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IN THIS ISSUE 6 | Salt Baked City | Spring 2022 CONNECT WITH UTAH’S GREEN SCENE Salt Baked City does not receive any form of compensation from licensed Utah medical cannabis companies for content found in this publication, or on our web site. Stories and coverage are not for sale, but we can offer design services and insights on how to promote your Green Scene Business, product, or event in our magazine or on our website. To discuss advertising in the next issue of Salt Baked City Magazine, send us an emailcolefullmer@saltbakedcity.com. 7 – STEPPING OUT OF THE SHADOWS 12 – NATIONAL NEWS 18 – DANK DATA 22 – UTAH AND PSILOCYBIN 26 – HOME GROW ARREST 37 – UTAH CANN EVENT GUIDE 54 – BEER & CANNABIS PAIRING 58 – TERPENES 62 – CANNABIS 101 64 – UTAH PATIENT PROFILE 68 – GREEN PHARMACIST 72 – CANNABIS INSTEAD OF BOOZE 74 – ATHLETES AND CANNABIS 76 – PHARMACY MAP SALT BAKED CITY STAFF COLE FULLMER PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR JEFF BELL – ART DIRECTOR KAT JORGENSEN – PHOTOGRAPHER LARSON QUICK – WRITER SALT-BAKED CONTRIBUTORS JD LAURITZEN – WRITER MINDY MADEO – WRITER MARLEY COLT – WRITER MIKEY SALTAS – WRITER PAUL KEMP – WRITER SARAH WOOLSEY – WRITER © 2022 SALT BAKED CITY
Although my stats are hardly complete, it required three separate interviews to gather the Utah medical cannabis job statistics above. I’m not bragging, but mostly complaining. Typically, American taxpayers compensate those working in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to gather employment data from every industry found in the country. In fact, a simple Google search revealed their data showing they counted over 15-million restaurant industry workers in the U.S. last year. That took me literally 10-seconds to find
in the Behave State and a giant rea son why I started Utah’s first cannabis news and culture magazine.
of those on Capitol Hill still consider the legal canna bis trade a ‘shadow industry,’ despite recording $25-billion in legal sales last year, the BLS still “forget” to report it to the Thankspublic.toour
I lived that role for most of my life and never dreamt I’d end up taking jour nalism one step further and starting my own publication – especially a cannabis magazine. Although I don’t touch the plant unless I’m consuming it, and since we don’t sell products or gear at Salt Baked City, it’s still hard to say I work in the illustrious cannabis industry – but I do. My job is far easier than those who grow, process, or sell the plant though. My daily assignment is to bond with those who are as pas sionate about cannabis as I am, and try to tell their stories to you.
STEPPING OUT OF THE SHADOWS
I’m not alone in Utah. At the begin ning of 2022, the Center for Medical Cannabis reported there were a total of 451 pharmacy agents (budtenders) working at the 14 medical cannabis pharmacies found throughout the state. The Department of Agriculture reported there were 344 registered em ployees holding cultivation positions, while another 349 were working in processing labs. That’s a total of 1,144 plant-touching, tax-paying employees in WhileUtah.this
Salt Baked City | Spring 2022 | 7
If you’re thinking of joining the can nabis workforce, unfortunately you might need to start on your own. Reading Salt Baked City is a great start though. If you really want to step out of the shadows, make sure to attend this year’s Utah CANN expo happen ing in May. This will be your oppor tunity to meet all of the different roles that make our cannabis industry great, and hopefully find one that fits you like your favorite strain. See you there!
Sinceout.amajority
I credit this situation to the “We don’t talk about that kind of stuff” mentality. It’s safe to say, this mindset is prevalent
By Cole Fullmer
information indicates our legal cannabis industry is expanding since it began in March of 2020 – it’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to actual job statistics. Person
ally, I’d like to know more details about how the legal cannabis industry is having an effect on our state’s economy, however, these numbers don’t include the many ancillary jobs like account ing, human resources, legal affairs, marketing, security, maintenance, can nabis media, lobbyist, public relations, and the glorious smell testing gigs that have become available in the state.
friends at Leafly, we know that 428,059 U.S. citizens worked full-time cannabis jobs during 2022. This annual jobs report includes both plant-touching, and ancillary posi tions. That’s a 33% increase since 2021, which equates to 280 new cannabis jobs per day. Try and keep in mind, all this momentum took place during a recession, pandemic, and major league baseball strike.
I didn’t always aspire to work in the cannabis industry. I didn’t even know there was going to be one while study ing journalism at Indiana University almost 20 years ago. Instead, most of my life I wanted to be a reporter. This entailed being the person on the sidelines telling the stories, and hope fully getting close enough to the fire I would live out some of the narratives on my own. Hunter S. Thompson style, of course.
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Act, and has expressed interest in pursuing another route to carry out his proposal after it was removed from the defense bill. The congressman’s legislation cleared the House in five forms since it was introduced during 2013.
NEW YORK – Doctors in New York can now recommend medical cannabis to patients for any condition they see fit. As New York prepares the launch of its adult-use cannabis market, the state’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced on January 24, 2022, a significant expansion of the existing medical cannabis
During November of 2021, regulators also authorized rules for the state’s cannabinoid hemp program, notably clarifying that cannabis flower from the crop can be sold but delta-8 THC products are currently prohibited from being marketed.
New York Doctors Can Now Recommend Medical Cannabis To Patients For Any Condition
With the cannabis industry budding in the state, lawmakers have been working to address reform. For example, Sen. Jeremy Cooney (D) filed a bill last month which will allow gay, lesbian, and bisexual people to qualify as social equity applicants under the state’s new cannabis law.
12 | Salt Baked City | Spring 2022
It still remains to be seen whether the America COMPETES Act will serve as a more effective route for the cannabis banking bill than the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), where the language was successfully attached on the House side, but later removed amid bicameral Perlmutternegotiations.isnotrunning for reelection in November, but
state’s recreational cannabis law that was enacted last year.
Congress Files New Cannabis Banking Reform Amendment To Large-Scale House Bill
promised in the statement from his office that he “will continue to pursue every possible avenue to get SAFE Banking over the finish line and signed into law.”
Cooney introduced the legislation shortly after filing a separate bill to include transgender and non-binary people in the cannabis social equity program.
There are over 30 Utah medical cannabis businesses who have started operation since pharmacy doors opened during March of 2020 who are relying on this bill to pass.
launch in New York, the legalization law signed by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) already permits adults 21 and older to possess and publicly consume cannabis.
Additionally, the Cannabis Control Board (CCB) voted unanimously to advance a policy change which allows medical cannabis patients in the state to grow for personal use, another change many in the state believe was made possible by the broad adult-use law that was enacted.
Utah’s program, only certain types of severe disease sufferers could safely, legally access tested medical cannabinoids in The Big Apple. Now doctors will be able to issue medical cannabis recommendations to patients for any condition that they feel could be treated by cannabis. Physicians were granted that discretion through the
Washington D.C. – The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking ACT, which only seemed defeated when it was stripped out of the military spending bill earlier in the year, has been revived as an amendment to a domestic spending bill in the U.S. House of Representatives thanks to a Colorado AccordingSenator.toanews release from U.S. Rep Ed Perlmutter’s (DCO) office in January, the bill has been connected to the America COMPETES (Creating Opportunity to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology) Act of 2022. Perlmutter (D-CO) is the original sponsor of the SAFE Banking
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For most cannabis consumers over the age of 40, they’d be telling you they have been waiting for legalization their whole lives. Activists like Ed Rosenthal, known for writing the Marijuana Growers Handbook, have been fighting the good fight since the early 60’s. Although many have given up the endless battle, in recent years, pressure on state legislatures across the U.S. has increased to legalize or decriminalize the use, possession, and sale of cannabis.
This would also enable the current patchwork model with some states making cannabis fully legal for adult-use, while others like Utah are
permitting medical use only, and other states like Indiana and Idaho are maintaining blanket prohibition. Penalties would range from none at all, civil fines, drug education, or drug treatment.
DEcrimiNAlizE vS. lEGAlizATiON
As of January 2022, there are 31 states and the District of Columbia who have decriminalized low-level cannabis possession offenses. This typically removes the possibility of jail time at least for first time offenses, though the possibility of a fine or a criminal record remains in some places.
Legalization of cannabis is the process of removing all legal prohibitions against the plant. The Good Herb would then be available
LEGAL FOR ADULT RECREATIONAL USE LEGAL FOR MEDICAL USE ONLY STATUS PENDING NO PROGRAM 14 | Salt Baked City | Spring 2022
BUT WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO?
Decriminalization of cannabis means the plant would remain illegal, but the legal system would not prosecute a person for possession under a specific amount.
to the adult general population for legal use and purchase. This is very similar to current tobacco and alcohol laws. This would also grant the federal government broad powers to regulate a national cannabis industry.
Months before backing the States Reform Act, Amazon announced they would also stop testing most employees for cannabis. Their
ADULT USE CANNABIS LEGALIZATION DECRIMINALIZE DRUGS MEDICAL CANNABIS LEGALIZATION LEGALIZING POSSESSION AND PERSONAL CULTIVATION OF PSYCHEDELICS AND CANNABIS LEGALIZING POSSESSION AND PERSONAL CULTIVATION OF PSYCHEDELICS PSYCHEDELIC POSSESSION
Americans are changing their minds about cannabis. Currently there are 34 states who now allow medical cannabis, while 18 allow adult-use. Advocates across the country made a significant number of cannabis reform victories in state legislatures
Brianstakeholders.Huseman,
Amazon’s vice president of public policy, said the bill “offers comprehensive reform that speaks to the emergence of a bipartisan consensus to end the federal prohibition of cannabis.”
Amazon, one of the largest private employers in the U.S., is backing a Republican-led bill to federally legalize, tax, and regulate cannabis.
The States Reform Act was filed by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) during November 2021 as a middle-ground alternative to a more scaled back GOP proposals and wide-ranging legalization bills that are being offered by Democrats.
WHO IS TUrNiNG GrEEN IN 2022?
The South Carolina congresswoman’s bill already has support of the Koch-backed conservative group American for Prosperity.
Here’s a rundown of which states are most likely to enact broad cannabis or psychedelics reform this year:
movement sweeping the country.
The reason for moving away from cannabis testing was easy according to Amazon, mostly because it was becoming difficult to keep up with the state-level legalization
Salt Baked City | Spring 2022 | 15
AmAzON PUSHiNG FOr lEGAlizED cANNAbiS IN U.S.
decision was widely celebrated by reform advocates and industry
The measure would end federal cannabis prohibition while taking specific steps to ensure that businesses in existing state markets can continue to operate unencumbered by changing federal rules.
during 2021, but they’re hopeful the momentum will continue into 2022. November is approaching quickly, and activists are already in the process of qualifying cannabis legalization and other drug policy reform measures for ballots. All while lawmakers separately work to advance reform bills.
Lastdrivers.year
The recent addition of Limited Medical Providers (see article on LMPs in this issue!) may ensure that the weed will keep on growing a little Duringlonger.thesame
The medical cannabis program in the Behave State continues to grow like a well-watered weed. With over 42,646 active medical cannabis card holders, the number of Utah cannabis patients tripled from September 2020 (approx. 11,000) to September of 2021 (approx. 37,500).
Not too shabby for a medical cannabis program still in its infancy. This growth can likely be attributed to various factors; the increased number of cannabis pharmacies, more product availability and affordability, additional QMPs certified to prescribe cannabis, increased awareness of the program across the state population and growing rural access via cannabis delivery services.
Cannabis pharmacies made a total of 480,621 transactions from October 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021. The net sales revenue from those transactions was $61,262,982.00. Most of these pharmacies are located around the dense
population centers of the Wasatch Front making access to medical cannabis a little tricky for the folks who like to live without traffic and stop lights. This is where cannabis delivery delivers.
also saw a 38% increase in the number of QMPs and as of September 30, 2021, there were 781 qualified medical providers (QMPs) registered by the Utah Department of Health. The new LMP designation also means even more medical providers will be involved in the cannabis sphere in the coming months.
18 | Salt Baked City | Spring 2022
Yes, you read that correctly - TRIPLED.
The number of Pharmacy Agents was 328 who have an active registration with the Utah Department of Health. Additionally, there are 72 active Pharmacy Medical Providers working in the pharmacies across the state. Cannabis cultivars were also busy this last season and produced 65,161 pounds of cured biomass, a significant increase on the previous years 10,856 pounds. One might say that in Utah, things are growing like a weed.
one-year period the number of medical cannabis pharmacies in Utah doubled, now hosting 14 medical cannabis pharmacies with a 15th pharmacy in development. With locations in North Logan, Brigham City, South Ogden, West Bountiful, Park City, Salt Lake City, South Jordan, Lehi, Provo, Springville, Payson, Cedar City, and St. George these pharmacies are themselves beacons of bud, planting the seed of relief in the minds of many. With more products on the shelves and greater variety in pricing, sales also continued to climb.
Cannabis delivery began in January 2021 and by September of that year, medical cannabis pharmacies had already made 6,990 deliveries of medical cannabis to cardholder homes. The increased accessibility and obvious convenience of using delivery services is likely a factor contributing to the continued growth of medical cannabis in Utah. Now patients in far off corners of the state like Vernal and Moab can medicate, without a multiple hour drive to the nearest cannabis pharmacy to resupply. The addition of delivery services also meant more jobs were added to Utah’s economy in the form of delivery
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continent except Antarctica and thrive in most ecosystems. Psilocybe Cubensis is a common species of mushroom that contains psilocybin. Much like cannabis we are beginning to see a large variety of different strains and crosses with names like Golden Teacher, PE, and Blue Magnolia.
Americans to psilocybin for the first time. The counterculture movement in the 1960s encouraged many to try these “magic mushrooms’’ and in response the federal government decided to add psilocybin to the Controlled Substance Act of 1970.
Similar to cannabis, psilocybin appears to be one of the safest of the “recreational drugs” and is not considered addictive, but prohibition of these mushrooms has left a major gap in knowledge and information, limiting how much we can definitely say about these fungi.
Despite the name, there is little magic in taking these mushrooms. Their dirt-like taste and off-putting texture can make it difficult for some people to chew and swallow the dried mushrooms, which is the most common way to consume. In the mushrooms there are many compounds, but most important to the psychedelic effect is psilocybin, which is a prodrug.
Oregon has approved a medical program where psilocybin will be administered in office. There are over 200 species of psychoactive mushrooms that grow in every
This means that it must dephosphorylate or “activate” in stomach acid to form the active compound psilocin, which is what causes the psychedelic effects, also known as “tripping”. After ingestion it usually starts to work within 3060 minutes with effects lasting 4-8 hours. People report euphoria, altered thinking, visualizations, altered sense of time, synesthesia (mixing up senses like hearing colors), and profound spiritual experiences. Side effects include nausea (some people call this “the weirds”), runny nose, teary eyes,
HISTORY
Boomers, caps, mushies and shrooms are all slang for magic mushrooms – varieties of fungi that produce an intoxicating molecule known as psilocybin. The use of psychoactive mushrooms is almost as old as humans – dating back 5.3 million years.1 Indigenous people from Central America to Siberia used psilocybin in spiritual ceremonies to heal mind and body and connect with each other and higher powers. In fact, some ethnobotanists like Terrance Mckenna have a theory called the “Stoned Ape Theory” where psilocybin may have expedited human evolution especially with language development.
22 | Salt Baked City | Spring 2022
Numerous municipalities are considering legalizing or decriminalizing magic mushrooms.
Change is upon us; magic mushrooms have officially made an appearance in the Utah legislative chambers, so it’s high time we talk about the exciting benefits of this ancient medicine. Rep. Brady Brammer, R-Highland has proposed a bill for the 2022 session that would create a task force of experts to consider future state legalization and research of psychedelics like psilocybin for medicinal use.
Gordon Wasson visited the small town of Oaxaca Mexico where he met Shaman Maria Sabina who guided him through a psilocybin ceremony. He returned to America and wrote an article in Time Life Magazine about his experience, introducing many 1 Rodríguez Arce JM, Winkelman MJ. Psychedelics, Sociality, and Human Evolution. Front Psychol. 2021;12:729425. Published 2021 Sep 29. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.729425
In the 1950’s, amateur mycologist
It’s common for people to describe a psychedelic experience as feeling more real than waking consciousness.
2 Harman WW, McKim Problem-Solving: Reports. 1966;19(1):211-227. 3doi:10.2466/pr0.1966.19.1.211Carhart-Harris,R.L.,Roseman, L., Bolstridge, M. et al. Psilocybin for treatment-re sistant depression: fMRI-measured brain mechanisms. Sci Rep 7, 13187 (2017). https:// doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-13282-7
6 Walter
M Pahnke, Harvard University, 1963 7 “Pahnke’s ’Good Friday Experiment‘: A Long-Term Follow-Up and Methodological
4 Shao LX, Liao C, Gregg I, et al. Psilocybin induces rapid and persistent growth of dendritic spines in frontal cortex in vivo. Neuron. 2021;109(16):2535-2544.e4. 5doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2021.06.008GukasyanN,DavisAK,Barrett FS, et al. Efficacy and safety of psilocybin-assisted treatment for major depressive disorder: Prospective 12-month follow-up. Nursing Ethics. 2022;36(2):1171-1173. doi:10.1177/0969733020939667 5
When using psychedelics experts recommend preparation and integration. Integration is being able to talk about your psychedelic experience as soon as you return to reality and incorporate it into your life, ideally with a trained therapist. Because of this, many proposed protocols for psilocybin use require administration in an office setting. This is also suggested to keep people safe. There have been small numbers of case reports where people have walked into traffic and jumped out of buildings, so having a trained “trip sitter” or therapist is important.
8 Griffiths RR, Richards WA, McCann U, Jesse R. Psilocybin can occasion mysti cal-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2006;187(3):268-292. doi:10.1007/s002139006-0457-5GriffithsR, Richards W, Johnson M, McCann U, Jesse R. Mystical-type experi ences occasioned by psilocybin mediate the attribution of personal meaning and spiritual significance 14 months later. J Psychopharmacol. 2008;22(6):621-632. doi:10.1177/0269881108094300
In 1962 Harvard psychologist Timothy Leary conducted a study called “The Good Friday Experiment” where he gave either psilocybin or niacin to divinity students in Boston.6 Almost everyone in the psilocybin
A Pilot Study. Psychological
yawning, anxiety, and psychosis. Psilocin works in our brains by binding to Serotonin 2A receptors, also known as the “psychedelic receptor”. Many of these 2A receptors are located in the primary visual cortex which results in visual hallucinations like the walls breathing. Psychedelics also constrict veins which some speculate pushes more blood volume into the capillaries and this is thought to enhance connectivity and allow different parts of our brain to receive more oxygen and communicate in new ways. A study from the 1960’s showed that psychedelics can help humans solve complex problems by boosting creative thinking.2 Psychedelics are also described as rebooting our brain by allowing rigid patterns to be shaken up and facilitate escaping unhealthy habits and ruts which may be helpful in addiction. It’s common for people to describe a psychedelic experience as feeling more real than waking consciousness. There is a transcendence of time and space, love, gratitude, peacefulness and many describe their experience as ineffable or too great to describe in words. People also report positive personality changes such as an increase in openness, broadmindedness, and the ability to approach new situations in a creative and flexible way.
RH, Mogar RE, Fadiman J, Stolaroff MJ. Psychedelic Agents in Creative
MEDICAL RESEARCH
Critique,” The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 1991, Vol. 23, No.1.
Results are so promising in these trials that the FDA has designated it a breakthrough therapy for depression and is currently fast-tracking approval.
group reported experiencing their most profound religious experiences to date. Rick Doblin, the Founder of Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) followed up with this same group of test subjects 25 years later and they reported this single psychedelic experience as life changing and still one of the most profound experiences of their life.7
We can see from brain imaging studies that psilocin alters blood supply to something in our brain called the default mode network.3 Our default mode network controls the gates of consciousness. It creates a veil between perceived reality and actual reality. Ego is the gatekeeper and this temporary lack of blood supply causes an “ego death” and allows the doors of perception to open. And the most exciting thing about psychedelics is something we call after-glow, where these positive effects are long lasting. Recent animal studies show one dose
“Drugs & Mysticism: An Analysis of the Relationship between Psychedelic Drugs and Mystical Consciousness“ By
Salt Baked City | Spring 2022 | 23
of psilocybin leads to a long-lasting increase in the number and strength of neuronal connections.4 This is why experts suggest that psychedelics may be more curative than any other tool we have to treat depression. Imagine… instead of taking an antidepressant 365 days a year you could achieve the same results with only 2 doses of psilocybin. A recent Johns Hopkins study published February 2022 shows “substantial antidepressant effects of psilocybin-assisted therapy may be durable at least through 12 months following acute intervention in some patients”.5
It was hard to take these mystical experiences seriously in the scientific community until 2006 when a groundbreaking study from Johns Hopkins was published. It was extremely well designed and scientifically rigorous. It was a double blind, active placebo, randomized controlled trial titled “Mystical-type experiences Having Substantial and Sustained Personal Meaning and Spiritual Significance”.8 Participants were given 5gm of dried mushrooms (which is considered a large dose) and simply asked to lay on a couch and listen to music. Many described a spiritual experience, interconnectedness of all people and things, sacredness, awe, reverence. There were negative experiences reported as well, where 30% reported having anxiety and “bad trips”. It’s important to note that these negative experiences can still be therapeutic. A follow-up 14 months later showed lasting benefits.9
Current research on psychedelic drugs is booming and results have been better than expected. A recently published scientific review of psilocybin research showed “positive effects on existential and spiritual well-being, quality of life, acceptance of life, acceptance and reduction of anxiety and depression with few adverse and no serious adverse effects”.10 Researchers are currently looking at psilocybin for major depressive disorder in phase 2 clinical
13 Griffiths RR, Johnson MW, Carducci MA, et al. Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2016;30(12):1181-1197.
MICRO-DOSING
research supporting psychedelic micro-dosing yet and more studies are needed, but the risks are so minimal that it’s generally regarded as safe. There are a few different protocols for micro-dosing. It’s not ideal to dose every day. Some people dose 1 day on then 2 days off (James Fadiman protocol) and others prefer 4 days on and 3 days off (Paul Stamets protocol).
common antidepressants.12 Results are so promising in these trials that the FDA has designated it a breakthrough therapy for depression and is currently fast-tracking approval. We also have exciting scientific research on treating anxiety and depression in cancer patients13, obsessive compulsive disorder14, acceptance of mortality
FINAL THOUGHTS
schedule 1 substance, just like cannabis. Some states are beginning to decriminalize the possession of magic mushrooms and even consider legalization of the medicinal use of mushrooms. This common sense solution worked for cannabis and it can work for mushrooms as well, particularly if we learn from the successes and shortcomings of the now burgeoning cannabis industry. I encourage Utah to consider a framework that supports office administration with a trained trip sitter, preparation and integration for larger doses, and an ability to easily purchase and utilize the milder effects of micro-dosing. It’s important with any substance to consider the risks vs benefits. Psychedelics are not for everyone and a trained medical professional should assess the appropriateness of usage and screen for contraindicated medical conditions and drug interactions. In general, psychedelics should be avoided in people with a risk of psychosis, schizophrenia, or high blood pressure. And with all mind-altering substances I suggest you consume with moderation, intention, and respect. A large dose of psilocybin is powerful and you can think of it as a drastic medical intervention like surgery where the benefits could be tremendous and the risks are more psychological than physical. It’s important to have a guide such as a healthcare provider, a shaman or roadman. There is quite a bit of legal risk consuming these substances in the United States and because of this I do not advise anyone to medicate with psilocybin at this moment in time. Mental health issues are increasing and I want everyone out there to know that more help is on the way. Be safe. Take care of each other and stay open-minded as we all watch this psychedelic renaissance continue to unfold.
14doi:10.1177/0269881116675513Moreno,F.A.,Wiegand,C.B., Taitano, E. K. & Delgado, P. L. Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of psilocybin in 9 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. The Journal of clinical psychiatry 67, 1735–1740 (2006).
11 Davis AK, Barrett FS, May DG, et al. Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial [published correction appears in JAMA Psychiatry. 2021 Feb 10;:]. JAMA Psychiatry. 2021;78(5):481-489. doi:10.1001/ 12jamapsychiatry.2020.3285Carhart-HarrisR,Giribaldi B, Watts R, et al. Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(15):1402-1411. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2032994
10 Li NX, Hu YR, Chen WN, Zhang B. Dose effect of psilocybin on primary and sec ondary depression: a preliminary systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord. 2022;296:26-34. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2021.09.041
For some these larger doses are too intense and the experience can be overwhelming. For this reason there is a growing trend towards microdosing. Many people swear by the anti-depressant effects of microdosing - taking a smaller amount of a psychedelic substance, but
24 | Salt Baked City | Spring 2022
There are also current clinical trials of psilocybin use for alzheimers, anorexia and opioid-use disorder.
controlled 15 Bogenschutz, M. P. et al. Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: a proof-of-concept study. Journal of psychopharmacology 29, 289–299, 16 Johnson MW, Garcia-Romeu A, Griffiths RR. Long-term follow-up of psilocybin-fa cilitated smoking cessation [published correction appears in Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2017 Jan;43(1):127]. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2017;43(1):55-60. doi:10.3109/00952 990.2016.1170135
for end of life patients, PTSD and alcohol15 and nicotine addiction.16
Psilocybin is still a federally
Her voice is scared when she asks, “Daddy, why are all of the police here?”
by Cole Fullmer
As you approach the car in your slow suburban neighborhood, you realize you haven’t warmed up the engine and the iced windows still need to be scrapped before you leave. With cold fingers, you fumble for your keys while your youngest is in your arms – your other daughter calls you from behind.
Imagine it’s a sunny winter morning in West Valley City and your day is just about to begin. The air is chilly as the sun climbs the Wasatch Front, so you bundle everyone before heading out the door to drop the kids off at school and then head to work. A typical morning.
“We were in a pretty bad place (mentally), and it couldn’t have been a worse time to have unexpected visitors, especially the cops,” Kennedy said during an interview with Salt Baked City.
It wasn’t the constant buzz of ventilation, the strong odor of cannabis leaking from his house, or frequent visitors going in-and-out like you’d suspect. It turned out, photos Kennedy posted under his anonymous Instagram account he created to communicate with other growers led to his investigation, and leaving WVCPD the impression he was a Kingpin Drug Dealer, rather than an occasional hobby grower.
Salt Baked City | Spring 2022 | 27
on November 12, 2020, WVCPD led Kennedy into his house in handcuffs to retrieve his sleeping wife out of their bedroom, while his daughters watched from the front yard. He had just been served warrants to search his house for suspicion of manufacturing and distribution of a controlled substance. Serious felonies that can carry up to a 15-year prison sentence. Formal probation is possible, but highly unlikely in most cases within Utah.
According to Kennedy, his wife had recently had a portion of her stomach removed and was dealing with
didn’t have plants growing when law enforcement arrived, the father and husband was feeling nervous about the outcome that awaited him and knew the cards weren’t in his favor because of the abundance of equipment and other paraphernalia he had gathered from his 20-year career as a hobby grower.
a lot of pain – which led to the abuse of prescribed opioids. Cannabis was helping his wife kick the opioid addiction she acquired after surgery, Kennedy said, but he was carrying most of the weight for the family at that time of the raid.
Fans, different kinds of lights, grow wracks, hydroponics equipment, bubble bags for making hash, and other odds and ends needed for growing craft cannabis were found in the West Valley City basement that day, but not one single living plant – it didn’t matter though.
“My grow room is about seven feet by eight feet, and is like a big closet, or could be used as a spare bedroom,” Kennedy said. “You didn’t know about that room unless you were a really close friend or family, and it was locked up all the time with a padlock.”
“The cops were a bit let down when they searched my house and didn’t find piles of cash and garbage bags full of weed,” Kennedy said.
AtWVCPD.7:15a.m.
Just a few months before Kennedy’s life was turned upside-down, he remembers seeing a local news story about a Utah Highway Patrol trooper who pulled over an eastbound car traveling with 313 pounds of cannabis near Tooele. An expired registration turned into a second degree felony carrying a 15 year sentence and a $10,000 Althoughfine.he
Before you can even turn around, nearly a dozen West Valley City Police officers and a DEA Agent, accompanied by loud dogs, violently stop your day. You’re being raided by a SWAT Team instead of beginning your morning commute – but why?
It’s fair to say most who are raided by law enforcement have a pretty good idea why the cops show up that miserable day. Kristopher Kennedy, 42 year-old husband and father of three daughters had no idea why his worst nightmares were coming true that faithful morning – at least until he had a second to think.
The equipment was incriminating enough, so law enforcement loaded everything they could in their vehicle to impound in the department’s evidence room. One storage room to the next.
Then, the bulb in his head lit up.
It had been over a year since the veteran cannabis home-grower was using a spare room in his basement to harvest precious medicine for he and his wife, Heather Kennedy. That room was lying dormant at the time of the raid leaving Kennedy extra surprised when visited by
Although no cash was found, law enforcement uncovered five pounds of cannabis flower Kennedy had harvested a few months prior from two plants he
“I was diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) after we lost a child in 2015 and also why I qualify as a Utah medical cannabis patient,” Kennedy said. “During that time, my wife got hooked on opioids and we were hurting financially. It was really rough for a while, so I used and grew cannabis for the two of us to remedy the pain. It’s really helped with my wife kicking the Kennedypharmaceuticals.”learnedtogrow cannabis in the 90s when he moved into his own house for the first time at 19 yearsold. Although his unique skills could potentially be very profitable, Kennedy kept the occasional hobby to himself and only harvested cannabis to supply he and his family’s
Being a medical cannabis patient definitely helped the Kennedy’s legal outcome, but some are questioning whether their arrest was necessary or not.
At the end of the day, Kennedy was charged with 11 offenses ranging from child endangerment, possession of a firearm, production of a controlled substance, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance when law enforcement found a jar of psychedelic mushrooms.
“Iheirlooms.gotpretty
While developing film at a photography studio in Salt Lake City after high school, Kennedy got his hands on some Skunk Number One clones from a friend and says he harvested some of the best cannabis flower he has ever tried.
28 | Salt Baked City | Spring 2022
“It’s hard to find quality cannabis, especially when I was younger [in the 90s],” Kennedy said. “Once you’ve experienced home grown cannabis, it’s hard to rely on anything else, especially when you are using it for medicine like my family and I do.”
Those pictures, along with all of Kennedy’s grow equipment are now in the custody of WVCPD. Sadly, he says losing those photos was a lot like losing family
own habit – and to save money along the way he added.
had hidden in his backyard. According to the grower, these weren’t even planned and grew by accident after chucking some seeds in the yard. This amount far exceeding he and his wife’s 130 gram limit they both can legally possess as medical cannabis patients in the state.
“I was the one that bought and used the equipment,” Kennedy said. “I don’t see why they needed to charge her as well. It’s messing her life up far more than mine and that’s just not fair.”
“I will always remember that smoke and still have friends that talk about it,” Kennedy said. “Since I worked in the film studio, I was able to develop some photos of the Skunk Number One. Getting pictures was rare back then. I held onto them for years and loved reminiscing about the giant [cannabis] colas.”
good at breeding strains, and I had a lot of my own genetics saved up from my years of growing,”
Kennedy explained. “It takes a lot of years to cross breed those strains and once they’re gone; they’re gone forever.”
Kennedy’s normal role from nine to five is a Production Supervisor for a local auto-parts manufacturer, although he had grown cannabis for over 20 years. He claims he was more of a hobby cannabis cultivator than anything else during those years, and started growing medicine again after losing his infant son in 2015 from SIDS – only a few weeks after coming home from the hospital.
Two in three Americans support cannabis legalization according to a Gallup poll taken in 2020. The first time Gallup took the same poll during 1969, only 12 percent of Americans held the same view. Now, 31-years later, 12 percent of Americans identify as a ‘current user’ according to the same poll.
Despite the abundance of charges, Attorney Steven Shapiro was able to keep Kennedy out of jail. Instead, he was sentenced to two years of supervised probation and a $400 fine. His wife also received the same charges, which Kennedy says is affecting her professional licenses for work.
An estimated 40,000 people today are incarcerated for cannabis offenses even as the overall legal cannabis industry is booming, one state after another is legalizing, and cannabis companies are making healthy profits around the country.
In 2002, Weldon Angelos, hip-hop artist and resident of Salt Lake City was punished with a 55-year sentence in prison for selling cannabis valued at $900. He spent 13-years of that sentence in prison before being granted clemency by the White House in 2016.
It’s time for change.
Cultivation in Utah will be punished based upon the aggregate weight of the plants found and charges are similar to those of sale charges.
Law(NORML).enforcement agencies at the federal and state level still devote significant resources into investigating illegal cannabis grow operations, which involve the use of taxpayer money.
Possession of less than one ounce is a class B misdemeanor punishable by a maximum sentence of six months imprisonment and a maximum fine of $1,000. Possession of one ounce to one pound is a class A misdemeanor punishable by a maximum sentence of one year imprisonment and a maximum fine of $2,500. Possession of one pound to 100 pounds is a third degree felony punishable by a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $5,000. Possession of 100 pounds or more is a second degree felony punishable by one to 15 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $10,000.
Between 2014 and 2016 – 16,465 Utah residents were arrested for cannabis possession, while another 1,164 were arrested for the sale of cannabis, according to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
Since his interview with Salt Baked City in January, Kennedy has been released from supervised probation and is still working at his auto-parts job. His wife, Heather, is still trying to get her charges dismissed so she can keep her professional-licensing.
Although medical cannabis is legal in Utah, state laws regarding the possession and sale of the plant still have hefty fines – especially those not registered in the state’s medical cannabis program.
The sale of any amount is a second degree felony punishable by a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $5,000.
Since then, Angelos has started the Mission Green Project, an initiative to help those still locked-up in prison for nonviolent cannabis crimes.
“It seems like a lot to go through for growing a plant,” Kennedy said. “I feel horrible for all the people who are in prison over it. Biden needs to keep his promise and do something about legalization now.”
Even though Americans are changing their minds about cannabis, 34 states now allow medical cannabis, while 18 allow adult-use – you can still be arrested and prosecuted for growing cannabis unlawfully around the Onlycountry.16 out of 50 states have yet to legalize cannabis in any form.
While cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, the DEA and other federal agencies are still aggressively investigating and prosecuting cannabis grow house cases. Even in states where cannabis is legal, law enforcement has targeted and raided growers operating in the black market or people who grow cannabis for themselves without a license like Kennedy.
“It’s still hard to think about the look on my daughters faces when they saw me handcuffed, and probably the worst part of this experience,” Kennedy said. “I know I was breaking the law at the time, but was it really necessary to uproot my whole life? I’ve worked the same job for over 15 years, pay my bills, and take care of my family. It seems aggressive to label me as a criminal and railroad my life.”
Additionally, about 18 percent of adults say they’d grow their own medicine if cannabis was legal, according to a Denver Post article from 2021.
30 | Salt Baked City | Spring 2022
SAlT bAkED ciTy mAGAziNE GET bAkED GEAr iS ExclUSivEly AvAilAblE AT Looking gLass 1568 South State Street Salt lake City, ut 84115
UTAH CANN RETURNS
WELCOME TO UTAH CANN 2022
The second conference was a breakout event for Utah Cann. From a few hundred people and a handful of vendors just a few months prior, the event blossomed to a weekend gathering of over 60 vendors and thousands of people. The speakers included some of the top minds in the cannabis sector in and out of Utah, and the experience for attendees was overwhelmingly
The cannabis industry in Utah is growing at a rapid pace—the Medical Cannabis Program is now entering its third year of implementation. There’s more access, more users and more products than ever before, and knowledge and learning opportunities are growing, too.
Thepositive.Covid-19
Pete Saltas, organizer of Utah Cann Business Conference and Expo, is thrilled to bring back the conference for another year.
Mikey Saltas
More information can be found at UtahCann.com
pandemic derailed plans for a scheduled event in 2020 and 2021, but Utah Cann is excited to return with the help of our cohost, Salt Baked City. Together, we are bringing new ideas and opportunities to Utahns and their businesses in this two-day cannabis event.
38 | Salt Baked City | Spring 2022
Then in May of 2019, Utah Cann rolled out a second conference—House Bill 3001 was recently passed to amend Prop 2, easing the restrictions and setting a better parameter around cannabis consumption in Utah.
The third annual Utah Cann Business Conference and Expo, scheduled for May 13 and 14 at the Utah State Fairpark, is a resource for Utahns to learn more about hemp and cannabis.
Utah Cann got its beginnings back in October 2018 ahead of the vote for Prop 2, the bill that opened the door for medical cannabis consumption in the state. The first conference was a success—state representatives and senators met alongside local business people and spokespersons for cannabis in a public forum.
“It’s a great event for the state,” Saltas said. “Our first two conferences were all about giving people the resources they needed to learn and understand cannabis. Now that adoption has increased, we want our third conference to be the biggest and best yet for attendees.”
The Center for Medical Cannabis is pleased to share program upgrades making access to appropriate care easier for Utah patients.
of January, any MD, DO, APRN, PA, or podiatrist with proper licensure may now recommend medical cannabis to a limited number of their qualifying patients. The Limited Medical Provider program sponsored by Representative Ray Ward and Senator Luz Escamilla in the 2021 Legislative session is now up and running. These legislative leaders hope this process will allow patients to seek their preferred providers and streamline their medical treatment with one clinician. The patient process for registration
has not changed. Utah Medical Cannabis pharmacies are all prepared to accept the new recommendation forms from provider offices. The Center for Medical Cannabis is holding training sessions for medical providers to orient them to the new program and it will continue to educate providers on this new opportunity throughout the year. More information for patients is available at Pleasemedicalcannabis.utah.gov.contacttheCenter for Medical Cannabis at medicalcannabis@utah.gov with any questions about these updates.
First, in partnership with the Office of the State Auditor and their Utah Health Cost Compare tool, costs for cash pay medical cannabis visits are now shared on a public website. Patients can search by provider name, clinic, or location and see the average and highest costs. The site directs patients with insurance to check with their preferred medical provider and health insurance company to verify costs. The information is up to date as of January 2022, and the Center for Medical Cannabis will update the visit cost information at least once per year. Check it out at https://healthcost.utah.gov/.
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The Center has also made changes to cardholder expiration dates to decrease costs to patients and extend their card approval times. Initial medical cannabis cards are now issued with a 6-month expiration. The card renewal cost is $15. Patients who apply for the first renewal of their card prior to April 30, 2022, will still pay the $5 renewal fee at 90 Finally,days.as
UTAH DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CENTER FOR MEDICAL CANNABIS UPDATES IN 2022
Utah Department of Health Center for Medical Cannabis Updates in 2022: Cost Transparency, Extended Card Approvals and the Limited Medical Provider Program Sarah Woolsey, MD, MPH, Center for Medical Cannabis
The LMP is of the same variety as the QMP though in further abundance. LMP stands for Limited Medical Provider; while QMP stands for Qualified Medical Provider. There are currently around 810 QMPs in the state, while there are an estimated 16,000 individuals who now qualify as an LMP.
The overall process for receiving a medical cannabis recommendation from an LMP is basically the same as the prior QMP route. A patient meets with the provider and assuming they have a qualifying condition the provider will recommend the medical cannabis card. The application that the provider completes is simple, being one full page in length and asking fairly routine questions. Once the application is complete and submitted the patent must wait for card approval which can take a few days. When the recommendation is approved by the state, well, it’s off to the races.
There are of course may questions surrounding this change. Will more patients switch from a QMP to LMP as their card expires and needs renewing? Will there be an influx of new patients who are more willing to ask their personal physician/medical provider about a cannabis recommendation? And what sort of cost savings will the patient actually see through this measure? Some of these questions are revealing answers already; others we’ll have to wait for.
By allowing more medical providers across the state to recommend medical cannabis, the idea is hoping to cut down on the costs for patients who previously may have gone to a QMP but paid a higher fee due to the limited number of QMPs that were available. It is also expected a recommendation from an LMP could take place during a routine visit and would incur minimal additional time and monetary costs. A quick pit stop on the road to relief. With some paying hundreds of dollars for their medical card recommendations prior and making long drives to the nearest metro area for a QMP, this is a welcome change.
As with most medical cannabis programs, Utah’s initial run has had its speed bumps along the way. One of those bumps was recently torn out and paved over, smoothing the path to relief for many patients. The bump in question was the relatively small number of medical providers across the state able to recommend medical cannabis to patients. The change came due to the newly formed “LMP” designation as part of a law passed by the State Legislature this session. This was a direct response to patient outcry for easier access to a physician able to prescribe cannabis. So, what is an LMP? How is it different from a QMP? Will we ever have enough acronyms?.. Read more to find out.
required by the state and the number of medical cannabis cards the medical provider is able to issue to their various patient populations. The new LMP designation allows medical (physicians,providersnursepractitionersandothers)torecommend up to 15 patientscannabismedicaleach.
The cannabisofbetweendifferencethetwobeingtheamountmedicaltraining
ACCESS TO MEDICAL CANNABIS IN UTAH JUST GOT EASIER
Salt Baked City | Spring 2022 | 41
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE UTAH PRODUCT, AND WHY?
3. For those businesses working with large sums of cash, oftentimes, they must arrange for their own security, transportation and processes. This comes with risk and can become complicated, especially with many traditional banks.
LIMITED ACCESS TO TRADITIONAL BANKING
4. Businesses holding large amounts of cash face a real threat of theft. Managing this risk costs businesses time, money, resources and peace of mind.
The process all begins with depositing cash into the vault. Bills are placed on the interfaced bill counter on the vault in which it is then validated in real time and securely stored inside the vault. The Vault software creates a batch of the cash deposits, totals these batches and credits the cannabis businesses account the next business day. The batch process occurs every night. Now, the business can feel confident, they will receive their cash funds within one business day.
HOLDING LARGE VOLUMES OF CASH INCREASES RISK OF THEFT
THE SMART CANNABIS BANKING SOLUTION
TRANSPORTING CASH IS RISKY AND COMPLICATED
RYAN FRITZCHE FROM CBD CREDIT CARD PROCESSING
1. Depending on what type of cannabis business one has, payment processing solutions are hard to obtain and may come with high fees to accept credit and debit card payments. Unfortunately, there are rumors that the card brands and federal government may target dispensary businesses accepting alternative forms of payment, including debit only solutions.
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ACCESS TO MERCHANT ACCOUNT SERVICES
2. Lets be real. The banking system is a conservative, old school industry. Most banks will not work with the cannabis industry. This limits banking options and creates problems for businesses needing depository accounts, especially where large sums of cash is deposited.
With all the challenges facing the cannabis industry, cash and payment for products shouldn’t be one of them!
So, what about the cash in the Vault? The intuitive software recognizes when the vault reaches 85% capacity in the vault in cash. The Vault creates and sends an automated notification to a cash pickup service provider. Cash pickups are scheduled weekly, but can be scheduled on demand or when notification is sent. With the advance of Cash, the business no longer needs to be concerned about their cash getting deposited into their bank. The Cash Vault solution fronts the cash so the business doesn’t need to worry.
Fortunately, Cannabis businesses now have an option. That option comes in the form of a Cash Vault where cash can be deposited into a vault and kept secure. Upon set up, a safe is installed at the business location and automatic secure pickups are scheduled. Cash can now be deposited into the business bank account in a secure and reliable process.
THE CHALLENGELIMITED
As the nation continues to work on the legality of cannabis, CBD, Delta 8 and other derivative products and have legalized them in many states, there is still a disconnect with the banking system. Even with the Safe Banking Act, the truth and reality is that the banking industry doesn’t understand the industry and many don’t want to. This leaves many cannabis businesses in a hard spot, unable to accept credit cards or secure proper banking relationships.
THE SOLUTION
3.ProviderAssistance
Salt Baked City | Spring 2022 | 45
As a masters-level LCSW, I can help you with both! My partnership with UTTHC will help to streamline the process to make Medical Cannabis available for my patients.
with Utah’s Medical Cannabis Electronic Verification System (EVS)
MANY PTSD PATIENTS PREFER INHALATION TO OTHER CANNABIS DELIVERY METHODS.
for Medical Cannabis in Utah, a PTSD patient needs to meet a couple of criteria:
ToCannabis.qualify
2. Warm hand-offs from provider to provider, including the LCSW, the Qualified Medical Provider, and Pharmacy Medical
1. Has a formal PTSD diagnosis from the VA, a psychiatrist, a masters-level psychologist, a psychiatric APRN, or a masters-level
2.LCSW.Isbeing treated and monitored by a licensed health therapist.
Through this collaboration we can provide:
Our behavioral health clinic accepts most major insurance carriers, and we accept payments through HSA and FSA accounts. We also have a discount program that can help you reduce the cost of your canna-therapy by up to 50%. Give us a call at 801-851-5554 to go over your payment options.
After receiving a PTSD diagnosis, the patient will then need to speak with a Qualified Medical Provider for a Medical Cannabis
My name is Clif Uckerman. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and I’m working with Utah Therapeutic Health Center to treat PTSD patients who can benefit from Medical
1. Reduced costs of therapy and costsavings for the Medical Cannabis Card (initial visits and renewals)
Therecommendation.stateasksnew Medical Cannabis patients to allow up to two weeks for their cards to be approved and sent – but we often see cards issued within 24 hours.
4. Introduction and exposure to other alternative and complimentary wellness services that have been proven to enhance positive outcomes (quality of life and life satisfaction) as well as improve health and extend life.
HOW TO APPLY
Of the 15 qualifying conditions for Medical Cannabis in Utah, only one of them is a mental health condition: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
As mentioned earlier, a PTSD patient needs a formal diagnosis and ongoing therapy to be eligible for a Utah Medical Cannabis Card. Once we diagnose someone with PTSD, we can move forward with their therapy, including assistance with the next steps in applying for a Medical Cannabis Card.
PTSD is the second-most-common qualifying condition for which people seek Medical Cannabis recommendations in Utah.
Canna-Therapy Continued ... 46 | Salt Baked City | Spring 2022
If you’re working with a Canna-Therapist like me, we’ll talk about ways to infuse your treatment with a Medical Cannabis regimen. Cannabis is just one of the tools we’ll talk about to help you manage PTSD symptoms. When using cannabis as part of PTSD treatment, our goal is to improve the patient’s life satisfaction and quality of life. To that end, we need to know what’s working and what isn’t so we can make adjustments.
KEEPING NOTES ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL CANNABIS USE HELPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR THERAPY.
Once you’ve been diagnosed with PTSD, you and your therapist can work together to develop an ongoing trauma-focused treatment plan. With these two requirements met, we’ll refer you to one of our Qualified Medical
Our staff will help you with the entire process of getting your Medical Cannabis Card. Once you have your card, you can shop at any of Utah’s cannabis pharmacies.
delivery methods work better.
CANNA-THERAPY PHILOSOPHIES AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR CANNABIS TREATMENT
That’s why I always recommend keeping track of the cannabis strains, delivery methods, ratios, and doses you use to treat your condition. This information helps you get the best possible treatment, and it helps me make better recommendations for my other patients. Each of my patients can rest assured knowing that the cannabis treatment plan we develop together is customized for that person’s specific needs. For this to work, we need to keep track of any positive or negative effects that Medical Cannabis may have.
Now that you have access to Medical Cannabis, you can begin to incorporate it into your PTSD treatment. You’ll continue meeting with your therapist for one-on-one trauma-focused treatment planning.
There may be a bit of “trial and error” as you begin using cannabis therapeutically. We can start with some basic recommendations, but you may find other ratios, doses, strains, or
The QMP you meet with may or may not have specific suggestions for cannabis products and delivery methods for you to try. In either case, a Pharmacy Medical Provider (PMP) at your local cannabis pharmacy can help you make those initial decisions.
A recent report from the Utah Department of Health shows about 4,000 PTSD patients have been issued Medical Cannabis Cards. That figure represents about 11% of the total number of Utah’s Medical Cannabis cardholders. When you first enter therapy for PTSD, your therapist will use some standard questionnaires to help assess your mental health. You’ll talk about the life events that led to your trauma and the symptoms associated with it.
PROVIDERS TO TALK ABOUT CANNABIS.
I believe a Canna-Therapist should be a values-driven and leadership-oriented medical
I encourage and affirm my patients who use cannabis to treat PTSD. Through my own practice, I’ve personally witnessed some of the positive changes cannabis can have for PTSD patients.
PTSD AND CANNA-THERAPY IN UTAH
Cannabis has massive therapeutic potential, but it also has risks and contraindications to consider. Although cannabis is a powerful tool in treating PTSD, Canna-Therapists should keep the potential for abuse in mind. We recognize that cannabis can be misprescribed or overprescribed, so our recommendations should reflect the patient’s actual needs.
providers and patients, we owe it to ourselves to keep learning as much as we can about Medical Cannabis. By keeping up with the latest research and emerging trends, we can continue refining our approach to cannabis medicine. Our patients get the greatest benefit from cannabis when we’ve been able to make informed recommendations.
Canna-Therapylifestyle.
is an exciting new frontier in Behavioral Health, and the cannabis industry and cannabis community need us! If you are interested in Canna-Therapy, whether as a patient or as a therapist, please email clif@ outpatientbh.com or text 801-382-8259.
CANN
When working with patients who use cannabis, we encourage them to focus on the plant’s legitimate medicinal value. We try to help them keep a medicinal, rather than a recreational, mindset when thinking about their cannabis use. We also want to help our patients understand how to remain in compliance with state law after receiving their cards.
provider. By keeping an open-door policy for my patients and fellow healthcare providers, we can always have clear communication. Working with cannabis can sometimes make us feel isolated from the rest of the medical community. My patients and staff know their thoughts, opinions, and ideas are valuable in sustaining Utah’s Medical Cannabis program. None of us is more or less capable than our peers of bringing positive changes to this Asindustry.healthcare
UTAHCOALITIONPATIENTS BLOC
We recognize that every person we treat has a unique set of life circumstances and needs. We’ll be glad to help you figure out the best ways to incorporate cannabis into a healthy and happy
UTAH SPONSORS2022
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Log in to the Electronic Verification System and pay for your card. After the Utah Department of Health reviews your registration, you will be issued a card. Visit medicalcannabis.utah.gov for more information.
Locate a qualified medical provider (QMP). For more information about finding a QMP, visit medicalcannabis.utah.gov.
T: (801)-538-6504 medicalcannabis@utah.gov medicalcannabis.utah.gov| | UTAH MEDICAL CANNABIS PROGRAM CARD PROCESS
Meet with your QMP. Your provider must then enter your recommendation in the Electronic Verification System.
PATIENT QMP RECOMMENDATION CARD
12
Create an account online in the Electronic Verification System.
We are seeing a big shift in the hemp industry. As outdoor harvests sit in warehouses, hemp farmers have been desperate to break even on their investments, even accepting significant losses, as they reform their strategies or exit the industry altogether. The hemp market is currently super saturated, but not in every category. Indoor grown hemp crops that are being grown specifically for flower products are on the rise. While outdoor grown flower ounces have yet to bottom out with retail prices hovering between $20-$80 per Oz, indoor grown ounces are on the rise soaring to $140-$200 per Oz in some areas.
But don’t be fooled. With the emergence of this niche market, we’ve seen outdoor farmers getting desperate. These days you can find “infused” flower at pretty much every gas station and smoke shop in states that allow flower sales, and everywhere online. And just what is an infused flower? By and large it’s low grade outdoor buds that have been bought cheap, sprayed (yes like with a paint sprayer) with delta-8, delta-10, and HHC isolate, dried, and then sold at a huge markup touting its psychoactive effects. Sounds sketchy? That’s because it is. Currently there is virtually no regulation on extraction and infusion processes in the US for converting hemp biomass into THC isomers, which has been a major driver in states attempting to close these loophole industries via legislation, and there are currently 20 states that have bans of some form on THC isomer products. One current attempt at reigning in the loopholes is the Hemp Advancement Bill, which would severely restrict the THC isomer industry while increasing allowable THC levels in hemp flower to 1%.
While states and the federal government look to tackle THC isomers, indoor wholesale hemp flower has been steadily climbing. A market average of $600-$800 per pound has nearly doubled in some areas where markets are reacting to what customers are willing to buy, and with foreign markets in certain countries beginning to slowly open, it’s a strong bet that there will be plenty of Untildemand.any
What’s happening? Well, it turns out growing high quality hemp is hard. Many farmers saw the dollar signs in 2018 and 2019 but had no formal or even informal training growing hemp or cannabis. What the industry ended up with is thousands of tons of low grade, bottom-shelf hemp flower and no buyers. With so much product and nowhere to move it, farmers had to get creative quick to make payments to investors, banks, and lenders and what the industry ended up with is the current THC isomer flood of delta-8, delta-10, THC-O, and HHC hitting the market. A simple search on places like Facebook shows sellers looking to move hundreds, even thousands of pounds, for ever decreasing prices, dipping as low as $20-$50 per pound. Some analysts claim that there is currently enough raw hemp biomass on the market to keep up industry demand for oil, edibles, concentrates, isolates, and distillates for the next 1-2 years, and as states begin closing the loopholes for these THC isomer products, pricing on raw biomass and extracted isomers is set to continue falling.
BY: PAUL KEMP
benefits of the major cannabinoids minus THC. And they’re willing to pay for it.
HEMP FLOWER: ONE INDUSTRY, SLOWLY SPLITTING
changes do occur, the industry is set to continue the flood of low grade outdoor hemp biomass. And even with the USDA changes that took effect in January, which change the 30 day pre harvest testing from 0.3% delta-9 THC to 0.3% total THC, the industry is expected to grow enough compliant biomass to keep the market saturated through to 2026, continuing the decline in pricing for low-grade outdoor flower.
So what’s the deal with indoor flower? For decades, the word “hemp” has invoked thoughts of tall, wild type plants that made good rope and oil you could run a hippie-mobile on. Some indoor grows are now cultivating fully compliant hemp crops to the same standard as major medical cannabis growers. What you end up with is a top shelf, terpene and cannabinoid rich flower, with all the smells and tastes of medical grade cannabis, but without the high levels of THC. As they say in the cannabis industry, “this isn’t the weed your grandparents smoked.” Interestingly enough, this has started a niche market of enthusiasts and patients that enjoy smoking and vaping cannabis, with all the
50 | Salt Baked City
UTAH CANN 2022
2022 SPEAKERS
54 | Salt Baked City | Spring 2022 BREWIN G Shades Brewing - 154 West Utopia Avenue Shades Downtown - 366 South State Street www.shadesbrewing.beer
cannabis nugs in one hand, and hops in the other, it would be difficult to tell the two green piles apart with a novice eye. Just like the sticky-icky (cannabis), hops are also resinous, green flowers that come with a pungent smell you’ve experienced when opening a fresh jar of cannabis flower – or can of beer.
If family, what’s the main similarity between the two plant species?
our word for it. If you’re of legal age, and would like to boost your entourage effectiveness – don’t forget to support your local grower, and brewer. Here’s some suggested local pairings from our staff while consuming Sugar House Selects flower and Shades brew. Remember, consume responsibly!!!
So, is Cannabis related to Hops? The answer is yes, and Whileno.holding
Salt Baked City Staff
If it looks like a duck, and smells like a duck, it must be a duck; right?
THE cONNEcTiON bETWEEN HOPS AND cANNAbiS
DANk
Although the similarities between hops and cannabis go well beyond how they look and feel, scientists at the University of British Columbia confirmed 10-years ago the two species belong to the same Cannabinaceae family – suggesting Cannabis and Hops are long-lost cousins. It’s still too difficult to say for sure how they are exactly kin though.
It turns out, the key similarity and ingredient in these two plants are terpenes. Terpenes, as you will learn in the next article found on pages 58 and 59, are a class of organic compounds produced by several types of flowers and trees, and are responsible for producing flavors and aromas in plants – especially in cannabis and hops. Some suggest they even play a role in the effects these plants produce for those who consume them in what we call the entourage effect.
During their studies, scientists at the University of British Columbia also found that cannabis and hops share over 30 similar terpenes. The main ones being limonene, myrcene, and pinene – which gives cannabis and beer citrusy, skunky, or earthy Don’tqualities.take
Have you ever taken a swig of a skunky IPA and thought to yourself, “Geez, I bet this is exactly what liquid weed tastes like?” If so, your taste buds aren’t fooling you – and you’re not alone. Although Cannabis sativa (cannabis) and Humulus lupulus (hops) are two different plant species, they have a great deal in common, leading scientists to believe they are long lost relatives.
Let’s be honest. The consumption of cannabis and beer are some of the oldest traditions around. Although we have been dabbling with these plants for thousands of years, cannabis and hops have been mingling long before we humans found out they made us feel good.
Salt Baked City | Spring 2022 | 55
Slick City Citrus is an American Style IPA and a local favorite. It pours cloudy gold and has a smooth mouth feel. You’ll love the medley of sweet malts balanced by notes of citrus and medium bitterness derived from the hops and why we paired it with the craft Sin Mintz from Sugar House Selects. This earthy, but sweet smelling flower is a perfect afternoon pick me up. 7.2% abv
bEEr DEScriPTiONS AND cANNAbiS PAiriNG
BLUEBERRY PEACH COBBLER WITH SHS ICE CREAM CAKE
Berliner Weisse is a regional variation on the white beer style from Northern Germany. Sour and tart, it’s usually served with syrup for more flavor and color. Shades break tradition and don’t add syrup. Instead, they add a considerable amount of Plum fruit and use a kettle sour technique to produce this delicious concoction. At Salt Baked City, our staff adds Orange Push Pop from Sugar House Selects to the mix for the ultimate fruit terpene pairing. Your tastebuds will dance along with your head after trying this duo. 5% abv.
SLICK ROCK CITRUS IPA WITH SHS SIN SINTZ
PLUM BERLINER WITH SHS ORANGE PUSH POP
‘Drinking alcohol while consuming cannabis can be dangerous. The Salt-Baked staff does not recommend you mix these substances. This is not a paid for endorsement of Shades Brewery or Sugar House Selects.
6.5% abv; sour ale brewed with blueberry, peach, apricot, vanilla, graham cracker, and lactose. It tastes exactly how it sounds and why we thought it needed a side-serving of Sugar House Selects Ice Cream Cake. This might be the perfect way to end your evening, so be prepared to slow down.
Utah's Best Food Trucks | Support Local Artists | All For A Good Cause | Raffles | Community Speakers
Find out how we combine medical cannabis or ketamine ™ for more effective treatment and integration.
Feeling Stressed? DNISoADepressed?nxious?rTriggered?tuck?solated?umb?orissociated?
Our clients consistently say that SLIP™ with medical cannabis or ketamine works better than medication, talk therapy, CBT, EMDR, and “the sitter method” alone, for stress, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and emotional triggers.
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IntegrativeSomato-LimbicwithProcessing™ (SLIP
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LINALOOL
Ever open a Utah crafted beer and realize it smells
The most recognizable, and arguably the best appealing, attributes of the cannabis plant are the scents and flavors it produces.
Here are the most common terpenes in the medical cannabis found at your local pharmacy:
Terpenes and cannabinoids are produced in the plant’s tiny trichome glands. “Terps,” as they’re referred to throughout cannabis culture, take up to 10 percent of the oily gland space, which is an area the size of a pinhead.
In a previous Salt-Baked article, we learned that the organic compounds known as “terpenes” are responsible for the eclectic aromas cannabis produces. In case you forgot, terpenes are fragrant oils located within the trichomes that cover cannabis
This terpene smells like peeling a fresh orange next to the Wasatch river, and can taste like the juicy unpeeled fruit. This relieveelevateterpenecitrus-scentedisknowntomood,andstress.Other medical benefits include gallstone and heartburn relief, anti-fungal effects; gastroprotection, and antidepressant effects. Other than cannabis, Limonene is found in juniper, rosemary, fruit rinds, and peppermint.
Unlikeflower. other plants, cannabis has over 1,000 different types of terpenes which provide its uniquely varying odors.
Besides making your favorite sticky-icky smell the way it does, these organic compounds can carry a punch, much like the cannabinoids THC and CBD, and are responsible for the entourage effect created by the many different strains of cannabis.
PINENE
Have you ever walked through the mountainsUinta after a fresh rain, and thought to yourself, “It smells like weed?” A common cannabis aroma is that of pine needles, which comes from the pinene terpene. This terpene is known for creating alertness, euphoria, and creativity. It’s also possible that it offsets the memory-loss caused by THC. Other medical benefits include antiseptic, and mild asthma relief. Pinene is also found in dill, parsley, basil, and rosemary.
A favorite pastime for Salt-Baked staff while visiting Denver, is to hit IT’ SUGAR candy shop after spoiling ourselves at a nearby recreational pot shop on 16th Street. Linalool smells a lot like an opened bag of mixed candy, and is considered the most floral-fragranced terpene. Medical benefits include protection against anxiety, convulsions, depression, and aches. Linalool is found in lavender, jasmine, rosewood, basil, and thyme.
HUMULENE
58 | Salt Baked City | Spring 2022
LIMONENE
This floral or limescented terpene is a major constituent of many essential oils found in plants. It’s also used in all types of fragrances. Utah medical cannabis patients can expect a sedative, couch-lock effect after a certain amount of exposure.
Salt Baked City | Spring 2022 | 59
The tell-tale sign of a cannabis user is red eyes and an abundance of thirst. You’ve seen it at your local bar, or you’ve
BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE
The most commonly found terpene in the cannabis world is myrcene. It’s a musky, couch lock-inducing, citrus scented terpene that may relaxation,produceandbody highs. Found in most Indicas, it’s also present in mango, thyme, ylang-ylang, lemongrass, hops, and parsley. Myrcene is an antioxidant and anticarcinogen. Other medical benefits include pain reduction, muscle relaxation, and restful sleep.
like weed, man? If so, you’re probably drinking a brew with high hop content, which means it contains high amounts of humulene. Hops and cannabis have similar traits and fall into the same plant category, called Cannabaceae. Also described as earthy, humulene may have anti-inflammatory effects.
DELTA-3-CARENE
even tried to hide it from your boss with Visine. These effects are the result of a sweet and cedar flavored terpene called delta-3-carene. Its medical benefits are used to, ironically, dry excess fluids like tears, runny noses and excessive menstrual flow. Other than cannabis, it is found in rosemary, basil, pepper, and cedar.
This spicy and minty smelling terpene is known for its balancing and stimulating effects. Medicinally, it can be used to relieve pain and increase circulation. It’s also used in many essential oils for relieving sinus and lung congestion.
TERPINEOL
MYRCENE
EUCALYPTOL
BORNEOL
Close your eyes, and picture yourself meditating in the middle of a deep forest, with nothing but trees and the material they produce. What do you smell? Probably borneol. This terpene is valued for its woody, camphor-like aroma. Notice how we didn’t mention bugs above? Borneol is also used as a natural insect repellent. A staple of traditional Asian medicine, this cannabisfriendly terpene is an effective anti-inflammatory and pain reliever, primarily used topically. It has also been proven effective as an anticoagulant for stroke patients, and may increase the effectiveness of other drugs. Borneol is also found in mint, rosemary, and mugwort.
For those suffering back pain, this sweet, woody, spicy, and peppery scented terpene might be your new best friend. Beta-caryophyllene is known to ease away pain and is used medicinally as an antiinflammatory remedy.
“In-Da-Couch” - more of a full body muscle-relaxing type relief - Best for night time use - Relaxing the body. - Appetite Stimulators - Sleep Aid - Pain reliever
Trichomes are where we find the medicinal oils containing cannabinoids and terpenes, but did you know the crystals on the cannabis plant are actual ly a defense mechanism to protect the plant from harsh bugs, sun rays, and freezing temps?
Low dose equates to 1-2 vape puffs OR 1/4 to 1/2 of a 10mg edible.
- Inhalation methods; has immediate onset and can last 1-2 hours. 1 puff per 30 minutes is equal to a “low dose”
Fun facts for Beginners
- Tinctures; taken under the tongue have intermediate onset, taking 15-30 minutes and lasting 3-5 hours.
by Marley Colt
The main difference between Hemp and ‘Marijuana’ is the THC content. Hemp has less than 0.3% THC. Therefore, marijuana requires a medical cannabis card and CBD does not.
START LOW AND GO SLOW
INDICA EFFECTS = CHILL TIME
62 | Salt Baked City | Spring 2022
Start with a low dose of THC (2.5 mg - 5 mg) and increase 2.5 mg - 5 mg at a time slowly for optimal therapeutic effects.
Don’t use the “M” word! Try referring to all products as “Cannabis” versus CBD and marijuana. These days, the word ‘Marijuana’ simply means “THC” and we now know there are more than 500 compounds in Cannabis that help us, rather than just THC.
- Edibles have a delayed onset over 1-2 hours and effects may last 6-8 hours.
SATIVA EFFECTS = DAY TIME More brain stimulating and energizing. - Best for day time use - Alertness - Uplifting - Creativity - Increased Energy
are sensitive to THC, you can find a CBD-rich strain. You’ll still experience the effects of both cannabinoids, just with less of a head high Salt Baked City | Spring 2022 | 63
of cannabis’ greatest advantages as a medicine is its remarkable safety.
years of use, anecdotal reports, and extensive research, we know it is impos sible to consume enough to produce a fatal effect in the However,body. if you are unfamiliar with its use, you should familiarize yourself with the possible side effects:·Euphoria·Uneasiness / Paranoia (usually from too much ·THC)Hunger and thirst/Dry mouth · Eye redness/Dry eyes · Drowsiness/Sleepy · Transient increased heart rate, increased or decreased blood pressure (bp) · Interactions with certain medication discuss with medical provider SOME POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS If you do become uncomfortable, you can try: CBD oil·Napping.·Drinking water · Drinking Lemonade or chewing lemon zest · Chew Peppercorn **CBD can tame the head high of THC. If you find
Based of that you
on thousands
One
MEDICAL CANNABIS SAFETY
CHIRINE TOUATI
BY COLE FULLMER
There are 14 different medical conditions a Utah resident can qualify under to legally use medical cannabis in the state. Utah County resident, Chirine Touati, suffers from four of them.
received her state issued medical cannabis card in January 2021 after visiting Terra Health and Wellness –a clinic located in Millcreek known for helping residents with medical cannabis card applications and other homeopathic remedies.
In the past, like many cannabis consumers in the Behave State, the young mother was forced to consume her medicine secretly for years in fear law enforcement, or even worse, child protective custody would find out.
Touati is a 42 year-old mother who has been using cannabis to help alleviate symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis for over 25 years in Utah. Additionally to MS, she also suffers from Fibromyalgia and Intracranial Hypertension – causing her excruciating pain most days.
Although medical cannabis is legal in Utah, state laws regarding the possession and sale of the plant still have hefty fines – especially those not registered in the state’s medical cannabis Possessionprogram.oflessthan
shouldn’t be in fear of feeling better, but [in the past] you needed to be careful when using cannabis in a state like Utah, especially when you’re a parent,” Touati said. “You need to know your neighbors, know your friends, know your rights, and be very careful who you talk to about cannabis. Luckily, I was successful at staying out of trouble and I was also able to educate my son about the many benefits of cannabis at the same time.”
Side effects include constipation, dizziness, GI upset, drowsiness, respiratory depression and risk of overdose possibly resulting in death.
Some claim Utah medical providers still
64 | Salt Baked City | Spring 2022
“Peoplesales.
one ounce is a class B misdemeanor punishable by a maximum sentence of six months imprisonment and a maximum fine of $1,000. Possession of one ounce to one pound is a class A misdemeanor punishable by a maximum sentence of one year imprisonment and a maximum fine of $2,500.
Because of her illnesses, Touati is a prime candidate for the state’s new medical cannabis program and can finally use the medicine legally. She
“I’ve had MS symptoms most of my life, which has caused me to suffer a lot of pain, and anxiety comes along with those kinds of issues,” Touati said during an interview with Salt Baked City. “When I first tried cannabis and felt the effects for the first time, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is how normal people feel?’ This experience has been a miracle, and I’ve used the plant for medicine ever since.”
Touati explains she mostly uses cannabis for a pain mitigator, and without it she would feel a burning sensation in her extremities regularly –drastically affecting her quality of life.
During 2016 when Touati and other state’s residents were medicating illegally, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) reported Utah law enforcement arrested 5,752 residents for cannabis possession, while another 330 were apprehended for cannabis
THEY Won’t Let Me Get Off the Pills
Touati has a long list of pharmaceuticals she’s required to take daily ranging from Gabapentin, Morphine, and Percocet. Even though these medications are effective, and very powerful, she says cannabis works the best when improving her daily life and alleviating the pain she experiences. So much so, she claims she could completely remove the opioids from her medical plan if she could afford the amount of cannabis she needs.
So, why doesn’t she?
other types of high-THC products available at the other 13 pharmacies statewide – making it difficult for patients like Touati to rely on a consistent supply.
During our interview in January, Dragonfly Wellness located in Salt Lake City was the only pharmacy in the state that had RSO in stock – costing $80 per gram. There were less than a dozen
Medical cannabis isn’t covered by insurance or Medicaid because it remains federally illegal, causing Touati and other Utah patients to pay for cannabis with out-of-pocket expenses. A feat she claims is impossible.
After years of consuming cannabis to alleviate her pain, Touati has learned one gram of Full Extract Cannabis Oil per day, also known as FECO, will alleviate her symptoms of MS and could replace the need for Gabapentin, Morphine, and Percocet.
prices, it’s estimated that Touati would need to spend somewhere around $2,500 per month to supply her with the legal amount of FECO to treat her illnesses. Unfortunately, this is still 10 grams under the amount of what she feels remedies her symptoms enough to quit the opioids and function in life.
According to state law, Utah qualifying patients may not possess more than an amount sufficient to provide 30-days of treatment based on the dosing guidelines recommended by their medical provider. Typically most providers allow their patients to have access to the state limit, which is 113 grams of unprocessed cannabis flower and 20 grams of total composite THC, or also known as high-THC Withconcentrates.current
Touati is currently relying on Intermountain Home and Hospice Care (IHC) services to receive IV Therapy for her MS
“Until insurance covers my cannabis meds like my other pharmaceuticals, the only way I could afford the amount of cannabis I need is if I could grow my own,” Touati said. “Even though cannabis is legal in Utah, it’s as if they don’t want you to get off the pharmaceuticals.”
symptoms, which is partially covered by her Medicare coverage. The IHC bill and prescription cost varies throughout the year, but it is estimated at about $420 a week, while her out-of-pocket expenses are $150 per month after insurance helps. The same amount she allows herself to spend on cannabis at the pharmacies per month.
rely too heavily on prescription drugs although medical cannabis has become a safer option in the state.
Even if these products were available to Touati on a regular basis, it’s still unlikely she could afford the amount of cannabis she is allocated per month by the Utah Department of Health – and the amount she has learned her body needs to alleviate her pain.
In order to live her best life, according to Touati, Utah pharmacies need to start carrying affordable high-THC products she needs like FECO, or Rick Simpson OIL (RSO) regularly. Since pharmacy doors first opened in March of 2020, concentrates have been limited in the state’s industry due to the lack of cannabis biomass produced by growers, and also the high-demand coming from the 40,000+ patient population relying on these limited products.
“I’m not living my best life right now and that’s because the state’s medical cannabis program doesn’t support patients like me,” Touati said.
“I don’t like thinking about how easy all of this could be solved,” Touati said. “If I had access to full strength medical
According to a study performed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) last year, Utah providers wrote 57.1 opioid prescriptions for every 100 persons during 2018, compared to the average U.S. rate of 51.4 prescriptions. Utah also reported 437 drug overdose deaths involving opioids that year. The same year when 53 percent of Utahns voted to adopt Proposition 2, the state’s new medical cannabis program.
The state’s new medicine still remains unreachable for many patients who need it because federal cannabis laws prohibit insurance coverage. Until cannabis laws evolve nationally, the Utah Patients Coalition is among the first advocacy groups in the country to create a subsidiary program to help with patient costs.
There are other subsidy programs state pharmacies choose to participate in, such as Utah Therapeutic Uplift program, where medications and QMP visits are covered.
Currently there are over 40,000 patients registered in the state who have medical cannabis cards. It’s estimated that the program is losing nearly 1,800 patients a month when those registered are failing to renew their state’s credentials. Some are saying program and product cost is the reason.
“Beehive Farmacy has always given low income patients that qualify for Medicaid a 25% off discount at both locations,” said Mindy Madeo, lead pharmacist at Beehive Farmacy in Brigham AccordingCity.toAP
If you are in need, or know of a patient who needs assistance with medical cannabis costs, visit www.utahpatients. org/upsp/ to apply or to nominate someone for Utah Patient Subsidy Program today.
News, a similar program located in Berkeley, California allows patients who make less than $32,000 a year to access medical cannabis for free at local dispensaries through a city ordinance. Other states like Oregon and Florida provide reduced prices for state medical cannabis cards.
66 | Salt Baked City | Spring 2022
“We don’t have a perfect program and there is still a lot of work that needs to be done before we do,” Hennessey said. “If we keep patients as our main focus, there is no way we can’t make it better.”
“It’s been difficult to get the word out and let patients know we have programs like this designed to help them,” Hennessey said. “I really wish we could help more patients, but we need the industry to recognize how important this is first and jump on board.”
Receiving the subsidy from the UPC isn’t fixing Touati’s financial problems completely, but says this is proof that our country is evolving to accept cannabis as a real medication.
Since then, she has been accepted by Deseret Wellness to become the first patient to receive the $150 allowance at their Provo location.
Since the subsidy program began during April of 2021, they have accepted 70 patients who receive a $150 monthly allowance to purchase cannabis products, according to Desiree Hennessey, Executive Director of the CurrentlyUPC.
During January of this year, Hennessey said the coalition received over 400 applications from patients to receive assistance, but because of lack of pharmacy participation and funding, the UPC is having a difficult time supporting the number of patients they would “Dragonflyprefer.Wellness
donates 1% of their earnings back into the community every year,” Hennessey said. “The subsidy doesn’t get all of that money, but they support us more than any other pharmacy in the state. They are really setting an example for the rest of the industry and wish others in the state would follow their lead. Currently we have six out of 15 pharmacies participating and we need them all to be Dragonflysuccessful.”Wellness
Since the Utah medical cannabis program and the subsidy program are still in their infancy, only a small number of patients have been able to receive assistance so far, according to TouatiHennessey.isaprime
candidate for the subsidy program and was able to fill out an application after her interview with Salt Baked City.
was one of the first to help with the coalition’s subsidy program, and announced during 2021 they would be donating $130,000 to help patients. WholesomeCo Cannabis, Perfect Earth Modern Apothecary, and Deseret Wellness are the other state pharmacies currently participating in the subsidy program.
The coalition, which is a non-profit organization created to protect and defend patients’ rights in Utah, has partnered with six out of 14 pharmacies around the state who will offer the subsidy services to patients.
the coalition is donating over $10,000 per month to participating pharmacies to help this small patient population.
be applied like my other medications, I could save Medicare, Home and Hospice, and myself a lot of money without all that other medication going through my system.”
day use products that are lower in THC and higher in other cannabinoids such as CBD and CBG. Use the lowest amount of THC possible. The goal is to be happy, present and productive...not to be Theimpaired.right dose can deliver a calm focus that allow moms to tackle their days gracefully. I recommend combining your medication with mindfulness activities like yoga, meditation, being in nature, and
68 | Salt Baked City | Spring 2022
HOW CANNABIS HELPS MOMS
April, founder and creative director of The Kush Ladies, Terra Health and Wellness, and mother to two young children says,
a bonus, studies show that women who use cannabis are found to exercise more and have more sex compared to those who don’t. When it comes to socializing there is currently a cultural shift from the “wine mom” to the “weed mom” and for many it can be a healthier option that comes without addiction risks or
hangovers the next day. Many moms in Utah are happily trading in their Xanax and Prozac prescriptions for cannabis recommendations.
investment. Self-care is not optional for Kush Ladies. It’s an investment in our future and our families.”
Andthere.as
Tinctures and inhalation routes are the easiest dosage forms to microdose. Inhalation routes are nice because their effects wear off in a couple hours so you can be medicated for just small portions of your Duringday.the
Cannabis allows us to temporarily forget about our never ending to do lists and live in the moment. It helps moms enjoy mundane tasks like playing dress-up with toddlers, watching episodes of My Little Pony, or folding that mountain of laundry after the two-hour bedtime routine that must be performed just right every evening. You know you’ve been
Being a mom is hard. We are overworked and constantly helping everyone around us. Moms are stressed and anxious and have little time to relax. I have had several patients report that cannabis allows them to manage a number of medical conditions and better connect with their children and their partner.
TIPS ON HOW TO RESPONSIBLYMEDICATE
“As a mom I found so much of my life was in the concept of others’ standards in parenting and image. As I learned to use my plant medicine to find my inner self, I found myself becoming a better mom and feeling less responsible for others’ misconceptions of what it means to be a Kush Lady. Our education in plant medicine is key to shaping our response and I hope every mom knows she is worth the
I recommend always using the smallest dose possible which we often refer to as ‘microdosing’.
IN CONCLUSION
This is a personal preference that depends on many factors such as the age and maturity level of your child, the culture where you live, and your partner or co-parenting situation. If appropriate, I believe it’s best to always err on the side of truthfulness and harm reduction. Normalizing cannabis use does not mean we should ever allow or condone early or excessive consumption in our teenagers. It’s important to educate your tweens and teens about the harmful effects of cannabis use in brains that are still developing.
creative endeavors.
HOW OPEN SHOULD I BE ABOUT CANNABIS USE WITH MY CHILDREN?
Make sure all your cannabis products are kept in their original child resistant container and locked up in a safe. This protects your children (and pets) from accidental consumption. Use common sense. Never be overmedicated when you are the only adult caring for a newborn, driving a vehicle, or watching children in dangerous situations like at a swimming pool or near rivers. Moms already know this but it’s important to remember we need to be running on all cylinders while actively Andparenting.Idonot recommend cannabis while pregnant risks.long-termaboutknowWebreastfeeding.orstilldon’tenoughthe
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drinking either. That was all until the team of doctors that saved my life prescribed me with a blood thinner to help prevent any further clotting issues. While I was happy to take any medication that would keep me from going through another hospital stay or potentially something worse, I was not too keen on their statements about limiting my alcohol intake.
In one study, 40% of users reported that they used cannabis to decrease their alcohol intake. In that same study, 66% of those participating in the study indicated that they had used cannabis in place of other prescription drugs. The most common reasons that the study’s participants gave for deciding to substitute with medical cannabis were better symptom management,
a few years, and there I was laying in the hospital fighting to live. At the time, alcohol was the furthest thing from my mind, but I also was not thinking about quitting
In my research, I came across phrases like “California sober,” “cannabis maintenance,” “exit
Feeling conflicted about the decision I knew I had to make, I began to wonder about using medical cannabis in place of alcohol. It was at this time that I started to research the benefits of trading alcohol for cannabis and the potential cannabis had as an exit drug or harm reduction tool. What I found while researching was incredibly inspiring.
72 | Salt Baked City | Spring 2022
Fastchanges.forward
A few years ago, I found myself laying in a hospital bed having been diagnosed with a bilateral pulmonary embolism (blood clots in my lungs) and pneumonia. Luckily for me, the blood clots did not prove fatal, the pneumonia cleared up, and I was able to leave the hospital after almost five days. However, before I could be discharged, I was faced with another dilemma; one that would ultimately change my life in a way that I could have never imagined.
Starting my freshman year in college, I, like many college students, began experimenting with alcohol. Over the course of the next almost four years, I found myself drinking and partying more and more. This continued after graduation and into my 30s. While my drinking was largely done in social settings with friends on the weekends, I found myself more often than not drinking more than most of my friends. This led to expensive bar tabs and regret-filled hangovers that added to my anxiety and depression. I was also seeing habits around my alcohol consumption develop in similar ways to what I had seen with my mother and father growing up. Ultimately, I knew something needed to change. However, at that time, I was unwilling to make those
In a truly sobering moment, one of the doctors treating me suggested that I consume no more than four alcoholic beverages while taking the blood thinner. At first, I thought this would be no big deal. However, when I was informed that I would likely be prescribed a blood thinner for the rest of my life, the reality set in that I would not be able to have the same relationship I had with alcohol before I had been hospitalized. This was a difficult concept to grasp, and I worried that my social life was mostly over as alcohol had always ridden shotgun through the years when I was socializing with friends.
drug,” and “harm reduction.” As I dug deeper into these phrases, I realized that each of them, at their root, described scenarios in which people were replacing (or, at the very least, were reducing) their intake of other harder substances, including alcohol. I read a number of anecdotal reports of people that had reduced or altogether eliminated their consumption of alcohol. I also came across several studies and other articles that explored the concept of replacing alcohol with cannabis.
conducted across three New England dispensaries, found that participants reported a 42% reduction in alcohol consumption and an eye-popping 76% reduction in opioid use. Three studies from Canada reported that participants substituted medical cannabis for alcohol at a rate of 25-52%. Further, I saw data that showed that alcohol consumption decreased significantly in states with legalized medical cannabis. Indeed, one study that looked at alcohol sales over a ten-year period saw monthly alcohol sales drop by approximately 15% following legalization. Binge drinking has also seen a decline in states with legal cannabis; seeing binge drinking rates falls 11% below the averages in staters without legal
Fromcannabis.my
Salt Baked City | Spring 2022 | 73
research, it became clear to me that I could use medical cannabis for a dual purpose. First, I could use medical cannabis to treat my pain and old football injuries. And, second, I could use medical cannabis in place of alcohol and to reduce the anxiety and depression that intensified with my alcohol consumption. After qualifying for my medical card, I began using medical cannabis to treat both my qualifying condition (pain) and to completely replace my alcohol intake. While it was initially difficult for me to interact socially without a drink in my hand, I found that over time things began to change in a profound way. I found myself feeling not only the benefits that come with not drinking but also those benefits that come along with treating my qualifying condition with medical cannabis. The medical cannabis also helped immensely with the anxiety and depression that I have battled with for most of my life.
As time wore on, I no longer found an interest in alcohol. Most of the anxiety and depression that I experienced around alcohol lessened (as did the generalized anxiety and depression that I experience). I was no longer wasting my Saturday or Sunday mornings being hungover. Similarly, I did not have to experience any regretful flashbacks
Instead, I was waking up refreshed and without any guilt. My pain also improved, and I was seeing the many benefits that medical cannabis was having on my mental health. It was as if medical cannabis had rescued me from alcohol and the life that I had lived since I was in college. I will remain forever grateful to medical cannabis and the ways in which it has forever changed my life.
claim by high-caliber athletes from around the state.
Dr. Corey Anden, Utah Cannabis Physician and operator of Human Nature Medical and Wellness Clinic in Ogden agrees. Provided an athlete isn’t already injured or at risk of hurting themselves.
The mixing of cannabis and training may be a strange concept due to the former “stoner” stereotypes, but the combination of cannabis and outdoor training is on the rise around the country.
our body we release substances called endocannabinoids which are helpful with stamina and energy. These are released and connect to receptors in our body and brain when vigorous exercise is
74 | Salt Baked City | Spring 2022
This may sound crazy. After all, we’re all familiar with the image of the couch-locked, Cheetos-covered stoner. Yet, there are many people that say training while high has helped them elevate their workout and unlock new performance gains.
Withinfeeling.
Nowundertaken.-thisis the cool part!
“The goal is that the athlete doesn’t get bogged down by that stubborn knee or lower back pain, and they can take another lap, run the longer distance, be faster and more efficient,” Anden said. “They can power through it.”
The cannabis plant actually contains the same cannabinoids that our Endocannabinoid system found in our body respond to. Two of the main cannabinoids are CBD, which is non-psychoactive, and THC, which is.
Bikers and runners have found that inhaling a sativa dominant variety assists in focus and actually prevents boredom, which is a real issue for long distance bikers, hikers, and runners. The high THC content keeps the mind focused and alert, and prevents ‘false’ fatigue that would normally be caused by the mind losing focus and becoming Ifbored.youare not an athlete that spends unlimited hours on their passion, then this may sound like a foreign concept, however, take it from experience, this is a legitimate
Flow is a state of mind in which a person becomes completely immersed in an activity. Being immersed can be defined as a state of focus in which a person, or athlete in our case, is completely absorbed and engrossed in their Cannabiswork.
It Turns Out Cannabis Might Actually Help People Perform Better at Certain BySportsMarleyColt
The cannabis culture found in outdoor and extreme sports
is a known anti inflammatory and pain reliever, which is a welcomed sentiment after a long workout session.
Personally, I spend most of my spare time biking, hiking, skating, or snowboarding and I’m a huge advocate for a few puffs of my favorite strain before, during, and after my activities.
Athletes such as long distance runners, mountain bikers, dirt bikers, snowboarders and skaters are finding cannabis is a great tool to kickstart their “flow state.”
It is natural for the mind to become bored during any long distance activity, but the right strain of cannabis found at a Utah pharmacy, with the right blend of cannabinoids, can keep your mind focused on the goal – instead of the fatigue or pain that you may be
has always been around, but many people who previously ignored cannabis for fear of legal repercussions are now finding it helpful and giving their workouts an elevated boost.
CBD promotes an overall sense of relaxation and bodily well being, while THC stimulates mental functions like focus, clarity and stimulates energy. For athletes who want to reap the benefits of cannabis without the THC high, should start with topical products. Topicals and tinctures are incredible for locally targeted recovery in highly concentrated doses.
Anden often suggests athletes use cannabis, “during the training season to help recover, ease pain, and push to the next level.”
has shown to help many athletes recover faster and improve performance, making it a viable option for anyone looking to boost their abilities and enjoy the process along the way.
Salt Baked City | Spring 2022 | 75
all extreme sports athletes use cannabis?
Briefly, the answer is no. Cannabis use in extreme sports is certainly not for every athlete. However, those that recognize the benefits cannabis has to offer should not shy away. It is recommended to always “start low and go slow” when first introducing cannabis into your athletic routine. You can consult a professional or a cannabis coach at Kind Buds about how best to use different products to the greatest Cannabisbenefit.
In addition to the above, cannabis alleviates muscle cramps and spasms, which are frequently a problem for many athletes.
Furthermore, cannabis enhances oxygen in the blood and also acts as a relaxant. It can help with forming a routine sleep pattern - essential for an athlete - and also acts as an antiinflammatory and a pain reliever.
And since we are on the topic of athletes using cannabis, it should be mentioned that cannabis is currently still banned by the World Doping Agency. Many professional athletes disagree with the current classification of THC. Some stating cannabis is “performanceenhancing” in the same way good nutrition is a natural “performanceSo,enhancer.”should
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Salt Baked City | Spring 2022 | 77
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