The initiative: I, YOU, US, ME, HER, SHE.
Holding back, pulling forward – March 1st marks the start of Women’s Month. As International Women’s Day approaches, we are eager to announce that 50% of proceeds made during March 8th- March 15th will be donated to the Canadian Women’s Foundation.
Let’s uplift, educate and support one another in hopes of a greater impact in this new decade.
About The Canadian Women’s Foundation
The Canadian Women’s Foundation is a national leader in the movement for gender equality in Canada. Through funding, research, advocacy, and knowledge sharing, the Foundation works to achieve systemic change that includes all women. By supporting community programs, the Foundation empowers women and girls to move themselves out of violence, out of poverty, and into confidence and leadership.
Launched in 1991 to address a critical need for philanthropy focused on women, the Canadian Women’s Foundation is one of the largest women’s foundations in the world. With the support of donors, the Foundation has raised more than $100 million and funded over 1,950 programs across the country. These programs focus on addressing the root causes of the most critical issues and helping women and girls who face the greatest barriers.
The Canadian Women’s Foundation aims to be inclusive of diverse people across gender and sexuality spectrums. We focus our efforts on supporting those who face the most barriers and have least access to relevant services. This includes people who identify as women, girls, trans, genderqueer, non-binary, and 2SLGBTQI+.
To learn more, visit canadianwomen.org, sign up for the e-newsletter, and read the blog. Follow the Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.
Happy International Women’s Month!
#greenpowergirlpower
]]>Most people, when they consume cannabis, undergo a characteristic and very well-known phenomenon. This phenomenon is an event wherein the cannabis consumer is overtaken by fierce sensations of hunger, which are then followed by a dire need to rabidly consume any nourishment that is in proximity, until a (delayed) state of satiation is eventually achieved. These ravenous bouts have come to stereotype the stoner experience, and they are very commonly referred to as “the munchies.”
Many people who consume cannabis consider the munchies to be an undesirable occurrence or an unwanted side-effect of the overall experience. I, however, have the exact opposite feelings when it comes to the hunger-inducing abilities of cannabis. I am someone with a medical issue which affects my appetite, a duodenal ulcer, to be more specific. Therefore, I am unlike many cannabis users, because I specifically seek out strains that will give me as much munchies as possible! In fact, experiencing the munchies is the main reason why I use cannabis daily.
I believe that possessing normal cues of hunger and satiety is something that is heavily taken for granted. I have even been teased, by people who didn’t know about the details of my condition, for having such a temperamental appetite. Although, I’m sure that if people knew about the actual anguish involved in wanting food but not being able to eat, they would be slightly less quick to judge.
Usually when I begin eating food, I experience feelings of bloating and fullness after only a few bites. After that, nausea sets in, and even though I’m nowhere near full, I end up picking at my plate, unable to force any more morsels into my mouth. Although, if I preface my meals with cannabis smoke, all of this discomfort melts away and I am able to enjoy the food in front of me once again. The effect that cannabis has on my appetite is profound, and therefore, I have become quite curious on how it all works, scientifically.
The cannabis plant contains molecules called cannabinoids, two of the most common being THC and CBD. These plant cannabinoids resemble molecules that are manufactured by our own human bodies, which are known as: endogenous cannabinoids or “endocannabinoids.” Because plant cannabinoids are similar in structure to human endocannabinoids, they can attach to the receptors of our own cannabinoid system. The human “endocannabinoid system” is the most widespread receptor network in the body, and it is responsible for controlling a number of vital life functions, such as: mood, sleep, and, of course, appetite and eating behavior. Therefore, when a person ingests plant cannabinoids, they are influencing the parts of the brain that are naturally responsible for telling us when we are hungry or full. Interestingly however, each cannabinoid molecule has different influences on our endocannabinoid receptors; thus, different cannabinoids can affect our appetites in different ways.
THC
THC is often the main culprit behind the actions of cannabis, and this is no exception when it comes to the appetite-stimulating properties of the plant. THC is an agonist of the endocannabinoid receptor CB1, which means that it increases the activity of CB1. CB1 receptors are most abundant in the brain, and increasing their activity with the presence of THC produces a number of different effects. First, THC interacts with CB1 receptors in the hypothalamus in order to cause the release of ghrelin, a hormone responsible for telling the brain that the stomach is hungry. THC also triggers the release of extra dopamine, the neurotransmitter that creates the pleasurable sensations associated with eating. Next, the binding of THC appears to reverse the activity in a network of neurons that act to tell the brain that the stomach is full; this makes it so that a person may eat for longer than usual. Lastly, it is also possible that THC increases our abilities to perceive odor and taste, ergo, motivating us to seek out more food.
CBD
CBD is well-known for lacking the intoxicating effects associated with THC. CBD lacks these properties because it does not bind directly to the CB1 receptors. Because of this inability to directly interact with CB1, CBD is not known to directly influence appetite. However, CBD is able to stimulate serotonin receptors, and, the release of serotonin acts to decrease vomiting and nausea. Therefore, just CBD alone can also be therapeutically effective to promote appetite in individuals suffering with nausea-related symptoms.
THCV
THCV is a slightly lesser-known cannabinoid, however, it is gaining a lot of interest from researchers, due to some incredibly unique properties. In lower doses, THCV is an antagonist of the CB1 receptor, which means that it decreases the activity of CB1. Because it reverses the action of CB1, THCV can counteract the effects of THC and actually suppress a person’s appetite. There is also emerging evidence that THCV can help regulate glucose levels, and hence, there is additional potential for this cannabinoid to be beneficial in the treatment of obesity-related disorders.
Food is survival, and eating is one of the most essential actions that we perform daily. Therefore, I find it interesting to note just how much can go awry with respect to our ability to consume nourishment appropriately. There are people, such as myself, who struggle to eat enough in a day. And, even more commonly, there are people who struggle to limit their food intake, thus over-consuming calories to undesirable levels. Both of these impairments in eating behavior are extremely detrimental to one’s health, and hence, I believe it is imperative to understand the ways that cannabinoid medicine can correct these dysfunctions. Three cannabinoids: THC, CBD, and THCV have properties that work with our body’s systems in order to either increase or decrease sensations of hunger, with very few side effects. Sharing what we know about cannabinoids and appetite regulation is important because it may improve the well-being of people who have faulty relationships with food. The munchies may be a nuisance for some, but for me, they have saved my life.
About Harpreet
Twitter: @poetreereviews
Instagram: @poetreereviews
Sources
https://examine.com/nutrition/cannabis-munchies/
https://kindmedsaz.com/blog/medical-marijuana-stimulate-appetite/
https://www.projectcbd.org/medicine/managing-nausea-cannabis
https://apothecarium.com/blog/nevada/2018/7/9/cannabinoids-101-thcv
]]>Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your professional experience?
A: The past decade has allowed me the privilege of an invaluable amount of education and the opportunity to be present in several different professional roles. Prior to entering into the field of nursing in 2014, I most closely identified with the roles of both learner and advocate. Much of my time was spent in the world of academia earning a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Psychology, a Graduate Certificate in Victimology, a Master of Arts in Women’s Studies with a concentration in sexual violence and human trafficking, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Throughout that time, I also worked in early childhood care (nanny and camp counsellor, extraordinaire!) as well as in the university setting as a research and teaching assistant. My energy, however, has always naturally gravitated toward advocacy and activism work, and I spent much of my time living in Ottawa volunteering with non-profit and non-governmental organizations dedicated to human rights and anti-human trafficking work.
My most recent (and until now, all-time favourite) role has been that of a Critical Care Emergency Registered Nurse and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, but I retired my stethoscope and nursing cap in October 2018 after being diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of a variety of traumas experienced in this role. Since leaving the bedside permanently I have been given the serendipitous opportunity to utilize my knowledge, education and lived-experience as a consultant delivering education on trauma and violence informed practice to Emergency Department staff across Vancouver Island.
On a more personal note, I moved from Ontario to Vancouver Island in August 2017, and I still spend most of my spare time exploring this amazing island with my dog, Luna - hiking, road tripping, or stand-up paddle boarding. The recognition of my own trauma and the resulting shift in my professional path prompted a cascade of other changes in my life - personally, professionally, and everything in between; and coupled with the recent losses of both my grandfather and father to dementia, I made changes in how I prioritize my time, dedicating much of my energy toward spiritual growth, self-care, and care for my community. My relationship with nature and plant medicines has been a transformative component of my own healing journey and trauma recovery; and I am grateful for the opportunity to now have the ability to speak openly and advocate for the ways in which I have healed in my new professional roles, both in and out of the cannabis industry.
Q: When did you decide to dive into the cannabis industry?
A: I didn’t even start consuming cannabis regularly or with any intention other than occasional recreation until I was 29 years old, turning to cannabis as an alternative to pharmaceuticals for sleep and anxiety support. It wasn’t long until I noticed how much of a positive impact cannabis was having on many aspects of both my physical and mental health, significantly improving my overall quality of life. As someone who needs to understand the “why” behind just about everything, I was intrigued and took it upon myself to learn as much as I could about how this plant was interacting with my body. As a new consumer, I was disappointed and surprised by the lack of reliable resources for evidence-based cannabis education available to the public. With legalization on the horizon, and simply out of curiosity and the desire to share my ongoing learning about cannabis, I created an Instagram account (at the time, called @nurselovegrove). My mission was to provide thought-provoking, evidence-based cannabis education with hopes of inspiring knowledge development and critical thought about the status quo surrounding cannabis education. Through this platform, I was given the opportunity to speak at a cannabis education series in Victoria, BC, which is how I met Vanessa La Belle, my now business-partner and co-founder of the Sangha Collective, allowing us to join forces in common goals and visions for this industry.
While I continued to navigate the emerging cannabis industry, I also volunteered with New Leaf Outreach, a local harm reduction and drug user advocacy organization in Nanaimo. New Leaf Outreach was initially founded from cannabis, with the intention of fully funding the organization and its efforts through the corporate social responsibility strategy of a brand in the emerging legal cannabis industry. I worked with this group as an ally to help build the foundations of the organization. We also explored the development of a cannabis for harm reduction program, supporting individuals choosing to reduce or stop using opioids and other substances using cannabis, CBD oil and other products provided to us generous private donors. I continue to be inspired by the people I have met through this organization, the important work we started, and I maintain hope for the potential of this industry to be a pillar of positive change in our communities.
I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to be able to continue the work I started with New Leaf Outreach as a consultant on a team of five incredible people, co-creating and facilitating a uniquely compassionate trauma-informed practice curriculum for Emergency Department staff across our local health authority in response to the ongoing drug poisoning and overdose crisis. Our work is aiming to reduce the trauma experienced by the people who access Emergency health services, as well as creating a space for healing from trauma experienced by nurses and other staff in doing this work. Furthering one of the founding goals of New Leaf Outreach and in collaboration with our community allies, our team is also in the initial phases of the development of a program bringing peer support and drug user advocacy into our local Emergency Departments.
Although much of this work is outside of the cannabis industry, my advocacy for cannabis and plant medicine remains central to my motivation to pursue these initiatives, as it is cannabis that has given me the capacity to heal from my own trauma. Plant medicine advocacy and education, particularly the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and psychedelics, is a necessary and integral part of the conversation surrounding trauma recovery and trauma-informed practice. Cannabis activism is also inherently connected to the advocacy for issues such as harm reduction, the safe supply and decriminalization of drugs, and wide-spread policy change disrupting the systems influencing healthcare, mental health, housing, and beyond.
Q: How has your previous job as an ER nurse contributed to your cannabis usage and support?
A: My background as an ER nurse gave me a breadth of knowledge and abundance of clinical experience to draw from when I made the decision to choose cannabis (and other plants) as my medicine. I have spent most of my life existing with the symptomatic manifestations of complex post-traumatic stress disorder - anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep and nightmares, pain, suicidal tendencies, and the list goes on. I managed individual symptoms and coped with inconclusive diagnoses as they arose with pharmaceuticals; but it wasn’t until I experienced acute, physical trauma as a nurse that I was able to rationalize and recognize the sum of these symptoms to be the result of traumatic experiences over my lifetime. My education and clinical experience as a nurse has given me the ability to apply my medical and nursing knowledge, including advanced pathophysiological and pharmaceutical education, in the decision-making process to choose cannabis and psychedelics for my own treatment. I came to the conclusion that plant medicines were my best option for holistic healing; and were an inherently safer and more effective option for healing trauma, particularly when compared to the multitude of pharmaceuticals I would have needed to consume in order to survive the most acute periods of my recovery. My academic background has allowed me the privilege of alumni access to many medical and academic journals, as well as the capacity to understand the findings with critical perspective; so with curiosity, I spent a great deal of time digging into the existing and ongoing research surrounding cannabis and the emerging psychedelic revolution. In addition to vastly expanding my definition of “trauma”, my research and intentional use of plant medicine (including cannabis, psilocybin, ayahuasca and other entheogens) throughout the last year has broadened my scope of what it means to “heal”: moving beyond the confines of western medicine, in full recognition of the holistic, multi-dimensional nature of human beings and the inherent value of treating every part of us, beyond the physical, that holds onto wounds.
My own healing experience with cannabis has encouraged my ever-expanding support and advocacy for the integration of cannabis and psychedelics into our current healthcare model, particularly as a tool for harm reduction. Incorporating cannabis into my own self-care regimen prevented me from having to turn to pharmaceutical medications for sleep support (which I used to use regularly as a shift-worker); benzodiazepines and SSRI’s for anxiety, panic attacks, and depression; as well as anti-inflammatories and opioids for work-related injuries. As this was prior to legalization, I remained a closeted cannabis user, secretly experiencing this form of healing with cannabis while playing a direct role in the ongoing cycle of “symptom management” with the band-aid pharmaceutical treatments. I want to premise this with the full recognition of my support for and the value of medical intervention and pharmaceutical medication for the treatment of a great many circumstances - and give particular credit to the incredible life-saving interventions I’ve been witness to throughout my career. However, as an ER nurse, I also saw many people suffer, coming in & out of our doors with undiagnosed and untreated chronic or long-term pain, migraines, inflammation, autoimmune symptoms, addiction and symptoms related to mental health issues and underlying trauma. I see the opportunity for cannabis as an option for a natural alternative to so many of the pharmaceuticals being prescribed in these cases. The one area I see the greatest potential for cannabis in the management of pain - particularly as a replacement for opioid use or as first-line treatment prior to the administration or prescription of opioids for certain presentations of pain.
Q: From a professional standpoint, what are some of the positive changes you have seen in patients using cannabis? What type of patients seem to benefit most from cannabis usage?
A: In my research and experience, the greatest potential for positive change is in the decreased use and dependence on prescription medications and other substances. There is an increasing amount of research and anecdotal data providing case evidence wherein people (of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences) have intentionally substituted cannabis for other pharmaceutical medications such as opioids and other pain medications, steroids and anti-inflammatories, benzodiazepines and other anti-anxiety medication, anti-depressants and anti-psychotics. The potential and promise here is ultimately a decrease in risk related to pharmaceutical use, including overdose and addiction, particularly related to a decrease in polypharmacy (the use of multiple prescription medications) by potentially substituting multiple medications for a single, natural alternative.
Cannabis is a plant that requires active engagement between plant, person, and symptom; and often requires a certain consciousness or intention in its use for the greatest therapeutic effect. Therefore, cannabis consumers have the opportunity to develop greater literacy or understanding around their own health in the process of learning and engaging with cannabis. There is a significant gap in health literacy in our culture, particularly in relation to understanding the medications we take in relation to our own wellness; and through cannabis and other plant medicines, there is a space for education and ample opportunity for engagement. Thinking beyond the western medical model, I also see the opportunity for healing ourselves through cannabis - individually and as a collective - by recognizing the difference between “treatment” and “healing”. It is important to consider more than physical symptoms and clinical definitions, inciting a certain curiosity for the spiritual as we explore the use of cannabis for healing our bodies, minds and souls.
Q: Tell us about Sangha and your role there.
A: The Sangha Collective has been an ever-evolving initiative over the last year as my business partner and co-founder Vanessa La Belle and I have been adapting to and navigating the moving landscape of our cannabis industry. The Sangha Collective has been growing since January of last year, initially aligning with the goal of bringing together individuals with a passion for the cannabis plant and creating a culture of community.
This opportunity has created space for us to exercise a few different muscles and try on a few different hats, allowing us explore how our own unique strengths and skills are best-suited to support the progression and advocacy of plant medicine. Ultimately, the formation of this collective has allowed us to find a space where our empathy, passions for humanity, and energy for advocacy work have seamlessly overlapped. The definition of our own individual roles within this initiative are constantly evolving as well, but my role has naturally gravitated toward one of advocacy, engagement; as well communicating our voice and vision via social media.
Through the magic of Instagram and our local Island networking events, we have become connected with a whole community of beautifully compassionate and like-minded souls dedicated to the spirit of this plant, engaging in the cannabis industry in so many unique ways. As we move into a new year, Vanessa and I are focusing our energy on continuing to support this community through a variety of events, networking, and education opportunities. Through knowledge sharing, networking and connection, and the compassionate support for those who are building the foundations of our future, we seek to empower people within this collective on their pursuit to heal themselves and the world around them through the power of cannabis and other plant medicines.
Q: In your opinion what can we do to promote cannabis research within our community?
A: In order to promote cannabis research within our community we must first shift our focus away from fiscal sales and recreational consumption and make a commitment, as a community, to prioritizing the promotion of widespread comprehensive, evidence-based cannabis education to consumers. As cannabis becomes normalized, and the public and medical professionals become more educated on the existing knowledge about cannabis and its therapeutic effects, the demand for more education, more expansive research, and the inspiration for new and exciting methodologies will emerge.
As a culture, we also need to expand our scope of what we deem to be “acceptable” or “valid” research methodologies, becoming much more inclusive of alternative ways of learning, knowing and collecting information. The intricacies and complexities of cannabis and how it interacts with unique human bodies make cannabis research a complicated match with the traditional western scientific method, a way of “knowing” that demands an ability to consistently reproduce or replicate results across broad samples of people. If we do not provide adequate space for consideration of other forms of collected data such as anecdotal research, indigenous knowledge translation, individual case studies, and community-based research models, we are omitting a huge quantity of potentially life-saving data and inherently narrowing the of value of lived experience.
Finally, we must also demand a shift in our culture in which we allow for free and unlimited access to research on a global scale. The majority of information about cannabis based in scientific research is locked within the walls of academia, accessible only by alumni passwords or expensive journal memberships. Valuable research projects about cannabis continue to be executed around the world, but data and results are under-accessed and under-utilized due to inefficient knowledge translation and education for the public. This inaccessibility of information makes self-education via reliable sources virtually unattainable and has created a culture in which the public has become wholly reliable upon external sources for health information.
About Sarah Lovegrove
Sarah Lovegrove is a multi-passionate cannabis educator, community advocate and former registered nurse based in Nanaimo, British Columbia. She is dedicated to shifting healthcare culture and community narratives through compassion, trauma-informed practice and advocacy for cannabis and other plant medicines. As a life-long learner, Sarah has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art History & Psychology, a Graduate Certificate in Victimology & Victim Studies, a Master of Arts in Women’s Studies, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Co-founder of the Sangha Collective, she is passionate about empowering others within the cannabis and planet medicine space, enthusiastic about evidence-based cannabis education, and wholeheartedly believes in the capacity for cannabis to improve the world around us. Sarah is an avid yogi and restless explorer, and when she’s not working on various community initiatives, you can find her hiking in the mountains and exploring Vancouver Island with her dog Luna.
Website: sanghacollective.ca
Twitter: @sarahlovegr0ve
Instagram: @sarahlovegr0ve
]]>Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your personal experience with cannabis?
A: I’m a mom of two children- my son is 5 and my daughter will be 9 in December. I’ve used cannabis since I was 18 years old and smoked it regularly for 16 years until 2008 when I quit because it was triggering anxiety. I went back to cannabis in 2015 after my son was born because I was having pain.
Q: Cannabis & Mom’s have really become a hot topic; especially when talking about alcohol and cannabis. Did your cannabis habit change once you had children? Did you ever contemplate not smoking because you had children?
A: My husband switched from smoking cannabis to vaporizing and he reintroduced me to cannabis with low temperature(dry herb) vaping. I was having pain during sex and just a little cannabis vaporized at a low temperature completely got rid of the pain and I was able to enjoy sex again.
I wrote about it for my website and call it "velvet vagina" as that's how it felt after using cannabis.
Q: It’s socially acceptable and not considered taboo when Mom’s relax to have a glass of wine, do you believe cannabis to be comparable? Have you ever received negative feedback for consuming?
A: For many years I kept my cannabis use private, never told any of my mom friends and I always felt a little out of place, or like I was “that mom” as most of the moms I knew drank wine and none ever mentioned using cannabis however their husbands would talk to me about it freely.
I also found that wine culture was getting much more normalized and moms would declare wine as their parenting juice and that it made them a better mom. However when moms who used cannabis said the same thing, they were scrutinized for their choice.
I realized there needed to be more outspoken moms who use cannabis, so I decided to start Weed Mama. Cannabis is very different than wine however the reason for using it can be the same. As a parent I use cannabis at the end of the day to unwind, wine is used for the exact same reason.
Many people don’t know that you can use cannabis and not get high the way you can drink a glass of wine and not get drunk and that’s what I teach with Weed Mama.
Q: There is a strong correlation when it comes to having a glass of wine and smoking a joint (we kind of consider it the same thing!). Do you hide your cannabis usage from your children? If not, how have you explained it to them?
A: I don’t hide my use from my children, in fact I’m very open about it however I don’t vaporize in front of them unless I’m outside, for health reasons. If I’m not going to hide drinking a glass of wine in front of them, I don’t see why I should hide using cannabis.
I also grow cannabis plants in my backyard so my kids know all about the plants, they know it can be a medicine and that it’s for adults to use however sometimes kids who are very sick use it to feel better.
Q: Any advice on breaking the stigma of cannabis and parenting?
A: The best way to break the stigma around parents using cannabis is for more parents to be open about their use (where it’s legal). The other way is through educating people about cannabis, explain why you use it and how it makes you feel. I’ve found most people are pretty open minded about it, I’m seeing a shift in society.
That being said, some people are still very against it and vocally so, education is how we can changes minds.
Q: Any advice on when to smoke and when not to smoke as a parent?
A: If parents want to give cannabis a try, I recommend trying it when the kids aren’t around to see how it makes them feel and experiment with different methods, strains (cultivars) and doses. Cannabis does have side effects, however there’s ways to use cannabis so you can get a mild effect without intoxication and the side effects and that’s through micro dosing. Micro dosing is using small amounts of cannabis and choosing cultivars that are high in CBD. There’s several on the market, high CBD is 5% or higher and low THC is under 10% usually high CBD strains are low in THC and these are an excellent choice for parents as CBD reduces the side effects of THC and helps to calm nerves.
The best way to micro dose is with vaporizing. I don’t recommend edibles until someone is familiar with them as they last a long time and can take up to 2 hours to fully kick in, by then if you’ve taken too much it’s going to be awhile before it wears off. If you’d rather not inhale cannabis, I recommend a tincture under the tongue as it’s fast acting and wears off faster than an edible.
There's other ways to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without any intoxication and these products will be entering the market soon, such as bath bombs (a must try!!) infused creams and salves and/or simply sticking to CBD only. You can get cultivars that have insignificant amounts of THC, also pills, tinctures and vape pens when they enter the market also have CBD only options. These are great for moms on the go who need a bit of calm in the day but need to stay focused. As more products enter the market I'll be sharing reviews on WeedMama.ca.
About Shannon Chiarenza
Shannon Chiarenza founded Weed Mama in 2018 after seeing a need for more outspoken moms who use cannabis. As a long time consumer, she knew that once cannabis was legalized in Canada, people would need good information on how to use cannabis and the various products available. Weed Mama teaches women, especially moms how to integrate cannabis into their wellness routine in an open, inclusive space that sees cannabis as a wonderful tool to help you feel better.
Website: WeedMama.ca
Twitter: @weedmama1
Instagram: @weed_mama
]]>
Self care. Self Love. Seconds to think
By Abigail Ballanger
Glowy. Pinks. Simple.
By Jaime McCuaig
Lacey. Light.
By Carla Candel
Dried + Fresh
By Jaime McCuaig
Romantic Dream.
]]>Q: As we enter a new “cannabis era” with legislation being set forward for cannabis consumables - How do you think and envision Edibles & Beverages will change the way new consumers interact with cannabis?
A: As we enter the new cannabis era of 2.0 products, Lifford Cannabis Solutions is pivoting to meet market demand. We are relaunching our sales and marketing agency across Canada as Mercari Agency Limited. Mercari works with licensed cannabis processors to bring their products to market, including premium flower, pre-rolls, ready to roll, cannabis oils, as well as a whole range of new products from vapes to beverages and edibles. While many new cannabis products have been submitted to Health Canada, it will take several months for them to pass review and be procured into the provinces. Unfortunately, edibles, beverages, topicals, vapes, won’t arrive in time for Christmas in the majority of provinces, but medical patients might get them early!
Many new consumers are averse to smoking or vaping, so edibles and beverages are a game changer as more discreet alternative. Cannabis companies are banking on new consumers as their target market, but it’s actually the mature market that will be consuming the majority of products so it’s important to go beyond the canna curious category. Canna curious consumers are less likely to spend money on cannabis and consume less frequently, so it’s a tiny portion of the overall market. All forms of edible cannabis including beverages are limited to up to 10 mg per package, which limits existing consumers from migrating to the legal market.
Personally, I’m all about helping new consumers access cannabis as a healthier alternative to other substances including alcohol. 31% of Canadians are interested in trying cannabis beverages, so this has huge potential for beverage alcohol. Beverages have much less stigma than other forms of cannabis, due to social norms built up over centuries globally of ritualistic consumption of adult beverages. For new consumers adult beverages are a socially acceptable way of consuming cannabis, but they should be cautious about over consumption. Many forms of edible cannabis have higher bioavailability, so a 10mg dose can feel as strong as 100mg from a competing product from the legacy market.
Q: How do you see cannabis and alcohol brands working together in the near future?
A: It’s strictly forbidden for alcohol brands to use their logos on edible cannabis, but several big alcohol companies have already dipped their toes into the cannabis space. Mercari Agency is a subsidiary of Lifford Wine and Spirits, a family owned agency which represents wine and spirits from around the world in the Canadian market for the past 25 years. Lifford works mostly with craft brands in beverage alcohol, some of which are interested in entering the cannabis market including Benjamin Bridge from Nova Scotia. While they would have to change their branding and take out the alcohol there’s still huge potential for partnerships.
As such, we’ve partnered with Hill Street Beverages which is an alcohol-free beverage company transitioning into the cannabis space. Hill Street will allow us to represent alcohol free wine and beer products on the market, as well as unique craft cannabis cultivars which are not currently available in the legal market. We are super excited for the future of pairing craft cannabis cultivars with some of our unique wine producers from around the world in the future.
Recently, we teamed up with Hill Street Beverages to co-chair the Cannabis Beverage Producers Alliance along with our executive director, the Honourable Darrell Dexter, Vice Chair of Global Public Affairs and former Premier of Nova Scotia. We have teamed up along with over 10+ other cannabis and beverage alcohol companies to push for progressive regulations around cannabis beverages relating to production, distribution and marketing. We were able to successfully engage in the Health Canada consultation in allowing for the same packaging format for beverage alcohol and beverage cannabis, as well as multi-packs. While the overall objective is parity with beverage alcohol regulations, there is a long road ahead to get there.
Q: How do you see cannabis brands and the hospitality industry working together in the near future? Can you tell our readers a little bit about the intersection of Cannabis & Hospitality?
A: Mercari Agency is committed to a long-term vision of including cannabis in hospitality, so that adult consumers can choose what substance they’d like to consume in social settings including cafes, lounges, bars, nightclubs, hotels, resorts and restaurants. While many of the provinces are still figuring out cannabis retail, conversations are starting across Canada on what on premise cannabis sales could look like. While it’s unlikely that cannabis will be served in the same venues as alcohol, cannabis cafes are gaining traction in the Atlantic provinces as they look to attract more tourism.
There are some limitations under the current federal framework, mainly that edible cannabis cannot be produced in the same place as other food products. That being said, the new edible regulations do not limit provinces from creating their own unique distribution frameworks which could include on premise. The only limitation is that licensees could only serve federally approved products by Health Canada that come pre-packaged. So theoretically if you had a cannabis café, they could serve cannabis beverages, edibles, etc. but potentially not be able to do infusions in the kitchen itself. That doesn’t mean that infused private dinners won’t continue to be a trend!
Q: Has the stigma of cannabis changed, if at all, since your university days?
A: When I was in my undergrad I participated in the Rural Development Exchange program with Canada World Youth and University of Alberta where we lived with host families in rural Alberta and Mexico while volunteering with the local community. Cannabis was pretty stigmatized in Alberta back then, and I don’t remember smoking my entire exchange in Canada. Mexico on the other hand was much more cannabis friendly, although still very taboo due to the violence associated with the war on drugs.
After I graduated with my Master of Environmental Studies I returned to Alberta to work with Indigenous communities. The stigma against cannabis was very strong, and I could only really consume in private even though I was a legal medical patient. I still consumed publicly as much as I could to break the stigma! You can still lose your job for smoking cannabis in Fort McMurray, but there’s now legal cannabis retail stores open in the community.
Less than a decade later, cannabis is now seen as the new oil in Alberta, with many oil and gas folks transitioning their investments and businesses. In the last year I received my Cannabis Sales Licence in Alberta and am now certified to legally sell to retail stores and educate about cannabis brands. While Alberta is the same big friendly province, the stigma against cannabis is finally fading!
Q: What do you think the social stigma of cannabis will be in 10 years from now?
A: I think that cannabis will be a normal part of life for Canadians, as it has for the last 10 years but with much less stigma. While my family consumed cannabis when I was growing up, it was always a secret until I was in my 20s. Now cannabis is a topic of discussion at family gatherings as the same way as wine is.
While my dad loves to wax on about all the wineries he’s visited over the last few decades, now I’m taking him to cannabis facilities. I think that the next generation of cannabis consumers will grow up with legalization, so will consider it the same as beverage alcohol. That being said, there’s still stigma around smoking in general, so that will probably remain as new healthier product formulations come out over the next year.
About Lisa Campbell
Lisa Campbell is the founder and CEO of Mercari Agency, helping cannabis companies come to market across Canada. As a subsidiary of Lifford Wine & Spirits, Mercari leverages Lifford’s national hybrid salesforce and longstanding partnerships with provincial control boards. Lisa became a true cannabis expert by working extensively in international drug policy with Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy and is currently the Co-Chair of the Cannabis Beverage Producers Alliance. She holds a Master of Environmental Studies from York University and is as a Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) Universities Without Walls alumnus.
Instagram: @QNP | @Mercari.Life
Twitter: @QNP
Photo credit: Niv Shimshon, @botanical_society
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As we embark on this new cannabis era we are constantly being bombarded with new and different consumption methods. Whether it be dried flower, edibles, oils, topicals or beverages we are so inspired to explore and learn from our community that have continuously contributed to the future of our favourite plant.
We’ve teamed up with one of our favourite Canadian Cannabis Chef’s, Travis Petersen to bring you guys a little glimpse into what we imagined would be the perfect winter transition.
HOT APPLE CIDER
3 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp black peppercorns
1/2 tsp whole cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
4 cups unsweetened apple juice
2 Apples
1/2 tbsp. orange zest
2 tbsp infused Maple Syrup
Combine spices in a sauce pan and cook over medium-high heat until aromatic, about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add nutmeg, and stir to combine. Peel both apples and remove the core.
Add in the apple juice, apples and orange zest. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, depending on how strong you like your cider.
Pour juice through a fine-mesh sieve, into a mug. Allow to cool slightly.
Infused Hot Coco
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup white sugar
1 pinch salt
1/3 cup boiling water
3 1/2 cups infused milk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
Portobello Mushroom with Nicoise Dressing
2 Portobello Mushrooms
2 tbsp Goat Cheese
6 Grape Tomatoes
Fresh Basil
3 tbsp Olives
2 tbsp Capers
6 tbsp CBD Olive Oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 clove of garlic, minced
Salt and pepper
* A LEVO I Machine was used to infuse THC for the Nicoise Dressing.
Brussel Sprout Slaw
1 pound Brussels sprouts
⅓ cup slivered almonds, toasted (hickory smoked almonds would be great if you can find them)
⅓ cup tart dried cherries or cranberries, chopped
⅓ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
For the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
2 tbsp Infused Maple Syrup
1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1/3 c olive oil
Salt & Pepper
* A LEVO I Machine was used to infuse THC for the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette.
Q: Can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself and Grow Tech Labs?
A: I come from a policy background as a former councillor for the City of Surrey and on the Board of the Fraser Health Authority. In 2017 I founded the National Institute for Cannabis Health & Education (NICHE), a non-profit organization that supports public policy and research to assist the academic community, industry, health advocates, law enforcement, and all levels of government to manage the transition to legalization of the cannabis industry.
In 2018 I founded Grow Tech Labs to invest in pre-legalization cannabis entrepreneurs and help them accelerate innovation in the post-legalization space.
Q: Coming from a political background, how do you think legalization of cannabis will change the economy?
A: Cannabis legalization in Canada has the potential to create a sustainable economy through the increase of small businesses, and job creation. Not just cannabis retailers, but also ancillary businesses. It will also create more opportunities for research.
Q: In your opinion, what do you think the struggles are for someone diving into the cannabis space?
A: The cannabis space is a brand new industry in Canada, with a volatile market. You're dealing with a lot of uncertainty and you don't have a road map you can follow. My advice would be for entrepreneurs to build a solid business foundation, find mentors who are pioneers in the industry, and stay up to date on government regulations in your space.
Q: What do you think the social stigma of cannabis will be in 10 years from now?
A: My hope is that within 10 years, the stigma of cannabis will have shifted. We'll have more medical research showing the benefits of cannabis on specific health conditions, a new generation joining our government with a fresh outlook, and the industry will have stabilized.
About Barinder Rasode
Home grown social influencer Barinder Rasode’s quintessential advocacy for Canadian values is nationally renowned. Her leadership, mastery of complex subjects, and innovation guide a plethora of issues that impact the everyday life of Canadians. A strong believer in creating cohesion and synchronicity, Barinder leads by example to propel a team’s natural strengths to levels of exceptionality that help shape objectives, narratives, and discourse.
Currently, Barinder is the CEO of Grow Tech Labs. Based in Vancouver, Grow Tech Labs will reaffirm British Columbia (BC)’s status as a global cannabis capital by attracting a new and diverse generation of sector leaders from across Canada and around the world through the delivery of world-class programs that are rooted in innovation, entrepreneurship and mentorship.
Barinder has extensive experience working with senior levels of government, stakeholders, and the private sector to find common ground to encourage respectful, informed dialogue on diverse issues to tackle emerging challenges facing Canada’s future.
She founded National Institute of Cannabis Health and Education (NICHE) to promote evidence-based research and education about cannabis, and formerly served as CEO and Board President.
A fierce advocate of women’s rights, Barinder is the Co-Founder and Advisory Committee Chair for a unique series of conferences, SheTalks, each featuring 16 inspirational women who share stories of leadership, transformation, innovation, and how to succeed in today’s rapidly changing world. Barinder also hosted SheTalks Radio, a weekly show that ran on Roundhouse 98.3 FM.
Previously, Barinder served two terms as an elected Councillor for the City of Surrey, taking leadership roles in public safety and transportation. She has also served on the Board of Directors for Fraser Health Authority, which provides governance and vision for the largest health organization in British Columbia. In her appointed role, she worked with senior management to establish overall strategic direction, review long-term plans, and ensure appropriate community consultation.
Among her many accolades, Vancouver Magazine ranked her as one of the 50 most powerful people in Vancouver.
Instagram: @BarinderRasode
Instagram: @GrowTechLabs
Twitter: @BarinderRasode
Twitter: @GrowTechLabs
Website: https://www.growtechlabs.com
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About Jamie Shaw
Jamie Shaw is the only court certified expert on the cannabis retail industry in Canada, and was a witness in the Allard trial that won patients the right to grow for themselves. During her time as President of the Canadian Association of Medical Cannabis Dispensaries (CAMCD), Shaw successfully lobbied for, and consulted on dispensary regulations in Vancouver, Victoria and other Canadian municipalities.
Shaw is a former Director of the BC Compassion Club Society, a founding partner of Groundwork Consulting, a co-author of the Lift Retail Cannabis Training Course, teaches a similar course at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and sits on various boards and advisories including the BC Independent Cannabis Association. Shaw currently serves as Chief Communications and Culture Officer for Pasha Brands.
Instagram: @jamiesashaw
Twitter: @jamiesashaw
]]>Q: Can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself and Hot Box?
A: I have always been a crazy entrepreneur. Starting my first business at 13. Making and selling jewelry on Toronto’s Queen West.. This is where I learned about cannabis culture and hemp.
I opened Roach-O-Rama in 2000 when I was 19, a little head shop, during a time, when head shops served heavy metal fans, and strippers. Only the Friendly stranger and Toronto Hemp Co. existed for cannabis.
In 2003 we added HOTBOX Cafe, now Canada's longest operating cannabis lounge.
Since HOTBOX has evolved into many things. But the core has always been cannabis experiential retail, marketing and products company.
Q: You have been pioneering through the industry since 2003 and Hot Box has truly become a landmark in the cannabis community. How have things changed post-legalization?
A: My joke is that legalization is literally killing me :)
Pivoting the new landscape has been exciting and challenging all at once. And pivoting is what has allowed me to last this long, in a non existent legal industry, relying on an illegal industry for success.
The problems are not what you would imagine, it is not the big things. It's the very minor changes in Bylaws which have affected us the most.
Q: Your retail expertise within the cannabis space speaks for itself. What advice would you give to new-comers who are trying to get into the cannabis space?
A: My biggest piece of advice is do what you do best!
Be the expert you are, in Cannabis. Cannabis is the product, not the job.
Q: Can you tell our readers a little about Hot Box Jamaica?
A: HOTBOX Jamaica is a beach side bud & breakfast in St Ann, Jamaica.
We have 4 lovely rooms and 2 cottages, your bud & breakfast are included.
We also run Cannabis themed tours.
Q: What do you think the social stigma of cannabis will be in 10 years from now?
A: I believe Cannabis will be just another consumer product, like milk, cheese and wine.
About Abi Roach
Abi is the owner of HotBox Lounge + Shop, HotBox Brands, HotBox Homegrown Hydroponics, Hotbox Jamaica Bud & Breakfast. Publisher of Spliff Magazine & a director of the CFBA (Cannabis Friendly Business Association) She has been in the Cannabis lifestyle & tourism industry for near to 20 years. Abi has dedicated her life to the freedom of cannabis consumers and the normalization and now legalization of cannabis
Instagram: @abroach420
Twitter: @abiroach
Website: https://hotboxshop.ca
]]>Q: What made you want to become involved in the cannabis industry?
A: I was raised anti-pot (as many of us Gen Xers were)—even divorced one of my ex-husbands because he was such a "pot-head." However, after years struggling as a mostly single mom, raising two kids who had challenges in school—feeling healthy and happy—recovering from trauma in their young lives... and after multiple rounds of "traditional" yet abysmal failures of using old paradigms to "manage" their dysregulation and "diagnoses" I came to accept a simple truth.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. You've heard of the old adage: necessity is the mother of invention. So, I became the "mother" who invented a unique and highly holistic approach to managing my kids myriad needs. I created a media and holistic consumer products "ComPASSIONate Care" company, Shira Synergy, focusing on education, connection, inspiration, and integration. I wanted to offer myself, my kids, and everyone else... an array of healing products (starting with my signature aromatherapy Shira Synergy series) which is the modern alchemy of ancient wisdom blended with modern science.
I guess you can say I had an epiphany—I had been another clueless captive (except for divorcing that dude... that was still the right call)—caught in a dense fog of my own self and societally imposed stigma which—once shattered—I emerged with a new perspective and pride to stand in my power as a "recovering, formerly-anti-pot-parent." My mission now is to use the trauma, trials, and truth my kids and I experienced to offer complimentary / integrative approaches and support for any other canna-curious person / family seeking more natural solutions to the myriad physical and emotional (and spiritual) challenges facing us in this very tough world today. That's why in addition to founding my company, Shira Synergy, I wrote the book "The ABCs of CBD: The Essential Guide for Parents (and regular folks too)" and am a staunch advocate / activist. I was able to help my kids (both of whom are now off of all western meds) but unable to help my parents—both of whom have passed—and both who had "states of dis-ease" the research indicates would be have been strongly helped by cannabis.
Q: How has CBD changed your life and the lives around you?
A: I can't express how full my heart is that I get to wake up every morning and make a difference in this world... not just my family's life, but for others. CBD (and all cannabinoids, really) got my kids off Western meds... healed beyond hospitalizations and multiple traumatic incidents in their early years... Cannabis has helped me find a purpose and mission for my own life and has helped me personally be a better mother, and a more self-loving woman. I had never dreamed I'd start a company... or even write a book. Doing both became a moral imperative... and despite the occasional sleep deprivation, and overworking that all Fempreneurs are occasionally guilty of, I could't be more inspired by what I see and hear daily in this industry. Knowing your experience, education, and general reputation can bring someone else hope and an ability to become their own best self-advocates... that's more meaningful than I can say. To see people shift through myriad painful past and current challenges through my products and book... that's just beyond words. That's why in addition to founding my company, Shira Synergy, I wrote the book "The ABCs of CBD: The Essential Guide for Parents (and regular folks too)" and am a staunch advocate / activist.
Q: What is your advice to others who have never tried CBD but want to?
A: There's a saying in our industry... start low, and go slow... and I add "but don't go below..." meaning don't take such a low dose or be conned into spending a small fortune for some really low milligram strength product (one of my pet peeve's...I've seen bottles ranging from 25-500 mg. and I consider those ALL to be too low). But more than anything else, try to really "know" the company... who is heading it? A real person with a strong reputation? Or a nameless, faceless brand named backed by a corporation with a lot of funding and a board that has no moral dilemma with selling mediocre (or far worse) product in too low of a milligram strength to have any real efficacy.
Q: What enticed you to write The ABCs of CBD?
A: As is the case with almost everything I do of great significance in my life—my kids—are what inspired me to write the book. Specifically two things happened... my second child was in residential treatment at a place that was supposed to be a wilderness therapy program. It wasn't... and my son was a really bright, but typical teen who I was afraid was going to be unduly influenced by basically EVERY kid in his age group who I knew was already "self-medicating" to manage their social-emotional stress. So, I sent him to this program where he was supposed to do some deep interpersonal work and get himself into a healthier mindset. Instead, the program provided "drug counseling" and one day my son reported to me that the drug counselor said "All cannabinoids are equally bad. CBD is as bad as THC." This was a state funded program and they were espousing complete BULL! My son, well educated by a passionate mother, knew this and stood up and challenged the counselor saying "that's entirely false..." and then proceeded to give the entire group an accurate lesson on the neuroscience behind cannabinoids. My late Father was an early neuroscience... and despite the fact that my son could care less about traditional school... he's an exceedingly bright kid so at home, he would read my Dad's old college textbooks.
The second catalyst for writing the book was when my daughter's therapist reported me to Child Protective Services for "treating my minors with marijuana" knowing full well (she had been a friend of mine) that my products were hemp-derived CBD... so technically from the cannabis species... but had always been a Federally compliant hemp-based cannabinoid product. Why? Because she had misdiagnosed my daughter and sent her to see the psychiatrist in the practice who didn't believe in prescribing medical marijuana to help teens manage extreme PTSD, anxiety, etc. However, he also incorrectly e-dictated an Rx into the computer which came out the other end at the pharmacy with what would have been a life-threatening (actually, life ending) overdose level prescription for not one, but THREE, heavy medications... none of which my daughter needed (or ever took).
I realized if I didn't start talking and sharing with other parents, mistakes that apparently are far more common than we know or would ever wish to believe, could hurt someone else or their child. I then sat down and channeled (literally... can barely remember writing any of it) an entire book and had it published on a small imprint within three months. That "The ABCS of CBD" is now a trademarked educational platform, and as a book is sold internationally and nationally on Amazon and at every book retailer (they just have to order it)... is SHOCKINGLY great.
Q: What do you think the social stigma of cannabis will be in 10 years from now?
A: Stigma? What stigma?! LOL... I'm sure there will still be some... however, the statistics are clear... and the trend has picked up speed and that rolling boulder is gaining momentum. It's more than time to correct the social injustice (aka institutional racism) that is, and has always been what marijuana prohibition is all about. So, the more we show the faces of what it is to be a "Regular" person / parent / practitioner in support of all forms of cannabis... the better it is for all of us. We are, after all, stewards of each other—and this planet.
About Shira
Shira Adler has spent a lifetime helping others overcome myriad life challenges, obstacles, and personal issues. An author, speaker, advocate, entrepreneur, and instigator, Shira was forced to go beyond Western medicine to seek answers and new tools to help her own family survive and thrive in today's complicated world. That personal history—along with Shira’s eclectic background which includes 20+ years as a spiritual counselor/clergy and healer (Certified Past Life Regressionist— is why she is “that funky spiritual soccer mom” from Bravo, and a recognized media-wellness personality—hailed as "the voice for our time." Shira has been featured on GMA, Today, Dr. Oz, across myriad digital and linear platforms, written in, or reviewed in major outlets including Huff Post, Thrive Global, High Times, Dope, Skunk, Westchester Parent, Working Mother Magazine, etc. Shira is Founder & CEO of Shira Synergy, a ComPASSIONate Care Co. — creating modern alchemy for holistic wellness to ensure CBD companies are doing the right thing, in the right way. Her core tenet: people over profit.
Shira is also known as the acclaimed author of The ABCs of CBD: The Essential Guide for Parents (and regular folks too) described by colleagues, industry professionals, consumers, and the everyday canna-curious as “the definitive industry guide" — “a goldmine.” (”Author Chat” interview) The ABCs of CBD™ is the foundation of Shira’s educational, advocacy, and spiritual activism platform—the (recently revised) book is available through Amazon and book retailers internationally. Shira—a FemPowerment champion—is also working on her second book about women in the cannabis and hemp industries—“Pink Moccasins: and other footwear inspired tales of empowerment” (Because you can’t walk in another woman’s shoes, but you can sure as hell admire them)—due Summer 2019.
Instagram: @the1shiraadler
Twitter: @the1shira
Website: https://shiraadler.com
]]>Q: How did you become inspired to cook with cannabis and why?
A: I’ve grown a considerable amount of cannabis in my life and I’ve grown bushels upon bushels of my own food. These practices have given me a good glimpse into the process of what it takes to bring food to the table, and weed into a joint. It has given me a deep gratitude for this line of work and the strong belief that access to fresh food and cannabis is not only naturally healing, but a crucial human right. As a simple home cook with 14 years of experience as a professional in the legal cannabis industry, it was inevitable for me to begin infusing weed into my meals.
Q: Can you tell our readers about your first experience cooking with Cannabis?
A: When I first cooked with cannabis, I didn’t feel anything. Why? Because I didn’t decarboxylate my herb. But I think that’s a better experience than most, lol. Most have that I got too fucked up because I put a lot of weed in my butter experience.
Q: Which is your favorite cannabis infused recipe and why?
A: I’m not one for favorites. It’s just too hard to limit myself of just one of anything. I don’t have a favorite book, or artist. Don’t have a favorite person or even color. But here are some of my favorites from the book and from from Heathish.
Q: What advice can you give first timers who want to cook with cannabis?
A: Measure everything. Use a scale. Don’t have one? Borrow one from your grandmother – borrow one from that one friend that sells weed if you have to. Always make sure you measure your cannabis material and the amount of butter/oil that you’ll be infusing. When you have the measurements, you can better calculate the potency of your butter and oil. When it comes to edibles, most people make them far stronger than necessary. It’s both a waste of cannabis, and in my personal opinion, a gluttonous way to treat a sacred plant. It might be a good idea to remember that cannabis has the capacity to be a strong medicine, hence the existence of medical marijuana. But I’m not here to preach, just to inform you that when it comes to making weed butter, less is more. The horror stories associated with strong edibles are all too real and the reason why edibles get such a bad rap.
Q: How has your heritage influenced your relationship with cannabis in the Kitchen?
A: This question alone will no doubt be my next book. As a West African woman, my roots run deep. And anyone from an indigenous culture knows how connected their roots are to food, herbs, plants and the earth. It then goes without saying that everything I do is influenced by my heritage. Everything I do I do for my ancestors who couldn’t. Or rather, who did it without any credit, acknowledgement or monetary awards. For simple home cooks and world-renowned chefs alike, our fondest experiences in our lives can be traced back to food. In the book The Cooking Gene: A Journey through African American Culinary History in the Old South, the dazzling food historian, chef, and author Michael W. Twitty reminds us, “Many of our most pungent memories are carried through food, just as connections to our ancestors are reaffirmed by cooking the dishes handed down to us.” The beauty is that food takes no political sides. It’s fair, blameless, and is one of the driving forces connecting me to my ancestry.
Q: What do you think the social stigma of cannabis will be in 10 years from now?
A: So long as thin blondes in bikinis are photographed smoking weed–the social stigma will definitely dissipate. But will this help to expunge marijuana possession records? Will it help to get folks out of prison? Stigma is less important to me than the later. In 10 years, I’m manifesting that folks jailed for cannabis will become a thing of the past and equity the new norm. I’m manifesting that everyday people are able to have affordable, safe and easy access to the healing (and recreational) properties of herb.
About Mennlay
Mennlay is the author of The Art of Weed Butter and an interdisciplinary cannabis entrepreneur legally working with marihüana since 2005. Through her visibility, and advocacy for social equity and inclusion, she hopes to navigate a future for women of color in the cannabis industry. As a creative in the field, her clients have included Whoopi Goldberg & Maya Elizabeth's cannabis product line, Whoopi and Maya. Her formal background is in journalism, with over seven years of experience in content creation roles, and cannabis cultivation. Her career path illustrates a shift happening for many women involved in the industry. As perceptions of the plant and its legality have changed, she has parlayed her deep belief in the healing power of cannabis into a legitimate profession. She currently resides Mexico City as a freelance writer, and creative director at Xula CBD while exploring cannabis and the diasporic connections between Africa and Latin America.
Instagram: @mennlay
Twitter: @mennlay
Website: https://www.mennlay.com
]]>Q: At what point did you decide to become involved in the cannabis industry? Why?
A: I decided privately 2 years ago to quit using (and abusing) pharmaceuticals. I have Crohns, anxiety, depression, PTSD and I had just undergone a full hysterectomy.
After 3 months of withdrawal, I actually could FEEL for the first time in my adult life. The only thing that had changed was that I was now consuming Cannabis. Initially, I was only using CBD oils and vapes. I only started to smoke and make my own edibles very recently.
My social media platform has grown into the millions (over 2 million on FB) and I started sharing my journey online. A lot of people noticed and began to reach out. Whether it was a mom who had an edible side hustle, large LPs , craft growers and celebrities within the Cannabis space, I was excited to hear what they were offering. And the rest is history!
Q: Can you tell our readers some of your accomplishments in the cannabis space?
A: As far as "accomplishments", firstly I'm definitely living a healthy plant-based life. Also, nominations and awards from my peers. I've been lucky enough to share my journey at events and conferences around Canada.
I was a judge and presenter at a few local Cannabis cups which was all very exciting. I've partnered up with a Craft Grower from Alberta (Canalief.ca) and as well as Hempfest.
I was also a speaker at Legalized Summit and O'cannabiz. I celebrated 4/20 at the Niagara Falls 4/20 expo where I’ll had the opportunity to sit on a panel of inspiring women. I'm also working with several brands and businesses.
I've met so many amazing humans that my time before cannabis, I never would have had the opportunity to meet.
I've become extremely spiritual and empathetic, which I give 100% credit to the wonderful plant and the uplifting kindness I've found within the Cannabis space.
Q: What difficulties have you faced while working in the cannabis industry?
A: As far as difficulties... there are a lot of time wasters and a bunch of "noise" and I personally prefer action over talk. I also would rather be in an intimate setting and having elevated conversations with actual "doers".
Some call me a culture vulture or a sell-out, which is just not the case. I do earn a fabulous living thanks to the cannabis industry, but I am also LIVING MY BEST LIFE thanks to Cannabis.
I thoroughly enjoy walking into a space where I know I'm being judged. I was recently at an investor meeting and was completely ignored by most of the people in the room ... their loss because I am also an investor.
Those of you that follow me on social media are well aware that I've been a nude model and have worked in some pretty provocative and racy industries. However, that is not who I am today at 45 years old . I'm an international best-selling author #igniteyourinnerwarrior and Speaker / Influencer . I get that sex sells but it's my sexuality to own and use as I feel fit, NOT the male dominated industry. I appreciate the accolades but living pharma free is a reward in itself.
There is room for all of us (at my table anyway) and yes there is a lot that I do not agree with, such as over consumption and mixing cannabis with alcohol.
Q: What do you think the social stigma of cannabis will be in 10 years from now?
A: 10 years from now I hope our version of legislation will be better for everyone both medically and recreationally. I also hope that Cannabis will be used as openly and freely as an aspirin. Parents that consume will not be shamed or punished. And the narrative around Cannabis will be less aggressive from all sides.
Look ... whatever space we're currently in is never permanent... nothing is. I hope in my lifetime we all become kinder and gentler with ourselves and each other. If it was all to end tomorrow I would hope my message would be one of kindness and empathy. I use this hashtag/ quote often and I truly believe it Respect the plant and each other.
About Jacqui Childs
Jacqui is a Social Influencer with an online following into the millions (Over 2 million on her verified Facebook page) Jacqui is a wife and mother. She co-wrote an international best-selling book “Ignite Your Inner Warrior ” where she shares her battles with drugs and alcohol. Now living Pharma free thanks to Cannabis. She’s chosen to spend her time focused on the Cannabis industry and community as well as “Women’s issues” that affect her daily, living with Crohns, anxiety, depression and now menopause thanks to a full hysterectomy. Jacqui feels she owes this community as much exposure and attention as she can as a thank you for saving her life. All while trying to end negative stigmas and prejudices one post at a time. Jacqui’s quest for knowledge within the cannabis space doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Much like cannabis she’s “growing like a weed”.
Follow her on Instagram @jacquichilds
]]>As a teenager, I didn’t truly understand why I was so attracted to cannabis, but everything about it felt alluring, and I was always curious to learn more. As I entered into my twenties, “smoking weed” progressed to becoming an integral part of my lifestyle. I no longer smoked with just the girls, rather, I quietly commenced and concluded my all of days with a joint, often feeling shame for doing so. At around the same time, I was immersed in my studies in psychology and learning what it meant to suffer from a mood disorder. It was then that I started fitting a few puzzle pieces of my life together and began coming to the realization that there were actual names for the experiences that I had been going through.
2011 was the year I first experienced major depression, and during that time I used cannabis from day until night. Cannabis was the only thing that allowed me to sit upright and pull the covers off my face, to stomach eating food, to turn the lights on, or to get dressed and go to school. In the midst of some dark days, the herb felt like my inner mother, coaching me to move forward, when I didn’t have the strength myself.
After about a year, I had recovered from my depressive episode, yet cannabis still remained an everyday fixture in my life. I received criticism from almost everyone that I knew for my choice to self-medicate rather than put myself in the hands of a certified professional. However, I felt as if I knew what I was suffering from, and stubbornly declared that only I knew the best way to take care of my own mental health. Depression had lifted its hold on me, but I had also become very cognizant about the fact that anxiety was a still a dark shadow in my life. I had resolved back then that: I had lived my whole life with an untreated general anxiety disorder, that cannabis made certain things in life infinitely more bearable, and that I wasn’t going to force myself to suffer any longer. Around the age of 22, I finally began to feel more pride than shame for making choices that I knew were beneficial to me; and this was when I firmly became resolved to continue using cannabis as often as I needed, despite what anyone else thought.
It is now 2019, I just turned 28, and I am still learning new things about cannabis and about my own mental health. I now use CBD oil to treat my anxiety, and doing so has led me to discovering that I’m burdened with more than just anxiousness. Despite CBD being very effective for my personal subjective feelings of anxiety, I still was not able to reduce my daily consumption of cannabis flower. Without my usual daily microdoses of cannabis, I feel that I have a significantly harder time accessing clarity, motivation, or focus. Using whole flower with THC gives me this impression of my mind becoming unburdened and then lifted from a fog. Smoking the right strain of cannabis is usually the only thing that can peel me from my perpetual daydreams and stick me back onto Earth.
Through these experiences, I have realized myself to be on the spectrum of Inattentive ADHD, or what used to be called just “ADD.” ADHD has been speculated by some psychologists to be caused by a deficiency of dopamine in the brain. Insufficient amounts of this neurotransmitter can make it so that the brain is not able to quiet excessive input, and therefore, the mind can become cluttered and distracted by extra information. Interestingly, Dr. David Bearman believes some patient’s ADHD symptoms stem directly a deficiency in the brain’s endocannabinoid production. Despite not completely understanding the mechanisms, it has been demonstrated in research that 25% of participants reported reductions in their symptoms after using cannabis, without the adverse effects of traditional ADHD medications. Personally, smoking the right cannabis can allow me to function like a person who has not struggled their whole life with their mental health. Cannabis has helped me cope with the chaos in my brain.
My personal educational background, as well as my personal long-term experience using cannabis without any problematic side effects, made me feel confident in self-diagnosing and self-managing my own mental health. However, I am merely recounting my own personal experiences, and not recommending readers to follow in my exact footsteps. Cannabis can be a powerful tool for remedying symptoms of an unwell mind, but should not be used as medication without the guidance of trained professionals.
I have used cannabis daily for almost 10 years to improve the symptoms of mental distress that I felt were holding me back from achieving my full potential. I currently dedicate many hours each day educating about all of the different aspects of this herb and flower, and this is because cannabis has restored my personal mental health and gifted me with vitality, purpose, and life.
*consult with a healthcare professional before using cannabis as a medical treatment.
Follow her on Instagram at @poetreereviews
Sources
https://inhalemd.com/blog/can-marijuana-treat-adhd/
https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-could-cannabis-be-a-potential-treatment-for-adhd-add-n885
]]>When I was 21 I was in a near fatal car accident that left me with debilitating chronic pain. I've been using cannabis as medicine ever since and I often credit cannabis for saving my life more than once. Simultaneously for the last fifteen years I've been running a boutique branding agency serving clients in every sector. About three years ago I got the opportunity to bring my expertise to the cannabis industry and I got hooked. I was amazed at how far our scientific understanding of the plant had come and all of the incredible opportunities this industry was creating. After I completed that first cannabis branding project, I decided to shift my entire business to this space and now cannabis is my whole life and I've never felt more blessed and fulfilled.
Q: Can you tell our readers some of your accomplishments in the cannabis space?
Over the last three years I've been blessed to work with many incredibly talented and passionate people while building several Licensed Producer brands in both the medical and recreational verticals. I'm the co-host of the High Friends Podcast which is a project I collaborated on with my friend and colleague Gill Polard to highlight smart, professional women who are unapologetic about their love of cannabis. Eves of Eden is a lifestyle and accessories brand that I launched in 2017 where we make unique eco-friendly accessories for your everyday cannabis needs like our CROWNS designer filter tips which are 100% recycled and recyclable. In the fall of 2018 I launched the Boss Ladies of Cannabis brand which is on a mission to empower cannabis organizations to create inclusive and diverse companies and cultures. I'm also the Producer and Host of Cannabis TV, Canada's first cable television program dedicated to educating Canadians about cannabis, where I get to create programming that helps to normalize and demystify cannabis for all Canadians. As a business strategist and cannabis industry expert I advise several organizations and institutions on their cannabis businesses including; Leaf Forward, Ryerson University, and The Michener Institute of Education.
Q: What difficulties did you face while working in the cannabis industry?
I would say that I've been very lucky to have found a home in the cannabis industry and I've not experienced any challenges that I haven't also experienced elsewhere in my career. The cannabis industry is fast paced and ever-changing which can make it a challenge. To be successful you need to be ready to pivot at a moment's notice and to stay focused with increasing competition and copycats. My greatest challenge is finding enough time in the day to be involved in all of the amazing projects that inspire me!
Q: What do you think the social stigma of cannabis will be 10 years from now?
Its difficult to predict exactly how cannabis will be perceived 10 years from now since its had such a storied past. However, I can say that in the last three years alone the discourse and general perception of cannabis has shifted far more dramatically than I anticipated. It seems as though every day cannabis is part of a mainstream news story, which is helping to normalize cannabis as a business opportunity and legal consumer product. And while we still have a long way to go its exciting to see cannabis becoming a regular conversation around the dining room table in many homes across the country. Ten years from now I predict that cannabis will be in the medicine cabinets and on the kitchen counters of most Canadian households... and even that will be just the tip of the iceberg.
About Rachel Colic
Rachel is also the founder of Eves of Eden, a cannabis lifestyle and education brand for women in Canada; co-host of The High Friends podcast focused on women who unapologetically love of cannabis; a mentor and advisor for Leaf Forward, Canada’s first cannabis business-accelerator program; and communications director for Canadian Women in Cannabis, a non-profit that advocates for the diversity and inclusion of women and minorities in the cannabis industry.
Follow her on Twitter at @rachelcolic as well as @eves_of_eden, @hifriendspodcast & @cannabisBoss.
]]>Q: Can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself and your art?
I’m an artist working in New York City; my work focuses on the accurate portrayal women within art, and I have collaborated with like-minded brands, such as Gucci, The New York Times, and Instagram, on pieces that further said narrative.
Q: What is your take/perception on the rise of the cannabis industry?
It is incredibly exciting to see countries (and in America, states) recognize the benefits of legalizing cannabis; from research and medical purposes to recreational use, I can’t wait to see how the use of cannabis evolves as it becomes legal.
Q: How do you think cannabis can empower women and/or our society as a whole?
From creating women-owned companies in this space, to using it as an alternative to medications with heavy side-effects, I’m excited to see how cannabis will positively affect society.
Q: Has cannabis affected your life in some way? If so, how?
Personally, cannabis has helped me pain manage migraines without the side-effects most other migraine medications. It has been an integral part of maintaining a healthy brain
Q: How do you think we can change the stigma of cannabis?
VerdeVie is a perfect example; being open about partaking, sharing the benefits of cannabis, and educating those unfamiliar are all important ways to change the perception.
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Hahaha I don’t really… To be honest it all kind of melts together. I work from home so sometimes I feel like I never really leave the office. Sometimes when I’m working I get distracted by laundry. I think that for me, creating a clear divide between home and work just isn’t an option. I am lucky that I love what I do so much that I dont mind it being so entrenched in my life. As a mother I need to be available for my kids when they need me so I have a hard stop at about 6 pm so I can focus on dinner and homework and hanging out with the kids but I might be back at work once they’re in bed or I might get up early and get some emails done while they’re still sleeping. The one thing I’ve been really trying to do this year is to take at least one full day off and away from screens every week.
Q: How has your career with The Her(b) Life positively effected your home life with your children?
We talk about it a lot. I’m really open with them about Her(B) Life and my mission there. My kids say that want to work for the company when they’re older and I love that idea, I really want my kids to be proud of the waves Her(B) Life is making, and of me and the work I do. I do travel a lot for meetings and speaking engagements and that can tough on the kids, I try to make it fun by sending photos and videos of the places go and I always bring home souvenirs!
Q: Do you have any advice for other mother’s who aren’t familiar with cannabis products but are very interested in discovering them?
Educate yourself. Learn about different consumption methods and products. Not everyone is a smoker, not everyone likes edibles. Cannabis is a fantastic alternative to alcohol and the therapeutic benefits are incredible but the feeling of intoxication is different with cannabis than it is with alcohol. Start slowly, experiment with different products and talk to other women about what they like!
Q: What do you think the social stigma of cannabis will be in 10 years from now?
I think it will be nearly gone or at least far less pronounced. The stigma is an old hangover from prohibition and I think the further we get away from that time the more open minded we’ll be. Look at alcohol. At one time there were activists and prohibitionists who would go into bars and smash the place up. We dont do that anymore. I think society will get more comfortable with cannabis as we see that communities are positively affected by legalization.
About Gill Pollard
Gill Polard is a legalization and safe access advocate and the creator of the leading cannabis lifestyle website and print publication The Her(B) Life which celebrates the feminist cannabis experience through industry interviews, education and media. She is executive producer for the Sessions podcast, co-host of The High Friends Podcast, is a regular contributor to The Growth Op and teaches the Marketing under the Cannabis Act course at Mount Royal University. In 2018 she was nominated for a Canadian Cannabis Award in the “influencer” category and was awarded the first ever “Cannabis Leader of the Year” trophy from Notable Life. In 2019 she was nominated for influencer of the year at o’cannabiz and the Her(B) Life was nominated for the best news source category.
Follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @gill_polard or Her(B) Life at @the_herblife on all platforms.
]]>By: Emma Andrews, RHN
Learning to understand and support our bodies natural rhythm is empowering. This involves consistently tuning into your physical and emotional state, being acutely aware of the changes taking place during each phase of your cycle and being conscious of what you consume in relation to each stage.
Cannabis has long played a role in a woman’s symptom management during her menstruation. As an adaptive plant with wide ranging applications, cannabis has historically been used to provide relief from symptoms including pain, pre-menstrual tension and mood imbalances (once called hysteria). In the 1800’s Queen Victoria was even prescribed cannabis infused tea as an antidote to her menstrual cramps.
As legalization spreads, and cannabis health research continues to advance, there has also been a surge of anecdotal evidence from women consuming cannabis to achieve greater harmony through-out her cycle. Because each phase of our cycle is unique, from our hormones, to our emotional state, to our energy levels, it’s important to customize our consumption and lifestyle to reflect these dynamic needs.
Menstruation (appx. Day 1 – 7)
Themes: Reflection, inward focus, introspection.
During this phase our uterine lining sheds, and hormones estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest, yet our pituitary gland and ovaries are getting ready for action again. For many women their period is accompanied by abdominal cramps, loose bowel movements, lethargy, skin breakouts and food cravings.
This is an ideal time to rest and focus on self-care. If this phase in your cycle was a season, think of it as your inner winter.
Cannabis Pairing: As menstrual cramps and pain are common during this phase, and can last for several days, cannabis can be consumed as an analgesic1and in a variety of forms, depending on the severity of symptoms.
Inhaling through a vaporizer would provide the quickest acting form of relief and yet be gentle on your respiratory system compared to a pre-roll or pipe that involves combustion.
Ingesting cannabis in the form of an edible oil or tincture will provide longer lasting relief but the effect isn’t felt immediately (can be up to 2hrs after ingestion), so best taken as a prophylaxis (proactively).
A topical, made with infused oil (such as coconut), can be applied locally to the abdomen or low back, which is especially helpful following a warm bath, when your pores are expanded, and absorption will be improved. No matter if you’re applying CBD or THC, this form of consumption will not provide a psychoactive effect.
If you are new to cannabis, begin with a cultivar or product that is dominant in CBD. Look for a ratio of THC to CBD, that ranges from 1:1, up to 1:20 (THC:CBD respectively). Always start “low and slow”, beginning with a small dose and allowing it to take effect before consuming more. This is conscious consumption. No more than you need.
Follicular / Proliferative(appx. Day 8-13)
Themes: Clarity, concentration, productivity, stamina
During this phase FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) causes a follicle to mature and produce estrogen, inhibiting the development of more follicles. Estrogen rises, and helps us to feel energetic, outgoing, and contributes towards an upbeat attitude, and more stable moods. This is a great time to be sociable, make plans with friends, learn a new skill, push it at the gym, or put in that little bit extra at work.
Consider this phase of your cycle when you are at your most charismatic, and dynamic. If this phase in your cycle was a season, think of it as your inner spring.
Cannabis Pairing: Now is a great time to consume cannabis amongst friends. Bonding over the experience of cannabis consumption, through social settings like sharing a pre-rolled joint during a picnic, or a long walk in nature.
Because this phase is likely when you are the most active and achievement oriented, cannabis may be best experienced in the latter half of your day, especially as such intense days can hyper-stimulate your fight or flight response (sympathetic nervous system), making it more difficult to rest and reset.
Preliminary research into cannabis and sleep suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of insomnia2. You may find CBD dominant cultivars and products are preferred at this time, to support a restful sleep, and maximize your potential each day.
Ovulatory (appx. Day 14-21)
Themes: Bonding, relationships, empathy, communication
During this phase a surge in LH (luteinizing hormone) causes ovulation and an egg to be released from the follicle. We are at our most fertile in the days leading up to and including ovulation.
If this phase in your cycle was a season, think of it as your inner summer.
Cannabis Pairing: Conscious consumption includes pairing cannabis with the right mood and moment. Lay back on a blanket under the stars, or to watch the clouds roll by with someone you trust and treasure. Consider addressing some of the conversations you may otherwise feel inhibited to have.
THC dominant cultivars and products will provide the most euphoric sensation, compared to one that is CBD dominant. The euphoric sensation is what can allow us to gain new perspective, connect with ourselves and others in a more compassionate way. CBD competes with THC for cannabinoid receptor sites in the brain3(known as your CB1 receptors), which tempers the effect of THC.
You could choose to emphasize cultivars that are dominant in THC, yet the potency can range (in terms of % concentration). If you are new to cannabis, start with a product under 10% THC concentration, or a micro-dose of an edible product with 2.5-5mg THC per serving.
Luteal Phase (appx. Days 22-28)
Themes: Creativity, wild spirited, expressive
During this phase the corpus luteum forms and secretes progesterone. Our body temperature rises, and if you experience pre-menstrual tension this is when it begins to surface (often showing up as mood swings, lethargy, and breast tenderness).
Rather than expressing extreme moods on your friends and family, use creative expression as an outlet. If this phase in your cycle was a season, think of it as your inner fall.
Cannabis Pairing: Mood swings can often feel overwhelming and all consuming. The dissociative effect of THC may provide relief from the grip of anxiety, anger, or frustration that you know isn’t your true essence. Emotional pain can be just as uncomfortable and unpleasant as physical pain. The distribution of cannabinoid receptors in the brain may preferentially target the affective qualities of pain4.
A growing body of evidence demonstrates that deficiencies in your endocannabinoid system may result in depressive behaviour, while therapeutic consumption of cannabinoids may support both anti-depressive and anti-anxiety behavioural responses5.
Indulge your senses, and let your culinary creativity run wild. An ingestible oil mixed into your favourite recipes can elevate the everyday basics. Inhaled cannabis may be your ally when sitting down to journal, draw, or pursue your preferred form of self-expression. If you tolerate THC well, you may choose to increase the potency, or dosage of THC consumed in the Ovulatory phase.
Holistic wellbeing, and a harmonious cycle is a combination of proactive behaviours and knowing how to bring the body back into balance when it’s feeling out of alignment.
About the Author:
Emma Andrews is a Vancouver based Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN), Advisor and Partner at Abbott Keefer Consulting, cannabis educator, culinary explorer and lifelong athlete, making waves at the intersection of cannabis and natural health. Her goal is to empower you to make more conscious choices by ‘pulling back the curtain’ and exposing you to the cutting edge of cannabis and natural health. Learn more www.emmajaneandrews.com, or follow her on social @emmarunsvan.
References:
*Disclaimer: Everyone’s cycle is unique, as is everyone’s endocannabinoid system. The information in this article is not intended to be a one size fits all approach or replace the advice of your personal health practitioner. Stay curious as you cultivate the path that’s right for you.
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What happened over those 4 days inspired me more than anything ever had in the kitchen. Group after group I saw strangers become friends, stories shared, and contagious laughter around the table. This one-off dinner was creating lasting relationships and life long memories. By micro-dosing each guest individually to their own tolerance level, we created a safe space for people to experience cannabis-infused dining. Cannabis made our guests feel comfortable with others, it expanded expectations and set a presence in the culinary world. We, as Canadians, have a chance to make this ours. We are the first G8 country to legalize the recreational use of Cannabis and the first country of chefs who can legally integrate it into their cooking.
What started as a one-off Pop Up idea quickly morphed into a traveling event heading to multiple cities coast to coast; Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, Seattle, and San Francisco. Not only were Canadians showing up in droves but people from countries all over the world started sitting at the Nomad kitchen table. Cannabis Infused Dining is here, and the time is now to seize the opportunity to make this Canada's flag on the global culinary map. When done properly, with safety and education as a top priority, combined with beautiful delicious food, people can trust the chef and those sitting across from them.
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This elevated assortment reflects The Moon Bacon’s iconic imagery through VerdeVie’s signature lens blending our world’s together and bringing art to our reality.
A: Originally born in Japan, both of my grand-parents and mother were painters, so I loved drawing and painting since I was little.
In 2006, I moved to LA to attend college in order to study graphic design. After graduation, I started working in the apparel industry in Los Angeles for a few years.
In 2013, I moved back to Tokyo and started working as a freelance graphic designer. I mostly work with textile designs, look-books, and catalog designs for clothing companies.
I then started working for a Nail sticker company in Tokyo.
I think because of this job, I started to think that just one hand gesture can tell so many messages.
We use hands every day, on good days or bad days... and I thought it could be kind of fun if I started drawing how we as women, use our hands in our daily life.
Some girls are rolling joints, some are taking shots, and some are just having pizza.
Situations that most people have experienced can be describe with just "one hand".
My goal for all of my illustrations is for people to connect with it and think "I had this situation before!".
The collaborative design process behind the Verde x MoonBacon capsule collection started with our inspiration board. Drawing creativity from MoonBacon’s originality and influence with imagery we could only dream of made it all come to life.
We've received such amazing feedback from MoonBacon fans that we even created a free to download custom Sticker app for iOS Devices. You can download the MoonBacon sticker app on the App Store.
In honor of International Women’s day, we wanted to take this opportunity to highlight one of the most influential and uplifting advocates; Unity Marguerite.
Unity is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of BlyssCloud, an independent media platform normalizing consumption with educational experiences on a higher understanding of modern cannabis. We sat down with Unity and dove into her world for a quick minute, enjoy!
Q: Tell us a little about yourself
A: My name is Unity Marguerite Whittaker, I’m the Creative Director and Co-Founder of BlyssCloud, a female focused independent media platform with a focus on legal, safe and respectful consumption friendly events.
I’m a creator of cannabis content and experiences with a niche focus on grown-up women.
In the cannabis space, I’m a trusted resource for the canna curious. My eye for style and 27 years of cannabis consumption is establishing me as a resource for consumers seeking clean, stylish and informed experiences.
I’m one half of Cobb & Unity, a weekly podcast where we discuss the he and she of our local cannabis community and experiences. This podcast is available on iTunes, Spotify and YouTube.
I’m a contributor to Huffington Post, Her(b) Lifestyle and Georgia Straight.
On my personal social media channels: I discuss legal cultivars on YouTube; I guide how to roll J’s on Facebook; and my Instagram features my beautiful flat lays and my stories are an ongoing documentation of my cannabis journey.
Q: What importance does Cannabis play in your everyday life/routine?
A: Since I was a child, I’ve experienced reoccurring depressive episodes. Cannabis is my medicine of choice. It’s required a significant amount of experimentation to understand my dosage and consumption methods for best results. I view the choice to take cannabis rather than pharma as a whole lifestyle commitment. For instance, popping a pill did serve a purpose but it didn’t heal my depression nor did I feel like I was living my best life. Committing to a cannabis wellness perspective, means I’m also committing to the full spectrum of natural healing; for example, a daily meditation practice; regular yoga; 1-2 hours outdoors every day regardless of the weather; as well as, a nearly vegan diet and nearly alcohol-free lifestyle. This requires discipline and the proof is in the pudding.
I feel happier and healthier than I have at any previous point in my life.
I’m out of the cannabis closet, documenting my journey and smashing stigma so others can experience this as well.
Q: At what point did you decide to become involved in the cannabis industry? Why?
A: In 2016, I was invited to join BlyssCloud by a friend I knew from Europe when I was 18 years old. She’s a very successful business woman and mother of 4. She recognized that women as a demographic were not being targeted by the cannabis industry.
Up until joining BlyssCloud, my career focus had been bouncing around…. I worked in residential development; I’d been a meditation teacher; I was a buyer; and I owned a retail boutique. I was all over the place. Cannabis feels like the glue for me.
I’m able to combine my passion for mental, physical and spiritual wellness with my passion for style and fashion. BlyssCloud is a platform where we’re able to share a POV which wasn’t being represented in cannabis and is now growing exponentially. We do events and blog about our cannabis experiences. Join our email list to be in the know.
I believe in this plant, and I encourage more women to make the shift to working in cannabis. We need you. This is a brand-new industry, and we’re able define how we want it to be. The more voices the stronger we are.
Q: What do you think the social stigma of cannabis will be in 10 years from now?
A: We’re at a unique moment in history where for the first time both the government and big business are supportive of legalizing cannabis. Now with cannabis being federally legal in Canada, we’re able to test the plant which is offering us a greater understanding of the nuances of the cannabinoids, terpenes, dosage control and consumption methods. The science is coming and when it arrives, we’ll witness a shift in the stigma. Right now, the stigma is real.
In 10 years, we’ll have the science, this knowledge will bring cannabis consumption into the mainstream for both medicinal and lifestyle recreational. Baby boomers are the living generation that has been most impacted by the social history and criminalization of this plant as they’ve lived through both Nixon and Reagan; as they age they’ll be the largest demographic of cannabis consumers. In the future, we’ll offer our aging population healthier alternatives to pharma and opioids. Retirement homes will support cannabis consumption and people in their final years will live a higher quality of life than their predecessors.
In 10 years, University degrees and specialized training will be critical for employment in the cannabis industry. We’re at a unique time when anyone can decide to work in cannabis and find a job with no prior experience.
Stratas and condo bylaws will shift from restrictive and dogmatic rules to creatively define respectful consumption so neighbours and communities can come together.
Women will no longer be shamed for their cannabis choices. With the launch of a new industry, comes the opportunity to define our career pathways. Gender bias will shift towards a healthy equilibrium. The greater the diversity of people working in cannabis will ensure the greatest diversity of people consuming cannabis. We must work together in order to smash stigma and normalize consumption.
Q: Any advice of the DOs and DONTs of consuming cannabis for first users?
A: Due to the criminalization of cannabis since 1923 in Canada, we’ve been blind on how to best understand this plant. The mantra is, Start Low Go Slow.
I compare the cannabis journey with the yoga journey. My hardest yoga class ever, was the first yoga class I ever attended…. It took me 6 years to finally walk through the door for the first time. After a couple of years of regular practice, I thought I had yoga nailed down. I was wrong. It’s now 19 years later with a regular and consistent practice, and every single time I’m on the mat, I learn something new.
Cannabis is very similar. This plant is complicated and layered. This is a lifetime journey of education and experimentation. Curiosity is essential.
There are many educational resources. I recommend Strain Print to track your cannabis sessions and to discover who your favorite resources for cannabis education are and follow them. I love SheCann, this is a private Facebook group focused on empowering Canadian women with an ongoing, education focused dialogue about cannabis.
My specialty is documenting my cannabis journey and guiding on how to consume legally, safely and respectfully. On my YouTube channel I discuss legal cultivars within Health Canada regulations, and my Instagram highlights the fun side.
Instagram: @unitymarguerite
Twitter: @unitymarguerite
YouTube: @unitymarguerite
Pinterest: @unitymarguerite
]]>My love for mary jane,
I didn’t always love Mary Jane. My relationship with her was a little rocky in the beginning, it started with me when I was 18 and finding myself with a group of friends head deep in a brew or at the bottom of a Ben & Jerry’s tub. For reasons like that I was super turned off from her, It wasn’t until I found myself at rock bottom wanting to find something real in life that I could finally appreciate her.
I ended up loving who I was when I was with her, she helped me be myself even when I didn’t know who that was. She lifted my tears when I felt the hard pressure on this world to be or act a certain way as many women feel everyday. She helped me love myself.
She made me create real and honest relationships - some would say cosmic relationships. I later learned that cannabis has been used for aphrodisiac uses for thousands of years; from the Kama Sutra in India, to the Ancient Lotus in China, she’s been helping people live authentic lives that are rooted in love for decades. I’ve seen her save marriages, by aiding with communication, anxiety, sexual pain and even pleasure. With these learnings early on in my life I knew I had to share with the world.
It brought me to a clinic where I worked with over 5000 patients, I learned about all the issues of chronic pain that women deal with like; PMS, Endometriosis, PCOCs. Rape Survivors and more. And the more I learned the more it became in spiral, noticing how women sexual health is the least funded area of the body, the least researched part of the body… it’s almost as if we’ve been waiting for her. I’ve seen Mary Jane help patients from all walks of life it’s important to remember as much as she could help us heal as much as give us pleasure.
Today I help women all around the world have a healthier and happier life with their sexual health. Cannabis and sex are both taboo, but in a way it’s the best combo since peanut butter and jam. What I love about cannabis is that I use it for virtually everything; to go to the gym - there’s a strain for that, to go to a concert - there’s a strain for that, to having alone time in a hot tub - and yes, there’s a strain for that too! So why would sex be any different? After playing around with a few strains over the years I’ve found certain strains have been best for particular sex cases. Here are some tips on how to use cannabis in the bedroom.
Xo, a
Solo Play
Recommended Strain: Jean Guy
Having solo sex / masturbation is blissful with mary j. For this kind of play I recommend smoking a hybrid for a fast onset effect paired with uplifting creativity. Trying a topical like a cannabis infused lubricant can also be fun to explore your pleasure centers. Cannabis topicals have a localized effect bringing more heightened sensitivity to the area - a little goes a long way.
Electric Lovemaking
Recommended Strain: Sour Diesel
I love this strain for the moments you just can’t keep your hands off each other. This sativa dominant strain is the perfect pairing for a high energy, sexy and sweaty time - making for a perfect night you won’t forget. Get ready for a lustful awakening.
Slow and Sensual
Recommended Strain: Bubba Kush
I love smoking a heavy indica for an intimate evening with my partner. It keeps me warm and fuzzy in my body while the bubba genetics are uplifting keeping me in the mood. I feel indicas make you feel more deeply which creates a perfect space for intimate massages or long and sexy foreplay.
Now keep in mind as much as cannabis can help in the bedroom, cannabis is never fun when intoxicated or too high, remember to start with small doses and slowly consume more if needed.
Happy hump day! Xo.
About Antuanette Gomez
Antuanette is an International Speaker and Cannabis Business Maven. She is the Founder + CEO of Pleasure Peaks, a Medical Cannabis company focusing on Women’s Sexual Health. She is also the former Director of the Toronto Woman Grow Market and mentors many startups in the emerging cannabis industry in Canada within the legal framework. Her passion and love for uplifting women shows in her everyday life.
For the past 6 years, she has been helping people start, buy, and sell brands/companies in the cannabis industry. With an extensive background in executive work and medical cannabis education, she has a thorough understanding of the cannabis market and knows what it takes to champion a client’s needs. Whether you’re founding a startup or supply buying from a Licensed Producer, she can help you price properly, negotiate deals, gain strategic licensing, acquire financing, find employment, and more.
Find her at www.AntuanetteGomez.com, www.PleasurePeaks.com, on FaceBook, and on Twitter @PleasurePeaks, or Instagram @Pleasure_Peaks, and @Antuanetteg @ItsAtuanette
]]>This is no longer your old-fashioned ‘pot brownie’, that you attempted to make in your parents’ kitchen, while they were out of town.
Cannabis and food is now a high-end luxury experience.
Cannabis in the culinary industry has been budding and has flowered into a full-fledged dining experience that the deepest of foodies are searching for. Various chefs have shed light on this modern industry in both the search of an elevated experience and the raw benefits of infusing the dried flower into everyday dining.
Chef Miguel Trinidadis a graduate from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York, with multiple restaurants and a plethora of experience under his belt. Ahead of his time, he started his mission to bridge the culinary world with the humble cannabis plant through food and education. In true culinary fashion, Trinidad began to infuse cannabis into Michelin “level” dishes and ambiance at his restaurant, 99thFloor. Trinidad’s goal was to allow for an elevated dining experience, where your high would build gradually into a euphoric energy, shying far away from the overwhelming high old school edibles would pattern to do. Dosage can be varied and tailored according to the guest, however Trinidad aims to keep his meals within a 15-20 milligram threshold. Where once a Michelin level dining experience would be curated around wine pairings and seasonality, Trinidad has taken his culinary experience to pair different flower strains with various ingredient profiles; thus creating a new wave of cannabis in the kitchen.
Chef Monica Lo, a professionally trained chef and creator of Sous Weed, a cannabis cooking online emporium, has explored all areas of cannabis infused food and has taken a health forward approach in the manner. Unlike other chefs in the industry, the self proclaimed ‘Sativa Diva’, focuses her culinary cannabis infusions in its most pure form: raw. She uses it as a nutrient-forward herb to enhance flavour and health benefits in everyday meals. In its raw form, the psychoactive ingredient of the flower is not activated, so Chef Lo’s primary cannabis infusions do not reflect the elevated experience seen in Trinidad’s pursuit; it simply adds another dimension to cannabis in the kitchen.
Chef Scott Peabody, the executive chef at San Francisco’s, Nomiku has taken an all-encompassing holistic approach to the use of cannabis in his cuisine. Although Nomiku, does not host a cannabis-friendly menu, he has pursued his love for the flower outside of the brick and mortar restaurant. He has pushed to find the balance between THC extraction and flavour, his subtle and purposeful use of cannabis in his cuisine has fans raving about the flower’s herbaceous and elevated qualities.
Whether cannabis has been used to take the diner to new heights or provide the health benefits so many desire, it has come a long way from bitter chocolate infused highs. With professional culinary experts spearheading its modern push, cannabis is now a sought after ingredient many need to add to their pantry.
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Originally from Columbia, now residing in Miami, Florida - Isabela studied visual arts at the Miami Art Institute. We loved collaborating with Isabela to create visual representations of women in different situational vibe’s and feelings we felt we’re just right.
Q: Can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself and your art?
A: My name is Isabela Escobar- I am a Colombian Artist that has been based in Miami, FL for the past four years. I went to school at the Miami Art Institute where I studied Visual Arts.
My format of choice is illustration working with a mix of traditional and digital techniques. I start on paper, then eventually bring it onto the computer.
Inspired by myth, nature and the human figure, I take the female form and combine it with fantastical creatures of other realms creating a juxtaposition of the soft feminine with the savage wild. The "Beast" imagery is prevalent in all my work; it represents both a form of liberation and empowerment as well as a sense that our feral essences are waiting for us to give up control.
Q: What is your take on the rise of the cannabis industry?
A: I have to say I’m kind of torn. The rise of the industry has helped the general public gain access to the medical benefits, both physical and psychological, that the cannabis plant (that been in use by humanity for centuries) can offer. On the other side of the coin, it’s a little strange to have the government taxing a plant with ancestral healing capabilities, but I guess that if it wasn’t for government regulation we wouldn’t have such amazing access to high quality products for patients that really need it. I can’t deny that the pros are heavier than the cons though.
Q: How do you think cannabis can empower women and/or our society as a whole?
A: Women who smoke weed have been considered rebels, seen as an archetype of the “Free Spirit”, unruly manic pixies with no sense of shame. But the stoner is “trashy and unmotivated” and that is inherently unfeminine, according to society.
It always amuses me when you tell a man that you smoke and his reaction is surprise: “You smoke weed?”, as if there is some sort of unspoken taboo behind it, as if female doesn’t mix with marihuana. Marihuana is female –Lady Ganja– and women have been using her to relieve their aliments since the beginning of time.
In the same paradigm as being labeled witches, women have been judged and outright condemned for smoking marihuana– as well as for the use of many other psychoactive herbs and plants and fungi– to attain certain mental states.
Recently, society has seen some very significant changes in its perception of weed itself, so the stereotype is quickly shifting. Smoking weed, for women, is a symbol for mental liberation; freedom of thought to form their own opinions and make their own decisions. It is a connection to their ancestry. It is ancient medicine, a tool for meditation, a way to relax the mind. In that way weed liberates us- it connects us again with the struggles of the witches they hunted, of the healers they killed and of the rebels they silenced. It is our natural right to use it and to enjoy it.
Q: Has cannabis affected your life in some way? If so, how?
A: I have to say, I’m a light user. In my late teens and early twenties I used to smoke heavily, but nowadays I mostly just use CBD based products. If I do toke up, it’s very occasional. It’s when I don’t have any pressing responsibilities, and that’s usually on a lazy Sunday afternoon by the beach or watching a movie.
Cannabis has never been taboo within my family. Excessive usage, of course, is discouraged, but casual use with consciousness has never been shunned. I was lucky to be born to a couple of flower children who lived the peak of their youth in the 1970’s, and they happened to be in the longer-haired side of society. Instead of hiding it, they always educated me and let me make up my own mind about things.
I’m a huge advocate for cannabis’ mental and physical benefits; I use it to manage anxiousness, when I have trouble sleeping, and for some knee pain I get once In a while because of a surgery I had about 15 years ago. I consider it medicine, as well as having amazing mood boosting qualities, but I know that it isn’t for everyone. I truly don’t see anything wrong with its use.
Q: How do you think we can change the stigma of cannabis?
A: Society is already taking steps in the right direction. From the time when I was a teen in the early 2000’s to today, I can see an unbelievable shift in the mindset of the general public. People are way more open-minded about experimenting with cannabis in their later years. Now we have 40 and 50 years old trying out the medical benefits of cannabis, which they probably would’ve never done before, and it is because decriminalization, legalization and the shift of perspective as a whole.
I believe that the first step of destigmatizing cannabis is to stop seeing it as a drug and start thinking of it as a tool. The future is holistic healing, this is proven with each new study done on the cannabis plant– every time, a new array of benefits and significant effects get confirmed.
Another important point is education. There are a lot of myths surrounding the use of weed, and the people who use it. We need to inform people about how to use weed correctly for their specific needs, which might be very different from those of another individual.
Now with more public figures and role models speaking openly about their marihuana habits, being a “stoner” is more destigmatized than ever, proving that casual marijuana usage has no real harmful effects and doesn’t interfere with the productivity of these well-known members of society.
In my opinion, the next step towards progress is the decriminalization for recreational usage. People don’t deserve to be treated like criminals for smoking some pot. It really doesn’t hurt anyone.
You can follow Isabela and her artwork @isabelaescobart
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The design for the Cannabag stems from the idea of keeping your bud fresh in an area that’s accessible to your rolling necessities as well.
Multifunctional and personable - The Cannabag quickly became a necessity and staple, it really became the main focus of our starter kit. The resealable enclosure ensures all your rolling necessities are being kept fresh and private, while the detailed design and minimalistic features of the Cannabag make it incognizant of the bud.
Our priority is experiencing cannabis as a next-generation way making it fun and easy as oppose to grungy and ugly - a Cannabag is included with every purchase.
Certain things in life come and go but the idea of something iconic remains engrained in our minds forever. Culture embodies art, politics, science, history and so much more that define the present, the future and the past. Be Disruptive, Be Rebellious, Be Creative.
"Be Disruptive"
"Be Rebellious"
"Be Creative"
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