Sensi Magazine - Las Vegas (August 2018)

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8.2018 8.2018

the

GREEN

cantina

MEXICAN FOOD

you will love

GET TING PSYCHEDELICS

nurses for

cannabis a new

GLOBAL NETWORK

plus

DO YOU G O OD

A DOC WHO’S AVAIL ABLE 24/7

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 3

4 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

ISSUE 6 // VOLUME 1 // 8.2018

36

FEATURES

HAPPY SPECTRUMS The THC-CBD dream team.

26 Visual Perspective

Seeing life through a far healthier lens.

30 Nurses’ New Normal

A global network pioneering cannabis patient care.

S P EC I A L RE P O RT

36 The Entourage Effect

Do THC and CBD play well together?

42 Trippy Healing

Psychedelics are the new medical marijuana.

10

SUITE DANDY DRINKS In honor of a dame

every issue

HELLO, NURSE! One woman’s journey to quality cannabis care

30

7 Editor’s Note 8 The Buzz 12 CrossRoads

HEALTHY CHOICES

16 TasteBuds HEALTH-MEX

18 HighProfile

NEW MEDICINE

22 LifeStyle

FLAVOR FAVE

50 HereWeGo

UP AND OVER

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

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 5

sensi magazine ISSUE 6 VOLUME 1 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

sensimediagroup

EDITORIAL Stephanie Wilson stephanie@sensimag.com EDITOR IN CHIEF

Debbie Hall debbie.hall@sensimag.com MANAGING EDITOR, SENSI LAS VEGAS

Leland Rucker leland.rucker@sensimag.com SENIOR EDITOR

Robyn Griggs Lawrence CONTRIBUTING EDITOR sensimagazine

Ricardo Baca COLUMNIST

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

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

DESIGN & LAYOUT

BUSINESS & A D M I N I S T R AT I V E Susan Lugo susan.lugo@sensimag.com PUBLISHER

Daniel Asarch daniel.asarch@sensimag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

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

6 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

ADVISORY BOARD American Cannabis Company // CONSULTING CannaPunch // INFUSED CANDIES AND JUICES Cohen Medical Centers // MEDICAL CENTERS Crooked Cactus CBD // CBD TINCTURES Emerald Harvest // NUTRIENTS Evergreen Organix // PREMIUM BAKED GOODS Flowerkist // TOPICALS GreenHouse Payment Solutions // PAYMENT PROCESSING

Hot Mess Kushmetics // CBD TOPICALS

editor’s

NOTE

ULTIMATE GOAL

It might be cliché, but it is worth repeating. As attributed to Augusten Burroughs—“When you have your health,

you have everything. When you do not have your health, nothing else matters at all.”

While relationships, careers, family, and friends are significant, one’s own health should be our priority. Think about flying—passengers are instructed to place the oxygen mask over their own mouth before assisting anyone else. Individual health and wellness should be at the top of everyone’s list.

However, this doesn’t mean that perfect health is always achiev-

Libra Wellness // INFUSED GOURMET CHOCOLATES

able. People are imperfect, and many suffer from injuries, diseases,

Nevada Powders //

and disabilities. Thankfully there’s medicinal cannabis, including

POWDER PROCESSING SERVICES FOR EDIBLES

NLVO // LAS VEGAS LUXURY CANNABIS Spiked Soil // SOIL

doses of THC and CBD, that help without resorting to opiates.

Medical marijuana was legalized in Nevada in 2000, but it wasn’t easily accessible until June 12, 2013, when Governor Brian Sandoval signed the laws allowing commercial distribution of me-

Strip Side Solutions // MARKETING

dicinal cannabis. The first medical marijuana dispensary opened

Toast // MINDFUL CONSUMPTION

on July 31, 2015 in Sparks, Nevada—435 miles northwest of Las

Undoo // OVERCONSUMPTION RELIEF

Vegas. It wasn’t very convenient for Southern Nevadans (with the largest population of the state) to make that seven-hour trip.

Fortunately, there have been dramatic changes in laws and attitudes. Legalization of cannabis is one reason Las Vegas is becoming a medical destination. including helping the hospitality industry here to boom even more. With a hospitality economy, Southern Nevada offers many ways to maximize wellness and improve health. This issue of Sensi explores those methods.

While embracing a pro-cannabis attitude, Sensi is part of the mainstream, reaching out with a collective goal of being an integral part of creating a better Southern Nevada for everyone.

As always, thank you for being part of the Sensi family. It’s an honor to share our stories and discoveries with you.

Yours in the new normal,

Debbie Hall

M ANAG I NG E D I TO R SENSI LAS VEGAS

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 7

THE NEW NORMAL

sensi

buzz

ART

Splash color on canvas Glow-in-the-dark art, glaring eyes, and 3-D Glowing colors in abstract shapes command the attention of unsuspecting viewers as unblinking eyes act as a window to the soul. Artists and musicians, Kirby Brownell and Heather Kilsdonk are Partners and Paint (PNP) creating original, abstract blacklight, 3-D art. The Vegas locals thrive on sharing their creations in a tent while observers in 3-D glasses experience its effects.

“I really love to paint eyeballs,” says Kilsdonk. “Kirby [Brownell] carved some cutouts, and I painted the eyes on 8 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

it. That is one of my many passions.”

The two artists throw celebratory florescent confetti whenever someone purchases their art as a way of incorporating performance art. All of their paintings come with new 3-D glasses and a blacklight flashlight.

When not doing PNP, the duo also perform in the Vegas band, The Darkish.

Kilsdonk, a mom of two children with autism, uses art as her release. While she has no professional training, inspiration struck and she began painting murals and then transitioned to canvas.

Once Kilsdonk sold her first piece, she was hooked. As a team, Brownell and Kilsdonk combine their gifts and strengths to craft pieces that embody both of their personalities.

You can see their creations at the First Fridays Art Festival beginning in September.

–Debbie Hall

E D U C AT E

WORD UP

Hempington Post creates an ideal online resource.

Hempington Post is an online outlet that educates and advocates for hemp. Through blogs covering both national and international news, product reviews with Tysha Tinney, and informative videos, they’re making noise in a ready industry. Its outreach expands now with live interviews broadcast on Facebook and its site featuring podcast archives on demand.

“Hemp is the sustainable solution that will propel us from a synthetic world to a natural one where

WORK IT

The Sensual Fitness Craze

Pole Dancing embraces strength and grace in fitness and artistic expression.

we can all thrive,” states long-time advocate Darlene Mea, founder and CEO of Hempington Post.

With a background in publishing, including Hemp Inc, Mea created a multimedia portal.

Discovery was ignited when Mea read Hemp Bound by Doug Fine, covering the entire history of cannabis and hemp.

“I have learned that hemp is a multibillion-dollar

Pole dancing is no longer exclusive to late-night strip clubs. In fact, it has transformed the way we look at fitness. Pole dancing incorporates exercise, grace, sensuality, and fun. One of the pioneers of pole fitness is Fawnia Mondey. She made her debut in 1994 using her athletic prowess, and competitive nature to produce the first instructional video on how to pole dance.

industry and can change our world. It can alter our

Since then, pole fitness continues to expand and can

country from reliance on the petrochemical indus-

incorporate pole dancing, Lyra, aerial hammocks, boot

try back to the all-natural solutions. After all, hemp has been used since the beginning of time for building, clothing, textiles, food, and wellness. Hemp is the solution for the environment, economy, and

camp, hip-hop, hula hooping, yoga, and stretching.

Mondey developed the curriculum for the Pole Dance Instructors Certification as well as wrote the forward for The Complete Idiot's Guide to Exotic and Pole Dancing.

Mondey created and hosted the first Pole Expo in 2012

health. This plant continues our growth as a people

in Las Vegas. The event has since grown with men and

and as a nation,” Mea explains.

women demonstrating their skills, athleticism, expertise,

hempingtonpost.com

–DH

and sex appeal. This year’s Pole Expo will be at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sept. 6–9. Attendees from more than

PHOTO BY JOSHUA RAWSON-HARRIS

50 countries are expected to attend workshops, seminars, and performances. The Pole Classic Competition, Pole-a-Palozza, and Pole Star Performances will exhibit the passion for the art form at Hard Rock’s The Joint.

The event also donates a percentage of the proceeds to this year’s chosen nonproftis, Three Square and AIDS Lifecycle.

–DH

poleexpo.com

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 9

THE NEW NORMAL

sensi

buzz

SUITE LIFE

Homage to a

COOL

DRINK

Moscow Muleseum is downright luxurious.

The refreshing Moscow Mule cocktail started in 1941 when Sophie Berezinski emigrated from Russia carrying 2,000 solid copper mugs. She is the woman behind the original copper mug, which she designed for her father’s copper factory, Moscow Copper Company. Over 75 years later, the tradition lives on in the Moscow Muleseum, a luxury penthouse suite located on the 50th floor of the Palms Place Hotel and Spa. Berezinski’s grandson, president and CEO of Moscow Copper Co. JJ Resnick, now operates the highly profitable business. In an effort to honor his grandmother and the drink she inspired, the Palms Place suite displays the original mug from 1941, along with other Moscow Mule-related artifacts.

It’s hard to imagine now, but back in the 1940s, Americans didn’t drink a whole lot of vodka. It was a chance meeting at the Cock ‘n’ Bull pub in Los Angeles that the Moscow Mule was born. The owner of the pub Jack Morgan, his good friend John Martin who owned a vodka distillery, and Berezinski created the Moscow Mule. They poured ginger beer into a copper mug, added some vodka and, just like that, the drink was a hit among patrons. To this day, it’s still a favorite. Lift a cold one and toast to the ingenuity of this historic cocktail.

–DH

The luxury suite includes a fully-stocked Moscow Mule bar, wraparound balcony, and other amenities. To book the suite, visit moscowmule.com/muleseum-vegas.

10 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

BEAUTY

Message Of Success Entrepreneur Gina Rivera talks success and a new product launch.

Nationally recognized beauty icon, industry expert, and top-ranked entrepreneur Gina Rivera recently hosted her show, Colour Your Life. This year she focused on her company Phenix Salon Suites and By Gina beauty line. Among the top named entrepreneurs, Rivera has the distinction of being the only female president of her company and, you can watch her in action on the Emmy Award-winning show Undercover Boss.

The acclaimed salon owner presented her inaugural “Colour Your Life” stage show last year, sharing her experiences in the beauty industry and personal stories.

Founded 10 years ago, Phenix Salon Suites skyrocketed to success and has been named a Top 500 Franchise four years running. The company is one of the fastest-growing companies in the beauty industry with over 250 salon locations nationwide, including several in Southern Nevada.

The By Gina products have brought new technology to the beauty industry, including infrared professional styling tools. Her new wet line, currently used at select Caesars Palace properties in Las Vegas, will be featured on HSN on Aug. 9. The wet line has also been in featured in the Grammy Awards gifting suites in the past. Plans are currently underway for expansion in the US and abroad.

–DH sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 11

{crossroads}

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

HE ALTHY CHOICES Ricardo Baca reports on the intersection of cannabis and culture.

We’ve ultimately been familiar with the concept of

Too often when discussing marijuana as a health and

medical marijuana for centuries, and we’ve had medical

wellness tool we ignore that it’s also a legitimate medi-

cannabis laws on the books in this country since 1996—

cine for our mental health. A number of legitimate stud-

thank you very much, Dennis Peron and California voters.

ies have shown marijuana’s positive effects on our men-

But it wasn’t until June of 2015 that medical marijuana

tal well-being, but a recent one in particular stands out.

truly attained its top-level bona fides from the Journal of

Researchers in the Netherlands in 2016 conducted a

the American Medical Association (JAMA), the 134-year-old

random controlled trial (a.k.a. the gold standard of sci-

top-ranked peer-reviewed publication that is largely con-

entific research, per the Washington Post) to investigate

sidered to be one of the most conscientious, vetted, and

the link between human aggression and two of the

respected medical journals in the world.

most popular substances we’re known to consume:

JAMA’s groundbreaking analysis from June 2015, which was based on 79 trials involving nearly 6,500 partici-

marijuana and alcohol.

Of course cannabis has a reputation for

pants, found that cannabis absolutely does help with

chilling out those who use it, but what did

certain ailments and conditions, including severe pain,

the scientific research say?

nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy, and spasticity from multiple sclerosis.

(The analysis also found that marijuana’s efficacy to-

“The results in the present study support the hypothesis that acute alcohol intoxication increases feelings of ag-

ward most conditions it is prescribed for is unproven, but

gression and that acute cannabis intoxi-

that’s an entirely different story given the federal govern-

cation reduces feelings of aggression,” the

ment’s many barriers to serious research on cannabis.)

researchers wrote in medical journal Psy-

But that game-changing JAMA analysis represents a monolithic marker on the cannabis timeline. Suddenly one

chopharmacology.

Forget about the alcohol making us

of the medical world’s most discerning voices was finally

more aggro and focus on that last part.

making a bold statement on the record, reaffirming some-

This study found that marijuana, sepa-

thing already known anecdotally by millions of medical

rate from any other substance, reduces

marijuana patients across the globe: Marijuana is medicine.

feelings of aggression.

It really changed the worldwide conversation around

As WaPo reported: “This is in line

medical cannabis, but now I’d like to take this idea one step

with other research. A study in

further. Because while I’ve successfully used cannabis to

2014, for instance, found that mar-

treat my physical health, I’ve also come to recognize that

ijuana use among couples was

marijuana can also be medicine for our mental health.

linked to lower rates of domestic

12 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 13

violence. In a fun study from the 1980s, researchers gave

we’re consuming marijuana more regularly than alcohol.”

undergraduates varying doses of marijuana and then

She understood the point, but she challenged me to go

asked them to administer electric shocks to people in an-

broader with the hypothesis. How was cannabis impact-

other room. The more stoned the undergrads were, the

ing all of my relationships—with family, with friends,

less interested they were in zapping other people.”

with colleagues, with strangers?

I remember posting this Washington Post story on so-

After a couple weeks of deep and sometimes-uncom-

cial media last year to a chorus of duuuhs from friends and

fortable introspection, I arrived at my own personal epiph-

acquaintances who are longtime cannabis consumers

any: Cannabis absolutely bolsters my mental health, includ-

themselves. But going back to the JAMA example, anec-

ing my ability to cultivate meaningful personal relationships.

dotal evidence is of course meaningful—but it won’t ever

It means better communication and fewer arguments. It

be as trusted or compelling as peer-reviewed analysis or,

means more patience and less aggression. It means more

in this case, a random controlled trial.

respectful conversations and fewer tirades on social media.

As I contemplated a less aggressive world with lower rates

For me at least, marijuana has made an already spec-

of domestic violence—heck, with lower rates of violence in

tacular life even better. And I’m looking forward to more

general—it brought me back to a conversation I’d had with

science-based research in the future to tell us more

my girlfriend (and now wife) years before. I was a still-new

about how our relationship with this plant can help our

marijuana aficionado trying to put my stoned experiences in

relationships with those who matter most.

perspective, and she was a knowledgeable, more-experienced sounding board with wise-beyond-her-years insight.

“We’ve never argued all that much,” I told her one day in the car, “but I’m thinking we argue even less now that

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

His content agency Grasslands works primarily with businesses and individuals in the cannabis and hemp industries on thought leadership, publicity, and marketing projects via thoughtful, personalized content campaigns.

FOLLOW US @POTDRIVE 14 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

“

I ARRIVED AT MY OWN PERSONAL EPIPHANY: CANNABIS ABSOLUTELY B OLSTE RS M Y M ENTA L H EA LTH, INCLUDING M Y A BILIT Y TO CU LT I VATE M E A N INGF U L PERSONAL R EL ATIONSH I PS.

”

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 15

{tastebuds}

by D E B B I E H A L L

16 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

PHOTO BY NORMA JEAN ORTEGA / EL DORADO CANTINA

HEALTH-MEX El Dorado Cantina delivers authentic, nourishing Mexican cuisine.

Mexican food can sometimes be thought of as lard-laden,

chiles, garlic, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and fresh lime

deep-fried deliciousness. Tacos, wet burritos, and deep-fried

juice to make sure it bursts with flavor. If Vegas temps ar-

churros, while tasty, aren’t necessarily the healthiest things

en’t hot enough for you, take the culinary heat up a notch

to eat. El Dorado Cantina (ELDORADOVEGAS.COM) is changing

(or two) and order the Tableside Ghost Chili Pepper Salsa.

the way Mexican food is perceived. A menu curated by Chef

Made to each guest’s specifications, the fresh roasted

Francisco Cortes is comprised of organic, GMO-free, authen-

ghost chili peppers, roasted tomatoes, garlic, salt, and

tic ingredients. Each bite contains locally sourced ingre-

pepper are blended and garnished with cilantro onion mix.

dients with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan

In the mood for a burger? The Portobello burger delivers

options infused with his passion for dish-

the earthy taste of the mushroom topped with lettuce, on-

es that stay true to his Mexican roots.

ion, and tomato served on a bun. Mexican three-cheese

All the food including beef, chick-

blend can be added for a vegetarian dish. For the gluten-free

en, pork, shrimp, fish, produce,

crowd, the gluten-free Huevos Divorciados satisfies early

and dairy are carefully selected

morning (or late night) hunger featuring two fried eggs

from US farms and are free of an-

topped with queso fresco, roasted green, and red salsa over

tibiotics, pesticides, and steroids.

fresh Hass avocados on grilled corn tortillas with a choice of

The vegan and vegetarian

refried or black beans. Not a bad hangover cure.

Mexican cuisine combines healthy

The 4,200-square-foot restaurant is open 24/7 and

ingredients creating flavorful,

has a dining space, Macassar ebony topped bar, and pri-

plant-based meals cooked to

vate dining room. The Mexican décor incorporates rich

tempt any palate. The newest

woods enhanced by hand-woven deep red wall coverings

dish on the menu features blue

accented by wrought-iron light fixtures. Antique mirrors

corn tacos filled with grilled colored

and two antique oak and copper aged doors hang near the

cauliflower and topped with salsa

bar creating the ambiance of a secret hideaway. Tall

cascabel, pico de gallo, and fresh gua-

booths invite romance while tabletops encourage people

camole. The colors of the blue corn amidst the reds and greens are a visual delight.

to hang out with family and friends.

El Dorado Cantina redefines Mexican cuisine, embrac-

El Dorado Cantina’s vegan and gluten-free

ing culture, smart ingredients, and health conscious op-

guacamole and salsa include the signature Tableside

tions, making way for cuisine that just about anyone with

Guacamole combining fresh Hass avocados with Serrano

a pulse will love. sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 17

{highprofile}

by D E B B I E H A L L

HIGH-LEVEL MEDICINE

Dr. Scott Jacobson’s health practice strikes a balance between new medicinal techniques and good old-fashioned patient care.

Once upon a time, seeing the doctor meant you’d get a

tests. The clinic was a fee-based model that doctors got

house call and personal service but as the medical industry

paid more if they did more. If a doctor saw more patients,

became dominated by insurance companies and timed visits,

they spent less time with each person. Also, more tests

practices shifted to a rather impersonal experience. Thank-

can be intrusive,” he explains. “This way of practicing med-

fully, some doctors have gone back to giving better service

icine was totally contradictory to why I became a doctor.”

with convenient options including implementing technology

He realized he was unable to provide a reasonable level of

to make patient experience better all around. From concierge,

care and still be profitable to the company. Disillusioned, Ja-

managed care, patient-centered medical home care, to virtu-

cobson refused to accept that a fee-based practice was the

al appointments, doctors like Dr. Scott Jacobson are sub-

only way to provide health care. He researched innovative

scribing to a new model of practice. Combining Western and

medical care models and was inspired by a program on PBS

Eastern treatments, Jacobson has a membership-based

about different ways of providing health care nationally. He

subscription model available to patients, focusing on allow-

wanted to duplicate the same pioneering ideas in Las Vegas.

ing them to receive individualized care.

A startup company based in Boston offered Jacobson a

Jacobson originally came to Las Vegas to complete his

position in practice more aligned with his beliefs and eth-

residency in family medicine. Enamored, he wanted to

ics. He advanced to medical director of one of its clinics

make Southern Nevada home and “was ready to change

and spent five years learning about the business of medi-

the world and save people’s lives.”

cine while providing the best health care possible.

After less than two years in traditional primary care

“The clinics promoted creating relationships with pa-

practice, Jacobson became jaded. He worked in a busy

tients and getting them off the medicine,” he says. “I be-

practice seeing 30 to 40 patients daily.

gan educating people on how to live a healthier life. I can’t

“My bosses would come into my office every month and tell me how I had to see more patients and include more 18 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

accomplish that in a 10-minute visit paid for by the insurance company.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY REN JACOBSON

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 19

eo), classes, and workshops. From nutritional counseling, herbs, supplements, hemp-based products, medicinal cannabis, exercise programs, and mind-body practices such as yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, and meditation, patient needs are met.

His individualized approach to health recognizes that everyone is different and as a result creates individualized plans. Striking a balance between holistic and pharmaceutical, Jacobson explains benefits and risks to both. His care also includes cannabis.

“Cannabis has been used medicinally for thousands of years, and only recently has there been a resurgence in the exploration and research into the medical benefits of this powerful herb. We are very fortunate to live in such a progressive state with some of the strictest regulations.

Nevada should be a model for other states going forward with legalizing cannabis since here we know exactly The clinic had negotiated a contract for a large organi-

what’s in all of the cannabis products sold,” he says. “Can-

zation, and Jacobson took care of the organization’s staff

nabis-based products can have a huge impact on people’s

suffering with significant health issues including uncon-

lives. I’ve witnessed its effect many times.”

trolled diabetes, heart ailments, and lung disease. Many patients were taking up to 15 different medications.

“I got very good at managing these very complex cases.

However, I am very passionate about helping people prevent health problems. This was when I researched more holistic approaches to medicine.”

While appreciative of the opportunities given to him during his time in the clinic, Jacobson wanted to open his own practice in Las Vegas—and so he did. His practice, Wishing Wellness (WISHINGWELLNESSMEDICAL.COM) incorporates his principles through an innovative system.

According to Jacobson, barriers must be broken down to establish trust between a patient and physician. E-visits, including email, text, phone call, and video conferencing, help with communication. If there is a system in place where a doctor is getting paid to take care of people, this impedes interaction. For example, many doctors will not review test results over the phone or write a prescription to a pharmacist because insurance companies will only pay for an in-office visit. The length of times waiting for an appointment are increased.

With a membership model (much like a gym), patients have access to him as their personal primary care doctor as well as same-day appointments, e-visits (email, text, phone, and vid-

20 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

“Cannabis-based products can have a huge impact on people’s lives.

I’ve witnessed its effect many times.”

—Dr. Scott Jacobson

As a physician, he is knowledgeable about the forms of administration, dosing, and timing of cannabis products, and is committed to helping patients navigate the complicated world of medical marijuana by providing the safest and most effective medicinal use through a prescription. Supplements remain an unregulated industry, so Jacobson uses companies he has researched first hand and trusts, ensuring quality and safety for his patients.

In spite of shaking things up, Jacobson puts his patients first. Since all services are offered on a direct-pay basis, the practice does not bill any insurance companies. That said, they do recommend their patients have health insurance.

Their goal is to offer the most affordable and quality healthcare around. Wishing Wellness is leading the way, giving patients a far more personal form of healthcare, ensuring they are healthy, happy, and not treated like a number.

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 21

{lifestyle}

by D E B B I E H A L L

22 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

PHOTO OF CHEF MAYRA BY ROGER BENNETT

C he f M ay r a c rea t es t a s t y vegan food for all palates.

Dr. Flavor, as Chef Mayra Trabulse is often called, cooks with a unique acclaimed style by merging flavor

to veganism but rather encourage everyone to eat healthier and understand the purpose of food itself.

and fusion from Caribbean and Southwest cuisines. She

“Healthy cooking is a perception. My goal is to educate

describes her method as gourmet vegan comfort food

and inform,” she says. “I am not trying to force someone to

bursting with flavor.

become vegan or eat only organic. But a good start is to

Mayra was destined to cook. Born in Mexico City of Cu-

become more aware where food comes from and how it’s

ban and Lebanese descent, she embraced the flavors of

produced. I would be happy if someone bought locally

the kitchen at a very young age. While meat was an avid

sourced products. I want people to understand about

part of her heritage, her curiosity to explore the signifi-

GMO and processed food. I am especially concerned about

cance of each ingredient led her to research the culinary

children’s eating habits today.

world. She discovered how much food was imported

“I want to get everyone to stop eating processed food,

and how the integrity of that food was compromised.

including processed wheat. I believe this is what is con-

Once she learned about the slaughtering of exot-

tributing to the major health problems and illnesses today.

ic animals for their meats and furs, she questioned

I want to encourage everyone to learn to grow some food,”

the behavior and the cooking practice, which inevi-

she continues. “While I personally would like to see no

tably led her to veganism. Once she fully transi-

more cruelty in our lives, I first want to get rid of the crap

tioned into a vegan lifestyle, she made sacrifices in

that is such a part of so many people’s diets.”

her career that initially cost her work but supported

She even promotes shopping at the dollar stores. “Peo-

her principles. Still, her goal is not to convert people

ple would be amazed at what they can purchase at any sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 23

dollar store. I want to educate everyone to read the labels

people to replace empty calories with enriching ones.

and select better options. If a family only has $20 to $40

Mayra teaches vegan cooking classes and is certified

to spend on their groceries, I can teach them to stretch

in sports nutrition, macrobiotic cooking, and holistic

their money at those stores and still eat better.”

and Feng Shui cuisine. She also has a website

For example, mac and cheese is a good choice. But Mayra

MAYRA.COM)

(CHEF-

and a YouTube channel full of recipes and tu-

advises not to purchase the boxed kind with powder to hy-

torials on living a healthy lifestyle. With all of the health

drate as a sauce. “That mixture is made with chemicals that

challenges we’re facing, even if you don’t transition to

might satisfy hunger but add no nutrition. You can buy noo-

becoming vegan, we can all make smarter choices.

dles, nut milk, vegan butter, and vegan cheese and make a

“My desire is for more people to go vegan and keep it healthy,” she says. “If I can teach everyone how to cook and bake delicious meals that work with the body, not against it, then I am happy. I want to inspire children, women, and men.”

Farm-to-table is an essential aspect of her overall dietary plan. Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Natural Grocers became the norm for the supermarket terrain featuring organic and healthy foods at affordable prices.

Since Amazon has purchased Whole Foods, wholesome selections can now be delivered in a two-hour window.

Mayra also uses hemp and hemp seed in her stockpot of flavors, offering clean protein and fiber.

She sometimes cooks with CBD oil too but emphasizes that cooking with CBD oil is different from ingesting CBD in other methods. “People need to understand how to use it without destroying its benefits. I feel that if people can learn to combine CBD with other oils, sauces, and dressings, then those who might not otherwise want to use cannabis would be more open to its benefits without feeling like they are using a drug.” She is happy to teach home cooks and chefs the best ways to integrate hemp and CBD into their dishes.

new and improved version at the same cost with minimal

While Pura Vida Bakery & Bistro may have closed its

effort. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, cheese, rice, beans, and

doors in 2014, she innovated the restaurant scene with

even vegan choices are now offered in the dollar stores. It’s

serving 100 percent cruelty-free fare. She plans on

a wonderful resource for anyone on a budget.”

opening a new concept in the coming year that will have

Part of Mayra’s mission is to demonstrate how to make

an energy-efficient kitchen, a smaller carbon footprint,

familiar foods using healthy ingredients. She continually

and a menu full of flavors. In the interim, she consults

hears others say they can’t give up their favorites, such as

with restaurateurs and chefs on concepts from vegan to

pizza. Well-crafted recipes with the right ingredients can

steakhouses, teaching them to develop high-quality

create comfort food that helps the body, nourishes the

vegan dishes.

mind, and lowers our carbon footprint. She even demon-

“Whatever your journey is, stay on the right frequency,”

strated how to use jackfruit to make sliders and nachos at

she says. “Make small changes and don’t feel obligated or

the Health-Healing-Happiness expo. The hope is to get

pressured. Eat happier. Become your own advocate.”

24 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 25

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT ALL THAT SCREEN TIME AND VISUAL SENSORY OVERLOAD DOES TO YOUR EYES? MOST OF US DON’T. WE STARE FOR COUNTLESS HOURS AT OUR SMARTPHONES, COMPUTERS, AND TELEVISIONS FOR SO LONG WE FORGET THAT WE MIGHT ACTUALLY BE

taking our eyesight for granted.

SLOWLY BUT SURELY, OUR SIGHT

BECOMES LESS AND LESS SHARP WHICH IS WHY IT’S SO IMPORTANT TO SCHEDULE REGULAR EYE EXAMS. JUST LIKE AN ANNUAL PHYSICAL, OUR EYES NEED REGULAR TENDING TO. AFTER ALL, THOSE PEEPERS ARE THE

windows to the soul.

Preventive screenings and proper care can make gazing at

Dr. Jennifer Burke, OD, Eyediology Vision Care, offers

our loved ones, enjoying spectacular landscapes, or even en-

some essential tips on preserving that precious sense

joying a killer concert far more enjoyable. The American Op-

of sight. “While there are eye screenings at school, chil-

tometric Association recommends that our eyes are checked

dren should be examined annually by an eye doctor.

as early as 6 months old. It’s so important to make sure the

There is so much more that goes into eye care than a

world children see is as bright and beautiful as possible.

screening,” says Burke.

26 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

In order to see, we have to check our peepers.

by D E B B I E H A L L

“The truth is that many times kids won’t say anything

posure, especially an hour before bedtime. While she

especially if they can see well out of one eye,” she ex-

recommends this for adults as well, children are very

plains. “However there are symptoms such as headaches.

susceptible to high-energy blue light emitted by smart-

Parents might think their child is just trying to stay out

phones and tablets.

of school, but it can also be a sign of eye strain.” Other

Blue light from the sun regulates the wake/sleep cy-

signs are when a child covers one eye to see, falls asleep

cles. When we dose ourselves with this light before go-

or loses place while reading, or has difficulty maintain-

ing to sleep, our brain gets an alert message that inhib-

ing attention in the classroom. Thankfully eyeglasses

its us from reaching the deep REM sleep we need.

these days are stylish, but they’re purposeful. Lens tech-

How can we fix that? Switch to nighttime mode, es-

nology has come a long way and for kids, they’re coated

pecially if working on a device into the night and early

with an antiglare film to block out some of the blue light.

morning (note to self, turn it on nighttime mode).

As adults, we’re reminded of how important it is to

Instead of looking at our devices, Burke goes old

take breaks from our devices, and kids are no different.

school and suggests reading a book that relaxes, con-

According to Burke, in a perfect world she would have

nects, and aids in a sound sleep. During the day, she

small children avoid devices altogether, but since that

also recommends what’s called visual hygiene—the

isn’t realistic, she does encourage parents to limit ex-

20/20/20 rule. For every 20 minutes spent looking at a sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 27

device or computer screen, spend 20 seconds focusing

lenses, might panic but difficulty in focusing is

on something 20 feet away. You may want to consider

normal as we age.”

Some things do need attention like symptoms in-

It can’t be said enough: it’s so important for us to get

cluding red eyes, eye pain, changes in color vision or

our eyes checked on the regular, especially those who

blockage. If you’re experiencing floaters, flashes of

are entering their 40s. Our sight changes as we get old-

light, or any shadows, it is imperative to see an eye-

er. Ever wonder why you hold your phone at that weird

care provider immediately for a possible retinal de-

angle when a text comes through? May be time to en-

tachment. If that is the diagnosis, a retinal specialist

large your font.

can repair the damage within two days, and lost vision

“This happens to everyone,” says Burke. “The

can possibly be restored.

eye ages and this is the first sign. Some of my patients,

Cataracts will eventually develop in an aging popula-

especially those who have never worn corrective

tion but the condition is treatable with a 15-minute surgery. New advances allow surgeons to replace the aged lens with a prescriptive lens that enables the patient to see better than they may have ever seen before.

“There are always improvements with Lasik surgery,” says Burke. An eye specialist can determine if you’re a good candidate but Burke cautions never to use a discount coupon or be influenced by advertising.

“There is so much more that goes into eye care than a screening.”

—Jennifer Burke, OD 28 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

PHOTO OF JENNIFER BURKE COURTESY OF EYEDIOLOGY VISION CARE / EYES (LEFT TO RIGHT): ADOBE STOCK, JOSE A. THOMPSON, HARRY QUAN, HYBRID

getting some glasses too that help prevent eyestrain.

While this is elective surgery, a conversation with a

cannabis doesn’t do enough for patients with glauco-

professional eye doc—an ophthalmologist [MD] or a

ma, it’s because glaucoma is more complex. Glaucoma

doctor of osteopathic medicine [DO]—is essential.

occurs when the intraocular pressure (fluid pressure

With all the advancements in the optics industry, pa-

inside the eye) is too high for the eye to handle. Glau-

tients have a variety of options in terms of the best

coma can cause the nerve from the eye to the brain to

ways to see clearly. From disposable lenses to fash-

degenerate. Medical cannabis can lower the pressure

ion-forward glasses to Lasik and anything in between,

for about two hours, but as soon as the effects wear off,

what matters most is finding the right fit, and checking

patients must continuously dose over a 24-hour peri-

those beautiful eyes annually.

od. With medical advances, eye doctors can slow down

While Burke doesn’t believe medical cannabis does enough for patients with glaucoma, it has unending benefits for most other diagnoses. In terms of why

the disease but unfortunately, there is no cure. Yet. In order to see the world, we have to take the time to care for the part of us that allows us to experience it.

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sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 29

30 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

PORTRAIT COURTESY OF JULIE MONTEIRO

NURSE’S

NEW NORMAL How one woman pioneered the use of cannabis among nurses.

by D E B B I E H A L L

CANNABIS NURSES NETWORK FOUNDING MEMBER AND EDITOR JULIE MONTEIRO RN, BSK, KNOWN AS

Ask Nurse Juhlzie,

REALIZED

AS A YOUNG GIRL THAT SHE WAS GOING TO PURSUE A CAREER IN MEDICINE. SHE WANTED TO HELP PEOPLE, AND HER JOURNEY HAS SINCE TAKEN HER FROM DIRECT PATIENT CARE TO

blazing a new trail FOR THE

NURSING PROFESSION. Cannabis Nurses Network (CANNABISNURSESNETWORK.COM) supports and encourages nurses as they ex-

pand into cannabinoid therapeutics and other cannabis modalities as a medical specialty.

The global network incorporates a new ideal in nursing. Nurses are the ones who know us inside and out, advocate on our behalf, hold the medical profession accountable, educate, comfort, and truly care. Now, thanks sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 31

to the Cannabis Nurses Network, nurses are empowered

biomechanical, and psychological principles and

to develop educational programs that include endocan-

mechanisms of mobility. Sports medicine fit her train-

nabinoid system science and care, cannabinoid thera-

ing, but soon Monteiro wanted to explore other health-

peutics, lifespan and diagnosis considerations, and in-

care fields. She decided nursing was a better fit and

corporating cannabis therapeutics into the healthcare

completed her education in Wyoming.

modality to offer additional treatments for holistic health and wellness.

She returned to Las Vegas where she once worked in the pediatric emergency room as a certified nursing as-

According to a Gallup poll in 2017, for the 16th consec-

sistant at University Medical Center in 1997. In 2006, she

utive year, nurses outrank 21 other professions on hon-

decided to further her pediatric experience at Sunrise

esty and ethics ratings.

Children’s Hospital to specialize in pediatric ER and trau-

“Nurses lead the way as the most trusted healthcare providers,” states Monteiro. “Nurses are involved with

ma. She reminisces, “I loved it. I was so happy to be there and was at the top of my game in the clinical setting.”

all aspects of patient care including interacting with

However, life as she knew it changed when Monteiro

doctors, social workers, pharmacists and other health-

became very ill. Her prescribed pharmaceutical medi-

care professionals. I like to say in this industry, nurses

cation wasn’t alleviating her pain and suffering and,

are the ‘Gorilla Glue’ that is bridging the gap to our

after some research, she discovered the benefits of can-

healthcare system. Patients are talking to nurses about

nabis. As her body slowed down, Monteiro left direct

cannabis and must be informed and educated on the

patient care. While cannabis helped in the healing pro-

science behind the plant in order to properly chart and

cess, she knew she could not return to nursing and con-

“I WORKED IN NEVADA AND SPOKE TO MANY NURSES. I WAS WARNED THAT MY INVOLVEMENT

WITH CANNABIS WAS CAREER SUICIDE.” inform patients correctly. Ignorance is not bliss and

tinue using medicinal marijuana. It was illegal and

saying you are not in favor of this plant does not dis-

drug testing was a regular part of her job requirements.

miss you from providing proper knowledge and care to

While Nevada legalized medicinal cannabis in 2000,

patients. Misinformation on this plant due to prohibi-

it would be thirteen years before dispensaries would

tion needs to cease. We have the knowledge and re-

open. The only recourse was to grow, cultivate, produce

search on the beneficial factors of this safe plant. We

the plants at home, and determine the best dose her-

need to share that.”

self. By 2010, Monteiro had learned which cannabis

This issue has awakened a new fervor in nurses, in-

products were safe to use, attended meetings, and

cluding many coming out of retirement to be a part of

reached out to state legislators, which inevitably led

this new era of healthcare.

her to better educate patients and healthcare profes-

“Another reason nurses are coming back is because

sionals about its benefits.

there is a shortage of nurses in general,” she states. Le-

“Learning about cannabis inspired me to advance to

galization has created added benefits for patients as

a new field in nursing that no one realized was even

more experienced nurses are in the field without having

possible. I worked in Nevada and spoke to many nurses.

to worry about retribution over cannabis use.

I was warned that my involvement with cannabis was

Monteiro admits her passion developed when she be-

career suicide,” Monteiro states.

came a patient herself. The path from childhood to ac-

In 2013, Monteiro was deemed fully disabled and re-

tivist/advocate began in Southern California. Born with

mained a patient in the healthcare system. Coping with

what she calls “the caring gene,” Monteiro obtained her

multiple tragedies, PTSD, degenerative disc disease, neu-

degree in kinesiology, the scientific study of body move-

ropathy, herniated discs and chronic pain, she still con-

ment. She developed her expertise in the physiological,

tinued as an advocate, activist, and educator. While at-

32 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

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tending a medical conference in 2014, she was presented

“The network is a complementary modality and re-

the opportunity to speak with professionals from all over

source to all cannabis nursing organizations and entre-

the country about challenges, obstacles, and concerns.

preneurs. We insist on advocating for the health,

Her goal was to develop a network of nurses to sup-

well-being, and professional safety of nurses and pa-

port a new specialty of healthcare professionals treat-

tients embarking on their cannabis nurse journey. See-

ing patients with cannabis. She discovered nurses

ing that need, being a nurse, and understanding how

who were working in dispensaries, growing medicinal

our nursing profession works, if there is something a

cannabis, working in testing labs, employed at cultiva-

patient needs, we as nurses must find a way to bridge

tion centers, and consulting with patients one-on-one

the gap by finding a resource and providing a solution.”

and with doctors. Monteiro was inspired to launch

Monteiro predicts an explosion in the cannabinoid

Cannabis Nurses Magazine to offer information and

therapeutic movement and will continue to advocate

resources in one source. A nurse was featured on each

within the industry to expand her profession. Her ulti-

cover to celebrate nurses stepping outside of the

mate goal is that cannabis becomes available to every-

boundaries to embrace the new cannabis nursing

one, not just a select few. As she states, “Cannabis is

frontier. That endeavor led to creating the Cannabis

here to stay. We want everyone to know about the well-

Nurses Network.

ness aspects this plant can offer.”

34 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 35

36 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

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 37

“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-

38 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

“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-

symptoms for many of the same things it’s been recom-

sensimag.com AUGUST 2018 39

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

40 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

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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

42 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

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 43

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

44 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

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 45

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.

46 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

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 47

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{HereWeGo}

by D E B B I E H A L L

Up and Over

Overcome inspires strength at Henderson Hospital.

A hospital is more than just a building where medicine is practiced. It’s a portal to life, a place where newborn babies take their first breaths, where terminally ill patients take their last. The full spectrum of the human experience— and all the emotions that come with it—plays out within its walls. Simultaneously, it’s a place of healing and of pain. A place of hope and of defeat. A place where people become patients. And where patients fight for their lives.

Artist Chris O’Rourke honors that fight with his sculpture Overcome, derson Hospital. Welded mild steel with an aged finish, the abstract piece is reflective of two spiral staircases. The artist’s intention is to inspire people walking past it to see a path over the obstacles they may encounter once they step inside the hospital doors.

50 AUGUST 2018 Las Vegas

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS O’ROUKE

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