Vegas Cannabis Magazine

BRINGING THE FIRE STONER

MUSIC & FESTIVALS

From Pickles to Pot

Willy Vlasic & Vlasic Labs

Decriminalize Nature

Entheogenic Plant Medicine

Coalition for Patient Rights

PUBLISHER

ASSISTANT

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

ADVERTISING SALES

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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 responsible for any consequences which arise due to error or omissions. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved.

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

2242 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

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.

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.

CANNABIS

BRINGING THE FIRE >>> New Music and Upcoming Festivals

DJ SWAMP

Decadent Records recording artist, USA DMC Champion 1996, also known for his work with Beck, Death Grips, Ministry

and The Crystal Method, DJ Swamp is the inventor of the highly imitated skip-proof scratch tool.

He was also in the DJ documentary “Scratch”, the movie “Clockstoppers”, and 2017 movie “Banger.” Swamp began mastering his DJ skills more than 25 years ago. In 1996, his rookie year, he took the title of USA DMC Champion. Being true to his nature in an arena that was predominantly influenced by a very hip hop-esque culture, Swamp stepped up to the decks looking like some kind of junky punk. He was well received by the audience despite his counter-culture appearance because he exhibited skills that defied perception and already possessed a stage presence that many of his contemporaries still lacked. The finale came when he closed his set by freakin’ Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” and then smashing his records.

Notorious for mischief, while he’s on the turntables his shows are highly anticipated by those who know that they can expect to see something spectacular.

For four years, DJ swamp toured as a member of Beck's band. Immediately following his decision to depart from the band, Swamp released his solo debut album, “Never is Now” and toured to back the release. His decision to go out on his own gave him just the independence that he was looking for and opened up the avenue to self-expression that both he and the fans were seeking.

DJ Swamp has graced the pages of Rolling Stone, Spin, Subculture, Raygun, Mean, DJ Times, Keyboard, Rap Sheet, Mixer, Rap Pages, The LA Times, and Urb.

A staple in the cannabis community, he favors brands like Roots, Chalice and Champelli. Favorite strains include Mendolorian, Luchino and Modiano and live rosin is a favorite product to consume.

His new 12 inch record, “Wearin’ My Mask” EP (scratch tool

deluxe version) is out now and includes some of the best scratch tools to come out in years. Also, check out his new music video, Blood Eclipse where he gets covered in green swamp creature slime. You can catch DJ Swamp May 15th in Taos, New Mexico and June 24th in Humboldt, California.

Check out DJ Swamp online at djswamp.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Soundcloud @djswamp. On Instagram @ realdjswamp and on TikTok @djswamp808.

HUCKLEBERRY ROAD

Huckleberry Road is a seasoned and earth-shaking country rock trio whose sound bursts from the stage with guitar licks that light fretboards on fire, soulful vocals, and rock solid beats. Fronted by two multi-talented industry veterans: Robert Clark and Anthony Varietta. The two have been rocking west coast stages for nearly 20 years together. With the addition of drummer Dillon Secklin in 2018, they have been touring professionally and began working on their freshman album.

When the pandemic hit in 2020 Huckleberry Road, like many, a whole season of shows were canceled. Huckleberry road changed its direction and built a studio in the basement to begin recording the band's debut album. After painstakingly getting through some of the album they brought Colin Christian on board to finish the album, which they completed in their basement studio. In the past 3 years, 200 plus shows later, spanning across more than 10 states in the last two summers Huckleberry Road is proud to announce their freshman album, ‘Something in the Middle’ is set to release in April 2023.

Fans of Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash will love this band!

Instagram & Facebook

@huckleberryroadmusic

THE GREEN

Since forming on O’ahu, Hawai’i, in 2009, The Green has become one of the most successful and beloved bands in the reggae genre. During their 10 year run, they’ve won a plethora of awards, locally and nationally. The band has been awarded a Best Reggae Album nod from iTunes, multiple Na Hoku Hanohano awards and nominations in their native Hawai’i and three #1 Billboard Reggae chart debuts, along with charting on the Billboard Top 200. Not bad for a band that was formed by six members of Hawai’i’s tightknit music scene to record a few songs and have some fun.

Their most recent album, Black & White, is an acoustic take on their greatest hits and is currently up for multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominations including Reggae Album of the Year and Group of the Year. Their latest release, My Hawai’i, carries a powerful message that embodies the resilience of the Hawaiian community in their continuous fight to protect their homelands. It is currently also up for a Na Hoku Hanohano Award as Single of the Year.

You can catch The Green at Brooklyn Bowl on Friday, July 21st. Tickets can be purchased at brooklynbowl.com. Follow The Green on Instagram @thegreen808.

CANNA-MUCCA • THE WILD WEST CANNABIS SALOON

The Wild West Cannabis Saloon is making history as the first cannabis consumption lounge in Northern Nevada, and it's opening during the highly anticipated 3rd Annual Canna-Mucca FREE event on May 27th. Does it get any better than music, marijuana, motorcycles, food, prizes, and cocktails? It can’t get any better! As a stop on the annual Run-A-Mucca poker run, the grand opening is set to be an unforgettable experience for all who attend. Featuring live music from a variety of talented artists, including The Tahoe Tribe, Hellbred, Savelle the Native, and False Rhythms, will provide the perfect backdrop for a day of celebrating this exciting new addition to the community. The Canna-Bus will be

operating as a shuttle to provide safe transportation between downtown Winnemucca and Water Canyon Dispensary and the Wild West Cannabis Saloon. With a beautiful hillside view of all of Winnemucca, the Wild West Cannabis Saloon is a must see spot for all cannabis enthusiasts. Don't miss your chance to be a part of history and experience the Wild West Cannabis Saloon's grand opening during Canna-Mucca!

"Run-A-Mucca" is an annual motorcycle rally that takes place in the city of Winnemucca, Nevada. The event draws several thousand riders from all over the country who come to enjoy a weekend of music, food, and of course, motorcycle riding. The rally is organized by the local chamber of commerce and features live music performances, bike shows, and various other activities throughout the weekend. Run-a-mucca has become a popular event for both motorcycle enthusiasts and those looking for a fun weekend getaway in the beautiful desert landscape of Nevada.

MAMMOTH FEEL GOOD MUSIC FESTIVAL

Don’t miss the first annual Mammoth Feel Good Music Festival! The festival takes place Father’s Day weekend, June 16th and 17th. This is a free, all ages event in The Village at Mammoth. Enjoy great music, beer tasting booths and an array of vendor booths.

Scheduled music includes:

Jakob Nowell

Son of Bradley Nowell of Sublime Instagram @jakobnowell.

VTA & The Tahoe Tribe Instagram @thetahoetribe vta420.com

The Smash Up Tomorrows Bad Seeds x Ease Up Instagram @thesmashup labadseeds.com

easeup.squarespace.com

Nate Lapointe of Cubensis

Solo Acoustic Show

Instagram @cubensisband cubensis.com natelapointe.com

For more information about the festival, visit mammothfeelgood. com.

New C t New C t

Willy Vlasic and Vlasic Labs From Pickles to Pot >>>

As cannabis legalization and other related reforms sweep across the nation, the diversity of business owners and employees within the industry will surely increase, as well. People who have found employment come from all walks of life and have joined the industry for a variety of reasons.

With 428,000 people employed in the industry, all likely have a personally unique story as to why they decided to seek a role in the industry. Willy Vlasic’s story is certainly one of a kind and goes back over 100 years.

When Frank Vlasic immigrated to Michigan from Croatia in 1912, he started the company that would become synonymous with pickles originally as a creamery business. While they initially specialized in dairy products, Frank’s son, Joe Vlasic, ended up expanding the family business into selling Polish pickles. Eventually, the brand became so successful following World War 2 that Vlasic Pickles received the distinct honor of being recognized as the number one pickle brand in America.

Campbell’s Soup bought Vlasic Pickles in 1978 and the Vlasic family members and future generations transitioned into other fields of work. Interestingly, Frank’s great-great-grandson, Willy Vlasic, had the entrepreneurial spirit to join the hemp and cannabis business.

Where other people saw simply a plant that made them feel funny, Willy Vlasic clearly inherited the business acumen of his ancestors as he saw the true viability and potential of a cannabis business.

This professionalism surrounding working in the cannabis industry clearly paid off four years ago. Soon after The Great Lake State legalized adult-use cannabis via the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act in 2018, Willy Vlasic became one of the youngest commercial cultivation license holders in Michigan, with the ability to grow up to 6,000 plants.

“I definitely had to earn my stripes in the Michigan market.” Vlasic recollected. “Getting in so young, there were a lot of folks that didn’t believe in me. So, I had to work ten times as hard to make a splash.”

While the large-scale cultivation facility was being constructed, Willy relocated out to Washington to receive extensive first-hand experience at Mama J’s commercial facility.

The knowledge and experience gained in Washington helped springboard Willy into founding a hemp business in Michigan with his father Rick. In 3 years, Vlasic Labs has evolved from extraction to conversions to now offering an extensive line-up of alternative wellness products. Rick’s 35 years of experience running health

BY JOSH KASOFF

and safety businesses have created a stable growth environment at Vlasic Labs.

While family businesses are more commonplace in other industries, there are some cannabis and hemp companies that are entirely family-run and operated. Willy is a co-owner of Vlasic Labs with his father, Rick Vlasic, and brothers, Jack and Joe.

“It’s a lot of fun.” Vlasic recollected. “My brother, Jack, who worked in the sports business for 10 years, works with my dad and I now. So the three of us are partners and I love working with them. My brother and I run the marketing and sales and do a lot of different things for the company. It’s nice having that family dynamic because we’re all working towards the same goals. The Vlasic name means quality and it means safety. For all three of us to put our name on a product, we have to fully support and believe in it."

Vlasic Labs has been a pioneer in the utilization of cannabinol aka CBN. CBN is the primary ingredient in their first product.

Vlasic shared that their flagship product, the 1000 Mg 1:1 CBN and CBD Sleep Spray, had been one of the first cannabinoid-based sleep spray products on the national market. They also offer a catalog of everything from gummies to tinctures and bath bombs in a number of flavors, and even CBD Dog Chews for your furry best friends.

Outside of the Vlasic Labs hemp business, Willy’s cannabis partners have grown for numerous high-profile and multi-award winning companies, most notably Cookies in Washington, Michigan, and Oregon, as well as Seed Junky. Willy Vlasic has even grown cannabis for certain celebrity brands, with the best example being the brand Gkua, owned by Lil’ Wayne.

As Las Vegas is becoming the epicenter of cannabis industry evolution, Willy Vlasic and his partners will be expanding here in April with both a 50,000 foot cultivation facility in North Las Vegas and optimistic spirits about working in the Silver State. His partners include Mama J's and Rainbow, award winning brands owned by Conduit.

“The people in Nevada just seem to want the best for the community and for the market, which reminds me of Missouri. I’ve felt very welcome so far in the Nevada market," says Willy.

The Vlasics will be introducing flower products which should hit the Nevada markets around August and they’ll be just as philanthropic as several cannabis companies across the Las Vegas Valley. Willy informed us that he will be partnering with The Last Prisoner Project, a non-profit organization raising awareness of unjust

cannabis sentences. The name of the collaboration product with LPP is Schedule One, a reference to how unfairly cannabis has been legislated in the past.

Through a meeting between Vlasic Bioscience President Adam Rosenberg, legendary activist Andrew DeAngelo, and Willy, this philanthropic partnership was born.

“Schedule One is our partnership brand with LPP. So, we donate a portion of the sales back to LPP and the whole mission to helping cannabis ‘criminals’ get out of prison. If you smoke a Schedule One joint, we want it to actually do something besides get you high. We want to help these wrongfully incarcerated prisoners get out of jail.

By naming the brand Schedule One, it was kind of an homage to where this industry is from and hopefully one day people will look at it in 20 years and not be able to believe that it was Schedule I (on the Controlled Substances list) back in the day. We’re hoping to get this legalized federally eventually and get everyone out of prison.”

Along with Schedule One and Vlasic, they’ll also be launching Mama Js and Rainbow Cannabis out of the facility. Both are powerhouse brands from our partner in Washington State. We have all four flower

brands coming out and hopefully some extract and concentrate products coming soon.

Taking their philanthropic efforts to another level, Vlasic will be hosting a charity golf tournament with LPP in Missouri at The Ozarks. Titled the Vlasic Classic, all funds raised will go toward the lifechanging work that LPP does. Hosted on July 7th-9th, every single dollar of proceeds raised will be donated to LPP and their continuing efforts in getting victimless “offenders” out of prison and given a well-deserved second chance at life.

Other future plans for Vlasic Labs include a partnership on their CBD Dog Chews with The Humane Society and further advocating to make cannabis more accessible for the greater public.

The transition from pickles to hemp may be unique, but Willy, Jack, Joe, and Rick Vlasic are sure to grow their legacy as they venture further into the American cannabis industry.

THIS

CONTAINS CANNABIS. FOR USE ONLY BY ADULTS 21 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. GREEN LIFE PRODUCTIONS LLC (RC146).

Rally Day in Carson City >>>

Given the countless number of conventions and events catering to the cannabis industry being hosted in Nevada and the hundreds of millions in state tax revenue the industry generates annually, it’s almost surprising that recreational sales started less than six years ago. Yet in only half a decade, the Nevada cannabis industry has become an incredibly lucrative one. As an industry with nearly $1 billion in annual sales from locals as well as the millions of yearly tourists and employs an estimated 23,000 people, the Nevada cannabis industry overall has been mostly successful.

However even with an industry as popular and heavily regulated as Nevada cannabis, there are currently still numerous burdensome rules and regulations as well as a lack of helpful measures that would make the industry more affordable and accessible.

Beyond the exorbitant costs of starting a licensed cannabis business in the state, true social equity and restorative justice measures for cannabis are being added slowly in pieces.

Because of the current lack of measures regarding those subjects and how it relates to working directly in the industry, many ex-offenders and felons are barred from employment. Even if the felony was a victimless offense, those convicts are mostly banned from receiving a Nevada agent card. Especially in a state such as Nevada where any cannabis possession whatsoever was instantly a felony at one point, the rules surrounding excluded felony offenses are even more exclusionary.

A stable employment opportunity within a newly legal industry looking for experienced people in the subject of cannabis could certainly be instrumental in diminishing the recidivism rate of the thousands of convicts in Nevada..

And, while Las Vegas prides itself on being the adult-centered playground of the world, a cannabis consumer could currently purchase three times as much retail cannabis in the far

more socially conservative town of Branson, Missouri than in Sin City. The daily purchasing limits of Nevada are more restrictive when compared to other states. In a city such as Las Vegas that markets itself so notoriously on adult-oriented activities, it’s just a little embarrassing when other states easily outdo Nevada on those purchasing limits.

Luckily for the currently struggling industry, there are two measures in the Legislature that would be revolutionary and provide a second wind to Nevada cannabis beyond simply the consumption lounges. Authored by Senator Dallas Harris, Senate Bill 277 would increase the daily purchasing limit by double and allow canna-businesses to make the decision whether or not to hire ex-offenders who have been excluded from working in cannabis previously.

Authored by Assembly members Reuben D’Silva and Brittney Miller, Assembly Joint Resolution 8 would “urge the Congress of the United States to deschedule marijuana as a schedule I controlled substance.” This measure would be monumental for the completion of medical cannabis research in particular, as the current status of Schedule I prohibits any legitimate federally-funded scientific or medical research from being completed on cannabis.

To lobby for these further reformative measures and raise awareness of the possibilities of these bills directly to Nevada lawmakers, the Chamber of Cannabis took an army of passionate advocates and industry professionals up to Carson City for a three-part Rally Day. From attending a bi-partisan Senate committee meeting about SB 277 to hosting a rally outside the State Legislature building to having individual meetings with elected state officials about these bills, the Chamber took multiple approaches in their strategy for the day.

During her introduction of SB 277 in the Senate Committee of Commerce and Labor meeting, Senator Harris brought up the double standard

that unlike cannabis sales, there’s virtually no daily limit on alcohol purchases in Nevada and how there’s little assumption that those large-scale alcohol purchasers are going to sell that alcohol illegally. The 11th District Senator also emphasized that while SB 277 would allow ex-offenders to work in the industry, cannabis businesses wouldn’t be required in any way to hire a former offender if their criminal record is truly problematic. The bill would give full discretion and freedom of decision to those businesses on which former offenders they choose to hire.

Even more, the Cannabis Compliance Board will still have their right to deny a Nevada agent card to whomever may have felonies that would be concerning if they were to be employed in the state’s cannabis industry.

“We’ve got to move this industry into the next phase.” Harris said. “We’ve got to try our best to try to destigmatize this drug that we decided we’ll create a legal market for and do it consciously.”

During her testimony at the Senate Committee of Commerce and Labor meeting, Chamber of Cannabis President and Co-Founder Tina Ulman mentioned the many ways that the Nevada cannabis industry is currently struggling, such as a drop of $19 million in tax revenue, a 15 percent drop in overall sales and an unlicensed market that detrimentally cuts into the economy of the local industry. The Chamber co-founder also mentioned the many possibilities of this multifaceted bill and the beneficial elements that it would bring.

“According to data from the Prison Policy Initiative,” Ulman shared, “there are 22,000 people on probation and 6,000 people on parole in Nevada. That’s 28,000 missed opportunities. By creating a pathway to enter the licensed market, we reduce the number of operators on the unlicensed market and tax dollars spent on people staying in the criminal justice system. We have the opportunity to increase the talent pool for cultivators and producers who are in high demand not just in Nevada, but the rest of

BY JOSH KASOFF

with the Chamber of Cannabis

the country as well. We can increase the success of re-entry programs and most importantly, be the example for other states.”

In the second of many testimonies from the organization in favor of the bill, Chamber of Cannabis Executive Director Bri Padilla discussed how SB 277 would revamp the industry drastically and provide desperately needed growth and opportunity.

“As I’m sure you’ve seen and will see from different legislation presented before this committee,” Padilla informed the Senate committee, “the industry is in need of your help as we face unprecedented hurdles in the form of burdensome overregulation and economic contraction. The initiatives that have brought us forth today in support of Senator Harris and SB 277 will bring growth and talent to a sector that has been contracting under the pressure of overregulation while also boosting the bottom line of the entire cannabis industry and creating

new opportunities for ancillary economies to develop.

SB 277 is also a means of fully satisfying the long unkept promise to ex-offenders who are still unable to get a job or keep one in the cannabis industry despite qualifying for exemptions that are not facilitated or supported by existing laws or regulations. For these folks and the leaders who want to invest in them, equity rings hollow when it is not backed up by action or access. SB 277 provides a means for both.”

A particularly impactful moment of the meeting was when nearly 25 different Chamber members representing every sector of the industry stood up in solidarity as Padilla recited a powerful plea.

“The leaders you see behind me, they are the backbone of our industry. They are owners, operators, licensees and career professionals from every walk of life and more importantly, every corner of our state. We are here because

we need your help in making sure our state is promulgating laws that keep our industry competitive, viable and survivable for all operators and cannabis professionals, not just a privileged few.”

In her testimony, Chamber of Cannabis CoFounder and Vice President Dani Baranowski spoke about the employment benefits that SB 277 could provide to Nevada as a whole. At only 18, Baranowski herself was convicted of two federal cannabis felonies due to possession of less than a gram of flower and a piece of paraphernalia within a national park. Luckily, she had her charges expunged after 17 months of intense federal probation and is now incredibly established and influential in the cannabis industry. Due to that experience, she spoke about the impact and benefits of SB 277 from a deeply personal angle.

“I am both appreciative and sensitive to the privilege it is to participate in the legal cannabis

industry in such a capacity.” Baranowski said.

“Removing employment for ex-offenders to work to allow entry into the cannabis industry will allow citizens the chance to participate in a now legal industry and add to Nevada’s robust, inclusive and skilled workforce.” Baranowski explained. “Updating and amending legislation with this piece of sensible cannabis policy will allow Nevadans access to meaningful work and not removing that opportunity.”

“Historically,” Baranowski continued, “failed policy surrounding cannabis has had a significant impact on communities and citizens. And today, each of us that paid their debt to society deserve the possibility to positively impact our community.”

In between the Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor hearing regarding SB 277 and lunch time, the Chamber held their Rally Day right outside the State Legislature building, where many members spoke about their own personal stories that led to advocating for cannabis and how these bills could positively impact the industry they’re so proudly employed by.

“Organizing and hosting a lobby day is incredibly important, but it is not as important as attending or participating in one.” Padilla advised. “Our organization and team have the benefit of great relationships with legislators who understand the importance of what we’re doing and are willing to engage with our ideas. Lobby Days allow citizens to bring their concerns and solutions directly to the folks they’ve elected to serve the community. Lobbying events, such as the Chamber of Cannabis’s Rally Day, gives citizens and our community members the opportunity to effectively engage with the folks who make our

laws, from an empowered and informed position.”

“If you don’t engage in political action, then you get the government that you deserve.” Ulman emphasized.

Before group meetings with legislators, the Chamber hosted the Changemaker Luncheon for rallying advocates and Nevada lawmakers who’ve been incredibly influential for the state’s cannabis industry. Along with being an appreciative celebration for all the legislative work that Assemblyman D’Silva and Senator Harris have already completed on their respective bills, the Chamber received an inspirational speech from one of the most paramount Nevada lawmakers in the state industry’s young history so far.

Speaker of the Assembly Steve Yeager, the author of the consumption lounge-creating Assembly Bill 341 and sponsoring several other cannabisrelated reform bills during his multiple terms on the Legislature, gave examples of how he’ll continue to support more cannabis reforms now that the former public defender is one of the most powerful members of the Legislature.

“Our lobbying firm and team had organized opportunities for members to meet one-on-one with our representatives, and give them the opportunity to speak with them.” Padilla explained. “It was during those meetings, and after, that I saw our members’ eyes light up with a new fire. They felt seen and heard, inspired and empowered, and they were able to see just what showing

up can do.”

The lobbying and rallying of the Chamber of Cannabis at the State Legislature was ultimately a successful effort, as both SB 277 and AJR 8 passed their respective committees with a unanimous vote.

"We chose these issues because they involve economic growth for the entire supply chain, gave more power back to cannabis business owners to build their teams with the talent they so wish, and gave an opportunity for people to have a much easier pathway to work in the cannabis industry.” Ulman recollected. “All of these changes will have a positive effect on the city and state we live in; sustainable growth for operators and employees, strengthening the cannabis workforce and continuing to evolve an over regulated market."

There’s still plenty of discussions and possible amendments that will rise on the floors of the Assembly and Senate, but these two pieces of legislation will be undeniably beneficial for the industry and medical cannabis research, assuming SB 277 is signed by Governor Lombardo and the United States Congress somehow deschedules cannabis.

“The people building this industry are some of the best I have ever worked with.” Ulman complimented. “They’re compassionate, intelligent, and forward thinking and they came together in the plant. It gives me goosebumps and so much joy to see so many folks united! Our society needs more of this right now and it begins with us."

Celebrating My 32nd Birthday with Cannabis >>> How It Has Contributed to My Journey

>>>BY SARAH SCHWEFEL

Six years ago, if you would have asked me what I would be doing to celebrate turning 32, I would have never guessed I would be writing an article for Vegas Cannabis Magazine. Truth is, I wouldn’t have guessed anything, because back then I didn’t think I would live to see this year, the years between then and now, or the years ahead. Six years ago, I didn’t want a future. Six years ago, I was going to take my life because I had extreme levels of suffering and pain and every doctor I saw said there was nothing to be done and that was my forever. And then I found cannabis, and everything changed.

Let’s start from the beginning.

I have a rare connective tissue disorder, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, that quite literally can affect everything in the body. For myself, it causes wide-spread pain, constant muscle spasms, frequent dislocations, gastrointestinal issues, heart issues, many spinal injuries, and so much more. Though it is genetic, I wasn’t always sick. I had a life once without pain, a life that seems like just a dream now. When my Ehlers Danlos Syndrome started to take over every bit of my being, it was not long before I became bed bound most of my days. I went doctor to doctor, thinking there has to be something that can be done, but either I was treated like I was mentally ill or unstable because they never heard of my disease, or they said sorry this is your life and there is nothing to be done. Truth is, when I was going to end my life, I never wanted to die. I never wanted to leave my family. I just couldn’t stand living with extreme constant pain. It’s an emotional and physical war like no other and I was barely surviving.

I first found out what legal-grade cannabis could do for me in January of 2018. Myself and my now husband flew from Wisconsin to Las Vegas to get married. When we first arrived, the pain was taking over and I thought there was no way I could handle the trip. We immediately went to a dispensary. After all, I used cannabis illegally in Wisconsin and it helped some, though I learned it was nothing

compared to what legal cannabis could do for me. I met a budtender who saw the tears in my eyes and asked what I needed the cannabis for. Thankfully he was educated and took the time to help me, because that man helped save my life. After about a half a joint, a wave hit me, and my body felt different. I didn’t feel the screaming pain in each step and there was a silence in my body I haven’t had in many years. At first, I thought, is this what it feels like to lose your ability to walk? With my 10 plus spine injuries and spinal instability, it is a possibility. And then I realized it was relief. I broke down on the Strip, crumbled to the ground and cried. For the first time in years, I felt relief from my constant suffering. My husband held my face and promised to move us to Las Vegas. We spent the trip living like I haven’t in years. We took videos of me walking and smiling that had my mom convinced immediately Las Vegas was the place we needed to be, despite never seeing Las Vegas herself before. Leaving felt like torture. To return to suffering knowing there is an option that could help, but I couldn’t have in my home state of Wisconsin. Though I thought we could never up and move 1,800 miles, in August that same year my husband, my mother, and myself made the 1,800-mile drive with our fur babies to our new home in Las Vegas.

Moving to Las Vegas for legal cannabis and the dry climate combined for my health feels like a dream somedays still. Though I still have pain every day, with cannabis I can live beyond the four walls of my bedroom. Cannabis gave me back my smile, laughter, and enjoyment that extreme levels of pain stole from me for many years. Cannabis gave my husband his wife back, my mom her daughter, and for myself my life back. Six years ago, I didn’t think I would live to see this year and I didn’t want to, because when every second of your day is filled with agony with no relief in sight, it’s hard to look forward to tomorrow. And now, this month I am turning 32 years old. I am excited for my future and me and my husband are working on buying our first home here in Las Vegas, planning for the years to come. Without cannabis and without moving, I would not have survived much longer living in Wisconsin. I’ve come close to saying goodbye forever, despite me desperately wanting to find a way to survive; and the way to survive was out here all along. This is why I advocate and share my story and why I study cannabis- to learn how to best medicate with the plant and to help others do the same. If one person can hear my story and find cannabis for themselves and hold on till tomorrow, then it brings a sense of purpose despite my previous senseless suffering.

I wrote this article this month to thank advocates who fight for legalization, because no one should be suffering when there is an option that could help. To thank the budtender who took the time to help me and all the budtenders who educate themselves on the plant. I promise you are changing lives. To thank Vegas Cannabis Magazine for having me as a writer, allowing me to share my journey and passion for teaching about cannabis every month. And to thank my family. Thank you for always standing by me, for up-rooting your lives and moving halfway across the country to save mine. For holding my hand through all the darkness, so we could get to the light we are in today. Love you

Trimming Pot Can Make Your Hands Rot

How Trimmers Can Protect Themselves From Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

>>>By Dr. Ryan Grabow MD FAAOS of Concierge Carpal Tunnel and Hand Surgery

While budtenders are the knowledgeable and friendly faces guiding newcomers and engaging veterans regarding cannabis varieties and products, there are unseen members of the cultivation team who are critical to the sales process – the cannabis trimmers.

These hardworking and detail-oriented individuals use their patience, mental focus, and artistry to trim and prune the stems and leaves from the plant to showcase the beautiful buds. These efforts, however, do not come without risk.

Cannabis trimming is mentally and physically grueling, as it requires long hours of focus and repetitive motions. Trimmers spend hours gripping specialized scissors that help to trim the bud quickly and efficiently. While the act of cutting doesn’t require much force, the continuous griping and frequent clips in rapid succession can negatively impact hand health.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) investigated harvesting and processing tasks to assess risks to your health.

In 2015, the NIOSH visited a cannabis farm to evaluate risks to hands, wrists, and shoulders during harvesting and processing. They measured hand forces in destemming and assessed the repetitive motion and ergonomics of trimming. Their assessment led to a CDC report warning the industry that while cannabis harvesting and processing involved low hand forces, it was highly repetitive work, especially during hand trimming, and that increased workers’ risk of developing repetitive strain and overuse injuries, most notably – carpal tunnel syndrome.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that is caused by compression of the Median Nerve, which travels through the forearm to the hand. While the syndrome can be caused by multiple factors, including abnormal

anatomy or medical conditions such as diabetes, it is often caused by forceful and repetitive hand use. Repetitive use causes inflammation of the tendons as they travel under a tight ligament with the median nerve leading to swelling and significant nerve compression. This pressure on the nerve causes numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, long, and ring fingers and can also cause achy pain in the wrist. Symptoms may even affect gripping. Flexing and extending the wrist can both increase the pressure on the nerve and cause symptoms to worsen.

How Do I Know If I Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, long, and ring fingers. Younger patients often complain of achy pain at the wrist and describe having to “shake out their hands” at night or in the morning. As the severity of the condition worsens, hand weakness and persistent numbness in the fingers increase. For a cannabis trimmer, these symptoms may force them to stop frequently due to pain while trimming. As the numbness worsens, they may lose the ability to be as precise in their cuts.

Carpal Tunnel Treatment

For mild symptoms a wrist brace can be used at night to keep the wrist in a neutral position (as if it is flat on a table). This is typically the first order of treatment. If symptoms are during the day, a brace can also be worn. However, the brace may make it difficult to hold and use trimming scissors. If symptoms persist, an evaluation by a hand specialist is recommended. Younger patients with mild symptoms may be cured with a steroid (cortisone) injection into the carpal tunnel to relieve the inflammation around the nerve. For patients over 40 and those with severe symptoms surgery is typically necessary.

Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome involves cutting the tight ligament in the wrist,

thereby “releasing” the pressure on the nerve. Carpal Tunnel Surgery typically cures the syndrome in over 90% of patients. The procedure is done in an operating room under general anesthesia either using a 1 to 2-inch incision in your palm called a mini-open carpal tunnel release or using a smaller incision at the wrist and a tiny camera and knife called endoscopic carpal tunnel release. Recovery and return to work can take anywhere from a few weeks to over a month. The least invasive and most advanced method of treatment is done under local anesthesia using ultrasound guidance and a specialized cutting device that uses an incision smaller than a breath mint. This method allows most patients to return to work in three to six days.

What Can Trimmers Do to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Trimming involves repetitive hand and wrist movements that put your hands at risk. A few things you can do to minimize those risks include:

• Take a short (10 -15 minutes) break every hour

• Stretch your hands and wrists during those breaks. (with your elbow straight, extend your wrist and use your other hand to pull your fingers and wrist back towards the top of your forearm – hold the stretch for 1 minute and repeat)

• Use as loose a grip as possible

• Keep the wrist in a neutral position as much as possible (no bending up or down)

• Use a motorized trimmer to minimize your repetitive hand motions

Where Can I Learn More?

To learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome, proper wrist ergonomics and view stretching videos for agriculture workers, visit NoSedationHandSurgery.com

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

S e m a g l u t i d e f o r W e i g h t L o s 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

a n d m o r e

Ask the Leaf Nurse

Occupational Therapists and Patients on Weed

Medical cannabis is a natural and increasingly used alternative treatment which can help provide relief for several symptoms and can be tailored as part of your patient’s health and wellness journey.

Medical cannabis is a natural treatment for these common symptoms among Occupational Therapist’s Patients:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• PTSD

• Sleep Disorders

• Stress

Some members of the Holistic OT (Occupational Therapy) community have observed benefits for their clients who have used cannabis in clinical practice when it was prescribed by a physician or taken by the clients themselves. They have reported that cannabis alleviated many symptoms and conditions including chronic pain, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and overall brain function. They also observed that CBD has helped with epilepsy, cerebral palsy, viral infections, seizures, muscle spasms, soft tissue repair, and cancer, and more generally improved sleep, digestion, skincare, and generalized inflammation.

An OT (occupational therapist), alongside the health care team or with an individual client, may be able to help address and assess the whole person – mind, body, and spirit, and look at the root cause of symptoms, client factors, or interferences to optimal occupational performance.

An OT may be able to assist in determining what approaches may be helpful instead of (or in addition to) cannabis products when all other means have been considered.

For example, if a client is experiencing pain or anxiety an OT can assess, alongside other health professionals, what may be at the root cause of these symptoms and support a client with integrative health

By: Terry Bruesehoff, RN BSN

approaches that are efficacy-based to lower pain and anxiety, through a comprehensive OT plan of care.

OTs may be able to provide education and help clients improve medication management skills. It is not in the OT scope of practice to recommend medications or supplements. If educated, an OT may be able to share with clients and the medical team the risks and benefits of cannabis or support a client with cannabis when and if appropriate within state laws.

Over time, as cannabis laws may change to include accessibility in additional states, more research for potential risks and benefits and the role of OT will likely become more clear. Know your state laws and refer the client back to a physician or referring practitioner for medical evaluation and prescription recommendations.

As occupational therapists aim to provide a holistic approach to treatment of various conditions, cannabis can be an alternative form of therapy if legal in the state that you practice in.

CBD (without THC) can be purchased in many retail stores and online legally.

CBD can work alongside many other therapies and medications, e.g., OT, PT, chiropractic, bodywork, massage, yoga, etc.

The therapeutic effects of CBD can promote sleep and rest.

The OT Profession should be well-positioned to support clients in navigating their medical marijuana options in the most safe and functional manner possible.

Mary's Medicinals, Matrix and The Tuttleman Foundation are proud to support Helping Hands of Vegas Valley. A non-profit whose mission is to improve the quality of life for senior citizens and their families.

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Budtender of the Month Las Vegas

MILES RODELA

LEAD CUSTOMER CARE SPECIALIST at TREE OF LIFE

Miles Rodela is the Lead Customer Care Specialist at Tree of Life. He started working in the cannabis industry in 2016 as a budtender and then worked his way up into various leadership roles.

In your opinion, what’s missing in the Nevada cannabis industry? In my opinion, what I think is missing in the Nevada cannabis industry is the CCB doesn't take as much of a hands-on approach to sales, statistics, and regulations. Take the daily ounce limit for recreational consumers being only an ounce; I mean you don’t see similar regulations like alcohol for example. Dispensaries being able to obtain bank accounts would be another; but I know that’s on a whole federal level. Let’s hope someday it happens.

What’s the most rewarding part of being a budtender?

The most rewarding part of being a budtender is helping consumers find the best cannabis products that best suit their needs, and providing them with a great user experience. There’s so many types of ways to consume, and it's so much fun educating people on all those different avenues.

What are some of the challenges that come with being a budtender? I would say some of the challenges that come with being a budtender are staying on top of all the products that are out there. There’s so many new products on the market, from cannabis strains, edibles, tabs, and more, but it's what keeps the job exciting and refreshing. I think this also leads us on to our next question…

What are some of the ways you stay up to date on new products and developments in the industry?

Well some of the ways I stay up to date on new products and developments in the industry is by looking through Vegas Cannabis Magazine. It’s a great resource to use

to find out about new cannabis products coming to market, accessories, and to get a behind the scenes look at some of our fellow cannabis industry employees doing work in the industry. I also like to take a look at some online websites such as hightimes.com, leafly.com, and mjbizdaily.com to name a few. Also can’t forget about the awesome samples that we receive from our vendors throughout the valley to try!

Do you think people are starting to see budtenders as more than just stoners behind a register?

Oh I absolutely believe that people are starting to see budtenders as more than just stoners behind the register. People are actually very intrigued when it comes up in conversation on what I do. It is a very interesting new industry to be in.

Have you changed as a cannabis consumer since becoming a budtender? If so, how?

Without a doubt it has changed me as a cannabis consumer. Before I started in the industry I only really knew what an indica, hybrid, and sativa was. I didn't have a clue what a terpene was. But I’ve gained so much knowledge in the past 7 years being in the industry.

Do you have a favorite terpene or terpene profile?

My favorite type of terpene would be limonene. I like that nice mind boost that it gives, with a nice taste. Mainly sativa dominant profiles.

What have you been smoking on?

Birthday Face by The Grower’s Circle (vape and flower), Family Secret flower by The Grower’s Circle. Guava vape by Matrix, Super Lemon Haze badder by Tsunami. Miss X by GLP and LA Kush Cake by GT Therapeutics.

Budtender of the Month Reno ALI NEWSON

Budtender at THE DISPENSARY

Ali Newson has been a superstar budtender at The Dispensary in Reno since day one. Her welcoming personality and dedication to excellent customer service is what stands out the most.

What made you want to join the cannabis industry and what was your first industry job?

My first industry job was actually here, at The Dispensary, Reno. I initially wanted to join because after working in the bartending industry slinging alcohol, I really wanted to make a more positive impact or influence on my community.

Have your views/thoughts about cannabis changed since becoming a budtender?

10000%. Since first becoming a ‘tender, I have learned so much from my medical patients and co-workers. Instead of just smoking to get high, I really appreciate the specific psychological and/or physiological effects that truly change people's lives from day to day; it’s so underrated, it’s incredible. Terpenes over THC all the way!

What’s the most satisfying part of budtending?

I definitely think it’s seeing a significant impact in my medical patients' lives in reference to relief (pain/ and or mental). I’m sure so many people say that, but it will never get old. This industry truly CHANGES LIVES; I’m grateful to be a part of it.

What kind of challenges have you faced that you didn’t expect when you first joined the cannabis industry? Well when I first joined this industry I didn’t realize how intense it was. I thought I would just be selling weed in the typical standard form as if it was my dealer selling to me; cheap and probably underweight. Never did I imagine people would be so severely impacted by THC or even more, lack thereof. My biggest challenge by far is catering to the more specific patients, that while I love

knowing what works for them, they are extremely specific, and we can’t always accommodate. Medical products are imperative to our business, not having them is a mess.

What’s your favorite topic you like to educate patients on?

Honestly, that THC isn’t everything. I would love them to recognize that while yes, strong weed might work better for them, it also has sooo much to do with the drive of the weed and the actual effects they are trying to achieve. Terpenes are more than just flavor; the point of smoking is about more than a short term high.

If you had to give advice to a new budtender or someone looking to be a budtender, what would it be?

Nevada is the only place that really tests tough for terpenes, which determines not only taste/smell, but the ride you’re about to go on. For a budtender just starting out in NV, where terpenes are listed, I would tell them to explain everything in layman’s terms. I would suggest they try stuff to see exactly how they feel in comparison to the profile-how it tastes and which feeling is typical to which profile. I’m not saying stay stoned, but try everything.

Do you have any favorite cannabis brands?

Lately I have been smoking on Stiiizy concentrates but I am a huge fan of GLP flower as well. Stiiizy’s rosin jam surprised me pleasantly because even though it wasn’t as flavorful as a typical profile for that consistency, it was extremely smooth and delectable on the tongue upon exhale. 10/10 overall.

What have you been smoking on?

Stiiizy Rosin, and GLP flower.

>>>INTERVIEWS BY rocky hernandez jorrell ellis

MARY YOUNG Creator

Daily Dose

of the Butter Brewer

Florida native, Mary Young, created the Butter Brewer, an infusion machine, specifically for making plant-based remedies, for personal reasons. Diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when she was just 13 years old, by 2011 at the age of 32, she was still suffering from pharmaceuticals when someone told her about cannabis.

“I was a pharmacy technician and had tried every type of pharmaceutical option, including the last one of Humira, but nothing really worked,” she shared. “Finally, in desperation, I created a Facebook post about my struggles and a man commented ‘try cannabis.’ Then he messaged me explaining that I needed to ingest cannabis oil, not just smoke the flower. Then he connected me with Shona Banda, who has been successfully using cannabis oil to treat Crohn’s.”

Shona Banda became a cannabis patient in the illegal state of Kansas after going through 11 surgeries and taking upwards of 52 pills a day, when her husband literally begged her to try the plant. In 2010, she wrote the book “Live Free or Die (Amazon), on her struggles and having her son taken away (then returned) by Child Protective Services (CPS) due to her use.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there are more than three million people diagnosed with the ailment that’s similar to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Crohn’s patients present with persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, urgent need to move bowels, abdominal cramps and pain, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and constipation (obstruction). Daily symptoms can include fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, and loss of a normal menstrual cycle.

Obstruction can be caused by the physical entanglement of the digestive tract from excessive scar tissue collecting within the intestines, with surgery often needed to remove the affected area.

The nutrient deficient diet of the Western world is said to contribute to the ailment, as Cronh’s appears to weaken the immune system, with the patient unable to fight off the mildest of inflammation and infections. A cocktail of prescription meds is often needed to merely quell myriad symptoms. Search any medical platform and note that all emphatically states that there “is no cure.”

The good news is cannabis helps, and the medical profession is taking note.

In a placebo-controlled study published by the American Gastroenterological Association, researchers found the patients who were administered cannabis (via smoking only) went into “complete remission” from all symptoms of Crohn’s Disease. Three patients were weaned from steroid dependency, with all reporting improved appetite and sleep, with no significant side effects.

Add ingesting, as Young was instructed, and symptoms are quelled substantially with most going into remission more quickly than just smoking. That said, smoking gives a fraction of the medicine from the plant, but offers immediate relief. Add smoking with ingesting, and topical use around the digestive tract, and this is called an entourage effect, increasing efficacy all the way around.

Healing Thyself

Young connected with Banda, who then showed her how to make a single dose using a glass dome vaporizer. This method was realized by accident when Banda was vaping using this glass apparatus, but the dose is a very small amount.

“After taking my fifth small dose in this way, I didn’t need the anti-diarrheal pills I had been taking for years,” she said. “After just five doses, this was nothing short of miraculous.”

At the time Young had four children under the age of five at home, and took to making these small doses of concentrated cannabis oil in

BY SHARON lETTS

her bedroom closet twice a day.

“It was not the ideal situation, but because of Shona’s experience of having her son taken away, I just couldn’t take any chances,” she explained. “Her book is titled ‘Live Free or Die’ for a reason, and I felt I had to take the chance of medicating with the plant, but at the same time, I needed to protect my family.

Disappearing into the literal smoky closet twice a day wasn’t sustainable, and she began to make larger quantities of oil in an alcohol reduction in a rice cooker (see Daily Dose for cannabis oil recipe).

“I made my own oil like this for about a year, but when my oldest began Kindergarten in 2012, I stopped, afraid he’d say something in school,” she said. “That’s what happened to Shona when her son spoke up at a D.A.R.E. meeting at school, defending his mom’s medicine, and correcting the counselor that the plant was called ‘cannabis’ not ‘marijuana.’”

Important to note, Banda was arrested at this time, and Young’s fear was heightened, as cannabis as medicine wasn’t yet legal in Florida and she feared CPS knocking on her door. It’s not uncommon for patients to find relief in illegal states, and most parents proceed with a “don’t ask, don’t tell” in order to help their children and themselves.

Once off the oil, her Crohn’s symptoms began to flare up and she ended up back on steroids for a couple of years, until Florida legalized “medical marijuana.”

“During this time, my husband and I got the idea of a machine that could make cannabis oil, and in 2016, we were awarded a patent for a tincture apparatus that makes full extract herbal oils,” she said. “In 2021 we teamed up with a company called Hydropolis, Inc., and the Butter Brewer was officially patented.

The Butter Brewer is a large batch machine,

This Crohn’s patient is healing herself and others, one batch at a time.

allowing up to four quarts or 16 cups made at time, with a non-stick paddle to keep it stirred. Many who have used a crock pot to infuse oils know that you must keep stirring to avoid the material burning, as the low temperatures are never quite low enough in a crock pot. For this reason, the Butter Brewer has several time and temperature settings for different materials.

Young said she can use it like a rice cooker for the alcohol reduction, with the lid open, but is experimenting now on using it with the lid closed, then reclaiming the alcohol in a tube. Watch her website for information on this process.

“The machine infuses butter, oils, and tinctures,” she said. “It also cooks and bakes, like a dutch oven or crock pot. You can make an infused meal in there, because there’s as much room as a large crock pot. I like to infuse olive oil because I think it tastes better than infused butter. I use it to cook with, but you can also dose with olive oil like a tincture.”

The machine can also decarboxylate prior to infusing, but Young agreed that the cooking process already heats up the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to activate for psychoactivity, and she hasn’t really found the need to up the compound’s effects any further.

“Maybe I’d see the value in decarbing for a more recreational dose, but I’ve always made the oils for medicine, not to get high,” she surmised. “For those who want a higher THC effect, there are instructions in the manual on how to decarb.”

Healing the Family

One theory for Crohn’s and other chronic illnesses is that it’s genetic, and that a family’s lineage may determine an outcome. Young became aware of this theory in real time, as just last year her daughter, Gabrielle, was diagnosed with Crohn’s at 13 years old - the very same age Young was diagnosed, with a much worse case than her own.

“The thing is, I believe that many of our chronic illnesses are waiting to happen, and that something can trigger the illness,” she said. “I say this because I was diagnosed with Crohn’s at 13, the same year I got the Chickenpox virus. My daughter presented in the same year she got the COVID virus. Leading me to wonder, do viruses trigger Crohn’s?”

This same theory is used for cancer, as the dreaded disease is said to lay waiting in our stem cells, said to be triggered by any

number of lifestyle issues, lack of a healthy diet, hormonal replacement for women, or too much sun - where skin cancers are concerned. Cancer is said to actually be a part of old age now, with just about everyone affected, and little specific reasons for the ailment in the first place.

Gabrielle’s first Gastrointestinal (GI) doctor was not on board with her using cannabis, even though Young shared her own story of healing with him.

“He made an ignorant comment about it not helping even one percent,” she said. “The thing is, neither of us have the doctor’s appointments we used to have. If you are a Crohn’s patient you know what this means. Maybe that’s what he was afraid of, that he’d lose a customer. I hate to sound that way, but if that’s not the reason, then the only other cause of his disbelief is the fact that he just wasn’t educated on plant based medicine and how beneficial compounds work with the body to heal us and keep us healthy.”

Young isn’t too far off, as doctors don’t learn about the endocannabinoid system or how it accepts the beneficial compounds of plants into all of our biological systems, creating homeostasis, or a place where illness cannot dwell. It’s not taught to them in medical school. The doctors who take it upon themselves to get educated on cannabis and other plant-based remedies are the ones who listen and believe their patients.

When Gabrielle was hospitalized last year, Young and her husband decided to get a second opinion and switched gastrointestinal doctors.

“Cannabis is not a problem for this new doctor, we really like him,” she said. “He only wants to see her feeling good.”

Currently, Young herself is off all pharmaceuticals, using cannabis to manage nausea, increase her appetite and reduce the inflammation that causes pain.

“Creating the machine was personal, because I needed to help myself, but since my daughter has been diagnosed I’m laser focused on helping her and others,” she concluded. “If that well-intended man hadn’t made that comment on my Facebook post, and if I’d never been introduced to Shona Banda, I don’t know where I’d be today. Probably still suffering on pharmaceuticals. But, that’s how the cannabis community helps each other. Until the Federal Government admits this plant helps people, and the doctors are allowed to be properly educated, all we have is each other’s experiences to learn from.”

For more information on the Butter Brewer visit, www.butterbrewer.com

For more information on Hydropolis Inc. visit, www.hydropolisinc.com

For more information on Shona Banda follow her on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ shona.banda/

For information on stem cells and cancer visit, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC6286324/#:~:text=These%20normal%20 stem%20cells%20residing,become%20 tumor%2Dinitiating%20stem%20cells.

International Women's History Month at jardin premium cannabis

As the American cannabis industry continues to expand and legalize into every coast and far-off corner of this great nation, it’s of the utmost importance to both acknowledge and deeply respect the contributions and the tireless work of women in the cannabis industry. Admittedly, there’s still ample amounts of progress that still needs to be completed regarding the employment and advancement of women in cannabis.

MJBizDaily’s 2021 Women & Minorities in the Cannabis Industry report indicated that the percentage of women with executive positions in the cannabis industry dropped staggeringly from 36.8 percent in the nostalgic year of 2019 to 22.1 percent in 2021. The rate of women executives in the cannabis industry went up by only a single percentage point in 2022.

Even with the alarming drop in the percentage of women with executive positions in the cannabis industry, the many brilliant and entrepreneurially-focused women who work in the American cannabis industry are making a name for themselves and building quite the remarkable legacy regardless of the percentage drop. Three of Nevada’s biggest cannabis industry and advocacy organizations which are responsible for single-handedly changing state cannabis laws through steadfast advocacy and nurturing this industry via networking, The Chamber of Cannabis, Cannabis Equity and Inclusion Community (CEIC) and Lady Led Collabs, are mostly women-led.

As for the aforementioned MJBizDaily report from 2021, it also indicated that a total of 25 percent of cannabis businesses in Nevada were owned by women. The Silver State was a full six percentage points ahead of Colorado, which took the 2nd place of the five states surveyed. For comparison, Massachusetts has had legal cannabis since November of 2018 yet only five percent of all cannabis businesses in the state are owned by women as of the 2021 report. Standing out from the other surveyed states considerably, Nevada was also five points ahead of the national average of women with executive roles in cannabis at 20 percent.

To celebrate and honor the endless contributions of women in the cannabis industry, a robust industry powered by a female plant itself, Jardin Premium Cannabis Dispensary recently hosted an event featuring

three extremely influential and successful women in cannabis. The unique event involved a podcast recording, a thought-provoking question and answer session and a thorough tour around the award-winning dispensary that’s primarily women-led itself.

The three powerful women from varied ethnic and professional backgrounds who were featured on the podcast and Q&A session were equally renowned and esteemed in cannabis industry and culture. From retail to cultivation to marketing and strongly largescale personal advocacy for the plant, a wide variety of perspectives and experience-based viewpoints on the cannabis plant were shared.

Tammy Pettigrew, MBA, a graduate of the University of Miami’s Herbert Business School and cannabis educator/consultant as well as Founder of the Cannabis Cutie brand, comes from a strong personal and professional background of athletics. From why she went to college and to what subjects she majored in at Oklahoma State University and even her graduate studies at University of Miami which featured many athletes, all of those defining decisions were made because of sports.

“I lived sports, I married sports, I played sports.” Pettigrew explained. “And so for me, cannabis was always a part of my life in the background. Now, I am not only a cannabis educator but I’m bringing that part of my life that has not been in the public into what I do now. I’m going to start a cannabis sports podcast where we bridge these two worlds.”

From a combination of religiously attending cannabis networking events to find her place in this new frontier of an industry and deeply informative Instagram videos about cannabis and advocacy for the plant, Pettigrew’s platform and experience rapidly grew to the size it is now.

Serving as Store Director of Jardin Premium Cannabis Dispensary for nearly two years now after a decade of experience in cannabis, Brittney Agoncillo has led Jardin through many exciting chapters, many star-studded events which had philanthropic elements

BY: JOSH KASOFF

and promotions that were wholly unique to the cannabis industry. Given that Jardin is a heavily women-run operation, Agoncillo provides an excellent perspective into the topics discussed during the event.

“We were wrapping up International Women’s History Month (March) and we wanted to finish it with powerful women in the cannabis industry who are trailblazers, activists and frontline staff that are supporting our community and this industry as a whole.” Agoncillo explained. “When you bring people like that together, you’re able to create examples of what you can be and do when we collaborate together versus dividing.”

The third esteemed woman in cannabis on the panel was Priscilla Vilchis. Vilchis, who’s been featured in multiple articles as well as the cover of Vegas Cannabis Magazine May of 2019 issue, is truly a trailblazer and history maker for the cannabis industries in Nevada and California. In 2014, not only did Vilchis become the youngest person to receive a cannabis cultivation license at only 27 years old and also the first Latina to receive a license in Nevada. Since then, the wildly Prime Produce brand is cultivated in a state-of-the-art 25,000 square foot facility and has become well known across the Las Vegas Valley. From a successful career in healthcare and laboratory testing with an endless number of clients across Southern California, Vilchis has since become a power player in Nevada and California cannabis who holds the regal moniker of the HollyWeed Queen among numerous other accolades.

When working in her previous field, Vilchis saw firsthand all the heartbreaking and dangerous ways that pharmaceutical medicine patients would either abuse their medication or sell

Photos By: Ivan Martin

their prescription. In cannabis, she saw the professional change that she wanted and assembled an excellent team for a wholly plant-based product undeniably safer than most pharmaceuticals.

“I think if we were to decriminalize cannabis and utilize it a lot more in capsules and medications, a lot of people would veer away from opioids. It shouldn’t be a taboo anymore.” Vilchis envisions total medical normalization of cannabis and having cannabis be completely on par procedurally with pharmaceutical medicines, including medical insurance companies covering the costs of those cannabis-based medications.

Unity as professional women and motivating each other in cannabis was certainly an overarching theme of the entire event. During the podcast recording hosted by Pettigrew in particular, the women featured mentioned the many societal hurdles they had to overcome in order to reach the levels of success that they have. Agoncillo stressed the importance of women working together, especially in an industry still very much in its infancy.

“With cannabis, it’s a brand new industry.” Pettigrew said. “We have the opportunity to make it as equitable as possible, but it has to be done with intention. Typically when these cannabis business events are rolled out, they are for the business owners who happen to be predominately male. What Jardin did is that they intentionally sought out powerful women who are examples in this industry and brought them together with other people to hear their story and give them an opportunity to see them shine.”

“When it comes to highlighting women in this industry,” Pettigrew continued, “I believe that it’s necessary that other women who are thinking about getting in the industry get to have access to people who are already here. We’re in the beginning and we need it to be as equitable as possible. Women are very talented and we need their talent in cannabis.”

“The reason I took this podcast up is because I’m all about supporting women.” Vilchis said. “I think it’s imperative for us to lift each other. I enjoy doing events like that all the time, especially if I’m able to motivate any woman.”

Another very fitting reason why it was relevant to have the event hosted at Jardin is that Agoncillo mentioned that 80 percent of Jardin’s staff are women, and women who are incredibly knowledgeable in the subject of cannabis at that. As a leader in cannabis, Agoncillo wants to create a space and an

industry where women don’t have to make the daunting choice of either motherhood or advancement in the cannabis industry.

Vilchis complimented Jardin and the excellent mostly women-run store with dozens of awards to its name and how monumental it is for the cannabis industry.

“By having women taking these large leadership positions, it sets the bar.” Vilchis explained. “Everyone in the industry talks about Jardin and it’s because of those women. It’s their marketing, the way they are with their employees. It’s smaller than other dispensaries, but they’re doing such a great job because they have the right infrastructure. I would say it’s one of the best dispensaries in Nevada and it’s because of the people there and the employees running it.”

Despite the drop in sales and the current financial and employment-related slumps that states across the American cannabis industry find themselves in, Agoncillo is remaining optimistic and sees the absolutely priceless value in hosting events such as this.

“Maybe we’re not at the end of this journey.” Agoncillo hypothesized. “Maybe, we’re at the beginning. Maybe we should keep pumping this until the water fully runs on its own. By having these conversations and tying it back to sitting down and being able to talk about these things, we’re able to create awareness and knowledge and then disperse that to the community where now women feel even more encouraged to join this industry.

Women have stepped up to show that they are leaders and they can lead in this space. I think that we’ve stepped up by showing compassion, understanding and being able to take care of the people who walk through our doors. We’ve been able to step up in this industry and prove we’re incredible leaders in this space. Because we’re always giving back and tying it back to cannabis.”

An interesting point that Pettigrew brought up was that women have been showcasing and supporting the medicinal benefits of cannabis decades before any recreational dispensaries opened up. One such historic example of a medical cannabis activist was Mary Rathbun, more famously known as “Brownie Mary”. Starting as early as the late 1970’s, Rathbun would volunteer at local hospitals in San Francisco and deliver homemade brownies with cannabis oil to the increasingly startling number of patients suffering from the then mostly unknown yet horribly stigmatized disease of HIV/AIDS.

One of the ways mentioned during the Q&A session and in the follow-up interview with Agoncillo about ways in which the cannabis industry could include more women, many interesting points were brought up. The Store Director of Jardin Premium Cannabis Dispensary emphasized that cannabis companies need to open more opportunities for women and brands and vendors need to focus more on female demographics from a marketing standpoint. Also, women in cannabis frequently have to deal with male customers who inexplicably refuse to believe an informed budtender’s recommendations if said budtender is female.

“When you have women step into these roles, it allows other people to look at the plant differently.” Pettigrew mentioned. “Women come from a place of more compassion and higher emotional intelligence. So when I think it comes to changing the stigma and pushing the plant forward and leading in a different way, I think this is where innovation and things we’ve never seen before begin to happen.”

A noteworthy piece of advice that Vilchis brought up was to always have a dedicated team with you consisting of informed professionals and especially including a lawyer and a CFO or other financial professional. Vilchis would also like to eventually see more women holding positions of business ownership and vested interest in cannabis businesses and operations. She also stressed the importance of being vigilant when it comes to predatory investors who seem initially caring and helpful but carry heavy ulterior motives. Ultimately, Vilchis believes that the business owners themselves need to make more of a conscientious effort in doing their part to offer ample opportunities to promote women within their cannabis businesses.

“This is a very feminine plant and I think we have to look at this a little differently.” Pettigrew said. “We can’t run it like a typical business because it hasn’t been working. So we have to think outside of the box and have a new perspective. The female perspective for a female plant in my mind is a winning combination.”

Agoncillo perfectly summarized both the event honoring International Women’s History Month and women’s contributions to the American cannabis industry as well.

“Real queens fix each other’s crowns.”

Coalition for Patient Rights

Providing protection, one patient at a time

IPA Mission Statement:

Integrative Providers Association is a nonprofit 501(c) organization dedicated to advancing the societal benefits of Integrative Medicine in the established healthcare, legislative and socioeconomic systems that currently serve the greater population of public health globally focusing on discovering, educating, uniting and empowering providers together while providing integrative wholeness and inclusion for the betterment of tomorrow.

Everyone becomes a “patient” at some point and time in their life, experiencing disparity when they should be experiencing empathy, compassion or support. When that moment comes, everyone deserves to have a voice and a choice encased in dignity and compassion. Especially when one is too busy caring for themselves or family and can’t tell if their doctors are actually on their side advocating for them and their needs.

These consequential disparities typically decimate or erase generational wealth, and economic advancements that took generations to fully develop. As such, having professional advocates on our side that one can lean on for guidance and resources, or a Patients’ Bill of Rights, to fully protect patients, is an essential step to righting wrongs of the “profitization” of modern healthcare and wellness. Regardless if one is seeking emergency care, or wellness optimization services, restoring the right of service to “We The People” is a critical first step to our success as a society and should be focused on first and foremost. Ultimately, CPR is here to take charge of patient rights!

The Coalition for Patient Rights (CPR), the national voice for patients’ goal is to improve the health and healthcare of our nation. The CPR’s prime objectives are:

1. Bring about regulatory change at State and Federal level designed to improve and increase access to high quality healthcare for all.

2. Highlight the inadequacies and failures

of the current healthcare system and the restricted choice of treatments imposed on patients.

3. Educate people about the treatments they are given and highlight the hidden components in medicines and how they can impact the body.

4. Improve the environment we live in by focusing on the need to provide clean

>>By JULIE Monteiro

to reform is urgently needed if our health system is ever to provide world class healthcare to our people. We will be mobilizing our friends, supporters, and affiliates across the country to make this a rallying call as we move towards the next presidential election.

unpolluted water and air to keep people healthy.

5. Safeguard the use of new technologies to ensure the use of healthcare technology is safe, accountable, and used for the benefit of patients.

In recent years numerous polls have shown the majority of Americans are dissatisfied with our healthcare system. This is not surprising when the system has evolved away from its primary purpose of serving patients to serving the medical industry and insurance companies. While they are doing well, patients are suffering both medically and financially.

Health costs are a contributor to the majority of personal bankruptcies in our country. Patients are being kept in the dark about the medication they take and the potential long-term impact on their health. Increasingly, doctors' preferred treatment for their patients is being overruled by the demands of insurance companies. The level of air and water pollution is increasing at an alarming rate putting all our people’s health at risk. Meanwhile, moves to improve our broken system at state and federal levels are bogged down by partisan wrangling and excessive lobbying by vested interests.

CPR believes that a non-bipartisan approach

During the 82nd Session (2023), Compassion Center and CPR are championing AB411: Ryan's Law: The Compassionate Access to Medical Cannabis for the Terminally ill. This bill will require certain medical facilities to allow registered medical cannabis patients to engage in the medical use of cannabis at the medical facility during end of life. This allows patients a continuum of care to their treatment option of choice and allows patients to die with dignity and compassion. What hospital would deny a patient of this right?

To read the bill visit: https://www.leg.state. nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/82nd2023/Bill/10368/ Text

To Submit Public Opinion for AB411 here: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/ REL/82nd2023/Bill/10368/Opinions

CPR needs your help! Please comment on AB411 online and email the Nevada Assembly Judiciary Committee to Pass and Support this bill on behalf of terminally ill patients in Nevada. The NV Assembly needs to hear from constituents and CPR Patients. That's you!

Come join the CPR and its national movement to provide change for The People. Your voice matters.

For more information visit: www. CoalitionforPatientRights.org

Vox Populi: A Voice for the People

JENN Jennifer Walker

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Justin Beckelman

MJ Modest Jones

Jason Walker

NEVADA Dispensaries WHAT’S GOOD IN

COOKIES

By Redwood

Gary Payton

Natural Terp

Vape Cartridge

NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton was one of the best defensive players of all-time. He ranks 5th all-time in steals, right behind Michael Jordan. He has earned an NBA Championship and 2 Olympic Gold Medals. Seattle Mayor declared June 6th Gary Payton Day. The least we could do is name a strain after him, and keep his legend alive. I'm nicknaming his vape pen after his own moniker, The Glove. It fits just like one. Tasty and sticky. Bring back the Seattle Supersonics!

THC- 87.823%

Limonene- 9.231mg/g

WILLIE’S RESERVE By

Redwood Red Headed Stranger

Ol’ Grandpa Willie has a friendly stranger to introduce you to, so join us for a sesh. Now I know you don’t always want to meet new folks, but this friend is sweet, bright, and 100% fire. Ol’ Grandpa Willie is a pro and would never bring around a bad bud. A friend of Willie Nelson’s is a friend of mine, and a friend with weed, is a friend indeed!

THC- 21.799%

Caryophyllene- 5.73mg/g

Limonene- 4.57mg/g

Myrcene- 3.35mg/g

REDWOOD Crybaby

Don’t cry, although you may want to, because this strain comes on like a dream and works really well to combat pain and anxiety and assists in an overall sense of wellbeing. A hefty amount of THC brings the chill vibes (not for newbies) as limonene works in tandem with caryophyllene and myrcene to take your blues away. Smiles all around!

THC- 25.446%

Limonene- 4.90mg/g

Caryophyllene- 3.89mg/g

Myrcene- 3.27mg/g

MAMMOTH LABS

Platinum Kush Mints

Live Rosin Badder

Damn! This rosin smells so sweet. I can't wait to hit my rig. Every month I look forward to opening my gift from Jezus. They say that there is only one way to get into Heaven, and I'm definitely on the right path. After a much needed dab, I've determined that you can't feel any better than I do at this moment. This is pure bliss. Heaven can wait.

THC- 70.013%

Limonene- 21.036mg/g

Caryophyllene- 10.931mg/g

CBGa- 4.985%

Myrcene- 11.460mg/g

CURATED & PHOTOGRAPHED BY Bill Shehan with assistance from BILL

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SHWA Shwa Laytart

Redwood strains photographed by Katie Peede

CIRCLE S FARMS

Private Reserve OG

Smoke this flower with no reservations. This is my new working-bud. If you like to start your day baked and need to circle back around midafternoon to level-up, this bluecolor bud has your back. A smooth, relaxing high that keeps you focused and alert. I’m all about getting the job done, as long as I have some working-bud in me to see it through.

THC- 24.175%

Myrcene- 5.883mg/g

Limonene- 5.328mg/g

Caryophyllene- 3.998mg/g

CIRCLE S FARMS Scooby Snacks 2-Preroll Pack

I almost stole a delivery van full of these Scooby Snacks! I would have gotten away with it too, if it wasn't for those meddling kids. I had the perfect disguise. Even Brenda thought I was Rocky. But my plan was foiled, and now I'm up Shit Creek. At least I'm nice and high from these Scooby Snacks. Ruby-Doobie Twoooooo!

THC- 21.307%

Limonene- 4.503mg/g

Caryophyllene- 3.834mg/g

Myrcene- 2.744mg/g

PRODUCTS

CIRCLE S FARMS Kobe Indica Vape Cartridge

If you’re looking for a top of the line full spectrum cartridge, buy this ticket and take the ride. Look at all the active plant spirit packed into this rig. It is truly an outstanding all-star! With full spectrum, you get a full body experience and when I say full body, get ready to discover parts of yourself that you didn’t even know existed.

THC- 462.39mg

CBG- 31.68mg/g

CBN- 11.33mg/g

CBC- 10.64mg/g

Myrcene- 9.27mg/g

Linalool- 3.45mg/g

Caryophyllene- 2.87mg/g

GRASSROOTS

Strawberry Icy

Diamond Infused

5-Pack of Prerolls

I am so freaking faded from these bad boys. Infused with concentrated diamonds, this portable pack of pre-rolls packs a punch. But go ahead, take one to the head. These are perfect for someone who likes to dab but is usually on the run. Peace Out, Yo! Gotta Go!

THC- 42.20%

Limonene- 9.34mg/pk

Caryophyllene- 3.64mg/pk

Pinene- 2.14mg/pk

FIND

Kush Mints

The flavor profile and terpenes are definitely the standout characteristics of this fantastically fragrant flower. (Say that three times fast!) An earthy, piney, organic flavor resolves beautifully with minty undertones as limonene lifts and linalool lulls you to a happy place.

THC- 25.17%

Limonene- 7.28mg/g

Caryophyllene- 5.16mg/g

Linalool- 2.62mg/g

SRENE Purple Haze

Sheesh la weesh! This purple beauty is a beast. Nigerian Haze X Garlic Breath #1 has me up all day and sinking in my seat. The perfect 50/50 hybrid, it tastes like freshly harvested raspberries. Mentally stimulating effects as well as a complex, berry-like taste. Jimi's right, it delivered a dreamy burst of euphoria and put a spell on me.

THC- 21.43%

Terpinolene- 10.32mg/g

Caryophyllene- 8.68mg/g

Humulene- 6.0mg/g

TUMATZEKWAE NOBE

Green Rooster 2:1 Pain Salve

Produced by The Walker River Cultivation in Schurz, Nevada, I found this potent and high terpene derived salve. Massage it on sore muscles, muscle cramps or joints for the best relief. I'll even add it to other CBD salves due to its high THC content. Apply continuously when needed. The terpenes keep the smell and consistency.

THC- 91.4mg

Limonene- 77.34mg/g

Pinene- 21.49mg/g

CBD- 52.79mg

Linalool- 59.88mg/g

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NATURE’S CHEMISTRY

Garmosa

If you were judging a cannabis contest and someone put this flower out, the first thing you would be thinking is- We have a winner! Then, as you draw in your first puff and it floats through your blood and lights up your eyes, the first thing that will come out of your mouth is- We definitely have a winner! This flower checks all the boxes.

THC- 29.640%

Caryophyllene- 5.3705mg/g

Limonene- 4.9411mg/g

Humulene- 2.0974mg/g

THC- 25.135%

Caryophyllene- 6.7721mg/g

Myrcene- 4.3191mg/g

Limonene- 3.0289mg/g

MATRIX Hell’s OG

1-Gram Preroll

If you’re hellbound on having a good time, bring an OG with you, to guarantee it’ll be a night you won’t forget. Hell has no fury like a demon without weed. Oh, the horror! You’ve suffered enough on this realm, so indulge a little, have a blazin’ good time and remember- I’ll see you in Hell, OG.

THC- 22.806%

Myrcene- 16.44mg/g

Limonene- 5.02mg/g

Caryophyllene- 4.94mg/g

MATRIX Tokyo Drift

Live Resin

Vape Cartridge

Tune in Tokyo! This Live Resin Vape Cartridge will put some zip into your giddy-up and have you singin’ "Zippity Doo Dah." With more than 8% limonene, expect Tokyo Drift to shift your brain gears with a nice lift. Catch my drift. I'm giving this product extra credit since the lab tests scored over 100%.

THC- 82.9146%

Limonene- 83.93mg/g

Farnesene- 54.00mg/g

Caryophyllene- 9.22mg/g

REMEDY

Antidote Capsules

20:1 CBD:THC 10 Pack

REMEDY Kombucha

An energizing hybrid strain with a unique flavor profile. Almost like kombucha, you know it’s good for you, but the flavor can be unexpectedly invigorating. We love a good pinene strain, and this one does not disappoint! Excellent for fatigue, appetite, pain relief and supports healthy lung function.

THC- 19.949%

Limonene- 5.60mg/g

Caryophyllene- 2.73mg/g

Pinene- 1.68mg/g

These capsules offer a powerful dose of CBD with a light assist from THC to promote happiness, ease anxiety and help with depression. I am a fan, as I love a good high CBD product that provides a more natural alternative for health and wellbeing. Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Soy Lecithin, Cannabis Distillate & CBD Isolate.

CBD/Capsule- 49.224mg

THC/Capsule- 2.083mg

REMEDY Durban Poison Cured Resin Sugar

What an exquisite sugar. THIS is my Remedy. Durban Poison is in a class of its own. It's a pure landscape that hasn't been mixed with anything whatsoever. The scent grabs me by the nose hairs and dabbing it sends a rush to every hair on my body. I feel amazing and if you aren't familiar with Durban Poison, you've been missing out. Get this in your lungs!

THC- 81.3802%

Terpinolene- 15.46mg/g

Myrcene- 8.05mg/g

Limonene- 6.54mg/g

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REMEDY Roll Up

Remedy knows how to roll up, that’s just straight facts. These freakishly frosted nugs are a perfect example of their expertise. With a dank aroma and an aura that induces relaxation even before you consume it, you’re going to want this freaky flower in your stash.

THC- 19.548%

Myrcene- 5.72mg/g

Caryophyllene- 3.14mg/g

Limonene- 2.91mg/g

REMEDY

Grapes & Cream

Pool season is upon us and picnic-pot-luckparties are happening again. So before you head out with your mac-n-cheese or veggie kabobs, be sure and swoop up a jar of this yumminess. You might have the best dish of the day, but what everyone will remember is who brought the grapes and cream to the party.

THC- 26.341%

Caryophyllene- 5.07mg/g

Limonene- 4.83mg/g

Humulene- 1.92mg/g

GREEN LIFE PRODUCTIONS

Miss Poison #23

I keep seeing this rare terpene, Farnesene, popping up as one of the top three terps on the latest GLP lab results. Farnesene is best known for its sweet, woodsy taste and its heavy sedating effects. Miss Poison, you smell so hot, and tantalizing. I need to hit that! That being said. Let's take one to the head.

THC- 25.45%

Terpinolene- 7.16mg/g

Farnesene- 2.39mg/g

Limonene- 2.36mg/g

LP EXOTICS

Grape Canyonz Preroll

GREEN LIFE PRODUCTIONS

Hazmat OG

The flaming red hairs dance and leap off this flower like a gasoline fire. They reach out, trying to snatch you up and pull you into the blaze. A hypnotic hybrid with an infernal glamor. But fear not, just suit up and jump into this enchanting cannabis pyre.

THC- 27.85%

Myrcene- 8.66mg/g

Limonene- 8.50mg/g

Farnesene- 3.13mg/g

A balanced hybrid, this strain has a sweet, grape flavor profile mixed with the slight spicy and exotic tastes of tropical fruit. Caryophyllene assists with a euphoric uplift that comes on slow and steady. Linalool eases you into a warm relaxation topped off with a serene calm.

THC- 28.23%

Myrcene- 14.07mg/g

Linalool- 2.63mg/g

Caryophyllene- 1.95mg/g

STIIIZY 40’s Infused Preroll Blue Dream

A classic strain presented in a modern way: Stiiizy 40s prerolls use proprietary live resin infusion methods. Every preroll is designed to offer potency with a custom flavor profile. Sleek and discreet for easy usage and storage, these prerolls are an absolute dream! Caryophyllene lifts your pain and helps you Blue Dream your worries away…

THC- 34.368%

Caryophyllene- 26.644mg/g

Limonene- 11.402mg/g

Linalool- 11.327mg/g

GREENINGS

Sour Blood Orange Gummies

Squeeze your teeth around these pillowy gélifiés and rest your mouth in a bed of tangy sublime citrus. Heading out for an adventure and want to take a few for the road? No worries, because these little Greenings are individually wrapped to go. And even though they don’t mention it- these slices of heaven are vegan, too.

TOTAL THC- 100mg

Servings- 10

THC/Serving- 10mg

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Experience a Psychedelic Journey >>>

Without The Psychedelics

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.

As someone who has struggled with addiction, depression and anxiety, I know how hard it can be to find peace and purpose in this noisy world. The constant stress and distractions can make it tough to hear our inner voice, and when we do, we find that it’s often more of a bully than an ally. Psychedelics are an amazing shortcut to silencing the static and tapping into your frequency, and while many are interested in exploring the possible peace that they have to offer, hesitation and fear keeps them from the experience. In addition, many have workplaces with strict policies against psychedelics and cannabis.

What if there was a way to tap into the transformative power of psychedelics without using any external substances?

Well, you can! My team is working on a catalog of guided journeys that are specifically designed to simulate a psychedelic trip. While we record and compile these digital experiences, here are a few methods to try for yourself in the comfort of your home:

Binaural beats: Binaural beats are a type of sound wave therapy that can induce a meditative state in the listener. By playing different frequencies in each ear, the brain can be entrained to a specific state of mind. There are many binaural beat recordings available online that are designed to simulate the effects of specific substances, such as psilocybin or LSD. I recommend the BrainTap, Beatfulness and Binaural Beats apps.

Breathwork: Did you know that your brain releases DMT naturally? This happens at the moment of birth, the moment of death, and some experts say that the right breathwork techniques can also release DMT as well. Breathwork meditation involves controlled breathing techniques to help calm the mind, reduce stress, and induce a state of inner peace. I recommend Colter Smith or Leland Holgate,

both transformational breathwork specialists who teach here in Las Vegas.

Guided visualization: Listening to a recorded meditation that guides you through a mental journey can be a powerful tool for accessing the inner self and gaining clarity. There are many guided visualizations available online that are specifically designed to simulate the effects of specific substances. My favorite one is “Your Present: A Half Hour of Peace” by Susie Mantell.

Nature immersion: Spending time in nature can be a powerful tool for accessing the inner self and gaining clarity on your path forward. By immersing yourself in natural surroundings, you can quiet the mind and connect with the natural rhythms of the earth. This can be as simple as taking a walk in the woods or sitting by a lake, and really tuning into the “simple pleasures, deeply felt” mantra. Better yet, combine sitting in nature with any of the above suggestions.

What if you’re seeking to share a more immersive sober-psychedelic experience with a community of like-minded people? We have that covered too.

Psychedelic Journeys Without Psychedelics is a multi-sensory experience designed to help you quiet the mind, turn inward, and connect with your intuition and inner voice through the use of binaural beats, soul-stirring music, awe-inspiring visuals, and uplifting scents. We founded and shaped this event with a deep respect for everything that plant medicines offer and under the belief that with the right guided "set and setting," anyone can access a life-changing journey and experience the transformative power of everything they already are, no substances required.

It's important to note that we do not view this as a replacement for psychedelic experiences. Rather, it's an alternative for those who may not be ready or able to have a psychedelic journey, or who simply want to explore different ways of tapping into their inner selves. Our approach is grounded in the same open-minded states present in psychedelic experiences, dreams, and meditations.

>>> BY JADEN RAE

So, what can you expect from Psychedelic Journeys Without Psychedelics? First and foremost, you can expect a safe and supportive environment. Our facilitators are trained to guide you through the experience, and we take great care in creating a space that is conducive to deep inner exploration. You can also expect a variety of sensory experiences that are designed to help you access different states of mind.

One of the key benefits of this experience is that it can help you tap into your intuition and inner voice. By silencing the noise of the outside world, you can connect with your own inner wisdom and gain clarity on your path forward. This can be particularly helpful if you're feeling stuck or uncertain about a decision you need to make. By tapping into your intuition, you can gain a deeper understanding of what you truly want and need in your life.

Another benefit of this experience is that it can help you cultivate a sense of groundedness and inner peace. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected from ourselves. By taking the time to turn inward and connect with our inner selves, we can cultivate a sense of calm and centeredness that can help us navigate life's challenges with greater ease.

Ultimately, Psychedelic Journeys Without Psychedelics is about offering people an alternative way to access the transformative power of psychedelic experiences. By creating a safe and supportive environment, and utilizing a variety of sensory experiences, we help people tap into their intuition, cultivate a sense of inner peace, and gain clarity on their path forward. We believe that everyone has the ability to access these states of mind and experience profound personal growth, and we're honored to be able to offer this experience to those who are ready and willing to explore.

Jaden Rae is a Las Vegas resident, international best-selling author of the Microdosing Guide And Journal. She hosts a free weekly Microdosing Mondays zoom call at MagicandGlow. com. She provides tools to enhance emotional well-being, find meaning, create magic, nourish souls and enrich lives. JYou can find her on Instagram @magicandglowco, @heyjadenrae, and @steamykitchen.

Scan to learn more about PTSD and other mental health treatment options

Our advocacy group for alternative therapeutic medicine is dedicated to promoting and supporting the use of natural, complementary, and alternate therapies to improve health and well-being. Our group consists of experienced practitioners, educators and advocates who are passionate about empowering individuals to take control of their health by exploring and using alternative therapeutic options.

Decriminalize Nature Nevada

working to decriminalize & expand ACCESS

BY: SHWA LAYTART

As we move into the era of modern day psychedelic use, a grassroots movement to decriminalize mushrooms and other entheogenic plant medicines is being spearheaded by a local organization, Decriminalize Nature Nevada. Decriminalize Nature Nevada is working toward decriminalizing and expanding access to entheogenic plants and fungi (such as ayahuasca and psilocybin-producing mushrooms) through political and community organizing, education, and advocacy.

Their mission is to:

• Reform drug policy at local and state levels

• Educate on the health benefits of entheogens

• Reduce the stigma of mental health disorders

• Increase awareness of harm reduction services

• Respect freedom of choice for all adults

• Help pass laws based on science, not stigma

Decriminalize Nature Nevada is run by the Co-Founder of the national organization Decriminalize Nature, Larry Norris, and CoDirectors Jen Gullickson and James Garvey. I recently sat down with Co-director, Jen Gullickson to find out how things are going.

Shwa: So Jen, you’all have a pretty hefty mission, with lots of parts and projects, how’s everything coming together?

Jen: A hefty mission, indeed! So far, we've had a good push with educating the community on the movement and our push to decriminalize by speaking with council members and elected state officials. Education and mental health are a couple of subjects we focus on when it comes to entheogenic plants and fungi. We were all told "Drugs are bad" and now there are 16 cities throughout the US, including Washington D.C., that are now decriminalized and helping their constituents gain access to entheogenic plants and fungi.

Shwa: I noticed you have political help. Who are you working with on a State level?

Jen: Those in politics bringing the bill to the floor and showing support are Primary Sponsors Rochelle Nguyen, Fabian Doñate, Max Carter, and Elaine Marzola with now

Co-sponsors Ira Hansen, Dallas Harris, James Ohrenschall, and Jeff Stone.

Shwa: Can you break down Senate Bill 242 which is looking to revise provisions relating to certain controlled substances and what the status of that Bill is now?

Jen: This comment is hard because with amended language, they're planning to gut the decriminalization part of the bill and create a board for a study bill. It's been a hard hit to feel with the amount of effort put forth by DNNV to see them completely cut out decriminalization of psilocybin mushrooms. Right now, it is a felony to possess any amount of mushrooms in Nevada. It was pointed out that last year thar law enforcement recovered 29 pounds in total. Decriminalization for Nevada, as the bill was written, allowed up to 4 ounces of access. That's 116 people with what would've been the decriminalized limit. Not a lot in total, but they feel the current penalties are something that is not a priority at this time. A majority of people understand that it does cost a lot to have to be evaluated to make a decision to eat something safer than children's Tylenol. Decriminalization would simply create an option for Nevadans, and we were heartbroken to hear they wanted to cut that piece of the bill out. Yes, we are concerned about the well-being of our neighbors, and we understand the state's concern with misuse and violence, so we find it best to continue to create awareness. We need to have these open-minded discussions about the plants they are aiming to research. There was a lot of misunderstanding on sizes of doses and so we are focused on looking at the bigger picture; Who do these plants help and how do we create safe access for them? What is best for the constituents?

Shwa: Can you tell me a little more about the Las Vegas Psychedelic Society (LVPS) Integration Circle?

Jen: Of course! Every Tuesday there's an integration circle hosted by the Las Vegas Psychedelic Society. You can find the info on Meet-up. The focus of LVPS is to work with the community to integrate their previous experiences mostly relating to, but not always, psychedelics within their walk of life. Sometimes in life, it is easier to overcome a past experience when we can relate to a

similar experience that someone may feel called to share. The community is connecting emotionally and when we talk about our experiences in life and engage in personal growth, real healing happens. Walking alone is difficult, and for a lot of us in life sharing emotional events, especially ones associated with psychedelics, there's very limited safe spaces. Thankfully, societies like this exist and create a safe space for those seeking to integrate their experiences.

Shwa: You recently had a discussion on how to approach risk reduction. What are some of the other topics you’ve discussed and will continue to discuss?

Jen: The importance and impact of decriminalization. We want the community to be aware of what their leaders are writing for law, and how they can make sure their voices are heard. We would like to discuss the importance of the medicine at hand and the potential it has for our community. We want to continue to educate the community on safe approaches for themselves, working with legal options to explore their interest in engagement with working with plant medicine.

Shwa: How can people get involved?

Jen: They can do the most help by donating to the movement to keep our push going strong. They can donate via PayPal using email info@ decrimnaturenv.org. They can also be involved by staying aware of SB242 and what's on the bill, and by writing to their elected officials. They can also Follow us on Instagram to keep up with events we may be hosting or attending.

Decriminalize Nature Nevada envisions a happier, healthier Nevada where all citizens have access to plant and fungi medicine, as well as support services for those in need.

The future of psychedelic medicine starts now.

SIP, NIBBLE & TRIP >>> Magic Mushroom Lemon Tek

>>> BY JADEN RAE

*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.

If you’ve ever tried magic mushrooms, you’re probably aware of just how terrible they taste. The experience just isn’t that pleasant, with many reporting nausea and stomach pain. That’s why I love the Lemon Tek extraction method.

You’re more than likely already performing extractions in your kitchen on a regular basis. Brewing coffee and tea are perfect examples of simple hot water extractions. The ultimate goal of extraction is to keep what you want and leave behind the less desirable bits. In this case, the best way to consume mushrooms is to simply isolate the psychedelic alkaloids from the rest of the compounds that make up the mushroom fruit body.

What is Lemon Tek? Lemon Tek (short for “technique”) is an extraction process that uses the juice from lemons to break down the active compounds of mushrooms so they can be more easily absorbed by the body.

Why Use Lemon Tek? People often experience stomach discomfort while consuming trip-inducing doses. The hard coating of the mushroom cell walls is called chitin and can be difficult for our stomachs to process, causing digestive discomfort. Also, to metabolize psilocybin, your body must first break it down and convert it into psilocin. Psilocin is the compound that your body uses to experience the “trip”. Normally, your stomach acid will do the job, converting psilocybin to psilocin, and breaking down chitin.

Citric acid from lemon juice has a similar pH as stomach acid - and can also break down chitin and prep the active compounds for easy stomach absorption. Doing this step prior to consuming will make the experience come on faster, and stronger. However, the duration is 20-40% shorter than just eating the dried mushrooms.

In short, Lemon Tek does the heavy lifting, giving you a faster, stronger, shorter trip — and with less nausea and stomach discomfort.

How to Dose

Measure out your desired dosage of ground or crushed mushroom first: A microdose is 100mg-300mg of mushrooms, and is an everyday “vitamin” for those seeking relief from anxiety, depression, and overall emotional wellness. You may have a slight tingle on your skin, an uptick in energy, and a sense of wonder and ease throughout the day. Most function normally about their day, with no impairment.

A low dose is 300mg - 1 gram, which will give you a little bit of the visuals: sharper vision and more vivid colors, introspection and connection to nature and people.

A medium dose is 1 - 3.5 grams. You’ll experience all of the above, with a sense of euphoria, distorted visuals, time warping, synesthesia (hearing colors, seeing sounds) and a deep spiritual connection.

A large dose is 3.5 grams - 5 grams, and a heroic dose for experienced psychonauts is anything above 5 grams. You’ll want to have a sober “trip sitter” as you may experience intense psychedelic effects like hallucination, profound spiritual insights, and the feeling of, “everything, everywhere, all at once.”

Anything above a micro or low dose is considered a “trip” dose. Please take caution and do not drive, climb tall ladders or juggle knives.

Lemon Tek will make the experience stronger, so calculate a slightly lower dosage than normal. You can expect onset to be about 15 minutes, and the duration lasts about 4-5 hours.

Always start low and slow. If after an hour, you feel like you want more, consume a little bit more (20% of your initial dose).

3 Steps To Easy Lemon Tek

Step 1 - Prep Your Mushrooms: Crushing or grinding your dried mushrooms will allow for a more efficient extraction, but the finer you grind the mushrooms, the more difficult it will be to strain. Use a coffee/spice grinder, chef’s knife, mortar and pestle, or pulse a few times in a blender or food processor.

Step 2 - Juice Lemons: You only need enough juice to just barely cover the mushroom matter. Generally 1-2 lemons will make enough juice for 5 grams or less of ground mushrooms. Juice the lemons and pour it over the ground mushroom — make sure that you cover it completely. Leave this to sit for about 25 minutes.

Note: Substitute with lime juice or bottled lemon juice concentrate. Lemonade drink mix (like Crystal Light or Country Time) is not effective, as it does not contain enough citric acid for the extraction.

Step 3 - Strain Your Mushrooms: Use a normal tea strainer to strain the mushrooms out of the lemon juice. Or, just drink the entire thing, grounds and all (though I find that larger pieces of the mushroom taste disgusting). Simply down the shot of Lemon Tek, or add hot water and honey, to make a tea.

**We promote safety and education. If you feel like you’ve consumed too much, or are having a bad trip, call the confidential hotline, Fireside Project (62-FIRESIDE). If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

Jaden Rae is a Las Vegas resident, International best-selling author of the Microdosing Guide And Journal, cookbook author and a television chef. She hosts a free weekly Microdosing Mondays zoom call at MagicandGlow.com, a safe space to educate, inspire and support those on their psychedelic and plant medicine journey. Jaden has been featured on the Today Show, The Early Show, Fox Business News, and more. You can reach her on Instagram @magicandglowco.

MAY HOROSCOPES

ARIES (MARCH 20 – APRIL 19)

This May brings a time of connection and as the weather warms you’ll find yourself being more extroverted wanting to spend time frolicking with others. Pick up a pack of Miss Poison #23 Baby J’s by Green Life Productions to share on your adventurous outings. You have a hard time focusing at work. Although you are lacking discipline this month, your impulsive nature will take you places if you follow your intuition. Mars moving into Leo on the 20th really gives you a boost of energy towards your goals. For best results, follow your heart and do what feels right in every moment. Don’t try to fight it or you’ll be left unsatisfied.

TAURUS (APRIL 19 – MAY 20)

Things may start out feeling off as Mercury is retrograde in Taurus until the 14th of May but when Jupiter moves into Taurus on the 16th, luck will be flowing your way. It’s a great time to assess what’s important to you and align your life with these values. You will want to think about what makes you feel safe and secure. Incorporate these into your goals for the next year on May 19th when there is a new moon in Taurus. Your confidence is high and you can use this to tackle any projects that you’ve dragged your feet on. The Super Sour Diesel by Nature’s Chemistry is the perfect fuel to take you wherever you go this month!

GEMINI (MAY 20 – JUNE 20)

As we get more grounded this month, your moods stabilize and things seem a lot less dramatic. It is a good time to find common ground with people that have kept their distance from you if you feel the desire to mend past relationships. It may be easier for you to empathize with those you have hurt in the past and you will be able to adjust your approach depending on their needs. Overall, you may find it easy to overindulge. When the Sun enters Gemini on the 21st, your mind is on point and ready for creative exploration. We recommend the Lemon Garlic Haze Live Resin Badder by Tsunami to take you higher while you enjoy a stimulating conversation with a friend.

CANCER (JUNE 20 – JULY 22)

When Venus enters Cancer on the 7th, emotions will be hard to keep in. Relationship issues that may have been building rise to the surface and although you won’t want to force a solution right now, be cautious that you aren’t just sweeping things under the rug again. Suppressed feelings tend to lead to

By Margaux Hansberry

passive aggressive anger and resentment. Definitely puff on some Oreo Cake by Grower’s Circle and start with small changes to make things better. Venus in Cancer is also a period of enhanced creativity and imagination so it’s a great time to dream about your fantasy life before setting goals when Cancer season comes around.

LEO (JULY 22 – AUGUST 22)

Family comes first this month as Leo’s are focused on the relationships that matter most to them. It’s a time of peace and you’re able to provide a solid foundation of fun and activity for those privileged enough to know you on a deeper level. You may even get surprising news related to marriage or pregnancy. Especially when Mars moves into Leo on the 20th, you feel outgoing and energetic. Although you may prefer outdoor activities to work or school, things go well for you and it’s easy to take care of your responsibilities. Enjoy a pack of Grapefruit Kush Infused Packarillos for when you need to chill.

VIRGO (AUG 22 – SEPT 22)

This month might not be easy for you, Virgo. There will be obstacles at work that distract you from your usual high performance output. Exercise your patience and you will gain valuable experience for the future. Push yourself to share what’s on your mind but be cautious of how and when you do so. Wait until Mercury moves directly in Taurus after the 14th to make any moves and speak up. Try to keep the eye rolls to yourself with a relaxing strain like the Peach Horchata by Srene. Treat everyone carefully as Venus is in Cancer starting May 7th, making those around you extra sensitive.

LIBRA (SEP 22 – OCT 23)

Your charisma is strong and you’re able to charm your way out of anything. It’s a great time for sleepless nights chatting about life and exploring endless possibilities. Passion flows your way whether you’re single or not. You will feel the pull of many sparks whether they are creating new life in your relationship or bringing new people into your life. Either way, you are feeling it! Things are easy and life is prosperous. There isn’t anything that you feel is lacking, in fact you’re feeling quite fulfilled. We recommend picking up a 1.75 gram El Blunto Slurrican blunt to share with someone over a heart to heart.

SCORPIO (OCT 23 – NOV 21)

You are feeling more aligned this month. With the full moon in Scorpio on May 5th, start off with a focus on healing and renewal. Take time to separate yourself from anything holding you back. Overall, you will be happy to focus on the present moment as it’s an easy month and problems don’t get in the way. With Venus in

watery Cancer on the 7th, you are quite lovable which bodes well for those who are single or in a relationship. It’s a great time to put yourself out there and meet new contenders or enjoy things with your boo. The 100mg CBG : 100mg THC : 100mg CBD Trifecta Caramel Taffy by Cheeba Chews is the perfect option to keep yourself riding cloud nine.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 21 – DEC 21)

Personal growth is on the horizon as this month pushes you outside of your comfort zone. With Venus in Cancer on the 7th, you are feeling more emotional than usual especially as it relates to your relationships. Let these emotions flow and observe them carefully before using how you feel to influence your priorities and goals. A mellow vape pod like the Rainbow Sherbert by Stiiizy will help you take a backseat if your emotions are getting out of control. You are motivated to explore mental stimulation this month whether that be with others or learning a new skill. You may find yourself with higher expectations than usual which should help you calibrate to what you want for your future.

CAPRICORN (DEC 21 – JAN 19)

Capricorns are focused on their goals this month. Your ambition is strong and you manage to excel at anything you put your mind to. Although you may come across as self centered, others have a difficult time understanding the intense concentration that you have for managing your goals. You may be overly hard on yourself and won’t respond to criticism very well. You won’t want to make time for others’ opinions. Since this month brings a lot of natural success, it is beneficial to avoid drama and stay to yourself. You have a lot of excess physical and mental energy so try a heavy strain like the Carson City Kush Live Resin Budder by Sacred Oil to relax a little.

AQUARIUS (JAN 19 – FEB 18)

You are in a good place but your wandering mind may convince you otherwise. There may be a choice that you have to make to find happiness. Questioning thoughts arise and it’s easy to compare past relationships to where you are now. You’ll have to find ways to turn your thoughts off like a fat dab of the Grape Cookies Cured Resin Crumble by Baseline. Being around other people to help you work through your thoughts will make you feel better about the past. Although your relationships may seem a bit chaotic and unpredictable right now,

don’t make any drastic decisions you may regret. .

PISCES (FEB 18 – MAR 20)

Love is in the air and you are feeling a lot of tenderness and affection for everyone you connect with. You are a giver and generosity feels really good this month. In fact, helping others is beneficial for you to work out your own thoughts. You have extra compassion for everyone and their personal situations so you will provide support to those who need it. People will automatically feel safe around you making it a great time to put yourself out there and to meet new friends. Pick up a pack of the Pomegranate Nano Gummies by Select for a boost of confidence while you’re socializing.

Reading LIT!

Suggestions for Stoney Reading Freaks

By Shwa Laytart

ACID FOR THE CHILDREN A MEMOIR

Flea

It’s hard not to fall in love with Flea, the bass player and founding member of The Red Hot Chili Peppers. For years, we’ve seen his silly, wild, and playful side as he bounces and bops around the stage with the same gusto as a kangaroo in a boxing match. So it was thoroughly delightful to read his exquisitely written poetic memoirs. To my surprise, Flea is a fantastic writer. His pages are vibrant and cinematic. When many music biographies are dictated to a ghostwriter, Flea pours his soul out all over the page, all on his own.

For fans of the RHCP, this is not just a backstage pass to all the details that inspired the music of the band and grooved out their placement in the alternative funk/ punk scene that fueled so many bands of the early 90s, Acid For The People is an in-depth look into the soul of Michael Balzary, AKAFlea. From his youth in Australia through his teenage years, all the way to rock-stardom.

The book begins with a trip to Ethiopia where his passion for music, how it lifts the spirit and brings people together, is reaffirmed. He then admits that the search for his highest self was often distracted by the competitive world and his foolish ego. Immediately, you see a humble, contemplative man who truly loves his family just as much as he loves music. Flea’s tone smiles and invites you in so that he may bare his soul to each of his readers. From there, Flea leads you along the path from his childhood, through the underground belly of Los Angeles, emerging from the hair bands that surrounded LA at the time, to produce a new sound that combined the sound of 70s funk and the early punk movement topped with the vocals of the rap style that had just begun to emerge in the early 80s.

But Acid For The Children is more than just a history of new music that was developing in LA. Flea taps into the love for his friendships with bandmates that often brings tears to your eye. He speaks of Anthony Kiedis, Hillel Slovak, and drummer Jack Irons with a sense of reverence and love that can best be described as a brotherhood. His devotion to

Anthony, through all the creative, wild, yet often stupid and dark times, exposes a loyalty that we rarely hear about in the music industry.

Many of the dark times in Flea’s and the band's life surrounded around the use of hard drugs. Flea is self-aware and candid about his use and the struggles he had with not only his substance abuse but his best friend Anthony’s. Especially after founding member and dear friend, guitar player Hillel Slovak died of a heroin overdose. The bright light for Flea, throughout the book, always comes back to the music.

What makes Acid For The Children so compelling is Flea's unique and eloquent voice. He writes with a sense of joy and wonder that is absolutely infectious. His descriptions of the people and places that have shaped him are vivid and alive. And there is no denying Flea's love for music, which is apparent on every page of this book, and, much like his bass playing, his enthusiasm for storytelling is contagious.

Acid For The Children is a funky, fresh, freaky-styley ride through the bright lights and dark alleys of Flea’s remarkable life, but also an inspirational tale of passion, struggle, and determination. A heartwarming story that’s hard to put down. You don’t have to be a RHCP fan 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 Acid For The Children by Flea at Avantpop Bookstore in Las Vegas or at avantpopbooks.com.

Lady Led Collabs continued their 2023 series of events with a Neon Nights themed Spring Fling Bash! Held at an exclusive private venue in a historic mid-century Vegas home, their event featured everything from black-light-activated beverages and neon-inspired activations, to live musical and creative performances! Check out their 'Taco Tuesdaze' event in May by going to https://Linktr.ee/LadyLedCollabs! Photographer: Miss Megan Evans Photo Videography: Bobby Duque Photobooth: Storybook Events

Music Spotlight JOHN GIST

Las Vegas music lover and promoter John Gist, is revolutionizing the live music scene with his company, Vegas Rock Revolution. Setting up festivals, local showcases, producing podcasts and social media content, Gist's passion for music is both inspiring and informative.

Jennifer Walker: You work within the local entertainment industry. What excites you about promoting artists and sharing your love of new music?

John Gist: I have been a lifelong rock music fan and have always gravitated towards guitar-driven rock. In previous years, I worked for large companies running marketing departments. About 6 years back my life really changed, I went from being in a marriage making a six-figure income to having an opportunity to create a new path. After hitting a lot of Vegas shows for smaller, touring bands I discovered no one was really telling people about the shows via promotion. When I started exploring other means of discovering music, I found songs and bands that should be heard more. I started setting up shows in the summer of 2017. Vegas Rock Revolution has now had 3 “Planet Desert Rock'' weekends- a weekender of shows featuring bands from all over the world. Most of the bands play heavy psychedelic rock. I have had the good fortune of setting up some shows w/the world-famous Count's Vamp'd Bar, owned by Danny Koker of the TV show “Counting Cars” and his wife Korie Koker. During Covid, I started collaborating on an established podcast called "Doomed & Stoned '' which has thousands of weekly listeners from around the globe.

JW: What is "Stoner Rock"? Talk a little bit about the genre and some of your favorite aspects.

JG: Stoner Rock is hard/heavy rock music that is mainly influenced by 1970s and 1990s rock styles. The music is a bit more pure than the mainstream stuff that the radio gives us. I tell people the family tree consists of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Thin Lizzy,

Deep Purple, Bad Company, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, Monster Magnet, Corrosion of Conformity, Black Label Society and more. And without a doubt, a ton of stoner rock listeners are cannabis enthusiasts, as well!

JW: What are some of the live events that you have put together?

JG: This past January, Vegas Rock Revolution had Planet Desert Rock Weekend III and it was very successful! There is a certain cool vibe to each PDRW where people are relaxed and not hurried to jump from one stage area to another. Our bands also love it! Most bands that have been part of PDRW feel like family and we still support each other. The key to PDRW IV will be getting larger sponsors involved to help fund the bands and advertising so people are aware of the weekender. As of now, the next one is planned for early 2024 right here in Sin City. Three nights this year! I am so fortunate to get to work with so many amazing musicians. I hope one day to meet Dave Grohl, as we both grew up in Fairfax County at the same time. His great energy and love for rock music is inspiring.

JW: How has cannabis played a positive role in your life?

JG: I came from parents who met in the CIA....yep that CIA. So I was adamantly against the stuff until the end of senior year when I finally said, why not? I can say that without cannabis, I doubt I would have graduated college at East Carolina University. I was ADHD before they knew what it was and I was a mess of a student. After a year in my fraternity, I met a couple guys who smoked regularly and were killing it, grade-wise. I figured that if it slowed me down just enough to concentrate more and stay focused, that would be great. Eventually I made the honor roll, much to the surprise of my parents. For me, there is little doubt that listening to live music has been enhanced by cannabis. I have shared a joint with individuals ranging from doctors, surgeons, lawyers, models, CEOs , VPs, housewives and more. I feel fortunate to live in Nevada where it's legal. I think cannabis is a far better choice for folks than big pharma pills or booze. Sports has even inched closer to that mindset, as well.

JW: Anything exciting on the horizon for you, Vegas Rock Revolution or any of your other projects/endeavors?

JG: I just recently started two new shows: “Rock is Dead? The Gist List” which is a podcast on Spotify focusing on new heavy rock/stoner/ heavy psych songs. I am looking into expanding onto other platforms, as well. There is also a cool videocast that I paired up with Matt Hartnett (of Aftershocks TV) called “Heavy Galaxy Show” that is on all major platforms. Good music needs people with good intentions. I pride myself on my integrity and relationship building. Early stages now for Planet Desert Rock Weekend IV are underway!

Follow John Gist, Vegas Rock Revolution and related projects here: Instagram: @vegasrockrevolution Facebook: @vegasrockrevolution vegasrockrevolution.com

Cooking with Cannabushi

>>> An Infusion Series with chef chris rodarte

Baked OG's Edition

What’s up all you Stoner’s and Stonette’s! This month I would like to keep it real, and spread the word about something I truly like doing, giving back to the community and feeding the homeless. It definitely takes a tribe! I feed with multiple groups in Las Vegas. One of those is The Baked OG’s, a group of individuals that's primary goal is to help the homeless. A group of people who have big hearts and even bigger dreams. I’m very excited about what WE get to do for humanity. That being said, I would love to share a recipe from a recent gathering at Molasky Park. Except this time, there’s going to be weed in it. So let’s get to it!

Eggplant Parmesan Pasta

Ingredients:

6 16oz boxes of Barilla whole grain elbows

10 14.5oz cans of Prima Qualita, no-salt diced tomatoes

2 67oz jars of Prego traditional sauce

2 eggplants (peeled, cut into slices, breaded in Italian bread crumbs, dredged in egg and flour, then fried in vegetable oil)

1 16oz container of Kraft parmesan cheese (grated)

1 2lb bag of Kraft mozzarella cheese

1 pound 80/20 ground beef

1 stick of cannabutter

Seasonings: pepper, Italian seasoning, rosemary, oregano, salt, honey

2 big pots - one for sauce and one for pasta

INSTRUCTIONS:

Bring water to a boil with sea salt in water, add elbows, turn stove top off and let sit while the elbows expand. Add sauce to other pot .. let simmer (add seasonings.) Cook ground beef and drain. Add to sauce when simmering .. stir sauce clockwise and counterclockwise for 2 hours while adding mozzarella cheese to it. Cut pieces of fried eggplant into quarter sizes throw into the sauce and stir lightly.

After the elbows are fully cooked (al dente) strain water and place into two 12in x 24 in tin trays evenly. Stir in cannabutter while hot! Cut into pats so it melts easier. What doesn’t melt will when you mix in the sauce. Half a stick per pan! If you want it stronger, just double up.

Let sauce cool for 5 minutes then pour evenly into trays .. stir in the sauce with the elbows.. get every corner as you mix this masterpiece .. top off with Kraft parmesan... Voila

I hope you guys enjoyed this recipe as The Baked OG’s enjoyed sharing it with you, the community, and people in need. Remember to stay Grateful! Sending Positive Vibes and blessings your way! Come out to Molasky Park every 3rd Sunday from 1 PM until 4:20 PM!

Chef Chris Rodarte aka CannaBushi Chris is a five star Sushi Chef and inventor of the first THC/CBD infused dessert sushi roll in America. Traveling across America and working for some of the most renowned restaurants and Chefs in the country like 2 Star Michelin rated Chef Tetsuya Wakuda of The New Wakuda Japanese restaurant inside The Palazzo, and Michelin rated Akira Back of Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant inside the Bellagio. Nominated for the Best Cannabis Chef in Las Vegas 2020, 2021, and 2022 as well as the first Cannabis Chef ever to be inducted into The Marquis Who's Who of America! Follow Cannabushi at www.cannabushi.com or @Cannabushi on IG.

Photo of Chef Rodarte by: Andrew Hatcher

Photo of Chef serving by: Miss Rose Ann Food photo by: Justin Roberts