The Firece Females of Cannabis Politics

By: Jamie Solis

B

etween Hilary Clinton cracking a cannabis joke last month to the apparent connection between Democratic Governor John Kitzhaber’s wife and a giant field of cannabis sativa, there has been quite a buzz lately in the mainstream media about Democratic women and their relationships with cannabis. While we are also guilty-as-charged for following these jaw-dropping and dramatic stories, the real headlines about Democratic women should highlight the female politicians who openly support pro-cannabis legislation and are actively doing something about it.

Some of the most badass, game-changing and influential leaders behind the policies and legislation for cannabis are in fact women. These senators, congresswomen, governors and activists are foraging the path towards reforming legislation, so it’s about time they get more recognition than women who just talk about it. Let’s take a look at current and future female politicians who are making a difference in our community.

Pro-Cannabis Women Who Hold High-Ranking Office

Some of the esteemed politicians who deserve recognition for their unprecedented support to our cause are Barbara Lee, Elizabeth Warren, Maggie Hassan and Diane Savino. These four prominent female politicians have all openly supported a person’s right to safe access of medical cannabis.

Barbara Lee is a Democratic Congresswoman for California. Not only has Lee gained popularity among cannabis activists, but she also works feverishly to help elect more women into American politics. The Barbara Lee Family Foundation and The Barbara Lee Political Office are two organizations that have helped each elected female Democratic governor or senator gain their seat.

Aside from her passion to gain gender-equality in politics, Lee is passionate about helping the governments realize and recognize the rights of California voters. She gained the support of cannabis activists everywhere when she took a stand for business owners and patients who were getting screwed by raids back in 2012. The U.S. News & World Report published her statement, “We should be protecting and implementing the will of voters, not undermining our democracy by prosecuting small business owners who pay taxes and comply with the laws of their states in providing medicine to patients in need.” If there is one politician who truly gets it, it’s this one.

There are many other women who are making an impact on cannabis laws in their states. Massachusetts is happy to call Elizabeth Warren its Democratic Senator. Having a personal experience with how a patient may need medical cannabis has developed somewhat of a soft spot in Warren’s heart for MMJ patients and their families. The Governor of New Hampshire, Maggie Hassan, was also instrumental in her state’s legalization of medical cannabis, because she too believes in a patient’s right to safe access, and she believes it should be regulated by the State of New Hampshire.

Senator Diane Savino from New York is another powerful woman who understands the medical need for cannabis, even by the youngest patients. She is a supporter of the famous strain “Charlotte’s Web,” which is known for being low in THC and therefore not being highly psychoactive for its patients who are children. This strain is high in CBD, so it is able to deliver therapeutic effects to help prevent seizures in patients young and old.

The Coalition Continues to Grow Into 2015

On top of the many women who have already made an impact in MMJ, we are happy to celebrate a couple female politicians who were just elected early November to continue this fight in 2015. These are the women to look out for in the upcoming year!

Last month, Democratic Representative Dianne Russell won another term in the Maine House of Representatives, and her supporters couldn’t be more excited. She absolutely swept the competition with her honest values that include responsible legislation for cannabis, marriage equality and more. Russell has taken it as her personal mission to reform the prohibition of cannabis in the state of Maine, and so far she undoubtedly been moving mountains in making a huge impact on Maine’s cannabis laws.

Bonnie Watson Coleman is a Democrat who just was elected as a Member of Congress for New Jersey. On top of her accomplishment of being her state’s first African American woman to ever serve in Congress, she is also the first woman to represent New Jersey in Congress in over a decade. On top of these great victories, Coleman has already dedicated her professional endeavors to issues that include reforming New Jersey’s cannabis legislation and regulation. She has shown her support in the past in many ways, which included co-sponsoring a measure to decriminalize possession of Cannabis in New Jersey.

Women have had some powerful and influential roles within the rapidly changing world of cannabis. It is clear that there is no cap to where this growing entity of womanpower will suffice. When dedicated female politicians forcibly change an American industry that often still objectifies women, it brings a hopeful spirit to this female writer.

LOCAL LADIES

Heroes come in all forms, and there are plenty of local heroes that are helping aid in the fight for legalizing cannabis in your own neighborhood. Wanda James is an activist and businesswoman who is making a global difference following her successes on a national level. She first gained widespread popularity for her contribution in developing the regulation and sustained growth and development of the cannabis industry in Colorado.

Dr. Amanda Reiman is a researcher and professor who also serves as the Policy Manager for the Marijuana Law and Policy unit of the Drug Policy Alliance. She is also the first woman to serve as a chairwoman on the Medical Cannabis Commission for the City of Berkeley, and she is part of the Cannabis Regulatory Commission for the City of Oakland. In all of her titles, she keeps a passionate goal of furthering our industry towards legalization and regulation. The medical and recreational cannabis communities are grateful to the dedication of these great women. 


Originally published by Culture Magazine on Dec. 4, 2014: http://ireadculture.com/article-4854-the-fierce-females-of-cannabis-politics.html

Young Man Diagnosed with Autism is Saving Lives Alongside His Mother

By: Jamie Solis

Joey’s story aired on Good Morning America five years ago, making him one of the first children to represent adolescent medical cannabis patients, who had been otherwise faceless in the mainstream media. Audiences were instantly captivated by Joey, a young boy from Orange County who is diagnosed with having Autism Spectrum Disorder and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. As Joey got older, his symptoms grew more and more severe. Doctors tried what they knew, prescribing him up to 13 medications at one point. At nine years old, Joey weighed only 42 pounds, and his mother was afraid she was going to lose him. After doing some research, Joey’s mom introduced medical cannabis oil infused brownies into Joey’s diet. He immediately gained an appetite, slept easier and started foraging his path to an overall happier life.

It took Joey trying around 15 different strains over the course of numerous years to finally find the best match to alleviate his symptoms. The strain, now called “Joey’s Strain,” comes from Kushman Genetics, and is available at Buds & Roses in Los Angeles. The information regarding the genetics and cannabinoid levels of Joey’s Strain are not available yet. However, we speculate that it may be an indica-dominant strain, because indica-dominants are often prescribed to aid with symptoms of autism, ADD and insomnia. Joey’s mother, Mieko Hester-Perez, has worked with hundreds of families, and each family has found success with cannabis treatment when using Joey’s Strain.

The Woman Behind the Hero

Mieko Hester-Perez, Joey’s mom, is the co-founder of The Unconventional Foundation for Autism (UF4A), and she has been working professionally as a legal secretary since she was 20. Mieko has appeared on countless media outlets, educating the world on how her son’s quality of life has improved with medical cannabis, which in turn has bettered her family’s quality of life as well. This mother of three lives by a motto of paying-it-forward by connecting with families across the country as a consultant who helps them navigate through medical cannabis treatment for their children. Each family receives confidential guidance that is tailored to their child’s needs, and her goal is to protect the families by aiding them in safely moving forward with the treatment while still abiding by laws and regulations.

Since medical cannabis is missing an informational sheet explaining recommended dosages and possible side-effects, Mieko is typically asked by parents how to approach starting a regime of cannabis for their children. She explains some of the type of help she offers, “I teach parents how to introduce new foods when placing their child on cannabis, because most of these children are, like most children, picky eaters.” Kids who are living with autism can be extremely finicky eaters, so Mieko shares how easy it is to offer organic fruits and vegetables to these children utilizing cannabis, “One of the joys of the treatment is when the child does have cannabis, within 10 or 15 minutes you can introduce fruits.”

Mieko often looks around and wonders how she got to this point in her life, where she is now considered an expert in the intersecting worlds of cannabis, special needs, law and legislation. She is extremely grateful for all of the supporters she has met along the way, with one of her fondest memories being the time she and Joey were invited as VIPs to speak at Cypress Hill Smokeout. This was Joey’s first concert, so Mieko holds the memory of this outing especially close to her heart. Sitting backstage before the show, these musical artists were interested in hearing Joey and Mieko’s story. After listening to a little about Joey’s life, B-Real of Cypress Hill were extremely receptive to the cause. Mieko shares, “I thought that these guys, B-Real, gets it. This new generation gets what I’m doing.”

Mieko shares that due to Joey’s fatal muscular dystrophy, he may not be with us for too much longer. This devastating reality along with all the positive support Mieko has gained along the way keeps her motivated to pay-it-forward to other families. When praised for her commitment to helping others, Mieko is very humble in saying, “I feel like Joey has helped more people today than most people help in a lifetime, and I’m very privileged to be a part of it.”

Originally Published by Culture Magazine on Oct. 2, 2014:  http://ireadculture.com/article-4574-young-man-diagnosed-with-autism-is-saving-lives-alongside-his-mother.html

Looking Ahead in Santa Ana, Will the Raids Finally End?

BY: Jamie Solis

Two ordinances intent on making the rules

Collectives have continued operating in Santa Ana for the past seven years, despite the city’s ban on Medical Cannabis and Cooperatives. With an unstructured MMJ scene that resembles the “Wild West,” the city council decided to once again take matters into their own hands by instructing the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) to raid 24 targeted dispensaries throughout the city. On July 31, 68 patients, volunteers, employees and owners were detained and transported in an overcrowded, overheating paddy wagon to the Santa Ana City Jail.

Some men and women were sent home that evening after being cited, while others were forced to spend the night in jail before receiving their fines. According to Kandice Hawes, the leader of the OC’s cannabis community, the city was unapologetic for their unjust actions in which many detainees’ rights were violated. It may be a surprise that while the city is instructing massive raids in an attempt to get a handle on the situation, a permanent solution to the problem is just around the corner. 

Santa Ana is on the brink of becoming the first city in Orange County to adopt California’s Compassionate Use Act of 1996. There are two initiatives on the city’s ballot that are competing to enact provisions for medical cannabis collectives, and the deciding vote will take place on November 4. The first measure is entitled the City of Santa Ana Council-Referred Medical Marijuana Ordinance. It is publicly supported by many city council members, as well as the Mayor Pro Tem Sal Tinajero. Battling against this initiative is the citizen-drafted ordinance, the Santa Ana Medical Cannabis Restriction and Limitation Ordinance. These guidelines were written by Kandice Hawes and her team of activists. 

At the front lines of Santa Ana’s MMJ court cases and legal battles since 2007, Hawes and a group of patients, dispensary owners and other citizens formed the Committee to Support Medical Marijuana Ballot Initiative with hopes of drafting reasonable regulations and taxes on medical cannabis collectives. Hawes is now the Principal Officer of this committee. She is also the Director of Orange County NORML and the President of CSUF Students for Sensible Drug Policy. Hawes is campaigning hard to secure the popular vote, because she believes the citizens’ guidelines are superior to the city’s.

One of These Bills is Not Like the Other

Patients and employees should be concerned about their privacy if the city ordinance passes. According to Hawes, “They have a requirement that the collective will have to keep a list printed out and in their safe of patient’s names, addresses, phone numbers and government IDs.” Not only are records of patients at-risk, as Hawes pointed out, “They have to disclose all employees and volunteers and what their duties are in the collective, which is a fifth amendment violation.” 

Another issue with the city-sponsored measure is that it requires patients to be 21 and over. Hawes explained how this will discriminate against young adults who suffer from PTSD, “Santa Ana has a huge population of veterans, people just returning from the war that are probably between 18 and 21 years old. And those patients aren’t going to be able to access medical marijuana under city law.” 

Problems with the city measure that are unique to the dispensaries include zoning issues, restrictions on operating hours and more. According to Hawes, the city-approved locations have already been purchased, largely by non-local and foreign investors. This leaves many businesses at a loss if the city’s initiative gains the majority vote. 

The greatest concern with the city ordinance is that it would give the city council sole authority in amending or repealing the bill. In Hawes’ words, “Usually a council ordinance would still have to be amended by a vote of the citizens, but they reserved this special unique power to change it, so they can change anything about the whole bill at a city council meeting.” Allowing the council this ultimate power could potentially undo the years of hard work it has taken to finally regulate Santa Ana’s medical cannabis collectives. 

If you’re interested in aiding the Committee to Support Medical Marijuana Ballot Initiative, visit www.santaanamj.com.

Originally Published by Culture Magazine on Sept. 9, 2014: http://ireadculture.com/article-4408-looking-ahead-in-santa-ana-will-the-raids-finally-end-.html

Keep Calm and Kick Ass

All-Female Rock Band Bad Cop/Bad Cop is a powerhouse of energy and talent!

Keep Calm and Kick Ass

A natural curiosity emerges when four badass women set up to spill their definition of “Lady Punk” onto the stage. Playing together since 2011, Bad Cop/Bad Cop is effortlessly arresting audiences with mesmerizing performances and insanely powerful three-part harmonies. These rockers tear it up with so much ferocity; they make men look like little boys. August marks the beginning of Bad Cop/Bad Cop’s first international tour in Europe, and CULTURE got a chance to speak with the lead singer of this fierce band, Jennie Cotterill. A passionate activist, Cotterill wasn’t afraid to share her views on cannabis, as well as which relevant social issues entrench the band’s new music. After impressing fans with their EP Boss Lady, keep posted for its upcoming full-length album set for release early next year under its new label, Fat Wreck Chords (the same label as Against Me!, Anti-Flag, NOFX and more). We’ve already fallen in love with Bad Cop/Bad Cop, and what we’ve seen is only the beginning.


How did Bad Cop/Bad Cop first get together?
Jennie Cotterill: We were all playing in bands that were sort of moving in the same circle, but peripherally, if you’re a woman in a band, you kind of take notice of other women in bands. You find yourself introducing yourself.

Are there any advantages to having an all-female rock band?
It is a distinction when we play shows that are not at home. There are not that many other women playing, so in that way it’s easier to stand out, like being the albino zebra. Not that someone is going to eat us, but that you do stand out from the herd, because that is a fun fact—we’re all girls.

How is feminism important to Bad Cop/Bad Cop?
Lately, all of the new songs we are writing for our new record are super feminist, because it’s on the table right now. It’s a hot topic, and it’s great to be able to talk about it with people who have a lot to say. So this next album is going to be pretty seriously drenched in feminism.

Are there any other social issues besides feminism addressed through your music?
I would say for sure as a band we care about gender equality, marriage equality and human rights in general. It’s hard to keep up with all the terrible things that are happening in the world. I would say we are less “ladies”—we are just progressive and we just want everyone to be treated equally.

What are your thoughts about cannabis?
I’m really glad that we’re just about resolving this. I realize that there is a lot of back and forth, and this is a gray area in a large political change. We’re going to read about this in our children’s textbooks, and it’ll be like, “Yeah, it was confusing, it was kind of legal, it was not legal for a while then it was legal only in certain places. It was kind of mushy.” [Cannabis] should be taxed, legalized and another form of income for the government. People need schools, and people want to smoke cannabis, and it’s not bad—there are medical benefits. I have lots of thoughts about pharmaceutical companies, and our healthcare is being determined by these corporations that don’t have anybody’s interests in mind, just money, and I think that’s insane. It’s insane.

What can fans expect when they come to a live Bad Cop/Bad Cop performance?
Probably too much talking. We all want to share too many things with people. I think they should be prepared—I hear we rock really hard. And it’s funny. People are laughing and having a good time. It’s not an aggressive, bully mosh-pit type deal. People might be dancing and moving around in a circle, but you can come and you can bring anyone you want. Its fun, it’s entertaining, it’s fast and loud. And I keep hearing kickass!
www.fatwreck.com

Originally Published by Culture Magazine on July 3, 2014: http://ireadculture.com/article-3977-all-female-rock-band-bad-cop_bad-cop-is-a-powerhouse-of-energy-and-talent_.html

Rules of Extraction

Where Do Concentrates Come From?

 

By: Jamie Solis

Seven-ten is celebrated by connoisseurs devoted to OIL (710 backwards and upside-down), which is a term used synonymously with wax, shatter, tincture, concentrates, dabs, budder, hash, etc. Although they are often grouped together, not all concentrates are created equally. In fact, there are many ways to strip the trichomes off the cannabis sativa plant, and it all starts with the extraction process. CULTURE is prepared to answer the unknowns by describing some basic extraction processes that use solvents like butane and isopropyl alcohol, as well as solvent-less ice water. We will also highlight which steps account for the end products differing between oil, wax and shatter.

SOLVENTS

Although popular, using flammable solvents like butane, hexane, ethanol, naphtha or isopropyl alcohol to extract cannabinoid, terpene and terpenoid rich resin can be downright dangerous, especially when it is done by amateurs in makeshift laboratories. There is a risk of explosion even if manufacturers take the necessary safety precautions, the product heeds a serious health risk of toxicity if any residual chemicals are inhaled, ingested or come into contact with skin. Basically put, leave the hash making to the professionals who use Class 3 edible solvents and properly purge the product from contaminants.

Butane and isopropyl alcohol are both solvents that are commonly used. Extraction of resin using butane starts by the manufacturer forcing butane through the cannabis material, stripping the plant matter of rich and essential cannabis oil.

Using isopropyl alcohol to separate extract from the plant typically starts by freezing the plant matter and alcohol. If the producer’s goal is simple honey oil, then one option is to pour the alcohol into the cannabis material and let it sit for a long period of time. (If the oil is going to be worked into wax or shatter later on, then they would probably rinse the cannabis with alcohol for about 30 seconds.) Following this, the maker will strain the plant matter from the alcohol mixture and evaporate the alcohol out from the concentrate. Whether the solvent used is butane, isopropyl alcohol or many other options, the end result should be honey oil, also known as BHO or hash oil. From here, the next step can be purging the oil, but there are additional steps to follow for a more refined wax or shatter.

Whipping the oil using various processes that typically involve heat will transform it into wax, also known as budder. This process adds some air into the substance, allowing for a more user friendly concentrate. Still high in terpenes, budder is flavorful and has about 70 percent THC.

If properly executed, a second extraction process of the oil will remove any unwanted substances like water and fats, and the result will be shatter, which is also called glass. With a smooth texture and clarity, shatter has over 80 percent THC.

SOLVENT-LESS

Ice water extractions have one of the best reputations for purity and safety. Unlike with solvents, water and ice cause a mechanical separation of the cannabinoids and essential oils. The resulting ice wax will have the appetizing flavor of the crystals you’re extracting instead of plant materials like chlorophyll. On top of an amazing taste, the cannabinoids in any batch of properly executed ice wax consistently test in the high 70s- low 80s.

While the process of extraction is key, it is also essential to start with high quality product, especially when it comes to making hash using ice water. This is because you can run low quality cannabis product using solvents and still get a decent product. However, in order to make the top of the line ice wax, it is necessary to start with top of the line, organically grown material that is free from molds, pests, mildews, fungicides, pesticides, etc.

Often we’re so quick to get our hands on whatever concentrate is out there, we’re not paying attention to the class of waxes, oils and shatters going into our bodies. Be sure to demand only the best, because there are people working to perfect extracting only the best from the adored cannabis sativa plant.

 

Originally published by Culture Magazine on July 3, 2014: http://ireadculture.com/article-3979-rules-of-extraction.html

Mainstream Momma 

By: Jamie Solis
 

Given the nickname of “The Martha Stewart of Marijuana,” Cheryl Shuman is an extremely successful business woman who is becoming more and more well-known in the cannabis industry every day. Diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2006, this mother of two turned to MMJ after she ran out of hope. Using cannabis not only improved her quality of life, Cheryl believes it may have also led to her recovery.

This experience sparked Cheryl’s realization that the prohibition of this plant is a lot more dangerous than allowing its proper regulation. She has made it her goal to aid in its legalization stating, “I want to change the world, and I want to see cannabis and hemp legalized by 2016.”

With an impressive background in lifestyle, entertainment and consumer marketing, Cheryl is on the path to changing the image of the cannabis world. Appointed as the Executive Director for Beverly Hills NORML, and as the founder of The Beverly Hills Cannabis Club, she is opening doors to the mainstream media in print, news, radio and television that have otherwise been closed to even the biggest players in the cannabis industry. She is spreading the good word about medical cannabis through concise television interviews and by securing cannabis product placement with Marlon Wayans Company’s entire portfolio of film and TV projects, as well as shows like Wilfred, The New Ricki Lake Show and more.  
Equipped with knowledge that’s changing the minds of the most skeptical and uninformed, Cheryl is bringing awareness to the extreme healing properties of non-psychoactive, highly concentrated cannabidiol (CBD) products. When she first mentioned that she used CBDs on the Katie Couric’s daytime talk show Katie, the vast audience was absolutely shocked that there is a healing form of cannabis that doesn’t get the patient high. From there, Cheryl shared her groundbreaking information with The View, 20/20 and more—the information was brand-new in mainstream society. Not only did she reach over 100 million viewers in one day of spreading this awareness, the ratings for ABC on the day she appeared were up by 870 percent—proving that these life-saving facts are well received by the masses.

One of Cheryl’s idols is Pauline Sabin, the woman who is recognized as a leader in overturning alcohol prohibition after forming the Women’s Organization for National Prohibition Reform. Cheryl resembles a modern day Pauline Sabin for the cannabis and industrial hemp industry, as she strategically involves women and mothers who are MMJ patients in her revolutionary process. She knows that by bringing upon positive change in the minds of the masses is by first changing the minds of these two specific groups. Her perseverance couldn’t have better timing, she explained how our industry is at a tipping point right now, “The latest study just came out that we’re at an overall wide stream acceptance of 58 percent overall for full legalization.”

Not only will realizing her goal help improve the quality of life of patients through healing, legalizing and regulating cannabis will also heal our desperate economy. By building legitimacy and recognition in every American household, Cheryl Shuman is the brave woman who is blazing a trail towards legalization and international acceptance of cannabis.

Great Allies

Considering these great happenings, Cheryl’s formed an alliance with Medical Marijuana Inc. and HempMedsPX in hopes of taking over the CBD market. HempMedsPX is the producer of oil that was recognized by the High Times Cannabis Cup for having the highest CBD concentration ever tested, 98.3 percent. Cheryl and Medical Marijuana Inc.’s goal is to increase the quality of life for medical cannabis patients everywhere, and CBD is exactly how they’re going to be successful. Cheryl’s optimism towards this matter is captivating, “Imagine never having to hear another story about a child being sick and dying because of a lack of CBD, we can fix all that.”

Originally Published by Culture Magazine on December 5, 2013: http://ireadculture.com/article-3138-mainstream-momma.html

Brave and Flourishing

Brave and Flourishing

Cannabis Aids in the Battle Against Young Mykayla’s Struggle to Live

By: Jamie Solis

Memories of childhood should be of playing games in the neighborhood and living an overall carefree life. However, when young Mykayla from Pendleton, Oregon was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on July 14, 2012, doctors were sure that her little life would face more hardships than happy moments. Thankfully, her parents Erin Purchase and Brandon Krenzler have turned to medical cannabis to ensure Mykayla enjoys a healthy and lighthearted life.

After the discovery that Mykayla had this extremely rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer, it was apparent that an equally aggressive medical treatment of chemotherapy and steroid induction therapy would be necessary. Mykayla immediately faced horrible side effects after starting her regimen, which included deep tissue and muscle pain, intense nausea, alopecia, immune deficiency, lack of appetite, peripheral neuropathy, depression and more. Mykayla’s parents did not hesitate in obtaining her recommendation to use medical cannabis, which resulted in alleviating virtually all of Mykayla’s symptoms. This success has given them the upmost confidence in their decision; “We made the choice to use cannabis with our daughter, and we feel it has been the best choice in her treatment that has ever been made,” Krenzler said.

Erin and Brandon are very upfront and honest about the multitude of cannabis forms that their now eight-year-old daughter ingests on a daily basis. They juice cannabis flowers and leaves off plants from their garden, which yields an abundance of high cannabidiol (CBD) juice. Every day she uses full extract cannabis oil and liberal amounts of topical creams for pain relief and anti-inflammation. Mykayla enjoys an array of sweet edibles—what child wouldn’t like a cereal treat or brownie? Her parents also prepare her meals using cannabis infused olive oil, butter or honey.

With psychoactive and non-psychoactive forms of cannabis dominating the market, there is stronger opposition against providing children with psychoactive forms of cannabis. However, considering the fact that cannabis is being utilized by children who have been recommended the plant by their physician for medicinal purposes, the psychoactive properties should be embraced. The only alternatives children have to cannabis are pharmaceutical drugs that also bear psychoactive properties. These drugs, such as oxycontin, hydrocodone, morphine, etc. are also known for their harmful and negative side effects, as well as having a risk of overdose. While some forms of medical cannabis have psychoactive properties, they are without life-threatening side effects.

Brandon and Erin encourage parents to trust their instincts in treating their sick children, and to be unafraid in advocating for what is right to treat their child’s ailments. “We recommend to all parents with children suffering from debilitating conditions that they should consider cannabis as a treatment option, and we feel that it should be offered as a first line treatment for many conditions that children suffer today. We proactively advocate for the parents’ right to choose cannabis as a medicine for their child,” Krenzler said. After all, it is a common notion that mother knows best—maybe it’s time to listen.
To learn more about Brave Mykayla visit her website: www.bravemykayla.com or follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/bravemykayla.

THC vs. CBD

The full extract cannabis oil Mykayla uses is high in THC, which is the psychoactive component of cannabis. Brandon explains why they are confident in giving their daughter this specific form of cannabis, “We are unafraid of the psycho-activity inherent in the cannabis plant, because we believe that a positive state of mind is essential during cancer treatments. The psychoactive properties deliver a ‘high’ that is very euphoric. This euphoria creates a sense of general well-being that promotes an overall positive state of mind.” This allows Mykayla to lead a happier life, and because she has built up a tolerance to the THC, it does not debilitate her, but rather compliments her lifestyle as a healthy and active child.

Originally Published by Culture Magazine on Jan. 2, 2014: http://ireadculture.com/article-3273-brave-and-flourishing.html

Fall Beauty Guide

 

Fall Beauty Guide

Our Fave Picks for Healthy, Natural Beauty

By: Jamie Solis 

The marvelous hemp plant—a true gift from Mother Nature for countless reasons. For over ten thousand years this amazing plant has been utilized for a variety of purposes from making strong ropes to being a key composite in biodiesel fuel. Hemp oil is also a long kept beauty secret, because of its healing power and anti-aging properties. It is known for promoting new cell growth once it penetrates deep into the skin because it is packed with essential fatty acids. For these reasons and more, hemp is an ingredient that is used in a variety of beauty products. With fall approaching, we’re going to share with you some of our favorite hemp-based products you can use to make your season all the more beautiful.

SKIN:

The Body Shop offers an entire line of hemp skin care products that serve as hydration for the driest of skin. The Hemp Hand Protector paired with the Hemp Face Protector will keep overexposed sun-kissed skin from becoming more damaged. These hemp based products have soothing, hydrating and skin protecting properties. Composed of all natural ingredients, the skin on your hands and face will feel more flexible and firm than ever before after just a couple uses. This all-natural product is known to reverse any harm caused by synthetic chemicals found in most beauty products, causing you to glow with radiance. www.thebodyshop-usa.com

Our friends at Earthly Body have exactly what you’re looking for with all types of Hemp-based cruelty free products to keep your skin smooth, hair shiny and tattoos healed. One product that we recommend is their Miracle Oil, which truly holds up to its name. This Miracle Oil has the ability to treat even the most uncomfortable skin conditions, known to heal cuts, insect bites, sunburn, scars and more. The ingredients in this miracle oil cause it to be a natural antiseptic, as well as an anti-inflammatory for most types of skin-related ailments. www.earthlybody.com

Our friends at United Patients Group recommend Hemp Hemp Hooray, an Award Winning Skin Care Line that is made with Hemp Seed Oil, which uses only pure and organic hemp. In their diverse line of products, there are two that you cannot live without. Their Daily Moisturizer and Night Cream will together give your face the nourishment it needs 24 hours around the clock. They assure you that, “If you have shingles, psoriasis, eczema or if your skin is acne prone, dry, cracked, damaged or any other problem skin condition you need help with, you've landed in the right place.“ Be sure to check out this line, as they have something for every part of your body. www.unitedpatientsgroup.com/hemp-hemp-hooray

There is nothing more uncomfortable and obnoxious than dealing with razor burn—for men or for women! You don’t have to worry any longer, because Bottega della Canapa’s Hemp and Almond Oil After Shave Oil is ideal for bringing a little relief to your skin following a shave. Utilizing the natural healing power of hemp oil, this after shave serum will moisturize the most sensitive of skin. Not to mention, it will leave your skin not only un-irritated, but deeply moisturized and silky smooth. Once again, we love this product because it is not tested on animals. hempology.co.uk

LIPS:

Hemp Organics brings us the latest and greatest in lip color. They have a line of Lipstick, Lip Liners, Lip Tints and Lip Gloss that use mineral pigments that are natural and reflect colors you’d find in Mother Nature herself. These USDA Certified Organic beauty products each come in a large assortment of vibrant and subtle colors, matching the skin tone of each individual. Not only known for enhancing natural beauty, this line of lip care will also deeply moisturize your lips and keep them from cracking. www.colorganics.net

Dr. Bronner’s is known for their hemp skin care products. Our personal favorite is their collection of Organic Lip Balms. They use USDA Certified Organic Ingredients, because as they say, “ . . . what you put on your lips goes in your body.” They have four flavors to choose from: Organic Ginger, Peppermint, Lemon Lime and Naked. We recommend the Peppermint, because like their soap, not only does it smell delicious, but it leaves your skin feeling tingly, as if you just sucked on a candy cane. If you love the lip balm, feel free to try one of their other amazing products. www.drbronner.com

HAIR:

Whether you’re looking to tame your mane or sculpt a style that stays, Alterna Haircare delivers a line of Hemp Hair products that will shine, style and even thicken your hair. The Hemp NATURAL Strength Shine Shampoo and Conditioner will leave your hair with a healthy shine, as well as moisturize your hair with antioxidants and vitamins that can over time give your hair more strength and length. Paired with the Hemp NATURAL STRENGTH Firm Hold Gel, you can lock your locks into a permanent style, eliminating any chance of flakiness or frizz, even after a long day. Check out this fantastic line, as this is only a sneak preview into their wide variety of hair care. www.alternahaircare.com

Originally Published by Culture Magazine September 5, 2013: http://ireadculture.com/article-2929-fall-beauty-guide.html