Ounce Oklahoma May June 2019

Page 1

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

1


2

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019


Happy Anniversary, Oklahoma! It’s hard to believe that we’re already at our first year anniversary for Ounce Magazine Oklahoma. So much has happened over the past year, and especially the last few months. From Arkansas to Oklahoma, we have seen and heard so many stories from patients, advocates, doctors, legislators, and healthcare professionals. To say that we’re completely amazed at what Oklahomans have accomplished is certainly an understatement. As of writing this, Oklahoma is 5th in the nation in medical cannabis patient count! Oklahoma patient numbers have exceeded all expectations. There are currently well over 100,000 medical cannabis patients in Oklahoma. This means more relief, more healing, fewer pharmaceuticals, and a better quality of life for so many people,

Erika Ross Gee egee@wlj.com 501.212.1305 heartlandcannabislawyers.com

affecting not only them but their loved ones as well. “Oklahomans for Health is projecting that Oklahoma’s medical patient count will be over 200,000 patients by the end of the first year of the program (September 2019).” We are extremely honored to have so many individuals and businesses talking to others about Ounce Magazine. Thank you to all of our sponsors who believed in us as we have strived to spread the word about endocannabinoid wellness in Oklahoma. Your participation has been vital to the entire community. Please share this magazine with your friends, family, doctor, or legislator. Let’s spark the conversation!

at m a e T e h T zine a g a M Ounce

CONTRIBUTORS Benjamin J Barenberg, MD Courtney Boze Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, PHD, CNHP, NHC Ellis Smith Kris “Sparky” Molskness Kyle Tabor Oklahomans For Health Sabrina Alkire Samantha Richardson Scott Ehrlich Teresa Grossnicklaus Tiffany Stuhr Tony Darrick Baker CO-FOUNDERS Corey Hunt corey@ouncemag.com Courtney Boze courtney@ouncemag.com Shannon Anderson ADVERTISING Derrick Bryant (918) 303-2552

For 119 years we’ve helped clients prepare for growth, so when it comes to cannabis we know what to expect. Our multi-disciplinary team of attorneys, led by Erika

Gee, helps clients navigate the diverse range of issues

raised by the emerging cannabis industry. We focus on regulatory guidance, corporate and tax issues, legislative lobbying, application drafting and

employment concerns. We offer experienced counsel and representation on every aspect of cannabis in

Arkansas,Oklahoma, Missouri and other emerging markets.

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

3


405-528-GROW

#ORGANICSOKC #YOURHOMEGROW

Organics OKC GARDEN SUPPLY 4

EST. 2010

ORGANIC SOILS | NUTRIENTS | HYDROPONICS | AQUAPONICS | TENTS | LIGHTING Hours of Operation: M 11am-4pm T-F 10am-6pm S 10am -5pm OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019 2800 N Pennsylvania Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73107


CONTENTS 6

FREE FROM OPIOIDS AND FULL OF LIFE

7

WHEN TO HARVEST 101

10

THE WHITE COAT PERSPECTIVE: THE EXPERIENCE OF A

PHYSICIAN GATEKEEPER

14

TOURING 788: AN INSIDE LOOK INTO OKLAHOMA’S

MEDICAL CANNABIS PROGRAM

18

ARTHRITIS, INFLAMMATION, AND CANNABIS. IS IT PROMISING?

20

HOW TO GET LEGAL IN OKLAHOMA

22

TOP 5 ESSENTIAL INSURANCE COVERAGES TO CONSIDER

26

FEATURE: PATIENTS OVER PROFITS

32

PROBATION FOR MEDICATION

34

THE APP THAT HELPS YOU TRACK

37

FEATURE: 788 FRIENDLY PEDIATRIC DOCTORS

38

OKLAHOMA IS LEADING IN PATIENT COUNTS

43

WHAT’S IN MY WATER?

46

TERPENE OF THE MONTH: TERPINOLENE

6

10

14

22

26

Ounce is the first magazine in Oklahoma to focus on medical cannabis patients, industry, and legislation. Printed in full color and delivered old school. Distributed in retail shops, medical clinics, and events throughout the state. For advertising information please visit www.ouncemag.com. The contents of this magazine, such as text, graphics, images, articles, and other material contained within the magazine (“Content”) are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read within this magazine. In the event of a medical emergency, call a doctor or 911 immediately. The articles contained in the magazine are the opinions of the author.

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

5


sion and purpose. Friends and family started coming to me for help developing their own customized medical cannabis regiments and I realized I had a knack for advising and teaching others. With the passage of Oklahoma SQ 788 and at a professional crossroads, I took another leap of faith. I created Watchsong.net, Medical Marijuana Education for Healthy Living. I now serve patients and industry professionals in a way I couldn’t serve myself two years ago, through straightforward education that creates relief and revitalization. Today, I am a trusted advisor that crafts hands-on, unlimited support, 8-week medical cannabis therapy programs that target patient-specific cannabinoid/terpene profiles, consumption methods, production suggestions, dosing schedules, and symptom management tracking. To the patient-focused mediBy Tiffany Stuhr, WatchSong cal cannabis dispensary or medical professional, I teach CME-accreditpopularity as a tool to treat many ed certifications that create experconditions, including opioid with- tise, empowerment, and loyalty indrawal. I took the leap of faith and patient engagements. began the uncomfortable weaning Medical cannabis therapy is not a off period. It wasn’t easy, but I did one-size-fits-all solution. Effective it. Thrilled to be off opioids, CBD relief takes education, planning, alone did not effectively manage commitment, and time. Find your my pain and I turned to THC-based path and find your freedom today! < products. Navigating THC safely and comfortably was no easy task. I had many About the Author uncomfortable experiences exper- Tiffany Stuhr is a patient – turned imenting with cultivars, terpenes, medical cannabis educator and paconsumption methods, and dos- tient advisor at WatchSong.net, Meding. Nothing was straightforward ical Marijuana Education for Healthy and I set out to fill my knowledge Living. For patients suffering from pain, depression, anxiety, insomnia, gap with every bit of information I etc. She creates relief and revitalcould find; studies, research, train- ization through safe and customized ing, certifications, conferences, etc. medical cannabis therapy planning. You name it, I studied it and even- Tiffany has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology and holds a medical tually developed my own medical marijuana teaching certification for cannabis therapy plan. Train-the-Trainer Cannacian™ Level I took my life back and found pas- One.

FREE FROM OPIOIDS AND FULL OF LIFE

F

or ten years, I was broken. Chronic back and pelvic pain kept me dependent on opioids. The only western medicine answer was to keep taking them for the rest of my life. I had no idea how dull, lifeless, and devoid life had become. I often questioned why I was alive. Life just didn’t seem worth living. Then, I discovered medical cannabis. My journey with medical cannabis was rocky, full of trial and error, yet ultimately transformed pain and misery into a passion for educating other medical cannabis patients and industry professionals. Two years ago my soul spoke to me, “it’s time to free yourself” from opioids and I had no idea how. Fortunately, CBD oil was gaining 6

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019


WHEN TO HARVEST 101 By Ellis Smith, American Cannabis Company

HARVEST…

It’s the time you have been waiting for! In preparation for your big day, you will want to be sure to flush your plants with water only for at least 7 days prior to harvest to ensure the removal of any salt build up and remaining nutrients from the soil to reduce the harsh sensation that may be experienced when smoking finished product. Ideally, by the time of harvest, your plants will be yellowing, further aiding in the reduction of any harsh flavor. Remember, the flower will burn to white ash as an indicator that your plants have been properly flushed. Please note that if you are using living soil as your selected medium, you will not experience any salt build-up and therefore will have no need to flush your plants. Knowing when to harvest your cannabis does not need to be scary or overwhelming. As a grower, you have just spent the last 90 to 120 days taking care of clones or seedlings to create strong roots, vegging your plants to perfection and finally, flowering your plants for peak performance. So, when is the right time to harvest? There is no definitive answer as everyone has their own metrics and ideal characteristics for determining the best time for harvesting plants. The technique that I have developed through years of experience, is a combination of trial and error and the knowledge that

has been bestowed upon me by masters of the craft. Please utilize the following information as a basic guideline for monitoring your plant’s trichomes as you experiment to find what works best for your desired preference of your end-product. Trichomes (traɪkoʊmz or trɪkoʊmz), from the Greek τρίχωμα (trichōma) meaning “hair”, are fine outgrowths or appendages on plants, algae, lichens, and certain protists that are of diverse structure and function. On the cannabis plant, they are the source of the cannabinoids, the molecular chemical compounds such as THC, CBD, CBG, and CBC among others. In the final flowering stage, trichomes will first appear they are clear as a crystal. Step 1 Examine the trichomes, using a magnifying glass or scope for an enhanced view, to observe closely enough to allow you to see the full spectrum of color contained within. Step 2 Through your magnified observations, trichomes should ideally appear as either clear, milky or cloudy in color, indicating that the plant is ripe and is ready to harvest. By contrast, clear color is a sign that trichomes are not yet ripe and are not ready for harvest. An amber color means the trichrome is naturally converting to CBN, which provides for a calming relaxing effect.

Step 3 Everyone has a different ideal trichome ratio, however, I look for at least 75% milky trichomes with roughly 5% to 10% turning amber in color, and the remaining trichomes being clear. Depending on the desired end effect when consumed, you can let the trichome ratio go up or down on the amber scale to give you a more relaxed experience with more amber trichomes versus a less relaxed experienced with fewer amber trichomes. The white and/or red hairs, known as pistils, on the flowers are another vital indicator to identify when harvesting. These hairs will appear as white throughout most of the flower cycle, turning either yellow, orange and then finally red as the plant begins to mature. Most experienced growers will harvest at the plants’ peak potency when the hairs have turned 70% to 80% red. For new growers who are not sure when to harvest, wait for at least 50% of the hairs to turn red before harvesting. This will give you enough understanding of how to improve your process for the next harvest by adjusting the ratios for your desired results from the effects, taste, and experience. Harvesting plants can be the most exciting time for a grower. Ensuring you harvest plants at their peak potency can be a calculated process with minimal trial and error. Get to know each strain and the unique characteristics and nuances that make each one unique and learn when the best time is to harvest for peak yield, cannabinoid profile, terpene expression, and overall performance. Stay tuned for “How to Harvest” and “How to Cure.” < About the Author: Ellis Smith is co-founder and Chief Development Officer of American Cannabis Company (ACC). He has more than 20 years of horticulture experience. Ellis developed an all natural soil medium known as SoHum Living Soil. OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

7


YOU COULD REACH A LOT OF PEOPLE!

8

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019


OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

9


10

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019


T

he birth of the cannabis industry in Oklahoma has provided both complementary and therapeutic alternatives for patients with chronic ailments that were unresponsive to traditional therapies. While it is obvious that currently, over 100,000 cannabis patients will have access to life-altering therapies; what it is less obvious is the effect writing cannabis recommendations has on the recommending physician. As I reflect on my experiences as a recommending physician since the passage of SQ788, there is one event that highlights the gravity of the service that recommending physicians provide. In early April, I partnered with A Better Bloom Health and Wellness in Oklahoma City to provide a free cannabis recommendation clinic to streamline the recommendation and application process for children around the state. As I pulled up to the clinic in the middle of a monsoon, I couldn’t help but notice the line of parents and children wrapped around the building waiting to be seen. Kids in rainboots and rain slickers and parents trying their best to keep the kiddos dry with umbrellas. For those that do not know, obtaining a pediatric recommendation in Oklahoma is difficult. These recommendations require two physicians to agree that cannabis therapy is of potential benefit to the child. While the rules in place are there to protect minors from inappropriate cannabis exposure, it does place both a financial and logistic burden on parents seeking cannabis therapy for their children.

My initial impression when I agreed to help with this clinic was that I would likely be seeing teenagers whose parents were allowing them to get cannabis cards to keep them on the right side of the law. I remember thinking to myself, “There are going to be quite a few pissed off parents and kids when I decline their petition for application.” My gut instinct could not have been further from the truth. Every single parent and child I evaluated that day was turning toward cannabis as an alternative or adjunct therapy to already failing traditional western medical approaches. We had children ages 5-17 years-old with autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit, and hyperactivity disorder, mood and personality disorders, seizure disorder, neuromuscular disorders, and traumatic brain injury. These families were in search of healing and nothing more. I met a family whose young daughter is on the autism spectrum who recently moved back home to Oklahoma from Colorado where they moved in order to have access to cannabis treatments. Their child prior to cannabis would lash out and inflict harm on herself and others. She was essentially unable to interact with anyone safely. While in Colorado, these parents educated themselves on cannabis and started their child on cannabis products that improved her ability to communicate and function. I remember them sharing a before and after video with me. I could not believe the child sitting in front of me was the child in the video. She was calm, talkative, respectful, and as sweet as

one would expect a young lady to be. The passing of SQ 788 allowed this family to move home and has been a blessing in this little lady’s life. While her experience with cannabis medicine was life-changing, what is even more amazing is that her story is not unique. Family after family who had previous access to cannabis shared their stories and experiences with me and other hopeful parents seeking a similar result. We had many parents seeking new therapeutic alternatives for their child’s ailments. With the potential for novel therapies came hope and promise but also came concern, questions, and fear. “Will my child become addicted? Are they going to be high all the time? What’s the best cultivar for XX? What is the best dosing protocol for YY? What if it doesn’t work? What dispensaries are reputable? Is it better to grow our own product? What is the data regarding cannabis use to treat XX?” The echoes of responsible parenting resonated consult after consult. While cannabis medicine has been around since the days of the ancient Egyptians, modern directed evidence-based medicine, as defined by peer-reviewed medical literature, for certain conditions is lacking due to the unnecessary governmental prohibition of cannabis. While the lack of quality research makes it difficult at times to adequately counsel parents on what to expect with cannabis therapy for their children; the biologic plausibility of the molecular structure and physiologic function of the cannabis plant on the endocannabinoid system provides a promise of safety

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

11


and efficacy for many chronic complex conditions. Parents are turning toward cannabis as a more naturopathic avenue for therapy with limited downside risk. The risk of addiction is <10% with no plausible mechanism for fatal overdose when utilizing quality cannabis products with and without THC. Parents were relieved to learn that there are cannabis dosing methods where you can employ all the medical benefits of the plant without the psychotropic high. While there are effective traditional approaches to managing complex conditions, many of these are not without undesirable side effects. While cannabis alone may be effective for many disease states, it is important to remember that cannabis as a complementary therapy to traditional therapies may provide an avenue to limit the undesirable side effects of common western medical therapies while simultaneously am-

plifying the therapeutic effect. On that rainy Saturday in April, did I create the next generation of Mall Rats and Jay and Silent Bob? I venture to say no. While there is still much to learn about the application of medical cannabis in the treatment of the pediatric patient, I feel comfort in knowing I can stand on the anecdotal evidence I witnessed with my own two eyes, the biologic plausibility of cannabis pharmacology, and the emerging evidence-based medical literature when treating one of the most vulnerable patient populations in our community. Children’s author, Shel Silverstein, sums up my pediatric cannabis experience perfectly: “Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can

be.” To those physicians who stand in solidarity with the cannabis movement may you gift Refuah Shlema (healing): May those in whose care they are entrusted, be gifted with wisdom and skill, and those who surround them, be gifted with love and trust, openness and support in their care. <

About the Author Dr. Barenberg is a dual board certified complex gynecologic surgeon and reconstructive pelvic surgeon at Optimal Health Associates in Oklahoma City. He can be reached via Facebook and Instagram by contacting @ oklahomaspelvichealthexpert

HIGH. QUALITY. PROCESSING. We pick up. We process. You profit. Call us today.

SCISSORTAIL LABS

Oklahoma's Premier Lab Full Panel Testing Available 12

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

405-788-0247

WWW.SCISSORTAILLABS.COM


CANNABIS EVALUATIONS • CONCIERGE MEDICINE • TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY • SPA SERVICES

y e l i a B Dr.

EVOLVEDHEALTHANDWELLNESS

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

13


O

klahoma’s new cannabis market includes a fascinating behind-the-scenes group known as Processors. Processors manage the laboratory science of machinery processing cannabis into derivatives. More commonly known as extraction, there are several methods which produce many unusual forms of medication available to patients. You might be familiar with alternative products such as vapes, crumble, shatter, edibles, tinctures, wax, and oil. The edibles market alone includes basic chewable gummies and spans to iced coffee. While looking for my first Processor to 14

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

interview in Oklahoma, I came upon a local company with experience. How can this be? Experience in a new market? With State Question 788 passing only a few months prior, I never expected to find an experienced Processor to interview in Oklahoma. Not so! This company is the well-planned offspring of Flagship Vapor Co. located in Oklahoma City. They have a presence in the nicotine vapor market with sales nationwide. In short, they had a big head start and didn’t waste a minute launching a new cannabis division called Simple Cure. Simple Cure has three products in the market as of this writing. The first are

two vape cartridges that derive from whole-plant natural methods. Simple Cure starts with supercritical Co2 extraction (terpenes only) and then, taking the extra time and attention of several subcritical fractions produces full spectrum oils. Using an abundance of care, they properly homogenize the exacted terpenes back into the original oil. The natural benefits of cannabis are often lost or cast aside by companies looking for high THC content. Additives for thinning or flow agents won’t find a home here. Purity is paramount at Simple Cure, and these same standards include infusing the company’s delicious edible gummies.


ball coach and grew up just down the street. He is passionately devoted to his wife Jennifer and she too works on both sides of the business alongside him and partner Taylor. The next room is suddenly busy with equipment and people pouring in. Kimball tells me “Michael is on his way to finish the interview with me,” and Taylor arrives while he guides a film crew setting up in the adjoining room.

The principals here are Lance Kimball and Michael Taylor. Kimball offered a tour of the company and explained that Flagship Vapor and its nicotine products have dedicated a separate area for the Simple Cure cannabis side. Two companies share space at their facility. The first room is a spotless lab staffed by four technicians in white lab coats. They wave to me behind an off-limits glass door. They are apparently quite happy mixing in what Kimball calls the “Flavor Room” The next room is the extraction and processing lab. Simple Cure has purchased a high-quality Co2 extraction machine from Eden Labs and it is performing a series of complex fractions of biomass. The technicians here are busy and wearing the same contagious smiles that begin at the reception lobby. One person is doing the decarboxylation and others are busy packaging. This all happens in three small rooms which are conscientiously well-laid-out. Everything in its place and a place for everything. Each staff member is cross-trained to operate the Eden unit. Kimball showcases his library of terpenes and various oils ready for homogenizing. This is a small but efficient lab.

Kimball ushers me outside and I fear my tour is over, however it is up on the hill through a grove of trees that he leads me. He calls the little cabin high on the hill near the treetops his “corporate treehouse.” Unlocking the door and inviting me inside, he reveals a two-room cabin with a long table centered in the room. The main room is the company meeting area and I imagine it is the venue of good times shared with friends. The walls are covered in posters, trophies, awards, family photos and a myriad of good memories. I will go out on a treehouse limb and say this room came first. It is one part boardroom and two parts of childhood fort.

Michael Taylor sits down and I am instantly at ease. I’ve never met Taylor, however, I’m fighting the urge to oversmile. Kimball had informed me earlier that Taylor was once a professional clown. I don’t know if this is the truth or if I’m enabling a prank. Taylor reveals it is true and the smile gets out. This large-stature, a joy-exuding person is an accomplished hip-hop artist, marketing guru, graphic design and social media professional. His website and blog were what urged me to select Simple Cure for my first Processor interview for Ounce Magazine. He described the advertising, the excellent photographs, the blog he curates, his zero butthead policy for social media, and all the things that give Simple Cure a clean and informative presence. One feature that impressed me is their warranty and replacement offer with each product. Taylor’s passion for the cannabis business is aligned with his partner’s.

It’s here that he tells me about the new FDA rules regarding nicotine delivery systems and that the extraordinary compliance costs will likely be the end of Flagship Vapors. The mandate includes expensive testing for each product by the year 2022 and he looks pensive while telling of the hardships looming for that company. Kimball makes it clear that he entered these markets to help people, and Flagship may not survive. However, he doesn’t dwell on it and quickly pivots to reveal that he is a girls’ softOunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

15


They simply want to help patients find a cure, hence the name. This team isn’t pining away for the future of recreational cannabis. The company is soundly based on passionate patient care that medical cannabis deserves. Simple Cure invites group tours as part of their transparency policies. This open-door policy alone speaks to the integrity of the people behind Simple Cure. This likely won’t be my daughter’s next school field trip, however, it was just the informative adventure I needed in my day. < About the Author Scott Ehrlich is the founder and managing member of Symmetry Medical. Providing professional services to the cannabis industry with focus on Laboratory design and installation. Symmetry also provides point of sale installation and on-boarding to dispensaries. Marketing services to all mediums including print, television, billboard and social presence. Mr. Ehrlich is a Chef with an extensive culinary background that targets the edible markets.

16

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019


OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

17


Arthritis, Inflammation, and Cannabis. Is it promising? By Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, PHD, CNHP, NHC

A

s many of us are aware of the nation’s baby boomers age, they are facing a multitude of health-related ailments and costs. One of the most prominent concerns is the prevalence of chronic arthritis, an ailment that affects 52.5 million adults today and this number is expected to increase to 67 million by 2030. One alternative that is quickly gaining popularity among the aging population is the use of cannabis to get full-bodied pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. Although there is a lack of data and research behind the effectiveness of cannabis as a treatment alternative for arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, specifically I can tell you it has worked with my family, friends, personally, and clients. Cannabis for arthritis relief is being looked at more and more every day. This is a great new opportunity for our golden population. And for future generations that are aging. Arthritis symptoms can include but not limited to these: • Injuries that don’t heal properly • Carpal tunnel 18

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

• Tingling or numbness in extremities • Persistent joint pain • Locked joints • Morning stiffness So what is actually happening with the nerves during inflammation? The nerves are like wires that have been stripped of their coating. They are bare, can feel raw and this is responsible for feeling pain. What is hypothesize is that by locally administering these cannabis-like molecules to those nerves, it could actually repair them and reduce the pain of arthritis. Because the Endocannabinoid system is found within the body, every single cell and when using the correct cannabis fingerprint we are going to see amazing results. A recent study published in the journal Rheumatology from Dr. ShengMing Dai of China’s Second Military Medical University found that CB2 receptors are found in unusually high levels in the joint tissue of arthritis patients. The use of cannabis is shown to fight inflammation in the joints by activating the pathways of CB2 receptors. This is an amazing discovery for the scientific community. And for the Endocannabinoid enthusiasts.

Also happening in Canada a researcher Dr. Jason McDougall, a professor of pharmacology and anesthesia at Dalhousie University in Halifax, has undertaken a new study to find out if medical marijuana can help repair arthritic joints and relieve pain. The study is supported by the Arthritis Society and is awarding a grant for a comprehensive, three-year study working to see if inflammation can repair the joint itself. McDougall’s research is focused on non-psychoactive cannabinoids, but so far, his findings have shown that cannabis molecules can attach themselves to nerve receptors and control the firing of pain signals in the joint. As a health care provider and cannabis therapist, I suggest working with cannabis as a dietary supplement. Healthy choices would begin with juicing raw cannabis, blending it into a smoothie and consuming the whole raw plant. Another option would be eating raw cannabis without adding heat. Or using a full spectrum, flower only CBD concentrate or tincture. I personally use it topicality and have seen amazing results. With the right cannabis cultivar for my body makeup, it’s a perfect fit. We could eliminate synthetic pharmaceuticals, wouldn’t that be amazing for humans. <

Contact the Author Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, PHD, CNHP, NHC 791 8th Street, Suite 6 ~ Arcata, CA 95521 2nd Floor, The Historical Jacoby Storehouse All information in this article is for educational purposes only. Please check with your educated Primary Health Care Physician, Raw Food Nutritionist or Cannabis Therapy Consultant before beginning any new diet or lifestyle change. ~Dr. Pepper Hernandez


OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

19


HOW TO GET LEGAL IN OKLAHOMA IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, YOU MAY EMAIL THE OKLAHOMA MEDICAL MARIJUANA AUTHORITY DIRECTLY AT OMMAPATIENTS@OK.GOV

1

2

COMPLETE APPLICATION

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR

Print and complete the patient information portion of the physician recommendation form.

Schedule an appointment with an Oklahoma MD or DO. During your visit present the Physician Recommendation Form for your doctor to complete and sign. Note: Minor patients need a recommendation from two physicians.

You can download a copy here: http://omma.ok.gov HOW TO REGISTER AS A CAREGIVER If you are homebound you may choose to designate a caregiver. Complete the Adult Patient Caregiver Designation Form. You may withdraw your designated caregiver at any time using the Patient Withdrawal of Caregiver Form.

20

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

This is NOT a prescription, your doctor’s signature is simply certifying you have a medical condition and may receive therapeutic benefits from the use of medical cannabis. This form must be submitted to OMMA within 30 days of the physician’s signature to be valid.

3

REGISTER & UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENTS

Register with OMMA. Access the patient portal and create an account. Please note whichever email address designated to log in will be used by OMMA to send notices once the account is created. The application fee is $100 (Medicaid patients will pay a reduced fee of $20) and can be paid using a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card. This fee is nonrefundable. You will receive an approval letter including your Patient Identification Card within 14 days of submitting the application.


si gn phy hic d ion d ing m grap motion de n brand photogra sign mot design y h p d ic de ing desig ti n g si gn o g ra ign 3 phot aphic de esign 3d g marke hy graph tion des ign brand ting g n i r n d t p o i e e s g a m hy ra n d otion 3d de togr mark si gn a phy mark ding photogr design md design beting pho aphic de n design randing hotograpsign r c o b i g p i 3 k e g n h t n keti hy grap n design ding mar ography esign mo 3d desig arketing graphic d esign grap ign motio ign bran ing phot raphic d n design anding m graphy motion d gn i o s t o ic des ign 3d de g marke graphy g ign moti design br ing phot ic design gn 3d des ing t s n o i s h i d e e d t on de gn brand ting pho raphic d design 3 ing mark phy grap otion des ign bran ting e i e s g a d des ing mark ography gn motionign brand photogr c design m ign 3d de ing mark raphy g i i d s d g t s o e h s n o n n e t d e p a d gn o d ti ra ti n g ph phic esign 3d g marke aphy gra n motion design br eting ph phic desi n a e r k g r g k d r a ig i y in d a r otog n des ign 3 hy g r g ma otion ra ph ra n d ic des otog design m design b keting ph y graph otion des brandin otograp ign motio esign h d h r n d aphic design 3 nding ma otograp design m 3d desig keting p aphic des esign 3d anding r h d c n r n i a r p a g g n o h r b i i g m o p b y s i t mo design arketin hy gra tion de anding ograph gn mot d design arketing ap ign mo m 3d n br g phot hic desi esign 3 nding m ding togr sigklwesselman@gmail.com rap otion d ign bra bran eting pho aphic des ign 3d de arketinkrysta-designs.com m s m phy g s r markgraphy g otion de randing hotogra ic design sign 3d de 3d design b p h m e n o p g n n d g t pho ic desig 3d desig arketin phy gra motion ion desi a h t n grap on designranding m photogr hic desig esign mo i d g p b t n c a i o i n r t m si g ke a ph yg 3d de ding mar tograph aphy gr r o n g h a o br eting p phot mark

don't let your business blend in.

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

21


R

emember during freshman orientation when you sat there with all your fellow classmates for the first time? Someone got in front you all and said something like, “Look at the person on your left. Now, look at the person on your right. One of these 2 people will not graduate with you.� It was a scary moment.

22

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

Well I want you to look at the dispensary owner to your left. Now, look at the dispensary owner to your right. The reason WE are practicing this exercise in THIS article is that 68% of owners in this industry run uninsured operations hoping that mother nature,

bad employees, or just plain bad people do not have other plans for them. The worst part? You go uninsured or underinsured not knowing how inexpensive it is to protect your business!


1. Products Liability - From researching claims across the states this coverage is the most valuable whether you are a grow, processor, or dispensary. You carry this exposure regardless of where you fall in the food chain. You are considered liable if the final product causes harm to an individual. Some dispensaries are relabeling under their brand and taking on that risk head-on. Others are receiving the flower in bulk bags. Once you open that bag or touch the product to measure it out for a sale, you are now in a sense of manipulating the original product.

4. Worker’s Compensation - Being in an industry with all eyes on you, make sure you are following all state regulations. If you did not know, worker’s compensation in the state of Oklahoma is required when you have even one non-related employee. It is an affordable coverage in relation to what is offered and can increase employee retention as well.

2. Business Income - If you experience a loss, such as a fire or a tornado, this coverage would pay you for the loss of income. This coverage may also come into play to collect expenses that it would take in order to operate at another location to continue business as normal. Make sure to discuss this with your agent as the timeline and financial limits on your policy may vary.

5. General Liability - This is also known as the “trips and falls” policy. It will cover bodily injury and property damage that occurs on your premise due to your way of doing business. This coverage could also offer defense costs in the event of a claim. I will end with this, find an agent who knows the industry. Make sure the carrier specializes in cannabis and request your agent explain the exclusions in your policy. Don’t play Russian Roulette with your business.<

3. In Transit Coverage - There are two parts of this, money in transit and product in transit. Coverage limits are typically between $25,000 to $100,000 and can be endorsed on your property policy. The carrier will have security measurements in place you must abide by to activate this coverage.

About the Author Sabrina Alkire is one of the few cannabis industry focused insurance brokers. As a recent brain tumor survivor, Sabrina is both an advocate and a patient. OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

23


Unable to medicate comfortably for maximum relief? Sign up for my free webinar to learn how to create an effective, customized therapy plan.

REGISTER HERE > MJ-EDUCATION.COM YOUR CANNABIS FRIENDLY INSURANCE AGENT

SABRINA ALKIRE, CISR LBV INSURANCE AGENCY CALL/TEXT FOR INFORMATION : 405.473.6990 EMAIL : SABRINA@LBVINSURE.COM

24

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019


OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

25


26

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019


A

s I reflect back upon the last year since SQ #788 passed, I’m reminded of so many things; mostly the patients. My story begins years ago as many others do with me hiding in the shadows and a passion for growing cannabis. My journey with medical cannabis began after a life-changing accident in 1998 as I looked for symptom relief from the pharmaceutical cocktail that I had been prescribed. I didn’t know much about growing at this point, so I set out to learn as much as possible. I could go on and on about how what worked for me and what didn’t, but that is a whole different discussion and again this really isn’t about my patient story. Katie’s Law was signed into law back in 2015, and this is when this story truly starts because again this just isn’t about one patient’s story. When the activist groups began to form I met people from all walks of life and listened to their stories. I listened to those staunchly opposed to cannabis in any form and I had to hide my cannabis use from friends and family because of it. Then I met and listened to the families whose lives had been directly affected by cannabis. Ultimately I saw the children and others who suffered from various conditions and ailments and it broke my heart. Working in Physical Therapy from 2005 to 2013 put me in a unique position to visit with people from all walks of life. Most would share personal stories with me about how their cannabis use was helping them get through their day. I wanted to share my personal stories back with them, but I could not. I began to visit with lawmakers as the first petition drives started with some of the earlier groups, but I always came back to the patients. Then I met some amazing people that would stand on the sides of busy streets waving flags on cold windy days. They were chasing those signatures. Those people are my heroes.

Some of them were out there fighting for family members. Some of them were fighting for their children and yet others just fighting because they knew it was right and just. The more I spoke with my fellow activists and spent time with other families desperate for this life-saving medication; the more I knew that I had to do something. Multiple times I watched my family suffer due to my extensive pain management. Financially we were crippled with my monthly pharmacy bill; so how was everyone else coping with this? For years I had thought about giving up everything and moving my family to Colorado. This was mainly because I was tired of living in fear of growing the medication that my body needed. I honestly expected that knock on the door at any moment. I wanted to run away. I wanted safety from the law. I wanted the freedom to grow the very plant that was giving my life back to me and my family. So when #788 was in full swing I knew that I would be staying in Oklahoma to help continue the fight. I knew that I had to help and I needed to do something to help all of the other patients Everywhere I went, most were positive about the petition and its chances of passing and others weren’t so sure. Then there was that historic day in June of 2018 that over 500,000 people stood up in favor of medical cannabis in Oklahoma, creating the 57%. I remember the mood and the

excitement with everyone after passage while it awaited signature from the Governor. Is this real? Will someone please pinch me? Do we have legal medical cannabis in Oklahoma? Having seen it in other states knew the green rush was coming as activists and individuals alike began to prepare for their license applications (myself included). I mean, after all, my family did support me and stood by me as I fought to get off opiates. Why wouldn’t I apply for a commercial license to help my family regain much of what was lost? As I along with many other business owners prepared to open legal cannabis operations, I began to research the costs. This allowed me to fine tune my business model around the “patients over profits” model. I worked closely with a team of entrepreneurial students from a local university to develop the cost model associated with the farm. When active sales began in October of 2018 we were all excited, but that quickly faded as the prices came out all over the place and they were ultimately not affordable. In the beginning, the prices were at an unsustainable rate that patients couldn’t afford, so what could we do to help here at Okie Tokie Farms? Our pricing structure was based around the national cannabis benchmark and we sought to make cannabis affordable for everyone. This is where our company philosophy came from. “No Patient should have to live in poverty because of their choices in healthcare.”

Building the farm OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

27


ects and bring new products online, we will always strive to keep our prices affordable. We believe in patients over profits. Okie Tokie Farms will also be working with the Oklahoma Veteran’s Cannabis Collective to give back to others through various projects that will be announced over the next few months. The Farm will also be starting a Compassionate Care Program. Again, this isn’t just about one patient, it’s about the 57% that voted yes on SQ #788 and all the others that were too afraid to vote or just unable to get to the polls.

We believe in providing a quality medication that doesn’t leave the patient having to choose between paying their light bill or getting their medication. Helping others achieve independence is second nature and is key to our company’s success. We here at Okie Tokie Farms have a vision for the future. We look to expand upon our work here that we have already begun. Moving forward, we will be conducting lab research to perfect the right blends for a host of patient conditions. Cannabis as a whole has been marketed wrong for many years. Okie Tokie Farms along with our retail stores “Smoke Moore Cannabis” intend to redefine the way cannabis is marketed as a whole. Okie Tokie Farms believe that medical cannabis should be sold by the active terpene profile present in that particular cultivar; the reason for this is tailor the experience to the patient. The name of the cultivar is really immaterial and what truly defines the patient experience are the active terpenes in the plant. If we begin to guide patients through the process with the proper education and tools at hand, the choice in medicine becomes eas28

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

ier. Ultimately we must be careful to not play doctor. We must simply share personal experiences we’ve had with our patients as they come in. Listing the active terpene profile along with additional testing will allow the patient to make informed decisions. As we embark on new research proj-

When you see the #PatientsOverProfits on our social media posts or you hear us say it at an event, take heart in knowing that we live by this. We will continue to work with other activists and have a dialogue with lawmakers as we seek to expand access for all patients and remove any roadblocks preventing access to safe medication. Personally voting “Yes on 788” was the moment I got to check a ballot box and take back my personal freedom. Voting “Yes on 788” gave me the confidence to step out of the shadows and not live in fear anymore. When 788 finally passed, I knew it was time


OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

29


for work to be done. If you catch me around and about, make sure you say hello, because I want to hear your patient story too! <

30

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

About the Author Kris “Sparky� Molskness Sparky is a U.S. Army and Army Reserves non-combat veteran from 1991-1994 with background in Physical Therapy specializing in Neuromuscular rehabilitation. Sparky is the Chief Operations Officer of Okie Tokie Farms and provides day to day managerial and operational support to the many companies within the Okie Tokie Farms family.


OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

31


Probation for Medication By Teresa Grossnicklaus

F

ear of prosecution was something cannabis users always feared. The effects of prosecution can not only tarnish an otherwise clean record but in a lot of cases, it can completely destroy the lives of those around them. Ten years after being charged Blaine Shaw has changed his status from what the state called a criminal to what the state now respects as a patient. Here’s Shaw’s story. “March 16,17 2009 I was arrested for felony possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, based on quantity, as well as for misdemeanor paraphernalia possession for a pipe. It was an amount of marijuana that patients are now allowed to possess under State Question 788.” Current legislation allows for up to 32

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

three ounces of marijuana on a person. This doesn’t include the eight ounces allowed at a residence, one ounce of concentrate, six mature plants, and six seedlings. The amount Blaine had would seem like a lot if you consider weight but anyone who has dealt with buying “brick weed” knows the price you pay is cheaper if buy in bulk. However, the potency and quality are hardly worth the crime when we compare it to higher quality and higher potency cannabis. “After an illegal search and seizure, I was kidnapped/arrested and taken down to the police station and locked in a cage (jail cell). I was not provided with a lawyer that night, even though I’d asked for one immediately upon arrest and questioning. I was not even allowed a phone call all night either. My cage had a phone in it too, but it didn’t work at all. It was like some kind of sick joke. After being locked away for a couple of hours, I went to sleep on a raised concrete slab. A few hours later the police woke me and put me in handcuffs with chains, leg shackles and loaded me up in a transport van with other ‘criminals’ and took us from the police station to the main county jail.” “I look kind of rough in that mugshot.

I had been asleep in my cage before being woken up in the middle of the night for transport to the county jail. I was still not allowed a phone call for a few more hours until I was finally booked in. It ended up costing $1000 through a bail bondsman to get bailed out of jail. I was facing a felony and 2 years, to up to life in prison for a non-violent victimless marijuana possession offense. Compared to that, the misdemeanor and maximum of one year in jail I was facing over the pipe didn’t seem to matter much. The lawyer I found cost me $5,000. I ended up avoiding prison. Instead, I went through the Drug Court Program for a few years and eventually got the case dismissed and the charges dropped. The police even tried to seize my vehicle through asset forfeiture. I’d owned the vehicle for 9 years, since junior year and high school.” Criminal forfeiture is when a property is seized after someone is convicted of a crime. Civil forfeiture, also known as “Policing for Profit,” allows law enforcement to seize property and money prior to citizens being charged or convicted of a crime. His vehicle was in no way associated with the charges. Through the efforts of his attorney, he was able to purchase his vehicle back for $500 six months later.


“Drug Court was very rigorous probation with random urine drug tests 3 to 5 times a week, at a cost of $14 cash each time. I had a 10 pm curfew, a probation officer with a $40 monthly fee, and a requirement to maintain full-time employment or school. I had to attend several AA meetings and drug court group treatment meetings each week, as well as regular court appearances in front of the drug court judge and drug court administrators. I was treated like a common criminal the entire time and it was very stressful. So many different things could have gone wrong and messed up my probation. I had to rely on friends and family to help get me to all the places I needed to be because the police were trying to keep my vehicle and sell it for themselves through civil asset forfeiture/seizure.” It was really the support of his friends and family that helped him succeed as this situation could have escalated had he not had the people around him. The state didn’t suspend his license but they required a breathalyzer attached to his home phone for the first six months. It tested him three times a day. “I wasn’t even in trouble for alcohol at all. I had simply been honest during drug court’s initial

drug and alcohol assessment intake and admitted that I drank alcohol too and preferred it over marijuana at the time. I was charged $5 a day to have the required device.” The fear of not completing the program kept him going, as failure meant he was looking at facing four years of imprisonment. “Although it had a positive outcome, I look back on the arrest and the entire legal case with bitterness, resentment, and contempt. I was originally facing 2 years to up to life in prison and was treated like a common criminal the entire time.” Along with charges Shaw faced in 2009 he also was in a car accident that delayed the process. In the program, it is required to maintain a job, do community service or attend school. He was still walking with a

cane after his accident but was able to do community service at the Boys and Girls club that wasn’t strenuous. He obtained an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice as his experience led him to pursue further understanding of the law. He transferred to online classes at OU as well while still attending TCC for his foreign language. After finishing probation, he moved to Oklahoma City where he was able to graduate in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminology. Shaw continues to live in Oklahoma City with his wife and his daughter and is now a proud owner of a medical marijuana card. <

About the Author Teresa Grossnicklaus is a mother, artist, and advocate for medical cannabis. She is using her passion for plant based extracts to educate others through her company T3 Cannivation. OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

33


W

hen we discover tools that help patients. We want to let you know about it. We recently caught up with Releaf, a free-to-use mobile app that allows patients to track, learn from, and improve their use of cannabis as a medicine. Franco Brockelman (Releaf’s CEO) and his partners, developed Releaf App so he could track and help guide his mother through her first experience with medical cannabis from several states away. Since 2015 Releaf App has helped tens of thousands of patients #seekreleaf through cannabis while providing medical professionals, dispensary staff, and researchers around the world with reports on the effectiveness of cannabis for specific symptom relief. Whether you are new to medical cannabis, or you have been medicating for years, Releaf App’s intelligent reporting and analytics will keep track of all the products you’ve tried. Likewise, it will provide you with insights on what products and administration forms you reported as most effective for specific symptom relief, 34

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

and common feelings and side effects you experienced. No longer do you need to go down the “trial by error” process blind. Releaf App will help you quickly navigate and improve your future treatments and conversations with your doctor or dispensary staff. All sessions in the app can be reported anonymously, and Releaf does not share any patient identification information with any partners or clients. “Our mission is to use the outcome data we collect to advance research, education, and awareness on the effectiveness of cannabis as a medicine,” says Tyler Dautrich, COO of Releaf App. “To date, we are working with researchers from the University of New Mexico, University of Florida, University of the Sciences, University of Pittsburgh Medical College, and Western Sydney University to increase the amount of medical literature available on cannabis as a medicine. You can read our published research studies in Medicines Journal, Frontiers of Pharmacology, and Scientific Reports. We are excited to continue our work with Select Healthcare, Oklahomans for Health, and others in Oklahoma to help patients in this new

market find the relief they deserve.” There is a growing patient community currently using the Releaf App according to Shelley Free, Executive Director at Oklahomans for Health, “I believe the core of self-healing is education. Using the Releaf App, patients can anonymously log & monitor their medication habits and learn what works best for them,” says Free. The data collected also helps other patients searching for similar products as well, Free continued, “Additionally, the Releaf App is available for retail use, allowing in-store patient reviews of in-stock products. Oklahomans for Health is a nonprofit partner with Releaf App because we believe that data can change cannabis medicine. 788 was just the beginning.”<

About the Author Tony Darrick Baker is the owner of Xeal Publishing LLC, a digital marketing agency specializing in Medical Cannabis marketing and publicity. Baker is a public speaker, consultant, and co-founder of Illegally Healed, a Cannabis patient advocacy group with over 400,000 followers on Facebook.


OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

35


NOW WITH THC & THC-FREE OPTIONS

IN SEARCH OF LAB TESTED

MEDICAL CANNABIS PRODUCTS? WHOLE PLANT PRODUCTS FOR ALL PATIENTS.

(918) 994-7204

F I N D

U S

O N :

8160 S. MEMORIAL DRIVE, TULSA

36

OMMA ONLINE PATIENT REGISTRATION SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE M-F

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

ASK ABOUT OK PURPLE PRODUCTS IN YOUR LOCAL DISPENSARY!


Feature: 788

Friendly Pediatric Doctors By Samantha Richardson

W

e would like to bring special attention to the physicians listed below. In addition to adult medical cannabis evaluations, these doctors also evaluate pediatric patients. According to the rules of SQ788, pediatric patients must receive a recommendation from two physicians. In our search, there are only a few but we are so grateful for these doctors and their willingness to accept cannabis as a legitimate medicine for our little friends in need. Please contact the physician or their office for pricing and availability. If you know of any other physicians evaluating pediatric patients for medical cannabis, please let us know and we will gladly add them to our list. Physicians doing both first and second signatures: Randy Whitekiller D.O. 9901 N May Ave, Suite 110. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 608-6820

Akram Abraham M.D. Hollis, OK 73550 580-688-2200 Wazir Ahmad M.D. Oklahoma City, OK 73103 405-655-2000 Jodilyn Caguioa-Aquino M.D. 2309 S. I-35 Service Road Moore, OK 73160 405-543-7200 Max Cates M.D. Oklahoma City, OK 73139 405-616-7070 Melita Tate M.D. Tulsa, OK 74133 918-878-7733 Charles Chouteau M.D. Grove, OK 74344 918- 786-8448 Michell Cohn D.O. 2309 S. I-35 Service Rd Moore, OK 73160 405-543-7200

Jennifer Collins M.D. 2309 S. I-35 Service Rd Moore, OK 73160 405-543-7200 Tommy Foreman D.O. Bartlesville, OK 74006 918-335-9000 William Herron D.O. Isabel, OK 74745 580-743-7355 John Grizzle II M.D. Wellston, OK 74881 405-821-7726 Michael Winzenread M.D. Edmond, OK 73034 405-816-6840 Physicians doing the second signature only: Brandon Bailey M.D. 811 W New Orleans Street Broken Arrow, OK 74011 918-268-1014 Benjamin Barenberg M.D. 9800 Broadway Extension Suite 200 Oklahoma City, OK 405-715-4496 Jeffrey Smith M.D. 2836 N Kelly #107 Edmond, Oklahoma 73003 405-341-2050 Gina Caravaglia D.O. Tulsa, OK 74135 918-742-2233

Dawn Wilson D.O. Weatherford, OK 73096 405-265-2733 Justin Dockendorf M.D. 500 N. Meridian Ave., Ste. 105 Oklahoma City, OK 73017 405-706-3019 <

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

37


O

klahoma is now a little over half a year into our medical marijuana program. We will hit our one hundred thousandth patient in late April or early May. So, how does this relate to other states and where does this put us nationally? Very interestingly we currently rank 5th among patient count of medical marijuana states behind California (1,237,000 patients), Michigan (297,000), Arizona (180,000), Florida (108,000), and then us. We rank ahead of Colorado and New York already. Using mathematical projections and being very conservative in our estimates, Oklahomas for Health is projecting that Oklahoma’s medical patient count will be over 200,000 patients by the end of the first year of

38

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

the program (September 2019). This means that in one year of operation Oklahoma’s patient count will have jumped to be the third largest medical marijuana market in the country. We will surpass both Florida and Arizona and be third behind Michigan and California. However, Michigan and California both have adult/recreational use programs. So, Oklahoma will have the largest patient count of non-adult use states by September of 2019. What does this mean? Given the average medical patient will spend around $3,000 every year in medical marijuana products. This means that our market size, by September of 2019, will be $600,000,000. Lets just take the “normal” Chamber of Commerce

statistics that these “new” dollars will turn over at least 8 times in each community where they are spent. Want to know the impact of medical marijuana? How about $48,000,000 to local Oklahoma communities! <


710 N. BROADWAY | OKC, OK

find us on:

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

39


40

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019


ask about our:

LA

topicals edibles bath & beyond

B

TE TES D

UM

TR

EC SP LL

FU

in your favorite dispensary!

truelybaked.com

405.268.9882

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

41


Come take a trip down the Rabbit Hole

Local and certified top quality products! Guarantee d!

2500 NW 23rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Mon-Sat 10AM-8PM Sunday 12PM-8PM (405) 595-2052

42

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019


What's in My Water?

By Kyle Tabor

T

he most successful and profitable grows maintain a very high level of quality control. From lighting, humidity, and temperature, a myriad of technical procedures must be followed to maintain quality standards in your operation. Water treatment is one of the technical procedures that is commonly overlooked, and as a result, can lead to problems that could have been easily avoided from the beginning. Water quality will vary greatly from one location to the other, even within the same city. For example, in Oklahoma City there are multiple water sources the city uses to provide water to the public, meaning the filtration required at your grow may look completely different from the filtration required at a grow across town.

unbalanced nutrient solutions that can potentially harm your plants. In order to control the exact proportion of plant-specific minerals in the water, you must first remove the calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate (among other minerals) present in the tap or well water that are generally too large a molecular structure for plant roots to absorb efficiently. Potential of Hydrogen (pH): How acidic or alkaline your water is. pH, or “potential of hydrogen,� refers to the amount of hydrogen found in a substance and is measured on a scale from 0 to 14. What this means: Water that has either too high or too low of a pH will not allow nutrients to be absorbed properly and can be corrosive to equipment.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): The number of charged ions being measured can serve as a guide to help you determine the purity of your water. The higher your TDS is, the more total amount of dissolved minerals, metals and/or salts you have in your water.

Chlorine & Chloramines: Biocides used to disinfect and kill germs and bacteria. Chloramines are a mixture of chlorine and ammonia commonly used by municipalities that are much more stable than chlorine.

What this means to my grow – Manufacturers of hydroponics nutrients have specifically designed their products to be used in exacting amounts for your plants, but if there are other ingredients ALREADY in your water to start with, then you will end up with

What this means: Bacteria, fungi, and micro-organisms that are beneficial to plants are killed when municipalities add these biocides at levels safe for human consumption, i.e. they will kill off the important microbes your plants feed on to maximize nutrients.

A detailed analysis of the water you are using for your grow can help you determine the necessary water treatment equipment, methods, and solutions essential for your cultivation. Test kits can be ordered online, or you can contact your local water treatment professional to get you pointed in the right direction. <

About the Author Kyle Tabor owns and operates two water treatment companies that have earned trusted reputations built on honesty and good business practice; Tabor Water Solutions and Green Grow H2O. The two OKC based companies serve multiple industries of varying scope and scale by employing technologies such as filtration, reverse osmosis, specialty media adsorption, disinfection, and ion exchange. An advocate of medical cannabis, Kyle believes entrepreneurship is not only the ultimate creative endeavor but one of the best paths to serving those in his community. OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

43


Need a Cannabis Accountant? Let us help you expand and free your time! 280e Tax Relief - Monthly Bookkeeping - Employee Payroll OMMA Monthly Reporting - State & Federal Tax Reporting

Call (405)-633-0864

WWW.BELLADONNABOOKS.COM

Finally, 4:1 CBD:THC

What Oklahoma has been waiting for. 44

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019


OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

45


T

he normalization of cannabis is bringing more and more cannabis success stories to the surface. By now, most of us have heard of tumors reducing, seizures subsiding, and depression easing. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. But the truth is, not all cannabis is going to work for you. This treatment, like all others, does not come with a guarantee. The good news is, there are A LOT of combinations to try before settling on “cannabis just isn’t for me”. Part of the reason cannabis treatment seems to work so well for so many different issues are the medicinal terpenes found within. Terpenes, similar to essential oils, are the oils inside cannabis plants that give each chemovar it’s different smell and medicinal effects . Terpenes are not exclusive to cannabis, they are also found within fruits, herbs, trees, flowers, and vegetables. Terpinolene is known for its sweet, pine-like aroma and somewhat sweet, citrus flavor. In addition to cannabis, terpinolene is found is allspice, apple, cumin, citrus, tea tree, and in large amounts in parsnip oil (40%-70%) . Interestingly, while research from 2013 shows Terpinolene to have sedative properties, this terpene is found primarily in more uplifting cultivars, commonly known as “Sativa”. Monikers such as “Indica” and “Sativa” are helpful for new patients to get an idea 46 OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

of the type of medicine they are consuming, however at this point (with thanks to the United States Government for sending cannabis-grow operations underground for the better part of a century) nearly all cultivars are hybrids, containing both uplifting Sativa and sedating Indica effects. We may have only reached the tip of the iceberg with the beneficial properties of Terpinolene. In a study published earlier this year, Terpinolene showed promising potential for future wound healing and anti-inflammatory treatments. A paper from 2017 examined the effects of Douglas Fir Essential Oil (major components: beta-pinene (23%), sabinene (17%), terpinolene (14%), delta-3-carene (11%), and alpha-pinene (9%)) by measuring bio-marker levels linked to wound healing, inflammation, and immune function. Douglas Fir Essential Oil showed strong anti-proliferative and immune modulatory activities. Terpinolene has also shown anti-cancer potential. A separate study from 2013 found Terpinolene to be an anti-proliferative (reduction) agent for brain tumor cells in mice. Researchers also ponder Terpinolene’s potential as an anti-cancer agent. Cannabis is an awe-inspiring and mysterious plant. Its many cultivars offer potential in treating many different issues for different people. It is thrill-

ing to be alive in such exciting times as these with more research into the cannabis plant and its properties. With more research will undoubtedly come more knowledge and finally a better understanding of this majestic flower. Look for: Gorilla Cookies grown by Red Dirt RX processed by Mammoth Processing Okie Thunder #3 grown by Okie Kush available at Smoke Moore Cannabis Tri-City References 1. https://www.projectcbd.org/science/ terpenes-and-entourage-effect 2. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ compound/terpinolene#section=Odor 3. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ compound/terpinolene 4. h t t p s : / / w w w. n c b i . n l m . n i h . g ov / pubmed/23339024 5. h t t p s : / / w w w. n c b i . n l m . n i h . g ov / pubmed/30792116 6. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pd f/10.1080/23312025.2017.1336886 7. h t t p s : / / w w w. n c b i . n l m . n i h . g ov / pubmed/24084350 <

About The Author As a medical cannabis patient, advocate, and the co-founder of Ounce Magazine, Courtney Boze has dedicated her life to helping others educate before they medicate.


OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019

47


48

OunceMag.com MAY/JUNE 2019


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.