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I B O S TO N S U M M E R 2020

GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE The natural burial movement reclaims a dying tradition ›››

CBN FOR ZZZ

The lesser-known compound that helps you sleep

MADE FOR BLISS

The untold power of the endocannabinoid system

Ease into Edibles. INTRODUCING CURALEAF NANO GUMMIES, FAST-ACTING EDIBLES YOU CAN TRUST.

AVAIL ABLE AT YOUR LOCAL CURALEAF LOCATIONS:

CURALEAF MA HANOVER MEDICAL 2001 Washington St Unit B. Hanover, Masshusetts 02339

CURALEAF MA WARE ADULT-USE 124 West St. Ware, Masshusetts 01082

CURALEAF MA PROVINCETOWN ADULT-USE 170 Commercial St. Provincetown, Masshusetts 02657

CURALEAF MA OXFORD ADULT-USE AND MEDICAL 425 Main St. Suite B Oxford, Masshusetts 01540

Please Consume Responsibly | For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children. | There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. This product has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The impairment effects of Edible Marijuana Products may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of MA.

BOSTON SENSI MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020

sensimediagroup @sensimagazine @sensimag

F E AT U R E S

Dust to Dust

The statewide green burial movement seeks to reclaim a dying tradition.

Body Made for Bliss

Did you know you have an endocannabinoid system? You do. So why haven’t you heard about it?

D E PA R T M E N T S

9 EDITOR’S NOTE 18 THE LIFE Contributing to your health and happiness 12 THE BUZZ CBN FOR ZZZ Products News, tips, and tidbits to keep you in the loop SUN SPOT Cleaning up cultivation with solar energy PURE APPINESS The app to lift your spirits PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

TINC lets you infuse with a fizz. BASKIN THE GOODNESS

CBD for athletes DOWNWARD DOG Fitness fashion for Fido ECO ARRANGEMENT

Toss the traditional bouquet in favor of friendlier flowers. IT’S THE BALM Bag Balm is not just for cows anymore.

that help you sleep

HOROSCOPE What the

stars hold for you

40 THE SCENE Hot happenings and hip

hangouts around town TREAT YO’SELF Ways to enjoy a getaway in the Pioneer Valley ART IN THE OPEN The new MassArt Art Museum will offer free admission.

ON THE COVER

Is the grass always greener? Maybe not when it comes to your final resting place. PHOTO BY VIDI STUDIO, ADOBE STOCK

NOT ON THE CALENDAR

What to do now that there’s nothing to do

52 THE END The winding roads and legends of Dogtown

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S E N S I M AG .C O M 7

easy Two convenient locations! OPEN DAILY 9–9 939 Boston Turnpike Shrewsbury, MA 112 Main Street Wareham, MA

verilife.com/ma Please Consume Responsibly. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. For use only by adults 21 years of age or older or persons holding a patient registration card. Keep out of the reach of children. This product has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The impairment effects of edible marijuana may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact the poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of MA. ©2020 PharmaCannis Massachusetts. All rights reserved.

ADVISORY BOARD

Boston Gardener Gardening Supply The Botanist Cannabis Education Corners Packaging Packaging Curaleaf Veterans Cannabis Project Flourish Software Seed to Sale Green Goddess Supply Personal Homegrown Biochamber Green Matters, LLC Supply Chain Greenhouse Payment Solutions Payment Processing The Holistic Center Medical Marijuana Evaluations The Leaf Collaborative Education Lev8 Labs, Ltd Terpenes Lofty Labs, LLC Pet CBD Mayflower Medicinals, Inc. Online Reservations Nine Point Strategies Insurance

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PotGuide Travel & Tourism Pro Garden Solutions Harvest Consulting Revolutionary Clinics Medical Dispensary Royal Gold Soil Sira Naturals Cannabis Product Innovation Tess Woods Public Relations Public Relations Valiant Group, LLC Commercial Development

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FAC E B O O K Like Sensi Media Group for the parties, topics, and happenings we’re obsessed with right now.

TWITTER Follow @sensimag to stay up-to-date on the latest news from Sensi cities.

I N S TAG R A M @sensimagazine is home to exclusive photos and content.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Magazine published monthly by Sensi Media Group LLC.

EXECUTIVE

Ron Kolb Founder, CEO ron@sensimag.com Stephanie Wilson Co-Founder, Editor in Chief stephanie@sensimag.com Mike Mansbridge President mike@sensimag.com Fran Heitkamp Chief Operating Officer fran@sensimag.com Lou Ferris VP of Global Revenue lou@sensimag.com Chris Foltz Director of Global Reach chris@sensimag.com Jade Kolb Director of Project Management jade.kolb@sensimag.com Kristan Toth Head of People kristan.toth@sensimag.com EDITORIAL

Doug Schnitzspahn Executive Editor doug.schnitzspahn@sensimag.com Emilie-Noelle Provost Managing Editor emilie.provost@sensimag.com Leland Rucker Senior Editor leland.rucker@sensimag.com Robyn Griggs Lawrence Editor at Large robyn.lawrence@sensimag.com Helen Olsson Copy Chief Melissa Howsam Senior Copy Editor Meryl Howsam, Bevin Wallace Copy Editors Aaron H. Bible, Mona Van Joseph Contributing Writers DESIGN

Jamie Ezra Mark Creative Director jamie@emagency.com Rheya Tanner Art Director Wendy Mak, Kiara Lopez, Josh Clark, Jason Jones Designers PUBLISHING

Richard Guerra Publisher richard.guerra@sensimag.com B U S I N E S S /A D M I N

Amber Orvik Administrative Director amber.orvik@sensimag.com Neil Willis Production Manager neil.willis@sensimag.com

When I was growing

up in a suburb south of Boston, late summer was always my favorite time of year. The song of the crickets under our front porch was at its loudest. The foliage was at its peak, the sugar maples lining our street forming a lush green tunnel above the road. I still look forward to the nights becoming cooler as the month of August wears on. And when the first whiff of autumn arrives on the evening breeze, I can’t wait for the crisp fall days ahead. Though it might not be obvious in this year of COVID-19 and the sadness and disappointment the pandemic brought with it, summer’s end still holds some magic. Simple pleasures, like watching the sherbet-colored August sunsets in our now quieter northof-Boston neighborhood, have helped remind me that nature’s cycles, and our cultural ones, will persist long after 2020 has ended. The hardships many of us have had to endure will eventually fade into memory, to be replaced by better, more hopeful days. Like autumn, a new beginning often starts with an ending. In researching my story about the green burial movement in Massachusetts, I discovered that there is a more natural, less costly way to say goodbye to our loved ones that treats them and the earth with respect and kindness. The movement is still in its early days, but it’s something worth looking into, especially if you are concerned about open space and the impact your actions have on the environment. This August in an especially ideal time for evaluating the systems we use to get things done and reimagining those that have become outdated. My short piece on Solar Therapeutics in The Buzz introduces a new way of cultivating cannabis “off the grid,” using electricity made by solar panels, eliminating the greenhouse gas emissions commonly generated by cannabis growing facilities. As the new managing editor of Sensi Boston, I’m excited about my own new beginning. I’m looking forward to bringing you fresh, local stories each month for many seasons to come.

Nature’s cycles, and our cultural ones, will persist long after 2020 has ended. The hardships many of us have had to endure will eventually fade into memory, to be replaced by better, more hopeful days.

Best,

M E D I A PA R T N E R S

Marijuana Business Daily Minority Cannabis Business Association National Cannabis Industry Association Students for Sensible Drug Policy

Emilie-Noelle Provost @Emilie_Noelle

S U M M E R 2020

S E N S I M AG .C O M 9

e r a u q S l a tr n e C IT’S GREAT TO BE PART OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Revolutionary Clinics is thrilled to be serving patients at 541 Massachusetts Avenue. Situated in the heart of the Central Square cultural district, this spacious shop features the highest quality cannabis along with a team of people who are passionate about connecting you with the products and delivery methods best suited for your needs. So stop by, say hello and enjoy the convenience of Central’s Square’s first and only cannabis clinic.

541 MASS AVE, CAMBRIDGE 67 BROADWAY, SOMERVILLE HIGH QUALITY MEDICAL MARIJUANA

110 FAWCETT ST, CAMBRIDGE

617.430.6699 617.213.6006 617.800.0813

$200 DISCOUNT FOR NEW PATIENTS. SPEND $200 GET $400.

MURAL BY FELIPE ORTIZ Please Consume Responsibly. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This product has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The impairment effects of edible marijuana may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of MA.

FROM THE EDITOR IN CHIEF

“The new normal” is the slogan

Sensi has been using since its inception. It appeared on every cover prior to our redesign in December 2019—roughly 200 magazines emblazoned with the phrase. We used it to highlight cannabis’s transition into the mainstream, and during the early days of COVID-19, we watched it become the official catchphrase of the pandemic. “The New Normal.” How else could you describe it? With that, I’ll welcome you to Sensi’s new new normal, not to be confused with the old new normal. Much like everything else in this world, our new normal looks a great deal different than it did at the start of this decade, some eight months and a lifetime ago. Way back then, we were printing local magazines in 14 markets across the country, with a 15th (Metro Maryland) slated to launch April 2020. Our creative team was in the midst of sending those editions to print when COVID-19 started to pick up steam. After some hard conversations with our leadership team, we made the call to hit pause on production for a variety of reasons, the main one being that our points of distribution were not going to be distributing during the global pandemic. If there’s a silver lining to this chaos, it may be that it’s forced us to slow down and examine our lives—to really look at what we do and consider the why and how behind it. It provided a chance to stop the constant doing of trying to meet goals and start thinking about whether those are the right goals to be aiming for at all. When we made the call to cancel our April editions, we were optimistic that we’d be back in print by June after giving the already-completed editions a little refresh before sending them out. Then we thought we’d return in July. I’m writing this letter on August 7 as the refreshed April editions are all working their way toward being published in the next few days, if all goes as planned. Little these days is going as planned, for better and for worse, but the past few months have been a bootcamp in staying nimble and having backup plans. Hitting pause allowed us to make a whole lot of plans as we examined our business piece by piece, stripped down to the basics and rebuilt from the ground up using the lessons we stumbled our way through building the Sensi brand. We’re guided by one mission: to serve our readers and our communities by focusing on connection—to information, to each other, to businesses and brands that offer products that meet your needs. But for the first time in Sensi’s history, we won’t be printing magazines—we’re going all in on digital this month, and we’ll be doubling down on digital next. This shift allows us to increase that reach exponentially, crossing boundaries and borders. And we’ll be doing so without compromising the quality of content and design that draws readers to our magazines, to our brand. We hope to return to print in the not-too-distant future, perhaps no one more than me. I believe in the power of print. But I also believe in evolution, and the way people consume information is changing. By limiting ourselves to a print publication, we were limiting the impact Sensi could hope to have. But now, with a fresh digital strategy that entails both dynamic local content as well as fully designed digital magazines created by the award-winning team at Em Agency, we’ve got the best of both worlds, and I’m excited to welcome you into the first phase of Sensi’s new digital universe. We’re almost ready to take the scaffolding off Phase 2, so be sure to check back and see what we’ve got planned in order to continue to bring our new normal into the new new normal of the world. Thank you for being here with us as we rebuild better than we were before.

Stephanie Wilson @stephwilll

We’re guided by one mission: to serve our readers and our communities by focusing on connection—to information, to each other, to businesses and brands that offer products that meet your needs.

Clean Cultivators From specialized lighting to controlling environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, successfully cultivating cannabis at an indoor facility requires a lot of energy. Growers in locations with cold climates like Massachusetts often struggle to find ways to decrease their energy usage and reduce their carbon footprints. But one Bay State cannabis cultivator, Solar Therapeutics in Somerset, has figured out a way to make the process of growing cannabis indoors cleaner and greener. In January, the company fired up its own micro-power grid. The system

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generates electricity sustainably by using 70,000 square feet of solar panels on the facility’s roof, along with additional solar arrays located on the property. Excess electricity is stored for later use by a series of batteries. Energy-efficient natural gas cogeneration units inside the building produce heat and electricity simultaneously. After using natural gas to generate electricity, the superfluous heat generated by the process is used to warm up the building. The company’s air conditioning system works by gathering cold air from the atmosphere. Even the packag-

ing the company uses for its products is eco-friendly. According to Solar Therapeutics’ website, the advanced system has allowed them to offset 60 percent of their carbon emissions. solarthera.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOLAR THERAPEUTICS

Solar Therapeutics in Somerset has figured out a way to make the process of cultivating high-quality cannabis greener.

C O N T R I B U TO R S

Aaron H. Bible, Emilie-Noelle Provost, Stephanie Wilson

COME ON, GET APPY

Going through something? We all experience moments when we could use some support. Some of those moments are life-changing, while others are a part of everyday life. If you need to get it off your chest, you need to get Happy, the app. Described by Vice as “like Uber but for ‘Happy Givers,’” Happy connects you to one of more than 2,000 trained listeners who aren’t there to offer advice or give feedback. They’re just there to support you and make you feel heard. They’ll give you the space to speak openly, anonymously, for as long as you’d like. For every individual caller referred by the American Heart Association through May 31, 2021, Happy will donate a free first-time call valued at $24 to the American Heart Association’s Support Network, for a minimum donation of $50,000. So download the App now. Call, get support, and be happy. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play happythemovement.com

BY THE NUMBERS

2 WEEKS How long Boston’s first pot shop, Pure Oasis, was open before it was forced to shut down under state order due to the coronavirus in March.

29%

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Cannabis Meets Fizz

TINC is fruity and refreshing. On the heels of the hard-seltzer craze, cannabis- and CDB-infused sparkling water is becoming increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why. It comes in a variety of delicious flavors, is low in calories and sugar, and can be used as a drink mixer or enjoyed on its own. There are several brands on the market, but if you want to keep your imbibing local, TINC, a manufacturer of cannabis-based products in Georgetown, makes cannabis-infused seltzer that comes in three great-tasting natural flavors: raspberry lime, lemon lime, and jam berry. Each 12-ounce can contains 5 mg of THC and is calorie-free. tincbrands.com

Of consumers said there was an increase in their personal cannabis consumption as a response to COVID-19. SOURCE: New Frontier Data

$33 BILLION Amount the federal government spends each year prosecuting the War on Drugs. SOURCE: New Frontier Data

“Worry is like a rocking chair: It gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.” —Erma Bombeck. A celebration of the humorist's life and work, presented by Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, fell victim to COVID cancellations, but don't let that stop you from learning more about the woman considered to be one of America's funniest moms. Visit ermabombeckcollection.com.

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THE BUZZ

BILITIES BY STEPHANIE WILSON, EDITOR IN CHIEF

1 IN CASE YOU MISSED THE IRONY of all the Great Gatsbythemed New Year’s Eve parties thrown to welcome in the second coming of the Roaring 20s, let me remind you how that decade ended: not much worse than this one is starting.

2 IN CASE YOU NEED A REMINDER: whatever you’re feeling is valid. There is no right or wrong way to process what we’re going through right now. There is a right way to interact with others right now, though: with care, through a mask, and from a distance. 3 IN CASE YOU’RE FEELING LIKE GOING OUT in public without a mask: stop watching Fox News, you’re being brainwashed. Be a good human, you’re better than that.

4 IN CASE YOU NEED A PICK-ME-UP: pick up a bouquet of blooms the next time you’re at the grocery store. Yes, funds are tight and flowers may seem like a frivolous purchase, but a $6 bouquet can brighten up rooms and moods alike. A 2018 study from the University of North Florida’s Department of Public Health finds that living with flowers “significantly alleviates daily stresses.” And we’re all a little bit stressed right now. Or we’re in denial, which is a stressful state to be in. Flowers will help. Pro tip: for the best flowers at the lowest prices, look for wholesale florists open to the public in your area. 5 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Denver’s mayor reversed his decision to leave recreational cannabis dispensaries and liquor stores off the list of essential businesses just three hours after the city’s stay-athome order was issued in March. Denverites were clear: flowers— the kind ones with THC—are definitely essential.

“There is no evidence proving marijuana can cure coronavirus.” — Reuters Fact Check. Where did some people get the idea that it did, you ask? They read it on a meme that they deemed a worthy source of news about a global pandemic. Moral of this story is two-fold: 1) cannabis can’t cure COVID, sorry. The World Health Organization lists smoking as one of the things that’s ineffective against the virus and might cause harm. (For some people, inhaling cannabis smoke can damage the lungs and have a negative effect on the immune system and its ability to fight off diseases.) 2) Fact check everything, from multiple sources if so compelled. Knowledge is power.

Get Baskin the Game Baskin boasts CBD for athletes. In the sea of CBD options, Baskin’s CBD product, according to the company, delivers 18 percent more CBD to the human body than does its competitiors, and its all-natural, long-lasting, breathable formulation is ideal for active adults. “Our crop comes from various states. Regardless of legally grown resources, the CBD used is broad spectrum and derived from hemp,” says Maikel van de Mortel of Lighthouse Strategies (the parent company of Baskin). “Each batch that we create is accompanied by a COA [certificate of analysis], which is key, as this allows consumers to see exactly what they buy and where it comes from. We use a special QR code to make our COAs accessible to the consumer.” Baskin’s selling points include superior binding technology that keeps the cream bonded to the skin through washing, rubbing, or sweating; controlled release of the CBD over a prolonged period; a formulation free of alcohol, parabens, waxes, or other solvents; and a patented formula that lets an athlete’s skin breathe and retain its natural moisture. With its market saturation and all the rhetoric around CBD’s actual effectiveness for sports recovery, few brands have patented CBD personal-care items the way Baskin has. Baskin’s sport recovery cream harnesses 300 mg of CBD to create the most targeted and effective solution, without slowing you down or taking you out of the game. Baskin sport recovery cream / 300 mg CBD / $50 / baskinessentials.com

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CORNERS PACKAGING T H E

Y E L L O W

P A N T S

G U Y S

Made in the U.S.A.

Low Minimums, quick turnarounds G7 Certified Printing Experts In operation since 1845 Carbon Neutral facility W W W . W E M A K E C O R N E R S . C O M

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Made with 100% Renewable Energy

THE BUZZ

DOWNWARD DOG Yoga-inspired dog wear is finally here. How did our pooches live without this apparel? If only they could tell us. Alas, we’ll just have to trust they are able to move freely and comfortably during zoomies thanks to a new line from Pet Life. The collection features state-of-the-art materials that are antimicrobial, quick-drying, and breathable. The collection includes stretchy dog T-shirts, polos, full-body gear, tank tops, and hoodies. “It took years to develop this collection after studying what the leading activewear manufacturers are doing in the human space,” says Joseph Braha of Pet Life. “We understand the yoga fashion market very well and how dog yoga is becoming a larger trend.” With breathable four-way stretch fabric, the Eboneflow dog yoga T-shirt worn here starts at $43. shop.petlife.com

It’s the Balm

And it’s not just for cows anymore.

Invented in Lyndonville, Vermont, in 1899, Bag Balm was originally used to soothe the irritation dairy cows’ udders endured during frequent milkings and to protect their delicate skin from the elements during Vermont’s harsh winters. As thrifty New Englanders, farmers were quick to realize Bag Balm is also a great remedy for their own chapped lips, minor cuts, and dry skin. Today, the Bag Balm company has upped You can have your blooms and feel good about them too. its game by adding a muscle and joint rub If you’re looking for a greener alternative to conventional centerpieces and bou- to its product line. The rub is made with quets for a marriage celebration, anniversary, or other special occasion, Love & full-spectrum certified organic CBD oil Thistle Floral Design in Stow might have what you’re looking for. This eco-friend- grown in Maine, therapeutic-grade organic ly florist creates unique custom arrangements that are as beautiful as they are oils, and organic arnica. The calming salve sustainable. The shop has reduced the carbon cost of its designs by partnering helps relieve aches and pains, stiffness, and with local farms, and incorporating foraged materials, fruits, leaves, and grasses swelling; and contains natural and organic into its unique bouquets, boutonnières, and adornments. Love & Thistle will even essential oils, including lavender, clove, include cannabis leaves and flowers in arrangements upon request. wintergreen, ginger, and rosemary.

FLOWER POWER

loveandthistle.com

Bag Balm / organic hemp & arnica muscle and joint rub, 2 ounces, $50 / bagbalm.com

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CBN for Zzz Don’t sleep on this lesser-known cannabinoid that may help you sleep. TEXT STEPHANIE WILSON

Sleep is a vital sign of health and well-being, and I’m an insomniac—have been for as long as I’ve been an adult. I’m also a magazine junkie, so every month I read another article about the importance of restful shut-eye and tips to help me achieve it. And I’ve tried them all, to no avail.

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PHOTO BY NATA NYTIAGA, SHUTTERSTOCK

I bought blackout curtains, a white noise machine, and an eye mask. Never much of a coffee drinker, I cut out any remaining caffeine (and became less aggro, but that’s a different story for another issue). I avoided electronics for an hour before getting into bed; I did nightly wind-down bedtime rituals; I only got into bed when it was time to sleep; I left my devices in the other room. I even got my dog a heated bed that she preferred over sleeping with me. I tried all these things, but sleep still evaded me. A brief period of reprieve followed my move to Colorado, as I began experimenting with cannabis as a sleep aid. If I smoked a little before bed, I’d fall asleep only to wake up an hour or so later when the effects had worn off. I tried edibles, which helped me fall asleep and stay asleep for hours. After a few nights in a row of some solid sleep, I remember waking up feeling rested and thinking I had found my miracle cure. But then my tolerance started building, and 5 mg wasn’t doing the trick. Then 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, and next thing I’d be lying in the dark, high and paranoid all night long. Even if I

got some decent sleep, I was waking up foggy. For so many people, cannabis works as an invaluable sleep aid with little to no side effects. That wasn’t the case with me. Enter CBD. A few years ago, CBD was nowhere; now it’s everywhere. Almost literally. Walk into a convenience store, and boom! CBD gummies by the register. CBD water in the refrigerator. Wander into Sephora, and CBD serums, body lotions, and moisturizers await. Drive down Denver’s I-25 and you’ll see stores dedicated to the cannabinoid. Check my inbox, and you’ll be overwhelmed by a thousand unread emails from PR agencies and agents announcing the launch of a new CBD brand or the release of a fi rst-of-its-kind cannabidiol product. And those are only from the last six months. It comes in all forms: topical pain creams and tinctures, water, and wine. There’s infused water for pets, infused cereals for breakfast, suppository lubes for sex, and infused Flaming Hot Cheeto knockoffs for afternoon snacks. When it seems we’ve reached the CBD mania apex, someone somewhere

My anecdotal evidence is in: CBN helps me fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up rested time and again. I’m feeling better than I have basically ever. A whole month with full nights of sleep feels like a miracle.

thinks there’s another buck to be made off the craze, and CBD toothpicks, hair pomades, candles, workout gear, bedsheets, and pillows hit the already flooded marketplace. Ridiculous, ubiquitous. Since you’re reading Sensi, I’m going to assume I’m not telling you anything new. So far. But have you heard about CBN? Cannabinol, or CBN, is one of more than a hundred cannabinoids that have been identified in the cannabis plant. THC and CBD are the two that garner all the attention, and they are the most dominant. A lesser cannabinoid, CBN was actually the first one scientists discovered in the 1940s. It occurs in cannabis in much smaller doses until the plant ages and oxidizes, which causes THC to convert to CBN. And it’s about to get its turn in the spotlight. Since the FDA classified cannabis as a Schedule I drug in the same category as heroin during the 1970s, researchers have been prevented from studying the plant’s medicinal potential. While that’s changing, there’s a lot of catching up to do, so double-blind, controlled studies and S U M M E R 2020

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PHOTOS (FROM TOP): COURTESY OF MINERAL / BY NATA NYTIAGA, SHUTTERSTOCK

THE LIFE

clinical trials have yet to be completed. But anecdotal evidence is in, and CBN is being touted as an all-natural cure for insomnia by cannabis experts and outlets. So, when I saw emails with CBN in the subject line hit my inbox, I didn’t leave them unread. Instead I reached out and asked to try the product being pitched so I could offer my own anecdotal accounts of CBN as a cure for insomnia. Two months and a lot of full nights of

sleep later, my anecdotal evidence is in: CBN helps me fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up rested time and again. I’ve incorporated the cannabinoid into my daily routine, and I’m feeling better than I have basically ever. It’s amazing what a little sleep can do. A whole month with full nights of sleep feels like a miracle. Don’t just believe me; try it yourself. Like every drug, CBN affects everybody differently. These two both worked for me.

with sedation to induce a deep, restorative sleep. High in CBD and naturally occurring CBN, coupled with soft aromatic notes of cedarwood, black pepper, and California pine, the MINERAL Sleep formula is proven Sleep Tincture to help calm the mind How they describe it: and encourage deep, reFor anxiety-induced storative sleep. insomnia. Because you All Mineral products deserve to feel good. are organically grown on Formulated for those a small farm in Colorado suffering from night that averages a limited time anxiety and inflam- run of only four harvests mation, Sleep is a blend a year. of calming cannabinoids No cannabinoid acting and terpenes associated independently will ex-

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S E N S I M AG .C O M 21

We are

citizens patients consumers researchers community members businesses advocates academics healthcare providers and policy makers who drive change in access and social justice in the cannabis industry through citizen science and online collaboration. Follow us today to join the cause. @cannabiscoe

@cannabiscenter ofexcellence

@cannacoe

cannacenterofexcellence.org

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF PRISMATIC PLANTS

THE LIFE

press the benefit experienced when consuming the whole plant, so Mineral utilizes the hemp plant in its entirety— stalks, stems, and buds— maximizing the omega fatty acids and vitamins in their extraction process. To keep the product consistent, the brand identified formula-specific seeds from Oregon that produce plants with characteristics incumbent to accomplish the targeted benefits of the products. After sourcing the seeds from Oregon, Mineral supplies them to Waayb Organics in Longmont, Colorado, and Waayb leads the cultivation of the plants on an outdoor, seasonal, organic grow. After harvest, processing, and CO₂ extraction, the products go through testing for cannabinoid sequence, terpenes, pes-

ticides, and quality. Editor’s note: With that much quality control, it’s no wonder GQ included Mineral on its “Best Stuff of 2019” list and that Neiman Marcus picked up the line for its stores. $160 for 60 servings mineralhealth.co

Prismatic Plants Good Night Tincture How they describe it: Formulated with CBN and calming adaptogens, this nighttime formula promotes deep sleep and boosts immunity during the body’s overnight repair mode. Its long-term effects include a return to a natural circadian rhythm, enhanced immunity, improved reproductive health, and more energy during the day. The tincture is made with an adaptogenic blend of CBD, CBN,

medicinal mushrooms, and organic herbs. The CBD, for overall health and stress relief, and CBN for insomnia relief, result from gentle full-flower extraction from organically grown Colorado hemp for a complete cannabinoid profile. Other beneficial ingredients include reishi mushrooms, oatstraw, and ashwagandha for positive mood and support of the nervous and immune systems; skullcap for stress and muscle-tension re-

lief; and valerian root (a.k.a nature’s Valium), California poppy, and lavender for anxiety and insomnia relief. These pure, effective, safe ingredients are formulated to provide immediate relief and continually enhance health through long-term use. $70 for a month’s supply prismaticplants.com

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Fighting for freedom is Join the revolution at norml.org

THE LIFE

A B O U T T H E AU T H O R

Mona Van Joseph has been an intuitive since 2002. She is an author, columnist, and host of Psychic View Radio. She created dicewisdom.com, which also has a smartphone app. mona.vegas

HOROSCOPE

AUGUST HOROSCOPE What do the stars hold for you? TEXT MONA VAN JOSEPH

laxing into the feminine viLEO bration) will benefit you in Stress is caused by your ex- many ways. Allow yourself pectations of other people to be recognized for your this month. If you just accept uniqueness. the fact that you’ll have to do all the work without resent- OCT. 23–NOV. 21 ing or expecting anything, SCORPIO everything will be fine. No other sign has the ability to get as deep into a soul AUG. 23–SEPT. 22 like you. You will experience VIRGO some epiphany-like insights No coasting, you will miss this month. The most draout on a major opportunity. matic of which will be your Follow up with anything that intimate connection to the secures your future comknowledge of the Universe. fort. Awareness to detail will avoid any misunderstandNOV. 22–DEC. 21 ings with those who will con- SAGITTARIUS tribute to your success. You’ve been working hard and feeling unappreciated. The isSEPT. 23–OCT. 22 sue is not the work you’re proLIBRA ducing; it’s that your heart is Be prepared to get attention not in it. That’s why you’re not from people you don’t know getting the acclaim and recnow. The vibration of conognition you want. It’s not the necting with women (and re- place; it’s you. JULY 23–AUG. 22

DEC. 22–JAN. 19

CAPRICORN

August calls for joyful seriousness of the things important to you. It doesn’t matter if you’re building tables for squirrels or changing the world. A casual awareness for your love of life draws more loving. JAN. 20–FEB. 18

AQUARIUS

A happy did-the-work breakthrough month for you! That project or idea is ready to go full fledge out there right now. What’s so cool is that you get to do this in a relaxed, “I know it’ll be fabulous” vibration…and it will! FEB. 19–MARCH 20

PISCES

So last month was sort of sucky because you had to resolve to honor your worth

LEO, IF YOU JUST ACCEPT THE FACT THAT YOU’LL HAVE TO DO ALL THE WORK WITHOUT RESENTING OR EXPECTING ANYTHING, EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE.

and dump what wasn’t working. A sign from the Universe this month validates why you had to set this new standard.

thing. The Universe is speaking to you. MAY 21–JUNE 20

GEMINI

Do not allow yourself to MARCH 21–APRIL 19 be short-changed, comproARIES mised, or cheapened. Stay Be aware that you are always strong in your worth and connected to spiritual purauthenticity. The right oppose and guidance. Take noth- portunity is about to presing for granted and be delight- ent itself. fully ready when coincidence JUNE 21–JULY 22 prompts you to action.

CANCER

APRIL 20–MAY 20

TAURUS

As soon as you relax into your direct connection with Spirit, everything shifts for you. You do not need (or want) to do things the way anyone else does some-

This is not an action month. What is meant for you will just come to you. No chasing after what you want. It’s a time of concentrating on what brings you a sense of peace, harmony, and contentment.

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DUST TO DUST The green burial movement in Massachusetts seeks to reclaim a dying tradition. TEXT EMILIE-NOELLE PROVOST

PHOTO BY VIDI STUDIO, ADOBE STOCK

longside the increasing number of people in the Bay State who are striving to live more sustainable, eco-friendly lives by opting for locally grown and organic foods, driving less, recycling more, and choosing to purchase fewer consumer goods, has come another, less talked-about trend. Perhaps surprising to some, an increasing number of people are choosing to decrease their carbon footprints at the end of their lives by choosing green burials. The green burial movement in Massachusetts began in 2014, when Mount Auburn Cemetery, the nation’s oldest garden cemetery, located in Cambridge and Watertown, became the first cemetery in the state to offer “green” burial services.

Sometimes referred to as natural burials, bodies interred using this method are not embalmed and, oftentimes, are buried covered by a shroud rather than inside of a coffin. If a coffin is used, it is typically made from a biodegradable material such as untreated wood or recycled cardboard. Because natural graves are generally in locations that don’t require the use of large equipment (such as industrial mowing machines), concrete burial vaults, used to line conventional gravesites to prevent sinkholes, are not necessary. Regina Harrison, an executive assistant and sales coordinator at Mount Auburn, says, “We began offering natural burials as a response to consumer demand. Sales [for natural burial sites] have increased each year since 2014.” S U M M E R 2020

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF MOUNT AUBURN

Grave markers for bodies buried using natural methods are typically understated. At Mount Auburn, natural burials are sometimes marked by memorial plaques placed at ground level or on existing trees nearby. In some cases, natural burial sites are unmarked and can be identified only by using the GPS coordinates associated with the unobtrusive aluminum markers assigned to them by the cemetery. Contrary to what many people believe, embalming a body before burial is not required by Massachusetts law. Neither is there any legal requirement that a body be buried in casket or with the use of a concrete grave liner. But individual cemeteries and municipalities often have their own regulations regarding both. As demand for green burials has increased, several cemeteries across the state, in addition to Mount Auburn, have begun to offer them. Green burials are currently available in 20 of Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns, including Boston, with the most recent addition being West Tisbury on Martha’s Vineyard in November 2019. Although the idea of natural burials is disturbing to some, its proponents are attracted to the practice’s environmental, emotional, and financial benefits. Similar to supporters of the local food movement, green burial advocates see the practice as a return to more sustainable, intimate, and natural traditions of the past. And for some family members, knowing the bodies of their loved ones will return to the earth and help propagate the cycle of life provides comfort and peace of mind.

In 2014, Mount Auburn Cemetery was the first in the state to offer natural burials.

Conventional Burial Practices Although the practice of preserving bodies by embalming them dates back at least to the time of the ancient Egyptians, according to the website of the National Museum of Funeral History in Houston, modern embalming practices stem from the mid-19th century, when New York City physician Dr. Thomas Holmes, who had been researching chemical embalming methods prior to the Civil War, was asked by the Union Army to embalm the bodies of fallen soldiers in order to allow their families to see them one last time.

In the days before refrigeration, embalming became so popular— and was so lucrative for its practitioners—that it quickly became standard practice. Although other less toxic and invasive, but equally effective, methods of preserving bodies for a short period of time prior to burial are available today, such as cooling with dry ice, embalming is still the norm. One of the chemicals used in present-day embalming practices, formaldehyde, is a known carcinogen. Frequent exposure to it poses serious health risks for workers at cemeteries and funeral homes. S U M M E R 2020

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PARKINSON’S DISEASE

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But cremation requires burning nearly 30 gallons of fuel per body, releasing approximately 540 pounds of carbon dioxide as well as toxic chemicals, if the body was embalmed, into the atmosphere, according to the Funeral Consumers Alliance. And then there is the cost. According to a November 2019 Washington Post article, a conventional funeral and burial can cost up to $12,000, while the cost of a green burial averages between $2,000 and $4,500.

Land set aside as a green cemetery would allow for the permanent preservation of open space, provide habitat for wildlife, and offer a peaceful natural setting for family members to visit as they remember their loved ones. The Green Cemetery Initiative is currently searching for an appropriate site of at least 50 acres for its cemetery to be located. “We see natural burials as the future at Mount Auburn,” Harrison says. “While we have limited space for conventional burials, natural burial sites can be located in the The Way Nature Intended older part of the cemetery where Some people choose to have a no large machinery is used. It’s a de green burial because being in facto natural burial area already, and harmony with nature is important to them. The Green Cemetery the historical setting is appealing.” By all accounts, the green burial Initiative—a partnership between movement in Massachusetts is still Mount Grace Land Conservain its early days, but it has a great tion Trust in Athol and nonprofdeal of potential to help protect it Green Burial Massachusetts, based in Greenfield—wants to es- the environment and the health tablish the first all-green cemetery of workers in the funeral industry. Equally important, natural burials in Massachusetts. The cemetery provide individuals and families would be open to anyone wishwith an eco-friendly, affordable ing to be buried without being alternative to conventional burials, embalmed; all caskets would be biodegradable, and grave markers offering comfort to some at one of made from natural stones. life’s most difficult times.

Many cemeteries that offer natural burials use native stones as grave markers.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GREEN BURIAL MASSACHUSETTS

Once a body had been interred, embalming chemicals, including glutaraldehyde and methanol, eventually leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater. According to the Encyclopedia of Death and the Human Experience, edited by Clifton D. Bryant and Dennis L. Peck, up to three gallons of embalming fluid are used per conventional burial, introducing nearly five million gallons of toxic chemicals into the environment each year. In addition to toxins, according to the natural burial website sevenponds.com, every 10 acres of cemetery land in the United States contains more than 1,000 pounds of steel, 20,000 pounds of concrete, and enough wood to build more than 40 homes. An increasing number of people concerned about the environmental impact of conventional burials are opting instead to be cremated. The projected number of Americans choosing cremation over a conventional burial in 2020, according to a 2019 survey conducted by the National Funeral Directors Association, is 56.4 percent, up from 47.9 percent in 2015.

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lis s b BODY MADE FOR

Do you know you have an endocannabinoid system? You do. Your self is full of cellular receptors that bind with the active ingredients in cannabis known as cannabinoids. So why have we just now started to hear about it? TEXT LELAND RUCKER PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS JOSH CLARK

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ne thing I’ve noticed over the years, when talking with my cannabis-using friends, is that they are more likely to say it makes them feel “normal” rather than “stoned.” I generally answer that “it keeps me balanced” or something

ORIGINAL PHOTO BY CHARLIE, ADOBE STOCK

s along those lines. I would never say that about other mind-altering substances (alcohol, for instance), and itâ€™s at least one reason millions of us keep coming back for more. But why do so many people who use cannabis feel that way? A couple of years ago, I began reading about

something called the endocannabinoid system, a regulating procedure within the body that works in much the same way cannabis does. My bs detector turned bright red. Yeah, right. Even for an advocate, that seemed a little too much to swallow, a little too good to be true.

There is much evidence that cannabis, or whatâ€™s in cannabis, has been used to treat symptoms of human illnesses, disorders, and diseases in many cultures for centuries and that it was a standard pharmaceutical product in the United States. Today, after decades of lies

This article was originally published in Sensi Denver/Boulder August 2017 edition

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After six successful years, New Englands Grass Roots Institute has expanded! We are now part of The Leaf Collaborative, offering the first fully integrated U.S.-based holistic, plant medicine health institute. We are bringing the considerable health benefits of the non-psychotropic cannabis to our community in a safe and informed manner by providing education services, cultivation consultation and healing products.

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FREEDA MICHAUX, ADOBE STOCK

from the government and popular culture’s continuing depiction of marijuana users as inept “stoners,” we’re finding that ordinary people are using cannabis for pain, arthritis, and muscle relief and—surprise—just to relax. But why? Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in cannabis plants, more than a hundred different ones so far. For the most part, no other plant accumulates them quite like cannabis, and these cannabinoids provide the plant with everything from pest resistance to relief from the sun’s UV rays. The most recognized are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), known for its psychoactive properties, and cannabidiol (CBD), recognized for its medical applications. “Many people have tried THC and CBD. Those are called phytocannabinoids,” says biochemist Samantha Miller, founder of Pure Analytics, a cannabis testing facility in California. Scientists have also discovered cannabinoids that are produced naturally in the body. Called endocannabinoids, they have structures similar to phytocannabinoids. Raphael Mechoulam, William Devane, and Dr. Lumir Hanus found the first endocannabinoid and called it anandamide after the Sanskrit word for bliss, in 1992, and later found another, called 2-arachidonoylglycero, or 2-AG. So far, so good. In 1988, scientists found receptors in all mammals that respond to cannabinoids, CB-1 receptors found in the brain and CB-2 receptors found throughout the body. These endocannabinoids hook up with these receptors. In biochemistry, it’s called the “lock-and-key” model, where the cannabinoid molecules act like

this natural architecture to interact with cannabinoids,” Miller says. “You find these all over the body, in the nervous system, the immune system, everywhere. The endocannabinoids control and influence a lot of different things, like sleep, appetite, anxiety, addiction, the cardiovascular system, immune system—everything to do with quality of life.” Perry Solomon is the former chief medical officer at HelloMD, a popular wellness website with a growing number of patients using cannabis. He describes the endocannabinoid system as a feedback mechanism that helps keep the body in equilibrium. “When you get excessive stimulation, pain, emotions, or bad experiences, chemicals are released that can overwhelm the body,” he says. “Endocannabinoids are a way to keep the body in balance.” There are literally thousands of —Perry Solomon, HelloMD research papers and studies around the world on cannabinoids. But cannabis research remains a somewhat arcane branch of science in the United States, which, under the “keys” that fit into the CB receptor auspices of the National Institute of Drug Abuse, until recently would “locks.” When the CB receptor is fund only projects that were aimed “unlocked” by a particular cannaat the abuse side of the equation. binoid, it changes its shape, and US researchers still encounter how it changes shape determines how it regulates cell signaling (how bureaucratic hassles, lack of adequate study product, and the fact cells communicate within themthat cannabis remains a Schedule selves and how they communicate I drug, which by definition means with other cells). From a chemical standpoint, THC is structurally it has no medical purpose. “Consimilar to anandamide, and CBD is ventional medicine traditionally has concentrated on opioids,” says comparable to 2-AG. THC “unDr. Selma Holden, a physician and locks” the CB-1 receptor in almost assistant clinical professor at the the same way anandamide does, and CBD “unlocks” the CB-2 recep- University of New England. But even US scientists and doctors are tor much like 2-AG. beginning to recognize that some“The reason we interact with cannabis so strongly is that we have thing’s going on.

“WHEN YOU GET EXCESSIVE STIMULATION, PAIN, EMOTIONS, OR BAD EXPERIENCES, CHEMICALS ARE RELEASED THAT CAN OVERWHELM THE BODY. ENDOCANNABINOIDS ARE A WAY TO KEEP THE BODY IN BALANCE."

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THE FUTURE OF CANNABIS & CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

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ORIGINAL PHOTO BY JAMES MOSLEY, ADOBE STOCK

“Historically, people just thought cannabis was something that got you high and concentrated on the THC. Because of medical-marijuana efforts and a little increase in evidence, they’re starting to come around,” she explains. “And more patients are turning to their medical doctors and saying, ‘this stuff works for me.’” As recently as 2017, the University of Vermont was the only medical school in the country with an accredited course on the endocannabinoid system in its curriculum. “The people who should know about it aren’t taught it in medical school,” says Solomon, and he understands some doctors’ initial reluctance to deal with the endocannabinoid system. “Until doctors come out and become familiar with what’s involved in the system, there’s a hesitancy.” Oncologists, who already know it helps relieve the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, are among the leading edge of physicians beginning to take cannabis seriously, and other specialists are looking into cannabinoid alternatives, Solomon says. “A recent National Academies of Science study found that cannabinoids are being used to treat chronic pain in adults, and it does work,” he says. “So anesthesiologists are saying, ‘Maybe this is something we should look at.’” Holden says that some of the most exciting research today concerns cannabinoids’ anti-inflammatory qualities. “When you think of it, a lot of diseases, not all of them, have an inflammation component,” she says. “In dementia, in asthma, it’s all inflammation. That’s what’s interesting about the endocannabinoid system. It’s influencing these inflammation markers.”

“WE CAN'T FALL TOO MUCH INTO THE BELIEF SYSTEM THAT HAVING AN ALTERED STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS IS BAD." —Dr. Selma Holden, University of New England

Much of the research is being done at the behest of drug companies eager to create new products from cannabinoids and able to afford the expensive re-search needed for approval. GW Pharmaceuticals has developed a couple of cannabidiol products to combat epilepsy, and its Epidiolex was approved by the FDA in 2018 for the treatment of seizures—the first cannabis plant-derived medicine ever approved by the FDA. Arizona company Insys Therapeutics recently received preliminary DEA approval for a synthetic cannabis drug called Syndros. (The company also contributed to the successful effort to stop a marijuana legalization initiative in that state last year.) Much of the emphasis on cannabis healing these days is concentrated around CBD and marketed for its non-psychoactive effects. Hold-

en cautions that if someone is using cannabis for a chronic condition like back pain or Crohn’s disease, the feeling of elevation can be an important part of the therapy, too. “We can’t fall too much into the belief system that having an altered state of consciousness is bad.” And that gets us back to where we began. That altered state of consciousness that has offered me and so many people a feeling of relaxation, of being in a place where they can be creative and focused or as a way to deal with common maladies. “Our brains are ideally suited for cannabis,” Chris Kilham, an author and ethnobiologist who studies plant-based remedies as the Medicine Hunter on Fox News, told me. “There’s no substance other than water that has the health benefits and continued significance of those benefits.” S U M M E R 2020

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Treat yo’self to a 420-friendly getaway in Western Massachusetts’s Pioneer Valley. TEXT EMILIE-NOELLE PROVOST

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PHOTO COURTESY OF HOTEL NORTHAMPTON

Weekend in Happy Valley

Most people familiar Hampshire College, and with the area associate Amherst College. The the Pioneer Valley region Valley’s two largest cities, of Western MassachuAmherst and Northampsetts with its colleges. ton, are classic college Sometimes referred to towns, chock-full of as the “Five College funky boutiques, bookArea,” the Pioneer Valley shops, craft breweries, is home to the Univercoffeehouses, and eclecsity of Massachusetts tic farm-to-table eateries. Amherst, Smith College, Following the legalizaMount Holyoke College, tion of recreational-use

ledges of Mount Tom in Easthampton—where you might catch sight of a peregrine falcon—to the more moderate ascent up Mount Toby in Sunderland, where you can climb the observation tower at the summit to take in a breathtaking 360-degree view of the entire valley. Visitors to the Pioneer Valley can also enjoy a number of natural attractions, such as Dinosaur Footprints, a reservation in Holyoke that is home to more than 800 fossilized dinosaur tracks; and Slatestone Brook Falls in Sunderland, one of the state’s most photographed waterfalls.

Hotel Northampton, located in Northampton’s city center, makes a good home base. From there, you can walk to any of Northampton’s downtown restaurants or shops, and avoid paying for parking. NETA Northampton, a popular cannabis store located on Conz Street, is also within walking distance, so you won’t have to worry about getting behind the wheel if you choose to indulge. Built in 1927, Hotel Northampton is a member of Historic Hotels of America and has an authentic 18th century tavern in its basement. In 1930, Wiggins Tavern

was taken apart and moved to the hotel— where it was painstakingly reconstructed—from its original location in Hopkinton, New Hampshire. Even if you stay elsewhere, it’s worth your time to stop into Wiggins for a drink. Another local gem, the Smith College Museum of Art, is located just outside Northampton’s downtown. Featuring works of art from across the globe, the museum offers free admission to visitors the second Friday of each month (from 4 to 8 p.m.). A source of specimens for researchers seeking treatments for diseases such as cancer and AIDS

PHOTOS (FROM TOP): BY JPC-PROD, ADOBE STOCK / COURTESY OF UMASS AMHERST

cannabis in Massachusetts, in 2016, the Pioneer Valley also became a destination for high-minded travelers. Cannabis fans from as far away as New York City and Philadelphia have made the region a regular weekend hangout. If you live in the Boston area, you can get there in about two hours by car, and you’ll find plenty of things to do when you arrive. The Pioneer Valley is rich in cultural offerings, including museums, performing arts venues, historical sites, botanical gardens, and wineries. Hikers will find a lot of great options too, from the steep basalt

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PHOTOS (FROM TOP) COURTESY OF: ERIC CARLE MUSEUM / NORTHAMPTON BREWERY / SMITH COLLEGE

THE SCENE

since the 19th century, the Botanic Garden of Smith College is just a hop away from the museum. You can view its outdoor collection during the warmer months, but the Lyman Conservatory’s greenhouses are open year-round. More than 3,000 species of plants can be found on-site, including orchids, palms, ferns, and succulents. If you’re a plant lover, you might also want to pay a visit to UMass Amherst’s Durfee Conservatory. The botanical garden’s greenhouses are famous for their camellia trees. Planted in 1867 (the year the Durfee opened), the trees often draw a crowd during the winter, when in full bloom. If you’re in the mood for more cannabis shopping while you’re in town, you can stop by RISE

Amherst, another popular area dispensary that is part of a national chain. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, adjacent to Hampshire College’s campus, is a must-see for any The Very Hungry Caterpillar fan. The museum’s collection includes more than 7,300 original children’s book illustrations, including artwork by

Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are) and Ludwig Bemelmans (Madeline). The museum shop is a lot of fun to poke around in, and it’s a great place to find unique gifts. When you get hungry—or just thirsty—the Northampton Brewery rarely disappoints. Along with a rotating selection of craft brews made

on-site, the restaurant offers a wide selection of locally sourced upscale pub fare, including some of the best burgers in the Valley. The brewery also offers vegetarian options, such as a delicious grilled portobello mushroom sandwich, a veggie pasta dish, and an assortment of flatbread pizzas, as well as the chef’s vegan burger, made with garbanzo beans, carrots, onions, spinach, broccoli, and mushrooms. If you decide to try one of these, be sure to order sweet potato fries on the side. If you go to the brewery on a warm day, you might want to ask for a table on the restaurant’s roof deck. This outdoor seating area has its own bar, is covered by an awning to block the sun, and has a surprisingly cozy feel. Once you get settled into your chair, you’ll never want to leave. S U M M E R 2020

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MORE INFO

THE SCENE

MassArt Art Museum maam.massart.edu

N OW O P E N

Art for the People MassArt’s new contemporary art museum offers free admission.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAAM

TEXT EMILIE-NOELLE PROVOST

The nation’s first publically funded freestanding art college, Massachusetts College of Art & Design in Boston opened its doors in 1873 as a reaction, in part, to the Industrial Revolution. According to MassArt’s website, 19th century Bostonians believed that industry and commerce were not the only avenues leading to a stronger, more civilized society. Art was essential to growing an economy that could advance the well-being of the nation’s citizens, and access to it should not be defined by wealth or privilege.

Today, MassArt continues to pursue the vision of its founders. In February, after nearly a year of extensive renovations, the school opened the MassArt Art Museum (MAAM) in its former Bakalar & Paine Galleries. The museum, whose mission is “to open eyes, expand minds, and create opportunity through the lens of contemporary art,” offers free admission to all. In addition to exhibiting work by contemporary artists that brings attention to crucial issues affecting

people and the planet, MAAM also serves as a teaching museum to benefit students of all ages, educators, and the community at large. Current exhibitions at MAAM include Valkyrie

Mumbet, a large-scale site-specific installation by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos that will run through August 2. Part of Vasconcelos’ Valkyrie series, which pays homage to a variety of inspirational women, this work honors Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman. An African American slave who filed a freedom suit, in 1781, Freeman helped outlaw slavery in Massachusetts when the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in her favor, stating that slavery violated the state’s 1780 constitution, which guaranteed all people the right to liberty. On view through February 2021, Yesterday Is Here is an exhibition created by the artist duo Ghost of a Dream. The artists have combined images from more than 30 years of MassArt exhibition materials to illustrate the way the school’s history informs MAAM’s future.

DISCLAIMER The museum is currently closed—blame COVID, and keep an eye on maam.massart.edu for updates on the reopening plans. While you’re there, register for one of the upcoming live virtual drawing classes. “Noodle & Doodle” (Aug. 13) is a free live music drawing event featuring Kevin Micka of Animal Hospital; During “Drawing Together” (Aug. 27), MassArt Studio Foundation professor Edward Monovich is joined by a live model for his free Zoom-based lesson.

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THE SCENE CALENDAR

Empty Calendar What to do when there’s nothing to do.

The dog days of summer are upon us. In our modern lexicon, that popular term has dual meanings: 1) the period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer occurs in the Northern Hemisphere; 46 B O S TO N

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2) a period of stagnation or inactivity. In 2020, the dog days of summer were mauled by the pandemic, which continues to force people around the globe to endure lengthy periods of inactivity. But just because travel dreams were

dashed this year doesn’t mean you can’t take your mind to new places. Here are some quick suggestions about ways to fill the long days ahead. Get Lost in a Good Book Because your brain can’t take any. more. Netflix.

And you can’t take any more…well, anything. As the Book of Disquiet author Fernando Pessoa wrote, “Literature is the most agreeable way of ignoring life.” Not much of a reader? No problem. Trevor Noah, Jamie Lee Curtis,

PHOTO BY LOLOSTOCK, ADOBE STOCK

TEXT SENSI EDITORS

THE SCENE CALENDAR

PHOTO CREDITS (FROM TOP): SOMEMEANS, ADOBE STOCK / ALFA27, ADOBE STOCK

Mariah Carey, Kevin Bacon, Alicia Silverstone, James McAvoy, and so many other leading performers can do the reading. All you’ve got to do is listen, which you can do while going about your day. Or while not going anywhere: your call. A 2018 University College London study showed that listening to audiobooks is more emotionally engaging than watching TV and movies—findings consistent across all demographics regardless of the genre. Audible is your go-to source for premium offerings available on demand

If you haven’t already done the Audible free trial, what better time than now to take advantage of the deal: 60-day free trial plus two free audiobooks, then $14.95 for one credit per month, good for any book regardless of price, and you can cancel anytime . Got a library card? Download the Libby app, which allows you to borrow and read ebooks and audiobooks from your local public library for free. Don’t have a library card? Well now you have something else to do right now when there’s not a whole lot to do.

Make (Bad?) Art The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City may be temporarily closed (as of press time), but its website, moma.org, invites you to experience the world through its artistic lens. Take in the Virtual Views by exploring NYC architecture online. Listen to hours of art-inspired music on summer playlists curated by MoMa staffers. From artists’ musical inspirations to cinema soundtracks to the “alien” sounds of the avant-garde, the museum’s Spotify playlists include one dedicated

to the music of Miró; The “Rosanne Cash, the River, and the Thread” includes some thoughts the singer-songwriter shared about weaving, making art, and writing music—and made a playlist to accompany the exhibition. The set featuring songs about and inspired by works of art sets the perfect soundtrack to an afternoon spent engrossed in any of the museum’s free online courses, including “Fashion as Design” and “Postwar Abstract Painting,” taught through online portal Coursera (coursera.org/moma).

QUARANTINE LISTENING PARTY Our editor in chief Stephanie Wilson ranks the seven novels she “read” during shutdown.

7. Trust Exercise by Susan Choi 6. Men Without Women by Huraki Murakami 5. Writers & Lovers by Lily King 4. Normal People by Sally Rooney 3. Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld 2. All Adults Here by Emma Straub 1. Weather by Jenny Offill

“We have art so that we shall not die of reality.” —Friedrich Nietzsche

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Want a sample of our work? You’re reading it. Em Agency is proud to be the creative force behind Sensi’s award-winning visual style. We build brands we believe in—the brand you believe in can be next. emagency.com

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P R O M O T I O N A L F E AT U R E L E V 8 L A B S , LT D.

Terpene Magic For Lev8 Labs, the secret sauce for relief is achieved through a precise formulation of CBD and terpenes.

t seems that everyone is crazy for CBD these days. Congress has passed legislation opening up markets across the country, farmers are dedicating fields to hemp production, and new businesses are launching, offering an array of products for consumers. That’s all good news, but it has also created a fair amount of confusion out there. What exactly is in the products that people are buying, and will it work? That is where Lev8 Labs, Ltd. steps in. Located in Amesbury, Massachusetts, the company offers a wide array of CBD-based products that are tried and tested and that have been shown

to provide relief. Pain, sleeplessness, anxiety, digestive distress, and inflammation are all conditions that the products are designed to offer respite for. Lev8 Labs is committed to only using products that come from sources that are fully accredited from a third-party laboratory like ProVerde and Botanacor. What really sets Lev8’s products apart from others in a crowded field is its expertise in the use of terpenes. Found in plants, these volatile unsaturated hydrocarbons are what give plants their scent, taste, and provide an entourage effect. The entourage effect of terpenes is a powerful med-

icine on its own, but combined with “The key to CBD, those effects provide an even effective greater healing power. relief is the “The key to effective relief is the precise use of terpenes,” says Jason precise use Demers, founder of Lev8 Labs. “Not of terpenes. many know how to develop profiles acNot many curately to capture a targeted effect.” Lev8 embraces the entourage effect, know how to develop utilizing terpenes to increase the effectiveness of its products. Terpenes profiles bind to some of the same receptors in accurately the brain and body as cannabinoids do, enhancing the natural effects found in to capture a targeted CBD. By skillfully mixing the terpene profiles, Lev8 is able to improve on the effect.” overall experience and offer relief to users of its tinctures, balms, creams, —Jason Demers, soaps, and oils. The products come in founder of Lev8 Labs a wide array of flavors and scents to ensure a pleasurable experience.

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most growers swear by. A coco fiber soilless medium designed to have zero nutrients, it is the perfect blank slate upon which you can design your own cultivation plan. “It allows the grower to express their personality,” says Michael Beck, director of sales and marketing. “And even better, the strains they are growing to express theirs.” It can be watered numerous times per day, which makes it perfect for either automated or traditional watering systems. It provides a perfectly balanced ecosystem for the plant. The company offers four other unique products. Coco Fiber is a pure loose coco, while its Basement Mix, Mendo Mix, and Kings Mix are designed to accommodate almost any growing style or method. Royal gold is one of the industry leaders in coco soil, and its products are available nationwide and can be found at most major retailers.

Humbolt County’s original coco-fiber soil company offers growers a high-quality sustainable medium.

et’s be honest here. You could have the best lighting in the world, the perfect watering system, and even a host of great nutrients lined up, but the single most important part of any grow operation is the soil that plants are placed in. It is their home, the place where they spread their roots, grow toward the sky, and become the cannabis plants you had hoped for. So, choosing the correct medium to plant them in is crucial. That’s where Royal Gold comes in. Born over a decade ago in the cradle of the cannabis industry, Humboldt County, California, it is the original

coco soil company. By working hand in hand with the local farmers and growers that surround its facility, Royal Gold has been able to create what it thinks is the perfect soil upon which you should base your production. Made from ground-up coconut husks, Royal Gold soil is more environmentally friendly than peat moss and is incredibly versatile. It cycles nutrients efficiently, offers a perfect balance between water and air, is incredibly long-lasting and recyclable, repels root rot, and typically produces hardier plants than ones grown in other mediums. Tupur is the Royal Gold product that

Royal Gold Coco-Fiber-Based Soil Company royalgoldcoco.com S U M M E R 2020

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THE END

Welcome to Dogtown Deep in the woods on the North Shore, what remains of a 17th century English settlement attracts hikers, curiosity seekers, and ghost hunters alike.

Legend has it that Dogtown got its name from the dogs kept by its female residents for protection during the American Revolutionary War. Known as the Common Settlement when it was founded in 1693 and once home to 100 families, the settlement had 52 B O S TO N

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declined significantly by the early 1800s due to economic factors. Because a few of Dogtown’s remaining residents were suspected of practicing witchcraft, people from nearby Gloucester avoided the area, many even coming to believe Dogtown was haunted.

During the Great Depression, Roger Ward Babson, a wealthy investment banker and the founder of Babson College, commissioned unemployed stonecutters to carve inspirational sayings, such as “never try never win” and “kindness,” into

36 boulders located throughout Dogtown. The settlement’s former roads are now hiking trails, with the Babson Boulder Trail as one of the most popular. Hikers can also visit the cellar holes that mark the locations where settlers’ homes once stood.

PHOTO BY ROBERT HAMILTON

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