Healing Frontline Heroes helps veterans and first responders heal through the power of psychedelics and indigenous wisdom. 26 Beach Boys
Sean Ryan and Jose Martinez are riding the wave of adaptive surfing and cannabis advocacy. 30
American Made, With Grit and Heart
Prodigy Processing Solutions shows that the second act is often better than the first. 34 Ice Cube is on a Roll
The renowned musician, actor, and entrepreneur is a leading cannabis advocate and strain producer.
44
Presidential Approval
Melvin Childs and Presidential THC have become the Sooner State’s unflinching cannabis brand.
50 SKUNK: The Sweet Smell of Success
How two brothers and top rosin producers made their mark in Oklahoma’s oversaturated medical cannabis market.
DEPARTMENTS 9 FOUNDER’S NOTE 10 THE BUZZ News, tips, and tidbits to keep you in the loop
ATHLETE ENTERS
CANNABIS SECTOR
Former NFL player Mohamed Sanu unveils MediBean Trilogy.
PUBLIC OPINION
What model of criminal justice is preferred?
420 UNITY DAY OF ACTION
The Last Prisoner Project joins with supporters to make a difference.
LOYAL TO THE SOUL Plan on attending the Oklahoma Mushroom Festival and the official Sensi afterparty.
16 THE LIFE
Contributing to your health and happiness
THE ART OF BREWING TEA
The ritual of brewing loose herbs is a toast toward your holistic health.
38 THE SCENE
Hot happenings and hip hangouts around town
LOUNGE ACT
Las Vegas is setting the scene for how to do consumption lounges.
56 CANNASTROLOGER
Your summer horoscopes.
EXECUTIVE
Ron Kolb Founder ron@sensimag.com
Jade Kolb COO jade@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
Andrew Martin Market Director, Oklahoma
Tarra Quinn Market Director, Oklahoma
EDITORIAL
Matthew Solan Executive Editor Matthew.Solan@sensimag.com
Mike DiPaola Copy Editor
Mike.Dipaola@sensimag.com
Debbie Hall National Contributor
Elizabeth McWilliams National Contributor
Eugenia Merkoulov National Contributor
Gretchen Van-Monette National Contributor
DESIGN
Jona Patterson Creative Director jona@thepdfgroup.com
Jayson Bost Art Director
Jayson Bost Designer
PRODUCTION
Neil Willis Production Director & Client Support Specialist
FACEBOOK
Like Sensi Media Group to infuse your newsfeed with more of our great cannabis lifestyle content.
S Community First: The Heartbeat of Sensi
After an incredible journey exploring various markets and spending significant time in Oklahoma, my wife and I are thrilled to return to vibrant Denver. As we reconnect and rebuild our community here in Colorado, we’ve discovered a treasure trove of new companies, incredible people, and exciting opportunities. It feels like a fresh, dynamic landscape bursting with potential.
At Sensi, we understand that the true magic lies in the power of community. We’re committed to creating spaces where connections can flourish and thrive. Right now, a groundbreaking industry is emerging around psychedelics. From cultivating mushrooms and genetics to innovative therapies and cutting-edge products, this community is deeply rooted in wellness, mindfulness, and the transformative connections these therapies offer. It’s perfectly aligned with the mature cannabis market as it navigates regulation and change.
We’re on a mission to unite these vibrant communities, expand our reach, and bring immense value to everyone involved. Get ready for our Sensi Nights this Fall, where we’ll welcome a diverse group of partners. These events will open the door to countless new relationships, benefiting businesses and consumers alike.
The possibilities are endless in a rapidly growing and dynamic community. Join us at our events as we enter the final quarters of the year. Discover more about our events at www.SensiMag.com.
At Sensi, we understand that the true magic lies in the power of community. We’re committed to creating spaces where connections can flourish and thrive.
TWITTER
Follow @sensimag for need-to-know news and views from Sensi headquarters.
INSTAGRAM
Pretty things, pretty places, pretty awe some people: find it all on @sensimagazine
Ron Kolb
ATHLETE ENTERS CANNABIS SECTOR
Former NFL player Mohamed Sanu unveils MediBean Trilogy
Former NFL star Mohamed Sanu recently entered the cannabis sector in collaboration with Atlanta-based hemp product manufacturer Durban Dames, Ltd.
The MediBean Trilogy trio of shots (20 servings in each 2.07-ounce bottle) is designed to improve sleep quality, promote relaxation, and alleviate pain. Sanu has struggled with these issues during his time with the Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions.
“I was inspired to help reduce the stigma surrounding the plant and promote the positive benefits of CBD on the body and mind,” says Sanu.
The new medical-grade, all-natural premium shots include:
hREMp Dreams: Created to promote deep REM 3 sleep, the shot’s main active ingredients include natural hemp-derived THC, CBN, valerian root, and myrcene.
LAZE: Created to promote total body relaxation, the shot’s main active ingredients are natural Hemp-derived THC, CBD, chamomile, and linalool.
P.U.P. Recovery: Created to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and inhibit tumor growth, the shot’s main active ingredients include natural hemp-derived THC, CBD, CBG, and limonene.
DurbanDames.com; MediBeanTrilogy.com
Text by Debbie Hall
PHOTO COURTESY OF DURBAN DAMES, LTD.
PUBLIC OPINION
What model of criminal justice is preferred?
BadCredit.org conducted a survey of 3,000 respondents about the best state for cannabis criminal justice.
California ranked No. 1 with its “Ban the Box” initiative, which requires employers to delay inquiring about an applicant’s criminal history until a conditional job offer has been made. Additionally, the state has comprehensive laws for expunging specific convictions when certain conditions are met.
Colorado is ranked No. 3 for its proactive approach to criminal justice reform, particularly in relation to cannabis offenses. The state has also explored broader criminal justice reform measures, such as reforming sentencing laws, reducing incarceration rates, and enhancing reentry programs for individuals leaving prison.
Massachusetts ranks No. 4 for its comprehensive expungement statute, particularly relevant to convictions no longer considered criminal offenses, such as certain cannabis-related activities.
At No. 7, Michigan has made significant strides in criminal justice reform, including implementing a Clean Slate initiative. This legislative package is designed to broaden expungement options for residents, making it easier for individuals with certain criminal records to have their records sealed from public view.
To see the full list, visit, www.badcredit.org/studies/americans-prefer-nocriminal-record-to-ivy-league-diploma.
PHOTO OF SIGN BY LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR
420 Unity Day of Action
The Last Prisoner Project joins with supporters to make a difference.
The Last Prisoner Project recently brought together a large coalition of bipartisan cannabis advocacy, industry, grassroots organizations, and individual activists to gather in Washington, D.C., for a 420 Unity Day of Action. Several lobbying events were held to exert public pressure on Congress and President Biden, urging them to take steps to fully legalize cannabis, release those still in prison, and expunge cannabis-related convictions.
There are 24 states and the District of Columbia with legal adult-use cannabis sales, and the majority of the U.S. population lives in states with some form of legal cannabis. It is estimated that tens of thousands of people are still serving state and federal prison time, and millions continue to suffer the consequences of a criminal record from the sale or use of cannabis.
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LOYAL TO THE SOUL
Plan on attending the Oklahoma Mushroom Festival and the official Sensi after-party
The 2nd Annual Oklahoma Mushroom Festival will be held at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds from Oct. 12 to 13 and Sensi will host the official after-party on Oct.12. This family-friendly event features over 20 mushroom education classes, 10 hands-on workshops, an immersive experience room, vendors, and food.
The official theme is “Loyal to the Soul,” and according to The Oklahoma Fungi Company and festival founder Jacob DeVecchio, the event encapsulates the profound importance of healthy soil not only for fungi but for all living organisms
Applications for speakers, sponsors, donors, vendors, or volunteers are available by emailing OkMushFest@ OklahomaFungi.com. For more info, visit www.oklahomafungi.com/pages/ oklahoma-mushroom-festival.
PHOTOS BY JAYSON BOST
The Ritual of Brewing Loose Herbs Is a Toast Toward Your Holistic Health.
The relationship between humans and the plant kingdom is as old as time. Since the days of our ancestors, we have been infusing plants into water and enjoying the drink for both physical and spiritual sustenance.
Today, the tea ritual is still a cherished aspect of daily life in many cultures worldwide. Here, in the Western world, we have enjoyed the convenience of single-serving tea since the invention of the tea bag about a century ago. However, the fine art of brewing loose herbs directly into water (never entirely lost, just quietly sitting in the hearts and hands of those who practice the traditional ways) is making a comeback. The ritual is part of the greater movement toward holistic approaches to health and wellness.
Loose herb tea allows for a better infusion precisely tailored to flavor and potency preferences. If you find yourself moving away from bagged teas and toward working with loose herbs, this is your guide to brewing the best cup of tea every time.
TEA TALK
First, let’s begin with some essential definitions. When we say “tea,” we generally mean any drinkable herb infused in water. However, true tea
refers to infusions made only from the Camellia sinensis plant, which includes all black, green, white, and oolong teas. While these are named differently, the distinction lies in the way the leaves of the plant are cured after harvesting and not in the plant itself. The correct industry term for any other plant infusion is “tisane,” although, in everyday language, we often say “herbal tea.”
The main variables when discussing the perfect plant brew of any variety are temperature and time. Different plant constituents are extracted at various temperatures, and different plant parts require specific brew times to extract their full flavor and properties. So, whether brewing for pleasure or medicine, knowing how to combine these two variables is the trick.
LEAF PEEPING
The most common part of a plant used for infusions is the leaves. This applies to almost all of the true teas of C sinensis (except for kukicha tea, which uses small twigs) and many of the most common herbal teas, such as peppermint or holy basil. The general approach to brewing leaf tea is to pour boiling water over the leaves, cover, let steep for about five minutes, and separate the leaves so as not to over-infuse.
BY
EUGENIA MERKOULOV
The standard proportion is 1 teaspoon of dried leaf to 1 cup of water. For a more potent brew of a lightly flavored herb, steep for over five minutes before separating the leaves. Reduce the steeping time to one to three minutes for a lighter brew of a heavily flavored plant.
Occasionally, directions from an herbalist or tea package may suggest brewing leaves at a temperature lower than boiling. If this is the case, it is to preserve certain flavors and plant constituents that cannot withstand the high heat effects of a full boil. If this is the case, bring your water to a full boil first and then give it some time to cool before pouring over your plant matter. Green tea is an example of a leaf infusion that warrants a temperature of less than a full boil to preserve its subtle flavors.
FLOWER POWER
Floral infusions are also quite common in herbal teas. Brewed as stand-alone beverages or alongside the leaves of the same or various other plants, flower infusions follow the same steps as leaf infusions.
However, because the flowers are the most sensitive part of a plant, a simple flower infusion often calls for a water temperature less than boiling. It is important to note that many aromatic flowers like lavender and rose contain high concentrations of terpenes, which quickly evaporate at high temperatures. For this reason, covering your flower infusion while it brews helps to retain flavor and medicinal benefits.
Some herbalists recommend avoiding heat entirely and relying on a cold infusion method to retain the best flavor and scent. When doing a cold infusion, use purified water and leave the plant matter in for at least eight hours.
ROOTS, RHIZOMES, BARKS, AND BERRIES
The roots, rhizomes, and bark of certain plants offer rich flavors and medicinal benefits. Examples include licorice, ginger, cinnamon, and wild cherry bark.
When dried, these plant parts are dense and hard, so a simple infusion will not extract their benefits as with leaves or flowers. Therefore, we rely on the decoction method to get the job done. A decoction is prepared by bringing plant matter to a boil in a pot and then reducing the heat to a low simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the density and size of your plant matter. For particularly dense or large chunks of root or bark, soak the plant matter ahead of time in the same water that you will use to boil it to start the extraction process.
Though sometimes overlooked in mainstream tea culture, dried berries are common in traditional herbal preparations and, occasionally, in modern medicinal tea blends. While most dried berries are not quite as dense or hard as roots and barks, they respond best to a decoction.
As you begin to explore the art of brewing tea the traditional way, allow yourself to learn from others but also to follow your own intuition. While it is fascinating and helpful to take in the advice of seasoned herbalists and tea connoisseurs, it is just as important to “move by feel” as you work with your chosen plants.
Plant consciousness is reaching out to us at all times, and developing a relationship with specific plants that show themselves as the best allies for your unique physical makeup is both a gift to yourself and a beautiful celebration of a timeless ritual that echoes the wisdom of the ancients.
PHOTO BY JAYSON BOST
HEALING JOURNEYS
Healing Frontline Heroes helps veterans and first responders heal through the power of psychedelics and indigenous wisdom.
BY JAMIE BLAZQUEZ
Veterans and first responders are making a stand against the rising suicide rates among their comrades. They are no longer accepting the limitations of Western medicine and are traveling out of the country to seek alternative methods. It’s disheartening to think that those who courageously risk all to protect our soil can’t heal on our soil. One organization that is leading the way is Healing Frontline Heroes. This non-profit has established a pathway to healing using psychedelics, integration, and community through the lens of indigenous practices.
ON A MISSION
Healing Frontline Heroes was created in collaboration with the Seri Comcaac Nation and provides access to mind, body, and spirit healing relying on plant medicine and ancestral alternative healing modalities. The organization offers two- to five-day retreats, 30- and 60-day residential programs and medicine ceremonies led by indigenous facilitators.
I wanted to learn about the framework and programs producing miraculous results for these individuals. What started as a journalistic investigation became a firsthand experience of this program's transformational power.
STARTING THE JOURNEY
The journey began in Tucson, Arizona, when I met Jonathan Lopez, a U.S. Army veteran and Outdoor Programs Coordinator for Healing Frontline Heroes. We were accompanied by Nate Ostrowski, a Navy veteran and founder of the non-profit Music With a Purpose, an organization dedicated to offering veterans access to healing retreats through fundraising with reggae music. At the headquarters in Santa Ana, we met up with Michael Manion, a retired U.S. Army First Sergeant with 22 years of service and the founder and director of Healing Frontline Heroes. Upon arrival, I was introduced to the entire group of 10 individuals, including Othello, the program's inaugural Vietnam veteran.
Together, we made the slow trek to Punta Chueca, Mexico, a dry, low desert full of primarily dead plants sweltering under an unforgiving sun. The tortured vegetation went on for miles, occasionally split by avocado farms, green and lush.
Punta Chueca translates to "crooked point" in Spanish, referring to the geographical feature of the jagged coastline. It is a small, picturesque fishing village nestled along the coast of the Gulf of California in the Mexican state of Sonora. This tranquil settlement serves as the primary home to the indigenous Seri people, also known as the Comcaac, a group celebrated for its rich cultural heritage
The Seri have inhabited the arid coastal region of northern Mexico for centuries to escape cultural genocide from the Conquistadors and governments who attempted to hunt them
These historically fierce warriors are now battling to save our current warriors. They help combat veterans remember to always "fight" for their people with no other agenda. The Seri have maintained their distinct cultural identity and continue to preserve their ancestral traditions, language, and knowledge of the natural world, including the deep connection to the “bufo medicine.”
Bufo typically refers to a genus of toads, in this case, the Colorado (Bufo alvarius). These toads have specialized skin glands that secrete toxins, acting as a defense against predators. But this defense mechanism also yields a highly potent hallucinogenic substance known as 5-MeO-DMT, which has gained attention for its
CHARMED CIRCLE
We arrived at the modest home of our facilitators, Gil and Damarys, a husband and wife team who have been collaborating with Healing Frontline Heroes for several years. Gil comes from the Barnett Clan, a family lineage of healers, and has been working with plant medicines and alternative healing modalities for over a decade. Damarys is a desert
color. Another version, bought on the street, was a dark brownish red, indicating an aggressively squeezed toad.
She asked for a raise of hands who would be taking the medicine. My eyes locked with Jonathan’s across the circle. His steady gaze urged me to raise my hand. Damarys noticed the exchange immediately and turned toward me for an explanation. I told her that I
protect me in such a vulnerable state. I glanced at Jonathan, laughing and chatting happily with the others in the truck. This fear did not apply here.
TAKING THE TRIP
We arrived at the shoreline for the ceremony, and the 10 of us assembled 20 feet from the Gulf of California. Damarys said, "Think of all the negative things we wanted to release
“THESE HISTORICALLY FIERCE WARRIORS ARE NOW BATTLING TO SAVE OUR CURRENT WARRIORS. THEY HELP COMBAT VETERANS REMEMBER TO ALWAYS "FIGHT" FOR THEIR PEOPLE WITH NO OTHER AGENDA.”
herbalist, energy healer, Kambo practitioner (a South American healing ritual that involves burning a person’s shoulder, leg or foot and then applying Kambo, a substance secreted by the giant monkey frog), and B. alvarius facilitator.
Michael has had experience with all the healers within the community and has specifically chosen them to support the perfect balance of divine feminine and masculine energy to provide a heart-opening and deep healing experience. We sat in a circle, and Damarys spoke about how the medicine was respectfully
extracted from the toad through reverence and prayer We were shown the difference in the medicine’s colors. Their medicine was a light golden
was undecided. Her response: “Fear is a disease in itself.” The statement evoked the sting of tears in my eyes. I swallowed hard.
As I climbed into the truck for the ride to the ceremony, my stomach churned with anxiety. Was I really going through with this? I hadn’t planned on it. I only wanted to see the process. Bouncing in the truck, I examined the root of my fear. Was it the unknown? Yes, but that never stopped me before. Was it the fear of spirit and what I would see? Yes, but I have always had an unwavering faith in God and have never been abandoned.
Or was I afraid of not being supported or safe on my journey? That was it. I didn’t trust those around me to
in our lives. Let the wind blow through you and take it all away."She then asked us to set an intention in the present tense. Mine came quickly, loud and clear. I open my heart to receiving more love. With negativity released and intentions set, we were ready. Jonathan headed straight for me—I’d be the first.
The facilitators settled in and laid a white sheet on the beach. Andrew, a Peer Support Specialist and Program Coordinator for Healing Frontline Heroes, said, “It’s okay to cry.” He warmly smiled and pulled me close, squeezing me tightly as I wept.
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“EACH PARTICIPANT THEN EXPERIENCED THEIR OWN JOURNEY. SOME WERE PEACEFUL, TEARFUL, AND JOYFUL. SOME RELEASED DEAFENING PRIMAL SCREAMS THAT ECHOED THROUGHOUT THE MOUNTAINS AND ACROSS THE OCEAN.”
When no more tears were left, I wiped my face, put my hair up, walked over to the white sheet, and sat. Damarys, Gil, Mike, and Jonathan surrounded me. I was directed to take a deep breath and fully exhale. On the inhale, I was instructed to draw from the medicine pipe and hold it in as long as possible.
On my last exhale, I envisioned the scene from “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” when Harrison Ford is faced with the leap of faith, staring into the chasm. He places his hand over his heart and steps into the abyss. This was me in complete faith, stepping bravely into the unknown.
Gil ignited the medicine in a small pristine glass pipe, and white smoke poured out. On my last exhale, I observed the pipe as it was brought toward my lips, noting its immaculate condition, which suggested a clean burn of the medicine. I inhaled deeply.
What occurred over the next 10 minutes is ineffable. I processed the worst trauma of my life and released the pain and despair that I had held for over 30 years.
When I returned from my journey, I felt reborn. The sadness and suffering of this world no longer weighed heavily. The planet sparkled with beauty and reverence I’d overlooked just minutes prior. I felt the sand, the sun, and the wind in ways I’d never noticed before.
Jonathan walked me into the water and quietly stood as I tried to make sense of the experience. I didn't know where my body ended, and the universe began. He patiently steadied me in my rollercoaster of emotions. When I felt grounded, I returned to the beach.Each participant then experienced their own journey.
Some were peaceful, tearful, and joyful. Some released deafening primal screams that echoed throughout the mountains and across the ocean. Some giggled their way through the whole journey. In the end, we all embodied love and peace.
I asked Michael later about the varied reactions. He calmly replied, “Trauma is ugly going in, and it's ugly coming out.”
COMING HOME
Later, back in our Airbnb, we collected around an outside table to share our experiences of healing and releasing. My favorite story was from the veteran Othello. He calmly stated, "I finally came home from Vietnam."
What makes this program successful? It combines an incredibly supportive community, raw integration, psychedelic medicine, and indigenous wisdom. It is specifically tailored to your personal needs. “This has nothing to do with religion, beliefs, or anything else,” says Michael. “It's just all about tapping back into who you are.”
All are welcome, civilians and vets to heal side by side. If you are concerned about safety, note that a medical and Shamanic team fully supports the participant throughout their journey. No pain is too great, and no trauma is too dark. Medical tests are run before and after treatment for safety and scientific data.
The journey with psychedelic medicine is not for everyone. However, this is the place for those wandering in the dark and wanting to be found, those tired of suffering, or those who want to experience something bigger than themselves. Here, with Healing Frontline Heroes, there is a family of open arms waiting to welcome you home. (healingfrontlineheroes.org)
BEACH BOYS
Sean Ryan and Jose Martinez are riding the wave of adaptive surfing and cannabis advocacy.
STORY BY JONA PATTERSON WRITTEN BY MATT JACKSON
This year, 94 athletes from 17 countries hit the water, competing in a massive world tour that promises to break the records for prize money. The annual Adaptive Surfing Professionals World Championship represents a global competition where the best in adaptive surfing—a modified form of the sport that accommodates surfers with physical disabilities—come together in four different events.
This year saw a new starting line at Blackmores Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships in Byron Bay for the country’s first-ever international championship. We ventured to Hawaii for the Adaptive Surfing Championships in Waikiki, then on to Costa Rica’s beautiful Boca Barranca for the Open Pro of Adaptive Surfing, and finally ended up on Southern California’s shores for the U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships.
The Association of Adaptive Surfing Professionals says 2024 will be a recordbreaking year for prizes, awarding funds to even more surfers worldwide. When Sean Ryan from Murphy’s Ridge Cannabis spoke with us about a story for this issue, he told us about this immense competition and how it inspired him to push himself to new limits, find a focal point, and reach for it.
Ryan talked about how much the event had come to mean to himself and his friend Caleb Counts, co-founder of the cannabis brand Connected, which had sponsored surfers and donated funds in the early years to help create a respectable prize purse when the first two stops on this tour initially got together.
Ryan says the seeds were planted in 2015 when the only event was held in Hawaii. “I had heard about this event all the adaptive surfers were heading out to at this break called Queens. It’s a super busy spot and one of the best breaks in the world, so surfing it for 20 minutes, just you and two other competitors, is unheard of.”
Through the event, Ryan met people who blew him away with their determination and skill levels. This sentiment is echoed by champion adaptive surfer, veteran, and cannabis advocate Jose Martinez, whom Ryan became friends with in 2018. Both talked about how this event ignited the desire to push themselves to new limits.
“I’m a natural athlete,” Martinez said. “I thought I would be able to show up and win, but that first year, I was faced with how hard it really is, and the pain of losing got me back into the gym. Now I’m in better shape than when I deployed to Afghanistan.”
Martinez has experienced firsthand the struggles of being a cannabis advocate and an athlete. After being severely injured during military service in 2012, he had a difficult time during recovery, feeling himself shrink away before a close friend helped him switch from pills to the plants he grew up smoking.
Now he’s been featured in The New York Times and has even spoken with President Biden at the White House about cannabis. He told us of a period when organizations would offer sponsorships or support, but only under the condition that he stop talking about his experiences with cannabis as a plant medicine. He mentioned how cannabis sponsorships rarely come with the same offer of conditional support. In fact, Ryan and Counts’s involvement in financially helping to stake the first prize purses for the U.S. surfing event, or their sponsorships of adaptive surf athletes over the years, is something they’ve never discussed publicly.
“You never really get to hear the back stories on how these companies are helping the community and what they’ve done,” Martinez said. “Cannabis companies are stepping up and actually backing us up in so many different communities, and it’s absolutely incredible.”
“I THOUGHT I WOULD BE ABLE TO SHOW UP AND WIN, BUT THAT FIRST YEAR, I WAS FACED WITH HOW HARD IT REALLY IS, AND THE PAIN OF LOSING GOT ME BACK INTO THE GYM. NOW I’M IN BETTER SHAPE THAN WHEN I DEPLOYED TO AFGHANISTAN.”
When asked if he’s competing this year, Ryan said he’s taken the year off to focus on the Murphy’s Ridge brand. However, he’s kept active in sponsoring a handful of athletes to compete.
“We just started being able to sponsor stuff,” he said. “We used to have to be in the background, and everything was so delicate about how we were perceived. We’re breaking down much of that stuff, and we can’t wait for it to get better.” Things haven’t entirely changed, however. Recently he received word that someone could not accept sponsorship because of the optics for possible future sponsors.
“Surfing is already one of the most expensive habits you can have, and an adaptive board can cost up to $2,000. This makes it that much more challenging,” said Ryan, Again, Martinez agreed with his friend, mentioning how the prize money and sponsorships they receive are crucial for keeping athletes’ gear in top shape and providing the means to travel to where these contests are happening. The story echoed other pieces Sensi has covered regarding the stigma around using cannabis as an alternative to pharmaceutical methods and the almost punitive measures taken against those who do.
What’s clear here is that the stigma of how money comes into the cannabis industry or what kind of person might be sponsored by a cannabis brand is something that appears to be fighting some weird uphill battle (in contrast to some other sporting organizations, such as the National Basketball Association, which began to allow players to use cannabis in April 2023).
As Martinez gears up to apply for the Paralympics in archery (he’s a monster at that sport, too), he’s wondering what kind of reaction he will get from their governing body about his relationship with cannabis. Before that, though, he’s preparing for the U.S. event in Oceanside and feeling confident in his scores, though he said there’s some really fierce competition this year.
AMERICAN MADE, WITH GRIT AND HEART
BY CAROLYN SCOTT
Prodigy Processing Solutions shows that the second act is often better than the rst.
Some people see “American Made” as a good deed but not a good idea. Why make something in the United States when you can get it cheaper elsewhere?
Marc Beginin, the founder and CEO of Prodigy Processing Solutions, explains why Made in USA is not only a good idea but a badge of honor. “It represents a uniquely American blend of perseverance, passion, and grit, which drives unmatched innovation and uncompromising quality,” he says.
An industry trade journal could discuss how Prodigy forges its pharmaceutical-grade 316L stainless steel equipment in the United States, surpassing FDA and European Union Good Manufacturing Practice standards, and is positioned perfectly for the anticipated DEA rescheduling and full federal cannabis legalization.
It could also discuss how Prodigy’s systems are designed to operate at cryogenic temperatures, eliminating the need for off-line winterization—saving significant time and labor—and explain how these innovations deliver unmatched solvent recovery rates, enhance throughput, and maximize return on investment for Prodigy’s customers.
However, Sensi is not a trade journal, so we pressed Marc to share his own story of American grit and resilience.
New and Improved
Marc, an intellectual property and criminal defense attorney by trade, entered the cannabis industry over a decade ago when many of his clients were involved in Michigan’s emerging cannabis industry. These connections led him to start a business that would design and manufacture the world’s first commercial closed-loop hydrocarbon cannabis extraction systems.
After a contentious $50 million corporate takeover by a publicly traded company that Marc vehemently opposed, he exited the company and started something new—or rather, new and improved— with his substantial, albeit forced, buyout funds. While many might rest on their laurels after a significant financial triumph, Marc is not your typical entrepreneur. He is fueled by an inner drive for greater things, resulting in constant improvement, innovation, and excellence. He doesn’t hesitate to break conventional rules to get extraordinary results.
“The key to continual growth is to keep innovating and adapting,” he says. “What worked yesterday won’t necessarily work tomorrow, and that’s why we’re always looking ahead.”
The Mental Game
In business, as in life, the mental game is half the battle. And success seems always to include haters. So, though Marc’s insights came from his work life, applying them to other aspects of life is not a huge stretch.
Characterized by his maverick approach, Marc challenges conventional wisdom while continuously finding opportunities where others see barriers. This renegade mindset has shaped his business ventures and cultivated a culture of innovation at Prodigy. Under his guidance, Prodigy has quickly ascended as a leader in the cannabis extraction industry, driven by a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction at all costs.
Marc challenges the notion of work-life balance, championing a “work-life blend” for ambitious entrepreneurs.
Marc’s story is far from ordinary. It’s a narrative of resilience, vision, and unwavering dedication to progress.
“It’s a ton of work to build a
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business. Working 24/7 and always being available,” he says. “If someone calls you at 10 a.m. on Saturday, you must take that call, or someone else will. It doesn’t mean you can’t relax; it just means you need to prioritize your business over your own comfort and do much more than your competitors are willing to do.”
He adds that starting a business is one thing; scaling it is another. “Scaling requires exponential growth. To build an empire, you must prioritize and make sacrifices.
“Building a business can be exhilarating, but it is also arduous. It demands innovation, team building, effective marketing, sales prowess, and brand-building. Success isn’t about eliminating problems but trading up to bigger and better ones.”
Marc’s perspective on hard work versus intelligence is equally straightforward. “Hard work surpasses intelligence every day of the week. Building a successful business requires a relentless grind,” he says. “I could have taken the money (from his previous company) and blown it on fun or re-invested it into something that allowed me to live a life tiptoeing through the tulips, but my inner constitution would’ve punished me for leading a life without a greater purpose.”
Now What?
A common issue among successful pro athletes who retire is their future identity. Questions like, “What now?” or “Who am I now that I can’t play anymore?” are common and overwhelming. However, sports are not the only place where this occurs.
In Marc’s case, it came when his previous company was acquired despite his opposition to the sale. “I had life-changing cash dumped on me overnight, which was amazing. But, after so long building a business from scratch and then for it so suddenly and unceremoniously to be taken away, I was also in need of filling the significant void that remained,” he says. “I had to ask myself, ‘Now what?’”
After a few months of recovery and much tequila, he saw the situation as an opportunity to take all the lessons learned from the previous eight years and build something newer and better. “Because I was forced through the sale of my previous company, I walked away without a noncompete agreement,” says Marc. “So naturally, I went back to where my expertise and professional network was the strongest.” With that, Prodigy Processing Solutions was born, a company that is now exponentially better than the first.
Since its launch in 2022, Prodigy shot out of the proverbial cannon with unique cannabis extraction solutions that espouse American innovation and quality, providing its customers
with not only the fastest throughputs and highest yields in the industry but also FDA-compliant builds of which no other hydrocarbon extraction equipment manufacturer can boast. “Prodigy’s been prepared for federal legalization since day one,” says Marc. “The entire industry will need GMPcompliant extraction equipment very soon, and we’re the ones supplying it worldwide.”
But is Made in the USA an attractive label around the world? Marc believes the answer is a resounding yes.
“The United States has a reputation for quality manufacturing, and we also have a reputation for unsurpassed innovation and customer service,” he says. “We are more vibrant and innovative because of the diversity of our nation, and yes, we build with unsurpassed quality that’s known and respected throughout the globe."
Marc’s story is far from complete. As Prodigy continues to lead and innovate, Marc’s second act in the cannabis saga is more impactful than his first and destined for even greater heights. His story serves as an inspiring blueprint for entrepreneurs everywhere, proving that the sequel can surpass the original with vision, resilience, and a lot of grit and determination.
To learn more about Prodigy Processing Solutions, visit www. prodigyusa.com.
ICE CUBE IS ON A ROLL
THE RENOWNED MUSICIAN, ACTOR, AND ENTREPRENEUR IS A LEADING CANNABIS ADVOCATE AND STRAIN PRODUCER.
BY CAROLYN SCOTT AND JAMIE COOPER
Since the 1980s, Ice Cube has remained a prominent cultural commentator, fearlessly portraying the American experience with honesty, humor, and insight. He is also a long-time cannabis user and advocate and now has his own brand of strains.
The South Central Los Angeles native first made his mark in music and has sold more than 10 million albums as a solo artist to date. Towards the end of 2020, Ice Cube teamed up with Snoop Dogg, E-40, and Too Short to form the rap supergroup they named Mount Westmore. They released their first album, "Bad MFs," in 2022, and it was recently rebranded and released on all streaming platforms.
He is preparing to release his first album in six years, titled "Man Down."
He says the project is about 85 percent complete, and he plans to release a few singles before dropping the full album.
In addition, he's ventured into film as a producer, writer, and actor, starring in hits like the "Friday" and "Barbershop" franchises.
Ice Cube’s passion for basketball and mental health led him to cofound the BIG3 Basketball League, a 12-team professional 3-on-3 basketball league (www.big3.
com). He recognized that when professional athletes retire, they often encounter an identity crisis, having no outlet to continue doing the main thing they’ve been doing daily for most of their lives. This league enables former players to keep playing in a capacity that is diminished but still competitive.
In 2024, he was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, and an award was named after him. The Ice Cube Impact Award honors Ice Cube for his significant contributions to professional basketball and community service. Ice Cube will chair the selection committee for future nominations, ensuring awardees embody the award's spirit.
Recently, Ice Cube spoke with Sensi to discuss his new music and newest endeavor: cannabis strains with Caviar Gold, currently available in California and expected to be sold in 14 states by the end of 2024.
Here is an excerpt from that conversation.
What is the perfect scenario for rolling out your brand now that states are legalized and legalizing?
I think it was criminalized for all the wrong reasons. I think it’s been illegal because of greed and money. It’s not something pharmaceutical companies want to see—people getting well through natural means. And there is a lot of money to be made by giving people tickets and putting them in jail as well. The reasons for keeping it illegal are based on greed, not the best interests of the general population.
It's right up my alley to be first in line. I remember growing up and thinking that marijuana could be legal was so foreign. But I grew up with the Cheech and Chong movies and having artists like Rick James and George Clinton freely be themselves and not let the law restrict them from doing what they want to do in this world during their lifetime. And I made the “Friday” movies (where characters smoked cannabis freely). So here we are—at the dawn of a new age—and it’s gonna be legal in all 50 states sooner or later. But for now, here we are, kicking down the door. And cannabis is great as long as it’s not abused.
So, how do you consume cannabis?
I smoke. I love to smoke. It's relaxing. It’s a great pastime, especially when you’re just kickin’ it. And I used to drink a lot when I was younger. So, what’s cool about cannabis is that it helped me cut back on alcohol. It’s been perfect for me because I don’t like to drink a lot. I don’t like the way it makes me feel. Cannabis is such a good alternative. It helps me relax without the problems that come with other substances.
Tell us about your brand with Caviar Gold.
I really wanted to make one of the strongest brands available, and I wanted to do it right. So, I wanted to find someone who was compliant with the laws and had the reach to get into multiple states, one state at a time, without cutting corners to do it fast. I really believe we have the best product out there.
What is the consumption experience going to be like when they’re trying your brand?
If you can get through it in 15 minutes without putting it down, you’re a pretty strong guy. I wanted to have one of the strongest brands out there and take it seriously. I saw that Caviar Gold was really doing its thing in the marketplace, and they were doing it the right way when it comes to regulations. Going from state to state is not easy.
We don’t wanna break any laws. I wanted to find a hot company. I wanted to make something potent, something so that even everyday weed smokers would notice that this is something different. We worked a year and a half tinkering on different formulas. And I am a natural smoker. I enjoy a natural taste instead of flavors and all that stuff. I leave that for other brands. But if you want a straight-up, green weed smoke, then definitely choose Friday Kush or Good Day Kush.
There are a lot of celebrity brands, but only some of them succeed. What is the secret to your success?
Being authentic and really caring about the product and the customers’ experience. I want it to be the brand people are looking for. And in my “Friday" movies, we push cannabis in organic ways, like Cheech and Chong. I think people understand that this isn’t a celebrity play. This is authentic to me. Whether I have a brand or not, I still enjoy cannabis in the ways that I do.
What’s next for Ice Cube?
We have new music coming out, hopefully right before summer. We have the BIG3, And a lot of touring. I might also start filming a new movie in the fall.
LOUNGE ACT
Las Vegas is setting the scene for how to do consumption lounges.
LAS VESGAS IS SETTING THE SCENE FOR HOW TO DO CONSUMPTION LOUNGES.
BY CHARLEY ROSE
Sweet Mary Jane meet Sin City. With more than 40 million visitors yearly, Las Vegas is the perfect place for the growing market of cannabis consumption lounges.
Consumption lounges are about bringing people together. They celebrate a diverse community and boast a creative atmosphere. They are an extension of a stoner culture that existed long before public consumption was anything but a jail sentence. At least, this is true of the lounges that are doing things right.
The first three lounges to open in Las Vegas each offer a unique view of what this new space is cultivating. Here is a look at what they offer.
PLANET 13 & DAZED !
If dispensaries are adult candy shops, then Planet 13 is Chuck-E-Cheese. The Planet 13 complex is packed with fun shops, including a massive adult candy shop and a brand new speakeasy-style consumption lounge called Dazed! The whole speakeasy concept, with a hidden entrance inside an old telephone booth, is a bit 2020, but they manage to pull it off.
Inside is an eclectic lounge with fun statement pieces and a comfortable atmosphere. Bongs dangle from the ceiling like a crystal chandelier pierced by neon lights. The prices are more than double what you’ll find at Sky High Lounge, but offerings such as the high-tech PuffCo dab rig make the experience valuable enough to justify the higher price tag. One thing is sure: They understood the assignment. The design is immaculate and the staff is prepared to offer nothing less than the best experience possible.
The place has a fun, quirky feel with funky furniture, retro games, and art on every surface. There is a new visual experience to explore everywhere you look. If you get overstimulated, it may not be the place for you. However, if you enjoy being immersed in creative environments, you’ll love it.
The menu offers a range of drinks, dabs, flowers, and every apparatus you can think of for consuming them. Pairings like the Galactic Gardens or Cosmic Cloudz allow groups to experience the best of what Dazed! has to offer.
The staff keeps CBD gummies on hand in case anyone hits the dabs a bit too hard and needs assistance coming down. The friendly Planet 13 security team is always on hand to smooth out a bad trip, whether you need to get some air or have a chat. Overall, Dazed! has managed a well-rounded, fun experience. planet13lasvegas.com; dazedlounge.com.
SKY HIGH LOUNGE
Sky High Lounge (formerly the Vegas Tasting Room) was one of the country’s first legal consumption lounges, with the Paiute Tribe, one of the top five non-gaming employers in Las Vegas, opening the doors in 2019.
Marijuana has always sought out those who want to explore all facets of themselves and the world around them. Sky High Lounge celebrates this aspect of cannabis culture. The room is dark, smoky, and relaxing. Whether you’ve been smoking for decades or just started puffing, you’ll fit right in.
On Friday night, roll into the dim lounge around 8 p.m., grab a seat, and wait for the show to begin. The weekly comedy line-up is funny when you’re sober and stomach-pain-inducing when you’re not.
Sky High Lounge has something for everyone whether you want to dive into the abyss with a dab, relax with a 5 mg canna-cocktail, or enjoy a good old-fashioned joint. Best of all, it won’t break the bank. Many of their offerings are available for less than $10. skyhighlv.com.
SMOKE & MIRRORS
Smoke & Mirrors is true to its name. The luxury-style lounge could be set in the lobby of W hotel in San Francisco. Located inside Thrive Cannabis Marketplace near the strip, this upscale venue offers a mellow and subdued atmosphere for date night or just catching up with friends. Their craft cocktails are next-level and have Las Vegas sprawled all over them. Beautiful glassware and innovative dab technology rentals are also available for a premium price.
The lounge has become a popular spot for its cannabis-infused coffee bar. Thinking about hitting the strip for a long day of Las Vegas activities? You can swing by for a latte that will perk you up and mellow you out. smokeandmirrorslv.com.
LOUNGE ACT
Las Vegas is setting the scene for how to do consumption lounges.
All three of these lounges are conveniently located near the strip. Have your ID and plenty of cash to ensure a smooth experience.
Reservations are not required but highly encouraged for Smoke & Mirrors or Dazed! Sky High Lounge only takes reservations if you bring a big party. However, seats fill up fast for their events, so get there early.
Remember to arrange for transportation ahead of time. Nothing is worse than stepping out of a hazy room and wondering how to find your hotel.
Curious about what other opportunities await the traveling stoner? Check out these lounges and hangouts around the country.
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA
Cannabis Café cannabis.cafe
The Woods thewoodsweho.com
The Artist Tree theartisttree.com
DENVER, COLORADO
The Coffee Joint thecoffeejointco.com
JAD’s Mile High Smoke smokeatjads.com
Tetra Lounge tetralounge.com
NEW YORK CITY
Hemp Lab NYC hemplabnyc.com
Stoned Pizza thepizzapusha.com
The Commision NYC instagram.com/thecommission.nyc
PRESIDENTIAL APPROVAL
MELVIN CHILDS & PRESIDENTIAL THC HAVE BECOME THE SOONER STATE’S UNFLINCHING CANNABIS BRAND.
BY ELIZABETH MCWILLIAMS
Melvin Childs is nothing if not resourceful. Born and bred in Oklahoma City, he is a man who has learned, through trial and error, to scale all sorts of walls—from radio advertising to theater and movie production to memoir writing. His latest endeavor is the production of a cannabis brand called Presidential THC—“home of the world’s strongest cannabis products.”
A graduate of Millwood High School and a former student at the University of Central Oklahoma, Melvin has deep roots in his hometown and in the entertainment industry. He first got involved in local show business while working as the marketing rep for the radio station KVSP. His time there afforded him the opportunity to learn from tour promoters across the country, eventually leading him to the decision to go it alone in the production business.
After being invited to production at a church in Alabama, Melvin struck up a conversation with a playwright for whom he became executive producer on his first national tour, titled “I Know I’ve Been Changed.” This man turned out to be none other than Tyler Perry, world-renowned actor and filmmaker. Melvin was instrumental in building the Tyler brand from inception and wrote a memoir about the experience called Never Would Have Made It. Since working with Perry, Melvin has also worked in the film industry and served as both the producer and executive producer for the hit movie “For the Love of Money,” which
was filmed almost entirely in Oklahoma City and debuted on the network Starz.
GROWING INTO CANNABIS
In 2019, Melvin’s son approached him with the idea of getting into the cannabis business via a grow operation. Initially, Melvin did not support the idea since his son had no previous experience in growing, and Melvin understood that “lessons can be pretty expensive.”
His son was determined, however, and procured a grow license with the support of his mother. True to form, the lesson was too expensive, and the grow operation ultimately failed, although his son’s licensure remained intact.
Then, while filming “For the Love of Money,” Melvin’s costume designer asked him if he knew anyone with a license to produce marijuana in Oklahoma. It turned out that this employee’s father had a cannabis business in California and was looking to expand in Oklahoma. After several meetings, Melvin and his family and the Californiabased business formed a partnership and set up operations in the Sooner State. Though that partnership eventually dissolved, Melvin and his son were determined to stay in business, and, in 2023, they launched Presidential THC.
Specializing in blunts and pre-rolls, Presidential THC will unveil their vape line in July 2024 followed by gummies in the fall. The fervor with which Melvin has grown his business is remarkable
PHOTOS BY: ROMAN GLOVER
good vibes
o n l y . o
j u i c y • t a n g y • c o o l t a s t y • r a z z l e t
H G H D S E i o
L i f e i s t o o s h o r t f o r b a d d a y s ! C h a n g e y o u r d a y w i t h a
2 5 0 m g D A Y C H A N G E R g u m m y - m u l t i - c a n n a b i n o i d d r i v e n
& i n f u s e d w i t h C B N , C B G , C B D , a n d / o r T H C . 5 0 p a c k , 1 0
p a c k , o r s i n g l e d o s e o p t i o n s a r e a v a i l a b l e i n 5 f l a v o r s . “ T h e r e i s n o g u m m y m o r e p o w e r f u l o n t h e m a r k e t . ” find a dispensary near you!
#justhitsdifferent
“ a drop of Kush in everybite... ”
when you consider he has only been in cannabis for less than a year. A newcomer in an industry where some heavy-hitters greet him with folded arms, Melvin doesn’t allow nay-sayers to deter him. From his thirty-odd years in the entertainment business, Melvin has learned how to successfully develop relationships, build brand loyalty, and, more importantly, give back to a community that, in a short time, has already begun to rally around him.
IT IS WHAT IT IS
culture, food, and music. And that’s precisely Melvin’s goal—to normalize both the medical and recreational use of marijuana. Says Melvin, “We talk about patients and Oklahoma being a non-rec state, but at the end of the day, we’re still talking about marijuana,” says Melvin. “I think it’s okay for us to talk about it in terms of, ‘Yeah, I smoke.’
“Like the young people of today, I’m not uptight about it. If you see the marketing stuff we have, it all says, ‘What you smoking on?’ That’s a normal question to ask. There’s no reason to be ashamed… We hide it from the public, and we hide it from our kids. But it is what it is. So, a lot of the marketing stuff that we put out there says exactly that:
Melvin’s commitment to community manifested in a 4/20 event he recently hosted called CloudFest for which he gave out free tickets to customers. The headliner was Rick Ross, a big-time rapper and record label executive, who had never before performed in OKC. According to an OKC dispensary owner who sells Presidential THC products, CloudFest was an immense success because it brought together all walks of life (people with different abilities and disabilities, spanning from folks in their early 20s up to their 70s and from all other points of the compass), thereby normalizing the use of medical marijuana through
Presidential THC is raw and unflinching. It’s both a party and a call to action. Bold and defiant, Melvin’s marketing is also proud and honest. According to a personal friend of Melvin’s who recently won the Jack Herer Cup award, “Influencer of the Year,” Presidential THC “makes you feel comfortable in who you are. This is important because it means people are not hiding behind the fact that they use cannabis; instead, they can be proud. Proud that they use cannabis and proud to say, 'This is what I’m smoking.’”
HANGING HIS HAT
Melvin works diligently and invests the extra money to develop products to which he can devote effort and resources. For example, he won’t inflate the percentages of live resin in his upcoming vape line. It may cost him more to produce that vape, but it’s worth the extra cost because he can stand behind the product.
To that end, he is just about to have two billboards installed on the Tulsa Turnpike that read “Them Other Mother Fuckers Be Lyin” —a reference to other cannabis brands that sometimes mislead the public into believing that there is no distillate in their products. He anticipates some push back but, if nothing else, his customers will know that he’s telling the truth.
Available in various strains, their infused products (a combination of premium THC distillate, organic flower, and kief) are fine-tuned enough that their labels tell customers how a particular strain will make them feel. The packaging is colorful, the selection of the individual cones is precise, and the blunt wrap is 100% hemp, rendering it tobacco-free. Presidential THC doesn’t skip on any details. Indeed, if someone were to pull out a Presidential THC, the savvy consumer would know exactly what they were smoking.
A LOOK TO THE FUTURE
Though Melvin is working hard to build his foundation in Oklahoma, he aspires to take his brand and scale it into new markets over the next few years. Ultimately, the business he envisions will attract other processors around the country who are looking for a proven model that they can use to better grow their own businesses.
Melvin is well on his way to fine-tuning exactly such a proven business model. “In the entertainment business,” he says, “I’ve learned a lot of lessons. I’ve had to pay for a lot of lessons. But I have some wisdom to share and pass on.”
Meanwhile, consumers are encouraged to stay tuned. Melvin is just about to announce Cloud Fest 2—an even bigger party with a headliner who is sure to impress. (To catch the details, follow Presidential THC at presidentialthc.com or on Instagram @presidentialthc.)
|BY ALLISON FARLEY
In June 2018, Oklahomans voted to pass State Question 788 approving the sale, cultivation, processing, and use of medicinal cannabis. It was the 30th state to legalize the plant for licensed medical card holders. With no cap on licenses and a minimal financial burden to get involved, Chris and Dan Opie of Colorado (formerly of Oklahoma) were among the many out-of-state cannabis entrepreneurs who made their way south with their brand, SKUNK.
“In 2019, one of our friends turned us onto rosin, and we became obsessed,” says Dan. “In our opinion, we feel that not only is [rosin] the cleanest form of cannabis concentrates, it’s the truest representation of the cannabis plant and its medicinal qualities that anyone will experience in general.”
In no time at all, SKUNK locked in as not just one of the top rosin producers in the state but nationwide, after taking home both the 1st place (Papa Burger Rosin)
and 2nd place (Rambutan Rosin) positions during 2023’s Legends of Hashish Competition in Los Angeles, a feat never before accomplished by a brand in a Legends’ event since its creation in the early 2000s.
788 Brings the Opies to OK
The brothers began growing as caregivers 12 years ago in Colorado, eventually shifting their focus to the benefits of Rick Simpson Oil. “Dan had been diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma (cancer
CHRIS (LEFT) AND DAN OPIE
of the salivary gland), and I had broken my back in a work accident,” says Chris. “We had already been growing for six years and started making RSO to ensure [Dan] got the cleanest form of hash oil we could make. So, we decided to start decarboxylating rosin and eating it! We fell in love with the smell, flavor, experience, and most importantly, its amazing medicinal benefits.”
Among those medical benefits, Dan experienced positive changes with pain management, appetite, stress reduction, and overall well-being. “At the same time, I started taking it as well to help mitigate the issues I was having post back and hip surgery after my work injury,” says Chris. “We were both in a pretty dark place in our lives, but we had each other and this new form of amazing medicine to help us in that stage.”
A dream since they were medical patients and caregivers back in 2012, Chris and Dan hoped to secure licensing within the state of Colorado but lacked the connections and necessary funding. “It was kind of a perfect storm of happenings. The massive life changes for both Chris and me at the time and legalization opening up [in Oklahoma] created the opportunity for us to rent a building and throw up 12 lights in an office and start a new adventure in life,” says Dan. “A large part of our family lives here too, so when 788 was passed in 2018, we knew it was time to give it a shot while we could.”
Chris moved back to Oklahoma in the summer of 2019 as Dan continued living in Colorado, honing in on his hash-making skills and
finishing cancer treatments. In 2020, he was declared cancer-free and has remained so to this day.
A One of a Kind Experience
Chris and Dan bring their unique taste for exotic strains to the market in Oklahoma. They handpick all their released varieties and only process what they grow themselves.
“In the beginning, we didn’t know a lot of people doing this—hunting their own genetics—and didn’t have access to any good cuts or anyone willing to share them with us,” says Chris. “So, we ran with that and decided to make that a priority of ours here at SKUNK. Curating a one-of-a-kind experience that you cannot get from any other hash, and that starts with genetics.”
With a massive seed bank, SKUNK is constantly searching for new flavors to keep their brand top of mind in Oklahoma, creating noticeable, aromatic, terp-heavy strains. “We still have our classics, of course, but the patients really are constantly wanting to try new flavors, even something like Rambutan can drop too often,” explains Chris. “We really wanted to make sure that we stood out as different in this cannabis space, one of our mottos is ‘it’s okay to be different.’”
Everything SKUNK grows is handwatered and cultivated in living soil, setting their final product apart from the many local competing brands.
“We also focus on creating a healthy rhizosphere for
the plant with clean, all-natural, and organic inputs,” says Dan. “We built what we call a living coco and continue to supplement the plants and rhizosphere throughout their life cycle via nutrition and microbes.”
Single Source Live Hash Rosin
Specializing in Single-Source Live Hash Rosin, Rosin Disposable Pods, Live Rosin Jam, and the occasional flower release, SKUNK prioritizes cleanliness, quality, and consistency in its product lineup.
“We want to hone in on the flower we grow and the rosin we produce and really focus on making those the best we possibly can. We do work with a wonderful group of folks that take our food grade rosin 45u-69u and 150u-179u and make various wonderful edible products, some of the best on the planet,” adds Chris, referring to their nano-emulsified live rosin edible collaboration line with “Mindful Indulgence” (@yourfavoriteedible on Instagram).
“We try to educate the best we can with the tools we have, such as Instagram and in-person events and seshes, and by offering our take on what medicinal cannabis
Chris and Dan have won multiple awards for their solventless concentrates during their brief tenure in Oklahoma. Besides their success at the most recent Legends of Hashish, they won 1st place during Tegridy Single Source Hash Battle in 2021 with Garlic Juice Live Rosin Jam, 3rd place during 2022 Noble Cup with Chocolate Cherry Diesel Live Rosin Jam, and 1st place in concentrates at the Oklahoma March Madness contest in 2023.
Staying On Top
Since 2018, more than 7,000 medical cannabis licenses have been awarded throughout the state. With the competition stiff, differentiating between competitors is the only way to survive in Oklahoma. SKUNK’s small team of four—owners Dan, Chris, and Lily Opie alongside Zach Brewer, SKUNK's overall aficionado—believe their hands-on, pure approach to farming and processing will keep their brand at the top.
“We do not take shortcuts when it comes to this craft,” says Dan. “Since we started our cannabis journey in life, we always searched out the best to medicate with, and when we made the transition into producers, we wanted to offer our take on that and make [the] hunt for high-quality medicine an easy one.
”For the small, family-owned SKUNK, quality, medical-grade cannabis and concentrates, exclusive releases, and “being different” is the name of the game.
“We want to offer the most unique experience we can but also the truest to the plant, continue to hone our skills, and continue to increase the quality of SKUNK hash," says Dan. "We’ve found our passion in making the cleanest and best quality medicinal products we can.” (Follow their story on Instagram at @skunk_ okc.)
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Branding and Promotion:
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“Bringing the best of the best to your dispensary since 2018.”
July, August, and September are about to sizzle this summer with waves of change. July provides the motivation you need to rally the troops, gather support, and work in groups to obtain your goals. In the meantime, cut ties with anyone holding you back.
August will help you attract like-minded souls who are on the same page, but be sure to proceed with caution because we enter Mercury retrograde from the 5th through the 28th, where you could see a breakdown in communication. Mercury retrograde also affects technology and transportation, so back up your electronic devices and plan ahead for those summer holidays and vacations.
When September rolls around, it’ll be time to boss up again and take back control. Logic and truth will unmask any manipulators in your world, and while confrontation is never fun, it’s imperative to stand your ground.
Want to know more? See what’s in store for each zodiac sun sign below and make sure to visit “The Cannastrologer Tarot'' on YouTube for free readings, clarity, and insight.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) Leo (July 23-August 22)
“Just when you thought it was over is when it begins.” Seek advice from your guides to help make decisions leading to a new start. Persistence is the key.
(August 23-September 22)
“Trust the Universe and breathe through the tension.” Change is hard. Stay passionate and in control but learn to adapt by going with the flow.
(September 23-October 23)
“In order to evolve effortlessly, keep your heart open!” Talk less to feel more aand beware of illusions disguised as options and opportunities. Let nature take its course.
“Know your worth, but be careful of any illusions.” Developing a sense of awe and connection with non-material things will leave you feeling on top of the world.
Aries (March 21-April 19) Cancer (June 22-July 22)
“People are watching you level up.” Keep your heart open as secrets get revealed. Developing powerful partnerships at this time will bring expansion.
Scorpio (October 24-November 21)
“Celebrate what is truly sacred by going deeper into your relationships.” Practice gratitude in all you do. Meditate in nature before moving forward.
(November 22-December 21)
“Be aware of toxic feelings and people as you step into success.” You are rising into power. When you receive your justice, be sure to stay humble.
(December 22-January 19)
“Knowing your worth brings in a glow-up and a fresh start.” Reassess who and what you surround yourself with. There’s nothing to fear but fear itself, so embrace change.
Gemini (May 21-June 21)
“Secrets exposed will help close a chapter so that you can begin a new one.” Seek out helpful connections when planning your next steps. Be your kindest self, to yourself.
“A spiritual partnership or person will shock a lot of people.” To become whole, you must first be broken. Stay strong—things will calm down by the end of September.
(January 20-February 18)
“Think it through before making this transformative change.” Try meditation and breathwork exercises to help see the bigger picture. Remember that great leaders act with humility.
(February 19-March 20)
“Justice will play out successfully once clarity helps dissolve any fears.” Breathe through the tension during this time and make decisions from a place of love. Be sure to drink plenty of water this summer.
