Spokannabist, july 29, 2016 by Cowles Publishing

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Spokannabist is a product of The Spokesman−Review’s marketing division. • Friday, July 29, 2016

Cover photo by Matthew Hawkins, Spokesman-Review Marketing One of the more popular ways for adults to enjoy cannabis products is in edible form, including cookies, brownies, liquid tinctures or these fruit chews, which are created by botanicaSeattle. Edible cannabis products can only be consumed by people age 21 and over.

REVENUE STATISTICS COUNTY EXCISE TAXES FROM RETAILERS, MAY 2016 King $5.982 million Spokane $2.10 million Snohomish $1.96 million Pierce $1.877 million Clark $1.31 million Thurston $782,000 Whatcom $688,000 TOP PRODUCER COUNTIES BASED ON MAY SALES Spokane $553,630 Okanogan $378,603 Chelan $337,637 King $218,730

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Whatcom Grant Benton STATE TOTALS Total marijuana purchased since 2015 Statewide Excise Taxes paid since 2015 2016 retail sales through May 2016 excise tax collected through May SPOKANE COUNTY TOTALS Total marijuana purchased since 2015 Statewide Excise Taxes paid since 2015 2016 retail sales through May 2016 excise tax collected through May

$198,267 $191,227 $126,854 $864,829,743 $230,063,875 $229,146,105 $84,668,334 $68,368,939 $28,429,638 $25,881,914 $9,575,784

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Spokannabist is a product of The Spokesman−Review’s marketing division. • Friday, July 29, 2016

C A N NA B I S I N DUS T R Y

STILL CASH-ONLY By ERIKA PRINS SIMONDS Marketing Correspondent

If you’d like to buy a joint, you’d better bring cash. With few exceptions, cannabis shops cannot accept credit cards from customers. In fact, most cannabisfocused business owners aren’t able to access any banking services. A handful of banks and credit unions do offer checking and savings accounts for the industry, but none offer business credit cards or loans. Retailers, growers and distributors all face safety issues due to the volume of cash they take in. Their landlords also cannot access building loans or title insurance. As a commercial agent, Chris Bell, managing broker at NAI Black, has helped seven marijuana retailers secure leases with landlords who own their buildings and did not need ﬁnancing. Any landlord leasing to a cannabis business risks property seizure by the federal government. In 2011, U.S. Attorney Michael Ormsby wrote to then-Gov. Chris Gregoire threatening to seize assets including properties housing marijuana businesses. At that

time, Gregoire had just vetoed sections of a medical marijuana bill, and several medical dispensaries were raided. The letter served as a public warning to business and landlords. “We maintain the authority to enforce the [Controlled Substance Act] vigorously against individuals and organizations that participate in unlawful manufacturing and distribution activity involving marijuana, even if such activities are permitted under state law,” he wrote. Bell says that letter had a chilling effect that persists even now that I-502 has passed — and the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board still warns of that risk. The problem lies in the conflict between state and federal laws surrounding marijuana: it’s legal to sell in Washington, but it’s still a criminal act according to federal law, which classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug. Spokane Valley-based Numerica Credit Union was the state’s first financial institution to wade into the murky legal waters. Since 2014, the credit union has offered business checking and savings

Marijuana and marijuana-infused products are legal for Washington residents 21 years and older. It has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. It can impair concentration, coordination and judgment. There may be health risks associated with consumption.

accounts for marijuana producers and processors, albeit at a higher fee than other business banking customers. Numerica Communications Manager Kelli Hawkins says there’s a clear need for loans and lines of credit, but offering those services remains too risky until federal rules change. “When you take out a loan, you have to have collateral. Their collateral would be their cannabis farm,” she said — the same cannabis farm the federal government threatens to seize. “If the risk was taken away, then we would take on loans.” The state’s cannabis industry continues to thrive. According to 502data.com, total sales statewide through June 2016 have exceeded $444.7 million, with $104.6 million paid in excise taxes.

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Spokannabist is a product of The Spokesman−Review’s marketing division. • Friday, July 29, 2016

GUEST

WHY EASTERN WASHINGTON HAS GREAT POTENTIAL FOR LOCAL, SUN-GROWN CANNABIS By CRYSTAL OLIVER Special to Spokannabist

It’s not very often that a new industry comes along, and it’s even rarer for a new industry to bring revenue and job opportunities to rural America, but the legal cannabis industry has done just that. In recent history cannabis has primarily been cultivated indoors due to its illegal status and the need to keep growing operations hidden from law enforcement, but legalization has changed this and many licensed cannabis farmers are opting to cultivate cannabis outdoors beneath the sun. Eastern Washington’s climate provides an ideal environment for sun-grown cannabis, allowing individuals in rural Spokane the ability to participate in this rapidly growing industry and earn a living off of their land. The benefits of allowing craft cannabis cultivation and small family farms to flourish in Spokane flow not only to the businesses themselves but also to the community and environment. What’s not often discussed is the trickle-down effect the industry is having too on other small businesses. Many cannabis farmers in Spokane subscribe to a philosophy of buying local. They rely on other small businesses for equipment, materials, supplies and other services. Other industries in Spokane benefiting from the cannabis industry include farm and feed supply stores, hardware stores, electricians, plumbers, contractors, printers, packaging companies, accountants, and more. Thus revenues from cannabis sales benefit a number of other business sectors and support job growth outside of the cannabis industry. In addition many of the cannabis farmers who have opted to cultivate their state legal cannabis outdoors are part of what some describe as the “Agrarian Renaissance,” a

growing movement toward chemical free, pesticide free, herbicide free, sustainable land management and farming. While the federal status of marijuana prevents cannabis farmers from being certified as organic many utilize organic and natural growing methods. There is also a percentage of licensed cannabis farmers in Spokane who are involved in the local food movement and utilize profits from their cannabis cultivation to bankroll their other farming endeavors. There are many environmental benefits to cultivating cannabis outdoors including a reduction in waste and decreased carbon footprint. Sun-grown cannabis requires less electricity, fewer light bulbs, produces fewer greenhouses gases and creates less waste. Cannabis, like most plants and people, thrives outdoors. Cannabis consumers can now make informed decisions about the cannabis they purchase. The options available at the local recreational marijuana store are considerable, so why not ask your friendly budtender for some local, sun-grown, naturally cultivated cannabis the next time you are there? Crystal Oliver co-owns and operates Washington’s Finest Cannabis, a WSLCB licensed outdoor cannabis farm in Spokane County. She also serves as Executive Assistant for Washington NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) and is on the Executive Board for the Cannabis Farmers Council. She currently represents cannabis farmers on the Washington State Building Code Council’s Cannabis Issues Technical Advisory Group as well as Spokane Clean Air’s Marijuana Advisory Committee.

If you consider yourself an expert in Washington’s legal marijuana industry and would like to be considered for a future guest column, please email SPOKANNABIST@spokesman.com.

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Spokannabist is a product of The Spokesman−Review’s marketing division. • Friday, July 29, 2016

MEDICAL MARIJUANA switch-over continues to cause confusion By JEFF SELLE Marketing Correspondent

On July 1 the largely unregulated medical marijuana industry came under the same regulatory system as the recreational marijuana industry, but some say it’s too early to tell what the transition means. “I am already $10,000 into the new technology and training my staff,” said Sam Calvert, owner of Green Star Cannabis, one of the “ﬁrst 24” I-502 medically endorsed retail stores in Washington. Calvert began issuing medical marijuana cards and registering patients into the new state-run medical marijuana database in mid-July. While the new regulatory system will ultimately bring more legitimacy to the medical marijuana industry, Calvert said patient reaction has been largely negative.

Under the updated law medical marijuana patients must get paperwork from their doctor/ provider and visit an I-502 medically endorsed retailer for a card and to be entered into the new database.

Joe Heaton, owner of Joe’s 420 RX LLC, said he is not going to participate in the new system. “I am staying just the way I am right now,” Heaton said. “I have special licenses that will allow me to continue doing what I am doing.” Heaton said several years ago he was granted a number of agricultural licenses to produce and sell medical marijuana “from seed to ﬁnish.” “They (the state Liquor and Cannabis Board) told my attorney last week that they don’t know what to do with me,” he said. “I am just going to continue to produce my own and selfregulate. I am just having fun with it.” Mikhail Carpenter, spokesman for the Liquor and Cannabis Board, said under the new law the state has issued 222 new medical marijuana retail licenses for dispensaries, which largely went unregulated until July 1, when the new law went into effect. As for the impact of the new law, he said it’s difﬁcult to quantify. “I can’t tell you how many dispensaries were in Washington before this, or how many may have closed,” Carpenter said. “There is no good way to track an unregulated market.”

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Spokannabist is a product of The Spokesman−Review’s marketing division. • Friday, July 29, 2016

HIGHER PLEASURES

Infused personal lubricant designed to improve satisfaction What makes Henderson think its product will come out on top? “It’s a water-based personal lubricant infused with essential oils. And because it’s waterbased, it’s safe for use with condoms and toys,” she said. According to Henderson, oil-based products can break down the materials used to make condoms and toys, so a waterbased one opens up a new world of safe sex and

By MARIESA STOKES Marketing Correspondent

personal play. Another high point – it isn’t super slippery and is easy to clean. “KronicKlimax is for anybody that likes to get creative, within both the gay and straight communities. We wanted to help people enhance their sexual pleasure comfortably,” she said. When used by women, the THC in the topical lube enters the bloodstream through the vaginal walls within minutes, and causes a centralized high, leading to relaxation and lubrication. Men won’t be missing out, either. “Men’s skin is thinner, ‘down there,’” Henderson said. “Depending on how much you use, they’re going to feel it, too.” KronicKlimax isn’t intended as an edible – don’t drink it or use it like a tincture – but Henderson says it’s not harmful if ingested in small quantities. It is expected to be available at recreational marijuana shops later this summer.

Spokane residents are gradually becoming familiar with different types of marijuana-infused products, from chocolaty treats to helpful tinctures. But not everyone knows that cannabis can also be used in plenty of other situations, including personal lubricants. One local lube is KronicKlimax, created by Henderson Distribution, and designed to take your love life…well, higher. “It’s completely different,” said Deanna Henderson, the product’s co-creator. “We haven’t seen anything else on the market like this.” There are other infused lubes on recreational marijuana store shelves across the state, including Bond Sensual Oil made by botanicaSeattle. Courtesy photo Several cannabis-infused personal lubricants are available, including Bond made by botanicaSeattle, above, and KronicKlimax, made by Henderson Distribution.

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Spokannabist is a product of The Spokesman−Review’s marketing division. • Friday, July 29, 2016

TINCTURES - LIQUID CANNABIS Users like quick high in discrete package

By MARIESA STOKES Marketing Correspondent

Looking for a low profile when getting high? Try tinctures, which are liquid concentrates of cannabis in tiny bottles, and can offer quick delivery, flexible dosing and discretion. In a tincture, the essence of the marijuana ke plant is infused into a liquid like alcohol, glycerin, water or coconut oil. Users can add them to food or drinks, or place a few drops under their tongue. “Tinctures are great alternatives for people interested in trying cannabis for the first time or who don’t want to smoke,” said Alejandra Calzadillas, budtender and projects specialist at Satori. Users can control how – and how much – they want to feel. “I really like tinctures because you can get an exact amount,” said Calzadillas, who is also a medical marijuana patient. “You have an accurate representation within a few

minutes…If you want to feel sleepy, there’s an exact way to feel sleepy. If you want to be a little stoned, you can ﬁgure out how much you need. It’s not like eating one-eighth of a cookie and waiting to see how it affects you.” Tinctu Tinctures can be infused with o other essential oils to crea create speciﬁc effects. O One local tincture mak maker is Hen Henderson Distribution, own owned by Duane and De Deanna Henderson. The co company produces e eight varieties of K Kronic Tonic. “Some blends are re really relaxing,” said D Deanna. “Some give e energy. Some are b blended with melatonin to help you sleep. We h have one that’s infused w with ginkgo to keep yyour brain alert.” She says people w who don’t like the way th they feel after smoking or consuming edibles

are drawn to tinctures, herself included. “I didn’t like smoking; it made me paranoid. I didn’t like cookies. So we made this tincture and I love it,” she said. The effects of tinctures can last up to 12 hours. When added to food or drink, it may take a few hours before the user feels it.

A variety of manufacturers make tinctures, which are placed on or under the tongue. BotanicaSeattle makes some, (courtesy photo), as does Henderson Distribution, right. (Shallan Knowles photo).

Spokannabist is a product of The Spokesman Review’s marketing division. • Friday, July 29, 2016

MARIJUANA ON THE

EDUCATION KEY TO ADULTS ENJOYING AN E By MARIESA STOKES Marketing Correspondent

On the menu of marijuana edibles, there is something for everyone. Unlike other methods of indulging in cannabis, edibles don’t require special paraphernalia like a pipe, bong or vape pen. They don’t produce smoke, and your stash will look more like baked goods than bud. Plus, edibles create a quite different kind of buzz. “Edibles aren’t only an alternative to inhaling smoke,” said Satori budtender and project specialist Mia Gover. “To experience how cannabis digests and processes and gets into your brain in a different way isn’t even comparable.” Most retailers offer a lot of options for edible items – from different ﬂavors of cookies and brownies to hard candies, caramels, chocolates, mints, granola, infused sugar granules and more. The reasons to eat marijuana vary as much as the variety of THC-infused treats. Some people simply don’t want to smoke.

Others haven’t tried pot before or aren’t yet comfortable w it. Many are regular users looking for something different Alejandra Calzadillas, a budtender and project specia at Satori, says many edible marijuana users just want to c “Most people are looking for something for after they g home from work. It’s a replacement for wine or beer, a ge approach to a relaxing evening and a good night’s sleep without a hangover.” Duane Henderson grew medical marijuana for years, and his wife Deanna learned how to use his product to bake cookies. When marijuana was legalized, they opene Henderson Distribution in Spokane, and today their line o Incredible Edibles cookies and brownies can be found in retail stores across the state. Deanna Henderson says it took some work to ﬁnd the recipe, but now they’ve got it down to a science. “We make cooking oil that’s infused. The oil gets teste potency. After we bake the cookies we get those tested a well,” she said. State law allows 10 mg of THC per serving, so when you buy prepared snacks you know exactly what you’re getting. But like any food product, one edible can actuall several servings. Plus, it’s not just how much you’re gettin but knowing how your body will respond. It can take up t 20 minutes or a couple of hours for the body to digest an process edibles. The effects can last up to

EDI

Companies that pr face challenges, taste Some cannabis enth ﬂavor, but others prefe so they can just savor “It’s a food produc and taste like food,” s manager for botanica and it should also be same experience eve The company prod edible products availa including Spot brown chocolates and confe Journeyman cookies. fruit chews as a non-c The Spot brand inc

Spokannabist is a product of The Spokesman Review’s marketing division. • Friday, July 29, 2016

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hours. Autum Schumacher is Executive Chef and Marijuana Infused Edibles Manager at Blue Roots in Airway Heights. Her team creates bonbons, chocolates, no-bake bites and other treats which are available statewide. Schumacher says everyone who ingests marijuana through food has a different reaction. “Start slow and see how it affects you,” she cautioned. “Have half a cookie or half a chocolate. If you have too much and it feels too strong, you’re not going to enjoy yourself, and if you’re doing it for a medical reason, it’s going to take away from the relief.” Gover says people sometimes hear stories about Colorado residents getting ‘too high’ and calling 911. “A lot of the fear about edibles can be dispelled by being a smart consumer and thinking carefully before you put anything into your body,” she said. If you’re interested in edibles but aren’t sure where to start, Schumacher says learning more helps. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We’re all in this industry because we’re passionate about it. Ask and get educated so you can enjoy yourself the most.”

As an alternative to smoking, some users prefer edibles, which are candy or chocolates infused with marijuana, or tinctures, which offer cannabis in a liquid form. Nate Sawyer, head baker at botanicaSeattle, displays a batch of Mr. Moxey’s Mints (Joe Butler photo). Henderson Distribution creates Kronic Tonic tinctures (Shallan Knowles photo).

IBLE MAKERS FOCUS ON QUALITY, FLAVOR

roduce edible marijuana products e being one. husiasts enjoy marijuana’s bitter er that any funky taste be masked r the effects. ct, so it really should look like food said Lena Davidson, marketing aSeattle. “It should be delicious, reliable, since people want the ery time.” duces a variety of handmade able at Washington stores, ies and cookies, Proper ections, Mr. Moxey’s Mints, and This summer, it released infused chocolate option. cludes choices of sativa, indica,

hybrid and CBD strains in varying quantities. Davidson said someone who may have had a bad experience with a poorly-made, perhaps homemade treat may never want to try an edible again, whether it was months or even decades ago. But a good budtender should be able to describe the different tastes and THC levels that might work for you. You may also want to try a few different ﬂavors and quantities to see how your body responds. Commercial edible creators focus on quality of taste, but also ensure that each batch has the correct balance of marijuana, such as exactly 5 or 10 mg. “For us, it’s not a good thing if you end up with a little bit more THC in one batch than another,” Davidson said. “It has to be perfect every time.” botanicaSeattle’s commercial kitchen includes collaboration between Nate Sawyer, the head baker,

and Hilary Brown, the head chocolatier. Both have worked in restaurant kitchens for years, and are always looking for new ways to blend cannabis into food products. “We usually do a lot of taste testing without the infused product, and then we infuse it to see if the taste changes,” Brown said. “One week we tried 30 different brownie recipes,” Sawyer said. “We try to create something for every taste.” Edible chocolate prices vary by retailer, but are generally more expensive than you’ll ﬁnd at the candy store or bakery. A bag of 10 pieces of Spot’s 10 mg hybrid strain milk chocolates can cost between $40$50. Its 10 mg cookies are around $10 apiece. By JOE BUTLER Marketing Writer

Spokannabist is a product of The Spokesman−Review’s marketing division. • Friday, July 29, 2016

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As Washingtonians continue to flock to area pot shops, the options on how to ingest the herb continue to grow. Marijuana-infused drinks offer an easy and sometimes more socially acceptable alternative to smoking or eating. Liquids containing cannabis are considered less taboo than other forms of marijuana. Some users say it’s easier to open a bottle and drink something rather than to light up a joint, bowl, or vape pen. Drinking is also a less daunting way for new users to try cannabis, since drinks are said to offer a ‘softer’ high. One of the more popular brands is Mirth Provisions, a Washingtonbased company that offers infused beverages called Legal. Legal comes in five flavors, including Rainier cherry, lemon ginger, and pomegranate. Each Legal drink is infused with 22 milligrams of THC, enough for a nice high but not overwhelming. Sam Calvert of Green Star Cannabis says liquids are gaining popularity because they taste good. “We’re getting a lot of good reviews about the flavors,” he said. “I think they’re socially a great way to use cannabis.”

Cheney resident Martha Kauffman loves the drinks for the ease and ﬂavor. “I know exactly how much to take since it’s right there on the bottle,” she said. “I love that I can have it with my friends when we get together, instead of alcohol, and no one even notices.” Washington’s liquid market also includes Dixie Elixirs and Canna Colas. Dixie Elixirs’ “Lift” shots are designed to give a boost of energy with an added effect of THC. Canna Cola offers ﬁzzy brews like Orange Kush and Doc Weed, which are sold to medical marijuana patients. Another beverage provider is Washingtonbased company Fairwinds Manufacturing, which offers infused coffee pods priced at about $10 apiece. Drinkable prices vary by retailer and THC quantity. A bottle of Legal, for instance, can cost $10-$30, and is available in 10, 40 or 80 mgs. The same laws apply to beverages as other recreational cannabis products: users must be over 21 years old and they aren’t allowed in public spaces. Cannabis-infused soft drinks like Legal are becoming popular because they taste good. (Courtney Dunham photo) Some people prefer infused coffee, such as ganJava Mocha. (Shallan Knowles photo).

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Spokannabist is a product of The Spokesman−Review’s marketing division. • Friday, July 29, 2016

CANNABIS NEWS

BEYOND EASTERN WASHINGTON VANCOUVER INCREASES NUMBER OF ALLOWED POT SHOPS VANCOUVER, Wash. —The Vancouver City Council recently voted to increase the number of marijuana stores in the city from nine to 12. Washington’s Liquor and Cannabis Board has authorized an increase in the number of available stores statewide from 334 to 556 in order to meet demand in every jurisdiction. The move is part of an effort to make sure customers who rely on marijuana for medical reasons have adequate access. Each affected municipality must vote on whether to accept an increase in shops in their jurisdiction. Source: Associated Press

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TWO BUSINESSES VIE FOR CLARKSTON POT LICENSE CLARKSTON— The city is considering allowing a third marijuana store, and two hopeful applicants are searching for space in case they receive approval. Satori MJ, based in Spokane, has applied for a business license

to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board to set up a shop at 712 Fifth Street, the former location for His Banner Spirit Filled Church. A Seattle-based retailer, Puget Sound Cannabis, has applied to open a shop at the former Carr Electrical Supply building at 719 Fifth Street. The locations are across Fifth Street from each other. Both locations have public notices posted about the applications. The two existing marijuana locations in Clarkston include Greenﬁeld Co., and Canna4Life. Washington’s LCB will make the decision on which permit to approve ﬁrst. The LCB has been looking for opportunities to expand the number of marijuana stores statewide, and has indicated that Clarkston could support one more. More are also coming to nearby Whitman County. Pablo and Co. received approval to begin selling marijuana along State Route 270 in Pullman. There are three other marijuana stores in operation in the area, mostly around Bishop Boulevard. Whitman County has already sold more than $6.3 million in

Spokannabist is a product of The Spokesman−Review’s marketing division. • Friday, July 29, 2016

marijuana products since the ﬁrst stores opened in 2014. The two Clarkston stores have brought in around $1.98 million since 2014, according to 502data.com. Source: Tribune News Service

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CHELAN COUNTY CRACKING DOWN ON ILLEGAL GROWERS WENATCHEE — Chelan County’s two-year ban on marijuana production approved earlier this year is leading to a crackdown this summer on growers who are still in operation. Notification letters are beginning to be sent via certified mail to new growing operations which have continued to expand their operations in spite of the ban passed in February. County officials said they have been contacted by residents who are frustrated that the growers continue to produce marijuana in spite of the ban, and urge more enforcement. Keith Goehner, Chelan County Commissioner, said there has been a lack of communication in the county about possible enforcement actions but these have been straightened out. “The Community Development Department, the prosecutor’s office and commissioners are in agreement… The letters are just beginning to go out,” he said. “We are moving forward.” The certified letters are advising growers that they are believed to be in violation of the city’s rules, and must make certain changes to comply or be subject to further action. Recipients will be given 10 days to respond or appeal. The first grower to receive the letter was Alto Buddha, an outdoor grower in the Plain area. There are 43 registered marijuana farms, and county officials believe as many as 40 of them may be in violation to some degree. Source: Tribune News Service

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CALIFORNIA HEALTH INDUSTRY DIVIDED ON UPCOMING LEGALIZATION VOTE SACRAMENTO— California voters are expected to decide in December whether recreational marijuana should be legalized. But the prospect of this has been dividing various medical organizations in the state. Medical marijuana with a health care provider’s prescription has already been approved. If the current initiative is approved, itwill allow anyone over age 21 to possess up to an ounce and grow up to six plants. The measure includes a 15 percent tax on sales. Organizers of the citizen initiative turned in what they said were enough valid signatures to place the measure on the November ballot. However, state ofﬁcials are stiff verifying the information. If approved, California will join Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Alaska where marijuana use is approved. The initiative has received support from the California Democratic Party and from the California Medical Association, an organization of physicians that previously opposed legalization efforts. However, the California Hospital Association still opposes the current initiative. Source: Associated Press

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ARIZONA EXPECTED TO VOTE ON MARIJUANA IN NOVEMBER

quantities of marijuana. It will have similar regulations to alcohol, and a 15 percent tax, which will go toward education efforts statewide. Though organizers appreciated the support, the campaign did receive opposition from some top ofﬁcials, including the Superintendent of Public Instruction and Bill Montgomery, attorney for Maricopa County. Source: Associated Press

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NEW LOUISIANA LAW REDUCES POT, PARAPHERNALIA PENALTIES BATON ROUGE, La.— Penalties for people possessing, selling or using marijuana paraphernalia will now be lessened. Last year, the state approved rules to levy lighter penalties for anyone selling, using, or possessing marijuana, and lawmakers added a related paraphernalia change to the law this year. Gov. John Bel Edwards signed the bill in late June. Under the new law, on a first offense, people found with marijuana paraphernalia such as pipes will face up to 15 days in jail and a $300 fine. A second offense can include a fine of up to $1,000 plus up to six months in jail. Future offenses could include fines up to $2,500 and up to two years in prison. Source: Associated Press

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PHOENIX — Proponents of an initiative to allow Arizona voters to decide on legalization turned in what they believed was enough valid signatures. The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol collected more than 220,000 signatures statewide by July 1, which could place the item on the November ballot. The state only requires 150,00 signatures of valid voters, and was verifying the information. If voters approve the measure, it will allow people age 21 and over to possess small

Spokannabist is a product of The Spokesman−Review’s marketing division. • Friday, July 29, 2016

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Matthew Hawkins/Spokesman-Review Marketing Many commercial edible chocolate providers focus on high-quality ingredients and ﬂavors to accompany the marijuana. Spot chocolate, for instance, includes milk and dark varieties, plus blackberry, orange, peppermint and coffee ﬂavors.

Edibles are considered a refreshing treat and a tastier alternative to smoking, but are they safer? One of the largest variables is potency – how much THC is included in that brownie. While commercial products, like baked goods and candies, must have dosages precisely measured and labeled, homemade products may have less quality control, leading to something too weak or too strong. Commercial products typically range in potency from 5-20 milligrams. Washington deﬁnes one adult edible serving size as 10 mg, according to the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute at the University of Washington. Anything over this could cause adverse health reactions, such as strong fatigue or even unconsciousness. Results may vary due to individual tolerance or past experience with cannabis, and what else a person has eaten recently. For instance, a newcomer may want to start with a 5 mg treat after dinner, but a veteran user may enjoy higher amounts. The Washington Poison Center says some commercial products encourage users to only eat or drink part of an item in one sitting, rather than the entire product. It also warns that while the effects of smoking may be felt instantly, an edible may take up to two hours to take effect. Other research about the potential health risks of edibles focuses more on danger to children or pets who accidently eat marijuana-infused products. A 2015 study in the Journal of Pediatrics showed that the rate of reports of children under 6 being poisoned nationwide due to swallowing marijuana products rose 1.5 percent from 2003 to 2013. The study saw increases in states with legalized marijuana compared to states where it remains illegal. However, the total number was relatively small, about 1,600 cases nationwide.

COLUMN

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Spokannabist is a product of The Spokesman−Review’s marketing division. • Friday, July 29, 2016

WHERE CANNABIS AND WELLNESS MEET

By HEATHER DI BIASE, MSW, LICSWA Special to Spokannabist

Wellness is defined as “an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence” (National Wellness Institute), and “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (The World Health Organization). In the wellness health movement, emphasis is placed on patient-directed, preventative and holistic care to nurture and balance the six dimensions of life: social, emotional, physical, occupational, intellectual and spiritual. Cannabis fits into this health model because people use it for the treatment of various emotional and physical needs in the pursuit of greater wellness. As a result of the increasing legalization of cannabis and noted health benefits, more medical and mental health professionals are accepting its use. However, there is still a disconnect between a person obtaining cannabis, and then being guided on its consumption. Depending on its intended use in treatment, various considerations and recommendations should be made by a mental health or medical professional. Clinically, cannabis can be incorporated into an individualized wellness plan through a wellness assessment. The client is evaluated for functionality in each wellness dimension, and the impact of cannabis in these areas. Elements of a wellness assessment also include managing medicinal properties (such as dosing, method of consumption and drug interactions), screening for psychosis, monitoring for relational and social concerns and identifying goals of use. The intention of a wellness plan is to provide the client with information and guidance into how cannabis will impact their life, and how they can best manage its use.

A wellness plan is individualized; a plan for a veteran struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder may differ greatly from that of a newly diagnosed cancer patient. Ongoing assessment and counseling should also be available to monitor effectiveness of cannabis use, and changes in mood, behavior or lifestyle.

At Wellness Counseling, LLC., a wellness specialty practice in Spokane, cannabisfriendly counseling services are available. As a licensed clinical social worker, I conduct wellness assessments, work with the client to develop a wellness plan for cannabis use and offer ongoing mental health support. I offer this service because I found there was a need for counselors who are empathetic to the group of individuals who use cannabis, and are willing to provide therapeutic interventions in a nonbiased approach. Heather Di Biase, MSW, LICSWA, is the owner of Wellness Consulting in Spokane, and can be reached at (509) 368-4121.

Spokannabist is a product of The Spokesman−Review’s marketing division. • Friday, July 29, 2016

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thevaultcannabis.com Spokane’s Late Night Cannabis Retailer 213 E Sprague Ave • Spokane, WA 99202 • 509.315.9262 This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with the consumption of this product. For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of the reach of children.