Herbage Magazine #56 August 2023

H E R B A G E M A G A Z I N E THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

COVER BY CLAY BROOKS

August 2023 issue #56

COVER ART

BY CLAY BROOKS

Clay Brooks, the visionary cover artist for Herbage Magazine Issue 56, a true maestro who harmoniously merges his love for cannabis with his artistic brilliance. As the Brand Advisor and Store Manager for Altvm's flagship store, Heaters, nestled in the heart of Edmond, Oklahoma, Clay has been instrumental in orchestrating extraordinary experiences for cannabis enthusiasts, fostering a vibrant and all-embracing community.

But Clay's impact doesn't end there. In addition to his pivotal role at Altvm, he is also the cofounder and Chief Brand Advisor of The Hideaway, a haven situated in the picturesque town of Oxford, Maine. This venture serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication to the cannabis industry, where he seeks to create sanctuaries that celebrate art, creativity, and the myriad benefits of cannabis.

Yet, beyond his endeavors in the business world, Clay's true artistic soul lies in graphic design, and he finds his playground of choice in Adobe Illustrator. His signature artistic style, aptly named "breath mapping," casts a spell over viewers, captivating them with a unique fusion of topographical elements and evocative visuals that harken to the transformative experiences induced by mushrooms. The result is an awe-inspiring tapestry of intricacies and imaginative landscapes meticulously crafted on a 2D canvas, leaving us mesmerized and deeply moved.

THE COWBOY CUP IS MOVING

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The Experience

With Thunder Walker

By James Bridges

The look on her face was one that seemed to be written in story pages. The story pages that would invite only the most curious to delve deep into the mind of an Oracle, one might say. She was a stopping point on the journey of which I would find myself learning more from within than from the setting placed in front of me. I was there for the Thunder Walker experience.

Thunder Walker, an Extraordinary Cannabis Advocate, Author, Educator, and Canna Business Expert, welcomed us into her latest venture in OKC. Proud Mary Cannabis is just off of 23rd Street. In the Heart of the District. Right next to the historic Blue Note, One of OKC's oldest live music venues.

As we walked inside I immediately noticed a giant mural of sorts hanging on the wall. The mural was a beautiful portrayal of femininity and gave a sense of an all encompassing strength, which, to me, could only be embodied through divine wisdom of femininity and the empowerment of overcoming obstacles in the path of true success.

Just as I was admiring the artwork, Thunder Walker herself appeared. Every positive vibration that I felt from that artwork was now an aura that surrounded her as we spoke.

“I think of a grandmother's quilt.” Thunder dove into our conversation instantly. As if she lived and breathed the culture, lifestyle, and industry that remains destined for global legalization. “Like the patches in a quilt. You know what I'm saying? So Oklahoma is a patch. New York is a patch. You know, Maryland is a patch and we ' re doing everything differently, but we (Oklahoma) think we are getting it right. We have our flaws, but it gives opportunity.”

Ms. Thunder Walker stands as an accomplished and influential orator, possessing an extensive comprehension of the cannabis industry. With a wide array of speaking engagements under her belt and exceptional communicative prowess, she has risen to prominence within the cannabis community. Thunder's captivating and enlightening presentations consistently leave a profound and enduring impression on her audiences.

Thunder is experienced in many different facets. She is the loving caregiver for her child Pystol. Pystol is nonverbal and autistic and cannabis is part of her wellness program.

In addition to her commanding presence in speaking engagements, Thunder's influence in the cannabis industry extends further. As a thriving entrepreneur, she is the proud owner of a dispensary, processor, and grow operation in Oklahoma. This hands-on involvement and extensive expertise add to her credibility and amplify the significance of her speeches.

Ms. Thunder Walker's remarkable journey as a speaker, coupled with her undeniable success in the business realm and unwavering dedication to advancing the cannabis industry, firmly establishes her as a leading and influential figure not only within the cannabis community but also beyond its boundaries.

“Oklahoma has an opportunity that no other state has.” I felt waves as Thunder talked, “when I walk into Philly, it's a million to $2 million to become a grow out and dispensary, just out the gate.”

“So, coming to Oklahoma, creating what we created here is an opportunity.”

Either the room became silent, or my attention was completely engulfed.

T h u n d e r W a l k e r

“It didn't have anything to do with social equity. It didn't have anything to do with any of that. It had to do with the fact that I had a good business mind. My partner had a good business mind and we wanted to do it. Right!

“When I'm representing Oklahoma and I'm doing things, I hear a lot of nasty stuff about Oklahoma. Some of f things right. Because we have the freedom to create, as business e the education and the packaging. The packaging is looking

under explained how important it is for brands to have good packaging, marketing, and a presence of their own before they go to dispensaries. Many smaller operations tend to set this important factor aside when they plan their “go-to-market’ strategy.

Many dispensaries have decided to not worry with those brands that do not market themselves in some way. Even flower. A saturated market favors those with better and more holistic plans when it comes to an overall product’s success.

Thunder added in regards to Proud Mary Cannabis’ inventory, “I get people to come in here all the time and they want us to sell stuff and they literally print it off their labels at home. I can't sell that product. You might have great weed, you might have great pre-rolls, you may have great vapes, but we don’t carry them. I'm not selling it if you can't invest in what it looks like.”

You couldn’t get past the love that Thunder radiated for the industry, the people in it, and especially Oklahoma.

ten. Take a breath and appreciate what Oklahoma has to offer. ean, I've gone to New York, I've done LA, Colorado.”

now what I'm saying?”

nt. Without even explaining or going deep in the weeds, I knew. I hip and success in this industry. That perfection is generally found between both.

I noticed as we drove up to Proud Mary Cannabis that there was an array of selection when it came to commerce. Stores like Starbucks, a dog grooming spa, a Mediterranean cafe, the historic Blue Note, even a Danks dispensary right next door.

“Everybody was like, I can't believe that you ' re opening up a dispensary right next door to Danks.” Thunder giggled, “I said, yeah, listen, we got a Starbucks here.” She paused for a second or two, “we know they've done their due diligence. Cookies was supposed to open across the street and they had a lease and they've been leasing that for two years and they never opened. Um, and then we have the Blue Note, which is a historical bar and it has a four 20 patio. So we felt like if we really brought great weed to this area, instead of a 7-eleven style dispensary, our boutique dispensary would fit right in.”

We were greeted by a taller gentleman. His presence provoked respect. He smiled and was introduced.

THUNDER WALKER & JAMES W. FLEMING -PHOTO PROVIDED

“This is James.” Thunder introduced her partner in business and in life. It gave me the opportunity to introduce mine as well. Katie and James were introduced and we all discussed how beneficial it is to work with your partner.

James commented on our conversation from earlier, “When people talk about the fact that there's so many dispensaries in Oklahoma and you know, you can't win because there's too much competition. I disagree. You got Walgreens and you got CVS right across the street. You have grocery stores right there. You have Chick-Fil-A. You have other people trying to make chicken sandwiches. They don't know what they're doing.” James had a fire growing. I noticed his passion as Thunder took the wheel. “Chick-fil-A has proven customer service and quality matters. All of that matters. You can move yourself ahead with that. I think that's the same with Proud Mary.”

I couldn’t help but be mesmerized with the upward path of success that Thunder Walker had somehow discovered the gateway to entrance. I wanted to know how she has been able to continually ride this path propelled by positivity and perseverance in what seemed to be a plateau-less scale to growth.

“You reinvent yourself.” The waves traveled with her voice as she responded, “ you reinvent yourself, you know?”

“On social media, I have some credit repair people that follow me. For informative purposes. We laugh back and forth sometimes. I say to them that your credit score can bounce back. It's just a snapshot. It's the same thing with life. We can't say that this is the end and give up on life. For those that say that, I want you to look at your credit score. It may be a 600, it may be a 700, it may be a 800, but in two weeks, less than two weeks, it can be all the way back down to 400. So if you can get from 400 to 800 and back again, then all you gotta do is try to apply that to your life. Credit scores.”

“It's not just about how I'm gonna pay people back. It's how I'm gonna live. I've had 400, 500 credit scores before when I was really, really trying to make it. I've had 800 credit scores before. I'm not gonna live and die by what somebody else tells me I am.”

“So when you look at how they judge you about where you live, cuz that affects your credit score. I mean, think of car insurance. If you ' re living in the wrong zip code, you ' re paying more money, all of those things, but they don't know who you really are. It's all statistics, right? So, if you can, stand in the mirror and say to yourself who you are. Start the day out and do those affirmations. It really, really works.”

“So are you gonna believe how that credit score is gonna fluctuate? Are you gonna believe how someone who has never met you, is gonna tell you how your business is gonna run? It's only crazy. It's only a bad idea because they think it doesn't work. But as soon as it works, such as bottled water, it is what it is. That's how I believe. That’s how I approach everything.”

“So when someone comes to me and they say, Hey thunder, I want to do this. Will you help me? I'm like, yeah, I will help you. I will support you. I, we can brainstorm together. I've helped people open up schools, hair salons, all of that. I don't need to know how to do hair. I don't need to know how to write an education plan. You need to know that part. I just need to know the business side. If I can help you set up the business side, you run with your skill. It's the same thing with life.”

“I've already been depressed. Check the box. I've already been, I mean, there's a whole bunch of victim stuff. I don't even wanna go into that. What else can I be? I control it. So do you. Everybody controls it. Just decide that's what you ' re gonna do.”

POOL SIDE POOL SIDE WITH WITH

I was able to interpret the mission behind what Thunder Walker was trying to accomplish. I felt the need to know what compels her to move forward. She quickly referred to pediatric cannabis. “To help parents get their kids their medicine card. Oklahoma is easier than most states. Like in Michigan, even if your child is autistic, it is not legal. They're trying to get that. I spoke on pediatric cannabis. I was on stage for 10 or 15 minutes. I asked if anyone has any questions? No one would raise their hand. But as soon as I stepped off the stage, people came over and wanted to talk to me, and actually asked for my autograph.I was shocked. I said, well, why didn't you guys ask the questions? They're still scared. They're still in the closet.

“We're dealing with a whole generation of children that I've never seen before. Whereas, there's a generation of kids actually committing suicide at eight and nine years old. A generation of children with epilepsy and autism, nonverbal and some with executive functioning disorders and all these different things. They have spent basically two years dealing with covid and not socializing with other kids. We're gonna have to have some answers for that. We just are, as parents, we need some answers for that.”

“There needs to be a law put in place where we can have growers that are compensated for pediatric cannabis specifically.”

“We gotta figure this part out. Because what happens is a parent becomes a compound pharmacist. They go home and they're trying to cut up this gummy to figure out how to give it to a child. Any other medicine, even toothpaste. You have your children's toothpaste, you have your children's Tylenol, you have your children's cough syrup. Everything is already measured. Parents don't have to figure it out. So if we ' re gonna have the license for a patient that is under 18, we have to figure out the medicine side.”

“The second part of the future that I want to make sure of, as a mother, you are not penalized in any way because you work in or consume cannabis.There has to be some protection. You know how many times that I've been called a drug dealer?”

Thunder fights for a cause that would be beneficial in a multitude of ways while banishing the overstepping of judgment that continues to occur against women and mothers in this cannabis industry. The taxpayer dollar savings alone from bypassing gateways to access of excessive measures and nonsensical utilization of our child protective services would be worth the signature from the powers that be.

“This is a big deal.” Thunder continued, “when I started out in this industry people literally called Child Protective Services. When someone calls CPS they have to visit to confirm the report. So you ' re wasting all this taxpayer money when there's children that really need help. So we have to come up with some legislation, even in Oklahoma.”

“Men don't need that type of legislation because they simply don’t experience what we experience. So we have to have that legislation so people can understand. So those are the two things. Those are the platforms. As far as pediatric cannabis that I'm standing on, nobody really wants to talk about it. I can actually, people will come to me and they'll say, you know, thunder, we want you to speak at our conference. And I'm like, well, I wanna talk about pediatric cannabis. No, they don't wanna hear about that.Well, I wanna talk about protecting women in legislation. They don't wanna hear about that. They wanna talk about cannabis real estate, which is fine. I'll talk about cannabis real estate, but somewhere in there, I'm gonna throw the rest of this stuff in because we have to get our shit together. So that's just how I am. I just, I just see things that are lacking. Sign me up.

As we finished our experience with Thunder Walker, I thought of her first remarks. The ones about the quilt. She’s right. Each state is like a patch. There just happens to be this very strong, binding, and ever-evolving green thread that binds the entire ecosystem to blanket us all in the end.

The experience is about the journey along that path.

Surviving in Stride

C A N N A B I S C A N C E R T R E A T M E N T

By Kristen Nadel @amywinemouse

F O R A F I G H T E R

With a familiar namesake and a plethora of accomplishments, there is little James Dean Spradley has not done. Hailing from Oregon, he has relocated to Oklahoma and is a powerful advocate for plant medicine by way of medicinal marijuana. His diagnosis of Cholangiocarcinoma, a relatively rare bile duct cancer, does not set him back because he firmly believes in the use of cannabis for cancer treatment.

A former rapper and professional wrestler, James makes it apparent that nothing will stop him. An impressive exterior reveals a kind soul with lots to say about his treatment plan and future goals in mind. He expresses his opinions on this treatment through diligent product reviews and maintaining a vigilant online presence. Truly an inspiration, James hopes that others will realize how beneficial cannabis can be.

J A M E S D E A N

S P R A D L E Y

The Cannabis Connection

Before being diagnosed, James had already smoked cannabis regularly. Like many others, the medicine helped relieve ailments relating to having no appetite and experiencing body pains. He did not realize at the time that many of these circumstances were caused by his cancer. With the help of cannabis, he was able to feel like he had an appetite again. His aches and pains dulled after smoking.

James had a life-changing moment after visiting the ER and discovering he had a lesion in his stomach. This happened one night when he felt that his stomach had ripped in half. Many doctor visits followed, and the result was a realization that the tumor in his stomach had grown four times its size. Initially diagnosed with liver cancer, the tumor growth resulted in spreading and eventually turned into bile duct cancer.

Because James was already very familiar with medicinal marijuana and its wide range of benefits, not much changed in terms of smoking and consuming cannabis products. He continued using cannabis while being treated by doctors for his cancer. Even with the knowledge of how easily this type of cancer spreads and how deadly the outlook may be, James continued using cannabis because it was one of the only things that helped.

Cannabis Products That Help

Diligent research led James to RSO (Rick Simpson Oil), one form of cannabis that helps him tremendously. Since he was already an advocate, he understood the benefits of CBD. This encouraged him to learn more about other forms, such as CBG and CBN. When it comes to strains, he speaks highly of Grease Monkey but is always open to trying other strains high in caryophyllene. This terpene helps alleviate his symptoms effectively.

Always suffering from stomach-related issues, this is one of the reasons James chose to use cannabis before ever being diagnosed. It helps him feel less nauseous, allowing him to eat when he needs to. The treatment also helps with his headaches, cramps, and other body pains. One small hit allows James to regulate his body and continue pushing forward.

Speaking with others who have cancer and were nearly cured by cannabis alone gives James hope. This fuels him to continue using the products and create a routine that not only makes him feel better but also places him in front of a network of people who understand him. Without any help from pharmaceuticals, James is able to effectively manage his pain and many symptoms with cannabis.

Challenges of Cannabis Cancer Treatment

There are many ups and downs that come with his diagnosis, but James remains positive through them all. He expressed that smoking can sometimes cause his nausea to spike at first. When this happens, it is very difficult for James to eat because of his lack of appetite. This makes it especially hard to consume edibles, which also help settle his stomach. After he is able to get the medicine in his body, he begins to feel relief.

While bad days happen, James remains focused on his cannabis treatment for his cancer. Above all, he firmly believes that medicinal marijuana has helped immensely and his doctors agree. Paired with chemotherapy, James works hard to live life to the fullest. His tumor has not grown and is actually smaller than it once was. The mortality rate for his specific type of cancer is severe, most often dying within the first year. Going on year three after being diagnosed, James is holding up and maintaining his cannabis regimen strongly.

Cannabis for Quality of Life

Like many fathers and husbands, James wants to be there for his family. He wants to share happy memories and create memorable moments in the future. James hopes to travel more when he is well enough to do so, and he looks forward to seeing his children grow up. Through this, he also hopes to educate people whenever possible. Because of his success with using cannabis for cancer treatment, he devotes time and energy to creating videos and educational posts on social media to engage those who also might be struggling with cancer or other ailments.

He highly recommends looking into cancer research in relation to the cannabis industry. James talks fondly about Youtube and how many other cancer warriors are posting about their experiences. James believes that hearing these first-hand accounts of just how life-altering cannabis is for cancer treatment can change many perspectives and also shine a light on the various products out there that are helpful.

Coming up for James, he is taking a break from his chemotherapy treatment. During this period, his doctors will continue to monitor him to see how his body responds. Recently, James started an amino therapy. It is easier on the body than chemo and helps his antibodies learn how to fight the cancer. This is also known to be effective in helping to prevent the further spreading of the cells.

His dreams of traveling are still in sight, and his love for his family radiates as he continually talks about his story. James is not only an inspiration to those fighting cancer but also to those wanting to live enriching lives.

For more about James and his ongoing journey, you can find him on Instagram @hazard503_the_cancer_warrior.

SHAWNEE 24HRS

WHAT DO YOU DO TO BRING THE VIBE WITH YOU, WHEREVER YOU GO?

Oooo I like this question I think I have mastered the art of providing good nourishing, powerful vibes. It's actually quite simple how I'm able to provide that consistently in all that I do and encounter....it SELF CARE. To many, it may look like I'm just sittin self all the time outside in nature, but quite on contrary. I may be still, but lots can happen in stillness. My murky waters settle into clarity, dissolves, and I'm able to just simply exist out ego. Of course, I have what some would call r Especially before teaching or holding space fo others, I ground myself into the earth, meditat thanks, set an intention and bless the space an that come through that space. It helps me to ju fully there for others, then the good vibes nat flow

Long story short, dedicate ample time for self connection and care, fill up your cup first however that may look and then you ' re able to pour into others. But it always starts with the self.

knowledge and plant medicine and where it came from, along with the benefits that come from them. Deanna’s purpose on this earth is to be a bridge, applying her creative light and gifts to form a bridge to wisdom, medicine and space, in order to support others through their own journey of inner and outer connection. She does it all in a creative and loving way that resonates with the modern world and times. She is dedicated to continuing and expanding her own consciousness, love, light, and her wisdom to understand it, embody it and to share what she knows to be true. She’s here to do just this, nothing more and nothing less.

"I grew up in Choctaw Oklahoma, which is a small country suburb of OKC. I had a very beautiful childhood. My parents were more on the strict side growing up, but also so fluid with supporting my uniqueness. Looking back, I deeply appreciate that. They protected and preserved my child innocence so beautifully. My family and I were always surrounded by music Whether we were going to funk concerts, jamming to music at the house, or playing instruments, it was always a consistent thing. We are a very creative bunch that all march to different drums. In my youth, I was insecure with how different I looked compared to all my other peers. Mostly because I was one of 2 POC in my class growing up, but I was so fortunate to never have to encounter any prejudice behavior My peers always embraced me. So oddly enough, that was a catalyst to embracing myself".

WHAT'S YOUR GO TO AFFIRMATION?

Some might think this is neurotic. but I affirm a lot. Once in the morning as soon as I wake and right before bed.

“I am love, light, spiritual, divine, clairvoyant, enlightened, kind, generous, prosperous, abundant, lucky, wise, healthy, & wealthy. I am grounded, centered, aligned, balanced, nature, earth, the elements, fluid. The universe lovingly flows through me divinely, consistently, and lovingly to all within and around me. Im divinely safe, supported and protected. I use my love, my light, my gifts, my talents, my wisdom, my wealth, my intelligence, my creativity, my artistry, my divinity, my luck, my energy all for the universal greater good. I am here to serve. I am eternally grateful.”

Then I end it with chanting RAM 108 times, which helps to enhance the self esteem, mental energies, and will power of an individual. It promotes goodness.

This is vital for my consistent connection to self and source.

HOW DO YOU TRULY EMBODY YOUR OWN DIVINE FEMININE?

I embody my Divine Feminine by just meeting myself where I am at and embracing whatever that looks like. Im honestly just in awe of how divine we are as beings that it’s hard for me to deny that part of self. Especially as a woman, we freakin create life, are so clairvoyant and divinely intelligent(to name a few), so how can I not celebrate that every moment I get! I just have a deep love for self that the embodiment of that just naturally flows to all within and around me.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO TURN INWARD WHEN YOU'RE FEELING TRIGGERED? WHAT'S YOUR BEST METHOD

TO COME BACK TO LOVE QUICK?

Solitude. Time outs are my jam. Life is always lifin and you can’t avoid that. When I'm agitated, triggered, in a funk, etc., I have learned and acquired an ungodly amount of tools to help me out when I need it. A solid one is of course get my booty outside, take off the shoes and ground my feet and hands directly into the earth. It’s that simple. People have a hard time believing it’s that simple, but it really is. On the harder days, I use plant medicine as a support and confide in loved ones I trust The most important thing to do when discomfort arises is not to be afraid of it and allow it to flow After all, the trigger or sensation is an opportunity for me to look at what is this trying to show or teach me An opportunity for expansion and provide self love to oneself When you drop that fear and allow it to come, it’s really not that bad. You always survive and make it on the other side. Lighter and brighter. The more you can practice that, the easier and quicker turn around you can have from it.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO NOURISH

YOUR INNER CHILD?

Play as much as you can. Laugh often. Life in the societal construct is so whack to me. It’s fear based, negative, judgmental, constricting, and being in that flow makes you take life way too serious. I'm a free and fluid being and have never lost that. Plant medicine also can be a great support when struggling with that connection. I like to remind myself and others, if your child self were to look at you and hang out with you as you are now, what would that look like? For my 8 year old self, I'd feel so safe and proud of the being I am now and that’s a bond that’ll never die.

HOW DO YOU STAY HEALTHY & REMAIN IN BALANCE WITH YOUR BODY & STAY IN ALIGNMENT?

Traditional Chinese medicine has taught me the importance of seasonal living. The moment I dropped the calendar and adopted natures flow instead, is the moment vitality abundantly and consistently flowed through. I wake up with the sun, I rest with the moon, I eat foods in season, hibernate in the yin season of winter and come out to play in the summer yang seasons. At the end of the day we are nature and to deny that or resist is to be in imbalance and to suffer.

My murky waters settle into clarity, fear dissolves, and I'm able to just simply exist outside the ego.

"I wake up with the sun & rest with the moon. "

YOU'RE PASSIONATE ABOUT NOURISHING YOUR BODY. WHAT'S BEEN THE GREATEST GAIN FROM TAKING CARE OF YOUR BODY AND FEEDING IT WHAT IT NEEDS?

Being so attuned to self and the natural world around me. It helped me to fully get off the hamster wheel of this weird illusion of what we “think” the world is and actually fully step into the truth And that truth is for you to find out through your own connection to self I can’t give everything away!

WHAT ARE SOME EVERYDAY RITUALS THAT ARE SACRED TO YOUR ROUTINE?

Getting outside absolutely everyday Showing respect and love to the earth, the divine Doing my affirmations, twice daily Oh and your girl LOVES a good skincare routine I've grown to really enjoy that nourishment and self care I provide myself.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN THE PRESENCE OF SOUND BATH HEALING & WHAT GOT YOU INTO THIS?

I was simply struggling with being still in my vessel and in meditation Quieting the mind, softening the body to just existing. Being that we are made up of water, the vibrations from the bowls have powerful effects. Also, savasana was so dreadful when I'd go into classes They were too short and very little direction is given in that valuable time So I decided to change that, and integrate into my own personal practice I discovered the powerful influence it has on me and then decided to add sound and more time to all my classes in savasana.

A brief description of sound healing is: it's the use of specific instruments, music, tones, and other sonic vibrations to balance and heal the body, mind, and spirit It involves using specialized sound frequencies to create a therapeutic atmosphere to promote deep rest, nervous system rebalancing, and emotional release. My favorite thing is just to simply hold an empowering, calming, egoless space for others to feel comfortable enough to connect with self That is all im here to do To bring you back to your light That’s how love effectively spreads.

WHAT'S YOUR MOST FAVORITE THING TO GUIDE OTHERS ON & ENLIGHTEN THEM WITH?

THERE'S POWER IN PLANTS, MUSHROOMS & HERBS. WHAT DOES YOUR MEDICINE CABINET AT HOME CONSIST OF?

Ooo weee! There sure is power in the plants. Power in nature in general, which we are apart of.

My medicine cabinet is stocked to say the least. I converted a room into my herbal room where i literally have all the herbs. Rose hips, lavender, ginger, lemon balm, mugwort, you name it, I have it! I have a beautiful organic garden where I retrieve the majority of them, otherwise I source them out from other accredited herbalists

HOW HAVE YOU CREATED A LIFE YOU LOVE ON YOUR OWN TERMS?

By simply not caring how the world and others view me. I am so deeply connected to the heart, that it guides me where I need to be. Just like people use their brain to guide them where they need to go, just think of the life you can have if you just drop down to the heart space and led with that. To be whole is the most powerful thing we have on this earth.

WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING THAT YOU'RE LOVING & RECOMMEND?

Haha I'm such a book nerd. I'm stoked because I'm finally in a book club too, so it’s been amazing. A book favorite I will love till the end of time is:

The Creative Act: a Way of Being by Rick Rubin.

The Way of Shamanic Practices and Embodying the Shaman in You.

The Power of Trees by Peter Wohlleben

Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes. Ph.D.

Deanna's episode on The Cannabis Hangout Podcast Ep. #153

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE HERB AND ESSENTIAL OIL?

Salvia Divinorum is my favorite. I use the tincture form of it and use it for deep meditations or if I'm spending ample time in nature. The essential oil I vibe with is a blend of frankincense and myrrh. The scent of my ancestors.

WHAT ARE YOU GO TO MUSHROOM COMBINATIONS AND WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT HOW THEY BENEFIT YOU?

My go to combination is pretty simple these days. MICRO DOSING psilocybin and a little Macrodosing when I feel called to. My favorite thing about the medicine is how intelligent it is.We share 50%of the same DNA as the beautiful plant. Whether consuming on a large or small scale, the medicine divinely knows how to support you. Fears dissolve, connections deepen, Our immune, digestion, parasympathetic, and neurological systems are restored and supported. Self love and the love for others expands. It's literally in the name...magic mushys :)

It also aides in addictions that one may be struggling with and is my favorite tool to use in healing, connecting, and just being.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO WITH ORIGINS OF SPIRIT FOR THE YEAR 2023?

Im looking forward to hosting lectures and Q and A’s for the community that include topics from gardening, to plant medicine, to healing, and everything in between. I will of course continue to teach my regular weekly classes, and dedicate my energy into continued education and integration.

Bailee Bruce, my business partner, has launched Oklahoma's first every reiki clinic which is very exciting and provides walk in reiki services to the community at Origins of Spirit. Together, we also have some luxury retreats lined up that we look forward to hosting Stay up to date with us and visit our website and Instagram for further details.

WHAT'S A HEALTH CHOICE YOU THINK IS HUGE THAT PEOPLE ARE MISSING OUT ON?

MUSHROOMS. Plain and simple. It’s powerful, effective, nourishing, and healing. I like to call it natures Xanax, anti depressant, and vitamin but without the side effects of synthetic medications Afterall, synthetic medicine was based off of natural medicines. So why not go back to our roots. Or in this case, fungus. IT HEALS PEOPLE!!!!

5th Annual Cannabis Culture & Music Festival CAMP COPPERHEAD SPAVINAW, OK

Q&A by Brannan Bell

Q: What initially manifested this festival and where did the idea come about?

A: After SQ788, I knew we needed to celebrate the freedom of plant medicine. Typically Motorcycle Rallies have been hosted at the Camp Copperhead venue for 10+ years. The owners, Travis and Kamica Montgomery were looking for a more laid-back vibe for events. I approached them and then Harvest Fest was born! We focus on supporting a community, the culture surrounding the plant and supporting small farmers and businesses.

Q: How do brands, growers, cultivators, processors, etc compete and enter the cup?

A: We have an online application that the licensed business will complete. We offer transportation or onsite drop off of samples at our sponsoring processing facility. 2023 will mark the 5th Anniversary of the Harvest Fest Cup, a blindtasting, Harvest Fest community judged competition. Low entry costs and low sample requirement provides an opportunity for smaller brands to compete. An onsite dispensary located on the festival grounds will feature those brand's products for sale to licensed patients at HF.

Q: What's a weekend experience like at Harvest Fest? What can people look forward to?

A: Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountain Range, or more locally called Spavinaw Hills, Camp Copperhead is situated between Grand Lake o ' the Cherokees, Lake Hudson, and Lake Spavinaw. Harvest Fest provides a platform for brands, artists, musicians, and activists along with the cannabis community and the characteristic spirit of culture as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations of taking care of your neighbor. During the 3 day festival the community will immerse itself in an old-school camp experience featuring a full roster of recreational camp activities at our 5th annual Harvest Fest 2023!

The peaceful, chill vibes are palpable throughout the magical weekend of music, culture, live art and plant medicine. The festival area is filled with love and energy during the day with your favorite cannabis brands, a uniquely curated marketplace with crafts, arts, and experiences

Win amazing prizes by participating in games and contests such as rolling contests, home growers competitions, corn hole, best buds, tie dye and recycled art. Cool off in our in ground saltwater pool with pool parties featuring DJs and Flow Artist and pool games. Treat yourself to our airconditioned VIP Bar and Lounge and indulge in free woodfired pizza, breakfast buffet, Beer, drinks, and swag from our sponsors. Speaking of food, enjoy Munchie Brothers woodfired pizza poolside or select from a multi-variety of food truck options. Grab a cold one from the Outdoor Bar. and catch a comedy show, participate in games, or listen to live music or sneak a peek of a burlesque show daily at the hub of Harvest Fest, the pavilion stage.

Don't forget to cheer on your favorite competitor at the Harvest Fest Cup announcements and go grab some winning flower from the onsite dispensary. At the end of the night, the Trippy Hollow show is activated and the campground comes alive as we put on our dancing shoes, or not, and boogie into the wee morning hours.

Q: How do you guys choose what musicians and artists you'd like to have for entertainment?

A: Featuring local talent is at the forefront of our selections. Harvest Fest supports the wide range of musicians that bless this area. We love our music Live, Loud, and Local just like anyone else and we stack the lineu i h f that will sure be a crowd pleaser!

The A, B, C, D’s of Vitamins!

In the midst of our hectic, everyday lives, vitamins tirelessly operate to keep our bodies in harmony. Vita mins like A, B, C, and D are some of the most significant vitamins for our daily well-being. These four vitamins may not grab headlines, but their impact on our health is profound. From promoting clear vision and boosting our energy levels to supporting our immune system's defenses and keeping our bones strong, their roles are far from ordinary. The unfortunate reality is that many of us are deficient in these key vitamins. Today, let's get down to the basics and explore the beneficial daily wonders of vitamins A, B, C, and D.

VITAMIN A

Vitamin A is a vital nutrient for our bodies, particularly our muscles and energy levels. It's like a natural energy booster that helps us stay strong and active. Vitamin A works its magic by supporting muscle strength, making physical activities feel more comfortable and less tiring. When we don't have enough vitamin A, our muscles might not perform at their best, and we could end up feeling more fatigued. Luckily, we can find this fantastic vitamin in various delicious and colorful foods like papaya, spinach, sweet potatoes, and carrots. By incorporating these nutritious foods into our diet, we can ensure our bodies have the right nutrients to stay energized and tackle our day-to-day activities with ease.

VITAMIN B

There are eight B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12), and each has its own unique job in our bodies. Some of them help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, while others are critical for making DNA and supporting cell growth. This powerful group of vitamins is like a support system, boosting our energy levels and lifting our mood. One of the coolest things B vitamins do is turning the food we eat into energy for us to use! Vitamin B also cares for our nervous system, regulates stress hormones, and helps our brain work properly. Some top sources of B vitamins include meat (especially liver), seafood, poultry, eggs, shittake mushrooms, root vegetables, leafy greens, and seeds. A healthy amount of vitamin B in our diets helps us stay energetic, positive, and equipped to handle stress.

VITAMIN C

Covid has highlighted the importance of vitamin C for many of us. The body relies heavily on vitamin C to perform many critical functions like guarding our cells from damage, and strengthening our immune system to fight off infections. It helps create collagen, which keeps our skin, bones, and blood vessels healthy, healing wounds faster. Vitamin C also helps our bodies absorb iron from plant-based foods, which is needed to transport oxygen throughout the body. It plays a key role in making essential chemicals in our brain and body! We can get this essential vitamin from delicious foods like oranges, kiwis, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and leafy greens such as kale and spinach.

VITAMIN D

The sunshine vitamin! Vitamin D is vital in helping our immune system stay strong, protecting us from getting sick and is involved in many bodily processes, like cell growth and regulating blood pressure. Vitamin D also helps us absorb calcium, a mineral that makes our bones strong and healthy. We can get vitamin D from spending time in the sun and eating certain foods like fatty fish, egg yolks, button mushrooms, and fortified dairy products. But here's an interesting thing: vitamin D needs the help of vitamin K to work properly in our bodies. Vitamin K helps direct calcium to our bones and teeth, preventing it from building up in our blood vessels and causing problems. So, next time you pick up a vitamin D supplement make sure it says: D3 + K2!

According to the W.H.O, more than 2 billion people worldwide are estimated to be deficient in key vitamins and minerals. The depletion of nutrients in our soil contributes to increasing vitamin deficiencies in our bodies. For this reason, organic foods are a wise choice as they preserve vital nutrients. While they may be a bit more expensive, organic foods reduce exposure to harmful pesticides (which eat away soil nutrients) and ensure better treatment of animals, providing us with healthier and more nutrient-rich options for our daily well-being. So embrace the power of these vitamins and nourish your bodies for a healthier and more vibrant life!

HIGHEST INTENT

Please Note-

This article is intended for educational purposes only. This information is NOT a substitute for medical advice from a licensed healthcare provider. Consult a doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before consuming any herbs or making changes to your health routine.

@highestintent2.0

Written By: Anna Wilder

Anna is a cannabis, psychedelic and wellness educator. She relentlessly researches, tries, and educates on wellness products and practices. Anna and her husband founded Highest Intent with the goal to help people practively care for themselves through the power of plant medicine