{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/industry-spotlight/3","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2351-markdown","title":"Interview with Dr. Gary Richter \"The Cannabis Pet Vet\"","slug":"interview-with-dr-gary-richter-the-cannabis-pet-vet","content":"### Q & A with Dr. Gary Richter, MS, DVM\nOwner of Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, CA\n\nDr. Gary Richter has made it his mission to help animals and their owners lead happy, healthy lives.  His path as a conventional veterinarian led him to learn and adopt more holistic practices until, inevitably, he incorporated cannabis into his alternative treatments.  Now he is one of the most sought out experts on the effective use of cannabis to treat animals.  We sat down with Dr. Gary to learn more about his practice at [Montclair Veterinary Hospital](http://montclairvethospital.com/) and the benefits cannabis treatments can have on animals and the challenges that cannabis-friendly vets face today.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your practice.\n\nA: I have been a veterinarian in the Bay Area since 1998.  When I moved out here after veterinary school I started by working both general practice and emergency.  After a number of years in practice I was looking for other ways to help my patients beyond what Western medicine had to offer me.  I got trained in acupuncture and chiropractic and began doing herbal therapy and a variety of other alternative treatments. I found it was enormously helpful and I was able to help conditions and fix things that I was never able to do with Western medicine alone.  \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/59406104149188001f32d1a3/embedded_images/594062262d29f100202f3169/Screen_Shot_2017-06-13_at_2.53.04_PM.png)\n \n### Q: How did you get started treating animals with cannabis?\n\nA: Living where we live (in Oakland, California), it was a natural progression to find my way into cannabis from a medical perspective.  I had a few pet owners come in and talk to me about their experiences trying cannabis on their animals.  I started talking to the few people in my professional circles that had some experience with it and we started putting together dosages and protocols and ratios for various conditions.  \n\nRELATED: [CAN CBD OIL PROVIDE PAIN RELIEF FOR YOUR PET?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56180c0b3737660006120100/can-cbd-oil-provide-pain-relief-for-your-pet)\n\nI was fortunate enough to get in contact with a guy named Paul Hansberry who runs a small, artisanal grow out of San Francisco called Lovingly and Legally.  I sat down with Paul and his business partner Susan and we came up with three formulas for pets - a high CBD, a high THC, and an even ratio.  We’ve had enormous success since we put these formulations together two years ago.  When I started using cannabis it was this unbelievable eye-opening moment.  Here’s this medicine that is so unbelievably powerful and effective and almost completely unknown in the veterinary industry.  \n\n### Q: Can you share an example of a successful outcome treating an animal with cannabis? \n\nA: I had somebody come in with their cat that had chronic inflammatory bowel issues.  This kitty was on all kinds of medications.  The woman pretty much told me that unless I could do something to help this cat, she was going to have to put him to sleep because he was so miserable and there was nothing more to do.  We put him on some supplements and made some dietary alterations but without a doubt the thing that turned a corner for this cat was the cannabis.  \n\nLiterally within two days of putting this cat on cannabis he had his first normal bowel movement that he’d had in almost a year.  We were able to drastically improve this kitty’s life to the point where he was stable.  The owner was ecstatic.  It was so shocking to me that everything from western medicine had failed and something as simple as an extract from a plant literally in a day turns the cat around.\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/59406104149188001f32d1a3/embedded_images/5940627f2d29f108272f30f9/Screen_Shot_2017-06-13_at_2.51.17_PM.png) \n\n### Q: What is the most common reason pet owners bring their animals to you?\n\nA: Speaking broadly there are two groups of people that come to me.  Either they’ve tried everything, nothing has worked, and I’m their last resort, or they come in because they’re holistically minded people and they want to get started in that way before they move towards Western medicine.  We see people bring animals in for arthritis and back pain, seizure disorders, GI problems, stress and anxiety. Pretty much all the same sort of things people would seek medical help for.\n\n### What’s the main difference between treating animals and people with cannabis?\n\nI would say the indications and uses for cannabis in animals are almost exactly the same as they are in people.  The differences are in the dosing.  It’s just like any other medicine that any veterinarian would use, you have to calculate a dose.  The problem is that most people don’t know what those doses are in cannabis.  There’s such a huge information gap that you literally have to start from the beginning.  \n\nIf you ask a roomful of doctors or a roomful of veterinarians if they’ve heard of the endocannabinoid system, the vast majority of them will say no.  Every veterinarian I talk to is really interested to know more, it’s just that nobody’s ever taught them and they’ve never had the opportunity to learn. Now with the legal environment the way that it is, they’re literally being threatened away from it.  \n\n### Q: Would you say the legal environment is one of the biggest challenges you face?\n\nA: By far and away the biggest challenges are the legal issue and the lack of understanding on the veterinary community’s part of what they have at their fingertips. As of beginning of this year, the veterinary board has taken hard stance in regards to cannabis and pets and threatening vets licenses should they even have the discussion with clients.  \n\nThe rationale is because Prop 215 was very specific about medical cannabis being for humans. I’m working with the California Veterinary Association in hopes that legislation will introduce a bill that will amend and allow cannabis for animals.  Right now veterinarians don’t realize how valuable cannabis can be and the sad thing is that it may ultimately take a pharmaceutical company to wake them up.  That’s where information tends to come from and you can say what you want about that, it just is what it is.  \n\n### Q: What motivates you and what is your biggest area of passion?\n\nA: My passion first and foremost is always about the animals and making pets better.  Primarily, I approach that through integrative medicine, combining western medical care with all the alternatives out there.  There are a finite number of people and animals I can see in my office, so I’ve started to look at what I can do to get the word out to other pet owners to understand the options that are out there.  \n\n### Q: Where can pet-owners find more information about using cannabis for their pets?\n\nA: I’ve got a book on integrative medicine for dogs and cats coming out in August that has a whole chapter dedicated to cannabis.  \n\n### Q: Any last words you want to impart to the public?\n\nA: If this is something you’re interested in, I encourage people to please talk to your veterinarian or find some resources. Don’t wing it, don’t try to extrapolate a dose for your cat or dog as if they’re a small person.  It just doesn’t really work that way and it’s a recipe for trouble.  Find some resources and do it right.\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\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMCBAX/xAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAAH/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAUSqoC1BBl//xAAbEAACAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMRABITIf/aAAgBAQABBQJlOsZtR6Hl2y6TtCc//8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEh/9oACAEDAQE/Aax//8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEh/9oACAECAQE/AY1//8QAGRAAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERISIx/9oACAEBAAY/AqHHCSmzJuWz/8QAGxABAAMBAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARITFRYYH/2gAIAQEAAT8hIyyhk3jBycyt+QA1vVQdSRXYAHy7s//aAAwDAQACAAMAAAAQU+//xAAXEQADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREx/9oACAEDAQE/EEmFH//EABURAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR/9oACAECAQE/EKQ//8QAHRABAQACAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAREAIYGhMUFRYf/aAAgBAQABPxAl3lwV2d4LfLFbifK3jKBo3ko/EwvYCAi84q4hh6y5PCqOjP/Z","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/2df3ed2aed5313b496ef0df42226fdca/14b42/56409d915473d34128a9f853fd2e49a6.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2df3ed2aed5313b496ef0df42226fdca/f836f/56409d915473d34128a9f853fd2e49a6.jpg 200w,\n/static/2df3ed2aed5313b496ef0df42226fdca/2244e/56409d915473d34128a9f853fd2e49a6.jpg 400w,\n/static/2df3ed2aed5313b496ef0df42226fdca/14b42/56409d915473d34128a9f853fd2e49a6.jpg 800w,\n/static/2df3ed2aed5313b496ef0df42226fdca/47498/56409d915473d34128a9f853fd2e49a6.jpg 1200w,\n/static/2df3ed2aed5313b496ef0df42226fdca/54ac5/56409d915473d34128a9f853fd2e49a6.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/2df3ed2aed5313b496ef0df42226fdca/58556/56409d915473d34128a9f853fd2e49a6.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2df3ed2aed5313b496ef0df42226fdca/61e93/56409d915473d34128a9f853fd2e49a6.webp 200w,\n/static/2df3ed2aed5313b496ef0df42226fdca/1f5c5/56409d915473d34128a9f853fd2e49a6.webp 400w,\n/static/2df3ed2aed5313b496ef0df42226fdca/58556/56409d915473d34128a9f853fd2e49a6.webp 800w,\n/static/2df3ed2aed5313b496ef0df42226fdca/99238/56409d915473d34128a9f853fd2e49a6.webp 1200w,\n/static/2df3ed2aed5313b496ef0df42226fdca/5e0b8/56409d915473d34128a9f853fd2e49a6.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2319-markdown","title":" Driving with Dmitry Episode 1: Ona.Life","slug":"driving-with-dmitry-episode-1-onalife","content":"Driving with Dmitry is HelloMD's new web series with an insider's view into delivery service within the fastest growing and greenest industry in the world. In Episode 1 sit alongside Dmitry, our video ninja, while he rides with Nurit Raphael, Founder of Ona.Life.\r\n\r\nOna.Life, a premier delivery service based in Marin County, California, delivers \"refined medicine, that is paving a new culture for the responsible use of cannabis\". On their delivery drive, Dmitry and Nurit discuss who a 'typical' patient is, how cannabis can help people reduce use of prescription medicine,  and Ona.Life's most popular products.\r\n\r\n### Driving with Dmitry: Episode 1 with Ona.Life\r\n\r\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxRM2N6oYjY` \r\n\r\n# Tell us: What do you think about delivery service for cannabis?\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/f36c059499dcea3e9072a5934820227a/14b42/5e8b5afa2dcc7b41cab0eb9ddaf829dc.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f36c059499dcea3e9072a5934820227a/f836f/5e8b5afa2dcc7b41cab0eb9ddaf829dc.jpg 200w,\n/static/f36c059499dcea3e9072a5934820227a/2244e/5e8b5afa2dcc7b41cab0eb9ddaf829dc.jpg 400w,\n/static/f36c059499dcea3e9072a5934820227a/14b42/5e8b5afa2dcc7b41cab0eb9ddaf829dc.jpg 800w,\n/static/f36c059499dcea3e9072a5934820227a/47498/5e8b5afa2dcc7b41cab0eb9ddaf829dc.jpg 1200w,\n/static/f36c059499dcea3e9072a5934820227a/54ac5/5e8b5afa2dcc7b41cab0eb9ddaf829dc.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/f36c059499dcea3e9072a5934820227a/58556/5e8b5afa2dcc7b41cab0eb9ddaf829dc.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f36c059499dcea3e9072a5934820227a/61e93/5e8b5afa2dcc7b41cab0eb9ddaf829dc.webp 200w,\n/static/f36c059499dcea3e9072a5934820227a/1f5c5/5e8b5afa2dcc7b41cab0eb9ddaf829dc.webp 400w,\n/static/f36c059499dcea3e9072a5934820227a/58556/5e8b5afa2dcc7b41cab0eb9ddaf829dc.webp 800w,\n/static/f36c059499dcea3e9072a5934820227a/99238/5e8b5afa2dcc7b41cab0eb9ddaf829dc.webp 1200w,\n/static/f36c059499dcea3e9072a5934820227a/5e0b8/5e8b5afa2dcc7b41cab0eb9ddaf829dc.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2305-markdown","title":"A Garden Society Luncheon with California's Top Cannabis Brands ","slug":"a-garden-society-luncheon-with-californias-top-cannabis-brands","content":"### A Rose Garden Luncheon\n\nBeing involved in California’s cannabis industry has allowed me to meet many strong and inspiring women. On a recent afternoon I was invited up to Sonoma wine country for a luncheon with the founders of Sava and Garden Society. Sava, founded by Andrea Brooks, is a curated online marketplace for cannabis goods that delivers anywhere in California, and has quickly grown to be a market leader within the space. Garden Society, founded by Erin Gore, is an emerging edibles brand, which has beautiful, low dose confections which remind me of what you might find in a Parisian patisserie. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/5924387ec94d0439e42f8776/embedded_images/59243882c94d0439e42f8777/Screen_Shot_2017-05-23_at_6.08.13_AM.png)\nErin Gore, founder of Garden Society and Karli Warner, the marketing director\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nOur luncheon took place in a glorious rose garden, which also happened to be the source of inspiration for the name Garden Society. Karli Warner, the marketing genius behind GS also joined our crew, while we dined, chatted and got better acquainted. Personally, I love spending time with women in cannabis who are creating successful businesses while also promoting the powerful aspects of health and wellness that cannabis provides.\n\n### Sava: A Place for Artisanal Brands\n\nSoon after entering the cannabis industry myself, I met Andrea Brooks. Andrea crafted her company with patients in mind, and when transitioning into the cannabis industry she not only brought her passion for cannabis, but her passion for empowering women and thoughtful small businesses as well. Through Sava, Andrea has focused much of her energy on promoting smaller artisanal brands, like Garden Society, that carry a message she believes in.\n\nAndrea, when talking about Garden Society, describes the company as being at the forefront of the changing cannabis industry. She says, \n\n>“Currently, I'm seeing a shift in the industry where a handful of cannabis formulators are making very high quality, sophisticated products. People within the industry are tailoring their products to achieve a very focused and specific effect - whether it be energizing, calming, for sleep, etc. and they're using the highest quality ingredients, from the cannabis to the carrier oils or food ingredients.\n\n>Consumers are starting to ask for these high quality, healthy products that offer a consistent predictable experience, therefore demanding more from the market. It's a really exciting time to be involved in the wellness sector of this industry. Garden Society is one of these formulators making high quality edibles with a moderate dose. The effect is tailored and consistent, and the method of delivery is a gourmet edible with high quality ingredients. Their edibles feel very special, their artisan nature comes through in every aspect from the packaging to the taste.” \n\n### Garden Society Blooms\n\nErin Gore, the founder of Garden Society, began to appreciate cannabis’ medicinal qualities when she was a young adult and suffered from sports related industries. As she took on a high power career, cannabis helped her find balance, and sleep, in her daily life. Her passion for cannabis continued to grow as she attempted to find, and subsequently create, cannabis products that were right for her. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/5924387ec94d0439e42f8776/embedded_images/59243887c94d0439e42f8779/Screen_Shot_2017-05-23_at_6.12.08_AM.png)\nGarden Society's Bliss Blossoms\n \nRELATED: [THE TOP 5 HEALTH TRENDS IN CANNABIS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/58abd12e005f8b00176972fd/the-top-5-health-trends-in-cannabis)\n\nErin decided to leave her stressful, high powered job and focus on the creation of Garden Society in 2016. Garden Society is founded on the idea of being a lifestyle brand primarily geared towards “finding healthy ways to bring balance to our busy lives\", while at the same time attempting to reduce the stigma of cannabis consumption.\n\n### Focus on High Quality & Microdosing\n\nThe GS edibles are curated to be approachable and easy to use, and it is clear that Erin has been thinking about bringing cannabis to women who may otherwise shy away from it. [Microdosing](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/microdosing-the-big-new-trend), is typically considered anywhere from 2mg to 10mg per dose, depending on a person’s tolerance. Garden Society’s edibles are between 5 to 10mg of THC and they come in the form of delicious confections including Bright Blooms, which are fruit and herb gelées, and Bliss Blossoms, which are dreamy milk chocolate bites.\n\nGarden Society uses premium organic and fair trade ingredients and biodynamic cannabis in their  edibles that feature CBD, THC, and even THC-A. After spending the afternoon with Erin, I saw GS as a company that will continue to help normalize cannabis consumption for patients while at the same time creating high quality, exceptional confections. Garden Society, to me, represents the changing, new face of edibles.\n\nOur luncheon was filled with great conversation, laughter and an active exchange on the turbulence of running a business within the cannabis industry. This industry can be extremely challenging and is indeed risky, but it is also filled with strong community. While talking, we agreed that women within the cannabis industry typically support other women, more so than in any other industry any of us have been a part of.  That day in Erin’s garden, I sat with three other amazing women who work together to build successful businesses while supporting one another, and that’s a very good thing.\n\nYou can purchase Garden Society edibles through Sava.\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/5924387ec94d0439e42f8776/embedded_images/59243885c94d0439e42f8778/Screen_Shot_2017-05-23_at_6.10.57_AM.png)\nA toast to a beautiful day together\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,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b59e85b9ea4483d2363e2f44a0149b71/14b42/7003af16e8c71d0dfdf89934a2017849.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b59e85b9ea4483d2363e2f44a0149b71/f836f/7003af16e8c71d0dfdf89934a2017849.jpg 200w,\n/static/b59e85b9ea4483d2363e2f44a0149b71/2244e/7003af16e8c71d0dfdf89934a2017849.jpg 400w,\n/static/b59e85b9ea4483d2363e2f44a0149b71/14b42/7003af16e8c71d0dfdf89934a2017849.jpg 800w,\n/static/b59e85b9ea4483d2363e2f44a0149b71/47498/7003af16e8c71d0dfdf89934a2017849.jpg 1200w,\n/static/b59e85b9ea4483d2363e2f44a0149b71/54ac5/7003af16e8c71d0dfdf89934a2017849.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/b59e85b9ea4483d2363e2f44a0149b71/58556/7003af16e8c71d0dfdf89934a2017849.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b59e85b9ea4483d2363e2f44a0149b71/61e93/7003af16e8c71d0dfdf89934a2017849.webp 200w,\n/static/b59e85b9ea4483d2363e2f44a0149b71/1f5c5/7003af16e8c71d0dfdf89934a2017849.webp 400w,\n/static/b59e85b9ea4483d2363e2f44a0149b71/58556/7003af16e8c71d0dfdf89934a2017849.webp 800w,\n/static/b59e85b9ea4483d2363e2f44a0149b71/99238/7003af16e8c71d0dfdf89934a2017849.webp 1200w,\n/static/b59e85b9ea4483d2363e2f44a0149b71/5e0b8/7003af16e8c71d0dfdf89934a2017849.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2289-markdown","title":"The International Church of Cannabis is Open for Worship","slug":"the-international-church-of-cannabis-is-open-for-worship","content":"### A New Kind of Church \r\n\r\nSpiritual seekers for thousands of years have been trying to ‘find themselves’ and the deeper meaning in life. The new International Church of Cannabis located in Denver, Colorado aims to facilitate this desire with a new type of church. As an official non-profit religious group, they define their spirituality more loosely but generally think that spirituality and cannabis go hand in hand. Steve Berke, the media relations director and a founding member of the church says, \"An individual's spiritual journey and search for meaning is one of self discovery that can be heightened and deepened through ritual cannabis use.\"  Some may agree with this statement and actually it is not unlike what some of the ancient gurus from India conveyed to their followers as well. \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 International Church of Cannabis opened with celebration this past April 20th, aka 4/20, with a special set of services to commemorate what is now known as the global unofficial cannabis holiday. Members of the church, who call themselves Elevationists, believe that cannabis helps in the process of self discovery, reflection and overall functions as a positive influence. According to church member Lee Molloy, who was interviewed by Merry Jane, “cannabis is a sacrament, one that we use to elevate our lives and achieve the best versions of ourselves that we can be.”\r\n\r\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58feae3c690a06312b371a57/embedded_images/58ffa9eb690a066476371aba/inside.jpg)\r\nInside the new cannabis church.\r\n\r\n### Religious Persecution?\r\n\r\nThe Denver church occupies a building that has been on the streets of Denver for 113 years and the historic church has gotten a recent makeover in the form of a beautiful multi-color mural that was designed by artist Okuda San Miguel. It will also be “the first large venue in the world, which is also a church, where adults can legally consume cannabis in a social environment.” That said, the idea of the church, however, makes some people in the cannabis friendly state slightly concerned. \r\n\r\nUpon learning of the new church, Dan Pabon, a Democrat in the state’s House of Representatives, tried to introduce a ban on cannabis consumption within churches. However, his efforts were blocked. In a recent New York Times article Steve Berke stated that he saw Dan Pabon's attempts \"as a clear example of religious persecution.\" He added, “And for those who accuse us of creating a church as an excuse to smoke weed, we’re in Denver,” Mr. Berke said. “We can smoke anywhere. I think he should be embarrassed.” We are a nation built upon a foundation of religious tolerance, or so history teaches us.\r\n\r\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58feae3c690a06312b371a57/embedded_images/58ffa9ec690a066476371abb/outside.jpg)\r\nThe outside of the new cannabis church.\r\n\r\nThough Denver is fairly accepting of cannabis dispensaries and more private consumption, there are some concerns from neighbors that it may change the atmosphere of the neighborhood. The movement of the cannabis church into the neighborhood, however, has allowed for the historic church to be maintained, though it may be in a slightly different capacity. There are also concerns by city officials that the church is an attempt to circumvent the laws in place that do not allow consumption of cannabis in public spaces, but the church members insist that they are not a social club and instead they are a legitimate religious organization. \r\n\r\n### Playing by the Book\r\n\r\nAttorney Christian Sederberg, has expressed that the church is completely [in the purview of the law by stating](http://www.thecannabist.co/2017/04/12/international-church-of-cannabis-elevationists-denver-social-use-law/77127/), “This church is a legitimate effort to create a community for people that don’t find that in traditional religion, and it intends to follow all laws…Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of association — those constitutional protections apply. But the definition of ‘open and public consumption’ was never defined in Colorado state statute. The whole concept remains to be decided at the local level and we believe there’s space for this church to operate within those evolving statues.” \r\n\r\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58feae3c690a06312b371a57/embedded_images/58ffaae33242100013618041/Screen_Shot_2017-04-25_at_12.59.27_PM.png)\r\nA spiritual sadhu in India smoking ritual cannabis.\r\n\r\n### Elevation of the Self\r\n\r\nThe church itself has no specific theology or structure, but instead focuses on individualism and the selecting a style of worship that elevates people into the best version of themselves. The space is reminiscent of Denver’s Sacred Smoke Sanctuary, which is a 4,000 square foot space in downtown Denver that serves as a studio, rehearsal space, church, theater, and residence. The landlord of the property has allowed for events to be hosted with cannabis in the building and it has become a space of combining cannabis with spiritual and individual enlightenment, much like the new church. \r\n\r\nCannabis has long found a place in different religions across the world because of its ability to allow people to access feelings, thoughts, and ideas that may not be accessible without its assistance. Cannabis also provides people with the ability to focus on stimuli in front of them and rid their mind of stresses, allowing them to embrace the moment more fully. The Church of Cannabis will provide an interesting look into the spiritual connections that many people find with cannabis. Only time will tell, however,  how the church integrates into its community, and whether it spreads across the city, state, and nation. \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. \r\n\r\n[photo credit](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/20/us/international-church-cannabis.html?_r=0)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/14b42/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.jpg","srcSet":"/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/f836f/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.jpg 200w,\n/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/2244e/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.jpg 400w,\n/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/14b42/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.jpg 800w,\n/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/47498/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.jpg 1200w,\n/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/54ac5/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/58556/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/61e93/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.webp 200w,\n/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/1f5c5/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.webp 400w,\n/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/58556/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.webp 800w,\n/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/99238/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.webp 1200w,\n/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/5e0b8/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2404-markdown","title":"Dee Dussault Talks About Her New Ganja Yoga Book","slug":"dee-dussault-talks-about-her-new-ganja-yoga-book","content":"HelloMD had the privilege of sitting down the [Dee Dussault](https://www.deedussault.com/), the founder of Ganja Yoga, to learn more about her cannabis enhanced yoga classes, as well as her [new book titled Ganja Yoga](https://www.theganjayoga.com/). Dee helps people find bliss through relaxation, mindfulness, and sensuality, and has practiced yoga for twenty-two years. Dee teaches both private and public classes, primarily in San Fransisco, that combine meditative yoga with sun grown, organic cannabis. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n#### Q: What is Ganja Yoga?\n\nA: Ganja yoga is cannabis enhanced yoga. In my permutation of it, it is yoga specifically designed to help people relax.\n\n#### Q: Were you the first person in the US to offer ganja yoga?\n\nA: Yes that is true, I was the first to market the concept. In 2009 I googled cannabis yoga and I didn’t see any listings online which got me thinking. Interestingly, I later found that Berkley Patients Group had offered yoga classes at their dispensary, but you had to get high before coming to the class. That was in the nineties, so that was before I started. However, at Berkeley Patient Group they were not ingesting cannabis together as a social process before yoga, so I was the first to really offer that experience and open it to the public, instead of just dispensary members. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58ebd8bff3848400190aaed1/embedded_images/58ebd8c1f3848400190aaed2/Screen_Shot_2017-04-10_at_11.03.20_AM.png)\nDee Dussault teaching an outdoor Ganja Yoga Class\n \n####  Q: What was your inspiration to start GY?\n\nA: It was my personal experience with cannabis. I was a late bloomer when it came to cannabis, I didn’t really get into it until my late twenties because it made me really anxious and I experienced a bad sense of paranoia. I avoided it all through college, but when I tried it again in my late twenties, I found immediately that I just wanted to get on the floor and start stretching. I already had a yoga practice for about twelve years before that and cannabis just naturally enhanced my experience of yoga. It made me want to explore poses in new ways and I found fascination with it in some way that I never had before. As far as I am concerned, cannabis and yoga go together like chocolate and peanut butter. \n\n#### Q: What do people typically experience within one of your classes?\n\nA: The first half an hour is  what I call a stoner social. Our classes have joints, vape pens, or edibles and the first half an hour 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 now of days is about cultivating fitness or getting a ‘yoga body’, but this is really an all levels, anyone can do it type yoga that goes back to basics. Ganja yoga uses cannabis to help you move more deeply into basic postures. \n\n#### Q: What is your book Ganja Yoga & why write it now?\n\nA: I’ve 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 as I focused on my yoga practice. The publisher, Harper Collins, actually approached me; 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, there is a little bit about my own journey, and how I originally found cannabis to be anxiety producing and how I’m now using cannabis to heighten relaxation, both feelings that are on the opposite side of the spectrum. I am telling people about my own journey so that people who have trepidations about the plant understand there are many ways to work through the anxiety, whether it is changing the strain or changing the dose or looking at how you feel or what environment you are in when you consume cannabis. \n\nIt is a little bit about my journey, but it is more 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, I find that a very fascinating fact and shows how right the practice feels for so many of us. \n\n#### Q: Any interesting discovery you experienced while writing your book?\n\nA: There isn’t necessarily something I learned about myself, but something I have found is that normally when I tell people I teach ganja yoga or cannabis infused yoga their response is usually, “Oh my gosh that sounds like the perfect pair,” but the other response I get is “Oh, is that safe?”. \n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS FOR INCREASED PASSION AND PLAY](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5887f2c9d88c9d000847c1d0/cannabis-for-increased-passion-and-play-part-1)\n\nSo, people have this idea that cannabis makes you immediately intoxicated and unable to do yoga. I 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, 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\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58ebd8bff3848400190aaed1/embedded_images/58ebd8c3f3848400190aaed3/Screen_Shot_2017-04-10_at_12.09.06_PM.png)\nYoga participants at Ganja Yoga\n\nGanja Yoga to me is about rewriting the stoner stereotype. In regards to the safety question, just talking about yoga specifically with cannabis aside, many people suffer yoga injuries because of our modern adaptation of the process is so rigorous and fast moving. Many yoga teachers have 200 hours of teacher training and are teaching classes of 100 people and are not able to prevent injuries. So, 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#### 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: When is your book Ganja Yoga available and where can people find it?\n\nA: It is coming out the week of 4/20. It is now [available for preorder](https://www.theganjayoga.com/), and the preorder comes with a free ganja yoga video class. You can purchase it by going to ganjayogabook.com, which displays all of the retailers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I am also going on an eight city book tour in the months of April and May, so I will be going to book stores to do readings and teach yoga classes along the way.\n\n[Purchase Ganja Yoga the book](https://www.theganjayoga.com/). \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/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQF/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQL/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAdKK2CTcFP8A/8QAGBAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDAAT/2gAIAQEAAQUC6mKThahtutC8oRcW3//EABQRAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABD/2gAIAQMBAT8BP//EABURAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABBB/9oACAECAQE/Aaf/xAAbEAEAAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAhEAECExUf/aAAgBAQAGPwIYtc5EZWOqj7kV6Nf/xAAZEAEBAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEQAQUXH/2gAIAQEAAT8hegpLnDeIaDBWXA3PTX//2gAMAwEAAgADAAAAEJfP/8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAwEBPxA//8QAFhEAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARAR/9oACAECAQE/EDU//8QAGxABAQACAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREAIRBBYVH/2gAIAQEAAT8Qfu4HyOLmUitmnzzgpgwLNRw/1Gy+nj//2Q==","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/c3af5196785944a3caebc4bbb057c16d/14b42/00cb3d840bf9ee61502a09b4c1c214fb.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c3af5196785944a3caebc4bbb057c16d/f836f/00cb3d840bf9ee61502a09b4c1c214fb.jpg 200w,\n/static/c3af5196785944a3caebc4bbb057c16d/2244e/00cb3d840bf9ee61502a09b4c1c214fb.jpg 400w,\n/static/c3af5196785944a3caebc4bbb057c16d/14b42/00cb3d840bf9ee61502a09b4c1c214fb.jpg 800w,\n/static/c3af5196785944a3caebc4bbb057c16d/47498/00cb3d840bf9ee61502a09b4c1c214fb.jpg 1200w,\n/static/c3af5196785944a3caebc4bbb057c16d/54ac5/00cb3d840bf9ee61502a09b4c1c214fb.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/c3af5196785944a3caebc4bbb057c16d/58556/00cb3d840bf9ee61502a09b4c1c214fb.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c3af5196785944a3caebc4bbb057c16d/61e93/00cb3d840bf9ee61502a09b4c1c214fb.webp 200w,\n/static/c3af5196785944a3caebc4bbb057c16d/1f5c5/00cb3d840bf9ee61502a09b4c1c214fb.webp 400w,\n/static/c3af5196785944a3caebc4bbb057c16d/58556/00cb3d840bf9ee61502a09b4c1c214fb.webp 800w,\n/static/c3af5196785944a3caebc4bbb057c16d/99238/00cb3d840bf9ee61502a09b4c1c214fb.webp 1200w,\n/static/c3af5196785944a3caebc4bbb057c16d/5e0b8/00cb3d840bf9ee61502a09b4c1c214fb.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2324-markdown","title":"Marijuana Belongs on Your Face","slug":"marijuana-belongs-on-your-face","content":"### I'm a Skincare Junkie\n\nI am a skincare junkie, a fact I readily admit to. I moisturize every morning and night without fail and the thought that you might not, leaves my jaw wide open with the words “OH, NO!”, rapidly coming forth. As a result of my somewhat complex skincare regime, which goes way beyond lotions and creams, I have highly developed opinions of what works and what does not.\n\nFor instance, I recently tried the [10 Step Korean Skincare Regimen](http://www.self.com/story/how-to-do-10-step-korean-skincare-routine) and gave it a thumbs up because with all those steps, something positive was bound to happen (and did). Yet, every new skincare product I try is missing one of the biggest tools in my anti aging skincare arsenal: cannabis. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Cannabis for the Face\n\nI’ve been using cannabis on my face and neck for years now, either in the form of a topical cream or facial oil. My HelloMD Co Founder says I would bathe in it if I could, and he is absolutely correct. I first noticed the wonders of cannabis for skin when I mistakenly used it after receiving a bad tropical sunburn. Pink as a lobster and without any sun remedy, I slathered hemp oil on my face and retreated to bed. The next morning, my face looked perfectly normal, not a trace of burn to be seen. After looking online, I found that cannabis topicals are an anti inflammatory and often used as a remedy for sunburns. Problem solved.\n\nFrom that point forward I used my hemp based facial oil every night to take makeup off and as a base for my Nerium facial lotion, which is also a wonderful skincare product. Cannabis topicals are a great anti aging treatment for the skin and full of anti oxidants which help fight wrinkles, boost the skin’s appearance with a healthy glow and reduce inflammation or red/blotchy patches.\n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS FOR SUMMER SKINCARE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5-ways-to-use-cannabis-for-summer-skincare)\n\n### Aunt Zelda's Coconut Topical\n\nA few weeks ago I attended IntersectionSF, an amazing cannabis networking event in San Francisco, where I gave a talk on cannabis. After the event I was given a goodie bag and inside I found a small jar of cannabis topical by Aunt Zelda’s.\n\nAunt Zelda’s ‘Medical Cannabis-Infused Organic Coconut Topical’ jar states that it has 10 essential oils and is effective for pain, rashes, dryness, minor cuts/wounds and muscle and nerve pain. I opened the jar and it smelled so good, I immediately slathered it all over my morning face. I continued with this morning and night for over a week in addition to my other skincare rituals. What I noticed after the first week is that my skin without makeup appeared plumper and had a natural, healthy glow. \n\nMara Gordon, the Founder of Aunt Zelda’s, is a well known figure in the cannabis community. She speaks all over the world and has done enormous amounts of work to speed the progress of cannabis research for cannabis patients everywhere. When asked about her topical, Mara commented,\n\n>“To give you some background, I was initially looking for an alternative to tiger balm that didn’t smell like camphor or menthol. After looking at the terpenes that I find so medicinal within many cannabis cultivars, I matched them to essential oils from other plants – for example, lemongrass for limonene, lavender for linalool, cinnamon for borneol – and added them to a coconut oil base. Of course, I added a few oils that do not appear within cannabis, such as frankincense and myrrh to create a formula that is pleasant smelling and effective.\n \n>The beauty of the Aunt Zelda’s Medical Cannabis Coconut Topical (yes, we do need a better name) is that each of the essential oils has medicinal properties by itself. Together the synergy proves out the notion that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts!”\n\nBonus points that it smells good as well as making your face look good!\n\n### Science + Cannabis Skincare\n\nThere is science that backs up the benefits of using cannabis as part of your skincare regime. The skin is our largest organ and it is full of cannabinoid receptors. These receptors bind to the phytocannabinoids from the cannabis plant such as THC, CBD, THCA and so on. We actually create our own endocannbinoids and the cannabis plant helps to supplement these. So, when you put a cannabis topical on your skin you are activating the receptors inside your body.\n\nThere are many skincare topical on the market today. According to Ni'Kita Wilson, cosmetic chemist and founder of Skinects, cannabis can “have an indirect benefit on 'inflam-aging,' or aging caused by chronic skin inflammation.” \n\nIn addition Ni’Kita says “Hemp-seed oil, moisturizing and can improve the skin's barrier, reduce dryness and skin sensitivity, and help skin to appear plumper and smoother.” Ed Breslin, the Co Founder of Xternal, a popular cannabis muscle cream, mentioned to me when we were talking that many people were reporting positive results when applying his light cream to their faces. \n\nAh Warner, Founder of Cannabis Basics says that cannabinoids are “anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, cell-regenerative, and anti–cell proliferative for bad cells.” \n\nPersonally, I have already bought into the concept, as you might have guessed. Put marijuana where it belongs, on your face!\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\n\n\n\n \n ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.342281879194631,"src":"/static/b66ee568cafdb93d1d4c6a5d7d9e4141/ee604/8463761a1459294608a472b1af79366b.png","srcSet":"/static/b66ee568cafdb93d1d4c6a5d7d9e4141/69585/8463761a1459294608a472b1af79366b.png 200w,\n/static/b66ee568cafdb93d1d4c6a5d7d9e4141/497c6/8463761a1459294608a472b1af79366b.png 400w,\n/static/b66ee568cafdb93d1d4c6a5d7d9e4141/ee604/8463761a1459294608a472b1af79366b.png 800w,\n/static/b66ee568cafdb93d1d4c6a5d7d9e4141/f3583/8463761a1459294608a472b1af79366b.png 1200w,\n/static/b66ee568cafdb93d1d4c6a5d7d9e4141/ef8e7/8463761a1459294608a472b1af79366b.png 1318w","srcWebp":"/static/b66ee568cafdb93d1d4c6a5d7d9e4141/58556/8463761a1459294608a472b1af79366b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b66ee568cafdb93d1d4c6a5d7d9e4141/61e93/8463761a1459294608a472b1af79366b.webp 200w,\n/static/b66ee568cafdb93d1d4c6a5d7d9e4141/1f5c5/8463761a1459294608a472b1af79366b.webp 400w,\n/static/b66ee568cafdb93d1d4c6a5d7d9e4141/58556/8463761a1459294608a472b1af79366b.webp 800w,\n/static/b66ee568cafdb93d1d4c6a5d7d9e4141/99238/8463761a1459294608a472b1af79366b.webp 1200w,\n/static/b66ee568cafdb93d1d4c6a5d7d9e4141/f95bf/8463761a1459294608a472b1af79366b.webp 1318w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2436-markdown","title":"Meet the Canna Moms: What it's Like Working in the Industry","slug":"meet-the-canna-moms-what-its-like-working-in-the-industry","content":"### Being a Mom in the Marijuana Industry\n\nWhen Weeds hit the small screen in 2005 the series seemed relatively surreal in its portrayal of a suburban mother who began selling cannabis to support her family, but now more and more mothers are making their way into legal cannabis industries across the country. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nCannabis has continued to find more acceptance across the country as its medical efficacy is becoming more widely understood. Something that people outside of the industry don’t realize, however, is that the people who are finding success in the cannabis industry are an extremely diverse group of individuals. \n\nMotherhood and the cannabis industry may not go hand in hand in the minds of many people, but for the following women their lives are strongly influenced by both their children and their choice of careers in the cannabis industry. Alicia Rose, Jennifer Price, Julie Batkiewicz and Pamela Hadfield have each found their place within the legal cannabis industry within California and Colorado. \n\nWhile finding great levels of support within the industry, they have often found many people outside of the industry have questions about why they do what they do. \n\n### Jennifer Price, Founder of Verdant Agency\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58dae440b0a1146a04b875d9/embedded_images/58dae442b0a1146a04b875da/Screen_Shot_2017-03-28_at_11.35.54_AM.png) \n\n[Jennifer Price](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-price-0635613b/) used her public relations and marketing background to break into the cannabis industry. She started by working for Strainz, one of the country’s leading cannabis specific brand management companies, in 2015 to help her friends, Chris and Hugh Hempel, get their new company off the ground. \n\nInitially, she was hesitant to get involved in the cannabis industry with two teenage daughters at home, but she began to learn more about the benefits of non-psychoactive marijuana. Chris and Hugh founded Strainz in 2013 after learning that their identical twin daughters suffer from a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease called Niemann Pick Type C (NPC), which often referred to as 'Childhood Alzheimer’s'. The condition causes intractable seizures and whole plant CBD helped the children enormously by easing their intense seizures. This was a revelation for Jennifer and put her on a path towards working within the cannabis industry.\n\n[![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58dae440b0a1146a04b875d9/embedded_images/58daf8393bb6a66e3814cbb9/SavaA.jpeg)](https://www.getsava.com/shop/alchemy-buy-one-get-one-cartridge/)\n[DEAL: Buy any Relax or Awaken Alchemy blend and battery on Sava and receive Inspire for FREE! ($35 value).](https://www.getsava.com/shop/alchemy-buy-one-get-one-cartridge/)  Limited time offer.\n\nJennifer now works for clients across the cannabis industry with  her partner Susannah Grossman, helping industry people in every area from marketing to sales to team management. She has found a balance in life while navigating her new passion within industry. Her new career focus has sparked many interesting conversations between her and her two teenage daughters. Jennifer says, “They have taken time to understand my business and we have countless thoughtful and candid conversations about cannabis, the stigma surrounding it, and why it is important to keep an open mind as we navigate through life.” \n\nUltimately, Jennifer believes that a general lack of education still leaves the stain of stigma on an industry that she says is, “filled with extremely creative, intelligent, successful, driven people.” \n\nShe has also seen cannabis change lives as she has delved deeper into the industry, “I have seen this curative plant bring life back to those who had been addicted to opiates, minimize chronic migraines, alleviate anxiety, reduce arthritis pain and inflammation, and act as a natural sleep aid.\"\n\nShe continued, \"I have held a Mom’s hand as she shared the story of her beautiful baby girl’s battle with a brain tumor, and how she administered CBD oil against the advisement of doctors. She told me that within 24 hours her toddler was eating again and regained the sparkle in her eyes. That toddler is now a cancer-free, fun-loving tween.” Jennifer says she has found a home in the cannabis industry and feels secure about her identity as a mother and a person who believes in the power of the plant.\n\n### Alicia Rose, Founder of HerbaBuena\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58dae440b0a1146a04b875d9/embedded_images/58dae443b0a1146a04b875db/Screen_Shot_2017-03-28_at_11.36.08_AM.png) \n\nAlicia Rose is a well known pioneer on the Northern California cannabis scene. She founded [HerbaBuena](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/herbabuena) in 2015 in Napa Valley wine country to give medical marijuana consumers in California access to the same high quality products they expect from their food and wine. \n\nAlicia has always focused on providing cannabis consumers with high quality and sophisticated products, which stems from her background in ecosystem science, farming, and her fifteen year career in the high-end wine industry. HerbaBuena’s product line focuses on providing consumers with functional medication in all aspects of their life including topical products, tinctures, and sun grown, bio dynamic whole flower products.As a public figure within the cannabis world, Alicia hosts ongoing events for [HerbaBuena’s Social Club](http://herbabuena.com/the-social-club/?age-verified=6a02a1e51d) where she aims to create community while informing and educating consumers. \n\n\nWhen asked about being a mom, she says she has approached cannabis in a very simple and educational way with her child. “We talk about cannabis as medicine and define it as something that is only for adults, like alcohol and swear words,” but she does find approaching her career in more-conservative Napa to be a carefully calculated process. \n\nWhether it is at her child's school or with her former wine colleagues, she still experiences many mixed reviews for being involved in the cannabis industry. She says, “There are obviously many who support what I do, but there are also still a fair share of those who see cannabis as a drug, like heroin. It's my hope that as we continue to educate the public about this plant, the fear and taboo and stigma will shift, but we're not fully there yet.” \n\nAlicia, however, believes so strongly in the benefits of cannabis that she is willing to face the stigma to continue to educate people, “You truly have to believe in this plant to be involved in the cannabis industry because people still hold significant prejudice, and the stigma is real. Helping to educate and remove the taboo is just another part of the job for all of us in the industry and those who support it.”\n\n### Julie Batkiewicz, Founder of Monte Content\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58dae440b0a1146a04b875d9/embedded_images/58dae445b0a1146a04b875dc/Screen_Shot_2017-03-28_at_11.36.20_AM.png) \n\nJulie Batkiewicz launched her company, [Monte Content](http://www.montecontent.com/), in November of 2016 and by the end of this month her company will be providing in-store content to dispensaries in five different states. Monte Content produces educational and lifestyle content related to cannabis that is featured directly in dispensaries. The content is broadcast in dispensaries to help introduce patrons to ideas ranging from safety procedures to new products. Julie launched Monte Content when she was pregnant to provide herself with the flexibility to be her own boss when she raised her young son. \n\nNow, with a five month old son, Julie has not felt stigma working in the cannabis industry as a mother, yet. She does believe that is greatly affected by her location in Colorado where it is a widely accepted part of the state culture. She has found that many people are generally open to learn about her job in the cannabis industry, “I've made a lot of new mom friends and they are more interested in learning about what I do as opposed to judging me. I live with my mother-in-law, who is a tremendous help with the baby. She understandably had a lot of questions about marijuana, and after many discussions has been more open to it. She recently used a topical on a sore knee that really changed her perspective.” \n\nJulie does, however, believe that things may change when her son starts school and said of the potential future experience, “I think my experience will be very different once Noah starts school and makes friends. Right now, I'm mostly surrounded by supportive friends and family members. Ask me again in a few years!” \n\n### Pamela Hadfield, Co Founder of HelloMD\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58dae440b0a1146a04b875d9/embedded_images/58dae446b0a1146a04b875dd/Screen_Shot_2017-03-28_at_11.37.10_AM.png)\n\nPamela Hadfield started HelloMD with her husband after finding that cannabis stopped chronic migraines that had plagued her for 25 years. In addition, she was able to stop using narcotics for her pain. After cannabis changed her life, the cannabis industry seemed like a natural choice and she and her husband pivoted their existing healthcare business to cannabis.\n\nSince that time two years ago, HelloMD has become an industry leader, serving thousands of patients in California by providing them access to a doctor online via Telehealth. HelloMD also developed the industry’s first Q and A platform called Answers which allows patients from anywhere to ask a question and receive answers from the community or a doctor. The company's mission is to inform and educate consumers, especially those that are new to cannabis and wish to use it as a vehicle for their own health and wellness.\n\nAs a mother of 3 young girls, Pamela was initially wary about her shift to cannabis, fearing people may push their own stigma of cannabis onto her kids. “Personally, I had no issue about being within the cannabis industry or caring what others thought of me, that was never a consideration. What did concern my however, was that people may treat my children differently. This intial worry deeply troubled me.” Luckily, she discovered this fear was largely unfounded.\n\n“What I discovered is that people may not always agree with the idea of cannabis, especially with recreational use, but they tend to be open to what I am doing and why I choose to be within the industry. People are mostly open to cannabis education and especially to the medicinal use of cannabis. I also believe it helps that I am doing what I am doing in California, as cannabis has been medicinally legal here for over 20 years, so people have been hearing a bout it and growing more accustomed to it over time.”\n\nWhen asked about how she talks to her young kids about cannabis, she replied \"We have tried to keep it simple, but really, in my mind cannabis is a tool for health and wellness. HelloMD has helped facilitate a relationship with cannabis for many people who are very ill. I tell my kids that we work to help these people. Kids are very altruistic by nature, so they really embrace this idea and it helps them when the topic comes up at school, which sometimes it does.\" \n\n### A Desire to Empower and Educate\n\nEach of these women has had a different experience in the cannabis industry, and a different experience of raising children while working in the industry. One thing that they all have in common, however, is their desire to continue to empower and educate people about the health and wellness benefits that cannabis can provide. Jennifer, Alicia, Julie and Pamela all show that they will not let any stigma about the industry get in their way of finding success inside and outside of the industry. \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":1.342281879194631,"src":"/static/87e2f9e34eb8ad49806f620a159cdc31/14b42/35ddada2c67ea3211c7235f7cb6f81f5.jpg","srcSet":"/static/87e2f9e34eb8ad49806f620a159cdc31/f836f/35ddada2c67ea3211c7235f7cb6f81f5.jpg 200w,\n/static/87e2f9e34eb8ad49806f620a159cdc31/2244e/35ddada2c67ea3211c7235f7cb6f81f5.jpg 400w,\n/static/87e2f9e34eb8ad49806f620a159cdc31/14b42/35ddada2c67ea3211c7235f7cb6f81f5.jpg 800w,\n/static/87e2f9e34eb8ad49806f620a159cdc31/47498/35ddada2c67ea3211c7235f7cb6f81f5.jpg 1200w,\n/static/87e2f9e34eb8ad49806f620a159cdc31/3a12e/35ddada2c67ea3211c7235f7cb6f81f5.jpg 1375w","srcWebp":"/static/87e2f9e34eb8ad49806f620a159cdc31/58556/35ddada2c67ea3211c7235f7cb6f81f5.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/87e2f9e34eb8ad49806f620a159cdc31/61e93/35ddada2c67ea3211c7235f7cb6f81f5.webp 200w,\n/static/87e2f9e34eb8ad49806f620a159cdc31/1f5c5/35ddada2c67ea3211c7235f7cb6f81f5.webp 400w,\n/static/87e2f9e34eb8ad49806f620a159cdc31/58556/35ddada2c67ea3211c7235f7cb6f81f5.webp 800w,\n/static/87e2f9e34eb8ad49806f620a159cdc31/99238/35ddada2c67ea3211c7235f7cb6f81f5.webp 1200w,\n/static/87e2f9e34eb8ad49806f620a159cdc31/b5697/35ddada2c67ea3211c7235f7cb6f81f5.webp 1375w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2285-markdown","title":"Level Blends Vape Pen Review: High CBD Oil Cartridge","slug":"level-blends-vape-pen-review-high-cbd-oil-cartridge","content":"### Effects Based Cannabis Experiences\n\nWithin the cannabis industry people are now very interested in how to have greater control over their cannabis experience while at the same time creating a specific desired result. Due to this, one of the hottest words being thrown around is how to create the right ‘Effect’. \n\nWhen I say effect, it means what effect will the cannabis product ultimately have on you? Will it make you feel euphoric, creative, giggly, energetic or perhaps make you want to slip into the crevice of the couch? Knowing what might happen to you after ingesting cannabis, its well, kind of important. In the past, it has also been less than predictable.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nThe 'Effects' trend started early in 2016 and over time has grown and grown, and with some success, depending on the company and product we might be talking about. Some companies seem more able to deliver on this promise more than others and to some, it's just a marketing strategy. In many ways, the effects trend signals the maturation of the industry and the realization that to grow, products need consistency and reliability.\n\n### Level Blends: Science First Approach\n\n Level Blends is one of the new vape companies to emerge this past year out of San Francisco. It has created a whole line of what they call ‘effect based blends’. The company was started by three Co Founders, Josh, David and Chris and prides itself on its science first approach to creating their blends, which is part of its history.\n\nChief Scientist Chris Emerson, while studying for his PHD in molecular biology at Stanford, went to live on a cannabis farm up in the Emerald Triangle a few years ago. Along the way he had an epiphany and decided to drop out of his PHD program and instead focus his attention on “using science to transform cannabis into a tool that you can use to modulate your mood”. Level Blends was born soon afterwards.\n\nRELATED: [MICRODOSING: KIVA PETRA MINT REVIEW](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/58bf09c668b03100076d74a5/microdosing-kiva-confections-petra-mint-review)\n\nTalking to CEO David Dacus, it is clear that they take their approach to creating high quality products that create specific effects, such as ‘Uplift’, ’Float’ or ‘Dissolve’, very seriously. At the heart of their mission is the desire to create an experience that can not only be repeated, but which will guide the consumer with a sense of comfort, allowing for further more in-depth exploration. \n\n### Quality, Cannabinoids, and Zero Additives\n\nThe Level Blends oils are blended on site within their laboratory, tested for purity with the the assurance that there are zero pesticides and no additives within the oil. What is particularly interesting is that Level does not use any additive to thin their oils, as most other vape companies do. As a result it is free of propylene glycol as well as any other carrier oil. \n\nLevel also claims to use cannabis strains that you are unlikely to find in normal dispensaries, ones which “are high in cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and THCV which offer different effects from THC”. Talking to Chris, it's clear the Level has an eye on extracting more obscure, lesser known cannabinoids in the not so distant future.\n\nAll cannabis consumers should be concerned with the overall quality of the product being ingested, and Level Blends delivers in this department. But, from the outset, what you will notice about Level is the approachable branding and product packaging. They divide their product line into two branches, the first being what they call “Classic”, which is their high THC line. The second branch is what they call “Harmonic” which is their blended CBD to THC product line.\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58c489610adb1b66ae83920d/embedded_images/58c489630adb1b66ae83920e/THC.png)\n Product information that comes with the Level Blends 'Float' oil cartridge.\n\n### 'Classic' and 'Harmonic' Product Lines\n\nThe “Classic” line has four possible effects to choose from; ’Spark’, ‘High’, ‘Float’ and ‘Dissolve’. Looking at the packaging for ‘Float’, you see everything you might need to know about this product.  The percentage of THC, CBD, CBC and CBG as well as the strain type, indica are clearly marked on the packaging. \n\nOn the silver package it also states “Slow down, relax and float downstream. Enhance entertainment and foster reflection.” There are also some icons with words that say ‘relaxed’, ‘meditative’ and ‘classic flavor’. Remembering what it was like buying my first vape oil cartridge, and how confusing that process was, this seems like a revelation in product packaging and communication with the consumer. This product is ideal for a nervous, first time buyer who wants assurance as to what they are getting, and it's kind of a no-brainer to be this clear.\n\n### 'Remedy' High CBD Product Review\n\nThe “Harmonic” line, which interests me most, focuses on three blends, ‘Remedy’, ‘Uplift’ and ‘Radiance’. In Level’s words the ‘Harmonic’ line is meant to present “a range of blends that combine the euphoria of THC with the therapeutic effects of CBD.” This is my sweet spot, and it is unusual to see a product line that offers such a range of CBD to THC blends. Within ‘Harmonic’ Level offers a 1:1, a 1:2 and a 3:1.\n\nThe other day, I came home with an aching shoulder. Advil was not touching it and the cannabis topical that usually might help me was failing to stop a radiating pain. Thinking this was the perfect time to try out my new ‘Remedy’ blend, I broke out the sweet little silver package and popped it on my new “variable temperature” battery. According to the package, ‘Remedy’ promised to “Relieve anxiety and get back into your body. Support healing with a therapeutic mix of mainly CBD.” All of this sounded good.\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58c489610adb1b66ae83920d/embedded_images/58c489650adb1b66ae83920f/cbd_PM.png)\nThe Level Blends 'Uplift' high CBD oil cartridge packaging and pen.\n \nI adjusted the temperature control to number 3.6v, just short of the hottest control at 4. I noticed a few things as I looked at my new vape. One, the name ‘Remedy’ is printed on the oil cartridge. How many times have I put on an oil cartridge on a vape pen, put it down and then thought ‘What oil cartridge is on there?’. Way too many times. It’s a huge problem as I don’t smoke high THC strains, but my partner does, so confusion can happen. The next thing I noticed is that the oil cartridge container is glass, which is important because plastic can degrade into your oils, and who wants to vape plastic? Not me. Lastly, the vape pen has a really sturdy, high quality feeling to it.\n\nClicking the button on the pen, it lit up and I was able to take a nice inhale. The taste was in credibly smooth and pleasant. Knowing that I actually still experience psychoactive effects from a high CBD strain that is 3:1, I took 4 more puffs and put it down. Within ten minutes the pain in my shoulder was significantly reduced and a calm, mellow feeling washed over me, while at the same time I felt alert. In another ten minutes I felt no pain and settled in for the evening.\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/2bcd09da263946e717f5e2984c1c7db5/14b42/6139c81d482eb79e0c84ce5d4f1fe02a.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2bcd09da263946e717f5e2984c1c7db5/f836f/6139c81d482eb79e0c84ce5d4f1fe02a.jpg 200w,\n/static/2bcd09da263946e717f5e2984c1c7db5/2244e/6139c81d482eb79e0c84ce5d4f1fe02a.jpg 400w,\n/static/2bcd09da263946e717f5e2984c1c7db5/14b42/6139c81d482eb79e0c84ce5d4f1fe02a.jpg 800w,\n/static/2bcd09da263946e717f5e2984c1c7db5/47498/6139c81d482eb79e0c84ce5d4f1fe02a.jpg 1200w,\n/static/2bcd09da263946e717f5e2984c1c7db5/54ac5/6139c81d482eb79e0c84ce5d4f1fe02a.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/2bcd09da263946e717f5e2984c1c7db5/58556/6139c81d482eb79e0c84ce5d4f1fe02a.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2bcd09da263946e717f5e2984c1c7db5/61e93/6139c81d482eb79e0c84ce5d4f1fe02a.webp 200w,\n/static/2bcd09da263946e717f5e2984c1c7db5/1f5c5/6139c81d482eb79e0c84ce5d4f1fe02a.webp 400w,\n/static/2bcd09da263946e717f5e2984c1c7db5/58556/6139c81d482eb79e0c84ce5d4f1fe02a.webp 800w,\n/static/2bcd09da263946e717f5e2984c1c7db5/99238/6139c81d482eb79e0c84ce5d4f1fe02a.webp 1200w,\n/static/2bcd09da263946e717f5e2984c1c7db5/5e0b8/6139c81d482eb79e0c84ce5d4f1fe02a.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2303-markdown","title":"Microdosing: Kiva Confections Petra Mint Review","slug":"microdosing-kiva-confections-petra-mint-review","content":"[Microdosing](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5874285019303000083745bc/microdosing-the-big-new-trend) is what some people consider the next wave of cannabis consumption and perhaps even the future of modern-day consumption. The basic principle is to take small amounts, **almost eliminating the psychotropic effects** of cannabis, in order to achieve a desired result. A cannabis consumer’s ability to self titrate their medication to just the right dose allows for just the right amount of [cannabinoids](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/cannabinoids-chemical-compounds-with-huge-therapeutic-potential) to hit your [endocannabiniod system](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system), and in theory, create a sense of homeostasis within your body.\n\nI’ve written extensively on my love for microdosing, my loathing of the marketplace last year when microdose choices were so slim, and my new starry-eyed grin at all the new microdose options availed to me today. Microdosing is what keeps my health in line; due to microdosing cannabis on a daily basis, I was able to [turn the tide on years of chronic pain](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/578da024fdc17e000700019d/microdosing-cannabis-stopped-my-chronic-pain) caused by intense **migraines** and **fibromyalgia**.\n\nOne of the primary benefits of microdosing is that you can dose all day without feeling mentally altered unless, of course, you choose to be. Other than treating my own medical condition with primarily high ratio CBD products, I often enjoy microdosing THC products. There are three instances in which I might microdose THC products:\n\n- 1.) To improve athletic performance, with yoga or running\n- 2.) Enhance a daily activity like hiking, watching a movie, or painting a picture\n- 3.) Mitigate pain, as with my sore shoulder\n\n![Hello2-min (27).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello2_min_27_507bf9bb58.png)\n\nThis past year [Kiva Confections](https://www.kivaconfections.com/) introduced their micro-dosed [Petra Mints](https://www.kivaconfections.com/products?brand=petra). At 2.5 mg a mint, they come in both Eucalyptus and Moroccan Mint flavors. [Khristi Knoblich](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/kiva-confections-co-founder-kristi-knoblich-palmer/id1290400188?i=1000454700974), a Co-Founder of Kiva, said that one of the benefits of doing a microdosed mint is “the accuracy of both the dose within the manufacturing process but also with the ability for the patient to easily dose in precise increments.” \n\nI chose to purchase the Eucalyptus flavored mints based on the recommendation of my co-worker Chris, who also happens to keep a box of Petra Mints on his desk. The eucalyptus flavor is a blend of CA grown cannabis, green tea matcha, and eucalyptus oil and is sugar-free but sweetened with xylitol (keep away from dogs - both cannabis and xylitol or a big no-no for them). I loved the tin package the mints are contained within, and the overall branding feels discreet; nobody would assume you are consuming cannabis edible if you take it out of your bag.\n\nThe day I chose to take my Petra Mints, my shoulder was really hurting. This past December, a 6’4” new-to-snowboarding-amazon attacked me on the slopes in Utah. One of the main reasons I avoid boarding on the green runs is to precisely avoid such an incident. He came out of nowhere, completely out of control, and I was thrown a few feet onto my shoulder. Ouch.\n\nI’ve found that [microdosing](https://www.hellomd.com/tag/microdosing) really helps when my shoulder feels inflamed, so I popped open my Petra Mints tin the other day and ate one of the little mints with the cannabis leaf on top. The flavor was super intense with eucalyptus, in a good way, and the mint had a pleasant texture. As my co-worker Chris indicated, a lot of cannabis mints on the market today are chalky or don’t seem to taste right. Within 15 minutes, I felt the first effects of the mint, which were essentially a lessened feeling of pain and a sense of relaxation. \n\n![Hello1-min (26).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello1_min_26_e884f8d1e8.png)\n\nAs I know my tolerance well, I popped another mint to up my dose to 5mg total. What happened next was what I might call incredibly pleasant. I felt happy, buoyant, and alert, all without the pain in my shoulder. I went about my business for the rest of the day with a smile on my face. Talking to other people that have tried Petra Mints, I found unanimously that they all felt the mints induced a positive experience, one that leaves the consumer in control. I like the Petra Mint so much that if you look in my purse today, you will find a box of Kiva Petra Mints waiting for me at the bottom.\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.\n\n### Get a Medical Marijuana Card Online\n\nIt's easy to get your medical marijuana document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/get-started/). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and purchase medical cannabis today. You don't pay unless you're approved!\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1,"src":"/static/c4aa60ba0614567ef11b970be002fa8e/ee604/8be305b726ae69e2dec641b1ea50543f.png","srcSet":"/static/c4aa60ba0614567ef11b970be002fa8e/69585/8be305b726ae69e2dec641b1ea50543f.png 200w,\n/static/c4aa60ba0614567ef11b970be002fa8e/497c6/8be305b726ae69e2dec641b1ea50543f.png 400w,\n/static/c4aa60ba0614567ef11b970be002fa8e/ee604/8be305b726ae69e2dec641b1ea50543f.png 800w,\n/static/c4aa60ba0614567ef11b970be002fa8e/37092/8be305b726ae69e2dec641b1ea50543f.png 1180w","srcWebp":"/static/c4aa60ba0614567ef11b970be002fa8e/58556/8be305b726ae69e2dec641b1ea50543f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c4aa60ba0614567ef11b970be002fa8e/61e93/8be305b726ae69e2dec641b1ea50543f.webp 200w,\n/static/c4aa60ba0614567ef11b970be002fa8e/1f5c5/8be305b726ae69e2dec641b1ea50543f.webp 400w,\n/static/c4aa60ba0614567ef11b970be002fa8e/58556/8be305b726ae69e2dec641b1ea50543f.webp 800w,\n/static/c4aa60ba0614567ef11b970be002fa8e/887e5/8be305b726ae69e2dec641b1ea50543f.webp 1180w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2240-markdown","title":"The Must-Have Resource Book: \"This is Cancer\"","slug":"the-must-have-resource-book-this-is-cancer","content":"Photo credit Christina McPherson\n\n### Q and A with Author Laura Holmes Haddad\n\nLAURA'S BOOK: 'This is Cancer...Everything You Need to Know from the Waiting Room to the Bedroom'\n\n[Cancer](https://www.hellomd.com/learn/health-conditions) is indiscriminate. When [Laura Holmes Haddad](http://lauraholmeshaddad.com/), a friend and neighbor of mine, was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer, she discovered there was no one-stop resource to help her through her battle and no resource that truly gave her comfort.\n\n['This Is Cancer'](http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781580056267) is both thoughtful and informative with equal parts humor and reality yet with a touch of flair that exudes personality. It is a what to expect when you're expecting book for the diagnosis you don't want, or that of a loved one, but you happen to be stuck with it. \n\nBefore discovering she had cancer, Laura had a successful career as a cookbook editor as well as an author of several books on cooking, entertaining and wine. Since turning her attention to writing about cancer, she has become a prolific speaker and advocate for cancer patients everywhere. \n\nRecently, Laura was named as one of the 'Extraordinary Women in the SF Bay Area' by Gentry magazine, joining ranks with Jennifer Siebel Newsom who was also an honoree. In this post, I have a Q and A session with Laura to hear more about her new book, 'This is Cancer'.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Q: What's ‘This Is Cancer’?\n\nA: This is Cancer, which has the subtitle “Everything You Need to Know from the Waiting Room to the Bedroom” is really a guide for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals to see a patient's perspective on all of the details that no one really talks about when you get diagnosed with cancer.\n\n### Q: Why is it a good resource for cancer patients?\n\nA: For example, I talk about what to pack for the hospital when you stay overnight. You may not know this, but bringing a pillow along with you will increase your comfort both at the hospital but on the way home. When you are being driven home from surgery putting a pillow across your chest under the seatbelt or under your legs, depending on what kind of surgery you have had, may help with the pain and be the added comfort that makes a difference. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58a21d761e9cce000b0a7254/embedded_images/58a21d791e9cce000b0a7255/Screen_Shot_2017-02-13_at_9.07.20_AM.png)\nA picture of Laura from a UCSF billboard in San Francisco promoting cancer awareness. \n\nAnother difficulty is flying or traveling during treatment. It can become a real issue and so how do you deal with that? There are a lot of tips and tricks that I share from my own experience. At the time I was diagnosed I had two very young children and and I didn’t know what to tell them, so I also included a lot of information on how to speak to your children and those around you. \n\nThere are also lists for caregivers about how to talk to patients. There really is no right thing to say, so often people say nothing and the silence is really hard for the person undergoing treatment. It is very isolating to be a patient, because you are surrounded by people but you often feel lonely because no one really understands how you are feeling. ‘This is Cancer’ was written with the purpose of reaching a wide audience to say, ‘this is what I have been through and I can’t possibly be the only one and hopefully this will help make your journey easier.’ \n\nRELATED: [GOVERNMENT STUDY SHOWS CANNABIS KILLS CANCER CELLS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55f4574a3366380006540000/government-cancer-study-shows-cannabis-kills-cancer-cells)\n\n### Q: Can you tell people a little about your diagnosis?\n\nA: I was diagnosed with stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer in November 2012. I had an 11 centimeter tumor in my left breast and it had spread to twenty lymph nodes and I also had a rib lesion. I got the call from the doctor the day after Thanksgiving and was told to pack a bag and drive to our local ER because they wanted to start chemotherapy that weekend. It was a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. \n\nUsually, when you catch it so late, it is very rare to recover and go into remission. In my case, I had to go through chemotherapy, but that didn’t work. Then I was fortunate enough to start a clinical drug trial for a different chemotherapy drug. Finally, I had surgery and radiation therapy. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58a21d761e9cce000b0a7254/embedded_images/58a21d7b1e9cce000b0a7256/Screen_Shot_2017-02-13_at_9.07.51_AM.png) \nLaura with her young son during her cancer treatment.\n\nIn May of 2015, it was declared I was in remission. It all occurred within a very condensed timeline. I had a lot of different elements to my treatment and then at the end, when I was entering survivorship, there was so much that we didn’t know, things that would have really helped me, and if we had known these things it could have been a lot easier. \n\n### Q: Why did you choose to write this book?\n\nA: I am a writer by training, so writing comes to me very naturally. I wrote throughout my treatment, almost like a journal. It really all started out as a journal because at the time of diagnoses I was given two years to live if the treatment didn’t work.  I started out writing almost to show my kids what I was thinking and how hard I was working to stay with them. \n\nAs I progressed, and as I started to feel better, I wondered what it would be like if I put all of these things together. My sister, who was a really important part of my care team, had a binder with all of this information and with all of my notes and the research I did I came up with this book. I am really proud because I think it is practical and it doesn’t focus on my particular story. It is really a general guide that will be helpful to patients, their caregivers, and their medical team. \n\n### Q: What are your thoughts on cannabis for cancer?\n\nA: I included a section on cannabis given how many states are legalizing medical use of cannabis. Surprisingly, no one really talked about the use of cannabis that much to me. Instead, the care team likes to write prescriptions. What people don't realize is that the side effects of those prescriptions can be intense. \n\nI did take Marinol and some edibles to help with pain, nausea, and insomnia, but I didn’t really like the side effects of the edibles either. To be honest, I did not really feel like I knew how to take an edible to get to the right experience. The one time I did take an edible, I overdid it.  \n\nIn the end, Marinol is really what helped me. When I was on a clinical drug trial, I wasn’t allowed to use anything that wasn’t sanctioned on the drug trial. I think people need to get more education on cannabis and the options available to them.\n\n### Q: What have you been doing since the book was published?\n\nA: UCSF has been a big champion of me and since October I have been on many speaking panels and have tried to be a voice for patients within cancer advocacy. Most recently, I had the chance to meet then-Vice President and Mrs. Biden in Washington, DC and talk about clinical trial drugs and personalized medicine that are part of the Cancer Moonshot Initiative.\n\nI’ve had extraordinary opportunities to show people a patient’s perspective and how to work through what I call ‘modern cancer’. People have very old fashioned views about the needs and the treatments for patients and we really need to update those perceptions. I thought it was very important to share from the patient’s perspective, not a doctor or a med student, but a patient’s perspective on getting through cancer. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58a21d761e9cce000b0a7254/embedded_images/58a2225e1e9cce000b0a728a/Screen_Shot_2017-02-13_at_9.06.22_AM.png)\nLaura is featured in Gentry magazine's 'Extraordinary Women' January 2017.\n\n### Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?\n\nA: Yes. In particular, what makes my story different, in terms of the book, is that I was 37 at the time of my diagnoses. The numbers of young adult cancer diagnoses are going up in this country. We might be caregivers to children or our own parents, we might not have insurance, we might be working freelance. There are so many added issues like how do you continue to work during treatment? How do you talk to your boss about your medical situation? How do you date if you want to date during or after treatment?\n\nThese topics need to be brought into the open. The interpersonal relationship aspect of cancer was the most surprising thing about my whole experience with cancer, hearing who said what and who didn’t say something else. There were so many things I wish I had known before, and I hope my book helps provide some of that knowledge and support.\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/56201c206430320006bb0000/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/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/14b42/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/f836f/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.jpg 200w,\n/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/2244e/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.jpg 400w,\n/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/14b42/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.jpg 800w,\n/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/47498/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.jpg 1200w,\n/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/54ac5/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/58556/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/61e93/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.webp 200w,\n/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/1f5c5/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.webp 400w,\n/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/58556/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.webp 800w,\n/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/99238/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.webp 1200w,\n/static/217dad63d5987104e117566e9af92c09/5e0b8/5c95f8e36a2f40af117b80996261d0f7.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2375-markdown","title":"Microdosing: CannaAthlete's Activation Spray Product Review","slug":"microdosing-cannaathletes-activation-spray-product-review","content":"### Microdosing: The Hot Cannabis Trend\n\n[Microdosing](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/micro-dosing-cannabis-stopped-my-chronic-pain) is one of the [biggest new trends](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/58756d23772f3e0008ef0ece/top-10-cannabis-trends-for-2017) in cannabis, and I’m possibly its number one fan. Microdosing started as a way for me to not only fight [chronic pain from migraines](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/microdosing-cannabis-stopped-my-chronic-pain) but to also remain functional throughout the day. Being more [THC sensitive](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/3-ways-to-keep-your-cannabis-tolerance-under-control) than most, microdosing also offers me all the benefits of cannabis without the worry of going overboard.\n\nIn a series of blog posts, [I’m reviewing 3 new products](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5874285019303000083745bc/microdosing-the-big-new-trend)  that have recently come to the California market. The products I selected for review are [Satori Edibles by CannaCraft](https://www.cannacraft.com/), [PetraMints by Kiva Confections](https://www.kivaconfections.com/), and today’s review which will focus on **Activation Spray by CannaAthlete**. By sharing my own microdosing experiences, my hope is that other cannabis consumers or wanna-be-new-to-cannabis-consumers will consider smaller dose products as a viable option.\n\n![Hello1-min (27).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello1_min_27_1c2b206457.png)\n\n### Activation Spray by CannAthlete\n\nActivation Spray was created by Jim McAlpine of the 420 Games and Seibo Shen, the award-winning Founder of VapeXhale. Both of these guys are huge proponents of consuming cannabis during athletic pursuits, emphasizing that cannabis can actually enhance rather than diminish performance. Jim McAlpine believes in this idea so strongly, he is about to open the world’s first cannabis gym [Power Plant](http://powerplantgym.com/) with his partner Ricky Williams, a former NFL player.\n\nThe unique thing about Activation Spray is that it is a nifty little minty mouth spray that accurately doses 1mg of THC per spray. Each bottle contains 150 mg of THC, which is the equivalent of 150 mouth sprays. CannAthlete calls it “game-changing microdosing,” where the focus is on “elevation” of spirit rather than the effect of getting high. In the words of Seibo Shen:\n\n\"The athletes that we work with have benefitted immensely by integrating cannabis into their exercise programs. That’s why we decided to create our Activation Spray as a 1 mg of THC per dose product.  \n\nBeing able to hit your “sweet spot” as an athlete is important, and the ability to dose with 5X more accuracy than traditional microdose products is game-changing for those looking to increase focus but not detract from coordination and endurance. Don’t get high. Get elevated with CannAthlete Activation Spray.”\n\n![Hello6-min (13).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello6_min_13_af8a62d10e.png)\n\n### Microdosing Before My Workout\n\nWell, I am always game to hit my sweet spot, as he says, so I decided to give the Activation Spray a whirl while I exercised. Unfortunately, I hurt my shoulder while snowboarding, so my workout became workout-light with a one-hour session at San Francisco’s Dailey Method. Those ladies are fit and toned, though, so it can’t be too light.\n\nOpening up the spray in the locker room 15 minutes prior to class, I liked the discreet nature of the product. It is a lovely glass bottle that might be confused for a small perfume. When carrying cannabis products, I do not think that is necessarily a bad thing. \n\nNot wanting to become a cautionary tale, I chose to proceed with caution, so I shook the little love nugget and sprayed 3 squirts into my mouth, the equivalent of 3mg of THC. Wow, minty freshness in abundance, an incredible explosion of spearmint, all of which results in excellent Date-Night-Mouth (yes, DNM is real).\n\nI put my stuff into my locker and entered the Dailey Method class, and waited to feel the effects. The first thing that I noticed is that the onset of Activation Spray happened within 15 minutes, relatively quickly, which is a benefit of using a mouth spray. I also noticed that the music, which is always good at The Dailey Method, was more interesting and engaging than usual and that my focus turned to my breathing and the rhythm of movement and sound. \n\nIt did seem that I was also more focused, as promised, yet without the feeling of being high. My mind tends to wander when I do bar-method-like classes, so I found this to be extremely helpful. The effect of the spray seemed to last for a few hours, and all in all, I was very happy with the experience, something that I would choose to do again.\n\n![Hello2-min (29).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello2_min_29_5faf2ece50.png)\n\n### Microdosing Meets Snowboarding\n\nThe next week I took a trip to Squaw and got my groove on snowboarding in some of the best snow in years. My shoulder was still bothering me, so I took a couple of sprays from my Activation bottle. Again, I noticed a heightened awareness of my breathing, a sense of my own range of motion as well as a reduction in pain. Everyone reacts differently to cannabis, but I believe that based on my own experience, Activation Spray delivers on its promise.\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.\n\n### Get a Medical Marijuana Card Online\n\nIt's easy to get your medical marijuana document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/get-started/). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and purchase medical cannabis today. You don't pay unless you're approved!","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1,"src":"/static/69867e7f0516c688ce18d75cc6fab01e/ee604/1c449cc8f444636a77d7140613c07ec9.png","srcSet":"/static/69867e7f0516c688ce18d75cc6fab01e/69585/1c449cc8f444636a77d7140613c07ec9.png 200w,\n/static/69867e7f0516c688ce18d75cc6fab01e/497c6/1c449cc8f444636a77d7140613c07ec9.png 400w,\n/static/69867e7f0516c688ce18d75cc6fab01e/ee604/1c449cc8f444636a77d7140613c07ec9.png 800w,\n/static/69867e7f0516c688ce18d75cc6fab01e/12b05/1c449cc8f444636a77d7140613c07ec9.png 836w","srcWebp":"/static/69867e7f0516c688ce18d75cc6fab01e/58556/1c449cc8f444636a77d7140613c07ec9.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/69867e7f0516c688ce18d75cc6fab01e/61e93/1c449cc8f444636a77d7140613c07ec9.webp 200w,\n/static/69867e7f0516c688ce18d75cc6fab01e/1f5c5/1c449cc8f444636a77d7140613c07ec9.webp 400w,\n/static/69867e7f0516c688ce18d75cc6fab01e/58556/1c449cc8f444636a77d7140613c07ec9.webp 800w,\n/static/69867e7f0516c688ce18d75cc6fab01e/6c306/1c449cc8f444636a77d7140613c07ec9.webp 836w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2386-markdown","title":"Microdosing Cannabis: Satori Chocolate Edibles Review","slug":"microdosing-cannabis-satori-chocolate-edibles-review","content":"Last year, I often lamented the lack of low-dose options on the market for cannabis consumers. Walking into a typical dispensary, it’s quite common to be advised to purchase a 200 mg bar of chocolate or offered a gummy bear that may be anywhere from 20–50 mg of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).\n\nLuckily, this year we’ve seen the emergence of several new brands and products that have the microdosing cannabis consumer in mind. One of my absolute favorite new brands to hit the market in 2017 is called Satori. This California brand offers a [variety of low-dose chocolate-covered edibles](https://hellomd.com/articles/top-cannabis-brands-that-are-doing-it-right) in 1 mg, 3 mg and 10 mg doses.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \n\n### Microdosing Marijuana Explained\n\nThe [practice of microdosing marijuana](https://hellomd.com/articles/microdosing-101-cannabis-psilocybin-and-lsd) involves ingesting small amounts of cannabis to create a specific effect. For a medical marijuana consumer, this may be titrating a small amount throughout the day to treat a condition without feeling the effect of being high. For someone not seeking to treat a specific condition, microdosing may be used to produce a sense of well-being, reduce anxiety, focus attention or lift the spirits on a dreary day. Yep, in a nutshell, that’s microdosing.\n\n![Satori’s cannabis-infused chocolate-covered edibles](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58797273eb7401000b5ac214/embedded_images/58797302f00ad100085798ec/studio3.JPG)\nSatori pairs cannabis and chocolate in these tasty microdosed edibles.\n \nFor me, [microdosing cannabis started as a way to manage chronic pain](https://hellomd.com/articles/microdosing-cannabis-stopped-my-chronic-pain) effectively without feeling the psychoactive high. This worked very well for my chronic migraines and fibromyalgia. Over time however, I noticed that I enjoyed the relaxation and more subtle effects of microdosing. \n\nAfter a stressful day, microdosing a 3 mg cannabis-infused chocolate has a way of taking the edge off, similar to drinking a glass of wine. It should be noted that most people will not feel any noticeable psychoactive effects at around 2.5 mg and will begin to feel psychoactivity at around 5 –10 mg. As everyone is different, there are no hard and fast rules, but this applies to me. \n\nNow, I realize, if you’re an avid cannabis consumer with higher THC tolerances, such a low dosage may seem laughable. For those with lower tolerances though or for anyone who may have had a bad edible experience, this is a perfect way to onramp into the world of cannabis.  \n\n### Satori Cannabis Chocolate Review\n\nFor my trial run with [Satori](https://twitter.com/satoriedibles), I chose to consume the 3 mg THC Wild Strawberries in Organic Milk Chocolate. Rather than sitting at home, I decided to test the 420 Games principle that [cannabis and athletics can go hand in hand](https://hellomd.com/articles/the-420-games-celebrates-athletes-healthy-living-and-cannabis.\n\nTo that end, I chose to attend a yoga class at my favorite yoga studio in San Francisco, Yoga Tree Castro, with my good girlfriend Valerie. (Valerie did not consume any cannabis.) I’ve been an avid yoga practitioner for the past 15 years, so I know both my capabilities and limits; I felt confident that 3 mg of THC wouldn’t put my downward dog (or me) in jeopardy. \n\nAs cannabis edibles must first be digested and then metabolized by your liver before entering your bloodstream, it can take up to one to two hours to feel the effects. With that in mind, I decided to consume my 3 mg Satori cannabis chocolate an hour before class time. Sitting in my car after I parked, I grabbed my Satori box. The packaging, which seems to be made out of recycled material, is aesthetically pleasing; it looks like high-quality-granola-meets-the-Whole-Foods-set.\n\n### Seeing Into One’s True Nature With Satori\n\nGoogling the word “Satori,” I came up with this: “The word is derived from the Japanese verb satoru. In the Zen Buddhist tradition, satori refers to the experience of kenshō, \"seeing into one's true nature.” Well, yes, I was feeling pretty good about everything at this point.\n\nOpening the box, I poured a handful of the cannabis chocolates into my palm. One of the first things I noticed was the chocolatey aroma wafting up intermixed with a faint scent of cannabis. I happen to like the smell of cannabis, so for me this was a pleasant experience. The second thing I noticed was that the size of the chocolates vary, and that they appeared to be panned, given the uneven texture. \n\nPanning refers to the practice of tumbling the chocolate over an object, such as a tasty dried strawberry. The only downside to panning with cannabis is that the dosage may vary. This is due to the size of the dried strawberry being panned and the amount of chocolate that actually coats the object. In other words, one strawberry might be 2 mg and another strawberry might be 4 mg. Unperturbed by this fact, I looked over the cannabis chocolates in my hand, chose a middle-sized chocolate-coated strawberry and popped it in my mouth.\n\n### First Impressions: This Is High-Quality Chocolate With a Hint of Cannabis\n\nOh, high-quality chocolate is what immediately entered my mind. Chocolate I want more of (which is somewhat problematic with edibles and requires restraint)! The other taste that came through was an earthy cannabis flavor, although it didn’t overpower the chocolate. The sweetness of the strawberry combined with the chocolate and cannabis flavor was pure bliss and unlike any other marijuana edible I’ve tried to date.\n\nUsually, it seems that manufacturers try to completely negate the cannabis flavor from an edible whereas Satori seems to celebrate it. Now, I would need to wait to feel the effects.\n\n![Cannabis chocolate to enhance my yoga experience](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58797273eb7401000b5ac214/embedded_images/58797276eb7401000b5ac215/studio2.JPG)\nGetting my zen on with Satori at Yoga Tree Castro in SF. \n\nAn hour later, I unrolled my yoga mat next to Valerie. Soon thereafter, I started to feel the effects of my cannabis-infused chocolate-covered strawberry as I began our first series of vinyasas. I felt a sense of relaxation and a deeper level of awareness within my body as we warmed up.\n\nOne striking difference was the emphasis I felt within my breathing and the sense of breath going to different parts of my body. As any yoga practitioner knows, this is a core tenet of yoga, but is often glossed over within the mind, which tends to wander and hold onto everything except the breath. I didn’t feel stoned; rather, I felt calm, focused and happy.\n\n### Feeling Happy From Satori’s Cannabis-Infused Chocolate-Covered Strawberry\n\nThe last word “happy” is a word I don’t often use when describing cannabis edibles. For the most part, when I take an edible, I notice a general sense of calm, but I also find them extremely useful for sleeping. With the Satori cannabis chocolate, I noticed a significant uptick in both my mood and energy level, which for me is quite unusual for any edible. If Satori could be analagous to something, it might be to the sativa marijuana strain. \n\nAs the class progressed, I went deeper into poses than I might normally go, while at the same time I didn’t feel as if I were stretching past any limitations. With the music going and feeling the flow both within myself and the class, I was really enjoying myself. There was only one point at which I thought better of a pose and stopped myself from doing a forearm stand, an upside-down inversion on the forearms. Considering I was about a foot away from my neighbors on either side, going upside down didn’t seem like it was in anyone’s best interest. \n\nAt the end of the 90-minute class, I was definitely feeling as if I were “seeing into my own true nature” as it were. I was extremely pleased with my experience with Satori’s 3 mg marijuana-spiked chocolate-covered strawberry. This is one cannabis product I plan to keep in heavy rotation and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone. Definitely a keeper.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/tag/cannabis-101/) 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":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/bf3d4b677c4903730c120a55b9e036d3/14b42/4422a26bdb998844f1e241cf95c64e44.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bf3d4b677c4903730c120a55b9e036d3/f836f/4422a26bdb998844f1e241cf95c64e44.jpg 200w,\n/static/bf3d4b677c4903730c120a55b9e036d3/2244e/4422a26bdb998844f1e241cf95c64e44.jpg 400w,\n/static/bf3d4b677c4903730c120a55b9e036d3/14b42/4422a26bdb998844f1e241cf95c64e44.jpg 800w,\n/static/bf3d4b677c4903730c120a55b9e036d3/47498/4422a26bdb998844f1e241cf95c64e44.jpg 1200w,\n/static/bf3d4b677c4903730c120a55b9e036d3/54ac5/4422a26bdb998844f1e241cf95c64e44.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/bf3d4b677c4903730c120a55b9e036d3/58556/4422a26bdb998844f1e241cf95c64e44.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bf3d4b677c4903730c120a55b9e036d3/61e93/4422a26bdb998844f1e241cf95c64e44.webp 200w,\n/static/bf3d4b677c4903730c120a55b9e036d3/1f5c5/4422a26bdb998844f1e241cf95c64e44.webp 400w,\n/static/bf3d4b677c4903730c120a55b9e036d3/58556/4422a26bdb998844f1e241cf95c64e44.webp 800w,\n/static/bf3d4b677c4903730c120a55b9e036d3/99238/4422a26bdb998844f1e241cf95c64e44.webp 1200w,\n/static/bf3d4b677c4903730c120a55b9e036d3/5e0b8/4422a26bdb998844f1e241cf95c64e44.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":24,"numPages":6,"currentPage":3,"id":5383,"name":"Industry Spotlight","slug":"industry-spotlight","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}