The Chronic Magazine (July 2021)

THE BEST MARIJUANA RESOURCE

CHRONIC CHRONIC

Delta8 WHAT'S

EDIBLES MICRODOSING TO CONTROL YOUR HIGH

SO YOU THINK YOU WANNA GROW

KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR NEW CULTIVATORS

HAPPY

IS LEGAL WEED HURTING OR HELPING THE BLACK MARKET

4TH OF JU

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THE CHRONIC | JULY 2021

CONTENTS CONTENTS

9 EDIBLE DOSING Micro-dosing to control your high

13 WHAT IS DELTA 8?

Delta 8 THC has technically been around forever since it is a naturally occurring compound in the cannabis plant.

18 HELPING OR HURTING?

Is legal weed hurting or helping the black market?

24 CANNABIS IN THE WORKPLACE One of the most asked questions when applying for or starting a new job is “are you willing to take a drug test?”

30 MONTHLY RECIPE - CHEF BUZ This month's recipe is a quick and easy dish that will make you feel like a gourmet chef and eat like one too.

9

33

EXCLUSIVE!

SO YOU THINK YOU WANNA GROW?

38 TIMES ARE CHANGING

38

44 WORLD OF CANNABINOIDS AND TERPENES

MONTHLY CANNABIS

THCV - tetrahydrocannabivarin

Back on the hunt again, and with the 710 Dabbers Day holiday approaching quickly, been on the lookout for the perfect hash rosin to celebrate.

CANNABIS DOSING DE-CODED

Understanding cannabis dosages requires a cannabis patient to be their own pharmacist.

48 CANNABIS DOSING DE-CODED

by Carisa Rowe

53 WHERE TO SMOKE IN OKLAHOMA The Sesh - Where's a good place to smoke and dab away from home? Here’s a little “Best Of” section for you all.

60 MONTHLY CANNABIS REVIEW

18

30

48

Killer Cupcakes & Wight Rabbit

63 SURVIVOR 68 BY THE NUMBERS As of June 2021

CINORHC EHT

24

Is Federal Legalization on the horizon?

M I C R O - D O S I N G

T O

C O N T R O L

Y O U R

H I G H

Edibles Edibles Dosing Dosing

by Veronica Castillo

It

happens to many of us when we start to consume cannabis by way of edibles. We consume way too much, way too

little, and many times it’s the overindulging that gets to people because the activation time can be delayed by a couple of hours. Before legalization, the dosage was questionable because we could tell people how many grams/ounces went into the recipe, but the mg determination wasn’t always available. But even still, knowing how 5 mg, 10 mg, and so on will

CHRONIC | JULY 2021

9

impact you is questionable when new to this way of consumption.

The best way to learn your dose and control your high is to start slow, using a method called micro-dosing. Microdosing, like consumption of cannabis overall, looks a little different for everyone so, this piece will focus on micro-dosing, to learn and control your high, with insight into tapping into mindfulness and awareness of self.

Tapping into Mindfulness and Being Aware of Self Many times, mindfulness is associated with religion and meditation.

Mindfulness may be considered “weird thinking” to some but, mindfulness is being taught in law practice, management/ leadership training, used to treat anxiety and bias, and a multitude of other areas. Mindfulness is not a religion; rather, it is a state of active and open attention to the right now, this very moment, seeing and feeling thoughts and emotions, accepting that they are there.

It is the practice of observing your thoughts (looking at/seeing your thoughts), just observation, no judgment. Oftentimes, our minds are so active thinking about the past and the future, that we let right now pass us by.

Mindfulness is the practice of not letting life pass you by, it’s about living in the moment with no judgment, just awareness of what’s happening.

When it comes to associating mindfulness and awareness with the consumption of edibles, it means that one knows their system, their limits, and their general tolerance. Here’s what I mean; if you are a person that is generally sensitive to things like pain meds and/or someone that has a low tolerance for wine, you have to be mindful and accepting of this and go in slow. Being aware of self is the best way to ensure a great experience.

Microdosing Cannabis Edibles As stated above, it’s not a great idea to consume a normal dose of an edible, if you are someone with general low tolerance. For someone with general low tolerance, microdosing is highly recommended. Important to note, micro-dosing isn’t restricted to beginners.

People with years of experience and high tolerance utilize this approach for various reasons.

For the new to edibles cannabis consumer, micro-dosing is a sure way to learn and control a high. Below is a little guidance, examples, and tips for micro-dosing with cannabis:

Smoking and Vaping:

when dosing

flowers and/or vape cart, using the “1 puff at a time” logic is best. One puff/inhale every 4-6 minutes to see how you feel before consuming

means the impact is felt very close to immediately. With vaping- it’s a little delayed in impact so- 1 inhale every 10-12 minutes is a nice start. It may take 1 inhale, it may take 4 inhales, but dosing in this way allows you to see how much is actually needed for the reason you are consuming.

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CHRONIC | JULY 2021

more is recommended. Smoking cannabis

Tinctures:

this gets a little tricky because

depending on the body, oil can take up to 2 hours to feel. Using a 1000 MG tincture as the example- means that each full serving is 33.33 mg of Cannabis oil. When micro-dosing cannabis tincture oil serving, start with 5-7 drops under the tongue. Because oil generally has a longer waiting period to feel the impact, 5-7 drops every hour- an hour and a half are recommended.

The same recommendations go for CBD because although CBD doesn’t give the same type of high, it can still create heaviness in the body that the consumer wasn’t ready for.

Set and Setting Applies to Cannabis Too

Edibles:

like tinctures, edibles are a bit

We are hearing a lot about psychedelics, with magic mushrooms being the

tricky because of the impact of time.

star of the conversation. Set and setting are a huge focal point when

Generally, the impact starts to release into the

journeying with psychedelics, but the same attention to set and setting

body between 30 minutes to an hour. However,

should be given to the topic of cannabis edibles.

an edible can take up to 2 hours to feel.

Generally, when buying an edible from a

Set= mindset and being in a happy place will ensure a better experience.

dispensary, the maximum milligrams allowed by

CHRONIC | JULY 2021

11

law is 100 mg. That one edible will be divided

Setting= where the journey takes place- the environment- the people

into pieces and/or marked by sections in 10 mg

around. Even without cannabis, set and setting should focus points in all of

dosages. For someone that is micro-dosing, 5

life, but when under the influence of a cannabis edible, the experience will

mg is a good place to start. Then increasing by

be better if the mindset is in a happy place, and the person is in a safe

2.5 mg each hour.

energetically pretty setting (environment).

Even high tolerance consumers shouldn’t start

In Closing

with more than 10 mg. Because edibles are received by the body differently, those with a lot of cannabis consumption experience may still be sensitive to edibles.

The best way to consume is to start slowly with mindfulness and awareness being the focal point. Cannabis edibles should provide a pleasurable experience. If it's a bad one, it’s likely that too much was consumed.

DELTA 8 THC'S ORIGIN

WHAT IS

DELTA 8 B Y

C H Y N N A

P E A R S O N

I

f you're tapped into the cannabis industry, you may have heard some rumblings of something called Delta 8 THC (Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol or, it is sometimes called, Δ 8). For many of us cannabis enthusiasts and patients, we have just gotten used to the idea of legalized cannabis. Now, we have something new on the horizon. I'm sure some of you remember learning about concentrates and that's just a different form of a plant you were already familiar with. Delta 8 THC is new territory for just about everyone.

Delta 8 THC has technically been around forever since it is a naturally occurring compound in the cannabis plant. However, the natural equivalent to Delta 8 THC is so minor that it must be extracted in a laboratory to be viable. This new product is typically extracted from hemp-extracted CBD (it is possible to use THC to make it, but CBD is the most common way to do so.

The process to get Delta 8 from the hemp plant is through an isomerization process that has been around for decades. This process was patented by G. R. Webster, Leonard Sarna, and Raphael Mechoulam currently of Full Spectrum Laboratories.

Isomerization to create Delta 8 from either CBD or THC begins with soaking the product in a non-polar organic solvent. From there, they add the acid of their choice and heat the mixture to 100 degrees Fahrenheit while constantly stirring. This step will take up to 18 hours depending on what acid was chosen.

After those hours are up, the mixture is washed and dried, it has been suggested to use sodium bicarbonate to wash everything off thoroughly. The now clean product is treated with high-performance liquid chromatography to separate all the cannabinoids into their own parts. This process is one of the most popular processes that bring us the Delta 8 THC products.

CLASSIC THC VS DELTA 8 THC

CHRONIC | JULY 2021

13

Initially, all of this sounds very strange, what exactly is Delta 8 THC and why should we care about it? Here at Chronic Magazine, we figured it would be beneficial to give some background and some clarification on the new delta8. Let's dive right in and hopefully, we can answer every question you might have!

Since Delta 8 THC is also derived from the plant, it's a reasonable question to ask, what are the actual differences? Other than Delta 8 THC being produced in a lab from the plant and not actually grown from the plant, Delta 8 is known for being much less psychoactive than classically known THC when inhaled. When ingested, it was reported that Delta 8 could have very similar effects to classic THC. There are many people that could appreciate a high with less psychoactive effects.

WHAT'S DELTA 8 THC'S LEGALITY?

When faced with purchasing Delta 8 THC, it is another difference from classic cannabis.

Delta 8 THC is not 100% legal in the entire United States, there are 15 states that currently ban the sale of Delta 8 THC and 6 more that are currently reviewing the legality of it like Michigan, Oregon, and Alabama.

Some of the states that now list Delta 8 THC as illegal are Colorado, Arizona, Kentucky, Arkansas, and New York. Oklahoma is currently pending on the banning or legalizing of Delta 8 THC. When it comes to banning the Delta 8 THC, most of the reasons behind it stem from not wanting the sale of synthetic cannabis or lab made cannabis in their state.

New York’s bill regarding Delta 8 THC states, SECTION

1005.7

REQUIREMENTS FOR

CANNABINOID HEMP PROCESSORS

( ) A

ALL CANNABINOID HEMP

PROCESSORS SHALL

: … (11)

NOT USE

SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS

OR

OR

Δ 8Δ 10-

,

TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL

TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL

CREATED THROUGH ISOMERIZATION

,

IN THE EXTRACTION OR

MANUFACTURING OF ANY

CANNABINOID HEMP PRODUCTS

.

For most people, that may seem like a reasonable statement but, is Delta 8 that much different than Delta 9? Both are “made” from the same base, one is just a highly concentrated version of one variant of the THC cannabinoid.

According to the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency Director Andrew Brisbo, “We are looking at the Delta-8-THC issue, as it’s commonly known, looking at issues of intoxicating products that don’t currently fall within the definition of marijuana, within the statutes of Michigan and ensuring that products that may have intoxicating effects are subject to the same safety requirements and the same oversight as Delta-9-THC products.”

It does seem like states are open to the idea of introducing Delta 8 THC to their community but the idea of something made in a lab does have a very rough history within the United States.

There are also rumors floating around that people are only trying to market Delta 8 THC because they have a surplus of CBD DELTA 8 THC’S FUTURE that isn’t selling as well as they wanted it Within the cannabis industry, it is clear that to be.

Delta 8 THC is making a splash. However, It is important to recognize that both sides there is no telling just how long it will be relevant. Some are saying that this Delta 8 of this Delta 8 THC issue all have their own THC is just a fad and will not have much of a motives and one must draw their own conclusions based on research. Although foothold in the industry as years pass on. most predictions tend to lean to the side Others say that this variant of THC is the future of cannabis. For now, we cannot say of Delta 8 THC being wiped out due to the increase or the adoption of rules and for certain what will happen. regulations throughout the United States, it may surprise everyone by becoming the There are multiple grey areas within the law new top seller of the cannabis and hemp industry. that have people been looking to when it comes to being able to sell Delta 8. Since Delta 8 is considered to be a part of the hemp Let your own research decide, are you someone who wants to keep the THC the family, it is not technically illegal in the way we know it or do you think switching it majority of states. up could be the right idea?

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CHRONIC | JULY 2021

Since Delta 8 THC is also derived from the plant, it's a reasonable question to ask, what are the actual differences? Other than Delta 8 THC being produced in a lab from the plant and not actually grown from the plant, Delta 8 is known for being much less psychoactive than classically known THC when inhaled. When ingested, it was reported that Delta 8 could have very similar effects to classic THC. There are many people that could appreciate a high with less psychoactive effects.

Fun fact: The THC we know today is actually called Delta 9 and when we leave our cannabis out for too long the THC will break down and begin to change into Delta 8. Some have said that Delta 8 even has a more gradual and satisfying high. So it's not so insanely different from what we know and love as one may have expected.

Delta 8 is unfortunately still in need of some study. We haven't had too many studies on it due to how new in relevance it is becoming. It is likely that within the next few years we will have done enough study to fully understand the way Delta 8 affects people and what it can help with.

At the moment, Delta 8 has been seen to assist with nausea and vomiting, stimulation of one’s appetite, pain relief, improvement of brain health, and it can help you relax. With the few studies that have been done, it is clear that there may be some real benefits to Delta 8 THC cannabinoid.

HELPING OR HURTING? IS LEGAL WEED HURTING OR HELPING THE BLACK MARKET?

by Tatiana Melendez

The cannabis community has

The growing black-market

Cannabis supporters express

For some, long gone are the

been marginalized for half a

cannabis causes several

concerns that the cannabis

days where you had to meet

century due to the war on

problems, both for the

industry is a window into one

in a sketchy area. For others,

drugs, and minorities -

legitimacy of the industry

widespread side effect of

they continue to go to their

especially African

and the health of our

legalization in the U.S.:

preliminary site due to high

Americans - underserved

environment.

fueling, rather than

prices or the same quality for

eliminating, the black market.

the same price.

subject to extreme policing

There is currently an

prejudice in the name of

oversupply issue, especially

Others say that medical

“cleaner streets.”

in the northwest U.S., so it is

marijuana with a low barrier

not uncommon for farmers

to program access would put

The initial categorization of

to sell to the black market

illegal drug traders out of

marijuana as a Schedule I

and ship their marijuana into

business.

drug in the 1970s could be

other states due to

said, was the primary force

decreased prices in

A thought that gets brought

that channeled cannabis

dispensaries.

up here and there is how

cultivation, distribution, and consumption underground.

expensive regulation and Since then, as marijuana's

high demand across the

popularity and social

country could be making the

A black market is

relevance have continued to

black market more profitable

characterized by a

grow, the black market has

than going legit.

knowingly subversive system

concurrently grown with it.

that operates outside legal

Do you agree or disagree?

and institutional guidelines.

What is to say of Oklahoma?

Is the black market of marijuana thriving in Oklahoma?

In the last six month’s Oklahoma’s black market marijuana industry is slowing, demonstrating it is still thriving, causing headaches for law enforcement, and possibly undercutting some

Others state, "some of the biggest obstacles to the

However, when I refer to

While many states are

industry's growth are a result

black-market cannabis, it

already reaping the benefits

of too many regulations and

mainly refers to any

of the legal cannabis

taxes. The more difficult and

cultivation, distribution, or

industry infrastructure, it has

the more expensive it is to

transaction of marijuana

also been showing the black

purchase cannabis from the

products conducted outside

market is doing the same, if

legal market, the fewer

the limits of U.S. law.

not more.

customers who will opt for the legal route.”

legitimate business owners on price.

Many thoughts automatically point fingers at the absence of a cannabis track and trace system within Oklahoma’s marijuana sale database.

18

CHRONIC | JULY 2021

communities have been

It could potentially be

In one instance, OBN

According to CATO and

Not only does it not increase

preventative in local

arrested individuals in

statistics, legal marijuana

crime, but it allows law

authorities having to

Guthrie, where entire trucks

and its effect on the black

enforcement to focus on

conduct wide-range

of marijuana were seized on

market demonstrate

more serious crimes.

investigations for potential

the grounds of black-market

decreased foreign

arrests for black-market

outsourcing of medical

marijuana crossing U.S.

On a positive note, state-

sales of marijuana.

marijuana products.

borders. It could potentially

level marijuana legalization

be because U.S. consumers

has undercut demand for

Still, one thing is for sure-

Mark Woodward, officer for

are buying a domestic

illegal marijuana, which in

OBN finds it difficult to

the Oklahoma Bureau of

product.

turn has decreased the

narrow in closely which of

Narcotics (OBN) and

the state’s dispensaries and

Dangerous Drugs, stated,

local growers are conducting their business legally without a track and trace system.

And because of OMMA's lenient regulations around the growing of cannabis, the Oklahoma market is a prime target for blackmarket sales, at the very least until the database for

CHRONIC | JULY 2021

19

marijuana-related sales and purchases is official.

OBN continues to investigate those that are operating outside of the legal system.

“in the last nine months the department has seen an influx of farms coming to Oklahoma run by Chinese workers who come from California and New Mexico buying up land and starting large commercial grows.

In some cases, there's no wrongdoing. But in some cases, these are tied to various criminal gang organizations that are nothing more than blackmarket growers who have come here because the land is cheap, and the laws are less restrictive than in other places.”

amount of drug smuggling Because legalization has

into the United States

offered illegal operations

across the southwest

more straightforward cover,

border.

most of the marijuana circulated through the

Because it is so much more

states is domestically

difficult to conceal than

cultivated.

other drugs, marijuana before legalization was,

CATO stated the average amount of confiscated marijuana at ports of entry had dropped seventy-eight percent between 2013 and 2018.

Another statistic involved crime rates and marijuana.

Data demonstrated that crime does not increase where marijuana is legally available.

according to the DEA,

"predominantly smuggled between, instead of through, the ports of entry."

Take a look at the table below:

When full legalization first started, data shows that it increased the number of legal sales from $1.5 billion to $9.7 billion from 2013 to 2017. DHS also states this increase coincided with a sixty-six percent drop in the street value of all DHS marijuana seizures. A decline from $2.3 billion in 2013 to $765 million in 2017.

Although it will be hard to decrease the illicit activity of the black market, Oklahoma continues to make improvements by investigating.

CHRONIC | JULY 2021

20

CANNABIS IN THE WORKPLACE B Y

S L O A N E

S I M O N

One of the most asked questions when applying for or starting a new job is “are you willing to take a drug test?” In the past, for a large majority of us that partake, this would send chills down our spines and our cars straight to the local head shop to buy a little magical juice to clean up our pee samples. Trust me, the juice works. I applied for a federal job in 2006, received a phone call the afternoon before that I had a drug test the next morning. Drove from Norman to the Ziggy’s on South Meridian and passed my drug test with clean urine. Since the legalization of medical marijuana, many employers have changed their stance on the use of marijuana and the workplace. The state also passed the Unity Bill to help protect medical marijuana patients in the workplace.

Having many friends employed by

A positive test can definitely result in

language of the original SQ 788,

Oklahoma’s other major producer, oil and

termination, med card or not. However,

employees and potential employees

gas, I was able to inquire with them about

some of these companies also state

are able to be card-carrying

what each company says in regard to their

that any outward facing employee, i.e.

members. However, there are certain

usage. Most of these companies follow the

sales or anyone else that is considered

conditions. For example, any federal

Unity Bill in that if the person in question

a face of the company, usage is

employee is required to meet federal

has a deemed “safety-sensitive” position,

prohibited. Ironically, any office

guidelines. Since cannabis is not

a positive marijuana result can possibly

position, like HR, a positive test would

legal across the board, federal

result in termination. These positions are

not result in job loss. Many teacher

employees must follow federal laws.

often people with CDL’s, operating or

friends reported marijuana no longer

Federal employees can obtain a

working on heavy machinery, disposal of

being a part of the drug panel when

medical card, however; they are not

hazardous wastes, etc. Since employees

testing prior to hiring or for randoms.

protected under the Unity Bill if they

working in the field with oil and gas

Look, if I were a teacher, I would need

pop a drug test. With this being said,

companies are dealing with volatile

copious amounts of marijuana to

non-federal employers are able to

substances, heavy machinery, and just

survive my job, so I totally agree with

make judgments based on the

overall dangerous situations on rigs or in

the lack of testing for marijuana for

employees position in the company.

refineries, marijuana usage is a no-go.

educators.

24

CHRONIC | JULY 2021

In the Unity Bill, which amends the

It is a tough job, that is severely

Granted, this person works in a small

underpaid, let them relax with a little

town in uber conservative Western

joint or some edibles outside of school

Oklahoma, but I would venture to

hours. This being said, marijuana

say a large percentage of her co-

usage, or possession, is still prohibited

workers partake, but don’t discuss it

from places of education. It is my

with one another simply to avoid

personal opinion that partaking in

watchful eyes with a hidden agenda.

marijuana is a much safer, healthier

And let’s be real, most of us can pick

option over alcohol consumption and

another out of a crowd without a

the all-too-often prescribed

word being spoken.

pharmaceuticals.

So what does the Unity Bill actually state? According to the bill, no

medical field that they, too, had

employer can refuse to hire,

removed marijuana from their drug

discipline, or terminate based off of

test panels. The removal of cannabis

a person having a medical card. Nor

from the drug panels does not allow

can an employer penalize the

for usage on the clock or possession

employee for a positive cannabis

on premises. Some employers have

drug test unless the person is in a

their employees sign a document

“safety-sensitive” position, does not

stating, though they have their card,

have a valid medical marijuana card,

they will not come to work “under the

or if the employee is under the

influence” and if anything suspicious

influence or in possession during

occurs, there is a possibility for a drug

working hours. As stated above, the

test. In my opinion, I think this is a

Unity Bill also allows the employer

great option. It allows for autonomy of

to have discretion as to what is

the employee, but if an accident

deemed “safety-sensitive.” By

occurs, or something seems “off” from

allowing this classification, it

their normal actions, they are subject

lawfully provides the employer a

to a drug test. As an avid user of my

way to curb the use of marijuana,

medicine, I would say that alcohol or

including medical, by employees.

some other substance is more likely to

Essentially, this has become a huge

be the culprit over marijuana.

loophole, especially in the case of many oil field employees.

What I gathered in my conversations with people from many different

For example, my ex-husband works

fields, other than the federally

for an oil and gas company. He does

employed and safety-sensitive

not operate heavy machinery, he

employees, is that it isn’t as taboo as it

does not drive a company vehicle,

was three years ago. Overall, most

and very rarely does he deal directly

employers honor their employee’s

with potential customers. He does, at

medical cards and the fact that it is

times, go out on location, though it

medicine for many, many of us.

is few and far between.

However, there is still a stigma.

A friend that works at a large box

He has been involved in meetings

store, thinks of blue and yellow vests,

with potential clients to educate on

compared it to a “don’t ask, don’t tell”

certain products, but he is not in

situation.

direct contact with clients.

This being said, if he popped a drug test, he’d be fired. Med card or not.

He has stated on several occasions since the passage of SQ788 that he wishes he could smoke every now and then, but the risk just simply is not worth it. And trust me, I do not blame him for wanting to, we have three kids. In turn, I do not blame him for not risking his job, because again, three kids.

The idea of there being such regulations over whether or not a person can simply smoke marijuana and their job security being in jeopardy is absurd. I understand the federal implications since recreational marijuana is not legalized. My hope is that, soon, cannabis and employment will not be an issue.

26

CHRONIC | JULY 2021

An acquaintance reported from the

Just like I stated with my ex’s job, they

But until federal law changes, it will

greater risk with drinking on the job

allow for some, but not others. He

continue to be looked at as a negative

or even prescription pills. When an

even recounted a story about an

thing when it comes to employment.

employee has a drug test and there

employee that works in the shop as a

is an indication of prescription pills

welder. He is able to have his card and

What is done at home, off company

in the person’s system, a doctor’s

smoke weed, but because he doesn’t

time, should not be able to be

note or proof of said prescription is

deal directly with clients, it’s of no

regulated by an employer. I cannot

enough to take away any risk of

issue. The way the law currently

think of a single instance where an

losing a job. Both alcohol and pills

stands, it is almost a double standard.

employer would discipline or penalize

are abused much more often with

A picking and choosing, if you will, of

an employee, or potential employee,

greater chances of negative

who can benefit from the medicinal

because they decided to have a few

outcomes.

properties of cannabis and who

beers off the clock. Why, then, is it

cannot, based simply over if their

frowned upon and ridiculed because

I do think there is light at the end of

employer finds it to be acceptable.

the other employee decided to take a

27

the tunnel with this. Just in the Unity

Until the stigma and legality around

few rips off of a bong while in the

CHRONIC | JULY 2021

When it comes down to it, there is a

Bill alone, there is progress in

marijuana is changed, there will

comfort of their own home? I’m

protecting the patient and their job.

always be push back. I do think that

grateful that I am employed, not only

Allowing each company, each

marijuana becoming legalized as a

in the industry, but also by others that

employer to establish their own

recreational drug, hell, even medically

don’t take what I do in my free time

rules around cannabis and

acceptable when it comes to federal

and punish me for it. Besides, to quote

employment can help and hinder.

law, will help to decrease this stigma.

my good friend Kim, “I do what I want.”

ORDER YOURS TODAY!

COOKINGWITHABUZ.COM

" TW IS

BLASTIN’ OFF HONEY BBQ MARINADE

" NG KI

ND LET’S GE UP A TC E N OO TO

MARY J’S MUSTARD POT SALAD

BY CHEF BUZ

Good day and welcome back to all my canna chefs out there, it’s July and that means it’s time to celebrate our nation's Independence Day. Bring on the BBQs and pools, I’m ready for a funfilled summer with lots of laughs and good times.

I’ll keep this short and sweet this month because I have two of my favorite and easy grilling' recipes. @medibles_ok

This July I’m sharing my easy Blastin’ Off Honey BBQ Marinade and my favorite potato salad recipe, my Mary J’s Mustard Pot Salad.

These two recipes are delicious and will keep your spirits high in July. So grab a bag of your favorite herb, twist one up and let's get Cooking with a Buz!

with a

COOKING

BUZ

INGREDIENTS BLASTIN’ OFF HONEY BBQ MARINADE 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce, I like to use Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce 1 ½ cups Canna Olive Oil 4 ½ Tablespoons Minced Garlic 1 teaspoon of Salt 1 ½ teaspoon Black Pepper 6 Tablespoons of Honey 1 Tablespoon Paprika 2 Tablespoon Chili Powder

BLASTIN

’

OFF HONEY BBQ MARINADE

This is a very quick and easy recipe, you can use any BBQ sauce you’d like for this recipe, I like Sweet Baby Rays. Ok, place all the ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk until everything is combined together and that’s it! Very quick and easy for you, this recipe will be enough for 6-7 boneless chicken breasts or 6-8 chicken legs. Just place the chicken into a bag or container and pour the marinade over top. I like to flip the chicken to ensure everything is coated evenly. Then cover and pop into your fridge. I like to let it marinate for 24 hours before grilling.

MARY J

’S

MUSTARD POT SALAD

If you like these recipes and my others be sure to check out my book “Cooking with a Buz”. It’s filled full of lots of great dishes like my Irie Jerk Mahi with mango salsa and Island rice or there’s the Steel City Stuffed Meatloaf with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and candied carrots.

Something for everyone and easy-to-follow recipes including grocery lists and dosing info. Grab one today and start hosting your own infused dinner parties like a professional chef.

GNIKOOC

********

30

htiw

Ok, Here’s another easy recipe, not as quick as the marinade but still fast. First, place the potatoes into a large pot and fill them with enough water to cover the potatoes. Bring it to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, you can use a fork to stab the potatoes to see if they are done. You’ll look for the potato to slide off the fork by itself, that’s how you’ll know it's soft enough. Then drain them and put them aside to cool. While the potatoes are boiling away, let's start with the dressing. In a saucepan mix the already beaten eggs with the sugar, salt, and cornstarch, then add the milk, apple cider vinegar, and your mustard and cook until thick. About 10 minutes on medium heat, make sure you are stirring often, you don't want to curdle the milk. Once it's thick, remove from the heat and add the cannabutter and let's get this party started! Pour it into a bowl and refrigerate until cool, once it has cooled off you can mix in the mayo.

Now back to the potatoes, they should be cooled down, you can peel them if you like but I like to leave the skin on then cut them to a medium dice, add the potatoes, onions, chopped eggs, and the celery seed to the dressing and using a silicone spatula and gently fold the mixture together, taste and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Try to prepare this Pot Salad a day in advance to really give all the flavors time to set in, enjoy!

ZUB a

MARY J’S MUSTARD POT SALAD 6-7 Medium White Potatoes 2-3 Stalks of Celery, Chopped 1 small Onion, Chopped Fine 5 Hard Boiled Eggs, Peeled and Chopped 4 Tablespoons CannaButter 1 teaspoon Heinz Yellow Mustard 1 Cup Mayo ½ Cup Milk ⅓ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar ½ teaspoon Salt 1 teaspoon Black Pepper ¾ Cup Sugar 1 teaspoon Celery Seed 1 teaspoon Cornstarch 2 Eggs, Beaten

DIRECTIONS

S SO O Y YO OU U T TH HI IN NK K Y YO OU U W WA AN NN NA A G GR RO OW W KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR NEW CULTIVATORS

by Carisa Rowe

T ime commitment, substrate, nutrient regimen, water quality, light penetration, and airflow are the primary considerations when setting up your at-home or commercial cannabis garden. These decisions should be made with a few things in mind: budget, labor availability, and resource accessibility. The development of any particular garden plan and harvest schedule is dependent on utilizing the most infinite resources at the least financial cost.

Finer details such as structure development, irrigation, waste management, harvest, and distribution are all dependent on identifying the key strengths of the environment in which the garden will be established and the resources that are most beneficial to the gardener’s budget, time, and having enough help.

CHRONIC | JULY 2021

33

While the incidence of large predatory bugs is reduced in indoor setups, microscopic insects can flourish as can bacterial and microbial infestations. In both situations, gardeners must be able to guarantee a strict protocol of foliar sprays, soil drenches, and defoliation practices to ensure that pests do not infest and ruin their valuable crops.

Other time commitments to consider are how long it will take you to gather water, amend it with nutrients, and then deliver enough to each plant to maintain its growth. Water quality must be measured ahead of beginning your growth project.

Cannabis is a filter plant and the compounds in your drinkable water from the tap may actually stack up in the tissue of your plant – this can be exacerbated by the type of substrate There are benefits and risks to consider and nutrient that you use. in your cultivation set up, whether you choose to grow outdoor or indoor You must be sure that the water you flowers. The primary risk in growing feed your plant is clean of heavy cannabis outdoors is interventional metals and other deposits. You can pest management. If you are not able check a water report for your address to commit daily time to your plants for at the Department of Environmental this task, you should consider Equality. adjusting your grow plans.

Pay close attention to compounds Whether your garden is two plants in that are within potable levels but the backyard or 2,000 acres in the seem slightly elevated and research boondocks, you absolutely must have to see if these deposits are known to the available labor to inspect plants fail testing for cannabis. and treat them with a protocol of pest management techniques.

Even though your tap water is potable, or drinkable, it may create Mother Nature really does know what problems over time for your crop. she is doing with this plant so I cannot Take a sample to be tested by one of argue against the many benefits of the box stores like Lowe’s or Costco. sun-grown, soil-raised cannabis.

Achieving shelf-quality bud from your Both companies offer free reports outdoor plants requires attention to that you can compare to the DEQ detail and a serious time commitment report. If your water is really clean, but its well worth the extra effort. rock on!

In an indoor setup, interventional pest management is still a concern but taking certain steps during development of your structure and cultivation plan can really reduce the extreme pest risks that are encountered in outdoor gardens.

If you are uncomfortable with any of the deposits in your water supply, you can purchase a reverse osmosis system. Reverse osmosis is a simple filtration method that pushes water through several scrubbing, natural filters to remove sediment and many contaminants.

The downside to RO water is that for every liter of clean water, you may be putting out a full liter or more of wastewater. The wastewater contains higher concentrations of the material that was filtered out of your now clean water. This 1:1 waste should be considered heavily in deciding the substrate choice for your garden.

Water is a finite resource, it costs gardens a lot to buy it and it costs the environment when we abuse it.

Gardeners should refer to water quality and availability when determining which substrate works best for their facility. For outdoor cultivation, soil. Anything else is a ridiculous suggestion however the indigenous “soil” at your location may not be adequate for cannabis.

I remind you, this plant is a filter plant.

It will absorb heavy metals and other deposits. You should pay for a detailed soil test and watch a few YouTube videos on how to collect and composite and amalgam sample.

Skipping this step on an outdoor grow can cost millions of dollars. Aside from contaminant concerns, all soil is not alike. Soil that is too rocky, sandy, dense, or boggy will create problems for your growing plants. There is a loose recipe for balanced soil and the guidance of your consultant or lead grower is probably your best bet here – not an article, if I am being honest.

Balanced soil depends on the climate and the surrounding vegetation, factors that advanced cultivators will consider when choosing the varietals they ultimately plant for your commercial growth. For your at home grow, I recommend the soil test for any contaminants that would make your home-grown into bad medicine.

If the garden has rich, dark brown, fluffy soil that is free of contaminants, you are probably safe to get your plants rooting. If your grow plot is hard, red clay (thanks, Oklahoma), you may consider a giant pot and bagged soil. Growing in the ground, on a raised mound, or in a pot will all affect the amount of water you use each day and thusly, the amount of nutrient you use over time.

In the instance of an indoor operation, substrate choice is dependent upon your available clean water and your productivity measures: how much time it takes and what automation processes you can afford to implement. Many growers prefer deep water culture, flood and drain, or substrates like coco or rock wool. I don’t have guidance for growers on DWC or flood methods but I understand that they can be fairly water conservative if maintained properly.

The primary concern here is keeping the water healthy and alive, which can be complicated for novice growers.

That same hurdle is present when growing cannabis in inert substrates like coco or rock wool. Inert media does not modify and restrict nutrients.

This means that when feeding (what many consider “watering the plants”) the substrate, either expanded clay, rock wool, or coco does not retain any of the organisms or compounds of the food. Plants in water-based growing methods are not unlike a person living on supplements and highlyengineered nutrition.

The plant must eat what it is fed during “watering”. The runoff contains any nutrients that the plant wasn’t able to consume during feeding.

Water-based growing substrates are believed to reduce the likelihood of pest infestations but this grower cannot confirm that.

I have seen hydro farms with prolific infestations of spider mites and aphids. The choice to grow in rock wool or coco can be a costly choice for cultivators who are growing very many plants. These substrates are typically only used once before being discarded or composted.

On the other hand, soil can be regenerated many times with little loss in volume. Get started by purchasing soil and running a few pots of green beans for about two weeks before introducing the new soil into your grow environment.

Balanced soil is the ideal substrate.

Soil is alive with bacteria and microbes that aid roots in mobilizing nutrients throughout plant tissue. Soil that is properly mixed contains fibrous materials to retain small amounts of moisture and hold the soil structure together.

It should also contain non-porous material that aids in wicking away excess water.

This prevents soil from becoming waterlogged, a problem that significantly impacts root growth and ultimately plant size. Nonporous materials can include lava rock, perlite and biochar. Balanced soil has decaying plant matter and these dying organic materials make the perfect sponge for absorbing nutrients and healthy bacteria in order to drive plant nutrition.

The substrate that you or your cultivator chooses will help guide you in choosing your nutrient regimen. Hydro growers, including those in coco and rock wool substrates, tend to rely on chelated mineral salts. These compounds are easily dissolved into water so that the plant can slurp them up quickly during feedings. Anything the plant’s roots misses is washed away in the runoff or resides in the drain water.

This growing method requires detailed administration of nutrients and a careful eye on water quality to ensure optimal growth and responsible allocation of resources.

These simplified nutrient lines are ideal for busy commercial cultivators and for novice growers alike.

Soil growers can access a multitude of ready-mix nutrient lines easily these days. The local grow store will have a ton of guidance to help you choose what works for your budget and soil. Organic nutrient lines tend to require a few more bottles of ingredients to create the perfect cannabis-food-recipe but the benefit can be seen in the amount of water and food that is required.

Since soil is alive with decay, feeding organic nutrients gives the soil the best opportunity to produce what the root zone is asking for. Botany side note: plants communicate through their roots and send chemical signals into the ground to signal growth needs and to attempt to rectify nutrient deficiencies.

Soil that is teeming with healthy bacteria is the best possible environment for effective feedings. Additionally, balanced soil does not require watering as frequently because some moisture is retained for the plant to use as needed. This can be a difficult balance to understand for new growers but careful attention to the “mood” of your plants will indicate their soil health and water needs.

Now that you have those decisions made, you must consider your overall light penetration.

Cannabis must have 13 hours or more of direct, powerful light every day in order remain in its vegetative state. Light exposure, including the spectrum of color and the intensity of the light, will play an enormous role in your plant’s health and yield.

Light and light heat affect trichome production, terpene development, and maturation of your flower. You should choose light based on your financial ability and electrical capacity.

High quality LED lights are able to provide a very specific light temperature at a significantly reduced electrical demand than that of HPS and CMH bulbs, which boast a broader temperature range.

LED lights do not put off the same heat as HPS or CMH which results in lower cooling costs over time which may offset the cost of investing in trustworthy fixtures and diodes.

High-pressure sodium and ceramic metal halide bulbs are still the top runner in commercial grows for their reliability. The cost of running these electricityhungry fixtures is one that many cultivators are willing to endure because these bright bulbs produce a broad spectrum of light and a reliable heat factor that forces cannabis plants to ooze even more fragrant terps and sticky triches to the surface of the plant.

These hot lights require more cooling capabilities than LED and properly designed airflow can ensure that the heat is displaced away from roots and plant bodies.

The first mistake growers make in creating airflow is to choose high-powered fans with limited range of motion. Strong “winds” generated by big blades and high-RPM motors may get the air moving but they also obliterate nearby plants. Properly topping and structuring plants for their flowering phase should result in lower branches that are bare, similar to a crepe myrtle, with a bushy layer of foliage that.

The bottom third of the plant should be a strong, stripped branch while the top two-thirds remains covered in foliage.

Maintaining proper airflow and temperature starts here because this is where small fans at low positions can make a big impact.

Placing fans below the vegetative growth helps strengthen stalks and branches by gently rocking them so that the tissue can develop rigidity.

Blowing cooler air from under plants into the canopy and ultimately into the top of the grow room helps push rising heat up above lights and recirculates the falling CO2 back across the leaves’ stoma (how the plant breathes).

Spacing more fans with lower CFM to oscillate across the top of the canopy will help redistribute the rising humidity and maintain a consistent vapor pressure deficiency throughout your growth space.

Identifying your strengths and weaknesses regarding these factors will ensure that you are the most successful grower you can be. Each one of these considerations must be made with your unique situation in mind and it’s a really good idea to have a backup plan just in case you have to make an adjustment on the fly.

Sometimes the best laid plans have to be re-imagined to find success. Be open to solutions that seem unconventional and create a grow space that makes you feel good to work in. Turn on some music that you love and give your plants plenty of love. They will absolutely return the favor come harvest.

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CHRONIC | JULY 2021

Young green beans are a tasty treat for predatory mites and aphids which means you should be able to see signs of damage fairly quickly.

There are ways to remediate soil for pests but this isn’t the article for that. It’s important to know that recycling soil is a bit time consuming and requires adequate space for “churning” soil over time.

Once your cycle is up and running, it’s smooth sailing and turns out to be much more cost effective.

TIMES ARE CHANGING F E D E R A L

L E G A L I Z A T I O N

O N

T H E

H O R I Z O N ?

B Y H I G H E R A C C O U N T I N G

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CHRONIC | JULY 2021

I S

On June 1, 2021, Amazon announced their support

It will open the market to advertise and market on larger mainstream platforms

of the MORE act and that they are no longer

and will be provided with more options for professional services. With the

testing for Marijuana in non-DOT regulated

industry considered less risky, you will see more services willing to take on the

positions. This was a major play by the second-

cannabis client. However, there will still be some limitations because it will still

largest private retailer in the US, this may lead the

be considered an adult product. At least you will not be serving as much

way for other national companies to follow suit.

Facebook and Instagram jail time as you did in the past!

The MORE act, which is the federal

Companies can provide lower-cost banking. Loans and financing will be more

decriminalization for adults the removal of THC

readily available to offer you the same services as they can their non-cannabis

from the list of controlled substances, has been

clients. Costs will lower because there will be fewer “hoops” to jump through for

reintroduced to the House of Representatives

the financial institutions to cover the cannabis client. Cannabis companies

recently.

would also now have Federal aid programs available to them because this bill ensures that the Federal government will no longer treat the industry as an

What does this mean for the current cannabis

illegal business.

industry? Well, it carries a lot of pieces to think about, but not all of them are bad. I will cover

Costs will rise for consumers, but lower for cannabis business owners. According

some of the biggest changes it will cause, so you

to the MPP, if the Feds pass the bill it “would impose a 5% tax on the retail

can prepare now. It may not go through this time,

sales of cannabis to go to the Opportunity Trust Fund. The measure was

but it will in the near future.

amended to start at 5% and increase the tax to 8% over three years.” This

tax is directly charged to the consumer and flows as a state sales tax does.

Metrc or similar tracking and regulations will help the smaller players of the industry and here is why:

Individual business owners will see a decrease in income tax liability. The 280e

Regulations put a constraint on business models

would no longer apply and businesses would be able to deduct all their

like Amazon to comply with adding products to

legitimate business expenses that were not allowed before. An OBNDD license

their platform. For example, Amazon has been

would no longer be necessary because it would no longer be listed as a

selling alcohol for years. Did you even know that?

controlled substance. Do I need to say more?

New to me! They have only been able to maintain delivery in a few states because of regulation. It did not affect the market share for liquor stores located within those states, so Amazon can’t change every buyer’s habit.

As a cannabis user myself, I let my nose pick my flower. I really can’t see flower sales changing even slightly, even with the added convenience. It will probably be geared toward more of the manufactured items such as edibles or concentrates that carry a longer shelf life.

Every State and jurisdiction within those states has the responsibility of maintaining and establishing such regulations and will vary across the board.

There will be various systems and laws/changes to maintain. As we start to get a taste of real regulation, we see that maintaining compliance takes extra cost, manpower, and knowledge.

CHRONIC | JULY 2021

39

We have already experienced how a giant retailer can come in and crush a market, but we are not talking about products like DVDs and beach balls here. In the scheme of things, they are not comparable. Regulation will give the small businesses in the cannabis industry time to establish themselves and not be pushed out.

The cannabis industry, as

Matthew Schweich added,

limited as it is, has employed

"Amazon's support for the

over 321,000 full-time jobs to

MORE Act is yet another sign

the US market and has grown

that the American people - and

by 161 percent in the last four

the American business

years, according to Leafly.com.

community - back federal

In a time where federal and

cannabis reform that begins to

state pandemic assistance

rectify the harms of cannabis

programs are disappearing,

prohibition by prioritizing social

job creation is key to success in

justice and social equality."

rebuilding our economy.

As the current state of the

The act will increase the available market share for recreational users. It may even help the fight with misinformation about cannabis use and the negative connotation it carries. Here is why: According to the MPP.org website this bill will benefit consumers by: Not only would the MORE Act end the criminalization of cannabis at the federal level going forward, but it would also be retroactive. Cannabis arrests, charges, and convictions would be automatically expunged at no cost to the individual. (While an improvement, states could continue to criminalize cannabis.)

The MORE Act would create the Office of Cannabis Justice to oversee the social equity provisions in the law.

The bill would ensure the federal government could not discriminate against people because of cannabis use, including earned benefits or immigrants at risk of deportation.

The measure would open the

CHRONIC | JULY 2021

41

door to research, better banking, and tax laws, and help fuel economic growth as states are looking for financial resources.

Kassandra Frederique, the director to the Drug Policy Alliance, supports the more act stating,

“DRUG TESTING HAS NEVER PROVIDED AN ACCURATE INDICATION OF A PERSON'S ABILITY TO PERFORM THEIR JOB, AND YET THIS INCREDIBLY INVASIVE PRACTICE HAS LOCKED OUT MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WHO USE DRUGS BOTH LICIT AND ILLICIT - FROM THE WORKPLACE.” As it was mentioned in the Cannabis Business Times.

"The decision by Amazon to update their drug testing policy to omit marijuana will have a huge impact," said Matthew Schweich, deputy director at MPP. "Disqualifying potential employees for cannabis use is both outdated and bad for business. Adults should not be punished for responsibly using cannabis outside of the workplace.”

It can be scary for a business owner to think about an already competitive market opening the door to some of the national players. Do not be. Plan, prepare, and develop your brand to complete, as you most likely already are. Have your finances in order and compliance processes developed. You will be just fine.

In support of this shift, non-

industry feels very excluded

cannabis business owners

and alone, support of this

should also consider adjusting

industry will continue to grow.

their drug policies. Once the

We have been in a long

MORE act has opened the

prohibition with cannabis, and

doors for cannabis-based

its use.

business, I am sure we will be blown away with the number

How do you help? Contact your

of jobs it creates.

local representative because they will be voting on this if it

We will continue to see this

gets called up. Vote “yes” to the

sector develop and expand

MORE act.

over various industries once we are on safe grounds. It can

The MPP has an easy-to-use

open so many more

link to reach your congressman

opportunities for current

by email and can be found at

business owners and

mpp.org under the policy tab.

employees alike.

We are living in a historical moment and could change our

According to Forbes, “The

everyday lives for the better.

highest concentration of cannabis jobs are based in

If we work hard and prepare for

Colorado and Washington.”

what is to come, we will be in

Let’s bring some of those jobs

line for success as an individual,

to Oklahoma. We are a state of

business, and country. Get

farming and agriculture. I

ready to see the industry grow

believe we have some strong

just as beautifully as the plant

contenders for a national

itself.

market.

THE WORLD OF CANNABINOIDS AND TERPENES The molecule tetrahydrocannabivarin, or THCV, is a cannabis molecule with unique actions and medical benefits that differentiates it from other cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. This cannabinoid was discovered in 1970 and even though it is not as popular as its fellow cannabinoids it is up and coming.

As we find and harness its full potential, this interesting molecule will create huge waves in the cannabis market, whether you're a medical marijuana patient looking for a specific type of treatment or a casual consumer looking for a specific benefit.

THCV, like CBN, is only psychotropic in extremely high levels. THCV has psychoactive effects that are generally stimulating and increase mental clarity at high doses in powerful strains. They're also quick-to-act and quick-to-dissipate. Which makes them a favorite among newbies.

Written by Dr. Pepper Hernandez,

THCV ND, PhD, BCHP, CNHP, CTC

THCV THCV has a molecular structure that is similar to

Remember pure true sativas from Africa, China,

THC, but it comes from a completely different

Nepal, Pakistan, India, Thailand, and Afghanistan are

source. While the majority of cannabinoids, such as

the most common sources of THCV.

THC and CBD, are byproducts of CBGA synthesis, THCV is the ultimate consequence of CBGVA synthesis.

Strains or cultivars high in THCV: Pineapple Purps Durban Poison

When this molecule is exposed to heat or light,

Willie Nelson

CBGV changes to THCVA, which then becomes

Girl Scout Cookie

THCV.

Red Congolese Jack the Ripper

This Cannabinoid can be helpful in: Diabetes Weight loss Seizures Inflammation Tremors ALS Parkinson’s Not all cannabis cultivars are alike, and as organic farmers continue to breed their specific genetics, users

CHRONIC | JULY 2021

45

need to know what the cannabinoid profile is. Knowing the flower they are testing can bring positive experiences, the best experience and outcome, and an educated decision on what will be best for their medical issue and or aliment. Please check with your cannabis therapy consultant for more guidance.

Durban Cheese Skunk 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.

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...

by Carisa Rowe

The chosen consumption method is a contributing factor to a patient’s overall experience, as are factors like product consistency. There is no singular guidance for cannabis consumption because every patient and every product is different.

The most important dosing guideline is: start low. You can always ingest more cannabis, and while an overdose is less than unlikely, you don’t want to accidentally be too high and wishing you weren’t.

Understanding cannabis dosages requires a cannabis patient to be their own pharmacist.

The most difficult cannabis dosage to rely on is smoking cured flowers. This is actually my preferred method of consumption for a number of reasons, but mainly because smoking flowers provide the most immediate relief. The other top benefit of inhaling your cannabinoids is that your CB1 receptors are most responsive to this administration method.

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CHRONIC | JULY 2021

CANNABIS DOSING DE-CODED

I love engaging with cannabis patients, especially newcomers, because I get to extol the many virtues of this versatile plant. I am most fascinated by dosing conversations. In regards to dosing, a patient’s metabolism, physical health, and even one’s level of hydration can impact the efficacy of cannabis.

Your CB1 receptors are responsible for utilizing cannabinoids to regulate neurologic processes. This means that the cannabinoids you inhale are directly benefiting your brain and central nervous system.

Patients who smoke flowers will benefit from understanding the math behind their dose.

Dispensary owners frequently tell me that high THC percentages are one of the driving factors behind sales.

It makes sense; everyone wants to get the most bang for their buck. Because accessible cannabis is still such a novelty in the United States – thanks to the predatory war on drugs – many industry professionals are scrambling to provide safe, accurate information to consumers. High THC content most assuredly means a stronger effect when smoked but there are far many more variables at play than just THC content. Warning, there is math coming up but you need this information so stick with me a moment.

Cured flowers can have a THC range of basically zero percent all the way up to roughly 30%. There are some braggadocious who claim to hit 35% but that would mean that more than 1/3 of every gram of flower was composed of straight tetrahydrocannabinol and I am not inclined to believe that the plant can naturally push that much THC from its cells. I’m just not. Either way, our math is going to be simple:

% of THCA X milligrams of flower = total THC in milligrams .10 THCA X 1,000 mg flower = 100 mg THC

One gram is equivalent to 1,000 milligrams and although dispensaries display “THC content”, they’re actually giving you the measured THCA content. This is the nonpsychoactive compound that becomes THC when heat is applied. If you smoke a gram of cannabis flower that is reported to contain 10% THCA, you can expect to ingest roughly 100 mg of THC. One gram of 23% THCA would equate to 230 mg of ingested THC.

The dose is determined by the weight of the actual dab taken by the patient. A dab that is one-tenth of the gram is equivalent to a 60-milligram dose. Dabs reported to contain 98% THCA will have 980 mg and a one-tenth dab would give the patient a THC dose of 98 milligrams. In this instance, a single dab administers nearly as much THC as a full gram of combusted flower.

There is a little cannabinoid loss in combustion and your inhalation method could affect the dosage as well. A pipe, chillum, or bong delivers the cleanest hit while rolling a joint or a blunt introduces slightly reduces the dosage because you must include the rolling material in your calculation. I would contend that the alteration in dosage is negligible but I will point out that inhaling tobacco products such as blunt wraps does create an altered effect on the central nervous system.

Dabs hit the central nervous system even more quickly than flowers and tend to create a more intense “high”. Vape cartridges are slightly harder to calculate, except to say that a 95% THC cartridge contains 980 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol; the individual dosage in each “drag” depends on the user and how much they inhale with each puff.

If a cartridge gave 1,000 puffs, the puff would contain 0.98 mg THC.

The combination of nicotine and cannabinoids often carries a “buzz” that tobacco users are familiar with but that can be disorienting for patients unfamiliar with blunts and cannagars.

Now that we’ve done the hard math, we can ease into the easier-to-understand dosing of edibles. At least, edibles dosing should be easier as the lab and kitchen behind your favorite medicated treats have already done the calculations for you. Your packaging should clearly state how much THC is in the package, how many servings are in the package, and how much THC is in each individual serving. In edibles, THCA has already been converted to bioavailable THC through decarboxylation. Processing companies provide this information so that patients can determine the dose that is right for them; these figures are not a suggested dose.

In respect to smoking cannabis, the dosage you calculate relies on two important factors: the accuracy of the lab report you are given and the accuracy of the weight of the flower. The effect of that dosage is contingent on literally dozens of factors. Learning your dose has traditionally been a trial-and-victory process.

Cannabis aficionados, not unlike coffee connoisseurs or amateur sommeliers, know what they like because they’ve tried varietal after varietal until they discover one that produces their desired relief and effect.

This search method may be daunting for new patients who want to tread lightly into the world of plant medicine. With continued analytics from industry leaders across the globe, we can expect to see a reputable pharmacopeia for the practice of medical cannabis in the very near future.

Patients also inhale cannabinoids with vaporizing concentrates. Hash, rosin, resin, wax, diamonds, shatter, budder, and distillate are all concentrates and each has its own cult following of consumers. I don’t dab often but when I do, I can count on a powerful effect nearly every time. Calculating dosage on concentrates is the same as figuring it out for flowers – with one important change in the equation. Let us go on another math journey, shall we?

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% of THCA X milligrams of concentrate = total THC in milligrams .10 THCA X 1,000 mg concentrate = 100 mg THC

The important factor in this calculation is that while one gram of concentrates is equivalent to 1,000 milligrams, very few consumers would dare to ingest a full gram of concentrate in one dose. Most concentrates range from 60% THCA to a whopping 98-99%, as claimed on lab reports from some diamond producers. A gram of dab that is 60% THC contains 600 mg of tetrahydrocannabinol.

If you purchase a 1,000 mg brownie or pack of gummies, the package should indicate the number of servings and give a guideline for the amount of THC contained in a single serving. If the packaging doesn’t clearly indicate the THC per serving, you can simply divide the overall THC by the number of servings: a brownie containing 1,000 mg of THC can be split into four 250 mg servings or ten 100 mg servings.

Factors that must be considered when eating or drinking cannabinoids include the variant of concentrate that was incorporated into the recipe, the amount of sugar, caffeine, or other stimulants in the recipe, and the patient’s overall composition at the time of ingesting.

Concentrates that are safe for consumption can be produced in a number of ways. The distillate is commonly used in edibles because it is easy to produce. Distillate can be made from cannabis flowers that would not be desirable on dispensary shelves. Many distillate processors can use biomass like trim and larf to extract trichomes containing cannabinoids that are then concentrated through the distillation process into an oil that is safe for vaporizing or eating.

Distillation removes all other cannabinoids and terpenes from the final product leaving behind a crude oil designed to deliver psychoactive relief.

During the distillation process, some cannabinoids and terpenes can be extracted and used for other applications.

These isolates are often introduced as separate ingredients in recipes with the intention of developing a more well-rounded medicating experience. Re-introduction of these extracts does not create a full-spectrum product.

Full-spectrum products can be made from fresh plant material or dried flowers and are made from processes such as hydrocarbon extraction, supercritical CO2 extraction, or pressure extraction.

Edibles and beverages made with full-spectrum concentrates can deliver a more intense experience than those made with distillate. These powerful concentrates contain activated THC as well as naturally occurring cannabinoids such as CBN and CBG that are lost in distillation.

Products made with these concentrates will create a different experience than products made with distillate, even if the dosing is identical.

Understanding your THC dose is a very important step to medicating effectively.

It’s also important to understand that other cannabinoids play a significant role in treatment and healing, as do terpenes. The equation we used for THCA/THC content in flower and dabs is the same we would use for other cannabinoids, such as CBD or CBG, and terpenes such as limonene. In the below example, our product contains 1.5% CBG and 2.39% limonene. % of cannabinoid X milligrams of product = total cannabinoid in milligrams. .015% CBG X 1,000 mg product = 15 mg CBG % of terpenes X milligrams of product = total terpenes in milligrams. .0239% limonene X 1,000 mg product = 23.9 mg limonene

Research is diligently identifying the benefits of the 113 known cannabinoids, most of which have no intoxicating effect. Many of these compounds exist in trace amounts making them difficult to isolate for research. Higher concentrations of cannabinoids such as CBG, or cannabigerol, and CBN, or cannabinol, can alter the overall medicating experience. Your favorite flower may be Alien OG but depending on the CBG or CBN content, you may have a more energetic or sedated experience than during your previous sesh.

It is also important to note that as the flower ages, THCA breaks down and converts to CBN. The nug you found in that container at the back of your skivvies drawer is probably going to have a little more couch-lock than a nug you just grabbed from the dispensary. Not only does the increased CBN alter the experience, but the degradation of THCA into CBN means that your six-month-old Alien OG that tested at 20% may actually only be 16% THCA.

The entourage effect is another contributing factor to the overall medicating experience. The entourage effect is a term used to describe the benefits of terpenes in consumption. Terpenes are botanical compounds responsible for aroma and taste. Science is identifying the potential uses for terpenes and has asserted that some terpenes, such as citrusy limonene can work to reduce overall anxiety while fragrant pinene has a positive effect on retention and counteracting compromised memory functions.

These aromatic oils are developed in the same plant glands as cannabinoids. Terpene oils aid in the excretion of sticky cannabinoids to the exterior surface of the plant and are responsible for the delightful bouquet of cannabis. Cannabis aficionados who like Granddaddy Purp are likely seeking the terpene myrcene while fans of Sour Diesel are probably after the peppery burn of caryophyllene. When a smoking flower or full-spectrum concentrates, the concentration and distribution of terpenes are as important as cannabinoids.

In addition to THC content, other cannabinoid content, terpene content, and administration methods (smoke, vapor, full-spectrum edible, distillate beverage), patients must consider their overall condition as a key piece in the dosing puzzle.

Experience and tolerance are foundational; a patient who has not been medicating for very long is likely to feel a more pronounced high than a seasoned stoner even though both consumed the same dose. Metabolism and activity levels are a consideration in dosing as well. A patient with fatty liver disease will not metabolize edible cannabinoids in the same fashion as a patient in similar health without the disease.

Edibles are metabolized through the liver and converted to compounds that are bioavailable to CB2 receptors. A liver with the disease isn’t able to convert the compounds as effectively, leaving the patient with a lower overall dose than indicated on the packaging.

In other metabolism-related factors, activity levels play a significant role. Athletes or other physically active patients may require higher doses while performing.

For example, I worked an event in the heat a few weeks back that had me running at full speed on an empty stomach for about six hours straight. I, who rarely dabs, took three dozen dabs (no cap) during that event and never felt “high”. I do not recommend anyone follow this dosing schedule, it’s simply to point out that had I not been so physically active, the three dozen dabs I took likely would have had me asleep out in the dirt – I rarely smoke a gram or two of flower in a day.

Because I was in athlete mode, my body metabolized the cannabinoids very fast. Interestingly, smoking after a workout has resulted in a more intense euphoria. The uptick of endorphins post-workout can aid in distributing cannabinoids and terpenes throughout our endocannabinoid system.

Taken 30-minutes ahead of a cannabis dose, a small amount of CBD concentrate can aid in the overall efficacy of the compounds in your flower or edible. However, CBD oil can be used to reduce the duration and potency of a dose of cannabis if a patient finds themselves more intoxicated than they anticipated.

If you find yourself a little too high while trying to identify your ideal dose and you don’t have CBD oil on hand, the best course of action is to sip extra water and relax in a calm environment. The intensity of the high will wear off soon. Now that you are a wellinformed patient, you can take control of your cannabis therapy and start developing a treatment plan for yourself that allows you to get the most of your weed.

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Whether the goal is to quiet anxiety, treat pain, or be a superwoman event producer, the right cannabis product and dose are critical. In the pursuit of identifying your ideal dose, being an informed patient will ensure that you are on the best path for overall wellness. Important considerations for properly medicating are to eat healthily, stay hydrated, and be patient.

There’s a lot of research still to do about cannabis and dosing. If you are dialing in your dosage, it is a good idea to keep a little CBD oil or tincture around.

Where To Smoke In Oklahoma

The Sesh It wasn’t particularly long ago (the 1980s or so) that the vast majority of offices, airplanes, restaurants, and other public places were chock full of cigarette smokers, ashtrays, and stale smoke lingering in the air.

Even as recently as my childhood in the late ’90s, I can remember holding my breath as obviously and as indignantly as possible as I trudged through the smoking section towards the bathroom at Chili’s, judging the smokers in their cloud of cancerous fumes.

So it seems ironic that, many years later, I find myself excited about being surrounded by smoke in an indoor setting.

The Sesh, a series of indoor smoke sessions that have taken place around Oklahoma City since November 12, 2020, promises just that kind of experience.

When I saw one coming up last June in a building downtown, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of.

When I walk into the lobby of the Magnolia Building, I immediately recognize that I’ve been here before. It wasn’t on purpose; I’ve ended up in this particular lobby probably three or four times while I was looking for two dispensaries and a Mexican restaurant, on three separate occasions.

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But the second thing I notice is that it smells like ganja, cannabis, straight-up sensamilla right there in the first-floor lobby; and the event is on the seventh floor! Standing in the lobby is a tickettaker of sorts, and he scans my ticket email on my phone and gets me checked in.

Photo Credit : Gregory Macias

@mackcias

s ai c k c a m @

s ai c a M y r o g e r G : ti d e r C o t o h P

Photo Credit: Gregory Macias

Two wristbands are required here, one for alcohol and one for cannabis. I wasn’t planning on drinking so I skipped the alcohol wristband, getting myself all together and punching the button on the wall for the elevator. It takes me up to floor seven, the doors open, and I’m greeted by a delightful sight: a beautifully-decorated top floor of an Art Deco style building, full of friendly-looking, likeminded stoners, all enveloped in a thick haze of cannabis smoke.

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Two long tables take up the majority of the room, with attendees seated in groups all along them.

At the end of the tables sits a stage, where a DJ is playing tracks while he commiserates and smokes with other attendees and friends.

It seems like everyone has brought their most expensive, most “heady” piece of glass to the session, in order to show off what they’ve got and/or replicate their dabbing and smoking experiences at home.

Looking up and down the room, it’s basically impossible to see anyone not partaking in some form of cannabis at any given time. If folks aren’t dabbing, then they’re passing back and forth massive blunts and joints.

I’d made the mistake of thinking that my tolerance had increased such a tremendous amount since I’ve been dabbing live hash rosin for over a year now, and so I assumed I would not only be able to hang with most folks, but even out-smoke them.

@mackcias

A couple of dabs off of the glass rig from my friends at Alpha Grown Extracts and a fat glob of Amnesia Haze from Releaf later, however, and my superiority complex was immediately shattered; I was a mere mortal.

Stoned and practically dazed, I wandered back from the Releaf Labs booth to my spot at the table, and proceeded to stare off into space like a nutcase for what felt like two hours.

Despite my almost crushing high, I was still able to network, meeting one of the owners of Electraleaf as well as the main owner and grower from Dubai Boyz, and up and coming cannabis grow.

For the most part, this is a dream of an evening: it’s a gorgeous venue, and an excellent idea and the execution is very solid.

I love that vendors have an opportunity to showcase their products in such a unique setting where people can also try them, I love the networking opportunities it presents— personal or professional—and I literally always love free dabs. But the seating—long tables evoking the days of high school cafeteria lunches—can leave things feeling a little cliquey.

Folks definitely would move around, so socialization was easy to come by, but joining anyone at their table was often out of the question based simply on the awkwardness of seating.

A mixture of mismatched vintage furniture, decorated out among the space in small pods or living-room spaces, would have given it a more mixed and relaxed feel and allowed for more mingling without getting up and walking around a long table.

And I’m sure it’s just the fact that I’m getting older and, thus, more cranky, but I kept feeling like the music was playing too loudly.

Hearing friendly conversations was extremely difficult; a conversation I had with local radio and Instagram personality Ketchup With Bishop was nearly unintelligible, with me catching his every third word.

Photo Credit: Gregory Macias

@mackcias

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But to my understanding, the venue will be changing for the next Sesh, scheduled to be held on July 17th at 4401 NW 63rd St in Oklahoma City instead of downtown in the Magnolia Building. Although I’m looking forward to seeing what the event organizers will do with this new space, I also hope that the event someday returns to Magnolia again.

The uniquely bougie experience of smoking on the top floor of an Art Deco office building is something that really can’t be replicated, and something I’d really like to do again.

High Thoughts with Bamboo the Canna Panda

VERTICALLY INTEGRATED EP. 3 "HASHING OUT THE PROCESS”

MONTHLY CANNABIS REVIEW

by Melissa Hall, M.Ed. “IS MARIJUANA ADDICTIVE? YES, IN THE SENSE THAT MOST OF THE REALLY PLEASANT THINGS IN LIFE ARE WORTH ENDLESSLY REPEATING.”

― RICHARD NEVILLE

KILLER CUPCAKES

and WIGHT RABBIT

By Melissa Hall, M.Ed.

B

ack on the hunt again, and with the 710 Dabbers Day holiday approaching quickly, I’ve been on the lookout for the perfect hash rosin to celebrate. With so many hash makers on the market, old brands and knew alike, making a selection can be a little more than difficult in Oklahoma dispensary. But, one processor caught my eye a while back and I have kept it close ever since. With beautifully colored, eyecatching, centerfold worthy product and a cleverly marketed brand, not to mention those terpenes. I knew who my July pick was instant. The kind folks over at Wight Rabbit Extracts Have made a big splash on the Oklahoma Cannabis market.

They may be small in size, but the potency and amazing terps produced in their hash rosin are defiantly anything from small. Grandeur effects and Maximum terpene production sets this literal family brand apart. “Being connoisseurs and strain hunters ourselves, we wanted to bring the magic of the strains we love to the patients of Oklahoma. We are processing our own strains and other growers strains that we know will produce great extracts.” The Wight Rabbit crew states. “ “We use state-of-the-art equipment such and the Pure Pressure Pikes Peak V2 and our Bruteless series hash washing vessels, which take the quality and efficiency of our bubble hash washing to new levels,” they add.

New Levels is exactly what they are popular for.

Extreme hand care, small-batch craft quality are an ever occurring theme with their products. The owners of Wight Rabbit Extracts, Chris and Amy Wightman have been married for over 20 years and do all the hard work themselves.

Their background is actually in the tech industry for game development- they have a published game on steam- and have a 20yr old interactive development company & are active gamers. Chris has 2 degrees in digital art: 3d animation & new media.

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They also have a seven-year-old and three dogs in the family. Interestingly enough, but not surprising with those backgrounds, The Wightman's do all of their marketing, branding, and packaging themselves. And what a brand Wight Rabbit is, with Its tongue-twisting name, highly recognizable pink-purple, and blue background and whimsical bunny rabbit face, The Wight Rabbit packaging alone stands out on any shelf and makes you wonder what goodness awaits inside.

And what awaits inside is any Hash Lovers dream come true. Their Motto at Wight Rabbit is "terps for the win" and is it ever a winner! The company is based on flavor – they have a running theme of cakes, cookies, candies, and fruits in their flavors. They think it's important that rosin has a great flavor, so they cater to the true flavor chasers out there.

They decided to build their brand on Oni & Bloom Seed companies, the creators of the top cookies & papaya lines.

They are building their own brand on the honey banana line, they have a honey banana, honey banana muffins & honeybunny from Oni on the lineup, among many other tasty flavors. Given their flavor lineup, the perfect pic for this month is their Killer Cupcakes hash rosin, grown by F5 Farms. If you frequent Oklahoma dispensaries, you probably have seen the strain killer cupcakes on the top shelf featured in flowers or of course in the wonderful hash we love so much. Killer Cupcakes Has a dank, earthy, gassy yet sweet profile with notes of smooth vanilla and creamy cake to even out this dank delight.

F5 Farms did an amazing job on the flower for this delectable and delightful rosin sweet treat. With a perfect profile for Rosin, Killer Cupcakes is smooth and light yet has legs. The effects are intense and balanced.

Killer Cupcakes is a 50/50 hybrid composed of (Killer Queen x Cindy 99) x Ice Cream Cake. Personally, I feel that this killer Cupcakes lanes a little to the Indica dominant side with the ice cream cake really showing out. But, The Jack Herer lineage in the Cindy 99 keeps the Sativa presence known and keeps the couch lock away. This one is a hitter for sure, no matter which side you may feel it leans towards.

We would like to thank The Wightman's and F5 Farms for letting The Chronic sample this amazing Hash Rosin.

If you happen to come across Wight Rabbit on any shelf, don’t pass it by. It never lasts long anywhere! Excellent job on amazing flower and Hash Rosin by The dynamic duo of the Wightman's and the good folks over at F5 Farms. Thank you both for providing clean, quality, and effective medicine to the patients of Oklahoma.

Always remember to medicate responsibly and Stay Lit Oklahoma.

CANNABIS CANNABIS SURVIVOR SURVIVOR

BY SLOANE SIMON

w

During her time in San

Because she is so hyper aware of

Karen knew that she needed

shop that hazy Saturday,

hen I walked into the coffee

Clemente, she would make

what she’s putting into her

relief and knew that her best

I had no idea what to expect.

frequent trips to Tijuana

lungs, her organically grown

option to help with the anxiety

I sat down across the table and

throughout the 80’s. I glanced

flower hasn’t caused any issues.

was to start smoking weed

admitted my nervousness to this

across the table and queried,

However, she did have a minor

again. She quit her job in the

sweet, little human, Karen

“you were a runner?!” Karen’s

mishap this past January that

medical field and started finding

(@ok_weedwoman). She

only reply was a sheepish grin

landed her in the hospital from

relief from everyday anxiety

immediately put my mind at ease

and shoulder shrug. I

the use of a vape cart that was

struggles through smoking. The

and told me there was nothing I

immediately loved this woman.

not properly produced. In fact,

psychological relief that weed

could say to offend her, and that

Growing and running allowed a

she was asked to participate in a

provided allowed for Karen to re-

she was blunt as hell. My shoulders

way for Karen to make money to

lawsuit against the company

enter the world without the

relaxed, and then began an almost

help support her two young

producing the cart, but declined,

constant anxiety she was

three-hour long conversation

children. She would cultivate her

stating it wasn’t something she

experiencing.

about life and the way weed has

three plants, harvest, and bring

wanted to be a part of.

played a positive role for her since

them back to Oklahoma.

the 70’s.

However, by the time her kids

From 2005-2012, Karen worked

begun using RSO to replace her

were 6 & 4, her husband had

as a nurse and phlebotomist,

need for sleeping pills that had

Karen graduated high school in

died in a motorcycle accident,

curbing her weed smoking

been prescribed to her after the

1974, packed up her ’64 Chevy and

leaving her and her kiddos to

during this time. However, she

wreck. Karen reported having

moved to San Clemente, CA. That’s

pack up and move back home.

continued to use RSO and CBD

what many refer to as the

where her weed journey began. “I

Her family was here and they

to help with pain from her

“Ambien trance,” experiencing

call it weed, not cannabis,” she

were able to provide help to her

Rheumatoid Arthritis and COPD

sleep walking and events of the

said with a matter-of-fact tone. I

and her young kids after the loss

diagnosis. But, in 2011, Karen was

like.

obliged her and continued to call

of their dad.

an eyewitness to a horrific wreck

it weed as well throughout our

CHRONIC | JULY 2021

63

During this time, she had also

that her youngest son and 14-

RSO has also been a huge

talk. She began growing her own

Eighteen years ago, Karen was

year-old grandson were involved

proponent in her healing with

plants, initially on the patio of her

diagnosed with COPD. She

in.

Melanoma. Karen’s first skin

first-floor apartment, where

stopped smoking cigarettes

passersby would help themselves

then and became more aware of

Thankfully, both boys’ lives were

over two years ago. Since, she

to her crop. Eventually, she got her

the way her plants were being

spared, but all five passengers in

has had about 15 spots removed,

second floor digs and continued

grown. Freakshow happens to

the other vehicle did not survive.

all being treated with RSO both

growing on the balcony patio,

be her absolute favorite, and it

In the year following the wreck,

orally and topically. “As soon as

without concern for theft. It was at

does not hurt that it is a mold

Karen began to have symptoms

a new spot pops up, I put

this time she had her first

and pest free strain.

of PTSD, not wanting to drive,

some RSO on it.” She even

having a difficult time being out

learned how to make her own

introduction to the use of RSO as

cancer spot was removed a little

well. During childbirth, she ended

Karen’s weed is grown only

in public, and trouble focusing

RSO, all organically, with her

up needing a cesarean section.

organically, using Happy Frog

at work. She was living in a

homegrown 9# Hammer.

Her incision became infected

soil and Fishshit, water and

constant fear that something

during healing and “an old hippie

sunlight. When asked about her

terrible was going to happen.

At first, her dermatologist was a

lady” rubbed some RSO on the

COPD diagnosis and the way she

Her anxiety at this time was

bit skeptical, but after seeing

infected area, soon healing after.

would partake, she’s all about

almost uncontrollable, taking a

results from the use of RSO, was

She recounted this story, laughing

the old fashion way of rolling her

huge toll on her ability to do her

on board with this form of

and saying “I guess I’m the old

own flower.

job.

treatment.

hippie lady now.”

In regards to her use of weed to

I don’t disagree. We discussed

treat her ailments of rheumatoid

the amount of black market

arthritis, COPD, and melanoma,

busts that have occurred lately

all of her doctors initially were

due to OMMA rules being lax on

hesitant. Once medical usage

land acquisition. Currently,

was legalized, and there were

OMMA rules allow for out of

definitive results, all of her

state residents to purchase land

specialists were on board with

in Oklahoma to start growing.

the use of weed. In fact, as of the

“OMMA is looking at the

time of this printing, Karen

bottom line and putting profit

reports no longer having a need

over patients.” Karen feels that

for her pulmonologist thanks to

the patient and legal

the results she’s had with RSO,

dispensaries are being attacked

CBD, and THC.

more so than any of the black market operations. Although the

One of my favorite topics of our

busts have been more frequent,

conversation was the fact that

and quite larger (at the time of

we both keep records of what

publication, there was a bust in

strains we prefer and their

Muskogee county taking down

effects on us as patients. Karen

132 grow houses with an

currently has a notebook that

estimated 50,000 plants.), the

she references, as well as

cost for patients and legal

keeping tabs on her phone with

grows/dispensaries to actually

notes.

be legal has increased. When it comes to the future of weed in

She gave me a sneak peak,

our state, Karen “hopes that it

complete with whether or not

is to help the patient’s and

the specific strain gave her the

not for profit.” She fights for the

munchies. We both agreed that

underdog, seeing the fees

Mimosa is the perfect hybrid to

needed for businesses in the

make it through the day without

industry as harmful, typically

hitting the snacks too hard. This

putting the smaller mom and

leads us to our conversation over

pop dispos and grows out of

THC or terpenes playing a bigger

business. These smaller shops

role in how the weed directly

and grows are the ones that are

affects each of us. We both seem

fighting for the patient and

to find the terpenes to play the

doing it “right,” providing

more important role, because

education to the patient.

too much THC leads to increased anxiety in most users.

Karen, or Kamaw as her thirteen

That being said,

grandkids and 3 great-grandkids call her, is an avid weed

Karen feels that there needs to

advocate, mural chaser, and

be greater education across the

organic grower. One of her

board for what properties are

passions is photography of

actually providing the medicinal

murals that she travels all over

characteristics. For example, the

the state, and even country, to

use of Mimosa, or Karen’s

capture the essence of this

personal favorite, Freakshow

beautiful art. In fact,

(from Humboldt seeds), provides Karen was an art curator for

If it wasn’t for weed, Karen feels she wouldn’t have been able to get through the

thanks to the Limonene terps

twenty years, so she has an eye

aftermath of her son and grandson’s traumatic car wreck, fight off the many

present.

for beauty. When she isn’t out

melanoma spots that she’s acquired with age, or lived with COPD for 18 years

chasing art, she’s working on the

without complications.

From here, our talk naturally

genetics of her plants she’s been

progressed to the topic of

crossing and breeding at home.

Her use of CBD, THC, and RSO has allowed her to not require constant monitoring

recreational legalization. Karen’s

She’s currently working on the

from specialists for her rheumatoid arthritis, the PTSD from the car wreck, or even

viewpoint is that simply,

cross of her beloved Freak Show

the need for her pulmonologist for COPD.

Oklahoma is not ready. “OMMA

with three other plants, aiming

has to get their shit together

to create more mold and pest

Her final words to me were, “I want racial healing and to stop the hate.” And I

with medicine before

free genetics.

truly believe that this is how she feels. This woman has experienced pain and loss

recreational can even be a

over her life that has shaped her into the incredible person she is today. If you get

thought. The state, OMMA,

When I asked Karen if she had

the chance to be in Karen’s presence, just sit back and listen to the stories she has

and patients need to be in

any final thoughts, she retorted,

to tell, because I can assure you, this woman has lived a life worth listening to.

agreement before it’s a

“I’m gonna smoke it until I

foreseeable option.”

die.”

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CHRONIC | JULY 2021

relief from anxiety and stress

HAVE A FUN 4TH OF JULY! Light up those fireworks and celebrate our freedom!

FROM THE CHRONIC TEAM.

The Chronic Magazine Never Miss An Issue

THEOKLAHOMACHRONIC.COM/MAGAZINE

BY THE NUMBERS AS OF JUNE 2021 THERE IS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

Growers

As of June 1st, there are 7,850 growers within our state

Processors

We currently have 2,264 dispensary licenses with this great state

Transport Laboratory Waste Disposal

We now have 81 Transportation Licenses We have 25 licensed labs We have 10 licensed waste disposal faclities

Active Licenses: 369,247 Patients & 2,255 Caregivers

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CHRONIC | JULY 2021

Dispensaries

We have 1,402 licensed processors in the state

S TO N ER S

April Twentieth Chong Maryjane

Eat

Ganja

Mellow

Red eyes

Bob Marley High

Munchies

Cheech

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Smoke Stoned

Love

Chink eyed Marijuana

Pot head

Swedan

Pothead

Weed

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