The Evolution Magazine July 2019

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Better options for feminine pain relief A chance at normal life after a brain tumor

New Veterans Benefit Mission Announced July 2019 1

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Features 10 AMENDMENT 2 Updates 12 Life-Stress and Cannabis 14 Providing Safe Alternatives to Pharmaceuticals 16 New Mission to Serve Vets 18 What You Should Know About Missouri Medical Marijuana 20 The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Cannabis

Creating Diversity in Missouri’s Cannabis Industry 34

22 A Chance at a Normal Life After a Brain Tumor 26 Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System 28 Cultivators Corner: Assessing Beneficial Microbial Activity

36 Medical Marijuana to Help Relieve “Female” Problems

Resources 40 38 42 44

Nathan’s Story Months After Horrific Accident 24 New Stuff

Benefits Wheel for CBD, THC and More Calendar of Cannabis Business Education Events CBD Store Guide MO Med-ID Doctors and Qualifying Conditions Visit www.facebook.com/TheEvolutionMag and get the lastest news and see more locations to get your copy of The EVOLUTION Magazine.

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Clay Stallings VP Sales and Marketing, Editorial Development Mgr. Clay.S@TheEvolutionMag.com Our Expert Team of Writers and Cannabis Industry Leaders ●● Joe Bender — Cultivators Corner ●● Amanda DiMartini, MA, LPC — Mental Wellness Zone ●● Carrie Hudson, Certified Health Coach — Health & Wellness ●● Commander Tom Mundell ― Veteran’s Health & Wellness ●● John Payne ― Amendment 2 News Columnist ●● Dr. Michael J. Poppa, D.O., M.B.A. ― Medical Health News ●● Erik Range, Minorities for Medical Marijuana & Consultant ●● Tanya Roth — Rural Missouri News & Patient Advocates ●● Aspen Sennewald — Health Science & Wellness Columnist ●● Dr. Kathy Trumbull — Medical Cannabis Health The EVOLUTIONTM Magazine offers a monthly print magazine that is distributed throughout western Missouri, eastern Kansas and the Lake of the Ozarks region. Printed copies are found at nearly 300 locations including CBD dispensaries, therapy centers, doctors offices, restaurants, sports bars, golf courses, resorts, hotels and many other select locations. In addition, the magazine is offered online as an inter-active E-magazine at www.TheEvolutionMag.com.

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RURAL MISSOURI SPOT LIGHT ►

CITY SPOT LIGHT – TRENTON, MO City Council Zoning and Regulation Meeting On Medical Marijuana

◄ by Tanya Roth, Contributing Writer preliminary zoning documents, took a picture of the zoning map, and were prepared to address anything the council may have brought up.

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eep in north rural Missouri’s Grundy County lies a little city called Trenton. With a population of approximately 6,000 people, it serves as the county seat and is the largest producer of Vienna sausages from the Nestle plant, which employs a large portion of the city. As a resident of district 6 and having roots in St. Joseph, MO, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Trenton many times in my life, but my visit on June 3, 2019, was by far the most memorable.

I along with my dear friends Emily Branch, owner of the Green Clinics, and Nathan Allen, who I met along my journey through the cannabis movement, attended the city council zoning and regulation meeting on medical marijuana. We arrived early, obtained the 8

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We were the lone three in attendance. A short bit later, a local resident who is fighting lung cancer joined us. So, it was four representing a city of 6,000 plus, and we had no idea who on the council was for or against medical cannabis. The council members have been surprisingly silent with their opinions on medical marijuana, so we really did not know what we were or were not up against. However, we knew there were residents in the city who needed medicine.

Two of which were in attendance.

We thought, at the very least, we could share our stories and what we knew with the city council.

The council gave each one of us ample time to speak, and they listened intently to what we had to say. However, there wasn’t much to discuss except applauding the city for the zoning and regulations they set forth.

Dispensaries will be allowed in the four business districts with a 100-foot buffer between schools and churches.

Cultivation and manufacturing are allowed in the two industrial districts with the same buffer distance. No consumption will be allowed in public, and operating hours will be between 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. For a tiny town in rural Missouri, even the residents were

shocked at how easy it was. They did not try to zone it out of the city or to the outskirts of town. They did not add heavy burdens like abiding by the 1000-foot buffer rule in a 6.74-square-mile city with 15 plus churches located within the city limits. They mirrored the zoning for cannabis to that of alcohol.

However, you could tell the council members were still quite green — no pun intended — on the medical uses of cannabis and the language in the Amendment itself.

We told them our stories, shared our ideas, shared the facts, shared peripheral’s — they listened. They asked us questions and wanted to know where to get more information, so they could better educate themselves. Mayor Linda Crooks came outside after the meeting to hand us all her business card and talk more about it.

It was an amazing outcome for an amazing city in rural Missouri with a lot of potential.

Jamesport and the tourists that visit are not far away. Cities like these need the additional tax revenue, opioid addiction rates in rural Missouri towns and cities are frighteningly high — the residents need this medicine. Now the only question is; who will open a dispensary in Trenton?

Tanya Roth is a mother and the wife of a cancer survivor. As a caregiver to a cancer patient, her journey into cannabis started with caregiving and has since evolved into patient education, advocacy, and journalism.

Together with her husband, they operate Block Technology Solutions and raise their two boys in the greater KC area.

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MISSOURI

AMEND 2 NEWS

WHAT’S NEXT FOR INDUSTRY APPLICANTS

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John Payne was the campaign manager for New Approach Missouri, which led Amendment 2 to win more votes than anything else on the 2018 ballot. He since co-founded Amendment 2 Consultants and serves on the Advisory Board of MoCannTrade. He also served as the Executive Director of Show-Me Cannabis. He is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in publications that include The American Conservative, Reason Magazine and The Week.

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AMENDMENT

July 2019

August 17 Looms..

t the beginning of June, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) finalized physician certification and qualifying patient forms, as well as several forms and the application questions that all those who hope to cultivate, manufacture, and dispense medical marijuana in the Show-Me State must complete. That kicked off a 60-day scramble to complete the applications in time to submit applications to the state in the window between August 3 and August 17.

question. These limits are one of the final items DHSS added to the application questions, and they will simultaneously make it easier and harder for applicants. They will not need to worry about providing hundreds of pages of detailed operational plans, but demonstrating that, for instance, your security plan is both compliant with all security regulations and superior to the competition within 500 words is no easy feat.

The questions cover several topics including the applicant’s business plan, site security, experience in a legal cannabis market, license-specific experience (for instance, agriculture for cultivation licenses and food and beverage manufacturing for infused products licenses), and potential for a positive economic impact in the site community. These topics are mandated by the amendment, but DHSS crafted the specific questions under those general criteria and decided how much weight to give each one through a series of advisory board meetings in April.

third party hired by DHSS and then ranked before the license awards are announced. The amendment gives DHSS until December 31 to award the licenses, but the request for proposal (RFP) issued to hire the scoring firm indicates that they intend to finish the job ahead of their constitutional deadline. The RFP requires the scoring firm to complete their work on testing labs by October 15, cultivation facilities by October 30, and infused products and dispensary facilities by November 30. DHSS should be applauded for both striving to implement the medical marijuana program as quickly as possible and for the staggered rollout of licenses, which will hopefully prevent a substantial lag between the time that dispensaries could legally open for business and when they will actually have a product to sell to patients.

On August 3, DHSS will grant applicants access to a web portal application where they can submit their answers to the questions. The exact details are not fully finalized yet, but it’s expected that the web portal will take applicants through the questions one by one, allowing them to save their progress and finish the application later — as long as it’s all done by August 17. If you’re worried about the technology crashing, DHSS has anticipated this possibility and will provide a backup plan for submitting applications that will be announced on their website, so applicants should keep a copy of their answers outside of what they enter into the web portal.

The portal will also ensure that applicants do not exceed the word count or attachment limit for each

After the application window closes on August 17, the applications will be scored by a

We still have a way to go before the first sales, but so far, this has been one of the quickest and smoothest implementation processes for any medical marijuana program nationwide. That’s due in large part to an amendment constructed to put patients first by setting constitutional deadlines for the program’s major milestones. But we can also thank DHSS for their willingness to embrace the mission of patient access and welcome feedback from a knowledgeable and engaged citizenry.

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WELL-MIND ZONE

LIFE-STRESS AND CANNABIS

by Amanda DiMartini, MA, LPC,

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s a society, our perceived level of stress has increased and has become quite common; many individuals identify with feelings of being “stressed.”

Stress is not a mental disorder but a condition in which “an individual perceives that the demands of the external situation are beyond his or her perceived ability to cope with them,” as famous Psychologist, Richard Lazarus stated. Should we continue to accept feelings of being overburdened, or are there alternatives to feeling chronically stressed?

There are many behavioral strategies you can utilize to reduce the impact of everyday stressors. It is important to understand you, as a human, are multifaceted and require a great deal of attention to balance in your life. When you become caught up in an intense pace while neglecting important and meaningful areas of life, depletion of joy, resilience and personal resources occur. Increased stress hormones begin to take over, and you may even start to suffer from the physical effects of stress, such as frequent illness or serious disease. Additionally, anxiety, depression, lack of appetite or emotional over-eating, and substance abuse are common examples of emotional risks related to chronic stress.

With some attention and reprioritizing, you can begin to reclaim moments of physical and emotional restoration and boost feelings of joy. You can turn the stress response process around and boost your resilience. First of all —REST! Please take, what I like to call, “off duty” time! Sometimes it is difficult for people to accept making time NOT to engage in responsibilities. Many individuals find it easier to commit to restoration time if they block it off in their schedules.

If you honor the idea that rest is the potential for action, it will lend itself to creating a sense of balance. When you have downtime, you restore, and when you return to active 12

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responsibilities, you are clear-headed, efficient and making decisions with enhanced personal resources. Rest can include your favorite ways to spend time. It’s free time; time to play, relax, socialize and just spend time doing your thing. If you have difficulty finding activities for yourself, think about the things you used to like to do and make those things available to yourself more often. Also, take time to explore new interests.

medical cannabis to aid relaxation, pain reduction, slow racing thoughts, relieve body tension, appetite suppression, nausea, depressed mood and...

You may want to consume medical cannabis to aid in relaxation, pain reduction, slowing of racing thoughts, or relieve body tension, agitation, appetite suppression, nausea, depressed mood, heightened fear response, social uneasiness, etc. The ability to relieve the symptoms of mental and physical discomfort, alone, will greatly contribute to stress relief. Many people will find their lives improved by the benefits medical cannabis can provide. This ancient herbal option brings a great deal of hope to our society.

Cannabis can also be utilized along with everyday stress relievers to enhance the ther-

apeutic impact. For instance, some people may like to be in nature, what the Japanese call “Forest Bathing,” immersing yourself in the beauty of the outdoors. Others may enjoy options such as walking meditation (mindful walking, focusing on your steps), dancing and losing yourself in the rhythm of music, immersing yourself in a creative endeavor, savoring your moments and engaging in life with full presence. Challenge yourself to incorporate more personally restorative activities in your daily life and experience a wellness boost!

Attention to making time for rest and restorative activities is an investment that pays off exponentially. Please find the time to invest in stress relief through a variety of modalities to which you are drawn. Medical cannabis will soon be an option to improve the quality of life for many people in Missouri with a broad scope of concerns. Being supportive to one another is a gift we can give to ourselves and others. Let’s continue to build a strong community that cares about the well-being of others while we improve our wellness by contributing to an uplifting community.

Thank you for taking time to explore your wellness!

Amanda DiMartini, MA, LPC, is a Medical Cannabis Educator and Wellness Specialist in Springfield, MO. Ms. DiMartini has practiced in the mental health field for over 16 years. She is currently collaborating with a team of professionals to provide screenings for Medical Cannabis Patient Certifications, patient support, and comprehensive education on a variety of medical cannabis topics. Visit www.FloraWellnesMO.com.

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by The Evolution Staff

NEW BUSINESS PROFILE OF MONTH ►

CannaCare Pharms QUEST TO PROVIDE SAFE ALTERNATIVES TO PHARMACEUTICAL OPTIONS

“CannaCare Pharms joined the medical marijuana industry ‘For the Health of It,’” said Bryant Frizzell of CannaCare Pharms.

“Improving quality of life in our community is our drive. Ensuring a consistent product by utilizing top technologies is our objective. We want to give the community an opportunity to thrive by keeping everything in-state and only outsourcing when completely necessary. For example, we are offering security positions to off-duty law enforcement in our communities. We know how hard these individuals work and all that they do for the community; therefore, we want to incorporate them into our business plan by offering job placement and financial security to those who deserve it most.”

In addition to bringing income to smaller towns through tax revenue, water, electricity usage and jobs, CannaCare Pharms locations will serve as research and development cultivation operations. Frizzell says, “We will achieve this by implementing knowledge from a company who is a nationwide leader in grow technologies. The research and information compiled at our facilities will be used to further the technology surrounding cannabis and will help create better growing solutions, larger yields and more efficient growing techniques.”

CannaCare Pharms team (left to right) Rachel Dillard, Bryant Frizzell, Ariel Lewis and Deveno Hairston are on a mission to provide Missouri medical marijuana patients with high-quality, consistent products and service. (photo courtesy CannCare Pharms)

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annaCare Pharms is an applicant intending to provide Missouri medical marijuana patients with high-quality, consistent products and service. The company plans to create opportunities beyond only medical marijuana. Through its planned operations in southern Missouri, CannaCare Pharms will bring the community a multitude of opportunities which in turn will create jobs and income for those seeking work within the State’s new cannabis industry.

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Racheal Dillard of CannaCare Pharms says, “As Missourians, we never expected to achieve the passing of Amendment 2 so quickly.

We are forever grateful for the many hours of work by everyone to make the law come to fruition. The thought of someday having

CannaCare Pharms legal medical marijuana in Missouri encouraged our founders to spend years immersing themselves in the cannabis culture and learning all the aspects of how to operate in this ever-developing industry.”

As Missouri natives, the founders of CannaCare Pharms say they welcome the opportunity to provide alternative medicines to those in its community. CannaCare Pharms will be growing strains that are ailment- and disease-specific.

“By doing this, we hope to make it easier for our potential consumers to make educated choices on the type of medical marijuana that best fits their specific needs,” said Frizzell. “We will be working together with licensed prescribing doctors whose information and involvement with their patients will help shape our company into providing strains for the specific aliments which they see most often. In addition to helping those with numerous medical issues, CannaCare Pharms sees potential in the decreasing of opioid addiction and overdose by substituting medical cannabis.

Multiple studies show that the opioid overdose average is higher in Missouri compared to the national average. In addition, a staggering 71.8 opioid prescriptions are written for every 100 persons here in our home state. That number is significantly higher than the national average of 58.7 per 100. This is an obvious problem that needs to be remedied before more of our community is affected.”

CannaCare Pharms believes in educating its community about the benefits of medical marijuana by providing first-hand knowledge from doctors and patients. In addition, it plans to orchestrate community events pertaining solely to cannabis and its opportunities to help people.

“Our goal, if awarded a license, is to show Missourians the giving side of cannabis by immersing ourselves in community outreach through several non-profit organizations,” said Frizzell. “One of which we have already founded, called Authentic Veterans Group (AVG).”

AVG provides confidential small group environments where veterans can be authentic and vulnerable about personal, relational and vocational triumphs or trials, while also presenting veterans with the opportunity for meaningful connection and social interaction. Military men and women have created a bond to serve not only their country but also their fellow soldiers.

“The AVG is very effective in active duty because of interdependence,” said Frizzell. “What our veterans have experienced in military life is what AVG provides; the opportunity to again experience brotherhood. At the core of AVG is the opportunity to talk about life in a confidential group. The advantage of having a safe place to process life, both the successes and the failures, is

CannaCare Pharms founded a new non-profit group called "Authentic Veterans Group" (AVG). The AVG provides confidential small group environments where veterans can be authentic and vulnerable about personal, relational and vocational triumphs or trials. what makes AVG so beneficial. Thus far, we have seen immense success in such a short time of operation.”

Currently, the AVG has groups that meet in Springfield, MO, weekly. Frizzell says, “We intend to create additional AVG groups/ chapters throughout Missouri to provide to our numerous veterans all over the state.”

CannaCare Pharms attended trade shows and bike shows, setting up booths to provide information about AVG, signed people up for groups and allowed an opportunity for the public to meet some veteran counselors. This was done while spreading the positive and helpful aspects of cannabis and showing Missourians what CannaCare Pharms could provide them in the future.

“In addition to aiding the AVG, CannaCare Pharms intends to reduce the state-wide hunger epidemic of by providing donations of food, funds and time to multiple organizations whose sole purpose is to service the hungry,” said Frizzell. “We are also in the early stages of creating our second non-profit organization which aims to provide healthy, nutritional meals to children and their families. It’s our goal to make a helpful impact in every way we can and to make our home town and the state of Missouri a better place for all in need.”

For more information about CannaCare Pharms and to follow its story, visit www.cannacarepharms.com. For more information about the AVG, visit www.authenticveteransgroup.com.

July 2019

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A VETERANS TAKE ►

A DECORATED BATTLEFIELD WARRIOR’S New Mission to Serve Vets

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by Commander Tom Mundell

s warriors return from the battlefield and their various other military assignments, they eventually will become veterans and return to the civilian sector.

Once the veteran moves into his community, he becomes a civilian, just like everyone else.

Yes, they will have unique skills. Many of these skills will become a great asset to them, as well as to their next employers and the communities in which they live.

Commander Thomas W. Mundell is a former member of the United States Army. He served two combat tours in Vietnam and received the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star for Valor, Air Medal for Valor, Army Commendation for Valor and Four Purple Hearts. He was shot down 11 times and rendered over 164 enemy combatants harmless during his military and civilian career. He served as State Commander for the Department of Missouri Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Chairman of MAVO (Missouri Association of Veteran Organizations). He has been a sustained member of the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), Missouri Cannabis Industry Association (MCIA) and New Approach Missouri since 2013. He completed over 120 hours of Cannabis related courses and has experience at the cultivation, manufacturing and dispensary levels. As a well-respected member of the veterans’ community, Mundell was instrumental in passing medical cannabis in 2018 by influencing and educating Missouri senators, representatives and residents throughout Missouri. With his strong relationships with politicians and administrators at the city, county, state and federal levels, he has become a respected educator and voice for cannabis issues.

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Returning veterans experience every issue, all the problems, illnesses, heartbreaks, drama, etc., that non-veterans have. However, along with these, many veterans must also contend with their past career in the military. Not all warriors come face-to-face or even come within reach of the enemy. However, the chance is always on their minds. That is why they are specifically trained for combat.

Sometimes life does not seem fair. Nonveteran civilians and veterans alike, suffer and share so many life complications today.

Here is an example of when a warrior comes home from many years of high-intensity combat. The warrior served in many “theaters of operation,” saw countless friends killed within arms reach on many occasions, was involved in aerial combat from attack helicopters, and performed “search and destroy operations,” where the sole purpose was to kill everything that moved — human or animal it did not matter.

Times, attitudes and particularly perceptions were different during the Vietnam War era. In those days, getting a “confirmed kill” was a “badge of honor,” and today, just the thought is horrifying. The mindset that is created to fight that kind of war and survive is one that must be very focused and determined at all cost to win the battle. Regardless, if the

warrior knows why he has to cause death and destruction or not, they must follow the orders and “render the enemy harmless.” That is what they called a “confirmed kill” now — “rendering someone harmless.” My military records state, I have accomplished that over 164 times. That definitely changes your mindset when you are in that occupation.

Being shot down many times, wounded and injured, I ran for my life on more than one occasion. You would think that individuals who faced those experiences and situations would want to get away from that type of life.

For some reason that “military combatant mindset” that I mentioned before becomes an overwhelming addiction to continue on and on until you just are unable to continue, physically or mentally. The military eventually medically retires the warrior, and he is now out of the military and working as a civilian. Heavily medicated and put out to pasture so to speak, but suddenly as a civilian that ingrained “combatant focus” once again goes back to the same work but as a so-called defense contractor or even as a military advisor in numerous other “combat theaters of operation” around the world.

Suddenly that lifestyle is abruptly altered when the warrior comes home to stay.

Believe it or not, he had a beautiful, loving family during all those years away fighting wars for reasons he never really understood.

Now, he is faced with being a father, a dad, a family man who is supposed to have compassion, understanding and love for his family and friends.

Throughout our lives, we are all ingrained with information and indoctrinated with what we believe is the truth about certain things because we believe, have respect, and most of all, trust those in the government and medical profession that tells us that they have

Vets Find Help with Medical Cannabis the science, research and facts about things. Now we know that just is not the case at all. The lack of education and knowledge about 21st-century science and medical facts concerning cannabis can cause death and a family’s destruction very quickly.

My whole life changed some 70 months ago when I lost my only son when he was 39. A few years before that occurred, I lost my firstborn daughter when she was 33, in an automobile accident. I actually delivered her in the back seat of my mom and dad’s 1949 Packard when I was 17 years old. Only a few years before that happened, I also lost their mother. All three did not go away; they are all dead. Yes, not only do I feel responsible, but their deaths, as far as I am concerned, all could have possibly been avoided had I been a more concerned and willing to listen man, and not have been such a know it all, always right, and always felt my way was the only way to do anything.

“Dad, you know we don’t drink or do this, but a friend of mine had me try this a few weeks ago. It really helps me rest at night and relieves most of my discomfort during the day. I actually have been to work for the last three days,” said my son.

God only knows if I had my next words to take back, I sure would.

Instead of being a thoughtful, concerned parent and telling him that I was proud of that accomplishment, I said the worse thing any dad could ever say. I said, “I don’t care, it’s illegal, it’s not healthy, and I just can’t stand the thought of you and that shit.” He said to me, “Okay, Dad, I respect you and your feelings. You’re correct; I won’t smoke anymore.”

Eleven days later, on August 07, 2012, at 09:15 a.m., I was standing over my son’s lifeless body lying next to his beautiful home and in-ground pool. Weeks later, the Coroner advised me that the cause of death was the ingestion of alcohol on top of his prescribed medications.

My son had “traumatic brain injury” from his military service. I did not know this. He was injured, but we only thought his back and neck were affected. He did so well for ten years after the military. He raised four beautiful children, had a beautiful home in the country and a great career going with the postal service. He was the type that always displayed self-control and was always respectful, funny and just a really great young man. I was so proud of him. He started having family problems. Like an idiot, I just blew it off as a husband and wife back and forth problem. None of my business, I thought. Was I ever wrong!

He got bad; he was hospitalized the first time for nearly 30 days at a VA hospital. For the next few years, he suffered terrible headaches, backaches and neck aches culminating into blackouts and finally many hospitalizations. I started a VA claim for him through our VFW Service Officers, and they were doing all they could to make sure the medical claim went through as quickly as possible. He had not worked for nearly a year. He was having a terrible time.

One weekend day, I surprised him at his home. I walked in, he was sitting at the kitchen table, but he had a marijuana cigarette in his hand. I could not contain myself. I said, “Absolutely NO, NO, NO. That is not going to be accepted. It’s against the law. We are running a medical claim on you for ‘service-connected injuries,’ and if you piss dirty, it will set you back and cause all sorts of negative issues for us both.”

“I thought he didn’t drink,” said the Coroner who had known both of us for years. I yelled out, “Did he have any f...ing marijuana in his system?” The doctor replied, “Why would you ask that?” I reiterated the situation that I caught him in a few weeks before. The doctor said that was probably the only thing that was giving him any real relief.

At that time, I certainly could not understand that statement.

With those words and so many other similar situations that I encountered in the next few months, I began a journey to validate the validity of medical cannabis. My travels took me to 28 states and four countries. I also met with two Presidents of the United States, 39 U.S. senators, and many U.S. representatives, but my best visits were with our own U.S. Senator Roy Blunt. I knew this was a sensitive subject, but I had to get to the bottom of all of this.

As true leaders, we must be able to set aside our personal feelings, especially our ingrained thoughts, and perceptions and allow ourselves to be educated, gain knowledge about subjects of which we are not certain. Senator Blunt is one of our nations most respected and honored politicians. His compassion and concern were evident, but he wanted the facts and science.

In the next issue of The EVOLUTION Magazine, you will find out the facts and science that my team of investigators and I uncovered as well as the lies and corruption created by just a few individuals in high places, which created the false beliefs in this beautiful life-saving cannabis plant.

July 2019

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MO AMENDMENT 2 NEWS ►

What You Should Know About

Missouri Medical Marijuana

On November 6, 2018 Missouri voters timeline for the provisions included in Amendment 2 began approved Amendment 2 to permit state- The on December 6, 2018. Important dates to remember for 2019 are licensed physicians to recommend marijuana as follows: ●● January 5 — Pre-filed application fees will begin to be for medical purposes to patients with serious accepted. illnesses and medical conditions.

A

mendment 2 allows qualified patients with debilitating medical conditions to use medical marijuana under the supervision of their doctors. It creates facilities for cultivation, manufacturing, and dispensing of medical marijuana regulated by the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS). It requires rigorous testing and labeling of all medical marijuana products. It is estimated that medical marijuana will generate millions of dollars in new tax revenues for programs to benefit Missouri veterans.

Amendment 2 does NOT legalize marijuana use generally. Only qualified patients, certified by physicians and registered with the DHSS, may legally use medical marijuana under Amendment 2. Based on patient counts from other medical marijuana states, experts expect only 2-3% of Missourians will hold a patient ID card from DHSS. Amendment 2 does NOT allow for unregulated sales. All commercial sales will be tracked by a seed-to-sale tracking system. Patients will be limited to how much they can purchase each month. Dispensary on every corner will not be allowed. The DHSS can restrict the number of dispensary licenses to approximately one for every 32,000 Missouri residents.

Under Amendment 2, local governments may not ban medical marijuana dispensaries or related facilities, but they may regulate the time, place and manner of facility operations in their communities as long as they don’t conflict with Article XIV or create an undue burden.

Dispensaries and cultivation facilities will be some of the most secure buildings in the city. Entry to the dispensary floor will be impossible without a qualified patient ID card. Only employees and patients can enter. No patients will be able to even enter the dispensary floor without first passing through a waiting room, where a computer synced with a statewide network will provide up to the second information for how much medication a patient has left to purchase. If a patient has reached their maximum limit for that 30-day period they will be turned away.

Dispensaries are considered as medical establishments like a pharmacy or health care clinic and should be treated as such for purposes of local government zoning. The amendment’s language and the DHSS have consistently said patient access should be a priority for local communities.

Dispensaries will bring sizable sale tax contributions and many jobs to cities. The Missouri State Auditor projects dispensaries will generate an estimated $6 million dollars annually for local governments and $18 million for the state.

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●● June 4 — Application forms and instructions will be available. ●● July 4 — Applications for identification cards will begin to be accepted. ●● August 3 — Facility applications will begin to be accepted. ●● Those awarded licenses will receive them within 150 days (approx. 5 months) ●● Medical marijuana may be available for purchase as early as January 2020.

Dispensaries, Infused Manufacturing and Cultivation 1. Dispensary Facility Licenses — 192 2. Infused Products Manufacturing Facility Licenses — 86 3. Cultivation Facility Licenses — 60 ●● The number of “Facility” licenses will be limited to set numbers (above) unless the department determines the limit must be increased in order to meet the demand for medical marijuana by qualifying patients.

Dispensary facility licenses will not be limited to fewer than 24 in each of the eight United States congressional districts of Missouri. A Missouri state map showing the applicable boundary lines of congressional districts is available at the DHSS website, www.house.mo.gov/ billtracking/maps/congressional.pdf. This rule does not incorporate any subsequent amendments or additions to the congressional district boundary lines.

A “Facility” license will be issued for a single facility in a single location. Combinations of licenses at the same location must be approved by the DHSS. Fees associated with applying for medical marijuana dispensing, cultivation and infused manufacturing facilities: ●● Dispensary Facilities require a $6,000 non-refundable application fee and a $10,000 annual fee. ●● Cultivation Facilities require a $10,000 non-refundable application fee and a $25,000 annual fee. ●● Medical marijuana-infused manufacturing facilities require a $6,000 non-refundable application fee and a $10,000 annual fee.

A total of 510 pre-filed application forms and fees totaling $3,672,000 have been received by DHSS (as of May 14, 2019 https://health. mo.gov/safety/medical-marijuana).

Note: These “DHSS” FAQ’s are intended to clarifying information about Amendment 2 until applicable rules and regulations are

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS completed and implemented, which will be no later than June 4, 2019 (because this issue went to press prior to that date, we will publish updates in our July issue).

Can I legally possess medical marijuana now?

No. While the DHSS understands that Missourians are anticipating this form of therapy, Amendment 2 requires a series of steps be executed before medical marijuana is made available.

When will medical marijuana be available?

The Department will begin accepting applications for cultivation, manufacturing, and dispensing facilities on August 3, 2019, and it's anticipated medical marijuana may be available for purchase as early as January 2020.

When can I visit a doctor to obtain certification for my qualifying condition?

Any physician certification you receive for medical marijuana must be no more than 30 days old at the time you apply for a patient identification cards, which DHSS will not begin accepting until July 4, 2019. For example, you could visit a physician beginning June 6, just be sure to fall within the 30 days allowing time to mail and receive your patient ID card. The DHSS anticipates an online application process.

An application form is being developed and will be available online no later than June 4.

How much does an identification card cost? $25, initially. Approved payment methods are to-be-determined. The DHSS anticipates an online application process.

When will I receive my identification card?

Within 30 days of application, if your application is approved.

Can anyone other than a MO state-licensed physician provide a physician certification?

No. How do I get medical marijuana?

Step 1: You must visit a state-licensed physician (MD or DO and not a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant) to obtain a patient ID card.

Step 2: Apply for a patient ID card from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (starting July 4, 2019).

Step 3: Once your application is approved and you receive your patient ID card, you may purchase medical marijuana from a state-licensed dispensary.

Will I be able to go to a pharmacy to fill my medical marijuana?

No, only a Missouri licensed medical marijuana dispensary facility.

Can someone with an out-of-state medical marijuana card or a physician certification possess medical marijuana in Missouri on December 6?

No. While the possession is technically allowed, there will be no mari-

Q&A

juana available for legal possession. There will not yet be any licensed dispensary facilities to purchase marijuana from; cultivation (in home) identification cards will not yet have been issued; and transportation of marijuana into Missouri from another state or purchase of marijuana from street dealers is prohibited under state and federal law.

What conditions qualify for medical marijuana in Missouri? a. Cancer b. Epilepsy c. Glaucoma d. Intractable migraines unresponsive to other treatment e. A chronic medical condition that causes severe, persistent pain or persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those associated with multiple sclerosis, seizures, Parkinson’s disease, and Tourette’s syndrome f. Debilitating psychiatric disorders, including, but not limited to, post-traumatic stress disorder, if diagnosed by a state licensed psychiatrist g. Human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome h. A chronic medical condition that is normally treated with a prescription medication that could lead to physical or psychological dependence, when a physician determines that medical use of marijuana could be effective in treating that condition and would serve as a safer alternative to the prescription medication i. Any terminal illness; or j. In the professional judgment of a physician, any other chronic, debilitating or other medical condition, including, but not limited to, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, Huntington’s disease, autism, neuropathies, sickle cell anemia, agitation of Alzheimer’s disease, cachexia and wasting syndrome.

What is a primary caregiver?

Someone who is all of the following: 1. Twenty-one years of age or older.

2. Responsible for managing the well-being of a “Qualified Patient.”

3. Designated as the primary caregiver’s on the application for a Patient ID card or in other written notification to the DHSS. Will I be allowed to grow my own marijuana plants for medical use?

Yes, with the appropriate identification card and in an appropriately secured facility. DHSS regulates limits on number plants.

How do I get more information?

For more details about “Amendment 2” rules, regulations, updates and Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services developments, visit https://health.mo.gov/safety/medical-marijuana.

Q&A

Resources: Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services Medical Marijuana Program Draft rules as of 4-30-19. See more information at https://health.mo.gov/safety/medical-marijuana/draft-rules.php

July 2019

19

THOUGHTS FROM DOC ►

by Michael J. Poppa DO, MBA

“QUALIFYING PATIENT”

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Cannabis

W

ith all due respect to Sergio Leoni and his famous “spaghetti westerns,” we are going to use this as a reference regarding “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” of cannabis.

THE GOOD Although medical cannabis has many benefits, the most common use for medical cannabis in the United States is for pain control. Everyone is acutely aware of the opioid crisis that has devastated many individuals in many communities across the United States. While medical cannabis is not strong enough for severe pain such as acute trauma (i.e., fractures or even immediately postoperatively), it certainly has a place in the medical management of chronic pain. Although most studies regarding the benefits of medical cannabis for chronic pain are anecdotal in nature, discussions with veterans across the country indicate it has a definite place in the hierarchy of medical management. Medical cannabis is clearly safer than opioids and probably or more than likely will replace nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil or Aleve, especially if individuals cannot take these medications due to ongoing medical conditions such as kidney disease, ulcers or gastrointestinal reflux disease.

Medical cannabis also eases the pain of multiple sclerosis as well as neuropathic pain in general. Typically, physicians utilize neuropathic pain medication such as Neurontin or Lyrica for neuropathic pain management.

Often, these medications have significant side effects severely limiting their use. Also, the cost of these medications impacts their availability and, as such, their usefulness. One only has to look up the data regarding the millions of dollars pharmaceutical companies have earned through their patents on these medications, which also impacts the rising cost of healthcare throughout the nation.

Medical cannabis is also a tremendous adjunct in treating spasticity as well as generalized muscle spasm from common conditions such as chronic myofasciitis and not so common conditions such as fibromyalgia. Muscle relaxers require prescriptions and are sometimes costly

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to those individuals requiring their use. Again, as a pharmaceutical agent, these medications can also drive up the cost of healthcare through costly prescriptions and multiple physician office visits.

Another common use of medical cannabis is its effective use in treating nausea, weight loss and glaucoma. I would be remiss in not describing the benefit of medical cannabis in treating posttraumatic stress disorder secondary to combat as well as everyday life stressors. There are studies which indicate that patients suffering from these conditions benefit greatly from medical cannabis use. More studies are badly needed to determine the ultimate usefulness of medical cannabis.

These discussions all begin with YOU. It is imperative that you discuss your conditions with your treating physician to benefit from new treatment paradigms. The medical community is often slow to react to changes in medical treatment, especially relating to chronic conditions. Medical cannabis has changed dramatically from the 1960s and 70s; however, that is a topic for another discussion.

THE BAD As with any medication or treatment, there are problems related to its use or, more correctly, abuse. A burgeoning area of concern involving the use of medical cannabis, especially in treating psychiatric conditions, includes cannabis-induced psychosis (CIP). It is challenging to unravel the strands of characteristics related to many of the psychiatric disorders.

However, doctors look for several distinguishing characterizations associated with CIP. Unfortunately, at present, there is no way to adequately identify those individuals who will experience a mental health crisis with cannabis use. Fortunately, there are several factors that we can look at including cannabis use in early teenage years; higher THC cannabis strains; and the balance of CBD and THC in cannabis. High THC cannabis refers to strains with greater than 15% THC content. Typically, these high THC strains are also usually low in CBD. CBD is a neuroprotective component in the cannabis plant. Also, there are gender differences since cannabis affects men and women differently. It is known that women store THC in their bodies for longer periods. Individuals who already have a mental illness are at increased risk. Again, it comes down to you. You must discuss these conditions with your treating physician and be aware of increased symptoms

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involving depression as well as other social factors that you may experience.

THE UGLY The “ugly” comparison relating to “spaghetti westerns” as I alluded to earlier, is a comparison to traditional “westerns.”

I mention this because I recently watched “High Noon” and thoroughly enjoyed it, even though it was probably my fifth time watching it. However, “the ugly” as it relates to medical cannabis, in my opinion, involves the lack of government studies, pharmaceutical studies or research studies in general.

The cultural stigma of marijuana (cannabis) use remains at the forefront of many individuals’ minds much to the detriment of individuals seeking treatment for their chronic medical conditions. Only with research, government studies and reputable pharmaceutical studies can we overcome “the ugly” connotations involving marijuana (medical cannabis).

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Although this article talks about several medical conditions, it is not meant to be inclusive because many other medical conditions that qualify in both “the good” and “the bad” categories. This article is merely a discussion to enlighten and stress the importance of discovery.

Michael J. Poppa, D.O., M.B.A. Board Certified Occupational Medicine. He can be reached at Missouri Cannabis Clinic, 844.420.0362, 10001 E. 67th St. Raytown, MO. 64133. Visit Missouri Cannabis Clinic online at www.missouricannabis.clinic.com.

The information contained herein is not intended to replace a one-toone relationship with a doctor or qualified healthcare professional.

Therefore, this information is not intended as medical advice, but rather a sharing of knowledge and information based on research and experience. The information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content is for general information purposes only.

July 2019

21

Patient Access Advocate ►

LEGALIZED MEDICINAL CANNABIS OFFERS A CHANCE AT A NORMAL LIFE AFTER REMOVAL OF A SOFTBALL-SIZED BRAIN TUMOR

THE LONNIE KESSLER STORY

W

by Aspen Sennewald, contributing writer

hen Missouri legalized medicinal cannabis, the state truly celebrated. Some people cried, some shouted with joy, and some realized they might have a chance at a normal life in a state they love.

There are tons of people excited to watch the stigma break, and their access to good-quality pot grow. However, the reason for this recent legalization comes back to patients in Missouri who believe they have a right to treatment.

Lonnie Kessler is a Missouri resident who has been seeking quality cannabis for years. Today, Kessler can openly share his story.

Lonnie Kessler

Kessler’s cannabis story started in his teens and early twenties when he smoked socially with friends. He didn’t intentionally smoke medicinally, but looking back, he feels it helped with stress. Kessler wasn’t the most popular growing up. He wasn’t great at sports, and he even bounced between friend groups.

Growing up in a small town outside of Moberly, Kessler eventually embraced the “pothead” stigma that shaped his early thoughts on cannabis use.

As Kessler entered his mid-twenties, he decided to “play it straight” and give up cannabis. He moved to Utah where he graduated culinary school and eventually moved back home to become a sous chef at the casino in Booneville, MO. After working in the casino for a while, he decided to take a job in the security department. Kessler was experiencing blurred vision when supervisors realized he was filling out forms incorrectly, which prompted him to see an eye doctor. Kessler was diagnosed with papilledema. This condition increases pressure in the brain, causing part of the optic nerve in the eye to swell. Blurred vision and clumsiness are two common symptoms, one of which could explain his struggle to excel in sports growing up due to lack of coordination.

At this point, Kessler’s family doctor wanted him to have an MRI. Often, the inner brain pressure is caused by something serious. The results revealed a softball-sized mass on his brain, and doctors at the local hospital couldn’t help him. Kessler’s primary care doctor and four neurosurgeons eventually teamed up. They administered plasma and reversed his blood levels. On July 27, 2007, Kessler went under the knife for an 18-hour brain surgery. Almost all of the 9.5 cm (3.75 inches) tumor was removed.

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Kessler soon went to rehab, where he relearned many of life’s daily tasks. Half of his face was paralyzed, and learning to walk, talk, eat and everything in-between again would have been impossible without his family’s constant support. Fourteen months later, Kessler underwent an 8-hour surgery to remove a golf ball-sized tumor. Swelling and important brain matter were to blame for not completely removing the tumor the second time around. Kessler now has a walnut-sized schwannoma on his brain stem that will never be completely gone.

A schwannoma tumor covers tissues and nerve cells and is not cancerous. As time goes on, Kessler will undergo radiation to combat the tumors’ growth.

After enduring four surgeries, including a rhinoplasty, consequences started occurring. Kessler developed depression and anxiety, and he was still feeling pain despite maxing out on all medications. The second brain surgery brought seizures that still occur to this day.

After deciding against a Vagus Nerve Simulator implant to reduce his seizures and another surgery to remove the part of his brain that causes seizures, Kessler started using cannabis again. At this point, he began advocating for Amendment 2 to legalize medical cannabis in Missouri. Kessler used cannabis to avoid an addiction to pills and to de-stress from everything after that the initial eye doctor visit.

Without cannabis, his seizures are much more often and more intense.

Kessler enjoys cannabis to relax muscles that are otherwise difficult to release after a seizure, sometimes lasting for days.

Kessler has found happiness in the emerging cannabis industry through sharing his story and being an advocate for patients who cannot speak for themselves. Four years ago, he began his quest by asking New Approach Missouri, “What can I do to help?” Now, Kessler is a patient advocate for both Minorities for Medical Marijuana-Missouri and Mid-Missouri NORML. Kessler advocates full-time for Missouri patients.

Kessler’s goals? Safe and complete access to medicine patients need to change their lives. Cannabis saved Kessler’s life, and he hopes others will join him in breaking the patient stigma.

See the video interview by Hoosier Sophisticates featuring the Lonnie Kessler story. Scan this QR code with your cell phone ►

Aspen Sennewald has a Bachelor’s in Health Science with an Emphasis in Health & Wellness Services and Minor in Wellness from the University of Missouri. She served as President of the MU’s National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. She attends the Cannabis Training University (CTU).

July 2019

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n a C r a M

na

t e k

s i b

p

1 0 1

e c la

T

here will be a multitude of products flooding the shelves of new dispensaries as Missouri’s medical cannabis program comes to fruition in the coming months and years.

How well will you be able to navigate the myriad of options and varieties available to you? Here’s a little primer to help kickstart your knowledge of the coming medical cannabis marketplace.

CANNABIS FLOWER ― The undisputed king of the dispensary, cannabis flower is where it all started. The medicinal benefits inherent to raw cured cannabis are easily absorbed into the lungs when vaporized or smoked. Widespread cultivation in legal states has led to a huge boom in genetic diversity, resulting in unique new strains coming to market nearly every single day. The best dispensaries will have a wide variety of strains and genotypes (Sativa, Indica, Hybrid) available as well as knowledgeable staff on hand to help you find the strains that will best suit your needs. Individual strains can affect people differently, so the best way to find what works for you is to try several different varieties.

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TINCTURES ― Cannabis is processed into an edible extract and heat treated using a method called decarboxylation to maximize its medicinal effects when ingested. The extracts are blended with different carriers like oils, alcohol and various medicinal compounds depending on the use and desired therapeutic effects.

CONCENTRATES ― Cannabis oil is often extracted from the plant using solvents like Butane, Ethanol and liquid CO2, then further refined into a wide variety of product types such as Wax, Shatter, Crumble, Sap, Budder and Pull & Snap. These extracts are usually vaporized or burned and then inhaled with extremely potent effects.

VAPORIZERS ― Cannabis oil can be further refined for use with portable vaporizers, which has become one of the more popular and convenient ways of consuming THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol). Just like with smoking, there are possible health risks with vaping. Watch out for dangerous additives and low-quality cartridges using heavy metal heating elements.

EDIBLES ― If you can imagine it, you can probably find an edible version of medical cannabis. Everything from candies, cookies, brownies, chocolate bars, energy drinks, sodas, sauces, oils and much more can be infused with edible cannabis oil to make ingesting your medication enjoyable and delicious!

TOPICALS ― The dermis (skin) is often said to be the body’s largest organ, and it can absolutely benefit from the medicinal effects of cannabis. Salves, creams, and oils are infused with cannabis oil and therapeutic additives to increase absorption and pain relief. Additionally, topicals are free of any psychoactive effects, unlike most other cannabis products.

July 2019

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HEALTH & WELLNESS ►

BALANCE YOUR MIND AND BODY ― CANNABIS AND THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM

by Carrie Hudson, Contributing Writer

HISTORY AND SAFETY OF CANNABIS

T

he documented use of cannabis as a safe and effective therapeutic botanical dates back to 2700 BC. The cannabis plant is believed to have originated in Central Asia and expanded its reach to an international scale over time. Between 1840 and 1900, European and American journals of medicine published more than 100 articles on the therapeutic uses of cannabis. In fact, cannabis was a part of the American pharmacopeia until 1942.

Before cannabis prohibition, hemp and marijuana were used for thousands of years to treat several ailments, including epilepsy, headaches, arthritis, pain, depression and nausea. Traditional healers may not have known why the plant was effective, but their experience has laid the groundwork for science today. With hardly any dangerous or addictive side effects, it has become a "go-to" for many patients across the world, and their reasoning is largely the same — it makes them feel better.

You might be asking yourself, "So why does it make you feel better?

What's happening in the body to make this possible?" Or most importantly, "Where's the science behind it?" Let's take a closer look and explore what's happening in the human body and mind when we introduce cannabis as part of a well-rounded regiment to promote health and balance in the body.

In science class back in school, we were taught that there are 11 major organ systems in the human body. They include the circulatory, respiratory, urinary, reproductive, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, lymphatic and digestive systems. All these systems make up the human body.

What you may not know, unless you're a scientist or work with medical cannabis, is you also have a very important system called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The discovery of the ECS revealed a biological basis for the therapeutic efforts of plant cannabinoids and has sparked renewed interest in cannabis medicine. This system is the MOST important physiologic system involved in establishing and maintaining human health, and it is responsible for sending out signals to all other 11 major working organ systems in our body. When communication between these systems breaks down, so do we! This lack of cellular commu26

July 2019

nication creates the perfect storm for inflammation, which left untreated leads to an array of different diseases in the body.

Why don't more people know about the ECS? We have known about the ECS for about 27 years. It was first discovered in 1992 by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, as well as researchers William Devane and Dr. Lumir Hanus who were the first to discover the original endocannabinoid, Anandamide, the "feel good" endocannabinoid. It was the first naturally occurring endogenous cannabinoid (or endocannabinoid) found in the body.

What they went on to discover was a remarkably complex network of cannabinoid receptors known today as CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are primarily found in the immune system, digestive system (gastrointestinal tract), skin and many of the body's major organs.

By acting on both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, Anandamide helps to modulate both the central and peripheral nervous system, receptively.

What exactly does the ECS do?

Evolving science is still learning what the ECS does. What we do know is that the ECS helps fine-tune most of our vital physiological functions. It promotes homeostasis, which is a fancy word for balance in the body and mind. It affects everything from stress, anxiety, sleep, appetite, pain, inflammation, memory, mood and even reproduction.

In basic terms, the ECS ensures that all systems work in harmony and balance with one another. As a result, it is no surprise that scientists have observed changes in ECS activity in many diseases: neurodegenerative disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and the list continues. This suggests that the ECS may be an effective target for restoring balance in the body and promoting overall good health. When the ECS is functioning properly, all of our various body systems are maintained in a state of equilibrium.

However, what happens when the ECS is dysfunctional or damaged? This hypothesis that the ECS may lie at the root of some disorders is known as the “Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency” 1 hypothesis. It is believed that by supplementing the body with naturally occurring cannabinoids from the cannabis plant called "Phyto-Cannabinoids," we can mimic what our own body produces and restore the CB1

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Research is showing SMALL doses of the natural cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, as well as other plants, help support the ECS by enhancing its ability to signal the receptors. Phyto-Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant might act as a tonic to our central and physiologic healing system.

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Exercise and diet also play a huge role in boosting the ECS. Scientists have found that prolonged aerobic exercise increases levels of Anandamide. Diet also plays a huge role in creating overall wellness and balance in the body. Increasing your intake of the essential fatty acids and omega 3s found in healthy seeds like flax, hemp or in fish oils can help support endocannabinoid brain signaling as well. So, as you can see, to obtain whole health you may want to consider a healthy diet, exercise, and begin introducing cannabis in small doses to get your ECS balanced, and CB1 and CB2 receptors firing!

In my next article, we take a look at the nutritional benefits of cannabis.

Is Cannabis the next Superfood?

Sources: 1. Citation: McPartland JM, Guy GW, Di Marzo V (2014) Care and Feeding of the Endocannabinoid System: A Systematic Review of Potential Clinical Interventions that Upregulate the Endocannabinoid System. PLoS ONE 9(3): e89566. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0089566. Editor: Andrej A. Romanovsky, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, United States of America. Received September 8, 2013; Accepted January 21, 2014; Published March 12, 2014.

Writer Carrie Hudson is a Certified Health Coach and passionate about cannabis education, truth and change. Originally from Missouri, Hudson now resides in Colorado with her two dogs and is actively engaged in teaching how to live a true. whole-health lifestyle.

Visit carriehudson.com for more information.

The information contained herein is not intended to replace a one-to-one relationship with a doctor or qualified healthcare professional. Therefore, this information is not intended as medical advice, but rather a sharing of knowledge and information based on research and experience. The information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content is for general information purposes only.

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July 2019

27

CULTIVATORS CORNER ►

Assessing Beneficial Microbial Activity

by Joe Bender, Contributing Writer

B

eneficial microbes are common additives in cannabis production and other horticultural crop production. Beneficial fungal and bacterial species such as Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis are used as biocontrol agents of fungal and algal root rot diseases caused by Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium spp., and other species[6]. Growers also add fungi and bacteria such as Glomus intraradices and Bacillus spp. for their ability to increase the availability of plant nutrients.4 While many studies have demonstrated the benefits of microbial additives, cannabis growers usually don’t have an established methodology for investigating the activity of microbes in their production systems. Several analytical techniques can be used to assess microbial activity and help paint an overall picture of root zone dynamics in your production system(s).4

Soil Enzymes Enzymes are proteins that interact with corresponding substrates to catalyze (speed up) reactions. For example, cellulase is an enzyme that catalyzes cellulose degradation to produce shorter polysaccharides and simple sugars.

Soil microbes excrete enzymes into the medium surrounding them, which are thus known as extracellular enzymes. These enzymes help microbes dissolve their food before they absorb it. One method of assessing root zone microbial activity is by monitoring extracellular enzyme activity (EEA) in the soil, potting mix, or nutrient solution.

Extracellular enzymes assist in beneficial microbes’ anti-pathogenic action and also accelerate the degradation of organic materials, which releases mineral nutrients used by plants.1, 2 EEA, therefore, serves as an indicator of microbial activity; however, because extracellular enzymes form stable, persistent complexes with organic matter and clay, which are no longer associated with living cells, EEA assay results are representative of the cumulative activity of microbes, and not necessarily their current activity.1 Stabilized enzyme/clay-ororganic-matter complexes can contribute up to 60% of total enzyme activity.1 EEA assays could be used to compare cannabis planting mediums supplemented with varying beneficial microbe treatments, including a treatment of no supplemental microbes. Due to the cumulative nature of EEA, these assays would ideally be performed on the planting medium at several intervals, including near the time of harvest (before flushing), and would help answer questions such as: ●● Does EEA increase follow the addition of a specific beneficial 28

July 2019

microbe product? If so, this would indicate (albeit not definitively) that the product contains viable colony forming units of the microbes. ●● Do greater additions of the product further increase EEA? This could help determine the optimal amount of the microbe product to add.

Another method of assessing microbial activity resulting from the addition of microbe supplements is to analyze the nutrient levels in the root zones of plants given varying microbe treatments. This could be performed by a laboratory service or in-house using a nutrient analysis photometer (Hanna Instruments offers one for about $700). For photometric analysis, samples of the nutrient solution are leached from the potting mix (or collected directly from the reservoir of a recirculating system), decanted, diluted, clarified, and then mixed with a color-inducer for detecting a specific nutrient such as calcium or phosphate. The solution is then analyzed in the photometer, which detects the shade of color created by the reaction between the reagent and the nutrient in question. The photometer converts this color reading into mg/L (ppm) of the nutrient.

Rootzone Nutrient Analysis The most sensitive EEA assays use fluorescent spectroscopy to determine EEA. Substrate molecules, which react with the enzymes of interest, are bound to fluorescent markers. Substratebound markers are then mixed with liquid samples from the root zone. The markers can only fluoresce when an enzyme molecule breaks each marker-substrate bond. Therefore, the amount of fluorescence is directly proportional to the amount of the enzyme present in the sample.3 A microplate reader is used to detect the fluorescent intensity of samples in microtiter plates.

Two ways of increasing EEA are the addition of microbes and the addition of organic matter or clay to the soil or another growth medium.3 Experimenting with various microbe treatments, while using a standard growing medium and fertilizer plan as controls, could help elucidate the effect of microbe treatments on EEA. Although increasing

the EEA might not necessarily improve plant performance, finding a positive correlation between EEA activity and further additions of microbes would indicate that at least something is happening from adding more microbes. While this may not be all that enlightening, if nothing happens to EEA with the further addition of a microbe supplement, you might consider using less of that supplement. For example, you could find that inoculating the growing medium at the time of planting increases the EEA to a maximum level, possibly indicating that further additions of the supplement would be wasteful. Bear in mind, however, that EEA is not the only indicator of benefits from microbial supplements. The abilities of beneficial microbes to antagonize plant pathogens and to supply mineral nutrients to plants also rely on mechanisms other than EEA. Carefully controlled experimentation, including standardized fertilization as a control and using photometry for root zone analysis, could allow growers to observe whether or not levels of individual nutrients increase or decrease, due solely to the addition of microbes. An increase in the level of a nutrient such as Ca2+ or Mg2+ could indicate the microbial liberation of minerals from organic matter in the potting mix. The opposite effect might also be observed for certain nutrients, as microbes use nutrients for growth and maintenance. For example, bacteria and fungi that decompose organic matter can consume nitrogen (N) (sometimes temporarily, releasing it later in a different form) that would otherwise be available to plants. Populations of mycorrhizal fungi (plant-symbiotic root colonizers) benefit from available N and may increase with increasing N levels.5 Conversely, scientists have found that the abundance of mycorrhizal fungi increases as phosphorus levels decrease and that plants can compensate for low phosphorus levels via their association with mycorrhizae.5

Petiole Sap Testing

Experimental results could show an increase or decrease of nutrient levels in plant sap, due to adding variable rates of a microbe supplement. If the fertilizer rate is constant, but plants given a beneficial microbe product have significantly more nutrients in their sap than the control plants, you might want to use that microbe product in the future!

Fluorescent EEA assays, nutrient analysis photometry, and petiole sap testing are three complementary techniques that can shed light on microbial activity and root zone dynamics. Comparisons of the three-way interaction between EEA levels, the availability of certain nutrients, and plant performance could influence management practices, such as how much N or P to provide via fertilizers. Growers assessing these interactions in their production systems may find solid reasoning to supplement their plants with a beneficial microbe product at a specific rate, or to increase or decrease their rates of individual nutrients.

Source References: [1.] USDA NRCS (2010, October) Soil Quality Indicators: Soil Enzymes. chrome-extension:// oemmndcbldboiebfnladdacbdfmadadm/https:// www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/PA_NRCSConsumption/ download/?cid=nrcs142p2_053139&ext=pdf [2.] De Marco, J.L., Valadares-Inglis, M.C., and Felix, C.R. (2003) Production of hydrolytic enzymes by Trichoderma isolates with antagonistic activity against Crinipellis perniciosa, the causal agent of witches’ broom of cocoa.

Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, 34(1) http:// www.scielo.br/scielo. php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1517-83822003000100008 [3.] Bell, C.W., et al. (2013) High-throughput fluorometric measurement of potential soil extracellular enzyme activities. Journal of Visualized Experiments, 81(50,961). doi: 10.3791/50961 [4.] Abou-El-Seoud, I.I., and Amer, M.A. (2008) Mycorrhizal fungi and Trichoderma harzianum as biocontrol agents for suppression of Rhizoctonia solani damping-off disease of tomato. Communications in Agriculture and Applied Biological Sciences, 73(2):217-232. http:// www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/19226759 [5.] Koorem, K., et al. (2014) Soil nutrient content influences the abundance of soil microbes but not plant biomass at the small-scale. PLoS One, 9(3). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091998

Horiba NO3and K+ ion meters

One more method for assessing the impact of beneficial microbial activity is using Horiba (brand) pocket ion meters (about $350 each; see photo above) to measure petiole sap nitrate (NO3-), calcium (Ca2+), and potassium (K+) levels. Pocket ion meters use plant sap to create conductivity across an electrode. Petioles from the most recently matured leaves are crushed in a garlic press (about $10) to obtain sap samples. A few drops of sap are all that’s needed for a conductivity reading on the platform-style electrodes. The conductivity level is automatically converted to mg/L (ppm) of the specific nutrient ion.

[6.] McPartland, J.M., Clarke, R.C., and Watson, D.P. (2000) Hemp Diseases and Pests: Management and Biological Control. Cambridge, MA: CAB International. pages 102-103 Joe Bender is an independent crop consultant with his company Cannabis Crop Solutions, LLC. Joe’s cultivation articles have been published in Cannabis Culture, Weed World, and High Times. He is an expert cannabis grower, horticulturist, plant pathologist, and entomologist, and is well versed in many other areas of cannabis science and history, including cannabis pharmacology, manufacturing, and potency testing.

He’s an avid golfer and metal guitarist, and loves skateboarding, surfing, snowskating, and the company of old friends and family. www.cannabiscropsolutions.net.

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Creating Diversity in Missouri’s Cannabis Industry ― Could Social Equity Be The Answer?

by Erik Range, Contributing Writer

I

t’s no secret that the cannabis industry is here to stay. Legislatures across the United States are undertaking the painstaking work of implementing regulations and licensing programs for medical marijuana, adult and recreational use marijuana, and commercialized industrial hemp. For the average working person, political conversations and debates regarding the cannabis industry may be beyond the purview of daily life, yet it is increasingly impossible for anyone to ignore the chatter about cannabis.

With greater frequency, local and national news media has covered various topics concerning the legalization movement taking place on the global stage. Now more than ever, the cannabis conversation permeates nearly all demographics including communities of color. Even churches are coming around to the idea of entertaining a dialogue about cannabis’ place in addressing issues plaguing the community like opioid addiction and criminal justice reform.

Moreover, who could ignore the millions of dollars already circulating in and around the industry? According to the 6th edition of The State of Legal Marijuana Markets produced

by ArcView, worldwide legal cannabis spending increased significantly from 2017 to 2018 ($9.5B – 2017; $12.2 billion – 2018) and is projected to continue a strong pattern of growth this year ($16.9 billion projected – 2019).

Minorities for Medical Marijuana, Inc. (M4MM) is organized as a non profit organization with its corporate office based in Orlando Florida. The organization is structured as a 501c3 with a full Executive Team and Board of Directors who support the organization’s overall goals and strategic direction. The organization was established in May 2016 and currently has 23 state chapter locations throughout the country. M4MM’s mission is focused on providing advocacy, outreach, research, and training as it relates to the business, social reform, public policy, and health /wellness in the cannabis industry.

The question then becomes “How do we ensure the economic benefits derived from this industry make their way into communities of color, which have disproportionately carried the burden of federal prohibition?” For example, in cities like Oakland and Los Angeles, the answer was in the form of social equity programs. The goal of such programs is to provide ownership opportunities in the legal cannabis industry to individuals and communities most impacted by the criminalization of cannabis.

The basis for such programs stems from the notion that individuals who have been incarcerated during prohibition deserve a fast track to ownership in the legal industry. The report “Marijuana in Black and White” produced by the American Civil Liberties Union in 2013, looked at the racial disparities evident in arrest rates in which cannabis possession was the cause for arrest. Data shown in the report highlighted the disproportionate incarceration rates of African Americans in nearly every state across the country.

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In particular, the State of Missouri report showed that African Americans were 2.6 times more likely to be arrested than their white counterparts, despite similar rates of usage. With this in mind, an argument can be made for the implementation of a social equity program tailored to the needs of the state. To be truly effective, however, policies governing social equity programs must address a host of issues including: expungement services; access to legal counsel; technical writing assistance; industry credentialing; business development and incubation services; ongoing mentorship; low interest loan programs; access to private capital, anti-predatory policies; real estate zoning affordability issues; and so much more.

Social equity programs speak to and attempt to address the disparate impact of prohibition on certain communities.

Successful or not, social equity programs offer only part of the solution. Alone, they cannot foster widespread diversity and inclusion for Missouri’s cannabis industry. State regulators and local officials should also seek to provide support to minority-owned and women-owned ancillary businesses, which are vital to building a sustainable industry. Additionally, states like Pennsylvania and Florida have implemented diversity and inclusion programs, which require applicants to submit detailed plans for including individuals from diverse backgrounds in equity, staffing and contracting.

Creating a diverse industry will require social equity programs and then some. It will require thoughtful policy consideration, engagement from community stakeholders and non-profit organizations, large and small cannabis companies and the very communities that have paid a heavy price for this industry to become legal.

Erik Range — Erik Range is the Minorities for Medical Marijuana Board Chair and Co-Founder of ART 420. In 2017, he led a Florida Legislative Session to the inclusion of “diversity language” in the bill to implement Florida’s Medical Marijuana Program. Range consults with cannabis companies and start-ups as they seek access or expansion in the industry. He can be contacted at erange@m4mmunited.org. minorities4medicalmarijuana.org.

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The Rush for Green Eyes ― G ne Red

by Clay Stallings

T

he rush to offer new forms of relief to Missourians encourages a large number of hopeful applicants whom may work two or more jobs to “fight the good fight” late into the night, sipping coffee with exhausted blood-red eyes, all for their single shot at a coveted Medical Marijuana license. From here forward, I will refer to “Marijuana” by its proper name “Cannabis.” I’m amazed at the consecutive phone conversations I’ve had where the person on the other end either sounds like they haven’t slept in days or are frantically multitasking to the point of sounding overwhelmed. I want to reach through the phone line, grab them and lead them through a meditative breathing exercise. Then, just after taking that last slow deep breath, I would remind them — this is a new emerging industry that’s supposed to bring “relief.”

How can you be a leader in the business of bringing relief and not apply it yourself?

I’m not going to sit on my self-care soap box pretending I haven’t fallen victim to the stress of this historic event taking place for all Missourians. At times, the process of applying for a Medical Cannabis license reminds me of a classic college nightmare where you find yourself walking into an unexpected finals’ test for which you are totally unprepared. Except in this dream, only a handful of the students get to graduate with their license/permit. The thought of investing all your hard-earned money and time doing all this studying, planning and preparing late into the night without even knowing if your score will be high enough to pass the final test — daunting indeed!

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Those going through this process know by now it boils down to the team you’re building as your support system. I’ve been to more networking industry events than I can count, and I have seen just as many business marriages as divorces in the short number of months this has all transpired. It’s a bit unsettling to witness what should be a joyous end to a long-standing cannabis prohibition become a Talent Show competition about who has the biggest and best performers — on paper. Each show brings new acts from other legal states that offer the best talent in hopes of winning the prized permits, while wondering how their “paper show” compares to the competition.

However, this Missouri “greatest show on earth” happens behind closed doors with a high likelihood that all talent gets just one shot to perform, but­— The Show Must Go On! Over the past several months, I’ve found myself in a unique media position where I get a rare inside look at the barebones businesses being built before my eyes in real time, and time is quickly running out for everyone. The stress of deadlines, maintaining established businesses while simultaneously launching new ones are taking its toll on some of our states most ambitious entrepreneurs. Let’s pause — together take a deep breath. Phew — it doesn’t have to be this stressful.

Let’s remember, together we are all freedom-fighters in this joyous end to a long-standing cannabis prohibition. Sure, there are a few out there who are strictly “in it to win it” financially. However, the vast majority are in it for all the right reasons — to end decades of multifaceted oppression and misinformation revolving around a misunderstood tiny plant that happens to be one of nature’s oldest remedies. Remember as you rush to make your next cannabis business meeting, that it isn’t so much about the amount of time you dedicate, but more importantly, it’s about the energy you bring to the table. Good or bad, stressed or relaxed — it’s contagious! We quite literally are the history-makers, and

every morning, we can choose the positive energy that will drive us to make our mark at this monumental time.

I

MISSOURI’S FIRST CANNABIS STARTUP COMPETITION ANNOUNCES WINNERS n front of a crowd of more than 150 St. Louis, Missouri guests, Ignite, Missouri’s first cannabis entrepreneurs pitch competition, awarded more than $9000 in cash and business services to three winning teams with a two-way tie for first place on May 19.

◄ Cannabiz Entrepreneurs

educator who serves as chief revenue officer of Agronomics and Minorities for Medical Marijuana; Dr. Lance McCarthy, economist and investment advisor who founded Ferguson 1000, an initiative to create jobs in Ferguson, MO; Leah Heise, D.C.-based cannabis regulatory compliance attorney; and Derek Mays, corporate lawyer and founder of REAL Cannabis Co. Additional funds raised at the event will benefit Minorities for Medical Marijuana and the Last Prisoner Project, an organization working to reduce incarcerations and expunge records for marijuana offenses.

Majestik’s dispensary team (in photo left to right) Tiffany SnowWesley, Marne Madison, Kris Newell, Mary Maslak, Gabriel Lona, Dimitri Gamez, Jocelyn Hillis, Tiffany Brewer and Taronda Ransom.

(Photo Credit: Chris Smith)

About Green Rush Consulting: Green Rush Consulting (GRC), a premier national cannabis consulting firm, has been a pioneering force in the cannabis industry since 2011. Located in the epicenter of the cannabis movement, Oakland, California, GRC has successfully assisted groups securing licenses to operate cannabis businesses across the United States, using strategies informed by California’s twenty-year medical program.

Guided by core values of Integrity, Innovation, Stewardship, Diversity, and Unity, GRC provides comprehensive regulatory and business solutions for established operators and emerging entrepreneurs with an emphasis on ensuring access to marginalized groups transitioning to the legal market.

Jennifer Hack, Missouri Project Manager jennifer@belowthefoldkc.com.

1st ─ MajestiKs LLC, led by community advocate and herbalist Marne Madison, seeks to open a wellness-centered cannabis dispensary.

CBD ● Vapes ● Wraps

1st ─ Live Roots, led by Tiffany Brewer, seeks to open a dispensary with various community services.

Local Glass, Art and Jewelry

2nd ─ Pure Leaf Collective seeks to open a cannabis dispensary offering 100 percent organically-grown products, 100 percent vegan edibles, online ordering, a pharmacy-style drive-thru window and delivery service. The team, led by founder and CEO Taronda Ransom, includes business operations, sales, retail, criminal justice and military veteran experience.

Nine teams received critical feedback from a panel of judges. Zeta Ceti, founder and CEO of Green Rush Consulting, moderated the competition. “Cannabis entrepreneurs will face unique challenges,” Ceti said. “The Ignite pitch event is a major step to help Missouri entrepreneurs overcome these challenges and reach their goals.”

Pitch competitors were graduates of the Cannabis Business Licensing Bootcamp, a program to help people of color, women, veterans and small business owners win Missouri cannabis business licenses.

Hosted at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, startups attended workshops with mentors and networked with peers and industry leaders.

Competition prizes were provided by community sponsors. Educational partner Oaksterdam University donated cannabis business seminars in Oakland, Calif. MoCannTrade, Missouri’s cannabis business trade association, donated memberships. MJBizCon, a series of marijuana professional events, donated registration for its New Orleans conference.

Competition judges included Charles Wu, cannabis investor and

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July 2019

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Patient Access Advocate ►

SIX MONTHS AFTER HORRIFIC ACCIDENT CANNABIS REPLACED OPIOIDS

NATHAN'S STORY

by Tanya Roth, contributing writer

M

eet Nathan. If you ever get the chance, you should consider yourself quite lucky. One walk down the streets of Trenton, MO with him and multiple horn honks and waves will follow. You will feel the love so many people in this community have for him. When he first reached out to me, he reached out because he was trying to help a friend who is fighting cancer, without even mentioning his condition or telling his story. That is Nathan in a nutshell. Selfless and upbeat.

Nathan is a C-5 quadriplegic who lives his life on wheels in a skilled living facility in Trenton, MO, but this hasn’t always been his reality.

Before 2015, Nathan was “in the highlight of my life” as he says. He was a 38-year-old successful business owner born and raised in the city of Princeton, MO. He graduated high school in Trenton, and was raising two sons. His home construction business was having its most profitable year, and the future looked great for Nathan and his family — then March 10, 2015 happened. After an evening of partying and drinking at the local bar, he made the fateful decision to drive home.

If you ask Nathan to describe his accident, he paints a very realistic and grim picture.

“I broke my neck at the C5. It was a pretty bad accident. The pick-up truck cab crushed-in on me,” said Nathan. “My torso was inside the truck, and from the waist down, I was in the bed of the truck. It took them an hour and a half to get me out of my truck.” Nathan knew he

was in trouble when he couldn’t move anything from the neck down.

His prognosis was as grim as the accident itself; he may never walk again, may never regain normal functions and would be bound to a wheelchair, needing assistance from caregivers for the rest of his life.

“They didn’t give the family much hope,” Nathan said.

However, 37 days after his accident, doctors decided to pull out the tracheal tube to see if he could breathe on his own. And he did! From there, his family pulled together to get him admitted to the Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. This is where medicinal cannabis walks into Nathan’s story.

He had been a flower smoker before the accident, so he was familiar 34

July 2019

with cannabis. However, he was not familiar with pills and the massive amounts of narcotics he was administered due to his condition. After a short time in Madonna, Nathan began making great strides. He learned to feed himself again, to talk again and slowly started getting more movement back — but his mood, memory functions and motivation to go to therapy were waning.

“The pharmaceuticals were not my friends in those seven months,” as he explains it. About this time, a woman he met at Madonna stepped in to help. She could see how badly the muscle relaxers, opioids and psychotropic medications were affecting him. She worked with his doctors to slowly reduce the pharmaceutical medications he was taking and found cannabis oil for him to ease the withdrawals, as well as treat the symptoms he was still facing. And it worked!

Less than six months after his accident, Nathan had replaced all his opioids and psychotropic medications with cannabis. As of 2019, he no longer needs pharmaceutical muscle relaxers. Where he once took the maximum doses of RX medications for muscle spasms, nerve pain, and antidepressants for PTSD and depression, only to obtain minimal relief. He now uses cannabis oils and experiences complete relief.

Nathan enjoys simple things like going out to eat with friends and going to the store.

He functions to the best of his ability without worrying about severe pain and muscle spasms. He sleeps through the night without having night terrors. He’s happy and functioning in ways that doctors told him he might never.

In May 2019, he began to feel sensations in his legs again.

Do You

BELEAF?

Nathan now has the wheels-in-motion to obtain his state of Missouri medical marijuana ID card. He has attended medical marijuana zoning meetings for the City of Trenton, and he helps to educate rural Missourians, politicians and citizens alike. He is involved in any way he can to help the newly legalized cannabis market in his home state.

I asked why he is sharing his story and what he hopes to achieve by telling it. His answer is as selfless as I have learned Nathan to be, “I know what I suffered through and how marijuana helped me, so I hope to reach other patients and let them know — it’s not all about handfuls of pills all the time.”

Tanya Roth is a mother and the wife of a cancer survivor. As a caregiver to a cancer patient, her journey into cannabis started with caregiving and has since evolved into patient education, advocacy, and journalism. Together with her husband, they operate Block Technology Solutions and raise their two boys in the greater KC area.

July 2019

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Women’s Health ►

Women Might Consider Medical Marijuana to Help Relieve “Female” Problems

by Dr. Kathy Trumbull

S

ome women are wondering how medical marijuana could help them. Women spend so much time taking care of others that sometimes they forget to take care of themselves.

Medical marijuana can be a gentle, natural way to bring improvement to many women’s lives.

Chronic pain is a popular reason for people of either sex to decide to get their medical marijuana card. It seems

that many people with joint problems and back problems are drawn quickly to trying marijuana as a way to deal with pain. There are some pains that only women get, and marijuana works well treating them, if only women remember to consider the option. Something as simple, and regular, as monthly menstrual cramps can easily be helped with marijuana. If all you need for relief are a few acetaminophens, then you might just choose to stick with that. However, some women suffer each month significantly with strong menstrual cramps that are difficult to control.

Some prescription medications can be tried, but not every woman will tolerate the drugs. Medical marijuana can give these women relief from their pain each month.

Other pain that can be very specific to women involves chronic pelvic pain. Endometri-

osis can be a difficult to control disease that can affect each woman who has it differently. The pain from it can be like very strong menstrual cramps, or it can start mid-cycle and be a consistent problem until a woman’s period is finally finished.

Sometimes medical or surgical treatment is called for, but other times, managing the pain is all that is needed to help improve a woman’s life significantly. The medical treatments for endometriosis can make harsh changes in a woman’s body that can be impossible for some women to tolerate. Some women might choose to stay with the medication, but they seek relief from side effects through the use of marijuana.

Endometriosis or a pelvic infection can cause pelvic scar tissue — adhesions that hold organs in unusual positions or tether organs together that would usually be free to move with no attachment what so ever to each other or tether organs to the pelvic wall. The scar tissue itself won’t cause pain, but the fact that organs can be moved from their normal position or organs can be joined together or attached to the pelvic wall can cause problems when the woman moves, which in turn pulls on the organs. A woman’s ovaries are as sensitive as a man’s testicles, so when they get pulled on ― pain happens.

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Women with fibroids, benign tumors in the uterine muscle, that are not large enough to warrant removal may still suffer from pain. Once again, marijuana can step in to give her relief with minimal bothersome side effects. It seems that more women have difficulties due to interstitial cystitis (IC — is a painful bladder condition), and irritable bowel syndrome. Medical marijuana can help relieve bladder pain and spasms that come from IC. Irritable bowel can be soothed by the muscle spasm relief of marijuana, which will decrease pain and hopefully provide some relief from diarrhea.

When menopause hits, it can be a rough time. Some aspects of menopause may not be able to be truly relieved by marijuana, but there can be symptom relief. Hot flashes are a hormone-based phenomenon that can’t be stopped, but the disruption to life can be helped by the calming, soothing effects of marijuana. Another major problem for some women past menopause is sleep disturbances. These can range from typical insomnia to waking at strange times of night and not being able to return to sleep.

Medical marijuana can help with sleep and hopefully provide many more nights of restful slumber.

There are likely other uses of marijuana for women that need further study. A

“minor” cannabinoid has been shown to decrease appetite (as opposed to those munchies so many people think of with THC). So, it may be possible to use a tincture of that specific cannabinoid to help with weight loss. Many women struggle with irregular cycles. The naturally occurring cannabinoids in our bodies do influence our body’s menstrual cycle, so it may be possible to improve cycle regulation with certain marijuana-based cannabinoids or terpenes or a combination.

Dr. Kathy Trumbull is a physician working for Green Health Docs. By training, she is a reproductive endocrinologist a specialist in female hormonal problems and infertility. For more information, visit greenhealthdocs.com.

◄ Cannabiz Entrepreneurs

Dogwood Advisors Aids with Regulatory Compliance

R

by Bill Cromwell

egulatory compliance is the backbone of the Missouri cannabis industry. Dogwood Advisors of St. Louis, MO, is a cannabis compliance and licensing advisory firm helping businesses navigate the local and state regulatory maze during start-up and regular operations.

Denise B. McCracken, the owner of Dogwood Advisors, said, “It’s so important that Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services is asking every applicant, ‘Will anyone in ownership or management have, or are you retaining a contractor or consultant with, work experience in regulatory compliance?”’

When McCracken started her law firm, D.B. McCracken Law, LLC, in 2016, she planned from the start to be a cannabis lawyer when Missouri became a legal state. “After spending three years learning as much as possible about businesses that “touch the plant” and their service-providers, I founded Dogwood Advisors in early 2019 to focus on providing superior compliance services that licensed businesses will need,” said McCracken. “By focusing on compliance, we are developing a proficiency that turns ongoing, time-consuming and rigorous regulatory responsibilities into efficient and affordable services for mom-and-pop shops to vertically integrated facilities.”

“Dogwood Advisors is a Missouri business created to serve Missouri’s new cannabis industry,” says McCracken. “That’s why our name is inspired by the official Missouri state tree, Cornus florida L., the flowering dogwood. We’re here to develop long term relationships that successfully build both our and our clients’ businesses.”

Dogwood Advisors offers baseline assessments; on-site and online compliance reviews; quality control evaluations; regulatory updates; SOPs and employee handbooks; pre-inspection preparation for the Department’s commencement and annual inspections; independent investigations; and product recall oversight, among others. McCracken says, “When facilities are cited for regulatory non-compliance, Dogwood Advisors is able to respond to the Department’s notice of violations and coordinate implementation of corrective action plans to allow facilities to resume full operations as soon as possible. Dogwood Advisors will adapt to

provide the compliance-based services that Missouri’s new cannabis industry needs.”

McCracken has over 17 years of legal experience in litigation, transactional work and investigations in matters governed by local, state and federal statutes and regulations on behalf of public bodies, private individuals and businesses. She is a graduate of Notre Dame Law School (’96) and licensed in both Missouri and Illinois. She is a member of the National Cannabis Bar Association, Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association and the Missouri Cannabis Industry Association. McCracken also spent six years as a full-time grant manager for non-profit organizations with responsibilities in program evaluation, strategic development, grant writing and reporting. In response to the proliferation of confusing election information in 2018, she created a website to help Missouri voters better understand the three medical marijuana ballot initiatives using neutral, fact-based infographics and easy-to-read comparison charts. From its launch in late August 2018 to election day, McCracken says there were over 10,000 visitors to the website.

McCracken was one of eight cannabis entrepreneurs profiled in the St. Louis Business Journal (January 17, 2019). Her work experience, versatility and integrity make Ms. McCracken an asset to Missouri’s medical marijuana industry and will ensure that licensed facilities operate within the regulatory framework.

“Submit ting a Medical Marijuana License Application is a Major Ende avor and Gaps In Information May Occur,” said McCracken.

“Submitting a medical marijuana license application is a major endeavor and gaps in information may occur,” said McCracken.

“Dogwood Advisors is offering applicants one last review of their applications before the August submission period closes on August 17. We offer a reasonably priced review that maximizes your business opportunity by ensuring applications are complete and cover all regulatory requirements.”

For more information about regulatory compliance, contact Denise B. McCracken of Dogwood Advisors. Dogwood Advisors, LLC 3407 S. Jefferson Avenue, #2 St. Louis, MO 63118. Call 314.600.7779 or email denise@dogwoodcompliance.com.

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Events Calendar ►

Plan to Attend These Upcoming Cannabis Business Education Events...

June 25 ― Kansas City, MO Missouri Cannabis Regulations and Compliance Seminar at KCI Expo, 11730 N Ambassador Dr., Kansas City, MO 64153. Prospective Owners Operators, Managers, Investors, Business Planners, License Applicant Teams and Industry Service Providers. As Missourians gear up for the application deadline. The MoCannTrade, Midwest Canna Expos regulations and compliance seminar provides much needed compliance information, context and insight.

July 20 ― Kansas City, MO KC NORML monthly meeting at The Union, 512 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108. NORML’s mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to legalize the responsible use of marijuana by adults, and to serve as an advocate for consumers to assure they have access to high quality marijuana that is safe, convenient and affordable. All meetings are open to the public, and an agenda will be available to those in attendance. For more information, visit https://norml.org/chapters/mo.

July 10 ― Columbia, MO Mid-Mo NORML monthly meeting at Shakespeare’s Pizza 225 S 9th St, Columbia, MO 65201. NORML’s mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to legalize the responsible use of marijuana by adults, and to serve as an advocate for consumers to assure they have access to high quality marijuana that is safe, convenient and affordable. All meetings are open to the public, and an agenda will be available to those in attendance.

Visit https://norml.org/chapters/mo for details.

August 1 ― Columbia, MO Mid-MO NORML monthly meeting at Shakespeare’s Pizza, 225 S 9th St, Columbia, MO 65201. NORML’s mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to legalize the responsible use of marijuana by adults, and to serve as an advocate for consumers to assure they have access to high quality marijuana that is safe, convenient and affordable. All meetings are open to the public, and an agenda will be available to those in attendance.

Visit https://norml.org/chapters/mo for details.

July 19 ― St. Louis, MO Show Me Grow at The Pearl, 1520 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103.

August 10 ― St. Louis, MO Second Saturdays Cannabis Social at Schlafly’s Tap Room, 2100 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63103.

The Second Saturday Cannabis Social is a FREE meetup gathering for All. It is for canna-curious to the canna-wise, patients, advocates, activists, entrepreneurs and more. We connect over the cannabis cause and discuss what’s happening in our communities as cannabis legalization comes online.

July 13 ― St. Louis, MO Second Saturdays Cannabis Social at Schlafly’s Tap Room, 2100 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63103.

The Second Saturday Cannabis Social is a FREE meetup gathering for All. It is for canna-curious to the canna-wise, patients, advocates, activists, entrepreneurs and more. We connect over the cannabis cause and discuss what’s happening in our communities as cannabis legalization comes online.

July TBA MO Hemp Trade to host Hands-On five acre Hemp planting education day. For details and date visit https://www.mohemptrade.org.

The Evolution of Cannabis Much has changed since this cartoon was originally published in 1994. Public perceptions about “Medical Cannabis” have evolved and laws no longer “Crack” down on today’s legalized medical cannabis uses.

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July 2019

August 17 ― Kansas City, MO KC NORML monthly meeting at The Union, 512 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108. NORML’s mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to legalize the responsible use of marijuana by adults, and to serve as an advocate for consumers to assure they have access to high quality marijuana that is safe, convenient and affordable. All meetings are

open to the public, and an agenda will be available to those in attendance. For more information, visit https://norml.org/chapters/mo.

September 5 ― Columbia, MO Mid-Mo NORML monthly meeting at Shakespeare’s Pizza South, Columbia 2025 Marion St, Columbia, SC 29201. NORML’s mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to legalize the responsible use of marijuana by adults, and to serve as an advocate for consumers to assure they have access to high quality marijuana that is safe, convenient and affordable. All meetings are open to the public, and an agenda will be available to those in attendance. For more information, visit https://norml.org/chapters/mo.

September 7-8 ― Overland Park, KS KC Holistic Wellness Fair at Abdallah Shriners, 5300 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66202 An annual holistic wellness fair in the Kansas City area. This event focuses on holistic and alternative methods of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/pg/KCHolisticWellnessFair.

Watch for more events in the next issue.

Greenside Apothecary now “Greenside Herbalists”

BREAKING NEWS

by Ty Leatherbery

New DHSS Rule for Dispensaries Updated Stating Business Name Cannot Suggest “Drug Store” Without Licensed Pharmacists on Staff!

A

fter our June issue went to press the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) final rules and regulations for dispensaries were updated (in late June), and apparently, words suggesting anything such as “Drug Store” cannot be used. Our June issue (page14) featured a new business profile about then named Greenside Apothecary. The word “Apothecary” by definition, means Drug Store.

Ty Leatherbery, Director of Marketing for the former Greenside Apothecary, said, “The new DHSS rules came out, stating that only dispensaries with licensed pharmacists on staff could use names implying ‘Drug Store.’ Because our former business name was ‘Greenside Apothecary’ and titles of that nature, suggesting import in the medical field, we were forced to change the business

name. We intend to have medically trained staff and experienced pharmacists on the team but would rather not be subject to the restriction. Thankfully, Apothecary wasn't the real memorable center of the name, so it was easily dropped. We selected ‘Greenside Herbalists’ as our new name because it carries the same vintage, old-world healing atmosphere that brings what is very much an herbal medicine back to its, well, roots.”

“It is unfortunate that these restrictions were put in place, since no matter who is running the establishment, they're still selling a medicine,” said Leatherbery. “It's definitely an understandable stance for the state DHSS to take. Ultimately, it doesn't change much, and we look forward to spreading word of the new name and providing the same excellent service and quality product we would have under the former name.” ☼

Osage Beach, MO You can read the entire new business profile featuring Greenside Apothecary (now “Greenside Herbalists”) in the June 2019 issue (page14) by going to www.TheEvolutionMag.com.

“The June issue was excellent. We were all ecstatic and couldn't be happier. Best of luck with the July issue, and best wishes. Thank you for doing this for us after the name change, as well.”

Sincerely, Ty Leatherbery

THE VOICE OF TRADE FOR THE MISSOURI MEDICAL CANNABIS INDUSTRY We envision a legal, thriving medical cannabis industry in Missouri. MoCannTrade is ensuring a compliant, safe and successful program implementation by closely supporting stakeholders and state regulators through education, advocacy and responsibility.

Upcoming Rules, Regulations and Application Member Meetups July 8 — 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. ● 4 Hands Brewing – Downtown St. Louis, MO. July 9 — 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. ● D. Rowe's Restaurant & Bar – Columbia MO. July 10 — 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. ● The Guild – Arts District, Kansas City, MO. July 11 — 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. ● Springfield Brewing Co. – Springfield MO.

The Guild, Kansas City April 2019, by Chris Smith

✔ Cultivation and Agriculture ✔ Extraction and Processing ✔ Dispensing and Patient Care Become a Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association Member Visit www.MoCannTrade.org Contact Director Andrew Mullins at director@mocantrade.org or 800.766.0599 1015 Grupp Rd #31674, St. Louis MO, 63131

July 2019

39

Benefits Wheel for CBD THC and More.

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July 2019

offer expires 7/31/19

The statements herein have not been evaluated by the FDA. These general health & wellness products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

See Current and Past Issues, Print Coupons, Read Articles Online at www.TheEvolutionMag.com. Scan QR Codes to see websites

July 2019

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Medical CBD Stores Western Missouri Find The EVOLUTION™ MAGAZINE at the locations on this page and many more.

Missouri CBD Stores

Missouri CBD Stores

Missouri CBD Stores

Stores Listed Alphabetically

CBD American Shaman.........816.437.8261 13125 State Line Rd, Kansas City, MO

Happy Rock Smoke Shop and Vape .................................................. 816.436.0226 334 NE 72nd St, Gladstone, MO

American Shaman .................816.491.2452 19321 E US Hwy 40, Independence, MO American Shaman .................816.434.5059 1638 SE Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit, MO American Shaman .................816.858.6039 1303 Platte Falls Rd, Ste CC, Platte City, MO Blue Sky Farms CBD Inside Blue Springs Fitness 1300 NW 7 Hwy Blue Springs, MO

CBD American Shaman.........816.472.1900 2024 Swift Ave, North Kansas City, MO CBD American Shaman.........816.702.1042 6302 N Chatham Ave, Kansas City, MO CBD American Shaman.........913.249.7794 1005 Middlebrooke Dr, Liberty, MO CBD American Shaman......... 855.526.6223 9438 E 350 Hwy, Raytown, MO

Happy Rock Smoke Shop and Vape ............ ...................................................... 816.415.3814 603 MO 291 B Liberty, MO Hemp Haven .......................... 816.384.1153 2002 Main St, Kansas City, MO Hemp Haven .......................... 816.222.4173 214 MO Hwy 291, Liberty, MO Hemp Haven .......................... 816.944.8601 419B SW Ward Rd, Lee's Summit

Blue Springs Botanicals .........816.295.1921 1412 MO-7 STE G, Blue Springs, MO

CBD KC ................................. 816.569.4838 4279 Sterling Ave, Kansas City, MO

Brookside Holistic Solutions 816.524.4367 819 NE Woods Chapel Rd, Lee’s Summit,

CBD KC ................................. 816.550.0063 2419 Burlington St, N Kansas City, MO

Brookside Holistic Solutions 816.361.4367 118 West 63rd St, Kansas City, MO

CBD Mind & Body ................ 816.600.6271 705 SE Melody Ln, Lee’s Summit, MO

Buddha Leaf ..........................816.385.5480 3613 Beck Rd. St. Joseph, MO

CBD Plus ................................ 816.701.6358 7422 Wornall Rd Kansas City, MO

Buddha Leaf ...........................816.873.5677 408 B West 6th St, Kearney, MO Buddha Leaf ...........................573.303.9150 1414 Range Line St. Ste F, Columbia, MO

Ed’s CBD Oils ........................ 816.569.3142 9025 E US 40 Hwy, Independence, MO

Emerald Garden Dispensary 816.724.7806 9500 E 55th St, Raytown. MO

Buddha Leaf ...........................573.658.9675 1418 Missouri Blvd Ste E, Jefferson City MO

Emerald Garden Dispensary 816.977.8848 110 E. MO Avenue, Kansas City, MO

CBD American Shaman.........885.526.6223 5501 #104 S US Hwy 71, Grandview, MO

Emerald Garden Dispensary 220 W. 39th St, Kansas City, MO

CBD American Shaman.........816.680.8805 2008 N MO 291 Hwy, Harrisonville, MO

Gifts & Decor KC .................... 913.782.4244 123 S Mur-Len Rd, Olathe, KS 66062

CBD American Shaman.........885.526.6223 1036 W 103rd St, Kansas City, MO

Good Life CBD ......................816.429.6668 8110 US-69, Pleasant Valley, MO

Mother Nature’s CBD & Natural Wellness .816.455.0480 520 NW Englewood Rd, Kansas City, MO

CBD American Shaman.........816.599.6010 3518 NE Vivion Rd, Kansas City, MO

Good Nature ............................ 573.442.4242 23 N. 10th St. Columbia, MO

Natural Wellness CBD .......... 816.447.8927 7672 N Oak Tfwy, Gladstone, MO

CBD American Shaman.........816.745.7977 100 E 6th St, Suite 6, Kearney, MO

OG Smoke Shop .................... 816-214-5110 904 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO

CBD American Shaman.........816.381.6333 8038 North Oak Trafficway, KC, MO

Grass Roots Smoke Shop ......573.449.4769 203 N 10 St, Columbia MO

Grass Roots Smoke Shop ......573.443.7668 202 E Green Meadows, Columbia MO

CBD American Shaman.........855.526.6223 307 A NE Englewood Rd, KC, MO

Green Grove CBD ..................833.425.5223 340 W. 47th St. Kansas City, MO

Organic Hemp Botanicals..... 816.425.6026 144 Cedar Tree Square, Belton, MO

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July 2019

Hemp Haven .......................... 913.961.9742 5536 NE Antioch Gladstone, MO It’s a Dream Smoke Shop ..... 816.753.5733 3942 Broadway Ave, Kansas City, MO KC SmokZ .............................. 816.656.5090 3957 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO KC Smoke & Vape ................. 816.931.4434 1605 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO Let’s Vape & Smoke Shop .... 816.753.8100 3745 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO Martin City Kratom & CBD... 816.209.1073 13608 B Washington St, Kansas City, MO Midtown Kava ....................... 816.541.3144 1415 D W 39th St, Kansas City, MO More Than Hemp .................. 816.216.1977 6000 N Chatham Ave, Kansas City, MO

Organic Hemp Botanicals ..... 816.997.9006 1215 W 103rd St., Kansas City, MO

© 2019 The Evolution Magazine.

All Conceptual Designs Are Proprietary & Reprint Rights Reserved.

Medical CBD Stores Western Missouri Find The EVOLUTION™ MAGAZINE at the locations on this page and many more.

Missouri CBD Stores

Spotlight on Business Locations to Find The EVOLUTION Magazine

Phoenix Natural Wellness..... 913.329.5981 817 E North Ave, Belton, MO

Clay Stallings, VP of Sales & Marketing for The EVOLUTION Magazine out-and-about town, visiting with businesses where you can grab a copy of our magazine.

Pro Brady LLC Hemp CBD Superstore 866.943.6722 1000 Warrenton Shoppes Ste 19, Warrenton, R&R CBD .............................. 816.521.1159 647 E. 59th St, Kansas City, MO Ron Ron’s CBD Shop ............ 816.916.2516 9318 S MO 7 Hwy, Lee’s Summit, MO Rustic Oils CBD .................... 816.434.5284 618 SW 3rd St Ste J, Lee’s Summit, MO The CBD Store ....................... 816.474.7400 400 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO

▲ Clay with the guys at Advanced Garden Supply LLC. 1414 Rangeline S. Suite E, Columbia, MO 65201. Stop in and grab a copy of The EVOLUTION Magazine.

The Hemp Haus ..................... 816.200.2902 1708 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO The Hub Smoke Shop ........... 816.701.6267 500 Delaware St, Kansas City, MO

▲ Clay with our friend at Harmony Health & Wellness at 6201 NW 63rd Terrace, Kansas City, MO, 64151. Stop in and grab a copy of The EVOLUTION Magazine.

The Hub Smoke Shop ............ 816.420.0404 6410 N Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO The Hub Smoke Shop ............ 816.321.2398 4027 N Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO The Hub Smoke Shop ............ 816.492.5466 2631 NE Vivion Rd, Kansas City, MO Vapor Loft KC ....................... 816.408.0400 310 Armour Rd, North Kansas City, MO

Springfield Missouri CBD Stores Canna Bliss Natural Wellness 417.258.5770 210 W. Republic Road, Springfield, MO 65807 Hemporium ...........................417.324.7724 4139 S National, Springfield, MO 65807 CBD of Springfield ............... 417-319-5522 3203 S. Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65807 Sacred Leaf ............................. 417.864.9970 1724 W. Kearney Suite 104, Springfield, MO 65803

▲ Clay with our friends at The CBD Store (Crossroads) 400 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108 Stop in and grab a copy of The EVOLUTION Magazine. ► Clay with our friend at GIS Indoor Garden Supply at 1852 S Stewart Ave, Springfield, MO 65804. Stop in and grab a copy of The EVOLUTION Magazine.

Visit www.facebook.com/TheEvolutionMag and get the lastest news and see more locations to get your copy of The EVOLUTION Magazine.

How To Get Listed Here?

To be listed here as an CBD Store or Medical Cannabis Dispensary, please email us your: business name, address, phone, website and verifiable email address with contact info to Bill.C@TheEvolutionMag.com.

Medical CBD Stores - Eastern Kansas on page 44 July 2019

43

Donuts for

Medical CBD Stores Eastern Kansas

Any Occasion

Find The EVOLUTION™ MAGAZINE at the locations on this page and many more.

Kansas CBD Stores

The Best Tasting Donuts Delivered to Your Event

© 2019 The Evolution Magazine. All Conceptual Designs Are Proprietary & Reprint Rights Reserved.

Akasa Care CBD ................... 913.647.3999 7201 W 110th St, Ste 120, Overland Park, KS Bonner Botanicals ................. 913.745.6667 608 Tulip Dr, Ste G Bonner Springs, KS Buddha Leaf ........................... 844.837.7363 10960 W 74th Ter, Shawnee, KS CBD American Shaman......... 913.270.3120 1819 E Santa Fe, Gardner, KS CBD American Shaman......... 913.228.6000 8043 State Ave, Kansas City, KS CBD American Shaman......... 885.526.6223 151 S 18th St, Kansas City, KS CBD American Shaman......... 785.424.7500 1530 W 6th S. Ste C, Lawrence, KS CBD American Shaman......... 923.250.5277 728 Shawnee St, Leavenworth, KS CBD American Shaman......... 885.526.6223 15165 W 119th St, Olathe, KS CBD American Shaman......... 913.324.1520 1364 S Blackbob Rd, Olathe KS CBD American Shaman......... 913.217.7476 6933 W 75th St, Overland Park, KS CBD American Shaman......... 913.217.7123 10069 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS CBD American Shaman......... 885.526.6223 11050 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS

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Into the Mistic......................... 913.766.9906 5727 Johnson Dr, Mission, KS K.C. Hemp Company ............... 913.242.7380 8124 Floyd St., Overland Park, KS 66204 Organic Hemp Botanicals ..... 816.381.6073 4872 W 119th St, Leawood, KS Organic Hemp Botanicals ....... 913.839.2392 2003 E Santa Fe, Olathe, KS

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Phoenix Natural Wellness ....... 913.730.8520 9627 W 87 St, Overland Park, KS Phoenix Natural Wellness ........913.257.5717 7932 W 151 St, Overland Park, KS Phoenix Natural Wellness ........913.549.3032 13342 College Blvd, Lenexa, KS Phoenix Natural Wellness ........785.229.0658 1519 S Main St, Ottawa, KS Sacred Leaf Olathe ..................913.313.0258 1011 E 151st St, Olathe, KS

How To Get Listed Here?

To be listed here as an CBD Store or Medical Cannabis dispensary, please email us your: business name, address, phone, website and verifiable email address with contact info to Bill.C@TheEvolutionMag.com.

CBD American Shaman......... 913.271.3120 118 W Peoria, Paola, KS

EVERYONE LOVES DONUTS! Call Greg Today For Special Event Pricing and Place Your Order Today.

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CBD American Shaman......... 913.647.3999 7703 W 151st St, Overland Park KS

Hemp Haven............................913.257.5553 12012 W 87th St, Lenexa, KS

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CBD American Shaman......... 913.231.3032 13436 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS

Hemp Haven............................913.608.5413 12070 Blue Valley Pkwy, OP, KS

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Kansas CBD Stores

CBD American Shaman......... 913.745.5034 22354 W 66th St, Shawnee, KS

Ridgewood Donuts and Bakery

CBD American Shaman......... 913.766.0430 13213 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Shawnee,

Ridgewood Donuts and Bakery

Hemp Haven............................ 913.296.6998 2223 Louisiana St, Lawrence, KS 44

July 2019

816.353.8333

4309 Blue Ridge Blvd. ● Kansas City, MO 64133

© 2019 The Evolution Magazine. All Conceptual

Designs Are Proprietary & Reprint Rights Reserved.

www.RidgewoodKC.com

www.facebook.com/RidgewoodDonuts

THE EVOLUTION MAGAZINE IS AVAILABLE IN OVER 300 LOCATIONS AND COUNTING!

email Clay.s@TheEvolutionMag.com today to request availability at your location

- OR -

Ready to Increase Your Business?

Found in: Reach 20,000 to 30,000 people each month who want to learn about your business and services.

The Evolution Magazine, the new leading authority about the Missouri Medical Cannabis industry, and is read in print and online by nearly 20,000 - 30,000 monthly. Print copies distributed throughout Western Missouri, Central Missouri and Eastern Kansas.Â

Ready To Advertise?

Contact Clayton Stallings clay.s@theevolutionmag.com

Western Missouri Eastern Kansas Columbia Lake of the Ozarks Springfield and more.

Visit www.facebook.com/TheEvolutionMag and get the lastest news and see more locations to get your copy of The EVOLUTION Magazine.

July 2019

45

Medical Marijuana Doctors MO Med-ID Doctors Any Missouri state licensed medical Physician (M.D. / D.O. only) that wants to participate can write a certification for a Missouri Medical Marijuana Card. The following list of Missouri doctors are now serving patients near you.

Kansas City, MO Area Green Health Docs ....................... 314.282.8017 435 Nichols Rd, Suite 200, KC, MO 64112 www.greenhealthdocs.com

Medical Cannabis Outreach .........636.466.3871 Dr. Nassar: 7721 Clayton Rd. Clayton, MO 63117

Southwestern, MO Area

Green Clinics ................................ 816.514.0023 1303 S. 22nd St. St. Joseph, MO 64507 (Inside 20 After 4 CBD Store) www.20after4.life,

Dr. Gil’s Immediate Care Center ........ 417.869.8000 Dr. Gil Mobley 3000 East Division St., Springfield, MO 65802

Green Sage Doctors ...................... 816.820.3004 4731 S. Cochise Dr Suite 110, Indep, MO 64055 www.greensagekc.com

Elite Pain Management and Recovery Centers ......................................................... 417.888.0167 222 E Primrose St. Suite E, Springfield, MO

Midwest Health & Wellness Center 816.836.2200 Dr. Marc K. Taormina MD 3601 NE Ralph Powell Rd, Suite A, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 www.midwestgihealth.com

Green Clinics .................................. 816.514.0023 11 N. Main Street, Butler, MO 64730

Missouri Cannabis Clinic ............. 844.420.0362 10001 E. 67th St. Raytown, MO 64133 www.missouricannabis.clinic.com

Ozark Valley Medical ...................... 417.317.5035 3259 E Sunshine St Suite AA, Springfield, MO 65804

Dr. Woods Wellness ..................... 816.888.5200 Dr. Malaika N. Woods 4963 NE Goodview Cir., Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 www.drwoodswellness.com

Ozark Valley Medical ...................... 417.317.5330 5571 N 21st St, Ozark, MO 65721

St. Louis MO, Area

Bell Chiropractic & Pain Management ......... ........................................................ 314.838.1983 493 Rue Francois Suite 1A, Florissant, MO Green Clinics ................................. 816.514.0023 1618 S. Broadway, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 Health City .................................... 314.200.1555 1760 S. Brentwood Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63144 Health City .................................... 816.508.9286 1508 NW Vivion Rd Suite 316, KC, MO 64118 www.healthcitystl.com Medical Cannabis Outreach ........ 636.489.4293 Dr. Jerry Leech, Chesterfield, MO

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July 2019

All Medical Marijuana Patients must have one of the following chronic or debilitating health conditions:

Missouri Cannabis Outreach ...... 636.466.3871 2730 S. St. Peters Parkway, St. Charles, MO 63304 www.medicalcannabisoutreach.com

Green Clinics ................................ 816.514.0023 415 Delaware Suite 4W, Kansas City, MO 64105 www.TheGreenClinics.com

Shealy-Sorin Wellness Institute .. 417.351-5221 Dr. Sergey Sorin ● www.FloraWellnessMO.com 2840 E Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, MO, 65802

Medical Marijuana Qualifying Conditions

Green Clinics ................................ 816-514-0023 109 W. Newton, Versailles, MO 65084

Ozark Valley Medical ...................... 417.317.5318 1140 MO-76, Branson, MO 65616 Roark Family Health and Medical Spa ...............

417.847.1111 Dr. Lisa Roark 1101 N. Main St., Cassville, MO 65625 Vo Medical Clinic ........................... 314.776.1467 Dr. Thanh Vo. 3334 South Grand Ave., St. Louis, MO 63118

Watch Here For More Doctors Next Month

How to Get Listed Here as a Missouri Marijuana Med-ID Doctor.

To be listed here as an active Medical Marijuana certification Doctor (Licensed Missouri Doctors Only. Assistant Physicians, PA and NP, Chiropractic Doctors cannot certify.) Please submit your full business name, doctor name, phone, address, website and verifiable contact info to Bill.C@TheEvolutionMag.com.

What conditions qualify?

Any terminal medical illness Alzheimer’s (Agitation) Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Autism Cachexia Cancer Chronic medical condition that is normally treated with a prescription medication that could lead to dependence Chronic medical condition that is debilitating or causes severe/persistent pain or muscle spasms Crohn’s Disease Epilepsy/seizures Glaucoma Hepatitis C HIV/AIDS Huntington’s Disease Inflammatory Bowel Disease Intractable migraines Multiple Sclerosis Neuropathies Parkinson’s Disease Psychiatric disorders including, but not limited to, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if diagnosed by a state-licensed psychiatrist Sickle cell anemia Wasting syndrome

Contact a Medical Cannabis certification doctor to see if you qualify for a medical marijuana ID card in the state of Missouri. https://health.mo.gov/safety/ medical-marijuana/faqs.php Watch Here For More Doctors Next Month

© 2019 The Evolution Magazine.

All Conceptual Designs Are Proprietary & Reprint Rights Reserved.

◄ NEXT ISSUE

Is Your Cannabis Business Prepared?

Security, Technology and Application Development Sneak peek at an in-depth August issue article .

C

by Bill Cromwell

annabis Security and Technology (CST) Solutions of Springfield, MO, provides complete Security, Technology and Application Development solutions to companies that specialize in the Cannabis industry. CST Solutions was started by three professionals who have multiple decades of real-world experience in industries with regulatory and security issues like medical cannabis. This includes experience gained from working with banking, casinos, retail, law enforcement and government organizations.

Kevin Ellison, Co-Founder & CEO of CST, has over two decades experience leading security, information technology and application development teams in industries with some of the most challenging regulations including healthcare, retail and banking. Most recently he was the CIO for the largest U.S. manufacturer of security systems and worked with the security teams from some of the nation’s largest companies.

“One thing some people may miss, is anyone who is self-employed in Missouri is expected to pay ‘estimated income tax payments’ at least four times per year,” says Ellison. “Specifically, anyone starting a new cannabis business and getting income from it must pay at least April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 the following year. If they haven’t paid two estimated tax payments to the state, then the state will mark them as delinquent even though the applicant may think they are not.”

Beyond providing every aspect of application service, CST can consult applicants with full-spectrum security and technology services.

Once a business license is secured, CST can aid business owners with implementing such services to ensure successful day-to-day operations.

Stay tuned for Ellison’s August issue article, and his valuable advice that prospective applicants cannot afford to miss.

You Go Play – We Got This...

Missouri cannabis prospective business applicants will need to submit the DHSS “Evaluation Criteria Questions” to the state between August 3 and 17. Applicants are required to prepare business plans and answer up to 116 qualifying questions like: Describe your cannabis business security plan, including staff, in 500 words or less.

Will your security exceed the minimum requirements established by “Rule” regarding surveillance, if so, how (300 words)? Describe the methods of screening and monitoring employees (500 words). Again, there are over 100 questions that cover every aspect of operating a cannabis business.

We asked Kevin Ellison of CST for his help and expertise for those applying for Missouri Cannabis business licenses/permits regarding what they must know to submit proper applications for the best shot at successfully securing a Missouri State cannabis business license.

Ellison said, “We have spent countless hours poring through the DHSS application questions, and we’ve identified many applicants who are just now starting the application process that may miss out.

“My August issue article will include helpful things for applicants to think about regarding application questions,” said Ellison.

“For example, in the ‘character section’ there is question #5 which has an aspect a lot of people may not consider. The question is: Does any principal officer or manager have any delinquency in the filing or payment of any state income tax, sales tax, personal property tax, municipal tax, or real property tax, either individually or for a business in which the principal officer or manager has an ownership interest?

Weight of 6 points.”

Dan

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July 2019

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CULTIVATION | EXTRACTION | DISPENSARIES

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WWW.KCCANNABIS.ORG

July 2019