnership with Mercedes-Benz, guests of the resort can borrow a luxury vehicle from their fleet of Mercedes to use on a first-come, firstserved basis. And when it comes to food, expect locally grown, fresh seasonal produce to be used to create inventive dining options at the mountain steakhouse Flame and The Remedy Lounge.

sensimag.com NOVEMBER 2019 39

ing 40 NOVEMBER 2019 Southern California

le,

NOT SORRY More and more people are choosing uncoupled adulthood.

by R O BY N G R I G G S L AW R E N C E

My first newspaper job was on the night desk OF A DAILY. WEEKENDS

OFF WERE THE ONLY TIME TO HAVE ANY SORT OF NORMAL LIFE WITH NINE-TO-FIVERS (MOST OF THE WORLD), AND THEY WERE AWARDED BASED STRICTLY ON SENIORITY. When my time finally came to trade in Wednesday and

boomers are driving the numbers with divorce rates that

Thursday for Saturday and Sunday, my boss said not so

have nearly doubled (and involve unprecedented num-

fast. Steve, who had started several months after me,

bers of second and third marriages) from 1990 to 2015,

had a wife. Steve needed weekends off more than I did.

the Pew Research Center reports.

“You understand,” my boss said.

Determined not to make their parents’ mistakes, more

I was furious, but it was the ’80s. I gave Steve the week-

and more millennials are skipping the whole wedding

ends because that’s what you did (and my boss hadn’t re-

thing. The number of unmarried 18-to-29-year-olds has

ally given me a choice). Over the next couple years, I would

grown from 40 percent in 1960 to 80 percent today, and

leave the newspaper business and marry the first of two

the Pew Research Center predicts a quarter of today’s

wrong-for-me husbands, beginning decades of couple-

young adults will be single when they turn 50. More than

dom that ended recently. I’m single in the age of Tinder,

half—51 percent—of 18-to-34-year-olds reported not hav-

and this is a whole new world. Singledom today is noth-

ing a steady romantic partner last year, a record high for

ing like it was when I was a twentysomething copy editor

the annual University of Chicago survey.

looking for love (in all the wrong places, as it turns out).

Getting married isn’t the great big life goal it was 25 years

It’s no longer weird to be single. Lots of people have

ago, when I was among the last of my high school friends

made it their choice. And if you give weekends off to

to walk down the aisle at 27. More than half—55 percent—

the married guy, you’ll likely be called out as a singlist,

of participants in a 2017 Census Bureau report said getting

which some people consider just as bad as being a sexist

married wasn’t an important criterion for becoming an

or a racist. Singles are demanding respect—and getting

adult. Instead, 95 percent said formal schooling and full-

it—because they’ve (oh, sorry, we’ve) become a powerful

time employment were key. Half of young millennials told

force, in numbers as well as influence.

Tinder they were worried about being in a long-term re-

As Americans live longer, marry later (or not at all), and

lationship because they didn’t want to lose their indepen-

divorce more, singles have increased from 29 percent of

dence. A Bustle survey found that 60 percent of people who

the adult population in 1970 to 48 percent today. Baby

were single and not dating were prioritizing self-care. sensimag.com NOVEMBER 2019 41

42 NOVEMBER 2019 Southern California

In an opinion piece for Inter Press Service, demographer Joseph Chamie, former director of the United Nations Population Division, calls this trend “a significant global demographic change having far-reaching consequences yet receiving scant attention.” He predicts single-person households will continue to grow exponentially throughout the world, increasing global demand for housing, transportation, natural resources, and energy.

“People across the world are bucking the stigma of living alone and embracing independent lifestyles,” Euromonitor International’s “Top 10 Global Consumer Trends 2019” reports. Sociologist Eric Klinenberg told the Christian Sci-

ence Monitor the shift is “the greatest social change of the last 60 years that we haven’t already named and identified.”

In “Make Way for the Single Age,” J Walter Thompson calls it “a paradigm shift in adulthood uncoupled … a natural evolution alongside job hopping, coliving, sexual openness, digital connection, and a nomadic workforce.”

“I MADE THESE CHOICES” Singledom is a choice that 44-year-old Brian Gross, who has owned BSG PR since 2001, made deliberately. A serial monogamist for many years, he nearly got married once

Alone AROUND THE WORLD

In Canada, where 28 percent of people live alone, one-person households are now the most common. Living alone has grown fastest among 35- to 64-year-olds.

In South Korea, unmarried women between 30 and 34 have jumped from 1.4 percent of the population in 1970 to 30 percent today. Young Koreans are called the “sampo” (“giving up on three”) generation because they’re not interested in dating, marriage, and children.

In Japan, 70 percent of single people in their 40s and older say they’ll never marry and are prepared to grow old alone. Single women proudly call themselves “wagamama,” which means “self-determining.”

and thought better of it. Now he relishes singlehood. He can make his clients his priority, answering to them 24/7.

He travels to wherever he wants, whenever he wants, and meets new people along the way. He feeds himself when

his book, Happy Singlehood: The Rising Acceptance and

he’s hungry and works out at his whim. “I think what

Celebration of Solo Living, “yet we still live in a society

comes in time,” he says, “is your own strength and ability

where singles, especially in advanced adulthood, are

to say with confidence, ‘Hey, I made this life decision. I’m

urged to couple up or otherwise face prejudice.”

the one who lives with it. I made these choices.’”

The US Federal Code states the president can prohibit

Singledom has its advantages, as a viral Reddit thread

discrimination based on marital status, but there are more

asking what people loved most about it recently laid

than 1,000 laws giving married couples legal and financial

out, everything from not getting dragged to lame fam-

incentives and benefits. Singles make an average of $8,000

ily events to not having to laugh at unfunny Facebook

less per year and pay more for everything from housing,

memes. And with social media, no one ever feels lonely.

healthcare, and mortgages to cell phone plans, insurance,

Gross sets his Tinder radar to wherever he’s traveling to

and taxes. Unmarried women get hit on more in the work-

before he goes and has friends waiting in new places.

place, according to a Suffolk University study, and single

Sociologist Ekyakim Kislev says marriage isn’t for him because he likes his freedom and seeks other ways

workers are still being asked to stay late and cover weekends and holidays more often than married ones.

of interacting with significant others. “There are many

The stigma is real, Kislev says. “My research showed

ways to do things,” Kislev says, “and we need to accept,

me that it is critical for singles to replace falsely internal-

even celebrate, the whole spectrum.”

ized negative images of singlehood with positive ones.”

But Kislev has found most people to be pretty closed-minded about marital status. Singles have heavier workloads and earn less money, he says, and have a harder time renting apartments because they’re con-

“THE MOST EXCITING, CHALLENGING, AND SIGNIFICANT RELATIONSHIP OF ALL”

sidered less reliable and stable. “We are open to various

Single people exercise more, sleep better, are more

sexual identities, we celebrate different ethnicities, and

open-minded and deeply engaged in social and civil

we tolerate a wide array of political views,” he writes in

life, and have a much broader definition of “family” than sensimag.com NOVEMBER 2019 43

44 NOVEMBER 2019 Southern California

married people. They’re more generous with their time,

Paul Dolan, who wrote Happily Ever After: Escaping

money, and caregiving, according to numerous studies,

the Myths of the Perfect Life, told The Guardian that

and are happy and satisfied with their lives. They take

married people only present as happier than singles

music and art classes, dine out more often, and keep Lu-

when interviews are conducted with spouses in the

lulemon in business.

room. “When the spouse is not present: fucking misera-

In a three-year study of 79,000 US women aged 50 to 79, women who stayed single or got divorced ate healthier,

ble,” he says. Women who never married or had children are the healthiest and happiest, Dolan found.

exercised more, and drank less than married women. Sev-

We ladies are getting it. The number of married Ameri-

eral studies have found that single people pay more atten-

can women dropped below 50 percent for the first time in

tion to relationships with friends, neighbors, siblings, and

2009, and it has continued to drop as a new feminist wave

parents, while married couples are more insular.

challenges traditional roles and sexuality. We don’t need

“There is a huge misconception that being alone and

marriage for money, social status, sex, or babies anymore.

lonely are the same,” Kislev says. “Married people can

Over the life of Sex and the City, the early twenty-first

sometimes still feel lonely even if they are not ‘alone.’ It

century series that Harper’s Bazaar said changed our

was proven time and again in many studies that married

view of single life forever, Carrie Bradshaw goes from

people can be very lonely and emotionally deprived with-

thinking that being alone was the modern-day equiva-

in their wedlock.” In Happy Singlehood, Kislev explains:

lent of being a leper to thinking it meant “you’re pretty

“Instead of facing loneliness at its roots, many people

sexy and you’re taking your time deciding how you want

chase partnership only to discover that loneliness is a

your life to be and who you want to spend it with.”

standalone problem, the cure for which lies mainly within oneself, as researchers have repeatedly argued.”

With its focus on Carrie and her friends’ romantic exploits and weddings for all in the end, Sex and the City

In a popular TED Talk, women’s rights activist and

was hardly a poster child for modern singledom. But

What a Time to Be Alone author Chidera Eggerue agrees,

Carrie did figure out something about relationships to-

saying people often use relationships as a distraction

ward the series’ end that bears repeating. “There are

from themselves. “We use other people as a tool to run

those that open you up to something new and exotic,

away from the responsibility of getting to know who we

those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of

really are,” she says.

questions, those that bring you back,” she says. “But the most exciting, challenging, and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself.”

ROBYN GRIGGS LAWRENCE is the author of the bestselling Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook and Pot in Pans: A History of Eating Cannabis.

1oftopeople 3%

are asexual, meaning they do not experience sexual attraction. Like every sexual orientation, asexuality is not a choice.

sensimag.com NOVEMBER 2019 45

As the cannabis industry grows, so does the number of professionals within it, acting as incredible sources of insider info on the trends and issues driving the marketplace forward.

The Sensi Advisory Board is comprised of select industry leaders in a variety of fields, from compliance and education to concentrates and cultivation. They are invited to share specialized insight in this dedicated section. This month, we hear from a member in the Medical Infrastructure category.

FOR A FULL LIST OF ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS, SEE THE MASTHEAD ON PAGE 9.

MEDICAL CANNABIS & VETERANS Suicide, opioids, and PTSD affect some of our greatest citizens.

by M AT T D E N H A M , D I R E C T O R , L E A R N I N G A N D D E V E L O P M E N T C O M M I T T E E AT H E L M A N D VA L L E Y G R O W E R S C O M PA N Y, L L C When it comes time to take a closer look at some of America’s most valuable citizens, our veterans, it’s impossible not to see an epidemic affecting them.

Our country is facing a wide-scale opioid epidemic that has taken countless lives, and has critically impacted

An astounding number of soldiers returning from de-

the veteran community. When the U.S. Military deploys

ployment come back with Post Traumatic Stress Dis-

to a combat theater, roughly 60 percent of those deployed

order (PTSD). From the Vietnam War to Operation Iraqi

will be prescribed opioids upon return, and over half will

Freedom, 11 to 30 percent of veterans return home with

develop a dependency or addiction, according to Bryan

PTSD, reports the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

Buckley, CEO of Helmand Valley Growers Company.

(VA). The VA has very little in its medical toolbox to treat

This has caused far too many veterans to lose their

veterans with PTSD and other mental disorders. PTSD is

way, feeling displaced, and too many have taken their

a complex condition affecting veterans in a multitude

own lives. In a September 2018 Stars and Stripes arti-

of ways, presenting mental and physical symptoms. One

cle by Nikki Wentling, she explains that 17 United States

could argue it affects every veteran in a unique way. Un-

veterans commit suicide every day; and 6,139 veterans

fortunately, the VA’s limited resources, aside from opi-

committed suicide in 2017.

oids and other prescription medications, aren’t equipped

Wentlnig goes on to say that the suicide rate of male veterans is 1.3 times higher than that of other adult men, and among female veterans the rate is an astonishing 2.2 times higher than non-vets.

46 NOVEMBER 2019 Southern California

to address these mental and physical problems facing our nation’s heroes.

This leads to the question of using medical cannabis as an alternate treatment for PTSD, with far less habit form-

ing properties of opioids and other pharmaceuticals.

available data in no way moves the needle with regard

The thought that cannabis will be or could be a suc-

to the VA or its decision makers. What is needed is a

cessful treatment of PTSD is gaining momentum with-

randomized controlled trial—a necessary gold standard

in the medical community. Cannabis has been a viable

for determining efficacy.

substitute socially for many years. However, there is

The VA diagnosed more than 40,000 veterans with a

no empirical data available to the public that would or

dual diagnosis of PTSD and cannabis use disorder in

could cause the VA or members of Congress to consid-

2014. However, no formal testing of how or why these

er medical cannabis in a veteran’s treatment protocol.

veterans were using cannabis or its effects on PTSD has

Almost shockingly, there has been very few open tri-

been documented. This leaves a great need for research

als with veteran participants suffering from PTSD that

in this area of concern open for exploration, and compa-

use cannabis as treatment. One such trial conducted by

nies are now gathering the information and data needed

Roitman, Mechoulam, Cooper-Kazaz, and Shalev at the

to conduct these studies to inevitably help our veterans

Program Evaluation and Resource Center on open-label,

get the peace they deserve.

pilot studies of add-on oral, reportedly demonstrated that THC was well tolerated and resulted in a decrease in hyperarousal symptoms. Although encouraging, the

HELMAND VALLEY GROWERS COMPANY has partnered with NiaMedic to perform research and provide data-driven information on the beneficial effects cannabis may have on veterans suffering from PTSD and related sleep disorders.

sensimag.com NOVEMBER 2019 47

48 NOVEMBER 2019 Southern California

TRILL PILLS

Keeping It Clean HOW ONE DISPENSARY WENT FROM CUSTOMER COLLABORATION TO INDUSTRY PIONEERS.

Educating the public on the healing properties

ommends new customers are diligent in researching

and the safe use of cannabis is the mission behind

what works best for you. He suggests keeping a journal

Trill Alternative founder, David Threlfall. Opening their

of what you’ve ingested, recording your reactions over

dispensary doors in 2009 in Boulder, Colorado, Threl-

the course of 10 to14 days.

fall soon realized one of the most common concerns

In addition to their leadership in the field as the first

customers had was finding a cannabis product that

dispensary to sell a CBD-only pill, their patent-pending

would offer the calming and health benefits of the

process of CBD extraction, which Threlfall compares to

plant without the psychotropic side effects that would

making chicken soup from scratch, sets them apart

impair their ability to function at work. This prompted

from other brands. They begin by boiling raw hemp

a deep dive into CBD as an alternative. In his explo-

flower for about three days, and then add organic and

ration, he came upon a customer that was growing

cold-pressed coconut oil which binds to the CBD. The

hemp and perfecting a lipid-based extraction meth-

fat-bound CBD rises to the top as the mixture cools

od, which led Threlfall to set his sights on creating the

and once skimmed, leaves water-soluble contami-

“Trill Pills.” That product became the innovation and

nants naturally separated at the bottom.

distinction behind Trill Alternative’s becoming the first dispensary selling CBD-only pills.

“After the separation process, we then run a third-party independent test on the product to verify

Trill Pills have no psychoactive effects and are cer-

cleanliness and potency,” says Threlfall, who adds “we

tified to have less than 0.3 percent THC (the Farm

have come up with one of the cleanest full-spectrum

Bill mandate), and come in a variety of strengths and

CBD products on the market today.” Although Trill Pills

qualities. The pills quickly skyrocketed to being the top

products are not certified organic, they are made with

seller at their dispensary, becoming the foundation for

organic ingredients whenever possible, are gluten-free,

the brand.

solvent-free, vegan, allergen-friendly, and contain no

Trill Pills offer CBD-infused MCT oil and full-spec-

additives. “It’s important to us that our products can

trum CBD pain relief. While a fan of CBD, Threlfall rec-

be used in essentially all diets,” states Lizzy Bratton, one of the managers.

“Our experience working with senior citizens, ‘medical marijuana refugees,’ juveniles, veterans, and the medically vulnerable through our medical and recreational cannabis dispensaries over the years has given us the upper hand to determine which products and ‘regimen’ may work best for their needs,” Bratton explains.

The company’s hope is that its products can be used as part of a daily healthy lifestyle.

For more information, visit:

TRILLPILLS.COM

sensimag.com NOVEMBER 2019 49

{HereWeGo }

by DAW N G A R C I A

GRATIFIED Happy social media accounts that aren’t a waste of your time.

Instagram can be a crazy maze of false stories, so when you

Kim Lewis, Tiny Houses

come across the ones that are pure sunshine, reminding you that you’re among other dreamers, visionaries, hopefuls, and those who have had tremendous self-growth, you

@KIMLEWISDESIGNS Lewis got her start designing tiny hous-

appreciate it. Below are a few Instagrammers who aren’t

es. She was on TLC’s Tiny Houses and has since gone on to

“influencers,” but actual honest-to-goodness life-changers.

design some of the most beautiful little spaces you’ll ever see. A panelist at the 2017 Dwell On Design Show in Los Angeles, Lewis designs larger spaces too, but it’s her devotion to maintaining her sunny disposition that draws you in. The bright and happy nature she reveals on IG is exactly who she is. No fake highlight reel here; she’s the real deal. @GREATNESS In the stress and fast pace of life, finding a lit-

tle optimism can be like finding a hair follicle in a haystack.

Seriously, it’s harder than the needle. That said, sometimes, someone believes in reminding you to stay positive and focus on the good stuff. Whether it’s through a quote or a video, @greatness has some genuine happiness nuggets that are encouraging when you feel less than bubbly. @THEBIRDSPAPAYA

Self-image is something that plagues

our modern society. The push for perfection is beyond what’s attainable and often leads to self-loathing instead of being motivating, but one mom bears her beauty, her stretch marks, and her truth on Instagram, and it’s downright refreshing. Sarah Nicole Landry is one of the most authentic, empowering, and inspiring women in the social media maze Sarah Nicole Landry 50 NOVEMBER 2019 Southern California

of mavens. Mom, writer, creator, and public speaker, her IG account will make you laugh, make you shout out a “hell, yeah,” and make you feel comfortable in your own skin.

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