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OKLAHOMA SENSI MAGAZINE SPRING 2024

sensimediagroup @sensimagazine @sensimag

FEATURES

Take a Little Trip With Me

Attorney, Looming Large

Not since the 1960s have hallucinogens been so popular and widely discussed. Oklahoma’s leading cannabis legal warrior leads the good fight with some spiritual help.

DEPARTMENTS

9 FOUNDER’S NOTE 10 THE BUZZ News, tips, and tidbits

to keep you in the loop TRAVELING WITH CANNABIS Know the

regulations to avoid legal problems. IN BLOOM UFC’s Marlon “Chito” Vera enters the infused beverages ring with Maison Bloom A MILESTONE IN CANNABIS CONSUMPTION LOUNGES

First-ever regulated cannabis cocktail lounge opens in Las Vegas UNDERCOVER OKLAHOMA

New law introduces secret shoppers in the medicinal cannabis industry FRESH TAKE New laws and regulations for Colorado cannabis

WELCOME BACK TO MICHIGAN Apotheculture

Club announces spring event in Detroit

A NEW CHAPTER

Packwoods enters Massachusetts market

16 THE LIFE Contributing to your

health and happiness A SOLDIER’S STORY Major Jim McClendon leads the charge for change.

28 THE SCENE Hot happenings and hip

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ON THE COVER

The Good Fight: Cannabis attorney Sarah Lee Gossett Parrish PHOTO BY JEFF HOOTEN

hangouts around town

LET FOOD BE THY MEDICINE Good bacteria

in your gut put you on the path to greater health.

50 THE END

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EXPLORE EMBODI

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

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FOUNDER’S NOTE

Magazine published by Sensi Media Group LLC.

Sensi Magazine was

founded to mainstream

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

FAC E B O O K Like Sensi Media Group to infuse your newsfeed with more of our great cannabis lifestyle content.

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. 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.

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

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

Ron Kolb I N S TAG R A M Pretty things, pretty places, pretty awesome people: find it all on @sensimagazine

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Traveling With Cannabis 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 regu10

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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.

PHOTO BY LOUIS MAGNOTTI

Know the regulations to avoid legal problems.

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

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

A Milestone In Cannabis Consumption Lounges First-ever regulated cannabis cocktail lounge opens in Las Vegas

that have legalized adult-use cannabis.

39 STATES that have legalized medicinal cannabis

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.

SOURCE: Carnevale Associates LLC; Gallup

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 first states to offer smokeand-chill spaces. Smoke and Mirrors, located in the Thrive Cannabis Marketplace near the Las Vegas Strip, is the first 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 first sale. The lounge offers 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.

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THE BUZZ

Undercover Oklahoma

PHOTOS ( FROM TOP) BY JON TYSON; HELENA HURTZ

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 specific 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. S P R I N G 2024

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THE BUZZ

PHOTOS ( FROM LEFT) BY LOUIS HANSEL; COURTESY OF PACKWOODS

A New Chapter 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.

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 offerings at www.packwoods.com.

Check out Apotheculture Club on Instagram: @apothecultureclub.

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A Soldier’s Story Major Jim McClendon leads the charge for change.

“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

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

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

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THE LIFE

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. S P R I N G 2024

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THE LIFE

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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 organizes drives to collect donated goods. Since he was once homeless, McClendon tends to return to where he remembers most of the veterans staying. “I’ll also get word through sources on situations outside the ones I am already aware of. I’ll take the donated goods straight to the homeless veteran. “I haven’t teamed up with many programs because I understand not all the money allocated for veterans will go to them,” he adds. “This

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

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

Marching Forward McClendon’s own experience has made him a vocal advocate of marijuana and how it can help veterans. While pleased with the trajectory the inevitable decriminalization and eventual legalization of marijuana is on, he’s not happy with how long it has taken to get to this point. “It’s about damn time, even though it’s three years too late,” he says. “Too many veterans have died by suicide that could have found help through cannabis. If you spend time in combat, you must smoke some weed.”

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TAKE A

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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. TEXT JEN BERNSTEIN

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here 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). S P R I N G 2024

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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 definitely help your mind on your psychedelic journey.

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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 different 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-

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

Do you have questions about psychedelics? The Psychedelic Info Line is the world’s first-of-itskind research call center devoted to reducing harm and improving outcomes by offering you the most up-todate information on psychedelics. While they cannot offer 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 (Monday to Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm MST); email support@unlimitedsciences. org or visit www. unlimitedsciences.org/ psychedelic-info-line.

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. S P R I N G 2024

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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

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 kefir. 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. Know your biotics Before highlighting You may have heard two new buzzwords recently: the prebiotic benefits of 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.

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 filled 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. S P R I N G 2024

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THE SCENE

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 first 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, S P R I N G 2024

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THE SCENE

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

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LOCAL I OKLAHOMA

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Oklahoma’s leading cannabis legal warrior leads the good fight with some spiritual help. TEXT ELIZABETH MCWILLIAMS PHOTOS JEFF HOOTEN

Attorney, Looming

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arah Lee Gossett Parrish is remarkably efficient. She is a photographer, an author, a frequent guest on radio shows, and a member of numerous boards. But first and foremost, she is a trailblazing attorney with a full-service cannabis law firm, and right now, she has a bone to pick. Specifically, she has taken issue with three regulatory agencies in Oklahoma that govern marijuana businesses, and she’s not afraid to turn over a few suspicious stones. In February 2024, Sarah Lee took advantage of the Freedom of Information Act and filed requests with three agencies: the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA), the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics & Dangerous Drugs (OBNDD), and the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal to obtain documents concerning certificates of occupancy (COO) now required to renew existing OMMA licenses and OBNDD registrations. If she were the lawyer for any of these agencies, she says, “I’d be having some heartburn right about now.”

and nausea, assist with pain management, and lessen the effects of migraines, anxiety, and insomnia. This natural alternative to medical care feels especially relevant to Sarah Lee in light of the nation’s opioid epidemic, which has hit Oklahoma hard. A majority of voters now recognize that medical marijuana could replace opioids in the treatment of those same conditions that leave many vulnerable to addiction. Sarah Lee believes in the right to access natural remedies, and she is willing to challenge those entities that threaten that right. Though nothing if not tenacious, Sarah Lee does not walk this path alone. Born into a family of faith, she prays daily and trusts that this practice has enabled much of her success. Back in 2018, many other attorneys remained wary about representing cannabis businesses, since marijuana was not yet legal on the federal level. Sarah Lee, however, was one of the first Oklahoma attorneys willing to jump into the fray. Now her law firm has been voted Top Cannabis Business Law Firm in Oklahoma for four straight years. Initially, she wasn’t sure God would sanction her shift A third-generation attorney, Sarah in focus, so she prayed for guidance. Her results, she thought, Lee has been practicing law since 1986, but once SQ 788 was passed would be her benchmark. She started networking with in 2018 and medical marijuana was legalized in Oklahoma, she pivoted the then-National (now Interfrom contract to cannabis law. She national) Cannabis Bar Association and the National Cannabis became passionate about the meIndustry Association and quickdicinal benefits of marijuana after ly received out-of-state referrals. witnessing a close friend lose her battle with leukemia at age 33, well Word got out, and given that she was already a well-established before cannabis was legal. third-generation attorney, she beSince then, Sarah Lee has gan to receive referrals in Oklalearned that marijuana can ease homa. She continued to pray and the symptoms of chemotherapy

Help from above

was blessed with a steady stream of new clients. The growing practice, she trusted, was evidence that God blessed her efforts. Success followed. In short order, the faithful attorney received numerous awards and national press, including coverage in the San Francisco Chronicle and The New York Times, and recognition as one of the National Law Journal’s 2019 Cannabis Trailblazers and a Global Top 200 Cannabis Attorney. She is also a founding member of the Psychedelic Bar Association and has been named one of the Top 200 Global Psychedelics Attorneys. She believes this level of recognition is “a total God deal” and that she couldn’t have done this alone. “I’m so grateful, and I give Him the glory,” she says. “As far as the honors and the awards, there are so many other attorneys equally deserving and hard-working, so when they hit, you just have to be grateful, say ‘thank you God,’ and keep fighting the good fight.”

The wild West of regulations

Indeed, her “quiet, strong faith in God” has helped Sarah Lee walk through many fires, and today, the flames are leaping again. Things are heating up because many legitimate Oklahoma cannabis-based businesses are suddenly on the firing line. “It’s the wild, wild West out here,” she says, and now even more so, referring to the overwhelming difficulty many legitimate businesses face in obtaining their Certificate of Occupancy (COO) from the State Fire Marshal (SFM) under an impossible time frame. S P R I N G 2024

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Sarah Lee believes in the right to access natural remedies, and she is willing to challenge those entities that threaten that right. Without a COO, businesses cannot renew their OMMA licenses and OBNDD license registrations, meaning failure to procure a COO within a time period the SFM admits is impossible to meet constitutes sufficient cause for OBN to shut down legally operating businesses for years. The regulating agencies keep moving the goalposts, making it challenging and, for many, cost-prohibitive to keep up with changing requirements, especially for growers. This raises the question of why the licensing process has become so stringent. According to Sarah Lee, the naysayers will point to the illicit market. Rumors swirl about pur-

ported “bad actors.” She frequently hears that “the Chinese mob or Russian gangsters are here.” While Sarah Lee agrees that the illicit market is a legitimate concern that must be addressed and eradicated, she is adamant that the narcotic bureau’s response is disproportionate to any actual threat. If one follows the industry news, the savvy reader will notice that OBN reports relatively few arrests within the illicit market. Yet these agencies are quietly shutting down legitimate growers. “It’s apparent from this new enforcement of a COO requirement,” she says, “that these agencies are trying to apply regulations unreasonably. They don’t seem

to care if you are otherwise fully compliant and have been licensed and operating with the agencies’ approval for years or have been working to obtain a COO for months but unable to do so because the SFM is simply overrun with applications and cannot keep up. They are going after legitimate Moms and Pops who have spent their life savings and reinvested it into their businesses. It is heartbreaking for these businesses. “One could surmise that it is now more difficult to obtain your license registration from OBN than it is to get your commercial business license from OMMA, which is nonsensical since OMMA is the primary regulatory agency,” S P R I N G 2024

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she says. “Essentially, one could conclude this is a battle between two state agencies for superiority in governing and regulating Oklahoma’s medical marijuana industry. It is playing out to the extreme detriment of law-abiding and legally licensed business owners.” She notes that there are “hard-working public servants at the regulatory agencies who do support the industry,” but “recent agency positions are causing unnecessary and often, cost-prohibitive expenses and stress to licensees, putting many law-abiding companies out of business.” Another issue for business owners is the confusion regarding who completes the application for the COO: the licensee with a lease on a building or the building owner. The Fire Marshal’s office now takes the position that only the landowner can submit the application. In the past, businesses typically had their consultant or contractor apply for the COO rather than the landowner, who often knows little about their tenants’ businesses. In Sarah Lee’s estimation, this requirement is unreasonable, especially when landowners sometimes live out of state and are oblivious to their tenants’ business particulars other than the required consent to a medical-pot lessee. “Landowners don’t know about the industry; their tenants do. This requirement that a landowner actually submit the application defies logic and leaves the impression that this is a veiled effort to weed out licensees.” Ultimately, Sarah Lee’s passion lies in the viability of her clients, who are good, law-abiding people.

“These are folks who run astute operations and reinvest their profits, hire locally, give back to their community, and in so doing, build brand loyalty and fuel Oklahoma’s economy,” she says. Part of Sarah Lee’s prayer practice includes assigning herself a word with each new year. Her word for 2024, about which she meditates frequently, is WAR-

RIOR, an apt choice for a woman who is willing to step into the fray and pick a bone for a just cause. “I am fighting hard for my clients and our industry,” she says. “I’m working earnestly to keep it afloat and rationally and responsibly regulated. I hope and pray the regulatory agencies and the Oklahoma Legislature will join me in working toward this goal.” S P R I N G 2024

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LIGHTS HIGHLIGHTING OKLAHOMA’S PREMIER CANNA-BUSINESS LEADERS. SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

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BUSINESS SP TLIGHTS C O M M E R C I A L BA N K

BLUE SKY BANK @BLUE_SKY_BANK / BLUESKY.BANK/CANNABIS-BANKING /

Why do you feel your business is important to the community? Blue Sky Bank’s 115year history has deep roots in serving our local communities. It’s the main catalyst for why we decided to enter this line of business back in 2018 when OK SQ 788 was passed and allowed patients access to medical marijuana. The cannabis industry has had a signiﬁcant impact on the local and national economy. Like any business, banking is a key component in running day-to-day operations and providing the framework for ﬁnancial transparency and accountability. Safety and security are also a concern for our business customers. We built a network with vetted and credentialed couriers to ensure our cannabis deposits are secure and processed quickly. Revenues for cannabis sales will never enter any of our branches to ensure the safety of our customers and our bank employees. Providing a safe place for our

cannabis business customers to deposit funds is the utmost priority.

What are 3 things you’d love for your customers to know about your company? Dedicated Cannabis Team: We have a dedicated team of Cannabis Bankers and a Treasury Management team that service our cannabis business customers. No need for a 1-800 number; you will have access to your cannabis banker and our support team, Monday through Friday, 8 to 5 CT, for any banking needs that may arise. Multi State: We may be an Oklahoma and Texas-centric bank; however, we currently service 12 plus states and counting. Outside of Oklahoma, we serve: California, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Montana, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Maine, Philadelphia, Vermont, and Missouri. Digital Banking: No matter where you are, our online and mobile banking services

provide access to your account information and self-servicing tools such as mobile deposit, business bill pay, and ACH transactions. Our cannabis business customers do not need a brick-and-mortar branch location with our digital banking products.

Describe for us your perfect customers and how your products or services solve something important to them. Our perfect customer is a compliant and knowledgeable business owner who seeks a

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long-term banking relationship with their Cannabis Bank ofﬁcer. We often are a sounding board and resource for our customers who seek recommendations on who to use for payroll services, accounting, legal assistance, etc.

Knowing we are a cannabis-friendly bank also gives our customers peace of mind, knowing we work closely with other cannabis-friendly businesses supporting the industry and wanting to see cannabis succeed.

Like any business, banking is a key component in running day-to-day operations and providing the framework for financial transparency and accountability.

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What is the name of your business and when did you start, and what industry are you in? We are a vertically integrated medical marijuana company that specializes in growing premium craft cannabis. The owner has a degree in horticulture, and is very hands on in the company. In 2023, we joined the Professional Cannabis Association (PCA). Our product line includes ﬂower, concentrates, prerolls, and a newly released nano tech gummy line and our live hash rosin line, boasting terps above 12%! In 2024, we are excited to announce we will be working on our new line of carts. Brixx Cultivation is located in Stillwater, OK, and we have been

in business since 2021. In July of 2022, we opened Brixx dispensary which is located right in the heart of Stillwater @ 135 S Main St.

Where can people find you / your products / your service? You can see our full list of products offered on LeafLink. You can also find us on social media on Instagram @brixxcultivation, on Facebook @brixxcultivationok, and on Twitter @BrixxOK1. You can find our complete line of products at our dispensary, but we are also in dispensaries across the state. Our dispensary customers can also find us on Weedmaps. What are three things you’d love for your customers to know

about your team, product or services? At Brixx, we are a family. We attend many events together each year, and are always looking for new ways to interact with our customers. In 2023, we won several awards SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

with our brand including Best Solid BHO @ CowboyCup, and best overall brand @GreenGrow.

What was your mission or purpose at the start of your company? In the beginning, our

mission was to provide the highest quality cannabis to our customers at an affordable price, and that remains our mission today. At Brixx, we want everyone to feel like part of the family and welcome everyone to “Grow With Us”! S P R I N G 2024

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What services or prod- issues for our industry.” ucts do you offer? Community: Through We are a 501c6 nonpublic forums and profit trade association. partnerships, we offer an array of events for What was your mission or purpose cannabis businesses to at the start of your meet, expand relationcompany? To provide education, ad- ships, and open doors with non-cannabis vocacy, and networking related community opportunities for Oklahoma cannabis industry members, such as chambers of commerce, members and ancillary banking, finance, code @OKCANNABIZASSOCIATION / service providers. compliance, and more. @OKCANNABISINDUSTRYASSOCIATION / Advocacy: Our staff We strive to build @OKLAHOMACANNA / and members work positive relationships OKCANNABISASSOCIATION.COM extensively with the for our industry beyond Oklahoma House and the business members Senate, our Congressional delegation, reg- of our community. Education: Each What is the name of How many employees ulatory agencies, and your business and does your company month, we host multilocal governments to when did you start? have? ple events to provide advance our legislative We are the Oklahoma We have 3 employees, and regulatory policies the most current and Cannabis Industry Asbut also help people to accurate information to supporting a friendly sociation, and we were find jobs in the industry. environment for Oklaho- our members through founded in 2017. Companies can post ma’s cannabis industry. our OCIA POLICY & through our site, and PINTS throughout the Where can people find From the Capitol to job seekers can find you / your products / local town halls, we are state, featuring open opportunities across the your service? dedicated to educating discussions with poliokcannabisassociation. country here, as well. policymakers on critical cymakers, regulators, com SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

and relevant members of the community. Our guests have included elected ofﬁcials, agency directors, and technical staff with direct impacts upon Oklahoma’s cannabis industry.

What made you choose to start a company in this industry? We felt that the industry needed to be treated as a professional industry just like any other industry in our state. Why do you feel your business is important to the community? If we are not here to defend and advocate for our businesses, no one will. Does your business give back to your community? Our entire mission is formed around giving back to our industry, patients, and our state.

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THE END

Bomb Butter INGREDIENTS

8 ounces real butter (not non-dairy) 7 grams marijuana herb or 14 grams trimmings ½ cup lecithin granules EQUIPMENT

This cannabutter recipe by Philadelphia’s “Chef Nubbs” Zach Scott is a great way to introduce cannabis into your diet. The preparation takes a while, but it’s worth the journey.

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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)

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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.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ZACH SCOTT

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

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