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

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