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There is Hope – Steve Miller Essential Tremor

Essential Tremor is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary shaking or trembling
movements, most commonly affecting the hands and arms but also sometimes affecting the head, voice, or legs. The tremors can range from mild to severe and can worsen with movement or stress. ET is the most common movement disorder, affecting up to 1% of the population, and it typically starts in mid to late adulthood, but for Steve it began as a kid.

While the exact cause of essential tremor is unknown, it is believed to be due to abnormal communication between certain areas of the brain, particularly those involved in controlling movement. There is a genetic component to the disorder too. This hereditary condition has led his father, sisters, son and daughter to all having different levels of progression. When speaking to Steve he described the feeling as if you were sitting in a massage chair turned on high, vibrating intensely 24/7 and that’s what his day looks like, centered behind his diaphragm.

There is no known cure for Essential Tremor, but there are several treatments that can help manage the symptoms. These include medications such as beta-blockers and anticonvulsants, which can help reduce the severity of tremors, as well as occupational therapy and physical therapy, which can help improve coordination and reduce the impact of tremors on daily activities. In some cases, deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery may also be recommended, which involves implanting electrodes in the brain to help regulate abnormal movement signals.

According to Steve, he hasn’t had the best of luck with doctors being willing to hear him out and listen to him or even let him demonstrate how it’s effective, by putting a few drops of an RSO base oil, along with a combination of cannabis derived terpenes and cannabinoids. He doesn’t take any of the 43 different medications that he had previously been on for ET. Cannabis has been a major part of his healing journey for the last three years, when he started experimenting with this plant. There’s been multiple doctors who have lost Steve as a patient, simply because they wouldn’t listen to him. It also seems to be that they’re losing a Pharma patient because cannabis is healing him instead and it’s definitely a threat to the pharmaceutical industry.

Upon entering Steve’s home, he purposely didn’t want to medicate before we got there so we could see the severity of his shakes and then to see them subside. By using the RSO combo in the morning,(about 160-200 mgs) which is about 6 grains of rice, it takes quite a bit for him to help. He applies about six drops to his wrists. Eventually, he stops shaking and his symptoms are not as prevalent from the start. This is applied two times throughout the day, followed by a nice dose of RSO to help him sleep throughout the night. This formula is what he’s been experimenting with on his own, making his medicine with the help of other knowledgeable minds.

I got to sit down with Steve and chat with him about growing up, his experiences with Essential Tremors and figuring out what’s going on with it, and how he handles this disease on a daily basis. To get to know him a little better, I asked him how he grew up and what life was like dealing with ET.

Since third grade, Steve grew up in the house we were sitting in, that he currently lives in right now. I could only imagine the nostalgia and memories, being a 70 year old man living in the house you grew up in. 1962 is when they moved into the home and the main road was a dirt road at the time in the city; not anymore! Steve’s dad dealt with ET, and his mother had it too. Steve and both of his sisters also dealt with this disease, which I quickly learned can drive you absolutely mad, not being able to handle the symptoms. Steve has always had a gift of being a caretaker for other people and took care of his sister before she passed.

Drinking alcohol has been known to control the outer shakes and your cognitive function, but that can be a slippery slope. This disorder can cause people to create suicide by alcohol, and dealing with high anxiety symptoms. This method was always helpful, but not a good habit. Steve completely quit drinking though a few years ago and chooses to medicate with plant medicine only now.

Growing up was pretty tough for Steve and having Essential Tremors really affected him as a kid, even more so than being an adult. He started noticing the shakes whenever he was in first grade. His teachers even noticed it but didn’ know what to do with it, much like the doctors today he says. It wasn’t easy for him to make friends because no one wanted to talk to him, he was made fun of and always was alone, with horrible anxiety. He failed first grade and was happy taking an F, because he couldn’t get up in front of the class and talk at all. Even as an adult, he’s had trouble with finding work for the same reasons. No one wants to hire you if they see you shaking, while working on machines and working on cars often. Steve emphasizes on the fact that he’s had to reinvent himself so many times for this exact reason. The anxiety that ET brings you can come out of nowhere and makes you so anxious that you just have to keep going and allow yourself to stay busy.

Anything with purple Steve says he is attracted to and it helps him. Myrcene and Caryophyllene are terpenes that tend to help with anxiety. His first time trying RSO happened to be a full-spectrum White Widow strain that was a 1:1. It calmed his inner tremor down to 50% of what it is normally and he could actually sleep. He currently has a grower, nourishing a 1:1 strain for him now.

The disease itself changes and you have to know how to deal with it, so you can live a life to where you feel like you have some kind of healing control of your body, without it driving you mad and living a miserable life. Sounds intense, but that’s exactly what ET is, it’s intense and affects your life, your brain function, your heart, and really all areas of your life. Cannabis has been a huge tool and trauma healer for Steve.

Steve’s main goal is to help kids with this disease. To have a program and the tools in place to diagnose kids in school with it and be able to recognize this disease and what to do so they could help themselves and be better students and take care of their wellbeing, without feeling lost and alone.

During our time together we also touched on the power of other plant medicine that he hasn’t had the opportunity to dive into just yet, but plans on it to see how other plant medicines are also very beneficial to our cognitive and physical functions and could actually be surprisingly healing and powerful to a body that is experiencing Essential Tremors.

Essential Tremor Awareness, Mental Health & Cannabis Awareness are what Steve is passionate about. The power of cannabis as medicine and what it’s doing for people who experience ET is truly amazing and deeply healing in more ways than one. You can’t help but think what it would be like for everyone to be able to have access to this plant, including those who are incarcerated. This plant will eventually be healing to an entire Nation, once it goes Federally legal. In the meantime, people like Steve can share their stories and he even had the chance to medicate in front of the OMMA team and they were very moved after seeing the results right before their own eyes. He’s living out his childhood dreams and it’s touching to see. It’s one step at a time with like minded people helping others and gathering as a community to be heard.

A Toke of Wellness

Mushrooms are more closely related to animals than to plants! That’s a wild, but true, statement. Mushrooms breathe like we do. They take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. Similarly to plants, they are rooted and rely on their roots for nutrition! Over millions of years, plants and animals have evolved alongside our fungi friends, and we have developed a pretty intricate relationship with them.

Despite the lack of science, ancient cultures knew medicinal mushrooms worked. The fifth century alchemist Tao Hongjing described the appearance and effects of several medicinal mushrooms. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine practices have used mushrooms as medicine for centuries and still do today! Mushrooms are also mentioned in Hippocrates’ writings from 450 BC and in many ancient Greek and Roman writings.

In our modern world, spring has arrived! From immunity to allergies and a host of other benefits, it’s time to take a closer look at the role of functional mushrooms for our wellness routines.

FUNCTIONAL VS PSYCHEDELIC
Our Highest Intent tinctures contain two powerful mushrooms: Lion’s Mane and Reishi. Most people ask me, “Are these psychedelic mushrooms?” The answer is, no! Psychedelic mushrooms contain compounds called psilocybin and psilocin. These compounds act on serotonin receptors and lead to altered states of consciousness and other psychological eects. Functional mushrooms contain other bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans, terpenoids, and sterols, as well as compounds specific to each type of mushroom. These compounds have exhibited various health benefits including immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Mushrooms are fat-free, cholesterol-free, gluten-free, and low in carbs, calories, and sodium. Additionally, they are abundant in vitamin and mineral content, along with antioxidants, which are essential to a strong immune system. Let’s take a closer look at Reishi and Lion’s Mane!

Buying Mushrooms? What to look for!
The benefits of functional mushrooms are incredible, but not all mushroom products are created equal. When buying mushroom products, here are some things to look for:

Mycelium on grain vs fruited body
Mycelium on grain is used in some mushroom products instead of fruited bodies. Mycelium has amazing benefits, but most “mycelium” products contain very little. Unfortunately, there is no way to separate mycelium from grain when it is grown on grain, resulting in an end product that is mainly grain starch.

high extraction ratios
The extraction ratio refers to the volume of mushrooms used to make the extract. In a 4:1 extract, four pounds of mushrooms make one pound of extract. Mushroom density and other physical characteristics determine that number more than extraction thoroughness. So if you see a big ratio like 100:1, then many mushrooms were wasted.

“Full-spectrum”
If you leave myceliated grain long enough, it will form tiny fruiting bodies on the grain. If you ground that into a powder, it would technically contain mycelium and fruited bodies, aka full-spectrum. However, the reality is that the final product will still be mostly grain starch.

Might not even contain mushrooms
In 2017, 19 reishi mushroom products were tested for compounds consistent with Reishi mushrooms. The study found that 74% of those productsdid NOT contain the proper compounds! Always research the source of the mushrooms you buy.

Extracts vs powders
Beta-glucans, triterpenes, sterols, these are the magical compounds our bodies crave and they’re locked up inside mushroom cell walls. Because our stomachs are not capable of breaking down these cell walls, these compounds must be extracted to be eective in our bodies. A mushroom supplement that is not the result of a duel-extraction will not provide the most benefit.

Mushrooms are powerful, naturally medicinal allies that can improve the quality of our daily lives. It is imperative to do proper research before purchasing mushroom products. Herbal Academy, DoubleBlind, and Oklahoma Fungi are a couple brands trusted by many to learn about
mushrooms! You can also reach out to us on instragram to learn more.


A Toke of Wellness

Delta 9 thc, commonly known as just THC, is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. It is responsible for most, but not all, of the plant’s medicinal effects. When inhaled, ∆9 THC is absorbed directly into the bloodstream and swiftly distributed to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body. This rapid absorption means onset time is quick, but the effects aren’t as lasting as edibles. When ingested in oil form, ∆9 THC is metabolized by the liver and converted into a new compound, 11-hydroxy-THC.

11-Hydroxy-THC is more potent and longer lasting than ∆9 THC. However, in this case “more potent” and “longer lasting” don’t automatically mean “better” or “more reliable”. With 11-hydroxy-THC the onset and duration of its effects can be more unpredictable than ∆9 THC. This is because the time it takes for the liver to metabolize ∆9 THC can vary depending on the person’s metabolism, the dose consumed, and whether they ate shortly before or after.

Full-Spectrum Extract refers to extracts that contain all of the natural compounds found in cannabis plants, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Rather than a single compound on its own, this combination of compounds work together and rely on each other to produce a greater therapeutic effect.

BROAD-Spectrum Extract The CBD market, defines broad-spectrum cannabis extracts as a type of extract that contains a variety of terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids (minus THC). However in the THC market, broad-spectrum refers to an extract that maintains a variety of cannabinoids, but no terpenes or flavonoids. While terpenes are medicinal compounds, they are volatile oils that often get destroyed in digestion and are better absorbed via inhalation.

ISOLATE Extract To obtain a single cannabinoid from the cannabis plant (like CBD or THC), an isolate extraction is utilized. In this process, all other components of the plant, such as terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids, are removed. Typically, harsh techniques, like solvents, are used to strip the targeted cannabinoid from the rest of the plant material. The end product is a highly concentrated, powdered form of the single cannabinoid. Most of the cannabis products on the market that are formulated with specific ratios of cannabinoids (1:1, 12:1, 1:1:1, etc.) typically rely on cannabis isolates to achieve these exact ratios.

CANNABIS OILS , whether they are full or broad spectrum, are highly concentrated extracts made through various extraction methods. However, when cannabis oil is consumed in an edible form, most of the therapeutic cannabis material is destroyed during digestion as oil and water do not mix, and the human body is mostly made up of water. As a result, only a small amount of the ∆9 THC in the oil can be absorbed by the body. Once absorbed, it is metabolized into 11-hydroxy-thc which is responsible for the “edible high” from oil-based edibles.

NANO EMULSIFIED / WATER SOLUBLE Cannabis oils can be made more bioavailable by emulsification. This process breaks down cannabinoids into small particles, increasing their surface area for better absorption. Nano cannabinoids can be up to 10x more bioavailable than traditional oil-based cannabinoids, thus improving their therapeutic effectiveness. Nanoemulsions keep THC from being converted to 11-hydroxy-THC, bypassing liver metabolism and entering the bloodstream directly. As a result, the effects are more predictable and consistent, reducing unexpected side effects.

NATURAL FLAVORS + COLORS Cannabis edibles can be flavored and colored with many natural ingredients. Most of them are made from essential oils, extracts, or distillates of natural ingredients: fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, minerals, and animal products (unless they’re vegan!). Natural ingredients are often preferred over artificial because they do not contain synthetic chemicals or artificial
additives.

ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS + COLORS Synthetic and artificial ingredients can pose processing challenges for the body both in the short and long term. These components have the potential to disrupt the body’s metabolic and hormonal functions. Often, artificial ingredients are derived from natural sources and chemically modified to enhance flavor or color. In contrast, certain ingredients such as Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Red 40 are entirely synthetic.

SUGARS + SWEETENERS Edibles can be sweetened with natural or artificial options. Fruit puree contains naturally occurring simple sugars, fructose and sucrose, making it a natural choice. Allulose, found in some fruits, is a rare sugar, but not necessarily environmentally sustainable when produced at scale. High fructose corn syrup is a cheaper, commonly used sweetener, but associated with health risks such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Sugar-Free can be beneficial for some patients’ particular needs, however artificial sweeteners are often substituted in place of natural sugar to achieve a sweet sugar-free edible.

MELATONIN Sleep and wake cycles are regulated by melatonin, an essential hormone produced by the body. Supplemental melatonin can disrupt the body’s natural production and can sometimes cause unwanted side effects such as daytime drowsiness, headaches, and nausea. Reishi mushroom, which encourages the body’s own melatonin production, is a more natural sleep aid.

GELATIN is derived from collagen found in the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals, usually cows or pigs. It’s commonly used in the production of cannabis gummies to give them their shape and texture. Because gelatin is derived from animal collagen, it is high in certain amino acids that can be difficult for the gut to break down. Occasionally consuming gelatin is not harmful, but regular consumption can cause health issues such as irritating the lining of the gut, bloating, gas, and constipation.

Raise Your Highbration

Vibrational medicine is a wealth to add to anyone’s skill tree, be it a novice smoker, or a seasoned stoner! After all, just because someone’s proficient in an art doesn’t mean there’s nothing left to learn, and we all want the most holistic high we can create for ourselves, right?

Let’s begin by defining ‘vibrational medicine’.

Everything and everyone has a vibration. It’s a state of being that can be high or low depending on the stimulus on your everyday environment and how you choose to relate to it internally.

Cannabis has a vibration too, and that vibration changes the more the plant is tampered with, for example, with PGR’s (plant growth regulators) or even the disposition of the grower as its tending to budding plants.

Interestingly enough the plant, alongside carrying its own vibration acts like an enhancer for the overall current an individual carries with their vibration at the time of ingestion. So what does that mean exactly?

It could mean many things. It could mean that if you’re buzzed at a party you don’t even want to be at, but are because you’re actively people pleasing, have 89 problems on your plate and no solutions, only complaints – the weed that your deciding to ingest is going to shut you down and numb you out, or on the other end, make you panic.

Low situatons breed low results.

Alternatively, it could mean that you just took a big step for yourself in terms of self care and set a healthy boundary with a friend or family member, moreover you had a balances nourishing meal and took the time to meditate like you keep reminding yourself to do.

So when you sit back for the evening, and partake in some choice cannabis, it’s going to generally Inspire you and cradle that warmth you’ve shown yourself that day, because you matter! Great job!

Now those are two random situations, the point is if you’re surrounded and full of self love, the medicine is going to enhance that as long as you’re medicating smart for your body.

If your focus is chaotic and honed in on failure, stress, and the opinions of others before your own, your medicine will latch onto that state of ennancement and bring little benefit and more distraction.

Distraction may show auick results, but in the long term it’s not doing anyone any favors.

Now if you’re anything like me, step by step can really put it in perspective, so maybe treat it like a nightcap ritual, or a morning motivator if you have the ability! Dedicate some time just for you and your medicine.

A Toke of Wellness: Herbs & Intimacy

The fast pace of todays society and all of our digital distractions can contribute to a feeling of disconnection from what’s truly important in life. This sense of disconnection directly affects our ability to be vulnerable and share intimate moments with loved ones. We might crave closeness with our loved ones and ourselves, but it may be hard for some of us to get in touch with and express our deepest emotions and intentions. As humans, we are hardwired for connection. At our core we are looking to feel heard, seen and accepted for who we are without shame or judgment. Current neuroscience research shows that feelings of disconnection share the same neural pathways as physical pain. Isolation, feelings of loneliness, and a lack of intimacy can feel like a physical injury. It is vital to overall wellbeing to have healthy and stable relationships in our lives.

Humans have been in communication and relationship to the plant kingdom since our beginning. Throughout history plants have played a significant role in assisting humans in adapting to our surrounding environments. On a personal level we can continue to harness the wisdom of plant medicine to help us to grow and evolve in our modern lives by finding intentional ways to incorporate herbs in all that we do. When it comes to intimacy, we need to look inside in order to address some more personal patterns, however leaning on herbal allies can offer assistance on the journey to understanding and developing more meaningful connections in general. Whether you’re looking for more shared emotional depth with close associations, intensified physical sensation and/or an overall amplified sense of intimacy with self and others, these are herbs that can help!

Roses personify love and passion. Rose works on the heart both mentally and emotionally through it’s high content of volatile oils. These oils attach to our mucous membranes through inhalation or ingestion and this communicates to our nervous system that we are safe to relax, slowing down our heart rate and softening tense tissue. Rose has an overall anti-inflammatory effect which can aid in a calm heart and mind, making space for vulnerability.

Damiana can be traced back to the Aztecs who used it to foster connection with a greater power, and with one another. It is very well known for it’s aphrodisiac properties, so much so that the traditional name is —T. aphrodisiaca. It has an ability to stimulate the nervous system which intensifies physical sensations and desires. Damiana often produces an uplifting and euphoric feeling within the body that can help to relieve anxiety and dissolve any dense feelings.

We spend our entire lives with ourselves. This truly is our most intimate relationship. Cannabis awakens our senses, and can encourage us to surrender to the present moment. This gives us access to our innermost truth, and increases our ability to feel pleasurable sensations. Cannabis helps activate our body’s parasympathetic state, bringing us into a more stable and relaxed internal environment. Combining Cannabis with select other herbs can intensify specific desired effects.

Try Them Together! Roll one up with equal parts dried ground rose petals, damiana, and your favorite relaxing cannabis strain. Enjoy with your lover or close friends to intensify and activate rich connection. We also encourage you to enjoy a mindful session on your own. Get in touch with your emotions and deepen your relationship with yourself. It is ultimatley the quality of the relationship with ourselves that provides the wellspring from which all of our other relationships benefit. 

Hannah is a practicing herbalist, nutritionist and Reiki master. She works with patients through her own business, Sacred Nourishment. She formulates the Highest Intent products. @hannahpearl.222. This information is Intended for educational purposes only, not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. If you are on any medication please consult a doctor or qualified professional before consuming any herbs.

*Mountain Rose Herbs is our favorite online source of ethical, sustainable and organiclly grown herbs!

Feminine Divine: Bailee Bruce

Harnessing the Goddess energy that exists in all of us, through breath, movement, nature, and meditation.

Bailee is a guide, visionary, gatherer, mover, teacher, & a student of life. I’ve always admired what she’s created, the experiences she provides, through shining her light and turning inward, while listening to her own inner wisdom. Through her social media channels, she really gives you a visual insight with information on what she does through engaging Instagram captions, photos and videos that she puts her own divine touch on.

She’s a lightworker that’s all about connection. She’s paving the way for Reiki, Native Movement, natural health, and is so passionate about every aspect of it, here in Oklahoma.

Born and raised in the heart of Oklahoma, Bailee has devoted her life to studying the mind, body, spirit connection as well as the Traditional Medicine practices of her Cherokee + Choctaw ancestors. Throughout her career, she has gained professional experience in dance, yoga, energy medicine, somatic healing, natural health & more. She is a firm believer that the majority of our human suffering stems from the disconnect we have with our spiritual selves, with the land, with each other, and most importantly with the innate wisdom of our bodies.

Bailee offers regenerative healing, reiki sessions, somatic healing, native movement, private group sessions, ceremonies, trainings & retreats using these Four Pathways: Embodied Spirituality, The Fundamentals of Wholeness & Sustainability, The Sacred Language of Signs & Symbols, Connecting to the “Energy of Oneness” through the Heart for Holistic Healing and Nervous System Regulation.

Throughout her career, she has helped individuals reconnect to their own innate wisdom for healing, preventive health, vitality and well being for the mind, body and spirit.

“We are all just walking each other home” – Ram Dass

Her trauma informed approach is safe, open, gentle and nurturing. The philosophies and methodology she integrates into her offerings & teachings are rooted in & influenced by Zen & Tibetan Buddhism, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Native American Spirituality.

She’s such a natural and beautiful, free moving soul. She enjoys plant and energy medicine and is always motivating, inspiring, and pouring into so many.

Whatever sparks community and connection with people, is what she lives for. While giving people tools and practices for their own well being, Bailee expressed that the exchange is so special. I got to chat with her while she shared her heart, passion, and expertise with me.

What is Native Movement and what does it embody?

Native Movement is a somatic practice centered around embodied spirituality. It is the creative force, innate and instinctual movement within each of us. It is an alchemizing, movement-based practice that helps one release or resolve stored emotions, stress, traumas & outdated beliefs in order to embody a desired state of being. One that feels like truth, safety, expansion and liberation. We use the pillars of: Somatic Experiencing, Somatic Storytelling, Somatic Resourcing, & Somatic Integration to help us connect to and embody the authentic expression of our spiritual “soul” selves. Native Movement integrates multiple techniques & therapies into one practice. (Breathwork, Meditation, Writing, Improvisational Movement, Yoga, Touch, Aroma Therapy, & Sound). These somatic tools support our efforts to realign with our wholeness, aliveness, intuition, wisdom, power, purpose, joy, unique individuality, & loving essence.

Where did your passion form? Where did it stem from?

My passion formed when I quickly realized I was a sensitive & empathetic being at a young age. I saw a need for empathy, sensitivity & healing just from the state of the world. Over the years my passion for helping others has grown the more I hav studied and learned about psycho-somatic illness and the healing modalities to support such imbalances. Now, I feel this passion has evolved into something greater than myself and I am just along for the ride, wherever it is meant to take me.

You pour into other people and show them different ways to heal. How do you fill your own cup up?

When I can intentionally spend quality time with just myself and my own energy doing the things that I love and that bring me joy & nourish me (i.e., meditation, writing, movement, plant medicine, getting out in nature, reading, eating good food, etc.,) that naturally fills up my cup and helps me stay energetically centered so I can engage with & support others without their energy influencing mine.

What is Reiki and what does this type of work look like? What are the benefits?

Reiki is an alternative relaxation therapy that uses hands-on-healing and works with the spiritually guided life-force energy within all living things. Reiki helps attune the mind, body, and emotional states of the individual to the frequency of “universal love, wholeness & oneness” or to the client’s desired intention. We are energetic beings who are alive and function because of this life-force energy. When this energy gets depleted, blocked, manipulated or imbalanced, dis-ease and illness can manifest in the body. Reiki does no harm and is a holistic therapy by nature because, in order to harmonize and align the energy of the individual, we have to work towards balancing the beliefs & thoughts in the mind, — that directly influences our emotional states and so forth. Everything is all connected! Reiki empowers the client to connect to their own inner healer within. It benefits the nervous system through regulation, strengthens one’s immunity, increases vitality, and enhances self-awareness & spiritual connection overall. It is a great therapy for preventative health & is complimentary to conventional medical treatments.

Tell me about the work you’re doing at The Integris Cancer Institute.

I am one of the Practitioners for the Mindfulness & Meditation Program that takes place at the Integris Cancer Institute in the James L. Hall Center for Mind, Body & Spirit. This new program is the very first in the state of Oklahoma to offer several alternative therapies such as reiki, yoga nidra, somatics, sound healing and more alongside the patient’s conventional cancer treatment. I just started working there in November, providing reiki to the patients undergoing cancer treatment as well as those who are in remission. The program is still very new as it just started in the fall of 2022. I look forward to seeing how this program can continue to grow and influence modern medicine. I am just beyond grateful to be a part of something so groundbreaking!

Do you have any mentors that you look up to, that have inspired you?

I have many inspirations, elders, mentors & teachers (in person, from books & online) Danielle Laporte, Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, Anodea Judith, Debi Dunbar Mahoney, Sun Bear, Joe Dispenza, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Sarah Blondin, and Stephanie Serafina to name a few..

Connecting to your own innate wisdom and coming home to yourself. What’s the simplest way to explain the concept of how to do this?

Anytime you can be fully present with yourself, taking some deep breaths with awareness of sensation, placing the hands gently on parts of the body that are carrying tension or moving your body in the way that it speaks to you, — are some of the simplest ways to come home to yourself & connect with one’s own inner wisdom.

Tell me about Origins of Spirit and what you have going on there & the exciting things for 2023.

Origins of Spirit is a Lifestyle Brand, Holistic Wellness Studio, Community Event Space, Eco Market & Apothecary located in Bethany, Oklahoma. Myself & my business partner, Deanna are Co-Owners & Lead Facilitators. We both offer wellness services, classes & collaborate events in the space. For 2023, we are working on building our retail space & creating the upcoming product lines for our seasonal wellness kits. These kits help to support & nourish you during the transitions of the seasons. Give us a follow to learn more! — @originsofspirit

How do you personally embody your own Divine Feminine?

I allow myself to soften more often. I allow myself to trust & surrender to the flow of life. I allow myself to be guided by my intuition vs. my analytical mind. I allow myself more opportunities for creativity & co-creation. I allow myself more time for play & rest without guilt. I allow myself to choose safety, beauty, & pleasure as my baseline over fear, comparison, & stress.

How have you created a life you love, on your own terms?

At a very young age, I was able to connect to my gifts of vision, creativity, curiosity, intuition & manifestation. I believe this life I have created thus far is because I was able to trust in and utilize those gifts early on. Sure, I also worked really hard for many years, did the corporate 9-5 thing with a side hustle while going to school part time and dancing professionally, accomplishing big dreams at a young age. I quickly became burnt out and felt disconnected from my true self & purpose. I was living my life to please others. I found myself often questioning who am I in this world and what do I want to do with this one precious life of mine? Since then, I have been on a journey to reframe the way I think of success, work, hustle culture & how I go about achieving what I desire. Creating my life will always be on my own terms and always has been. I think when we can recognize the true power we hold as humans to manifest our lives, everything shifts and we stop comparing & living for the validation of others, and we start living from the wisdom & intention of our hearts. I love my life, every aspect of it. The good, the bad, the ugly, the exceptional. I think I will forever be creating it & falling in love with it repeatedly until I take my last breath. I think the secret to truly enjoying & loving the life you are living is to feel worthy of it, slow down & be present with it, make it sacred & show gratitude for it. That keeps you in a place of receiving, divine trust and abundance no matter what life throws at you or blesses you with. I look forward to manifesting more of what speaks to my soul & makes this one fleeting life worthwhile.

If you’re a book reader, what are you currently reading and do you have any books that have been life changing that you recommend?

I’m currently reading a few books at once. The books I’ve listed below have been some of the most life changing and supportive for me over the years. I am usually always recommending them to friends, family, & clients.

1. “Heart Minded” by Sarah Blondin

2. “Eastern Body Western Mind” by Anodea Judith

3. “The Science of the Sacred” by Nicole Redvers, ND

4. “The Practice of Wholeness” by Lorena Monda

5. “Rise Sister Rise” by Rebecca Campbell

What does attending a retreat that you host look like?

My retreats can look like a lot of things, but what they feel like is connection & presence. No matter the type of retreat, what time of year it is held or where we are gathering, participants will have the opportunity to embody the energetic pillars of presence & connection. Retreat attendees get to connect to nature, to each other on a deeper level, to wellness techniques & spiritual practices that in turn connects one more fully to themselves. Retreats are a great place to “fast track” one’s innate ability to reset the mind & body, expand consciousness & self-awareness, and reconnect back to one’s wholeness.

What are some of your everyday rituals that are sacred to you?

I may not be able to do them EVERY day, (I am only human) but they are consistent enough in my life to be considered sacred rituals for daily support. Those rituals include: Breathwork, Drinking Plenty of Water, Eating Nutrient Dense Meals, Native Movement, My Skincare Regimen, Prayer or Gratitude Practice, Plant Medicine (Cannabis / Flower Essences), Self-touch (Reiki / EFT Tapping) and Aroma Therapy. Even the simplest or mundane things we do to survive & thrive here on earth can be considered sacred when done with intentionality of the heart & full presence of the mind.

What’s the most rewarding thing about getting to do what you do?

Getting to connect with others at the soul level, practicing empathy and humility, expressing my creativity & providing holistic resources to the community is so fulfilling that it goes way beyond just a job or what I “do”. I believe it is my calling, my purpose, my gift, and to be able to embody that in my own unique way that also supports my dream life is what’s most rewarding!

Always learning and evolving, Bailee finds her creativity when she’s moving and in her element, helping others find and utilize tools to heal, and tuning into her own creative expression that naturally flows throughout her body. I’m thankful for the work she’s doing in our community and how she’s changing peoples lives through different, healing approaches. This woman is a gem, making waves in Oklahoma!

To learn more and stay in the know, you can head over to her website: 

http://www.baileebruce.com

 

A Toke of Wellness

A TOKE OF WELLNESS BY ANNA WILDER 

Over the past two decades, wellness and self-care have significantly evolved. It is astonishing how many products and practices are available to us in the modern era, including plant medicineslike psychedelics and Cannabis! It might also seem a little … overwhelming? Confusing? Dare we say, sometimes, suspect? Which ultimately begs the question: How do we approach our wellness journeys in an educated, confident and intentional way?

BUILDING TRUST

Our educational sources range from nutrition and wellness experts to social media influencers and more. Realistically, consumers don’t always have the time to research these products and practices the way we would want to. What we really want is a friend who knows and has done the research – an educated guide! Someone we trust; we’re here to help you with that!

HANNAH PEARL – Herbalist + Nutritionist 

Hannah is a practicing herbalist, nutritionist and Reiki master, earning her certification from the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in Arizona. Hannah works with patients through her own business, Sacred Nourishment. She also
co-owns and formulates the Highest Intent products.

ANNA WILDER – Wellness Education & patient advocate

Anna is a cannabis, psychedelic and wellness educator. She researches and analyzes wellness products and practices commonly available. She and her husband founded Highest Intent with the goal to help people proactively care for
themselves through the power of plant medicine.

BRIDGET FRANCIS – Herbalist + Nutritionist 

Bridget is a practicing embodiment coach. She holds certifications from AFPA in holistic nutrition, as well as specializing in herbalism from Herbal Academy. Bridget founded Inner Calm Co., a wellness company, with the desireto help her clients find balance and confidence in their wellness journeys.

Together we make up the Highest Intent wellness education team

Highest Intent offers daily wellness tincture that combine three of nature’s most powerful medicinal plants: cannabis, functional mushrooms and ancient herbs. We wanted to make a product that we knew was 100% natural, delicious and trustworthy. With this brand, we hope to introduce others to the ongoing discourse surrounding the impact of nature’s medicines on our health. We’re thankful to Herbage that you’re reading these words, because that means we’re
achieving our goals!

Self Care vs. Wellness

Yes, wellness and self care can be different things. Self-care can exist as ensuring you’re drinking a proper amount of water each day to maintain good hydration, while wellness is knowing that purified water is devoid of the minerals our body needs to adequately process the water we are drinking. This knowledge translates to understanding that purified water will strip the body of mineral stores in order to process the water we are drinking, granting our bodies the tools to stay properly hydrated.

Wellness is educated self-care

Self care is recognizing that we need to take care of ourselves each day in order to maintain a good quality of life. Wellness is knowing that there is pivotal information to be learned andapplied in order to maximize the benefit of our self-care routines.

Our education team often discusses the fact that when we go to the doctor,we’re typically not asked about our diet, sleep habits, wellness routine, daily stressors or exercise. Meanwhile these are all of the things that are foundational to our daily health. Doctors have a wonderful intention to help their patients live healthy lives, howeverit can be hard to give singular attention and accurate proactive health advice to the 9th or 10th patient of the day! Over the coming months, we plan to introduce, educate and familiarize you with simple and accessible proactive wellness tips. We believe every person has a right to understand their bodies and feel confident in their wellness decisions and routines. We want to lend a helping hand as you cultivate your own journey!

Let’s Connect!

For regular wellness information and education from our team, make sure to follow @ highestintent2.0. We’ll see you next month with some juicy information
on cannabis, herbs and intimacy!

 

Cannabis and the Nervous System

By Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D., CTC, CNHP, NHC
Board Certified and Award-Winning Holistic Health Practitioner

When discussing the relief can have on the nervous system we need to first begin with how the
nervous system works and how cannabis can affect that. To begin with, electrical impulses and
neurotransmitters are used by neurons in the brain to interact. The nervous system is a complex
network of nerves and specialized cells known as neurons that send and receive messages
throughout the body. The nervous system, as you may know, is divided into two components.
The peripheral nervous system, which contains the nerves and ganglia on the outside of the
brain and spinal cord, is the initial component. The brain, cranial nerves, and spinal cord make
up the central nervous system. CBD has been shown through studies and extensive
studies to protect the neurological system in a variety of ways.

Trauma, extreme stress, infections, degeneration, congenital difficulties, structural defects,
tumors, blood flow disturbance, and/or autoimmune disorders can all be the cause or can
contribute to a central nervous system disorder. There are various nutrients, foods,
practices, and meditations that can assist to regulate the neurological system, in
addition to cannabis. I know this very well as I have spent the majority of the last decade
learning about how to heal myself.

Central nervous system disorders are a large spectrum of diseases that affect the brain or
spinal cord. Seizures (which I am quite familiar with), cancer, inflammatory illnesses, arthritis,
schizophrenia (and other mental disorders), depression, and neuropathy are just a few of the
numerous forms of central nervous system disorders. While central nervous system illnesses
differ widely, they all result in a loss of adequate, undamaged nerve cells. Headaches, tension,
weariness, tingling or loss of feeling, muscle weakness, loss of sight or double or blurred vision,
memory loss, reduced mental capacity, lack of coordination, tremors, and back pain are all
common symptoms associated with central nervous system problems.

A fatty acid called amide hydroxylase (FAAH) exists in the human body, and it is an enzyme that
breaks down the neurotransmitter anandamide, which is related to the neuronal creation of
motivation and pleasure in cannabis. CBD inhibits FAAH in the body, resulting in greater levels
of anandamide, which binds to Cannabinoid type 1 receptors naturally (known as CB1). These
are primarily found in our brains and neurological systems. There are at least 85 different forms
of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, including CBD and THC. This has the effect of calming
the nervous system and assisting it in regaining its equilibrium. CBD effectively promotes
the production of 2-AG, an endocannabinoid that stimulates both CB1 and CB2 receptors
(known as CB2). These receptors are important for mood, memory, hunger, sleep, and inflammation reduction in the human body. As a result, CBD topical therapies have been known to help lower brain inflammation linked with autoimmune illnesses, which can lead to fatty coating damage in neurons.

Neuropathic pain is produced by injury to the somatosensory nerve system, and reducing
inflammation in the brain may be utilized to treat it. Cannabis has been demonstrated in studies
to have neuroprotective properties and to maintain brain and spinal cord health, which aids in
the treatment of a range of central nervous system illnesses. Cannabis cannabinoids (such as
cannabidiol CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol THC) have been demonstrated to protect neurons
and astrocytes from injury, control inflammatory responses, and aid in neuroregeneration.
CBD, like THC, is a primary cannabinoid present in cannabis, however, it lacks the euphoric
characteristics of THC. As a result, it’s ideal for individuals who, like myself, have a life that
requires complete concentration. The full whole plant, organic CBD attaches to the
cannabinoid type one receptor in the brain, thus it doesn’t produce any of the “altered”
effects that THC does. My anxiety and nervous system issues were successfully treated
beginning with a CBD dosage of 20-40 mg.

Please with your physician to learn what options are available to you. This article’s content is
solely for educational purposes. Before starting any new diet or lifestyle change, consult your
knowledgeable primary health care physician, raw food nutritionist, or other health care expert.
BONUS: To help the central nervous system, it is recommended that you consume magnesium-
rich meals on a daily basis. Magnesium-rich foods include the following:

*Cocoa: A 3.5-ounce serving of dark chocolate has nearly 500 mg of magnesium.
*Fruit: Banana, apricot, avocado, melon, plum *Nuts: Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts
*Legumes: Peas, lentils, tempeh
*Cereal: Brown rice, millet, oats
*Seeds: Pumplin, sesame
*Potatoes: Red, fingerlings, purple Peruvian
*Turkey Bone Broth (has the highest amount of tryptophan)
Other therapeutic herbs, like cannabis, have calming effects on the nervous system and can
aid. At night, try combining them with your CBD concentrate or tea mixture. Here are a few
examples:
*Lemon balm
*Ginkgo biloba
*Hypericum
*Basil
*Lavender
*Passionflower
*Lemon balm
*Ginkgo biloba
*Hypericum

Cognition, or mental functioning, such as concentration, decision-making, problem-solving
ability, reasoning, and learning, is obviously critical. Here are the top ten foods for brain and
nervous system health that have been shown to aid cognition:

*Dark green leafy vegetables
*Whole grains
*Cocoa (anadamide)
*Nuts *Garlic
*Olive oil
*Green Tea
*Omega 3 fatty acids

All information in this article is for educational purposes only. The information provided is
derived from research gathered from external sources. Please check with your Cannabis
Educated Primary Health Care Physician or Cannabis Therapy Consultant before beginning any
new diet or lifestyle change.

Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, CTC, CNHP is a Naturopathic Nutritionist, Cannabis Therapy
Consultant, and the Founder and Education Director of the Cannabis Holistic Institute. To find
out more about her private practice, educational programs, videos, and other offerings you can
find her on the massive inter-webs, social platforms, or at drpepperhernandez.com.
Go forth, Go Cannabis…

Thin Green Line

Thin Green Line

By Charles “Uncle Chuck” Duncan

The difference between Recreational and Medicinal Cannabis is a topic that brings much debate. Personally, I think the only difference is Tax Rate and Accessibility. Some say it’s all Recreational. Others say it’s all Medicinal. I tend to follow the philosophy that to have a healthy smile you need both.

There is another issue at hand regarding medicinal cannabis that no one seems to want to talk about. And that is that cannabis does not “cure” anxiety nor depression. It helps alleviate the symptoms of both in some people. Read that again. Cannabis is not for everyone and it does not cure anything.

But in order to talk about the benefits of using cannabis for anxiety and/or depression we must first understand that neither anxiety nor depression are things that get “cured”. They are mental health issues and not a cut that heals or bone that mends. Some people experience symptoms of anxiety or depression daily while others are a lot less frequent. Some symptoms may be more severe for you than others with the same challenges. But the point is, they don’t just get “healed” and go away.

It’s hard to argue that the person using cannabis to help increase their appetite so that in turn they can take other medication isn’t using it for medicinal purposes. Obviously they are. But I would ask you to consider that the person using cannabis in order to relax after a stressful day is also using it medicinally. Just for mental health as opposed to physical health. Pain Management comes in many forms.

The bigger question that we should be asking is why are we allowing state and local governments to apply excise tax rates to cannabis and at higher rates for those they feel are buying it for “recreational” purposes. Just because they are treating their mental health personally and privately without the request of a doctor’s permission.

Hopefully, sometime soon, we can eliminate this sideshow for the taxman and have meaningful arguments over cannabis. Like why isn’t there cannabis taught in science class?

 I have decided to focus a large part of Uncle Chuck’s Cannabis Camp (theuccc.com) to educating the heart and not just the mind when it comes to cannabis education. The ADaPT Program will highlight cannabis use for those facing PTSD-driven and NON-PTSD driven Anxiety or Depression.   

Infused BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sammies with Medicated Broccoli Slaw

by Anna Ervin & Dondi Cobb

It’s that time of year again, either a vegan’s worst nightmare or the season they’ve been most looking forward to. I personally fall into the second category, but not for a lack of many, many awkward backyard bar-b-que’s spent picking through a side salad and, if I was lucky, a few grilled veggies as everyone around me enjoyed their favorite summer flavors.

Eventually, I learned that if I wanted to enjoy the full cookout experience with my family and friends, I was going to have to come prepared. I have an entire arsenal of sides, entrees, and salads at my disposal, but today I wanted to share the one that grants me the most suspecting looks.

“Pulled” jackfruit looks a lot like pulled pork. The flavor and texture may not be spot on, but it’s more than enough to satisfy my craving for familiar comfort foods. Enter a cannasugar-infused BBQ sauce, as well as fresh, crunchy broccoli slaw with a touch of medicated olive oil, and this plant-based sandwich might just become the most popular item at your next outdoor gathering.

The best part? No grill required. Although, I wouldn’t blame you if you decided to smoke the jackfruit before you marinate!

 

Click here for the full recipe!

Hey Sick Person

by Tab Moura

 

This goes out to the newest members of the chronic illness community.

 

I am a cannabis educator and wellness coach. Over the last year I’ve done a lot of listening. Do you know what people fear more than dying from Covid? They fear getting sick with Covid and never *fully* recovering. They fear something that many people are genuinely dealing with. While we know that conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME) have been around for a long time, often treated as a pseudo diagnosis, it’s suddenly become widely accepted as the crowd of those suffering from it is growing. People are getting sick, and some of them are still sick.

by Tab Moura

Maybe it’s mild, maybe it’s debilitating… but you are not where you were beforehand. I know what that’s like. While I don’t give health advice online, because I believe we all require a unique approach, what I came here to say today is that we’re stronger together.

 

One of the most interesting concepts that I’ve witnessed over the last year, is the ability for a crowd to work together to change something they’re passionate about. In some cases a single hashtag trending can spark change, on a massive level. The truth is, lingering autoimmune related conditions affect roughly 50% of the country. We call them by many names, so we don’t usually think of ourselves as a unit, but honestly, we’re one of the biggest majorities, outside of gender. What would happen if we all asked for the same thing? What would happen if we asked our medical community to focus on us. I’m uniquely qualified to be so direct, because I’m successfully recovering from being bed bound.

 

I’ve sat with countless specialists at this point and none of them had information for me to pursue wellness, it felt like I was given my options of palliative care— with 50 years to go. “Physical therapy, diet, medicines, surgeries… these will be wastes of money, the best thing we can do is make you more comfortable.” I wish I could say I’ve only heard this once. Maybe you have had a doctor prescribe a thing or two, or 10, but you know that the answer is never that simple. Patients always end up holding the most responsibility if they want a better quality of life.

 

Science is confident enough to believe we can inject protection and prevent a specific illness, but if you are already sick… we’re so sorry to hear that? And that’s when it hit me… we’re asking for the wrong things. How safe are we if there’s no plan for those who fall through the cracks? What if the number of those with chronic illness continues to increase?

 

There I was, spending thousands of dollars trying to work within a health system that only knows how to keep us alive. First of all, what a valuable skill that is, right? If I am in an accident and need help, I’m thankful they exist. But what does this mainstream narrative teach us about thriving? Where can we go to learn about recovering? What the heck are micronutrients, how do I get proper sleep, how do I choose good brain foods, and yes, how do I support my immune system? We find one another. We look for the people who’ve already done it.

 

I was nervous about writing this article, because when you’re someone who cannot use pharmaceuticals, people assume you are anti-Pharma. They think you are biased. The truth is, I have my biases. I’m happy to be transparent about mine, because acknowledging my biases helped me find healing. I wish we were all more honest about such things. I’ve never had a client who is Pharma and chemical free to the extent that I am. I haven’t even considered turning someone away due to their choice to use Pharma. Pharma keeps people alive. Pharma has helped me stay alive once as well. But Pharma didn’t help me thrive. Perhaps it’s time we start asking for more. People are out here healing themselves, and the methods we use deserve recognition… not because natural medicine needs validation, but because people deserve to hear about it.

Sha’Carri dreams muffled by idiocy

Sha’Carri dreams muffled by idiocy

By Michael Kinney

 

There was no bigger name coming out of last month’s U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials than Sha’Carri Richardson. The Dallas native and LSU alum had been known for fashion style and fiery personality, but what she did during the trials showed she was more substance than flair.

Richardson not only won the 100-meter dash, but her qualifying time of 10.86 seconds also shattered the U.S. Olympic trials record. At the tender age of 21 Richardson had earned a spot on the US Olympic team and was set to head to Tokyo as one of the faces of the entire United States contingent.

Then it all fell apart.

On July 1 unsubstantiated reports emerged that Richardson had tested positive for a banned substance and could miss the Tokyo Olympics (July 23-Aug. 8). At the outset, most believed it was some type of steroid or performance-enhancing drug, which have cast a large shadow over previous Olympic games.

Richardson tweeted out a cryptic “I am human” early that morning, which only added to the speculation.

By the next day the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency confirmed that it wasn’t steroids, but THC that was found in Richardson’s system during testing at the Olympic Trials, which were held in Oregon.

Because Cannabis is still on the banned substance list, Richardson accepted a 30-day suspension, which will keep her from running in the 100-meter dash at the Tokyo Olympics. It also wiped away her record time in the event.

Richardson spoke live on “Good Morning America” July 2 and said she had smoked marijuana after finding out from a reporter about the recent death of her biological mother.

“I was definitely triggered and blinded by emotions, blinded by badness, and hurting, and hiding hurt,” Richardson said. “I know I can’t hide myself, so in some type of way, I was trying to hide my pain. I apologize for the fact that I didn’t know how to control my emotions, or deal with my emotions, during that time.”

Even though international regulators had already relaxed what constitutes a positive test for marijuana from 15 nanograms per milliliter to 150 ng/m, enough was found in Richardson’s system to show she had used it during the Olympic Trials.

According to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency all synthetic and naturally occurring cannabinoids are prohibited in competition, except for cannabidiol (CBD).

I know what I did, I know what I’m supposed to do, what I’m allowed not to do,” Richardson said. “And I still made that decision.”

Regardless, public support has defiantly been on Richardson’s side. Her supporters spanned the entire spectrum of celebrities, athletes and political figures and they all are blaming the system for still looking at cannabis as illegal.

“The criminalization and banning of cannabis is an instrument of racist and colonial policy,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y)  said. “The IOC should reconsider its suspension of Ms. Richardson and any athletes penalized for cannabis use.”

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes posted on his Twitter account “This is so trash man… just let her run!”

NIKE, which is a major sponsor of Richardson, also has stood by her side.

“Sha’Carri Richardson’s situation is incredibly unfortunate and devastating for everyone involved. Athlete health and well-being continue to be one of USATF’s most critical priorities and we will work with Sha’Carri to ensure she has ample resources to overcome any mental health challenges now and in the future,” a statement read.

The loss of Richardson to Team U.S.A and the Tokyo Olympics, in general, will be huge. But the light she has put on the Cannabis industry maybe even bigger.

The support she has received from every walk of life shows that the stigma that use to be attached to marijuana is dissipating. People are no longer afraid to publicly support someone who uses it for recreation, medical or personal reasons.

Richardson still has a chance to still make it to the Olympics as part of Team USA 4×100 relay team. The event will take place after her suspension is over.

“Right now, I’m just putting all of my energy into dealing with what I need to deal with to heal myself,” Richardson said. “If I’m allowed to receive that blessing, then I’m grateful for it, but if not, right now I’m just going to focus on myself.”

 

Stitched Together With Cannabis

by Tab Moura

When I first began using plant medicine, the high was indescribable… I didn’t know how to adequately convey how relieving it felt. It was a wonder drug apparently, and I wanted to get it into every nook and cranny of my Elastagirl-body. I have a genetic condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, traditionally this is described as a connective tissue disorder. That is to say, the fundamental glue of my body is faulty, to put it plainly. I wasn’t sure, at that time, if cannabis could help with something like EDS, but I was pretty darn eager to try.

 

At first, I winged it. I tried inhaling cannabis: I tried vaping, I tried flower, I tried smoking pre-rolls, and while all of it felt relieving for a time, I still did not feel like it was working to help me heal. I already felt safer using cannabis than any of the pills I was prescribed. I knew the reputation of cannabis, the fact that it was able to do more than numb pain, but I didn’t know how that would apply to my situation. Eventually I tried oils, capsules, edibles, and topicals… all helped some, but something was missing.

 

I began wondering what would help me to build stronger connective tissue, I researched Collagen supplements, but I never felt better taking them. So I began looking at the stuff out there that supports growth and healing. I looked at what fats you should eat to focus on your joints and ligaments. I looked at what healing oils can cross and rebuild the blood brain barrier (which is also made of connective tissue) while taking the cannabis with it. I wanted to do more than *feel* relief, I wanted long term results.

 

No single diet is a match for everyone, so I began building my own. I took the best from Keto, veganism, whole30, carnivore, and beyond… I have several allergies to contend with, so freeing myself from trying to stick to a single diet literally changed my life. And the best part, cannabis has been involved the whole way, from day one. From helping me with my anxiety while cutting out my allergens and doing research, to helping me get restorative sleep to properly heal while sleeping. It’s been here to reduce my pain while managing dislocations and subluxations, as my connective tissue has continued to strengthen.

 

The truth is that our ancestors came from all over, so we may need to be pretty creative with our solutions. My Irish, Italian, German and French ancestors probably had diverse diets from one another, so I gave myself permission to play around and figure out what makes ME feel better. I am just so glad I was right… I just needed to give myself permission to think outside the box. It’s helped my cannabis therapy, and it’s helped my overall health. I didn’t know this level of mobility was possible… and all it took was a little creativity.

My First Equestrian Client

When they told us we could “have” their horse… we had no idea what to expect. My husband and I are novice farmers, I can confidently say that owning a farm is a whole new ballgame. When it comes to the farm animals, my Father In Law is the authority, and I’m the second in charge. I may be new to all of this, but I’m definitely a dirt-under-my-nails type (look at me, Mom!)

 

Tomato Masterpiece by Tab Moura

The first time we visited the farm was shortly after the Ice Storms in March. We had to walk past a dozen cows, acres of ticks, and a very antisocial horse… a horse that I nicknamed “Cranky.” The week we moved to the farm, my in-laws had to make a trip to the west coast… so second-in-command-Tab was cow-sitting. I was outside one day, about to take the girls for a walk, when the horse entered the small yard in front of our barn, and began bucking and neighing loudly! It was just so dang random that it had to be intentional. At this point we hadn’t even tried to approach the horse yet… it was just letting us know how it felt about all of this change. I totally understood how it must have been feeling. Animals may be messy, but they can be quite perceptive at times. We were new. So we gave her space.

 

After a few incidents where my kids’ screaming startled the horse, I began wondering if maybe it was dealing with pain or anxiety. If it were up to me, ’Cranky’ would have a home here regardless of her behavior, but as a mom, I know it just wouldn’t work out if she couldn’t calm down. In all of my cannabis training, I heard positive things about using CBD with horses. With talk of rehoming her, I really wanted to give her a chance to show me something different… but at that moment, she wouldn’t even share a pasture with us.

 

After 10 days of going for walks and casually standing closer and closer… On my birthday I was able to approach her and pet her for the first time. It was brief, she flinched constantly when I touched her. Was she in pain? Was she nervous? I don’t know… but I knew CBD could help either way. So the next day I brought out oats and full spectrum hemp CBD oil. After a little trial and error— she took a lot of convincing and a lot of oats… I was able to get a dropper of oil into her. I have repeated this daily, and we have already seen some major changes!

 

First, I noticed that she couldn’t hide her enthusiasm about the oats. I scored points.

 

Secondly, she didn’t mind the taste of the oil. She licked the bowl.

 

Third, now that she has a consistent amount of oil in her system, she seems to actually look at me, expects my touches, has hugged me and is otherwise pleasant.

 

With so much progress, we’re about to begin introducing a lead rope and halter and if she’s going to come around more, she needs a better name than “Cranky.” I’ve decided to call her Amelia, after Amelia Earhart.

 

I’m excited to share more stories about our newest patient as I continue to watch Amelia’s progress. Do you have questions about cannabis and animals? Feel free to reach out! And if you want to hear regular updates about how she’s doing, you can follow me @tabmoura on Instagram.

TOMATO MASTERPIECE

by Tab Moura

We are a neurodivergent household. My husband and 2 of my daughters are autistic, we have— shall I say, significant differences in our food preferences. To be clear, I genuinely respect the differences between my husband and I, but this is an area we have had strong differences in. We were married for a few years before I finally cooked a meal that he liked the way I originally prepared it… this was that meal.

TERROR IN THE NIGHT by Tab Moura

This meal was inspired by a recipe I got from a food delivery service, however due to our texture issues and food allergies, we had to change it enough that it doesn’t really bear any resemblance to the original meal.

 

In a skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of Irish butter, if you’re eating this as a vegetarian dish, you can use fried tofu, it tastes great. It’s possible to cook all of this simultaneously, in separate pans. I do that occasionally to save time, but the flavor is just better when you cook it all in the same pan.

 

Add 2 chicken breasts to the skillet (or the proper amount you would need for your household.) My recipe is enough for my husband and I to each get seconds.

 

Cook the chicken, occasionally flipping it, adding pink salt and garlic powder. I like to cook my chicken until the edges crisp, but don’t scorch the pan. Balance, friends!

 

While the chicken cooks, grab your veggies. Today we will need ½ lb of cherry tomatoes, ⅓ of a red onion, honey, and 2oz of red cooking wine. When cutting the tomatoes, you may prefer them halved or quartered, it’s really up to you. My husband likes the texture, but if you are iffy on textures, I would quarter them. You can chop the onions however you like, they will be sautéed, so just keep that in mind.

 

Once you remove the chicken from the pan, place it on a plate or cutting board, we’ll come back for it in a minute. Add another tablespoon of butter if your pan seems a little dry, just trust me on this. Toss in your tomatoes first, let them soften for a minute or two, then add the onion. Onions caramelize so quickly in this butter, so I try to make sure it cooks evenly #textures. Once the onions appear to become translucent, add the cooking wine, 2 teaspoons of honey, sprinkle of pink salt and garlic. Place the lid, turn the heat to low and just let it simmer. If your stove is like mine, sometimes things still burn when they are simmering, so check on it as much as you like, just make sure it gets about 10 minutes on low heat.

 

While the tomato masterpiece is simmering, it’s time to chop your chicken. You may prefer it shredded, you may prefer it to be whole. This meal is so versatile, if you have a preference at this stage, it will not affect the flavor, only the texture.

 

Once you’ve made up your mind about the chicken, add it back to the pan and let it simmer with the tomatoes for the remainder of the 10 minutes.

 

This dish pairs well with Mac n Cheese, try fried tofu instead of chicken, try it with rice also. If you do not eat tomatoes, red bell pepper works well as a substitute. I’ve made it a few ways over the years, just depending on what groceries I had on me at the time… I’ve even added cannabis to the cooking oil to shake things up. I hope this dish treats you well, but if you have any issues you can find me @tabmoura on Instagram.

 

Ingredients needed:

2 chicken breasts (4 servings)

½ pound cherry tomatoes (or a half bell pepper)

⅓ red onion (other onions are fine too)

2 teaspoons of honey

2 ounces of red cooking wine

2 tablespoons of Irish butter

1 tablespoon of olive oil

Pink salt

Garlic powder

Terror In The Night

by Tab Moura

The sweat, the adrenaline, the nightmares, the shame spirals and paranoia. Panic is an old friend of mine. My first panic inducing nightmare was when I was 5. I dreamt that I was being chased down a dark alley by a man in a trench coat who was holding a gun. It’s interesting how I have lost so many memories due to my Epilepsy, but I can remember all of the times I feared for my life. Fear is a loud, intrusive teacher, but it is a teacher nonetheless.

Romance and Strong Character By Tab Moura

I’ve spent many hours in therapists’ chairs, I’ve attended programs that lasted for days; pouring over my stressors, my triggers, my sins and faults. It was too much to look at sometimes, but they also showed me the strengths that helped me survive, endure and recover. It was addressing my weakness that helped me chip away at the sludge that paralyzed me so often.

When I began using cannabis, I was mostly focused on treating my pain and visible health issues. You know, the “real” pain. But the anxiety was always there, riding on the back of my self doubt and self hate…

“this medicine is too expensive, you don’t deserve to feel relief like this…” “If you just ate better (and better and better) this wouldn’t be an issue,” “people will never respect you as long as you are dependent on medicine,” “church people will reject you,”

“people won’t let you babysit…”
“you’re gonna lose your kids if you advocate for this plant…”

This is the censored version… I can promise you that my inner-anxiety-voice is crueler and colder to me than anyone in my life has ever been.

But I have learned to identify these comments as what they are… anxiety. A valid concern occasionally bubbles up; the anxiety voice is not balanced— but it’s not always wrong. For example, I did need to eat *differently*, but demonizing food was not the right way to handle that. And the truth is that not everyone supports my choice to use cannabis, but I have found support in some of the most “unlikely” places. My anxiety just wants to keep me safe… but it’s not a genius. So I’ve learned to ask “how is this true, and how is this false?” Sometimes the best I can do is just ask it to hang on a moment… but no matter what, I don’t own it’s voice as my own anymore.

Romance and Strong Character

By Tab Moura

My memories that come to mind, when I reflect on my rougher chronic illness years, are often bitter sweet. Early in my marriage my husband and I endured incredibly painful seasons of debt, unemployment, the push-and-pull of checking out, and angry words shared… but these were years that truly taught us to love.

 

We Bought A Farm By Tab Moura

When it comes to chronic illness, sometimes we hear romantic stories about a dedicated spouse becoming a caregiver, and we imagine the indescribable strength it takes to support a spouse in that way. And as romantic and powerful as these stories are, I don’t believe that their romance is the point. Romanticizing sickness creates a perception that is not realistic- life is not a Nicholas Sparks movie.

 

The truth is, I once fell into this category, my husband was the strong one for me when I needed it most. It brought us closer together, but I confess it was much messier than it sounds. My husband would help lift me out of bed when my cervical instability was at its worst, he’s brought me my coffee in bed more days than I can count, and he’s helped me medicate when my arms were weak following seizures. My husband has also experienced burnout. He has worked a 9-5 and had to drop everything to come home and help me. He has listened to me yell and scream due to my brain inflammation overwhelming my body. He has helped me off the floor when I collapsed after accidentally breathing in a chemical (I am allergic to many chemicals). And he’s gone without intimacy and affection for long stents of time, due to how empty I felt from my seizures. Is he my hero? No. He’s something much cooler than that, he’s my husband.

 

Any decent human being would help someone when they were symptomatic like I was, but who would choose to live with it? I once read that a person with strong character is honest, resilient and dependable… that is exactly how I would describe my husband. People with strong character stick around— it’s not because it’s romantic.

 

I know this, because there were 6 months when my husband and I switched roles. It was me who was becoming healthy and fit, and his health hit a rough patch. I watched him lay in bed for days during a flair, and there were times that he was so miserable he would say ugly things to me. I watched as he would become emotionally closed off and hardly eat. Biological hormone imbalances are brutal, y’all; it’s not just mental health that is affected. He was in physical pain, suffering, and it splashed on all of us. When he was sick he didn’t want me around, but I stuck around anyway. Because he deserved it. He later told me that my actions saved our marriage… but I believe it’s simpler than that. When I consider our history, his hard work, his dedication to our family, the way he supports what I love- and yes, how he took care of me on my sickest days… The choice was simple: stick around.

 

I believe that the healthiest marriages aren’t the ones that have weekly date nights, or weekend getaways— These things can be great, but we haven’t done those things in years due to poor health. Specific activities don’t save taxed marriages like ours— character does.

Foraging in Tulsa with Justin Hope

by Anna Ervin

When I was younger, I used to think Oklahoma’s landscapes were so bland. My family traveled a lot through the years, and I remember visiting states with clear blue ocean waters, or mountains blanketed in aspens and evergreens. I would think, why can’t I live somewhere like this. Somewhere that flaunts such beautiful sceneries within an hour’s drive of my home.

Not Your Mama’s Potato Soup By Anna Ervin & Dondi Cobb

Each time our family would return to Oklahoma, I found myself scowling at the red dirt, or rolling my eyes at the never-ending span of wheat fields and the vast horizons that boasted no oceans or mountains or even hills, really. I carried this mindset with me for years, but I recently had an experience that allowed me to see my sweet home state through a fresh pair of eyes.

Justin Hope is Oklahoma’s very own weed pimp, volunteer trail guide, and one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. I was lucky enough to meet up with him for one of the most breathtaking hikes I’ve ever seen, through Keystone Ancient Forest.

Located in Northeastern Oklahoma, KAF is a small portion of the Crosstimbers area. With over 1,300 acres of forest containing oak and cedar that have been standing for at least up to 500 years, this virgin land might just be one of Oklahoma’s best kept secrets, and Justin was giving me the VIP tour.

As we started our journey down the Frank Trail, I could tell that this area meant a lot to Justin, and that he had a deep-seeded respect for the forest surrounding us. “I used to run these woods as a kid,” he boasted. “I grew up on the other side of the river, just a few miles away. I always knew this area as the Eagle Reserve. There’s definitely a lot of history trapped out here.”

Indeed, what makes Keystone Ancient Forest such a rare gem in our state is that the land has hardly been disturbed by developers, due to it’s rough terrain, proximity to the lake, and various other landscape-related roadblocks. Lucky for us, aside from a few oil wells that went up several years ago, this patch of raw Oklahoma beauty has been primarily untapped by the industrial world. This is what allows “history” to hold such strong roots in the area (literally).

“They call this a virgin forest,” Hope continued. “The environment here preserves itself, as long as man doesn’t destroy it. We try to encourage people to stay on the trail.” I noticed as we hiked, that one thing that really set this park apart from others I’ve seen was the cleanliness. Aside from the clearly marked trail, there didn’t seem to be any waste left by other hikers. And, in the off chance that we did stumble upon a cigarette butt, or granola bar wrapper, Justin would quietly pick it up and add it to a plastic bag that he kept in his backpack.

“City folk,” he chuckled at one point, “throwin’ trash down.” He collected the leftover item. “Thank goodness there’s more of us, who want to clean up. It’s easy to do, really. If people would just think about it.”

When we found ourselves halfway into the 2.8 mile trek, we decided to pause for a break. The trail had brought us to an overlook of Keystone lake. I think each of us had the same idea in mind as we returned from our backpacks bearing joints and edibles.

Justin has a long history with cannabis, and thoroughly believes in it’s medicinal qualities. Cannabis helped him get off of a sleuth of pharmaceuticals that had been prescribed to him. Pills that felt like they were killing him, rather than healing.

As the smoke began to settle and we geared up to head back onto the trail, I suddenly became hyper-aware of my surroundings. I had not medicated before the hike, and up until that point I had felt like I was simply an observer of the beauty that surrounded us. Now, was fully immersed in it. Had the trees been this alive and green the whole time? Were the birds just now waking up to sing the soundtrack of our hike, or had I just not noticed them before?

I began to feel so small, like a tiny molecule in this massive, living, breathing organism that surrounded us. Picking up on my quiet observations, Justin commented, “If you think about it, you’re just a grain of rice in this bowl. Just a pebble out here in this world.”

He would slow down every now and then to point out the peculiar way the trees seemed to grow. Some appeared to actually grow through the large stones on the ground, while a few of them had trunks that curved to form a near perfect right angle, as if they had been markers set up by travelers long before our time.

Two trees in particular had seemingly wrapped themselves around each other, winding their trunks around the other in a spiraling motion. I sensed that this was not the work of man, only the divine force of nature could create something so pure and beautiful. “They’re holding each other until the day they die,” Hope observed, before excitedly changing the topic. “Have you heard about Cornnabis? Or Cannacorn?”

I was intrigued. “One of my plants started showing half white-yellow, half green on the leaf,” he continued. “It showed signs of mutation. And a couple of weeks later, I find that there’s corn growing right next to it. The plants, kind of like the trees that were holding hands, they grew up together.”

I admired his unique perspective on nature, and the ways of the universe, and realized that they were not much different from my own. Everything on this floating rock we occupy is so divinely connected. Nature has a way of supporting itself for survival, but in a holistic way.

Certain species of trees that are considered invasive, might compete with the other plant species surrounding them. Occasionally, however, when you find something like those intertwined tree trunks, or Justin’s Cannacorn, you realize that two organisms supporting each other can result in something so pure and beautiful.

Imagine what the world would look like if humans supported each other, or the environment, in those ways, building stronger foundations, lifting each other up.

We approached the Wilson trailhead. “Are you allergic to any poison ivy or poison oak?” Justin asked. “This is a little different from the other trail. We have these tapes up so people don’t get lost.”

I knew things were about to get a little more intense, so I packed up my camera and set off to follow him down a slightly rougher and much narrower path. It was difficult to focus on anything other than the ground in front of me, and Justin seemed to move through these woods like he had done it a million times before, and had rehearsed every step. “I’ve got that Indian lightfoot,” he had told me earlier, referring to his Native blood.

I began to slide into a meditative state as we trekked forward, feeling my heart rate increase as the trail became increasingly more challenging. It had been cold that morning, but the sun was beginning to peak through the canopy of trees overhead, and before long I felt a small bead of sweat work it’s way down the back of my neck.

The Frank trail had felt like a walk in the park compared to this, and I was loving every step of our new path. This was the kind of hiking I had been missing in Oklahoma– slight changes in elevation, challenging routes that forced me to carefully plan every step, and that satisfying feeling of being deep in a forest, far away from society and all its noise.

We paused for a break as I caught my breath and took in the scene around us. It was unlike anything the forest had offered so far. Cliffs of oddly shaped rocks towered over us on one side, a waterfall blanketed in dead leaves trickled nearby, and trees upon trees upon trees were scattered around us in every direction.

I wanted to climb the rocks, hike into the trees, and dust the leaves off that waterfall and run my hands through the stream. Then I remembered Justin’s comment about staying on the trail, and I realized that the reason this park had been so well preserved, was that people like Justin had enough respect for the environment to protect and preserve it. So, I set my “Jungle Book” fantasies aside and inhaled another deep breath of crisp, cool air.

We rounded out the Wilson Trail and headed back to our starting point. On the way, we began to discuss our thoughts on the universe and spirituality. I had previously mentioned the recent new moon to my guide, and, bringing it back up, he asked me if I was sensitive to the moon. I dove a little bit into my views on divinity, and how this hike had shown me the way everything in the universe seems so interconnected, but I was more interested in hearing Justin’s ideals on the topic.

“It is all somehow related,” he told me. “I’ve got the red blood in me, the Indian ways, the ways of One. I’m a true flatliner, so I do believe there’s a reason I’m still here.”

I wanted to tell him that maybe this was that reason, helping people realize the healing power of cannabis and nature, that the earth provides us with every single thing we need to survive, but I had a gut feeling he already knew that.

 

Follow Justin Hope on Instagram (@skunktail_pharms) for a glimpse at the history and beauty encapsulated by Keystone Ancient Forest, or better yet, plan a visit to the park today. www.sandspringsok.org

 

 

 

Storms, Stress and The Brain

By Tab Moura

 

I’m sitting here at the table listening to an Oklahoma thunderstorm, thinking about the meaning of life and the ice cream in my freezer. As you know, I have three amazing little girls who just so happen to use our favorite plant medicine, cannabis. Cannabis has been incredibly powerful in helping my daughters articulate how they are feeling while we transition to a new house. Cannabis has also been helpful in reducing the intensity of their anxiety, to be able to use more mental health tools with them.

 

Tonight as the sirens began to sound, my oldest was (and always is) the first one to notice. So I dropped the box I was holding and ran across the house to be the first one to say “time to remember storm safety!” Traditions are important, not just for community, but for safety. Our brains have special traditions for everyday life as well, remembering how to get from A to B like we always have… even the stressful stuff like tonight. We are very sensitive to storm anxiety in our home, because I’ve been through some bad storms in my life. This is also why I respond so quickly. We can be prepared, and confident at the same time.

Weed Like To Talk About Yarrow By Tab Moura

Our brains are designed to quickly sort through information when we are stressed, but not all information. When we encounter stress, our hypothalamus is the first to respond, waking up the pituitary gland, a small structure with a big job. The pituitary gland sends signals to the adrenal glands on the kidneys, which then releases adrenaline. So before we even have a chance to critically process the stress we are experiencing, we already have adrenaline pumping through our bodies— this is how we were designed to respond, you aren’t getting ahead of yourself if your heart races during stress. Your body’s ability to survive relies on its ability to be alert.

 

Adrenaline = alert.

 

Sometimes we perceive this as anxiety if we don’t know how to respond. How we see ourselves while we’re handling stress makes a big difference in the grand scheme of things, this is where instinct meets critical thinking. After the adrenaline is released, the amygdala is alerted. The amygdala has stress sensors, it doesn’t know the difference between physical and emotional stress, because the only thing it can confirm is that it senses adrenaline. That’s where the prefrontal cortex comes in. The prefrontal cortex is where we assign emotions to our biological response. The prefrontal cortex is here to assess the threat and decide if it needs a greater or lesser response from us… it’s this part of my oldest that I am speaking to when I say “time to remember storm safety!” Just in time for her to decide if her body’s adrenaline means she’s in danger, or if she’s prepared.

 

This is an anomaly called Social Buffering. Researchers did a study that measured the effect of mother and child proximity on stress. It showed that young children, who were in close proximity to their mothers while processing stress, had less activity in their amygdala’s, and more in their prefrontal cortex.

 

What a magic trick right? Hah! None of this is a surprise; mother’s have known how important co-regulation is for centuries. Responding to our children allows them to regulate their responses, and it helps them to learn and retain the plans that keep them safe. Holding space with our children prepares them to process and manage all of life’s storms— real and metaphorical.

 

My daughter is a quick talker when she becomes anxious, so I began spitting out facts about storms, which prompted her to ask more questions. An active mind is an alert mind. “Is it windy? Is there any hail?” Her prefrontal cortex was able to judge for itself if she was safe— she just had to remember what to focus on.

Weed Like To Talk About Yarrow

By Tab Moura

Yarrow’s genus name is Achillea Milleforium, after Achilles (Greek mythology) who used Yarrow to treat his soldiers’ wounds.

 

Bee Responsible, Grow Weed By Tab Moura

If you have collected Yarrow and would like to know how to ingest it, I have a few tips. I am by no means an expert, but I rely on natural methods like these, out of necessity, and they haven’t let me down yet. Yarrow is most known for its healing properties, but first… business.

 

If you’re new to using herbal medicine, here’s what you need to know… never— I repeat, never eat plants that have been sprayed with chemicals. If you don’t know for sure, just pretend it’s poisonous. Secondly, Yarrow has a doppelgänger, Poison Hemlock. So again, if you don’t know for sure, don’t eat it. If you don’t want to attempt harvesting it yourself, you can find a herbalist to order it from.

 

 

Like many plants you can identify it most easily by its leaves. Yarrow and Hemlock both have white flowers, but the leaves of the Yarrow plant are more spiny than the Hemlock leaves, and the Hemlock leaves are fuller and flat. Medicinal Uses of Yarrow:

Historically, Yarrow has been used to make poultices (fresh) to heal flesh wounds in battle. In more recent observations it has reduced heavy menstrual bleeding and cramping (has been used during childbirth to stop hemorrhages), can reduce blood pressure, resolves coronary and cranial thromboses, even helps with varicose veins. Yarrow can even help with many digestive disorders. Lowers fevers, decongests, induces sweating (which is part of detoxing), and is perfect for daily ingestion while recovering from a major illness.

 

In case you want to make teas or tinctures, here’s where to begin. Start by cutting what you need and hanging it upside down for a time to dry. If you prefer a quicker pace, you may dry them in a food-grade dehumidifier or on low heat in the oven.

 

Tea – making Yarrow tea is very simple, if you have a preferred way of drinking loose leaf tea, you should be able to steep your tea once it’s dry. If you are unfamiliar with loose leaf teas, I recommend finding a tea bag option that you like. There are disposable bags you can’t fill yourself, some use an organic fabric pouch to wash afterward. Personally I prefer tea balls, which are metal and encase the herb, and it’s reusable.

 

Tincture – if you’re already familiar with making tinctures for cannabis, you may already have a preferred method. For those just getting started, there are a few options. You can use Glycerin (non alcoholic option), Everclear, Vodka, or any other you’re comfortable with that’s at least 80 proof. You may want to use 5oz of alcohol for every ounce of plant you harvest, and you’ll steep the plant in a dark place for 6-8 weeks. Finally, once it’s time, you will strain the contents with cheese cloth or a coffee filter and store in a dark bottle.

 

Topically – if you’re looking to use Yarrow on your skin, you can do this a few ways. First used on battlefields, Yarrow can be used fresh, chopped up, chewed or broken up in some way, and placed on a wound. You can also use some of your tincture to mix with a homemade lotion, like in a Beeswax, Shea Butter or Tallow mixture. I recommend practicing mixing a lotion you like before adding herbs in.

 

I’m enjoying working on this series, writing about common weeds and how they can support our bodies. The last year has taught me that we need to begin digging deeper into wellness, and we have to work together! Do you have a weed you’d like me to write about? Find me on Insta, @tabmoura. I’ll add your request to my list!

Bee Responsible, Grow Weed

By Tab Moura

There’s been a lot of buzz around Cannabis lately, and I’m not just talking about legalization. So we know that Cannabis is beneficial, it’s been known to treat numerous health conditions, head to toe, from Glaucoma to Plantar Fasciitis… but what if our beloved Devil’s Lettuce is also capable of saving the bees?

The Brain: Mind and Body
The Brain: Mind and Body By Tab Moura

I was reading a post about dwindling bee populations this morning, and it was just so unBEElievable, that I had to google this further. I, for one, tend to look at everything through a “what are my options” filter… so I decided to put on my researcher-hat and answer my own question: what are our options to help save the bees? This led me down an interesting rabbit hole. Many humanitarian projects can take years to produce results, so I didn’t just look for ways to “save” them, but ways to attract them- ways to feed them.

An article out of Environmental Entomology stood out– as did their solution.
So we already know that the Cannabis plants are nutrient dense, despite being famous for their psychoactive benefits, because it’s also beneficial in its raw form. Now, take humans out of the equation, and think of the Cannabis plant as a crop with flowers. The plant is so powerful that it’s pollen rich flowers have been found to draw up to 16 different bee species, including the Honey bee. And they also found that the taller your cannabis or hemp plant is, and the more you plant, you can see an increase of up to 17x more bees visiting your crop.

The most interesting part of this study is that Bees do not have an endocannabinoid system, thus they do not directly benefit from the plant’s medicinal properties. Also, this isn’t like traditional flowers, because it
lacks a nectar taste and is not the usual amber color they prefer. Scientists admit they don’t completely understand what draws Bees to cannabis plants, only that they have observed bees visiting these sites in growing numbers. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that bees prefer flowering male plants, over their
female counterparts, but their presence in your community will increase pollination among all outdoor plants.

Did you ever imagine you could help save the planet by growing your own weed? Uncle Sam might not be easy to admit it, but we weren’t exactly waiting for their permission anyway.

Let’s grow weed and save the bees.

The Brain: Mind and Body

by Tab Moura

I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2019. I was 29, married, a mother, and I dabbled in MLMs and influencing. I’ve always loved writing, but those days I felt like I was slipping into oblivion and It felt so comfortable that I didn’t even think to stop it anymore.

Plant Medicine for Change, by Tab Moura

I was hosting one of those online parties for the book company I worked with, where you have images in a queue, and you post them at specific intervals, actively answer questions, share product links, etc. You aren’t just watching the minutes, you’re watching the seconds. It goes fast. When I was a few minutes into a party, I felt tired, but that didn’t feel like a good excuse to interrupt things. I powered through. 

 

I thought, “I’ll just navigate over to this tab and grab that link I need to give Jane, and then–” 

*poof* 

What was I doing? 

*buffering* 

Oh my goodness, I have so many notifications. 

Oh my gosh, where did those 3 minutes go? 

 

And then 5 minutes later I stood up to grab a power cord, and as I stepped into the hall it happened again. 

 

*poof* What was I doing? 

 

Sun-Kissed Wellness, by Tab Moura

I didn’t have the mental capacity to understand that I was having seizures. I finished my party, it wasn’t amazing (not that I can remember anyway), and then I passed out on the couch watching a show.. I woke up the next day, barely able to move my right side. We thought it was a stroke, so I saw a doctor. MRI was clear. When we reflected on the day of my party, with my doctor, we could tell I’d had a few other events as well, but they seemed like seizures. If I’d known then what I know now, I would have canceled my whole evening. It took months to get an EEG, but we eventually found that I had right frontal and right temporal lobe seizures, secondary generalized as well. These are lobes associated with personality, impulse control, perfectionism, depression and emotionality, etc… you know, all of my buddies. So things were beginning to make more sense.

When I reflected, I could trace back memories of these sensations to when I was 5. I was homeschooled, we didn’t have a strict schedule, no bells, no anxiety to get from A to B independently. I never would have known if I was missing time, what was time? My seizures have never been fully convulsive, some as innocent looking as daydreaming or fidgeting.

I still experience compulsive and intrusive thoughts when I am early-seizure, but it tells me when something is wrong. It used to be impossible to get me out of a compulsive process, now I am able to break away to medicate. If I push my brain too hard, it eventually crashes; even doing things I enjoy, like puzzles or cleaning. This is why I can only do these things while medicated. I have nights where all of the trains of thought are moving at the same time, it’s so busy and startling, as though being slapped in the head from the inside, with no point. I understand now why I just thought this was normal. I am an excellent example of how there is a lot we don’t know about the cross-over between neurological disorders and psychological ones…but we do know that they both (frequently) enjoy cannabis. Without my mental health awareness, I wouldn’t be able to break my cycle and grab my medicine… but without cannabis, I wouldn’t be able to escape for more than a few moments. Same organ, same team.

Plant Medicine for Change

by Tab Moura

The house is quiet, babies are sleeping, and the sun is down for the day… it’s time to get to work. I am staring at a stack of moving boxes, child-art in crayon cover the sides. We’re moving. The time has come to graduate from this season into another. Unlike what we know about Earth’s general weather patterns, there’s only one thing I know for sure at the moment… this is all new.

Sun-Kissed Wellness, by Tab Moura

We’re heading for a major transition, and that got me thinking: can we prepare for the unknown?

So I dug. I am passionate about plant medicine so my first stop was a google search for essential oils that support transition. If I could find the essential oils that work, it would be a short leap to understand what cannabis strains support transition as well. I wasn’t surprised by the oils that popped up in my search, I just haven’t tried these combinations before – always something new to learn!

Cedarwood, Pine, Sandalwood, etc

I’m a big fan of wood-fragrances at bedtime, paired with Lavender, but I hadn’t considered what role the wood scents played. These are great essential oils and terpenes for unwinding and releasing stress, but depending on what they are paired with, they can also support motivation, creativity, and focus. Woodsie terpenes include Cedrane, Pinene, Camphene, and Carene.

Lavender, Jasmine, Chamomile, Sage, etc

I’m an avid consumer of herbs, from whole leaf teas to essential oils. The benefits are broad, but did you know they can promote emotional stillness? Bringing you to the present, these fragrances and their terpenes are powerful during any stressful time- especially transition. As for finding these benefits in cannabis, look out for terps like Linalool, Bisabolol, Geraniol, Phytol, Caryophyllene, and Humulene.

Citrus: lemongrass, lime, lemon, etc

Great for an uplift when you need them, citrus oils are a valuable asset to navigating transitions and looking on the bright side while you’re at it. You can find citrus terpenes like Limonene, Valencene, Nerolidol, etc at your local dispo. If you aren’t sure what to smell for, you can always ask to see the lab results.

 

The truth is, any major life change is going to come with grief, which may be a source of many different emotions. It’s ok if it looks messy, it’s ok if you need to process it slowly… but I hope that whatever life throws your way, plant medicine can be of some comfort to you.

Sun-Kissed Wellness

by Tab Moura

As we transition into this life-giving season, I find myself pulled toward the sun like never before. There is so much in nature that we once only understood in spiritual terms until science began to explain some of the biomechanics. Not that science has succeeded in removing the spiritual component, but we as humans tend to eagerly invest in these methods with the addition of understanding how they help us. I don’t believe we have a crisis of faith on our hands, as much as we have learned to treat time as a currency. If sunshine was not beneficial, we would inevitably avoid it… because it can feel frivolous. But what if I told you that science has proven that the sun, and the nutrients we receive from it, play an enormous role in supporting our immune systems.

Now, I know this isn’t a great secret, it’s a vitamin after all, but after the year we’ve had, it feels like a very relevant conversation. 

Sunlight? Sunlight.

Sunlight is crucial to things like your circadian rhythm, and other hormonal expressions in your body. Without sunlight, our bodies struggle to regulate appetite, sleep, and even the predictability of our menstrual cycles. We may be able to read a clock, but our brains and bodies need more information.

The Canna Closet, by Tab Moura

Little known fact about Vitamin D is that it’s actually a hormone that allows your body to absorb Calcium, and in safe amounts supports metabolism. It’s estimated that roughly 10% of your body’s calcium is converted with vitamin D you received from the sun, the other 90% is found in foods and supplements that we take. I don’t know about you, but I know I have room to grow in the whole vitamins department, thankfully many of these immune-boosting foods are quite tasty. 

Outside of the most common cause of vitamin D deficiency (diet), another reason so many people have this deficiency is due to where we live. There are two ways this plays out, we either don’t get enough direct sun exposure due to lifestyle, or in winter when the earth has leaned away from the sun, this can lead to a deficiency. Either way, experts suggest that the average person needs to take a Vitamin D supplement in order to avoid deficiency.

But what levels are we supposed to be aiming for?

There are some general suggestions for how much Vitamin D to take, however, it’s encouraged to have your Vitamin D levels checked so you can create a supplement plan that gives you the best results. The average supplement recommendation is about 2,000ius per day, but when my vitamin D levels were in the red zone, my doctor recommended that I take 50,000ius of vitamin D a week. We monitored my rising levels from there. The recommendations can vary so much, depending on your individual health, it’s always best to check your levels if you believe you are deficient. 

Some signs you may need Vitamin D:

Frequently sick/ illness flairs

Frequent infections

Slow healing

Chronic fatigue (not CFS/ME)

Achiness in bones

Depression or malaise

Low bone density

Hair loss

Muscle aches

Low metabolism

Some signs that you are retaining too much Vitamin D/Calcium include: 

Hypercalcemia – excessive calcium in the blood

Impaired kidney function 

Kidney stones

Brain fog

Nausea

Vomiting

Dizziness

Excessive thirst

Frequent urination

Headache

As we head deeper into Spring, I encourage you to find creative ways to take your Vitamin D levels into your own hands. Hands down, the benefits outweigh the risks, since true D deficiency is found in 40% of the population, and altogether 74% of the population has “insufficient” vitamin D levels. It is the most common deficiency found in chronic illness, making it the single most reliable supplement to recommend– period.

Weed Like to Talk About Dandelions

by Tab Moura

Spring is here! I’ve been watching the landscape closely over the last few weeks; the weeds are coming and the bees aren’t the only ones happy to see them. 

One of the most common weeds that I come across locally is the dandelion. Far from being the only wildflower native to Oklahoma, it’s certainly one that everyone recognizes. Traditionally considered a nuisance to the token American lawn, for decades we have dumped weed killer on our lawns when the flowers at our feet are so useful. There are a few weeds I want to share with you, but today let’s discuss Dandelions.

1. Dandelion herb tea

Dry the flowers and stems, steep in hot water with local honey to support the kidneys and increase urine output.

2. Dandelion root coffee

Buy pre-prepared dandelion root coffee from a local store, or roast the roots yourself, before steeping them in hot water to make coffee.

3. Supports weight loss

By mimicking effects seen in a common weight loss drug, dandelion can inhibit pancreatic lipase, an enzyme released during digestion. 

4. May help treat cancer 

A Canadian study conducted a decade ago, noted that dandelion root causes cell death in melanoma and pancreatic cancer cells, without affecting the healthy cells around them.

5. Antioxidants

Able to help manage the effects of free-radicals, Dandelions are able to help protect cells from harm with beta carotene. Carotenoids and polyphenols are both noteworthy antioxidants in the Dandelion plant.

6. Various benefits

Too many to list! Dandelion has shown promising results with managing things like type 2 diabetic blood sugar levels, blood pressure, overall inflammation and also boosts the immune system.

7. Bees

This time of year, Dandelions are the primary food source for bees in most suburban areas! Dandelions have both pollen and nectar, making them important during early Spring, until more flowering plants and trees are available to feed them. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of Dandelion, hop on Google to search Dandelion+benefits and see the studies yourself. I like to take time to appreciate the medicines that have been around the longest. No medicine is one size fits all, so if you are interested in giving any of these ideas a try, I recommend making sure you aren’t already taking medications that interact with your kidney or liver, to avoid interactions. More weeds coming soon!

Show the TV Who’s Boss

by Micah McKamie

During all of the time I had to meditate during quarantine, I had a huge realization about my fitness ideals. Before I became a runner, I had always wondered how people made time for staying in shape.  How was it that people prioritized the gym over spending time with friends or making memories?  What it came down to was that these people had prioritized themselves and not the act of working out.

All Gassed Up, by Micah McKamie

A lot of people have this kind of dedication, and some people don’t like gyms or running, but still want to stay fit.  Just like coming to cannabis, starting a new fitness journey can be a scary task.  There are new clothes, equipment, diets, and lingo that come along with the territory and you may not always feel comfortable in a public fitness setting.  Finding the time to implement this new lifestyle becomes a workout on its own. The truth is that without dedicating some sort of time to working out, it’s pretty hard to motivate yourself to do any of it.

The idea of time, though obscure, isn’t about the minutes – it’s about the mindset. Keep your fitness at the forefront of your mind and utilize those fleeting moments. It’s not a bad thing if you don’t think of this time as useful. Many people see “down” minutes as just time they have to get past to get to the thing they really want to do.  However, these minutes can change your life. 

It was hard at first to learn how to make these minutes a priority, but eventually, it became a passion. I started getting to appointments early so I could do some bodyweight exercises or a circuit in their parking lot or doing dips on a bike rack as I walked past it because I had a minute or two. It’s all about how you frame these moments in your mind. Are they trash or are they useful? If you are doing nothing else besides scrolling through social media consider doing some squats, wall sits, or something to enhance your self-esteem and well-being. 

Now I know that this article is about Training Through Terpenes, so where is the cannabis, might you ask? Training Through Terps helped me conquer the obstacle of where and how to implement these workouts during down moments. If you’re high, you don’t care about what people are doing or thinking around you. Take a nice long drag off of your vape pen, eat an edible early, smoke a joint and do some burpees in the grassy yard of your real estate agent, or take a dab in your car and do yoga at the park. It’s all about being in the moment and prioritizing your fitness needs over the anxiety of being in public.  We have been told our whole lives to not think selfishly but when it comes to your health and well-being, you should be selfish. 

Fitness is about choices. It’s about taking the time to prioritize yourself over all of the little distractions in life, and that can be an issue even for athletes. How do you fit your workouts around your responsibilities? A lot of hardcore athletes finally get their name out there, start a business, and then their fitness falls off. It’s all about where you put your time and prioritizing the minutes you waste.

So I started timing everything! I probably looked like a crazy person, but I would time the seconds in a day where I was sitting still with nothing to do. Waiting in a grocery line, on the phone with customer service, and even at work, there were times where we got everything done and everyone else was on their phones that I was thinking to myself, “I could be doing pushups.”

The time added up quickly! The seconds turned to minutes and then hit an hour….. Finally at the end of the day, as I lay down to go to bed, I had accumulated one hour and fifteen minutes of exercise time that could be utilized. That’s enough time to improve your fitness levels! Now, we aren’t talking about exponential growth, but even on the low end of this amount of time (30 min), you can maintain your current fitness.

What if I don’t want to do your workouts in public?  Well, during covid lockdown I moved all of the furniture out of my living room to have more clear space for fitness activities. This made me adjust how I was seated and positioned during my normal TV time.  What I found as I laid on the floor watching Bob’s Burgers was that I could get some amazing workouts done during the commercials.  Push-ups, sit-ups, flutter kicks, and burpees became my normal commercial activities. 

The average American watches nearly 4 hours of TV every day!!!!  If you watch 4 hours of TV every day, you get about 80 minutes worth of commercials. That’s nearly an hour and a half of fitness! The thing I loved about this and even after I moved my furniture back into the room, is that just putting yourself in a position to utilize these wasted minutes could really allow you to not just maintain but to exceed your fitness goals.  

What if commercials weren’t just for bathroom breaks and social media?!? What if you could get your entire workout in during your usual downtime? We can all agree that commercials are uniquely awful and most of us spend our time trying to drown out the horrible thirty-second runs for prescription drugs and adult diapers and don’t really see the minutes that tick by.

Time a 20-minute run right before you watch your shows, stop upgrading to commercial-free streaming, and use those minutes to get you a badass HIIT workout in. Do something as simple as flutter kicks during that time, add in planks and squats, and you have yourself a pretty solid fat burner and core workout for an evening. Every time you hear the commercial, you should be thinking I want to do push-ups! 

The next Gassed Up Fitness Event will be on April 17th at Medicann Dispensary off of 39th Street in Bethany!  Come join us for the 420 festivities that include giveaways, live music, food trucks, vendors, and The Sesh, Oklahoma City’s first official cannabis hangout. It will be a day of cannabis, community, and breaking the stigma!

Plant Medicine for Spring

by Tab Moura

This may not come as a surprise to you, but I’ve become known for my creativity with natural medicine. While I do enjoy making natural choices, my use of natural products is truly out of necessity due to my health disorders.  The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that it’s not easy to cut things out—but it is easy to trade them out. Just like many of you, I get colds and seasonal allergies, and my allergy to corn has yet to prevent me from finding relief.

Stoner, by Tab Moura

The plant medicine sphere is quite a marvel to me, we invest a lot of faith in this plant, and it doesn’t disappoint us. I feel this way toward all plant medicine. As an epileptic, I’ve utilized its benefits in ways that big pharma probably doesn’t want you to believe are possible, and I know dozens of cannabis patients who can say the same. 

Plant medicines are powerful, but they work better paired with conscious food choices and active lifestyle choices. That said, even if you aren’t where you want to be yet, plant medicine can be an important first step to changing other habits. I love to study the relationship between terpenes and essential oils, this is perhaps the easiest plant medicine tool to adopt. Depending on your diet and pre-existing health issues, these may not replace serious daily prescriptions but can be a gentle addition to your self-care routine. (NOTE: not all essential oil brands are made for ingestion, always verify this when choosing an essential oil product.) 

Essential Oil Blends for Spring:

My favorite daily go-to for Spring is my Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint essential oil blend in a capsule with RSO. I’m familiar with getting yearly sinus infections around this time, so I began fighting back. If I do get sick, I like to add oregano and cinnamon to the blend.  Your breath won’t be very flattering, but one of these bad boys will certainly help move the congestion around. Other good options are things like dandelion, milk thistle, and probiotics. There are many brands out there, so as a rule, I recommend consulting with someone more knowledgeable than yourself when you are trying something new.

If you want to experiment with the essential oils, but prefer to inhale your terpenes, I recommend finding a product or strain that contains terps like Linalool, Limonene, Caryophyllene, and Ocimene. I recently tried THC Bomb by LITS, and it tasted great with my allergy oil blend as well.

Natural medicine may be a bio-safe choice for health and wellness, but without a basic understanding and respect for these methods, you will likely struggle to see results. This is why I always recommend researching or finding a consultant/health advocate of some kind to meet with you. The journey into natural medicine is unlike any of my experiences with allopathic medicine up to this point, it requires us to respect and understand it— but it leaves us in charge of our results, and it’s that freedom that has healed my body.

What is Your Cannabis Routine?

by Amy Lee | Boho Health Consulting

As a Certified Cannabis Wellness Coach and owner of Boho Health Consulting, a cannabis coaching and education company, I have hosted well over one-hundred potential client wellness consultations since I opened my doors in 2019. Throughout these conversations I began to notice a pattern with my clients seeking cannabis coaching. The most common issue is proper dosing followed by proper medicating methods.

Immune System Love, by Amy Lee

Many clients do not know what a proper cannabis dose is for their ailments or how to dose throughout the day for wellness. Because of this many cannabis patients are not achieving the level of wellness they desire through the current methods of cannabis medicating. When a client describes their cannabis struggles it’s important for me to understand their current medicating routine. The most common routine is to be medicated only as needed throughout the day when symptoms appear. This method of medicating is considered “on-demand”.

Medicating “on-demand” may be problematic for some clients who seek daily balanced wellness from their cannabis medicine. When symptoms are treated “on demand” the body may experience a dip in endocannabinoid support which can cause an episode or flare-up to become more frequent. When the endocannabinoid system is medicated at low doses daily the body is supported and has less potential for an episode or flare-up.

When coaching my clients to medicate for daily wellness, they tend to experience less “high-alert” episodes or flare-ups. This is due to simply supporting the endocannabinoid system with low doses of cannabinoids daily through multiple layering techniques. When a flare-up does occur it is usually not as severe or the client is well prepared with the knowledge of proper dosing and medicating methods.

Habit Change, by Amy Lee

Implementing a balanced cannabis routine can reduce the symptoms of disease for these common inflammatory ailments, endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome, chrohns, sinusitis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, alzheimers, parkinsons, cancer, chronic pain more.

A daily cannabis routine helps the patient establish their personal wellness dose, provides consistent support of the endocannabinoid system for whole body wellness, supports the immune system on a cellular level, consistent dosing means proper dosing measurement, and as a client you begin to take accountability for your wellness journey.

To discover your best dosing routine I recommend beginning with a list of ailments you seek to treat and the symptoms you wish to relieve. Begin each day with a low dose of full spectrum cannabidiol tincture or capsule. This will activate and stimulate the endocannabinoid system, to support balance. Discovering your personal cannabinoid milligram requires journaling and charting your symptoms daily. Usually after three weeks of journaling and charting a routine can be developed that works well for the clients wellness.

To learn more visit www.TheBohoHealthCoach.com or on Facebook for free webinars, resources and coaching programs!

Amy Lee
Cannabis and Wellness Coach, Boho Health Consulting
833.264.6457
www.TheBohoHealthCoach.com

Cannabis: Crossing the Barrier

by Tab Moura

Imagine being in a large facility, you know that it contains a wealth of knowledge, riches, and untold technological advancements… but you don’t have electricity in all of the rooms. So, you know what’s there, you just cannot analyze it. This is my experience with Epilepsy. My seizures affect my ability to smoothly access various parts of my brain. 

Dab Love, by Tab Moura

It’s difficult to talk about this with people who have known me the longest because there was no single moment where we noticed my seizures begin. But what we do know is that my personality, speech, and memory are affected when my seizures are close together. My EEG indicated that I have partial seizures in my right frontal and right temporal lobes, as well as secondary generalized seizures, where there’s a kind of ripple effect through my entire brain. 

The brain is such a delicate organ, and as much as I have researched it, and have met with a handful of neurologists, I can confidently say that our day-to-day choices directly affect our brains more than we realize. 

The brain and its cerebral spinal fluid are encased in three protective layers, made up of connective tissue. Unique to the brain, it has a beautiful system for nutrient delivery and toxin removal… You may know of this as the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

The word “barrier” makes it sound tougher than it really is… the truth is, more things get past that barrier than we like to admit. Fat-soluble vitamins pass easily into the brain, but so do many medications, caffeine, sugars, several chemicals, and virtually anything that can be nanotized.

Ready to Regulate, by Tab Moura

Cannabis is fat-soluble, it passes easily into the brain and is received by the endocannabinoid system as God created it to. So not only does it pass through like so many other things, it has a welcoming committee that’s happy to see it. Cannabis is a vital food nutrient, and unlike other fat-soluble ingredients that can cross the BBB, there isn’t a toxic dose of cannabis. 

I’ve had a handful of people ask me, “are you not worried about the long-term effects of cannabis on development, or aging?” My honest answer? ”I’m pretty excited about them actually.” 

I lost the second and third languages that I worked for years to learn; they slipped away from me. I lost childhood memories. I lost my mental health. I lost my ability to create art and write poetry… and you wanna know what is helping me retrieve those parts of my brain again? Cannabis. 

If you want my advice, I recommend being a lot more concerned with the ingredients that cross the BBB, but aren’t beneficial… don’t take my word for it, do the research. You won’t regret it.

All Gassed Up

by Micah McKamie

As I opened my door at Sunnyside Diner a blast of air hit me in the face.  It was a little colder than I expected, however, it felt invigorating in a way.   I was super excited to be there!  Training Through Terps had been marketing this run for almost a month and I was curious to see how it all came together.  The wind was coming off the lake in gusts, but as I walked up to the “Gassed Up Group Run” you could tell everyone was in “high” spirits!  The gaggle of runners was about 25-30 people in various brightly colored workout attire and amazingly some people had just come to be supportive even though the weather hadn’t completely cooperated on the chosen Sunday.  The group’s co-founders Kenny And Micah started this group to make a valiant effort at changing the perception of cannabis users in our society.  “ Ultimately our goal is to help non-medicators see that just because you use cannabis, does not mean that the lazy stigma has to be how people see you,” said Kenny, “We are out here Breaking the Stigma and changing peoples mindset while promoting a healthy lifestyle!”

Out of the 28 people that showed up for this frigid frolic, fifteen ended up running the route while the others took advantage of Sunnyside Diner’s excellent hospitality!! “Overall,  just having people out, being able to share in our passion for cannabis and fitness, as well as, being able to link up some pretty amazing people, has made us feel like this has been a huge success,” said Micah.  “We have these planned out for the next six months and have located these events all over Oklahoma, including one in Tulsa for Armed Forces Day in conjunction with Sherweed Forrest, which is a group of cannabis advocates who are changing the industry through media and art,” he added.   As I walked around and talked with each of the participants, before the run, I realized the eclectic group in which had been assembled.  People from all walks of life and backgrounds had come to be a part of this community practice!!! As we moved up to the starting line the mood became more lively and pumped.  Everyone was highly medicated by this point and as we started off on our route it became evident to me that this was going to be a big deal.

After the run, we all congregated on the porch at Sunnyside and ate brunch, and just talked about weed.  As if just hanging out with other canna-centric fitness nuts wasn’t enough, they had at least 4 vendors there with merch for the participants, as well as, all sorts of deals from local dispensaries.  As the day ended and we started to say our goodbyes, I realized that we had been there for a while.  The group met at 9 and the last people didn’t leave until 1:30ish, which was surprising considering that this was a short cannabis fun run, but it flew by!  With all the great people that showed up, the poignant conversation, excellent food, and amazing products, the “Gassed Up Group Run” was an awesome success and made for an amazing day!!  As I got in my car to head out I thought to myself, I cannot wait for the next one!!!

Upcoming Gassed Up Group Run events:

-Saturday March 20th Western/Paseo District

-Tuesday April 20th Stillwater

-Saturday May 15th Tulsa

-Sunday June 6 OKC D-Day run

Miracle on 39th Street

by Micah McKamie

Part of my morning routine is to immediately get up when I open my eyes, wake and bake, and get a good outside workout in before the day begins. This had not happened in a few days due to the weather and I was starting to feel a little cooped up. That particular morning I had been smoking an amazing Sativa from Troy Buds called Pure Power Plant, which had zipped me up pretty well, I was starting to really get the pushy effects. I was pumped up!!! So, I decided to brave the temperatures, get some fresh air, and some relief from my inner turmoil that was developing. I fixed my sunglasses, took a puff from my pen, and stepped into the snowy streets.

Training Through Terps: Eliminate the Struggle, by Micah McKamie

My entire life had been spent in Oklahoma and Texas up until the Army, and I had never seen actual snow on the ground in the Pan-Handle state. We have always had dustings and ice storms, but this was fluffy arctic snow. I had encountered this type of snow before when I was stationed at Ft. Drum, NY and this reminded me of that soft, but compact snow, and is so cold it moved like sand. I knew that this was not going to be an easy run due to my experience in these types of elements, however, I knew how necessary it was to get outside for my mental health.

I zipped up my jacket, set Pandora to my “Runner’s High” playlist. I could feel my medication starting to kick in. Now, one of the strange things you have to get used to with Training Through Terps is the heavy effect of some of the cannabis products we use. These effects, though manageable, have the ability to completely derail your workout. You will need to be patient with the process and open to adjusting your focus for that day’s fitness routine. Go in knowing that tenacity and determination are key to the success of this program. You will have to show some drive to make this work.

There is nothing easy about changing your lifestyle. However, most things in life worth doing aren’t simple. While Sativa strains can enhance your workouts, the high THC found in these strains can sit you down quickly and make you lose track of your focus at that time. The key is not giving up. I have found that a heavy Sativa high will subside quickly thus leaving you with an outrageous amount of energy that can be harnessed for your workouts, it just takes a few minutes to get your head out of the clouds and back into the focus at hand.

As I headed north towards Downtown Bethany, I began utilizing a meditative state to keep my focus and to “drone” through my workout. I put my body on autopilot and really focused on the things going on in my life and how I could navigate them. Who and what are causing me to feel the way that I am and how can I go about navigating this issue? This kind of process is a key aspect in my mental health and allows me to process things in a healthy manner, one that PTSD and ADHD don’t always allow.

The biggest issue this morning was that although I was feeling better, the ball of gross energy that felt like a panic attack coming on was not going away. I started wondering why I was out there and if this was even worth the time. I am never one to quit so, I summoned my focus, regained my meditative state and kept going.

By the time I reached Southern Nazarene University, my beard and eyelashes are sufficiently crowned with icy accouterments. I could see myself in the shop windows. I looked like an insane person running in that much snow, when it was that cold. As I rounded the corner onto 39th, I let out a sigh of relief. The sidewalk was clear!!! Up until that point, I had kept about a 9-minute pace due to the lack of traction. Now, I had finally found an area I could really open up.

I grabbed my pen, took a few huge rips, and proceeded to do a series of sprints that destroyed the growing panic attack energy inside. As I finished my workout-within-a-workout, the snow really started to come down. I turned towards home. I had barely realized it, but pretty much everyone had retreated indoors and I was left with just the sounds of Crozet to keep me company. I have always loved the way the world gets so quiet when it snows, and now that I had gotten the nasty feelings out I really began to enjoy the entirety of my run. It was so quiet. The snowflakes and clouds created a blanket to muffle the bustling sounds of the city around me.

Training Through Terps: The Journey, by Micah McKamie

As I finished up my route and trotted into the driveway, I felt a sense of accomplishment. It wasn’t the 5 miles that felt so good, or the fact that I did it in a subzero winter wonderland, it was that I had actually had some major mental breakthroughs on my run. Things that had haunted me for years had come to the forefront on this dredge through snow and ice. After to my running introspection, I was mentally prepared for what the universe had in store for me and in no way doubted my abilities. I walked up to the doorand I looked back North, where I had come from, reveling in the feeling that I had set out dreading this run yet ended up grateful for the experience.

I unlocked my door, headed to the kitchen table for my normal post-workout smoke and shake. I had this overwhelming feeling of being grateful. The universe had provided the perfect elements for my healing. Even though I didn’t see it at first, the holy trinity of marijuana, music, and moxie took what could have been horribly emotional day and a lost workout, and turned it into one of the most healing experiences of my life. I only needed the aspects of cannabis and a strong will to capitalize on it.

Training Through Terps is not just about the physical aspects of your fitness. It is giving you a bulletproof mindset. You find your clean motivation to not only complete your workouts at a high level, but it allows for you to live a happy healthy life past the traumas and issues you have had in the past. It is High time that we stop accepting what society tells us about cannabis and start expecting more from our weed.

Asthma and Cannabis

by Tab Moura

Well, it’s that time of year again… The time of year where even if they weren’t asking everyone to wear masks, I would 100% be wearing a face-covering outside. It’s asthma season. I’ve been living with asthma for about 10 years. There are a lot of opinions about what improves, and what worsens, things like asthma… at the time of writing this, I’m watching snow fall, my joints are screaming, and I’m daydreaming of kids going to bed so I can curl up with my favorite concentrate. Like many of you, I have multiple health conditions that I treat with cannabis, and I’m all too familiar with the drama of finding what works.

This amazing plant is a natural anti-inflammatory, which helps in hundreds of conditions, including asthma. While there are definitely some benefits to using inhaled medical cannabis for asthma, there are some potential risks as well. Let’s unpack this…

Mom’s Table, by Tab Moura
1. Inhalation: not one size fits all.

Inhaled flower may irritate your throat more than smoother alternatives, like vapor or dabs. It’s not an exact science, but some believe the reason why lies in how the flower combusts; the particles from the plant can catch in your throat and lead to coughing. One option is to take small puffs to minimize bronchospasms, some say humming helps, others prefer to avoid inhaling altogether and stick to oils, tinctures, and edibles.

2. Quality, quality, quality!

The variety of price points in our cannabis industry does not solely reflect on the quality of said products, but it can sometimes give you an idea of the care that went into those products. While all legal products are tested for things like chemicals, molds, and metals, we’re still talking about a plant and every patient’s experience may vary. I have found that no matter what, I must look at, and smell, my medicine to be sure it won’t trigger my asthma. 9 times out of 10, I pick products that agree with my lungs.

3. Terpenes

The cannabis plant has roughly a zillion strains at this point, respectfully, and even the ones with identical names may hit you differently. Some terpenes are directly linked to better breathing and immune support, like Pinene, Ocimene, and Caryophyllene, but this doesn’t automatically mean your lungs will be happy to see them. If you are terpene sensitive, it is mostly because you’re high maintenance like me, but don’t fret. If you do find a strain that consistently irritates your lungs, ask your Dispo to show you the labs or terpene profiles, so you can narrow down what’s bothering you. If you take nothing else away from what I’m sharing today, I hope you feel hopeful that cannabis can help you, even if you have asthma. The sky is the limit with plant medicine; may your medicine clouds treat you well.

Insomnia

by Tab Moura

“2 am isn’t so bad,” I said to myself as I scrolled Pinterest. I am not going to sugar coat this, insomnia is definitely my least favorite neurological symptom. It’s the one I’ve lived with the longest, and even now with so many lifestyle adjustments… here I am. Writing a blog, because I cannot sleep.

Oooo check out that recipe!
That quote is definitely going on my grid.
Would this design style look good in my future tiny home?

In the days of “school nights” and therapy appointments, being awake at 2 am isn’t really the best use of my time… I keep myself busy because I can’t sleep… why can’t I sleep? Oh, I don’t wanna talk about that. I’ll just turn on a show while I scroll Pinterest… because my brain clearly needs more stimulation.

I can’t believe the Bachelor is still on the air
OMG people must watch this new docuseries!
This true-crime show is so old. No no no, no way that man murdered her!
But it never lasts…
Why did she look at me that way? Did I do something wrong?
This pain hasn’t gone away, maybe I should call my doctor.
They have how much homework?
That deadline is coming up, I just never get a break!
Did I rotate the laundry?
Do I have —

The cycle doesn’t break on its own… without crashing. I don’t know about you, I dread the crash… it always comes too late, and life always resumes on schedule whether I am rested or not.

Electrolytes for Balanced Health by Tab Moura

Due to my Epilepsy, I cannot go for walks or bike rides alone, but from my research, I’ve learned how important exercise can be for those with insomnia. Because of this, one of my favorite resources is to hop on my stationary bike before bed and peddle away! Usually, I bike 5 mins on, rest, 5 mins on, etc, and try to breathe through my nose as long as I can. I wear a sweater, I use resistance, and I intentionally bike to warm up my body and (if possible) break a sweat.

As a person with chronic illness, let me be the first to say how cliche it feels to recommend that exercise may help. I know the face you’re making, just know I made the same face. The truth is, exercise alone isn’t the answer… otherwise, I would be asleep. This part is important, but it’s also not a magic wand. The human body is magnificent and complex. I mean, a brain— the organ we are experiencing reality with— can have disorders… it intrigues me. The brain and body have an intimate (some may say symbiotic) relationship. How you treat your body will affect your brain. What makes your body healthy will make your brain happy (like vegetables).

Research is saying that exercise can help you make new connections in your brain, improving memory and mental health outcomes. I challenge you to incorporate exercise of some kind into your daily routine for a week… grab your electrolytes, your headphones, and an open mind, and see where it takes you.

Electrolytes for Balanced Health

by Tab Moura

These cold weeks always make me pensive… perhaps the cold weather atmosphere makes time feel slower, perhaps it’s all in my imagination. What I know for sure is winter puts things in perspective for me like no other time of the year.

Let the Light In by Tab Moura

As a mother, I have experienced such a rollercoaster of feelings this past year. If ever there was a year to become self-conscious about one’s strengths and weaknesses, 2020 was quite an eye-opener. 2020 was a year where a few of my chronic illnesses flared at the same time, and my health was largely in my own hands. I tried several new things over the last 12 months, and given the overwhelming amount of health advice that sick people receive, I’m going to let you know upfront that I am not a distributor of any of the tools I’m going to share with you. Over my next few posts, I want to explain the health conditions I’ve been formally diagnosed with, and why I am using the tools I’ve chosen.

Electrolytes

Before I was diagnosed with my neurological conditions, POTS, and Epilepsy, I thought that only athletes needed electrolytes. It’s so much deeper than that. Your body is a complex network of electrical signals, and electrolytes help make strong connections. Hydration is just as much about the nervous system as it’s about your circulation and stamina. When I feel light-headed or get an aura, the first thing I reach for is my LMNT drink. LMNT is what I use because of the high sodium content, it has helped my symptoms more than any other brand I have tried.

Often people with POTS are encouraged to get more sodium and potassium to help with their low blood pressure that leads to fainting, but these can also help with brain fog, confusion, headaches, and more. I have noticed that drinking electrolytes while using cannabis has also helped alleviate any sluggishness or brain fog caused by the strain I am using.

Again, this all depends on your individual health. If you have high blood pressure, you may want to avoid an electrolyte with significant amounts of sodium, unless otherwise indicated by your doctor.

Electrolyte balancing has been a game-changer in my health. When I talk about wellness, I make a point to encourage everyone to read the labels themselves. There are so many brands out there, but many of them are marketed for athletes and kids, they are not for people with chronic illness (look out for dyes and sugars) and find one that helps meet your daily needs.

Remember, dyes and sugars can exasperate poor blood pressure and blood sugar, along with increasing or prolonging headaches and moodiness. Whatever brand you choose, keep an eye out for companies that have a history of wellness in mind for their customers.

A Bowl of Autumn Gold

by Chef Sebastian Carosi

Generally, around late August we start to see the plethora of winter squash ripening. Then over the next few months, you will see everything from curry to hubbard, and buttercup to delicata. Winter squash are some of the most delicious, nutritious, and versatile ingredients of the autumn season. Unlike their summer squash counterparts, winter squash is harvested in autumn when they are hard, ripe, and ready. Most of the winter squash varieties are “keepers” and can be stored and enjoyed for constant use throughout the winter months.

Having lived, cooked, and gardened many years in New England I quickly learned my cucurbits. Several of my favorites happen to be heirloom varieties, seeds that have been passed on for many years, over a 100 to be exact. Among my favorites are old-school names like hubbard, buttercup, red kuri, acorn, Kakai, Boston marrow, North Georgia candy roaster, Lakota, sweet meat and Hopi pale grey.

Over the years I have kept my hunger for cucurbits alive in many ways including sourcing very rare native American heirloom squash seeds to grow and utilize on my hyper-seasonal and locally driven, weekly changing menus. With family roots in the mountains of Italy, Abruzzo to be exact, I was able to dig up several old family recipes that were easy to incorporate into my ever-expanding culinary cucurbit repertoire.

Although now most of my cooking is done at home, I still utilize and often chase down rare winter squash to make the simplest of Autumn dishes. Soups mostly but every now and then a curry, or a risotto, and when I get rambunctious – pansotti a little pot-bellied ravioli filled with roast winter squash and served in a sage brown creamery butter. Yum.

This very simple and very nutritious soup recipe generally contains a mixture of as many different winter squashes as you can find and would like to add. Truthfully, the more the better. I usually use a combination of heirlooms such as hubbard, buttercup, butternut, sweet meat, and red kuri. They all seem to bring their own complexity to a soup with so few ingredients.

I usually try to keep the thc dosage on warm soups from 2 to 6 milligrams, so no one gets totally wrecked in front of the family. If you are seeking a different result, around your family members during the holidays please feel free to serve them two or three bowls and sit back and enjoy the evening. I hope you will enjoy the simple depth of flavor each squash brings to the pot. A quick chef’s note: this velvety smooth soup is best enjoyed smoking the best of your harvest with loved ones in front of a warm crackling fire.

Check out the recipe at CannaBanana & Mom

by #theshortordercannabisrevolutionary

chef sebastian carosi

@chef_sebastian_carosi on Instagram

 

Training Through Terps pt. 1

by Micah McKamie

Over the last 20 years, workout supplements have come and gone. Companies produced products like Creatin, Plasma Jet, Hydroxycut, etc. without regard for the safety of the consumer. Within the FDA it is known that a product could stay on the shelves for years before it can legally be taken down, regardless of known safety issues, due to needing substantial evidence to spur the recall.

Intro to Training through Terps by Micah McKamie

During those 20 years, I managed to navigate the proverbial minefield of fitness supplements and came out unscathed. However, I do not discount the need for energy, sustainment, and recovery aids, especially as I get older. What I have come here to share with you, is that you do not have to conform to unhealthy diets, expensive workout supplements, or even buy a gym membership. I have found that you can still see the healthy results that you desire just from using the right strains, products, and regimes. Let me show you.

In 2016 a buddy of mine approached me concerned for my safety with the amount of, as well as the types of medications that the VA had prescribed me. That day, he handed me a syringe of RSO hoping that it would at least get me off Ambien. The next morning, I threw away the prescription “sleep aid” and ultimately eliminated all my prescriptions within six months.

Once I decided to go on this terpene journey, I realized that this wonderful little plant is capable of so much more than just getting me stoned or assisting with anxiety. This plant had the ability to control my energy and in turn, to turn it off and on as needed! I was pumped. Finally, a pre-workout that I want to buy, a sleep aid that I am not worried about making me sleep-walk, and a recovery aid that I did not have to worry about shutting down my kidneys. The idea changed the game for me.

Just like ‘wake and bake’ can send you into your day creatively locked in and full of energy, a noon-er joint can get you past the after-lunch lull, or a 4:20 pm smoke will make easing into your evening a little easier, cannabis could unlock pre-workout energy, help sustain pain management during a run or workout, and assist in your body’s ability to recover quickly and efficiently. Over the last year there have been some major players as far as strains that have maximum effects when training with terps:

 

Jack Herer

Jack Herer has quickly become one of my favorite pre-workouts on my days off. The reason I say “my days off” is because anytime I take it, it is not wise for me to be constrained. I need space to run, jump, do push-ups, throw medicine balls, lug atlas stones around, or whatever other physical activity I can come up with. It creates a massive amount of energy that will allow you to finish any, maybe even all the workouts.

Most workouts that I look forward to with Jack are HIIT or CrossFit workouts. Due to your high energy and intense focus, you will need to be attached to something that has some detail and speed to it. Sprints, box jumps, battle ropes, as well as anyone of “The Girls” would do nicely, but let’s be honest, if you are using Jack Herer, you will do them all. In the end, you are looking for something that is really going to push you to your max.

 

Cali-O

Cali – O has taken over my weekday workouts due to its ability to supply energy and a clear-headed, upbeat high. This strain can keep you focused on your workout, so you don’t skip anything in the short amount of time you have, as well as help you concentrate on your form. Once the workout is over, I tend to go a little deeper into this strain for a relaxed body high that will allow for proper recovery, but still have energy for the day.

On these days I try to focus on just getting a quick, decisive workout in before work. I like to get my resistance band training or TRX in on these days. This will allow you to activate several major muscle groups at once and maximize your workout for the time. Standing on the band to do curls, doing overhead pulldowns, tricep extensions, or using them to create resistance for my push-ups are just a few of the thousands of workout options with these bands.

 

Harlequin

Roasted Beet Winter Salad by Micah McKamie

Harlequin, when you can find it, is amazing for the more amateur weed workout enthusiasts. Due to its tendency to lean more towards 1:1 or 3:1 THC to CBD, this strain leaves you feeling weightless and pain-free. This cross between Thai and Swiss Landraces with Colombian Gold offers an analgesic effect, as well as relief from muscle spasms, pain, soreness, and inflammation. The energizing effects and potent body high will turn any boring workout routine into a race against yourself. Due to the higher CBD found in this strain, the psychoactive effects are limited, and you won’t get the confusing high that early users might find with higher THC strains.

I love to have a nice, slow run with Harlequin. Something about the uplifting body high, coupled with running on a trail or next to Lake Hefner that really makes the entire process exquisite. The wind blowing through my hair, the mist from the water cooling me down. I always take a “camelback” with me on my runs, so I have a place to keep my stash. Sometimes I will find a place to enjoy a moment and smoke a little before I continue you on my way.

 

Rick Simpson Oil

Finally, I finish my days with RSO. Rick Simpson oil has been known for years as a possible cure for skin cancer and tons of other ailments, however, I have found the benefits to be more substantial to ingest it as a sleep and recovery aid. RSO is a full spectrum solvent derived full-plant compound that has an array of amazing effects. When purchasing RSO I always check the labs for levels of Ocimene, Humulene, and Camphene. This trinity of terpenes, I have found, works best for me and my body. Ocimene is a wonderful antidepressant that will keep you feeling uplifted, Humulene a solid appetite suppressant, and Camphene has been known to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as reduce pain and inflammation. Ocimene has also been known to treat symptoms of diabetes by inhibiting the proliferation of key enzymes, thus controlling blood glucose levels that can cause binge eating.

 

I know this seems like a lot of information. However, what it all comes down to is what makes you feel good. These are just suggestions on where to start. As we all know, each strain affects each person a little differently, so take all of this as a guideline, a spark for you to light your fire. So, get out there!!! Find a Sativa strain, get to moving, and start “Training Through Terps.”

Diagnosed with Depression

How Cannabis Created a Safe Space for Healing

by Tab Moura

I still remember how that library smelled; stale, cheap floral- mixed with books. You know the type, perhaps one too many glade plug ins. I sat there sweating through my blouse as I read the questionnaire.

A Letter to My Younger Self by Tab Moura

“Experiences little interest in doing things they once enjoyed.” This question made me pause for a few moments; up until that moment I hadn’t allowed myself to actual cease doing anything I enjoyed… because of appearances.

I resisted the notion that I was depressed, because I believed depression to be weakness. I believed laying in bed was a waste of time, I believed medication or supplementation was a placebo… I believed many things; things I don’t even remember learning, but they were things I held as true and I used them to judge myself and others by.

The truth is, those things I believed I was enjoying, were things I later learned were merely “safe,” and I enjoyed safety quite a bit:

 

1. Things that were planned for my campus
2. Things planned by room mates
3. Things at church
4. Professional commitments

 

Naturally, I’m only painting a picture of what *my* safety zone looked like. History told me that it would draw more attention and conflict to avoid these activities… unwanted comments and gossip were my

Family Connection by Tab Moura

kryptonite. After a year of college, working part time and doing volunteer work, I couldn’t hold myself together anymore… and that’s what brought me to that library. Undergoing psych testing, realizing that I didn’t know how to answer that question, because I was seeing that it had been years since I actively pursued my authentic interests.

After my diagnosis of depression, I took a decade of exploring my mental health, and trying many things… but I finally found my way to cannabis. And I cannot tell you how life changing this medicine has been for my overall health, and it has alleviated my depression symptoms enough that I am able to absorb new mental health tools and disciplines to create healthy boundaries. Boundaries to say yes to myself more, and to not burden myself with the opinions of those who would criticize me rather than support me. It’s helping me be me.

Training through Terps

by Micah McKamie

Why Not?

Has anyone ever told you that you can’t smoke weed and workout? Oh, that’s because no one ever asked? All through-out history there are instances where if people didn’t just ask “why not?” then we wouldn’t have such great inventions like the telephone or TikTok. Now I am in no way paralleling my “research” ( read that sarcastically ) to Alexander Graham Bell, however, the idea is still the same.

Why Not? If Phenos can be hunted, terpenes isolated and people who want healthier and more natural supplements to enhance their workouts, why not use marijuana to get physically fit? Why can’t we train through terpenes?

Habit Change

Throughout my time in Texas high school football and later in the Army, I have seen fad diets and workouts come and go. Even though there is some validity to most of these dietary and training programs, there is one thing missing from each. You!!

Your preferences, lifestyle, schedule, doesn’t always match up with the ideals set forth by a “trainer”. Most of the time you have failed before you even began, because you are eliminating a lifestyle and integrating a whole new regime right at the same time. This can cause major issues with comfort, anxiety, and ultimately, you quit.

No matter how you look at it, you are trying to undo 100% of your life in the snap of a finger. This is not how health works. Its a slow process of relearning habits and ultimately changing your lifestyle. But what if, you didn’t have to completely change? What if you didn’t have to buy a ton of supplements, workout equipment, pay for a gym membership or give up cannabis!?!?

Training through Terps

Flashback to January of this year, when I set out on this journey to find a healthy lifestyle balanced with cannabis and fitness. What I found out at 39, was that not only could the two work together, but I could strive with this “Training Through Terps” program.

There are many benefits including post-workout pain management, reduction in inflammation, as well as, being able to control hunger spikes with humulene, and getting premium sleep when I want it and not when my anxiety wants to let me. Working out at home, with minimal equipment, using a selective eating program, as well as cannabis, has given me a lot of the benefits you would expect from this wonderful plant.

The benefit that I did not count on was the ability to lose myself in a workout out with the right strain. The perk of being able to turn my energy off and on like a light switch helps maintain energy conservation while also getting the best workout.

I know you might be skeptical, what do you mean energy conservation and blahsie, blah, blah…. For people who adamantly workout, have you ever left the gym exhausted but your pre-workout is not done with your brain or one little stupid tick that keeps you from getting the rest your body and mind need? Well, when your pre-workout and sleep aid are made from the same plant just different terpenes, it tends to be easier to control the effects.

This epiphany led me on a journey that has been emotional, eye opening spiritually, as well as, physically, in addition to just being just a lot of fun.

What ultimately made me decide to start sharing this information was the Mike Tyson fight. I had listened to all of the podcasts and anything I could get my hands on about this fight. Mike was making a comeback and he was old AF. If he could do it then so could anyone. Then the kicker….. He had been smoking the entire time he was training AND RIGHT BEFORE THE FIGHT!!!! This was game changing to my mindset. This journey may never end and so I decided to document my results for the public to decide if “Training through Terps” is fire or boof.

Family Connection

by Tab Moura

This month is the one year anniversary of when my daughters got their medical cannabis cards. I want to share a snapshot with you, but the snapshot is really just a byproduct of what I want to share today. I came to cannabis therapy by way of an Epilepsy diagnosis. Finding relief, it wasn’t long before I decided to begin using cannabis therapy for my daughters.

With Covid shaking things up for everyone this year, the area that impacted our family the most was our therapies we utilize to support their developmental needs. Before I elaborate on that, I want to set the stage.

New Growth by Tab Moura

Cannabis is a powerful tool for people like me, who have seizures, because while it helps me protect my brain from the onset of seizures, it also helps me create new connections in the areas of my brain that are impacted by my seizures. While there is less published research on the benefits of cannabis in autism (it’s sufficient, but Epilepsy is far more researched), the research we have shows that it helps improve their quality of life.

Beyond what the studies show, there are thousands of families like mine who can give you firsthand accounts of what we’re seeing. Cannabis is helping them focus, reducing anxiety and aggression, improving quality and length of sleep, and helping with underlying stressors like sensory overwhelm and digestion pain.

Back to the Covid toss up. When I learned we would be switching 90% of our appointments to telehealth, I was terrified and cautiously relieved. Less wrestling kids into masks, more wrestling kids in front of webcams. Before quarantine, they weren’t having lengthy conversations on FaceTime with friends and family yet, so for the first few weeks or so I just chased them around with a tablet as the therapists shouted suggestions and anecdotes that may or may not be helpful.

I wanted to quit, but I have to say, our therapists are saints and I owe them a lifetime of thanks. I definitely don’t believe all therapies and special need supports can be managed virtually, we are fortunate that this has been more successful than not… but I believe we adjusted with a little help from our medicine.

Visual Meditation by Tab Moura

Cannabis is known to help support making new neural connections, evidence suggests that this applies to children as well. Watching my daughter, who wasn’t even acknowledging her therapist yet when we met in-person, now sit and have a conversation with her therapist on a screen? Not running around like a tornado?

I’ve been seeing miracles happen. Encouraging her to sit still like this wasn’t something I expected to work on until she was a bit older, but it has been something of a necessity given the circumstances. The two of them, each holding a babydoll, using simple language and carrying on together; I didn’t think we could get here outside of a therapy clinic… but here we are.

Oh, people will decide for themselves what to think about stories like ours. I know I was skeptical for a long time… but I like to think that having the (legal) right to choose something so life changing, will be something I will be grateful for until the day I die.

 

From the Front Lines

by Chip Paul | Chief Innovator GnuPharma

At this writing we are a few weeks away from perhaps the most important election in our history. Further, it seems our world is upside. Covid, corruption, rioting in US cities. What to make of it all? I tend to take the optimistic view.

How do you create change? It isn’t by “going along”. You create change by fighting an entrenched system and that is difficult. What is happening is about change. We, the American People are demanding it. We want truth, as hard as that may be to swallow.

In my mind, America is “waking up” just like #wethepeople did here in Oklahoma when we demanded change. Our Oklahoma medical marijuana movement is a beacon of what can be done when we unify around a cause.

And why is marijuana important? Marijuana works first and foremost. It has medical efficacy with numerous disregulation/diseases. By WHY does it work? Therein lies the magic.

It works because it affects an internal system we have called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is currently severely under studied and under appreciated by pharma and medicine. When this system is fully understood great strides can be made in medicine. In fact great strides are being made right now by numerous people in the endocannabinoid field.

For instance, our company, GnuPharma, is now getting exceptional results with autism symptoms in a safe formulation. We were able to develop it due to our understanding of the endocannabinoid system. Autistic people have disregulations in the ECS.

As the ECS model is fully understood by researchers, physicians, and educators, no disease of disregulation will be out of reach! Brave new world a’comin’…let’s stick together here in Oklahoma and see where we can take it!

 

The latest from Chip Paul…

Chip Paul, chief innovator of GnuPharma
From the Front Lines

Visual Meditation

by Tab Moura

When seasonal depression first reared its head in my life, it consumed me… it tipped the scale and I fell into a cycle of depression that took a few years to learn to manage. Through counseling, diet and supplementing, and of course cannabis, I’ve found a lot relief through the years.

Between my epilepsy and my depression, I don’t always feel in control of where my mind wanders… so I am not very good at stereotypical “meditation.” I know we’ve all seen someone in a show cross their legs, pinch their thumb and finger together and begin saying “oooohmmmm…”

I am in no way an expert, and I won’t be teaching classes anytime soon, but I’ve learned a lot from trial and error. I think the biggest thing I’ve learned about meditation is it comes in many forms, and it’s helpful to start with something comfortable.

 

Today, I want to share my favorite way to center myself, it’s a visual process…
  • I imagine myself in a car, for me it’s a classic red car with a hard top and a big muffler. The details matter when it comes to a process like this, the goal is to be immersed; the windows are rolled down- it has manual windows (naturally) and crappy AC. There’s a luau girl on the dash, I’m listening to the radio (“Something Just Like This” by The Chainsmokers and Coldplay) and I can hear the map (that I’m not using) rattle, blowing in the wind in the back seat.
  • Some days all I need to do is get myself in the driver’s seat, and that’s enough to reset my mood. But sometimes I have to keep going. What kind of road am I on? What time is it? What’s outside the window? What is the weather like? I have taken this vision many directions.

 

What I’ll leave you with, is this encouragement: your goal is to to be in the driver seat. Whether that’s metaphorical, or literal, is up to you… but the vision is meant to be gentle. It’s meant to be a breath of fresh air. A way to pace yourself. Soak it up.

 

More from Tab…

Dream a New Dream

Winter Wellness

by Amy Lee

Managing mental wellness is a daily struggle for many people, in fact, it is said that approximately 43.8 million adults in the United States identify with at least one mental illness.

The most common mental illnesses throughout the United States include anxiety, depression, substance abuse disorder (alcohol included), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and PTSD.

The winter months may prove to be especially difficult for individuals already suffering from one or more mental illnesses. The struggle to stay balanced mentally during the winter may be attributed to the shift in the body’s natural rhythm as the sky gets brighter later in the morning and darker earlier in the evening.

This seasonal shift alone is responsible for the condition “seasonal depression”. Seasonal depression affects 14% of Americans annually. Although the shift in daylight may seem small, it plays a major factor in the rhythm of the body. Pairing societies already massive mental wellness crisis with a national health pandemic has me worried, to say the least.

A national survey on mental health during the coronavirus pandemic hosted by The Single Care, states that 59% of Americans are aware their mental wellness is being affected in a negative manner. If you find yourself also struggling, below I have highlighted some winter wellness tips along with strains and the terpene profiles that support the endocannabinoid system best for the most common mental illnesses.

  1. Make a plan for each day to accomplish.
  2. Keep up with your personal hygiene.
  3. Stay stocked in medicine for at least a week at a time.
  4. Schedule weekly calls with friends and loved ones.
  5. Add 15-30 minutes of movement to your day via a walk, yoga, anything!
  6. Know your triggers and have a plan of action.
  7. Take advantage of virtual therapy.
Here are some of the top-rated strains to support mental wellness during the winter months.
  • OG Kush – Relieves stress, anxiety, and stimulates the CB1 receptors.
  • Headband – Mood enhancing.
  • Northern Lights – Wonderful for bipolar.
  • Green Crack – Helps depressive symptoms and is a wonderful motivator.
Some of my favorite terpenes for winter months are found in many different strains, so if there is a symptom you suffer from more, search for a strain that is higher in those terpenes. That profile will support the endocannabinoid system in the areas you desire specifically.
  • Caryophyllene – A common terpene found in many strains. This terpene is a favorite of mine because of the unique response it has in the body. This terpene responds with both CB1 and CB2 receptors and assists in relieving stress symptoms and calms the mind and body. A wonderful terpene for those suffering from anxiety, depression, and stress-related symptoms.
  • Limonene – This bright and sunny terpene is an instant
    mood booster and energizer which is helpful for those
    suffering from depression or anxiety.
  • Linalool – Provides a sweet floral smell romancing the
    nose and body into a soothing calm.

Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information. 

 

More from Amy Lee:

The Science of Cinnamon & Cannabis

Sowing the Seed

by Chet Tucker

Sowing the Seed is a monthly column dedicated to spreading knowledge and thought provoking pieces around the medicinal benefits of cannabis, its components, and products.

The goal of each piece is to underscore the power of the plant while stripping away the stigma of cannabis.

Herbage Magazine feels very strongly that Chet and his positive values will help us to continue to solidify our very own similar values within the world of cannabis.

We have requested an introduction from Chet Tucker himself!

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to further the awareness cannabis and the benefits while hopefully making it fun to learn along. Though I’ve a crash course in cannabis over the last decade or so, it wasn’t until I dove head first into the medicinal community a few years ago that I widened my knowledge. Losing my father as a result of epilepsy, at the young age of 54, I became more and more interested in why we allow a ‘government’ to control our use of natural remedies. Had he access to cannabis or CBD, I firmly believe he’d still be with me and it’s truly the foundation of why I’m passionate about the best medicinal values of cannabis.

Additionally, I believe that humans have every right to plants, especially one that has a history of healing that dates back far back in the halls of earth’s history.

With years of corporate management and communication, I’m thrilled to be here each month to promote the awareness of cannabis.”

Chet Tucker
Executive Director
Arcadia Brands

Checking In

by Tab Moura

I feel like it goes without saying, that anxiety has been a regular part of existing this year. Not the clinical kind, per say, but a very valid presentation of self-preservation while navigating a tricky situation.

A very wise person once told me, “there’s anxiety, and there are limbic responses.” Anxiety may say “there could be a snake in this grass, snakes like the grass, I want to avoid the grass.” A limbic response would be, “When I was walking through the grass, I jumped as I saw the garden hose, because I thought it was a snake.”

Whether you have already tested positive, or fear the day you could, what we have in common is this lingering fear of “what if?” We feel anxiety about the future, trying to balance moving toward the future, while simultaneously inspecting the grass at our feet for snakes.

While Covid is new, this tedious balance is not new for so many of us… and I’ve found that those who aren’t familiar with anxiety have had the added challenge of learning to take a mental-health inventory for the first time

One does not simply power through anxiety, not only can it wreak havoc on your social life, but it can actually have detrimental impacts on your physical health; and this is no time to let physical health slide.

 

  • So where is your anxiety these days, on a scale of 1-10?
  • Do you have any new limbic responses this year? (Maybe locking up if someone walks close to you, startling easily even when you are alone, etc)
  • Do you feel over/under-reactive when discussing stuff you care about?

These could all be signs that you are having a perfectly normal response to a stressful situation, but when a threat hangs around for weeks and months at a time, it can lead to having complex stress responses.

I’m not a therapist, so none of this is meant to be diagnostic, it’s an invitation to check in with yourself. We know that in a situation where an individual is in close proximity with a stressor (both physical or emotional) there can be what’s called complex stress responses.

Complex stress responses are different from an acute stress responses: complex stress is when you have been exposed to multiple stressful events, with no clear epicenter, and acute stress is when a singular event sets off a chain reaction of stress responses. Both situations could produce similar emotional responses, and limbic reactions… but both deserve resources and support in order to find a healthy baseline.

Instead of asking what you are willing to do, because I know that can feel daunting, I have an assignment for you. Wherever you are, I challenge you to take 5 deep breaths, and identify 4 things you can see, 3 things you feel, 2 things you hear, 1 thing you can taste.

I know, this feels simple, and the stress and anxiety you have been living with feels so complex. It’s not meant to fix you; it’s a check in that helps separate your anxiety from who you are, and from there the real work begins. How are you doing today?

5 Ways Hemp-CBD Can Bring Balance to the Home During the Covid Pandemic

by Veronica Castillo

It’s obvious and clear in many homes that this pandemic has shifted, and balance within many homes is no longer. Nearly 93% of homes with school-age children report some form of distance learning during COVID-19. Parents and kids are at home at the same time, going to school, and going to work. According to Gallup Panel data, remote work leveled off at 62% in mid-April.

Imagine the home of two working parents, with three kids, in three different grades. I’m no parent, but I’m confident in my assumption that the balance in that home is a little off. By now we have heard that hemp- CBD can be beneficial for treating symptoms of Covid-19, and so this piece is focused on the ways that hemp- CBD can bring balance to the home.

Instead of burnout and getting hammered by screens notifications, reminders, to-do lists, zoom meetings, and frustrated kiddos- add CBD to achieve calmness and balance throughout the home.

Hemp- CBD Basics

Many are familiar with THC and know about CBD, but a little confusion remains. Both are Cannabis- she is the mother plant. THC and CBD are like cousins; THC causes psycho-activity- the high that many have heard about and that many have experienced. THC grows on the marijuana side of the Cannabis plant and CBD grows on the hemp side of the Cannabis plant.

Important to note that CBD can grow on the marijuana side but by law, the CBD on the marijuana side is federally illegal (ridiculous- I know). Federally legal CBD grows from hemp and has 0.3% THC or less. If CBD tests at 0.4% THC- it is no longer hemp in the eyes of the law, it’s marijuana.

CBD provides most of its benefit in the body versus the mind- but still offers a little mental upliftment. Many believe that THC is more powerful but that really depends on the person and the need for consumption. A growing body of research shows that CBD has a multitude of health benefits.

5 Ways Hemp-CBD Can Bring Balance to the Home During the Covid Pandemic

Hemp- CBD Provides Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes. CBD oil is known to bring balance in our bodies and minds. The human endocannabinoid system (ECS) is our bodies master homeostatic regulator, helping maintain balance across all the systems in our bodies. CBD is said to promote healthy endocannabinoid functioning.

CBD Boosts Mood

Research shows that consuming CBD will naturally increase the amount of endogenous anandamide in the body. Anandamide is a compound that the body releases when it’s under stress and/or to regulate homeostasis during challenging times. Scientists believe that more anandamide results in less physical and mental pain. CBD does not have any adverse side effects like other stress and relaxation products out there. It only promotes joy, calmness, and relief.

CBD Balances Health

CBD helps the body function so that the mind can function. The mind and body connection is a real thing and so, eating well and consuming essential vitamin and nutrients is important. CBD oil is a natural source of essential vitamins and minerals like:

  • B complex vitamins
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Calcium
  • Magnesium

Hemp and CBD Aid in Healthy Gut

Hemp- CBD can work as a probiotic and help clean up the gut- which controls everything! A healthy gut is essential for a clear functioning brain. Those with anxiety and depression may benefit from consuming hemp seeds, hemp/CBD oil, hemp/ CBD tea, etc. When the body is happy- the mind is happy.

Hemp Seeds for Brain Food

Hemp seeds are loaded with omegas. Many assume that eating fish is the only way to get brain food but that’s not the case. Hemp seeds are miracles- loaded with omega’s 3-6-9, a handful of these babies will lift your brain into happy functioning. Happy brain could mean happy mood and happy mood could create balance.

Conclusion

Hemp CBD consumption very impactful. CBD has the power to treat just about everything- including lack of balance in the home. Remember, hemp CBD is totally legal and shippable in the U.S. CBD will not provide a high like THC will- just relaxation, stress relief, happy gut, happy mind, and so much more.

Herbs have been healing us for years, and now that hemp has been freed from prohibition, we can benefit from the super seed/plant/flower/stem/leaf to achieve total life balance- especially during the 2020 we have all experienced: pandemic, summer snow, wild fires, fall fires, and a horrific hurricane season. CBD can help achieve home, work, life, balance.

Dream a New Dream

by Tab Moura

When I was 5, I listened to my mom talk to my older siblings about things that seemed so complex at the time. She had asked them what they wanted to be when they grew up, she then explained how our school subjects were building blocks for the careers they each expressed interest in.

I was still new to school, but I didn’t understand that my sight words were tools I would build on for a lifetime. I thought to myself, “well, I want to be an astronaut… I can’t see how anything I am learning right now will prepare me to listen to mission control count down, as I push the launch button at just the right moment. I don’t need math OR reading to figure that out, nice try mom.”

Now I can’t help feeling like life is all rocket science, and I wish it were as simple as pushing launch buttons. I would love to be an astronaut, even now, but my life would look so different.

If I had stuck with that dream, I would have what I wanted, and that would give me an exciting life. But I wouldn’t have my children, or be married to my husband, or have the friends I have now. I wouldn’t have this life; a life that, for all of it’s faults, is so beautiful and real.

It’s safe to say I wouldn’t change how things unfolded, but the dream still fills me with joy.

 

  1. 1 What did you want to be when you were younger?
  2. 2 What events took place that moved you toward or away from that dream?
  3. 3 What do our dreams tell us about the lives we’re living?

 

I love ruminating on things like this, because the lesson we learn from dreaming is that we can either stay the course or dream a new dream. Both are natural progressions.

I have seen many doors close in my life, like all of you, and we’re not just talking about becoming astronauts. We’re talking about first loves, colleges, moving states, diagnoses, divorce, career changes… sometimes our dreams change, because of things beyond our control, or things that fill us with grief. But that doesn’t make plan B, or C or D any less meaningful.

It makes us resilient.

There is something here for us— and I do mean here. 2020 has been a year than most of us have felt eager to escape at one point or another, but perhaps rushing ahead (even emotionally) would be a disservice. I believe there is opportunity here for each of us to dream of what could be, with our feet planted in the present… maybe it’s time to finish your degree, maybe it’s time to get that tiny home. What I know for certain is that we have time to dream our next dream, there are so many more letters in the alphabet.

Dinner Time Munchies- 5 Healthy Meal Ideas

by Veronica Castillo

Many people leave work and can’t wait to get home for their- release the day sesh. Evening munchies are the trickiest because, after a long hard day at work, why would you tell yourself no? After saying yes to everyone else, why would a no be ok for you?

Well, focus it on health and you can have just about whatever you want. The goal here is to consume a nice comfortable, flavored, delicious meal when those munchies say hello. Many confuse this with quantity; we don’t need huge and heavy plates. We need colorful electrifying plates loaded with nature. When Cannabis is consumed to heal, the food ingested should be focused on the same.

Here are 5 healthy dinner time meal ideas to send your body into the night with light, lifted, happiness.

  • Grits (ya’ll know I’m a southern girl): topped with a protein and a green veggie. Tip: chopped celery, onions, and peppers go really good with grits. Try it with avocado! This is a great anytime of the day meal.
  • Loaded mushroom caps: sauté and/or bake the caps. If you like them raw- it’s fine to eat that way. Add some other veggies like corn (well this is a starch- but works), chopped carrots, spinach, boiled potatoes- whatever your pleasure- on top of the cap.
  • Dairy-free DIY Pizza: grab a premade pizza crust (for carb control substitute crust for tortilla’s). Make a homemade pizza sauce (blender, tomatoes, chopped garlic, arrowroot (for thickness), fresh basil, and spices). Your favorite veggies- chopped and sautéed on stove for toppings (squash, zucchini, peppers, onions, fire roasted tomatoes, and mushrooms used in photo). Bake on 350 until crust begins to brown.
  • No Mayo, No Egg Potato Salad: 4 large potatoes, boiled, mashed, and mixed with mustard, turmeric, olive oil, and garlic- let cool. For no oil diets, use a savory vinaigrette, and add your choice of chopped veggies seasoned with salt, pepper, and Greek seasoning. Drizzle Italian dressing over the top. If the concept of no egg is too much, add cooked tofu.
  • Sautéed/ boiled cabbage: chop and cook the cabbage- add seasoning, and if sauteed, other chopped veggies. This is so light that you can eat the whole cabbage head and not feel bad- heck, pair it with spinach.

 

Smart Eating for Munchies Series Part 1, Breakfast and Morning Snacks

 

by Veronica Castillo

 

5 Breakfast and Morning Snack Options Focused on Health

There are some Cannabis strains out there that will increase, enhance, uplift- truly create what many call “the munchies. These strains carry a terpene profile that work in the body to create appetite. This is magical for some, but for others, this is no good.

But just like appetite enhancing strains, there are appetite suppressing strains. They really do exist, and the way to find them is to shop based on terpenes that cater to appetite suppressing. God Bud is one of those for me. 

For those of you that are struggling through the munchies- this series is for you. Some of us can’t pick up appetite suppressing strains because they don’t work for our conditions. I’m one of those people. I have chronic migraine and need extreme Sativa. Sativa always makes me hungry though so, I have to make good choices when the munchies strike. 

This series is dedicated to healthy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks options. Easy to create meals with a recipe guide. I have to say early on that this is a vegan series- as indicated but- have no fear. Plants are generally the best way to eat for many of us. Plant lifestyles are the way!

3 Recipes and 2 Morning Snack Idea’s for the Wake and Bakers 

Fruit and Veggie Smoothies

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup frozen strawberries

• 1 frozen banana

• 1/2 cup frozen mango

• 1 Small Avocado

• Your choice of ¼ cup of fruit juice or nut milk

• Your choice of protein

Black Bean Tofu Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 can of black beans- warmed on stove

  •       Half of a tofu block- pressed to remove water- crumbled (added in with the beans)

• Season the beans and tofu with taco seasoning while warming/cooking

• Chop your favorite veggies- including cilantro- season with a little salt and pepper (tomatoes, onions, and peppers used in photo)

• Flour tortillas or for carb control- low carb tortilla’s

• When the beans are finished, layer and enjoy!

Potato, Tofu, and Tomato Bake 

  • A block of pressed tofu- chopped/crumbled and seasoned
  • 3 potatoes- cut in small blocks and seasoned
  • Your choice to add: bell peppers, onions- basically any veggies you want. 
  • Put all of this in a baking dish- covered
  • Bake on 350 covered for 30 min- uncovered for 10-15 min.
  • And here you just created a dish that can feed you for a few days

Snacks

  • Baked peaches/ apples/ pear- no crust- use pie concept for flavor- no sugar- use agave instead.
  • Trail mix.

 

The Terp Series: Linalool, the Memory

by Brittiany Ralls

Remembering smells of lavender when I was younger, reminds me of my grandparents. Lavender was regularly used in lotions, candles and bath salts in my grandparents house. I remember always feeling calmer at their home. Makes sense, since lavender is supposed to offer effects of relaxation. Which is one of the many beneficial qualities Linalool offers to us through our endocannabinoid system. This amazing terpene typically smells of lavender, very florally.

Linalool may be the third most abundant terpene in cannabis, but it’s not always on the forefront of smells. Making strains that have it as the dominant terpene very noticeable when it comes to the nose. Terpenes being part of cannabis means we should discuss what we currently know, which isn’t much, and hope to find ways of using these terpenes medicinally. Linalool, just like other terpenes, has so much to offer.

So, sit back, relax and smell the lavender, while we discuss linalool the terpene that helps with memories.

With Alzheimer’s being the 6th leading cause of death in the United States this is a very prevalent disease that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. It’s a disease I have seen first hand eat away a person I once knew. Strip away all the memories of loved ones being born, loved ones dying and eventually all the abilities to function like an independent person. Two thirds of those diagnosed with Alzheimers are women.

Linalool

Alzheimer’s has affected my family and it scares me to know that I may one day have it also. In the past 20 years those with Alzhiemer’s has increased exponentially. Making more research on substances that can help this disease be so imperative. This is where terpenes and cannabis comes in. Possibly through more research, cannabis and the terpenes it carries, like linalool, could help in reducing the cognitive impairment that happens with diseases like Alzheimer’s. Which is why I’m calling linalool the memory. But, just like with other terpenes, linalool has way more to offer than that. Linalool has been shown to be sedative, helping with depression and lowering anxiety. Linalool can also help with blocking glutamate in the brain which deals with excitement.

Possibly allowing linalool to be an anti-epileptic substance, helping those with epilepsy.

Remembering smells of lavender when I was younger, reminds me of a simpler time. A time that doesn’t exist anymore. But a time that I hope I’m able to remember still one day. When I’m using strains like Lavender Kush, Zkittlez, and Do-Si-Do, I can smell the lavender and these strains are some of your best options for finding linalool dominant terpene profiles. As you can always do, feel free to look at testing for strains you are interested in from your budtender. So that you can see what terpenes the strains have and determine if it is a strain that has linalool as the second or third most dominant terpene. Never be afraid to ask for testing results since this is your medicine. Especially if you are treating serious diseases like Alzheimer’s or epilepsy.

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