Celebrating The Female Cannabis Experience

There is no doubt that there are lots of benefits to smoking cannabis, starting with mental relaxation and real therapeutic health benefits. Cannabis use is associated with a state of euphoria, reduced stress and relaxes the body and mind. Apart from relaxation, there is one more tempting reason to use cannabis: it heightens senses so that when somebody is high, food might taste better, music may sound much more magical and all the colors seem richer.

For many consumers, cannabis is medicinal. Cannabis relieves pain, reduces inflammation, fights fatigue, and helps alleviate a multitude of symptoms. You can find more information about all the pros and cons of using cannabis products on AskGrowers. 

The most common way of consuming cannabis is by smoking. It’s like a gold classic, in this case, it’s quick and convenient, but there is one problem that most consumers face with smoking - it causes coughing.

Almost every cannabis consumer knows what we’re saying and likely is looking for ways to cough less when smoking. Before we get into how to stop coughing, let’s look at what causes the coughing.

A tickle in the throat can be caused by smoke itself. According to Medwell Health and Wellness Centers cannabis smoke includes microscopic liquid flecks that irritate the lungs, forcing a user to cough to expectorate the irritant. It’s just your body naturally attempting to clean itself and get rid of irritants. 

Another trigger is heat. In your throat and lungs you have tissue that is highly sensitive and can be easily irritated by heat, which of course, we need for smoking. Whether you are vaping cannabis or smoking it, heat is always there.

One more reason for coughing fits - hits that are too big. Overwhelming your lungs will lead to coughing.

And finally, we hate to say it but poor quality cannabis can make you hack up a lung. To check the quality of the product your smoking, see this guide. 

Without a doubt, a coughing fit after a session is not very pleasant, it just takes away the opportunity to relax and enjoy your elevated state. To prevent the dreaded smoker’s cough we’ve pulled together 5 tips to help you cough less when smoking cannabis.

Use Water Filtration

Check out the study by Ph.D. in pharmacology Nicholas V. Cozzi entitled Effects of Water Filtration on Marijuana Smoke. Here, researchers suggest that “water filtration can be effective in removing components from marijuana smoke that are known toxicants while allowing the THC to pass through relatively intact”. 

Because of this, we highly recommend you consider smoking devices that feature water filtration, like bongs or bubblers. Water will solve the problem of smoke as an irritant and it cools down the smoke which reduces the problem of heat. 

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There are two more bong accessories that will help you to overcome your coughing problem: a percolator and a diffuser. A percolator is a supplementary water chamber attached to the bong’s main shaft in order to enlarge smoke to water proportion. It cools down the smoke, which makes it easier to inhale. A diffuser is another accessory, it is an additional stem for the bong. If you use a diffuser, the smoke has contact with a bigger area of water, which makes the cannabis consumption experience much more smooth.

Know Your Measure

Smoking cannabis can be a calming, meditative process, so don’t be in a hurry. Don’t try to take the biggest hits because you’ll end up a mess. We all have different lung capacities, so there isnt a “correct” amount of smoke for us to recommend. However, in general if you start coughing - take it as a sign you need to take smaller hits.

Hydrate Yourself

Have a glass of water (or other non-alcoholic beverage) before, during, and after inhalation. If your throat or lungs get irritated by smoke or heat while smoking cannabis, drinking some water will cool and calm it down. 

Also on the table; sucking a mint, a candy, or chewing a gum to make it easier to stifle coughing by producing saliva.

Bonus: Generally staying hydrated helps to decrease the symptoms if you accidentally consumed too much. 

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Change the Method of Consumption

Maybe smoking isn’t for you, if smoking is more likely to cause coughing, consider something more easy on your lungs like edibles.

You also can try vaping, the risk of coughing still exists, but it is much less, plus the non-combustionelement of vaping means your lungs wull thank you in general.

Tinctures are awesome too, they can be taken under the tongue or added via. a dropper to teas and other beverages.

Quality Matters

Although research into the cannabinoid is still very much in its infancy in Canada; CBD oil’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties are now well-known and accepted. These properties have led sufferers of autoimmune conditions such as arthritis, lupus, Crohn’s and many others to start using CBD  to treat a wide range of symptoms.

While the physical health benefits are undisputed, using CBD products helps many Canadians find relief. Relief from mental health conditions like stress, anxiety and depression as well when taken regularly. All in all, CBD oil is a remarkable substance that boosts general wellness and wellbeing with no real known side-effects.

Many people’s first introduction is through CBD oils taken sublingually to relieve the symptoms of chronic disease or anxiety. As the market has expanded, so has the number of uses that people have found for it.

Here is a list of some of the more unusual uses of CBD oil out there.

Stop-Smoking Aid

Many people find that CBD can help control nicotine cravings when they are trying to give up smoking. Nicotine is known to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system in an intense way. When a person suddenly stops introducing nicotine into their body, the receptors in the endocannabinoid system “miss” the nicotine, causing a reaction which the smoker experiences as cravings.

Since it also interacts with the endocannabinoid system, it helps to replace the interactions that the system would normally receive from the nicotine in order to reduce cravings. Studies back this theory up, showing that smokers who take CBD have a much higher quitting success rate.

Treating Heroin Addiction

CBD has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of craving and anxiety that are typically experienced during heroin withdrawal. While more research is needed, it is thought that heroin interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system in a similar way to nicotine to produces cravings.

Treating Sick Pets

CBD can help treat the symptoms of illness and disease in animals in much the same way as it works in people. Most mammals possess the same endocannabinoid receptors in their bodies as we do. As a result, doses of CBD oil can help relieve the pain and swelling.

Often experienced by animals suffering from conditions like arthritis and rheumatism. More research is needed, there have been some promising indications that it can also help to reduce the frequency at which epileptic dogs suffer from seizures.

Skin Care

CBD has some potent anti-microbial and antioxidant properties. When applied topically, these properties, together with its ability to moisturize the skin, making CBD oil an effective treatment for a number of chronic skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis and eczema.

Massage Oil

CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can work wonders for muscle pain. It is no surprise, then, that CBD oil is starting to be used by professional masseurs as a massage oil. When applied to the skin, CBD oil allows for a deeper massage without pain and discomfort.

Alleviating High-Heel Pain

Probably the weirdest use of CBD oil on this list is to alleviate the pain that comes from wearing high heels. A growing number of A-list celebrities, such as Mandy Moore and Busy Philipps have reported using CBD cream topically on their feet to help them last through the long nights at award ceremonies in glamorous high heels. Cosmetics companies across the board have jumped on this endorsement and begun to market their own high-end CBD creams.

Since the legalization of cannabis, vaping has boomed in popularity. It’s expected that by 2021, there’ll be over 55 million vapers globally. 

Considering that vaping is one of the simplest and fastest ways to consume dry herbs, if you want to enjoy the full benefits of their beneficial properties, such as CBD in hemp, it’s important that you know how to vape right.

Except for the instructions that come with your vaping device, there aren’t any set rules on what exactly you should do and how exactly you should vape. Still, there are a few dos and don’ts that can make or break your vaping experience.

So, let’s make your every vaping session a perfect one by going over some of those dos and don’ts.

Learn About the Different Kinds of Vaporizers

Whether you’ve been in the game for a while or are just thinking about buying a new vaporizer, you surely know that there are many different kinds that you can invest in. There are dozens of unique brands and many to choose from, and your color options are endless.

But their external appearances aren’t as important as their internal systems.

Based on which systems herbal vaporizers use, they can be divided into two broad categories: conduction vaporizers and convection vaporizers.

Conduction vaporizers apply direct heat to your herbs to vaporize them. They can warm up your herb much faster, and you’ll usually experience thicker, fuller clouds. You’ll need to stir up your herbs every once in a while to ensure even heating.

Convection vaporizers heat up your herbs by blowing hot air through them. This ensures a much more even heating and can prevent your herbs from burning.

Both of these herbal vaporizers are good since neither ignites the plant, making the vapor free from byproducts of combustion. However, convection vaporizers do tend to give you better temperature control, and they’re a bit more efficient, so they’re often the preferred choice.

Don’t Buy the Cheapest Herbal Vaporizer!

Herbal vaporizers do require a larger initial investment, so it makes sense that you’d like to save money on them if you can. But this isn’t advised.

Whether you’re getting vape pens or box mods, pocket vapes, or e-cigarettes, you’ll get what you pay for. If you buy the cheapest product, you can expect the lousiest results.

Many cheap herbal vaporizers tend to break more frequently, their batteries don’t last as long, and there’s basically no temperature control.

It’s better to invest a little more in getting a product that will last you longer, and that will vaporize your herbs properly.

  Do Use a Grinder

Sure it might seem like a hassle, but using a grinder is an absolute must when you’re vaping herbs such as cannabis.

A grinder will ensure that the herb is ground up to perfection, with even pieces and exquisite texture. When your herbs are properly ground up, you’ll get better heat distribution. You won’t have to deal with burnt herbs and all the gunk and grossness that comes with them and damages your vaping device.

Your clouds will be thicker, and you’ll get a full fresh taste with each draw you take.

 Don’t overfill the Chamber

Every herbal vaporizer is different. Some produce better results when you pack your herbs tightly, others when you fit them all loosely. You’ll likely need to play around with your vaporizer a bit before you find out how to fill it to perfection.

Still, you’ll want to avoid overfilling the herb chamber. It will have a serious effect on the flow of the vapor to the mouthpiece, and it will ruin your vaping session.

 Do Learn the Proper Inhaling Method

Slow and steady wins the race. If you want to get the most vapor out of a single hit, you’ll need to do long, slow draws, and wait a while before drawing again.

This is especially important if you’re vaping cannabis or CBD. It can take a while for the herbs to take effect. While vaping is the fastest way to reap the benefits of cannabis since it enters directly into your bloodstream through the lungs, you’ll still need to give it a moment.

Go slow, take some breaks between draws, and enjoy the experience.

 Don’t Use the Highest Temperature Setting!

The temperature setting depends mostly on the herb you’re vaping. For most herbs, you’ll want to go below 302°F, as this will prevent their combustion.

It’s always in your best interest to start from the lowest setting, then work your way up if you’re not sure. Play around, experiment with your herbal vaporizer, and try out different herbs to learn more about them and their best vaping temperatures.

 Do Clean Your Herbal Vaporizer Frequently

Often cleaning your herbal vaporizer is a must. It will ensure longevity as no gunk will accumulate inside it, and it will always provide you with a fresh hit without that nasty burnt taste.

It’s pretty easy cleaning your vaping device; it just takes some time getting used to. For a soft clean, you can disassemble your device, rinse each piece under warm water, then let it all air dry.

If warm water doesn’t cut it, you can use some isopropyl alcohol and a Q-tip and gently rub each individual piece. Let air dry before you reassemble it.

The Bottom Line

The nature of buying cannabis has changed dramatically in the last couple of years. Since legalization in 2018, things have got a lot better for those of us who are passionate about our cannabis. No longer do you have to put up with dealing with shady underground characters for your weed.

Now, you can just take a trip down to your local weed dispensary and choose among some of the most potent and exotic strains out there. Or better still, you can order high-grade without ever having to leave the comfort of your own home using one of the many online weed dispensaries which provide mail-order cannabis services.

If like many others, you are attracted by the convenience of the online dispensary route, you may need a few pointers when it comes to choosing who to trust with your order. Since the online cannabis market is still relatively young, the quality of services and products you will find will vary widely.

Online dispensaries range from large, professional operations to small, backstreet companies. Choosing the best online dispensary for you from a website like dispensaryguide.ca always helps. If not, it can sometimes be a bit of a minefield. That’s why we have put together this useful list of five things you should look for to make sure you get the best deal possible.

Reputation

Your choice of online dispensary should be based to a large degree on reputation. Lots of times, you will find out about a site from a friend who has ordered from there and base your opinion on their experience of ordering from there. If you do not have access to someone with this kind of information, there are other means of finding out about a dispensary’s reputation.

All it takes is a quick Google search to pull up a mine of information on most online dispensaries. A good place to start is by checking whether a dispensary has a Trustpilot or Google review page and whether the comments are generally positive or negative.

From there, you should head over to Reddit and search the name of the dispensary to see if any topics come up. There are a few groups set up to discuss mail-order marijuana companies in Canada which will contain the comments of people who have ordered from most places and their opinions on the products and services they received.

Selection

Another thing to look out for when it comes to choosing an online dispensary is the selection of products it stocks. The best dispensaries offer a wide range of different flowers of strengths ranging from AA to AAAA+.

If you like variation, you will want to find a site that carries a range of Indica, Sativa and hybrid strains. To aid you in your selection, look for sites that have large, high-resolution images of the product they sell.

They are accompanied by a detailed description of the flowers, including taste, smell, and the THC and CBD content.

Depending on what you want, you may want to choose a dispensary which stocks a range of other cannabis-related products, such as edibles, CBD, vapes, concentrates, and so on.

 Prices

If you are not familiar with how much an ounce of a particular strain of cannabis should cost, check prices against for the same bud against the prices of other dispensaries. Remember, though, that when choosing an online dispensary, cheaper does not always equal better.

When it comes to buying cannabis, paying a premium for some top-quality bud is almost always preferable to saving a bit of money and opting for some bang average stuff.

 Customer Service

Nothing is more frustrating that not being able to get hold of someone to ask about products or change your order. Before placing your order, it can be a good idea to fire off an email to a dispensary’s customer service contact email to see how long it takes them to get back to you.

If they do so in a short period of time, it is a good sign that they take their customer service seriously.

 Coupons

The best online dispensaries will offer their customers regular deals and promos on flowers and other products. If you can’t see any deals that attract you on a dispensary’s site, you can try looking for coupons on online dispensary review sites. It is not uncommon to find coupons that will bag you a cool 10-20% off your order.

 Closing Thoughts

The global cannabis industry is experiencing a major transition period, and a lot of people are wondering what will come of cannabis in the future. As legalization expands, support increases, and cannabis technologies evolve, there’s no way of knowing exactly what will happen. But there are a few trends that we’re likely to experience in the next year or two.

A Growing Craft Cannabis Market

Even though craft beer has technically been around since the 60s, it wasn’t until the 2010s that people really started to get into it. Remember when all of a sudden craft beer became a thing and the market became saturated with fancy IPAs, creative pale ales, and mouth-watering stouts that are all about potent flavors and just the right amount of hops?

 The same thing is happening to the cannabis industry. Sure, there have been tons of funky strains to choose from over the decades, but now the focus is on craft cannabis more than ever. Just as people are into hand-crafted micro-brewed beers and artisanal organic coffee beans, these same individuals are seeking out the craft cannabis experience.

 The word craft basically just refers to the fact that the cannabis is carefully cured and high in quality. It has been crafted with love and more care than your average run-of-the-mill bud. There’s much more that goes into growing craft cannabis in terms of potency, flavors, aromas, and the overall high experience.

 You can definitely expect the appeal to craft cannabis to continue growing in the future.

A Greater Focus on Distribution

Now that the cannabis industry is becoming much more specialized, there’s a lot more focus on the retail sector. And what goes hand-in-hand with retail? Distribution. In the state of California alone, the number of cannabis distributors has reached 150, and neighboring states will start to follow suit.

Increased Focus on Medical Marijuana

In today’s age, it’s fairly easy to apply for a medical marijuana card as long as you live in an area where medical weed has been legalized. Take Canada for example; citizens can apply for an ACMPR license to grow medical marijuana plants at home, and all they need to get started is a medical marijuana prescription from a healthcare professional.

 Medical marijuana is nothing new - in fact, ancient civilizations were using cannabis to treat a wide variety of conditions thousands of years ago. But it wasn’t until a few decades back that modern society started realizing the potent effects of medical-grade cannabis and the potential health benefits that come along with it.

 We’ve come a long way in the past few decades in terms of cannabis-related research in the medical world. Some experts are still skeptical about whether the health benefits outweigh the risks, but overall, there are thousands of studies that suggest that cannabis can make a major difference in the lives of medical patients.

 The focus on medical cannabis and it’s benefits will just continue. The FDA has set a strict cannabis drug approval process in place, mainly because they foresee an influx of cannabis-derived drugs making an appearance in the next few years.

Cannabis Brand Sophistication

We’ve already talked about how the average cannabis consumer has become more sophisticated in the sense that he or she craves a craft product. Because the consumer is gaining sophistication, the same needs to happen for the brands.

 It’s not out of the question that major cannabis brands will start to dish out millions on marketing efforts and will do their best to attract wealthy investors. We can definitely expect to see more “luxury” brands take over the market, especially as federal legalization becomes more of a possibility for the US.

Expansion of Legalization

Staying on the topic of legalization, one thing is for sure; American states will slowly continue their legalization efforts. Recreational marijuana is already legal for adult-use in 11 states, and for medical use, it’s already legal in 33 states.

 These numbers will continue to grow, especially in the next coming year. But another prediction is that marijuana legalization on a federal level is likely to happen, and it’s likely to happen soon. This is not only because of Canada’s success with the Cannabis Act but also because it’s becoming more and more difficult to differentiate between state vs federal cannabis laws.

Continued Concerns for Financing

One of the most challenging things that the cannabis industry has faced is a lack of financing. Because there’s so much risk involved for financial institutions, most major banks are refusing to work with cannabis companies. It doesn’t matter that cannabis legalization is taking off, banks are still labeling this industry as a flight risk.

Efforts to change this are in place, but it’s still expected to be a challenge for industry leaders. The SAFE banking act was passed in September of 2019, which focuses on making banking more available to industry members, but there’s still a long way to go for improved financing options.

More Events for Cannabis Lovers

Rebecca is a health industry consultant who frequently writes about the latest trends in the industry with only one motive that is to create awareness about healthy living. She has been writing for a long time now and is becoming a recognized name in the cannabis and health space.  

With the recent outbreak of Covid-19, the entire world has come to its knees.

To prevent its spread, many countries are imposing lockdowns and directing people to practice social distancing.

Staying at home for days on stretch can take a toll on your physical as well as mental health. 

Are you feeling low and bored while social distancing? Are you looking for ways to keep you positive and engaged during these tough times?

If yes, then CBD can be the answer you are looking for. Read on to find out everything about CBD and how it can come to your aid.

What exactly is CBD?

From your kitchen shelf to your vanity kit, CBD has managed to become an integral part of everyone's household.

While CBD might appear to be everywhere, do you know what it is? Let’s enlighten you.  

The effect that the cannabis plant can have on you is determined by the chemical compounds or cannabinoids present in it.

Among the hundreds of chemical compounds, CBD and THC are the two most prominent cannabinoids.

CBD or cannabidiol is a therapeutic cannabinoid with many health benefits. If you are worried about the safety of CBD, you can be assured it is non-psychoactive in the sense that you will not feel the euphoric high that we all associate with THC.

This means that you cannot get high from using cannabidiol.

Manufacturers today offer a wide range of products with CBD, like oil, capsules, edibles, and even topicals.

A majority of consumers today find CBDfx topicals are fun and effective to enjoy the positive effects of this cannabinoid. 

 Can CBD help you stay positive and engaged while practicing social distancing?

Facing the dreadful news every day about Covid-19 and staying at home to practice social distancing can affect you more than you can imagine.

Here are some ways in which CBD might help you battle the self-isolation blues.

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1.       May reduce anxiety:

For someone who is suffering from anxiety and depression, going through the pandemic can be a daunting task.

If you are feeling anxious or depressed while you are holed up at home, CBD might be able to help you. 

Wondering how CBD can help with your anxiety and depression? It is because of the presence of the endocannabinoid system.

The system produces neurotransmitters called cannabinoids that are identical to the ones you can find in cannabis.

These cannabinoids travel throughout your body and bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors to initiate change.

When you ingest CBD, the tiny cannabinoids can also stick to receptors and communicate with them.

Due to this interaction, CBD may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and help you stay calm during these unprecedented times. 

  via GIPHY

2.       Can help you get better sleep:

Feeling emotions like anxiety, stress, and fear can often keep you up at night. Besides that, the lack of schedule during the lockdown can also mess up your sleeping pattern.

If you are up every night, tossing and turning in bed, CBD might help you get better sleep.  

CBD may work as a sedative and make you feel drowsy. The cannabinoid might also affect your sleep schedule.

Using CBD can reduce the time you spend during the initial two stages of sleep, thus prolonging the time you get in the third stage of deep sleep.

You might get a sound sleep of 6-8 hours every night by using CBD before hitting the bed.

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3.       Might improve your mood:

Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, not being able to see your friends and family can affect your mood.

If you are feeling low and sad, you can stay connected with your friends and family through social media or video calls to improve your mood. But, if that doesn’t seem to work for you, you can also try CBD.

Your body produces hormone serotonin or the happy hormone. It gets the name due to the fact that it can regulate your mood.

A low level of serotonin can be the culprit behind your mood swings or negative thoughts.

CBD may change how the chemicals present in your brain react to the level of serotonin, and keep you happy. Your overall mood might improve significantly after using CBD. 

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4.       Can boost your energy: 

Being on the bed or the couch for most of the time can make you lazy. The lack of energy to carry out even the basic routine activities can affect your overall health.

Using CBD stimulates the receptors in your brain and might make you more alert. It may also boost cognitive function and creativity.

You may feel more energetic and enthusiastic after ingesting CBD regularly. It can give you the inspiration to indulge in various activities to stay engaged during the time.   

Final Thoughts

A typical routine involves basic activities like social interactions, going out, and enjoying your surroundings.

Not being able to do this during the pandemic can make your life dull and boring. If you feel that social distancing is affecting your life significantly, it is time to give CBD a try.

From taking care of your physical health as well as your mental wellness, CBD can keep you positive and engaged.

Before getting your hands on high-grade CBD products from authorized retailers, make sure to check out their reviews today at herbonaut and make social distancing a little bit easier for yourself.

 Reference links:

https://centerforactivedesign.org/6-ways-to-stay-engaged-while-social-distancing

https://www.templehealth.org/about/blog/5-tips-staying-connected-while-social-dishttps://www.forbes.com/sites/bradjaphe/2020/03/31/does-cbd-help-for-coronavirus-covid19/ancing

Nicolle Hodges

“It seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Aubrey Lang, 26, tells me over the phone. In January 2020, the farmer (and soon to be lawyer) attended Rise Wellness Retreat -- a psilocybin microdose retreat in Jamaica -- which, unbeknownst to him at the time, would have a positive, long-term impact on his romantic relationship.

Interest in psilocybin—a naturally occurring compound in "magic mushrooms" or psychedelic mushrooms that was first synthesized by Albert Hofmann in the late 1950s—is starting to seep into mainstream dialogue, with major publications like Forbes and The New York Times reporting on its potential benefits; an uptick in clinical trials with promising results; venture capitalists looking to invest in the next big thing; even Gwyneth Paltrow’s new Netflix show, The Goop Lab, dedicating its first episode, “The Healing Trip” to exploring the therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs. “Retreats, to me, represent a groundbreaking milestone shift in the global consciousness towards the use of mushrooms as therapy,” says Lang. “It really opened my eyes to a whole other dimension of therapeutic application.” 

The effects of psilocybin include euphoria, perception changes, an altered sense of time, and spiritual experiences. When combined with psychotherapy, one recent study supports claims that it can effectively treat depression and anxiety years after taking the drug. In the 1960s, psilocybin research boomed with more than 1,000 studies published on its effects, and then abruptly halted when recreational use got out of hand a decade later. Psilocybin and other psychedelics were classified as Schedule 1 (the same drug status as heroin), and it’s been a slow increase in acceptance since the late 1990s. As more studies explore the use of psychedelics for mental health and medical purposes, we’re now experiencing something called “the shroom boom,” (first reported in 2018) with plenty of new investment opportunities on the horizon for the projected $50 billion “mushroom market.”

But Lang wasn’t thinking about any of that while sitting by the ocean just steps from the villa where he had recently ingested a macro-dose of magic mushrooms. (Where a microdose is considered a “glow” in that you will feel something that is barely perceptible and alights your senses, a macro-dose (or larger) are 1+ grams of dried mushrooms which may cause a psychedelic experience, disorientation, profound introspection, and intense emotional experiences).  

“It made everything new again and it broke me out of the set ways of looking and labeling everything in my life by shining a new light on it,” says Lang. “With the support of the whole Rise team, it was a great opportunity to reflect on myself and life.”

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Did you know dreaming can recharge your creativity? Your brain problem solves during dreams, and mimics the creative, waking thought process. Who knew!

A post shared by Rise Wellness Retreat (@risewellnessretreat) on Apr 8, 2020 at 5:25pm PDT

For Jacqueline Chambers, founder of fashion and travel blog TGIF, she deliberately went on the trip without any expectations and was surprised by what she found. “I was like, ‘will we be tripping balls all day?’ But no, we dug deep into the seeds that society has planted in us, most of them not based on truth, and checked in with ourselves and each other to uncover our own truths,” she says. “I went with my friend to have fun but I got so much more out of it. I had my dog since I was 17 and just had to put her down, and went through another shitty breakup. I didn't realize that pain was still there, but when it came up, I was able to set it down and be free.”

The retreat had a ‘choose your own adventure’ itinerary that balanced group activities, classes (yoga, aquatics, meditation, and Natural Movement), educational workshops, therapeutic shiatsu treatments, trail hiking, art-making, and leisure time.

“Being in such a beautiful place like Jamaica, you felt connected with the world again, and through that, you learned how to be of service to others,” she says.

For Lang, his love life shifted because of those same realizations—and an earthquake. 

“It was our last day in Jamaica,” he says, “and I remember the pool suddenly looked like a wave pool.”

News spread around the world that a magnitude 7.7 earthquake had struck off the coast of Jamaica, and was felt as far away as Miami. The Washington Post and CNN reported that it was one of the strongest earthquakes on record in the Caribbean. Jamaica, however, doesn’t usually suffer from natural disasters and there was no damage done to the island. But at the time and from the outside, the situation looked much worse than it was.  

“I messaged my girlfriend telling her that I was OK, but then my phone died so I didn’t respond to her for hours,” he says. “She felt a deep sense of panic at the idea of losing me, and when she went to read a book to distract herself, the chapter was titled, ‘Death.’” 

When we talk about the experiences that change us, specifically through psychedelics, rarely do we hear about the impact it has on the lives that orbit our own. For Lang and his girlfriend, it was the realization that, had he not attended Rise Wellness Retreat, their love for one another might not have shifted into focus. 

“We used to let little things like minor disagreements ruin our day, or the week or month. It would build into this negative downward spiral, but now we're building in an upward spiral,” he says. “It took us having to face losing each other in order for us to really appreciate one another.”

And that, he says, speaks to the entirety of the psychedelic experience. To surrender and let go, to “zoom out” from your life and worries, can offer a new and important perspective that is not always available in our daily lives. 

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When it comes to macrodosing (doses of 1+ grams of dried mushrooms that may cause disorientation, profound introspection, and intense emotional experiences) we work in smaller groups.⁣ ⁣ Our macro facilitators have years of experience in dosing and creating a safe environment and vibes. Feeling supported from the beginning of a psychedelic trip to the end, whether micro- or macrodosing is an important part of the full experience. ⁣ Read more about Rise’s commitment to safety, preparation, and integration — whether you’re experiencing magic mushrooms for the first time or the hundredth [link in bio]

A post shared by Rise Wellness Retreat (@risewellnessretreat) on Feb 25, 2020 at 7:47pm PST

“When I take a psychedelic, I have to let go of my preconceived conceptions of who I am. It’s this idea that you have to lose yourself to find yourself. To me, that means living from a trusting place, being comfortable with the unknown, being present and in the moment, not needing to analyze and conceptualize everything, and trusting that everything will be okay. That’s where peace comes from.”

When Chambers returned home, familiarity bred some habitual (and expected) contempt. “If only I could be at a beach in Jamaica all day,” she laughs over the phone. “But bad stuff would still happen there, so it’s not about constantly changing your scenery, it’s about changing yourself.”

By Leighana Martindale

Right now many of us are dealing with loads more pressure than we are used to and with that can come an excessive amount of anxiety that we are not accustomed to. But instead of going the ‘normal’ route and getting prescribed anti-anxiety meds, we decided to put together a list of natural remedies and techniques that can help.

Simple Ground Technique

Look around you and name:

5 things that you can see

4 things you can feel

3 things you can hear

2 things you can smell

1 thing you can taste

Breathing Techniques

Breath Focus Technique

1. Take a deep breath through your nose 2. Feel and notice your chest expanding 3. Breath out your mouth and purse your lips while exhaling

4. Extend your exhale 5. Repeat several times

1:1 Technique

1. Take a deep breath through your nose 2. Inhale more through your mouth - puffing your chest out, hold 3. Hold for a few more seconds 4. Loudly exhale through your mouth 5. Repeat this for a few minutes.

CBD & CBG Products for Anxiety

- Ladies Orange Peel - CBG Flower - CBD Joints - Make & Mary Calm Inhaler - Calivolve Chocolate Cherry Truffles

- Quill CBD - Full Spectrum Vape Pen

- Tarot CBD Tincture

- Everie | Lemon & Lime CBD Sparkling Water

- Tweed | CBD 20mg Softgels

Yoga Exercises

Pair Your Breathing and yoga with these 5 Strains, said to be beneficial for Anxiety

- Purple Hindu Kush

- Granddaddy Purple

- Cannatonic - Blackberry Kush

Special thanks to our friends at The Vape Mall for putting this info together!

If you own vaping supplies, it is essential that you take care of them. Cleaning your vaping supplies is important because it extends their product lifespan, maximizes vaping flavors, increases the amount of vapor, and cleanses the vaping palette.

Different vaping products must be cleaned in different ways so you should research how to care for your specific products. When cleaning, it is important to always rinse with water and to make sure all items are dry before putting the vaping product back together.

Madeleine R. Kelly is a writer, poet and journalist residing in Toronto, Ontario. 

Many people suffer from the invisible illness of substance abuse and addiction, and alcohol is the most common culprit. In the year 2000, 3.5% of all deaths in the United States could be attributed to alcohol. Do you know how many deaths have been attributed to cannabis? Zero.

If you’re not familiar with the profiteering motives of the pharmaceutical industry, you may be surprised that cannabis hasn’t yet been fully embraced by the medical community for its many therapeutic uses. Meanwhile, highly addictive substances like benzodiazepines and opiates are welcomed with open arms, even sometimes pushed onto patients who are already struggling with drug abuse and addiction problems.

benzodiazepines and alcohol withdrawal

In fact, benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed to treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, even though mixing them with alcohol is dangerous and possibly lethal. Doctors are happily prescribing a substance which they know could kill their alcohol-dependent patient if they were to relapse, despite the well-established fact that cannabis can relieve the same symptoms without any of the physical health risks. However, some experts continue to claim there simply isn’t enough research available to justify using cannabis as a substitute for benzodiazepines when treating people suffering from alcohol addiction.

Well, the research that we do have is very promising, and common sense tells us that it’s probably better to give someone a substance that ​cannot​ kill them, over prescribing a medication that ​could ​kill them should they relapse, if there is evidence that it would have similar benefits.

Not only could prescribing benzodiazepines kill a patient if they relapse, it could also add to their existing dependency issues by causing an addiction to benzodiazepines in addition to alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms stemming from alcohol or benzodiazepines can lead to seizures, coma, or death. The withdrawal symptoms related to cannabis consist of trouble sleeping, strange dreams and angry outbursts. So, cannabis is incontestably less harmful than benzodiazepines ​and alcohol.

Despite echoed claims bemoaning lack of data, there is a significant amount of evidence dating back to 1970 that cannabis can be used to relieve symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. In fact, it may even help users in treatment to complete their programs, or help users to wean themselves off, compared to those who did not use medical cannabis.

Cannabis as a substitution

Studies show that medical cannabis users frequently substitute the plant in exchange for a drug they feel would be more harmful to them. Substitution means that an individual chooses to use one drug instead of another drug due to reasons like perceived safety, addiction potential, symptom relief, level of social acceptance and access.

Substitution therapies for tobacco and heroin dependence have been available for decades, namely nicotine replacement therapy and methadone, respectively. Right now, there is no similar substitution therapy for those suffering from alcohol dependence and addiction.

If cannabis is a viable substitution for alcohol, should people have the right to choose it instead of another, potentially more harmful, prescription alternative?

Weighing Harms

The majority of studies I reviewed determined that cannabis use actually reduces alcohol use and related harms. None of the studies suggested that cannabis was more harmful than alcohol. A growing number of studies suggest that people tend to use cannabis ​in place​ of alcohol, although some studies suggest that using alcohol and cannabis together may lead to more substance abuse overall compared to the use of either one alone.

But, unlike with alcohol and benzodiazepines, cannabis cannot cause an individual to overdose. Plus, combining cannabis with alcohol does not lead to higher blood or breath alcohol levels, so it can’t increase the risk of alcohol overdose, either. In contrast, we know that mixing alcohol and benzodiazepines, which are routinely prescribed to treat symptoms of alcohol addiction, can be lethal.

While researchers remain skeptical, existing research is generally optimistic that in the (hopefully near) future, cannabis can be used as a form of substitution therapy for patients struggling with alcohol abuse and addiction. Certainly, cannabis provides a less harmful option for patients, when compared to highly addictive prescription alternatives such as benzodiazepines.

References

Benzodiazepines for Alcohol Withdrawal. Addiction Center. https://www.addictioncenter.com/alcohol/benzodiazepines-alcohol-withdrawal/. Accessed January 15, 2019.

Chick J, Nutt DJ. Substitution therapy for alcoholism: time for a reappraisal? J Psychopharmacol. 2012;26:205–12.

Poulos CX, Zack M. Low-dose diazepam primes motivation for alcohol and alcohol-related semantic networks in problem drinkers. Behav Pharmacol. 2004;15:503–12.

Reiman A. Cannabis as a substitute for alcohol and other drugs. Harm Reduct J. 2009;6:35.

Subbaraman MS. Can cannabis be considered a substitute medication for alcohol?. Alcohol Alcohol. 2014;49(3):292-8.

Swartz R. Medical marijuana users in substance abuse treatment. Harm Reduction Journal. 2010;7:9.

The Womxn, Wellness & Cannabis Conference, known as WWC Conference, will bring together womxn in weed from around the world for a day of learning and collaboration.    

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Why partner with @wwcconf? Meaningful access to your key audience + effective brand reach. Our brand partners and advisory committee are knowledgeable leaders, integrated in the Canadian and International cannabis industry. We are working together to create something meaningful. #WWCConference offers customizable, compliant, memorable brand activations. Website coming soon! All welcome. . #womeninweed #womenincannabis #cannabisPR #womenempowerment #cannabisindustry #cannabiz #canadiancannabis #canadianhemp #cbd

A post shared by WWC Conference (@wwcconf) on Jan 22, 2020 at 1:39pm PST

Get Inspired

Get inspired by womxn in top leadership positions. Hear from founders and CEOs from innovative cannabis companies. The WWC Conference offers a unique opportunity for attendees to network, connect, and engage with industry professionals as well as participate in educational interactive sessions and a variety of cannabis, wellness and health-related panel discussions led by Canada’s innovative leaders and cannabis industry experts.

“Our goal is to inspire, connect, and celebrate the work of women in the cannabis industry,” says Katie Pringle, co-founder of Marigold PR, the award-winning cannabis marketing and PR firm behind the event. “This is an inclusive focus on the research, brands, products, and issues that make up the feminine cannabis experience.”

The WWC Conference is a must-attend event for cannabis professionals and businesses to gain exclusive insights on feminine cannabis industry trends and science. Attendees will network, collaborate, and engage with over 250 industry innovators during the all-day event taking place May 27, 2020. WWC Conference topics include; womxn in leadership, diversity and inclusion, reproductive health, the beauty market, compliant marketing and personal branding, corporate social responsibility, and more.

Leighana Martindale

It’s a weird time where we all have a lot of time to kill! While some of us still have to go to work [You are a hero if this is you!! - thank you!] most of us are slowly starting to lose our minds.

And while there a bunch of amazing ways for us to stimulate our brains during this time, sometimes we just want to get stoned and zone out. So this list is for you if you’re looking for something to help you forget about the state of the world.

6 Netflix Shows to Binge:

Tiger King

This show is absolutely insane and I almost feel like Netflix was sitting on this waiting for us all to be home! This show includes murder, drugs, hillbillies, and a whole lot of big cats! I promise you your mind will be blown and you’ll definitely have a ton of wtf?! Moments during this series.

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Grace and Frankie

This is probably one of, if not my all-time favorite shows. Frankie is by far my favorite television character. Her let loose, fuck it, yet be peaceful attitude is the most relatable and literal goals for when I grow up. Follow along with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda as their husbands leave them to get married to each other.

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Charmed

The power of three is definitely a power not to be messed with. These badass sister witches fight demons and all different kinds of evil in this nostalgic 90s tv show. Definitely recommend if you’re into mystical types of TV shows - nothing too realistic or violent though, so safe to watch!

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Gilmore Girls

Ahh yes, the mother-daughter duo that we all want to be. Another nostalgic tv show, step back in time with Gilmore girls and even the year in the life Netflix series they did.

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Love is Blind

Normally I am not one for reality tv and definitely not one to recommend it but this experiment was so addicting to watch! The premise is that people meet in these pods so you never see the person, only talk to them - the end goal being to fall in love and get married! It’s crazy, Smoke a joint and watch it, you’ll be into it.

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Shine On

Causing a range of emotions, this show is so well done and so badass. Reese Witherspoon meets with different badass women from different sectors of work and talks with them about their jobs and social constructs. You will probably cry, and it’ll probably be during the episode with p!nk.

11 Instagram Accounts to Follow

The following accounts are our faves and we think you might like them too!

@xeniaadonts

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A Sunday well spent 🥺🥰❤️ what has everybody been doing today?

A post shared by Xenia Adonts (@xeniaadonts) on Apr 5, 2020 at 10:59am PDT

@realfunwow

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A post shared by daren thomas magee (@realfunwow) on Mar 30, 2020 at 7:20am PDT

@savinamonet

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✨ True Goddess vibes today! ✨ #goddessvibesonly #cannabiscollage #weedart #savinamonet

A post shared by Freelance Cannabis Designer (@savinamonet) on Feb 27, 2020 at 1:35pm PST

@smokeladyjays

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Rule #299: Be a bad bitch, be whatever you want✨ #smokeladyjays . . . . . . . . . . #portland #joints #jays #jointpacks #prerolls #cbg #cbd #thc #pdx #portlandoregon #oregon #supportwomen #neonsign #badbitch #cannabis #hemp #cannabiscreative

A post shared by @ smokeladyjays on Mar 11, 2020 at 6:01pm PDT

@the_herblife

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0 days without sarcasm ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ Model @iamcatjay Photography @just_callme_t T-shirt @shopherblife

A post shared by The Her(b) Life (@the_herblife) on Aug 1, 2019 at 10:11am PDT

@mysticmamma

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*NEW MOON* in SAGITTARIUS 11/26/19 After plunging the depths we rise! Those of us who gave up the ghost are resurrecting from the funeral pyre. Sagittarius brings us a passionate impulse to radically burst forth in a new direction, to cast off our clothing and shackles, and let our arrows fly. And while there’s a real wind that can lift us to higher ground, we can temper our impulses with a grounded strategic vision to expand in the ways our Soul has deeply desired. It’s the result of genuine healing which allows us to be brave hearts, ready to face whatever challenges may arise, because we are coming from our authentic truth. That is the freedom net that Sagittarius casts forth, as the light breaks upon the horizon… ::: PAT LILES says : “our horizons expand : Axis Mundi : allow love and connection to all beings be the guiding force : release where we have felt wounded in love and respect : acceleration and evolution: differentiating from the dominant culture : deep in our dream-creating essence : welcome in what awaits us after our lengthy surrender of the old” : PAM YOUNGHANS: “tune our thoughts to the right vibrations in order to attract the right results : AND being open to the Will of the Cosmos” : APRIL ELLIOT KENT: “Envisioning something that hasn’t existed before : ignore nay-sayers : resist the urge to imitate others : keep dreaming bigger dreams for ourselves, and for our world” : ELLIAS LONSDALE: “something extraordinary is happening : liberated to conceive the inconceivable and to renew your tangled and damaged roots in the old wise woman way that never ages and always works” ::: Full download >mysticmamma.com ARTbyme #MYSTICMAMMA > “EROS ARROW” (Edited) Limited Edition Prints in shop ↠🖤

A post shared by MYSTIC MAMMA (@mysticmamma) on Nov 25, 2019 at 8:22am PST

@comfortablefields

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Checking every flower until I find me🖤

A post shared by Sabrina Bosco (@comfortablefields) on Feb 9, 2020 at 9:51am PST

@_kallenmikel

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Today is the last day of my buy two get one special. Buy two prints get one free (even when you use the code stayhealthy for 35% off). Dm or email me which print you’d like added to your order.

A post shared by Kallen Mikel Art (@_kallenmikel) on Apr 6, 2020 at 7:13am PDT

@futureearth

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I just want to be able to tell my kids I did everything I could.

A post shared by steph & max 🌏 (@futureearth) on Mar 23, 2020 at 8:32am PDT

@kimmietorgerson

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i'm viewing this time as our opportunity to reconnect with ourselves and the people and place that gives us life (ahem, planet earth). life has been stripped back for the majority of the world. we've lost access to daily distractions. we're forced to isolate. some of us are really, really sick. some of us don't have the privilege to stay at home. yet all of us are going through this together. how are you treating others during this time? have you reached out and checked in? are you checking in with yourself? if you have access, are you engaging with nature? have we all thought about how our earth gives and gives and gives, how humans take and take and take? are you observing how this whole thing has interrupted your typical daily consumption?

A post shared by kimmie torgerson (@kimmietorgerson) on Mar 22, 2020 at 11:39am PDT

@highvibecurator

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It’s all in the details baby, what are you manifesting? #dailyaffirmations #dailymotivationalquotes

A post shared by High(er) Vibrations (@highvibecurator) on Mar 22, 2020 at 11:17am PDT

Strains to Puff Puff on:

- GDP

Granddaddy Purple is one of my favorite Indica cultivars. With deep purple notes and a strongly sweet and earthly aroma, it’s hard not to enjoy this strain and its one that’s been around for years.

- Hindu Kush

Another amazing Indica, and one with an international fan base, Hindu kush has that deep piney smell with strong notes of caryophyllene.

- Orange Cookies

This delicious strain not only has notes of sweet orange but that pungy gasoline smell that a lot of the cookies family is infamous for.

- Sour Tangie

Of course a true favorite, sour tangie is a delicious cross of tangie x sour diesel giving you that sweet orange with a sour chem flavor that is strong! If you’re lucky enough to get some bud from the highly sought after genetics - which comes from true NY sour diesel genetics, then you should count your blessings and use a hemp-wick!

[p.s.: smoking with Hemp-wick helps you taste the true terpene profile of a flower instead of burning those flavors with butane]

- Do-si-dos

A huge hit in cannabis markets across the world lately, do-si-dos has a strong and pleasant aroma to it and is apart of the cookies family. Do-si-dos genetics are og kush x girl scout cookies so you can imagine how tasty it truly is.

- Helen Back

“4/20,” which stars Audrey Whitby (The Thundermans), Natasha Hall (Game Night) and KC Clyde (Yellowstone), is now available for pre-sale orders on Vimeo using the discount code “holiday” at https://vimeo.com/ondemand/fourtwenty.

The ensemble comedy “4/20” will celebrate the upcoming 4/20 holiday with a special one-day-only release of the movie on April 20 or $4.20. 

  Cannabis influencer Koala Puffs, who makes her feature debut in 4/20, will host pre- and post-screening events on her Instagram Live throughout the holiday. 

  Vivian Lamolli (East Los High), Nanrisa Lee (Bosch), Suraj Partha (Ender’s Game), Iman Crosson (Our Cartoon President), Raury Rolander (Silvana Sin Lana), Marlo Bernier (Transparent) and former NFL star Kassim Osgood round out the main ensemble. 

 The cast also includes Richard Riehle (Office Space), Joey Bragg (Liv and Maddie), Blake Boyd (Shameless), Erin Darling (The Pop Fix), Susan Davis (WarGames), NOFX guitarist Aaron “El Hefe” Abeyta, Scott Parkin (Grace and Frankie), Stephen Peace (Sunny Daze) and CalenRaps.

 Similar to other holiday ensembles like “Valentine’s Day” and “Mother’s Day,” “4/20” takes place entirely on one day (April 20), and follows multiple storylines relating to marijuana. 

A big thanks to our friends at Parkdale Brass for this fun piece on how we can break out of a quarantine-induced funk. Parkdale Brass provides high quality, sleek, and 20th century inspired smoking pipes that are rugged and can withstand the ups and downs of day-to-day life.

The current worldwide pandemic COVID-19 has various countries observing ‘shelter in place’ or a full-blown lockdown, making travel pretty much out of the question. For the curious and adventurous types, this can be discouraging as it inhibits us from fulfilling our constant need for exploration.

Staying home is the best course of action for the health of everyone, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t keep travelling. With a bit of imagination (and a lot of cannabis), you can travel anywhere in the world and relish in those #wanderlust vibes. If you’re looking to add some excitement to your day-to-day life in quarantine, read on how to find out how you can travel the world from the comfort of your sofa.

  Dress the Part

 While it may be tempting to keep wearing the same comfy pyjamas that you’ve been wearing for days, changing up your attire can do a lot for your mood. Pick out your favourite outfit from head-to-toe for jet setting. Take into account where you’re theoretically planning to travel. Is it a hot, sunny tropical island? Is it the rainy, cold countryside in Oceania?

 Once you know where you’re headed, you can choose the perfect outfit for your journey. In the event that you live with other people, be sure to invite them to join in on your travel plans. Crazy loves company; we’ve all seen Tiger King by now and know that to be a fact! Plus, you’re guaranteed to have much more fun if you’re well-accompanied. Remember that you and your partner(s) should be dressed for adventure to trick your brains into getting excited about your travels.

 Pack Light

 Skilled travelers will know that packing light is crucial to having a good trip. Considering that this trip will be lightning-fast, packing light will be a breeze. We recommend packing only essentials like travel tickets, valid forms of ID, a bottle of water, munchies, a bar of soap, and of course, some cannabis. Cannabis is the most important thing you need to pack because that’s what will actually allow you to travel in this pandemic.

 Now, depending on your preference for consuming cannabis, you may choose to bring flower, concentrates, or edibles. If you’re planning to use combustion, we highly recommend packing a metal smoking pipe on your journey. These pipes are more durable and can handle anything you throw at them. That means you don’t have to worry about dropping or breaking them if you get a little too elevated. Once you’ve got your essentials packed, it’s time to pump up the jams.

 Choose Your Soundtrack

 Some people say that variety is the spice of life, but we all know that it’s music. Nothing can put you in the right state of mind like a good tune. Playing music for your journey is key to its overall success. If you’re headed out on an action-packed trip, some 80’s hair metal might be necessary to set the tone. On the other hand, if you’re planning to take a romantic stroll down a far-flung white sand beach, then some smooth jazz could be just the ticket.

 How you play your music will depend entirely on your set-up at home. Since you’ll need to be on your sofa, putting a vinyl on your record player could help transport you far away. Although if you’re not an analog junkie, pressing ‘play’ on a YouTube or Spotify playlist will do, too! No matter where the music is coming from, make sure that it adds to the overall feeling and atmosphere of the place you want to travel to. You can even go for something more ambient like whale songs or jungle sounds to help get you in the mood.

 Take Time To Enjoy

 After you’ve dressed up, packed for your trip, and set the mood with music, it’s time to head out. Load your pipe, roll your joint, heat your rig or nosh on your edible, and let the journey begin. At first, you might feel strange, as though you just got dressed up and packed a bag to get stoned in your living room. Nonetheless, remember that nothing is normal anymore in this world gone mad. Close your eyes and focus on where you want to travel as you sit on your sofa and take deep puffs or careful bites.

 Listen to the music and imagine yourself there, soaking up all the adventure. Think of all of the fun and exciting things you’ll do on your trip like climbing a mountain or petting a dolphin! Remind yourself that all things are possible and that there is still beauty in the world. Reload your bowl or grab another slice of your edible and repeat until you feel calm and all your anxiety fades away.

Ellie Walsh is General Manager at Otis Gardens, where she also serves as an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Specialist. Ellie has a Bachelor of Science in Plant Science from Cornell University, Master of Science in Science Education from City University of New York (CUNY) Lehman College, and a PhD in Plant Pathology from The Ohio State University.

As GM, Ellie drives staffing and performance goals, including overseeing sourcing, packaging, processing, inventory and sales. Ellie also oversees and implements IPM strategies, including sanitation and beneficial species protocols, and regularly scouts for pests and disease to ensure general plant health.

Ellie originally learned about plant production at scale growing up in a wholesale greenhouse, approximately three acres under glass, that produced indoor potted plants, perennials, annuals and an assortment of seasonal crops. Ellie also served as a Graduate Research Associate at The Ohio State University, a Visiting Assistant Professor at the College of Wooster, and Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology Fellow at The Ohio State University.

She enjoys whitewater kayaking, (casual) ultimate frisbee, and plants (of course)—observing them, growing them, eating them; you name it

Located in the lush Hood River Valley, Oregon, Otis Gardens resides in the shadow of the majestic Mount Hood where a glacial spring nourishes hydroponic gardens powered by 100% renewable energy. With respect and gratitude for the earth, our employees, and customers—supported by only the purest and safest organic inputs and controls—Otis Gardens represents an uncompromising commitment to cultivating the highest quality cannabis. Extended curing and nitrogen packing bring forth our freshest flower’s deep and unique characteristics, delivering a premium, artisanal farm-to-table experience.

How did you get involved in the cannabis industry?

I moved to Oregon while pushing pause on thoughts of any career. I left academia and moved in with my brother to enjoy the PNW’s great outdoors. I sort of stumbled upon the cannabis industry when I got a trim job at Otis Gardens to pay the bills. I hadn’t ever seriously thought of cannabis as a crop I would ever delve into, but here I am! It’s an exciting industry to be a part of, with lots of learning to be had!

Tell us a little bit about your product or service

Otis Gardens focuses on producing a premium flower product. We produce an assortment of varieties that we enjoy and hope they make others happy as well. Some smell like herbal tea and help me melt into the couch, and others smell like the milk leftover from a kids’ cereal and make me venture outdoors. We are constantly testing new varieties so that we will have something to offer everyone’s tastes and preferences.

What time does your day typically start and what does a normal day look like to you?

My day typically starts around 6:30a. Don’t be impressed, I’m naturally a morning person. A quiet start with coffee and breakfast lets me peruse some emails and assess the to-do list for the day ahead. I don’t think there is a “normal” day for me, and that’s one of my favorite parts of the job. When I’m not scouting our crops for pests, you can find me fixing anything from pipes to printers, setting up product trials, or brainstorming how to improve any one of our procedures.

What is your vision for your company going forward?

I envision Otis Gardens creating new in-house varietals so that our menu offers something for everyone, with always something new alongside the dependable favorites. I’ll also be excited to see us diversify our products so that people who like our flower can also pick up an extract if they prefer. We also produce solid pre-rolls, but I see a fancier pre-roll in our future; ones you can light up on special occasions.

What would an ideal post-prohibition society look like to you? 

To me an ideal post-prohibition society would see some sort of reparations for those that have been penalized for the possession and consumption of cannabis. This ideal society will also have the public sector involved in cannabis research and innovation.

Tell us about some of the challenges you face working in the cannabis industry

It can often be hard to see through the BS. There are a lot of strong opinions out there that are not backed by peer-reviewed research. This is true from all aspects of growing to consumption.

What are some solutions you've found? 

It’s often tempting and easy to share anecdotes related to all things cannabis (growing, consuming, etc.). While these do have value, please don’t forget about the scientific method. One solution I have found is to test things myself. Of course due to limits on time and resources, this isn’t possible most of the time. Another solution is to seek out information from people who either do have data to support their claims or are open and honest about the types of observations they’ve made to form their conclusions.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about cannabis?

It’s not a one-trick pony. When I first told my grandmother about my new job… she was… not happy. But after hearing about all the different positive attributes of the crop (like how my mother uses cannabis products to mediate pain), she warmed up to the idea. Although I do think she still would prefer if I were growing ornamental cacti or vegetables instead...

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about your product or service?

If you like what you smell, give it a shot! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

If you could go back in time and do it all over again, what (if anything) would you do differently?

Nah, I’ve had a pretty rad journey so far, wouldn’t change a thing. The learning is half the fun.

Do you think cannabis legalization will change the world for the better? Why?

I do! The fact that there are folks in jail for growing something that I’m paid to produce makes my stomach turn. Aside from beginning to address the huge inequities that exist due to its illegal past, I think legalization will also allow us to discover other useful aspects of the crop (yet to be identified phytochemicals) and innovate with tools that are ready and waiting to assist (advanced plant breeding methods).

What advice would you offer to another woman who is looking to get into the industry?

Cait Curley is an educator, entrepreneur, social media influencer, marketing specialist, and content creator with a passion for all things hemp and cannabis. She stays informed and up to date with the industry’s most heart-wrenching stories, as well as the progress of the biggest movers and shakers.

Cait was so intent on pursuing her work within the cannabis arena, that she uprooted her life and moved from New York to cannabis-centric Denver. After obtaining a health sciences degree and spending years of dedication in healthcare and client relations, she has navigated the underground cannabis world, while seeking to utilize her connections to educate the masses, represent a shift in culture and motivate continued progress within the community.

Living in the forefront of the movement to end cannabis prohibition, fostering both B2B and B2C partnerships and connections inside the industry, Cait's passion also extends to developing her own entrepreneurial investments and pursuits.

Check out her website here and her Instagram here.  

How did you get involved in the cannabis industry?

My entrance to the legal cannabis industry was quite simple. I moved to Colorado from New York with the intention to join, did some research online, went to a cannabis meetup five days after my move, and immediately connected with the community. From there, the rest was history.

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🙏🏼🌱

A post shared by CAIT CURLEY (@cait_curley) on Mar 22, 2020 at 3:38pm PDT

Tell us a little bit about your product or service

My main service to the industry at this point in time is education and advocacy. Through my social media platforms, I discuss the plant as a whole and its many benefits to the human body and Earth. I will also soon be releasing an e-commerce resource shop, from hemp doggy clothes to mushroom face masks. It will be a place where you can find all of my recommended and trusted brands. As a side hustle, I also manage social media for cannabis/ hemp brands.

What time does your day typically start and what does a normal day look like to you?

My day typically starts around 6 am. Ideally, I head straight to the gym, come home for a fruit breakfast and shower. After that, I either work from home or head to meetings. Throughout most of the day, I’m either working on my brands or the brands that I work for. I like to eat dinner around 6 and begin a 12 hour fast after that. During this time, I also somewhat prep my meals for the next day if that hasn’t been done yet. The day ends with a book in bed. Lights out.

What is your vision for your company going forward?

I really enjoy the entertainment side of education. It’s so empowering to create content that touches someone's soul and gives them insight on a topic they didn’t have before. I intend to build out that side of my brand where I’m putting more energy into videos. I’m also working on another project that I will soon talk about more openly. I have been in R & D for over three years and I’m super excited about it.

What would an ideal post-prohibition society look like to you?

Where cannabis is fully legal, completely decriminalized and destigmatized, and anyone ever convicted of a cannabis crime is exonerated and that record expunged.

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smokey eye 👁💄

A post shared by CAIT CURLEY (@cait_curley) on Mar 14, 2020 at 8:26am PDT

Tell us about some of the challenges you face working in the cannabis industry

With the industry being so nascent, there are of course lots and lots of startups. When I first entered the industry, these were the companies that were most open-armed with working positions and I was, therefore, employed by. For any startup, there are challenges all across the board and they can definitely weigh on you. It’s not easy being an entrepreneur especially in an industry that is federally illegal. You’re pushing against a force and that can also weigh on you.

What are some solutions you've found?

Stay focused and true to the mission of ending cannabis prohibition. Concentrate on things you can change and have an impact on and don’t worry about things out of your control.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about cannabis?

One thing I wish everyone knew about cannabis is that Hemp and Marijuana are both cannabis. Based on the level of THC, which is currently the arbitrary number .3%, we call it Hemp or Marijuana. This means that Marijuana can be used for byproducts just like Hemp, it’s that simple.

If you could go back in time and do it all over again, what (if anything) would you do differently?

I wouldn’t change a thing.

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Ready for a President who believes in plant medicine. Ready for the end of the destructive war on drugs, corporate greed & corruption running this planet by way of America, and politicians that don’t take climate change seriously. I’m ready for a Revolution.🌟🌿🌎 #Bernie2020

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What is your favorite way to consume cannabis?

I prefer to smoke flower rolled in a blunt wrap.

Concentrate or flower? Why? 

Flower because it’s how I started consuming and have continued to enjoy it that way. I think there’s a piece of the oral fixation factor, the smell of the burning blunt/joint and the ability to pass it around and share with friends.

Do you think cannabis legalization will change the world for the better? Why?

Yes, of course, it will change the world for the better. Nobody should be locked up or fired from a job because of nature and a God-given plant that provides virtually endless opportunities to improve human and planetary health.

What advice would you offer to another woman who is looking to get into the industry?

In the face of the coronavirus pandemic many people in Canada are seeing their communities come together to support those most vulnerable to Covid-19. Schools have been closed indefinitely, parks and rec centres are closed, people are discouraged and in some cased banned from gathering in groups, and bars and restaurants are closing or offering take out only. It’s a terrifying time and you would be forgiven for having no idea how to feel or how to process everything.

Essential services remain open and operational. These services include grocery stores, post offices, and pharmacies. Luckily for cannabis-loving Canadians cannabis stores are considered essential too but it’s really important that we work to protect not just ourselves and our neighbours but also the frontline workers who are risking their own health every day by going to work to serve us. How can we thank them now? By being mindful of their health concerns too.

1) Order ahead and pick up.

Don’t spend time perusing the shelves, browsing the selection or asking about various cannabinoid profiles. You can look that info up online from the comfort of your home (without pants if that’s your jam, and honestly are any of us wearing pants anymore?). Cannabis retail chain Fire & Flower has switched to using the click and collect service Fastlane throughout all of it’s stores and most other retailers have a similar set up going.

“The health and safety of our customers and team members is our top priority. Some of the measures that we have taken include encouraging use of the Fastlane click-and-collect service, safety shields that separate customers and team members, cashless transactions, ensuring social distancing and limiting the number of customers in our shops.” Explains Nadia Vattovaz, Fire & Flower CFO & EVP Operations.

2) Tip generously.

IF you can. Layoffs are real and we’re about to see unemployment hit an all time high but if you are in a position to tip, even for a service you may not normally have tipped for in the past, please consider giving a little more.

3) Pay with A card when possible.

Not everyone can always pay with debit or credit cards but if you have that option right now why not avoid touching cash or making someone else handle cash? If you can pay via TAP, even better, less opportunity for us to transmit the virus to one another.

4) Practice social distancing techniques as recommended by health experts

Stay back at least two metres from other shoppers and staff. Don’t lean on the cases and counters - remember that the virus can live on some surfaces like metal or glass for days so even though retailers will be working extra hard to keep surfaces clean let’s just do them a favour and make their jobs easier by not adding to the contamination. Don’t crowd the shop, avoid the smell pods and wipe your purchases down with disinfectant once you get home.

5) Say Thank You

Look these heros in the eye and thank them. Frontline health care workers are facing the toughest, most horrific days of their careers while retail workers are often poorly paid and underappreciated. This is a good time to show these people some kindness and appreciation.