Sensi Massachusetts Spring 2024

SOLDIERING ON How cannabis ghts PTSD

SCIENCE AND PSYCHEDELICS

What we know—and don’t

CANNABIS AND DIET

Feeding body and soul MASSACHUSETTS

SEIZE THE DAZED

Dazed Cannabis co-founder Keshawn Warner turns hard luck into booming business.

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sensimediagroup @sensimagazine @sensimag

32 THE SCENE Hot happenings and hip hangouts around town LET FOOD BE THY MEDICINE Good bacteria in your gut put you on the path to greater health.

EXECUTIVE

Ron Kolb Founder ron@sensimag.com

Jade Kolb COO jade@sensimag.com

Carolyn Scott Communications Director carol@sensimag.com

Chelsea Moynihan VP of Sales chelsea@sensimag.com

PUBLISHING

Tyler Tarr Market Director, Colorado

Jamie Cooper Market Director, Michigan

Richard Guerra Market Director, Massachusetts

Jake Boynton Market Director, Massachusetts

Ron Kolb Interim Market Director, Oklahoma

EDITORIAL

Matthew Solan Executive Editor

Matthew.Solan@sensimag.com

Mike DiPaola Copy Editor

Mike.Dipaola@sensimag.com

Claire Barber National Contributor

Jen Bernstein National Contributor

Debbie Hall National Contributor

Elizabeth McWilliams National Contributor

Eugenia Merkoulov National Contributor

Gretchen Van-Monette National Contributor

DESIGN

Jamie Ezra Mark Creative Director jamie@emagency.com

Rheya Tanner Art Director

Wendy Mak Designer

Josh Clark Designer

Andrew Ontko Designer

PRODUCTION

Neil Willis

Production Director & Client Support Specialist

SFIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Sensi Magazine was founded to mainstream

the cannabis conversation and reduce cannabis stigma. Our hope was to produce something aesthetically beautiful, but with lifestyle and educational content that any soccer mom or grandad could learn from and identify with. Being the first to do something comes with challenges, but after nine years (and COVID) we are on an evolutionary path upward!

Now we have expanded our mission to embrace and elevate the conversation around psychedelics and plant-based medicine in the context of all things wellness. Bringing ancient wisdom to a modern audience is not an easy task, but we have an incredible team working to make it happen. At our disposal is a deep wealth of knowledge along with powerful stories of lived experience – incidentally supported by science. People are hurting but solutions are abundant, and we intend to spread the word through both our print magazine and our ever-expanding digital platforms.

FACEBOOK

Like Sensi Media Group to infuse your newsfeed with more of our great cannabis lifestyle content.

Sensimag.com is perpetually evolving to match our mission. While we have finite space in the print magazine, we have a limitless canvas in the digital world. So, we are excited to produce our quarterly magazine in multiple states in America, and to give our readers even more content on our website, no matter where they live.

We are sincerely excited to provide Sensi readers with tools they can use for mental, relational, and physical healing and betterment. Whether you read for yourself or someone you love, we are honored to come along with you on your wellness journey.

TWITTER

Follow @sensimag for need-to-know news and views from Sensi headquarters.

INSTAGRAM

Pretty things, pretty places, pretty awesome people: nd it all on @sensimagazine

Bringing ancient wisdom to a modern audience is not an easy task, but we have an incredible team working to make it happen.

Traveling With Cannabis

Know the regulations to avoid legal problems.

With legalized medicinal cannabis in 38 states and legal recreational cannabis in 24 states, it is still important to know and understand the law about transporting cannabis to a destination in a different state.

The Federal Aviation Administration is responsible for regu-

lating flights, and it is essential to note that specific cannabis and cannabis-infused products, including some cannabidiol (CBD) oil, are illegal under federal law. However, products that contain no more than 0.3% THC on a dry-weight basis (which is federally defined as hemp) or

those that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved can be transported on a plane according to TSA regulations. It is also important to check state laws regarding using or possessing cannabis products in public places or driving across state lines with them.

IN BLOOM

UFC’s Marlon “Chito” Vera enters the infused beverages ring with Maison Bloom

Marlon “Chito” Vera, Ultimate Fighting Champion bantamweight fighter and entrepreneur, has joined San Francisco-based Maison Bloom as owner-partner.

Maison Bloom, which emerged during the 2020 lockdown, offers a variety of all-natural hemp-based THC flower-powered seltzers, including Vera’s favorite: Strawberry Provençal + Lemongrass.

Vera’s new role will include the title of Head of Health + Wellness. Vera’s addition is part of the brand’s continuing national expansion efforts, which include full-scale direct-to-consumer e-commerce and broader distribution across upscale convenience stores, epicurean bodegas, and an increasing network of award-winning on-premises hospitality partners. For more information, visit livemaisonbloom.com.

BY THE NUMBERS

25 STATES that have legalized adult-use cannabis.

39 STATES that have legalized medicinal cannabis

A Milestone In Cannabis Consumption Lounges

First-ever regulated cannabis cocktail lounge opens in Las Vegas

53%

U.S. residents who live in a state with adult-use cannabis

75%

U.S. residents who live in a state with legalized medicinal or recreational cannabis

70%

U.S. adults who favor legalizing cannabis.

In 2024, 24 states had legalized recreational cannabis, creating a demand for consumption lounges. As Sensi reported in 2023, Nevada showed movement toward becoming one of the rst states to o er smokeand-chill spaces.

Smoke and Mirrors, located in the Thrive Cannabis Marketplace near the Las Vegas Strip, is the rst lounge in Nevada to be approved by the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board. It opened to the public on February 23 at 4:20 p.m., with Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom making its rst sale.

The lounge o ers a unique social atmosphere and a wide range of premium, expertly crafted mocktails infused with various cannabis strains.

Tourists can visit Nevada and purchase cannabis—but it is illegal to consume in a hotel room, parking garage, car, or really anywhere else except a private residence. But with the opening of the consumption lounge, residents and visitors now have a place to imbibe.

www.smokeandmirrorslv.com.

SOURCE: Carnevale Associates LLC; Gallup

PHOTOS ( FROM LEFT) COURTESY OF MAISON BLOOM; SMOKE AND MIRRORS

Undercover Oklahoma

New law introduces secret shoppers in the medicinal cannabis industry

The legalization of cannabis has brought about many positive changes, one of which is quality control. To that end, the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority will be sending secret shoppers into at least 50 dispensaries annually to buy cannabis products and test them in labs. This new law (HB3971) was enacted on Jan. 2, 2024.

State representative Josh West, who sponsored the bill, said it aimed to keep Oklahomans safer by ensuring that cannabis products sold in dispensaries meet speci c quality standards. West also said that he has heard business owners express their concerns about competing with those who sell on the black market, and the law is a step towards ensuring everyone is held to the same standards.

FRESH TAKE

New laws and regulations for Colorado cannabis Colorado, one of the first states to legalize adult-use cannabis, has introduced a new regulation for cannabis products. All packages of cannabis products must include a "use by" date label that indicates the freshness and quality of the product. Most use-by dates on retail packaging will have a duration of nine months, unless a grower or manufacturer can show a later date is justified. This is not an expiration date per se, but an indication of optimal product freshness.

Also, the Marijuana Enforcement Division will have more authority to seize and destroy regulated cannabis products considered to be a health and safety risk. Another new regulation allows hospitality businesses to sell more cannabis products per transaction. There are two cannabis hospitality businesses in Denver and a few more elsewhere in the state, but this industry is expected to grow.

BY JON TYSON; HELENA HURTZ

2024 CONVENTIONS

10TH ANNUAL

New England Cannabis Convention

Hynes Convention Center | Boston, MA

March 22–23, 2024

Maryland Cannabis Convention

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Baltimore Convention Center | Baltimore, MD

May 3–4, 2024

Illinois Cannabis Convention

Schaumburg Convention Center | Chicago, IL

May 31–June 1, 2024

Vermont Cannabis & Hemp Convention

Champlain Valley Expo | Burlington, VT

June 14–15, 2024

New Jersey Cannabis Convention

AC Convention Center | Atlantic City, NJ

September 6–7, 2024

Michigan Cannabis Convention DeVos Place | Grand Rapids, MI

September 20–21, 2024

Connecticut Cannabis Convention XL Center | Hartford, CT

Oct 4–5, 2024

New York Cannabis Convention NYS Fairgrounds | Syracuse, NY

October 25–26, 2024

For info on exhibiting, sponsoring, speaking, or attending, visit: necann.com

Welcome Back to Michigan

Apotheculture Club announces spring event in Detroit

Apotheculture Club will return to Detroit for the fifth time on May 17, collaborating with Uplifted Cannabis Co. for a signature cannabis-infused dining and music experience.

The event begins with mingling at the club’s private residence at 5 p.m., followed by a multi-course dinner. After dinner, transportation is provided to the Detroit Opera for a performance of “The Cunning Little Vixen,” after which everyone returns to the residence.

Check out Apotheculture Club on Instagram: @apothecultureclub.

A New Chapter Packwoods enters Massachusetts market

Los Angeles-born Packwoods, a renowned brand specializing in premium cannabis products, is expanding its national presence and entering the Massachusetts market. Soon-to-be available products include its 3-pack of ultra-premium, hand-rolled cigarillos, hand-rolled blunts, and hand-crafted vacuum-infused live rosin in premium ice water hash-coated flower. Check out their other o erings at www.packwoods.com.

“I needed a deeper understanding of what I was going through, so I could actually figure out how to live with it. PTSD is something you have forever. I was trying to save my life at the end of the day.”

—Major Jim McClendon

A Soldier’s Story

Major Jim McClendon leads the charge for change.

Major Jim McClendon didn’t have an easy return to civilian life after serving his country. The depression, anxiety, and pain made getting up every day a challenge.

The former Marine from Philadelphia did manage to readjust his life—confronting his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and all the trials and tribulations that came with it, including homelessness—and began in a new direction.

He credits cannabis for his transformation and successes and promotes the plant’s benefits to all who will listen. Sadly, his story isn’t unique among returning soldiers, but it needs to be told repeatedly until fundamental changes are enacted.

Soldier On

With four years of proud service as a Marine, including a tour in Iraq from 2008 to 2009, McClendon came home with issues he was painfully aware of but had no idea how to deal with. His PTSD eventually cost him a management career, friends, and a home. His mental and physical health deteriorated. If he slept more than two hours, he considered it a good night.

After years of self-medicating with alcohol and street weed, he went to the Veterans Administration (VA) in 2014 for an evaluation, where he was officially diagnosed with PTSD.

He tried various ways to cope with the illness but decided the help he needed wasn’t coming

TEXT GRETCHEN A. VAN-MONETTE PHOTOS COURTESY OF MAJOR PAPERS

from the VA. “They were just going to put me on drugs that I didn’t want to be on,” he says. “I already knew from seeing other veterans and hearing the horror stories of the VA that I didn’t want to go the pharmaceutical route.

“I needed a deeper understanding of what I was going through, so I could actually figure out how to live with it,” McClendon adds. “PTSD is something you have forever. I was trying to save my life at the end of the day.”

A chance encounter with a friend and former soldier led to a life-sav-

ing lightbulb moment when he rediscovered marijuana, and his life took a decided upturn.

“When I started researching marijuana, the facts were right there,” says McClendon. “No one has ever died of a marijuana overdose, ever.” From his personal experience, he knew that statistic didn’t apply to alcohol or pharmaceuticals.

Once McClendon understood the mental health benefits of cannabis, he began smoking weed; eventually, he even tried psychedelic therapy.

Acid wasn’t his “twist,” but mushrooms gave him some reprieve. Yet it has been marijuana that consistently provides daily relief from physical pain and mental stresses.

“I usually smoke blunts, but since getting older, I’ve been resorting more to concentrates and joints,” he says. McClendon uses different strains for multiple problems, but indica is a favorite because it relaxes him. “I’m not tense or afraid of someone kicking down the door. Without marijuana, I wouldn’t be here,” he says.

Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome

McClendon literally puts his money where his mouth is. After his reincarnation, McClendon decided to get into the cannabis coalition and launched a line of hemp-rolling papers called Major Papers. The papers are sold at some shops across the Philadelphia area.

“Rolling papers were a market I knew didn’t have much liability, and it was easier to get into,” he says. “Also, I won’t invest in something unless I personally would use it.

These extremely durable and long-lasting rolling papers provide one of the smoothest smokes you’ll experience with rolling papers.”

McClendon says he donates a portion of the rolling paper proceeds to veterans in need and or-

isn’t a shot at any veterans’ organizations, but most of the proceeds for these charities go to expenses outside of actual veterans.”

Marching Forward

McClendon’s own experience has made him a

“I’m not tense or afraid of someone kicking down the door. Without marijuana, I wouldn’t be here.”

—Major Jim McClendon

WITH ME

Not since the 1960s have hallucinogens been so popular and widely discussed. With medical breakthroughs and new research, it’s clear that we are in a psychedelic renaissance.

There are a ton of hot topics swirling around the cannabis industry, and lately, everyone I know is discussing psychedelics. Currently, there seems to be a whole new world of psychoactive drugs coming to the forefront and breaching the mainstream.

Psychedelics, in a broad stroke, are a subclass of hallucinogenic drugs that seek to alter “normal” mental states of being. Users often describe states of euphoria, a distorted sense of time and place, visual and auditory changes, and an altered state of consciousness. These “trips” often lead to mystical experiences and a deeper connection to our interior and external worlds.

However, there is still much misinformation (and questions) surrounding psychedelics. Science has begun to explore the depth of how psychedelics affect the psyche and initial findings suggest the drugs can be used not just for enhanced mental experiences but as an effective tool to treat and manage various mental and emotional conditions.

Good candidates for psychedelics are those who have tried traditional treatments for health conditions with little or no success, such as depression, anxiety, post-tramautic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, eating disorders, and chronic pain.

But as with every type of drug, psychedelics are not a cure-all, nor do they work for everyone.

Some people are not good candidates for psychedelic exploration, such as anyone with a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, pregnant or breastfeeding women,

and individuals with serious heart or other medical conditions. Also, taking certain medications can have an adverse effect when combined with psychedelics.

So, what does science have to say about psychedelics? Here are four commonly used psychedelics that have received the most attention, how they work, and what they may help treat.

KETAMINE

Ketamine is currently the only psychedelic the FDA has approved to treat mental health issues such as treatment-resistant depression and anxiety disorders. Patients report a feeling of detachment from their body and surroundings and a heightened sense of awareness of their thoughts and emotions. Research

has found a rapid and significant reduction in depression and symptoms of anxiety, and effects may last for weeks or months after treatment. Ketamine has been shown to be non-habit-forming when used in a medical setting, although, as with most things, there is potential for abuse.

MDMA (ECSTASY)

MDMA is used in talk therapy and can help patients process traumatic memories and develop new coping mechanisms. Patients report strong feelings of love, empathy, and a deeper connection with others. Some report increased energy, sensations of euphoria, and a reduction of inhibitions. MDMA is often used to treat PTSD, social anxiety disorder (SAD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

TRIPPING TIPS

Want to take a trip, but not sure how to begin? Here are three tips.

Set and Setting

Where and when you take drugs should be carefully considered and thought out and not unnecessarily rushed. “Set” refers to one’s own mindset. “Setting” refers to the location. Where will you be most comfortable? Some people prefer to be outside exploring nature, while others prefer to relax at home. If you’re the latter, dim the lights, turn on some gentle tunes, and create a relaxing, comfortable space. And, don’t forget that your current headspace will likely impact the results of your trip. Being prepared, relaxed, and ready to go will de nitely help your mind on your psychedelic journey.

Pack a Snack Pack

Wherever you decide to partake, make sure you have some supplies at the ready. Cosmic exploration into the inner depths of your mind may look and feel di erent to you than it does to a friend. Some may want to eat, while others have no interest in food. Water and herbal teas are good to have on hand, and if you’re taking ecstasy, gum or candy can help with any clenchedjaw sensations.

Partner Up

Do you have a friend or family member who has tripped before? If so, having an experienced sober companion can be helpful and make you feel safe. It can also help to alleviate any anxiety that you might feel should a mind-bending question arise.

Common outcomes of MDMA treatment include reduced symptoms related to PTSD and trauma-related memories, improved social functioning in SAD patients, and favorable communication in ASD patients.

PSILOCYBIN (MUSHROOMS)

Patients who ingest mushrooms often report experiences of profound spiritual and emotional connections. Psilocybin can produce hallucinations that can influence your thinking, but which can also be challenging and transformative in positive ways. Common benefits include a reduction in depression symptoms, with some people experiencing full remis-

PSYCHEDELIC

RESOURCE HOTLINE

Do you have questions about psychedelics? The Psychedelic Info Line is the world’s rst-of-itskind research call center devoted to reducing harm and improving outcomes by o ering you the most up-todate information on psychedelics. While they cannot o er medical advice or promote psychedelic use, they have a wide breadth of peer-reviewed studies in their extensive library taken from thousands of participants worldwide.

Call 1-888-210-3553

sion. Psilocybin is also used as a coping mechanism for cancer patients and to reduce anxiety and fear in end-of-life patients.

LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE (LSD)

The most visually stimulating of psychedelics, LSD creates powerful hallucinations that alter your state of consciousness. It can produce a euphoric trip that leaves patients feeling more creative and connected with their own spirituality and with the world around them. LSD is used to reduce alcohol cravings for people who suffer from alcohol use disorder, and to relieve pain caused by cluster headaches.

(Monday to Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm MST); email support@unlimitedsciences. org or visit www. unlimitedsciences.org/ psychedelic-info-line.

SOUND EFFECTS

Sound bathing o ers a new, old way to meditate and explore a deeper introspection.

Two golden gongs propped on stands gazed outward into the crowd. Glasses of milky tea were offered to the practitioners crammed together on yoga mats and camping mattresses. Well-kept men in flannels lay beside patrons in Grateful Dead shirts and fairy wings. I removed my shoes and got comfortable on my yoga mat, rolling up a soft, synthetic blanket as my pillow. Overhead hung an unused disco ball.

I was here at an event space in Eugene, Oregon, for my first sound bath, a form of meditation using acoustics emitted from devices such as gongs, Tibetan singing bowls, drums, and tuning forks.

While sound baths appear to be the rage with new-age institutions like the Psilo temple, the practice itself is ancient and has been used by cultures worldwide for generations. Direct origins are fuzzy, but the practice has been linked to Tibet and dates back more than 2,000 years. Aboriginal didgeridoos (dating back 40,000 years in Australia), singing, and serene walks through nature are also types of sound baths.

Traditional guided meditation brings your focus back to the

breath, a mantra, an emotion, or a part of the body. “But during a sound bath, the sound itself is guiding the meditation,” says Sara Auster, a renowned sound therapist and meditation teacher in New York City who provides on-demand sound baths online and travels the world, providing sound-healing experiences. “The sound helps facilitate awareness of the present moment.”

PREPARING THE BATH

My hour-long sound bath was hosted by the local Psilo Temple, a registered religious institution legally allowed to distribute psychedelic mushrooms to practitioners as part of their religious practice. Taking psilocybin as part of the sound bath is optional (it’s in the tea and I politely passed).

As participants finished their mushroom-infused tea and settled into their mats, our facilitator, James Hin, a sound healer and founder of Psilo Temple, made his rounds, hugging familiar faces with well-tattooed arms.

Soon, the lights dimmed. We began with deep breathing, and then the sounds began.

Hin began playing crystal singing bowls, rattling my brain. The alien-like sounds were so intense it was difficult to think of anything else. As the session continued, Hin switched to gongs and a “waterfall disk”— a flattened wooden instrument that sounds like a deluge of falling water.

My brain drifted in and out of a meditative state. I stared up at the ceiling, where shapes like drops of water and stars danced overhead from a small projector.

“Sound bathing is relaxing but also allows you to introspect,” says Jim Close, a volunteer and member of the Psilo Temple. “I also find it takes me to a very spiritual place. It allows me to rest and quieten my inner voice.”

In some instances, the sounds Hin played did relax me. In other moments I felt uneasy, uncomfortable, and unable to focus. I could feel my chest tighten and release tension as I worked through emotions and varying states of awareness. This reaction turns out to be perfectly normal.

“Everyone has a different experience in the space, depending on what they’re going through and

TEXT CLAIRE BARBER PHOTOS COURTESY OF SARA AUSTER

what they’re processing,” says Close. “It gives people space to let their emotions out however that may be, whether that’s euphoric, introspective, or distressing.”

Research on the therapeutic benefits of sound bathing is thin.

But Auster says that the meditative effects of sound bathing help deepen and slow breathing, which lowers stress hormone levels and allows the immune system’s healing power to function more efficiently. “It also can lower blood pressure and activate the centers of the brain that release natural pain relievers,” she says.

Mark Clem, owner and operator of a sound meditation service called Sonic Journey in rural Oregon, says that training among

practitioners is, for the most part, “self-designed.” Finding a practitioner you trust and jive with takes time, especially since a standard certification is largely nonexistent. “Everybody has a style,” says Clem.

Both Auster and Clem have integrated sound bathing into traditional, Western medicine. Auster has partnered with an FDA-approved migraine medication as a complementary treatment, and Clem recently began offering sound baths to patients at the nearby Siletz Community Health Clinic.

FINDING YOUR PLACE

No two sound baths are the same. “Although consistency is something that I strive for,” says Clem, “It’s a very fluid interaction that’s

happening between the player and the participants.” He recommends that, because the experience can sometimes be both uncomfortable and deeply emotional, choosing a practitioner and space where you feel supported is essential.

Instead of focusing on certifications, familiarize yourself with practitioners with whom your provider may have apprenticed or trained. Clem, for example, has mentored and been influenced by many prominent figures in the Kundalini yoga tradition, which uses gongs in their practice.

While some facilities like Psilo Temple also integrate psilocybin or cannabis into their sound bathing experience, it is never required that you have to indulge.

Let Food Be Thy Medicine

Good bacteria in your gut can put you on the path to greater health. Here’s how food—and cannabis—can lead the way.

TEXT EUGENIA MERKOULOV AND CAROLYN SCOTT

The Greek physician Hippocrates, commonly called the father of modern medicine, famously said, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.”

More than 2,000 years later, science confi rms this ancient insight.

The food that Earth produces offers vitamins and minerals the body needs to function and ward off illnesses, protein to help build muscle, and carbohydrates to give us energy. Drinking plenty of water helps it all work.

But the key to how food supports our health lies deep in our gut.

What lies within

The human gut has microbes (bacteria, fungi, etc.) that reside within the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract and play a crucial role in the body’s optimal physiological functioning. When in

balance and strong in numbers, this microscopic army assists in major functions such as metabolizing your vitamins, breaking down carbohydrates, training the immune system to respond to the environment, and bolstering neurological performance.

However, various disorders may develop when the gut microbiota army numbers get low or severely skewed. Most of these, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, anxiety, and allergies, are relatively common in modern times. The average modern diet, chemicals, toxins in our food and environment, and long rounds of prescribed antibiotics can all impede the strength of our gut bacteria.

Know your biotics

You may have heard two new buzzwords recently:

probiotics and prebiotics. Though similar, they have distinct functions. Interestingly enough, cannabis and mushrooms both have roles to play in our gut biome.

Probiotics are foods that contain live microorganisms and work to repopulate the gut microbiome directly. Probiotics include kimchi, pickles, tempeh, yogurt, and beverages like kombucha and kefi r. Prebiotics are the provisions for our tiny but mighty army, containing certain types of fibers that help support the population of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Prebiotics are found in all edible mushrooms and certain foods from the plant kingdom, such as leafy greens, bananas, apples, cabbage, oats, flax seeds, and—you guessed it—cannabis.

Before highlighting the prebiotic benefits of

these powerful plants and fantastic fungi, let’s mention another emerging corner of clinical research: the endocannabinoid system. This system was only discovered in humans in 1988. In short, your body is fi lled with receptors designed explicitly for cannabinoids—the molecules that are so abundant in cannabis (some of which are intoxicating, some of which are not). Though cannabinoids can be found in tiny doses in some other plant foods, they are most abundant in cannabis.

New research also exists on the endocannabinoid system’s role in digestive health and its connection with the gut microbiome. This exciting new focus will undoubtedly lead to groundbreaking developments, especially in the area of immune function.

In the meantime, we can be sure that cannabis consumption supports GI tract wellness and helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

Good versus bad

The big picture tells us that tailoring your diet is vital to maintaining gut health. However, we must eliminate the bad before including the good stuff.

Unfortunately, the typical American diet consists of foods full of synthetic preservatives, saturated fats, and sugars, all of which feed the harmful microbes in the gut. Synthetic preserva-

tives and saturated fats are found in packaged and fried foods. Sugar, however, isn’t just found in your favorite dessert or your late-night cheat snack. Processed sugars are often added to sauces, salad dressings, and even cured lunch meat.

Anything made with processed flour, like slices of white bread or a bowl of pasta, breaks down into large doses of sugar so quickly that it not only stresses the gut but also exceeds the bloodstream’s capacity to hold the sugar molecules. While eliminating these three primary gut stressors might not be

possible, minimizing their presence is a necessary fi rst step.

Now, onto the good stuff.

Adding prebiotics and probiotics to your diet doesn’t have to be challenging. In fact, it can be quite fun, especially if you boast an adventurous palate. As mentioned earlier, various delicious foods and beverages from multiple cuisines contain live probiotics. The most obvious are fermented foods, like sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickles. Health food stores often stock probiotic foods in their refrigerated section. Yo-

gurt is a popular source of probiotics—look for the words “live cultures” on the label and avoid flavored yogurt, which contains high amounts of sugar.

And if you have a picky palate, probiotic supplements are available at your local grocery store. (Make sure to check with your doctor before taking any over-thecounter supplements.)

Prebiotic foods are likely already part of your diet, and simply increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, and grains can improve gut health.

And while not all mushrooms are edible,

all edible mushrooms are a vibrant source of prebiotics. Consider exploring beyond the baby bellas and white buttons to include medicinal mushrooms, such as reishi, chaga, cordyceps, or lion’s mane in your culinary creations. Equally

beneficial, whether eaten cooked or raw, these have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to promote total body healing and longevity for thousands of years and have just recently entered mainstream holistic wellness practices.

The cannabis-gut connection

Archeology and biology have revealed that cannabis has been a dietary and medicinal staple for a millennium. Now, science is discovering the benefits. One exciting discovery is that there

are endocannabinoid receptors in the gut. So not only does eating cannabis increase prebiotics in your gut, but probiotics and prebiotics help to bolster your body’s endogenous cannabinoid system.

How should cannabis be consumed for improved gut health? While enjoying meals cooked with cannabis delivers psychoactive effects along with digestive support, let’s not forget that raw cannabis is the new superfood on the block with its incredible nutrient density and notable levels of protein, fiber, and antioxidants.

While you might not find yourself sitting down with a bowl of nugs as your salad course, medicinal cannabis experts are highlighting that cannabis leaves pack the same micronutrients as the buds. The leaves can join your favorite raw fruits and veggies in a highly nutritional and prebiotic-rich smoothie, be added to a salad, used as a garnish, or dehydrated and ground into a tasty superfood powder that can accent almost anything.

The possibilities are endless, and while science uncovers new pathways to health in the labs, we can discover new routes to wellness in our kitchens.

GET COOKING WITH

Check

CANNABIS

out this cannabis-infused Bomb Butter recipe on page 50.

LOCAL

Dazed Cannabis co-founder Keshawn Warner has turned some hard luck into a thriving business venture.

TEXT MIKE DIPAOLA PHOTOS COURTESY DAZED CANNABIS

n 2008, a young black man named Keshawn Warner was arrested in a sting operation for trying to purchase a little weed. He didn’t have to do any real jail time, but he was held at the local precinct for hours. Eventually he had to appear in court and pay a fine, but the real hassle came as he tried to find employment.

Not long before the bust, Warner had graduated from Norfolk State University with a degree in computer science, but with a criminal record, it was a tough slog to start a career. “At that point, it’s on your record,” Warner says. “Anytime you get stopped, you know it’s going to come up again. That’s going to be more of a reason for them to scrutinize you. And that was ongoing, nonstop.”

Warner might have fallen victim to the war on drugs like so many before him, but his entrepreneurial drive—and some timely legislation—carried him on a different path.

DAZED AND NOT CONFUSED

In November 2023, Warner and business partners Rich Rainone and Chris Vianello opened Dazed Cannabis on Union Square, among the first adult-use dispensaries to open in New York City. The launch follows the company’s debut shop in Holyoke (October 2021) and precedes the opening of Dazed in Monson, Mass., in January 2024— the first, and so far only, dispensary in town.

The Monson shop is situated in a former strip club and, like the other two locations, is all about the vibe. Pink decor, carefully cu-

rated playlists, immersive events, and other innovations are geared to inspire nostalgia and good times—an experience augmented with a line of premium cannabis products. There’s also a healthy respect for cultural preservation: the shop has kept the old strip club dance pole intact.

The three sites all carry the full gamut of weed products and accessories of every stripe, but there’s also usually something fun and maybe classy on the shelves— Jibbitz for your crocs, hoodies,

tion related to marijuana offenses. Warner was a good fit.

“Nobody could have imagined it,” Warner says of his arrest and subsequent rise in cannabusiness. “I know people now I’ve met throughout the process who tell me, ‘I wish I would have gotten arrested back then. I could have qualified now.’”

The entrepreneur is nothing if not appreciative of his good fortune. “It’s like a Cinderella story. You can’t dream nothing like this.”

Other states that center equi-

“I KNOW PEOPLE NOW I’VE MET THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS WHO TELL ME, ‘I WISH I WOULD HAVE GOTTEN ARRESTED BACK THEN. I COULD HAVE QUALIFIED NOW.’”

–Keshawn Warner

caps, and sunglasses. The Dazed crew seems to be dog people because you’ll find food bowls for your pet or perhaps a bong-shaped chew toy in the gear section.

OVERCOMING THE SYSTEM

In New York, the partners were the beneficiaries of Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licenses, designed to give a leg up to individuals who were directly impacted by the over-policing and mass incarcera-

ty in licensing have had uneven results, to say the least. Illinois supposedly gave social-equity applicants priority, but by the end of 2022, two full years into legalization, only one percent of legitimate weed businesses in the state had Black majority ownership. Ohio, where medical marijuana is legal, tried to mandate that at least 15 percent of licenses would go to people of color, but that provision was later ruled unconstitutional.

Massachusetts does better as the first state to mandate partic-

“I GREW UP IN A CITY WHERE THERE’S A STORE ON EVERY CORNER YOU COULD GO TO…. IF YOU RUN YOUR BUSINESS RIGHT, YOU CAN MAINTAIN, RIGHT?”

–Keshawn Warner

ipation in the cannabis business by communities disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and enforcement. To date, about 50 disadvantaged businesses (state-certified minority-, woman-, or veteran-owned companies) of varying types have opened, according to the state’s Cannabis Control Commission, to the benefit of nearly 900 individuals.

New York’s foray into legal weed sales began in March 2021, with the passage of the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act and eventually CAURD. The city’s first dispensary, Housing Works Cannabis, opened its doors at the end of 2022. The rollout has been uneven since then, stalled by lawsuits and other growing pains, but it is chugging along and perhaps gaining momentum.

At this writing, there are 75 licensed adult-use cannabis dispensaries in the state, with 28 of them up and running in New York City across the five boroughs. Unfortunately, there are an estimated 2,000 illegal shops in the city alone, with a staggering 36,000 illicit joints operating statewide.

Warner is mostly sanguine about all that competition from bogus shops. “It doesn’t really affect me because I grew up in a city where there’s a store on every corner you could go to,” he says, noting that you can find a Burger King next to a McDonald’s and a White Castle on the same block as a KFC. These places thrive, even in an atmosphere of intense competition.

“So I know enough about the city that if you run your business right, you can maintain, right?”

DOING IT RIGHT

So far, Warner and his company are running the business right. He attributes the tight ship to the synergy among the three partners, each with particular skill sets that complement the partnership nicely. Warner, with his computer science degree, is the IT guy. Rich Rainone, the Marine vet and former squad leader, is a natural for running operations of the stores. Chris Vianello was a marketing major at Manhattan College, so he handles that end.

While other legit dispensaries want the city or the state to crack down on the illegal shops, Warner cautions against going too hard.

“What I tell people is that law enforcement is going to have to take a light-handed approach to this because they can’t come in and start making major drug busts like

this in the 1980s or 1990s because now that it’s legal, they are trying to right the wrongs of the over-enforcement of those times.”

So, how should law enforcement proceed? Warner offers this advice: “(Get them) the way that they’ve gotten every gangster: tax evasion. That’s what got everybody.”

As for Dazed, it’s going gangbusters. Still, the partners are looking ahead. “We’re trying to expand our footprint in New York, so we’re hoping to get into upstate, and then we’re looking at an opportunity in New Jersey,” says Warner. “But obviously, we don’t want to expand too much too fast or we’ll lose brand identity. That’s our bread and butter.” Warner and Co. are also looking to open in West Boylston, possibly by the summer of 2024.

Regarding their brand identity, the folks at Dazed Cannabis like to say they are “far beyond a dispensary” and more like a cannabis lifestyle. The brand is focused on authenticity, a laid-back vibe, and a community of like-minded collaborations. “We like to collab with up-and-coming businesses who are moving and shaking and disrupting in their industry,” says Warner. To that end, Dazed has hooked up with Stache Co., a clothing line featuring hoodies with discreet, odor-proof pockets. “Personally, I like to smoke weed, but I don’t like to necessarily smell like weed, you know what I’m saying? So if I want to bring my cannabis with me somewhere, I can do it fashionably and keep it a little bit obscure,” says Warner.

This is ironic since if Warner had been more obscure in his youth, he might never have been arrested, and there would have been no Dazed Cannabis.

“WE DON’T WANT TO EXPAND TOO MUCH TOO FAST OR WE’LL LOSE BRAND IDENTITY. THAT’S OUR BREAD AND BUTTER.”

–Keshawn Warner

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HIGHLIGHTING MASSACHUSETTS’S PREMIER CANNA-BUSINESS LEADER.

What was your mission or purpose at the start of your company?

Since its inception in 2018, Packs has been on a clear mission: to deliver premium, handrolled blunts to a broad audience. With millions of products sold nationwide, the brand has transcended the boundaries of the classic blunt, embodying a philosophy that prioritizes creating quality products and cultivating a vibrant, inclusive community. This commitment to innovation and community engagement has propelled Packs beyond mere product development by engaging with customers through social media, events, and strategic partnerships. As Packs prepares to expand its distinctive approach into Massachusetts, Arizona, and Washington, the move signifies more than just geographic expansion—it represents the dawn of a new chapter in the cannabis experience within Massachusetts. Massachusetts, known for its progressive can-

nabis policies, presents a fertile landscape for Packs’ pioneering spirit. The state’s sophisticated market and diverse consumer base align perfectly with Packs’ dedication to quality, innovation, and community.

Describe the key highlights and bene ts of your products and services

The essence of Packs lies in its relentless pursuit of excellence. We specialize in pre-rolls, vapes, and specialized flower consumption methods. Each pre-roll is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, from the careful selection of cannabis strains to the artisanal hand-rolling process. But Packs’ ambitions go beyond product excellence. The brand is on a mission to redefine the cannabis experience, creating a community where enthusiasts can connect, share, and grow together.

Innovation is a cornerstone of the Packs brand.

Our diverse product range caters to a wide array of preferences, ensuring

that every customer finds a product that resonates with them. This innovative approach will be instrumental in Massachusetts, where Packs plans to introduce new form factors and experiences. From seasoned cannabis connoisseurs to newcomers exploring the cannabis landscape, Packs aims to offer something unique to everyone.

Where can we nd your products?

Products can be purchased in dispensaries across the USA. You can find a

current product selection at packwoods.com

Why do you feel your business is important to the community?

Community engagement is another critical aspect of Packs strategy. The brand’s active presence on social media and participation in events and partnerships have fostered a sense of belonging among its customers. By creating spaces for dialogue and connection, Packs is set to become an integral part of each state’s cannabis community.

As Packs makes its mark in Massachusetts, it brings with it a vision of a more connected, inno-

vative, and quality-driven cannabis culture. The expansion is not just a step forward for Packs but a leap toward redefining the cannabis experience in Massachusetts and beyond.

Packs’ arrival in Massachusetts is poised to transform the cannabis scene. By offering premium, hand-rolled blunts and fostering a vibrant community, the brand is setting a new standard for quality and engagement in the cannabis industry. As Massachusetts welcomes Packs, it welcomes a new era of cannabis culture—one marked by innovation, quality, and community.

Bomb Butter

Zach Scott is a great way to introduce cannabis into your diet. The preparation takes a while, but it’s worth the journey.

Use it as you would regular butter, but be careful with the amounts. Cannabutter is quite potent and a little goes a long way.

INGREDIENTS

8 ounces real butter (not non-dairy)

7 grams marijuana herb or 14 grams trimmings

½ cup lecithin granules

EQUIPMENT

cheesecloth (doublelayered in a 12-by-12 inch square)

fine mesh strainer

2- or 3-quart pot

5-inch tea ball or boilable nylon cooking bag

10-ounce or larger storage container (glass or plastic)

INSTRUCTIONS

• Fill the pot with two-thirds water and bring to a boil.

• Chop or grind the cannabis very finely and seal it in a boilable bag.

• Place the ball or bag in the boiling water.

• Boil for 40 minutes, then remove.

• If your weed gets wet, pour it into a fine strainer and let dry for 30 minutes. Discard water and rinse pot.

• Add about two inches of water to the pot and bring to a gentle boil (the point when tiny bubbles form on the surface).

• Add butter and let it melt.

• Add lecithin granules and dried weed.

• Maintain a gentle boil for eight to 10 hours (adding water as needed).

• Stir every 20 minutes for the first hour, then every two or three hours until finished.

STORAGE

• Line the strainer with the cheesecloth.

• Turn off the heat and carefully pour all the pot’s contents through the cheesecloth-lined strainer into the container.

• Let everything cool for a few minutes.

• When the cheesecloth is cool, pick it up by the corners to form a bag and squeeze out every drop of water and butter into the container.

• Cover the container and refrigerate overnight. The butter will solidify and separate from the water.

• Remove the butter and discard water.

• Pat dry the butter with an absorbent towel.

• The cannabinoids will remain potent for two to three weeks refrigerated, or two to three months frozen.

This cannabutter recipe by Philadelphia’s “Chef Nubbs”