Vegas Cannabis and Wellness

Beyond Western Medicine

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PRE-ROLL

MARCH 2024

PUBLISHER

Bill Shehan // bill@vegascannabismag.com // 702 589 1282

EDITOR

Stephanie Shehan // editor@vegascannabismag.com // 702 622 8001

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Jennifer Walker // jenn@vegascannabismag.com // 775 375 0415

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angel Roselle

Chris Rodarte

Jaden Rae

Jennifer Walker

Jorrell Ellis

Josh Kasoff

Margaux Hansberry

Marnie Montroy

ART

Modest Jones

Rocky Hernandez

Sarah Schwefel

Shwa Laytart

Terry Bruesehoff

Veronica Castillo

Graphic Design // Victoria Hart, Pink Kitty Creative

ADVERTISING SALES

Stephanie Shehan // editor@vegascannabismag.com // 702 622 8001

Jennifer Walker // jenn@vegascannabismag.com // 775 375 0415

COPY EDITOR

Effie Armstrong - info@vegascannabismag.com

Vegas Cannabis Magazine and Tahoe Cannabis Magazine feature content about cannabis, hemp, and cannabis-related products and information. In addition, we feature articles, legal information and medical news relevant to the cannabis industry. All content within our publications and on our website is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered personalized legal or medical advice. Both the printed publication and the website are intended for those over the age of 21. In the state of Nevada, cannabis is intended for use by those 21 and older. If consuming, please keep out of the reach of children. Vegas Cannabis Magazine LLC assumes no responsibility for the advertisements within this publication. We strive to ensure the accuracy of the information published. Vegas Cannabis Magazine LLC cannot be held

Dispensary Guide

CARSON CITY

Battle Born Dispensary

10115 US Hwy 50 East

Rise Dispensaries

135 Clearview Dr, #119

Zen Leaf

2765 US Hwy 50, Ste. A

CLARK

Pure Tonic Dispensary

420 USA Parkway

ELKO

Newe

1555 Shoshone Circle

ELY

Curaleaf

940 E. Aultman Street

Tsaa Nesunkwa

963 S. Pioche Hwy.

FALLON

Green Cross Farmacy

510 W. Williams Ave.

HENDERSON

Essence

4300 E. Sunset Rd

Jenny’s Dispensary

10420 S. Eastern Ave, #100

The Dispensary

50 N. Gibson Rd, #170

The Source

9480 S. Eastern Ave, #185

INCLINE VILLAGE

NuLeaf

877 Tahoe Blvd.

JACKPOT

Thrive

1868 Royal Dr.

LAS VEGAS

Beyond Hello

7885 W. Sahara Ave, #111

CannaStarz

631 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Cookies

2307 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

4240 W. Flamingo Rd. #100

Cultivate

3615 Spring Mountain Rd.

Curaleaf

1736 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 2320 Western Ave.

Deep Roots Harvest

3725 Blue Diamond Rd.

5991 W. Cheyenne Ave.

Euphoria Wellness

7780 S. Jones Blvd.

Exhale

4310 W. Flamingo Rd.

Essence

5765 W. Tropicana

7260 S. Rainbow, #104

6410 S. Durango, #115

Green

4510 S. Hualapai Way

Health for Life

200 E. Charleston

Inyo Fine Cannabis

2520 S. Maryland Pkwy, #2

Jade Cannabis Co.

1130 E. Desert Inn Rd.

6050 Sky Pointe

Jardin Premium Cannabis

2900 E. Desert Inn Rd, #102

Las Vegas Releaf

2244 Paradise Rd.

Medizin

4850 W. Sunset Road

MedMen

823 S. 3rd St.

4503 Paradise Rd, #210-240

6332 S. Rainbow Blvd, #105

Nevada Made Marijuana

310 E. Warm Springs

7650 W. Charleston

1675 E. Cactus Ave.

Nevada Wellness Center

3200 S. Valley View Blvd.

NuLeaf

430 E. Twain Ave.

1600 Las Vegas Blvd. South, #140

Nuwu Cannabis Marketplace

1235 Paiute Circle

11527 Nu Wav Kaiv Blvd.

Oasis Cannabis

1800 Industrial Road, #180

Planet 13

2548 W. Desert Inn Rd.

Reef Dispensaries

3400 Western Ave.

Sahara Wellness

420 E. Sahara Ave.

Shango

4380 Boulder Hwy.

ShowGrow

4850 S. Fort Apache Rd, #100

Silver Sage Wellness

4626 W. Charleston

Vegas Valley Growers

The Dispensary

5347 S. Decatur Blvd.

The Grove

4647 S. University Center Dr.

The Sanctuary

1324 S. 3rd Street

The Source

2550 S. Rainbow Blvd, Ste. 8

Thrive 3500 W. Sahara Ave.

1112 S. Commerce St.

3698 W. Cactus Ave.

2975 S. Sammy Davis Jr. Dr.

Top Notch

5630 Stephanie St.

Tree of Life

1437 N. Jones Blvd.

Vegas Treehouse

4660 S. Decatur Blvd.

Wallflower

6540 Blue Diamond Rd.

Zen Leaf

9120 W. Post Road, #103

5940 W. Flamingo Rd.

LAUGHLIN

Nevada Made Marijuana

1975 S. Casino Dr.

LOVELOCK

Nabodoka Dispensary

115 Etha Drive

MESQUITE

Deep Roots Harvest

195 Willis Carrier Canyon

NORTH LAS VEGAS

Deep Roots Harvest

1306 W. Craig Rd.

Jennys Dispensary

5530 N. Decatur Blvd, #115

Reef Dispensaries

1370 W. Cheyenne Ave.

The Sanctuary

2113 Las Vegas Blvd. North

The Source

420 E. Deer Springs Way

Thrive Cannabis Marketplace

2755 W. Cheyenne Ave.

Tree of Life

150 E. Centennial Pkwy #114

Zen Leaf

444 W. Craig Rd.

PAHRUMP

The Grove

1541 E. Basin Ave.

The Source

2370 Homestead Road

RENO

Deep Roots Harvest

12240 Old Virginia Rd.

Jade

1085 S. Virginia St.

Kanna

5398 Sun Valley Blvd.

Mynt Dispensary

340 Lemmon Dr, Ste. A

132 E. 2nd St, #103

Rise Dispensaries

2881 Northtowne Ln.

Zen Leaf

1605 E. 2nd St, #103

The Dispensary

100 W. Plumb Lane

The Source

5270 Longley Ln, Ste.103

Three Nations Cannabis

11570 S. Virginia St.

Thrive Cannabis

7300 S. Virginia St.

SPARKS

Greenleaf Wellness 1730 Glendale Ave.

Reef Dispensaries

195 E. Glendale, Ste. 3

Rise Dispensaries 9650 Pyramid Way

Silver State Relief

175 E. Greg St.

SUN VALLEY

Reef Dispensaries

5105 Sun Valley Blvd, B

VERDI

Three Nations

420 Hwy 40 W, #C

WASHOE VALLEY

SoL Cannabis

275 Highway 395 South

WEST WENDOVER

Deep Roots Harvest 395 Industrial Way

WINNEMUCCA

Lucid Dispensary 3555 Construction Way

The Gold Leaf, NV 3302 Traders Way

Water Canyon Dispensary 1985 Hanson St.

FROM CANNABIS TO KAVA

Getting to Know Joe Reed, Owner of WLVS Den Kava

Joe Reed was born to build businesses. The entrepreneurial spirit in him burns bright and his track record is better than many entrepreneurs can admit with confidence. Even though business comes easy for Joe, life itself has been more of an act of survival. Joe spent his early childhood living on the wrong side of the tracks in the ghetto of San Bernardino in a town called “Muscoy” where he spent more time defending himself than he spent doing his homework. Luckily, graffiti saved his life and became a big part of who he is today. By thirteen, Joe was a regular in the graffiti scene; street painting nightly, a craft he maintained for many years to come.

Being from a low-income home wasn’t the only issue Joe had to deal with as a child, but it was definitely one of the driving forces for him to develop himself into the success he is today. Joe and his siblings also had to deal with parents who struggled with addiction and abuse, so money that came into the house was often spent to feed the habit and not their bellies.

One of Joe’s first businesses that he pulled off successfully was selling chocolates. Joe designed a strategy to sell 100% of his chocolates every time he went out, door to door. You see, the state would often give underprivileged youth free tickets to the opera so that they get a sweet taste of what culture should be like, according to their bourgeois lifestyle. Joe decided to get a pair of these free opera tickets every chance he got. When he would go out with his chocolates, he would first ask the person who answered the door if they wanted to buy these pricey opera tickets, and when they would say no, Joe would follow up with, “Well, can you at least buy a chocolate bar.” And they would quickly pull out two dollars. One of those dollars from each candy bar sold was Joe’s to keep.

At sixteen, Joe’s life took a major turn- he had a baby on the way. A girl that Joe met while doing community service was carrying his child. Nine months later, Joe became the father of a baby boy. As one would do, Joe got married. His wife was from the right side of the tracks, born to parents in an upper-middle-class working home. Joe’s new in-laws quickly became the supportive role models he had been missing at home. His father-in-law, particularly, became Joe’s mentor. It was Joe’s newly adopted father who taught him how to manage his money and be responsible. It was his community service that introduced Joe to the Freemasons, where Joe quickly rose the ranks of the Jr. Freemasons to become the Master Counselor. At twenty-one, Joe was officially initiated into the Freemasons, where he would go on to participate for many years as a member.

Joe has always loved music but preferred to be behind the scenes. Plus, he was a teenage father going to school, working a full-time job, with side hustles, which included working at his father-in-law’s construction company. Joe was a young man with a drive who needed money regularly. So he dropped out of the band and became a music promoter. By the age of twenty, Joe was booking bands all over Southern California, in bars that he couldn’t even drink in yet. In time, Joe ended up working for the shoe company, Vans, as well as booking bands for The Warped Tour.

At twenty-four, Joe applied to and was accepted into college, even though he never had a love for school. But in the back of his mind, he still wanted to own his own business. Joe decided to become an optometrist, so he got his master’s in vision science. After graduating, Joe started working for an optometrist company, but after eleven months, he was let go. That was right after Joe and the company discovered he had cancer. At the same time, Joe was separating from his first wife, the mother of his son. Because of his cancer diagnosis, Joe also discovered that his adopted parents were growing cannabis and had been doing so for thirty-five years. Not only was his father-in-law growing weed, but he is also one of Southern California’s leading breeders, having developed strains such as Uncle Jerry and Mind Fuck. It was also his in-laws who saw Joe’s eye for business and suggested that he start something in the cannabis industry which he did, with the help of a mutual friend who was in a popular local ska band that had been dealing for Joe’s in-laws, along with a friend that Joe met years before who was already a delivery driver for another company. Without hesitation, Joe got his medical cannabis license and started a collective. Unlike cancer, the collective Joe still has and, as of today, is the biggest privately owned cannabis delivery company in California. But the company didn’t start successfully, and Joe was doing everything he could to keep the company afloat. Cash flow was scarce, so Ska Mark offered to pay Joe to run up to the Emerald Triangle, pick up a few packages and bring them down from Northern California to Southern California. Having to do whatever it took to keep the company going, Joe drove his Volkswagen hatchback to the Northern tip of California and picked up duffle bags with over 200 pounds of dank Nor Cal nugs. As he left murder mountain, Joe kept thinking about how dangerous this was. That he could end up in prison. That he was a college graduate who must break the law to save his company. Even though it worked, those thoughts lingered in his mind like ghosts. After much hustle, grind, and some uneasy trafficking, Joe’s company became a tremendous success.

by shwa laytart photos by richard lopez

It was around that time that Joe was provided with an opportunity to become a partner at a dispensary in Las Vegas. This was early in the recreational days. So Joe moved to Las Vegas and started a whole new lifestyle. Predicting his future before moving out, Joe joked he would be a degenerate within six months of living in Las Vegas. With his immediate party life progressing seven days a week, it didn’t take long for Joe to develop an addiction to alcohol. In 2019, Joe went to see a show at the Hard Rock on the Strip. After the show, Joe was so intoxicated that the valet refused to give him the keys to his car. An argument ensued, Joe punched the valet and left. From that moment on for the rest of the night, Joe was in a walking blackout and remembered nothing. Luckily, he woke up in his bed. After discovering he had spent an enormous amount of money at TopGolf, he realized he must have gotten into an Uber, landing his body back at home. After trying to put the pieces of the night back together, Joe called a marketing friend he had worked with. The buddy offered a contact that helped him get sober. Joe called him. Jimmy answered, and after talking for four hours, Jimmy became Joe’s sponsor. A heavily tattooed pastor of a local Las Vegas church, Jimmy had been sober, free from his crack and alcohol addiction, for over eighteen years. Jimmy took Joe to his first AA meeting and challenged Joe to attend ninety meetings in ninety days. Now, Joe and Jimmy have partnered to create RZD X WLVS

counseling and services for those in recovery.

The girlfriend that Joe was living with at the time mentioned kava, a drink she heard about on the show, Love and Hip Hop. Curious, Joe found 9th Street Island Kava and set out to try it. As soon as the calming effect of his first cup kicked in, Joe knew he would be doing something in kava. He wasn’t smoking cannabis at the time, but discovered that kava enhances the effect of THC and the overall feeling produced by consuming the plant. Not only had Joe found kava for himself, but he also started promoting it throughout California. Joe also converted a CBD shop he recently opened in Container Park into Guud Kava cocktail lounge. It was at Guud Kava that Joe would meet his wife. They crossed paths at an event Joe produced at Guud Kava called “Sober As Fuck Saturdays”. Three months after their first encounter, Joe married that girl. The newlyweds moved back to California where she had kids and Joe had his cannabis business.

When Guud Kava’s lease was up in Container Park, Joe knew he could renew it, but felt the place had become too small and a larger space was needed. His concept had been proven. But he put the business on hold, as he was too busy planning his new married life and focusing on his California business.

Fast forward to nine months ago. A friend in Palm Desert offered space in their shop, Flat Black art supplies, for a pop-up kava lounge, which Joe set up and, once again, it became a success. Joe decided to call up 9th Street Island Kava, the first place he tried the beloved beverage. Joe told the owner that he was looking for a spot in Las Vegas to reopen a kava lounge. The owner suggested that Joe just take over the 9th Island Kava location. They made an agreement and what was once 9th Island Kava became WLVS Den Kava. Joe, his partner, and team traded the traditional Polynesian decor for more of a coffee shop or cocktail bar vibe. Joe and his team/partners have TVs, games, live music, stand-up, and karaoke. WLVS Den Kava has become a regular spot for so many that finding a seat is becoming more and more difficult. Riding this success, Joe is looking to open a new location in Vegas soon.

WLVS Den Kava offers more than just kava. They have teas and a proprietary kratom blend; not steeped nor an extract and made in the same way as some cannabis drinks. You can also get an assortment of mocktails, all made in-house from natural products. They use fresh juices and make their own syrups and ginger ale. “Good for you drinks,” Joe exclaims. I asked if he was worried about the stigma around kratom. “When you hear about people being addicted to kratom, it’s the extract that they’re using.” Joe has no issue with the extract being banned and actually would like to see the extract taken off store shelves. He had to detox from kratom extract and doesn’t want anyone to go through that. “We’re really, really big on education,” he says, “We’re a lot of people’s first experience with kratom.” With many new regulations coming down the pipeline, Joe stays ahead of the game. He’s already doing third-party testing and is part of the National Kratom Association.

Joe recommends, “While visiting WLVS Den Kava, remember to stay hydrated when consuming kava, and the mocktails have cocktail prices because they do the job!” Saying proudly, “I love working with kava. I love helping people in recovery.”

Joe and his wife plan to move back to Las Vegas, the city that they love, in a few years. In the meantime, I asked Joe if we’ll see WLVS Den Kava in cannabis lounges anytime. “I do believe getting into cannabis lounges would be a tremendous opportunity for everyone, and we plan on pursuing it very soon.”

Fantastic! Because nothing is better than enhancing your high.

By Stephanie Shehan

JC Coats: beMORE

Making Wellness a Priority

Many of you know JC Coats from his cannabis and event brands housed under the Culture & Cannabis umbrella. Recently, JC began a personal wellness journey which led him to start a new venture within the world of hormone replacement therapy. I recently had the chance to sit down with him to find out how his journey began and how it has progressed.

STEPHANIE SHEHAN: JC, it’s great to see you again!

JC COATS: Great to see you too, it’s been a while.

SS: I hear you’ve embarked on a new wellness journey which is amazing. Tell me about that.

JC: I have been on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for about four years. Starting TRT coincided with the beginning of my cannabis ventures. I was trying to become a multi-state operator and trying to be the best version of myself. I was getting older and those around me were much younger. I needed to stay on top of my game. At that time, I was not in the best shape which prompted me to get my bloodwork done to really find out what I was dealing with. What I found out was, my testosterone, as is the case for many men, was pretty low which explained my complete lack of energy and motivation. I began testosterone replacement therapy and now, four years later, I feel great and I am in the best shape of my life.

SS: That is awesome. It’s hard getting older but I do think at a certain age, you have to make a decision to either jump into wellness or suffer the consequences. It’s great that you decided to take the jump.

JC: Totally, once starting TRT, I finally wanted to go to the gym and once I got there, I really started to give it my all. Once I started seeing results, my motivation for wellness became even stronger. I started taking a look at my diet and what vitamins and supplements were available.

SS: Once you start looking at the different modalities of wellness, I feel like you really want to experience all that you can.

JC: Absolutely. It quickly became apparent to me that my life was moving in a positive direction and my cannabis businesses were thriving because I was thriving.

SS: Yes, once we feel good, everything seems to be just a little bit easier. You actually ended up starting your own hormone replacement company right?

JC: I did! Once I was able to see the results and feel the benefits of

TRT, I decided to start my own hormone replacement company. Health and wellness has really become a passion of mine.

SS: What a great story! Tell me more about the company.

JC: My company is called beMORE. We are a telehealth service that specializes in hormone replacement therapy for both men and women. We also offer treatment plans for sexual health, weight loss and nutrition. We have partnered with forward thinking physicians and fitness experts who provide our clients’ personalized plans.

SS: Hormone therapy is generally something that general practitioners would not handle, at least, not until a certain age. This seems like the perfect way to address these concerns from the comfort of your own home. How does the process work?

JC: Anyone interested would simply visit our site joinbemore.com. There, you can complete the telehealth care application and pay the deposit which covers the initial consult and lab work. Then, the initial consultation is scheduled via video conference allowing you to meet your health consultant and discuss your health history and goals and also receive your lab paperwork. Once your lab work comes back, you will again meet with your health consultant who will review the results and get you scheduled with our medical physician who will go over your results in more detail, answer any questions you might have and map out a customized plan for you. Once you sign off on the plan, your prescriptions are ordered and sent directly to your home.

SS: Sounds easy enough. So, once signed up, do people have ongoing interactions with the physician.

JC: Absolutely, we offer monthly check-ins to review future lab work results and adjust plans accordingly.

FOLLOW:

BEMORE - IG @bemore.hrt // joinbemore.com

JC COATS - IG @jc.coats

WELLNESS WHAT’S GOOD IN

COALATREE

Suray Sun Shirt

Protect your skin outside with this super breathable sun shirt by Coalatree. The Suray shirt is perfect for all your adventures. The zinc-powered fabric prevents odors and guards against UV rays. It also has zippered side pockets, with plenty of room for your phone, keys, and snacks. long sleeves and hoods to protect you from the sun. For extra versatility, the shirt packs down inside itself for easy packing. coalatree.com

MAGIC MIND

Productivity Shot

CORNBREAD HEMP

Whole Flower

CBDa Oil

CBDa is the natural acidic precursor of CBD and is carefully harvested at cold temperatures from Cornbread Hemp’s fresh, raw Kentucky hemp flowers. Add this CBDa oil into your morning routine for relief from exercise-induced inflammation. Each bottle contains 750mg of hemp and 30 servings with each serving containing 25mg CBD and 1mg THC.

cornbreadhemp.com

Magic Mind is a mental performance shot— the perfect gift for everyone from active entrepreneurs, busy parents, ambitious students, and beyond! It's ideal for anyone seeking to optimize both their brain and body.

Benefits include:

• Improved Brain Function: Boosts focus and cognitive performance, enhances sleep quality, and provides sustained energy.

• Filling a Wellness Gap: Addresses the need for brain health supplements and recognizes the importance of brain care alongside physical health.

• Key Differentiators: Introduces a new category of brain supplement, improves mental performance while reducing stress, promotes productivity and satisfaction and offers long-term benefits without dependency. magicmind.com

Under the Microscope:

A Candid Interview with Mycologist Willy Myco

connection to psychedelics. And then, I went to Harvard and got my masters in drug synthesis.

Wow! That’s quite the start! I know you ended up in the world of pharmaceuticals. Tell me about that.

I was at the top of my class at Harvard, and I had a few pharmaceutical companies attempt to headhunt me. One in particular that was based in Boston offered me a position as an Experimental Drug Tech and I took it. It was a team of 4 of us, and our job consisted of extracting and synthesizing different compounds for experimental drugs. I only remember one of the medications we worked on being released. It was for diabetes, and I got to tour with the company at conferences for it. The other medications never saw the light of day.

When did you start focusing more on natural healing?

>>> BY JADEN RAE

drugs on animals and then disposing of them. As a vegetarian, this haunted me. I couldn’t sleep. I thought of my dog and just couldn’t be a part of it anymore. Prior to this, I had already released a couple videos online, and then left Youtube for almost a year. When I logged back on in 2015, I saw that my channel had blown up, and I decided to dive into it head-first. I gave up my apartment and my car, and moved back in with my mom to focus on creating content.

Getting into the world of psychedelics can feel like stepping into uncharted territory, but educators like Willy Myco are making sure we don’t have to go it alone. Known for his engaging presence on YouTube with his channel Willy’s World, he’s created a community where people can learn every aspect of growing their own medicine. As a seasoned mycologist, psychedelic advocate, and content creator, he’s spent years demystifying the complex world of fungi and mind-expanding substances. I owe my own psychedelic journey to Willy, and am privileged to call him a mentor and a friend. So, today, we’re sitting down with Willy to peel back the layers of his journey, his work, and his vision for the future of psychedelics.

Can you tell us about your background and where your psychedelic journey started?

My psychedelic journey started with my mother who was also into psychedelics. I witnessed her connection to the universe through the use of psychedelics and it really sparked my interest. I was only 14 when I started researching everything I could about them. I went to the University of Massachusetts and got my bachelor’s degree in microbiology. After that, I decided to visit other countries like South America and Africa to better understand their

I was living in Boston with a company apartment, a company vehicle, everything. I was making great money, but I was really still deep in the cultivation community. I developed a distaste for psychedelic cultivation message boards like DMT Nexus and The Shroomery—there was no Youtube at the time or video tutorials you could learn from— because the people on these message boards treated newcomers terribly and were always gatekeeping information.

The company I worked for started as a few buildings and eventually expanded to cover an entire city block. I worked weird hours— sometimes 14 hour days away from home. One night, after hours, I was making my way to the cafeteria, but I was looking at my phone and got off on the wrong floor. I realized that as long as I’d worked there, I hadn’t actually seen most of the building, and decided to do some exploring to see what other departments were like. I got to this room where it looked like there were a bunch of microwaves on the walls and I peeked inside and saw that there was ashes and dust inside each of them. And then I walked into the next room, and found they were housing animals there, and that’s when I put 2 and 2 together. They were testing these experimental

I ’m involved with a number of different message boards and everyone has such different styles of cultivation. You always stood out to me because you love helping others. I appreciate that so much. Someone once commented to ask why I didn’t address my followers as fans. I don’t want to call anyone a fan cuz that sounds beneath me, so I started calling them my Trip Team Fam, and that has become so much bigger than me. A lot of people that come to us don’t have anyone to call family, and they find it with us. And we are a family. I’ve paid for people's medical bills, I’ve paid their rent, I buy gifts for their kids. It is truly a family.

Regarding mushroom legalization, is there a shift that’s happening right now?

Yes. Washington DC is leading the charge as far as legal sales for psychedelics go. In fact, it’s not illegal to gift someone psychedelics if they purchase something, which is similar to how cannabis started out. You had to buy a hat or something and you’d get so many grams. In Washington, there are a lot of dispensaries popping up, and they’re working hand-in-hand with chemists and cultivators, and everyone is making money along the way.

I went to Colorado to meet with politicians to talk to them about how to structure legal sales. I think within the next few years, laws will take form that will allow people access to psychedelic medication. You will see votes come up, starting with more liberal states like California.

Are you interested in helping to shape policy? 100%. I want to be able to assist because a lot of

Disclaimer: We do not encourage illegal activity. Check with and adhere to your local laws. We do not claim psychedelics or plant medicine to be a substitute for professional medical care. Always consult with your doctor. The goal of this article is to promote entertainment, safety and education.

politicians don’t know anything about psychedelics or cannabis, and I want to see it benefit everyone. If we don’t do our part, what will end up happening is large corporations will come in and take over the market and push everyone out, including the people who have been carrying the legalization of this movement on their backs for decades. What I’ve proposed to lawmakers is that we need 2 types of licensing: a cultivator license and a retail license, and you can only have one. What happened with cannabis was that dispensaries who owned both licenses started investing solely in their own product and cutting cultivators out. It’s best if we keep those 2 separate for psychedelics, so that everyone can benefit.

You seem to have a real love for what you do. What makes mycology so meaningful to you, personally?

Mycology is everything to me. There’s a saying that we’re all mushrooms having a human experience, and there’s a great theory about how fungi found their way to Earth through an asteroid strike that released spores which spawned plants and mushrooms. Another theory suggests that human evolution owes its massive advance to fungi. Since the dawn of civilization, humans have realized the healing potential of mushrooms. In fact, fungi is one of the most commonly used ingredients in modern pharmaceuticals. They also heal the earth we live on, breaking down plastics and woods. Our planet would be much more overrun with trash than it is today if not for fungi. Also, mushrooms have been rooted in spirituality as far back as 2050 BC. I believe they are a holy sacrament that everyone should be able to access without the risk of being locked away in a penitentiary.

I love that. What else can we expect from you this year?

After 5 years in the making, my book, Keys to the Gods, is coming out in quarter 2. (We’re pushing hard for April 19th which is Bicycle Day.) I believe it will revolutionize the way people look at psychedelics. We’re in a new studio and lab in Puerto Rico, and we have a lot of amazing videos coming out. Also, my new podcast, Psychedelic Bodega, is releasing this summer. We’ll be interviewing politicians, experts, people from the adult industry—everyone— on everything from psychedelics to life experiences and so much more.

I can’t wait for those! Thank you so much for being here with us today and allowing me to pick your brain. Before we wrap this up, is there anything else you’d like to put out into the universe?

Just that, as we move ahead, I would love to see more women and people of color involved in the entheogen space. It’s an open space and it’s for everyone no matter who you are. Find the right community that accepts you for who you are and they will carry you along your path.

You can follow Willy’s journey here:

Instagram: @official_ttf_willy and @ttf_willy

Youtube: youtube.com/@WillysWorld

Twitter: twitter.com/willy_myco

Jaden Rae is a Las Vegas resident and best-selling author of the Microdosing Guide And Journal. She is dedicated to teaching people the beauty of living sensually, exploring simple pleasures, finding your authentic voice and manifesting flow in everyday life. Jaden has been featured on the Today Show, The Early Show, Martha Stewart Radio, Fox Business News and more. You can find her on Instagram @heyjadenrae.

Budtender of the Month Las Vegas

Danny Narvaez

budtender at PLANET 13

With his unparalleled expertise in cannabis products and dedication to providing top-notch customer service, Danny is the epitome of excellence in the industry. Whether you're seeking advice on strains, consumption methods, or the latest innovations, Danny's friendly demeanor and extensive knowledge make him the perfect guide on cannabis journey.

jorrell ellis

What made you want to join the cannabis industry?

I decided to join the cannabis industry because of how much cannabis helps with treating my fibromyalgia. I have had chronic pain since I was a child and no other forms of treatment or medication were able to provide any relief. My fibromyalgia caused me to be depressed and miss out on many life experiences because I was in so much pain. Discovering cannabis finally provided effective relief for my physical and mental state that I previously did not believe I could achieve.

What challenges have you faced within the industry?

An initial challenge upon entering the cannabis industry stemmed from my bilingual background, with Spanish being my first language. Growing up, discussions about cannabis in Spanish were scarce, resulting in a limited vocabulary in the subject. One of my daily challenges involves articulating and naming various products or devices to Spanish-speaking customers unfamiliar with English terminology. The absence of precise translations requires me to have to consult with a high degree of depth and precision. I am grateful for the opportunity to assist in another language and I enjoy teaming up with other Spanish speaking budtenders to share different words or ways of communicating cannabis more effectively.

You have a passion for fitness, how does cannabis complement your healthy lifestyle?

I was never really able to spend a lot of time working out or building my body the way I wanted to due to my fibromyalgia. Since I started consuming cannabis and

learning proper doses by testing out different cannabinoids and terpenes, I have been able to find ways to enjoy a pain-free workout. I usually start with a joint or a high dose of edibles to relieve the tension in my body and to keep me motivated and focused. Also, being a transgender man means the gym can be very intimidating since I am small and have just started my journey on testosterone, so my body is still changing quite a bit, which can trigger my anxiety at the gym. Cannabis helps with my anxiety and gives me a chance to relieve my mental and physical pain to be able to live the healthy and fit lifestyle I have always wanted.

What’s your favorite way to consume?

Edibles are typically my favorite and main consumption method. They play a significant role in my daily recovery routine. Edibles require minimal effort for me, as I can just consume them while I am on the go and experience hours of relief, leading to me being able to improve my mental and physical health.

Do you have any favorite cannabis brands?

Currently, my top three preferred cannabis brands include Trendi, Nordic Goddess, and Nature's Chemistry.

What’re your top terps?

My top three favorite terps are terpinolene, ocimene, and linalool. Terpinolene and ocimene combined are my favorite terps to smoke before I workout. I feel more focused, energetic, and uplifted, and it helps keep my workouts positive and productive. Both of these terps help me with the intensity of my workouts because they help manage my pain and stay in the zone. Linalool has been a personal favorite for also helping with pain management, as well as depression, anxiety, and with helping me fall asleep and stay asleep at night.

What have you been smoking on?

Lately I have been smoking on Flavor Crystals from Trendi and Ghost Train Haze from Natures Chemistry.

>>>

Celebrating Women’s History by Recognizing Women in Cannabis

Women, warriors of the world, the ones that bring life into the world, the ones that advance tech, music, math, and cannabis. Women like Brownie Mary, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Alicia Keys. Women like the ones that worked for the Triangle Shirtwaist factory and advanced safe work condition regulations (they are why OSHA exists- this is an ugly story that deserves a read).

Throughout history, women have had to be stronger than strong. We think men are the strongest because of their physical abilities, but strength is much more than physical. Strength is women in history like:

Agnodice: Recognized as one of the first female gynecologists, Agnodice is said to have courageously practiced medicine in Greece when women faced the death penalty for doing so.

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz: a mexican writer and nun who defended women’s rights to education in 1691 by proclaiming “one can perfectly well philosophize while cooking supper."

Suffragist, Kate Sheppard along with fellow campaigners presented a “monster” petition to Parliament demanding women’s suffrage with nearly 32,000 signatures. This led to New Zealand becoming the first selfgoverning country to grant national voting rights to women in 1893.

In cannabis and hemp, women continue to make waves of change, making women’s history month a huge celebration in cannabis. And while I can’t name all women

in cannabis/hemp in one article, or interview all of them, this serves as a tribute to all women doing amazing things in the world, and readers are encouraged to comment the names of amazing women in cannabis/hemp to add to the list of phenomenal women.

10 Minority Women Owned/Led Businesses in Cannabis

Listen + watch: Canna I Talk Podcast - Canna I Talk Show is a conference that brings together experts in the field of technology, cannabis, health and more; to share their knowledge and insights. Led and hosted by Sunflower Taliaferro and Amina Ekpaji who are based out of Philadelphia, PA, the podcast aims to open up dialogue and cover topics and conversations missed by other cannabis media.

Read + learn: The Blueprint: a Guide Towards Cannabis Business Ownershipwritten by Diedra Harrison- Greenaway, the Blueprint is an Essential guide for those

By Veronica Castillo

considering entrepreneurship in the cannabis business. The book is inspired by Diedra’s observation of people of color being denied opportunities to become a part of the industry. The knowledge she had as it relates to the cannabis industry application process was not clear cut, so she took it upon herself to write a book that would guide those new to the cannabis business, a clearer understanding and a more simplified guide to help them in their processes.

Smoke + Wear: Ranchera Familia - woman owned by Sue Carlton, the first Latina in the US to create hemp genetics. Based out of California and grown under the sun, Ranchera Familia offers a variety of unique hemp CBD genetics that honors the community and culture with strain names like: Sazon, Sancho, and Chavarria. They ensure that every product is of the highest quality, free from impurities, and rich in cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN.

Visit + Shop: HerbloCO.- owned by Taronda Ransom and Marne Madison, the dispensary based in Oklahoma, and is redefining the in-store patient experience by combining cannabis science with their proprietary approaches to product curation and consumer education. Their core values include inclusivity, education, and opportunity with a key focus on supporting those who never thought they had a chance of entering the industry.

Travel + Stay: CannaCapeCod- DC - woman owned and based out of D.C, all you have to do is get there and Nicole will take care of the rest. The first all inclusive, cannabis friendly bed and breakfast that is more like

a resort: 3 meals a day, a snack bar, cannabis, vibes all day, and an amazing outdoor kick back area, this place is a cannabis lover's dream vacation. Vegans no worries, Nicole will cater beautifully to dietary needs.

Final Words

I want to close out this tribute by highlighting my tribe of recurring sponsors- all woman owned businesses:

Trini HC: A minority woman-owned, promotional products company, helping small businesses get their company logos on everything: mugs, shirts, posters, trays, tote bags, mouse pads; you name it, Trini HC can create it.

Higher Maintenance CBD: a woman-owned company making plantbased products and infusing them with USDA Certified Organic Premium CBD: full and broad spectrum gummies, tinctures, syrups, beauty products and more.

Kemistry Farms: a woman-owned and minority-owned cannabis cultivation located on family land in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Chemistry is at the heart of their processes and techniques and with 13 years of cultivation experience and a tight and knowledgeable team standing together, Kemistry Farms is dedicated to growing quality medicine for Oklahomans.

Seaux and Reap: a Louisiana-based travel company that offers the

freshest luxury cannabis experiences. They prioritize sustainability in everything they do and focus their excursions on education such as eco-friendly grow operations and responsible consumption practices. They strive to leave a positive impact on the communities they visit and ensure that their guests will have unparalleled luxury cannabis travel experiences; from personalized itineraries to high-end accommodations, their trips are designed to cater to the Cannaisseur's every desire.

Write the Vision U.P: Writing editing, music, graphics creative collaboration, and more. Write the Vision U.P is an official writing and media partner of the Traveling Cannabis Writer.

Veronica Castillo is known as the Traveling Cannabis Writer. She was a nomadic writer on the road covering all things cannabis/ hemp/ and overall plant medicines and recently came back home to Florida, making it her homebase once again. Her body of work can be found in multiple industry publications both digital and print where she provides cannabis industry and community insights from her 5 year journey around the country. She is a collaborator, connector, always seeking to bring to light the hidden gems in the plant space. You can follow her journey on Instagram: @vee_travelingvegcannawriter and/or LinkedIn: @Traveling Cannabis Writer

References:

https://interactive.unwomen.org/multimedia/timeline/ womensfootprintinhistory/en/index.html#intro1

https://www.history.com/topics/early-20th-century-us/triangle-shirtwaist- fire

Southern Nevada Farmers Markets Southern Nevada Farmers Markets

**Locations, dates and times were correct at the time of publication but may change periodically. Please confirm location before arriving.

Las Vegas Farmers Market

Downtown Summerlin

1825 Festival Plaza Dr.

Las Vegas NV 89135

Saturday, 9am-2pm

Downtown Summerlin 1980 Festival Dr.

Las Vegas NV 89135

Saturday, 9am-2pm

The District at Green Valley Ranch

2240 Village Walk Dr.

Henderson NV 89052

Thursday, 9am-1pm

Henderson Cornerstone Park

1600 Wigwam Pkwy.

Henderson NV 89074

Saturday, 9am-2pm

Boulder City Farmers Market

Parking lot of Boulder City Assembly of God

Church

1100 Adams Blvd.

Boulder City NV 89005

Every 1st & 3rd Friday, 10am-2pm

Intuitive Forager Farmers Market

818 Commerce St.

Las Vegas NV 89101

Friday, 9am-2pm

Dollar Loan Center

200 S. Green Valley Pkwy.

Henderson NV 89012

Monday, 9am-2pm

Craig Ranch Regional Park

628 W. Craig Rd.

North Las Vegas NV 89032

Last Sunday of the month, 7am-10m

Fresh 52 Markets

Sansone Corporate Headquarters 2580 St. Rose Pkwy.

Henderson NV 890174

Sunday, 8:30am-1:30pm

Sun City Anthem

2450 Hampton Rd.

Henderson NV 89052

2nd Monday of the month, 9am-1pm

Inspirada

2000 Via Firenze

Henderson NV 89044

1st & 3rd Saturday of the month, 9am-2pm

Skye Canyon

10111 W. Skye Canyon Park Dr.

Las Vegas NV 89116

Thursday, 2pm-6:30pm

Bruce Trent Park

1600 N. Rampart Blvd.

Las Vegas NV 89108

Wednesday, 2pm-7pm

Southern Highlands

11411 Southern Highlands Pkwy.

Las Vegas NV 89141 2nd & 4th Saturday, 9am-2pm

Uncommons

6880 Helen Toland St.

Las Vegas NV 89113 2nd & 4th Sunday, 9am-2pm

Treating Cancer Beyond Western Medicine Deb's Journey >>>

>>>BY SARAH SCHWEFEL

**This article is an account of one person's medical journey. It is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States. Every day an average of 5,205 people are diagnosed with cancer in the US and 1,670 people die from cancer. This is the average as of 2022 according to the American Cancer Society. Furthermore, they found American males have a 40.9% chance of developing cancer in their lifetime and females have a 39.1% chance. This is simply by living the standard American lifestyle, with no other additional considerations, such as smoking or alcohol intake. Additionally, the American Cancer Society projects record numbers of cancer diagnosis will occur in 2024 with over 2 million people getting diagnosed. The harsh reality is, every single one of us has a risk of developing cancer, and potentially losing our lives to it. While it is not something many of us would like to think about, it is something we must. However, what if we considered cancer as something we need to actively combat before it gets here, rather than waiting for it to turn our lives upside down? What if we looked at alternative treatment options beyond what Western Medicine offers us? What if we thought about what we would do if we got cancer before it even happens? These are the questions one remarkable family wants us to consider. A family that thought about what they would do if affected by cancer and went beyond the constrictions of western medicine to find healing.

Deb is a remarkable woman, and she radiates a light that can illuminate any room. She is a mother, grandmother, wife, adventurer, lover of life, and so much more. I got to meet Deb and her beautiful family for lunch to learn about her journey fighting cancer and I am honored to be able to share this powerful story.

It all began in February 2022. Deb and her husband Mike went for a hike, saw a show later on, and then had a sleepover with their grandkids. Afterwards, Deb told Mike that her feet started to feel funny, almost numbing and she had sensations of hot and cold on her body that only she could feel. The next morning the sensations continued, and she lost feeling in her feet that progressed up to her ankles. They called the rescue squad; at first thinking this could be neuropathy. Upon arriving at the hospital, the staff began running tests as the paralysis began to spread. By the end of the day, Deb had become paralyzed up to her breasts. After running a plethora of tests, Deb was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disorder in which the immune system attacks nerve cells, progressing to paralysis.

The hospital began treating Deb for Guillain-Barré syndrome in early March. It involved high doses of pain medications in attempts to control the severe pain she was experiencing. However, this affected her memory greatly and in her and her family’s words,

turned her into a zombie. In late April, Deb was alone in her hospital room, on heavy amounts of pain medications, still paralyzed from the chest down, and on a tracheostomy unable to speak. A doctor walked into the room that she had been in for two months and told Deb out of the blue that she has cancer and walked out of the room. When her daughter-in-law, Katie, arrived that day, Deb mouthed to her that ‘she is dying, and she has cancer’. Immediately, Katie went to the nurse to find out what was happening, as they were never given a proper diagnosis. Deb’s family that was there every single day was never spoken to about this, and they told Deb when she was alone, with no way to advocate or speak for herself. That day, no one expected what was coming. After receiving the news, the Chaplin came in to read Deb her last rights, and the family rushed to her bedside to say their goodbyes- there was no discretion, no respect, and no conversation from the doctors and hospital staff to assist the family with what was happening, only the fact that Deb had cancer was shared. The next day, the same doctor gave her husband the cancer diagnosis report in the hallway and said, “I know you’re a scientist. You can read this,” and walked off. Mike read the report and found out Deb had stage 3 ovarian cancer. He also discovered the hospital knew she had ovarian cancer from the initial test that was done in February to diagnose Guillain-Barré syndrome, and yet no one was told of the cancer diagnosis until late April. The devastating diagnosis brought a new set of concerns, fear, and anger. Why were they not told of this sooner? When she was first hospitalized her family began doing waves of research to find ways to help her, trying to stay ahead of the disease overtaking Deb’s body, and yet they didn’t know exactly what they were fighting, until over 2 months had passed.

Once they knew of the cancer diagnosis, they began their next journey, to fight the cancer. Deb and Mike already knew that they were not doing chemotherapy. They had close friends who took chemotherapy and suffered greatly from the side effects before passing away. Deb and Mike had decided then that if they were ever to have cancer, they would not do chemotherapy. However, every doctor they encountered would tell them they had to do chemotherapy otherwise they would be written off as a patient. This meant no more testing, monitoring, or appointments. The cancer doctors would not even come to her room anymore at the hospital once the family said they were not doing chemotherapy. Katie said, “From the point you say no chemo, the doctors write you off and most people don’t know what to do. Most people don’t think they have any other options. They’re just scared and traumatized and when they hear cancer, they just want to start something.”

Deb’s son, Brian, added, “It was like the worst used car salesman you’ve ever met in your life, just driving it (chemotherapy) down her throat…. with how hard they were pushing the chemo at my mom. I thought there has to be something more to this.” Thankfully, Deb has a supportive family fighting for her every step of the way and advocating for her. Deb said, “If I didn’t have them, they would

have done chemo on me because I didn’t have a voice. I probably wouldn’t be here today without these guys. I would have been left in the hospital and if I was still alive somehow, I would have been a zombie because the drugs would have fried my brain.”

Before we continue, I want you to imagine for a moment, being in a hospital room alone with a diagnosis that is often terminal and a doctor telling you chemotherapy is the only way. When you question the doctor and say you do not want what they want, they threaten to write you off as a patient, leaving you alone with no medical guidance. You are fragile, scared, and a medical professional is demanding you do it their way or they leave you. In that moment, you may say yes in fear of being left with no medical guidance, despite your heart telling you, you don’t want chemotherapy. Now imagine if you were paralyzed and couldn’t speak. Everyday thousands of people are in this position. Every day in the United States thousands of people are starting chemotherapy treatments, with no other options being presented to them, while they face the fear of dying from cancer.

In May, less than one month after they learned of the cancer diagnosis, Mike found a surgeon to perform a hysterectomy in attempts to remove the ovarian cancer mass. While the doctor eventually agreed to do the hysterectomy, he was persistent that Deb must start chemotherapy after the surgery, despite them saying no. After the hysterectomy, Deb began to gain coherence after 4 months had passed. When she came too, she didn’t believe she had a hysterectomy until she saw the surgical scars. Still paralyzed and on a tracheostomy, the realization of what had happened was only a fraction of what had occurred over the last 4 months, and the battle that was to come.

While the hysterectomy did remove a cancerous mass, the cancerous bacteria remained in the body, as unfortunately there is no way to surgically locate and remove every cancerous cell. After the surgery Deb went to rehab for a short while and almost immediately became very ill again. Deb went back to the hospital to learn the cancer had now attached to two places in her liver.

While in the hospital, Deb’s family started to bring an array of holistic therapies that they had learned about through their research to give to Deb. This included herbal tinctures, mushroom blends, and soursop- anything they could find that may help her. When the nurses and doctors saw, some were interested as to why the family had brought the product, while most told them immediately to get it out of the room and it wasn’t allowed. Often, they had to sneak the products into the hospital hidden in gifts or flowers and administer the remedies as soon as they were alone. Determined to find a way to help Deb, the family was willing to

do whatever it took. Katie would spend hours each day on social media, joining groups where individuals would share what they did to fight their own cancers. Katie said, “It is so important to have a team of support, because you can’t expect to know what to do, and the doctor is not going to tell you. I found comfort in finding personal testimonies. If I could access one thousand people who had something to say about cancer, I read all of them and talked to anyone who would talk to me.” Mike added, “Thankfully we have a family that knows how to do the research and knows how to help.”

After months of being in numerous hospitals and rehabilitation centers, Deb was able to speak a bit though she was still paralyzed, and shared with Katie at her daily visit that she was scared at night and didn’t want to be alone. Immediately, the family found a way to be with Deb 24/7. Mike stayed 12 hours during the day, and Brian spent 12 hours each night with his mom, so she was never alone. Deb and Mike’s friend from Atlanta also came to offer any aid needed for three weeks. Not only did they fear that medical neglect was happening; they also feared the hospital would give Deb something that would undo all the work they had already done with the natural remedies they were bringing in.

The family took daily shifts, so Deb was never alone and began to see little glimmers of progress. They started to monitor the medications the hospital was giving her, now that they knew exactly what they were battling. Brian said, “We started to adjust her pain medications and make sure she wasn’t having too much of something, or something she didn’t need. Because they had her so doped up on everything under the sun it was ridiculous. And then we started seeing progress. We started seeing her come out of her daze. She didn’t need the Xanax they were giving her in her sleep. After going through that, my only request is if I get sick, don’t take me to the hospital. And if someone you know goes in, go with them.” He adds, “Before all this, we were never against hospitals or anything like that. Before this, if I would have gotten sick, I would have gone straight to the hospital. It was once I got to the hospital and sat there with a sound mind and watched the things that were going on around me that I lost all hope, all faith, and all trust in the medical system”. Mike added, “The days that we could drop our loved ones off at the hospital and come visit a few days a week are long gone. We had her back in there though.”

Every day was filled with trying to find ways to fight Deb’s cancer. If the doctors around them were not going to try to help, the family would and were determined to find a way to save Deb’s life. One night when Mike couldn’t sleep, he lay in bed and prayed, asking for a way to help his wife. He was called to go online and returned back to his computer after having spent hours earlier that day

Deb in US hospital

Utilizing hyperbaric chamber therapy

Deb today, happy & healthy

Deb and her family

researching. Within ten minutes, he found New Hope Unlimited, an alternative cancer treatment center based in Arizona with treatment facilities in Mexico. New Hope Unlimited specializes in alternative and holistic cancer treatments and develops individualized cancer treatment strategies for each patient based on their own biologics. Immediately, Mike knew this was where he had to get Deb. The Lord was leading him to find the right treatment for Deb and he knew in his heart, this was it. The next day, after sleeping only two hours, he spoke to a patient of New Hope Unlimited. She had gone in with stage four breast cancer after no doctor would help her, and was cured of her cancer. After speaking to this woman and hearing her remarkable journey, Mike had no doubts he had to get Deb there. Immediately, the whole family was on board. However, in order for her to get to New Hope Unlimited she had to be able to get into a wheelchair on her own. She had to gain enough strength to be able to safely make the trip from Las Vegas to Arizona, and then to Mexico for treatment. Katie said, “We just had to get her well to get her to Mexico. We had to get her out of the USA hospitals and to Mexico where they would help heal her body so we could fight the cancer. And we would do whatever it takes to make it happen.” Brian adds, “We had to get her to somewhere where medicine wasn’t close minded, that was open to new things. It wasn’t run by big pharma and money; it was run by people who wanted my mom to get better.”

After eight months of being in multiple hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and being discharged twice because of no progress (that the family had to appeal) Deb gained enough strength to get into a wheelchair. Deb accredits being able to get to this point to many things- her family’s determination, the holistic therapies they snuck into the hospital, the therapy her family performed by moving her arms and legs to keep her mobile when the hospital wouldn’t, the constant monitoring they did to make sure they weren’t giving Deb anything that would feed the cancer they were trying to fight, and prayer as well as her angels above.

It was not easy for Deb and her family to get to this point, and Deb shared with me that she wanted to give up and asked her husband to let her go twice. Every time he refused to let his wife go and asked her to keep fighting, to stay with him. He wouldn’t give her permission to leave him. Her angels above knew she was tired, and Deb shared with me a turning point in her journey that made her decide she had to keep going.

“After a couple times asking Mike to let me go, because I was really feeling my pain at this point, I woke up from sleeping. I couldn’t move and was still paralyzed. I turned my head to see who was in the room, because usually I would see Mike or Brian. I didn’t see anyone. I guess they had stepped out for a minute. I closed my eyes and opened my eyes back up, and my son, Scott, who had passed away three years ago, was standing above me and said ‘Mom, God’s not ready for you yet,’ and from that moment on I started to get better.” Scott also came to Deb the day the Chaplin came to read her last rights. Brian said, “She went from agony and pain to smiling and pure bliss. She mouthed to her family Scott was there dropping his angel feathers on her.”

Now that Deb was strong enough to get into a wheelchair, she

and Mike began their journey to New Hope Unlimited. They first arrived in Arizona and then took a van ten minutes over the border to San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico. A place like New Hope Unlimited could not legally operate in the United States, even with waves of research verifying their treatments, high success rates, and qualified doctors. Treatments used at New Hope Unlimited cannot be used as cancer treatments in the United States.

They spent twelve days at New Hope Unlimited, and every day was filled with treatments and therapies. The facility individualizes each treatment plan based on the patient’s cancer and biologics, such as DNA and immune system. They combine evidence-based alternative and traditional medicines to help heal the body. The protocols used focused on building the immune system, implementing anti-tumor protocols, and detoxification methods. The goal is to strengthen the body while destroying each cancer cell, balance the body, and eliminate cancer waste. The first day, Deb went to their state-of-the-art in-house laboratory where they drew two pints of blood to convert to antigen antibodies. Additionally, during her stay she had a procedure to extract stem cells from her own body, which would then be re-introduced to her, supporting the production of healthy stem cells. To help strengthen the immune system they used an array of therapies including stem cell therapy, nutrient supplementation, hormone therapy to treat deficiencies in the body, such as DHEA and melatonin, as well as restore a healthy connective tissue and intestinal function. The facility also completely changed Deb’s diet, eliminating all sugars, additives, and chemicals that feed cancer; switching her to an all-organic diet prepared by their in-house chefs daily. New Hope Unlimited writes on their website, ‘Treating nutritional deficiencies and restoring optimal nutrition through proper diet and intravenous therapies plays a crucial role in cancer recovery. According to Dr. Patrick Quillin in his book, “Nutrition is a low-cost, non-toxic, and scientifically proven helpful component in the comprehensive treatment of cancer. There are thousands of medical studies identifying the effects of nutrient deficiencies, like Vitamin A, zinc, selenium, and gradual weakening of the immune system and the development of a disease. For example, zinc is involved in every aspect of immune function, and yet studies have shown that 68% of Americans get less than two-thirds of the recommended daily allowance.”’

In addition to a complete nutritional change and immune therapies, Deb did an array of detoxes and cleanses, hyperbaric chambers, oxygenation therapy, massage, infrared saunas, acupuncture, aromatherapy, botanical and herbal therapy, as well as the use of varying minerals and medicinal mushrooms, and more alternative therapies that were scientifically proven to assist in her fight against cancer. Every day there was a treatment, the facility specifically selected for her to help fight cancer and heal her body.

After twelve days had passed, each day filled with a range of alternative therapies, Deb walked out of New Hope Unlimited using a walker. After eight months in the United States medical system, being paralyzed from February to September, and barely being able to get into a wheelchair to make it to Mexico for treatment. After all Deb had endured and the pain she had experienced, in 12 days she was able to walk out of New Hope Unlimited alongside her husband.

Deb’s healing journey did not end at New Hope Unlimited, but it did give her the strength and a greater state of health to fight the cancer. Mike said, “New Hope brought Deb up a tremendous amount of strength to get her through everything else.” Once home, Deb continued with six months of antigen antibody injections the facility sent home with her. After losing 85 lbs and being paralyzed for 8\ eight months, she had to do extensive therapy to get her muscles firing again. Deb has a will and determination that is admirable and taught herself to walk, go up and down steps again, and much more. Brian said, “I’ve never seen anyone in my life fight so hard for something. My mom is the biggest warrior I’ve met. Even when she was paralyzed and in the hospital, every time she could open her eyes and say something, she would do it. She would squeeze my hand over and over every day. Without even knowing it, she was fighting then too.”

New Hope Unlimited also provided education for guidance after their stay in the facilities and herbal products to continue administering, such as medicinal mushroom blends. She also continues using an array of herbal tinctures, apricot kernels, soursop, and more to support her health. Deb’s lifestyle and diet had to completely change once home to continue starving the cancer and putting her health in the most optimal state to fight cancer. Deb and her family use the Yuka app to assist with this. It is a free app that allows individuals to scan food and cosmetic products, analyzing all ingredients that are in the product. The app then rates the product and gives a detailed data sheet as to any hazardous additives that may be in the product, while also providing alternative options. With the help of the Yuka app, Deb and her family were able to eliminate the many additives that are found in traditional American foods that contribute to cancer. Katie said, “The app is how we knew not to give her certain things while we were trying to heal her; things even the hospital was giving her. We all have completely changed our lives now.”

Let’s pause for a question. If food you eat was labeled that it contributed to your 40% chance of developing cancer, would you eat it? Absolutely not! And yet the majority of the food we are given in the United States has unnecessary additives that are proven to contribute to developing cancer and disease. Now if you were given an alternative option, wouldn’t you choose the one that doesn’t cause illness? That’s why an app like Yuka is so powerful. It gives us the education we need to help prevent disease and fight disease by eating better.

Along with the above mentioned, Deb also began using Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) after she left Mexico and contributes it to her success in combination with the other alternative therapies. RSO is a concentrated full plant extract from cannabis. The cannabinoids present in RSO have been proven in numerous scientific studies to have cytotoxic effects against an array of cancer cell lines. Before she started using RSO, she was still very weak, struggled to eat, had pain, and couldn’t sleep. Deb said, “The RSO is what really initiated a lot of changes.” Brian and Katie shared a beautiful story with me about one night shortly after Deb had begun taking RSO, she sent them a video of her and Mike laughing. He said, “It was amazing, after seeing mom being paralyzed and all she went through, to holding a phone and taking a video… and for my dad to be laughing again, it made us so happy.” Deb also takes Lynparza as well, which can come with horrible

side effects, and she has none- contributing the lack of side effects to the RSO, and scientifically speaking she is absolutely correct that RSO can help to mitigate the side effects.

Deb and her family have endured a hardship we can only imagine unless we have experienced it ourselves. They had to fight for her life in every way, including standing up to medical mistreatment, doing waves of research to find how to fight her cancer, and they sought healthcare beyond the United States. At Deb’s last PET scan, there were no cancerous tumors present, and she is in partial remission, as they need more negatives to rule it full remission. Her numbers went from 3,185 to less than 35. When Deb got her results, the doctor asked her when was the last time she had her chemo treatment, despite him knowing she had already refused chemotherapy, because the doctor could not fathom how the numbers were so low without chemotherapy. Deb said the doctor said, well whatever you’re doing, keep it up. She looked at him and said, ‘You think I’m supposed to be dead by now, right?’ He was speechless. Everything western medicine has taught us to rely on, Deb went away from and now her cancer is in partial remission. I asked Deb if she was ever scared to go away from Western Medicine and to seek healthcare outside of the United States, despite every doctor saying you will die from cancer if you don’t try chemotherapy. She replied, “No, because I would rather die from making the ‘wrong decision’, than die from chemotherapy.”

Deb and Mike shared with me that they were off to spend the night on the Las Vegas Strip to have a wonderful evening together. Full of life, joy, and love Deb said, “I’m not giving up on life. Eventually life gives up on us, but I’m not giving up on life.”

A note from the writer: It was an honor to share Deb’s journey. What she and her family have endured, no one should have to, and yet her story is similar to many others’ facing cancer in the American medical system. We may think that her healing was miraculous, and though it is tremendous, it is not miraculous. The treatments she sought at New Hope Unlimited and the alternative therapies she used have scientifically proven cytotoxic effects and benefits to help fight and eliminate cancer. New Hope Unlimited used scientifically backed alternative treatments gathered from all over the world to help Deb. So often in America we are led to believe we have the highest standard of medical care, and yet the United States has the lowest life expectancy at birth, the highest death rates for avoidable or treatable conditions, the highest maternal and infant mortality, and the highest rate of people with multiple chronic conditions. Does this sound like a high standard of medical care? Deb’s journey, like many others who seek alternative treatments, is inspiring, phenomenal, and potentially obtainable if we look outside of the constrictions of Western Medicine to find healing. I urge you to look at New Hope Unlimited’s website for yourself and read about the amazing technology and alternative treatments they use to treat a range of diseases. To do your own research into the many things that contribute to and feed cancer, allowing it to grow, and the many things that can be used to help obtain optimal health. Most importantly, I urge you to consider what you would do if you or someone you loved were to be one of the millions affected by cancer annually. We all would like to hope it will never affect us but let us be as prepared as we can be if it does.

BILL

JENN

JOSH

NEVADA Dispensaries WHAT’S GOOD IN

REMEDY Z3 Live Resin Sugar

Are you ready to level up? Because this sugar is the spice of life and a little dab will do ya. You’ll find yourself going cuckoo, levitating over our microplastic desert like a roadrunner who soars like an eagle. If you’re looking to get your wings, this resin will have you hitting the road running!

THC- 76.0296%

Caryophyllene- 24.77mg/g

Limonene- 13.84mg/g

Linalool- 12.43mg/g

REMEDY

Poison Apple Cured Resin

Vape Cartridge

Damn, this Poison Apple Vape Cartridge is 86% THC. That's what I feel mostly when I take a bite. Is Remedy playing the part of the wicked stepmother? Am I Snow White? Is Remedy jealous of me? I'm trying to make sense of it all. Poison Apple is a great name for this woozy vape cart. I'm just going to die now, and enjoy laying on my back in the forest. Maybe the Seven Dwarfs will come to my rescue.

THC- 86.6055%

Caryophyllene- 9.70mg/g

Limonene- 5.51mg/g

Farnesene- 4.14mg/g

REMEDY OG18

BILL

CURATED & PHOTOGRAPHED BY

Bill Shehan with assistance

from

REMEDY Infusions Bio-Jesus

1g Infused Preroll

Jesus was an alien, placed into a virgin, in a time of need. So where’s the beginning to the conspiracy? Well, when you’re doing a deep dive into your own research, be sure to have Bio-Jesus as your copilot. This multidimensional spirit will guide you to the truth and you’ll surely see the light.

THC- 47.870%

Pinene- 5.516mg/g

Caryophyllene- 3.097mg/g

Limonene- 1.806mg/g

I've always been a big fan of the thick, piney flavor of OG18. It's one of Remedy's best-selling staple flowers. The terpenes are well-rounded and balanced for your pleasure. I packed a couple bong loads and that's all folks. You won't need but a couple of pinches to get you into the right state of mind to sink into a good meal and TV show. Have you seen anything good lately?

THC- 22.853%

Myrcene- 6.84mg/g

Limonene- 7.88mg/g

Linalool- 4.84mg/g

BILL

SHWA

SHWA Shwa Laytart

Jennifer Walker

Josh Kasoff

SHWA

PRODUCTS

MAMMOTH LABS

Cosmic Live Resin Sauce

What a beautiful specimen. Cosmic Live Resin Sauce by Mammoth Labs will shoot your mind into outer space. It's so smooth and dreamy, and its terpenal properties will crush any feelings of stress or anxiety. I feel amazing. Thank you Jezus!

THC- 62.13%

Caryophyllene- 19.78mg/g

Limonene- 19.50mg/g

Linalool- 6.52mg/g

MAMMOTH LABS

Canal Street Runtz

Solventless Rosin

This solventless rosin is just lovely. Canal Street Runtz is sure to put a big smile on your puss. With 2% limonene, this will get your body moving. You'll be dancin’ in the streets, and bumping to the fresh beats. My head feels lifted. How many of you out there are really alive?

THC- 74.44%

Limonene- 20.41mg/g

Caryophyllene- 19.52mg/g

Myrcene- 9.71mg/g

CAMP Fierce Animal

CAMP has been a notable brand that has consistently produced a quality product, and the Fierce Animal strain is definitely no exception. Named after what my roommate’s dog becomes when he doesn’t get at least 4 treats a day, the limonene and linalool combine excellently to provide for a delicious smoke and the bud is certainly quite frosty. And with a considerable THC percentage in the almost mid-20’s, the bud is equal parts delicious and enjoyable.

CAMP Black Berry Gummies

Made with 100% Solventless Rosin I took this photograph, (actually I am proud to say that I take them all) but this one is different. I wanted to create an obstacle illusion that CAMP's Black Berry Gummies were stacked upon each other. Success! And these may very well be the best flavor and texture in an infused gummy, that you'll ever evaluate. I snapped off the whole bag in about 5 minutes. The THC is well-hidden until the very end in an aftertaste.

Total THC- 100mg

Total Pieces- 10

THC/piece- 10mg

CAMP Fruit Fuel

I’ve made fun of CAMP’s name in the past, but there is no clowning these glorious buds their grow-techs have produced. I like my ladies thick, colorful, a little dusted, always delicious, and packed with personality. These goddesses do not disappoint! Like a majestic dance with destiny, each experience you have will be momentous and unforgettable.

THC- 22.269%

Caryophyllene- 4.994mg/g

Limonene- 4.852mg/g

Linalool- 3.855mg/g

SACRED OILS

Strawberry Dream Vape Cartridge

THC- 26.70%

Limonene- 6.200mg/g

Caryophyllene- 6.100mg/g

Myrcene- 5.000mg/g

SACRED OILS

Pineapple Twist Vape Cartridge

If you’re a vape head you need to immediately get yourself to the nearest dispensary and swoop up this strawberry dreaminess. Packed with THC and CBG, just to name a few fiery active molecules, your mind will be blown at how effective and mouth watering this oil is. It’s a full-body massage that tickles you with sensuous sensations. A daydream for every daydreamer.

THC- 84.64% CBD- 1.79mg/g

CBN- 8.92mg/g CBG- 31.06mg/g

CBC- 5.03mg/g Limonene- 19.05mg/g

Myrcene- 16.51mg/g

Caryophyllene- 15.77mg/g

As a cannabis brand, Sacred certainly understands how to consistently produce cannabis cartridges that are both packed to the brim with terpenes and also smooth to consume without causing an uncontrollable coughing fit. While the cart may not necessarily taste like pineapple in the same way a snozzberry tastes like a snozzberry, the Pineapple Twist cartridge is one to purchase. The one-two punch of myrcene and CBG is very noticeable, so this cart should be more of an end-of-day cart.

THC- 83.57% CBD- 2.03mg/g CBN- 8.73mg/g

CBG- 33.73mg/g CBC- 4.97mg/g a-Pinene- 16.81mg/g

Myrcene- 15.95mg/g b-Pinene- 10.64mg/g

BILL

SHWA

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JOSH

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CIRCLE S FARMS

PLATINUM

Blue Dream

Not Blue Dream!

Just kidding. I really love it. That's just what stoners used to say because there was a time when Blue Dream was everywhere you looked and people wanted something else. Holy shit! 31%THC?! That's remarkable. I twisted up a fat joint and I'm smoking it as I type. Let me create the hype. This might be the tastiest, stoniest herb on the market in the last few years. Nothing but cheers, no jeers. These tears are of joy. Oh boy. I'm in love with Platinum Blue Dream by Circle S. I'm faded.

CIRCLE S FARMS PLATINUM Double OG

The perfect pre-game to your Punk Rock Museum tour. Cruise or pogo through gutter punk history the way Fatty would. Then pop into the bar to suck down a Fetcher, a Gut Punch and Hamm’s or The Double Fatty, so you start seeing double at the Triple Down. Just be sure you have a Double OG to help heal up the bruises when the show is over.

THC- 28.619%

Limonene- 10.154mg/g

Myrcene- 8.126mg/g

Caryophyllene- 6.260mg/g

MPX

Two Wave Hold Down #8

Live Resin Batter

Ready for a good ass-whoopin’? Step right up. Pow. What was that for? I tried to warn ya buddy. Now lean back and feel your head spinning as you see the stars circling around in your dome. That doesn't hurt one, little bit. Stop being a little baby. Come here, let mama hold you. Two Wave Hold Down #8 is amazing and will alleviate your pain. It's a remarkable analgesic, and quite tasty too. Do yourself a favor and purchase two.

THC- 68.97%

Terpinolene- 30.70mg/g

Myrcene- 11.55mg/g

Caryophyllene- 10.51mg/g

THC- 31.069%

Myrcene- 10.678mg/g

Pinene- 5.140mg/g

Caryophyllene- 2.717mg/g

MPX

Tangie Breath

Live Resin

Vape Cartridge

MPX has the vape cartridge game all figured out Using live resin and indigenous cannabis terpenes, this Tangie Breath Vape Cart will take your breath away, and soothe your pain, helping your brain focus on the necessary things in life… like love and food and pleasure. Inside this little cylinder is a golden treasure.

THC- 72.16%

Myrcene- 18.21mg/g

Caryophyllene- 14.38mg/g

Limonene- 14.29mg/g

MPX

Sour Tangie x North Town Jack 1g Diamond Preroll

Two classic strains in one sweet preroll. What do you get when you combine Jack Herer and Northern Lights? You get a sativa dom that likes to whip your ass into shape. This classic hybrid is still hip and gives the young nugs a run for their money. Bust this joint out when you're hanging with granny and watch her get nostalgic as she flows with her life story.

THC- 50.60%

Caryophyllene- 3.80mg/g

Limonene- 2.96mg/g

Pinene- 1.86mg/g

THE GROWER CIRCLE Flight Bites

Strawberry Shortcake

THE GROWER CIRCLE

Permanent Marker

What an awesome strain. Try it and you surely won't complain. The Grower Circle will make a permanent impression on your brain. Their herbs are always top notch fire, but Permanent Marker is something special. Go on, reward yourself. You deserve it!

THC- 26.78%

Caryophyllene- 5.87mg/g

Limonene- 5.27mg/g

Humulene- 2.21mg

Full Spectrum Hash Rosin Gummies

Most edible products that are named and designed after dessert classics are almost always delectable, and The Grower’s Circle’s certainly matches that description. Not only is it an homage to one of the best desserts, it’s also a combination of dessert mixed with a strawberry-flavored cannabis gummy. However, please do remember that these are hash rosin gummies and not made from regular cannabis buds. Because of this, the Strawberry Shortcake is considerably stronger.

Total THC- 100mg Total pieces- 10 THC/piece- 10mg

BILL

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SHWA

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JOSH

BILL

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GRASSROOTS

Bubba Berry

GRASSROOTS

Gush Mints

I just consumed the Bubba Berry strain by Grassroots via an OCB cone, and I can verify that it’s certainly one worth consuming. While the bud structure is definitely more dense than other cannabis buds, it’s easily grindable and packable. The prevalent limonene in the flower is noticeable and very much provides the consumer with a great wave of creativity while the caryophyllene makes sure your back doesn’t hurt too much.

THC- 23.02%

Limonene- 4.00mg/g

Linalool- 1.88mg/g

Caryophyllene- 1.53mg/g

ROBHOTS REDS

Strawberry Kiwi, Tropical Punch & Watermelon

Gummies

This month’s blue collar bud is Gush Mints. For those times that you need a serious pick-me-up to get through another grueling day on the job, or when you’re getting ready to pull a double shift because you need more of that green guala to get you through another month in the wastelands, be sure to snatch up a satchel of this bliss. Because selfcare should always be your main concern.

THC- 24.81%

Caryophyllene- 3.48mg/g

Limonene- 3.20mg/g

Linalool- 1.26mg/g

I gobbled these up so quickly, I thought they were the same flavor. Ha. I would have liked to evaluate the flavor of each individual color, but now you, the reader, have something to do for yourself. I must say that this medicine went down easily and I did experience a good head change in about 20 minutes. Much appreciated. Now leave me be while I do the Robot Dance.

Total THC- 100mg

Pieces - 10

THC/piece- 10mg

PRODUCTS

GRASSROOTS

Jack Herer

Cured Resin Shatter

It's been a minute since I’ve been blessed with some good shatter. I snapped off a shard and dropped it into a perfect temp banger. I feel like a million bucks just donkey kicked me in the back of my troubles, and now nothing but bliss. Oh, how I miss a good shatter. Now absolutely nothing is the matter. I feel amazing.

THC- 76.81%

Terpinolene- 9.50mg/g

Caryophyllene- 9.38mg/g

Humulene- 4.57mg/g

ROBHOTS EXOTICS

Guava, Passion Fruit & Pomegranate Gummies

A soft and fruity gummy that just happens to be handcrafted with quality ingredients and made the old fashion way- by scratch. It’s nice to see some fresh, and I’ll say it, exotic, new flavors in the world of gummies. Take a tropical vacation inside your body. The best way to escape the trials and tribulations of life on the outside.

ROBHOTS SOURS

Blue Raspberry, Grape & Green Apple Gummies

ROBHOTS PLUS NIGHT TIME

I’m not too familiar with gummies, and I’m even less familiar with gummies that come multi-flavored in a single package, but Robhot’s Sours are a great introduction. Whether it be blue raspberry or green apple, every flavor of gummy is flavorful and will taste great. With 10 milligrams per piece, the gummies weren’t as strong as hash rosin gummies, but still you may want to only have one at a time. And for anyone who may be worried about an overwhelming sour flavor, one shouldn’t worry about that, as any sour flavoring is very mild.

Total THC- 100mg

Pieces - 10 THC/piece- 10mg

Blueberry, Grape & Wild Berry Gummies

These have been my go to for night time lately. The CBN content along with the THC will help you fall asleep and stay asleep. And, each gummy is big enough to split in half if you opt to micro-dose.

Total THC- 100mg

Total CBN- 200mg

Pieces - 10 THC/piece- 10mg CBN/piece- 20mg

SHWA

SHWA

BILL

JOSH

BILL

JOSH

The Super Mario

Mushrooms are Real

Amanita muscaria, also known as the fly agaric mushroom or fly amanita mushrooms a species of mushroom that belongs to the genus Amanita and species muscaria. It is one of the most recognizable and iconic mushrooms due to its distinctive appearance. Amanita muscaria is characterized by its bright red cap with white spots, often depicted in fairy tales and folklore.

While Amanita muscaria has mind-altering effects, it is unlike most classical psychedelics. Rather, it’s not psychedelic at all! Most psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms or LSD stimulate and engage your serotonin receptors, whereas muscimol typically has a soothing feel and engages your GABA receptors. The effects of taking Amanita muscaria can vary widely and are highly dependent on the dosage, individual tolerance, and preparation method. Common effects include euphoria, relaxation, visual distortions, and altered perception of colors and sounds.

Yes, Amanita muscaria is federally legal. Compared to their psychedelic counterparts, you will only have an issue getting your hands on Amanita muscaria products if you live in the state of Louisiana. The Bayou State is the only state that bans the muscimol mushroom. However, a weird loophole allows you to use Amanita muscaria in Louisiana purely for decorative purposes. So if you want to add some color to your garden and give those eerie garden gnome statues some company, consider adding fly agaric mushrooms to your garden.

Microdosing is becoming a more common way for people to consume amanita to boost mood, enhance creativity, and restore sleep cycles. Taking smaller amounts is a way to harness the potential benefits of Amanita muscaria while minimizing the intensity of its psychoactive effects.

When taking a microdose, the feeling will be much more subtle with people often reporting elevated moods, calming states, and lucid dreaming.

Similar to psilocybin mushrooms, amanita can potentially be dried and eaten or infused in a tea. The potency of the mushrooms and the corresponding tea are impacted by a variety of unpredictable factors such as age, size, and growing habitat.

More recently, companies have found methods to extract muscimol and ibotenic acid from amanita mushrooms to create an extract. The extract can then be infused into a variety of

By: Terry Bruesehoff, RN BSN

form factors such as gummies and chocolate. This has become a popular medium for ingesting as it allows for more control and safety around the experience.

Never tried Amanita muscaria before? You’re not alone. Through proper preparation and know-how, you can ensure your first expedition with Amanita muscaria mushrooms is a pleasant one.

Insomnia, sleep deprivation is the umbrella for all mental health, and if you have an umbrella that gives you the ability to have quality sleep 8-10 hours a day, you can recharge and heal overnight. Functional mushrooms like Amanita are going to help you relax, be calm and sleep. You don’t need a prescription, it is over the counter, and you don’t need to see a therapist or doctor.

The connection between Christmas mythology, Santa Claus, and Amanita muscaria mushrooms has been a topic of speculation and debate among scholars and enthusiasts for quite some time. And honestly…it’s a stronger connection than you might guess.

Researchers propose that certain elements of the modern-day Santa Claus Mythos, such as the iconic red and white suit similar to the red and white caps, may have origins in Siberian shamanic practices involving Amanita muscaria.

To be even more literal, shamans in Asia wore distinctive attire for collecting fly agaric mushrooms. They wore red coats and pants embellished with white fur on the collar and cuffs, complemented by black boots. Equipped with a special sack, the shaman would gather the mushrooms and return to the village.

The shaman would then enter the communal yurt, a portable tent dwelling, through the smoke hole - the smoke hole being essentially a chimney for the yurt. During the ceremonial ritual, the shaman and participants would consume and share the sacred mushrooms.

Fly agaric mushrooms were even thought to have brought about mild hallucinations that involved the sensation of flying. Reindeer conveniently also absolutely love to eat amanita. Is this all sounding mildly familiar yet? Just imagine Shaman Santa Clause delivering a package of shrooms instead of your Sega Dreamcast.

I t ' s S i m p l e . . .

M o r e H a i r a n d B e t t e r S k i n

R e v i t a l i z e s k i n w i t h P l a t e l e t R i c h P l a s m a a n d m i c r o - n e e d l i n g a n d / o r m i c r o - i n j e c t i n g

R e s t o r e y o u r s k i n f r o m w i t h i n w i t h o u t a d d e d

c h e m i c a l s , g r o w h a i r n a t u r a l l y , a n d

m i n i m i z e f i n e l i n e s a n d w r i n k l e s , s t r e t c h

m a r k s , h y p e r p i g m e n t a t i o n , a n d a c n e s c a r s

P e r f e c t f o r a n y s k i n t y p e .

R e g e n e r a t i v e A e s t h e t i c s

P R P T r e a t m e n t s H a i r R e s t o r a t i o n

S k i n R e g e n e r a t i o n M i c r o n e e d l i n g

E x o s o m e s & P e p t i d e s M e s o t h e r a p y

D e n t a l B l e a c h i n g W e i g h t M a n a g e m e n t

Reading LIT!

The Book of Hugs.

By: Attaboy

Suggestions for Stoney Reading Freaks

By Shwa Laytart

Even though the flower and chocolate covered Valentine's Day is over, spring love is floating effortlessly in the air and with that hoppity, horny bunny just around the corner. I thought I would suggest a fun little folio by the super silly and tremendously talented Attaboy. Attaboy is a person. He has designed and invented toys, authored kids’ books, created animation shows for cable television, sung in a junkyard, and appeared on the back of a cereal box. Attaboy is an artist, a performer, a talent scout, a functioning sugarholic, and, along with his equally talented wife, Annie Owens, the co-founder of High Fructose magazine- the go-to mag for contemporary lowbrow art in all its forms and glory.

Attaboy’s The Book of Hugs is the most complete guide to hugging that anyone could ever ask for. You will learn about all types of hugs like the “I Thought It Would Be A Handshake” hug. Or for those bro-bros, the “Manly Lean And Pat” hug. For those poly-people, there’s the “Tag Team'' hug and the “Group” hug. Not to be ignored, for the monogamous couples still walking the planet, there’s the “All Mine'' hug, and the “You Complete Me” hug. For the

lovers of all styles, shapes and sizes, there’s the “Look At All Those Lonely People” hug. There’s even my favorites, the “Tree” hug and the “I Covered Myself In Peanut Butter” hug. Or the worst, the “Cold Fish” hug and the “Porta Party” hug.

Not only is there every type of hug in this book, there are also tips for hugging, like: take a deep breath, and remember to commit your head to one side. Keep in mind, hugs aren’t for everyone. Thanks to The Book of Hugs, you’ll find out who not to hug like gangster guys you owe money to, and the ultra sweaty. You’ll also discover what not to hug, like butterflies and pepperoni pizza. There is also a guide addressing when hugs go wrong. You’ll find out when not to hug, like when someone is trying to eat or at the gym. If you’re looking for the necessary tools for hugging, The Book of Hugs has it! For those of you that don’t understand what a hug is, Attaboy breaks it down with the “Anatomy Of A Hug”, so that you can put all the parts together, before you start your long tradition of hugging as a hip hugster.

Let’s not forget the hugs that happen to all of us. The “I Thought You Were Someone Else,” hug and the “You Are Totally Using My Shoulder As A Snot Rag,” hug.

I could go on and on about how wonderful and unique this little hand-drawn book is, but like the “All Too Long” hug, this review needs to end. So…

For more about Attaboy, check out my podcast with him at Avantpop Bookstore Presents… on all platforms.

You don’t have to like hugs, have kids, or be in love to enjoy this book, but if you are, I highly suggest you spark up and kick back with a copy of your own. This book is definitely worth Reading Lit!

You can pick up a copy of The Book of Hugs by Attaboy at Avantpop Bookstore or online at bookshop.org/shop/avantpop

Follow Shwa @shwavantpop and Attaboy @attayumfactory

Lady Led Collabs launched their 2024 year of events with an unforgettable evening of joy, wellness, and community spirit! Held at Shine Fitness and Huni Badger, the event was a celebration of wellness, self-care, creativity, and community connection. Community members unwound with aerial demos and a sweet and slow stretch sesh led by Daria Marsh, enjoyed massages by 10101 Scentuals, and astrological readings by Majestic Marv. For those that prefer an interactive experience, Susan Z Art popped up with a healing painting class!

Just a few steps away from Shine Fitness, guests were treated to a scavenger hunt on their way to a private sesh featuring pop-ups by Huni Badger, Reina, and Sips! Guests were kept lifted and gifted all night long by alcohol-free bevs and uninfused treats by Mistyland Edibles. As always, the night ended with almost a dozen raffle prizes with proceeds going to Claire Bears' lymphoma fundraiser.

PHOtos by: jovan johnson - UNIK photography

Chamber of Cannabis

The Chamber of Cannabis kicked off the year with a dynamic first meeting on February 8, hosted at NuWu's Sky High Lounge. The event was highlighted by insightful discussions and engaging presentations from board members and guest speakers, including lobbyist and political strategist Joe Brezny, and Senator Rochelle Nguyen. Brezny empowered leaders with valuable insights into the political process, while Senator Nguyen provided a personalized perspective on policy making in Nevada. The Chamber's meetings this year will be free for all to attend and learn. Power up your voice by joining the conversation and becoming a member at: https://cofclv.org.

PHOtos by: TOSH lathroum - connex concepts

STEVE banderet >>> Cannabis Industry Spotlight

Director of procurement, tree of life

Of the many vital roles that go into running a successful cannabis operation, there are several roles that the average consumer may not even know about. Budtenders are absolutely paramount in sales and customer service as well as serving as a face of the store, but there are so many roles in the industry beyond those that are customer-facing.

In the cultivation facility side, there are teams of not only cultivators working directly in the gardens but also an entirely separate team dedicated to properly harvesting and curing the cannabis branches. Larger operations usually have warehouse managers and employees dedicated to compliance with the frequently amended yet strict regulations of the Nevada cannabis industry. On the post-harvest part of the seed to sale process, there are teams that easily surpass a dozen employees that both trim the harvested buds and package the lots of cannabis products that have passed testing.

From there, the delivery drivers safely and compliantly deliver the fully packaged products to any number of dispensaries across Nevada. Once the products arrive at the dispensary and the proper transfer paperwork is filled out, the products will go on the store shelves.

Due to the large volume and subsequent dollar amount of products that these dispensaries sell and stock along with how strict the regulations are regarding METRC tags and proper labeling, there are employees whose entire position is keeping track of every product in the dispensary.

The inventory team and managers at any dispensary have a crucial role in the compliant and organized operation of a cannabis retail business; one that the customer rarely ever directly sees. With a diverse catalog of products and heavy fines if inventory isn’t strictly labeled and organized to the CCB’s strict standard, these inventory employees are usually unseen by the public. Evenso, they are a highly integral part of every cannabis operation.

One example of these inventory employees in charge of a substantial volume of products is Steve Banderet. Serving as Director of Procurement for the massively successful dispensary Tree of Life, Banderet is in charge of the vast intake of over $25 million worth of inventory annually. This is quite a task, as keeping track of a volume of inventory that expensive requires the daily usage of great detail and unparalleled organizational skills. For nearly three years prior to his current position, Banderet served as the Inventory Manager- a position that understandably works in sync with the Director of Procurement.

Like almost every established cannabis professional, Banderet started his career in an entirely different field- the nonstop world of real estate. Eventually in 2017, he switched fields and joined the Nevada cannabis industry, then only months old. Starting as a budtender at The Source, he worked his way up to Assistant Purchaser before joining the Tree of Life in July of 2021.

One of the most profound reasons that Banderet joined Tree of Life was due to both the professionalism and work ethic of the employees there, and the mission statement and values of the store.

“The store donates 70 percent of the profits to charities specifically here in Nevada and the vast majority go to local nonprofits here in Las Vegas.” Banderet explained. “That was something different that I hadn’t heard of before, so I wanted to see what it was about.”

Referring to themselves as “Cannabis with a Cause” on their website, the dispensary donates to nonprofit organizations that are assisting and addressing unfortunately common issues, such as Volunteers in Medicine Of Southern Nevada which deals with the widespread healthcare inequality, and The Ability Center which assists and empowers those who live with disabilities. According to their website, Tree of Life has plans to donate upwards of $1 million to charitable efforts over the next couple years.

As for the daily duties of the Procurement Manager, there’s several aspects of the job that go beyond simple inventory counts and organization.

“Monitoring sales trends is super important and forecasting what

by josh kasoff

those trends will be so you can purchase properly and have the correct inventory to succeed. Also monitoring the competition too and trying to focus on the customer experience and always trying to provide the best experience possible.”

When asked about what the cornerstone qualities of a successful cannabis retail operation are, Banderet had similar responses and expanded upon the importance of customer interaction and experience.

“Also, taking care of your employees is important. It’s a competitive work environment right now, so make sure your employees are taken care of and heard.”

One of the most pronounced hardships that Nevada dispensaries face according to Banderet’s experience is the steep and almost unfettered access to the illicit cannabis market. As it’s unregulated and untaxed, the illicit market doesn’t have to go through the pricey hurdles that the legal industry does. However, the illicit market products aren’t third party tested and could have any number of dangerous additives within. And because the illicit market doesn’t abide by the federal ban on interstate transactions, the growing tentacles of California’s rampant illicit market and the related issues have been steadily but surely creeping into the Nevada cannabis industry.

As for confirmed future plans for the Tree of Life, Banderet emphasized the continuation of the dispensary’s charitable efforts.

“We want to continue to give back to the community as much as possible. Currently, we’ve given over $600,000 to date, and we’re going to continue to drive that mission as the sole purpose of our existence.”

JEFFREY PETERSON

The 420 Comic

VEGAS CANNABIS AND WELLNESS: Where are you from? Where do you currently reside?

JEFFREY PETERSON: I'm originally from Connecticut, I grew up in Phoenix and L.A., and started my comedy career in 2003 in Los Angeles. I've been a Las Vegas comedian since 2013, with a two year stint in Denver.

VCW: How long have you been a comedian? What brought you to comedy? What's your day job?

JP: I've been The 420 Comic since 2003. After being the lead singer for two popular L.A. metal bands, I wanted to try stand up comedy. Since then, I've worked with Willie Nelson, Cheech and Chong, Ziggy Marley, Joe Rogan, Doug Benson, Roseanne, Kevin Hart, Wayne Newton and many more Legends. My day job is my dream job. I publish, create, write and illustrate my own comic books, Cali Chronic Comix. I was the season one winner of The Marijuana Show with these comix. My brother Dagwood and I just put out our 34th issue.

VCW: Tell us about your new residency at Planet 13…

JP: Planet 13 is the world's largest dispensary and having a weekly Cannabis Comedy show in Las Vegas hosted by The 420 Comic makes perfect sense. My show will be three days a week in the Dazed consumption lounge. I am the first cannabis comedian to have a Las Vegas residency and I've booked some incredible comedians for Sin City.

VCW: What can patrons expect when coming to your shows?

JP: When you see The 420 Comic live, expect to see one -liners, pop culture satire, celebrity impressions and lots of pot jokes. Always upbeat, fun and full of surprises.

VCW: You've had a longstanding connection with the cannabis community - tell us about that.

JP: When I met Jack Herer, the late great Godfather of the Cannabis/Hemp movement in 1990, I became a cannabis activist. My band Knightriot sang about legalization in 1990. In 2003, I became a stand up comic after being in bands for over 10 years. My friend since 1993, George Lopez, told me to be a pot comic. So, inspired by Cheech and Chong and The Unknown Comic, I became The 420 Comic. Rich Little, Las Vegas legend, inspired me to do celebrity impressions. I use my act to bring awareness about cannabis with my jokes. I've performed at casinos, comedy clubs, opened for famous musical artists at festivals, expos and conventions. The list of superstars is astounding, even to me.

VCW: What are your thoughts on the upcoming lounges here in Vegas?

JP: Las Vegas is the new Amsterdam. These consumption lounges are going to be beneficial for Vegas. The tourists and locals will be able to enjoy their cannabis in an exciting environment. For performers like me, the playing field is wide open.

VCW: What do you have coming up in the future?

JP: I'll be the host for the Virginia 420 Fest with Kottonmouth Kings and Keller Williams for 4/20. I'm featuring at Downtown Comedy Lounge in March and in Denver in April for All Cs Collector's Showcase. My Planet 13 residency goes until April. Look for me on the Rotten Tomatoes Channel and look for more issues of Cali Chronic Comix coming soon.

VCW: How can readers follow what you are doing?

JP: Fans can find me on Facebook and Instagram, my Weed TV and YouTube channels and listen to me on nprmageddon.com.

VCW: Any last words?

JP: After twenty years in Stand Up Comedy, to have a Las Vegas Residency is rewarding. Thank you to Phil Peredo, Planet 13, my fans, friends, family and followers. The best is yet to come!

Ask Sarah...

Do you have a question about cannabis and wellness? We have the answers. Email your questions to ask.sarah.vcm@gmail.com.

Hi Sarah,

I’ve been hearing that you can smoke herbs, like chamomile and lavender and such. I was wondering, is there really a purpose to using them beyond flavor? Also, what herbs can we smoke besides cannabis and hemp and how do we know if they are safe? Thank you, Sarah! Tom P.

Hi Tom,

Thank you so much for your question. What you’ve been hearing is absolutely correct; we can smoke an array of herbs and plants beyond just cannabis and hemp. Not only can herbs deliver different flavor profiles, but they also offer a range of benefits and can even enhance the effects of our cannabis or hemp when blended together. Herbs have terpenes, just like cannabis and hemp, that contribute to the medicinal benefits they offer. When we mix an herb with cannabis or hemp that has a similar terpene profile, it can help to enhance the effects. For example, dried lavender is great to add to a strain with linalool. There are over one hundred herbs and plants that have been inhaled for centuries by a vast array of cultures. Some of my favorites are mullein, chamomile, rose, and lavender. In regard to knowing if they are safe to smoke, it is best to always do thorough research to ensure you can safely enjoy inhaling the herb. Additionally, there are many companies that craft herbal blends specifically for smoking to help you easily find the correct smokable herbs. I hope you enjoy delving into the new experience smokable herbs can offer.

Hi Sarah, I have been loving your articles and appreciate you doing this. I have been reading more about terpenes and know that you write about them frequently. I was reading about how they are in many plants in one of your articles recently, and it had me thinking about essential oils. They are from plants that have terpenes, so does this mean we can use

essential oils to get therapeutic benefits like we can with cannabis and other plants? Or are they only found in whole plants? I hope I’m not totally off base because that would be great if they had them too!

Thanks Sarah!

Clara

Hi Clara,

Thank you so much for writing in. You are absolutely correct. Essential oils can be a great way to harness the power of plants and the terpenes found in them. Research has found aromatherapy using essential oils has significant benefits. For instance, one research study that used lavender aromatherapy in a post-anesthesia after surgery care unit discovered the use of the lavender aromatherapy reduced the opioid requirements of the patients. Another study found lavender aromatherapy reduced individuals' stress (cortisol hormone) by around 60%. Lavender is not the only essential oil with benefits though. There are many that can aid with stress, sleep, and so much more. Eucalyptus is a great one to open airways, as well as increase concentration, and citrus oils help to boost energy and mood. The possibilities are almost endless, and I hope you enjoy exploring the many benefits they offer.

Hi Sarah,

I hope this email finds you well. I was wondering if you could clarify what CBDA is? I keep seeing products with CBDA or CBD, and now it has me wondering is there really a difference between the two and is it worth trying CBDA? Hope you can help clear this up for me. Thank you (: Dave

Hi Dave, Thank you so much for writing in. Though CBDA and CBD are similar, they are also different in many ways, making CBDA definitely

worth trying. CBDA is the acidic form of CBD, converting when heated. Research has found CBDA is 19x more bioavailable than CBD, meaning our bodies can absorb much more CBDA than CBD. This makes CBDA superior in many instances, including reducing anxiety and depression, inflammation, pain, nausea, and much more. If you are currently using CBD, I recommend trying CBDA for the elevated benefits it offers. Additionally, due to the higher bioavailability most will need lower doses of CBDA to achieve the benefits they are seeking.

Sarah Schwefel is an advocate for patients and plant medicine. After moving halfway across the country for access to legal cannabis for her health in late 2018, she became engulfed in the cannabis and hemp industry determined to learn more to better help herself and other patients. In 2020, Sarah became certified in endocannabinoid medicine from the American Journal of Endocannabinoid Medicine. She has spoken at various events teaching about plant medicine and advocating for patient’s needs, has written for publications and websites, and reviews products helping patients find the best on the market. On her Instagram @Rising_Zebra, Sarah shares her journey with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and is trying to live her best life with plant medicine, teaching as much as she can along the way.

SIP, NIBBLE & TRIP

Magical Bloody Mary

*Author’s Disclaimer: We do not encourage illegal activity, nor the sale or trade of illegal substances. Check with and adhere to your local laws. We do not claim plant medicine to be a substitute for professional medical care. Always consult with your doctor. The goal of this article is to promote safety and education.

Tired of the same old alcoholic drinks, and looking for something a little more… magical? Bring on those lazy Sunday vibes by sipping a Magical Bloody Mary.

It’s a non-alcoholic twist on the classic that's about to turn your brunch game on its head. We've ditched the booze in favor of something a bit more enlightening. With a savory mix of Clamato, a kick of horseradish, and a psychedelic sprinkling of magic mushrooms, this recipe will bring a whole new level of chill to your weekend. Perfect for at-home brunches alone (or with friends) when you want to explore the cosmos without leaving your kitchen.

>>> BY JADEN RAE

Magical Bloody Mary Recipe

Makes 4 servings - 500mg of magic per serving. You can adjust the dosage up or down.

**If using more than 3 grams of magic mushrooms, you might want to increase the lemon juice just a bit, so that you have just enough lemon juice to cover the mushrooms.

Ingredients:

2 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 grams magic mushrooms

16 ounces Clamato tomato juice

2 ounces dill pickle juice or brine from olive jar

2 teaspoons prepared horseradish

1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Tabasco)

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon celery salt

freshly ground black pepper

Toppings:

Bloody Mary rimming salt

Celery stalks

Bacon

Lemon wedges

Cornichons

Steps:

Chop or coarsely grind your magic mushrooms. (If the mushrooms are too finely ground, it will be difficult to strain out.) In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice with the magic mushrooms. Let sit for 20 minutes. Strain the magic mushrooms, squeezing out as much lemon juice as possible. Discard the spent mushrooms.

In a pitcher, combine the remaining ingredients with the infused lemon juice. Mix well. Label the pitcher with the dosage amount to ensure someone doesn’t unknowingly consume your psychedelic concoction.

Rim each glass with rimming salt. Garnish with your preferred topping.

Jaden Rae is a Las Vegas resident and best-selling author of the Microdosing Guide And Journal. She is dedicated to teaching people the beauty of living sensually, exploring simple pleasures, finding your authentic voice and manifesting flow in everyday life. Jaden has been featured on the Today Show, The Early Show, Martha Stewart Radio, Fox Business News and more. You can find her on Instagram @ heyjadenrae.

Government Mule Music Spotlight

A celebrated beacon of audible delight inside of the rehabbed Palms Casino Resort, the Pearl Theater is one of Las Vegas’ premier concert venues. An intimate room filled with accommodations for up to 2,500 attendees offering top quality sound and high level video, to witness a live performance in this space is the closest you’ll be to feeling like you are onstage with the band and a part of the show. The warmth of the room’s sound is incredible, and the size of the venue makes for mesmerizing evenings of live music.

On February 18, 2024, Gov’t Mule graced the stage with their raw talent, robust musicality and celebrated tenure, leaving the audience wanting more. For over two decades, Gov’t Mule has galvanized a global fan base with their honest, organic and daring music and improvisational virtuosity, leading them to be recognized as one of the most timeless, revered and active bands in the world. Led by visionary GRAMMY Award-winning artist and guitar legend Warren Haynes the enduring, globally revered GRAMMY-nominated group has showcased its intelligence and breadth over the course of 20+ studio and live albums, thousands of memorable performances, and millions of album and track sales. Gov’t Mule has become a human encyclopedia of great American music while adding to that canon with their signature sound. The band’s flexible interplay in the studio and on stage makes them a true living, breathing ensemble and Haynes is lauded as one of the most formidable guitarists and vocalists of the modern era and a prolific songwriter and producer. Throughout his career as part of three of the greatest live groups in rock history –Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule and the Dead – and an acclaimed solo artist, Haynes has become one of music’s most treasured storytellers.

This year, Gov’t Mule is celebrating a major milestone as the GRAMMY-nominated band (led by guitar legend, vocalist, songwriter and producer Warren Haynes) marks 30 years since its formation. The renowned quartet announced the 30 Years Strong Tour for February, the 13-date outing traveling throughout the West Coast and Texas.

“Hard to believe it’s been 30 years and Gov’t Mule is playing with a newfound energy. Thanks, in part, to our new bass player, Kevin Scott, who is doing a fantastic job,” shares Warren Haynes. “It’s going to be fun delving into our past for this tour while creating new music at the same time.”

Gov’t Mule released a special limited-edition vinyl EP, Time Of The Signs, this past November. The 5-track collection, previously only available with the Deluxe Edition CD of the band’s latest studio album, Peace…Like A River, showcases four new songs along with an alternate rendition of the album track “The River Only Flows One

BY jennifer walker PHOTOs BY EMILY BUTLER

Way” featuring Haynes on lead vocals.

“This EP, aptly titled Time Of The Signs, is made up of four additional songs that were written and recorded during the sessions for Peace…Like A River,” says Haynes. “But these four songs seemed to belong together in the same way that the original 12 on the album belong together, so we decided to make a companion piece. The EP also includes a different version of ‘The River Only Flows One Way,’ which could have gone either way (no pun intended).”

FOLLOW GOV’T MULE: www.mule.net

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

DOOMED

AT DR

MARCH HOROSCOPES

ARIES (MARCH 19 – APRIL 19)

You may be feeling dull at the beginning of the month but things will heat up fast! Don’t be surprised if you’re extra feisty and impulsive, especially when Mercury moves into Aries on the 9th and your season starts on the 19th. It’s the beginning of the astrological calendar, making it a great time for a mini glow up. It feels really good to try new things or take a different approach. Emotions will be running wild and you’re prone to some high highs and low lows. Just be careful of being overly irritable. Take some deep breaths before reacting in a way you may regret. Overall, you’ll feel light hearted and laugh a lot so even if you’re down, know it will pass quickly. Spending time with friends and family will be really good for you this month.

TAURUS (APRIL 19 – MAY 20)

With both Jupiter, the planet of luck and expansion, and Uranus, the planet of unexpected change in Taurus, you are feeling aligned and prosperous as things effortlessly fall into place. You have been working hard and it’s paying off. This month you have some breathing room to evaluate your life. It’s a great time to focus on self development. March 19th is the beginning of a new astrological season and you’re able to leave behind things that have been holding you back. You’ll have the courage to go after the things you have been considering for a long time. Starting something new will go well and you will make a lot of progress. Now is the time before Mercury retrograde begins on April 1st.

GEMINI (MAY 20 – JUNE 20)

March promises to be a month of boundless energy and strength, empowering you to focus on enhancing your physical well being. However, it’s important to pace yourself and avoid pushing yourself too hard too soon, as your body may not be fully prepared for intense exertion, potentially leading to injury. Thankfully, the universe is aligning in your favor, making almost everything feel like a breeze. Don’t hesitate to explore new hobbies like crafts, sports activities, or embark on home improvement projects. It’s a great time to plan future travels and your ability to coordinate recreational outings will impress your friends and loved ones. Your mind may be filled with new, exciting ideas especially at work. You will want to commit to the best of them and see it through despite your usual restless, fleeting nature.

CANCER (JUNE 20 – JULY 22)

This month, you will be drawn to peaceful environments that make you feel cozy and well rested. You’re not quite ready to come out of hibernation and that’s okay! Relax and refrain from unnecessary exertion. You aren’t missing out on anything. In these moments of tranquility, great ideas may bloom when the timing is right to execute them. You continue

By Margaux Hansberry

to shine at work. You have been doing a very good job and there may be someone looking to take advantage of your generous nature. Stay mindful, not everyone that you are kind to will reciprocate it. Be cautious of who you trust this month, they may be looking to profit from your success. It’s best to take it easy and stay under the radar.

LEO (JULY 22 – AUGUST 22)

Your fire is burning bright and strong this month as you excel at anything and everything you touch. Especially as Aries season brings the heat to fuel your fire. Many will be impressed by your success but some will be envious. No matter, nothing will get in your way! You stand out with charisma, charm, and humor that captivates those around you. It’s a fun, joyful time in which you’re feeling confident and powerful. Use this empowering energy to tackle lingering uncertainties that have been on your mind. Just be cautious of being overly assertive, especially with Aries in Mercury beginning on the 9th. You may experience impulsive outbursts in the way you communicate with others if your temper is left unchecked.

VIRGO (AUG 22 – SEPT 22)

Your intellect is strong this month, helping you facilitate the absorption of new knowledge and the exploration of activities that stimulate analytical thinking. You’ll feel more creative than usual as the good ideas continue to flow your way. Don’t be afraid to share these with the world! Just ensure a tactful approach and consider how you present these solutions so you don’t come across as too intrusive or a know-it-all. Work will be very stimulating and thanks to Urunus, you’ll want to invest your energy into innovations and novel ways to challenge yourself. However, this may take away from your focus on routine tasks which could complicate relationships with colleagues. Be mindful not to overlook your mundane obligations and you will be recognized for your positive contributions instead.

LIBRA (SEP 22 – OCT 22)

If you’ve been feeling stagnant, March will bring significant change to your personal life and perspectives. Now is the time to embrace the transitions you have known will benefit you. Whether you’ve been contemplating a move, relationship, or career shift, know that the universe is aligning to guide you through it. You are in a sensitive place this month so take time to prioritize your needs and be gentle with yourself. You may experience impulsive mood swings or bouts of anxiety. When challenges arise, find solace in the sanctuary of home where conversations with loved ones will save you from your feels and the harsh realities you’re facing. Be especially cautious around the Full Moon in Libra on March 25th, it may be best for you to keep things to yourself that day so you don’t express your emotions in a way that you may regret.

SCORPIO (OCT 22 – NOV 21)

You find yourself yearning for a sense of security and comfort more than usual this month. Thanks to so much watery Pisces energy, you’ll have

heightened sensitivity. The embrace of a loved one, whether a partner or family member, will be a source of solace and contentment. Your urge to express emotions will be strong and if you’re unable to find an outlet, melancholy or depression may occur. If you don’t have anyone close to share with, it’s best to just withdraw from social interactions altogether. Remember that these feelings will pass. Try a creative outlet like drawing or dance to work out your feelings. Prioritize stress reduction and avoid overly strenuous activities to safeguard your health during this sensitive time.

SAGITTARIUS

(NOV

21

– DEC 21)

Your aura exudes positivity and self assurance in March, drawing friends and loved ones to your side like moths to the flame of your arrow. This month the calendar is filled with social gatherings and outings, fueled by your infectious sense of humor, leaving little time for solitary pursuits. You find yourself at the center of affection among your inner circle. You will be more empathetic than usual, offering guidance to those navigating challenging life circumstances. Amidst the hustle and bustle, introspective questions about your future path will surface. It’s the best time to talk through future moves especially when it comes to your career before Mercury retrograde on April 1st. Direct your focus towards your aspirations and long term objectives. Small steps every day will take you across the finish line.

CAPRICORN (DEC 21 – JAN 20)

The earthy influence of Uranus and Jupiter promise a whirlwind of unexpected changes for you in March. Prepare for surprises and unexpected outreach from long lost friends or maybe even someone admitting their crush on you. Just as you may have some positive situations arise, you may also experience unforeseen challenges. Equip yourself mentally and financially to navigate any obstacles that arise. Refrain from making impulsive decisions in the heat of the moment. Try not to get in your feels this month. You could be struggling with excessively high expectations for your life. It’s crucial not to succumb to these fleeting moments of despair, instead recognize them as impermanent and use them to redirect your focus as you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

AQUARIUS (JAN 20 – FEB 18)

Your mind is both sharp and restless this month while you’ll find athletic endeavors to be more difficult than usual. It may be hard to turn your brain off. Insatiable curiosity paired with a desire to learn new things helps you overcome long standing challenges with ease. Your intellect acts as a sponge, eagerly absorbing information from every source available. Seize this opportunity to pursue subjects that have long piqued your interest. It’s an ideal time to adopt an enlightening new perspective, especially when it comes to family affairs. Carve out precious

moments to reconnect with your relatives and reminisce about cherished memories of days gone by. Such a reunion promises to rejuvenate you fostering a sense of warmth and kinship.

PISCES (FEB 18 – MAR 19)

As Pisces season continues until March 19th and Venus, Mercury, Mars, Saturn, and Neptune are all in Pisces throughout the month, you are feeling yourself and all your feels! Despite generally being in good spirits, you may be grappling with complex emotions regarding your future especially when it comes to relationships. Don’t suppress any doubts but rather address them openly with whomever is involved. Your innate empathy heightened by the planets in Pisces will serve as a guiding light, aiding you in finding solutions to important matters. Overall, you are feeling confident and generous. Seize this opportune time to host a get together to celebrate yourself. You’ve come a long way and you deserve it!

Cooking for a Queen

Cooking with Cannabis

with Marnie Montroy & Angel Roselle

Infused Irish Cream Whiskey Liqueur for all your Favorite St.Patrick's Day drinks

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! This month we wanted to give you an infused alternative to use and replace the “Baileys.” This tastes so much better and is so easy to make.

We are going to infuse the heavy cream with ⅛ of your favorite cannabis. You all know Angel likes organic ingredients so we will add some replacements in the recipe for those of you that want the healthier alternative, although, with this particular recipe the fat in the heavy cream is what binds the cannabinoids the best.

You are gonna love this recipe and you can use it in Irish drinks like a salted caramel hot chocolate, a white Russian, the trending chocolate martini or simply pour it over ice or ice cream. These are all going to be super delicious and elevating.

Hope you guys enjoy this recipe and remember to tag @ cookingforaqueen with any content you make.

We love you all and as always, Bon Appetit!

INFUSED HEAVY CREAM INGREDIENTS

Heavy cream (Organic alternative: Country Crock Plant Cream) ⅛ your favorite cannabis strain decarbed

INFUSED HEAVY CREAM PREPARATION:

In your double boiler, bring the water to a boil. (This is just a pan of boiling water and a stainless steel bowl to put on top.) Add 1 cup of your heavy cream and your broken up, decarbed buds to the bowl (DO NOT GRIND) you will strain the cream after boiling.) Place your bowl on top of the pan and let heat for about 40 minutes. Remove from heat and then using a strainer pour the cream into another mixing bowl.

INFUSED IRISH CREAM WHISKEY LIQUEUR INGREDIENTS:

1 Tbsp of instant coffee (Organic Alternatives: Instant Superfood Mushroom or Fruit and Grain Substitute)

1 Tbsp of boiling water

1 tsp of vanilla extract (Organic Alternative: Simply Organic Extract)

1 ¼ cups of your favorite Irish whiskey

1 cups of your infused heavy cream

1 cup of Dulce de Leches (Organic Alternative: Krech or Sanatonio has an organic brand)

Photo: @th3rdiii_lens

Follow Marnie & Angel on IG @MarnieMontroy

@cookingforaqueen

@angelroselle

@1010scentuals

INFUSED IRISH CREAM WHISKEY LIQUEUR PREPARATION:

In a separate small bowl add your instant coffee to the boiling water and let dissolve. Then, in a larger mixing bowl, add your Dulce de Leches. Now, add your coffee and vanilla extract and mix with a whisk. Mix SLOWLY. Add your Irish whiskey and whisk all together. Slowly add your cream, about half first while whisking the whole time. Once blended together, nicely add the rest of your cream. Pour with into a sterilized bottle using a funnel and refrigerate.

TIP:

It’s so important to whisk the entire time slowly. Alcohol and dairy will curdle if you don't and it will not turn out right.

Cooking with Cannabushi

>>> An Infusion Series with chef chris rodarte

I hope everyone enjoyed last month's pork chops. This month, I'm switching it up to a quick and healthy salmon recipe. Feel free to change the butter or ghee to something infused if you would like to. This month's recipe is quick, tasty and delicious. Now, let's get to it!

Baked Salmon with Asparagus

Ingredients:

1 pound (450g) salmon filets, divided

2 Tbsp vegetable broth or chicken broth

1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, or to taste

1 Tbsp of your favorite hot sauce

4 tsp minced garlic (4 cloves)

Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

3-4 Tbsp butter, diced into small cubes (or ghee)

2 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley or cilantro

1 lb (450g) medium-thick asparagus, woody ends trimmed

INSTRUCTIONS:

To prepare the oven-baked salmon in foil packs: Preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC). Cut 2 sheets of 14 by 12-inch (35 x 30 cm) heavyduty aluminum foil, then lay each piece separately on the countertop. Combine broth, lemon juice, and hot sauce in a small bowl. Season both sides of the salmon filets with salt and pepper and divide the salmon onto the aluminum foil near the center, then place trimmed asparagus on one side of the salmon, following the long direction of the foil. Adjust the salmon filets seasoning with more salt and pepper, then sprinkle garlic on top. Drizzle the mixture of broth, lemon juice, and hot sauce generously over the salmon filets and asparagus. Divide butter pieces evenly among the foil packets, layering them over the salmon filet and asparagus. Wrap salmon foil packets in and crimp edges together, then wrap ends up. Don’t wrap too tight – keep a little extra space inside for heat to circulate. Transfer the salmon foil packs to a baking sheet and bake salmon in the oven, sealed side upward, until salmon has cooked through – about 9 – 12 minutes. Carefully unwrap the baked salmon in foil packets, drizzle with more lemon juice, and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and a slice of lemon.

Check out CannaBushi Chris on his IG @Cannabushi as well as on his website at www.cannabushi.com. Available for bookings, events, classes and more!