Sensi Magazine - Denver/Boulder (August 2018)

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8.2018 8.2018

do you

be well

heal your C H A K R A S, bathe in a F O R E S T, get your A U R A R E A D

GROW

HOUSE every home WHY

needs MORE plants

psychedelics THE NEW medical marijuana?

ARE

HEALTH

TRIP

MAKE THE MOST OF SUMMER’S L AST MONTH BOULDER WELLNESS + THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 3

Latest Technology Finest Quality

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ISSUE 8 //VOLUME 3 //8.2018

FEATURES 64 Mamajuana

A tale of moms in dire need of a little less stress.

CLAP BACK Getting high with cops… for research.

SP EC IAL R EP OR T

70 The Entourage Effect Is it the CBD, the THC, or a combination of the two?

24

86 Trippy Healing

Psychedelics are the new medical marijuana.

94 Mind Matters

Boulder County is working toward mental healthcare reform.

104 On The Calendar

Put these happenings on your radar.

58 every issue

SEEKING ZEN A cynic’s guide to alternative wellness.

86

MIND: BLOWN Head out on a health trip.

13 Editor’s Note 18 The Buzz 24 NewsFeed

50 TravelWell

UNDER THE INFLUENCE

YOUR BODY & HEALTH

30 CrossRoads

78 HighProfile

GATEWAY TO GOOD

36 TasteBuds

CORN LUST

HITTING THE TRAIL

58 LifeStyle

POET WARRIOR

128 HereWeGo

PROPHETS OF RAGE

42 AroundTown

HOUSEPLANT HEAVEN Sensi magazine is published monthly by Sensi Media Group LLC. © 2018 SENSI MEDIA GROUP LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 11

sensi magazine ISSUE 8 VOLUME 3 8.2018

EXECUTIVE FOLLOW US

Ron Kolb ron@sensimag.com CEO, SENSI MEDIA GROUP

Tae Darnell tae@sensimag.com PRESIDENT, SENSI MEDIA GROUP

Alex Martinez alex@sensimag.com CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

EDITORIAL sensimediagroup

Stephanie Wilson stephanie@sensimag.com EDITOR IN CHIEF

Leland Rucker leland.rucker@sensimag.com SENIOR EDITOR

John Lehndorff edible.critic@sensimag.com DINING EDITOR

Dawn Garcia, Robyn Griggs Lawrence CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

sensimagazine

Ricardo Baca COLUMNIST Tiffany Bergeron, Kent Gruetzmacher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

A RT & D E S I G N Jennifer Tyson jennifer.tyson@sensimag.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR

sensimag

Jamie Ezra Mark, Rheya Tanner, Josh Clark, Deb Matlock akers@sensimag.com DESIGN & LAYOUT

BUSINESS & A D M I N I S T R AT I V E Liana Cameris liana.cameris@sensimag.com PUBLISHER

Richarg Guerra richard.guerra@sensimag.com Olivia Kemp olivia.kemp@sensimag.com Amanda Patrizi amanda.patrizi@sensimag.com Tyler Tarr tyler.tarr@sensimag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS

Amber Orvik amber.orvik@sensimag.com CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR

Andre Velez andre.velez@sensimag.com MARKETING DIRECTOR

Hector Irizarry hector@sensimag.com DISTRIBUTION

M E D I A PA RT N E R S Marijuana Business Daily Minority Cannabis Business Association National Cannabis Industry Association Students for Sensible Drug Policy 12 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

DO YOU. BE WELL.

editor’s

NOTE

One evening in June, I returned to my apartment after a last-minute retreat to the mountains. In my bag was a bun-

dle of sage that had been growing wild on the property where I had been staying on the Western Slope. The woman who owned the land told me that sage had been used in spiritual rituals as a way to cleanse negative energies from people and places, suggesting that I burn some when I got home to help me further reset..

An East Coast cynic who spent her formative years going to school in a convent, I was skeptical. In my mind, I could hear my mother saying I shouldn’t buy into the “hippie-dippy bullshit”—a sentiment some people share when they hear about the healing power of cannabis. So I decided to look at the spiritual cleansing ritual the same way we encourage Sensi readers to think about using cannabis for health and wellness: it can’t hurt you, it might help you, and there’s no harm in trying.

So I went for it. I needed to do something—my apartment had digressed from a place I adored to a place I had to escape, an empty spot filled with sadness stemming from the loss of two pets in just two months. I lit a bundle of sage, waved a feather at the smoke rising from a heat-proof abalone shell while repeating a chant demanding negative energies get the fuck out—my personalized smudging prayer. It took all night, but by dawn, I felt it: the bad had been banished, the space had been renewed.

Did negative energy actually exit through the open windows, driven out by the cleansing smoke and my profanity, or did my mindset merely change while I went through the ritual? Does it matter? It worked. For me, it worked.

Which brings me to the underlying message of this year’s health and wellness issue: do you, be well, don’t judge. This applies to spiritual practices, exercise routines, wellness pursuits: if you find something that works for you, do it up, do it often, do it well (as long as it doesn’t harm anyone else, of course). Just don’t get all preachy about it or insist that other people’s pursuits are lacking in anyway.

Your meditation practice is my synchronized stationary biking routine. You do you, I’ll do me, and we’ll all be better because of it.

Be well.

Stephanie Wilson ED I TOR I N CHI EF SENSI MAGAZINE

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 13

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THE NEW NORMAL

sensi

buzz

Dog Days, Defined

plural noun (via Merriam-Webster) 1: the period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere 2: a period of stagnation or inactivity

Think About It

Related news: On September 15, at what’s literally the same moment this year’s dog days are over, Florence + the Machine take the stage at Grandoozy, the new three-day music festival by the creators of Bonaroo and Outside Lands happening just north of here in Denver. If they don’t open with their 2009 hit single “Dog Days Are Over” and note the literal meaning of the lyrics at that precise moment, it will be literally the biggest missed opportunity ever. Literally.

–Stephanie Wilson

OK, so the other day, I was swinging in the hammock, staring at a terribly beautiful sky and thinking about my love-hate relationship with the end of summer when I had an epiphany. As background, a small crowd of my neighbors had been passing a joint around in random order when I came out. When it was handed to me, there’s a definite possibility I hit it while listening to my least-favorite neighbor tell a story involving a passive-aggressive note, plastic, glasses, and the building’s zero-tolerance policy about bottles by the pool.

Typically weird and terribly funny stuff that reminds me I’m awfully lucky to live here.

I got into the outdoor swing thinking about nothing and that’s when it hit me: THC is the stuff in cannabis that makes you high, right? It’s called psychoactive. But the stereotypical stoner is neither psycho nor active. A stoner, by definition, is chill and couch-locked according to the old trope. Which means that “psychoactive THC” is an oxymoron. Boom!

That’s all. Good story, right? Right. –SW

18 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

Watch this: Snatchers

You know you love Dale & Tucker Vs. Evil (if you haven’t seen it,

watch it stat). Now, there is a twisted series on par that makes aliens fun again—yep, for real. Snatchers is a digital horror-comedy series about to launch its second season. This summer is the perfect time for you to catch up on Season 1, which will have you laughing from the start. The beautifully shot and well-written story centers on two ex-besties (Sara and Hayley) who find themselves in a rather unusual predicament after Sara has sex for the first time and wakes up the next day eight months pregnant…with an alien baby. Now it’s up to

Cultivate Professionalism

the teenage duo to face the extraterrestrial threat and save the world.

The critically acclaimed series premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival and was picked up by Verizon, which ordered two more seasons earlier this year.

With over-the-top scenes, odd and oddly entertaining characters, high school angst, and kickass gore, this series is one to watch. The short episodes average about five to seven minutes each, so you can breeze through the first season in no time, preparing for the release of Season 2 later this summer.

: alent T F & y M dustr n I s i ab vices r Cann e S iting Recru

–Dawn Garcia Stream episodes and catch up on the latest news on stage13.com.

Mac & Fulton Talent Partners is the most knowledgeable and attentive recruiting agency in cannabis, hydroponics, and horticulture.

www.mandfconsultants.com sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 19

THE NEW NORMAL

sensi

buzz

Make a Splash

Colorado may be landlocked but you don’t have to be. Here are some spots you can immerse yourself in sweet relief from the late summer heat.

Dive-In Movies Jumanji / At this downtown theme park, we all float. And we do it in the wave pool on Friday nights all summer long—through August 3, that is—while watching screenings of films from the comfort of our inner tubes. Last summer, a screening of Jaws toyed with the emotions of a floating audience, playing on people’s fear of what lies beneath their inner tube in the dark water of the wave pool. Perhaps that’s why the last movie on the lineup this year is one set on land and starring the Rock.

Aug. 3 / Wave Pool at Elitch Gardens / elitchgardens.com

Lake Life Among the 2,600 open acres at Bear Creek Lake Park, you’ll find its namesake lake. At just $10 per vehicle, a day pass gains you access to the whole shebang—including the sandy swim beach, open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through Labor Day. But with Chatfield closed for construction all summer, you’ll want to get there early to claim your spot. The park opens at 6 a.m., and park officials recommend getting there by 7 a.m. to ensure entry.

It’s worth it. The lake even includes swimming lanes, with 150 yards marked out to stroke your way to fitness. Other activities include waterskiing/waterboarding, paddleboards, boats, canoes, kayaks, sailboats, and other non-motorized craft—all available for rental at the Soda Lakes Marina. / lakewood.org/blcp Boulder Reservoir is a 700-acre multi-use recreation and water-storage facility. Its swimming area is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Labor Day. If you’re more of an on-the-water type, Mountain Paddleboards has sailboats, kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft you can rent. / bouldercolorado.gov/parks-rec/boulder-reservoir For your shoreline pursuits, Cherry Creek State Park is an area favorite, complete with a sandy beach and roped-off swimming area. Boating, jet skiing, and sailboarding are also allowed on the reservoir. The Community Sailing Program of Colorado’s flagship location is located at the state park. Adult beginner classes are available, and the program also offers Free Sail Nights at the Boulder Reservoir and Cherry Creek all summer long. / communitysailing.org 20 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort claims its mineral hot springs pool is the world’s largest. We don’t have the resources to confirm that, so we’ll take their word for it. At the resort, just under three hours from Denver right off I-70, the hot spring water has a blend of minerals that offer a ton of health benefits. The big attraction is of course the big pool, open year-round and stretching the length of two city blocks. Two giant twisting waterslides provide more than a splash of fun. When you’re ready to relax, there’s a therapy pool where you can soak in 104-degree water. / hotspringspool.com

Pool Party Since 1905, the hottest place to cool down has been the Eldorado Resort Swimming Pool. Tucked near the entrance to the eponymous Eldorado Canyon, the pool is fed by a constant flow of water from an artesian spring. (That’s artesian, not artisan. There’s no skilled craftsman nearby making water by hand—although if handcrafted water were a thing, it would totally be made near Boulder.) The mineral water naturally flows out of the ground’s surface at a steady 75 degrees. There’s a two-story slide, a diving board, and stunning scenery adding to the draw. Make a day of it and stop at the pool to cool off after hiking in the heat of the canyon. / eldoradosprings.com/swimming-pool Feeling flushed from all the heat? Or is it the money burning a hole in your pocket?

Drop $150 for a one-day pass to the third-floor rooftop pool terrace at the Four Seasons Hotel Denver. For $50 more, you’ll also get access to the locker-rooms and eucalyptus steam room and a $40 credit for food and beverage at the pool, so it almost pays for itself. Only available Monday through Thursday. / fourseasons.com/denver –SW

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{newsfeed}

by L E L A N D R U C K E R

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF C A This is a story about the time some cops got me stoned to see if they could tell I was high.

On a recent Monday night, I was high. Really high.

Stoned, in fact. I had gotten as high as I possibly could, and was being applauded for it by dozens of people. Those people were cops. Police officers. Cheering me on, and cheering on the three other people who had also gotten high on the behest of the law enforcement officers. Yes, cannabis is legal now, that’s the new normal. Cops clapping because you’re very, very high? Not normal.

24 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

ANNABIS

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 25

How I found myself in such a surreal experience began innocently enough. I had run into Denver attorney Chris Halsor at a panel discussion a few months ago, and he invited me to join one of the Marijuana DUI Investigations classes he’s been teaching since 2014 to help those in law enforcement better determine whether people who have cannabis in their systems are safe to drive.

Detecting impairment in cannabis users is a particularly tough call. With alcohol, we have been able to devise tests that can determine impairment fairly accurately.

A person’s blood-alcohol content is related to one’s level of intoxication. With cannabis, it’s different. While there are tests that detect THC levels in urine, blood, and saliva, that level doesn’t correlate to impairment. How high one feels is subjective.

Someone smoking a joint for the first time is going to experience a completely different reaction than a longtime user or medical marijuana patient. As with any drug, users should not drive or operate heavy machinery until they know how a drug is going to affect them. A longtime user knows how a joint affects them. Does that mean they are safe to drive?

There is no roadside test that tells a police officer whether a person they pulled over is high. “If they do a urine sample,” Halsor says, “the only thing we can say is that they had it in their system. That doesn’t tell you whether they were under the influence.”

Data collection about marijuana impairment is getting better now that cannabis use is legal, but it’s still in the early stages. Fatalities with drivers testing positive for THC increased in Colorado from 19 in 2014 to 55 in 2016. That’s a staggering upsurge, but, as with any stats, there are caveats. Before 2016, data collection was incomplete and THC level information unavailable, so the higher number of cases could be the result of improved data collection. The data also include fatalities where alcohol or other drugs might have been involved, which could skew the numbers.

I was eager to help, for a couple of reasons. First, I don’t want impaired drivers on the road creating danger to others, and officers need all the help they can get in that regard. Second, I assume that my blood level would always test at or above the five nanograms per milliliter state threshold at any time, but I have been driving for 40 years without incident. I feel I’m in control when I drive, even after using cannabis, so I wanted to find out how I looked and acted to a police officer who might pull me over.

I learned a lot. All of us were Lyfted to and from Boulder police headquarters for the class, and the four guinea pigs, myself included, met and talked with the 23 students, composed of police officers, park rangers, lawyers, prosecutors, and a couple of state statistical analysts interested in the subject. I was as open and honest as I could be about any question, and it felt good to hear their ideas and reactions, too.

The guinea pigs retired to an RV in the parking lot for a half hour to smoke an array of flower and concentrates while the students discussed what the law says about possession, medical marijuana and driving, and the efficacy of using roadside tests designed to detect alcohol impairment for cannabis. We returned and let the students question us and perform some common roadside tests.

26 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

We went back to the parking lot for another 20-minute

Besides learning I might be in more trouble than I

smoking round (hey, somebody has to do it) and returned a

thought, the best part of the exercise was discussing this

second time to face more roadside tests and conversation.

stuff honestly with officers, rangers, and prosecutors.

Walking back to the classroom the second time, I said to my-

This doesn’t happen when you’re stopped at night along

self that I was too impaired to drive, and I found out I was right.

the road. Some police, especially outside the Colorado

Police know that roadside tests can be inconclusive, and

bubble, consider cannabis users as little more than petty

few would arrest you just for failing one. In my case, it de-

criminals or stupid stoners. Conversely, some cannabis

pended on the test. Several times I was asked to count

users see police as bad guys trying to hassle them, or

backwards from 57 to 43, which was easy each time, no

worse, put them in jail.

matter my state of mind. Another had me stand, put my

It gave us a chance to see each other as people. Dia-

head back, and bring it forward again after what I thought

logue always trumps monologue, and having the opportu-

were 30 seconds. Again, I had no problem. One time an offi-

nity to share experiences like this can’t help but break

cer had me recite the alphabet “clearly and distinctly.” I was

down stereotypes on both sides. Officers get to see can-

penalized for singing l-m-n-o-p, just as I learned the song

nabis users as normal people with jobs and families. And

when I was in grade school. I never did understand what

participants like me are able to see officers as more than

that was telling them. On the other hand, I couldn’t do the

just someone out to harass them for using cannabis.

nine-step walk, turnaround and walk back even when sober.

I hope we can have more of these kinds of events. The

Another thing I found out is that I don’t follow direc-

Adams County Sheriff partnered with NORML and Daco-

tions, and that’s something they’re watching for. On the

rum Strategies on a Saturday in July that allowed volun-

Palm Pat test, which gauges hand coordination, I didn’t

teers to be administered doses of cannabis or alcohol and

completely follow the instructions, which the administra-

then observed driving vehicles in a controlled environ-

tor of the test noted after I finished.

ment. We need more.

I thought I was doing great on the Finger-to-Nose test,

I’m sure there were a few students there who were an-

which is when the officer tells you to watch her finger

ti-cannabis and might harass some innocent soul some-

without moving your head as she circles and finally almost

time in the future. But many people, myself included at

touches your nose. But while I was admiring how well I

times, feel like police are there just to trap you. What I re-

did, they were looking for detectable, involuntary move-

ally learned is that, for the most part, police are not out to

ment in my eyes. One prosecutor said she didn’t notice

arrest stoned drivers. The goal is much simpler, if harder

anything after the first time we came back but that she

to accomplish: Keep impaired drivers off the road. Or as

would have been more suspicious after we came back the

one of them said near the end of the class, “I just want

second time. That certainly gave me pause, even if I knew

everybody to get home safely.”

I was impaired at that point.

I think we are all in agreement on that.

Besides learning I might be in more trouble than I thought, the best part of the exercise was discussing this stuff honestly with officers, rangers, and prosecutors

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 27

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{crossroads}

by R I C A R D O B A C A

Multiple major studies agree: legal cannabis laws make for lower opioid use rates. So why aren’t we combating the opioid epidemic with weed?

30 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

There it is again: Another high-level study telling the world there is a legitimate geographic connection between legal marijuana laws and lower opioid use rates.

And before anyone questions the validity of this July 2018 study, know that it was conducted by researchers from the University of California San Diego and the Weill Cornell Medical College, the latter of which is the medical school at Ivy League institution Cornell University.

Ivy League’s pretty legit. And so is the University of Georgia, where researchers recently found that there are “substantial reductions in opiate use” in states that have implemented medical marijuana laws—findings they reported in JAMA Internal Medicine, a medical journal that is published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, which is also pretty legit.

There are even more studies pointing to the same conclusion—including studies authored by researchers from the University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Emory University, and other respected academic institutions.

GATEWAY TO GOOD But how many encouraging studies published in the world’s most respected peer-reviewed medical journals do there need to be before the US federal government starts seriously discussing cannabis as a viable and effective alternative to the opioids that are ravaging everyday Americans daily?

That cannabis is in fact an effective exit drug from the more dangerous-and-deadly opioids that are killing more than 115 Americans every day (according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse) shouldn’t surprise anybody who has been paying attention.

The National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine told us in 2017 there is “conclusive or substantial evidence” that cannabis is effective at treating pain. A few years earlier a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the esteemed Journal of the American Medical Association (remember them?) told us there was “moderate-quality evidence to support the use of cannabinoids for the treatment of chronic pain.” sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 31

“If you call something an emergency,” he said, “urgent action should immediately follow.”

You’d think, right? And yet all we’ve seen is inaction, which is unfortunately what we’ve come to expect from Trump and his administration of inept yes-men.

But just think about the common sense here, and how So the positioning of cannabis as an effective treatment for pain goes beyond your Uncle Al’s vouching for it.

And yet President Donald Trump, who has called the

we’re completely ignoring a life-saving solution amid a tragic epidemic that is killing 3,500 Americans every month.

opioid epidemic “the worst drug crisis in American history,”

Americans are in tremendous pain—and not just of the

stopped short of declaring a national emergency, as his

divisive, existential variety often associated with the man

opioid commission had recommended—instead opting to

residing at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. More than 10 percent of

call it a public health emergency.

Americans experience a lot of pain, and more than 55 per-

Dr. Andrew Kolodny, co-director of the Opioid Policy Re-

cent reported some type of pain in the three months leading

search Collaborative at Brandeis University, told USA To-

up to a recent survey funded by the National Institutes of

day that Trump was right in calling the epidemic an emer-

Health’s National Center for Complementary and Integra-

gency—but Kolodny found the president’s lack of action

tive Health (NCCIH) and published in The Journal of Pain.

surprising.

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While severely addictive and deadly opioids are com-

monly prescribed for this pain, top-level research tells us that cannabis—a non-deadly, less-addictive substance— can effectively treat many of these types of pain. And yet do you see the federal government mentioning marijuana as a potential alternative to this tragic state we’re in, a.k.a. “the worst drug crisis in American history”? Nope.

At least some states are starting to catch on. In mid-July,“New York State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker filed

Kudos to New York, and more importantly, bravo to

emergency regulations adding any condition for which an opi-

Zucker! If prescribing physicians in the Empire State adapt

oid could be prescribed as a qualifying condition for medical

to these emergency regulations, his common-sense mo-

marijuana,” reported Leafly, a leading cannabis news site.

tion will save untold lives.

As Zucker’s office wrote: “Effective immediately, regis-

And meanwhile the federal government twiddles its

tered practitioners may certify patients to use medical

thumbs as more than 100 families from San Diego to Ban-

marijuana as a replacement for opioids, provided that the

gor say goodbye forever to their loved ones with each

precise underlying condition for which an opioid would

passing sunset.

otherwise be prescribed is stated on the patient’s certification. This allows patients with severe pain that doesn’t meet the definition of chronic pain to use medical marijuana as a replacement for opioids.”

RICARDO BACA is a veteran journalist, thought leader, and founder of The Cannabist.

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34 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

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{tastebuds}

by J O H N L E H N D O R F F

T t.

S U L m e r fe a s m u s N e t R e a c he s m a ke a l a O C T S U A U Golorado corn, melon, and p Sweet C

36 AUGUST 2018 Southern Denver // Boulder Colorado

August is the juiciest month. The long, hot, sweaty season culminates in an embarrassment of sweet vegetables and fruits ripe for the picking in a 31-day span.

To Serve Colorado Colorado’s unique growing conditions create super-sweet produce with a summer cycle of hot, sunny

When I was a kid, I spent as much of the month in a bath-

days and cold, dry nights teasing out every sugary nuance.

ing suit as I could. On the way home from the pool or lake or

That’s how you get the state’s ask-by-name signature

ocean, the family would stop at the farm stand to get peach-

crops: Olathe sweet corn, Rocky Ford melons, San Luis

es and cream corn, all the sweeter for having been picked

Valley potatoes, Palisade peaches, and Pueblo chilies.

that day. Mom would pull back the silk on each ear—at least

Well, those and another high-value Colorado agricultural

three per person—checking to make sure they weren’t bug-

product: cannabis.

gy. We’d pick up giant misshapen tomatoes still warm from

All-Colorado meals are no sweat in August after a stop

the field and grab crisp pickling cucumbers and green beans.

at a farmer’s market or farm stand for the critical element:

At home, I often ended up performing the ritual husking

enough ears for us to gorge. Olathe sweet corn is great, but

of the ears and trimming of the green beans. I found it

excellent corn is grown all over the state, including on Mun-

strangely satisfying even back then. Dinner was ecstatically

son Farm northeast of Boulder.

al fresco in the evening as the mosquitos descended while

During the short local corn season, I shop around to taste

we sat around an old picnic table on the wraparound porch.

as many different varieties—all-yellow, all-white, and bi-

There would be meat, sometimes steak cooked over

color. Some are sugary, some corn-ier, some creamier than

charcoal, or roasted chicken. Mom liked her corn boiled—

the others. I grill, steam, or microwave ears, just enough to

frankly, it was overcooked—but it didn’t matter after we

warm them up.

rolled ears atop a 1-pound block of salted butter. Often

These days, I don’t need my ears butter-poached—

there was Austrian sweet-and-sour cucumber salad or a

just a little sea salt and a fresh grind of black pepper

green salad crowned with tomato wedges. We’d finish up

does the trick. That said, I have a tough time resisting

with hunks of crimson watermelon crammed with seeds

eating elote—a Mexican-style grilled corn—when I en-

that we’d spit over the railing.

counter it. I’ll even add fresh kernels cut from the cob to

After such a meal, the kids would need to be hosed off.

chopped salads.

Which may explain why I was still usually wearing my bathing suit.

It’s been awhile since I needed to be hosed off at the end of a watermelon-capped meal, and the world today can

Rocky Ford Sorbet and Fried Red Tomatoes Rocky Ford is not a variety of melon. It’s a chunk of land

sometimes seem like a different place than it was back then.

in the Arkansas Valley near Rocky Ford well-suited to grow-

Some things, however, never change. In August, we want our

ing dozens of melon varieties. When they are ripe, these

food origins to be as close to our homes as possible.

honeydews, cantaloupes, watermelons, and muskmelon

Even if we’re indifferent to the origins of our food during the rest of the year, this month, we care. We just say no to

are so sweet, juicy, and aromatic they are known to make a grown man sigh. Especially the muskmelon.

the dehusked ears of corn wrapped in plastic sold at the big

The melons don’t need a lot of fancy toppings to bring

grocery stores. We want the ears from here, picked just

out the flavor depths. Just top with salty cheese or slices

down the way there mere hours ago, because its flavors

of salumi or dip in Greek yogurt. Or you could try to make

reflect what the French call terroir—the essence of the

my sorbet/granita frozen melon delight. The recipe isn’t

ground in which it was grown. It tastes like home.

precise, because I am not a precise cook. sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 37

Purée ripe melon with a little sugar or honey, some

and basil), tomato sandwiches, and at least once a season,

fresh lime juice, and a little salt in a blender. Taste it, then

fried red tomatoes. The secret is finding just the right heir-

tweak the flavor to your liking. Freeze the mix in ice cube

loom tomatoes—ripe but still firm—and cut 1- to 2-inch

trays. To serve it, I chill the blender’s glass container in the

slices from the middle. It’s the filet mignon of the fruit. I dry

freezer then purée the frozen melon mixture, pour into

the slices, dip them in egg and then in cornbread mix, and

glasses, garnish with mint leaf, perhaps add a splash of

fry until crisp in oil, butter, or bacon fat. It’s a fine side dish or

Stem Cider’s Hibiscus Session apple cider. Raise the glass

a base for a veggie benedict.

and cheers.

When the melons are ripe and the prices cheap, I’ll buy in

When Spuds Meet Peppers

bulk and purée a mess of them, stockpiling freezer bags of

Potatoes aren’t nearly as sexy as peaches or muskmel-

cubes. August is also the month I ask farmers for any ugly,

on, but the San Luis Valley and the Greeley area grow doz-

slightly beat-up overripe tomato “seconds” to turn into fu-

ens of varieties of first-class Russet, yellow (like Yukon

ture sauce.

Gold), red potatoes (like Colorado Rose), and various pur-

Likewise, a sun-warmed garden tomato—whether San

ple and blue spuds.

Marzano, Cherokee Purple, Green Grape, or Brandywine—

I love the multicolored, creamy-textured fingerlings that

needs nothing more than sea salt but that doesn’t mean I

are so easy to cook. Whether I am grilling, roasting, or

don’t wallow in caprese salads (tomato, fresh mozzarella,

pan-frying them, I microwave them first to speed the pro-

Kicked-Up Corn Spice up your late-summer barbecues with this recipe for Elote, the Mexican take on grilled corn on the cob packed with refreshing flavors that put our basic butter to shame.

INGREDIENTS 4 ears sweet corn, shucked 4 tablespoons plain greek yogurt 4 tablespoons light mayonnaise ¼ cup grated cotija or parmesan cheese ground red chile powder or chili powder mix, to taste ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped 1 lime, cut into wedges DIRECTIONS // Grill sweet corn, rotating occasionally until cooked through with grill marks. Mix yogurt and mayonnaise, spread evenly over grilled corn. Sprinkle cheese and chile powder evenly over each ear, then sprinkle on cilantro. Squeeze a lime wedge over the whole thing and chomp away.

38 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 39

Colorado Crop Celebrations Calendar Parties from Olathe to Pueblo celebrate the season’s ripe bounties.

Sweet Corn, Aug. 4

Tomatoes, Aug. 25

Endless ears of buttered corn and country music are on

Sample dozens of varieties of Lycopersicon esculentum

tap at the Olathe Sweet Corn Festival.

grown by local gardeners and share tomato-growing

OLATHESWEETCORNFEST.COM

expertise at the Taste of Tomato in Boulder.

HARLEQUINSGARDENS.COM.

Peaches, Aug. 17–18 Peach pie, peach cobbler, peach ice cream and peach

Potatoes, Sept. 8

cocktails are served at the Palisade Peach Festival.

The San Luis Valley Potato Festival in Monte Vista

PALISADEPEACHFEST.COM

features fresh baked potatoes and a mashed potato dunk tank. PAGOSACHAMBER.COM

Melons, Aug. 18 Watermelon Day at the Rocky Ford Fairgrounds

Green Chilies, Sept. 21–23

features,

Chile-roasting perfume and fiery roasted green chile

literally,

tons

of

free

watermelon.

ARKVALLEYFAIR.COM

quesadillas await at Pueblo’s Chile & Frijoles Festival.

PUEBLOCHAMBER.ORG

cess. I grill them along with whole Colorado green chilies like

dice a bunch of ripe peaches then drain off some of the

Pueblo’s Mosca variety. The potato and peeled roasted pep-

juice. Toss them with sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg.

pers can be served smashed or turned into warm potato sal-

Make a standard pie crust or roll out the supermarket vari-

ad with a mustardy vinaigrette or roasted garlic aioli.

ety. Using a glass or other container cut out large dough

There is also no single type of Palisade peach grown on Col-

circles. Spoon on some peaches, leaving room to brush the

orado’s Western Slope, but rather a succession of varieties

edge with an egg-milk wash. Fold over and brush with egg-

with ripening dates from July into September. Just as with dis-

milk wash and sprinkle with sugar. Cut one vent in the top.

tinct sativa and indica strains, Colorado peaches come in many

Bake for about 30 minutes in a 325-degree oven or until

mutations from the early Redhaven—an explosion of juice in

golden brown, and serve with locally churned vanilla gelato.

the mouth (and on the shirt) to the nearly round, fuzzless

For now, banish thoughts of the buttoned-up autumn

Glowhaven in mid-August that is ideal for freezing and pies.

approaching and eat another peach. Preserve the flavors

This month, you see Palisade peach stands across the

of August while you can, and you can bring a bite of sum-

state, but some devotees trek to Palisade and environs to

mer out of the freezer or pantry to brighten a dark-too-

find obscure varieties that never make it to the Front Range.

early winter evening.

Do you want to make guests gush at your all-Colorado-ingredients dinner? Serve Peach pocket pies. Peel and 40 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

JOHN LEHNDORFF hosts Radio Nibbles on KGNU. Catch the podcasts at BIT.LY/RADIONIBBLES .

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 41

{aroundtown}

by L E L A N D R U C K E R

HOUSEPL ANT HEAVEN Houseplants are perennial favorites for apartment and condo dwellers.

In Daniel Suarez’s futuristic, soon-to-be-a-movie novel

than 11,000 plants in its offices and proudly claims that

Change Agent, set in 2045, all agriculture has been moved

anybody who works there is within sight lines of vegeta-

from outdoor fields into controlled environments in down-

tion, which improves productivity and well-being. College

town high-rises alongside where people live and work. That

students are among the biggest fans of houseplants, and

might still be science fiction, but it’s not that far off. After all,

though it might be considered a millennial trend, there’s

Denver voters two years ago approved requiring all new

no age limit on the ability to enjoy plants, and plenty of

large buildings to devote a portion of the roof to gardens.

reasons why you should think about having them.

Before all that happens, there are houseplants. As more

Maybe you’ve been hankering to snip off your own

people choose to live in those new, tall apartment build-

herbs for omelets, or you just want to break up the mo-

ings all over Denver, many are finding that adding house-

notony of rooms full of electronics and appliances. Like

plants is a great way to change up the living space. In this

companion animals, plants give us something to come

increasingly digital world of laptops, mobile phones, and

home to, something to look forward to, and a sense of ac-

Twitter, the busy millennials, college students, and nature

complishment as you nurture and watch a plant go

lovers are finding comfort in plants. “Millennials are huge

through the cycles of life.

on houseplants,” says Jennifer Williamson, green plant ex-

And the perfect plant is available for everyone from am-

pert at Sturtz & Copeland Florist and Greenhouse in Boul-

ateurs to those blessed with green thumbs. You can grow

der. “It’s kind of surprising. But they can brighten up a

jalapeños from seeds for your breakfast burritos or order a

home, or give your space that something extra.”

fiddle leaf fig online that’s already three feet tall and have it

Businesses today tout proximity to plants to lure employees. Etsy, a company in Brooklyn, NY, includes more 42 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

delivered in a couple days. Relatively speaking, they’re a cheap hobby and not particularly time-consuming.

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 43

GROW SOME GREEN In Colorado, we spend more time outdoors than indoors. There are at least a few reasons to bring a little of that goodness inside with you.

They give you a sense of accomplishment without doing much. Being successful with plants means watching a plant and watering it occasionally, which can help you create a healthy routine. Watching the progress of a plant, as any cannabis home grower knows, is satisfying in itself.

They’re safe, and they can’t bark or talk back.

They make you and your home smell better. The olfactory senses are our most powerful, and, let’s face it, there are plenty of household odors that linger and lurk in rooms and corners. Plants just smell good, earthy, and fresh, and they permeate the areas where they reside. Which would you rather smell: the remnants of last night’s overcooked dinner or a forest of plants?

They help purify the air around you. I have always been skeptical of this claim, but there is validity to it. Plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, which is good, but opinions vary widely on how many plants you need to accomplish this feat in your home. NASA, which grows plants in the space station, recommends one plant per 100 square feet of space. Bayer, the pharmaceutical company, suggests at least 15 plants for every 1,800 square feet. You’ll have to make your own decision.

They might boost your immune system. A 2009 study on the US National Library of Medicine website suggests that even ornamental plants helped better patient outcomes in hospital settings. Another one by the Agricultural University of Norway indicated that adding plants indoors can reduce your chance of developing a cold, sore throat, or dry cough. I’m going to stick with the flu shot for that, but who’s to say?

House(plant) Hunters A few local places to begin your search.

Birdsall & Co.

Birdsall & Co. is celebrating its 30th year in business. It’s known more for fountains, statuary, and outdoor furniture, but it also receives a shipment of indoor plants weekly and can order anything not on hand.

Englewood / 2870 South Broadway / 303-722-2535

Urban Roots

Its advertisements claim it has “everything your nature-seeking heart desires.” It carries annuals, perennials, vegetables, and cacti, along with a stock of organic potting, planting starts, and any tools you need to get started and keep your plants at their best.

Denver / 1000 Acoma St. / 303-893-4064

Paulino Gardens

The venerable Paulino Gardens dates back to 1960, when the Paulino family began selling vegetables adjacent to the gardens that still supply the nursery and store and a big supply of accessories.

Denver / 6300 North Broadway / 303-429-8062

Sturtz & Copeland

Sturtz & Copeland prides itself on a huge selection of plants for every occasion. The staff is particularly helpful, and a walk through its store is worth the trip. And yes, they deliver.

Boulder / 2851 Valmont Rd. / 303-442-6663

Harlequin’s Gardens

Owners Mikl and Eve Brawner have been growing their own demonstration gardens in Boulder for more than 30 years and are experts on xeriscaping and on plants hospitable to Colorado. They use their own soils and offer varieties not available elsewhere. Mikl is also a great conversationalist on horticulture—or any subject, for that matter.

Boulder / 4795 N. 26th St. / 303-939-9403

They can make you smarter. This notion comes mostly from a 2011 Scientific American article that suggests having plants can boost your attention span and make you more productive. Looking at computer screens, which is what most of us do all day, can drive you batty after awhile. The study’s authors admit the findings are too inconsistent to draw conclusions, but, really, is it possible that being in the presence of plants could make you dumber?

44 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

Buying Houseplants Online

Why leave your house for houseplants? There are great selections at BLOOMSCAPE.COM , MODERNSPROUTS.COM , and LULASGARDEN.COM . Of course they all now have to deal with Amazon’s Plants Store, which launched in February with a dizzying array of plants, seeds, and accessories that deliver to your door.

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PICK A PLANT, ANY PLANT When it comes to selection, it’s really up to you. There’s something for everybody. If you’re interested in better air, Williamson suggests two plants that she says “work harder than others to purify.” One is the peace lily (or spathiphyllum), a low-maintenance plant with beautiful

Your imagination is the only limit. white flowers. The other is the snake plant, or sansevieria trifasciata, sometimes known as mother-in-law’s tongue or viper’s bowstring hemp, which she says “thrives on neglect.” It also smells lusciously fragrant.

Speaking of succulents, that’s a whole category of plants that store water in their stems or leaves and includes most cacti, aloe vera, jade, zebra, and panda plants. Succulents are especially popular in Colorado’s high desert, since they hoard water and need little maintenance. And there are literally thousands of species to choose from.

Perhaps the epitome of the craze these days is air plants.

These are plants that don’t need anything, even soil. If 46 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 47

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you’re a person with a “black thumb,” this is your chance to prove yourself wrong. All you have to do is let them let them sit in water for a couple of hours or spray them with mist every now and then. They come in all colors, shapes and sizes, and there are all kinds of plastic and glass containers or vases to hold them. Your imagination is the only limit.

Before you buy more plants than will fit on your outdoor patio, consider a couple of things: First, you don’t have to be a fanatic to have fun with plants, or create a jungle in your apartment for effect. Second, do some research. Don’t buy a cactus if you’re planning a rain forest.

And third, make sure they are placed correctly. Each plant has its own specific needs.

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So what are you waiting for? Air plants start at about a dollar, and most plants are reasonably priced. “Plants can lighten up rooms,” says Williamson. “And bring back the comfort of home.”

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{travelwell}

by K E N T G R U E T Z M A C H E R

HIT TING COLORA

50 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

T HE DO TRAIL Insight on what it’s like to hike the Colorado Trail from a guy who’s done it.

Starting just outside of Denver and stretching through the Rocky Mountains for 500 miles to Durango, the Colorado Trail connects some of the state’s most emblematic mountain ranges. The famously beautiful trail coils westward from Denver and deep into the mountains of Summit County, south past the expanses of the Collegiate Range, and finally west again through the pristine wilderness swaths northeast of Durango.

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 51

Hiking the trail is intimating, a voyage into the unknown.

trail by my fall deadline, I’ve had to push myself into unfamil-

I want to get to know it. All of it. By this fall. While main-

iar territory on both mental and physical levels. My longest

taining my health, keeping my job, and balancing the other

day on the trail so far:19.2 miles. For me, that’s a strong

rigors of adulthood.

showing, but an elite thru-hiker can put up 30 miles a day.

I’m not attempting to take on the entire 500 miles at

For info on the trail, my primary sources have been two

once. I’m doing it segment by segment, partly because I

books by the Colorado Mountain Club—The Colorado Trail and

have a job that requires me to work in exchange for

The Colorado Trail Data Book. The latter is a pocket-sized guide

pay, and partly because my physical limitations are no

covering all 28 segments, with essential details and data on

match for backcountry—a place that should be revered

altitude changes, water sources, and campsites. The former

and respected.

focuses on the history of the pathway and the many regions

I consider myself an avid backpacker, and I’ve completed

it touches. Reading about the origins has led to a stronger

a few 25-mile treks in locales such as California’s famed

appreciation and connection. Built mainly on old railways,

Lost Wilderness. These trips have given me a little confi-

wagon trails, and mining routes during 1930s Depres-

dence, but section hiking the 500-mile-long Colorado Trail

sion-era construction programs, the track of land that today

demands an entirely new level of efficiency and intelli-

is used primarily for recreation was once a source of toil and

gence—and a high tolerance for pain. To finish the entire

conflict for many of Colorado’s early pioneers.

52 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

Elevate

YOUR SUMMER IN COLORADO

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 53

PLAN YOUR HIKE. HIKE YOUR PLAN. Before you attempt a hike of this caliber, you’ll need

vides real-time, vital data on your location as well as distances to trailheads, water sources, and campsites.

more than just physical fitness, some equipment, and a

I follow the “plan your hike, hike your plan” ethos,

desire to explore the wild. You’ll need a plan—a detailed

weighing the miles I need to cover each day against the

plan with multiple checklists, with contingency plans cov-

terrain I am facing. Altitude, time, weather, and water are

ering all sorts of scenarios you could encounter while

the primary variables one must consider.

you’re out there: severe weather, an injury, broken equip-

I recently completed the CT Segment 8, a 25-mile

ment, unexpected terrain, and other backcountry surpris-

course that runs between Copper Mountain and Tennes-

es. Out there, anything can happen.

see Pass, just north of Leadville on Hwy 24. With stunning

Your preparation needs to begin months and months

natural features and rich history, it’s a remarkable seg-

before you get to the trailhead carrying a backpack that

ment, with high-country hiking that meanders the old

has everything you need to take on the wild. Gathering that

WWII 10th Mountain Division hut network. After the first

equipment takes time—and then you need to learn how to

8.5 miles, the trail penetrates the tree line. The next five

use it. Then you need to practice using it until you master it.

miles traverse high alpine terrain—which should be hiked

Before you leave, give a detailed copy of your itinerary

in the morning hours to avoid the lightning danger of af-

to someone—friend, family member, trusted neighbor—

ternoon storms. Weather at this altitude changes rapidly,

and let them know when you are expected to return. Be-

so even if the skies are clear when you arrive in the after-

cause if you fall in the woods and no one knows you’re

noon, stop and camp at the edge of the tree line to ensure

there, does anyone know to send help to save you?

safe morning passage.

The Colorado Trail GPS app has been a great resource.

I ran into a similar scenario while taking on the CT Seg-

The $15 download works even when there’s no cell ser-

ment 2, which runs through a broad swath of burn area

vice—and there’s no cell service out there. The app pro-

just west of Denver and south of Conifer on Hwy 285.

54 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 55

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

Near Denver and Boulder

BRISTLECONE PINE FORESTS // Bristlecone Pine trees can live for thousands of years. In fact, the oldest tree on earth is a Bristlecone Pine growing in the Nevada mountains, thought to be more than 4,000 years old—four times older than redwoods. To immerse in their ancient wisdom, check out CT Segment 5, accessed off Kenosha Pass on Hwy 285.

HIGH ALPINE TERRAIN // While there are several parts of the trail with lengthy hikes above tree line, CT Segments 7 and 8 are the closest. And they're great hikes too. CT Segment 7 is a solid 12.5-mile day hike connecting Breckenridge to Copper Mountain. I did this segment in reverse, starting at Copper and catching an Uber back to my car once I reached Breck.

There’s no water source for 10 miles, and the trail offers no sun protection. That means heavy water loads and the threat of sun poisoning— especially if you attempt it during peak daylight hours. Early morning and late evening are your best bet, so plan accordingly.

MIND THE PATH. As a student of philosophy and an outdoor enthusiast, I am drawn to the natural world— intuitively stimulating and spiritually transformative. While I’m hiking a trail, I seek a state of zen, but mindless chatter about life’s struggles often consumes my mental state. My effort to be in the present, to be mindful, is similar to the one encountered during meditation practices. When faced with quiet, the mind often races—often to destinations best avoided. On the trail, thoughts become focused not on the beauty of the experience or the surroundings.

They focus on body aches and hunger pains, obsessing about getting to the end of the trail and seeing your car.

I’ve found moments of clarity on the trail.

These sweet spots tend to come at the end of an arduous uphill climb when the trail levels out.

The anxiety that had been building in my body has been burned off and replaced with feelings of accomplishment. Sweet relief floods my system. I’ve become dependent on moments in that sweet spot, motivating me to try ever more challenging excursions.

This year, drought conditions and wildfires have rendered some sections of the trail impassable. So even my best-laid plans have taken different paths. It’s almost as if the mountains are reminding me to focus on the journey, not the destination. Wherever I am on the trail, I end the day exhausted, often nestled in my sleeping bag before dark. Nothing comes easy on this epic path through the Rockies. The best things in life rarely do.

56 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 57

{lifestyle}

by S T E P H A N I E W I L S O N

58 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

These alternative wellness trends and treatments that may or may not work for you. Only one way to find out.

Aw, this news from coastal news outlets is so cute:

suits: everyone has the right to practice what they believe.

there’s a wellness trend this year that’s got the city folks

And in Colorado, there are lots of alternative ways to prac-

all aflutter is a “Japanese art” of something called shin-

tice. So we’ve compiled a quick guide to some of the big-

rin-yoku—forest bathing. Not to be confused with literal

gest trends right now.

bathing while in a forest, it’s about bathing yourself in the essence of the forest. Slowing down, immersing in your

Try them out if you want to. Or don’t. You do you.

senses in a natural environment. Did you know that con-

Float Therapy

necting to nature has health benefits? Time magazine

What it is: The experience of floating weightlessly in a

readers know. NPR listeners do, too. And of course readers of Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle site goop know— that’s the kind of forward-thinking wellness you expect Miss Paltrow to discover and share with her readers.

Oh, you knew it, too? Oh, right. This is Colorado, where forest bathing is more of a way of life than a wellness trend. Around here, we’re on the leading edge when it comes to alternative wellness treatments, and the range of offerings runs the gamut from mostly-woo-woo to modern wonders of natural medicine.

And here’s the thing: you can be skeptical—hell, you should be skeptical of most claims regarding your health, because it’s your health, which is like the most important thing to have, the “it”-most accessory, a timeless musthave classic that will never go out of style.

So how do you achieve it, maintain it, nurture it? That’s the multibillion-dollar question feeding the thriving health and wellness industries. While there are the obvious basics—eat your vegetables, drink water, get sleep—there is no universal formula that works for everyone. What’s right for you is downright harmful for someone else, so let’s try to make this a basic tenet for life.

“Do you. Don’t judge.” Make that your life mantra, ok? If it works for you, super. If it doesn’t, that’s ok, too. Don’t get all preachy about it. This rule is universal; apply it to all aspects of your life. If you’ve given up caffeine and feel great, that’s great! Not great: shaming your coworker for their morning coffee ritual. Gone vegan? Congrats on your restraint. Exercise that same restraint and keep any smugness at bay.

Think of wellness pursuits, even the ones that sound like the kind of “hippie-dippie bs” your mama warned you about (and by your mama, I mean my mama, who didn’t believe in that kind of thing), the same as religious pur-

dense saline solution at body temperature in a sensory-deprivation environment.

Why it’s trending: It’s a therapeutic experience that “transports the mind and and body, offering profound relaxation and a variety of other benefits, from pain reduction to enhanced creativity and better sleep,” according to Health magazine. According to the experts at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research, the specialized flotation environments are highly effective at removing distractions from the external world so patients can more clearly experience their internal world.

The Samana Float Center in RiNo lists mental and physical benefits on its website (SAMANAFLOAT.COM) , noting that floating is an energizing, rejuvenating practice that improves health and well-being, alleviates stress, and facilitates meditation and self-improvement. It helps eliminate fatigue, improves sleep, reduces blood pressure, speeds up the body’s healing process, and delivers a host of other physical benefits—plus some creative ones, facilitating insight, enhancing problem-solving ability,increasing focus, expanding awareness, and accelerating learning.

That’s a lot of good for a nap in some warm salt water.

Where to try it: You’ve got a few options around town.

There’s the Samana Float Center in RiNo, where you have a choice of floating in a pod or a cabin. Cost is $65 per float, or there are monthly memberships starting at $49.

Vive Float Studio

(VIVEFLOATSTUDIO.COM)

has a Cherry

Creek outpost that also offers cryotherapy, infrared sauna, salt, and vibroacoustic benefits. The float rooms are neither pods nor tanks, but a combo of both, and getting into one will cost you $90 per session. In Boulder, the 90-minute sessions at Isolate Floatation Center on South Broadway are $75; an hour runs you $60.

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 59

Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) What it is: The Japanese art of forest bathing is good for your health. A bit of a hybrid between hiking and meditating, it’s about immersing in nature with no destination in mind, slowing down your body and your mind to connect with the environment through all five senses. But don’t think of forest bathing as a literal cleansing ritual using

ty’s Open Space and Mountain Park division. The “Healing and Relaxing Through Forest Bathing” invites people to “take a moment to unplug, relax, and let the land, the trees, and the ecosystems of PSMP heal and add value to our lives.” It’s free, save for the $5 parking fee. For more details and upcoming dates: NATUREHIKES.ORG .

natural materials found in the woods. Although it’s not a

Healing Crystals

stretch to imagine a spa treatment that involves foraging

What it is: A pseudoscientific therapy that uses stones

for pine cones used to exfoliate.

Why it’s trending: The claim is that being in nature is good for you in all sorts of ways, and there’s a ton of scientific evidence backing up that claim. In one study cited

by NPR, there’s a growing body of evidence that forest bathing can help boost immunity and reduce stress.

and crystals as conduits for natural energy healing.

Why it’s trending: The life-changing power of crystals has been raved about for decades by celebrities and alternative wellness proponents alike. Lately, the buzz about crystals as a tool that can draw out negative energy has captured the attention (and imagination) of the mainstream. News

Where to try it: You can do this anywhere there’s nature in

reports, magazine features, and website guides cover the

which you can wander—just don’t wander with a destination

range of crystals and their many energy-cleansing poten-

in mind. The art of forest bathing is to move slowly, allowing

tials, and there are more and more products on the market

yourself to be guided through the environment by your sens-

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ing the woods is a bit much for you, join a guided outing.

Healing Crystal therapy is everywhere, and people who use

In Boulder, there’s a monthly meet-up group that slowly meanders into the forest led by a guide from the coun60 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

them claim to feel better—so even if it’s a placebo effect, it’s effective, so if it works for you, keep working it.

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A A A A tale of moms in dire need of a little less stress.

by D AW N G A R C I A

THE TERMS “CANNABIS” AND “CBD” ARE QUICKLY TAKING ON A RATHER BROAD MEANING—ESPECIALLY TO THE MAJORITY OF US WHO ARE STILL LEARNING ABOUT IT. IS IT A DRUG? IS IT MEDICINAL? IS IT ACTUALLY HELPFUL? The answer seems to go something like this: 1) Canna-

phytocannabinoid, a naturally occurring chemical com-

bis isn’t easily defined by boxed terms like “drug”; 2) Yes,

pound found in the cannabis plant. CBD and others of

it is medicinal; 3) It has helped more people than ever.

these compounds use the human body’s endocannabi-

As I was researching the properties and benefits of

noid system to “talk” to just about every major organ, help-

CBD, I came upon some interesting statistics. It seems a

ing restore homeostasis in the body despite fluctuations

good majority of all the people using CBD oil and edibles

in the external environment. CBD is not the same as THC

are women—and many of those are mothers.

(the part of cannabis that produces feelings of euphoria).

This discovery led to a new question: Why? So I reached

More than a few studies (watch Sanjay Gupta’s Pills vs.

out to a few dozen moms in Southern California to get

Pot report) show that CBD oil can help treat addiction, sei-

some answers. According to them, moms are turning to

zures, autism, certain aspects of cancer, anxiety, and

dispensaries and asking for prescription cannabis and

chronic pain, as well as improving focus. It’s almost more

CBD oil for one unanimous reason: stress relief. The world

challenging to find reasons not to use CBD.

of social media fatigue, impossible-to-complete check-

Rather than turning to addictive options like opiates,

lists, and raising children (and partners, depending on the

moms are in search of something clean, natural, and

day) can get overwhelming. I can attest to needing some-

proven to work. Some of the women I spoke to gave me

thing to take the edge off at times.

insight into not just what they’re battling in their own

Moms need a release. And alcohol isn’t making the cut—we still have to function without looking like a reality show gone wrong.

lives, but the reasons they’ve sought natural options.

For some, cannabis is used to lessen the intensity of post-chemo treatments. Ali, a cancer patient who used

Before I share the reasons behind these moms’ quests

CBD in tandem with chemo, says, “I find [cannabis] helps

to improve quality of life through cannabis, I want to talk

my anxiety. The woman I go to works with cancer patients

about exactly what CBD is, for any newbies like me who

and is recommended by staff at the Cancer Center. I feel

are just discovering the benefits: CBD, or cannabidiol, is a

pretty comfortable with that.” sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 65

CBD has also helped mothers manage postpartum depression (PPD).

Around 15 percent of mothers in the US experience PPD, and according to Postpartum Progress, 85 percent of those sufferers do not seek professional treatment—not dissimilar to those with other forms of depression.

Jessica, a mother who used cannabis to treat her PPD, found it helped her through. “I feel like it has helped me tremendously,” Jessica says. Now when stressors of life rear their heads, CBD has proven incredibly beneficial to help with her anxiety. “I highly recommend you get your dosing correct. It’s trial and error but once you get it down…it’s wonderful medicine if used correctly!”

More and more women—mothers particularly—have growing run-ins with anxiety, which in turn manifests into other physical symptoms that make them feel just plain lousy. While anxiety can affect everyone, women are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety attacks. On that note, the age of women using CBD for anxiety teeters in the 35-to-49 demographic.

Kristen is one of those women. “I’ve suffered from anxiety for probably 20 years now,” she says. “I have two autoimmune conditions that I was treating with Vicodin for years. I’m now completely pharmaceutical-free and able to manage my anxiety so much better.”

While this is a clear shift from the topics we’re used to (speaking as a mom), it turns out women are the dominant users of cannabis and CBD oils.

“I use a full-spectrum CBD oil, internally and externally, that does have a small amount of THC in it,” Kristen says. “The max amount allowed in the US is .3 percent, so that’s the one I get because I can have it shipped to me! I prefer this over the stuff I get at the dispensary.”

In that same vein, moms are also looking far more closely at how this natural remedy improves the lives of our children including curing ailments our children suffer from. Personally, I’ve just started trying it. Whether anxiety, ADHD, or chronic pain as in my daughter’s case, it’s time to dive into educating ourselves on the healing power this beautiful plant offers.

As we learn more, talk more, explore more, and make a concerted effort to better our lives in every way, may this be the beginning of a long-standing conversation of talking to women of all ages about how cannabis and its properties are giving us a far greater quality of life.

66 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

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SP ECIAL R EP OR T

Is it the CBD, the THC, or the combination of those and other chemicals in cannabis that make us feel better?

by L E L A N D R U CK E R DR. MARY VAN IS A NUTRITIONIST AND PHARMACIST WHO OWNS THRIVEX, A MEDICAL SERVICE IN FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA. SHE SPECIALIZES IN

custom intravenous injection therapies,

AND SHE BELIEVES THAT NUTRITION IS THE KEY TO HEALTH. “NO ONE CAN HEAL YOU,” SHE SAYS. “I CAN JUST MAKE YOU STRONGER,

and then your body takes over.”

As a pharmacist, she began studying how cannabis

(the oils that give different strains of cannabis their

compounds seem to work in conjunction with one an-

distinctive fragrances) work in concert better than

other, and eventually began to use cannabis as part of

when they are isolated from one another. “The ques-

her treatment regime. “The reason I got involved is

tion is,” Van asks, “is the whole plant more beneficial

because cannabis is a balancer of the body, a homeo-

than an isolate? Or do isolates work together with

static regulator,” she says. “As a pharmacist, I ap-

each other?”

proach it scientifically. Holistic medicine has a bad

This whole-plant concept seems to rub against the

rap—you know, rainbows and unicorns. I approach it

way drugs and medications are created today, usually

as hard science.”

by isolating and testing compounds then developing

Dr. Van’s studies have led her to subscribe to what

and patenting drugs from those compounds. And with

is commonly known as the “entourage effect,” the

a scarcity of clinical trials in the United States for

concept that chemical substances in cannabis, espe-

anything cannabis-related, many scientists are open-

cially cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes

ly skeptical of most entourage-effect claims. sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 71

“The lay public has really taken on the notion of the entourage effect, but there’s not a lot of data,” Margaret

vate CB-1 receptors found in the brain and CB-2 receptors found throughout the rest of the body.

Haney, a neurobiologist and cannabis researcher at

Brian Reid is chief science officer of ebbu, a cannabis

Columbia University, told Scientific American last

technology research company. Like many of his col-

year. “The cannabis field can say anything—and it

leagues, he comes from a pharmaceutical background,

does. I’m not against marijuana. I want to study it

and he says that they apply the same basic principles in

carefully. We know it can affect pain and appetite, but

their research. But the company looks to see how differ-

the large majority of what’s being said is driven by an-

ent formulations of cannabinoids and terpenes work to

ecdotal marketing. These guys are really trying to

create moods. “Where we differ, instead of looking for a

make money.”

single compound for a target, we work with what Mother Nature gives us,” he says, “but we emphasize poly-

Wait, What’s a Cannabinoid?

pharmaceutical effects, which is what things do to

Most plants contain chemical compounds that are

these targets.”

used for everything from defense against animals and

He says pharmaceutical companies generally isolate

other organisms to aiding photosynthesis. Those are

a component or look for something specific to target.

called “cannabinoids.” Cannabis has more of them

“CBD alone hits many different targets in different ways.

than most other plants, some of which seem to deliver

That’s one thing pharmaceutical companies sometimes

opposing effects in users. And some of which you’ve

dial out,” he explains. “Some say the entourage effect is

definitely heard of before, even if you’ve never heard

many compounds doing one thing. But in some cases,

the term “cannabinoid” in your life. THC is a cannabi-

it’s one compound doing many things.”

noid more formally known as delta-9 tetrahydrocan-

Reid says that ebbu researchers use chromatography,

nabinol, and it’s the one responsible for the plant’s

a process that separates cannabinoids and terpenes into

telltale psychoactive effects. CBD, or cannabidiol, is

a kind of soup that allows them to test how different

another, and it’s the “it” ingredient

combinations affect receptors. “There

causing a stir in health, wellness, and

are a handful of cannabinoids and ter-

even beauty and skincare circles thanks to its medicinal properties and healing qualities.

Scientists have identified more than 100 other compounds in the cannabis plant, with more still being discovered—THCA, CBDA, CBN, CBG, CBC, CBL, CBE, and CBT among them.

In 1988, scientists also discovered that the human body has an endocannabinoid system, which works to help keep the body in balance, including basic functions like controlling appetite, sleep, cognition and anxiety. The body produces its own cannabinoids (called endocannabinoids) that are similar to those produced by cannabis; both acti-

72 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

“Some say the entourage effect is many compounds doing one thing. But in some cases, it’s one compound doing many things.”

—Brian Reid, ebbu

penes that modulate THC and can increase or decrease its potency.” One example, he says, are serotonin receptors, which help modulate moods and feelings. “We can mimic a profile at serotonin receptors, for instance, that works like antidepressant drugs.”

Van used myrcene, a terpene with a citrusy smell that’s also found in mangoes and other fruits, as another example. Myrcene has been found to increase the amount of THC the body carries to the brain. Finding the right combination or ratio of myrcene and THC could help people sleep or deal with pain.

“This is actually hard science,” she says.

“These mechanisms are very old.”

Dr. Daniela Vergara, an evolutionary biologist research-

ticity. Marinol, aka dronabinol, uses synthetic delta-9

ing cannabis genomics at the University of Colorado, is the

THC for treatment of nausea and as an appetite stimu-

director of the Agricultural Genomics Foundation, a non-

lant in cancer patients. And GW Pharmaceuticals is in

profit whose goal is to make cannabis science available to

clinical trials for FDA approval of Epidiolex, a treatment

everyone. She says that originally their studies led research-

for certain epilepsy conditions.

ers to believe that cannabinoids like THC and CBD were pro-

Sativex, which was brought to market in 2010 and

duced by one gene in different forms. “Now we know that

combines THC and CBD, has a pretty good history of suc-

they are different genes in very close proximity,” she says.

cess. Marinol, which uses synthetic THC, has a more

In fact, they are so close that they seem to originally

checkered history. “Many patients have found the side

come from the same ancestor genes, and that’s what

effects unpleasant,” Reid says. “There are a lot of data

makes the entourage effect argument so compelling.

that people don’t like Marinol. I don’t know how hard

“There is no evidence to support this,” she says, “but

that evidence is, but it is documented in patients. It ap-

what I think is going on is that many molecules are pro-

pears that whole-plant extracts provide more benefits.”

duced by the same gene. The entourage effect is all of

Vergara says it’s not unusual for plants to produce com-

these compounds working together to make you feel

pounds, but not as many as cannabis. “We do know that

some way. All of these work in synchronicity because

CBD appears to counteract the effects of THC,” she says.

they all come from the same ancestors.”

“We know it does that, which suggests that when you’re

Though the federal government’s official stance on cannabis is that it’s a substance “with no currently accepted medical use,” it has allowed drugs developed by

taking pure THC, it’s not as effective.”

Ten Millennia of Cannabis Cures

pharmaceutical companies that use chemicals from

Humans have been experimenting with marijuana as

the cannabis plant or synthesized versions. Sativex, an

medicine for a long time now, some say at least 10,000

oral spray that contains both THC and CBD, is sold by

years. And it has been used over the centuries to ease

UK-based GW Pharmaceuticals to treat pain and spas-

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mended for today. In ancient Greece, it was used for ear-

been presenting their findings at conventions and are

aches and inflammation. A 1621 English clergyman sug-

beginning the process of peer review for their research.

gested cannabis as a treatment for depression. After it

All this talk of the entourage effect as a cannabis phe-

was brought to France from Egypt, it was acclaimed for

nomenon forgets to mention that it’s not a quality unique

headache and pain relief and as a sleep aid. And despite

to cannabis; it’s somewhat unique to all plants. “What’s

the attitude of some scientists who say there is no evi-

the best part of an apple?” Van asks rhetorically. “The

dence to support the entourage effect, research contin-

skin? The meat? We don’t know. The skin is full of nutri-

ues to indicate otherwise.

ents. The meat is full of sugar and fiber. Even the seeds

“I think the problem is that some physicians aren’t looking at the hard science of cannabis,” Van says.

“They’re not paying attention to the pharmacokinetics, which is how the drug affects you, and pharmacodynamics, which is how your body affects the drug.”

She also points out that there is a lot of research if you just look for it. Recent studies in Israel led by Dr. Ari Aran found dramatic improvements using cannabis for some autistic children, and Lehigh Hospital in Pennsylvania is doing its own trial on autistic children. A study published a few months ago offers encouraging signs for Epidiolex. More than 170 people with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a rare type of spasticity, were given Epidiolex or a placebo. The Epidiolex subjects experienced a reduction rate of 41 percent while the placebo only worked 14 percent of the time. Reid says that ebbu scientists have

74 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

have nutritional value. I still believe that whole food is the answer. I don’t know what’s the best part.”

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 75

76 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

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{highproflie}

by D A N M c C A R T H Y

THE POET WARRIOR OF PAIN

78 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

Stephen Mandile is an up-and-coming cannabis activist in Massachusetts leading veterans and relief seekers from life-altering pain to the promised land cannabis provides. But to get there, he almost had to die first.

For the better part of a decade, Stephen Mandile was a

He was forced to leave the base for an MRI in a Kuwaiti

living zombie. The former US Army reserve sergeant and

public hospital, where a doctor found ruptured spinal discs

artillery gunman had, like so many other veterans of the

going in opposite directions. A Navy doctor who reviewed

myriad of wars in the Middle East, become reliant on mili-

his case told him he wouldn’t be able to hold down a job or

tary-issued pain relief—pharmaceuticals like oxycodone,

do much of anything when home, and most likely would be

Xanax, Ambien, Percocet, and a host of others.

confined to a wheelchair before he turned 50. He was 27.

“I would wake up most mornings to my thirty-day pill

According to the 2015 US Census, there were more

dispenser, which came with an alarm to signal when it

than 300,000 veterans living in Massachusetts. Out of

was time to get numb again—which was all day,” Mandile

those, roughly 8,000 have a service-connected disability

says. It would take him up to four hours to even muster

rating by the VA of 100 percent. Which means there are

the energy to get up and out of bed for the day before

almost 10,000 Bay State residents living with a disability

embarking on to his frightening daily regimen. “That

that the US government promised it would take care of.

schedule was my life for most of my thirties,” he says.

(Colorado, which is home to the Air Force Academy and

At present, the US continues to struggle amid the malaise

five military bases, is home to almost 400,000 veterans.)

of the opioid epidemic. In downtown Boston, there are

“The VA and troops have a contract,” Mandile says. “If

trashcan posters alerting to the signs of an overdose on the

you go to war for your country, and you get hurt, they take

streets. On the coast of Seattle’s Puget Sound, filter-feeding

care of you when you get home. I’m just trying to get them

shellfish are testing positive for opioids from munching on

to keep up their part of the bargain.”

the people-manure landing in the waters there. Opioid

The VA doesn’t include cannabis on the roster of medi-

deaths hit an all-time high in Colorado in 2017. And as evi-

cines it works with, relying instead on pharmaceuticals

denced in any given day’s news, medicine that was ostensi-

dolled out like Skittles to open-handed children. But if the

bly administered to veterans to provide better quality of life

VA or any lawmaker in Massachusetts would like concrete

is becoming the very thing holding them back from it.

proof of the efficacy of cannabis for veterans, Mandile’s

For years, Mandile’s cycle of medication formed the head

story is as good as they could ask for.

and tail of the proverbial snake consuming itself, beginning

After his accident overseas, Mandile was given a cornu-

with the traumatic physical injury the hulking Massachu-

copia of pills and pain-relief medications from the govern-

setts native suffered while serving in Iraq. After a Humvee

ment—morphine, sleeping pills, Xanax, Klonopin, you name

collision while transferring a prisoner to Abu Ghraib prison,

it. By the time he reached the hotel in Germany where he

Mandile was temporarily paralyzed from the waist down,

and other wounded vets were staying en route to the

and later regained elements of feeling, just enough to realize

Wounded Warrior unit in Virginia after a brief stop at Walter

how much pain he was actually suffering. The medic he saw

Reed, he was pounding fistfuls of pills and guzzling 25-cent

at the time issued the standard 1600 mg dose of ibuprofen

Heinekens in a desperate attempt to curb his chronic pain.

and sent him on his way, which left Mandile serving his post

By the time he reached Virginia, he was under doctor’s

at the prison that night while lying prone on the floor. Soon a

orders that prevented him from doing anything that re-

new string of physical therapy treatments was suggested

quired simply walking up or down stairs. In classic mili-

without knowing what Mandile was suffering from.

tary-excellence-in-planning form, those orders were acsensimag.com AUGUST 2018 79

companied by a bunk assignment on the second floor of

contract every time they get VA pills, saying they’re taking

the barracks, and Mandile being forced to participate in

them as prescribed. Those who deviate or question alter-

jumping jacks and morning exercises by people un-

native methods receive a “scarlet letter” on their files. “I

aware—or uncaring—about his condition. Bunkmates

wasn’t a drug-seeker,” he says. “I was a relief-seeker.”

would steal, sell, or trade each other’s pills. There was

In 2013 he attempted suicide. He was in a never-ending

ready availability to alcohol amongst people just experi-

comatose, slouching through whatever life he could mus-

encing the onset of PTSD. “We were like a barracks of

ter for his family. His wife, who worked with women in

misfit toys…all broken,” Mandile says. “Nobody knew

withdrawal from opioid abuse at MCI-Framingham, noted

what to do with us individually, so they shoved us togeth-

before it happened that when his patch wore off, he would

er. It’s a recipe for disaster.”

act like an addict in withdrawal.

Between 2005 and 2013, he was taking 50 separate

He agrees. “Back then I was looking down my nose at

medications, nine different forms of opioids, and more

cannabis, but I was getting withdrawals every 20 hours

than 100 pills a week. Towards the end, he was regularly

from the stuff the government was giving me.” he says. “It

prescribed transdermal fentanyl patches (on top of oxyco-

feels like a giant is squishing your body in a fist with diar-

done, Ambien, Xanax, and a rainbow of muscle relaxers

rhea, stomach aches, and making you want to pull your

and anti-depressants). And before fentanyl was made the

bones out of your skin… Death became the better choice.”

new face of the opioid crisis, he was casually wearing up

That suicide attempt became the catalyst to finally push

to three or four patches—over his heart, no less—to

him to give cannabis a try. His wife had already seen its

quell the raging pain wracking his body every moment.

enormous potential as chronic pain management, as well

Fentanyl is the purest synthesized version of heroin,

as an exit drug from pharmaceuticals.

created to ease people into a soft

These were the early days of the medical marijuana pro-

death. Mandile says he would tell

gram in Massachusetts. He began navigating the gray mar-

doctors at the VA he needed some-

ket of patient care providers. The experiences were varied

thing that would work better for

and uneven (a familiar lament given the lack of access). But

him, but would end up with the la-

by 2015, with the opening of local medical dispensaries,

bel of “drug seeker.” Veterans sign a

Mandile finally found a cannabis routine that began to work.

“I WASN' T A DRUG-SEEKER. I WAS A RELIEF-SEEKER.” That winter, he had an aha moment during that simple and loathsome task of shoveling his driveway after a snowstorm. “I was tired of my driveway having to be shoveled or plowed by other people, tired of other people having to do things for me because of my injuries,” he says.

He told his wife he was going to smoke some weed— just enough to ease his pain, and maybe even make it so that this hulking, former instrument of war could clear a patch of snow from behind his truck. It was less about a mundane chore and more about testing the waters of self-reliance so treacherous and inaccessible in the previous decade.

80 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

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So he smoked one bowl, and then another. “Before I

Since becoming a voice for veterans trying to reframe

knew it, I cleared the whole driveway,” he says. “I felt like I

the cannabis discussion, Mandile and his service dog, a

was in the third grade getting an A on a big test. Feeling

two-year-old Great Dane named Syd, have become fix-

satisfaction for anything was new to me again, and it felt

tures in local pro-cannabis media, and regulars at the

weird.” But what really parted the clouds for him was the

Massachusetts State House.

sudden realization that he wasn’t just trying to get high.

He was trying to become himself again.

As the industry gets off the ground, Mandile says it needs to meet the needs of both veterans and other medi-

Within five months—after a decade of forced addic-

cal patients, especially those who don’t have their medicine

tion—Mandile weaned himself from every single pill and

covered by the government. So, he’s planning to open his

synthetic pain reliever he had been a slave to for so long.

own dispensary for veterans, but there’s still plenty of work

The withdrawals were terri-

to do in that department.

ble, but he says cannabis

“I don’t want to knock dis-

eased him out of it. Now he is

pensaries, but a 10 to 20

living a fuller, richer life as a

percent discount only works

functioning adult (though still wracked with pain). Without cannabis, he says, he would surely be dead.

There was no charge for the pharmaceuticals he got from the VA. But until the VA changes its stance on cannabis, veterans like Mandile are faced with another dilemma: paying

out-of-pocket

for

“I TRIED EIGHT DIFFERENT OPIOIDS BEFORE FENTANYL. NOW I HAVE A NEW CHOICE.”

their life-saving medicine.

for those who are still working and earning some kind of living,” he says. In the past he’s had to pay for his cannabis by selling scrap metal out of his basement. The problem is amplified when dispensaries don’t offer discounts for disabled veterans. (There is at least one dispensary in Massachusetts like that.)

That may be changing. April saw the introduction of

While it isn’t illegal for doctors at the VA to recommend

new legislation aimed at reversing decades of policy that

cannabis to patients in legal states, general VA policy

keeps the VA from researching the benefits of cannabis

shies away from it. Mandile’s doctor was open to it, which

for veterans. In Colorado, cannabis tax monies are funding

eventually resulted in cannabis over pills entirely. But at

research into whether cannabis can be used to treat PTSD

the end of the day, after you strip away his advocacy, his

and the efficacy of cannabis versus oxycodone. The VA

involvement with area grow facilities and R+D groups, and

Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2018, a bill that vet-

his own plans of dispensary ownership—there is pain. Al-

erans’ news site Task and Purpose reported to have the

ways. Never-ending pain.

support of the top Republican and Democrat on the House

For people like Mandile, there has never been a greater

Committee on Veterans Affairs, would finally open up the

need for the country at large to rethink policies and back-

VA’s ability to research different kinds of cannabis and de-

wards laws that prevent soldiers and wounded warriors

livery methods, including topicals, ingestibles, and both

from having the medicine that could save their lives.

combustible and non-combustible inhalation.

“I’ve never met one person using cannabis as medicine

“As a 100-percent-disabled military veteran, all of my

that says their quality of life had gone down,” says Mandile.

income is coming through the federal government,” Mandile

“I tried eight different opioids before fentanyl. Now I have

says. “So I have to figure out a way to live on government

a new choice. So why wasn’t cannabis one of those op-

assistance and have medicine. Yet the medicine I earned

tions beforehand?”

[and the VA covered] was the one that was killing me.”

82 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

Why indeed?

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 83

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Trippy

Healing Psychedelics are the new medical marijuana.

by R O BY N G R I G G S L AW R E N CE

86 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

I keep a photo of myself FROM THE REALLY BAD YEAR, WHEN I LEFT THE JOB I THOUGHT DEFINED ME AND BROKE UP WITH THE MAN I’D PLANNED TO MARRY. I’M WEARING A SLEEVELESS DRESS NO ADULT WHO WEIGHS 93 POUNDS SHOULD BE WEARING, WITH MY UNDERNOURISHED LIMBS AND OVERSIZED HEAD. I MAKE MYSELF LOOK AT THE PHOTO ONCE IN A WHILE

I don’t want to forget. MY LIFE ONCE FELT SO BLEAK THAT I DIDN’T WANT TO BE HERE. I COULDN’T KILL MYSELF BECAUSE I LOVE MY CHILDREN, BUT I thought about it BECAUSE

ALL THE TIME. I STARVED MYSELF AND TOLD PEOPLE MY NEW RETIREMENT PLAN WAS TO DIE YOUNG. Right around that time, private ayahuasca ceremo-

Spirit grants so I could travel to the Nihue Rao healing

nies were becoming a thing from Laurel Canyon to Park

center outside of Iquitos and experience traditional

Slope, so I went to one in a multimillion-dollar house in

ayahuasca ceremonies with shamans where Mama Aya

the Boulder foothills with a Jewish shaman who played

lives. I spent four hellish nights in the rainforest, wres-

new age music on a boom box. I had read everything I

tling with anger and despair about my father dying be-

could get my hands on about this ancient medicine

fore I was born—deep, pre-language demons I thought

made from sacred Amazonian plants—not all that much

I’d dealt with in the Landmark Forum, with God knows

at the time, and a lot of it pretty terrifying—and I waited

how many therapists.

with more than a little trepidation for the big bang that

My journeys were desolate and brutal, total annihila-

would fix me. When the mood wasn’t right and nothing

tion of the universe and terrifying solo rocket launches

happened, I was disappointed and then bored, listening

into empty orbits. I felt my father’s heart attack, and his

to the guy next to me groan and sob and watching the

crushing angst about who would take care of me was the

guy across from me paint pictures in the air with his

sword that finally cut through the dark energy I’d been

hands. I snuck into the garage to vape.

born with. I forgave him for dying and myself for thinking

I took that experience as another sign of what a hope-

he didn’t care enough to stick around and meet me. I told

less, crusty loser I had become. Not even drinking this

him he could let go, I would take care of myself now. Free

legendary brew could bring back my appetite for food,

for the first time in my life, I spent the last night juggling

for life. I figured this ayahuasca thing was just more

exclamation points, tossing them up to pop pink balloons

bullshit, a hallucinogenic Landmark Forum for entitled

that rained down sparkles of love on everyone around me.

people who have exhausted their therapists’ patience.

The pink glow lasted. I went home and started re-

I was wrong, of course, as Cosmic Sister founder Zoe

building my skeletal self and reinventing my career—as

Helene, a seasoned journeyer who drinks ayahuasca

a cannabis cookbook author and chef, no less. I met a

only in Peru, where it’s legal and revered, would prove.

nice guy who feeds me when I’m in work mode. I never

Helene awarded me one of the first Cosmic Sister Plant

considered suicide again. sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 87

Coffee, Tea, or Ayahuasca?

dependence, and terminal-cancer anxiety, while MDMA,

Psychedelics are the new medical marijuana, offering a world of therapeutic possibilities for so many things that ail us, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), debilitating grief, opiate addiction, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)—and Americans are more interested in them than they’ve been since the 1960s. In a recent YouGov survey, 53 percent of Americans said they support medical research into psychedelic medicines, and 63 percent said they would be open to having medical treatment with psilocybin, ketamine, or MDMA if the substances were proven safe.

In December 2016, the Journal of Psychoparmacology dedicated its entire issue to psychedelics. Michael Pollen’s recent book about psychedelic therapy, How to Change Your Mind, which he said took him to “places I’ve never been—indeed, places I didn’t know existed,” was an immediate bestseller.

Last year in the widely acclaimed book A Really Good Day, Ayelet Waldman wrote that microdosing, or taking about onetenth of a normal dose of LSD on a regular basis, helped her deal with severe mood swings. Silicon Valley executives microdose LSD for a gentle blast of focus and creativity.

Psilocybin from “magic mushrooms” is emerging as a treatment for smoking cessation, alcoholism and cocaine

KNOW YOUR

psychedelics Ayahuasca A combinatory brew made in the Amazon from the ayahuasca vine and the chacruna leaf containing the psychoactive substance DMT / Effects: Helps journeyers come to terms with deep-seated trauma / Potential

Treatment for: PTSD, chronic depression, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts

Ibogaine A psychoactive compound in the bark and roots of taberanthi, a small African bush tree / Effects: Activist Dana Beal described a waking sleep during which “your entire life and all those spooky archetypes you see distantly in your dreams are projected on the back of your eyelids” / Potential

aka Ecstasy or Molly, is showing great promise for treating PTSD and autistic adults with social anxiety because it lets them relive and safely reprocess traumatic experiences that normally leave them overwhelmed. MDMA, which emerged in the late 1970s as a tool for psychotherapists and made its way into the hands of ravers and yuppies, was “the drug that LSD was supposed to be, coming 20 years too late to change the world,” Newsweek wrote in 1985, the year the DEA made it a Schedule I substance.

Recently, the FDA gave MDMA breakthrough therapy status based on its effectiveness in PTSD studies, and it could be approved for legal therapeutic use by 2021.

As for ayahuasca, scores of medical journal articles are now exploring how journeying changes the very brain chemistry to beat back the anxiety and depression.

Every weekend across North America, thousands of seekers gather for not-so-underground ceremonies like the one that didn’t work for me. For $11,000, San Francisco-area startup professionals can travel to the Amazon with Entrepreneurs Awakening for the real deal—but they don’t have to go to all that effort. In San Francisco, self-help guru Tim Ferriss told the New Yorker in 2016, drinking ayahuasca is “like having a cup of coffee.”

sometimes near-death experiences / Potential Treatment for: Depression, suicidal thoughts

LSD Synthetic psychedelic made from lysergic acid in the fungus that grows on rye /

Psilocybin Entheogenic (meaning “to generate god

colors (synesthesia), deep interconnected-

within”) found in more than 75 mushroom

ness / Potential Treatment for: PTSD,

species / Effects: Disturbs normal nerve cell

alcoholism, anxiety, depression

interaction and serotonin functioning,

MDMA Also known as Ecstasy, Molly. Enactogen developed by German scientists during World War I with molecular and pharmaceutical properties similar to amphetamine and mescaline / Effects: Soaks the brain with neurotransmitters serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine and the hormone prolactin to invoke what psychologist Ralph Metzner described as “a natural state of innocence, before guilt, shame, and unworthiness arose” /

Ketamine

Peyote

Induces deep relaxation, out-of-body and

88 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

able to foresee and to predict things” / Potential Treatment for: Alcoholism and addiction

perception, ability to “see” sounds and “hear”

Potential Treatment for: Couples therapy, PTSD

and used during the Vietnam War / Effects:

top, or button, “causes those devouring it to be

Effects: Produces visuals, intensified sensory

Treatment for: Alcoholism and addiction

A disassociative anesthetic discovered in 1961

synthesized / Effects: Seventeenth-century ethnobotanists reported that eating the plant’s

Vision-inducing woolly cactus used by indigenous people containing mescaline, a psychedelic phenethylamine that can also be

creating heightened sensory experiences, perceptual distortions, hallucinations, and synesthesia (melding of senses) / Potential

Treatment for: Depression, end-of-life anxiety, trauma, addiction, couples therapy

LSD, Past Lives, and Outer Space Psychedelics affect the brain by binding to the same receptors as the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin and facilitating communication between disparate regions that normally don’t talk to each other. Kenneth Tupper, director of implementation and partnerships at the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, told NBC News that under carefully controlled conditions, psychedelics “can create experiences of wonder and awe and a connection to a ‘divine realm’ that leads to significant behavioral changes.”

At a recent international conference on the science of psychedelics in London, psychiatrist Ben Sessa explained that psychedelic therapy “offers an opportunity to dig down and get to the heart of the problems that drive long-term mental illness in a much more effective way than our current model,

That anti-authority effect is, of course, the reason psychedelics—which encouraged an entire generation to drop out and make love when the government desperately needed them to join up and make war—are illegal. In the 1950s, LSD was sold under the name Delvsid and used in conjunction with psychotherapy to treat anxiety and obsessive neuroses. A good number of researchers and therapists were studying the effects of drugs like LSD, which Canadian psychiatrist Humphrey Osmond called “psychedelics” from the Greek word for “mind manifesting.” Hollywood stars including Esther Williams and Cary Grant were outspoken about its effectiveness, Anais Nin wrote about experimenting with it, Alcoholics Anonymous founder Bill Wilson tried it as a means to sobriety, and the CIA slipped it to unsuspecting victims to see how they would respond.

which is take daily medications to mask systems.”

At the Johns Hopkins University’s Psilocybin Research Project, studies found that people had a more “open” personality, greater appreciation for new experiences, and enhanced

PEOPLE HAD A MORE “OPEN” PERSONALITY,

curiosity and imagination­—effects that persisted for at least 14

GREATER APPRECIATION FOR

months—after a single psilocybin session. And earlier this

NEW EXPERIENCES, AND

year, a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacolo-

gy found that people feel more connected to nature and less supportive of authoritarian views after a psychedelic trip.

enhanced curiosity AND IMAGINATION…

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 89

A Threat to Police States Timothy Leary, the ex-Harvard professor who told people to “turn on, tune in, and drop out,” probably did more than anyone else to antagonize the government into making psychedelics illegal. President Richard Nixon called Leary “the most dangerous man in America” for his proselytizing about LSD. Leary told Playboy in 1966 that it was “the most powerful aphrodisiac ever discovered by man,” kicking up those age-old fears about young people’s virtue and predicted it would “enable each person to realize that he is not a game-playing robot put on this planet to be given a Social Security number and to be spun on the assembly line of school, college, career, insurance, funeral, goodbye. … Instead of relying on canned, static, dead knowledge passed on from other symbol producers, he will be using his span of 80 or so years on this planet to live out every possibility of the human, prehuman, and even subhuman adventure.”

Or, as Hunter S. Thompson would explain in Playboy eight years later, “If acid helps people see through conditioned hallucinations, then acid’s a threat to such police states as now exist in America and in Russia.”

All too much for the U.S. government. In 1968, a year after the Summer of Love, LSD possession was banned.

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Two years later, nearly every psychedelic known, including LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, peyote, and cannabis, was declared a Schedule 1 drug with no medical value. The message–drugs are bad–would be impossible to ignore for the next several decades.

That message is antiquated. As we wrestle with so many seemingly intractable issues—opioid abuse, mental illness, mass shootings and violence, PTSD, and skyrocketing suicide rates—we can no longer afford to ignore tools that psychiatrist Stanislav Grof wrote, in the foreword to Albert Hoffman’s 2005 book, LSD: My Problem Child, “make it possible to study undercurrents that govern our experiences and behaviors to a depth that is not by any other method and tool available in modern mainstream psychiatry.”

Perhaps Amanda Fielding, founder of the think tank Beckley Foundation, summed it up best in a recent

Wired interview. “There are these incredible compounds that synergize amazingly well with the human body and can be used to have incredibly positive results,” Fielding said. “And what do we do? We criminalize it. I mean, they are more carefully controlled than nuclear weapons. It is mad.”

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 91

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sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 95

Every five years, the state of Colorado requires that

Community of Hope has provided a framework for

public health services reassess health in each commu-

Boulder County to address some of the broader issues

nity to initiate a public health improvement plan.

within the mental healthcare system, including assess-

Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) reassesses its

ibility, high costs, stigma, prevention methods, educa-

health initiatives through Community of Hope, a collab-

tion, integration with primary care, and incarceration

oration led by the county’s departments of housing and

over treatment. Closing these perceived gaps is a mas-

human services, community services, and public health.

sive undertaking, and many questions still linger.

Last year, BCPH’s assessment revealed that the biggest concern of its community members is mental health.

“We are just starting now, so we don’t know what that’s going to look like,” says Chana Goussetis, communications manager for Boulder County Health. “These are big issues that I think involve some policy…at the federal level.”

But the framework is in place, and the county has started initiating reform. BCPH has identified five critical areas that they believe will have the most significant impact on mental health: • Easy and timely access to services • Addressing stigma • Early detection and health promotion • Inappropriate incarceration • Availability and range of services Already, the county has made progress toward initiatives that will provide solutions to these complex issues.

Perhaps the most challenging of these is access.

Someone experiencing a mental health issue might find it difficult to approach a complex system, and creating more systems would oversaturate the market. Timeliness and ease of access are maybe the biggest hurdles for those already in crisis, so the county is assessing online navigation options. By scanning and evaluating websites, the county hopes to provide comprehensive information that can be seen via the web, text, and video. Proposals to expand the Boulder County website will also make it easier for residents to access services.

But another hurdle to consider is lack of mental healthcare provider referrals. “Improving access to treatment is also about having someone to refer to,” Goussetis says. “The situation is there are not enough providers, particularly providers who accept insurance or are on a sliding scale.”

Data from that study showed that mental health is-

Mental healthcare providers have some of the worst

sues are all but universal, with 95 percent of residents

reimbursement rates, and without incentive, mental

reporting they or someone they know has struggled

healthcare will remain costly and difficult to access. “If

with mental health or substance abuse issues. These

they don’t get paid much for providing the service, they

problems don’t discriminate—and they don’t get better

aren’t going to provide the service. That’s the main rea-

with age. Among high-school students, 22 percent had

son why a lot of providers don’t take insurance.”

felt sad or helpless in the previous year, and 5 percent

BCPH will meet soon to define goals and strategies. “I

had attempted suicide. Among adults, 37 percent feel

don’t know what it’s really going to look like,” Goussetis

depressed currently.

admits. If improved reimbursement is the goal, the

96 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 97

“We’re looking to set up a system where every single child is screened for mental health.”

—Chana Goussetis, Boulder County Public Health

leadership team will seek ways to cross the hurdles and

schools. “We’re looking at setting up a system where ev-

challenge the legislation that needs to be challenged.

ery single child is screened for mental health or devel-

The county has already hired staff to research other

opment issues and is appropriately referred when they

countries’ practices and reimbursement rates.

are young,” Goussetis says.

Accessing help is still problematic because of the cul-

Setting up home visits to screen children for mental

tural stigma. If mental health was seen as a larger com-

health issues has been a practice in other countries for

munity health issue, it might reduce the stigma and make

years. Early detection and health promotion offer many

it easier for people to seek help. BCPH is trying to counter-

benefits that in the long run will save on future mental

act this stigma by supporting developments such as “Let’s

healthcare costs. Establishing these services may also

Talk,” a stigma-reduction campaign. Through ads and vid-

decrease stress- and depression-related chronic ill-

eos, “Let’s Talk” has reached more than 61,000 viewers.

nesses in adulthood.

Reducing stigma may also increase preventative services such as mental health screenings at home and in 98 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

“It might seem radical for this country, but I don’t think it’s radical for other countries,” Goussetis says.

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 99

The program has received funding and will be set into motion within the next couple of years.

An increase in mental health programs for substance abusers and low-level criminal offenders is underway.

along with first responders to connect offenders with support services. The county is also currently offering “mental health first aid training” to Boulder County police department and its staff.

With the cooperation of the Boulder County Sherriff’s

The county plans on advocating for more citizens to

department, Public Health officials hope to reduce in-

participate in mental health first aid training. It’s a

appropriate incarcerations within the county.

common denominator that people often lack the neces-

“Boulder County Sheriffs office has just received a

sary skills in how they respond to those in crisis. Public

grant to divert people who have low-level criminal of-

Health is partnering with the City of Longmont Support

fenses related to mental health or substance abuse to

Action for Mental Health initiative to promote this

support rather than to jail,” Goussetis says.

training. So far 784 residents have been trained on what

The city of Longmont has also initiated a program

to do when they see signs of mental distress in others. A

where a trained mental health professional can ride

huge factor in dealing with mental health issues is mostly how to respond.

“We’re just starting now, so we don’t know what that’s going to look like.”

—Chana Goussetis, Boulder County Public Health

100 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

There is no health without mental health, according to the World Health Organization. Over the next few years, Boulder County Public Health is putting its focus on improving what seemingly is a broken system of behavioral and mental health services. “It’s going to be hard,” Goussetis says, “I think fundamentally as a country we need to understand that mental health is health and mental health has an impact on all of these other things, all of these chronic diseases that are costing our country a lot of money, so we need to invest in it.”

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 101

1.1.1_oneeleven

102 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 103

ON THE CALENDAR

Put these happenings on your radar and make the most of the dog days of summer.

by S T E P H A NI E W I L S O N

104 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

WE COULD FILL THIS

whole magazine WITH CALENDAR LISTINGS ABOUT WHAT’S HAPPEN-

ING AROUND THE STATE BEFORE THE SEASON DRAWS TO A CLOSE. INSTEAD, WE’VE CURATED A SELECTION OF HAPPENINGS, SOME BASED ON PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, OTHERS BASED ON RESEARCH, ALL

worthy additions TO YOUR SUMMER ITINERARIES.

The days are longer, there’s a magic in the air, there’s a sense of nostalgia and adventure that pervades the spirit of the season. Don’t spend it stuck in a blur of the day to day, don’t get lost in your routine and look up in September realizing you missed it. Take advantage of the extended sunlight hours, the cool Colorado nights, and recharge yourself with some compelling explorations of the state’s offerings.

Music Makes the People Come Together AUG. 17–19

Best Bet: Velorama RiNo / Denver / VELORAMAFESTIVAL .COM

Celebrate the bike at Velorama, the three-day official fan fest for the Colorado Classic when it’s in Denver. En-

AUG. 3–5

Arise Music Fest Loveland / ARISEFESTIVAL .COM

joy headliner music, experiential bike events, the start/

Arise Music Festival returns to the beautiful Sunrise

finish of the Colorado Classic for Stages 3 and 4, ama-

Ranch in Loveland, Colorado this August 3-5 with

teur criteriums, the Rhythm Rumble pump track com-

Slightly Stoopid, Thievery Corporation, OPIUO, Stick

petition, interactive Bike Expo, craft brews, local food

Figure, Trevor Hall, Living Legends, Pepper, Ott., Quixot-

trucks, and more. It’s part music festival, part bike race,

ic, and so much more.

with a ton of food trucks thrown in for good measure.

With a long-standing commitment to planting one tree

Now in its second year, Velorama is on track to be a

for every ticket sold, and an unwavering leave-no-trace

much better experience than the inaugural festival,

ethos, the Arise Festival’s core values are grounded in a

which was marked by an overall feeling of disorder.

mission to serve as a vehicle for community-building and

The Colorado Classic bike race starts in Vail on

creating a festival experience that inspires positivity, joy

Thursday, Aug. 16, and the teams make their way to

and active engagement in issues of social justice. Three-

Denver on Saturday, Aug. 18 for the finale of stages that

day General Admission with walk-in camping included

start and finish in Velorama. On Sunday, the Mile High

passes are still available for $239.

City is on display throughout the final day of racing, as riders lap a 9.1-mile circuit course from RiNo to City Park via 17th Ave. This year, Velorama’s musical lineup includes Modest Mouse, Cold War Kids, The Growlers, Matt and Kim, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, The Kills, and other top acts.

Mountain Air, Arts, Culture AUG. 4–5

Single-day tickets start at $50 for General Admission;

Mountain Arts Festival

premium and VIP options are also available.

Ute Pass Cultural Center / Woodland Park / WOODLANDPARKCHAMBER.COM

Find a variety of high-quality and unique artwork from artists from all across the nation. Booths will feature jewelry designers, woodcarvers, photographers, painters, potters, and much more. There will be plenty of delicious food sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 105

vendors to satisfy your taste buds while browsing the

Woodland Park the spot you want to be the first week-

beautiful art pieces. With the picturesque backdrop of

end in August. The host winery is Aspen Peak Cellars,

Pikes Peak—America’s Mountain—the Mountain Arts Fes-

with a lineup of participating Colorado vineyards in-

tival in Woodland Park is a beautiful piece of art itself.

cluding the Winery at Pikes Peak, Garfield Estates Winery, and others. It all kicks off on Friday, Aug. 3, with the

AUG. 10–11

16th Street Fair 16th Street Mall, Denver / 16THSTFAIR.COM

The 16th Street Fair is an annual celebration of fine art, handcrafted goods, and the 16th Street Mall in Downtown Denver. Take a stroll along the 16th Street Mall to enjoy a showcase of emerging artists and de-

Vino & Notes Wine Maker’s Dinner at Shining Mountain Golf Course. Chef Brad Gonzales walks guests through each course, discusing the details of his pairing choices. The five-couse pairing dinner ticket runs for $83.33, and includes a pass for the festival the following day.

Totally worth it.

signers producing original and unique handmade goods in a wide array of media. This is Downtown Denver’s premier art and craft festival located in the city center along the busiest pedestrian street in the state.

AUG. 25

Colorado Springs International Dragon Boat Festival Memorial Park, Colorado Springs / GWNDRAGONBOAT.COM

Chinese culture, sport, food, entertainment, and natural wonders come together at this year’s Colorado Springs International Dragon Boat Festival. It’s happening at Prospect Lake in Memorial Park, in the heart of Pikes Peak region, for a full day of dragon boat races. The world’s fastest-growing water sport is just another reason to get outside and enjoy the local sights and attractions.

The festival offers a unique racing experience with a beautiful scenic backdrop. Featuring the quintessential MLDB festival areas, such as Health and Wellness Village, Athletes’ Village, and Food Truck Bazaar, this event will give participants, new and experienced, a dragon boat experience with a Western flair. Spend a fun-filled, summer day at Prospect Lake alongside paddlers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families. A celebration of ancient sport and nature awaits.

AUG. 18

Culinary Calendar AUG. 4

11th Annual Vino & Notes

Boulder Craft Beer Festival North Boulder Park / BOULDERDOWNTOWN.COM/CRAFT-BEER-FESTIVAL

The 5th Annual Boulder Craft Beer Festival brings together the best craft breweries from Boulder County and beyond for a tasting festival, offering attendees

Memorial Park, Woodland Park

samples of the best beer on the Front Range. The festi-

The wine, food, and jazz festival is the same weekend as

val includes live music and food for purchase—plus a

the Mountain Arts Fest and the Critterfest, making 106 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

chance to meet the brewers and enjoy some live music.

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www.gristbrewingcompany.com sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 107

Before Colorado was Colorado, the fair was the fair.

Fine Fairs

A late-summer tradition across this great nation, state and local fairs are a celebration of community—and there’s a bunch of them happening this month all along the Front Range. Here are some of the top ones to put on your calendar.

AUG. 24–SEPT. 3

The Big One: Colorado State Fair Pueblo / COLORADOSTATEFAIR.COM

Every year, there’s a whole lot of new at the Colorado State Fair. New fun, new food, new attractions: some freshness sprinkled throughout the fairgrounds. But people don’t go back to the fair in Pueblo every year to see what’s new.

They go because some things never change.

Before Colorado was Colorado, the fair was the fair. It started in 1869, drawing about 2,000 people to Pueblo that first year. It was still going when Colorado became a state six years later, and the 146 years since, it’s only been cancelled once: 1917, during WWI. The annual celebration of Colorado agriculture has evolved over the years to an Americana juggernaut complete with headlining concerts, carnival rides, rodeo action, food competitions, artwork, craft showcases, cultural celebrations, and more fair staples. Like fried dough. Who doesn’t want more of that.

AUG. 1–5

Adams County Fair Brighton / ADAMSCOUNTYFAIR.COM

The first official Adams County Fair was held in October 1904, but the fair and rodeo predate the formation of the 108 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

county. The fair dates back to 1888, when monthly Market Days were held at the fairgrounds on the south edge of Brighton, which is the present-day site of the City of Brighton Government Center at 450 South 4th Ave. On the lineup are all the typical fair activities, plus educational zones and tours. Such as the Xeric Garden Tours, which is a showcase of Xeriscaping, a word coined by the Denver Water Department, Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado, and Colorado State University. It denotes dry landscaping, a principal of gardening with less water but no less beauty. The fair also features a free kid’s zone presented by Water World featuring a mobile ropes course, zip line, the Kodiak Ranch Petting Zoo and Pony Rides, laser tag, Mutton Bustin’, magic shows, and more.

AUG. 10–12

Jeffco Fair & Festival Jeffco Fairgrounds / Golden / CELEBRATEJEFFCO.COM

Lasting for 3 days, it’s Jeffco’s biggest celebration of the summer. The purpose of the event is supporting and showcasing 4-H, youth programs, equine, livestock and agricultural elements across the diverse communities of Jefferson County. The mission is to create an event that educates, entertains, and invites community involvement and support while celebrating Jefferson County’s past, present and future through a financially responsible model. The first annual Jeffco Fair & Festival was held in 2016 at the Jeffco Fairgrounds where event attendees were treated to a dash of fun, interactive, engaging and traditional experiences with a focus on locality to ensure there was something for everyone. This cele-

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bration has been designed and created thru community

schedule: CPRA Rodeo, NSPA Truck & Tractor Pull, Dem-

focus groups, surveys, and many volunteers and com-

olition Derby, BMX Moto Throw Down, and more.

mittee members who live, work, and play in Jeffco.

The lineup is marked by events such as 4-H Fashion Revue, Demonstration, and Performing Arts Judging, and a whole bunch of animal-related showcases—steers, rabbits, poultry, llamas & alpacas, goats, and more—oh my! There’s also an art gallery, artisan village, carnival rides, petting farm, and other fair-ly awesome activities.

Including pony rides, live music, stunt dog shows, and the Salutations and Libations yoga class on Sunday.

AUG. 12

Mushroom Fair Denver Botanic Gardens, York Street / BOTANICGARDENS.ORG

This is the Colorado Mycological Society’s (CMS) 41st-annual Mushroom Fair, for fungi education to the public, and access to the fair is included with admission to the gardens. Along with local wild mushrooms on display, there’s educational exhibits and presentations, fungi face painting and chalk drawing for the

AUG. 3–12

Boulder County Fair Longmont / BOULDERCOUNTYFAIR.ORG

kids, and access to the CMS experts. Bring mushrooms you’ve foraged from the hills this summer, and they’ll help identify them.

The Boulder County Fair is the oldest fair in Colorado,

Reading Room: Learn more about foraging for mush-

celebrating its 148th year. The Fair is a nonprofit that

rooms in the June issue of Sensi Denver/Boulder. Find

rents the grounds and facilities from Boulder County

it on SENSIMAG.COM .

which in turn is the main sponsor, supporting the 4-H and open events during the fair. It’s a free fair, with no parking or admission fees, so feel free to keep on returning to take in the musical entertainment and participate in the free activities and browsing the items on offer by the vendors. There are also some ticketed events on the

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14ER

PROMOTIONAL FE ATURE

Showing How It’s Done Responsibly 14ER BOULDER BUILDS A VERTICALLY INTEGRATED CANNABIS BUSINESS.

In a new industry like cannabis, if you can’t find it, you have to make it up.

eventually expanded their medical grow space from 2,000 square feet to the 8,000 square feet facility they

That is a sort of motto for the development of 14er

have today, adding a 15,000 square-foot grow space for

Boulder by Nick Broderick, who, in 2009, was a recent

adult use in August 2017. “We have about 285 medical

environmental engineering graduate from the University

patients now, and that taps us out in [regards to] our

of Colorado in Boulder. He and his partner, co-owner

medical side cultivation,” he says. “Our adult-use sales are

Evan Anderson, who earned a masters of business ad-

now about three times our medical sales.”

ministration from the same school, were looking at the

The company began to offer wholesale cannabis in

cannabis business with an analytical approach to im-

November 2017, which now represents around 30 per-

proving the cultivation process.

cent of total sales, Anderson says. “It has been kicking up

They decided to start from the ground up and build a

rather dramatically.”

completely vertical cannabis business, pooling their

Broderick says that 14er Boulder will continue on the

money and getting additional help from friends and

same path as it has for the last few years, building out

family. They opened a medical dispensary, 14er Holistics,

their design model and stepping that up to a new level

in Boulder, Colorado, in February 2010, going through all

of expansion in the coming years. “We want to scale our

the necessary regulation and compliance work required

model up, and continue to focus on genetics and genet-

by the state. “Over the next three years, coming into com-

ics-testing since that has always been a foundational

pliance with the state and local regulations, and adapt-

component of our business.”

ing to constant changes of the legislature then, was quite a headache,” Broderick admits.

They have been “not on the cutting-edge, but more the bleeding-edge” of figuring out new systems with au-

In 2012, they looked into diversifying their business.

tomation, according to Anderson. “We approach produc-

Broderick founded Sustainable Growth Technology to

tion operations from a volumetric analysis,” he says. “How

develop lighting solutions for cannabis grow facilities. The

much space do we have, how much can we grow

following year, he created Sustainable Growth Systems to

in that space, where can we shave ways to

provide water-efficient growth mediums and all-natural

increase efficiencies?”

plant nutrients for horticultural use. “Pretty much from the start, we focused on improving processes and did a lot of internal research and development to improve production and standardize the operating procedures to really find where we could improve efficiencies, save costs and improve production,” he says. “That’s what actually seeded those two companies.”

In 2013, Broderick and Anderson made the transition to medical and adult use, and opened their med-rec facility, 14er Boulder, in late 2014. They 114 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

For more info, visit

14ERBOULDER.COM

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 115

PROMOTIONAL FE ATURE

RxCBD

For the Life of an Animal HEALTHIER ANIMALS DESERVE PRODUCTS BASED AROUND THE SCIENCE OF CBD.

It was about 14 years ago that Kris Otto, a pet nutri-

reason that the company has moved into hyperdrive.

tionist, began making natural animal health and nutri-

“We are getting ready as we speak for an expansion,”

tional products and selling them online from her

Cokes says. “We are anticipating a growth curve from

home base in Colorado.

now through early fall, close to more than ten times

Around that time, her father began to develop

the level of business that we are doing now.”

pain-management problems. He was having issues with

Bria Otto, Kris’s daughter, heads up sales, marketing,

the many pharmaceuticals prescribed to him. Otto had

and community outreach for RxCBD, and the company

also been making cannabis-infused ginger cookies ever

is working with a new research organization in Israel.

since medical cannabis was legalized in Colorado in

“We are finalizing documents for that deal with a com-

2000. Could it help? She offered her dad a cookie.

pany specializing in the hemp industry—working with

The results were striking—he is doing well to this

them on research and development,” Otto says. “That

day—and that episode became an “a-ha” moment for

will allow opportunities never before dreamed of here

Otto and her twin sister, Debbie Cokes, an engineer.

in the US, and allow us to grow the way we want to.”

“The medicinal value of the plant was our family eye-opener,” Cokes says. “That stayed with us.”

Starting later in the fall, Cokes says, they want to begin working on releasing a new product about every

Seeing a future in the expanding cannabis market

three months, with the goal of doubling their product

in Colorado, and recognizing their combined talents in

offerings by next year. “Several are direct collaborations

entrepreneurship and pet nutrition, they created a

with vets that we work with,” she says. “They come up

CBD-based pet nutrition company, RxCBD, based

with ideas, and we come up with different products.

around Otto’s pet formulation insights.

We’re putting a lot more focus on more precise dos-

They spent two years working on recipes for ani-

ing, and working with felines.”

mals. “We were [very cautious] with our recipes and didn’t want a product developed unless we knew [the appropriate] dosage level,” Cokes says.

Today, the twin sisters/cofounders—both animal lovers—work out of a commercial kitchen and shipping facility in southwest Colorado, where a staff of five others is helping them make and sell CBD-infused pet products online direct-to-consumer, through select retailers, and to veterinarians.

RxCBD sells CBD cookies, sprays, topicals, and liquid hemp extracts for cats and dogs, along with liquid hemp extracts, capsules, topicals, and edibles for people. One of the retailers that recently signed a deal with them is BarkShop, an online pet store, which is one 116 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

For more info, visit

RXCBD.CO

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 117

PROMOTIONAL FE ATURE

MILE HIGH DISPENSARY

“Business as Usual” is About to Get Unusually Busier AS DISPENSARIES CONTINUE TO MATURE, PLANNED EXPANSIONS ARE THE ORDER OF THE DAY.

One of the first cannabis stores to open in the Den-

ing both areas before starting recreational sales.

ver area was Mile High Dispensary, which began pro-

The size of the new space didn’t change the offer-

viding medical cannabis products from its Englewood

ings of the dispensary, he says, but resulted in scaling

location on July 4, 2009.

up everything they had, “just more strains, and really,

The dispensary, which relocated to the southwest Den-

just more everything,” he says.

ver area, now offers both medical and recreational can-

Most of their products are grown in-house, Bolger

nabis products to more than 500 customers a day, ac-

says, but they also buy flower wholesale from a farm in

cording to general manager Colby Bolger. From its start

Pueblo, Colorado. In addition to selling Mile High’s in-

in a relatively small, antiquated strip-mall facility with a

house grown flower strains, one of their biggest sellers

simple green cross identifying it, the new facility includes

is Craft brand waxes and cartridges. “We sell tons and

a 13,000-square-foot grow with a 2,000-square-foot dis-

tons of those,” he says.

pensary in a separate location. The updated dispensary now sports a large circular sign with a cannabis leaf.

He has noticed a customer shift over the last few years to a broader demographic now. Grandmas in their eight-

The staff of 25 is about equally split between the

ies are coming in for product. “It seems like the younger

medical and recreational sides. “We are sort of like a

crowd wants the dabs and all of the concentrates,” Bolger

neighborhood store,” Bolger says. “We did a complete

says. “The older folks go for pre-rolled joints and flower.”

remodel about two years ago to make it look more

Bolger hopes to open other Mile High dispensaries

modern, make it more customer-friendly, and give our

in other states, but for now, the company is looking at

budtenders a better face-to-face interaction setup

expanding in the Denver area. “We have a couple of

with our customers.” The remodel involved picking up

things in the works but nothing set in stone,” he says.

the lease on the store adjacent to them and renovat-

After six years as general manager, keeping the dispensary working every day, he shared some advice for others in the business. “I think to succeed, you better keep pushing every day, because you are going to be left behind if you don’t,” Bolger says. “I think we are one of the best single-store cannabis organizations in Denver.”

For more info, visit

MHDBUDS.COM

118 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 119

PROMOTIONAL FE ATURE

43 CBD

The Pure, Natural Good of CBD PRODUCTS FROM A HEMP FARM GIVE THE CONSUMER A FULL-SPECTRUM EFFECT.

You never know what can happen when two teen-

Right now, 43CBD has two sites in the Durango area:

aged skateboard buddies grow up and start thinking

a shipping department—which is being built near the

about what they want to do in the cannabis business.

post office; and a 36-acre hemp farm adjacent to a

But fate and coincidence gave Dontje Hildebrand and

1,000-square-foot commercial kitchen with a cold-stor-

Greg Nisco a direction that has turned out to be pure

age capacity.

good-hemp karma.

They manufacture and sell CBD capsules, tinctures,

The artisan hemp company they formed in 2015,

hemp oil—available in a syringe for vaping or dabbing,

43CBD, based in Durango, provides a customer base

and topical salves. They are working now to expand the

with CBD wellness products using a full spectrum of

salves line to be more specific to specific physical ail-

cannabinoids from their home-grown hemp plants. “We

ments.

chose that name, with the number 43, because that has

But their tinctures are their best sellers. They have nine

been a lucky number for us from all the way back when

different label types available with various flavors. Their

we were part of a skateboard posse,” Hildebrand says. “It’s

products can be purchased online or found in medical

kept us good and kept us lucky for a lot of years.”

dispensaries, as well as smoke and vape shops on the

His partner, Greg Nisco, CEO and “master chef” who does most of 43CBD’s formulas, came to the business

western slopes of Colorado. “We do ship our products discretely to hemp-friendly states,” Hildebrand says.

with a degree in chemistry from the Colorado School of

They will be expanding the company’s product line

Mines, the research university in Golden. “He is an abso-

into different flavors, but don’t anticipate going into

lute wizard—a great chemist,” Hildebrand says.

niche markets such as coffee and edibles. “That’s not us,”

Hildebrand got into the cannabis business

Hildebrand says. “That’s not where we

after working with brain injury patients and

are going. But we do want to expand

horticulture. “I had a brother who had a brain

into the national market, and into Mexi-

injury, and I worked with him for a lot of years,”

co, and hopefully Canada.”

he says. “That’s what got me into the medical field. A lot of clients we have deal with seizure issues and auto-immune deficiencies. So my medical background experience is very helpful for that.”

120 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

For more info, visit

43CBD.COM

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 121

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sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 123

ADVISORY BOARD

AS THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY GROWS, SO DO THE NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERTS WITHIN IT. THESE PEOPLE ARE INCREDIBLE SOURCES OF NICHE, INSIDER INFO ABOUT THE TRENDS AND ISSUES DRIVING THIS THRIVING MARKETPLACE FORWARD. THE SENSI ADVISORY BOARD IS COMPRISED OF A SELECT GROUP OF CANNABIS INDUSTRY LEADERS IN A VARIETY OF FIELDS, FROM COMPLIANCE AND EDUCATION TO CONCENTRATES AND CULTIVATION. EACH ISSUE, THEY ARE INVITED TO SHARE SOME OF THEIR SPECIALIZED INSIGHT AND PERSPECTIVE IN THIS DEDICATED SECTION. THIS MONTH, WE HEAR FROM ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS IN THE SECURITY CATEGORY. F O R A F U L L L I S T O F A DV I S O RY B OA R D ME MB E R S , T U R N T O T HE M A S T HE A D O N PAG E 7.

VALUE-ADDED CANNABIS SECURITY

by SE AN KEEBLER, FOUNDER/CEO, BULLDOG PROTEC TIVE SOLUTIONS

124 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

Security often seems like a cost without a tangible fi-

My intention really isn’t to scare anyone by talking

nancial benefit. As anyone who runs or manages a busi-

about armed robberies and their consequences, so let’s

ness knows, spending money without an expected, direct

look at value creation in more day-to-day terms. If creating

return can be hard to swallow. Real value stands apart

value for your customers is your ultimate goal, then a good

from revenue, profit, dwell time (how long customers

security company will create that value for you through its

spend in your store—an important statistic that’s often

presence and interaction with everyone in your store.

overlooked), and other variables that are often used as

A well-trained security guard can provide a sense of

measuring sticks of success, in that it is not easily quan-

safety and security to your customers as well as your

tifiable. Essentially, value is created when customers are

employees. He or she can expedite the check-in pro-

happy with their purchase at the price paid. It doesn’t

cess, thus reducing the dwell time experienced by cus-

matter if people spent $50, or $500, in your store; if they

tomers and the chance they will head to another dis-

feel that the amount paid is commensurate with the

pensary. In certain situations, during the busiest hours,

product received, they have received a substantial value.

the guard can interact with waiting customers. This

So how can a security company create value? The most

makes the wait time more bearable for the customer

obvious answer is through loss prevention. A guard, for in-

and can even expedite the sales process by having an

stance, serves to forestall theft, robbery, and/or burglary.

informed guard who can answer basic questions.

Since the FBI doesn’t track statistics for dispensary rob-

Additionally, having a well-trained security guard who

beries, we must make comparisons with its stats on banks

can assist in ID verification and check-in procedures

(since both are perceived as having copious amounts of

frees your employees to focus exclusively on reve-

cash on hand). In 2016, the most recent year for which data

nue-generating activities, such as sales and product pur-

are available, a staggering 95 percent of robberies occurred

chasing. And at the end of each business day, a trained

in institutions without a security guard, or during hours

guard handles closing procedures, thereby saving payroll

the guard was not on duty. Having a security guard—or bet-

costs. Of course, the security of your people and assets is

ter yet, a “security professional”—on duty drastically reduc-

always job No. 1, but a well-trained security professional

es the chance that a criminal will pick your dispensary.

will balance that with the necessity of creating value.

How does that relate to value? There are several effects to consider here. First, let’s look at opportunity cost, which is incurred by choosing one alternative over an-

SEAN KEEBLER received his MBA from the University of Colorado and has more than 18 years in the security industry, including international and domestic highthreat work.

other. A store without a security guard is far more likely to be robbed and have to close its doors for a period of time afterward. The opportunity cost can then be calculated as the cost of lost sales during the closure weighed against the cost of having a guard in the store, since any security company worth its salt will ensure its daily rates are less than the opportunity cost of lost sales.

Also associated with the shock of a robbery, or attempt, is the feeling of victimization and loss of safety, which can affect a store’s reputation among its custom-

A WELL-TRAINED SECURITY GUARD CAN PROVIDE A SENSE OF SAFETY AND SECURITY TO YOUR CUSTOMERS AS WELL AS YOUR EMPLOYEES.

ers and morale among its employees. Staff members and customers are less likely to stick around if they believe the company doesn’t take their safety seriously. Our industry has high turnover as it is, with all the related costs, so why not try to mitigate it from the start?

Employee satisfaction is another key link in the value chain. Providing a sense of safety and security helps to ensure employee satisfaction, which, in turn, helps to drive value for those customers. Employees who feel safe, who know that management has their back, will provide better customer service and thus a better atmosphere for the clientele. sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 125

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128 AUGUST 2018 Denver // Boulder

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