The Chronic Magazine (October 2021)

TOP SHELF NEWS, RESOURCE & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

CHRONIC

WWW.THEOKLAHOMACHRONIC.COM

OCTOBER 2021

U S A

The Emerald EXCLUSIVE

Ghost Hunters!

ON THE HIGH

NUVATA VAPES

Happy Halloweed! Happy Halloweed! Happy Halloweed! Happy Halloweed! Happy Halloweed!

Happy Halloweed! Happy Halloweed! Happy Halloweed! Happy Halloweed! Happy Halloweed! Happy Halloweed! Happy Halloweed!

Happy Halloweed! Happy Halloweed! Happy Halloweed! Happy Halloweed! Happy Halloweed! Happy Halloweed! Happy Halloweed!

Happy Halloweed! Happy Halloweed! Happy Halloweed! Happy Halloweed! Happy Halloweed! Happy Halloweed!

Our Staff Therin Miller Chief Operations Officer

Instagram | @oklahomachronicmagazine

Veronica Castillo Writer

Instagram | @v2_traveling_veg_canna_writer

Melissa Hall

From the Chronic Team Fall is in full effect and this issue is sure to

Canna Critic

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bring you some scares if you dare. We had the awesome opportunity to go out with the

Dr. Pepper Hernandez

Chronic Encounters team on one of their

Instagram | @dr.pepperhernandez

investigations to a haunted, haunted attraction

Writer

"Guthrie Haunts". Being high and investigating Liquids

this place was a total trip and personnally I

Chef Buz Deliere

was scared out of my mind as we heard

Canna Chef

Instagram | @medibles_ok

footsteps following us and weird nosies as we went from scene to scene.

Carisa Rowe Writer

Instagram | @groovygrower

Make sure to twist up some good herb this Halloween and grab your favorite fall drink and enjoy.

Chynna Pearson Writer

Instagram | @chynnathewriter

Have a scary Halloween!

Terrisha Harris Graphic Designer

Instagram | @smoke_tree_cannabis

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

Philip Rodriguez Writer

Instagram | @wheretosmokeokc

www.theoklahomachronic.com

Tatiana Melendez Writer

Instagram | @_tatiana.me

Sloane Simon Writer

Instagram | @sloaney_11

OCTOBER COVER : The Chronic Encounters Photo by: Therin Miller

The Chronic Magazine.

Top Shelf News, Resource & Lifestyle Magazine

CONTENTS

THE CHRONIC | OCTOBER 2021

7

THE EMERALD TRIANGLE What Murder Mountain Didn’t Show in Their Expose

13

GROWER'S PAIN PURE BUDS U.S.A. by Carisa Rowe

20

CORRELATION BETWEEN CANNABIS AND HEALTHCARE

25

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.

27 HAUNTED ADVENTURES

32

ON THE HIGH

32

EXCLUSIVE!

CHRONIC ENCOUNTERS

56

TIPS BUDTENDERS CAN USE TO BOLSTER REVENUE

43

WORLD OF C ANNABINOIDS AND TERPENES What are Cannflavins and how do they fit into the the Cannabis Holy Trinity?

MONTHLY CANNABIS

As the mornings start to get a little crisper and the leaves around us start to exhibit their transformation into beautiful Fall foliage, it sure starts to look and feel like October all around us.

46

Time to get scared, Chronic readers!

WHERE TO SMOKE: USA!

Just like the Beach Boys were famous for their “Surfin’ USA,” so too now shall your very own favorite public cannabis-smoking columnist be famous for “smokin’ USA!”

52

25

27

WHERE TO SMOKE: USA! Smokin U-S-AAAAA

56

7

10 STRAINS FOR HORROR MOVIE NIGHTS

59

MONTHLY CANNABIS REVIEW

Nuvata Vapes

SURVIVOR Cannabis Crushing Crohn’s

62

5 FINANCIAL HORRORS Higher Accounting

CINORHC EHT

43

40

The Emerald

MY JOURNEY AROUND THE U.S. CANNABIS MECCA Vee Castillo

“In Humboldt County, California, the big business of legal marijuana brings in visitors from around the world.

Some are never seen again.”

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This is the description used by Netflix in the Season 1 description of Murder Mountain; listed under crime TV shows instead of docu-series (SMH).

The series covered a specific story- a specific situation- and portrayed an entire county as murderous. They covered one story, on one mountain, and created fear. For many, this is the first they heard and learned about the area; and this introduction was horrible.

They shined a dim light on the issues that small craft farmers are dealing with, like regulations in the recreational/adult-use market. However, their focus shifted fast and violence became the focus of the whole series.

I vowed if, given the opportunity, I would visit the emerald triangle and show that Murder Mountain doesn’t reflect the entire community. Sure, bad things happen, but they happen everywhere. USA News, reports: “According to police data compiled by VOA, homicides during 2020 were up by an average of about 40% over the previous year across the nine cities: Kansas City, Missouri; Chicago, Illinois; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; St. Louis, Missouri; Memphis, Tennessee; and Indianapolis, Indiana.”

The U.S cannabis mecca, known as the Emerald Triangle is the United States and cannabis industry treasure. It is sacred, with magical soil, growing some of the world's best cannabis.

The people there, many of them 3rd, 4th, 5th generation residents and farmers, are some of the warmest, most humble, most passionate about planet earth, people I have ever met. The people, the land, the plants, the redwoods, all welcomed me, hugged me, nurtured me, and educated me.

I journeyed up to the emerald one way, reflected and transformed, and left the emerald triangle a different person; better, wiser, and even more appreciative than ever for plant cannabis.

My Journey Up to the Emerald Triangle I had been trying to get up to the Emerald for a year or more. I wanted an experience, so I wanted a tour guide. In 2021, that happened; Lelehnia (Lele) Dubois, founder of Humboldt Grace, heard my request on Clubhouse and within a week, we were on the phone making plans for this amazing tour.

Because of Murder Mountain, the announcement of my tour of the Emerald Triangle was received with fear:

“oh my goodness please be careful, people go missing up there all the time”.

In June of 2021, myself and 1st Lady of the West Coast journeyed up to the Emerald Triangle from Nevada, for a tour neither one of us expected.

The journey up was supported by journey sponsors: Sky High PEO, MyCureAll, Sunflower Spacecakes, and Kathleen Bryson- the tour homebase sponsor.

Arriving in Humboldt County was obvious because of the mystical redwoods. They stood tall, radiant, and bold, welcoming us to Redwood Highway, in the Redwood National Forest- home to the tallest trees in the world. My Scenic Drives says:

“The Redwood Highway may seem like a misnomer at the beginning of the drive, but in 20miles these giants will lure you out of your car for a closer inspection.”

They weren’t lying, the Redwoods, also known as giants, definitely lured me out of my car.

The journey up to the northern part of Humboldt county was beautiful. When we arrived in Eureka, CA at Kathleen’s beautiful home, we met both Lele and Kathleen in the flesh.

It felt like a reunion more than a meeting. Kathleen had a beautiful and comfortable space for us, with fresh cut flowers from her garden, and a written welcome note.

Eureka is described as: Real. Authentic.

Different on the City of Eureka site and I have to say that I agree. It is the county seat of Humboldt county, it’s the heart of the Redwood Coast, and is most famous...not for cannabis, but for its unique Victorian architecture, creative artistic culture, one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, and artisanal businesses.

It was the perfect location for the homebase of the tour.

Go back to Cover Page

Photo by: 1st Lady of the West Coast

The Journey Through, and Tour of: Humboldt County

Humboldt county is known as Home to the Redwoods.

When browsing the Visit Humboldt site, readers will notice tabs/pages for things to do like: Redwoods, beaches, hiking, water activities, leisure, towns, history, and tour guides. All of this exists in one county, I found all of these activities and then some. But the best partCANNABIS. Humboldt county is such a huge county! It can take 4 hours to get from the northern part of the county to the southern part of the county. The pacific ocean is magical and felt within the county- even when not close, the ocean is still felt in the air and soil. Humboldt county gave the experience of the tallest mountains I’ve been on, the stickiest sun-grown cannabis I’ve ever consumed, meeting OG’s, traveling some of the most rural areas I have ever seen, stepping foot on the original site of the Emerald Cup, my first experience getting a massage, then browsing the dispensary, with the ability to consume outside- all in the same place.

While journeying through Humboldt county, I met: Barrett Farms, 8-Mile Family Farms, True Humboldt, Sweet Leaf Compassion, Herb & Market, Sunbolt Grown, Papa, and Barkley Social, Kiskanu Dispensary, and though not cannabis- Humboldt Soup Company sponsored a few meals while I was there.

All of these businesses, so gracious, so warm, so welcoming- opened their doors to us, fed us food from their kitchens, and gave us some of their beautiful cannabis- which doesn’t get enough credit.

8 OCTOBER 2021 | CHRONIC

Sure, we knew that we were about to witness magic, but we had no idea how touched we would be every day. Lele put together such a magical experience, one that should’ve been followed by Netflix.

Arriving in Humboldt County- City of Eureka- The Homebase of the Tour

Owners of Barrett Farms, Photo by Vee Castillo

You see, the emerald triangle is home of the sungrown, home of greenhouse grows, home of some of the best cannabis one will ever consume.

It has all to do with their passion, the sun, and the magic of the soil, all coming together to grow us real cannabis. Many people know, many people don’t: indoor cultivation is a practice which attempts to mimic outdoor conditions. So while indoor is pretty and gets all the glory, sungrown is usually referred to as “ugly, dusty, burnt, and other disrespectful names.

But, nothing grown from the soil with the help of the sun can be ugly.

CHRONIC | OCTOBER 2021

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The organization has been providing free medical cannabis to HIV/AIDS and Cancer patients in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, and throughout California.

Joe Airone, the founder and director, is filled with passion and goals for this community of people that can benefit greatly from medicinal cannabis.

Barrett Farms & 8-Mile Family Farms barrettfarms 8milefamilyfarms

Grow some of the dankest cannabis I have ever consumed!

Trichome covered, thick dense Sunbolt Grown nugs, raging terpenes, beautiful sunboldtgrown shades of green, cultivators full of passion; everything consumed A dry farm in southern Humboldt was magical! county. Sunshine Johnston is the owner and amazing cultivator OG Kush from 8-Mile Family of this company. She grows Farms and Kush Mints from cannabis outdoors, with no Barrett Farms were so good to water. The soil in Humboldt me and better than a lot of the county is so magical, that indoor cannabis I consume. cannabis can grow, thrive, and produce dank buds, with no Barrett Farms is a 95% solar water. farm that grows cannabis in living soil, and 8-Mile Family This was a first for me for sure Farms is close to the Mad River, and I was so in awe at the pure and sits on very green mountain, passion and boss energy that and just when you think you’ve radiates from Sunshine. made it to the top, there is another level to reach- to the Sweetleaf Compassion point that it feels like clouds are sweetleafjoe floating just above the head.

Is a donation based charity organization that has been helping patients get their cannabis medicine since 1996.

Passion has a lot to do with the beauty of cannabis. They talked about the plant with so much honor and respect.

Owners of 8 Mile Family Farms, Photo by Vee Castillo

They talked about their struggles as small craft farmers in the new age of legalization.

They discussed everything they love- with a huge focus on the love of growing medicine for people, and everything that creates hardship- with a huge focus on multi-agency regulations and taxes.

True Humboldt truehumboldt was born from passion and Sequoyah is the fuel; this company offers sungrown cannabis, with the intention of preserving the heritage of Humboldt county.

Owned and operated by farmers, this company exists for farmers and for the ecoconscious cannabis connoisseur.

The story behind the launch was so inspiring and hearing Sequoyah tell it was so moving.

This is a cannabis brand, with its own dispensary, offering massage therapy, and an outside lounge area that allows cannabis consumption on site. There’s even a food truck onsite!

It was also great visiting Herb & Market herbandmarket A woman owned dispensary in Arcata, CA- which is in Humboldt county. They hosted a Solstice celebration where I met so many members of the community, and they gifted huge bags loaded with local products.

I enjoyed visiting and touring Kiskanu Dispensary kiskanu A flagship retail cannabis store, located in Eureka, CA .

They are family owned and womxn operated. It has the cutest set up, and offers THC and CBD products. Many of them, grown and made by Kiskanu Farms.

Kiskanu gifted us some of their sungrown Papa and Barkley Social cannabis and my goodness- of course it was magical- it's grown by passion, and papaandbarkley in magical soil. is such a vibe.

Sol Spirit Farm Cannabis, Photo by Vee Castillo

Booney Acres Cannabis & Arcana Flowers, Photo by Vee

The Journey Through, and Tour of: Trinity County The journey from Humboldt County to Trinity County was amazing. Picture roads that hug the mountains, creeks, and rivers down below, deep green and very dense nature all around, and of course, the excitement of knowing that the journey leads to Booney Acres. booney_acres Before arriving, we made a stop at the Trinity River to take a dip. The temperature change is felt leaving the coastal side of the Emerald Triangle; it got a little warm so, this stop was definitely refreshing.

But it was more than that, it was spiritual.

There is so much indigenous/ first people history tied to that river, in that area that we visited, that Lele educated us on. Like the Wiyot (indigenous/native people), being the original inhabitants along the river, before white settlers arrived.

CHRONIC | OCTOBER 2021

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The water looked and felt magical; there was needed stillness, and the sounds of the flowing water flowing- magical! We arrived at Booney Acres, a 600+acre oasis, built and occupied by homesteaders; where they keep it simple but there is nothing simple about the cannabis they grow.

I have never tasted cannabis like this- ever.

Let me just say that sun-grown cannabis gets all frowns but MY GOODNESS- this must STOP. Booney Acres is growing magic! SungrownTerpy- Frosty- Tasty- Dank- AMAZING! Their Strawberry Jelly and Kombucha took my breath away!

The energy on the land was so healing; medicinal plants everywhere! This oasis has 7 creeks, a pond, chickens, goats, pigs, and so much peace. I have never visited a place so magical, so welcoming, so nurturing.

I slept in a beautiful yurt, decorated with such class that one can forget they are in a yurt, in a bed that was raised off of the ground. It was beautiful to sleep like that under the stars in such a magical place.

The lead cultivator was so passionate, and not just about cannabis, but about the sacred land that the farm sits on. His passion beamed from his pores and stars could be seen in his eyes when he talked about the plants: their beauty, their strength, their ability to heal.

Sol Spirit Farm cares so much about mother earth, they care so much about what they do and how it impacts the land, the soil.

They care so much about what they give to the plant, because they are also giving to earth, and also giving to you.

In the same county, on the other side of the massive mountains, is Sol Spirit Farm/ Sol Spirit Retreats. solspiritfarm This husband and wife team was something like a breath of fresh air; the farm and retreat offering one of the dopest glamping experiences, was amazing!

The land that the farm and retreat sits on, is steps from the Trinity River-South Fork, where we spent a few hours dipping in and out of the river. Onsite, there is a pavilion made for kickbacks, socializing, and enjoying meals and sesh’s. We enjoyed a delicious vegan meal for dinner under that pavilion, with a group of people in various parts of the cannabis industry.

At that dinner, I met Aloha Humboldt, and Emerald Queen Farms. After that dinner, we were given an assortment of amazing cannabis grown by Sol Spirit Farms, in their beautiful greenhouses, that sit on the farm side of the property, behind the retreat area.

They grow such fire- and with passion. That night, I showered in one of their fully functioning, outdoor bathrooms; equipped with a shower, sink, toilet, and full privacy.

The Journey Through, and Tour of: Mendocino County The journey to Mendocino County felt like we were driving towards “the city”.

Mendocino sits at the bottom of the triangle, the county seat is in Ukiah, and this county is the closest to cities/metro areas like: Fort Bragg, Santa Rosa, and Napa. In Mendocino County, we visited Mendocino Generations, a strong alliance of sun grown, heritage cannabis farmers from all corners of Mendocino County.

They showed us around the property and of course, the girls. Sungrown of course, and dancing in the sunshine, the plants were just as happy to see us. We were given some of their amazing cannabis flower: Jedi Nights, Lemon Fire, and True Ryder.

They were all so amazing, so dense, and terpy as heck!

Final Words

My Journey to the Emerald Triangle was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. I didn’t experience hate, violence, or threats. I wasn’t scared, in fact, the entire vibration was one of welcome, and the energy that wrapped around me was one of safety. My experience of the Emerald Triangle was nothing like Murder Mountain described the area to be. I experienced so much community, so much support, which I should be fair in mentioning, Murder Mountain did capture a little of that.

These farmers/cultivators, homesteaders, and flower people were in such support of one another. I remember being asked “where to next?”, and when I’d answer, the response being: “oh yeah I know them, those are some good folks, doing good things.”

One can even go through the Mendocino Generations comments of my social media mendocinogenerations posts and see cannabis businesses/farmers/cultivato We toured the rs, comment in support of one Arcanna Flowers another. This is the story, the arcanna_flowers heartbeat, the pulse of the Emerald Triangle that wasn’t farm, off-grid farming; captured by Netflix on grown with: integrity, love Murder Mountain. for the planet, soil, and the people. What a place, much closer to everything yet still felt like we were far away from everything.

I loved it here! There is family, history, passion, and peace throughout this place.

They were so welcoming, warm, and humble.

Of course, the story captured was attached to someone's life and his story mattered, however, the image they painted of an area/ region based on one story, was horrible. Our mecca deserves nothing less than grace and gratitude when being talked about.

Grower's PAIN

by Carisa rowe

Cannabis knows pain. The entire purpose of the cannabis plant is to address pain. We consume cannabis to ease our many woes, ranging from the persistent nag of PTSD to the incapacitating ache of nerve damage. Good old Nurse Mari is always right on time to treat whatever ails us but there is a particular pain that growers know all too well: failed testing.

Nothing hurts like spending sixteen or more weeks raising a sapling plant into a generously blossoming kola factory only to receive the excruciating news that your harvest didn’t pass testing. I have been witness to more than one grower receiving their failed results and few things make me squirm like watching that heartbreak spread over a grower.

The most common contaminants in cannabis production are infectious or pathogenic and include molds, bacteria, and viruses. For cultivators, a failed test for microbial contamination is a devastating blow because there is a multitude of risks related to contaminants such as yeast or mold. Ingesting yeast and mold imposes serious health risks for patients because spores and other toxins can thrive in the lungs. This is particularly noteworthy for the innumerable cannabis patients who live with compromised immune systems, where spores can lead to invasive lung disease.

The options for cleaning up dirty weed are few and far between. Historically, the only real recourse for cultivation companies has been to sell or split the harvest with a distillation company capable of remediating these microbial.

Enter Tim Pedigo and Greg Huntsman, owners of Pure Buds USA. Pure Buds USA provides cannabis decontamination services for commercial growers so that they can take pride in their fruitful harvest. The decontamination process behind Pure Buds USA is fascinating because it safely neutralizes invasive species such as powdery mildew, E. coli, and aspergillus without exposing cannabis buds to radiation or ozone and without forcing cultivators to sell their prized buds to distillation for pennies on the dollar.

Each of the various clean-up options has its appeal but the primary drawback always boils down to revenues. Many of these options lower the quality of the product or alter it from one form to another. The process used by Pure Buds USA is radio frequency (RF) decontamination. Radiofrequency decontamination is a chemical-free process pioneered in the food safety industry that can eliminate insects, pathogens, and infections from dried, cured cannabis flowers.

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Radiofrequency remarkably decontaminates “while preserving potency and the product’s sensory qualities. RF is non-toxic, organic, chemical-free, scalable, and effective. Total THC is preserved, moisture loss is minimal, and flavor and aroma are preserved,” as reported in a 2019 article for cannatechtoday.com regarding the process. During the decontamination process, the machines at Pure Buds USA manipulate electromagnetic waves to direct dielectric heating of undesired material such as mildew or insect leavings.

The science is fascinating; there are probes and shocks, vibrations and dehydration. Frankly, it sounds like my last rave and listening to Tim and Greg explain the process was as fascinating as any EDM show. In the back of my mind I picture little anthropomorphic nugs having a rave in the lab at Pure Buds USA but quickly focus and wonder what that process looks like. The RF system uses a number of probes inserted into a batch of cannabis flower at different places to monitor temperature in real time. Interestingly the process is faster if there is more moisture present in the flower.

During radio frequency processing, dielectric material is blasted with electromagnetic wavelengths creating rapid, volumetric heat which dehydrates various organisms until they disintegrate and vibrate away from the remaining material. Dielectric material has low electrical conductivity and is considered an electrical insulator.

Dielectric polarization occurs when this insulator receives electrical stimulus that it cannot effectively discharge, resulting in the displacement of polarity in ions within the material. Radio frequency polarization alternates the wavelength that is being directed at the material thus generating rapid ionization of the most conductive material first thus generating volumetric, or even, heat.

To clarify, in the instance of an invasive pest or infectious species, the most conductive material is the water within the material because it is the most ionic. The dielectric material – in this case, infected cannabis, any biologic fluid within the exoskeleton of an invasive mite, the trace water molecules within powdery mildew cells all undergo rapid polarization of their ions. The ions heat up volumetrically as they experience this rapid changing in polarization.

This means that the cells achieve the desired temperature evenly and rapidly.

This flash heating evaporates moisture quickly and presents the opportunity for short heat exposure so that there is minimal degradation to the plant’s cellular structure and more importantly, the precious cannabinoids and terpenes we’re all so eager to enjoy.

Meanwhile, the material with more conductivity, or water content, is evaporated suddenly by this extreme change in temperature. Think of flash boiling water on a hot skillet. Within an organism sensitive to electric heat such as microscopic insects or viral invaders, the sudden evaporation of water desiccates these easily polarized cellular structures resulting in desiccation and inactivation of the organisms.

Once flash-desiccated, much of the now inactive material falls away in the vibration of the RF process leaving behind sterilized cannabis that is safe for direct inhalation.

It sounds like a sci-fi loophole but radio frequency decontamination is a long-held practice in the food safety industry as well as in agricultural practice.

In fact, when Tim and Greg approached Lee Rhoades, Laboratory Program Oversight Manager for the Oklahoma State Department of Health who works closely with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority’s Food Safety Board, to discuss the application of radio frequency decontamination in the cannabis sector, the OMMA board member was excited to chat about this familiar food safety practice.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved radio frequency decontamination as a food safety practice to mitigate spread of infectious organisms in many familiar pantry favorites like cookies, nuts, and crackers.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recognizes this practice for sterilization of agricultural products.

Their research has demonstrated safe, effective decontamination of many materials from a wide variety of contaminating organisms.

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I question the fellas about the integrity of the flower that is left behind. Surely flash boiling water content away affects the quality of the remaining product? The honest answer is “of course it does.” It is noteworthy that the degradation is minimal to the overall moisture and to the cannabinoids and terpenes.

This bit of information is key for cultivators who are aware of a problematic infestation early in the harvest process.

This allows growers the opportunity to schedule decontamination services with Pure buds USA ahead of a full cure so that the loss in moisture content coincides with targeted moisture levels of the finished product. I am delighted to learn that Tim and Greg have been in a number of industries together over the last 30 years or so.

The duo have worked in The terpene loss and conversion property development, oil and of cannabinoids through heat gas (including offshore decarboxylation are very operations), and many other minimal. In regards to moisture ventures in their three decades content, the flower itself may together and have some lose a fraction of a percentage experience with up to two or three percent. decontamination.

The fellas were in the midst of a development project on an island in the Atlantic Ocean when the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred.

Tim and Greg were concerned about the spill drifting and wanted to find a way to help in the aftermath of such a devastating disaster.

As far as oceanic oil spills go, the filtration options to remove contaminants could be improved.

Pedigo and Hunstman went back to brainstorming and recognized that one of the slowdowns in the cleanup effort occurred when the filtration devices, known as booms, were brought in to be cleaned and decontaminated so that they could be reused. All of the work to scrub contaminants from the devices was done by hand.

When the realization came that they could speed up the process and reduce wear and tear on laborers, the fellas jumped at the opportunity and developed a The guys initially reinvented the machine that revolutionized boom wheel and presented an organic, cleanup. The passion for problem reusable solution to help fight solving is rooted in a good the spread of petroleum by friendship Tim held with a heart products but industry leaders surgeon. The physician advised explained that the solution would him that if he could discover what take too long to implement in the someone’s pain was, he would be midst of a global crisis. able to help them.

The guys wanted to join the cannabis sector and recognized that there were many cultivators struggling with steep financial losses when their harvests tested positive for microbial contaminants.

The options available to cannabis farmers with microbial infestations are limited and the most common solution is to sell the infected material to a processor who makes distillate.

The distillation process remediates infectious and pathogenic pollutants by altering cannabis flower into cannabis concentrate but leaves a painful gap in the profit margins compared to the profitability of flower.

Distillation is a good choice for processing trim or poorly dried/cured cannabis into a concentrate that can be vaped or ingested but it isn’t the first choice for prized kolas that could be on dispensary shelves.

To give perspective, distillate is often made from trim or larf because pounds of biomass can be purchased for pennies on the dollar. Even with top buds and high THC yields, a single liter of distillate can take thirty pounds of plant material to produce. When a harvest experiences a microbial infection, the flower holds the same value as trim or larf, which is not much.

The process of distillation remediates microbials such as powdery mildew or salmonella while bug contaminants remain behind with the inert biomass.

Distillation is a Hail Mari for cannabis cultivators but the pain of this solution is that distillation greatly diminishes profitability for a farm that could have sold quality nugs to dispensaries, B-buds for pre-rolls, and its trim to a processor of their choice.

Until recently, verbiage from the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority prevented decontamination of cured flowers, limiting farms and gardens from realizing their full profitability and forcing them to choose distillation in order to turn a profit. Fortunately, the wording within OMMA’s regulations has changed and currently allows for decontamination processes. Tim and Greg are eager for Oklahoma’s cultivators to understand that they offer a safe decontamination solution that is in compliance with the revised language in the safety regulations.

Remediation and decontamination both solve a microbial contaminant problem for growers but the significant difference is that remediation changes the bud into a different product altogether. Remediation takes flowers and uses them to produce concentrates In the process of remediation, cannabis is submerged in a solvent – often ethanol, and then undergoes another stage or two of alchemy before the final product is yielded.

It’s important to note that solvent residue and trace amounts of the solvent remain in these concentrated products. These adulterants affect the quality of the final product and can be inhaled or ingested. Conversely, decontamination protects the integrity of the product, sterilizing dried cured flowers and leaving behind clean flowers that are safe for inhalation.

Tim and Greg are committed to easing growers' pains by providing solutions that will help cultivators feel pride in delivering clean medicine to cannabis patients.

They understand that cannabis flower is the driving commodity in this market and they are presenting the safest choice for cannabis consumers by offering radiofrequency decontamination as a post-harvest solution. As a matter of fact, Pure Buds USA has a wide range of options for cultivators including post-harvest packaging solutions.

They recognize that a solid reputation is everything in the cannabis industry and they want to help farmers put out the absolute cleanest, highest quality flower on shelves by guaranteeing that cultivators are able to work with them riskfree.

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Tim Pedigo and Greg Huntsman are dedicated to aiding cultivators in getting their products safely into the hands of consumers.

CORRELATION BETWEEN

CANNABIS

SLOANE SIMON

AND

The question posed for this article was whether or not medical costs had been declining with the introduction of legalization of both medical and recreational cannabis around the United States.

Several studies have found that certain prescriptions have been prescribed far less for patients that have opted to use medical cannabis. Many of these medications are opiate-based or pharmaceuticals used for anxiety and depression diagnosis.

The simple answer is no. Anyone that follows anything pertaining to medical costs or has been lucky enough to have to deal with our healthcare system, knows well that there is absolutely zero decline in costs. In fact, costs continue to rise, despite access to different options.

In fact, some numbers showed around 1,800 fewer opiate prescriptions written a day. A DAY. As we all are very aware, prescription opiates have been a huge moneymaker for big pharma for a long time.

As more and more research is conducted on medical cannabis, the more we will see that it can be a very viable “drug” to treat many, many ailments with way less side effects than many of the pharmaceuticals currently being shoved down our throats.

The cost of cannabis can be a deterrent to those on a fixed or lower income. This is where things can get tricky on the better options for a patient and how they medicate, whether through cannabis or pharmaceuticals.

20 OCTOBER 2021 | CHRONIC

Or, maybe this is why the prices are going up? Are less people utilizing traditional, mainstream health care options and turning more towards cannabis, causing the greedy big Pharma and big Medical to increase their costs?

To take away that many written prescriptions a day, is a huge money loss for pharmaceutical companies, pharmacies, and health care overall.

On the other side of the coin, medical cannabis isn’t always the cheapest option. The beauty behind it, though, is that there more than likely will be a cap on how much cannabis prices increase.

The quality of flowers continues to improve as we learn more and more about the best way to grow, with what soils, how to properly cure, etc. in order to get the best benefits from the plant. In turn, the better the plant, the better the terpenes and cannabinoids, the better the product.

For instance, when you take into account the costs of the doctor’s visit to obtain the medical card in Oklahoma, the application fee for the medical card, a patient can expect to spend around $250. However, if the patient is already on Medicaid, the application fee is $20.

CHRONIC | OCTOBER 2021

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Geraniol, a terpene found in some cannabis strains, has been shown to target cancer cells specifically and help keep the healthy cells healthy.

On a personal level, I’ve opted out of having health insurance and really using any kind of pharmaceuticals, rarely Many local doctors are on a cash only going to the doctor unless something is basis for the recommendation in order just totally wrong. I was relying heavily to receive the card. I know when I on anti-depressants and anxiety applied for my initial card in 2018, my medications to make it through my day. doctor’s visit alone was $185. So, once Yeah, I could get a three month I paid my doctor, then paid my prescription filled for my Lexapro, but I application fee, it was dang near $300. could also still experience panic attack Not everyone can drop that and then after panic attack, feeling numb to the pay for quality medicine on top of that. world, and just overall blasé. So, I researched, I learned, I conducted my An option to fix this conundrum would own experiments with different strains be for patients to have the option to to treat my symptoms. And guess what, utilize their insurance they already have no more pharmaceuticals. to help pay for the medical cannabis.

But, and this is a huge but, that will I don’t know what I typically spend a never happen until the federal month on medical cannabis, but I know government decides to remove damn well it is nowhere near what I’d cannabis as a schedule 1 drug. pay for health insurance to get those pharmaceuticals.

To refresh our memories, other schedule 1 drugs would be heroin and So, let us circle back to the original cocaine. But hey, those lovely opiates all question. In the present day, legal doctors love to push and prescribe, cannabis has absolutely zero effect on those are not scheduled one, yay. Thus, declining health care costs. Health care insurance covers those, making it very costs continue to rise yearly, and with easy for patients to still turn to that the way the last almost two years have option where filling a prescription is gone with Covid, I highly doubt they will under $5 for about a month's supply. A be coming down any time soon. gram of decent cannabis, around $12.

It would be wonderful to see an option The other issue with cannabis still being for medical cannabis users to utilize a schedule 1 drug is that doctors can their already established insurance to not prescribe a schedule 1 drug, nor do help cover the costs of their real they know the proper dosage to medicine, however, until the federal prescribe. government declassifies the schedule 1 assignment wrongfully given to Again, research. The more we research cannabis, that can’t change either. In our endocannabinoid system, the fact, it is much more likely that we will cannabinoids present in the plant, and see a change to recreational cannabis the way they interact, the more we can being legalized, thus negating the need determine in ways to prescribe. for any kind of doctor recommendation given to a patient in order to obtain There are already studies being done to cannabis. Our best bet, hope our determine the best amount of government can get their shit together cannabinoids we intake to help fight and get the people the medicine they cancer. truly need.

ORDER YOURS TODAY!

COOKINGWITHABUZ.COM

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ted Zombie Chow o o Z INGREDIENTS 7 OZ THIN PRETZEL STICKS 2 CUPS CORN CHEX 1 CUP CHEERIOS

@medibles_ok

1 CUP HONEY NUT CHEERIOS

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COOKING

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Good day out there to all my canna chef’s and welcome back to Cooking with a Buz! It’s my favorite time of year, that’s right peeps it’s Halloween time!

½ CUP PEANUTS ½ CUP ALMONDS ½ 12 OZ BAG OF MILK CHOCOLATE M&M’S ½ 12 OZ BAG OF CARAMEL M&M’S 1 12 OZ BAG OF WHITE CHOCOLATE CHIPS 1 TBS CANNA COCONUT OIL

Creepy halloween decorations, haunted houses, lots of scares and of course some infused treats to keep your night spooky!

I had the privilege to tag along with some awesome paranormal investigators, The Chronic Encounters girls.

Gloria, Morgyn, April and Brittanie, these girls are spooky and know where to find the haunted spots and some really creepy things.

If you haven’t seen any of their videos you gotta check them out! I can’t forget Nate either, another spooky member of the team that just gives me chills.

25 ZUB a

I had to make sure I was really high to put myself through this haunted adventure that kept reminding me of the Saw movies. So check out their vids and see me scared and

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some awesome ghost hunting, now on to our recipe. For this year I chose my Halloween Zombie Chow and of course with the Chef Buz twist.

This is a quick and easy recipe and can be put into cups, bags or left in a bowl for everyone to enjoy. So grab a bag of your favorite herb, twist one up and let’s get Cooking with a Buz!

DIRECTIONS STEP 1

First, grab a large mixing bowl and add the pretzels, corn Chex, cheerios, peanuts, almonds, and M&M’s, everything but the white chocolate and oil, and mix them up.

STEP 2

Next in a microwavable safe bowl add the white chocolate chips and canna coconut oil and heat for 30 seconds and stir, repeat until the chocolate is completely melted and combined with the oil.

STEP 3

Now all you have to do is pour the canna chocolate over your mixture of goodies and make sure they are coated well. Let the Zooted Zombie Chow cool and then enjoy. Have a fun and safe Halloweed everyone!

on the high HAUNTED ADVENTURES

CHRONIC | OCTOBER 2021

27

Our month of festivities is here, Mavens of the Macabre and Gentlemen of Gore. It is October and for this one month, we can revel in terror without constraint. October is spectacular for two reasons: first, it’s scare season, and second, the influx of fresh harvests from farms around the country to dispensary shelves.

Be sure you have your stash bag and a few handy tools to facilitate your high haunts because my next suggestion is gonna require a little daring. I recommend a flashlight per haunter, good shoes, and hand wipes:

The neighboring dispensary is a spectacular spot to grab some dank before your visit. Leder looks forward to hosting a haunted house called the Marijuana Mansion this fall.

With literal truckloads of brand new products hitting the stores daily, Croptober deals are impossible to overlook. These deals provide a great opportunity to stock up and plan a High Haunts adventure if you’re brave enough.

One of the primary effects of cannabis consumption is heightened sensory perception.

For some cannabis consumers, this can feel like exaggerated or muted sound, more reactivity to heat or cold, decrease in blood pressure or increase in resting heart rate, and, for some users, even paranoia.

These overstimulated responses are temporary and are often quite pleasurable: food has more depth, touch stimulates more response, and endorphin surges can feel even more intense.

This heightened sensory perception is something that many cannabis users are seeking to enjoy during activities ranging from doing the dishes to embarking on new adventures. I can confirm what being stoned in a haunted house feels like. This recommendation comes from the first-hand experience, where being under the influence helped me get into the fantasy of horror:

Spooksville Triangle, Highways between OK, MO, and KS Your local cemetery, Your Town, USA First and foremost, I am not suggesting you catch a trespassing charge so don’t @ me if you go getting caught but… the nearest cemetery is a great place to sesh and catch creepy vibes. Look up the local history and see if you can find the historical bad guy’s grave.

Or visit your local Lover’s Lane, Crybaby Bridge, or the last sighting of a paranormal creature in the local woods.

You might even head out on a cross-country journey for horror. Wherever you wind up, go well prepared with plenty of cannabis, a well-informed understanding of local cannabis laws, some common sense, a little ghost-hunting gear, and an open mind.

Weed tastes better when you’re on an adventure, but be sure to drop a pin to where you parked and take a mobile charger just in case. These places have a way of getting you turned around, you know?

Along I-44 and the roads which connect Miami, OK to Columbus, KS, and Joplin, MO exist a phenomenon that has plagued truckers for decades. Legend has it that for over 100 years, at various spots in this web of roads, drivers have witnessed phantom lights appear on the road before inexplicably vanishing.

The report always includes a single red and single yellow light bobbing along the roadway as if carried by people walking. The lights are disembodied and as unreachable as the fabled leprechaun’s pot of gold.

The stories vary and the lore makes for a fun trip through the internet. For an adventurous roadie, this haunt is worth a nighttime road trip (chauffeured by a sober, designated driver) if you’re in one of these states or closely neighboring Arkansas.

Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Queen Mary, Long Beach, CA The Queen Mary is a Scottish ocean liner that cruised global waterways from 1936 until it retired on October 31, 1967, in Long Beach CA. Now a tourist destination and hotel, this relic of oceans past transforms into a haunted attraction featuring a theater show and séance, a haunted dining experience, and a horror house with three horrifying hallows to haunt.

Every good stoner and every good haunter knows this one fact: go prepared. You don’t want to be caught in the perfect moment for a sesh without a lighter and you really don’t want to be caught in the middle of a chatty poltergeist without some way to record evidence.

Marijuana Mansion, Denver, CO Marijuana Mansion is a 4,200-square-foot, Victorian-style mansion with secret rooms and ominous gargoyles. The 130-year-old building houses an interactive art gallery – and maybe a few souls unbothered by corporeal form.

Reports indicate that the Creswell Mansion had quite a run of trouble keeping tenants and that many renters felt trepidation at all times as if someone or something were ready to pounce on them.

Now owned by Lisa Leder, the Creswell Mansion has undergone a makeover and embraced stoner culture, hoping to become a hotspot for cannabis consumption.

The best part about the Sorrel Weed House is that it is accessible year-round. Aficionados of the paranormal don’t have to wait for autumn to get their spooky fix. There is a house tour and walking tour hosted every night, allowing guests a peek at the home, the grounds, and the history surrounding this Savannah gem.

On select nights, the Old Sorrel Weed House offers a Master Storyteller and Paranormal Investigator to guide guests through the creepy corners of the mansion while regaling visitors with stories intended to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.

Pro tip: cannabis is decriminalized in the city of Savannah.

28 OCTOBER 2021 | CHRONIC

The actors are top-notch but so is the security and California didn’t allow public consumption when I was there, so pop an edible for this one.

It’ll last long anyways.

The Old Sorrel Weed House, Savannah, GA Credit: Voyage Denver

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Most of New York, New York, NY

Nightmare on 9, Snohomish, WA

From The Dakota, the famed location of John Lennon’s assassination in 1980. These desecrated grounds were also hosted for the filming of Roman Polanski’s iconic horror film Rosemary’s Baby.

Creeping onto the list is Nightmare on 9 for its accessibility to families with one or more stoner parents.

Drop into The Algonquin to catch a specter of Harpo Marx or The White Horse Tavern in search of Dylan Thomas and an EVP validating that death indeed has no dominion.

The House of Death, at 14 West 10thStreet, was once inhabited by Mark Twain, for only a year, who claimed to have experienced the paranormal in the home.

This Halloween attraction is open throughout October and offers kidfriendly fun all day long and spooky distractions after dark. Pop an edible and hop on the hayride to let it kick in before testing your fine motor skills at Zombie Paintball.

Wrap your adventure with a dazed trip through the haunted house and chill out by your private corn-maze fire pit.

Whatever your adventuring style, with a free spirit and a little cannabis to help thin the veil between this world and the next, you’re sure to find some fun and maybe get your heart racing a bit.

Credit: Phoenix New Times

Fear Farm Haunted House, Phoenix, AZ

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this 27-acre farm hosts four terrifying haunts and a 20-acre corn maze full of frights.

The Fear Farm production features a slaughterhouse, a quagmired riverboat, a nuclear fallout zone, a haunted forest featuring Halloween’s favorite monsters, and the carnage of a circus train wreck. The website shows off some pretty exciting costumes and there’s even a Midway for when the munchies from hell strike.

If cannabis is legal in your state, you should follow local consumption and possession laws. It’s one thing to get in trouble for trespassing in a cemetery, it’s another getting busted with trumped-up charges for intent. Be considerate of the places and traditions you are adventuring around.

Remember that staff are not real monsters and other event attendees are just there to have fun, too. This post-harvest haunting season will be a lot of fun if we all keep the vibration real high.

CHRONIC ENCOUNTERS

by Chynna Pearson

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Have you ever seen something that you can’t explain? Maybe something lurking in the dark? Or

The group is made up of five awesome and fun people, four in front of the camera (Brittanie

how about an object moving when it wasn’t supposed to? Did people believe you when you told them or did they call you paranoid and crazy?

Anderson, Gloria Garcia, Morgyn Duncan, and April Gordon) and one behind (Nate Golden). They visit haunted places around Oklahoma and publish videos over each one.

Be sure to check out their pages, just search

Here at Chronic, we tend to believe the scary stories. Every bump in the night has a story to it and, honestly, Oklahoma is a place full of history and haunted places. I hope you agree when we say that going to those places sounds interesting

Chronic Encounters!

at least, maybe even fun. So fun that ghost hunters should actually go and tell us about what they saw.

their travels and adventures. Now, I do want to preface this with the fact that I may be a scary movie buff but, real-life scary things? I’m real life scared. But, I am totally willing to learn and

So we did just that. In case you all didn’t know, Chronic magazine has a ghost hunting team. Yes, a ghost hunting team! They are called Chronic Encounters and they are a badass group of people. Truly! (I mean you kind of have to go out

be more open to the spiritual side of things, if you know what I mean (I am getting better!).

and hunt for paranormal activity.)

to combine Oklahoma cannabis culture and paranormal investigation.

Since Halloween is coming up, I had the opportunity to speak with the wonderful people of Chronic Encounters and hear about

OCTOBER 2021 | CHRONIC

Chronic: So what do you guys do exactly?

Brittanie: Basically, our whole thing is we want

32

So normally, what I tell people Brittanie: But, we do try to stick to sativas or sativa is that we get violently high hybrids. Just so we aren’t and go ghost hunting. dragged down. One risk that we run doing this is that there Morgyn: Yep! is a possibility for couch lock.

Brittanie: That’s kind of our

Morgyn: Oh my god, I never thought to compare you two but I’m just going to have to start calling you Zak when you want to climb sh*t.

whole thing. (Laughs)

April: Don’t you do that!

Chronic: So whenever you guys get ready to go on one of your trips, how much

Chronic: What are all of your roles in the group?

Morgyn: I am the team's historian, so I do a good amount of the history research behind each haunt we visit.

April: I am our financial manager!

Nate: I do production, I am the guy behind the camera.

Brittanie: Well, I do a bit of everythingMorgyn: Brittanie is our Head

We don’t want to get couch locked when we are ghost hunting because that would

Side note: Once the team expands into more states they do have some haunts that they’d love to go to, some still in the United States and some overseas.

The teams said they’d like to visit The Stanley Hotel, The Lizzie Borden House, the catacombs in Rome, The Winchester House, Eastern State Penitentiary, Alcatraz, The Queen Mary, Roswell (New Mexico), and Greyfriars Kirkyard.

April: Mine, that has stuck out to me for the longest time now is something that happened during one of our first investigations together at the 101 Ranch. I wasn’t the only one that heard it but we kept hearing drums, we kept feeling things, things touched me, things were whispering

Chronic: What’s the craziest place you all have visited there or as much research. together?

Everyone: El Reno Barn!

Like the historical locations, Gloria and Morgyn are always Definitely, El Reno Barn! (laughs) on top of research. They

stuck around the air followed me home. It affected me for a

be a bad place to do that. So, research goes into it? we tend to stick to sativas and sativa leaning hybrids.

Gloria: I like to mix them up

Brittanie: It all depends on the location. For example, if we are doing a cemetery,

actually Morgyn: Yeah, Gloria’s joints

there may not be as much investigation that we can do

are dangerous like that.

April: Yeah, gorilla finger joints. (laughs)

Chronic: So, have you all usually start researching as always believed in ghosts and soon as we know we are paranormal things like that? going there so at least a couple weeks of research.

B*tch in Charge! (Laughs) Morgyn: I’ve had experiences Gloria: Well I do research and also paranormal investigation

since I was a child, so I have definitely always been a

on the spiritual side. I am the one who is more incontact

believer. This is definitely right up my alley being a part

with the spirits and things like of this team and this show.

Gloria: Yeah, definitely, same that. here. Always. I’ve seen things as well too, man.

April: Yeah, she is our

Brittanie: That barn... I really think something followed me home from that barn. It was our most recent visit too.

Chronic: Do you guys only do Side note: The El Reno Barn Oklahoma or do you all travel in El Reno Oklahoma is a to other states? haunted attraction that opens up with scare actors Morgyn: So we are actually and things of that nature but about to start branching out! it is really haunted.

Right now we want to focus on Oklahoma because this is The Chronic Encounters

in my ear, it was... I’ve never felt more alert in the middle of nowhere before. And I feel like either an energy or just an overwhelming that just

week or two. I kept thinking that I was seeing shadows around my home. I was touched by something in my home a couple days after. It was one of the craziest experiences and something that emotionally and mentally latched on to me. It was very intense. Even thinking back on it I’m like, “Alright, where’s the weed.”

Morgyn: I think for me The Stone Lion Inn. There was a lot of activity in the basement. We had split up

spiritualist for sure.

Brittanie: Definitely,

the heart and soul of where Brittanie: I would say that I’ve we started, we want to get

into two groups and at one point, my group was at this

definitely. That is where our protection spells come from, all of our prayer before we start.

April: Our resident witch!

always been a believer but I was always the kind of person that would try to explain away as much as I could. So this has been kind of a reality check, of sorts. There are things that

door. The door started opening and I was literally convinced that the other group was going to walk through that door. Nobody was there. It was very

Chronic: Since y’all get “violently high and go ghost hunting,” is there a favorite strain or type of weed that you

you see that you can’t just explain away. This show has really made me more of a believer.

tend to lean towards before ghost hunting?

Morgyn: Well, I wouldn’t say

Nate: I, on the other hand, have ex perience in the realm of skepticism and being the

we have a preferred strain, more of a preferred method.

We really enjoy joints and dab rigs.

active ghost antagonizer.

Gloria: I also like bongs.

April: Oh yeah, Gloria always has a bong with her. (laughs) Her bong and her purse,

“Alright let’s go do it!” Yeah, so if that doesn’t tell you I do pull a ‘Zak Bagans’ sometimes.

everywhere she goes.

April: Yes, anytime that I want to go do something stupid he’s the one that will say,

Team said that they had never felt like how they did that night or seen anything our following up, and we like they saw that night. That think Oklahoma should be home for our group. So that’s night was unexplainable. what we are trying to accomplish and kind of bring They heard things they couldn’t explain and some in the Oklahoma cannabis visitors had even had panic industry. attacks from the heaviness of the air around them.

We want to be a way to show off all the amazing growers Even Nate saw things that and minds within the night and he is a heavy industry, the beautiful skeptic when it comes to community that we have out paranormal things. According here, both cannabis and to the team, it was the most paranormal related. But, we scared they have ever been do have plans to expand, it is (so far). a matter of time at this point.

Chronic: Can each of you tell We really want to focus on me about your favorite our fans here first! paranormal experience, with or without the group?

Gloria: We do expand in the sense of other stories and cool things from other states.

unsettling and I felt a gush of cold air. There were a bunch of responses through our equipment and it was mind blowing to me. I had never really seen that much activity.

Brittanie: I think mine- I am going to be a bit different here and talk about one that’s not with the group. It was the first real paranormal thing that had ever happened to me. And if I didn’t have witnesses I’m sure none would believe me.

Photo by: Therin Miller

I was at my friends house and they had been telling me, “Oh, it’s haunted,” but I never believed them. One night her mom was doing the dishes and had the silverware drawer open and I watched a fork fly across the room. Like it just flew. They were like, “So, do you believe us now?”

And then I definitely did. It was the first time that I was like, “Oh sh*t ghosts are real and I’m not prepared to deal with that.”

Gloria: I have quite a few, I don’t even know. You know what? I’m going to go with last night. Last night we went to Train Tracks in Mustang, we were all doing our three minute self investigation.

I was asking the spirits that were there questions and wandered off toward the road, away from the railroads. I asked the spirit to give me a sign because it was one of the few times I felt scared on a haunt. I think I spoke to it, the app said, “Woman, we’re both. Born October.”

railroad tracks, and it was very scary since I was born in October. I’m shaking just talking about it now.

They will be posting a video everyday so check out their social media. The next haunt

You could see bullet holes that came from the inside.

(This was where Chinese refugees were kept over a hundred years ago and they were not treated well. It was full of restless spirits.)

Side note: Oklahoma has a lot of history and not all of it is good.

writing this interview, some spooky things began happening within my computer, it’s like it knew I talked to people who had

The Chronic Encounters team has a goal to show that Oklahoma isn’t just cows and cornfields but it has a lot of intense history as well.

“Oklahoma as a whole is haunted as f*ck.”

So what’s next for the Chronic Encounters team? 31 Days of Halloween!

they go to will be in Guthrie at a haunted attraction that is actually haunted, called Guthrie Haunts.

They will be the second team to investigate the area. Keep a look out for their spooky shenanigans. (Also, they wanted to thank our editor, Therein, for bringing them all together. They probably wouldn’t have met without him, so the team and the fans, thank you very much.)

Getting to do this interview was a blast. However, while

come into contact with ghosts! The recording of our interview began to disappear from the folder and when it was finally found, all of their voices had changed and some were nearly unintelligible.

Other than something potentially haunting me now, I had a wonderful time talking with the Chronic Encounters team. I’ll leave all you readers with this,

“We may hunt ghosts, but we

Infact, one area of the audio is completely new, I do not remember recording it. (If I had the courage to get an

don’t f*ck with

EMF reader and see if it said anything, I would! But I don’t want to provoke anything in

demons.”

my own house.)

Stay high, stay happy, stay spooky!

38 OCTOBER 2021 | CHRONIC

The presence was that of a woman, specifically the mom who passed away on the

Nate: For me, most of my paranormal experiences happened with other supernatural creatures that like to annoy you during the day like skinwalkers and stuff. But I hadn’t really had much that bothered me until I started following these girls around who are apparently just spirit magnets. In Guthrie, we had gone away from the street to some abandoned buildings and they were asking questions.

Everything was going fine but the building behind me was silent when we arrived but then after the questions were asked it began creaking and groaning.

Photo by: Therin Miller

Tips Budtenders can use to bolster revenue Tatiana Melendez

Budtender, cannabarista, or weed sommelier.

Budtenders are the face of a dispensary Whatever you call the person behind the counter, marketing effort. They could potentially you need their help when shopping at a medical make OR break the dispensary.

Most importantly, they build relationships. Medical or recreational marijuana use regularly brings the consumer back to the business even though it is not

marijuana dispensary or cannabis store. Good budtenders do more than serve and package your goods.

addictive. In most situations, they deal with a budtender one-on-one, which presents an opportunity to build a solid relationship.

Consumers who are open to relationship building will

Customers willing to pay the higher prices and business providers wanting to make legalization work both want to step back from the stoner

them up in display cases.

They handle repeated customer relations,

come to trust their budtender on advice on product and usage. Research proves that as competition in the cannabis and marijuana markets increases, the keys

stigma by providing education and experience; Who better else to do that then than your local budtender?

some of them difficult, might I add, and they manage point-of-sale systems and process the revenue.

to success for any canna-business point to operational efficiency, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, market penetration, and customer service.

40 OCTOBER 2021 | CHRONIC

They are the face of your domain (dispensary).

Let's investigate this role in the industry. In most cases, a budtender's work begins before the business opens. They labor at removing products from vaults and setting

We can all agree that in any business, customer service sets the tone for the store, and every business owner wishes to have a great person at upselling, so how can we mesh them together?

By educating ALL parties (owner, budtenders, and patients) more about the ins and outs of cannabis. In other words, reaching the right people with the right message at the right time. Here are some helpful tips budtenders can be used to bolster revenue:

Image.

Budtenders set the standard of professionalism and customer service. That image requires good grooming, personality, and warmth. As a patient, you have the right to expect them to be good listeners and congenial conversationalists.

Expertise.

Patients need expert information on products and informed advice on use. While some of that knowledge comes from experience with the products, the best budtenders can demonstrate proof of formal training and individual studies.

Responsible.

Regulations require formal lessons and certifications on compliance issues like checking for identification, maintaining location safety and security, and protecting consumer interests.

Inventory.

Customers have various interests, and it is helpful if budtenders grasp inventory, including vaping, edibles, concentrates, topicals, and more. They must know the brands and how they differ. They must understand the weight standards, potency, and preferred usage. And, of course, they must have extensive knowledge of cannabis strains, seeds, and flowers.

Cannabis dispensary customers are as diverse as they come: young, old, experienced, brand new to the plant, and everything in between. A budtender must go above and beyond; they provide quality service,

CHRONIC | OCTOBER 2021

41

What any run-of-the-mill customer service employee is expected to do. Studies show that cannabis has become more "mainstream" and available to one in three Americans in the last few years. Yet, most cannabis consumers are not educated enough to buy the right products for their needs.

Apart from poor experiences, this can lead to an unhealthy consumption. And no one wants that. As a result, the patient might think twice about going back to your shop.

What can canna-business owners do to support their budtenders? Besides educating them on the product and medical benefits, here are some tips to consider: Create an environment for its clients that feels at home, inviting, and welcoming.

Provide convenience, with online orders available for pickup and a simple, easy peruse website.

Have a rewards system available for loyal customers.

Focus on finding a tailored plan to help loyal patients find the best remedy for their individual needs.

Strategic marketing.

Take care of your employee's needs.

It is safe to say plant knowledge is imperative to cannabis industry success; however, being an owner of a dispensary myself, I must say another way ALL parties can help bolster revenue is through social media.

Few things are as ubiquitous in the modern-day as social media. The dominance of social media to reach people and shape culture in every sphere, including entertainment, sports, and politics, is undeniable. This also holds for businesses and marketing.

Get this, A consumer survey done in 2019 showed 76% of consumers have purchased a product they have seen in a social media post, and 44% have purchased items they have seen on a brand's social media post. A year later, in 2020, the average daily social media use by people around the world was upward of three to four hours per day. Think about that number in terms of ad time.

Think about how many moments you must get your messages, products, services, solutions, and brand identity in front of specific audiences!

However, since cannabis is still illegal at the federal level, platforms such as Facebook have decisively said that they do not support the cannabis or hemp industries. At the other end of the spectrum is LinkedIn, which has fully embraced the cannabis sector as not just an industry, but they've recognized it to be culturally relevant.

Then there is Instagram. Instagram marketing has worked well for many of us in the cannabis industry, but the seemingly random shutting down of accounts has been a real issue for many

All audiences have grown savvier, and they have access to a multitude of content coming at them at warp speed. They have their style of displaying content based on their beautiful personalities.

They attract various groups and different communities. Talk to your budtenders and ask them who their audience is.

It will help you engage with the target audience, which is a big key in this industry.

More engaging - less promoting.

Budtenders can also provide examples of educational, entertaining, and engaging content including tutorials, research, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your company that increase trust in your brand.

How, you ask? Word-of-mouth recommendations from a trusted source, whether a friend or an incredible influencer with a lifestyle that consumers desire, is among the best marketing forms. This same approach applies to reaching people via traditional media or even in person.

While things are changing more than ever now, there is no telling when social media will be a little relaxed about cannabis.

However, if you are persistent and imaginative, there are still some ways to use social media to your brand's advantage and growth.

As the cannabis industry continues to

brands – and influencers.

expand across the country and worldwide, more people are interested in getting involved and innovating from behind the

How can canna-business owners bypass these strict media rules? Your budtenders.

scenes. We must patiently wait while enjoying the clouds.

THE WORLD OF CANNABINOIDS AND TERPENES There are over 200 chemicals in the cannabis plant. We have already discovered upwards of some of the 100+ cannabinoids found in cannabis at this time.

The vital role of terpenes in cannabis is significant as there can be over 200+ of those alone.

But now, there are flavonoids to research and understand as well.

They account for about 20 of the 200 compounds, so it's worth spending time to know how they can affect our cannabis consumption.

These three components: the terpenes, cannabinoids and flavonoids, are the holy trinity of the cannabis world when looking at a cultivar profile.

What are flavonoids? Flavonoids are one of the most well-known nutritional groups in plants.

CHRONIC | OCTOBER 2021

43

They are nutrient-dense while also providing health advantages to humans and the plants from which they are derived. They aid seed development and growth by performing critical processes such as cell cycle advancement.

Go back to Cover Page

CANNABIS HOLY TRINITY? Written by Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D., CTC, CNHP, NHC

Board Certified and Award-Winning Holistic Health Practitioner

Quercetin is a Cannflavins and is the most abundant flavonoid in the human diet. These are a few plants that it can be found in, including: Apples Berries Citrus fruits Cacao (chocolate) Ginkgo biloba Green tea Kale Red onions Red wine St. John's wort

Flavonoids also serve as a

Flavonoids interact with

In addition to the vegetables listed above, quercetin can

plant defense system,

chemical receptors via the

be found in various other brightly colored, nutrient-

limiting damage from the

endocannabinoid system,

environment. Thus,

dense foods. This rich flavonoid functions as a pigment

which also includes

that gives plants color and is found primarily in the skin

flavonoids are members of cannabinoids and terpenes. the most significant In addition, flavonoids, like nutritional family that scientists are aware of.

To date, over 6,000 flavonoids have been found. Many foods we eat every day, such as citrus fruits, blueberries, chocolate, and herbs, contain them.

radicals by inhibiting and down-regulating inflammatory

have anti-inflammatory and

pathways.

antioxidant properties.

Quercetin is also an anti-inflammatory, antifungal, Furthermore, there are

antimicrobial and antiviral compound that has been

Cannflavins which are a type

shown to boost physical and mental function.

Not all cannabis cultivars are alike, and as organic farmers continue to breed their specific genetics, users 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.

of flavonoid found only in the cannabis plant. They belong to the flavone class of flavonoids.

flavonoids contribute to

These flavonoids have been

plant flavor and scent. But

demonstrated to be

the pigment variances

neuroprotective, antioxidant,

make it unique by giving

and anti-cancer.

each cannabis cultivar its distinct color. Because of

Most research has been done

the hue and flavor they

on cannflavin A, which is

how you perceive the plant with your senses, and of course, they also have therapeutic effects.

thought to inhibit COX-2 and reduce inflammation.

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.

therapeutic properties," says

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

PubMed.gov

Go forth, Go Cannabis...

"Cannflavins demonstrate several promising

44 OCTOBER 2021 | CHRONIC

play an essential role in

potent antioxidant that aids in the fight against free

the other two chemicals,

Much like terpenes,

offer, cannabis flavonoids

and leaves. It also has numerous health benefits as a

10 STRAINS FOR HORROR MOVIE NIGHTS Written by Chynna Pearson

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Time to get scared, Chronic readers! Fall is here and

Now, if you’re reading this magazine in the time of

Halloween is coming fast. Like scarily fast. Trick-or-

spooky nights and flickering lights, I think I know

treaters will be pounding down your door, houses will

what you are asking. “What strains do you

be getting egged and TP’ed, leaves are changing,

recommend for a scary movie?”

movie (or a not-so-scary movie, no shame in that)!

But, before we get into it, I want to remind everyone

Cannabis and scares may not be a common goal for

that every strain is different and affects people in

some but it’s Halloween, why not mix fun things with

different ways. Always be conscious of what you are

other fun things (right?).

putting into your body and try not to over do it.

OCTOBER 2021 | CHRONIC

and best of all... every night is a night for a scary

46

C

annabis is a wonderful product if used correctly and safely.

I don’t want you guys to

note that you may or

an unfun Halloween because

stuff is over... let’s get spooky!

#1 Granddaddy Purp Let’s start this off with a classic Indica, the OG of Indicas... Grandaddy Purp is a strain to relax.

Halloween can be a really stressful time for the “nota-big-horror-fan horror fans.” This Indica is for the moment when you feel like you’ve had enough of being scared and it’s time to watch a Disney Halloween film to make the memory of the new Conjuring go away.

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47

It’s always good to remember to take a load off and relax a little between haunted houses too, even if you’re only watching them on screen!

Get away from the scares with Grandaddy Purp.

where and why the it’s probably good to

be paranoid, and end up with

cannabis. Okay, the serious

on the person and the strain has been used,

accidentally scare yourselves,

you ingested too much

While that all depends

may not eat all of your

#2 Sour Joker

(or your kids)

Next, this strain is meant to enhance your movie watching skills. Sour Joker is an awesome Sativa.

Halloween candy.

If you’re not the type to fully immerse yourself in a movie, maybe you’re constantly pulling out your phone? Sour Joker can have you focused on all the twists, turns, and jump scares in all your favorite scary movies.

of those classic movie

Maybe you’ll even see a new Easter Egg you hadn’t seen before.

Being focused always has its pros!

Some have even called

cottony and insulative, while the body feels softer than a cartoon ottoman.

The result is a deeply stoney indica effect that dances on the razor edge of elation and tranquilization.”

these munchies legendary just like some monsters.

#5 Hell Fire OG

#4 Monster Cookies In the fourth position, we have Cookie Monster’s favorite strain, not just because of the name either.

Monster Cookies are the strain for staying in the house.

This Indica is the

#3 Candy Kush

The head tends to be

epitome of couch lock so you can watch as

Who doesn’t want some

many movies as you’d

extra candy on Halloween?

like! You won’t be able to go anywhere so you

Candy Kush is a nicely

might as well keep the

balanced Hybrid that tends

movie marathon going.

to put people into one of two categories; users are

WeedMaps says

either feeling good and

Monster Cookies is,

having a casual high or

“often referred to as a

insanely hungry and turn

nighttime strain, the

into a Munchie Monster!

high is deeply relaxing in both mind and body.

For the horror lover in you, there is Hell Fire OG. This strain is one of those Sativas that will have you up all night without any of that weird feeling Sativas can give you.

Although the name sounds like one puff and it punches you in the face, it is actually a pretty straightforward strain.

Because HellFire OG has a nice lineage of OG strains this is a strain for a great movie night that can go on for hours and you may not get as tired as you may think.

Some who use this strain may feel like they are awake and ready for anything but that will only make watching Paranormal Activity 4 even more fun.

Weedmaps explains that.

“Though the strain leans indica, the high is more complex than that designation can describe.

The onset is typically a slow

#6 Alien OG

one, tentatively wading into

For an out of this world

the deeper waters of the

high, try some Alien OG.

user's psyche before

Alien OG is one of those

blossoming into a

hybrids that is classic and

powerfully relaxing body

well balanced for any type

and mind euphoria.” This

of night you want to

strain is good for movies

have.This strain is for the

that lean a little more

regular high you may be

toward thrillers than pure

looking for this coming

horror, something like Don’t

Halloween. According to

Breathe or Candyman (the

Leafly, Alien OG is “a hybrid

new or the old version).

If you aren’t into comedy horrors, you can always watch a real scary movie and just laugh at jumpscares if you want! (If you can laugh at jumpscares and scary things, I applaud you!

You’re stronger than me!)

And in the last spot, we have a less scary (depending on the person) but equally stinky strain.

strain with earthy and pine

#9 Jack the Ripper

flavors that will make you relieved you’re safe and

Okay, yes, I had to add

sound here on Earth” and

this strain but it wasn’t

not with literally any alien

just for the name! Jack the Ripper is a smooth

from any movie. (Space is scary, like real life scary.

Have y’all seen Gravity with Sandra Bullock? Pure terror.)

#8 Funky Monkey is Funky Monkey. This

with a slow wave of

strain is all about the

euphoria. Weedmaps says

giggles. Sometimes movies

that, “most users find the

good laugh to get back into the groove of the movie night.This strain is for the movies that are

high both powerfully euphoric and gently buoyant, without the telltale manic edge many sativas tend to have.”

Although this is a Sativa, the calmness of it is great

categorized as scary but

for classic horror films like

are probably more

A Nightmare on Elm

comedy than anything

Street, It (the first one),

else. For Funky Monkey,

American Psycho, and

you might want to try all those Scary Movies (yes, those, from the early 2000s), The Voices, or maybe Zombieland!

This strain named after moldy cheese is meant to give you an Indica type high that won’t put you to sleep since it is a Hybrid. For this strain, it’s best to do some rewatches since Blue Cheese is known for making people very, very talkative.

Like so talkative you might not even be watching the movie by the time the joint is finished. Because you and your friend group may be really talkative and you don’t want to rewatch any movies, it might be time to try out some psychological thrillers to really get the brain working.

Hopefully, you all can pause it and discuss what might happen next!

Halloween! (And if you’re like me, the name matches the vibe of the movies so it’s a win win.)

Try out Antebellum, Devil All the Time, Ma, or Split.

48 OCTOBER 2021 | CHRONIC

While the Starwars movies aren’t scary movies, (Spoiler Alert: unless you count when Darth Vader's face was shown for the first time or Anakin’s death scene) the Death Star strain is a nice strong Indica Hybrid that smells really skunky and Earthy.

toward Sativa than Indica.

It hits slowly then onsets

and you might need a

#7 Death Star

Hybrid that leans more

Coming in our eighth spot

can get a little too scary

#10 Blue Cheese

And there you have it, y’all!

Some wonderful Halloween strains to make your movie nights even better than they were already going to be.

When it comes to strains for Halloween, there are many more than simply the ones listed here.

Some more common strains, our honorable mentions, are Sour Diesel (this can be a great replacement for Sour Joker), Gorilla Glue #4 (if you were looking for an Indica, this one is always reliable, can replace Grandaddy Purp or Monster Cookies), Durban Poison (a classic strain that can be a good replacement for Alien OG), and OG Kush (honestly, OG Kush is so classic and nice of a strain, I’d say you can replace any of them with this one).

If you end up trying any of these strains, let us know on our Instagram or Facebook, we would love to know what you think and how your Halloween was!

CHRONIC | OCTOBER 2021

49

I hope you all have a spooky, scary, and safe time. But remember, be sure to check each strain for yourself and choose which would work the best for you and your friends! Have a safe night on this upcoming 31st of October. Happy Halloween to all you Chronic readers!

e k o m S o T e r e h W

Smokin' U-S-AAAAA WHERE TO SMOKE: USA!

Just like the Beach Boys were famous for their “Surfin’ USA,” so too now shall your very own favorite public cannabissmoking columnist be famous for “smokin’ USA!”

Now that The Chronic is being distributed nationally, I’ll be doing my best to spread the word about the best spots to smoke cannabis not only in Oklahoma, but in other states where cannabis is legal like California, Oregon, Washington and more. So join me for this first ever edition of Where to Smoke: USA!

Although I doubt you could get away with lighting up on a bar’s patio like you can in Oklahoma (although I’m sure that, also like Oklahoma, it probably depends on the bar), it’s easy enough to smoke cannabis in public in Colorado somewhere slightly out of the way so as to not bother anyone who would object.

Social consumption rules in some cities, however, ban public smoking or cannabis lounges within so many feet of churches or schools.

52 OCTOBER 2021 | CHRONIC

Guests can choose between either the Blue Dream Room or the Pineapple Express Room, and consume as much high-grade Oregon cannabis as they wish.

Multiple dispensaries with shining reputations are within walking distance of the home in the Alberta Arts In Oregon, cannabis smoking is District, as well as several restaurants and shops, But first and foremost, one thing kept only to private areas; even allowing guests to have easy access to all the must be addressed: public public cannabis smoking lounges entertainment and supplies they’ll need for their trip.

But despite being so close to such a busy urban area, smoking laws for cannabis, like are non-existent due to local the reviews and news items about the house state that laws governing cannabis itself, laws. Members-only private it retains the rustic charm and quiet solitude of a vary widely from state to state. lounges, as well as select Airbnb vacation cottage.

For example, in Oklahoma it’s or “Bud and Breakfasts,” technically legal for licensed however, are popular and Although currently temporarily closed due to patients to smoke or vape relatively plentiful.

California’s more stringent enforcement of COVID-19 cannabis anywhere that it’s pandemic guidelines, The Cannabis Cafe (formerly legally permitted to smoke One of the most interesting of known as the Lowell Cafe) is one of the first places I tobacco. these B&B’s is a Dutch Colonial- can remember learning about and thinking “I have got style home in the Alberta district to smoke there.”

Basically, unless a venue of Portland, Oregon called “The otherwise states so, you can Situated in a gorgeous West Hollywood building Doctor’s House”. smoke your cannabis virtually covered in plant life and doused in natural California anywhere that has a patio or sunlight, The Cannabis Cafe was the first of its kind Overseen by its founder, Bill similar area where you can when it opened in 2019.

“The Doctor” Stewart, who is smoke cigarettes and cigars. known for providing plenty of In Colorado, public cannabis fresh-brewed coffee and made- Guests are encouraged to make reservations beforehand, and when they arrive are greeted by their smoking is prohibited, but that from-scratch muffins to his own personal budtender, who recommends strains and policy is not necessarily strictly guests, the house is chock full methods of consumption based on their experience enforced. of kitschy charm and several levels and desired feelings. bongs.

Guests may vape, smoke, dab, or even eat their THC (the cafe menu serves non-infused food, but for 20 dollars you can infuse any of the dishes on the menu with either Sativa-dominant or Indica-dominant cannabutter), all while enjoying stellar views of Los Angeles.

An extensive menu of pre-rolls, flower, concentrate, and edibles is available, and wait staff and budtenders collaborate for food and bud pairings. This allows guests to stimulate their minds, bodies, and palettes together to maximum potential.

Unfortunately, because of restrictions in California, any cannabis products purchased at the restaurant must be used at the cafe and cannot be taken home. Guests are allowed to bring their own cannabis as an alternative but will be charged a small “tokage” fee.

Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, I thought I’d find some interesting haunted locales to spark up at since we’re knee-deep in Spooky Season! I searched and searched for a haunted house that might permit cannabis-smoking in some form or another, but it seems that Hex House, Trail of Terror, and The Asylum, though scary, is also scared of big bad weed. One haunted venue that has a relaxed stance about cannabis, however, is Lost Lakes Amphitheater and Water Park (which appears to have possibly changed its name to “Wake Zone Cable Park”), home to the Lost Lakes Haunted Forest/Nightfall Haunted Territory.

Stretching a mile long, this haunted attraction is all outdoors, meaning it’s probably easy to puff on a joint—or at least a vape—as you trudge deeper into the terrors that await you.

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53

But if you can’t get away with toking up while whatever evil that’s haunting “Springwood High” pursues you through the woods, surely you can spark one up if you make it through with your party of survivors to the end.

There, you’ll find a “toasty fire-pit” and a fullservice snack bar, complete with adult beverages. If you and your group can somehow survive the trip there, that smoke should taste that much sweeter.

Happy Halloween, WheretoSmokers!

MONTHLY CANNABIS REVIEW

by Melissa Hall, M.Ed. “MARIJUANA SAVED MY LIFE. I HAVE NO DOUBTS ABOUT IT AND YOU DON’T NEED TO SHOW ME ANY DATA.”

―GREG SCOTT

NUVATA VAPES

By Melissa Hall, M.Ed.

As the mornings start to get a little crisper and the leaves around us start to exhibit their transformation into beautiful Fall foliage, it sure starts to look and feel like October all around us. When hunting for the October review pick, A certain product recently caught my attention and I knew I had to share it with you all. This literal pocket-sized vaporizer is definitely not like the rest, it stands out among the sea of many vapes all around us.

The good folks over at Nuvata really have an original approach to their not-so-normal vape. Palm-sized, selfpulling and disposable, the Nuvata vaporizers are literally the easiest and most convenient way to medicate in any situation, and these little gems are also very discreet.

Nuvata is one of the first products on the market to actually market the terpene profile of each vape instead of just marking it Indica or Sativa.

The Nuvata team explains their vape and their process as, “Our process of combining cannabinoids and terpenoids, paired with our deep understanding of the ‘entourage effect, allows us to create enhanced states of mind, body, and everywhere in between. Terpenoid research is the fascinating frontier of cannabis innovation, and through it, we can customize sensational effects to provide a personalized experience. Nuvata’s goal is to make it simple and easy for you to enjoy the wellness, mindfulness, and fun that cannabis can bring to life.”

Leading the concept and the team at Nuvata is Wesley Holloway, Cort Edmonds, Ahmad Jones, and Tucker Cason. These guys have gone above and beyond to assure the Nuvata experience is a quality experience for all Cannabis users that try their vapes.

Nuvata has been

a familiar brand in the California Cannabis Market and has made waves emerging into the Oklahoma Cannabis Market. The team says Live Resin Carts are in the near future for the Nuvata brand and will be distributed in both states, and we are surely many more states to come.

Made purely with cannabis oil and terpenes, this truly terpy treat also shows up with a 9:1 THC: CBD ratio providing relief for many ailments as well as full cannabis smoking effects. The breakdown of the terpene profile for each flavor provides the user with examples of desired effects, therefore educating users about terpene effects in general.

vape line. Strawberry, wild grape, blueberry, lime, tangerine, and tropical fruit. Each flavor will impress even seasoned terpene hunters. The flavor and aroma mimic their fruity namesakes exactly. With a clean, rich, and truly profound flavor, this little wonder vape is also amazingly smooth to smoke, with no harshness here at all.

OCTOBER 2021 | CHRONIC

There are six flavors available as of now in the Nuvata

56

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The effects are true to the descriptions, quite intense, and have an instant onset making this little vape perfect for those needing to medicate on the go, discreetly and quickly while still getting a pure, clean, and satisfying terpene profile. The design of the Nuvata Vape is perfectly sized, it requires no battery and works within seconds of opening the package.

The Vape guarantees around 159 pulls before it’s out, but everyone I asked as well as myself got many more than that even. Slow burning, long lasting and add in a consistent quality unlike any other product. The Nuvata team definitely knows quality control and exhibits the right hardware for the outside of the vape and the perfect balance of cannabis oil and terpenes for the inside.

Nuvata vaporizers are a must try for any cannabis user, besides getting an awesome product, you receive valuable information on terpenes and cannabis that you get nowhere else.

These little drops of terp heaven are impressive in every way. Come for the flavor and stay for those exemplary effects.

The Chronic would like to thank the good people over at Nuvata for all their help and our exclusive look at their products. Don’t pass up these terp rich little lifesavers when you spot them in a dispo near you. Nuvata impresses with a top quality product, a unique educational approach and effects that even seasoned smokers cannot deny are

CHRONIC | OCTOBER 2021

58

exceptional. Look for Nuvata products in a dispo near you!

You will not be disappointed with any flavor.

Always remember to medicate responsibly and Stay Lit America.

CANNABIS CANNABIS SURVIVOR SURVIVOR

BY SLOANE SIMON

Cannabis Crushing Crohn’s I first introduced our dear readers to Zander Lucero last month in our Artist Issue as a local Oklahoma Cannabis photographer. If you missed the article, you can check his work out on Instagram (@terpart.ok).

When Zander and I first met back in early August to sit and discuss his photography, we got on the topic of why he got into cannabis photography, why he was passionate about it. This led to him telling me about his diagnosis of Crohn’s disease at the age of twelve and his desire to find a better way to medicate.

Crohn’s disease is chronic inflammation of the bowels that affects the lining of the digestive tract. It can be life threatening in some cases, but usually presents as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, anemia and fatigue.

Zander was ten when he first began experiencing symptoms, however; he was misdiagnosed as being lactose intolerant. He was also told at this time that he didn’t have good hygiene, which was also causing his issues.

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59

Two years passed, and his family moved to Florida from New Mexico.

It wasn’t until this time, at the age of twelve, that Zander was correctly diagnosed as having Crohn’s disease.

So, at twelve years old, Zander was placed on Remicade, a type of chemotherapy to help treat his symptoms of Crohn’s. He would continue on this and a steroid for the next six years of his life.

At 18, Zander tried some recreational cannabis. “I noticed after I smoked, I could eat steak. I could never eat steak,” he recounted. After this realization, Zander obtained his medical card in Florida, and within a year, was able to wean himself off of his medications that he had been on for the previous six years.

Soon after, Zander packed and moved to Texas. Not taking into consideration Texas is not a legal state, Zander had difficulty gaining access to his medicine, cannabis.

Within two months of being in Texas, with no cannabis, Zander experienced a massive relapse of his symptoms. This relapse was so strong that he dropped from 140 pounds to 80 pounds. He was extremely sick, so Zander’s parents drove down to Texas and brought him home to Oklahoma.

Once back on Oklahoma soil, Zander became an OMMA card carrying member so he could continue to use cannabis to help in his Crohn’s treatment.

Unfortunately, due to how sick he was while in Texas, Zander did have to take the Remicade and steroids to help fight the Crohn’s alongside the cannabis. Adding the pharmaceuticals did help to gain control over his Crohn’s, however; his appetite had not returned. It’s not too shocking that his appetite was still not coming back, though, with side effects of Remicade dealing with stomach pain, indigestion, and just an overall feeling of being sick.

This is where cannabis became most beneficial. Zander relied on the munchies to actually want to eat, to curb the negativity of the side effects of the Remicade. “Without smoking, it was impossible to swallow.”

When the world started to shut down due to Covid in March 2020, Zander decided he needed to take measures to assure he would not be without cannabis, since none of us had (or have) any clue of what to expect. Zander began growing out of his home, and he also began making his own full spectrum RSO. Around this time was also when he began adding CBG isolate and his inflammation has decreased significantly because of this.

So with now growing his own cannabis to make his own full spectrum RSO, Zander started the weaning off of his pharmaceuticals again, this time with the CBG isolate being used as well.

Zander has been ingesting RSO every night for over a year and is now at six months of no symptoms of his Crohn’s disease without the use of steroid or chemo drug.

Crohn’s does not have a cure. So to say he is cured of this disease would be a lie, but he is in remission, he shows no symptoms of having this devastating disease. As long as he has his medicine.

Zander brought up a recent trip to Florida where he didn’t take any of his medicine with him, because, well, flying, and the federal government has an issue with it.

By the third day of his trip, he noticed he was struggling a little bit, having some symptoms pop up.

Zander was able to purchase a delta-8 cart while still on his trip, and this helped to subside some of the less than savory things he was experiencing.

Being in a Red State like Oklahoma, when I talk with people about their cannabis usage, I’m always curious to know how their family feels. I do not know if this is because of the way my own family views it, or if it truly still holds the stigma. I want to think it is the “stigma” thought that gets me to these questions and not my own issues, but I digress.

Prior to obtaining his medical card, Zander’s parents were aware of his usage in high school, but they somewhat turned the other cheek to it. This was also before medicinality was legalized in Oklahoma, but, the results and relief he was getting from partaking outweighed consequences at the time. While in Florida and having his med card, Zander stated his parents were very supportive, and upon return to Oklahoma, they made sure he had his med card here. Although they do support Zander’s usage, neither his mom nor step-dad have an interest in trying cannabis.

Zander’s dad and step-mom found out during a visit, when planning went out the window and Zander’s step-mom could smell the devil’s lettuce coming from the bathroom.

Ya know, the old steamy shower, window cracked trick to dispel the smell….doesn’t work.

Zander was able to sit down and have an open conversation with his dad and step-mom about the benefits he was experiencing because of cannabis. Benefits and relief he was not getting from pharmaceuticals.

This is when Zander learned he and his dad experienced some of the same Crohn’s symptoms.

Zander’s dad is now a med card holder, and both of the men utilize medicated THC creams to help decrease joint pain and stiffness that is a less talked about symptom of Crohn’s disease.

I mentioned before that Zander began growing his own cannabis at home. His favorite to grow and just a favorite overall is Bruce Banner #3, a strain that has been difficult to find around Oklahoma.

“I just harvested that,” Zander

This is the same thought process with Crohn’s and using Geraniol. It can go in and destroy the Crohn’s cell without harming the healthy ones. Geraniol is present in Bruce Banner #3, so it is no wonder that both of these are Zander’s favorites.

When we turned conversation to the future, Zander stated he would love to further his presence in the industry. As I mentioned earlier, he currently does cannabis photography, but would love to get further into having his own growth.

Zander is also passionate about more research on cannabinoids, how they affect us as consumers, how our bodies react, and the benefits they provide. On top of this research, Zander hopes to see real medicine being made from cannabis. The more we look into the terpenes in the plants, the way they bind to our cannabinoid receptors, the more beneficial cannabis can be for treatments of a wide variety.

slyly stated, a slight grin across his face. Bruce Banner #3, “one

Zander, like many of us that use cannabis as medicine, would like to see this focus shift more to the caryophyllene and myrcene med side. Yes, we all love to look at terpenes. big, beautiful buds, but the beauty The caryophyllene terp provides a doesn’t matter if the terps aren’t nice anti-inflammatory property, there. “Stop chasing the dollar while the myrcene helps increase signs, chase the benefits for the people,” Zander stated in his munchies. Limonene is also hit is all I need,” is high in

pretty present in Bruce Banner #3, providing stress and anxiety relief.

reference to seeing an actual standard set for medicinal cannabis.

Currently in veg, Zander has some Granddaddy Bruce, a cross of Granddaddy Purple and Bruce Banner; as well as a strain of Chemdawg that comes from 6% terpene genetics. Zander is also growing Purple Punch and Banana Punch clones.

In turn, he sees future recreational legalization as a much needed event. Not only would a legalization across the federal board be beneficial for people like Zander that require cannabis for the medicinal value, it would be a big money maker due to taxes.

Medical cannabis in Oklahoma is already eclipsing a billion dollar industry, think of what recreational legalization could do for our schools and infrastructure financially.

While discussing favorite strains, we soon turned to favorite terpenes. As medical cannabis shifts and evolves, we are realizing more the importance of terpenes, their effects and benefits on the medical patient.

Thanks to cannabis, Zander has been able to live a somewhat Zander told me about Geraniol, a normal life despite his Crohn’s terpene I was unfamiliar with, but disease. He hopes to continue with should be well known. Geraniol his photography career in cannabis; has a thin cell wall, allowing it to as well as hopefully someday get into cancerous cells and having a commercial grow of his destroy the cancer without own, focusing on high quality, destroying the healthy cell. clean cannabis.

n o i r c h C Magazine

5

financial horrors to avoid for your Marijuana Business

The 280E makes it very difficult for the business owner during tax time. One of the highlights from the Holland & Knight’s article is that the “Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) prohibits the deduction of business expenses when the trade or business consists of trafficking in controlled substances”.

Your normal business expenses for the cannabis industry are now disallowed with the exception of cost of goods sold (COGS).

You must be very careful when calculating your COGS. Basically, that is all you got to work with. However, you don’t want to make an error, as criminal charges can be attached to an audit involving marijuana.

The basic rule is to keep it as simple as possible. Be very careful when structuring multiple businesses in vertical or horizontal integration. If it seems as though you are only creating the business to shift a deduction, you may want to reconsider that plan.

Everyone’s business situation is unique and general advice should never be a deciding factor when making decisions for your cannabis business.

The 280E was first originally designed to not allow people with illegal businesses to have the same deductions as legal businesses. However, the state legal cannabis industry falls under its rule.

This rule basically strips away expenses and leaves you with the COGS as your only expense. This leaves the business owner paying anywhere from 40-80% rate on income taxes. With the increase in cannabis business over time, the IRS is experiencing more opportunities to conduct an audit.

There are not as many cases established to have a reference to, so the IRS agent has a direct influence on the rule’s interpretation.

If that doesn't give you goosebumps, you will not be scared this ghostly season.

One way to keep yourself out of this witch’s brew is to hire a professional that has experience and knowledge of the 280E reporting and cost accounting. Yes, you can do it yourself, however I would not recommend it unless you truly studied up on the rules and had a clear understanding of its interpretation and application to your operations.

BY HIGHER ACCOUNTING

IRS AUDITS AND THE 280E, A WITCH’S BREW.

Compliance nightmares…

Keeping your license valid is your number one priority. Without that you are not legal and could come with some scary consequences.

Without an active license, you can not possess large amounts of cannabis. Not having an active license, you will put your inventory at risk of being confiscated by regulating agencies (such as the Bureau of Narcotics) and the possibility of jail time.

Do everything that you can possibly do to stay compliant and considered a state legal cannabis business. Compliance is the foundation in which your business is built from, keep it strong. Plan ahead and start collecting your documents months prior to expiration, starting with the one that took you the longest to get and ending with the quickest.

Make sure all licenses that follow are tracked and maintained properly.

Everything after that is hot apple cider!

Some fines that can be assessed are $5000 and more! Not to even think about the criminal charges that may be applied.

Compliance is critical to your business operations and should be taken seriously.

Your Cities and Counties mainly determine the compliance rules for your business’s zoning and permitting.

Maintain your operations and stay compliant. It takes a little extra effort but is well worth its rewards. Stay up to date on current regulatory changes. Those changes could apply to you! It is your responsibility to be informed. You could be missing out on opportunities or be out of compliance.

When not planning gets Spooky…No emergency fund

62 OCTOBER 2021 | CHRONIC

This October, are there cobwebs in your savings jar? Save first, then spend. Sounds simple, but most businesses don’t put away money for emergencies. Putting money aside while things are running well is critical to future operations. Some of us already use a savings account to put aside money for tax time, but it should hold more than just tax liability.

Having money saved for the unexpected is a lifeline to many small businesses. If you don’t have savings for those unexpected costs, you will end up using your capital from operations which can slow your business’s growth or even worse stop operations altogether!

Savings should be a part of your annual planning and budget.

Make saving a habit. Start small. One easy way to start savings is to take a percentage of your deposit and put it into savings. Start with a small percentage between 1 and 5 percent, then gradually increase until you are at your optimal savings percentage.

Okay, so maybe you are financially prepared for the unknown. You can come without the proper knowledge and that too can cost you. For example, in Oklahoma, the certificate of compliance that must be obtained to get a commercial license, is dictated by either the county or city in which the facility is located.

Let’s say you find the perfect land for a grow and have a finished shop. You buy it. I mean, how could you let this pass you up?! Then the city tells you that that property is not zoned for commercial growing.

Now what? Now you need to sell your property and find a new one, basically starting over.

That is costing you time and money.

Admin- What kinds of software do I need? Can I do admin myself or should I outsource?

Payroll- Do I have a 1099 contractor or an employee?

How much is Workman’s Compensation Insurance for me?

Compliance- How does my location affect me? What additional licenses must I obtain? What must I report and when?

Equipment- Building requirements? Professional blueprints?

Before beginning any major investment, do your research.

There is nothing wrong with letting someone do it for you, just make sure they are credible.

Other audits to be spooked by:

CHRONIC | OCTOBER 2021

63

Set your increase dates such as every 5th deposit or each month to increase your percentage. If saving has been difficult for you, set your increases to achieve the goal in 12 months.

However it be that you make a savings routine, stick to it.

You will thank yourself later.

Investing without doing your research can haunt you….

Avoid these mishaps and seek a professional in areas of question. If you don’t know, don’t guess! Knowledge is power and in this case money too.

Local compliance audits can consist of the bureau of narcotics, state agencies, health dept, fire dept, and code inspectors. Make sure you keep all records and follow each set Consider some of these key of compliance parameters. factors when researching for Make sure records are your cannabis business: accessible upon request. Get to know your auditors. Having a Financing costs- What are genuine understanding of each banks charging? Should I other is a great asset to both use a cashless ATM service? parties involved.

Communication is critical to a successful audit. This can send you howling at the moon if you are not in compliance. Non-compliant businesses can be fined or shut down due to the severity of the violation.

Don’t be spooked when an unannounced visit or even planned one comes knocking at your door. You can have a calm spirit knowing that all your documentation is a click or two away.

Did a Marijuana friendly bank send someone out to inspect your documents? If not, they most likely will.

It is all a part of their compliance controls to be able to back the legitimacy of their client’s business.

Having your documents well organized and accessible is a great way to have a good relationship with your auditor. Make sure all your compliance reporting is current. Anytime you are audited, they will want to see your most current records. Don’t get caught scrambling to catch up for an audit. You will be flying on a witch's broom all night. Set time aside every month to do all reporting. Set reminders in your calendar for due dates for both reporting and payments.

Pro tip: Never set a calendar for the due date. Always give yourself time in case you run into an issue along the way.

Pro tip: Put a calendar reminder for your license renewal. Give yourself the proper time to complete the renewal process in time.

Hopefully, these financial horrors do not keep you up at night. Don’t let your past mistakes haunt you! If it is overwhelming you, there are professionals that can help. Or just hunker down for the weekend and grind it out! Get organized and prepared as it will benefit you in the long run. Don’t wait until it’s being requested by an agency.

The Chronic Magazine

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

Growers

As of September 3rd, there are 8,630 growers within our state

Processors Dispensaries

We have 1,544 licensed processors in the state We currently have 2,378 dispensary licenses with this great state

Transport Laboratory CHRONIC |OCTOBER 2021

68

Waste Disposal

We now have 90 Transportation Licenses We have 27 licensed labs We have 9 licensed waste disposal faclities

Active Licenses: 378,312 Patients & 2,040 Caregivers

STUDIES SHOW THAT MAGAZINE ADVERTISING DOES MORE THAN BRAND RECOGNITION AND TOP-OF-MIND AWARENESS, IT ALSO HELPS SALES TEAMS CLOSE MORE SALES. (ACCORDING TO MAGAZINE FACTBOOK 2020)

ASK US HOW WE CAN NOW MEASURE YOUR ROI ON PRINT ADVERTISING WITH US

(405) 310-0026 THEOKLAHOMACHRONIC@OUTLOOK.COM

S

S

A Chronic Guide and Update to Marijuana Legalization. Support for marijuana legalization has become mainstream among Democratic politicians, and some Republicans also back the idea.

State legislatures are grappling with if and how to legalize the drug, While several marijuanarelated bills including those aiming to decriminalize it on the federal level have been introduced in Congress.

-10

RANKING

1,000+

CHANGE

8

13

30+

30+

CHANGE

17

RANKING

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

+4

OLD RANKING

18

-10

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

300+

-6

23

CHANGE

18

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

10+

-5

26

-2

OLD RANKING

CHANGE

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

2,000+

33

OLD RANKING

CHANGE

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

--

-2

--

38

CHANGE

40

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

--

+2

RANKING

43

RANKING

19

RANKING

24

29

RANKING

RANKING

34

39

RANKING

36

CHANGE

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

--

-7

RANKING

44

RANKING

48

OLD RANKING

45

5

RANKING

11

RANKING

15

23

6

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

-10

-4

OLD RANKING

11

OLD RANKING

19

RANKING

20

OLD RANKING

20

21

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

-10

-3

OLD RANKING

27

RANKING

25

OLD RANKING

25

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

30+

-2

RANKING

30

OLD RANKING

28

-3

34

49

OLD RANKING

CHANGE

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

--

0

47

RANKING

35

Despite its neighbors to the north and west, Michigan and Illinois respectively, having fully legalized recreational cannabis possession and use, Indiana cannabis activists have not been able to get a legalization bill to the committee floor.

--

+4

--

+10

40

--

RANKING

45

RANKING

80+

49

38

CHANGE

-11

In North Carolina, neither medical marijuana nor recreational marijuana are legal. Historically, the state has been very stringent towards marijuana consumption

16

21

RANKING

100+

0

26

3

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

90+

-3

RANKING

-10

31

OLD RANKING

14

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

--

-2

35

OLD RANKING

37

OLD RANKING

46

RANKING

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

--

0

36

13

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

60+

-8

RANKING

--

-3

41

24

CHANGE

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

-10

-2

--

+1

RANKING

46

29

OLD RANKING

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

-10

-2

OLD RANKING

--

50

OLD RANKING

50

CHANGE

0

Despite bordering three states (Nevada, Oregon, Washington) that have legalized adult-use marijuana, Idaho has not legalized medical marijuana use, nor has it legalized adult-use of marijuana.

RANKING

17

OLD RANKING

41

CHANGE

+24

RANKING

22

OLD RANKING

15

CHANGE

-7

32

OLD RANKING

39

RANKING

27

25

OLD RANKING

-2

CHANGE

32

RANKING

OLD RANKING

33

+1

CHANGE

As of August 2021, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported 100,000 patients registered in the medical cannabis program, served by 135 approved dispensaries and over $91 million in sales.

ALABAMA

CHANGE

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

--

-4

RANKING

37

OLD RANKING

42

CHANGE

+5

Beginning on Sept. 1, 2022, businesses may submit license applications. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission is permitted to grant licenses for up to 12 cultivators, four processors, four dispensaries (which each may operate up to three locations in different counties), five integrated facilities (that may grow, process, transport and dispense at up to five dispensing sites in different counties), along with secure transporters and testing laboratories.

GEORGIA CHANGE

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

--

-2

RANKING

42

OLD RANKING

38

CHANGE

-4

In April 2019, Gov. Brian Kemp signed House Bill 324, which provided greater access and availability by making it legal to produce and distribute lowTHC marijuana oils in Georgia. A state board will license dispensaries.

WISCONSIN

OLD RANKING

44

CHANGE

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

--

+2

Kansas is among the states that have not legalized the use of cannabis for medical purposes. In May 2018, however, the state passed a law updating its definitions of substances included in schedules I, II, and III of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act.

RANKING

CHANGE

30 +22

MISSOURI

CHANGE

IDAHO NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

OLD RANKING

Currently, medical marijuana is legal under Minnesota law. On May 13, 2021, the Minnesota House of Representatives voted 72-61 to legalize cannabis. This was the first time either chamber of the state legislature voted to legalize cannabis.

KANSAS NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

8

MINNESOTA

OLD RANKING

In November 2020, 74% of Mississippi voters approved a bill legalizing medical marijuana.

Unfortunately, in May 2021, the state Supreme Court overturned the measure in a 6-3 ruling on procedural grounds unrelated to the initiative’s merits.

CHANGE

RANKING

Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana use in 2016 with the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act. Two bills to decriminalize cannabis were also introduced in the House and Senate, but have yet to receive hearings.

MISSISSIPPI NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

0

On April 7, 2021, Virginia became the first Southern state to legalize marijuana with the passage of HB 2312 and SB 1406.

CHANGE

West Virginia’s medical cannabis program has been one of the slowest to develop in the nation, and sales are not planned until 2022.

CHANGE

CHANGE

PENNSYLVANIA

OLD RANKING

Medical marijuana is legal in North Dakota.

Recreational marijuana is not legal, but in March 2021, a ballot initiative was passed by the House.

The Senate later rejected the initiative.

CHANGE

7

VIRGINIA

CHANGE

WEST VIRGINIA OLD RANKING

OLD RANKING

California remains No. 1 as the largest cannabis market in the nation. California has legalized both adult-use and medical marijuana, making it one of the most relaxed states in the nation with regard to cannabis use top spot.

NORTH DAKOTA NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

-2

7

CALIFORNIA

CHANGE

On a recreational marijuana front, there remain sustained citizen-led efforts to get an amendment to legalize recreational marijuana on the ballot.

CHANGE

0

On November 6, 2018, Michigan voters legalized adult-use cannabis with the passage of Proposal 18-1, also known as the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act (“MRTMA”).

FLORIDA NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

CHANGE

ARIZONA

OLD RANKING

Although marijuana is not legal for adult-use in Maryland, it is legal for medical use. Two bills were introduced in the 2021 legislative session to legalize marijuana for adult-use, but the session ended without either bill moving forward.

CHANGE

Although there have been attempts to legalize medical marijuana since 1980, the legislative push for the legalization of medical marijuana once again proved unsuccessful in 2021.

OLD RANKING

RANKING

RANKING

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

0

SOUTH CAROLINA NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

+3

100+

MARYLAND

CHANGE

There seems to be growing interest in Kentucky for legalizing cannabis for medical or adult-use, but efforts have failed to result in legalization.

CHANGE

12

The future of cannabis law in D.C. is dependent on the U.S. Congress. Even though D.C. voters approved the taxation and regulation of marijuana transactions for adult-use in 2014, Congress shot down the effort.

KENTUCKY RANKING

RANKING

RANKING

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

-1

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

State Republicans voted to approve platforms endorsing marijuana decriminalization, medical cannabis, and industrial hemp, and in June 2019, Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill legalizing industrial hemp and some CBD product.

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

CHANGE

In 2014, Alaska legalized the adult-use of cannabis through a successful ballot measure, making it the third state in the nation (behind Colorado and Washington) to legalize adult-use.

CHANGE

Though other adult use legalization initiatives have failed, Arkansas True Grass is sponsoring a ballot initiative in the hopes of making the ballot for the 2022 election cycle.

CHANGE

OLD RANKING

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

--

200+

TEXAS OLD RANKING

5

ALASKA NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

0

3

MICHIGAN

OLD RANKING

CALIFORNIA

ARKANSAS

CHANGE

6

OLD RANKING

3

Both medical and adult-use cannabis are legal in Colorado. Colorado’s constitution was amended on December 28, 2000 to legalize cannabis for medical purposes, and amended again on December 10, 2012 to legalize adult-use.

Adult-use and medical marijuana are both legal in Oregon. Oregon legalized medical marijuana in 1998 with the passage of Measure 67, the Medical Marijuana Act (OMMA). CALIFORNIA

CHANGE

The current perception of marijuana in New Hampshire is positive. The Democratic Party of New Hampshire has made the legalization of adultuse marijuana part of its platform.

NORTH CAROLINA CHANGE

+1

Both medical and adult-use marijuana are now legal in Rhode Island. Rhode Island legalized medical marijuana in 2006 by enacting the Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act.

CHANGE

RANKING

1,000+

NEW HAMPSHIRE

OLD RANKING

500+

0

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

CHANGE

On June 22, 2021, Governor Lamont signed An Act Concerning the Equitable and Responsible Regulation of Cannabis. The Act legalized the possession of adult-use marijuana as of July 1.

CHANGE

RANKING

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

OREGON

OLD RANKING

RHODE ISLAND

OLD RANKING

Tennessee has made little progress in legalizing marijuana for medical or recreational use, but did pass a bill creating a Medical Cannabis Commission in preparation of federal rescheduling of marijuana.

INDIANA

--

10+

+2

TENNESSEE

OLD RANKING

Wyoming legislators introduced two House bills proposing a tax-and-regulate scheme for marijuana and a study program for medical cannabis in 2021.

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

South Dakota has made promising steps towards legalizing both medical and recreational marijuana.

South Dakota voters recently approved Measure 26 and Amendment A which would create a medical marijuana program and legalize recreational marijuana for those 21 and older.

WYOMING

--

16

CHANGE

2

CONNECTICUT CHANGE

SOUTH DAKOTA OLD RANKING

Iowa has one of the most restrictive medical cannabis programs in the nation. Iowa allows the use of cannabidiol (CBD) including only nonsmokable products for people with certain physical ailments.

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

14

OLD RANKING

RANKING

Vermont legalized adult use in 2018, and is slowly moving towards a regulated industry and retail sales, but not quite as quickly as other states who have embraced legalization more comprehensively.

n 2021, the state legislature passed Senate Bill 192 which created the Cannabis Production Establishment Licensing Advisory Board. Time will tell whether the new administration will hinder or advance the legalization of marijuana.

IOWA RANKING

-10

UTAH

31

RANKING

Gov. John Carney is a determined opponent of adult-use legalization, believing that marijuana is a “gateway drug.” Despite Gov. Carney’s opposition, adult use legalization bills have been proposed in the state.

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

0

On June 26, 2018, Oklahoma became the 30th state to legalize medical marijuana. Adult-use marijuana is not legal in Oklahoma.

DELAWARE

-10

RANKING

OLD RANKING

VERMONT

CHANGE

10

OKLAHOMA

28

RANKING

Ohio legalized medical marijuana in 2016, subject to certain conditions and qualifications. Democrats are preparing to file a bill to legalize and regulate marijuana for adult-use.

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

OLD RANKING

2

California remains No. 1 as the largest cannabis market in the nation. California has legalized both adult-use and medical marijuana, making it one of the most relaxed states inCALIFORNIA the nation with regard to cannabis use top spot.

While no bills introduced to legalize recreational cannabis in Louisiana have passed, the House passed a study resolution in 2021, asking the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice (the “Committee”) to examine and report on the impact of legalizing the possession and use of cannabis prior to the 2022 legislative session.

OHIO

50+

10

RANKING

ILLINOIS

LOUISIANA

OLD RANKING

In March 2021, SB 767, which would legalize adultuse cannabis and allow licensed businesses to cultivate and sell cannabis products, passed the Senate Ways & Means Committee by unanimous vote and is currently heading to the Senate for a full vote.

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

RANKING

COLORADO

NEVADA

Nevada legalized medical marijuana in 2001 and adult-use marijuana in 2017. Adult use marijuana restrictions are similar to restrictions on alcohol: users must be 21 years of age or older

10+

0

ILLEGAL

AS OF AUGUST 2021

70+

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

CHANGE

4

Influenced by adult use legalization in Massachusetts, Connecticut lawmakers have been making noises about passing such legislation, although it would likely not happen until 2020 at the earliest.

HAWAII

10+

OLD RANKING

MONTANA CHANGE

12

RANKING

4

On February 22, 2021, Gov. Phil Murphy signed three cannabis-related bills into law. The three bills —A21, A1897, and S3454—implemented a 2020 constitutional amendment that legalized recreational marijuana.

Both adult-use and medical marijuana are now legal in New Mexico. On April 21, 2021, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed HB 2, the New Mexico Cannabis Regulation Act (CRA), legalizing adult-use marijuana.

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

RANKING

NEW JERSEY

OLD RANKING

DECRIMINALIZED

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

0

Washington has a history of being ahead of the curve on marijuana legislation. The state legalized medical use in 1998.

NEW MEXICO

90+

1

Commercial cannabis activity is regulated by the Cannabis Control Commission, but local municipalities can also regulate some activities.

400+

New York legalized medical marijuana in 2014. As for adult-use, on March 31, 2021, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed 2021 NY S.B. 854, the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA). MRTA legalized and regulates adult-use of marijuana.

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

1

CHANGE

MASSACHUSETTS NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

NEW YORK RANKING

OLD RANKING

California remains No. 1 as the largest cannabis market in the nation. California has legalized both adult-use and medical marijuana, making it one of the most relaxed states in the nation with regard to cannabis use top spot.

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

+1

A bill signed by Gov. Janet Mills in June 2019 launched Maine recreational sales, beginning in March 2020.

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

RANKING

WASHINGTON OLD RANKING

9

MEDICAL

CALIFORNIA NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

MAINE NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

RECREATIONAL

47

OLD RANKING

43

CHANGE

-4

In Wisconsin, neither medical or adult cannabis use is legally permitted. Cannabidiol is legal if dispensed by a pharmacy or physician, pursuant to Wis. Stat. Ann. § 961.38.

NEBRASKA

NUMBER OF DISPENSARIES

--

RANKING

RANKING

51

OLD RANKING

51

CHANGE

0

Nebraska does not allow adult-use or medical marijuana use.

The public, however, appears ready for medical marijuana, though perhaps not for adult-use. While 60% of Nebraskans believe that medical marijuana should be legalized, Gov. Pete Ricketts has been steadfastly against any legalization.