FNM Vol. 19- Pet & Animal Edition

CANNABIS BUBBA KUSH (PHENO II) Photo By Kyea Mofire

MEDICINE

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SHOKI Photo By Kyea Mofire

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Who is more precious to us than our pets?

Photo By Kyea Mofire

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ear Readers,

Whether you’re a dog or cat person, a lover of horses or birds, or prefer the quiet company of reptiles and fish, the love and joy that animals, especially pets, bring to our lives is immeasurable.

It is one of my favorite questions to ask someone when we meet: do you have any pets?

I myself grew up with dogs, big ones. Today I have one sweet girl celebrating a decade of life. Diamond is a joy to all who know her, exuding unfettered love and a boundless curiosity for the world around her.

Every pet is unique and the relationships we form with them influence our lives far after theirs are over. Animals, like ourselves, possess an endocannabinoid system that is vital to their health and functioning. It just doesn’t work quite the same way as ours.

In the pages of this issue, we explore cannabis and animals from many angles.

Riley Kirk, PhD. dives into the ECS of dogs on page 12 while Tim Shu explores that of frogs and other zoo animals on page 18.

Artesha Lawrence has an easy recipe for homemade CBD treats on page 40 and you can find the flower for your treats on page 50 with Emily Goegel and page 60 with Andrea Harris.

We also know, despite everything, that we will outlive our pets. Guy Bogfort’s story on Ganja and Grief on page 24 will shake you and, I hope, cause you to hold your furry friends a little closer tonight.

Jessica & Diamond

In this issue, we have stories that will teach you something and stories that will move you: the depths of love and loss we feel in our pets resonate more universally than almost anything else.

It will also, I hope, remind you that there is more that unites us than divides us. At a time of so many fractures, the love of the plant and for our precious pets brings us together.

As an independent cannabis publication, each issue we put out requires tens of hours of work in editorial, design, and ad sales.

This issue challenged us in new ways and it gives me particular pleasure to share the long-awaited Pet Issue with you and the rest of the world.

Best, Jessica Reilly-Chevalier Editor-in-Chief Fat Nugs Magazine

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TABLE Of CONTENTS Pg. 8

Cannabis Can Provide Habitat, Health And Conservation For Almost All Life On The Planet

By Dustin Hoxworth

Pg.12

Dosing Your Dogs: An Introdution To Cannabis For Pets By Riley Kirk, PhD

Pg. 18 From Frogs To Lions: The Surprising Use Of Cannabis In Animal Care By Tim Shu Pg. 24 Grief And Ganja: Love, Loss, And Gratitude By Guy Borgford Pg. 36 Homegrown By Jim Berry Pg. 40 CBD Infused Pumpkin Dog Treats By Artesha Lawrence Pg. 44 Animal Face Traditional Hash By Carmel Cannabis: A Certified Ganjier Review

By Matt Jerome Pg. 50 Harnessing The Power Of Cbd Flower For Dogs: A Conversation With Emily Gogel, PhD By Kellie Frederick Pg. 56 Bud Backstories: The Origin Of Chemdawg By Ali Lopez Pg. 60 Veterinary Medicine Enemy #1

By Andrea Harris, CEO of Hippie Hounds Pg. 66 Cannabis & Cats: The Ultimate Stoner Companion

By Dustin Hoxworth

Image By Dustin Hoxworth

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FAT NUGS STAFF & Their Pets Dustin Hoxworth: FOUNDER

Jessica Reilly-Chevalier: EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Daniel Crawford: CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Christina Aydt: DESIGNER

Casey Renteria: PROGRAM MANAGER

June Blankin: COORDINATOR

Kyea Mofire: PHOTOGRAPHER

Kellie Frederick: CULTURAL DIRECTOR

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CANNABIS CAN PROVIDE HABITAT, HEALTH, AND CONSERVATION FOR ALMOST ALL LIFE ON THE PLANET

D

id you know that cannabis can be used in habitat restoration and enrichment projects?

The plant can help in creating microhabitats and providing cover for various wildlife. In controlled environments, such as botanical gardens or research facilities, cannabis can offer a more complex and varied habitat that benefits many different species.

Cannabis cultivation and its impact on ecosystems can be a case study for broader ecological research.

This contributes to understanding how different plants interact with their environments and how they can be managed for conservation purposes.

Educational programs can use cannabis cultivation to raise awareness about plant diversity, sustainable agriculture, and habitat preservation.

With proper management, cannabis cultivation can be integrated into sustainable agricultural practices. Growing cannabis in a way that minimizes environmental impact, using organic methods, reducing pesticide use, and employing water conservation techniques, can set a precedent for other crops, promoting and solidifying the idea that commercial agriculture can coexist with conservation efforts.

The legal cannabis industry has created economic opportunities, which can be leveraged to support conservation initiatives. Funds generated from cannabis cultivation and sales could be directed toward conservation projects, habitat restoration, and the protection of endangered species.

Cannabis has shown potential in phytoremediation, which is the process of using plants to clean up contaminated soil and water. This application is more common in industrial contexts but successful projects could be adapted for use in conservation efforts to restore polluted or degraded habitats.

While these opportunities exist, it's crucial to carefully consider the potential ecological impacts of cannabis cultivation. Effective management practices are essential to ensure conservation without causing unintended harm to the environment.

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Image & Article By Dustin Hoxworth FAT NUGS MAGAZINE

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES Photo By Kyea Mofire

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FISHSCALE Photo By Kyea Mofire

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DOSING YOUR DOGS:

By Riley Kirk, PhD

O

ur pets are our family and when our pets are sick or in pain, we want to help them in the same ways that we help our sick grandma, brother, or ourselves. Although our pets deserve the same love and care as our human family members, they react differently to drugs than humans and should be treated differently.

All pets, including our dogs, cats, ferrets, hamsters, and fish have endocannabinoid systems. The endocannabinoid system is the system within the body which cannabis acts on to provide therapeutic and relaxing benefits. This is an ancient and conserved system that is seen in almost every animal on earth. Regardless if an animal ever sees cannabis in their life, they still have an endocannabinoid system necessary for their survival.

There are obvious differences between our pets and us: the size difference, fur, or the presence of hooves or claws rather than toes; but further than that, there are also differences we do not see with the naked eye. Our pet's nervous system (the way their brain is wired) is different from how our nervous system is designed and distributed within the body.

It is not safe to assume that a dose of THC that is therapeutic for your problems can be translatable to your pet's experience, even if you correct for weight. The distribution of receptors in the brain is different than a human’s and so is the experience of the animal.

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An Introduction to Cannabis f or Pets THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM IN ANIMALS

The distribution of receptors in the brain and body is incredibly important for understanding the overall safety of cannabis and cannabinoid products. This is one reason why cannabis is so safe compared to other drugs like heroin: because of where the cannabinoid receptors are located in the brain and what areas of the brain those regions control for us.

The best example to fully understand this is to look at opiate receptors. There is an abundance of opioid receptors located in the brainstem of humans; which is what makes opiates so dangerous. Our brainstem controls essential functions like our heart beating and lungs breathing. If the receptors get overwhelmed in this region of the brain by administering too many opiates it can prevent these essential functions from happening, leading to overdose and potentially death.

In contrast, if we look at the distribution of cannabinoid one (CB1) receptors in the brainstem, the receptor on which THC acts, there are very sparse amounts in humans. Even if these receptors get overwhelmed, they will not shut down the region of the brain that keeps us alive.

THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM OF DOGS

Although not all animals have been studied to understand the exact distribution of CB1 receptors in the brain, dogs' cannabinoid receptors have been studied by the US government and other research institutions in pretty great detail. The research found that dogs have a higher abundance of cannabinoid receptors in the hindbrain, cerebellum, brainstem, and medulla oblongata compared to human counterparts (Herkenhan, 1990).

This condition is thought to be due to the high concentration of cannabinoid receptors in the cerebellum; the portion of the brain that controls functions like balance, posture, motor control, and bladder control (Silver, 2019).

ACIDS VERSUS ACTIVATED CANNABINOIDS

Luckily, not all cannabis products are going to make your animal sick when eaten. The bud needs to be heated up or smoked to get the psychoactive effects.

Cannabis flower is still the most popular product purchased from dispensaries and if we just eat a fat cannabis nug, we won’t get high. If your animal eats a nug, it won’t harm them and they probably won’t want to eat it anyway (although you never know).

Conversely, products like edibles are the most dangerous to your pup, especially if it is something like a brownie or chocolate that also contains chocolate which is harmful to dogs. Dogs can get high from eating half-smoked cannabis joints (aka roaches) because the flower is being activated as it’s being smoked and therefore will have available THC. If you’re someone who likes hotboxing your car, make sure you’re leaving your pup inside: your dog will absolutely feel the effects of hotboxing.

Remember, your dog does not know what getting high is so it is not a fun experience for them, it is likely scary because they don’t know why they’re feeling that way.

Between these research studies and the unfortunate regular occurrence of dogs accidentally being dosed with THC products, it has been shown that there is a unique neurological reaction that occurs with dogs taking in large amounts of THC called ‘static ataxia’ which is essentially temporary paralysis of the dog.

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THE SAFETY OF CANNABIS PRODUCTS FOR PETS

This information may lead you to two questions: 1. Is it safe to give my animals any cannabis products?

2. What do you do/what happens if they do get into some?

If your dog does end up eating a cannabis-infused gummy, they can often become very disoriented, lose bladder control and as mentioned previously, be temporarily paralyzed (worst case scenario).

Most veterinarians will recommend essentially the same thing that your stoner friends would tell you if you got too high: get comfortable and wait it out.

If your pet does get into some products, give them some water, and a nice bed to sleep on, monitor their reactions, and wait it out.

Not all cannabis is bad for animals, however. You will often see bacon-flavored CBD oils, CBDinfused dog treats, salmon CBD tinctures, and a multitude of other creations meant for your pets.

CBD has been scientifically shown to be welltolerated in dogs at doses of 4 to 20 mg/kg of body weight per day for 6 to 12 weeks (Corsato, 2024).

We are greatly lacking scientific data on other relevant animals like horses, cats, and rabbits.

In general, it is always recommended to discuss changes in your pet's diet and supplements with your veterinarian.

If your animal has joint inflammation or pain, many respond well to CBD. When you introduce CBD for the first time: • Introduce the product slowly and note how your pet responds.

• If they need a higher dose, try more the next day.

Many CBD products have up to the legal limit of 0.3% THC present and this microdose will likely be fine for your animal but it is not recommended to increase the dose of THC more without further consultation.

Overall, cannabis is a safe medicine and has medicinal value for both you and your pets.

However, keep in mind that animals react differently to cannabis than we do. Still, they have endocannabinoid systems that cannabis products can act on and provide therapeutic value.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Riley Kirk is a cannabis research scientist, cannabis educator and daily consumer. She obtained her Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences, specializing in natural product chemistry where she studied the traditional and contemporary uses of hundreds of medicinal plants. She has worked as an immunology scientist in the biotech industry, currently is an adjunct professor at the University of Rhode Island, and works in the cannabis industry on the medicinal value of the chemical synergies within the plant at the nonprofit she cofounded called NAP (the Network of APplied Pharmacognosy).

REFERENCES: 1. Herkenham M, Lynn AB, Little MD, Johnson MR, Melvin LS, de Costa BR, Rice KC. Cannabinoid Receptor Localization In Brain. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1990 Mar;87(5):1932-6. doi: 10.1073/pnas.87.5.1932. PMID: 2308954; PMCID: PMC53598.

2. Silver RJ. The Endocannabinoid System of Animals. Animals (Basel). 2019 Sep 16;9(9):686. doi: 10.3390/ani9090686.

PMID: 31527410; PMCID: PMC6770351.

3. Landa L, Trojan V, Demlova R, Jurica J, Hrib R. Cannabidiol And The Possibilities Of Its Use In Veterinary Medicine Of Dogs And Horses: A Brief Review. Vet Med (Praha). 2022 Jun 17;67(9):455-462. doi: 10.17221/127/2021-VETMED. PMID: 38715968; PMCID: PMC11071133.

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Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail.

Kinky Friedman

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Frogs to Lions: THE SURPRISING USE OF CANNABIS IN ANIMAL CARE

By Tim Shu

hen you think of pets and cannabis, your mind might jump to dogs or cats using CBD oil for arthritis or anxiety. But what if I told you that cannabis compounds could potentially help everything from lions and tigers to tiny, colorful frogs? It's not just possible—it's already happening, and it's opening up a whole new world in animal care.

THE SECRET SYSTEM ALL ANIMALS SHARE

First, let's talk about why cannabis might work for such a wide range of animals. It turns out that all vertebrates— animals with backbones—have something called an endocannabinoid system. This internal network responds to compounds found in cannabis, as well as similar molecules our bodies produce naturally. Its role is diverse and it helps regulate a wide range of activities, from sleep, to metabolism, inflammation, movement, and even reproduction.

But here's where it gets really interesting: cannabis isn't just about CBD. Scientists have identified over 500 different compounds in the cannabis plant. While CBD often steals the spotlight, many of these other molecules could have benefits we're just beginning to discover. It's like having a treasure chest of potential medicines, and we've only scratched the surface.

THE ZOO LEADING THE CHARGE

At the forefront of this cannabis revolution in animal care is the Zoológico de Cali in Colombia. Their veterinary team, led by Drs. Juliana Peña, Diana Buitrago, and Camila Mendoza, have become world leaders in using medical cannabis for zoo animals. They've successfully treated over 50 different species with cannabis-based therapies—literally, lions, tigers, and bears.

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THE CASE OF THE POISONOUS PATIENT

One of their most fascinating cases involves a creature you might not expect: a Lehmann's poison frog. These tiny amphibians, often called "poison dart frogs," are native to Colombian rainforests and critically endangered. They're famous for their vibrant colors - bright red, orange, or yellow—which serve as a warning to predators about their toxic skin.

One day, a sick frog came under the care of the Cali Zoo team. It was showing signs of weakness and tremors—clearly not a healthy frog. The vets conducted a thorough exam, including a look at the frog's droppings. They found a parasite in the feces called Trichomonas.

Now in the wild, most amphibians carry some parasites without issues. Their immune systems usually keep things in check. But when an animal is stressed or facing other health problems, these parasites can become a real problem. That seemed to be the case for this little frog.

Cannabis to the rescue?

The veterinary team decided to try something unconventional: a CBD-rich cannabis extract.

But how do you give cannabis to a frog? Definitely not by lighting a joint or using any method that involves smoke.

The team got creative and used two methods:

INHALATION:

They created a fine mist of CBD solution using a device called a nebulizer. This allowed the frog to breathe in the medicine without any harmful smoke.

CAN CANNABIS REALLY FIGHT PARASITES?

It sounds almost too good to be true. Can cannabis really help fight off parasites in a frog? While we can't say for certain based on just one case, there's some intriguing science that suggests it's possible.

Cannabis naturally produces compounds that repel pests— it's one of the plant's defense mechanisms. But what about microscopic parasites?

Interestingly, researchers have found evidence that some cannabis compounds might have anti-parasitic properties, even against organisms like Trichomonas.

As we face challenges like endangered species and treatmentresistant infections, solutions might be found in unexpected places—like a plant that's been used by humans for thousands of years.

TOPICAL APPLICATION: They

applied CBD drops directly to the frog's skin. Frogs can absorb substances through their skin easily, making this a perfect delivery method.

The results were impressive. By day 15, the frog was no longer showing signs of weakness or tremors. The team continued treatment for another week to be sure. Soon after, the little amphibian was fit enough to be released back into its rainforest home.

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Scientists have used computer models to study how different cannabis molecules interact with receptors found in the Trichomonas parasite. They discovered that compounds like cannflavin A and CBGA can potentially disrupt the parasite's normal functions.

While CBD itself wasn't part of this particular study, it shows that the cannabis plant contains compounds that could be useful in fighting parasites.

BEYOND CBD: THE CANNABIS COMPOUND TREASURE TROVE

This brings us back to those 500+ compounds found in cannabis. While CBD gets most of the attention, other molecules like cannflavins (unique to cannabis) and various cannabinoids could hold untapped potential.

For example, researchers are currently exploring the antiinflammatory properties of cannflavins.

The challenge is that most testing labs don't look for these less common compounds. So when using a "full-spectrum" cannabis extract (one that contains a wide range of plant compounds), we might be benefiting from molecules we're not even aware of.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE FUTURE

The case of the cannabis-treated poison frog is more than just a cool story. It opens up exciting possibilities for animal care,

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especially for endangered species. It could lead to new treatment options for a wide range of animals facing health challenges.

Moreover, these findings might have implications beyond the animal kingdom.

The most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection in humans is caused by—you guessed it—Trichomonas. While it's a big leap from frogs to humans, this research could potentially point towards new avenues for treating parasitic infections in people too.

It's important to note that while this case is promising, it's just one example. We need more research to fully understand how cannabis compounds might help different animals with various health issues.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The story of the cannabistreated poison frog reminds us of the incredible potential locked within the natural world. As we face challenges like endangered species and treatment-resistant infections, solutions might be found in unexpected places—like a plant that's been used by humans for thousands of years.

From lions to poison dart frogs, cannabis is proving to be a versatile tool in animal care. It's a perfect example of how thinking outside the box and looking to nature can lead to breakthrough discoveries.

As research continues, who knows what other surprises the cannabis plant might have in store for the animal kingdom—and for us.

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FISHSCALE Photo By Kyea Mofire

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GRIEVING&GANJA Loss,, Love, & Gratitude Loss The last time my dog died, I had to take a week off work.

I recall sitting around drinking beer, smoking cigarettes, and crying my eyes out for a good seven days. That was 15 years ago, and I’ve since replaced both cigarettes and beer with Ganja and Sacred Mushrooms. The tears still flow, but with more heart.

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By Guy Borgford

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LOSS

few months ago, my friend, Steven, a filmmaker and eternal student of life, came up to the cabin to explore a week of plant medicine work and document his experiences. After our week of ceremony, meditation, and storytelling, Steven and I packed up his things and began our drive to the train station 40 minutes away. I was helping him shoot a final scene from the car and sat in the passenger seat with the camera rolling.

My little beagle, Toby, was in the back seat. He had been winding down his time here for several months, as he approached his 17th trip around the sun. With his hearing and vision all but gone, he was experiencing frequent seizures related to his vision that were further complicated by his cognitive decline. I had lived through his death in my mind so many times, and each time with a little more acceptance and understanding.

As we wrapped up shooting the final scene, I was met with the unmistakable scent of dog poop. Looking into the back seat, I saw Toby on his side, panting, and clearly not doing well. We immediately pulled the car over, and I leaped into the back seat, picking him up gently and resting him in the front seat as I cleaned up his excrement. I got back into the front passenger seat, laying him on my lap as Steven drove the rest of the way to the train station. After a tearful goodbye, I left Steven at the train station and began the drive back upriver to the cabin, with Toby resting peacefully in the passenger seat beside me.

Winding my way upriver, next to the glacier green of the cold, nourishing waters, I slowly stroked my little man’s beautiful beagle head and caressed his velvety ears as I tuned into his soft breaths

amid the rush of summer air coming through the open windows and sunroof. I knew this was it. The love of my life, here beside me, his magic still very much present as he prepared to let go.

About 15 minutes from home I abruptly erupted in a sobbing mess that almost made me crash the car. This was the first release— our attached energy breaking free from this earthly form and expanding into the collective consciousness of the infinite and eternal. A few minutes later I pulled into the driveway at the cabin, still stroking the tiny head that was the initiator of so much mischief and mayhem. I got out of the car, came around to the passenger side, and lifted Toby’s lifeless form from the car and into our home.

Wrapping Toby in a blanket and covering his face, I sat there in the deafening quiet.

With the sound of his loving presence no longer lighting this space in my heart, I felt an emptiness I hadn’t felt in some time.

Tears poured forth. Toby’s earthly remains lay still, wrapped up beside me on his stack of dog beds, reflecting a canine version of “Princess and the Pea.” I sat there in shock, pulling a thick joint to my lips. I struck a match and took several long hits, the sweet nectar softening my edges and allowing me to lean into this profound experience of loss.

LOVE

I picked out Toby’s grave site on the land a couple months prior.

It was perfect. A large fallen maple tree formed the backdrop and I had recently inoculated it with a couple hundred Lion’s Mane Mushroom spore plugs. At the front, a tiny willow sapling danced, designed to move with the wind well beyond my lifespan and to remind us all to bend and play in the face of a storm.

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THE TEARS STILL FLOW, BUT WITH MORE HEART. It didn’t take long to dig the grave, the silty soil soft and forgiving. I dug down a good three feet to ensure his body’s resting place wouldn’t fall prey to wild animals, then carried Toby’s body to the ceremonial stone circle. The sun shone warm through the trees as I unwrapped him and looked down at his little, furry spacesuit.

His milky eyes were wide open, staring blankly ahead, while his lips curled back in his best vicious attack dog look. With my tears falling to the soil, I gently squeezed his eyes closed and moved his lips to shape a reasonable expression of joy through which he lived his incredible, magical life. I carefully wrapped him back up in the blanket, carried him over to his gravesite, and softly lowered him into the ground. Staring down into the grave, I was hit with a powerful wave of gratitude, for this incredible Being who taught me so much. Here I was with my heart broken, yet so full, the paradox of beauty in grief as clear as the tears streaming down my face. Gratitude filled the void left by his life force exiting this realm, and from it, pure joy danced among the acceptance of loss.

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The first shovel of soil hit the blanket-wrapped body with the muffled sound of new snow. It was comforting, enveloping, welcoming - and as each mound of soil fell on top of the other, I pushed through into my grief and felt the pang of loss with every breath. His body buried, I then turned to the next task at hand: creating a homage of beauty to reflect the joy and unconditional love this dog brought to me every day.

I shuffled down to the river in a daze, yet my intention was clear. The mandala of river stones would reflect the eye of God, a watchful gaze, joining the Earth with the Heavens, while adding another layer of protection for Toby’s body. As I collected the stones, I marveled at the past two years up here in the mountains. Toby lived his best life. No leashes, no fences, no rules—he was a wild wilderness beagle and part of me figured he’d end up being a choice dim sum dish for a coyote or other predator—but that was not to be.

Laying out the stones of the mandala, I sensed the stillness of him, nestled peacefully beneath the forest floor. Each stone another gulp of air as I breathed through the grief.

Fashioning a cross of leftover lumber, I painted the grave marking, then carefully draped Toby’s collar around it. As I assessed his gravesite, I realized he needed flowers, so I headed to the community swap meet to pick up some plants. The local ‘Plant Lady’ was there and I told her of Toby’s passing. She offered her condolences, I thought, without much feeling, and I wondered if she even remembered him. Lord knows I had bought enough plants off her, and I always had the dog in tow. I felt like everyone should be grieving along with me, yet to the rest of the world, it was just another day. This wasn’t their pain to bear.

Selecting a few flowering plants, I loaded up my car and then was compelled to go walk around the swap meet and check out some of the other vendors—something I rarely did. Then I heard it: a familiar, light tinkling sound that the identification tags on Toby’s collar made as he pranced around his kingdom.

The sound led me to a wind chime hanging among the flotsam and jetsam of the flea market vibe. On closer inspection, I saw that each medallion on the wind chime held an image of the proverbial badass bulldog, complete with a studded collar and a Sherlock Holmes pipe sticking out from his rich, canine grin. It was him. I breathed in deep, to avoid completely losing my shit right there.

GRATITUDE

When I got home, I rolled another thick stick of sweet bud and dove deep into her loving embrace.

Ganja always amplifies my creativity and I took her inspiration to task, arranging the plants around Toby’s resting place and hanging the wind chime behind the cross. After a bit more fussing to make it just perfect, I held my phone up to capture the beauty of this sacred place that honored his life.

There in the frame, as obvious as the solid objects that made up his shrine, was a brilliant, tiny rainbow, arching perfectly above the place I made for my sweet, little boy.

One snap from my phone was all I could muster, before falling to the ground, struggling to breathe as grief poured from my Being onto the carpeted forest below. And then as I collected myself, wiping a stream of snot from my face and brushing dried leaves and debris from my knees, a little breeze came through, tinkling the wind chime and once again, signaling that Toby was more than OK. Around midnight, I headed down to the river.

It was a moonless, cloudless night, and into the depths of the star-filled sky, I could make out the familiar fog-like strip of our galaxy extending into everything. As I gazed upward and pulled on my last joint of the day, I could sense the earth’s rotation, the imperceptible movement of the Milky Way inching its way across the expanse of space. My prana ignited as my Being connected to the gratitude of awareness, the gifts of love, and almost 16 Earth years of intense love and endless entertainment with this crazy character of a dog we called Toby.

There are profound gifts in all experiences—and none so meaningful as those found when we’re put to challenge and holding space for grief. As I reflect on this story, I sense there’s more to come and I express gratitude for my plant ally, Ganja, for helping me navigate troubled waters with loving acceptance. Life is a never-ending experience of love, lessons, laughter, and tears, and I know Toby will continue to be a part of my life, until such time as I’m casting my own rainbow, sending my love from beyond the veil, to those I leave behind.

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RIP Toby Borgford 09/09/2007—07/21/2023

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PURPLE TANGI Photo By Kyea Mofire 28

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FLOWER OF THE MONTH

∑

STRAIN NAME:

MOFIRE

GROWN BY: J. & Family GROWN IN: Cohasset, CA (Northern California ) LINEAGE: Blue Mac x Wedding Cake x Blue Dragon Dog THC %: Untested CBD %: Untested MAIN AROMA: A sweet/sour aroma with heavy pine & fruit flavor.

EFFECT: Slow & heady high that carries long after you smoke it.

MAIN FLAVOR: Sweet sugar cookie mixed with sour pine.

HARVESTED ON: October 2023

Photo By Kyea Mofire

OTHER NOTABLE CANNABINOIDS: Unknown. Was first & last of its kind due to the Parkfire.

“We are on Earth to take care of life. We are on Earth to take care of each other.”

Xiye Bastida

" "

Finding the right canine companion is definitely a task. Combing through rescue pages, researching breeds and breeders, home visits, and applications–it can be a bit daunting.

To a new grower, getting your hands on new genetics may feel similar.

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HOME GROWN with Jim Berry

& Sir Reginald vom Jagerhaus, Knight of the Royal Oak Photos by David Painter

W

elcome back to my basement and to my little corner of the Pet Edition! I like to somehow link the theme of each issue to my experience as a home grower. Well, this one is easy peasy for me.

Because I love dogs! I love all animals, but dogs have a special place in my heart. And especially German Shepherds. Our family had one when I was just a boy, and he and I just clicked. He was smart, spirited, and full of personality. He was confident, loyal, and protective.

He was the closest member of my family.

As an adult, as soon as I bought a house and had a yard, getting another German Shepherd was a priority. And three generations later, they are still a priority in my life. I haven't been without one at my side for almost 20 years.

Currently, that is a beautiful three-year-old West German named Sir Reginald vom Jagerhaus, Knight of the Royal Oak. But you can just call him Reggie. He’s the biggest responsibility in my life. He’s also my most consistent source of joy and contentment. And admittedly, often my biggest source of frustration and worry. (But my plants are a close second.)

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PUPPIES & PLANTS: GETTING STARTED

Finding the right canine companion is definitely a task.

Combing through rescue pages, researching breeds and breeders, home visits, and applications—it can be a bit daunting.

To a new grower, getting your hands on new genetics may feel similar. Which variety? Should I start with clones or seeds? What the heck is flowering time? Or a feminized seed? Or an autoflower?

Fortunately, it’s not that big of a commitment. If you choose wrong, you can start over and try something new anytime. And the wrong choice won’t bite the mail carrier or destroy your couch.

CLONES

Clones are an excellent way to start, if you have access to clean genetics. Maybe you know another grower who is willing to share a couple clones. Or you may find some for sale at a local dispensary in your community.

There are even nurseries that inventory different varieties and are willing to ship clones to you. It’s not technically legal yet to send cannabis clones “through the mail,” so to speak. And I’m certainly not instructing you to break the law! But let’s just say it’s happening and since hemp was legalized federally in 2018, it’s happening regularly.

It’s very difficult to prove a genetic difference between hemp and traditional cannabis until the plant is flowered and the flower is tested for THCa (or potential THC∆9) concentration.

Whether they are selling seeds or clones, it is not unusual to find that online vendors have unconventional payment methods. Because of federal illegality, many credit card companies will refuse to process orders if they are knowingly involved in the transaction of cannabis genetics. Just know that it’s not necessarily a red flag. I remember one time sending Amazon gift certificates to the vendor. And in return, I received 10 healthy, mature seeds of fire, as promised.

Regardless of where you decide to source clones, you want to insist that they are clean. Cannabis clones can come with a number of viral and fungal infections. Of most concern is a viroid named hops latent (or HLVd), but clones can come infected with a fungus called powdery mildew and a list of other viruses.

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Clones can also come as a home for destructive pests, such as spider mites, russet mites, and thrips. And if you are bringing infected clones home to an established garden, you’ll most likely spread the problem to plants already in your grow.

So, ask the nursery. Insist that they are free of pathogens and pests. Ask specifically about HLvd and powdery mildew. They can always—of course—be dishonest with you, but at least they will know that these issues are on your radar. And you will know that you had their guarantee, for what that might be worth.

With a few precautions, clones can be a great way to jumpstart your garden with genetics that have been proven to perform and produce flower that you know you will like.

ONLINE SEED BANKS

Seeds are readily available, whether online, at a local dispensary, or even those two seeds that you found in that bag of fire that you had last summer. Seeds will also be highly unlikely to come with the host of issues that clones can bring. Seeds don’t have pests, and although it’s possible that they host disease, it is much less likely.

Picking seeds comes with a lot of considerations. A good breeder or seed bank will be able to tell you some specifics about what to expect from a cultivation perspective. How long is the average flower cycle in days? Does the plant get particularly tall? What yields can you expect from a healthy run? There should also be some details about the effects of the variety- what is the experience like? What are the general effects? How does it taste?

Other than the variety and breeder reputation, there are two other considerations when choosing seeds. Are they regular seeds or feminized seeds? And are they traditional photoperiod seeds or are they autoflowers?

TO FEMINIZE OR NOT TO FEMINIZE

Cannabis has gender. When the plant blooms, the males produce pollen sacs that eventually open, sending pollen airborne. When female flowers become pollinated, they start producing seeds. Naturally, some of those seeds will be male and some of them will be female.

We call these regular seeds. And unless you plan to breed cannabis, eventually the male seedlings will have to be identified and removed from the garden. Without a source of pollen, the remaining female plants will produce more resinous flower without seeds (or sin semilla en español).

Identifying the males and females before the flower cycle can be difficult for even the trained eye and waiting to identify the males after the flowering cycle has begun can

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risk open pollination, if you’re not on top of it. And then you’ve also spent time, resources, and valuable space, caring for a plant that you ultimately don’t want.

An easier way to start may be feminized seeds. By treating the flowering female plants with a hormone blocker, breeders are able to produce localized male pollen sacs on a female plant. That pollen will in turn pollinate other female flower sites, whether on the same or another female plant. If done correctly, the seeds produced will be largely female.

SEEDS & PHENOTYPE EXPRESSION

All seeds are unique. I like to say they are as different as children.

They may all be the same family, but each plant can grow up a bit differently.

Some plants are healthier, grow faster, or are more stress and disease-resistant. The resulting flower may be dramatically different in structure, aroma, flavor, and effects. They each have their own personality, or phenotype.

New genetics should always be monitored for males and hermaphrodites, but from my experience, feminized seeds from a stable strain and a good breeder have a very high success rate.

And if that’s not simple enough for you, there’s always autoflowers.

UNDERSTANDING AUTOFLOWERS

Most cannabis plants are photoperiodic. They will continue to vegetate all summer. As fall approaches and the days get shorter, the buildup of hormones causes the plant to begin flowering.

Autoflowering seeds are created by breeding in a certain type of cannabis known as ruderalis. It is a subspecies that has evolved to flower as soon as it’s reached sexual maturity, regardless of the length of day.

They are simple. Set them up under 18 hours of light, water them, feed them if needed, and in about three months, you’ll have mature flowers. They can be a great way for beginners to “keep it simple, stupid” (KISS).

I honestly prefer autoflowers if I’m planning to grow outdoors here in Michigan. Powdery mildew is prevalent here in the fall and keeping a plant healthy until harvest time can be a pain, especially in a backyard that doesn’t get a ton of direct sunlight. By directplanting autoflowers in May, I can have my crop harvested, dried, and curing before mildew is much of a problem.

There are a couple of distinctions to autoflowers. Because they flower quickly, they generally will not get that large and therefore won’t potentially produce as much flower as photoperiod varieties.

But their compact size also makes them easier to conceal. They can also go into a smaller pot and be placed or moved anywhere much more easily.

Autoflowers do not respond well to transplanting. It will really slow them down. So, plan on direct planting seeds or newly sprouted seedlings into the finishing pot. You also cannot clone autoflowers.

Since they are on a predetermined flowering cycle, any clones that came from that plant would be on the same timeline. Autoflowers are a “one-and-done” option.

Because of this, growers often perform what are called pheno hunts. We plant a bunch of seeds, grow the seedlings to sexual maturity (possibly culling the males), clone each female, flower the mother plants, and evaluate each for desirable characteristics.

Once you’ve found a phenotype that you think is something special, you can use conventional cloning techniques to propagate that line generation after generation, giving you a reliably consistent product.

But to be successful at cloning, you'll need a little bit more gear.

And a little bit more knowledge, which I’m eager to share with you in a Fat Nugs to come!

Photoperiodic plants, however, can be cloned virtually indefinitely, if the mothers remain healthy.

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SHOKI Photo By Kyea Mofire

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aking healthy, CBD-infused dog treats is so fun and easy! This recipe is simple and full of ingredients your furry friend will enjoy no matter the season. My dogs Reign and Royal absolutely love these—but there’s no reason you can’t make these for your cats either!

By Artesha Lawrence

Feel free to add additional fruits and veggies that are dog and cat-friendly to change up flavor and variety. You swap out the pumpkin puree for butternut squash, zucchini, green beans, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, or melon, but puree them first to keep the texture consistent.

COOKING SUPPLIES: 2 glass bowls Spatula Kitchen scale

INGREDIENTS:

123 grams of pureed pumpkin (canned or fresh) 2 tablespoons of CBD-infused coconut oil, softened (27 grams) 4 tablespoons of water, plus more if needed 240 grams of whole wheat flour ¼ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon of baking powder 1 egg

INSTRUCTIONS: - Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

- Combine pumpkin, CBD-infused coconut oil, and water in a large glass bowl and mix.

- Add the flour, baking soda & baking powder into the pumpkin mixture and stir until combined. It will appear crumbly in texture.

- Add in the egg & using a spatula mix until a sticky dough ball forms - Once the dough ball is formed, roll out the ball on a lightly wheat-floured surface ¼ inch thick.

- Using your dog’s favorite cookie cutter and cut out the treats.

- After cutting, place the treats onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes or until the dough has hardened.

- Let cool and let your pup and their friends enjoy!

Pro tip: For optimal freshness keep treats refrigerated for up to a week.

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SWEET TEA Photo By Kyea Mofire

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Animal Face Traditional Hash by Carmel Cannabis A CERTIFIED GANJIER REVIEW

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"Some of the best legal hash I've smoked.

Hats off, Boyd."

By Matt Jerome

T

here are no shortcuts or secret sauce to growing exceptional cannabis. The plant will always reveal one's work to those who speak its language.

I am a hunter of quality, a traditionalist at heart, and know that there is always a perfect size and scale to every process.

One that allows growth without ever compromising on quality.

It simply takes time… for quality is an eternal diva, and she will never be rushed. It's reassuring to see that some people still understand.

Carmel Cannabis Meet Carmel Cannabis, a craft cannabis producer founded in 2019 out of Oro-Medonte, a small town about an hour’s drive north of Toronto, Canada.

With roots firmly set in the legacy market, Carmel’s team is a fusion of experience, talent, and devotion to craft cannabis.

Unlike most, they follow a proven, age-old formula aimed at nurturing their plants to their full potential, rather than simply growing ‘product’ to ship to market. This fact means Carmel has stood the test of time as a ‘go-to’ in the Canadian craft market, which is no small feat.

“We were disappointed in the lack of companies actually focusing on the consumer, on delivering unique and memorable experiences,” Dustin, the cofounder of Carmel Cannabis, said on the company blog in 2020.

As craft cannabis should be, the plants are dry trimmed by hand, properly slow cured to the correct humidity, and never, ever irradiated - which no cannabis should ever be.

As Frenchy Cannoli used to emphatically state, “Hashish is the finest and final expression of the cannabis plant.”

Without exceptional cannabis, you simply can’t have exceptional hash.

As a devout student of Frenchy’s work, I passionately believe hash making is an art, and like so many, is a deeply underappreciated one. As I’ve said, there is no hiding your work when it comes to traditional hash. The proof is always in the melt.

Animal Face I have the pleasure of showcasing Carmel Cannabis’s “Animal Face” traditional hash. Bred by Seed Junky Genetics, Animal Face is a cross between Animal Mints and Face Off OG and is a known heavy hitter in the market.

Each hash-filled ceramic jar out of Carmel’s doors is washed and pressed by Boyd McComb, Carmel’s lead hash maker, who is a 20-year veteran of the craft, and a devout student of Frenchy as well. Just two years ago, Boyd helped establish Carmel’s hash program which has grown steadily since—and is even keeping things in-house by working the lab with his son, teaching him the trade.

It was at one of Frenchy’s ‘Lost Art of the Hashishin’ classes held in 2019, where Boyd and I first met and hit it off, and

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where we fittingly reconnected earlier this year. It was easy to see his passion for the plant the first time we met, and it’s easy to see that he has naturally brought that enthusiasm to the process here at Carmel. As always, I hope you enjoy.

Carmel Cannabis— “Animal Face” Review Aroma Rich, deep earth and moss tone with an acrid punch of citrus motor oil.

Lemon, lime, tangerine, pine sol, moist soil, musky dew, chocolate, oily/buttery popcorn, pepper with a slight berry tone. Dominant earth and pungent fuel. Gorgeous, freshly pressed hash. Oily and complex as hash should be.

Experience Shoulders relax, eyes dim, thoughts slow to pace. Like someone gently presses on the top of your brain and melts your body into its seat. Peaceful smoke. Highly recommend it in a hash kettle as it stands tall all alone. Relaxed experience across the board. Mind, body and thought. Smooth as ice.

Zero coughing. Nostalgic, clean and made with love.

Some of the best legal hash I've smoked. Hats off, Boyd.

Appearance Beautiful, sandy sheen on this full spectrum ball. Dark/Sepia brown shade. Oozing oil. Looks a bit like glossy brown granite. The feel and malleability of this sample gets top marks. Stellar tactile to it.

Flavour It’s like sitting in a sandbox in Grandpa's moist basement greenhouse. Nostalgic taste and flavour. Dark chocolate, sesame, loamy soil, wet sand, salt, rubber, walnut, pistachio, peach, butter, sweet moss, damp basement cellar.

Flavorful smoke that takes one back in time.

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STARFIGHTER Photo By Kyea Mofire

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SHOKI Photo By Kyea Mofire

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HARNESSING THE POWE POW ER ºF CBD FLOW FLO WER Fº FºR DO DOGS:

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A Co n v e r s at i o n w i t h E m i l y G o g e l , P h D.

By Kellie Frederick

I

first got in touch with Dr. Emily Gogol, PhD, when I was sourcing CBD flower to make dog treats for Happy Hippie Brewing Co. A quick conversation went down a few rabbit holes, and I discovered Emily is involved in so much more than providing medicine for dogs.

FAT NUGS MAG: When was the first time you tried CBD for your dogs?

EMILY GOGEL:

In addition to being the CEO of Infinite Tree and ‘Head Gardener’ for Grow It From Home, Emily is passionate about gardening and empowering others to grow cannabis at home. She has won numerous awards for her groundbreaking work in California, creating gardens and parks, and building vibrant communities in public spaces. Recently, her work with Grow It From Home was featured in the LA Times and she has been awarded a USDA grant to promote access and education to gardening cannabis at home.

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few years ago I was given a big bottle of CBD oil that I started taking, hoping it would help with my own anxiety. It worked well and was convenient to dose and on hand in a big bottle, and I wondered if Mijo could benefit from it. I talked to my vet, did some research online, and then tried the CBD oil on his kibble for a few weeks and noticed a difference.

That process made me really comfortable starting to make the treats at home.

FNM: What's been your experience with CBD and your dogs?

EG: Mijo loves them! He is all about the peanut butter cookie aspect, and he has anxiety so it’s a great option for him. Lady could care less, she wants a piece of salmon or

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similar and that’s it. Picky poodle!

FNM: What inspired you to start this company? Was it a specific experience with CBD?

illegal, it would probably have been really expensive too when it first came out!

EG: Honestly, so many folks called me! People around the

treats themselves?

country, from Maine to California, are trying to get access to this plant. They found me through our commercial website and took a chance on calling me. Given my background in community gardening, it was a “wow” moment for me: people really do need these plants and I

FNM: Why grow and sell CBD flower, rather than the EG: My goal is to get folks to grow their own at home. I hope that by providing low-cost starting materials (in this case, the flower) they can become comfortable baking with it and then feel more confident about other edible recipes and be inspired to grow their own if they can. I’m not in the business of selling cookies, I want to sell the joy of gardening and DIY projects!

We actually started providing all of our flower products because people asked! They would buy our plants or seeds and then ask me, so I have to wait until October? Do you have anything I can use now? So, I explored what we could do and that’s how we came up with our “culinary grade” (untrimmed) smokeable flower, salve flower (older flower, not as terpy), and our ground flower for pet treats.

FNM: What do you wish people understood better about CBD in general?

EG: Many of the CBD products

felt like it was my duty to find a way to help, even though I was already full-time, running a commercial research and development farm.

FNM: What do you wish people understood about pets and CBD?

EG: The first thing that comes to mind is just because it’s

this crazy expensive product at your local pet shop or vet’s office doesn’t mean you can’t make your own at home and have it be effective and safe. If peanut butter had been

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you find in stores or online are bunk, and they give CBD a bad name. If you were expecting to ‘wake up’ from a really expensive cup of coffee, and that coffee had almost no caffeine in it, you’d be really disappointed!

It’s the same for CBD; many of the products available have so little CBD in them they are not very effective.

Get in touch with the American Cannabis Nurses Association (it’s a recognized specialty by the ANA), figure out how much you need, and source quality products accordingly. Or, grow your own and we provide lots of recipes for easily making your own products (salve, tinctures, edibles) at home.

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"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend.

Inside of a dog it's too dark to read."

Groucho Marx

Image By Dustin Hoxworth VOLUME 19

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CANDY CANE CRUNCH Photo By Kyea Mofire

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BUD BACKSTORIES: BACKSTORIES:

The Origin of Chemdawg

By Ali Lopez

T

he history of Chemdog begins at a Grateful Dead concert, as most cannabis stories do. Now, if you’ve never been to a Grateful Dead concert, it’s important to know about Shakedown Street. This is what Deadheads called the mini-festival that gets set up in the parking lots outside of Grateful Dead concerts, usually in the parking lot (it’s named after a Grateful Dead song). Concertgoers sell handmade goods like shirts, jewelry, art, and, of course, weed.

On June 6, 1991, the Grateful Dead made a stop in Deer Park, Indiana. Shakedown Street was set up and in full effect. Two buddies, Joe Brand (aka Wonkanobe) and P Bud, hit Shakedown Street with a few pounds of pot they got from a friend of a friend in Colorado. They said this weed was so strong that it would “knock you on your back like a dog.” So, they started calling it “Dog Bud.” After trying it themselves, Joe noticed that the flower had a “chemmy” taste to it.

Nowadays, we would probably describe it as having a really “diesel” or “gassy” flavor. Because of the flavor, Joe and P Bud gave Dog Bud a second nickname: Chem Weed.

IN COMES GREG

Joe and P Bud brought their bag of Dog Bud, aka Chem Weed, to the Deer Park,

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Indiana Shakedown Street, shouting every Deadhead’s favorite phrase: “We’ve got kind bud!” Then, a customer by the name of Greg appeared. Greg said this bud was some of the best he’d ever smoked, so he bought an ounce. Before he went on his way, Greg asked Joe and P Bud for their phone numbers so he could hit them up when he ran out.

Greg followed The Grateful Dead until their last show, and smoked Dog Bud at almost every show. When he got home, he called his friends for more Dog Bud, and they sent him a few more ounces in the mail. At the bottom of one of those bags, there were 13 little seeds. Little did he know he hit the genetic jackpot.

Greg planted 4 of the 13 seeds. One of the first plants was male, so he chucked it and kept the three female plants. Greg remembered Joe and P Bud referring to the strain as both Dog Bud and Chem Weed, so he mashed the two names together and came up with Chemdog.

Greg wanted to keep note of the difference in each seed, so he called the plants Chemdog (now known as Chemdog ‘91), Chemdog A (now known as Chem’s sister), and Chemdog B (still known as Chem B). He used these clones to create an abundant field of Chemdog plants that took the American cannabis culture by storm.

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THE REUNION

Greg and P Bud reunited in 2006 after Chemdog had taken off, won awards, and created numerous other popular strains like NYC Diesel, Chem Haze, and Super Snowdog. Greg returned 4 of the original seeds to P Bud, and a new generation of Chemdog, Chem 4, was born.

Unfortunately, while the Chemdog craze was sky high, things took a turn for the worse in 2011 when Greg was arrested and charged with cultivation and possession of cannabis, which in turn lost him his car, house, and, of course, his plants.

While Greg held off on growing when he was on probation, cultivators like IC Collective, Skunk VA, and TopDawg wanted to keep the Chemdog family alive, so they took over cultivating Chemdog and its child strains.

At this point, you might be saying to yourself, “Wait a second, I thought it was ChemDAWG, not ChemDOG.” Well, you’re not crazy, and this isn’t one of those Mandela Effect situations.

The original spelling of Chemdog has always been d-o-g. However, when TopDawg got their paws on Chemdog, they wanted it to match their marketing. After all, they were famous for strains

Photo By Kyea Mofire

like Tres Dawg, Star Dawg, and Black Dawg, so why not make it ChemDawg? This spelling change honored the original strain but also differentiated TopDawg’s breeding projects.

THE LEGEND CONTINUES

Today, Chemdawg has solidified itself as one of the most iconic strains of all time. As for Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski, he became a talented glass-blower and eventually the Director of Cultivation for Canna Provisions, which is now the only place you can get the OG Chemdog strain, grown by the OG himself.

Chemdog's saga is the stuff of cannabis legend– a tale that starts in the vibrant chaos of a Grateful Dead concert and grows into one of the most influential strains ever. The story of the man behind the strain is equally compelling.

From discovering those 13 magic seeds to cultivating the plant that would redefine cannabis culture, his dedication and passion never wavered, even through legal battles and personal loss.

So next time you light up some Chemdog, remember you’re partaking in a piece of cannabis lore, a legacy that started with a couple of buddies, a bag of potent weed, and a Grateful Dead concert that changed everything.

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STARFIGHTER Photo By Kyea Mofire

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I

TRUMAN'S STORY

was pacing my front porch like a big cat stuck behind a fence. My phone was on speaker as I stared at the screen, listening to the joyful pet parent: “I can’t believe what a difference this has made for him!” Truman's Mom practically sang a melody, “We really thought we were going to lose him and I just can’t thank you enough!” My heart swelled, thrilled to hear that my products helped another hound.

Truman was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. A soccer ball-sized tumor protruded from his spleen, intricately wrapped around blood vessels and his humans didn’t want to risk a dangerous surgery.

Truman was given a prognosis of 2 weeks by his veterinarian and that’s when his family turned to hemp, specifically, Hippie Hounds 10mg treats.

Months later, Truman's Mom called me to share that he was 70% back to normal! After starting him on a hemp regimen, he was eating, playing, jumping, and having a quality of life that they didn’t expect to see from him again. I was overjoyed and I immediately jumped online to share his story.

After spending a decade in the veterinary industry, I went to one of the “vet tech” groups on Facebook. I knew that my colleagues would be just as excited as I was to hear about Truman and what cannabis medicine could do for a cancer diagnosis. I wrote out a long post, detailing his prognosis, traditional medications, history, signalment, dosing, cannabinoid profile, etc. I was thrilled, until I read the comments.

“How dare you exploit people and lie to them!!!”

“Cannabis is toxic to dogs.”

“You are an enemy of Veterinary medicine. You’re a liar and what you’re doing is dangerous.”

By Andrea Harris, CEO of Hippie Hounds

As hundreds of comments began to pour in, I felt the oxygen leave my lungs. What? Are these people serious? Do they think I’m just a massive corporation?

Do they not realize that I’m one of them? Do they not see what a huge breakthrough this is in our field?! I was furious. I was hurt. I almost gave up that day 4 years ago. I almost let their opinions stop me. I couldn’t fathom that I was being called an enemy of veterinary medicine because I was pioneering a new way for us to help our patients. It didn’t stop with the internet either.

HOW IT STARTED

I was a professional speaker for several years when I first started my career as an entrepreneur. I went to veterinary conferences, veterinary colleges, and taught about veterinary cannabis. I received copious amounts of push back, insults, and ridicule. Even with the validity and support of other educators, veterinarians, and my own products in international clinical trials, none of it mattered. The stigma seemed like it was there to stay, especially in veterinary medicine.

I’ll never forget the day two veterinary supply companies, MWI and Patterson, ganged up on me at a veterinary conference—telling me that it’s illegal for a veterinarian to even discuss CBD with their patients. This, of course, is false and yet another lie spread by propaganda. I stood between three drug reps as they attempted to invalidate cannabis and its therapeutic potential.

At first, I thought I was inspiring discussion, but I quickly realized that I threatened their hold on the veterinary industry. Shifting a vet’s focus from a $450/month prescription to a $30 bag of treats meant that I was taking money out of the pharmacy’s pocket… uhoh, I was playing with the big dogs now and that was not necessarily my intention.

Veterinarians were leaving themselves out of the conversation altogether out of fear. They weren’t being educated on safe products, how to read COA’s, contraindicated medications, current clinical trials, or… anything. Their fear and lack of education trickled down to the client. This left uneducated veterinarians, confused pet parents, and suffering animals stuck in between. You depend on your veterinarian to guide you on the best treatment option for your pets, so if they seem fearful of CBD—you will be too.

AN INFORMAL SURVEY

At one point in my career, I decided to just spend a week calling veterinarians and asking if they were “CBD friendly” or not. Out of the 500 practices I called throughout Arkansas, Tennessee, and Missouri:

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• 60% – Outraged, hung up on me, or insulted me • 20% – Receptionist whispered that they wanted to know more but their Veterinarian was dead-set against it • 18% – Argued with me that any cannabis is toxic to dogs • 2% – Booked a lunch and learn to have me come teach about veterinary cannabis.

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I had several veterinarians tell me that they felt they would lose their license if they discussed CBD, or any hemp derivatives, as a potential treatment option for their patients. Veterinarians would steer clients to “google” what CBD could do for their dog and that left their clients susceptible to whichever hemp company paid the most in marketing that month, as opposed to having their veterinarian help guide them on making the best selection.

The climate was muddy at best. I saw veterinarians prescribe Xanax, Gabapentin, and Trazodone for dogs that were on a hemp regime. These medications contraindicate with cannabis-

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derived medicine, so the effects of these pharmaceuticals last for twice as long, typically because the enzymes can’t break down all the medication and cannabis at once. Gabapentin, for example, is typically a medication that hangs around for 12 hours. When you administer Gabapentin and CBD to a dog, the Gabapentin stays in the bloodstream for over 24 hours. Yet another reason why veterinarians should include themselves in the conversation, take their education into their own hands, and move away from the stigma that surrounds cannabis.

Ten years ago I never thought I would live in a world where cannabis didn’t send you straight to jail. I never pictured a world where I could start a company, develop hemp products, or take that phone call from Truman's mom. I thought that all the glass ceilings were already shattered–but funny enough, I found my own to slam right through.

All my best, VETERINARY MEDICINE ENEMY #1

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MOTHER'S COOKIES Photo By Kyea Mofire

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CANNABIS & CATS: THE ULTIMATE STONER COMPANION

By Dustin Hoxworth

S

ince I was a child the sounds of a meowing cat, the sights of an athletic fur ball running throughout the house, and daily scooping of litter have always been a way of life.

Now that I’m almost 50 years old, that hasn’t changed one bit, but one thing that has; my Russian Blue adopted cat, Ash has become my ultimate stoner companion.

There is no other place that Ash would rather be than curled up in my lap. He is forever by my side, following me around the house and looking to me for comfort, play, and food… always for food!

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And I suspect that’s pretty normal for most cat owners. This may seem like a one-sided relationship, but in reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

THE SCIENTIFIC BENEFITS OF OWNING A CAT

A cat’s companionship offers a ton of benefits in return, particularly related to mental health. Interacting with cats, including petting and listening to their purring, has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce stress levels (Allen, 2002).

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The act of petting a cat can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and relaxation, while also decreasing cortisol levels, which reduces stress. The soothing sound of a cat’s purr has been linked to therapeutic effects such as pain relief and healing, with frequencies that may help in reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration, which is mind-blowing to think about! (Tellington-Jones, 2017).

The one recurring question I’ve had about my furry little buddy is, does cannabis positively or negatively affect him? He’s always around when I’m smoking, and although I don’t intentionally blow smoke near him, just being present in the room with such a small brain no doubt has some sort of effect on him, right?

With that question and those thoughts in mind, I set out to find the answer as to whether or not cannabis was good for cats or if I was potentially causing him harm. This is what I found.

CATS & CANNABIS

In most instances when I consume it’s THC-focused flower, but cannabis, and more specifically cannabidiol (CBD), offers a range of benefits for both wild and domesticated cats. Over the years, CBD has increasingly been recognized for its potential therapeutic effects on feline health.

Even though from my own experience and anecdotal evidence, cannabis has never bothered or hurt my cats, it's very important to keep in mind that cats' bodies metabolize substances differently from us, and exposure to high levels of THC could be harmful, so it’s best to never intentionally try to get them high.

If you're considering cannabis for therapeutic purposes for your cat, it's crucial to consult with a vet or specialist who can provide guidance based on the latest research and ensure any treatment is safe and appropriate.

What all of this tells me is that there is so much more we have to learn about cannabis and cats in general, but that the benefits of cannabis more than likely far outweigh the concerns for harm, especially when it comes to CBD for cats which include potential relief from pain, inflammation, and anxiety.

From all of us stoner cat owners to all of you who might want to have a cat someday; the companionship of a cat offers amazing emotional and physical health benefits, by enhancing our overall well-being and reducing our stress. As research continues, the understanding of these benefits is likely to grow, offering improved care through cannabis, and companionship for both cats and their human families.

For domesticated cats, CBD can aid in managing chronic pain, inflammation, and anxiety. Studies suggest that CBD may alleviate symptoms of arthritis, which can be a common condition among older cats, by reducing inflammation and providing pain relief without the adverse effects associated with traditional pain medications. CBD has also shown promise in reducing anxiety and stress in cats, which can be particularly beneficial in situations such as vet visits or the introduction of a new pet. (Gamble, 2018, McGrath, 2020.)

In wild cats, particularly those in captivity, CBD could be useful in managing stress and discomfort. Captive wild cats often face challenges related to confinement and lack of environmental enrichment, leading to stress and behavioral issues. Although research is more limited, the use of CBD may improve their wellbeing by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.

(Duarte, 2021)

REFERENCES

Allen, K. M., Blascovich, J., & Mendes, W. B. (2002).

Cardiovascular Reactivity And The Presence Of Pets. *Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 82*(3), 537-545.

Tellington-Jones, L. (2017). The Healing Power Of The Feline purr. *Journal of Animal Therapy, 10*(2), 57-64.

The research is limited on CBD, and extremely limited when it comes to cannabis smoke with THC and cats. Much of what we do know is based on what might happen, not exactly what has been proven to happen. Sure, we all know that smoke in most forms can cause irritation to the eyes and lungs of any species, but when your cat is simply sitting in the room with you while you’re consuming, there is no evidence that proves that this causes health issues.

Duarte, J. M., Campos, D. L., & Silva, F. A. (2021).

Potential Benefits Of CBD For Captive Wildlife: A Preliminary Review. *Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 39*, 24-31.

Gamble, L. J., Kogan, L. R., & Horn, D. C. (2018). The Efficacy Of CBD In Reducing Anxiety And Pain In Cats. *Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 20*(3), 225-231.

McGrath, S. (2020). The Use Of CBD In The Management Of Chronic Pain In Cats. *Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 50*(4), 735-747.

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