The Chronic Magazine (December 2020)

THE BEST MEDICAL MARIJUANA RESOURCEÂ IN OKLAHOMA WWW.THEOKLAHOMACHRONIC.COM

CHRONIC

The Oklahoma Chronic Magazine

STAFF Therin Miller || Chief Operations Officer

Kayla Johnson || Editor Instagram: @ladyofhousej

Instagram: @oklahomachronicmagazine

Veronica Castillo || Writer

Melissa Hall || Canna Critic

Instagram: @v2_traveling_veg_canna_writer

Instagram: @okcannacritic

Dr. Pepper Hernandez || Writer Instagram: @dr.pepperhernandez

Rachel Klubeck || Cannabis Attorney / Writer

Chef Buz Deliere || Canna Chef Instagram: @medibles_ok

Chynna Pearson || Writer Instagram: @chynnathewriter

Instagram: @roklubeck

Terrisha Harris || Graphic Designer Instagram: @smoke_tree_cannabis

Philip Rodriguez || Writer Instagram: @wheretosmokeokc

CONTENTS OKLAHOMA

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DECEMBER

2020

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14

HIGH VIBEZ

by Carisa Rowe

EMERALD ELITE: KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY

By Chynna Pearson

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CHRONIC GIFT GUIDE

By Veronica Castillo

HAPPY HIGH HOLIDAY

By Kayla Johnson

MR. MACK'S: BUILT TO GO NATIONWIDE

by Carisa Rowe

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FROM THE CHRONIC TEAM

Oh December, how I love thee.

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This has been a ROUGH year, and while I know it's not quite over yet, I think we're close enough to the end of the year to catch our breath, at least slightly.

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While this has not been the year that any of us planned it to be on NYE 2019, I hope that you've been able to find a bit of light when you needed it most, and that you've been able to share a bit of that light by sharing a bit of joy with someone else who needs it.

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CHRONIC KITCHEN GIFT GUIDE

By Carisa Rowe

GET TO KNOW DR. TERPZ

By Veronica Castillo

WORLD OF CANNABINOIDS AND TERPENES

WHERE TO SMOKE IN OKLAHOMA Gamers, rejoice!

Be safe and be well!

Have a story? Please let us know at theoklahomachronic@outlook.com!

Canna soft-chew caramels

Exploring Camphene

Here's to 2021, and a bright new year.

From all of us here at the Oklahoma Chronic, may your holiday season be filled with hope, peace, and health.

MONTHLY RECIPE - CHEF BUZ

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MONTHLY CANNABIS REVIEW Smokiez CBD gummies

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HIGH VIBEZ La Catrina, the famous Mexican ambassador of Dia de los Muertos is beautifully painted across the wall inside High Vibez in Chickasha, OK. I asked Jeremy Spoon, co-owner of the dispensary, what she signified to him. He was proud to tell me about the artist and the model but he could initially only tell me that he had always been drawn to her. People who are drawn to what the rest of the world perceives as dark are exactly the kind of people I want to understand. What I know of the dark – or knew – has been completely transformed since embracing cannabis.

Jeremy Spoon and his twin brother Jerod are masters at elevating themselves out of darkness. When they were 11, their father died in a fatal accident on his way to pick them up. To cope, the Chickasha natives played sports in high school. Eventually, the Spoons followed their athletic ambitions to a junior college where, as Jeremy describes it, they were surrounded by knuckleheads. Both Jeremy and Jerod had experimented a bit with alcohol in high school, but because they were athletes, they abstained from other illicit substances, including cannabis. It wasn’t until “juco” when they were exposed to a rowdy crowd that they were exposed to drug use and abuse.

By Carisa Rowe

Choosing to pursue professional fighting was the corridor to a brighter path for the Spoons.

Both Jeremy and Jerod sought to become mixed martial artists and worked diligently to pursue their goals.

In 2011, Jeremy landed his first Bellator card and then Jerod was slated a month later. The guys leaned heavily into training. Jeremy fought in March, taking the win in round two by submission.

Jerod’s fight was brutal and ultimately the judges granted his opponent the win. After competing independently in King of the Cage. Jeremy’s win earned him a spot to compete in King of the Cage later that year.

A week before the fight, Jeremy was offered and accepted a contract with Bellator. He won King of the Cage and found out after that the UFC had a contract on the table but the information had been withheld to avoid throwing off his fight. Two months later, Jeremy won his third Bellator fight by unanimous decision. Jeremy’s next fight would change his life in ways he was not prepared for.

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Jeremy was scheduled for Bellator 60 in March 2012, merely one year from his first Bellator fight and win. At the same time, Jerod was training for a King of the Cage match scheduled eight days apart. The guys leaned heavily into fitness and worked as a team and independently to get into top shape.

Jeremy matched Daniel Straus and experienced his first career loss by unanimous decision, despite some strong moves, including a major overhand early in the third round – a notable blow. Jerod won his match, submitting opponent Lewis McKenzie by rear-naked choke.

The March 2012 fights were pivotal for both fighters. While Jerod forged ahead with training, Jeremy was forced to have his hand examined. As it turns out, he’d broken it quite substantially during the Straus fight, a factor he now considers to have contributed to his loss. The injury resulted in extensive surgical repairs and an opiate prescription. Jeremy remembers how desperately he didn’t want to take pain medication but the pain was overbearing. It took several months and extreme focus on wellness for Jeremy to overcome the injury and the brewing opiate addiction. Jeremy recounts how he recognized the darkness he was in as an opportunity to grow.

As Jeremy fought for his health and career, he watched his brother grow in his personal life and professional career. Jeremy was proud to say that Jerod’s discipline inspired him to work on his diet, schedule, fitness, and spirit.

Seven months after his hand injury, Jeremy faced a new opponent. Jeremy sustained a head kick seconds into the fight and lost by technical knockout.

The loss gave Jeremy the opportunity to focus harder effort toward his goals and to train next to his brother. Their hard work and shared energy toward success earned them many wins for next three years. Jeremy smiles widely when he talks about the wins and the hard work they put in to themselves.

The re-immersion into darkness began in 2015 when Jerod tore his labrum and sustained substantially injuries during a fight.

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Both Spoons were on the card and both Spoons won their fights but Jerod’s injury would lead him onto the path of opiate addiction. With Jerod now retired and battling the dark, Jeremy leaned into his sport. He excelled with Bellator and won every fight he took, including the one that ultimately ended his career. The fated win came with a life altering back injury and Jeremy found himself alongside his brother, this time deeply entrenched in the darkness of addiction.

Both Spoons knew that they hated pain medication but neither of them had been offered any options for recovery.

The pain medication and the pursuit of pain relief took over both of their lives.

Deeply entrenched in prescription addiction but without recovery options and unable to heal, the brothers began

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to experiment with street drugs, but like drinking in their youth, didn’t have a lot of experience with cannabis. Over the next two years, as Jerod achieved sobriety, Jeremy struggled. He continued to fight, got sober for his first match back and won. The pain was still hugely problematic and prescription medications have permissible use in competitive sports, so Jeremy returned pain management.

Jeremy convinced himself he could get sober in time for his career. He told himself that when he got “clean” in time for his next fight. He admits now that he was not prepared. He lost the fight. He had another card and six months to prepare. The week before the fight, Jeremy averaging ten to thirteen pills a day. He recalls that time with brutal honesty, something I am always grateful to receive, as the darkest time in his life and ask him what his lights were. His fiancée, Chelsea Goshorn, and their family. His mom, a rock for he and his brother before and after their father and throughout every success and failure. His brother, Jerod. His twin. A human whose very vibration resonated with his own. A community that accepted him, built him, and provided for him.

In the healing that followed their darkest times, the Spoon brothers came across cannabis. They found a way to connect the body and spirit with medication that nourished a vitally overlooked biological function: the endogenous cannabinoid system. The brothers recognize how cannabis can support the human body as a neuroprotectant and immunostimulator.

Competitive athletes, particularly of success, understand the human body in ways that many individuals might overlook. As athletes, it is so important to understand how to achieve the best performance out of their bodies. I didn’t understand this until I watched my son become an athlete. . He was already a hyperperforming musician, mastering multiple instruments before high school. When he leaned into athletics and then into the high of personal growth, I watched in awe.

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He dominated his own schedule, his own rest, boundaries, and diet. It awakened a respect for athletes that I never understood before. The desire to improve is basic survival for men like Jeremy and Jerod, for my son. As Jeremy said, “Be the best or learn from the best, no matter the outcome.”

Competition isn’t about winning over the other person. It is about defeating oneself. It’s about elevating out of your own darkness.

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The pain relief and healing cannabis brought the Spoons has allowed them to focus that drive into community healing. Tapping into the vibration of a community need for education and understanding, they launched High Vibez Dispensary. They want to invite their community in to learn how the medicine can relieve pain or anxiety.

They are happy to share their story of struggle and how when they individually pursued cannabis therapy, they flipped a light on wellness. Jeremy expresses that cannabis is a journey. For his brother, there’s no longer a need for pain medication. For him, cannabis addresses pain, physical and emotional.

It binds so many of his relationships. He wants to teach others how to use it to do the same thing for themselves. He wants to let people know that there is a way to come out of the darkness.

Jeremy isn’t shy about his experience.

His very last professional fight was two years from the back injury. Six years from the broken hand, the bone graft.

The first addiction. Twenty-two years from his dad. Sometimes the pain is bigger than the injuries and sometimes this healing is bigger than recovery.

Sometimes the trauma, the injury, goes untreated until it becomes a disadvantage – a handicap.

The week before the final fight was intense. He had been training hard. He was addicted hard. At weigh-ins, the day before the fight, Jeremy’s urinalysis showed his prescription medications.

The panel advised him that he could not take them past 6 p.m. in order to be in compliance for the fight. There was no way to be in compliance. Chelsea was pregnant with preeclampsia, a condition that can be life threatening for both mom and baby.

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They had been back and forth to the hospital the whole week. Jeremy would sleep at the hospital next to Chelsea, sometimes on the floor, at OU Medical in Oklahoma City and then get up and commute to Apex in Tuttle or Forge in Edmond to train. Jeremy had zero time for rest or wellness. He was deeply injured, mortally stressed, demanding hyperperformance out of his body, mind, and spirit while unable to do anything to resolve any of the extreme chaos and pain in his life. There was no way to be in compliance.

The pain was the only thing that had held. No athlete can fight through every injury. The pain that had hold of Jeremy was deeper than winning through a shattered hand.

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It was gripped tighter than the damaged nerves around his spine. He was terrified for Chelsea, and their baby. The only thing that could numb Jeremy’s pain was the medication. The only thing that could keep the chaos quiet was the medication.

So he couldn’t quit and he was never going to be in compliance.

Jeremy wants people to know that there is something more than the medication.

There is healing to be found that doesn’t damage the way opiates do. He wants the store to be a spot where people can bring their concerns about recovery and how cannabis can aid in it to discuss options with safety and individual concern. He knows how different each path can be. He wants to show his patients that one of the greatest keys to success is community.

Jeremy and Jerod attribute the Chickasha community, their athletic coaches and trainers, and of course their family and friends for giving them an opportunity to pursue their goals, to heal their traumas and injuries, and to return home. Their vision for High Vibez is to give the community a safe space for cannabis therapy.

The Spoons have big plans. They’re scouting a space to be used as a cannabis lounge. Jeremy wants to provide a relaxed atmosphere for cannabis users to come together and elevate their vibrations. He wants a space where cannabis use is encouraged in place of the traditional party scene and they intend to create it. In the meantime, the Oklahoma cannabis scene can keep an eye out for harvest from High Vibez Farmz, which is currently in build out. They invite you to the store to ask questions or just visit.

They want to know how you can help them elevate their community with cannabis. They “just want to shine a little light back on Chickasha,” as Jeremy put it.

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Emerald Elite: Keeping it in the Family

By Chynna Pearson This past year has been a whirlwind.

Nothing has been the same since April and as we get to know our new normal it’s nice to see we can still make connections when standing six feet apart. It’s nice to know that not everything in 2020 has been taken away from us. Within the cannabis industry, it has become apparent, even before COVID-19, that the community is very tight-knit no matter what is thrown in their way. I mean, have you ever seen how creative someone can get when they don’t have any regular smoking utensils in the house? I’ve seen people smoke through an apple and make gravity bongs from a tall, skinny glass and a bottle of flavored sparkling water. (This is not recommended or encouraged, be more responsible than that!) The cannabis community is strong and I fully believe in their ability to work through and overcome any and all obstacles. It’s a common belief that “weed brings people together” and I think this will continue to be even though a pandemic hit the country so hard.

A microcosm of this tight-knit community phenomenon is the Emerald Elite dispensary in Del City, Oklahoma.

Emerald Elite is family run and co-owned by married couple Brad and Terri Bennett. The Bennett’s have four children and have always been in Oklahoma.

Both of them have been born and raised within 30 minutes of the store's front door; for Brad, he lived in the area of their dispensary his whole life. Terri was born in Choctaw but even so, that isn’t very far away. The couple is very proud of being local and catering to the community they have grown up around. They said that watching the impact that two short years have had on their community and dispensary has been a real blessing in and of itself. As two entrepreneurs they explained how they feel this business has been different then the others they have owned as it has been so constant and fun, as well as profitable.

Before opening Emerald Elite in 2018, they owned other places like a CBD shop and a couple of vapor stores. The CBD shop was opened in 2016 but as talk of legalization began to whisper through the grapevine business declined. Before that, the vape shop that they opened in 2011 went about the same way, the hype of vaping died around 2015. The other vape shop they had is now attached to the dispensary and has been transformed into more of a head shop that also sells vaping supplies.

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From the moment they first began opening businesses, they knew that helping the community was one of their strong suits and biggest goals.

Within both the vape and CBD shops the couple soon realized that they could see improvement within the lives of their customers. The vape shop was helping customers to get off and stay off using cigarettes and at the CBD shop, they could tell that patients were coming back pleased with having their pain be eased without heavy medication. Like I mentioned, both businesses had their decline but luckily, as the Bennet’s were planning on shutting most of it down, 2018 happened. Marijuana was legalized medically at the perfect time for the Bennet’s. As soon as they could, they signed up to be a part of the industry.

Now, they have been open and going strong for two years after putting almost everything they had into it.

They attribute most, if not all, of their success to the community surrounding them.

The years of having a dispensary have been a complete change for the Bennets when it comes to what to expect from a business. They knew when opening a new business that the first year is always difficult but the dispensary wasn’t like that. As soon as they opened they could tell the difference was vast and this business was going to be unlike anything they have has before. Brad brought up how incredible it is to be able to get to know someone over simply selling them a couple of pre-rolls on the patient’s lunch break.

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Pre-rolls have become their “bread and butter” as they have a great deal on them (6 for $25) and they just seem to be a hot seller in the area. Because the Bennet’s aim to please all their customers they pride themselves in having a wide variety of topicals, concentrates, flower, and edibles... pretty much whatever you can think of, they have it and it will most likely come in different flavors and strains.

One reason for that is the Bennet’s themselves have different preferences when it comes to medicating. Brad tends to favor higher levels of THC and more potent flower, the “good looking, sparkly, stinky” kind.

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He mentioned how he enjoys concentrates as well while Terri described her preference for 1 to 1 CBD products. For Terri, the higher CBD edibles they carry and CBD leaning flower strains they supply like Hometown Hero are her favorite.

Their differing opinions are the secret weapon to being able to order a wide variety of products that have a balance to them; if you want it, they probably have it.

Speaking of edibles, at Emerald Elite they also work with Terri’s parents, Bridget and Larry Woods, for their other business called Beyond the Bud. Beyond the Bud is their edible processing company that is currently featured in over 130 other dispensaries throughout the state.

Their edible recipes are hand-crafted and home-made; “It’s an edible made by a real grandma, what could be better than that?” Terri chuckled. I’d be inclined to agree, since even her parents have had a passion for cannabis for a long time. Their most popular confection is their classic brownies, they are sold in 100milligram pieces and are also a favorite among the couple as well.

Terri’s dad, Larry, is in his 60s and still passionate about cannabis. He never thought that something like this would be possible during his lifetime in a state like Oklahoma, as it is red and rather conservative in values.

Terri explained that being able to work in an industry alongside her parents in this way has been a blessing they never thought they could share. It is amazing how the passion that runs through this family flows into the business fluidly and effortlessly. Their family-oriented business improves their daily interactions with their customers. The Bennet’s actually implemented a discount of up to 35% for pediatric patients. Because they have four kids themselves, they understand just how difficult it can be to get quality goods for your children. In areas all over medically legal states, there are THC products that are overpriced. This can deter patients from trying to treat their illnesses if they are not affordable.

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Being able to comfortably afford the medication your child needs is so incredibly important. It’s a discount I can say I’ve never seen before but now, I don’t know why I haven’t seen it more often. They also offer veterans discounts all day, every day as our troops are always an important piece of our community.

During the lockdown and current pandemic due to COVID-19, the Bennet’s explained that the only real obstacle other than finding a place to get enough cleaning supplies was implementing the new safety protocols. While of course, at the beginning there was a slight slow down like the rest of the stores they had not seen a big downturn since then. The safety protocols, as most of us know, are sometimes hard to work into your business. Brad talked about how it was difficult to find a happy medium for all their customers. There are a lot of people who have decided that just looking will be okay while this goes on.

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While some other customers still want the full experience of smelling the flower before they buy it but, most people now don’t want people to stick their nose close to the flower they may be buying. The solution they came up with was using handheld fans to blow the smell toward the customer so nobody needs to be too close or remove their mask. They have tried to cater to everyone through every barrier and they seem to have done really well with it.

As Emerald Elite continues to grow they have decided to focus on beginning their own marijuana grow so they can begin to be totally vertically integrated. They only have been in business for two years at this location but they have over 15 years of experience. Once they put their mind to something I’m sure they will be able to make it happen.

For the Bennet’s, this business is one of their pride and joys. From their humble beginnings, they have moved into a bigger storefront and have had their edibles features in stores in different cities. Their future is bright as it only looks like they will progress from here.

What makes them so special is their talent for being one on one with their customers, many dispensaries pride themselves on being personable but the Bennet’s are truly something different. As they grow there is no doubt that their personalities and family-driven values will continue to shine through their store and their products.

The Emerald Elite dispensary is a stunning example of how marijuana brings people together, places like theirs are what keep this industry so strong.

By Veronica Castillo “Whatever you call it is cool, no matter what your nation or god, so happy holidays, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Yule, season's best, Feliz Navidad.”- Garth Brooks I’m back to talk more gifts! Remember me from last year? Happy Canna Kushmas? Well, this year I’m back with a totally new list; and all of the recommendations listed are totally legal and shippable across the country!

This year, my focus is the pandemic and how many will not be traveling like they are used to. I predict that gifts will be mailed at a much higher rate than years in the past.

We do have more legalization and decriminalization this year too so- the spike in cannabis gift buying is definitely going to skyrocket! Welcome to the party Montana, Mississippi, Arizona, New Jersey, and South Dakota!

You’ll notice a little surprise this year that I didn’t include last year; a few of the gift ideas below have discount codes next to them!

There is nothing wrong with being generous and saving a little money at the same time!

We need all of the support we can find during the year of elections, pandemic, wild fires, and snow in the summer.

Legality and Safety Being legal to ship across the country means that the list below is focused on hemp-CBD products, and cannabis services. If shopping away from this guide- that’s cool but, please check the law. Even if you checked them last year- check them again because the one thing in this world that is a constant- is change.

Laws by state should be considered prior to cannabis gift shopping. For instance, some states, with no laws broadly legalizing medical marijuana- permit only cannabisinfused products (so flower would be a no go), or provide limited access. Even if medicinal cannabis is legal in a state, it may not be broad- it could be limiting. Using Alabama and Mississippi, as examples; these states maintain laws permitting medical cannabis for severe epileptic conditionsonly.

A revisit of last year’s advice; legal considerations regarding cannabis as a gift: It is important to check each legal state laws regarding cannabis. Some states allow gifting up to a certain amount while others don’t.

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Oklahoma and all states in the United States require that any cannabis related product, be purchased by someone age 21 or older. Additionally, the person receiving the cannabis related gift must be age 21 or older.

Medicinal marijuana patients should verify laws in their states regarding the use of a medicinal cannabis card to purchase cannabis products for gifts.

Hemp, because of the legality, offers a little flexibility, but also- some things to consider. It’s a good idea to take a look at the law surrounding hemp and the shipment of hemp: https://www.cannalawblog.com/goingpostal-usps-provides-guidance-onmailing-hemp-cbd/ Because cannabis marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, by law, driving it across state lines or sending it by mail should be off limits.

15 Cannabis Gift Ideas Korasana: Korasana offers a line of hemp CBD products from gummies- that includes vegan gummies, to topicals, and more.

Shopping with Korsana means saving money too- use code Vee420 when you visit www.korasana.com.

Peacock CBD: With CBD oils like OG Kush, and vape carts like super lemon OG, a product from Peacock CBD, branded under Wunderkind, may be the perfect gift. Don’t let the names scare you- these are hemp CBD and legal to ship. You can save money here too by using code Vee15 when you visit www.peacockcbd.com.

The Botanical Joint: La Vida Ranchera, The Botanical Joint has hemp CBD flower strains not available anywhere else- like WAP. They offer discreet prerolls available in designed tin boxes, in strains like: Tangie Blossom, Red Bordeaux, and T1. Visit them at www.thebotanicaljoint.com.

The B Better Company: The B Better Company is an aid in pain management, stress relief, and extreme skin conditions company, offering CBD infused products like: lip balm, massage oil, salt soak and more. Visit them at www.thebbettercompany.com.

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Fern Valley CBD: You may remember Fern Valley CBD from my stay with them in April, when I honored Cannabis during 420. Fern Valley offers so much- from flower, to oil, to topical, to products for pets. You can save a little on your purchase using code Vee420 when you visit them at www.fernvalleyfarms.com.

Canlock Jars: Making it easy for flower, edibles, capsules, and more to stay fresh- Canlock. They offer glass, vacuum seal lid solution stash jars, in a variety of sizes and designs. Save a few bucks using code Vee420 when you visit www.shopcanlock.com.

Fullsend Gummies: Lifting up the lowest spirits, vegan CBD edibles for the win. They are always a good idea. Fullsend Gummies offers full spectrum gummies, in multiple flavors, fully legal to send to a loved one or two. Visit them at www.fullsendgummies.com.

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A subscription to Oklahoma Chronic Magazine: Reading is fundamental and the gift of information is one that keeps on giving. A subscription to Oklahoma Chronic Magazine is unique and beyond thoughtful. Visit https://www.oklahomachronicmagazine.com/s ubscribe1.

Nutrients: Growers in your life will appreciate the gift of nutrients for their plant babies.

Check out companies like Dutchpro.

Increasing yields, along with heavier and denser medicine will always be appreciated.

Visit www.dutchpro.com.

Grow Tent: Again, growers and aspiring growers will love the thoughtful gift of a tent.

Sure, a DIY project may be fun but a tent like the Gorilla Grow Tent, hopefully available at a local hydroponic store, will be much appreciated. If not available in a store near you- Amazon has you covered, www.amazon.com/growing-tents.

The Wild Weed, Mini Canna Lab: This is a great gift for growers and oil makers- maybe everyone. Mini Canna Lab allows you to test your own to detect THC, CBD, potency, and terpene profiles. You can find mini canna lab on Amazon at www.amazon.com/mini-cannalab.

Service for a cannabis business: If your loved one owns a cannabis business, purchase them a service for their business, like a blog article from a Cannabis writer- like me! www.veetravelingvegcannawriter.com.

Cannabis Merch: Cannabis lovers like some good merch. At CannaVbyz, you can order custom made rolling trays, face masks, and more. Pick your own design or select from the offerings on the site. Visit them at www.cannavybz.com.

The gift of removing stigmas: Heal Yourselfthe message on these cool t-shirts from Teespring, will help remind everyone that cannabis heals. Consuming cannabis means healing. Check out the shirts at www.teespring.com/buy-heal-yourself.

Portland Ashwagandha Farm: Though not cannabis- it’s still a powerful plant medicine, and one that can work will with cannabis (grounds an intense high). Everyone can use a little balance, a little grounding, a little additional stress relief during these trying times. Portland Ashwagandha Farm makes tinctures from love and intention, visit them at www. https://portlandashwagandhafarm.com/ where you can save using code plantsheal.

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Happy High Holidays What a year.

I turned twenty-nine in October, and I can honestly say, this has been one of, if not THE longest, yet shortest, and most turbulent year in my life thus far. I think it’s safe to assume that a vast majority of you can very much relate to that.

Normally, it would be no problem for me to sit down at my desktop and write a few words about the holiday season, and the goodness it usually brings out during this time of year.

But, 2020 has been anything but normal, and everything I came up with before today just seemed to fall short. From the now-raging pandemic to a fiery political season, and everything else to deal with in between, I think most of us are just worn out from it all, to put it extremely lightly. On top of the exhaustion and frustration, thousands of families across the country, including here in Oklahoma, are struggling to come to terms with the loss of one or more family members due to the pandemic.

There’s no other way to put it: this year sucked. It really, really sucked.

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It’s no wonder that spirits are low; while many of us had high hopes for 2020 when we rang in the new year last December, it’s been a year of loss in one way or another for a vast portion of the population.

It can be hard to find joy when there’s an abundance of heartache, which has made the most wonderful time of year a lot less, well, wonderful.

Nothing I can say, or write, will ease the pain for those enduring a loss of a family business or a dear loved one, and to them, all I can say is: you have my deepest and most sincere sympathies.

While this year has been filled with enough pain and frustration for most of us to write a novel (or two), I’m not here to continue to pour salt on still-fresh wounds.

Instead, I’m here to share a gentle reminder: despite the chaos this year, there was a fair bit of good happening, especially within the cannabis community here in Oklahoma.

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While it's no secret that our industry here at home is absolutely thriving and growing with each month, it's the daily acts by regular patients and industry members that has caught my attention over the last several months.

I've seen dispensaries organize canned food drives. Patients have left a twenty or two to put towards someone else's final bill at the register, to try and ease the financial strain on someone who may need the help just a little bit more, but could never ask.

During the summer, when many were struggling to stay cool while juggling reduced income, cannabis-friendly businesses made their outdoor spaces available, to be both COVIDaware and a safe place for patients to consume their medicine of choice.

When ice swept across the state the week of Halloween, dispensaries and patients checked in on the disabled and elderly patients, to ensure they were warm, safe, and fed. Many of these same patients assisted in getting limbs cut and ready to haul away for those same folks in need.

While nobody is a huge fan of the masks, cannabis business and patients alike put the health of others ahead of potential discomfort.

Most dispensaries require masks, and have taken steps to ensure that all patients, whether at risk or healthy as a horse, is able to shop without worrying.

Every day, Oklahoma industry members and canna-community members have worked to embody the Oklahoma Standard, something that has gone very much on the wayside in some circles. It's been a difficult year, and 2021 is looking to be very similar (at least for the first half), yet the mindset that has helped push Oklahoma cannabis to the forefront of the industry is the same one that will help us survive whatever the next year brings: patients first.

At the risk of exposing myself as the utter nerd that I am, I can only think of Gandalf the Grey's words of wisdom as I think of how we've made it through this year, and how to survive whatever 2021 brings: "It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love."

This holiday season, no matter what your family celebrates (if anything), I hope that the small acts of kindness and love inspire you to pay it forward. Much love from my home to yours.

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MR. MACK'S:

BUILT TO GO NATIONWIDE

By Chynna Pearson

Edibles are one of the most common forms of

This is where Chilly’s cousin introduced him to

consuming marijuana. Many patients in

his future co-owner Erick Almaguer, a

Oklahoma have conditions that require them to

restaurateur, food truck owner, and fellow man

medicate in a more discrete fashion and,

passionate about cannabis. When they met,

possibly, less potent doses. Using edibles can

Chilly and Ryker already had a solid business

be a real “spoon full of sugar” to help the

plan set up for their launch in Washington but

medical marijuana go down; some of those

Erick had other ideas. Erick began pitching

patients are elderly, adolescent, or pediatric.

Chilly his plans and ideas about the launch that

Creating a delicious medicine and assisting

seemed really confident for someone he had

the community like that is exactly what Mr.

just met. By the end of their first meeting, Chilly

Mack a.k.a Chilly Mack set out to do.

was sold on his ideas, threw out the original plans, and called Ryker to tell her what just

Chilly Mack is originally from Oklahoma, he

happened.

only left for Washington in 2014 so he would be better able to dive into the passion he had

Chilly flew back to Washington after his

always processed for marijuana. Washington

encounter and they begin their new plans.

was where he would be able to fully learn how

Slowly, Washington threw its obstacles in their

to grow, breed, and process although he is a

way and everything went “belly up.” By that

pastry chef by trade and has been since 1996.

time, rumblings of legalization began

As he continued to learn in the Washington

happening in Oklahoma. State Question 788

area he met Ryker, who would end up being

was about to be voted on and Erick called

one of his constant minority partners. Ryker

Chilly up to ask him, “If Oklahoma gets

does most of the creative process and if Chilly

legalized would you come back out here?”

gives her an idea, she can put it to paper

Chilly laughed and replied, “Oklahoma and Utah

exactly as he imagined. They got to a good

will be the last two states to ever legalize

place to be commercial but nothing really took

cannabis. I have a better chance of winning the

off. As they continued their work in

lottery! But... if it does happen I’ll be back

Washington, Chilly came back to Oklahoma for

home the next day.”

his birthday to visit family and take a small three-day vacation. Those three days are what

Lo’ and behold, Chilly should have bought a few

made Chilly the “grower, breeder, and

lottery tickets because in 2018, S.Q. 788 was

entrepreneur he is today,” but he also grew

passed.

into “the man he is” as well.

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Once 788 became a reality, the three of them got to work immediately. Since two of them had been in the industry before they knew how to check the market and analyze how the usual progression of the marijuana industry looked like. They spent time doing studies on the market in California, Colorado, and Arizona to see what Oklahoma’s budding market would likely need. From their research, it was apparent that after a state would legalize, businesses would go headfirst into growing before any type of edible processing began in-state.

“It usually takes about two years for edibles to become stable in the market,” Chilly explained, and of course, “being a pastry chef and a restaurateur it was a no brainer” to go with edibles anyway. By the time that it was possible to sign up with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority to take part in the business, they jumped at the chase while already having a solid base and business plan. Stores began opening in October and they had product on the shelves of their first store on November 4th. The first store to feature them, Strange Leaf, had Mr. Mack’s edibles exclusively for thirty days.

From the first store, they began to pick up some good traction and publicity. The amount of stores they had begun to skyrocket, they suddenly had ten, then twenty-four, then sixty and so on until they got to hundreds. In fact, they were and are growing so much that it was faster than they had originally anticipated.

From the beginning, Chilly and his partners felt it was important to be a dependable and constant type of brand. They made it a point at Mr. Mack’s to have the same dosage in every package so customers wouldn’t be wary of their products. As they had originally planned to get started in a recreational state, their brand’s packaging was already pretty impressive and packed full of information; nutritional value, allergies, ingredients, and eye-catching designs They became vertically integrated and did, and still do, everything from A to Z; all the manufacturing, growing, processing, and transporting. The progression continued so they were faced with a new decision, “Do we fast track the plan?”

In true marijuana smoker fashion, they decided “screw it” and went ahead with fasttracking. After Mr. Mack’s they launched Pot Pops. Their main goal of launching a second brand was to be able to compete with each other without directly being overwhelming.

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Pot Pops are branded to be the “grab and go”

They are focused on the medical benefits of

edible for easy and discrete medicating. From

their products because each partner has

there they continued and created Barz, their

seen it first hand. Every customer is

economy brand cereal bars, and Dank

different, there is no set strain or dosage for

Confections, “bringing the nostalgia back to

most illnesses. While budtenders will be able

the edible game.” They try to hit every

to point you in a positive direction, Mr.

spectrum in their diverse branding while hitting

Mack’s employees use a spectrum to help as

all the potential options. The Mr. Mack’s brand

specifically as possible. Because of this, and

also has different types of lotions and creams,

that their company is vertically integrated,

still created by Chilly and some of the only new

they have been selling their own flower and

recipes he had to learn how to make. Once

concentrates as well. Chilly explained that

they felt comfortable enough after creating

their flower is their best product because

more different brands they began to see their

without it everything else wouldn’t be as

progress going just as fast as last time. They

good. If the edibles are good, imagine the

were again hit with the choice, should they

flower it was made with!

fast-track their growth again? They chose the same option and established a storefront.

Their flagship strain, Bloos Kloos, has been ranked fifth most powerful Indica strains for

Mr. Mack’s is the name of their storefront as

intraocular eye pressure. They have actually

well as the main brand. They wanted their

won the High Times Cup three times, one of

place to be special so they decided to

which was their Bloos Kloos tincture. Winning

purchase the connected store next to them and

those awards was nice but it isn’t the point

make one side processing and the other the

of what they strive to do. It’s all about

dispensary. Mr. Mack’s has a Krispy Kreme style

establishing roots, building a culture, and

look with glass in between so customers are

listening to the customer. It’s their ultimate

able to see the process of each type of edible

goal to be an industry leader. Their company

being made. People can come in on days when

actually has a focus on charity as well. They

they make caramel and smell the vanilla and

have a system set up with the Epilepsy

sweetness in the air; other days you can smell

Foundation so that a portion of product

cookies, see sugary gummies being made by

proceeds go straight to the foundation.

the thousands, and be sure of what you are

Currently, they are trying to get in the same

buying.

way with an autism foundation as well.

By creating transparency between the suites, it creates similar transparency between the customer and the processing. Customers will never have to question what is going into their edibles. This open concept went into the building of their dispensary, they focus on cannabis education as a forefront. Chilly explained that as a customer and a processor, he has been into multiple different stores to see what is common between them. Many stores focus on how high you can get rather than the medical benefits and how some strains or dosages can negatively affect the user.

To combat the dangers of being only

partially educated, Chilly flew in one of the nation’s best budtenders two separate times to train his employees. They are driven to be as educated as possible about the effects of terpenes within the entourage effect and more to focus on medical benefits. As well as being educated on cannabis, their employees are actually Erick’s staff from the restaurant he closed to focus on Mr. Mack’s. The team was already known well so they all had a place they would be able to shine. The core eight people are the same people from the beginning. Chilly describes them as a “small mighty machine.”

As of right now, Mr. Mack’s is doing great.

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They continue to strive to be an industry leader even through a recall that they were able to fix quicker than it was reported as when the OMMA contacted them, they had completed ninety-three percent reconciliation. Even though stumbles like that are common for brands to go through, Mr. Mack’s made it a point to fix the issues as quick as possible. Their pride in the service they provide is unmatched. Because they are vertically integrated, everything they do can be up to the highest possible standard. They even do their own graphics, social media, and production.

Chilly has even gone into writing a show he has pitched to Netflix called, Behind the Green which will be a How It’s Made type of show but all based around marijuana. He considers it an opportunity for better publicity and press for Oklahoma since Tiger King debuted. When Chilly spoke to Netflix, they asked him how it was possible for a entrepreneur to have made it so far in so little time. He explained, his company has “a national structure ... We built this boat to be nationwide.”

Their nationwide structure may be impressive but their most important aspect will forever be based in helping the customer; “money comes are goes but the feeling you get from the patients are worth everything,” Chilly said. “Everyone is different” and hearing their personal stories only inspire him to do even more.

For Chilly, the stories of a child with autism becoming more verbal after microdosing or someone being able to overcome physical or emotional pain with their assistance is more than enough of a reward for all their hard work.

With the Mr. Mack’s dispensary and edibles leading the way, I can see how far their Pot Pops, Barz, Dank Confections are expected to grow. Chilly, Erick, and Ryker are a powerhouse of a team that we can all expect to see expand in the future.

Their ability to analyze the market and collect data is their claim to fame as they continue to rise in success. Be sure to keep an eye out on Netflix for a new show about cannabis and be sure to go out and try some of their brands. I, for one, can’t wait to try their Bloos Kloos strain and Pot Pops.

Mr. Mack’s is an Oklahoma ran company that makes me proud to see how far we have come in the world of marijuana.

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ORDER YOURS TODAY!

COOKINGWITHABUZ.COM

C ANNA SOFT- C HEW C ARAMELS

By Chef Buz @medibles_ok

"TWIST ONE UP AND LET’S GET COOKING" Good day and welcome back all my canna chefs out there.

It’s hard to believe it’s December already.

How many of you have your holiday shopping done already? I know I'm not finished yet.

This time of year can get stressful for many people and this month's recipe, canna caramels, is something to help you through those stressful times.

The thing I like best about these caramels is you can micro-dose throughout the day and still get the things you need done. Whether it's the holidaze or not, these caramels are sure to be a delicious treat that's great for anywhere you are.

I hope all of you have a happy and safe holiday season and see you in 2021.

INGREDIENTS Canna Soft-Chew Caramels 1/2 C butter 1/2 C Canna-butter 2 1/2 C brown sugar 1 C Light corn syrup 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1 TSP vanilla extract Pinch of salt

If you enjoy this recipe and my others be sure to check out my book Cooking with a Buz Cannabis Recipes for any Occasion, in there I explain proper dosing, how to infuse oils and butter and has my favorite recipes inspired from my travels and experiences.

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DIRECTIONS In a heavy bottom sauce pot, melt the butter, then add the brown sugar and salt while stirring. Add your light corn syrup and mix well. Once everything is mixed together, while continuing to stir slowly, add in the condensed milk, making sure there are no clumps.

Cook for about 15 minutes, until it becomes firm and gooey. You can place a small spoonful of caramel into a cold bowl of water to see if the caramel is at the right consistency, soft ball.

Once the caramel has reached the consistency you’re looking for, remove it from the heat and add the vanilla extract. If you’d like to add fruit or nuts to your caramel, this is also the time.

Pour out your caramel on a wax paper lined sheet tray and allow it to cool in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes before cutting into the desired sizes and wrap in wax paper. Now you have your medicated treats to keep you going through your day.

Enjoy!

AREA 420

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Email us at: theoklahomachronic@outlook.com 405.310.0026

A Midwest City Dispensary

By Veronica Castillo

With a history in medicine, a passion for cannabis, and an obligation to focus on terpenes first, Dr, Terpz launched their Midwest City dispensary during the pandemic in 2020. A dispensary open 24 hours a day with a drivethru, Dr. Terpz is creating unique ways to purchase medicinal cannabis.I myself haven’t had the pleasure of shopping cannabis via drive-thru and outside of Las Vegas, I can’t think of a state that has 24-hour dispensaries. With a welcoming storefront painted yellow and green, and with a team of owners that are classified as “minorities/ people of color”, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Dr. Terpz.

How It Started This dispensary was born because there was a lack of focus on terpenes in the Cannabis space. Coowner Sal Ali says: OKLAHOMA CHRONIC

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“Dr. Terpz came about because my brother is an M.D. He went to medical school in the Dominican Republic, and when he came back, he joined me in the cannabis industry. We felt that terpenes at the time were not being promoted in the industry as much as they should so, the brand was created around him. Prior to that we actually opened a store in Oklahoma City called Terpinz. We did everything to establish that business and then the investor pretty much took it from us”.

When I asked how hard it was to establish a cannabis business as a person of color, Sal stated: “It is very hard for minorities in this industry. Access to the amount of capital needed to survive and thrive is probably the number one difficulty”.

In comparison to other states, Sal says that Oklahoma is easier than many:

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“Being in multiple states I would say Oklahoma is by far the best market for minorities. The red tape is much easier to handle than pretty much any other state.”

The Leadership Team It’s no secret that the cannabis industry is mostly white male dominated. When I am introduced to a company in this industry that is owned and operated by women and people of color, I always want to know more. The leadership team at Dr. Terpz is described by Sal as: “Our leadership team consists of me, my brother Kam Ali, Eddie Colon, Oscar Pena of "Super"O" management (they manage famous clientele from the Latin music industry), and Elias Sparagis (an operations expert)”.

Future Plans for Dr. Terpz and Why Patients Should Shop There Dr. Terpz has plans for expansion but, capital and is always a concern.

When I asked Sal why patients should shop with Dr. Terpz, he stated: “The main reason is we are deeply rooted in the cannabis culture. We treat our patients like family and we have tons of experience in the industry. Being minorities, we have had to do it all. We wear many different hats, and usually, other more capitalized companies can just

come in and hire all the help they need. This has given us the advantage of having a deep understanding of all aspects of the business”.

Advice for Minorities Trying to get into the Cannabis Industry Sal leaves us with this: “Plan, plan, and plan again before jumping in. Having a solid vision and plan that you are working towards executing, will save you a lot of pain and heartache.”

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Final Thoughts Dr. Terpz looks out for the community with deals like: Penny pre-roll 1st timer, get a preroll for a penny with a $25 purchase, and a free 1/2 gram with the purchase of an eighth.

Support minority businesses, because it helps the entire community. As GreenAmerica.org says: “Supporting minority-owned businesses in turn supports families, employees, and other business owners, as well as attracts community investors who provide banking services, loans, and promote financial literacy--all things that build economic strength.�

Support minority businesses because it helps the entire community.

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Photo credit: Carisa Rowe

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THE WORLD OF CANNABINOIDS AND TERPENES

Written by Dr. Pepper Hernandez, ND, PhD, BCHP, CNHP, CTC

CAMPHENE In the World of Cannabinoids and Terpenes column, we will be talking about terpenes, which are aromatic compounds found in every plant. Specifically in cannabis. We explore the cannabinoids, terpenes, and cultivars. Their effects, and potential healing abilities of each.

There are hundreds of different terpenes and cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. While each has its own benefits, together they make up a potent combo. Terpenes and Cannabinoids are the most important determinants of a cannabis plant’s potential, not only its taste or smell but its medicinal properties as well. When they come together in the synergistic effect, know as the outdated term the entourage effect, finding

Photo Credit: Happy-P420 Grower: Full Moon Farms

the right cultivar could save your life. I am in hopes this column can help you do just that. So let us get started, and geek out together.

The Holistic Indian System of Ayurvedic Medicine has known about the effects of Camphene for millennia.

Camphene is a cannabis terpene that gives off a

Ayurvedic practitioners tap into Camphene-containing

musky, earthy scent with an herbal aroma of

juniper berry oil as one of many natural remedies. In

piney undertones described by some as

addition to cannabis, Camphene is found naturally in

pungent. It is reminiscent of damp earth or fir

plants and spices such as Conifer, Nutmeg, Ginger,

needles. It has been mistaken for the Myrcene

Rosemary, Dill, Caraway, Hyssop, Cypress, Citronella,

terpene because the aroma is so similar to that

Valerian, and Fennel.

of Myrcene. Also, Myrcene is much more abundant in cannabis, making it easier to find

Camphene is most popularly uses in fragrances, oils and

and sniff out.

foods as an additive or flavoring. You may remember the unforgettable smell in topical ointments or creams.

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Usually mixed with petroleum jelly and used as a rub, we all remember anything that bothered us when ill as a child. Camphene can be applied directly to the skin to treat fungal dermatological diseases, including dermatitis. It is widely used in conventional medicine as a topical for other skin issues like eczema and psoriasis.

From a medical point of view, Camphene has great potential. When mixed with vitamin C, it has the potential to become a powerful antioxidant. It has been seen in many studies to protect the break down of cells do to over oxidation. Camphene has also been shown to reduce the oxidative stress that can lead to tissue damage. Camphene may be beneficial in battling respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis. In its diluted vapor form, Camphene may act as a cough suppressant and anti-congestive tool. Studies also have shown that Camphene, combined with other terpenes, plays a role in reducing inflammation, a major component of how people experience pain. Conditions people most frequently cite as reasons for their cannabis use are pain and inflammation.

Photo Credit: Happy-P420 Grower: Full Moon Farms

With this being stated, let us look at the cultivars we can find this terpene in.

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

Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, CTC, CNHP is a Naturopathic Nutritionist, Cannabis Therapy Consultant, the Founder, and Education Director of the Cannabis Holistic Institute.

CAMPHENE’S POTENTIAL EFFECTS INCLUDE: CARDIOVASCULAR TREATMENT ANTIOXIDANT ANTIFUNGAL INFLAMMATION RESPIRATORY

To find out more about her private practice, educational programs, videos and other offerings you can and find her on the massive inter-webs, social platforms or at drpepperhernandez.com.

Go forth, Go Cannabis...

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Where To Smoke In Oklahoma

WORDS BY PHILIP RODRIGUEZ

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Up, Down, Left, Right

After my somewhat disappointing library session (I’m not gonna call it a failure, because I still got some pretty sweet pics of me smoking with my dinosaur friend), my writing and research compatriot Melissa and I made our way to a relatively new restaurant on my side of town with a gorgeous outdoor patio. The Bricktown Brewery opened their Memorial Rd. location late last year, and I spent a lot of my time as I merged onto the Kilpatrick Turnpike last summer staring at the large outdoor patio on their second floor, wondering if I could smoke there.

Alas, though it was a nice experience to dine in an open-air, outdoor patio, away from patrons and staff, and the food was great, there were several very explicit “no smoking” signs around. I almost certainly could have gotten away with smoking a joint outside, but that’s true of almost anywhere these days, and that’s not what we’re all here for, right?

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Disappointed that I hadn’t found a really exciting and good spot yet, and feeling sad about almost everything in general (There’s just nothing quite like a brutal break-up to really round out one of your worst ever years), I decided to try and put some time in working Postmates so I could at least make some dime while I sulked. Seeking to make my way to the busiest areas of the map, I headed down towards The Plaza, and was almost immediately pinged with a delivery from The Press. As I made my way down 16th street, it caught my eye again: Up-Down Arcade Bar! I’ve heard a few times that their patio is cannabis-friendly, and what better way to alleviate my anxieties than to smoke up and play some arcade games? Paranoid as I may be about COVID transmission in bars, I knew I had to make this the place I’d write about.

After knocking out a few deliveries to increase my spending cash, I parked down the street, made sure I had all my goodies on me (joint: check! Hash rosin: got it! Mask and hand sanitizer: affirmative!) and headed inside. First things first: the patios. Wow, wow, wow! The one on the bottom floor has well-spaced out seating, giant heaters, and is a stone’s throw away from the bar.

But the second-floor patios, especially the larger one facing 16th street, are really where UpDown shines as maybe my new favorite venue to smoke. Three large tables with fire pits containing beautiful glass marbles make up the middle of the patio, with several smaller tables around the perimeter. The view is spectacular—you can basically see the entire Plaza District—and it was one of my favorite ones to encounter while smoking in a long time (yes I know I need a vacation, feel free to Venmo your boy y’all).

Up-Down Arcade Bar located at 1629 NW 16th St in The Plaza District, and is open 3pm-2am Monday through Friday, and 11am-2am on Saturday and Sunday. For information on beer selection, food, current games rotation, COVID precautions, and more, check out www.updownarcadebar.com.

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The bar is decorated with lots of fun, and familiar slogans displayed in brilliant neon, and the highlight has to be the “It was all a dream…” against a wall of succulents or some kind of moss on the east side of the patio.

Much like the flower arrangements and neon signs at The Eleanor, or the “Don’t do coke” sign at The Other Room, it’s sure to be one of the most photographed pieces of bar art in OKC this winter (see, as example provided, the photograph I took of it, because I am a silly hipster and I love silly hipster things).

I smoked my joint at one of the tables with a fire pit to keep me warm through the 48 degree weather, at one point even spotting local Instagram influencer @bustaokc taking a dab at the table next to me. It was at this point, as well as when I smelled the aroma of well-grown cannabis being smoked the second I walked out on the patio, I realized I was by far not the first person to realize this is a safe haven for medical marijuana patients.

I haven’t forgotten: Up-Down is an arcade bar, so how are the games? After all, the only combination I love more than weed and coffee, is weed and videogames!

I found the selection to be equal parts nostalgic and insanely fun. It’s not a 10/10 (not a single Time Crisis?), but the fact that the machines rotate between the 6 Up-Down locations means we can look forward to new games coming in that might not be expected. And the old standards that filled my days at Chuck E’ Cheese and Celebration Station in the 90’s and early aughts are almost all here: NFL Blitz ‘99, The Simpsons Arcade, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and XMen Arcade. There’s also old-school classics like Galaga and Donkey Kong, or the sort of light-gun and racing games you used to play at Wal-Mart while your mom checked out at the register (CarnEvil, Area 51, you know the type)—it’s an impressive selection.

I played a couple of games on NFL Blitz (and won both), practically hopping up and down with simultaneous stoned glee and frustration over it’s outlandishly poor but comical simulation of NFL football. Legends of the game like Steve Young, John Elway and Troy Aikman, all inappropriately jackedup and loaded with silly trash-talk in and late hits between plays. Just a delight. After that, some TMNT and Simpsons arcade, a bit of ski ball, and then home. I’m almost positive Lou Reed has a song about something like this.

I didn’t try their pizza, but it looks delicious, and the food window seemed busy every time I passed it. The beer selection is excellent; there’s a huge array of local craft beers, domestics, and imports alike. TV’s all around the bar show a variety of 80’s and 90’s movies and events, along with current sporting events as well. Where else can you watch Hulk Hogan do damage in a classic Wrestlemania, check the score of the Jets game (they lost, don’t bother), smoke a joint and play videogames all at the same time?

Sure, you could do it at home in your underwear again if you want. But if an agoraphobe like me can find enjoyment at a spot like this—and feel safe based on their COVID precautions—then you know it’s gotta be a good time.

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MONTHLY CANNABIS REVIEW

SMOKIES CBD GUMMIES

By Melissa Hall, M.Ed.

Back at it again and as Fall makes her exit, Winter starts to creep in.

December brings this quite unusual year to an end.

As we close out 2020, I can only think of one product that’s a general feel good prescription for everyone. I am asked often about CBD, specifically CBD gummies. So, I thought of a very recognized name in the gummy biz and their high CBD gummies.

If you have been in any dispensary chances are you have seen the multicolor bags that line the walls or cabinets with the Brand Logo Smokiez. “We are just a group of humans trying to make a difference in the world. We put the upmost effort into making every product the best it can be.” Smokiez states.

The gummies are available in Oklahoma, California, Oregon, Colorado, Washington and Nevada.

Smokiez smooth texture, perfect consistency and high clarity extract have made them one of the most popular gummy brands in the County.

Their signature fruity flavors pop with crisp, clean flavors. The effects are very mild as far as a high but help tremendously with so much.

The texture of the Smokiez is once again to be commended. A stellar consistency teams with the perfect bite of fruit filled delight. My readers are always asking about CBD benefits, vs. THC, and so on. Here’s the low down on CBD gummies and the health benefits that come with taking them.

Reduce Anxiety and Stress Many people take CBD gummies to reduce anxiety and stress. This is because CBD can relieve anxiety and stress quickly and effectively, and there are two scientific reasons for how CBD reduces anxiety and stress.. These receptors can target and eradicate anxiety and stress. The second way that CBD reduces anxiety and stress is because it can regulate anandamide and serotonin. Anandamide is also known as the “bliss molecule.” It helps signal the brain to be in a blissful state. On the other hand, serotonin is also a similar chemical, which is why it is known as the “feel good” molecule.

The best CBD gummies for anxiety must contain sufficient CBD levels to stimulate your receptors and brain chemicals, hence helping you manage your anxiety and stress levels.

Pain Relief One of the reasons why Marijuana is popular in the recent century is its pain relief benefit. However, since Marijuana contains THC, its pain relief is accompanied by psychoactive side effects, but that is not the case with CBD gummies. CBD gummies for pain that use concentrated CBD oil can ease chronic pain by relieving endocannabinoid receptor activities. Several research also shows that CBD oil can help with inflammation for conditions such as arthritis and sclerosis.

Improve Focus and Clarity In general, research shows that CBD works well with the dopamine receptors of the body. Dopamine is a kind of chemical neurotransmitter that helps regulate mental attention, motivation, focus, and memory loss. By taking a sufficient amount of CBD through gummies, you will have better working dopamine receptors improving your overall ability to focus and have a sense of clarity.

Improve Mood Hormones are what’s mostly responsible for controlling one’s mood. However, due to the busy lifestyle of people nowadays, their flight or fight responses are over triggered, which results in hormonal imbalance.

Improve Sleeping Pattern Nowadays, many people suffer from a lack of sleep due to stress or abnormal sleeping patterns due to various reasons, such as enduring pain or high levels.

However, according to research performed, subjects who were given CBD at the dosage of 25g per day showed better sleeping patterns.

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Here are the different types of CBD that you need to know about: Full-spectrum: This type of CBD comes from the whole hemp plant matter. This means the entire hemp plant from roots to leaves is either pressed or pulverized to extract its oil. As a result, the oil’s consistency will have a full spectrum of phytochemicals, terpenes, and cannabinoids.

Broad-spectrum: On the other hand, Broad-spectrum CBD is extracted through the same process as full-spectrum. However, its THC compounds are separated or removed entirely after the procedure. The end product is oils that have no trace of THC. CBD isolates: This type of CBD is derived from isolated compounds of the Hemp plant. The process it undergoes is called supercritical CO2 extraction. And, it. does not contain any THC contents.

Smokiez high CBD gummies are the perfect fruity treat that can alleviate so many ailments as shown. Thank you so much to the crew over at Smokies for always producing high-quality consistent meds, I highly recommend these!

Remember, always medicate responsibly and Stay Lit Oklahoma.

By Kayla Johnson

One of the biggest appeals of legalized medicinal cannabis is that as long as you’re purchasing from a licensed, trustworthy dispensary, you can take comfort in knowing exactly what farm your flower came from, who processed it, and the name of the strain you’re buying.

Susie Becker is one such patient who has seen her cannabis game change since legalization. A native of Arkansas who went to school in Tennessee before settling in Tulsa, Becker has called TTown home for over 16 years, and like many of us, grew up in an anti-cannabis environment.

As many of us know, ‘back in the day’, it was more of a guessing game, where you just got what you could from whoever you could get it from. Having strain information, along with grower or processor information, has changed the game for many patients, now able to select exact strains or terpene profiles that truly benefit them, while knowing their medicine was grown or processed in a safe environment.

“I was absolutely raised anti-cannabis, but I also always wanted to make my own decisions, and after a while, I knew that there were properties of the plant that I had to research on my own.”

Like many, Becker’s early brushes with cannabis came on a ‘get what you can’ basis, and she admits that there were moments where she didn’t always do the smart thing when it came to getting what she could.

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“My experience was: ask kind of nonchalantly, and get in the back of a car with a stranger and see what happens. I wasn’t always making smart decisions, to the point where I even drove for a friend on pickups further and further away from home...Each time, I felt really uneasy about what exactly we were getting from whom.”

For Becker, cannabis helped with ailments that she never realized she suffered from, but could tell a huge difference between consuming and not consuming it. Twelve years ago, her world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with ICP, or Intercranial Pressure due to a false tumor, or pseudo-tumor that puts a high amount of pressure on the brain, without the presence of a tumor or mass. The condition can be debilitating, and cause severe pain from migraines and uncontrollable pressure throughout the body. Like so many with a serious medical condition, Becker tried multiple medications to ease her pain, but had little luck.

“The medications I tried either knocked me out, or left me practically drooling..I knew that cannabis had worked for me, and that it did work better for me than what I had tried so far, and so I made the decision to switch up my medication after talking to a doctor that I felt comfortable being honest with about my consumption...If cannabis had been legal ten years ago, I don’t think I would be in the medical position that I am in, I truly believe that whole-heartedly.”

In addition to her ongoing health concerns, Becker has also found tremendous relief from her insomnia and additional stomach issues. When it came time to make her first legal purchase after 788 passed, she confessed it was a mixed bag of emotions.

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Homegrown by Susie Becker “I was so excited, but so LOST! The industry has made so many different changes over the years, and of course will be forever changing. It was a lot to take in, but I was just relieved to get relief. It’s always going to change and evolve to be better, and it’s something I wish the pharmaceutical industry would take note of.”

As many of us can relate to, Becker kept her use, even after legalization, quiet, used to the negative publicity surrounding cannabis even as legalization began to spread across a multitude of states. Luckily, there was one person she was able to be open and honest with.

“My husband has always been procannabis. For a long time, I was really secretive with my use,

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but he sees the difference it makes for me, and the effects it has had on me for the better. I was honestly quite nervous when it came time to let my parents and a few other family members know about my consumption, but to my surprise, I was given the answer: “I always thought it would help with your pain management.”

I was shocked! My mother, who has put two children through rehab (I being one of them), was the one who said that, and I love being able to be open with it to them now, to help share the correct information.”

In addition to being a patient herself, Becker is also a passionate budtender, and prides herself on her eagerness to learn more, always.

“I love being able to help patients get better results from their medicine. I’m sad to see a flourishing industry in a sick nation, but I’m proud of being a part of turning that around for people. I’m excited to have the opportunity to grow more, and watch my knowledge become more in-depth.”

In addition to being a patient herself, Becker is also a passionate budtender, and prides herself on her eagerness to learn more, always.

“I love being able to help patients get better results from their medicine. I’m sad to see a flourishing industry in a sick nation, but I’m proud of being a part of turning that around for people. I’m excited to have the opportunity to grow more, and watch my knowledge become more in-depth.”

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Becker’s passion for cannabis and being a part of the industry has only been fueled by being a part of the vibrant cannabis community that has sprouted and taken off, shattering stereotypes and redefining what it means to be a cannabis consumer.

“I really love the community here, and honestly, it’s just getting bigger and better every year, more than I had ever imagined. It’s beautiful to see this change happening, and it makes me excited to see the next steps. Oklahoma has been jumping through hoops to educate people and spread knowledge, and I love it!”

Despite her enthusiasm for the plant, Becker acknowledges that it can be nerve wracking to try and jump in feet first if you’ve never experienced cannabis before.

“All I can do is encourage people to try it out. I like to ask what kind of ailments they’re looking for help with (without being nosy), what symptoms they’re struggling the most with, and most often, they have some homework to do, to figure out what kind of dose might work best for them. Once they’ve tried things out for a few days, I always like to check in, see if things need to be changed up, and help them remember that everybody’s different and needs different products and methods to consume. Budtenders just want to help patients feel better, sleep better, and live better, and I encourage budtenders to do everything they can to help patients make informed decisions for their medicine.”

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BY THE NUMBERS AS OF NOVEMBER 2020 THERE IS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

Growers

As of November 3rd, there are 5,905 growers within our state

Processors Dispensaries

We have 1,156 licensed processors in the state We currently have 1,924 dispensary licenses with this great state

Transport Laboratory Waste Disposal

We now have 53 Transportation icenses We have 23 licensed labs We have 9 licensed waste disposal faclities

Approved Licenses: 360,741 Patients & 2,592 Caregivers Received Licenses: 382,608 Patient & 3,617 Caregivers OKLAHOMA CHRONIC

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MAGAZINES OUTPERFORM OTHER MEDIA IN DRIVING POSITIVE SHIFTS IN PURCHASE CONSIDERATION/INTENT. (SOURCE: DYNAMIC LOGIC)

WE CAN'T SPEAK FOR THE OTHER GUYS BUT IT'S MORE THAN AN AD WITH US.

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