{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/industry-spotlight/2","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2552-markdown","title":"6 Notable African-Americans Who Are Pro-Cannabis","slug":"6-notable-african-americans-who-are-pro-cannabis","content":"Black History Month is a time to reflect on the endless contributions black people have made throughout history, and the cannabis industry is no exception. Despite expanding marijuana legalization, [the ripples of prohibition continue to negatively impact African-Americans](https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/1/29/16936908/marijuana-legalization-racial-disparities-arrests), challenging those at the forefront of legal cannabis to build an industry that makes up for the ills of an unjust drug war. \r\n\r\nHere, we highlight six notable African-Americans spanning entertainment, education, sports, politics and, naturally, the cannabis industry, who are using their notoriety to foster education, build businesses and affect policies for the benefit of the industry as a whole. \r\n\r\n### Dr. Joycelyn Elders \r\n\r\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BQrKWt_AnPn/`
\r\nDr. Joycelyn Elders’ short tenure as U.S. Surgeon General under President Clinton ended due to her outspoken views in support of sex education. In 1993, a full three years before California voters approved the nation’s first medical cannabis laws, she [encouraged the government’s study of the legalization of drugs](http://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/08/us/surgeon-general-suggests-study-of-legalizing-drugs.html) as a means of reducing violent crime. \r\n\r\nDr. Elders is currently Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and she’s on the leadership team for [Doctors for Cannabis Regulation](https://dfcr.org/), an organization “dedicated to the advocacy for the legalization, taxation and—above all—the effective regulation” of cannabis.\r\n\r\n### Whoopi Goldberg\r\n\r\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BfEjQOPnE_j/`
\r\nMultiple award-winning actress, comedian and TV host Whoopi Goldberg has been open about her marijuana use for years and has even [written a tribute to her vape pen](https://www.thecannabist.co/2014/04/17/whoopi-vape-pen-love-story-column/9571/). \r\n\r\nIn 2016, she launched [Whoopi & Maya](http://whoopiandmaya.com/), a cannabis brand she co-founded with industry pioneer Maya Elisabeth, to develop products that offer relief to women suffering from painful menstrual cramps. Whoopi may not be the only celebrity with a presence in the cannabis marketplace, but she’s the first to call attention to cannabis as a holistic resource that can address the specific needs of women.\r\n\r\n### Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ)\r\n\r\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BBsATR7vUX5/`
\r\nCory Booker rose to prominence as mayor of Newark for two terms prior to being elected as [New Jersey’s first African-American senator in 2013](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cory_Booker). \r\n\r\nA strong proponent of bipartisanship in government, Senator Booker took the reins and introduced the [Marijuana Justice Act in 2017](http://norml.org/action-center/item/the-marijuana-justice-act-of-2017-introduced) with the goal of removing cannabis from the federal list of controlled substances. While the passage of this bill is a long shot, Senator Booker views it as a [critical first step in reversing the wrongs done to people of color and low-income individuals as a result of the War on Drugs](https://www.booker.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=638).\r\n\r\n### Snoop Dogg \r\n\r\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BfE489PDgjV/`
\r\nOne could argue that rapper, actor and pop culture phenomenon Snoop Dogg has played a pivotal role in the mainstreaming of cannabis. Never shying away from celebrating “smokin’ endo” in his music, Snoop has created a celebrity persona living an upfront and unabashedly pro-cannabis lifestyle. \r\n\r\nWhile managing to continually reinvent himself professionally, Snoop has decimated the lazy stoner stigma by building a cannabis empire that includes venture capital firm [Casa Verde](http://www.casaverdecapital.com/), cannabis brand [Leafs by Snoop](http://www.leafsbysnoop.com/) and cannabis lifestyle website [Merry Jane](https://merryjane.com/). \r\n\r\n### Wanda James\r\n\r\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BXWQgS_nq9R/`
\r\nWanda James became the [first black woman to co-own a dispensary in Colorado](https://www.theroot.com/the-pioneer-wanda-james-the-1st-black-woman-to-own-a-1792093822) when she opened Simply Pure with her husband in 2015. Angered by the 1992 arrest and sentencing of her then-teenage brother to years of hard labor for possessing four ounces of cannabis, Wanda came to view legal cannabis as a means for change. She believes that transparency about cannabis use will go far in reducing harmful stigmas and nurturing diversity in the industry. \r\n\r\nIn addition to being an active member of Colorado’s cannabis industry, Wanda’s president of marketing and communications firm [Cannabis Global Initiative](http://www.cannabisglobal.org/home.php).\r\n\r\n### Ricky Williams\r\n\r\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/ZwM9aOuoeM/`
\r\nHeisman Trophy-winner and retired National Football League (NFL) player [Ricky Williams has been advocating for medical cannabis since the early 2000s](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricky_Williams#Personal_life). His cannabis use would result in multiple failed drug tests, but Ricky’s openness about the plant’s pain- and stress-relieving properties (he says cannabis is his preferred treatment for depression and social anxiety disorder) helped spark the conversation that continues today about the NFL’s drug policy. He ultimately walked away from pro football to pursue a life of his own choosing. Now a sports analyst and public speaker, Ricky remains an outspoken advocate for cannabis as viable pain management for NFL players.\r\n\r\nThese are just a few of the better known African-American industry pioneers helping to reshape attitudes about cannabis and the people who consume it. There are countless others on the ground doing critical work every day—from improving patient access to vocalizing the need for equity in emerging legal markets—fostering the singular vision of a diverse, inclusive cannabis industry.\r\n\r\nMain photo credit: [Cory Booker](https://www.booker.senate.gov/) & [Mary Janes Film](http://maryjanesfilm.com/)\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/4981b339b3ba5f3bc5aaed06e6f40afe/14b42/25fd2797fff3a152d133ffe542232486.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4981b339b3ba5f3bc5aaed06e6f40afe/f836f/25fd2797fff3a152d133ffe542232486.jpg 200w,\n/static/4981b339b3ba5f3bc5aaed06e6f40afe/2244e/25fd2797fff3a152d133ffe542232486.jpg 400w,\n/static/4981b339b3ba5f3bc5aaed06e6f40afe/14b42/25fd2797fff3a152d133ffe542232486.jpg 800w,\n/static/4981b339b3ba5f3bc5aaed06e6f40afe/ef899/25fd2797fff3a152d133ffe542232486.jpg 1104w","srcWebp":"/static/4981b339b3ba5f3bc5aaed06e6f40afe/58556/25fd2797fff3a152d133ffe542232486.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4981b339b3ba5f3bc5aaed06e6f40afe/61e93/25fd2797fff3a152d133ffe542232486.webp 200w,\n/static/4981b339b3ba5f3bc5aaed06e6f40afe/1f5c5/25fd2797fff3a152d133ffe542232486.webp 400w,\n/static/4981b339b3ba5f3bc5aaed06e6f40afe/58556/25fd2797fff3a152d133ffe542232486.webp 800w,\n/static/4981b339b3ba5f3bc5aaed06e6f40afe/6a1c6/25fd2797fff3a152d133ffe542232486.webp 1104w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2561-markdown","title":"CannAthlete’s Cannabis-Enhanced Workout & Recovery Plan","slug":"cannathletes-cannabis-enhanced-workout-and-recovery-plan","content":"The Dark Horse Gym in San Jose seems like any other training facility for combat athletes—the loud smack of boxing gloves on leather echoes throughout the space, while punching bags jingle and sway from the impact made by mixed martial artists (MMA). \n\nBut every weekend, enter the gym and you’ll notice something different—amidst the crowd of pro-MMA fighters, fitness enthusiasts and folks simply trying to get in shape is a station where a group of athletes consume cannabis in its various forms. \n\nJean Paul Ghazeleh-Aceves, who goes by JP, is the founder of [InEx](https://www.facebook.com/inex.fitness.bootcamp/) and cofounder of CannAthlete, the organizations responsible for introducing cannabis to the Dark Horse Gym. Together with [Seibo Shen](https://www.hellomd.com/people/569c5569aadede0008000012/seiboshen), a jiu-jitsu fighter and the CEO of VapeXhale, the two have constructed a program and a community that brings together people of all backgrounds who are interested in using cannabis to reach their full athletic potential.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Cannabis Can Enhance Sports Performance \n\nCannabis’s ability to enhance sports performance is nothing new. “Athletes have been using this plant for thousands of years,” says ex-NFL player Eben Britton who has no connection to CannAthlete, but is currently working on a book about cannabis and sports. “I think there’s a very [integral relationship between the warrior and the cannabis plant](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a555edfc7e0180007a78268/cannabis-use-in-sports-from-medieval-to-modern-times). It just hasn’t been talked about because of how stigmatized [cannabis] has been.” \n\nIndeed, soldiers in ancient times would sometimes use cannabis during battle because it lowered inhibitions, and modern-day athletes have tuned into these benefits—many like Eben say that it adds to their workouts. \n\n“I like to do high THC concentrates before my workout. I feel like it really primes my body for the physical stress I'm about to inflict on it,” says Eben. “I’ve got a lot of scar tissue and bad joints and muscles that don't necessarily stretch the way they used to—consuming a high THC concentrate eases my tissues and wipes out a lot of inflammation that I might feel in my joints.”\n\nRELATED: [EX-NFL PLAYER EBEN BRITTON: CANNABIS CAN SAVE THE LEAGUE MILLIONS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a724c2ff24d1300077ccb27/ex-nfl-player-eben-britton-cannabis-can-save-the-league-millions)\n\nFor many of the folks at the CannAthlete session, cannabis helps them focus on the task at hand: Nate Moore is a professional mixed marital artist who uses cannabis because it helps with his striking. Nate described the first time he used cannabis during a workout, saying, “I was relaxed; I felt that I could hit much harder—I was more fluid, and I had more endurance.”\n\n“When [my trainer] said, ‘Turn your hip,’ it had a new meaning to me. So that’s when I started to see that [cannabis] was one of the bigger elements in my life that was missing,” he adds.\n\nNot all of the individuals who come to CannAthlete sessions are professional athletes. Cameron Whigham suffered a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed, but he says that cannabis has helped him regain some of the sensation in his legs. Like Nate, he uses cannabis during workout sessions.\n\n“[Cannabis] helps me focus on my workout,” says Cameron. “I get into the zone more, and I actually end up doing more than I intended to.” \n\n### Cannabis Helps Athletes Recover\n\n“After I work out, I like to use CBD to help relax my body,” says Cameron, touching on another application cannabis has in the sports world: recovery. Athletes are realizing that cannabis’s anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties can help them recuperate—UFC fighter Nate Diaz notably puffed on a CBD vape pen during a post-fight press conference last year, and Eben uses CBD lotions after workouts to help with joint pain.\n\nNate and Eben—who both partake in sports where hits to the head are the norm—add that the neuroprotective qualities of cannabis are particularly applicable to their bodies’ needs. \n\n“I've studied a lot of plants and herbal remedies—ancient and Ayurvedic, traditional Chinese medicine—there's no other substance on this planet that I know of that has the same neuroprotective qualities that cannabis does,” says Eben. \n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=et7viXB8nR4`\n\n### Creating a Workout Plan That Integrates Cannabis\n\nAs athletes and avid cannabis consumers, both JP and Seibo are familiar with the relationship between cannabis and sports, and how the plant can help both athletes and non-athletes achieve fitness goals. \n\nJP works closely with athletes to fine-tune a regimen that works best for their body. He puts an emphasis on getting his clients to establish athletic goals and then uses cannabis to help them zero in on those goals. \n\n“Weed brings you back to a child's mind,” says Seibo. “You see something interesting and your attention focuses on that interesting thing. If we make that thing your competition—that's when we increase performance. And it's not just the weed—it's the full process.” JP and Seibo use cannabis to help athletes become “supple leopards”—calm and focused, yet also dynamic and ready to spring into action.\n\nCannabis is notorious for its myriad effects: What works for one person may not work for another. “Cannabis tends to facilitate a state of homeostasis—that's why people have so many different effects with the same strain. If you're a little wired and you need to calm down, you can smoke cannabis; if you're really tired and you need to pep up, you can consume cannabis,” says Seibo. \n\nJP and Seibo developed a program with this in mind. Generally, they first observe participants working out normally—without the help of cannabis. They then decide whether an individual would benefit from using cannabis as part of their workout regimen. For those who might gain an advantage, Seibo and JP’s program consists of roughly six steps: \n\n1. Cannabis performance assessment (CPA) \n2. Cannabis performance facilitation (CPF) \n3. Massage\n4. Reassessment \n5. Individualized workout \n6. 3:1 cardio interval\n\nThe CPA is a simple questionnaire that you can fill out before attending a CannAthlete get together—it’s a way to evaluate the trainee’s experience with cannabis and what they hope to get out of the program. \n\nBased off of answers in the CPA, participants consume a form of cannabis that meets their personality type and needs—this is the CPF. Participants then move onto the massage and stretching part of the program, which is conducted by a certified resistance stretching instructor and usually lasts for 10–15 minutes. \n\n“We do the massage because most people neglect that aspect of health and fitness and training,” says JP. He adds that this portion is meant to prime the body for the workout to come. This is also the time for the participant to acclimate to the cannabis they’ve consumed. \n\nDepending on how they feel after their massage, participants either consume more cannabis to balance out their mental state, or if they feel ready—they begin their workout. \n\nOftentimes, if participants are training as a group, JP and Seibo will also incorporate a kundalini breathing technique called “breath of fire,” which gives participants hyper-control of their diaphragm. According to Seibo, this technique “allows us to get everyone (more or less) at the same starting point, which is relaxed but with heightened awareness.”\n \nIf participants are on their own, JP and Seibo work with them to create an individualized workout. “This is where [participants] take many different paths. … We’re able to fine-tune the program by adding mixed martial arts, rhythm, dancing, stretching, personal training that includes weightlifting, posture, correction—but it's different for everybody,” says JP. \n\nWorkouts are rounded out by 3 to 1 cardio intervals. This type of high-intensity interval training is thought to be an efficient way to increase endurance, burn fat and build muscle—thus it’s applicable to many athletic pursuits. \n\nOnce the interval training is complete, athletes are welcome to explore more of the gym on their own, partake in CBD recovery or mingle with others who subscribe to a similar workout regimen and lifestyle. \n\nOverall, the CannAthlete program is about fine-tuning the participant’s relationship with cannabis. \n\n“If you really want to discover this, show up here on Saturday or Sunday. Everything is free,” says JP. “The cannabis is free; the snacks are free; the friendships here are definitely free—and even more valuable than anything else you'll get.”\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.36986301369863,"src":"/static/3f410239d80b04fab2d3dd42cd92372a/ee604/367b3580aa6f52250bd71bef2ecd5a3f.png","srcSet":"/static/3f410239d80b04fab2d3dd42cd92372a/69585/367b3580aa6f52250bd71bef2ecd5a3f.png 200w,\n/static/3f410239d80b04fab2d3dd42cd92372a/497c6/367b3580aa6f52250bd71bef2ecd5a3f.png 400w,\n/static/3f410239d80b04fab2d3dd42cd92372a/ee604/367b3580aa6f52250bd71bef2ecd5a3f.png 800w,\n/static/3f410239d80b04fab2d3dd42cd92372a/f3583/367b3580aa6f52250bd71bef2ecd5a3f.png 1200w,\n/static/3f410239d80b04fab2d3dd42cd92372a/5707d/367b3580aa6f52250bd71bef2ecd5a3f.png 1600w,\n/static/3f410239d80b04fab2d3dd42cd92372a/7b560/367b3580aa6f52250bd71bef2ecd5a3f.png 1931w","srcWebp":"/static/3f410239d80b04fab2d3dd42cd92372a/58556/367b3580aa6f52250bd71bef2ecd5a3f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3f410239d80b04fab2d3dd42cd92372a/61e93/367b3580aa6f52250bd71bef2ecd5a3f.webp 200w,\n/static/3f410239d80b04fab2d3dd42cd92372a/1f5c5/367b3580aa6f52250bd71bef2ecd5a3f.webp 400w,\n/static/3f410239d80b04fab2d3dd42cd92372a/58556/367b3580aa6f52250bd71bef2ecd5a3f.webp 800w,\n/static/3f410239d80b04fab2d3dd42cd92372a/99238/367b3580aa6f52250bd71bef2ecd5a3f.webp 1200w,\n/static/3f410239d80b04fab2d3dd42cd92372a/7c22d/367b3580aa6f52250bd71bef2ecd5a3f.webp 1600w,\n/static/3f410239d80b04fab2d3dd42cd92372a/1bcc0/367b3580aa6f52250bd71bef2ecd5a3f.webp 1931w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2579-markdown","title":"Ex-NFL Player Eben Britton: Cannabis Can Save the League Millions","slug":"ex-nfl-player-eben-britton-cannabis-can-save-the-league-millions","content":"Eben Britton played six seasons in the National Football League (NFL): four years for the Jacksonville Jaguars and two years for the Chicago Bears. Like many players, he was given opioids and anti-inflammatory pills to cope with the pain from the injuries he sustained while playing the game. \n\nNow retired, he’s one of the few players to openly talk about his cannabis use while still in the league. Eben attributes marijuana to helping him manage the grueling mental and physical challenges of playing in the NFL. \n\nEben has now become an advocate for ending cannabis prohibition in the NFL. He also founded [Athletes for Care](https://athletesforcare.org/), a support network that helps former athletes of all creeds find their footing after their sports careers have ended. \n\nOn his career after the NFL he says, “Man, this is what I'm supposed to be doing.”\n\nDr. Perry Solomon, HelloMD’s chief medical officer, sat down with Eben over video chat. In front of an expansive mural of Los Angeles painted by his father, Eben recounted his days in the NFL, how cannabis helped him manage pain and overcome opioid dependence, and what he’s up to now. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Q: You’ve been open about your cannabis use during your NFL career. Can you talk about why you decided to use cannabis, even though it was (and still is) a banned substance?\n\nI think that to me, the more I'm out of the game, the more distance I've had from it, the more context behind it—it just becomes more and more clear to me that cannabis and football are really integrally related. \n\nI would say there's a clear correlation between my cannabis consumption and my football career. I played the offensive line—I was knocking heads. I was one of the guys dealing with those sub-concussive hits 80, 90, 100 times a day, five days a week. So to me, looking back on my career, looking back at my own personal cannabis use, I started consuming more cannabis the more football I played. And I believe that that was my body intuitively needing to be supported, basically thirsting for some sort of healing, some sort of cellular nourishment which came only from cannabis.\n\n### Q: How did cannabis help you manage the pain from injuries you sustained during your NFL career? \n\nI suffered a laundry list of injuries—from dislocating my shoulder multiple times, to concussions, to a herniated disc in my back, which created excruciating sciatic pain that ran down my leg.\n\nThis was dealt with—at least from a pain management perspective—with a lot of prescription pills and a lot of prescription anti-inflammatories, like Indocin and Cataflam. These types of drugs are very toxic, and they create pain in the gut. \n\nNFL players—including myself—were very much reliant on these drugs to be able to produce at 100%—or at least there was a time when I believed I needed to take these [drugs] to be able to play at 100%.\n\nRELATED: [HOW CANNABIS CAN HELP BREAK THE CYCLE OF OPIOID ABUSE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a14b5edeea891000897e26c/how-cannabis-can-break-the-cycle-of-opioid-abuse)\n\nI felt many of the negative side effects that are so commonly associated with opiates. For instance, I remember after my first shoulder surgery, [I was] taking Vicodin at the time—the prescribed dosages—and I felt like my emotions, my anger and rage, all came billowing up to the surface. I was on a hair trigger—very out of control and irrational. I felt insane, felt severe discomfort throughout my body. I was in in the throes of withdrawal symptoms. … Juxtapose that to my experience with cannabis.\n\n[Cannabis] didn't really become something that I incorporated into my athletic career until I was in the NFL, and I was dealing with pain on a daily basis. … Time and time again it just brought me back to center. It helped not only ease the physical pain, but it was very calming and peace-inducing mentally. \n\n### Q: How did cannabis help your mental health when you were in the NFL? \n\n[In the NFL], you're stressed out about producing at a very high level in front of millions of people. It’s a highly competitive environment. The NFL work day starts at about 7 a.m. on the later end, the first team meeting starts at 7:30. You're in three hours of meetings; you've got about an hour weightlifting session to get in there somewhere; you've got a two-and-a-half-hour full-speed practice; you've got three more hours of meetings; you've got walkthroughs— this is all grinding the axe.\n\nBy the time you get home, you're exhausted—both physically and mentally. For me, cannabis really became this replenishing substance—something that I could come back to that would help me fall into a much more peaceful state of mind. I was calmed down from all the adrenaline, testosterone and cortisol I was running all day. \n\n\n\n### Q: How does cannabis fit into your life now that you’ve retired from the NFL? \n\nI founded a company called [Be Tru Organics](https://betruorganics.com/). We do hemp-derived CBD (cannabidiol) products: an oral spray, pain relief cream and a daily vitamin. \n\nI use our pain relief cream every day. I think it's a fantastic method for anyone dealing with joint pain. My back hurts all the time—I don't have full range of motion in my neck. I use it on my neck and on my shoulders and before I lift weights. I think it's great for before and after exercise. Our pain relief cream is definitely something I wish I had when I was playing. \n\nI’ll also do high THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) concentrates—they help me go to sleep. I also like to do them occasionally for high-intensity workout or weight-training sessions. I feel like the THC primes me in a way that’s not quite like anything else. I have a vaporizer machine that I use—a VapeXhale. \n\n### Q: There’s unprecedented support for marijuana legalization across the nation. What’s the current environment like in the NFL in terms of marijuana prohibition? Do a lot of players presently use cannabis? \n\nIt's at least 50% of the guys in a locker room—that's extremely conservative. I would say even upwards of 75% of the guys, especially nowadays. I think they're becoming more aware of the positive medical benefits of cannabis, especially for football players. \n\nI think the owners are really beginning to understand the implications of ending cannabis prohibition in the league—or whether that's on a state-by-state basis. I think the league wants to avoid anything where one team gets a seeming advantage over another. For instance, guys on the Titans aren't going to have very easy access to cannabis (because Tennessee still deems cannabis as an illegal substance). Meanwhile, you've got the [Seattle] Seahawks or the [L.A.] Rams or the [San Francisco] 49ers all with easy access to cannabis. \n\nBut among the owners, there really seems to be a quiet, under-the-surface groundswell of support, and actual ownership moving towards taking cannabis off their banned substance list. I think it's smart—looking down the line this is going to save the league millions, if not billions of dollars in health-care costs. \n\nI feel as though we're all being a little naive that we don't think the NFL is already working on some sort of product—whether it's an inhalant, a vaporizer, a capsule, a tincture or creams. If that's not the case, they're falling way behind on an incredible opportunity to better the lives of their players and better the lives of athletes in the future. \n\n### Q: Do you think cannabis has medical applications in youth football? \n\nAbsolutely—that's something that's being navigated currently. High school is really the beginning of when these kids are developing their physical bodies to a point where they can really inflict damage on each other—and they’re taking it seriously. High school is really the initial minor leagues of the NFL—in America that's the farm system.\n\nIt starts in high school, it moves into college, and the best of the best are sifted out 'til they eventually get to the NFL. Those kids in high school who are serious about playing the game, who play at a high level, should be doing everything they can to protect their brains and mitigate as much of that damage as possible. \n\nI've studied a lot of plants and herbal remedies—ancient and Ayurvedic, traditional Chinese medicine—there's no other substance on this planet that I know of that has the same neuroprotective qualities that cannabis does. And from what I can tell, from what I've experienced, football does a lot of damage to the brain—that's what we're seeing. Cannabis seems to be a good start in mitigating that. \n\n### Q: Given the state of the NFL and football in general, would you let any of your children play the game?\n\nMy wife, she would say absolutely not. I wouldn't be encouraging it, but I wouldn't tell my son “no” if he truly wanted to play football. That's a tough one—it’s a sad realization. There are other games to play: There's basketball; there's track and field; there's a lot you can do that doesn't involve smashing your head and other people with you. \n\nI think Pop Warner football should probably be done away with completely. I don't think kids should be putting on helmets and playing full contact football until they're least 14 years old. People who started playing football before the age of 14 are seemingly at a much higher risk for developing CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) later in life. It's what a lot of the research and science has shown. \n\nI think that would do away with a lot of the damage right away—if we made that move. Young kids can play other sports: flag football, basketball, baseball—you can learn a lot from those games.\n\n### Q: You’re working to improve the lives of athletes, and cannabis is just one part of that—let’s talk about Athletes for Care. How did it come about and what do you hope to accomplish? \n\n[Athletes for Care](https://athletesforcare.org/) was inspired out of myself and Nate Jackson—my good friend and another former NFL player—talking about our experience dealing with injuries, and the positive effect cannabis really had for us compared to the opiates and the anti-inflammatories. We realized that there are a lot of guys that shared that story and a lot of guys who need to be educated, who are in really bad places—really struggling, really suffering. Their families are falling apart—they've had a really difficult time re-identifying themselves as people in their lives after sports.\n\nThat's why we created Athletes for Care. We wanted to create a resource for athletes—men and women of all ages. It's not only for former professional athletes, it's collegiate level and high school. It's about offering the support and resources necessary for re-identifying yourself in life after sports. We wanted to create a little hub and cannabis is just one component of that. \n\nThere are entrepreneurial programs; there's investment and financial support. We have an actual support group network: the Athletes Afterlife program, which is a network of men and women who have all been through this transition of moving from one career to the next.\n\nWe wanted to offer a support system where you can pick up the phone and call somebody who's been through something similar to what you've been through. … It's a preventative as much as anything. If [current athletes] are bringing this into their thought process, their transition to life after sports is going to be a much smoother.\n\nWe're really encouraging connection with the league right now. We've had some great phone calls with the NFLPA (NFL Players Association), the union. \n\n### Q: What are some other things—besides cannabis—that you incorporate into your lifestyle to stay healthy? \n\nMeditation is number one. I think every single person on the planet should be meditating at this point. Other than that, I would say sticking to a ketogenic diet, a high-fat diet—low carb, high vegetable content. Eating as much organic, grass-fed foods as possible—sticking with real foods. \n\nI use curcumin on a daily basis—I think it's fantastic for inflammation. For my mental clarity, I also take a number of mushrooms—lion's mane mushroom has some fantastic neurological effects, as well as chaga and cordyceps. These mushrooms have profound neuroprotective qualities and anti-cancer qualities. [They] really affect my joint pain and keep me feeling good throughout the day.\n\nI do some sort of exercise just about almost daily—I'd say at least six days a week. It just makes me feel good—whether that's yoga or going on a hike, I'm getting out in nature. I still like to lift weights. I can be much more productive in the weight room these days and not tear myself down because I'm not trying to lift the world—I'm just trying to feel good. \n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/ead03adf17b9dafe084814b0a8ebc465/14b42/7d7d33d2badf3d7a19c6c9adff29b768.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ead03adf17b9dafe084814b0a8ebc465/f836f/7d7d33d2badf3d7a19c6c9adff29b768.jpg 200w,\n/static/ead03adf17b9dafe084814b0a8ebc465/2244e/7d7d33d2badf3d7a19c6c9adff29b768.jpg 400w,\n/static/ead03adf17b9dafe084814b0a8ebc465/14b42/7d7d33d2badf3d7a19c6c9adff29b768.jpg 800w,\n/static/ead03adf17b9dafe084814b0a8ebc465/2a6ad/7d7d33d2badf3d7a19c6c9adff29b768.jpg 1105w","srcWebp":"/static/ead03adf17b9dafe084814b0a8ebc465/58556/7d7d33d2badf3d7a19c6c9adff29b768.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ead03adf17b9dafe084814b0a8ebc465/61e93/7d7d33d2badf3d7a19c6c9adff29b768.webp 200w,\n/static/ead03adf17b9dafe084814b0a8ebc465/1f5c5/7d7d33d2badf3d7a19c6c9adff29b768.webp 400w,\n/static/ead03adf17b9dafe084814b0a8ebc465/58556/7d7d33d2badf3d7a19c6c9adff29b768.webp 800w,\n/static/ead03adf17b9dafe084814b0a8ebc465/f2b5c/7d7d33d2badf3d7a19c6c9adff29b768.webp 1105w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2560-markdown","title":"Super Bowl Champ Marvin Washington Talks Cannabis & the NFL ","slug":"super-bowl-champ-marvin-washington-talks-cannabis-and-the-nfl","content":"Marvin Washington spent 11 years as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) with the New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos; it was with the Broncos that he won the Super Bowl in 1998. During the course of his football career, Marvin sustained injuries that would affect him for the rest of his life. Like many players, he was given opioids to deal with his pain and to keep him out on the field. As players age, they face a number of challenges—among them, the realization that the painkillers they rely on can ultimately lead to a dead end. \r\n\r\n As a way out of this opioid dead end, many ex-NFL players, including Marvin, have turned to cannabis. The plant's anti-inflammatory, pain-fighting properties have helped these players manage their injuries with minimal side effects. \r\n\r\nThese players have also come to another realization—one that wasn't out in the open until a few years ago: that athletes involved in contact sports are vulnerable to chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. This brain disease—which is caused by frequent head injuries—can lead to mood and behavioral disorders, and ultimately dementia, depression and suicidal thoughts. Studies are showing that cannabis's neuroprotective properties may help those with this disease. \r\n\r\nArmed with this knowledge, Marvin and other players are now calling on the NFL to change its policies towards cannabis use. The policies they're pressing for would impact how the league approaches pain, brain health and overall player wellness. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDr. Perry Solomon, HelloMD's chief medical officer, sat down with Marvin to talk about his cannabis use and advocacy, and the future of football.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### Q: How has cannabis helped you address injuries you sustained in the NFL? \r\n\r\nI played 11 years in the NFL, and I had seven surgeries, some major some minor. These injuries were things that happened in the off season. I didn't miss any time. But as you retire, and you get up there in years—it's been about 18 years since I've played in the NFL—I can feel those injuries; it's not just bumps and bruises. … Playing football was fun, but after you finish playing the game, there's a price you have to pay. \r\n\r\nI was introduced to cannabis, this industry, this movement about four-and-a-half years ago on the CBD (cannabidiol) side. It helps me achieve homeostasis at the age that I am—I just turned 52. I work out every day that I can. I attribute CBD to making me active, to letting me have an active lifestyle. \r\n\r\n### Q: What CBD products do you prefer to use? \r\n\r\nEverything that I use is from [Isodiol](https://isodiol.com/). I have a joint venture that I did with Isodiol last year. Instead of getting our CBD from hemp or the cannabis plant, we're getting it from hops. The bioavailability of hops-derived CBD is 85%, and this is something that has been a game changer for me. I can tell the difference. … I've been having it for the past six to eight months, and they're phenomenal. \r\n\r\nWe have water, salves, pills. The pills are called [ImmunAG](https://isodiol.com/isodiol-international-announces-us-sales-launch-hops-derived-cbd-product-immunag/)—it's time-released and deposits in the lower intestines. It's like my supplement. Before I work out, I put on our cream. I still lift, and I still do ballistic training where I'm jumping and stretching, so it definitely helps. I take the oil after working out in the morning.\r\n\r\nRELATED: [THE NFL & MARIJUANA: ONE SHOULD ADOPT THE OTHER](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56bb8f39add826000c00001f/the-nfl-and-medical-marijuana-one-should-adopt-the-other)\r\n\r\n### Q: Can you talk about the NFL's opioid problem and how cannabis can help address these issues?\r\n\r\nNFL players are four times more likely to abuse opiates than the rest of society—that tells you what's happening with my peers and people that I played with. We're being introduced to these opiates and benzodiazepines at a younger age. Take a guy like me: I started this pharmaceutical regimen of pills—anti-inflammatories and pain pills—from July all the way until January, and I played for 11 years. I'm supposed to go cold turkey? It doesn't work that way for a lot of guys. \r\n\r\nMost of the guys are old, out of shape, not active, and they're sore—these football injuries have immobilized them. I say microdose with [cannabis], take it every day and see how you feel—it usually makes a difference. … Most of the people I know who are using cannabis are guys that have been addicted to the opiates and pharmaceuticals. There's a plethora of them: Ricky Williams, Kyle Turley, Eben Britton, Jim McMahon—cannabis helps them. … But when a guy has an opiate addiction issue, I can't just say, \"Here take this oil or this vape.\"\r\n\r\nI had an ex-teammate call me years ago—he was living with his mother, taking 12 Percocets a day, hadn't played football in 15 years. He was looking in the laundry room thinking about drinking bleach—that's how low he was. Me just giving him CBD wasn't going to do the deal. I have cannabis doctors and nurses that I consult with, so we went at it as a team. We were able to wean him off of the opiates, but he had to go to a facility in Texas that uses CBD.\r\n\r\n### Q: You only use CBD products—how do you feel about the use of cannabis products with THC by NFL players? \r\n\r\nI'm all about full-plant cannabis—THC, THCA, CBD, CBN. Some guys, the thing that has helped them has been THC. Particularly as an anti-inflammatory, particularly for anti-anxiety and particularly for pain management. The NFL medical program has something called TUD—therapeutic use exemption—where they let guys that have ADHD take Ritalin and Adderall, which are banned substances according to WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). The NFL lets these guys take it under doctor's orders. \r\n\r\nMy thing is in the states and municipalities where it's legal, do the same thing with cannabis. Instead of sending guys home after a hard practice with pain pills and anti-inflammatories, send them home with something that could be THC, CBD or a combination of both.\r\n\r\nWe're not talking about sending guys home with a blunt. There's all types of delivery systems: There's swabs, vapes, transdermal patches. There are plenty of ways these guys can medicate with cannabis, come back the next day and have no negative side effects.\r\n\r\n### Q: Does cannabis have medical applications in youth football? \r\n\r\nWhen you're talking about contact sports—especially football—I think it's a no-brainer. [Federal] patent 6630507 says that CBD is an antioxidant and neuroprotectant for the brain, in relationship to concussions. Why not CBD? It's non-psychoactive, not toxic, not addictive. Cannabis is being used with kids anyway, for epileptic strokes and seizures. \r\n\r\nConcussions happen in youth football; concussions happen in high-school football. [Raphael Mechoulam](https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mvxde4/raphael-mechulam-father-cannabis-discover-thc) has said you can mitigate the symptoms of a concussion if within 30 minutes to an hour [you administer] a massive dose of CBD—this is what I'd like to see.\r\n\r\nThis is something that should be on every sideline of every football league from youth, to middle school, to high school, to college and definitely pro football. This is something that I think should be on the sidelines of any contact sport where there's a possibility of head trauma. \r\n\r\nI understand there will be trepidation from some parents about giving their kids THC. I would say use CBD, use very low doses of THC, but the thing with kids is that we're not giving them medical doses. I would say microdose with them. Give them oils or CBD gum—something they can take every day. \r\n\r\n### Q: Your cannabis advocacy goes beyond the NFL—let's talk about your lawsuit with Jeff Sessions. What do you hope to accomplish with that? \r\n\r\nWhat we hope to accomplish is for the highest court in the land to decide that cannabis as a Schedule I drug is unconstitutional. The government tried to get the case dismissed. We didn't get it dismissed—we got an expedited trial date for February 2018. I feel like we've won the first battle. \r\n\r\nFor me, being an African American, being an athlete and being in this space, when you look at the etymology of why Richard Nixon put it on Schedule I, he wanted to go after two groups: hippies, who were protesting the Vietnam war, and African Americans. \r\n\r\n[Nixon] had the [Shafer Commission](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shafer_Commission) that told him everything we're saying about cannabis now. He didn't go through a body of Congress or anything like that. He just put it on as Schedule I, so we're saying that it's unconstitutional and that it's racist—the etymology of [cannabis] being a Schedule 1 drug. \r\n\r\nI can't go to states that have a prohibition on THC, and I can't get an SBA (Small Business Administration) loan to start a business. Minorities already have an issue with lack of access to capital, but a lot of times the government steps in, and we can get these minority loans from the SBA, but we can't do that with cannabis being a Schedule I drug. \r\n\r\n### Q: Can you talk about social justice, diversity and inclusion in the cannabis industry—what does that look like? \r\n\r\nEven though minorities and Caucasians use marijuana at the same rate, [minorities are] getting arrested five to 12 times more than the majority. \r\n\r\nI want to see—like they're doing in Oakland and Los Angeles—the communities affected most by cannabis's Schedule I status—with the arrests, incarcerations, breaking up of families, the devastating penalties of having a non-violent felony and being sent away for years—I want see those communities participate now that it's gone from the black market to the green market. I don't want us to continue to go to jail while everybody else is going to the bank. That's why I believe there has to be a social equity program for the communities most affected. \r\n\r\nI think it all ties together. We don't want to do business as usual and end up looking like Silicon Valley. We want to do a better business—and when I say a better business, I say a better business for minorities, a better business for women, a better business for people of a lower socioeconomic status. \r\n\r\nCalifornia is expunging records. That's going to affect a million people, not just for the cannabis industry—that's not withstanding. It's going to put [people] back into society so they can vote, get federal housing, [have access to] loans, because they don't have this felony on their record anymore. \r\n\r\n### Q: What are your opinions on the descheduling versus rescheduling of marijuana?\r\n\r\nI think medical marijuana is a no-brainer. When it comes to adult use, that's something you take to the people. We as a society have said that [certain] things with a social ill are acceptable—we regulate and tax them through the government. Alcohol, tobacco and gambling all have connotations attached to them, but we've accepted them as a people. Why can't we do this with cannabis?\r\n\r\n### Q: Can you talk about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the impact it might have on the future of the NFL and how cannabis can help? \r\n\r\nSince the concussion lawsuit was filed in 2010, youth participation is down across the board. I believe people are aware of the head trauma that's associated with this game. Everybody is aware of orthopedic injuries that football players are going to have—my generation knew about them. I was willing to accept that, but I didn't know that there was a possibility that I could leave this game with a disease. \r\n\r\nThey just came out with a study that says it's not even about concussions, but the repetitive hitting, bashing of the head—especially if you're playing along the offensive-defensive line. Patient one of CTE was Mike Webster: He played 17 years as a center; a center leads with this head. He was getting his head hit 95% of the time he was on the football field. It's the repetitive hits, and then you have the concussions as well. That's going to build up a lot of tau protein. \r\n\r\nNow football moms and dads are aware of what can happen to their kids if they're playing this game. I wouldn't let my kid play football unless a football coach could come into my living room, sit down with me and say, \"I can guarantee you that little Marvin can play this game and he's not gonna get a brain disease.\"\r\n\r\nUntil you're able to do that with me, I can't let him play—and I think a lot of parents are there. No helmet or equipment stops a concussion. I think the thing that stops a concussion is going to come through science, and I believe that cannabis can go a long way in solving that issue for the NFL. \r\n\r\n### Q: Given the state of the NFL and football in general, would you currently let any of your children (or future children) play the game? \r\n\r\nI'd let them play Pop Warner; I'd let them play junior high—but not with helmets. Take the helmets off these kids until they're at least in high school. Your brain doesn't stop developing until you're 21, so what the hell are you doing out there with these kid in helmets at age 7?\r\n\r\nNick Buoniconti, an iconic NFL player, just came out with an initiative yesterday: He recommended that kids not have on helmets until the age of 14. You don't need to have helmets on these players to learn how to throw, to learn how to catch, to learn how to block, to learn how to tackle. In the '20s, '30s and '40s, nobody had on these helmets, but there was still a game of football. They were tackling the proper way. \r\n\r\nMy company is going to fund a league out of California. We have to find leather helmets that are durable, cost-efficient, etc. We're going to show kids how to play football. You can learn how to tackle and block the right way, instead of leading with your helmet. \r\n\r\nI'm not trying to kill football. I love the game of football. There are plenty of life lessons in football that are not in other sports—I'm only trying to make it safer. \r\n\r\n### Q: What can people do to combat cannabis's stigma? \r\n\r\nIf THC is working for you, show you're using it responsibly. Don't show that you're using it and feeding into a Cheech and Chong, Reefer Madness-type of stereotype. That's my biggest pet peeve with this industry. Everybody says, \"We're going to be different,\" but you go to conventions, and guys are walking around with full leaf marijuana suits and a hat—that's what the news people show. Let's show that this is responsible; let's show that this is a medicine.\r\n\r\nWe are just stewards and stakeholders, the dynamic athlete that's going to make this acceptable is probably in junior high school. In 2050, [cannabis] is going to be accepted everywhere, but we have to do it right—we can't have any setbacks.\r\n\r\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/14b42/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/f836f/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.jpg 200w,\n/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/2244e/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.jpg 400w,\n/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/14b42/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.jpg 800w,\n/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/47498/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.jpg 1200w,\n/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/0e329/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.jpg 1600w,\n/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/7019e/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.jpg 1870w","srcWebp":"/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/58556/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/61e93/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.webp 200w,\n/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/1f5c5/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.webp 400w,\n/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/58556/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.webp 800w,\n/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/99238/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.webp 1200w,\n/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/7c22d/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.webp 1600w,\n/static/4931fe1d93931769e4d43e14821a6bde/c24b7/c9a3703dee4402ebfd66ceaced9f6e90.webp 1870w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2281-markdown","title":"Meet Four Cannabis Power Couples","slug":"meet-four-cannabis-power-couples","content":"Cannabis has a special way of bringing people together—in friendship, fun, creativity and love. People involved in the cannabis industry seem to have a special bond; the common goal and enthusiasm required to bring this medicine to the people attracts like-minded souls. \n\nA few prominent couples in the cannabis industry have found passion both in the plant and for each other. Here are a few of our favorite cannabis power couples who work together to bring you the medicine you deserve.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Mark Hadfield & Pamela Hadfield – HelloMD\n\n\n\nWe may as well start things off with [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/about-us)’s own Mark and Pamela Hadfield. They founded HelloMD in 2015, bringing together Mark’s background as a tech startup entrepreneur and Pamela’s agency career in user experience design. \n\nAs CEO, Mark takes care of all aspects of the business both in and out of the office, driving the development of HelloMD’s products and services, while making key connections with leaders from all different parts of the industry. Pamela conceives of and produces events, leads the user experience design team and acts as HelloMD’s spokesperson with all things media, landing herself a [shoutout in Rolling Stone magazine](http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/lists/weed-warriors-women-shaping-pot-industry-w500508/pamela-hadfield-w500509), as one of “Weed Warriors: Six Women Shaping the Cannabis Industry.” She also co-founded [WEmpowered](https://www.wempowered.com/), whose mission is to empower women in the industry.\n\nThe industry’s better off when couples like this bring both their sparkling personalities and brainpower to the table. \n\n### Nikki Lastreto & Swami Chaitanya – Swami Select\n\n\n\nNikki Lastreto and Swami Chaitanya are _the_ cannabis couple. Coming from a long history together “in various incarnations as friends, spouses, spiritual brethren, and business and land partners” since 1969, they currently raise awareness for the benefits of sun-grown cannabis at [Swami Select Farms](https://swamiselect.com/). They also judge the annual Emerald Cup and help introduce legislation for other growers to be able to hone their craft in Mendocino County. \n\nSwami may be the more immediately recognizable of the duo, always dressed in white with his long beard, but Nikki’s extremely active in the business too, creating partnerships and co-directing the Ganja Ma Gardens Collective. Constantly together, it’s always a welcome sight to see Nikki and Swami out and about at dispensaries and cannabis events. Take advantage of any opportunity you can to talk to this couple and find inspiration for your own life, love and relationship with cannabis. \n\nRELATED: [TOP CANNABIS BRANDS THAT ARE DOING IT RIGHT](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/top-cannabis-brands-that-are-doing-it-right)\n\n### Michael Steinmetz & Flavia Cassani – Flow Kana\n\n\n\nAs co-founders of Flow Kana, and now the Flow Kana Institute, Michael Steinmetz and Flavia Cassani are on a mission to revolutionize industrial cannabis with sustainable grow and business practices featuring small-batch, boutique strains. \n\nWhile Michael builds the partnerships to create a vertically integrated supply chain and finds the best growers in the Emerald Triangle (including Nikki and Swami), Flavia brings her own flair as the PR Director, creating unique social cannabis events and organizing volunteer opportunities for the staff to give back to the community. With educational opportunities and events soon to come at the Flow Kana Institute, we will certainly be hearing more from this cannabis couple who are bringing social awareness and sustainable practices to the forefront of the industry.\n\n### Cindy Capobianco & Rob Rosenheck – Lord Jones\n\n\n\nCindy Capobianco and Rob Rosenheck are the branding king and queen of cannabis and beyond. They’ve worked on projects together for many years—they worked together at Capobianco, the marketing and brand agency Cindy founded, partnering with companies such as Larabar, Gap and Paramount. \n\nAlways passionate about cannabis, the couple has now created high-end edible and topical brand [Lord Jones](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/lord-jones/about). The gorgeous packaging and luxurious feel of these products have elevated people’s perception of what a cannabis product can be. The duo makes use of their celebrity-studded network to reduce the stigma of cannabis use through partnerships with the likes of Icelandic band Sigur Ros. \n\nPassionate about building a healthy lifestyle around cannabis use, Rob and Cindy have sponsored many holistic cannabis events, including medicated sound baths and yoga classes. Here we have another shining example of the beauty that successful teamwork can bring to the world.\n\nMain photo credit: [Paz Arando](https://unsplash.com/@pazarando)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.36986301369863,"src":"/static/5033336da928e3770fb5766dcdb12967/14b42/9ede91cb9624417a0199c71bcb835ecd.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5033336da928e3770fb5766dcdb12967/f836f/9ede91cb9624417a0199c71bcb835ecd.jpg 200w,\n/static/5033336da928e3770fb5766dcdb12967/2244e/9ede91cb9624417a0199c71bcb835ecd.jpg 400w,\n/static/5033336da928e3770fb5766dcdb12967/14b42/9ede91cb9624417a0199c71bcb835ecd.jpg 800w,\n/static/5033336da928e3770fb5766dcdb12967/47498/9ede91cb9624417a0199c71bcb835ecd.jpg 1200w,\n/static/5033336da928e3770fb5766dcdb12967/20435/9ede91cb9624417a0199c71bcb835ecd.jpg 1403w","srcWebp":"/static/5033336da928e3770fb5766dcdb12967/58556/9ede91cb9624417a0199c71bcb835ecd.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5033336da928e3770fb5766dcdb12967/61e93/9ede91cb9624417a0199c71bcb835ecd.webp 200w,\n/static/5033336da928e3770fb5766dcdb12967/1f5c5/9ede91cb9624417a0199c71bcb835ecd.webp 400w,\n/static/5033336da928e3770fb5766dcdb12967/58556/9ede91cb9624417a0199c71bcb835ecd.webp 800w,\n/static/5033336da928e3770fb5766dcdb12967/99238/9ede91cb9624417a0199c71bcb835ecd.webp 1200w,\n/static/5033336da928e3770fb5766dcdb12967/94a4a/9ede91cb9624417a0199c71bcb835ecd.webp 1403w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2326-markdown","title":" Lord Jones: Luxury Cannabis Brand Promotes Health & Wellness","slug":"lord-jones-luxury-cannabis-brand-promotes-health-and-wellness","content":"The dawning of the age of recreational cannabis is changing the face of the industry, bringing forth new products that could easily be displayed in glass cases at a Barney’s counter. Luxury brand Lord Jones is leading the way with high-end branding and a focus on patient health and wellness. Voted “Best Low Dose Edible,” by _High Times_, and featured in fashion magazine _[Vogue](http://www.vogue.com/article/sigur-ros-pot-cannabis-edible-candy-lord-jones)_, the creators of Lord Jones have successfully bridged the world of cannabis health with the world of fashion. Founders Cindy Capobianco and Rob Rosenheck are poised and ready for the cannabis boom of 2018 as they evolve and expand their line of edibles and topicals.\r\n\r\n### From Fashion to Food to Cannabis\r\n\r\nJust a few years ago, when Cindy and Rob brought their high-end medicated candies to shops around LA, the dispensary managers said “that’s beautiful, I don’t know what to do with it—it’s too expensive.” The couple was a few years ahead of the curve, but now the industry's catching up. “A few years ago, everything was about the cheapest product,” Rob says, “Our peers weren't finding products that were speaking to them; brands that were clearly labeled aspirational, transparent, effective, safe, and stood for quality.” \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\nThe creation of the Lord Jones brand is a product of Rob and Cindy’s professional backgrounds and passion for the cannabis plant. In their previous life, the married couple ran a creative agency together for 10 years, working on fashion and lifestyle brands with clients like Gap and Banana Republic. They learned about the food business after they helped launch Lara Bars and ended up working on other organic food brands for General Mills. They always kept their client list small in order to work with brands they believe in, saying “Every brand we worked on we wanted to be a consumer of that brand, live the brand, champion the brand—they were all brands we believed in. That’s what was behind Lord Jones. We wanted to create a brand that we wanted to use and that other people who care about quality wanted to use.”\r\n\r\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BYGsS3UjCki/` \r\n\r\n### Wellness Beyond Beauty\r\n\r\nThere are three tenets behind Lord Jones: a superior brand experience, the finest non-cannabis ingredients and formulations, and cannabis superiority. This can be seen in the brightly colored, elegantly designed packaging. Add to that the Sigurberry edible (a collaboration with the band Sigur Ros), which was launched at a Billboard-worthy Los Angeles [sound bath](http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7767912/sound-bathing-with-sigur-ros-and-their-lord-jones-edibles) event. The band played live at the historic LA theatre Neuehouse while patients enhanced with Lord Jones edibles laid on mats and admired the pulsing light installation.\r\n\r\nWhile the Lord Jones branding is eye-catching and beautiful, it’s not all about looks. The true differentiators of their products is a result of focusing on the use of cannabis to target specific ailments. When aspiring cannabis marketers ask Cindy and Rob for advice on getting into the cannabis industry, they tell them knowledge about the plant is extremely important. “If you’re going to be in this business on the branding side you need to understand what you’re talking about in a way that’s different than any other industry. No one wants a tourist who just says ‘I can make that pretty.’”\r\n\r\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BVQQ2DYDEe7/` \r\n\r\n### Cannabis Caregivers\r\n\r\nIn the beginning, Lord Jones created a nonprofit collective in order to sell their products, and ended up becoming caregivers. Cindy says, “We didn’t set out to become caregivers, but many patients who had never used cannabis got in touch and we started helping people who had never used cannabis at all or not in 30 years.” This constant interaction with patients and their needs has had a huge effect on the products. “We’ve learned more from our patients than anyone else in this business. The fact that we’re caregivers with them has shaped our product in ways that we had never anticipated.”\r\n\r\nTheir patients live with a variety of conditions, including migraines, autoimmune disease, cancer, AIDS, HIV and various skin conditions. They see groups of migraine sufferers using both the topical and the high CBD gumdrops for their headaches, while post-op or post-accident patients who can’t take opioids experience significantly diminished pain after taking their gumdrops and using their topical. Cindy listens to these patients “crying on the phone saying they never thought they would feel relief again.”\r\n\r\nWorking so closely with patients helps Cindy and Rob learn how their product can be used and also informs formulations going forward. “Many of the products we’re launching soon are inspired by our patients and their needs and their ailments.”\r\n\r\n### Terpene-Infused CBD Topicals\r\n\r\nThere are three different versions of the Lord Jones topical: a [5:1 Pain and Wellness Body Lotion](https://www.hellomd.com/marijuana-undefined/5-1-pain-and-wellness-formula-body-lotion) which contains 100 mg CBD, a [1:1 Pain and Wellness Formula](https://www.hellomd.com/marijuana-undefined/1-1-pain-and-wellness-formula-body-lotion) and a [Pure CBD Body Lotion](https://www.hellomd.com/marijuana-undefined/pain-wellness-pure-cbd-lotion). The lotions contain “full spectrum whole plant medicine for maximum pain relief and aid to skin conditions.” The scented version celebrates the terpenes of the plant with notes of hep, sage, mint and green citrus, creating a bright fragrance with far-reaching appeal.\r\n\r\nCindy knows that topicals are often used by people new to cannabis and they want to make them feel as comfortable as possible with what they’re putting on their body. The topicals also contain Frescolat, a natural cooling agent, so you immediately feel a cooling sensation when applied, letting patients know exactly there they put the lotion on their body. The user friendly product design is also seen in the vacuum-pump feature, which dispenses exactly 1 mL per pump, containing 2 mg CBD and 0.4 mg THC in the 5:1 formulation. \r\n\r\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BUhWpxqjwQR/` \r\n\r\nVeronica Brooks, a recognizable customer service specialist at HelloMD and her mother use the topicals for knee pain and arthritis, respectively. “This is the perfect product for patients with sore muscles, as the topical is a nice alternative for those who do not want any psychoactive effects. This pain and wellness lotion delivers rapid relief, and has quickly become a favorite in my mom’s cabinet,” she says. \r\n\r\nThe topicals are also effective for patients with more serious conditions like fibromyalgia, lupus, migraines and chronic pain, but also work for sunburns, bug bites and sore feet. Even [celebrity stylists have caught on](http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/how-cannabis-beauty-products-could-change-red-carpet-game-967518) to the topical trend, using the CBD lotion on the soles of their clients’s feet before spending a long night on the red carpet in high heels. You can get a taste for the versatile uses of the topicals from their [Instagram feed](https://www.instagram.com/thelordjones/), which is full of patient testimonials claiming “the relief was instant!” and “my neck was pain-free for the first time in eight years.” \r\n\r\nRELATED: [TOP 5 MARIJUANA PRODUCTS FOR CHRONIC PAIN](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/top-5-marijuana-products-for-chronic-pain)\r\n\r\n### Artisanal Edibles\r\n\r\nThere are [six different formulations](http://www.lordjones.com/browse) of Lord Jones edibles, including 5, 10, or 20 mg THC, with 5:1 CBD, and pure CBD options. They have created many options, including low-dose options, so people can easily find the right dose for themselves. \r\n\r\n“With only 2 mg of THC, these gum drops are perfect for [microdosing](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/microdosing-a-better-way-to-take-cannabis) throughout the day, ” says our Director of Operations, Ashleigh Jessup, who appreciates the consumer-friendly dosing capabilities.\r\n\r\nThe ability to titrate dosage also led to the decision to make candy over baked goods because “candy is a more elegant form of food,” and “transforming the chemical state of sugar is math and chemistry more in line with dosing.” They are mindfully designed so you can eat one full piece of candy as a dose.\r\n\r\nTrue to their word, the candies are all natural, handmade in small batches and can stand up to sweets made by a fine candy maker. The active ingredients include THC extracts drawn from the finest California-grown cannabis, phytocannabinoid-rich CBD extracts from specially sourced organic hemp and terpenes to ensure the medical benefits of the whole plant entourage effect. All of their products use whole plant medicine, and the CBD products are designed for health and wellness, rather than psychoactive benefit. With their Lord Jones products, Cindy and Rob are making cannabis medicine incredibly appealing, approachable and effective.\r\n\r\n### Sound Baths & Spas\r\n\r\nThe Lord Jones brand is built on wellness as a lifestyle, and beyond products, Rob and Cindy are creating wellness experiences. Their first medicated sound bath was over a year ago, and since then they have hosted multiple sound baths and yoga classes at different events. They recently became the first cannabis brand to partner with luxury fitness club Equinox, where they will produce a recovery class and a series of events that are integrated into the spa program across the country. \r\n\r\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/6e24bf131a3ad5a851eea7704969ebf6/14b42/a413411008e971ea70ac803d558b9dd1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6e24bf131a3ad5a851eea7704969ebf6/f836f/a413411008e971ea70ac803d558b9dd1.jpg 200w,\n/static/6e24bf131a3ad5a851eea7704969ebf6/2244e/a413411008e971ea70ac803d558b9dd1.jpg 400w,\n/static/6e24bf131a3ad5a851eea7704969ebf6/14b42/a413411008e971ea70ac803d558b9dd1.jpg 800w,\n/static/6e24bf131a3ad5a851eea7704969ebf6/47498/a413411008e971ea70ac803d558b9dd1.jpg 1200w,\n/static/6e24bf131a3ad5a851eea7704969ebf6/54ac5/a413411008e971ea70ac803d558b9dd1.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/6e24bf131a3ad5a851eea7704969ebf6/58556/a413411008e971ea70ac803d558b9dd1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6e24bf131a3ad5a851eea7704969ebf6/61e93/a413411008e971ea70ac803d558b9dd1.webp 200w,\n/static/6e24bf131a3ad5a851eea7704969ebf6/1f5c5/a413411008e971ea70ac803d558b9dd1.webp 400w,\n/static/6e24bf131a3ad5a851eea7704969ebf6/58556/a413411008e971ea70ac803d558b9dd1.webp 800w,\n/static/6e24bf131a3ad5a851eea7704969ebf6/99238/a413411008e971ea70ac803d558b9dd1.webp 1200w,\n/static/6e24bf131a3ad5a851eea7704969ebf6/5e0b8/a413411008e971ea70ac803d558b9dd1.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2296-markdown","title":"Handmade Cannabis CBD Elixirs from the Founder of Emerald Alchemy","slug":"handmade-cannabis-cbd-elixirs-from-the-founder-of-emerald-alchemy","content":"### The Plant Whisperer\n\nBillie Thibodeau is a botanical herbalist who shares her passion for plants, and especially cannabis, through her business Emerald Alchemy. Her handcrafted cold water hash, sustainably grown cannabis, and artfully crafted elixirs are created through her love of nature and dedication to sharing organic horticulture. I had the pleasure with speaking to Billie about her background as an herbalist, her relationship to cannabis plants, and the art of crafting plant medicine.\n\nBillie will be serving her hand-crafted herbal elixirs at [HelloMD’s Laughter Haven event](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/hellomd-s-laughter-haven-an-evening-of-cannabis-comedy) on Oct. 5, 2017 at San Francisco's The Midway.\n\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BZolP_bARwo/`\n\n### How did you start working with plants? \n\nThe ability to tune in and listen to plants came from playing in nature so much as a kid. I grew up in Santa Cruz mountains - we were outdoor kids. When I was very little I loved making flower petal water by soaking fragrant flowers to infuse the essential oils into the water. There is an innate trust and connection to the power of plants and herbal medicine that has always thrived in me. Plants have always been my friends.\n\n### What’s your background as an herbalist?\n\nWhen I spent about a year on the island of Crete in Greece I completely fell in love with herbal medicinal studies. Malotíra (mountain tea) and Faskómilo (Sage) had me hooked. I couldn't get enough of the very powerful Mediterranean herbs of Crete. I snuck loads back with me! During that time, I discovered the herbalist Juliette de Beracley Levy. Her wild and enchanting stories of traveling through the Mediterranean with practically just a few sprigs of herbs to keep her and her children free of ailments or disease completely fascinated me. I wanted to be her!\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### How did you transition into working with cannabis? \n\nI believe the spirit of cannabis chooses who works with her. I moved to California from New York City in 2008 and I immediately started working as cannabis trimmer. Working with cannabis after working with other herbs felt like an honor. \n\nThe farmers I worked for loved my work ethic and enthusiasm and invited me be a part of the cold water hash team. I helped develop a larger scale production system for ice water hash. We experimented with a lot of machinery and I found that using my hands worked the best, producing the greatest yield and the greatest quality. \n\n### What inspired you to create Emerald Alchemy? \n\nI’ve always fiercely loved my independence, autonomy and a good thrilling adventure. Working for myself just makes sense and the challenge of creating a business keepsme engaged with that independent, creative and edgy young spirit there.\n\nThe name Emerald Alchemy came to me in 2013 after I harvested my first crop of high CBD AC/DC strain. ‘Emerald’ represents the heart and ‘Alchemy’ represents the powerful transformational shift that happens when we act out of love from the heart. I believe our most powerful medicine is loving kindness. I created this company out of my love for life and this precious planet.\n\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BV0br1UA1iG/`\n\n### What’s your approach to growing cannabis?\n\nI have a spiritual approach to growing cannabis! It is such a special treat to be an organic cannabis farmer because cannabis is so extremely communicative and receptive. I feel like truly farming cannabis in alignment with nature you must get in touch with an innate intuitive knowing that is very spiritual. While we are farming cannabis we are also farming healthy soil ecology and farming ourselves as healthy stewards of the craft. Training staff to care for cannabis gardens is teaching an art. To be fully engage with the changing weather, microclimates, soil ecology and the fast paced cycles of flowering cannabis varieties is a beautiful spiritual dance. Many cannabis farmers feel as though they are married to their plants!\n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS, YOGA & RELAXATION, AN INTERVIEW WITH DEE DUSSAULT](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/597798584ce06012ff1d1641/cannabis-yoga-and-relaxation-an-interview-with-dee-dussault)\n\n\n### What are your grow methods?\n\nMy cultivation methods are pretty simple but require a lot of listening. I’m a sun lover! I like to grow in beds outside with hoop houses over them. I do year round cultivation. I always get annoyed when we have to use supplemental light. A lot of hiccups happen with artificial light but it’s good for freshness of product and business to grow year round.\n\nOne of the cool things about my process is I’ve figured out a way to save all the excess hash water and feed it back to the plants. That’s one of the best foods you can feed your plants because all those phytonutrients and water soluble terpenes are in the water. \n\n### What strains do you grow? \n\nI grow quite a lot of the 20:1 AC/DC strain. I really love the 3:1 Cannatonic strain. I grew Orange Cookies strain last year. I always schedule in the AC/DC strain and depending on what is available to me from my colleagues nurseries or what mother plants I am cultivating.\n\n### Why do you grow CBD strains?\n\nOnce I was educated about the medicinal benefits of CBD, I was all in and I made it my mission. I started hearing about CBD around 2011 and I’m very sensitive to THC, so it was so exciting to me when I tried a CBD flower. I found the genetics which was really hard to get back then so I had the specialist Lawrence Ringo introduce me to the right people.\n\n### How is your cold water hash prepared? \n\nMy process is entirely handmade. We use no machinery at all. With hand-stirred hash, it’s all about having a holistic relationship at every step of the process so we can guarantee the quality of the product.\n\nIt’s quite an experience to make hash on my farm. We wear enormous thick gloves up to our shoulder and rubber waterproof goulashes for the ice agitation portion of the process. The engagement that comes with completely handmade processes allows for customizing each batch of hash to the variety and signature of the individual plant material. It’s totally an art!\n\n### How do you formulate your tinctures? What makes them different than others?\n\nFormulating tinctures is like writing poetry or music. Creating herbal combinations involves an incredible amount of knowledge and I do a lot of research before I decide on a specific formula melody. Each herb wants to be extracted in it’s own way. The ethanol I use for extraction is certified organic made from organic grapes. I think what sets me apart is that I am creating works of art. Therefore each formula and product I create stands apart for it uniqueness.\n\n### What is the story behind your cannabis elixirs.\n\nThe Elixir Collection is infused with a micro dose of cannabis in order to balance out the expression of the other herbs in the formula. The Elixirs are designed to work as a holistic support with cannabis as one of the integral herbs in the formula. Cannabis has such a dominant expression I choose to lower the dosing simply to achieve harmony in the formula.\n\nThe Elixirs are incredible in an evening libation for a nightly healing ritual. We created some Canna Cocktail recipes for the Elixir collection and on [Sava](https://www.getsava.com/), a statewide delivery service in California.\n\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGAf/EABcBAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgP/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAVeVKtCYpS8//8QAGRAAAwEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECEQQh/9oACAEBAAEFAlCx4ayqZfM6E/P/xAAWEQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARH/2gAIAQMBAT8BcKj/xAAXEQEAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARES/9oACAECAQE/Aalh/8QAHBAAAgICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEREhAhIkFx/9oACAEBAAY/AuzSw6k2k5Q34f/EABoQAQEBAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAERACFBMVH/2gAIAQEAAT8hlfuWY9Un0p3QzBSM7TNdE+roAAPc/9oADAMBAAIAAwAAABCP3//EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEhEP/aAAgBAwEBPxBskw//xAAWEQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABABH/2gAIAQIBAT8QGbd//8QAGxABAQEBAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAREhADFRQaH/2gAIAQEAAT8Q1MTDVEr+Zp1QBhJVNMOpit995BHAVbyYlgxofPPmcJDkZb/O/9k=","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/7be4cd4f21b90a0681c8da2509151601/14b42/bbc3f79f109d5c20b4ad4c5554a7892f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7be4cd4f21b90a0681c8da2509151601/f836f/bbc3f79f109d5c20b4ad4c5554a7892f.jpg 200w,\n/static/7be4cd4f21b90a0681c8da2509151601/2244e/bbc3f79f109d5c20b4ad4c5554a7892f.jpg 400w,\n/static/7be4cd4f21b90a0681c8da2509151601/14b42/bbc3f79f109d5c20b4ad4c5554a7892f.jpg 800w,\n/static/7be4cd4f21b90a0681c8da2509151601/47498/bbc3f79f109d5c20b4ad4c5554a7892f.jpg 1200w,\n/static/7be4cd4f21b90a0681c8da2509151601/54ac5/bbc3f79f109d5c20b4ad4c5554a7892f.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/7be4cd4f21b90a0681c8da2509151601/58556/bbc3f79f109d5c20b4ad4c5554a7892f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7be4cd4f21b90a0681c8da2509151601/61e93/bbc3f79f109d5c20b4ad4c5554a7892f.webp 200w,\n/static/7be4cd4f21b90a0681c8da2509151601/1f5c5/bbc3f79f109d5c20b4ad4c5554a7892f.webp 400w,\n/static/7be4cd4f21b90a0681c8da2509151601/58556/bbc3f79f109d5c20b4ad4c5554a7892f.webp 800w,\n/static/7be4cd4f21b90a0681c8da2509151601/99238/bbc3f79f109d5c20b4ad4c5554a7892f.webp 1200w,\n/static/7be4cd4f21b90a0681c8da2509151601/5e0b8/bbc3f79f109d5c20b4ad4c5554a7892f.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2244-markdown","title":"Dope Magazine: Creating the Cannabis Lifestyle ","slug":"dope-magazine-creating-the-cannabis-lifestyle","content":"Lifestyle publication [Dope Magazine](http://www.dopemagazine.com/) has risen to the front lines of the cannabis conversation with their goal to normalize the plant and provide exposure for top cannabis brands. Every month, one hundred thousand free copies of the magazine are spread throughout dispensaries around the country and their list of partners continues to grow, along with their sway in the industry. \r\n\r\nAs the “boots on the ground,” Dope’s Business Development Manager Josh Davis sees his job as more of a consultative service, creating valuable connections within the industry through content and events. “We’re trying to be the connectors and liaisons within the cannabis industry and find ways to create a win-win.” \r\n\r\nRELATED: [DOPE MAGAZINE HOSTS COMBUSTION LOUNGE AT LAUGHTER HAVEN](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/laughter-haven-an-evening-of-cannabis-comedy-tickets-38057372626)\r\n\r\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BZPcgp5jJNl/`\r\n\r\n### Exposure for Cannabis Brands\r\n\r\nWhen Dope was started in Seattle in 2011, the professionalism of the industry was still developing and there was a lack of channels for cannabis companies to use to gain exposure. Dope saw the opportunity, stepped in to spark the conversation, and has since expanded into Oregon, California, Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada, with plans to continue expansion into additional regions and emerging markets. \r\n\r\nCreating local versions of the publication has always been a part of Dope’s strategy because it allows them to tailor the conversation to the audience and highlight local brands. Since many cannabis companies are stuck within state lines, this allows brands a better chance to reach their potential customers and readers the opportunity to learn about products they can actually go try. \r\n\r\nThere is a lot of creativity happening in this industry (to say the least), and Dope wants to share this with their readers. As Davis puts it, “Our goal is to provide a platform in exposure and provide perspective on the creativity and innovation involved in the industry.”\r\n\r\nRELATED: [HELLOMD’S LAUGHTER HAVEN: AN EVENING OF CANNABIS & COMEDY](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/hellomd-s-laughter-haven-an-evening-of-cannabis-comedy)\r\n\r\n### Normalizing the Cannabis Conversation\r\n\r\nThis year has “marked a turning point” in Dope’s progression, as they expand their content to topics relevant to, but not always directly related to cannabis. Davis says, “We’re trying to make it an everyday conversation just like wine, food, sports. I believe that it deserves that credit.” By expanding their content to topics outside of cannabis, cannabis becomes naturally woven into the fabric of regular everyday conversations. \r\n\r\nPlus, Dope wants to create content for everyone, not just regular cannabis users. “Our audience is anyone who wants to listen. Even if people don’t smoke or they’re first time users, we want to open the door for them as well,” says Davis. \r\n\r\nDope makes an effort to develop valuable relationships with their partners, making connections between brands and referring their partners to new opportunities for exposure. The inaugural Dope Industry Awards in Southern California recently took place in September in Los Angeles, bringing together a “who’s who” of California cannabis while celebrating the success of their reader’s favorite brands. Remaining authentic to the core, Dope makes a point to keep their award shows unbiased by letting regional voting determine the winners rather than sponsorship. \r\n\r\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BZmtNEfjlF8/`\r\n\r\n### Dope at Laughter Haven\r\n\r\nIf you get out and about to cannabis events in your neighborhood, you can expect to see Dope there representing their favorite brands, as Davis is determined to sponsor more and more local events and get involved in the local communities. In fact, Dope will be sponsoring the outdoor combustion lounge at [HelloMD’s Laughter Haven](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/laughter-haven-an-evening-of-cannabis-comedy-tickets-38057372626) event October 5th, offering attendees samples of flower, concentrates, topicals, and the chance to smoke, dab, and vape to their heart’s delight!\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/631c89c66ae536f6cc24b1f0640621ce/14b42/714e7ed53520c06aacca0d9f04ea01c1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/631c89c66ae536f6cc24b1f0640621ce/f836f/714e7ed53520c06aacca0d9f04ea01c1.jpg 200w,\n/static/631c89c66ae536f6cc24b1f0640621ce/2244e/714e7ed53520c06aacca0d9f04ea01c1.jpg 400w,\n/static/631c89c66ae536f6cc24b1f0640621ce/14b42/714e7ed53520c06aacca0d9f04ea01c1.jpg 800w,\n/static/631c89c66ae536f6cc24b1f0640621ce/47498/714e7ed53520c06aacca0d9f04ea01c1.jpg 1200w,\n/static/631c89c66ae536f6cc24b1f0640621ce/54ac5/714e7ed53520c06aacca0d9f04ea01c1.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/631c89c66ae536f6cc24b1f0640621ce/58556/714e7ed53520c06aacca0d9f04ea01c1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/631c89c66ae536f6cc24b1f0640621ce/61e93/714e7ed53520c06aacca0d9f04ea01c1.webp 200w,\n/static/631c89c66ae536f6cc24b1f0640621ce/1f5c5/714e7ed53520c06aacca0d9f04ea01c1.webp 400w,\n/static/631c89c66ae536f6cc24b1f0640621ce/58556/714e7ed53520c06aacca0d9f04ea01c1.webp 800w,\n/static/631c89c66ae536f6cc24b1f0640621ce/99238/714e7ed53520c06aacca0d9f04ea01c1.webp 1200w,\n/static/631c89c66ae536f6cc24b1f0640621ce/5e0b8/714e7ed53520c06aacca0d9f04ea01c1.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2254-markdown","title":"Putting Patients First: Q&A with PharmaCannis’s Jeff Starr","slug":"putting-patients-first-qanda-with-pharmacanniss-jeff-starr","content":"Jeff Starr has been aPharmaCannis patient care representative since the company opened its Bronx location in 2016. He’s a self-professed people person who tested his mettle working for a retail pharmacy as a technician and eventually a wellness consultant, making outreach and education an ongoing focus in his work with patients. A proud military veteran with a background working with disabled adults and at-risk youth, Jeff’s deeply personal family history with medical cannabis serves as daily inspiration in his work. We spoke to Jeff to learn more about his experience transitioning from the traditional retail pharmacy environment to medical cannabis.\n\n### Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your background.\n\nA: I’ve always enjoyed helping people: That’s what led me to health and human services. I started out working with developmentally disabled adults and high-risk youth before becoming a certified nursing assistant. Eventually I decided it would be great to work for a pharmacy, so I worked for Rite Aid for five years first as a cashier, then as a full-time technician. Then I was promoted to wellness ambassador.\n\nAs wellness ambassador, I was responsible for flu shots and different community outreach programs, making sure that we were visible within the community. A lot of people still recognize me from those days.\n\nIn the interim, my mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2002, and she developed cachexia, the wasting disease. I asked her doctor what we could do to help with the nausea and appetite loss, and he whispered in my ear, “Get your mom some pot.”\n\n\nPatient Care Representative Jeff Starr helps educates folks coming to PharmaCannis.\n\nThis was before medical cannabis had come to the East Coast. It didn’t take my siblings and me two minutes to think about it. We said, “You know what, let’s give it a shot because that’s our mom.” It gave her a couple of years to be with her grandchildren, and that’s all that matters.\n\nWhile working for Rite Aid, I met PharmaCannis General Manager and Head Pharmacist Nelson Cuevas. I worked for him for two years as a tech. We stayed in touch after he left, and last year the opportunity with PharmaCannis presented itself. \n\n### Q: Were you working in medical cannabis prior to PharmaCannis?\n\nA: No, this is my first time.\n\n### Q: What does it mean to be a patient care representative? \n\nA: Individuals come into this therapy from many different perspectives. You have those who have never thought of cannabis as anything; they never thought about using it recreationally or as a medicinal therapy. And then you have people with a lot of experience with cannabis. As a patient care representative, I bridge that gap. \n\nI’m a liaison for individuals learning about cannabis and for individuals who are fully versed. I talk to people about their perspectives, then I get the chance to share what I know with them—to show and educate patients specifically about what cannabis is, which strain and ratio might work for them, because those are determining factors for what our pharmacist would recommend to them.\n\n### Q: What are the biggest differences and challenges you’ve experienced between your work in conventional healthcare and your work in cannabis so far?\n\nA: The biggest difference is accessibility. In a pharmacy, anybody can walk up to you at any time, which is a good thing and a bad thing. When I worked at Rite Aid, the opioid epidemic had already started. We saw patients who were normal people when they first got their prescription for a car accident or a simple fall, and those opioids changed so many people in front of our eyes. It was very uncomfortable being there. \n\nWith PharmaCannis, patients have done their homework, gone to their doctor, sought out the certification, talked to or gone online to the Department of Health, and then paid their $50. These patients aren’t coming in to waste your time or get something for free, where I’m quite sure if we were open access, it would be a different ball game.\n\n### Q: In your opinion, how is PharmaCannis improving the cannabis experience for New Yorkers?\n\nA: Vastly. There are things that the company learned from the Illinois market before we moved into New York. It’s also the atmosphere that Nelson created; he’s very much an educational pharmacist. Taking the time to educate patients about the medicine is especially important because it’s such a new therapy.\n\nWe also don’t push patients to buy. I’m not trying to sell you something. I would rather you have the information and be equipped no matter where you go. We really do care about our patients.\n\nAnother thing we don’t do is push to try to get them to buy a lot of medicine the first time. During the first visit, we’re really trying to get the patient’s right ratio, but that may take a few tries. So instead of me charging the patient $500 to $600 and telling them to come back next week or month and we’ll try something else, I’ll recommend they try a seven- to 10-day supply of that medicine and see how the body reacts to it. If all goes well, and it’s the right ratio, great. But if not, the patient hasn’t invested hundreds of dollars.\n\nRemember, medical cannabis isn’t covered by insurance; patients pay out of pocket. The Bronx isn’t the most socioeconomically strong borough in New York City. We have people on fixed incomes, people for whom spending $150 is a lot.\n\n### Q: As a patient care representative, what do you think it will take to ensure more participation from patients and healthcare providers? \n\nA: The slow start has to do with education. There was no big ad campaign; it was part of New York’s criteria not to allow dispensaries or registered organizations to do heavy advertising. But the word gets out to people. It’s one thing for a person to hear it on CNN or read it in the newspapers, but when the lady next door or your sister- or brother-in-law says they’re trying medical cannabis and it works, the word of mouth is really good as well.\n\nI think the focus should be on more patients. Yes, the physicians are very important, but it’s going to the patients. This is a business of relationships—people have to trust you in order to come to you so that they can feel better.\n\n### Q: What’s the most common misconception doctors—and patients—have about cannabis?\n\nA: Because of the “War on Drugs,” we’ve been fed that cannabis is bad, and once it’s bad, it’s always bad. If we look at cannabis historically, before prohibition, it was part of the pharmacology all over the world and was used for many things. \n\n### Q: Can you share a success story or anecdote of treating a patient with medical cannabis?\n\nA: I had a patient with multiple sclerosis; her husband rolled her into our office in a wheelchair. He told us specifically that he wasn’t sure that he was happy with this opportunity because they’re Latino. They’d been served the stigma for many years while growing up in New York, and they’ve seen what real drugs like heroin, cocaine and crack do to people. So because this family lumped all drugs together, they thought that cannabis was bad like heroin. \n\nAfter two months of his wife receiving the treatment, when he comes in and gladly pays her bill, he shakes our hands and says, “Thank you for giving my wife her life back.” That touched my heart. I wasn’t able to articulate that with my mom because it was still a secret—I couldn’t tell anyone that my mom used cannabis to get better, but now I can.\n\nAcross the board—with multiple sclerosis, cancer, HIV, chronic pain—all of these patients have said that they’re better off with the medicine we offer them as opposed to the medicine that they’re taking from Big Pharma.\n\n### Q: What are you passionate about?\n\nA: At heart, I’m an artist and am passionate about the arts. I love Shakespeare, plays, music, paintings, museums.\n\nI’m most passionate about human beings, my fellow man, the people who have touched my life, and the people whose lives I’ve touched. It’s not about cannabis, it’s about people. At the end of the day, if I can help one person, that’s great.\n\n### Q: Finally, where should people go if they want to learn more about accessing cannabis in New York?\n\nA: Come to PharmaCannis, reach out to our dispensary by phone, and we take emails. We’re willing to hold your hand and help you through process. The [New York State Department of Health website](https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/) is also very good. And I’ve heard good things about the care that patients get from the doctors and physicians through HelloMD. \n\nCannabis works. If the government changes the scheduling and we were able to have colleges and universities study this medicine more in depth, without being worried about being shutdown by the Feds, we would be in a better place as far as helping people. \n\nHave questions about the New York State medical marijuana program? Check out our expert answers on who and what the NY MMJ program covers.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/14b42/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/f836f/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.jpg 200w,\n/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/2244e/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.jpg 400w,\n/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/14b42/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.jpg 800w,\n/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/47498/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.jpg 1200w,\n/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/54ac5/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/58556/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/61e93/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.webp 200w,\n/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/1f5c5/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.webp 400w,\n/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/58556/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.webp 800w,\n/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/99238/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.webp 1200w,\n/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/5e0b8/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2490-markdown","title":"Helping New York Patients in Need: Q&A with Rachel Schepart, RPh","slug":"helping-new-york-patients-in-need-qanda-with-rachel-schepart-rph","content":"Backed by almost 25 years of experience, Rachel Schepart leads the way as the first New York pharmacist to join the cannabis industry. More specifically, she’s joined the PharmaCannis team as their lead pharmacist, dispensary and operations manager. Passionate about giving back to the community, Rachel sees cannabis treatments offer a more complete and holistic approach to helping patients who are suffering. We asked her a few questions to get her insights on the crossover between conventional healthcare and medical cannabis.\n\n### Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your background.\n\nA: I’ve been a practicing pharmacist for almost 25 years. I’ve focused my career on helping those in need. First educating HIV patients in the’ 90s, then providing assistance to hospice and cancer patients to name a few.\n\n### Q: Were you working in medical cannabis prior to PharmaCannis?\n\nA: I opened the first dispensary for PharmaCannis in New York on Jan. 1, 2016. I knew this was my calling, and I could really help patients that really needed alternative treatments. This program once again aligned with helping the most needy patients.\n\n\nInside a PharmaCannis dispensary\n \n### Q: How did you initially learn how to prescribe cannabis? \n\nA: When I first began with Pharmacannis, I spent many hours reading and learning from journal articles, patient testimonials—really as many things as I could find to read and research. Nonetheless, I’ve learned the most from helping patients directly and these one-on-one relationships have been a vital part of the education process.\n\n### Q: What does it mean to be a New York-based pharmacist in cannabis? \n\nA: Honestly, this has been the most rewarding role of my professional career. What it means to be a pharmacist who specializes in cannabis is really stepping out of your comfort zone and integrating what knowledge base you already have with new information and melding the two together to gain something much better than before, a more complete and holistic approach to practice.\n \n### Q: What are the biggest differences and challenges you’ve experienced between your work in conventional healthcare and your work in cannabis so far? \n\nA: Patients have been frustrated with issues around the program such as physician access and cost. I think working in the industry, we all feel frustrated when we have limitations helping someone. I’m excited that some of these barriers are diminishing. \n\n### Q: In your opinion, how is PharmaCannis improving the cannabis experience for New Yorkers? \n\nA: Pharmacannis is offering many new products, and I feel our strength is clear. We always have time for patients. You won’t feel rushed at our locations.\n\n \nInside a PharmaCannis grow facility\n\n### Q: What’s the most common misconception doctors—and patients—have about cannabis?\n\nA: I think the New York state cannabis program is different from other programs in one defining way: available routes of administration. Because we’re not licensed to sell leaf/flower or edibles, our program’s very different. Patients and practitioners should feel comfortable knowing that a more traditional model of medicine lends itself to a very controllable dosing. Patients are more comfortable taking what will feel and look like a very traditional dosage form. This really is medicine and when patients come to us unsure about what they’re taking, they feel relieved when we review their other medications and show them this is real medicine.\n\n### Q: Can you share a success story or anecdote of treating a patient with medical cannabis? \n\nA: I think one of my first patients was the most memorable. This gentleman came in to the dispensary in a wheelchair; he had many health issues. Within two weeks, he walked in with a cane. We all almost fell off our seats. This is only one story, but medical cannabis can often help those when nothing else could.\n\n### Q: What are you passionate about? \n\nA: Family is really important to me. I have four wonderful children and two grandchildren. I enjoy painting and working out at the gym.\n\n### Q: Finally, where should people go if they want to learn more about accessing cannabis in New York?\n\nA: The New York State Department of Health website provides basic information about the program. If you contact any of our four dispensary locations in New York, the Bronx, Liverpool, Amherst, and Albany. Everyone at each location is very knowledgeable and will help answer all of your questions.\n\nQ: Do I have to see a registered practitioner in NY to get approved for a medical certification?\n\nA: Yes, It is legal for a patient to get a medical consult to get certified and get a recommendation from a certified healthcare provider through a TeleMed call...[see more](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/593ef93dfb464119ac5cbb50/do-i-have-to-see-a-registered-practitioner-in-person-to-get-approved)\n\nQ: What kinds and amounts of cannabis are allowed in New York if I am approved?\n\nA: The approved cannabis products and routes of administration in New York State are (1) Liquid or oil preparations for metered oromucosal or sublingual administration or administration per tube...[see more](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/593ef21ffb46410c7f5cbb8a/what-kinds-and-amounts-of-medical-cannabis-are-allowed-in-new-york-if-i-am-approved)\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/14b42/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/f836f/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.jpg 200w,\n/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/2244e/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.jpg 400w,\n/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/14b42/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.jpg 800w,\n/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/47498/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.jpg 1200w,\n/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/54ac5/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/58556/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/61e93/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.webp 200w,\n/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/1f5c5/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.webp 400w,\n/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/58556/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.webp 800w,\n/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/99238/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.webp 1200w,\n/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/5e0b8/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2325-markdown","title":"Cannabis, Yoga & Relaxation: An Interview with Dee Dussault","slug":"cannabis-yoga-and-relaxation-an-interview-with-dee-dussault","content":"HelloMD interviewed Dee Dussault, the founder of Ganja Yoga, to learn more about her cannabis enhanced yoga classes, as well as her new book, also entitled ‘Ganja Yoga’. Helping people find bliss through relaxation, mindfulness, and sensuality, she has practiced yoga for twenty-two years. Now with the help of cannabis, Dee teaches private and public classes in San Fransisco that combine meditative yoga appropriate for every age and all levels.\n\nDee will be teaching at [HelloMD’s Mindful Haven](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hellomd-mindful-haven-an-afternoon-of-yoga-sound-bathing-cannabis-tickets-35982261914) event on Sunday July 30, 2017 which will feature cannabis, yoga, and an immersive sound bath.\n\n \n\n[PURCHASE TICKETS TO MINDFUL HAVEN & GANJA YOGA](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hellomd-mindful-haven-an-afternoon-of-yoga-sound-bathing-cannabis-tickets-35982261914)\n\n### Q: What’s Ganja Yoga?\n\nA: Ganja Yoga yoga enhanced with cannabis. In my permutation of it, it is yoga specifically designed to help people relax.\n\n### Q: Were you the first person to offer Ganja Yoga?\n\nA: Yes! I googled cannabis yoga in 2009 and I didn’t see any other listings online. Interestingly, I later found that Berkeley Patients Group had offered yoga classes at their dispensary, but you had to consume before coming to the class. That was in the nineties, so technically there was one class before me. I think a key differentiator is that the class was not getting high together as a social process before yoga. My Ganja Yoga class was the first to really offer this kind of experience and open it to the public, instead of just dispensary members. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n\nDee helping one of her students, courtesy @Ganjayoga \n\n### Q: What inspired you to start teaching Ganja Yoga?\n\nA: It was based on my personal experience. When it came to cannabis, I was a late bloomer. Not until my late twenties did I discover it because I felt that it made me really anxious and paranoid. Avoiding it all through college, I tried it again in my late twenties, and immediately I found that I just wanted to get on the floor and start stretching. My yoga practice had been active for about twelve years and I suddenly found that cannabis just naturally enhanced my experience. It made me want to explore poses in new ways and I found a new sense of curiosity and fascination. I believe cannabis and yoga go together like chocolate and peanut butter!\n\n### Q: What's a typical experience within your class?\n\nThe first half an hour is what I might call a ‘stoner social’. Classes have joints, vape pens, or edibles and the first half an hour of class is about consuming with the community. You are free to come as you wish and socialize with your fellow ganja yogis. Then there is a ninety minute practice that is focused on relaxation. Some yoga that is popular nowadays is about cultivating fitness or getting a “yoga body”, but this is really for all levels, anyone can do it. This type of yoga goes back to basics and uses cannabis to help you move more deeply into basic postures.\n\n[PURCHASE TICKETS TO MINDFUL HAVEN & GANJA YOGA](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hellomd-mindful-haven-an-afternoon-of-yoga-sound-bathing-cannabis-tickets-35982261914) \n\n\nDee on her book tour, courtesy @Ganjayoga \n\n### Q: Why did you write your book Ganja Yoga?\n\nA: I’d been thinking about writing a book for a while, but it was one of those things that I had always put on the back-burner. The publisher, Harper Collins, actually approached me, which was such a blessing. They had decided it was time for a book about cannabis and wellness and they thought of me, so that was really cool. We worked together and wrote it faster than most books are written because we wanted to have it released for 4/20 this year.\n\nIn the book, I tell people about my journey, so that people who have trepidations about the plant understand there are many ways to work through the anxiety. It may be about changing the strain you consume or changing the dose or looking at how you feel. It is also about the history of cannabis and yoga. Cannabis was used throughout Asia and India and many other parts of the world for spiritual and medicinal purposes, so the practice is not new per-say, but what is new is having it in this modern context that includes socializing. People have been using cannabis for religious and spiritual reasons for thousands of years.\n\n### Q: What are common misconceptions about GY? \n\nWhen I tell people I teach Ganja Yoga or cannabis infused yoga their response is usually, “Oh my gosh, that sounds like the perfect pairing!” Equally so, the other response I get is “Oh, is that safe?”. So, people have this idea that cannabis makes you immediately intoxicated and unable to do yoga. \n\nRELATED: [THE CONNECTION BETWEEN YOGA AND CANNABIS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a5e5b8d8425e40008273a29/the-connection-between-yoga-and-cannabis)\n\nI would like to rewrite the script of cannabis consumption to show that it is not always used to get super messed up. It can be used that way and that can be fun and there is nothing wrong with that, but there is also the idea of a sophisticated or more mature cannabis use where you are micro or moderate dosing and you are not getting very intoxicated before the practice. \n\nReally, it’s is about rewriting the stoner stereotype. When people ask if Ganja Yoga is safe, to me it is more about if yoga is safe? If your yoga practice is slow moving and focused on proper alignment, then it is going to be safe. If you are doing a crazy vinyasa drill sergeant type practice then it might not be safe, so it is about rewriting both scripts, the yoga script and the stoner script. \n\n\nA Ganja Yoga student, courtesy @Ganjayoga \n\n### Q: Besides Ganja Yoga, what else do you do?\n\nA: I am also a sexuality coach, which could be cannabis enhanced or not, it is up to the clients. I help singles and couples deepen intimacy and find ways to make time for a more mindful and sensual engagement in the world. Sensual as opposed to sexual, but of course they’re on a spectrum, so when you are more sensually engaged your sex life will be more rewarding as well. I help people slow down and connect with their partner in new ways.\n\n### Q: Where can people find your book?\n\nA: You can purchase it by going to [theganjayogabook.com](https://www.theganjayoga.com/), which displays all of the retailers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I will also be going to book stores to do readings and teach yoga classes during a nationwide book tour. \n\n[PURCHASE TICKETS TO MINDFUL HAVEN & GANJA YOGA](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hellomd-mindful-haven-an-afternoon-of-/asound-bathing-cannabis-tickets-35982261914)\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMBAv/EABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMAAv/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAABk6lZs0a//8QAGBABAQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgEAAxH/2gAIAQEAAQUCInaag5Yis1rLsPf/xAAWEQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACEDH/2gAIAQMBAT8BGr//xAAVEQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEP/aAAgBAgEBPwFn/8QAHBABAAIBBQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARECEiMTJB/9oACAEBAAY/ArCPG1jY4b91nWf/xAAbEAEBAAMBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAABEQAhMUFRcf/aAAgBAQABPyFFY+Vyfq87lKV9G4FORevmOMrGx+8xWyp3ef/aAAwDAQACAAMAAAAQDy//xAAYEQACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREhUf/aAAgBAwEBPxDYlO2f/8QAGREAAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERITFR/9oACAECAQE/EKwMuH//xAAdEAEBAAICAwEAAAAAAAAAAAABEQAhMVFBYYFx/9oACAEBAAE/EKLBVaInv7lewUHKho/LlYSE2BDl7wUYmBvPr1HjKyGxTcgh8a+YyFahpHr3n//Z","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/14b42/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/f836f/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.jpg 200w,\n/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/2244e/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.jpg 400w,\n/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/14b42/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.jpg 800w,\n/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/47498/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.jpg 1200w,\n/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/54ac5/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/58556/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/61e93/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.webp 200w,\n/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/1f5c5/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.webp 400w,\n/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/58556/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.webp 800w,\n/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/99238/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.webp 1200w,\n/static/800631ca57fcdfb4e15a3d21cb4c5a57/5e0b8/cef14197450e66b21e8449f25bfccd6c.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2358-markdown","title":"PharmaCannis: The Future of Cannabis in New York","slug":"pharmacannis-the-future-of-cannabis-in-new-york","content":"### New York Expands the Cannabis Market\n\nFinally! Good news for New York cannabis patients.\nAccess to critical cannabis therapies is increasing before our eyes due to an expanding list of qualifying conditions and new medical dispensaries opening up across the state. \n\n[PharmaCannis](https://hellomd.com/brands/5ade6948531eba0006265736), a New York and Illinois-based dispensary group, is a shining example of the eastern US cannabis scene, complete with state-of-the-art production facilities, professionals from the pharmaceutical industry, and an eye towards making cannabis a part of the future of healthcare. With eight dispensaries and three cultivation centers across New York and Illinois, PharmaCannis is fast taking the lead in showing the world how cannabinoid-based therapies are a part of healthcare.\n\n### Cannabis in the Eastern United States\n\nState-specific regulations have a major impact on the direction of cannabis companies and their offerings. The license application process in eastern states is intense; licenses are few and far between. In 2015, PharmaCannis received one of only five licenses awarded in New York State. \n\nOne of the major differences in the eastern market is the requirement for vertical integration. Each medical cannabis provider has each stage of the business from seed to sale. This includes the cannabis grow and processing facilities, and the dispensaries, that are instrumental in the treatment of patients. Because Pharmacannis has built its business within the stricter regulations of the eastern United States, the company’s approach promises a clean, safe, and medicinal environment. \n\nWorking to sign up patients and doctors is the next major step for the cannabis industry. Just last week, [HelloMD launched in New York](https://www.hellomd.com/new-york), providing a brand new channel for New Yorkers to obtain a medical marijuana recommendation from a physician or other qualified healthcare practitioner. New York’s list of qualifying conditions recently expanded to include chronic pain, which can increase the number of potential patients. PTSD will potentially be added next, continuing to drive growth in the market. \n\n### Educating and Treating Patients\n\nOne remaining challenge is educating physicians and patients who are not aware of how cannabinoid-based therapies may be used in the healing process. PharmaCannis tackles this problem by offering education for both patients and doctors while providing the highest quality care. Patients have access to guidelines on how to use medical cannabis, while physicians are offered a “Clinical Cannabinoid Medicine Curriculum,” and continuing education courses.\n\n \nThe interior of a PharmaCannis dispensary.\n\nEach PharmaCannis dispensary in New York is managed by a licensed pharmacist, and all Patient Care Representatives go through a rigorous two-day training when hired. \n“We distinguish ourselves on a personal, one-to-one healthcare consultation model, where a patient has the ability, if desired, to spend time individually and privately with a pharmacist or patient care representative at the dispensary,” says [Jeremy Unruh](https://www.hellomd.com/people/jeremyu), General Counsel of PharmaCannis.\n\nNew patients might expect the opportunity to have an extended 30-45 minute consultation on a first visit. Medical cannabis products resemble a prescription one might receive at a pharmacy or physician’s office. “Our patients benefit from quality-control tested, accurately labeled products in tamper-evident, child-resistant packaging. These are the consumer protections that PharmaCannis patients are able to take for granted,” says Unruh. Follow-up outreach and compassion care are the final steps of the process, to ensure patients get what they need and help them stay educated on what is available.\n\n### Pharmaceutical Expertise\n\n“The driving goal at PharmaCannis is to be the national leader in driving medical marijuana to take its place, whatever that may be, in healthcare” says CEO Teddy Scott. PharmaCannis brings together experts from the medical, pharmaceutical, and cannabis fields into its facilities, blending the art and science of growing cannabis with the precise manufacturing processes of the pharmaceutical world. \n\nAmong the senior staff are cultivation manager Brendon Hershey, who used to work for DuPont Pioneer, a major national agricultural products producer seed producer, and Louis Mejias, a Big Pharma scientist who is responsible for PharmaCannis’ extraction process. “I transitioned my career into medical cannabis because I believe in the science. It’s a natural product made from a natural process in a highly secure and regulated way,” Mejias is on record telling the New York Post.\n\n \nPharmaCannis cultivates their own plants.\n\nAt present, New York’s medical cannabis program only allows medical cannabis to be administered in the form of a tincture, oil, or pill. PharmaCannis currently offers tinctures and vape cartridges, with plans to introduce tablets and capsules soon. Consistent dosage is a key issue across all of medical cannabis, and PharmaCannis ensures this with a tightly-controlled extraction process that mirrors a pharmaceutical lab.\n \n\nPharmaCannis has over 250,000 square feet of processing and production space.\n\n“We honor the culture that has come before us in the cannabis world, but we also recognize that it takes an additional level of sophistication to provide consistent patient outcomes,” says Unruh. According to the New York Post: “The entire facility runs like a lab operated by scientists like Mejias who have decades of experience in the pharmaceutical industry.”\n\n### State-of-the-Art Facilities\n\nPharmacannis has over 250,000 square feet of processing and production space. The magnitude of the production capacity, advanced technology used, and level of professionalism show a side of cannabis that many have never seen. \nGiving tours of the production facility is Unruh’s favorite part of the job because “Nobody, and I mean nobody, leaves a PharmaCannis cultivation and processing center thinking the same way about the cannabis industry as when they entered.” \n\n\nPharmaCannis labs are similar to those within a pharmaceutical company.\n\nCurrently, Pharmacannis has major capacity moving forward: “We can easily handle all the patients in New York state right now and for the foreseeable future,” says Unruh. \nPharmacannis appears to be well on their way to reaching their goal of being a leader of medical cannabis in healthcare, and ready to face any challenges that lie ahead. Unruh looks towards the future,“We’ve come a long way, but we’re just getting started.”\n\n### View PharmaCannis New York Locations\n\n[PharmaCannis Montgomery, NY](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/pharmacannis)\n\n [PharmaCannis Liverpool, NY](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/pharmacannis-liverpool)\n\n[PharmaCannis Amherst, NY](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/pharmacannis-amherst)\n\n[PharmaCannis Albany, NY](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/pharmacannis-albany)\n\n[PharmaCannis Bronx, NY](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/pharmacannis-bronx)\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/14b42/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/f836f/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.jpg 200w,\n/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/2244e/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.jpg 400w,\n/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/14b42/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.jpg 800w,\n/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/47498/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.jpg 1200w,\n/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/54ac5/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/58556/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/61e93/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.webp 200w,\n/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/1f5c5/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.webp 400w,\n/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/58556/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.webp 800w,\n/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/99238/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.webp 1200w,\n/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/5e0b8/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":12,"numPages":6,"currentPage":2,"id":5383,"name":"Industry Spotlight","slug":"industry-spotlight","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}