{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/news-and-events/5","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2318-markdown","title":"How the RICO Laws Might Impact the Cannabis Industry","slug":"how-the-rico-laws-might-impact-the-cannabis-industry","content":"\nIn 1970, Congress passed a piece of legislation called the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. At the time, it was a considered a groundbreaking regulation intended to help the government’s efforts to heavily reduce organized crime. Though the original purpose was to give the federal organizations the power to go after high-profile mafia bosses, the act has since widened its net of influence to affect a variety of organizations or enterprises (corporation, partnership or business) that may be involved in racketeering. Anyone who acquires, establishes, operates or maintains any interest in an enterprise that illegally derives its income or commits illegal acts can be subject to prosecution.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nWhy this could be cause for concern for the cannabis industry is that now private citizens are using these federal racketeering laws to bypass state law to take marijuana grows and dispensaries to court. In early June, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Colorado decided that the distinctive smell from a nearby cannabis cultivation site might be lowering property values and that the site’s neighbors could legally sue them in a district court under the RICO Act. The case has the potential to create a damaging precedent that could have far-reaching consequences where individuals will look for ways to attack and delegitimize the cannabis industry through civil cases that lean on federal law.\n\n### Why RICO Could Be a Problem for the Cannabis Industry\n\nThe RICO Act lists 35 crimes that can be considered racketeering including robbery, gambling, bribery, arson, extortion, kidnapping and the manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance or prohibited chemical. If an individual or organization commits two or more of the 35 crimes under RICO in a 10-year period, it’s considered racketeering. Individuals and organizations can be charged with racketeering by the Department of Justice, prosecutors on behalf of the government and private citizens, but the difference between the type of charges can have a significant impact on the procedural process as well as the outcome.\n\nIn criminal cases, the accused defendant must be found guilty by a jury. There cannot be any reasonable doubt of the crime of the individual’s affiliation with the organization or enterprise. However, in civil cases brought up by private citizens, the burden of proof is much lower. All the plaintiff has to do to prove—and most likely win—their case is to submit a preponderance of evidence that shows the defendant’s illegal actions caused them losses of any sort. When that happens, plaintiffs can be awarded up to three times the amount of money they claimed to have lost due to the actions of the defendant. \n\nAt the time an individual or enterprise is accused of committing a crime, the government can immediately seize or freeze any property, belongings or assets that are suspected to be related to racketeering through a process called forfeiture. If a RICO charge is proven, defendants can be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison and face fines up to double the amount of money they received from their illegal activities. \n\nRELATED: [Legalized Civil Forfeiture Is Un-American](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59a5c2717aedf1361c9a4d39/legalized-civil-forfeiture-is-un-american)\n\n### Will the Cannabis Industry Be Protected from the RICO Act?\n\nBecause cannabis is still illegal at the federal level and considered a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, individuals and enterprises operating in state-legalized cannabis markets can potentially become embroiled in legal battles under RICO’s broad laws. In addition to cultivators and manufacturers, this means employees of dispensaries, brands providing marijuana products, shareholders and even a company that legally rents property to a cannabis collective could be charged with racketeering.\n\nWhile cannabis’s legal status in states such as Colorado and California remains protected, its vulnerability to civil RICO charges can make entering and operating in the already-risky industry even more precarious.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEDBP/EABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME/9oADAMBAAIQAxAAAAFRmp68ZqED/8QAGxAAAQQDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQACAxIRISL/2gAIAQEAAQUCyKKQlz4uGA3I0v/EABcRAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACEQH/2gAIAQMBAT8BWyGqf//EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEv/aAAgBAgEBPwGtP//EABkQAAIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARAQIhEP/aAAgBAQAGPwJ11YO0YMie/wD/xAAaEAEAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAEERIWFR/9oACAEBAAE/IVgt55DCOo9uKIT1WLmXRURlq5//2gAMAwEAAgADAAAAEH8//8QAGBEBAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARITH/2gAIAQMBAT8QsIek1dn/xAAYEQEBAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABABExUf/aAAgBAgEBPxAAryMDV//EABsQAQEBAAIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERADFBIXGh/9oACAEBAAE/EJlCLPKOHKbEodmur5haRp76uoF1rRhdTzv/2Q==","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/fbaef4f3994f22dfe2c3224e311663dc/14b42/4362416b33a1c5dd2471980c6994e926.jpg","srcSet":"/static/fbaef4f3994f22dfe2c3224e311663dc/f836f/4362416b33a1c5dd2471980c6994e926.jpg 200w,\n/static/fbaef4f3994f22dfe2c3224e311663dc/2244e/4362416b33a1c5dd2471980c6994e926.jpg 400w,\n/static/fbaef4f3994f22dfe2c3224e311663dc/14b42/4362416b33a1c5dd2471980c6994e926.jpg 800w,\n/static/fbaef4f3994f22dfe2c3224e311663dc/47498/4362416b33a1c5dd2471980c6994e926.jpg 1200w,\n/static/fbaef4f3994f22dfe2c3224e311663dc/54ac5/4362416b33a1c5dd2471980c6994e926.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/fbaef4f3994f22dfe2c3224e311663dc/58556/4362416b33a1c5dd2471980c6994e926.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/fbaef4f3994f22dfe2c3224e311663dc/61e93/4362416b33a1c5dd2471980c6994e926.webp 200w,\n/static/fbaef4f3994f22dfe2c3224e311663dc/1f5c5/4362416b33a1c5dd2471980c6994e926.webp 400w,\n/static/fbaef4f3994f22dfe2c3224e311663dc/58556/4362416b33a1c5dd2471980c6994e926.webp 800w,\n/static/fbaef4f3994f22dfe2c3224e311663dc/99238/4362416b33a1c5dd2471980c6994e926.webp 1200w,\n/static/fbaef4f3994f22dfe2c3224e311663dc/5e0b8/4362416b33a1c5dd2471980c6994e926.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2279-markdown","title":"How Much Does Marijuana Cost? It Depends","slug":"how-much-does-marijuana-cost-it-depends","content":"If you live in a state where you can legally purchase cannabis and take a trip to your local dispensary to pick up some flower, you probably have a good idea about how much you plan to spend. That’s assuming you’ve already visited a handful of collectives in your city, are familiar with most of the standard prices for marijuana and understand that even the cost for strains inside the same retail location can have a pretty wide range of prices based on everything from the quality of the product to its popularity among the location’s clientele. Once you step outside of your sphere though, you may find the prices for cannabis products could be very different just one city over.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Marijuana Prices Fluctuate Based on Quality\n\nPricing for marijuana depends on a number of factors and can fluctuate dramatically even between marijuana strains that have been given the same name. In fact, identically named strains from different cultivators often have lots of genomic and phenotypic differences that make them vary in quality and affect the price.\n\nFor example, one grower’s version of [Sour Diesel](https://www.hellomd.com/marijuana-undefined/sour-diesel) can have a very different genetic profile from another grower’s product. These variances can affect the terpene content and THC/CBD level based on cultivation conditions (i.e., Was it grown indoors or out? Is it organic?) and what season it is—for starters. If you add in the strain’s popularity and where it’s being sold, the pricing scale becomes incredibly subjective.\n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_YqZcailVg` \n\n### Cannabis Prices Based on Supply, Demand and Taxes\n\nWhereas Colorado has experienced a drop in prices since the legalization of recreational or adult-use cannabis, cannabis prices in Nevada have risen a jaw-dropping 200% since sales began on July 1 in response to the unexpectedly high demand from consumers. Though most of the demand comes from visiting tourists in town for a fun weekend, Nevada’s extreme price hike has had a major impact on a state that’s still struggling to get more cultivation licenses approved to increase the supply that’s available to consumers.\n\nRELATED: [Nevada Runs Out of Marijuana](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5978a911aa0db4002124d9b1/nevada-runs-out-of-marijuana)\n\nState taxes also play a role in the price of cannabis. For example, in California there are 58 counties and 482 municipalities that can add their own regional tax on top of the proposed state tax for cannabis. Those costs are typically passed on to the consumer, which result in higher and variable prices, depending on the county or municipality.\n\n### Can Cannabis Prices Be Standardized?\n\nThough consumers may be looking for a more streamlined and stable pricing structure for cannabis, this may still be much further off in the future—if it comes at all. All of the variances in quality, appearance, plant genetics, cultivation practices, and regional supply and demand make it a challenge to create a systematic pricing structure with clear criteria that makes sense for each state. Add to that the illegal status of marijuana at the federal level; this prevents the needed research and development to create a common standard.\n\nBecause black market dealers are able to bypass regulatory fees and regional taxes that the legal market is faced with, they’re typically able to sell marijuana at lower prices. This means that some consumers will be willing to take the risk of buying cannabis illegally from the black market—and potentially forego quality and selection for better prices.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \n\n\n\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/14b42/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/f836f/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.jpg 200w,\n/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/2244e/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.jpg 400w,\n/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/14b42/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.jpg 800w,\n/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/47498/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.jpg 1200w,\n/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/54ac5/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/58556/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/61e93/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.webp 200w,\n/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/1f5c5/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.webp 400w,\n/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/58556/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.webp 800w,\n/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/99238/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.webp 1200w,\n/static/c1cef41ed0cebea367de30e78016b472/5e0b8/ed99d01c2213f6fbc33151d3e3c0f19c.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2491-markdown","title":"Legalized Civil Forfeiture Is Un-American","slug":"legalized-civil-forfeiture-is-un-american","content":"You’re at home, having an uneventful day when you hear a booming knock at your door. A glance out of the peephole reveals a group of federal agents and you quickly realize that something is terribly wrong. Upon opening the door, you’re informed that your property is being seized, your car is being taken and all of the cash found in the house will be confiscated. Immediately. Why? The authorities suspect that you've been involved in a crime or some illegal activity, so they've seized your assets, all of them. Whether or not this is true, they have the right to take your possessions. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nAlthough it may not make any sense, what has just happened is completely legal and is actually considered a successful law enforcement tool among both local and federal agencies. It’s called civil asset forfeiture or federal adoption, and it allows law enforcement to seize property and goods if they think they're related to or were procured through illegal activity. This includes real estate, cars, jewelry, boats, cash and pretty much anything that's suspected of being connected to illegal activity. For instance, in the event of a federal crackdown on cannabis, owners of recreational dispensaries and medical cannabis collectives could be more vulnerable to asset seizure of items like raw materials, containers or packaging, information for manufacture and distribution including books, records and formulas, and machines for making capsules and tablets—for starters. \n\n### How Civil Forfeiture Works\n\nThe process of civil forfeiture starts with federal government suspicion that property is directly related with illegal activity, particularly prohibited substances. There are three different types of legal forfeitures—criminal, civil and administrative—with subtle but significant differences between them that have drastic effects on the victims whose property and goods have been seized. The biggest and most damaging distinction is that in civil forfeiture cases, it isn’t necessary for a charge to be filed, so the burden to prove innocence falls on the person whose been accused. It's also the individual’s responsibility to find legal representation and fund their case to get back their property, which can often amount to years in court and astronomical fees.\n\nRELATED:[THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION & MARIJUANA](https://hellomd.com/health-wellness/585b61679d3264000cac9b10/the-trump-administration-and-marijuana)\n\nMoney and possessions seized by local and federal agencies are typically recycled back into the organization’s annual budget, creating a conflict of interest where law enforcement starts policing for profit. It’s a practice that's often reframed to appear as a benevolent tool despite its apparent abuse. \n\n### A Step in the Wrong Direction\n\nIn July, Attorney General Jeff Sessions released a [statement on policy and guidelines in support of strengthening the federal civil forfeiture program](https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-sessions-issues-policy-and-guidelines-federal-adoptions-assets-seized-state) that “takes the material support of the criminals and instead makes it the material support of law enforcement, funding priorities like new vehicles, bulletproof vests, opioid overdose reversal kits and better training.”\n\nThis controversial law enforcement tactic, with very few legal protections or due process rules for victims of baseless civil seizures, has also been shown to be highly discriminatory with disproportionate forfeitures occurring in higher rates in communities of color and low-income neighborhoods. \n\nIn fact, a recent report from the Nevada Policy Research Institute provides [insight into how the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department routinely targeted the same 12 zip codes](http://www.npri.org/docLib/20170726_CompleteForfeitureReport.pdf), where 56 percent of forfeitures concerned cash or other goods whose value was below $1,000. Without the money to fight back, individuals are often at a loss for having their property returned and are forced to suffer the injustice without recourse. \n\n### An Uncertain Future\n\nSessions’ not-so-subtle admission that one of the driving factors behind this technique is funding law enforcement budgets is just one more reason why the practice needs to be heavily examined and reformed. It not only threatens the livelihood of innocent individuals, it can also have dire consequences for the cannabis industry in regions where state laws and federal laws have conflicting interpretations when it comes to regulatory issues surrounding legality. \n\nIt’s still uncertain what the future holds. With the current administration still ironing out so many details, the cannabis industry is all eyes and ears for regulations that will create even more obstacles towards not only mainstream acceptance, but federal legalization. Frankly, the practice of civil forfeiture is not only wrong, but un-American.\n\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/14b42/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.jpg","srcSet":"/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/f836f/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.jpg 200w,\n/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/2244e/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.jpg 400w,\n/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/14b42/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.jpg 800w,\n/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/47498/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.jpg 1200w,\n/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/54ac5/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/58556/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/61e93/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.webp 200w,\n/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/1f5c5/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.webp 400w,\n/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/58556/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.webp 800w,\n/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/99238/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.webp 1200w,\n/static/fb05e4915583da092ceb8322c684a65d/5e0b8/80b710e32457f20270059617d5b44883.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2382-markdown","title":"CA MEDICAL BOARD TO DENY ACCESS FOR TELEHEALTH","slug":"ca-medical-board-to-deny-access-for-telehealth","content":"Telehealth (connecting doctors and patients over live video) is now a mainstream part of the American healthcare system supported in law by over 30 states. Telehealth has been shown to lower costs, and increase access to doctors particularly for patients that might otherwise not have such access, whether due to mobility issues, unable to obtain transportation, being house bound, uncomfortable visiting doctors whose offices were in undesirable areas, high predatory pricing, privacy issues, etc. Since 2014 the availability of Telehealth for cannabis consultations made this access available to all Californians, no matter where they live.\r\n\r\nGetting easy access to medical care is critical. Particularly in the face of a national opioid epidemic that kills 91 people every day. HelloMD in cooperation with the University of California- Berkeley published in June 2017, the largest study ever regarding cannabis and opioid use. It showed that out of over 3,000 participants, 97% of patients were able to decrease their opioid use using cannabis and 95% preferred cannabis to opioids for pain relief. Denying access to care will decrease the number of people able to use cannabis as a alternative to opioids.\r\n\r\n\r\nSince January 2014, the California Medical Board has supported Telehealth access for cannabis patients, and this has made getting a cannabis recommendation low cost and easy for Californians. HelloMD alone has facilitated over 70,000 such consultations. \r\n\r\n## THE CA MEDICAL BOARD WANTS TO TAKE THIS AWAY\r\n\r\nThe Medical Board is now proposing to take all that away and make physical exams mandatory for cannabis consultations. Thus denying Californians their right to access for care and stepping backwards in time. It is wrong and dangerous.\r\n\r\n## WE NEED YOUR HELP IN SENDING A MESSAGE NOW\r\n\r\nHelp us convince the Medical Board to keep the requirements for physical examination OUT of their new proposed regulations by sending this letter to the Board. \r\n\r\n## INSTRUCTIONS\r\n\r\n-\tCUT and PASTE into your email. \r\n-\tBe sure to complete the MISSING INFO.\r\n-\tSend to: Kimberly.Kirchmeyer@mbc.ca.gov\r\n- [Click here to make your voice heard.](mailto:Kimberly.Kirchmeyer@mbc.ca.gov,?subject=Don%E2%80%99t%20restrict%20my%20access%20to%20Telehealth&body=Medical%20Board%20of%20California%0D%0A%0D%0ATODAYS%20DATE%0D%0A%0D%0ADear%20Medical%20Board,%0D%0A%0D%0AI%20am%20writing%20to%20express%20my%20support%20for%20continued%20Telehealth%20access%20for%20cannabis%20patients,%20and%20against%20your%20proposed%20plan%20to%20require%20in%20in-person%20doctor%E2%80%99s%20consultation%20for%20cannabis.%0D%0A%0D%0ATelehealth%20is%20an%20important%20and%20growing%20part%20of%20our%20healthcare%20system.%20It%20reduces%20costs%20for%20patients,%20and%20makes%20access%20to%20quality%20care%20available%20to%20patients%20across%20California.%20Many%20cannabis%20patients%20are%20elderly,%20sick%20or%20infirm,%20and%20having%20to%20travel%20to%20see%20a%20doctor%20in-person%20puts%20an%20unnecessary%20burden%20on%20their%20access%20to%20doctors.%20Since%202014,%20Californians%20have%20been%20able%20to%20consult%20with%20a%20physician%20over%20Telehealth%20about%20their%20use%20of%20cannabis,%20and%20removing%20such%20access%20is%20dangerous%20and%20wrong.%0D%0A%0D%0AIt%20is%20dangerous%20for%20the%20simple%20reason%20that%20cannabis%20decreases%20opioid%20use%20and%20can%20lead%20to%20a%20decrease%20in%20deaths%20due%20to%20opioids.%20There%20are%20over%2091%20death%20PER%20DAY%20due%20to%20opioid%20abuse.%20HelloMD%20in%20cooperation%20with%20the%20University%20of%20California-%20Berkeley%20published%20the%20largest%20study%20ever%20of%20almost%203,000%20patients%20in%20June%202017.%20It%20showed%20that%2097%25%20of%20the%20patients%20were%20able%20to%20decrease%20their%20opioid%20use%20and%2095%25%20preferred%20cannabis%20to%20opioids%20for%20pain%20relief!%0D%0A%0D%0AI%20hope%20that%20you%20will%20not%20move%20forward%20with%20this%20unnecessary%20and%20dangerous%20change%20in%20the%20laws%20for%20medical%20cannabis%20patients.)\r\n\r\n-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nMedical Board of California\r\n\r\nTODAYS DATE\r\n\r\nDear Medical Board,\r\n\r\nI am writing to express my support for continued Telehealth access for cannabis patients, and __** against **__ your proposed plan to require in in-person doctor’s consultation for cannabis.\r\n\r\nTelehealth is an important and growing part of our healthcare system. It reduces costs for patients, and makes access to quality care available to patients across California. Many cannabis patients are elderly, sick or infirm, and having to travel to see a doctor in-person puts an unnecessary burden on their access to doctors. Since 2014, Californians have been able to consult with a physician over Telehealth about their use of cannabis, and removing such access is dangerous and wrong.\r\n\r\nIt is dangerous for the simple reason that cannabis decreases opioid use and can lead to a decrease in deaths due to opioids. There are over 91 death PER DAY due to opioid abuse. HelloMD in cooperation with the University of California- Berkeley published the largest study ever of almost 3,000 patients in June 2018. It showed that 97% of the patients were able to decrease their opioid use and 95% preferred cannabis to opioids for pain relief!\r\n\r\nI hope that you will not move forward with this unnecessary and dangerous change in the laws for medical cannabis patients.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\nYOUR NAME\r\n\r\nYOUR ADDRESS\r\n\r\nCC to: \r\n\r\nKimberly.Kirchmeyer@mbc.ca.gov - Kimberly Kirchmeyer, Executive Director\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5748031496062993,"src":"/static/bb2ae1c8265d7abbd44d795ad424b395/f9913/1b314a2d9ebd908637aa03a8ea654b07.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bb2ae1c8265d7abbd44d795ad424b395/f836f/1b314a2d9ebd908637aa03a8ea654b07.jpg 200w,\n/static/bb2ae1c8265d7abbd44d795ad424b395/2244e/1b314a2d9ebd908637aa03a8ea654b07.jpg 400w,\n/static/bb2ae1c8265d7abbd44d795ad424b395/f9913/1b314a2d9ebd908637aa03a8ea654b07.jpg 750w","srcWebp":"/static/bb2ae1c8265d7abbd44d795ad424b395/e557c/1b314a2d9ebd908637aa03a8ea654b07.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bb2ae1c8265d7abbd44d795ad424b395/61e93/1b314a2d9ebd908637aa03a8ea654b07.webp 200w,\n/static/bb2ae1c8265d7abbd44d795ad424b395/1f5c5/1b314a2d9ebd908637aa03a8ea654b07.webp 400w,\n/static/bb2ae1c8265d7abbd44d795ad424b395/e557c/1b314a2d9ebd908637aa03a8ea654b07.webp 750w","sizes":"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2259-markdown","title":"The Long History of Opioid Abuse in the United States","slug":"the-long-history-of-opioid-abuse-in-the-united-states","content":"In the last few years, it seems as if the call for a solution to the rampant opioid addiction or what is commonly referred to as the “opioid epidemic” has reached a fever pitch — and with reason. [Statistics](https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/index.html) from the Center for Disease Control reveal that more than 650,000 prescriptions for opioids are distributed every single day with more than 4,000 people initiating non-medical or doctor-regulated use daily. And in just 15 years, between 2000 and 2015, the number of prescription opioids quadrupled and more than half a million people lost their lives due to drug overdoses.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### An Epidemic in the United States\r\n \r\nOpioids are substances that are supposed to be used to help reduce or eliminate moderate to severe pain in the body by interacting with the opioid receptors that are distributed throughout the body in the brain, spinal cord and digestive tract. They are a class of drugs that includes natural, synthetic and semi-synthetic prescribed medicines including oxycodone most recognized as OxyContin or Percocet and hydrocodone better known as Vicodin as well as illegal drugs like heroin and opium. \r\n\r\nThe present opioid epidemic is usually traced back to the 1990s, when both pundits and presidents began expressing a heightened concern over the growing number of adults abusing what was once touted as a wonder drug. Opioids became known for being highly addictive and a driving factor in the large numbers of deaths among communities of color, veterans and other marginalized groups who were not often seen with the same compassion that has been introduced to the cultural conversation surrounding drug abuse and rehabilitation today. Donald Trump has expressed concern for what he considers a unique national emergency affecting the country right now, although it is actually a problem that has been resurfacing again and again since the 19th century.\r\n\r\nRELATED: [MARIJUANA DOES NOT CAUSE OPIOID ADDICATION](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/marijuana-does-not-cause-opioid-addiction)\r\n\r\n### The History of Opioids\r\n\r\nThe start of opioid abuse begins much further back than just a few decades ago in the 1990s.\r\nThe history of opioid use [dates back](http://www.theatlantic.com/sponsored/purdue-health/a-brief-history-of-opioids/184/) in time to Lower Mesopotamia, when opium poppy was being cultivated in 3400 B.C. Historians have frequently traced the beginning of the abuse problem back to the 19th century following the introduction of morphine to modern medicine in 1817 that changed the medical practice forever. \r\n\r\nAt the time, morphine was taken orally and took time for the effects to kick in. It often came with unpleasant side effects ranging from vomiting, nausea and constipation to dizziness and respiratory problems including drastically slowed breathing. Still, it wasn’t until a little more than 50 years later in 1870 that opioid abuse began to become a prevalent issue with the emergence of the hypodermic needle, which allowed for almost instantaneous relief from pain due to how it was administered. Although well-meaning, physicians looked to morphine for almost any reason to alleviate their patients pain-related symptoms from significant wounds to menstrual cramps, creating a culture of morphine-addicted patients. \r\n\r\nThere were also instances where patients were put in charge of administering their own doses of morphine from traveling doctors and medical professionals who only made infrequent visits due to transportation. Unattended and unregulated access to morphine only exacerbated the already-widespread problem and catapulted that era into a opioid epidemic. \r\n\r\n### Heroin & Morphine\r\n\r\nAlmost 30 years later in 1898, heroin was [introduced commercially](http://edition.cnn.com/2016/05/12/health/opioid-addiction-history/index.html) as a pain reliever, cough suppressant and non-addictive substitute for morphine addicts. After it was clear the new alternative was also highly addictive, it eventually became illegal in 1924 after the Heroin Act was passed which banned the importation, manufacture and possession of the substance throughout the United States. In 1938, the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act allowed the FDA to declare that all food, drugs and cosmetics sold to the public needed to be proven safe and free of harm, but still allowed medicines that were derived from opioids and already being sold like codeine, morphine and oxycodone to remain available. \r\n\r\nToday, these same substances are being prescribed and abused by patients despite more and more evidence that cannabis can be an effective alternative to traditional opioid treatment for pain. In fact, a seminal [study](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/hellomd-and-uc-berkeley-release-study-on-cannabis-use-as-a-substitute-for-opioid-and-non-opioid-based-pain-medication) recently released by HelloMD and UC Berkeley shows that 92% of cannabis patients actually prefer to manage their chronic pain using cannabis to opioids, proving that cannabis can be just as effective as prescription pills for physical discomfort.\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\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/3b5b79dc4bd45df67c9c0c05ff7cd63c/14b42/b6a9ffa2065916baf87c718c47f0da8c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3b5b79dc4bd45df67c9c0c05ff7cd63c/f836f/b6a9ffa2065916baf87c718c47f0da8c.jpg 200w,\n/static/3b5b79dc4bd45df67c9c0c05ff7cd63c/2244e/b6a9ffa2065916baf87c718c47f0da8c.jpg 400w,\n/static/3b5b79dc4bd45df67c9c0c05ff7cd63c/14b42/b6a9ffa2065916baf87c718c47f0da8c.jpg 800w,\n/static/3b5b79dc4bd45df67c9c0c05ff7cd63c/47498/b6a9ffa2065916baf87c718c47f0da8c.jpg 1200w,\n/static/3b5b79dc4bd45df67c9c0c05ff7cd63c/54ac5/b6a9ffa2065916baf87c718c47f0da8c.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/3b5b79dc4bd45df67c9c0c05ff7cd63c/58556/b6a9ffa2065916baf87c718c47f0da8c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3b5b79dc4bd45df67c9c0c05ff7cd63c/61e93/b6a9ffa2065916baf87c718c47f0da8c.webp 200w,\n/static/3b5b79dc4bd45df67c9c0c05ff7cd63c/1f5c5/b6a9ffa2065916baf87c718c47f0da8c.webp 400w,\n/static/3b5b79dc4bd45df67c9c0c05ff7cd63c/58556/b6a9ffa2065916baf87c718c47f0da8c.webp 800w,\n/static/3b5b79dc4bd45df67c9c0c05ff7cd63c/99238/b6a9ffa2065916baf87c718c47f0da8c.webp 1200w,\n/static/3b5b79dc4bd45df67c9c0c05ff7cd63c/5e0b8/b6a9ffa2065916baf87c718c47f0da8c.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2462-markdown","title":"NFL to Conduct Study on Pain Management and Cannabis","slug":"nfl-to-conduct-study-on-pain-management-and-cannabis","content":"The NFL has recently reached out to the league’s player’s union to ask to conduct a joint study on the efficacy of cannabis on pain management. NFL Executive Vice President of Communications [Joe Lockhart said](http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2725016-nfl-reportedly-writes-nflpa-with-offer-to-study-marijuana-for-pain-management) that the NFL \"Can confirm we did reach out to the NFLPA in early July proposing we work together on some research on the impact of marijuana and pain management. While they've acknowledged our letter, we don't yet have a commitment from them to work together on this.” \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nThe players union has already undertaken a study on pain and cannabis in order to help players deal with the pain management issues that many of them face throughout their careers in the NFL. Though the player’s association has not yet given a response to the NFL on whether or not they would like to merge their studies, they are passionate about looking at cannabis as a possible treatment option for their players. \n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcBN5JHxX9A`\n\nRELATED: [VIEW FILM ON OPIOIDS VS CANNABIS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57f6a10451768d00075caa7e/hellomd-short-film-on-opioid-abuse-debuts-at-mill-valley-film-festival)\n### Cannabis for Pain Management\n\nIn recent years there have been many debates taking place in the NFL related to medical cannabis use. With many players now living in states where medical cannabis is legal, more are desiring to be able to use it as a medication to control pain stemming from NFL injuries. Currently, no matter what state a player is located in, they face penalties and suspensions for using cannabis. Players are commonly drug tested to see if they are using illicit substances, as well as cannabis. \n\nIn 2014, the league and player’s union came to a new agreement about the levels of THC considered allowed in the drug tests conducted on players. The amount of  THC in a blood or urine sample considered positive for the drug was raised from 15 nanogram per ml of blood or urine up to 35 nanogram of THC per ml. In the fall of 2016, NFL commissioner [Roger Goodell made comments](http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2725016-nfl-reportedly-writes-nflpa-with-offer-to-study-marijuana-for-pain-management) about negotiations and conversations related to cannabis use by NFL players, \"We've had several conversations about this issue and several years ago we did take a less punitive approach to marijuana…That will be one of the subjects in the collective bargaining process, which we'd like to get into sooner rather than later.” \n\nEven more recently, however, [Goodell stated](http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/11/health/nfl-marijuana-stance/index.html) that a change to their cannabis policy, \"Right now, it's not something that we're actively considering. Our doctors are always evaluating that. If they see they can improve our policies or what we can do better to protect our players or help our players, we'll look at it.” These considerations of changes, however fluctuating, to the NFL policy on marijuana have been prompted by the need for more effective forms of pain management for professional football players. \n\n### High Levels of Opioid Abuse\n\nPrevious negotiations of changes to NFL policy, however, have failed, often collapse in the final moments of negotiations. Many former, and a few current, players have come forward to the NFL to make it clear that cannabis could be an effective alternative to opioids that many players turn to. The NFL experiences opioid abuse at very high levels, which partially stems from the commonality of injuries and the importance placed on continuing to play despite pain. A 2011 [study by the Journal of Drug and Alcohol Dependence](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3095672/) found that over a half of retired NFL players took opioid pain killers during their careers and 71% of those who use opioids abused the opioids they take. A specific letter was written to the NFL by eight former and one current player outlining many of the reasons that the NFL should change their stance on the use of medical cannabis. \n\nIn the letter, the players state that, \"cannabis deserves the serious attention of your medical staff as a viable pain management alternative and potential neuroprotectant.” Former Baltimore Ravens player, Eugene Monroe, who recently retied from the NFL, [said](http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/11/health/nfl-marijuana-stance/index.html), \"It's the responsibility of the medical professionals of the NFL to take this issue on and do something to potentially help players safety and help with their long term safety.” Few current players speak out about their opinions on a desire for cannabis policy to change, but Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan has been willing to speak out despite the potential for backlash. Morgan has [said](http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/11/health/nfl-marijuana-stance/index.html) that when it comes to pain management,\"We should have all options available to us,\" and thinks that cannabis is an important alternative to harsher medications like opioids. \n\nIt is a great step forward that the NFL is looking into a study about cannabis for pain management, even if they are not immediately considering a policy change, and their desire to partner with the players union shows an interest in the feelings and opinions of the players on the issue. Hopefully this new study will lead to a future where NFL players are able to use cannabis as an effective alternative to opioids to help control their pain. \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.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/14b42/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/f836f/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.jpg 200w,\n/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/2244e/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.jpg 400w,\n/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/14b42/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.jpg 800w,\n/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/47498/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.jpg 1200w,\n/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/54ac5/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/58556/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/61e93/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.webp 200w,\n/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/1f5c5/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.webp 400w,\n/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/58556/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.webp 800w,\n/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/99238/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.webp 1200w,\n/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/5e0b8/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2441-markdown","title":"Millennials Choosing Cannabis over Alcohol","slug":"millennials-choosing-cannabis-over-alcohol","content":"### The Shift from Alcohol to Marijuana\n\nHealth-conscious millennials are leading a major shift in consumption behavior as the stigma of cannabis use decreases and the collective perspective of cannabis shifts in a positive direction.  A recent [report]( http://outco.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/OUTCO-Millennials-Choose-Cannabis-Report.pdf) published by cannabis dispensary Outco reveals that more and more millennials are choosing cannabis over alcohol. This change occurs alongside increasing accessibility to both cannabis products and education about cannabis medical use and health benefits. Young adults show a preference for cannabis over alcohol as an effort to improve their quality of life, which could lead to less alcohol-related deaths and health issues.  \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nConducted in partnership with Monocle research, the study surveyed 2,000 cannabis users in California via in-person interviews, focus groups, and an online survey.  Participants were asked about their cannabis use, including why they use cannabis, if they replace other substances with cannabis, and why they might replace other substances with cannabis.  \n\nThe results reveal that among the millennials (born between 1982 and 2004), 51% choose cannabis over alcohol.  Further details show that among this group of Californian young adults:  34% would choose cannabis over beer, 18% would choose cannabis over wine, and 14% would choose cannabis over spirits.  The change is not limited to young adults either, the report shows that one in five Generation Xers will substitute cannabis for alcohol, as will 8% of baby boomers.  Americans decreased their alcohol consumption in 2016 by 3.5 million nine-liter cases, mostly caused by a drop in beer consumption.  With the beer industry already sinking 1.5% in 2016, this appears to be just the beginning of a trend of the declining use of alcohol and an increase in cannabis use.  \n\n### A Healthier & Safer Choice\n\nPerhaps the most interesting part of the report is that young adults choose cannabis over alcohol because they see it as a healthier and safer choice.  Cannabis is perceived as the safer option, with millennials expressing “the fear of making poor decisions” when consuming alcohol, including risky behavior like drunk driving.  That fear is based in reality, with 88,000 alcohol-related deaths a year in the United States.  A February 2017 study at the Boston University School of Medicine found that 28% of motor vehicle crash deaths among young people are alcohol-related.   \n\nRELATED: [ALCOHOL, NOT MARIJUANA CAUSES BRAIN DAMAGE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5978ad212672540012a0d4ce/alcohol-not-cannabis-causes-brain-damage)\n\nThe results of the survey also showed health concerns as one of the reasons for substituting alcohol with cannabis.  “Participants shared that the effects of a hangover from alcohol lasted the entire next day, while high volumes of cannabis usage had no noticeable lasting effects; thereby making them feel healthier and more active.”  Even if they haven’t been educated on how or why cannabis is better for health than alcohol, these young adults can feel the difference in their bodies and make decisions based off their personal experiences.\n\nExcessive alcohol consumption has both short and long-term health risks, from car accidents and STD transmission, to heart disease, dementia, and alcoholism.  As the fourth leading preventable cause of death in the United States, it is a fact that less alcohol consumption will lead to less deaths and an improved quality of life.  \n\nIt is hopeful to see that the younger generation is catching on to the benefits of cannabis use, and it bodes well for the future health of the population.  With the [2017 World Drug Report](https://www.unodc.org/wdr2017/field/Booklet_3_Plantbased.pdf) showing zero cannabis-related deaths, this collective shift to replace alcohol with cannabis could in fact save lives.  \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","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/158dacd068060e9b56977903a0a684e3/14b42/ba6f77cfce06473ac2e88617d11748fb.jpg","srcSet":"/static/158dacd068060e9b56977903a0a684e3/f836f/ba6f77cfce06473ac2e88617d11748fb.jpg 200w,\n/static/158dacd068060e9b56977903a0a684e3/2244e/ba6f77cfce06473ac2e88617d11748fb.jpg 400w,\n/static/158dacd068060e9b56977903a0a684e3/14b42/ba6f77cfce06473ac2e88617d11748fb.jpg 800w,\n/static/158dacd068060e9b56977903a0a684e3/47498/ba6f77cfce06473ac2e88617d11748fb.jpg 1200w,\n/static/158dacd068060e9b56977903a0a684e3/54ac5/ba6f77cfce06473ac2e88617d11748fb.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/158dacd068060e9b56977903a0a684e3/58556/ba6f77cfce06473ac2e88617d11748fb.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/158dacd068060e9b56977903a0a684e3/61e93/ba6f77cfce06473ac2e88617d11748fb.webp 200w,\n/static/158dacd068060e9b56977903a0a684e3/1f5c5/ba6f77cfce06473ac2e88617d11748fb.webp 400w,\n/static/158dacd068060e9b56977903a0a684e3/58556/ba6f77cfce06473ac2e88617d11748fb.webp 800w,\n/static/158dacd068060e9b56977903a0a684e3/99238/ba6f77cfce06473ac2e88617d11748fb.webp 1200w,\n/static/158dacd068060e9b56977903a0a684e3/5e0b8/ba6f77cfce06473ac2e88617d11748fb.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2343-markdown","title":"Wempowered: A Women's Cannabis Networking Event Addressing Policy & Regulations","slug":"wempowered-a-womens-cannabis-networking-event-addressing-policy-and-regulations","content":"WEmpowered, the cannabis networking group for female entrepreneurs, met for a second time on July 27th at Big Rock in San Francisco. It was an evening full of community, collaboration and conversation with over 100 women in attendance.  The content for this event focused on discussing key components of upcoming cannabis regulations, and how to best continue efforts to shape upcoming policy and regulations.\n\nAfter an hour of networking and socializing our host, Carolyn Kissick of Big Rock, welcomed the crowd to Big Rock’s beautiful loft-like space and emphasized the need to support women within the cannabis industry. The keynote speakers for the evening were Amy O’Gorman Jenkins of Platinum Advisors and Angie Monette Harrison of 421 Group. Angie addressed the group on how best to weather the ups and downs of cannabis advocacy through methods she has used in her own life. Amy O’Gorman followed, talking with the audience about how to effectively shape and change cannabis policy based on her experience in legislative, public affairs and political campaigns at the federal, state and local level.  \n\nWatch the evening of discussion regarding policy and regulations:\n\n `embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NsorScUuag` \n\n### Keynote Speakers\n\nAngie Monette Harrison, Principal, 421 Group: Angie skillfully orchestrates teams of passionate, intelligent experts who tackle complex problems—and eliminate fear of the unknown—with smart planning. She excels at helping evolving cannabis companies integrate tried-and-true business practices and manage major transitions while balancing different styles, needs, and personalities. Previously serving as EVP of the SPARC and Peace in Medicine family of companies, Angie brings diverse experience working within and beyond the cannabis sector. A former student of the U.S. Naval Academy and of Sonoma State University’s School of Business and Economics, Angie endeavors to share and promote what makes the cannabis industry beautiful: a renewed interest in nature and politics, and cultural, health, and economic empowerment.\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/598dfed52471293a2d652405/embedded_images/598dfeda2471293a2d652407/Screen_Shot_2017-08-11_at_11.51.38_AM.png)\nAndrea Brooks Founder of Sava & Constance Finley Founder of Constance Therapeutics.\n\nAmy O’Gorman Jenkins, Principal, Platinum Advisors: Amy has over 22 years of experience in legislative, public affairs and political campaigns at the federal, state and local levels. She has specific expertise in matters involving local government, revenue and taxation, water policy, environmental regulation, consumer product safety, and cannabis policy reform. She also spent over 10 years working in local government. For the past four years, she has been directly involved in the development of cannabis policy both in her capacity as a chief of staff to State Senator Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana), who authored landmark cannabis legislation in 2014, and more recently as a legislative advocate for several clients within the cannabis space, including the California Cannabis Industry Association (CCIA).\n\nRELATED: [WATCH LORI AJAX ADDRESS REGULATIONS @ WEMPOWERED](https://hellomd.com/health-wellness/598dfed52471293a2d652405/wempowered-a-womens-cannabis-networking-event-addressing-policy-and-regulations)\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/598dfed52471293a2d652405/embedded_images/598dfed82471293a2d652406/Screen_Shot_2017-08-11_at_11.50.13_AM.png)\nLili and Carolyn of CannaWise\n \nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \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/4bb9758609ce8d36cc0a71bd6b32d2a9/14b42/2cdd35e126f0d1c43c52e128af2242bc.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4bb9758609ce8d36cc0a71bd6b32d2a9/f836f/2cdd35e126f0d1c43c52e128af2242bc.jpg 200w,\n/static/4bb9758609ce8d36cc0a71bd6b32d2a9/2244e/2cdd35e126f0d1c43c52e128af2242bc.jpg 400w,\n/static/4bb9758609ce8d36cc0a71bd6b32d2a9/14b42/2cdd35e126f0d1c43c52e128af2242bc.jpg 800w,\n/static/4bb9758609ce8d36cc0a71bd6b32d2a9/47498/2cdd35e126f0d1c43c52e128af2242bc.jpg 1200w,\n/static/4bb9758609ce8d36cc0a71bd6b32d2a9/54ac5/2cdd35e126f0d1c43c52e128af2242bc.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/4bb9758609ce8d36cc0a71bd6b32d2a9/58556/2cdd35e126f0d1c43c52e128af2242bc.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4bb9758609ce8d36cc0a71bd6b32d2a9/61e93/2cdd35e126f0d1c43c52e128af2242bc.webp 200w,\n/static/4bb9758609ce8d36cc0a71bd6b32d2a9/1f5c5/2cdd35e126f0d1c43c52e128af2242bc.webp 400w,\n/static/4bb9758609ce8d36cc0a71bd6b32d2a9/58556/2cdd35e126f0d1c43c52e128af2242bc.webp 800w,\n/static/4bb9758609ce8d36cc0a71bd6b32d2a9/99238/2cdd35e126f0d1c43c52e128af2242bc.webp 1200w,\n/static/4bb9758609ce8d36cc0a71bd6b32d2a9/5e0b8/2cdd35e126f0d1c43c52e128af2242bc.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2473-markdown","title":"Largest CBD Usage Study Published by HelloMD with Brightfield Group","slug":"largest-cbd-usage-study-published-by-hellomd-with-brightfield-group","content":"HelloMD with Brightfield Group today announced the results of a comprehensive study on CBD usage. The study surveyed 2,400 of HelloMD’s 150,000 community members on their usage, knowledge, perceptions, and misconceptions of CBD, making it the largest study of its kind. Overall, the study found that consumers of CBD are very satisfied with its effectiveness for treating a variety of medical conditions including insomnia, depression, anxiety, and joint pain.\n\n[ACCESS THE FULL CBD REPORT](https://www.brightfieldgroup.com/cbd-study-summary)\n\n### CBD Study Key Findings  \n\n>* CBD is most commonly used to treat insomnia, depression, anxiety, and joint pain.\n>* 42 percent of CBD users stopped using traditional medications and now use cannabis instead.\n>* 80 percent of CBD users found CBD be very or extremely effective for treatment.\n>* 90 percent of those surveyed said they would buy CBD-only products derived from marijuana. \n\n[Dr. Perry Solomon](https://www.hellomd.com/people/54cc02df6465320003000000), Chief Medical Officer of HelloMD, has written a [brief primer on CBD and how it may help you](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/597fbfd2f15fe1002d7557dc/what-is-cbd-and-how-can-it-help-me).\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/e1a8f0d6d0d1c5026e17d1ddd6aa9159/14b42/b7cfb7562fe6bf8feed17ba290134ba2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e1a8f0d6d0d1c5026e17d1ddd6aa9159/f836f/b7cfb7562fe6bf8feed17ba290134ba2.jpg 200w,\n/static/e1a8f0d6d0d1c5026e17d1ddd6aa9159/2244e/b7cfb7562fe6bf8feed17ba290134ba2.jpg 400w,\n/static/e1a8f0d6d0d1c5026e17d1ddd6aa9159/14b42/b7cfb7562fe6bf8feed17ba290134ba2.jpg 800w,\n/static/e1a8f0d6d0d1c5026e17d1ddd6aa9159/47498/b7cfb7562fe6bf8feed17ba290134ba2.jpg 1200w,\n/static/e1a8f0d6d0d1c5026e17d1ddd6aa9159/54ac5/b7cfb7562fe6bf8feed17ba290134ba2.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/e1a8f0d6d0d1c5026e17d1ddd6aa9159/58556/b7cfb7562fe6bf8feed17ba290134ba2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e1a8f0d6d0d1c5026e17d1ddd6aa9159/61e93/b7cfb7562fe6bf8feed17ba290134ba2.webp 200w,\n/static/e1a8f0d6d0d1c5026e17d1ddd6aa9159/1f5c5/b7cfb7562fe6bf8feed17ba290134ba2.webp 400w,\n/static/e1a8f0d6d0d1c5026e17d1ddd6aa9159/58556/b7cfb7562fe6bf8feed17ba290134ba2.webp 800w,\n/static/e1a8f0d6d0d1c5026e17d1ddd6aa9159/99238/b7cfb7562fe6bf8feed17ba290134ba2.webp 1200w,\n/static/e1a8f0d6d0d1c5026e17d1ddd6aa9159/5e0b8/b7cfb7562fe6bf8feed17ba290134ba2.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2258-markdown","title":"Nevada Runs Out of Marijuana","slug":"nevada-runs-out-of-marijuana","content":"### Nevada Goes Rec\r\n\r\nNevada has faced some recent issues with the implementation of their recreational marijuana market. Medicinal cannabis has been available in Nevada, but the state also passed a measure for the implementation of a recreational market, which opened up in the state on July 1st of 2017. Poor planning and tight restrictions, however, have led the recreational market to overwhelm the limited infrastructure that was put in place, severely limiting access to legal cannabis. In short, Nevada ran out of cannabis.\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\nNevada was the fifth state to open a recreational cannabis market and their laws stipulate that adults over the age of 21 can buy and possess up to an ounce of cannabis flower or 1/8 ounce of concentrated cannabis products. Recreational cannabis consumers have flooded Nevada’s limited marketplace, leading to a doubling in prices. Las Vegas dispensaries alone have seen a 1000% increase in sales since the recreational market opened in the state. In addition, under the new system the cost of cannabis has become prohibitive for many consumers, leading them to seek out their medication on the black market. \r\n\r\n### Cannabis is Not the Alcohol Industry\r\n\r\nSo why did Nevada run out of cannabis? The Nevada system has been set up to mimic the alcohol industry forcing retailers to use distributors from the liquor industry. Distributors are required to get specific licenses in order to distribute cannabis, and at the time of recreational legalization there were not enough distributors for the amount of retailers to meet consumer demand. This meant that when the recreational market opened up, most cannabis dispensaries were only able to sell the products they currently had in stock, leading to limited supplies and higher prices.\r\n\r\nState officials have taken action against this shortage in cannabis products by quickly coming together to change existing regulations. The shortage forces the issue of people returning to the black market in order to access cannabis at all, as well as at a lower price. The prospect of consumers being forced to go to illegal sources leaves them at risk for receiving contaminated cannabis products as well as leaving tax dollars on the table, which politicians do not want.\r\n\r\n### 'Statement of Emergency' \r\n\r\nGovernor Brian Sandoval  issued a ‘statement of emergency’ (different from a state of emergency), in order to change regulations with the intent to help increase the amount of cannabis going to the 47 retail locations around the state. It has also led to the issue of two new distribution licenses in order to help increase the amount of cannabis going into dispensaries. \r\n\r\nThere is also a consideration in the state to expedite even more licenses for distribution in order to meet the public's demand. The state must also consider that a large amount of the excess demand is caused by tourism in the state. 63% of recreational sales in Nevada are expected to be from tourists, particularly in Las Vegas. \r\n\r\nOne of the largest issues facing the state now is how to get more cannabis into the marketplace, which is greatly limited by the inability to bring cannabis in from other states. Since cannabis is still nationally illegal, cannabis can not be imported from states like California, which has very favorable growing conditions for cannabis with a large potential to export cannabis if legally allowed. National restrictions, however prevent cannabis from crossing borders, even between two states who have legalized the product. So, for now, Nevada will have to find another way to bring more cannabis into their dispensaries.\r\n\r\n101](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/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEEBf/EABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIAAf/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAAByVYi80pLP//EABwQAAMAAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECEQMAEhMhIv/aAAgBAQABBQLJhKNxndJpj7d+xJ//xAAWEQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERL/2gAIAQMBAT8BjL//xAAWEQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARL/2gAIAQIBAT8Btaf/xAAXEAADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREh/9oACAEBAAY/ApaI0sQphqP/xAAcEAEAAwACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAABABEhMWFBUXH/2gAIAQEAAT8hwd2IESWPD7isCvs3LQ4jKPF0HiXYl7n/2gAMAwEAAgADAAAAECDf/8QAGBEBAQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARIUH/2gAIAQMBAT8QA8hu83//xAAYEQACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIRFR8P/aAAgBAgEBPxBayI0f/8QAHBABAQACAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREAITFhQYGx/9oACAEBAAE/ENosN8F6zd1djWjj1ClgmK1Y2D5ADIHRBfbfnJvYwuf/2Q==","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/704bc0c57caf042445088d8c3826db74/14b42/ab2d2c3ca91806f3920127c5c4d9c04a.jpg","srcSet":"/static/704bc0c57caf042445088d8c3826db74/f836f/ab2d2c3ca91806f3920127c5c4d9c04a.jpg 200w,\n/static/704bc0c57caf042445088d8c3826db74/2244e/ab2d2c3ca91806f3920127c5c4d9c04a.jpg 400w,\n/static/704bc0c57caf042445088d8c3826db74/14b42/ab2d2c3ca91806f3920127c5c4d9c04a.jpg 800w,\n/static/704bc0c57caf042445088d8c3826db74/47498/ab2d2c3ca91806f3920127c5c4d9c04a.jpg 1200w,\n/static/704bc0c57caf042445088d8c3826db74/54ac5/ab2d2c3ca91806f3920127c5c4d9c04a.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/704bc0c57caf042445088d8c3826db74/58556/ab2d2c3ca91806f3920127c5c4d9c04a.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/704bc0c57caf042445088d8c3826db74/61e93/ab2d2c3ca91806f3920127c5c4d9c04a.webp 200w,\n/static/704bc0c57caf042445088d8c3826db74/1f5c5/ab2d2c3ca91806f3920127c5c4d9c04a.webp 400w,\n/static/704bc0c57caf042445088d8c3826db74/58556/ab2d2c3ca91806f3920127c5c4d9c04a.webp 800w,\n/static/704bc0c57caf042445088d8c3826db74/99238/ab2d2c3ca91806f3920127c5c4d9c04a.webp 1200w,\n/static/704bc0c57caf042445088d8c3826db74/5e0b8/ab2d2c3ca91806f3920127c5c4d9c04a.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2291-markdown","title":"Federal Agency Seizes Thousands of Products from Cannabis Storage Company ","slug":"federal-agency-seizes-thousands-of-products-from-cannabis-storage-company","content":"Customs and Border Protection seized 1,000 pieces of merchandise from Boulder, Colorado based company [Stashlogix](https://www.stashlogix.com/) on April 28th of this year. Stashlogix produces lockable bags with odor lock containers that are designed to help store a variety of medications, though they are commonly used to store cannabis. The products are designed to specifically to keep medication out of the hands of children, but Customs and Border Protection seized many of their products because they claimed that they were drug paraphernalia. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### Drug Paraphernalia?\r\n\r\nStashlogix produces their bags in China, but have since been unable to import them due to the recent seizure at their port of entry. The seizure cost the company $12,000 directly and required the company to forfeit an additional $18,000 in raw materials as they halted production over the inability to import their products. The seizures and uncertainty about the future of the company have also led to the lay offs of three employees. The bags from Stashlogix look nothing like traditional drug paraphernalia, but instead looks like any compartmented bag. The Stashlogix website also does not mention anything about storing cannabis in the bags, and the founder of the company Skip Stone, has said that his children even store their various collections of toys in them. \r\n\r\nA few months ago, however, Stone received an official notification from Customs and Border Protection, which stated, “This is to officially notify you that Customs and Border Protection seized the property described below at Los Angeles International Airport on April 28, 2017.” The agency even noted that the products did not appear to be traditional drug paraphernalia, “standing alone, the Stashlogix storage case can be viewed as a multi-purpose storage case with no association with or to controlled substances,” but that did not stop the seizure of the merchandise. Customs and Border Protection looks beyond simple marketing and appearance of products to determine if it is allowed in the country or not.\r\n\r\n### Storage & Concealment of Marijuana\r\n\r\nThe agency particularly pays attention to how it is used by consumers and looks at factors like social media to see how it is being actively used. Customs and Border Protection directly mentioned some specific reviews of the Stashlogix bags online as a reason for their seizure. The reviews, which mentioned using the bags to store marijuana, led Customs and Border Protection to state, “there exists one consistent and primary use for the Stashlogix storage cases; namely, the storage and concealment of marijuana.” The agency also noted the presence of scent absorbing carbon patches in the bag, which could be used to conceal the smell of marijuana.\r\n\r\nOne interesting factor about this case is that the products were being imported into California, a state that has a legalized medical cannabis market and a developing recreational market. Despite the rules of the state, the federal government still controls imports and in turn can deny products that would otherwise be legal in the state in that they are entering. Stashlogix is also having large amounts of difficulty communicating with Customs and Border Protection on the future of their company and whether their bags will ever be able to be imported again. \r\n\r\n### Storage Designed to Keep Marijuana Away from Kids\r\n\r\nCustoms and Border Protection has given the company no indication on when they will respond to their inquiries and give them for information on future potential imports. The company is still determining if they will be required to move their manufacturing into the United States. This shows the growing rift between state and federal laws and how the contractions are effecting the industry. The seizure is causing widespread uprise in cannabis industries across the country, particularly because the Stashlogix bags are particularly designed to keep potentially dangerous medications out of the hands of children. \r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/de3570a14e92a8acc0e8999cccd77ffe/14b42/1fab1b82b0403f4573e04158ac29cd51.jpg","srcSet":"/static/de3570a14e92a8acc0e8999cccd77ffe/f836f/1fab1b82b0403f4573e04158ac29cd51.jpg 200w,\n/static/de3570a14e92a8acc0e8999cccd77ffe/2244e/1fab1b82b0403f4573e04158ac29cd51.jpg 400w,\n/static/de3570a14e92a8acc0e8999cccd77ffe/14b42/1fab1b82b0403f4573e04158ac29cd51.jpg 800w,\n/static/de3570a14e92a8acc0e8999cccd77ffe/47498/1fab1b82b0403f4573e04158ac29cd51.jpg 1200w,\n/static/de3570a14e92a8acc0e8999cccd77ffe/54ac5/1fab1b82b0403f4573e04158ac29cd51.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/de3570a14e92a8acc0e8999cccd77ffe/58556/1fab1b82b0403f4573e04158ac29cd51.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/de3570a14e92a8acc0e8999cccd77ffe/61e93/1fab1b82b0403f4573e04158ac29cd51.webp 200w,\n/static/de3570a14e92a8acc0e8999cccd77ffe/1f5c5/1fab1b82b0403f4573e04158ac29cd51.webp 400w,\n/static/de3570a14e92a8acc0e8999cccd77ffe/58556/1fab1b82b0403f4573e04158ac29cd51.webp 800w,\n/static/de3570a14e92a8acc0e8999cccd77ffe/99238/1fab1b82b0403f4573e04158ac29cd51.webp 1200w,\n/static/de3570a14e92a8acc0e8999cccd77ffe/5e0b8/1fab1b82b0403f4573e04158ac29cd51.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2369-markdown","title":"HelloMD Mindful Haven Event: Cannabis, Yoga & Sound Bathing ","slug":"hellomd-mindful-haven-event-cannabis-yoga-and-sound-bathing","content":"### Mindful Haven Event\nHosted on July 30, 2017 from 3pm - 6pm in San Francisco\n\nHelloMD is hosting MINDFUL HAVEN - an afternoon in a beautiful, consumption-friendly environment in San Francisco's Mission District. Connect with cannabis enthusiasts and sample products from top cannabis brands in the Bay Area in a beautiful loft space. Our curated event will bring together our community for Ganja Yoga led by Dee Dussault,  iRest® Yoga Nidra Meditation with Jaene Leonard and an immersive Sound Bath experience with Rachel Dugas. Bring your yoga mat, a blanket and your smile!\n\n### Mindful Haven Schedule:\n\n3:00-4:00pm        Meet & Sample Top Cannabis Brands\n\n4:00-4:50pm        Ganja Yoga with Dee Dussault\n\n4:50-5:20pm        iRest® Yoga Nidra with Jaene Leonard\n\n5:20-5:45pm        Sound Bathing with Rachel Dugas\n\nWe hope you will join us! Space is limited and tickets will sell out. A percentage of ticket sales will go towards a local charity. \n\n### Ganja Yoga with Dee Dussault\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/596002c4756dcd0ac7daad67/embedded_images/596002c6756dcd0ac7daad68/Screen_Shot_2017-07-07_at_2.43.55_PM.png)\nDee Dussault is well known for Ganja Yoga throughout the United States\n \nGanja Yoga with me is about Mindfulness, or the inner mental work of yoga; Freedom, or your ability to move your body in the unique way it needs; and Alignment, so you can enjoy a safe practice for years to come. Dee has been teaching these sessions for eight years, was the first to offer this style of teaching in North America and is the author of the new book Ganja Yoga. She offers slow yoga classes, designed for any body and any level of experience with yoga or cannabis.\n\n### iRest® Yoga Nidra Meditation with Jaene Leonard\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/596002c4756dcd0ac7daad67/embedded_images/596002c7756dcd0ac7daad6a/Screen_Shot_2017-07-07_at_2.44.59_PM.png)\nJaene Leonard teaches Nidra Meditation to veterans\n\nNidra in Sanskrit means 'sleep.' iRest is a guided body-sensing you will receive in a comfortable position -- seated or lying down -- designed to release stress and heal tension stored in the body. iRest is deliciously relaxing and deeply restorative, helping you to reconnect to an underlying quality of being that is always with you throughout life's challenges and changes. Jaene became a 200-level certified yoga instructor ten years ago and a Level II iRest teacher in 2013, and has been leading iRest classes and private sessions in and out of the cannabis space ever since. She delivered iRest for three years at Harborside Health Center as part of pilot wellness program Harborside Heroes and, for the past year, with its extension, OperationEVAC -- an ongoing, expanding program now in four dispensaries in the Bay Area.\n\n### Sound Bathing with Rachel Dugas\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/596002c4756dcd0ac7daad67/embedded_images/59693f454972bd000cdbbf58/Screen_Shot_2017-07-14_at_3.01.26_PM.png)\nRachel Dugas leads immersive sounds bath experiences to wide audiences\n\n\"I use sounds to soothe your soul.  Sound and music are powerful healing tools because the vibrations reach us on a deeper level, releasing us from stress and clearing emotional blocks.  As a sound healing practitioner, I hold the space for healing through vocal meditation, mantras, crystal singing bowls, tuning forks, and meditative music.  As a cannabis educator, I empower medical cannabis patients to own their healing process, and guide their healing journey through music, dance, and plants.\"  Rachel has studied music for over twenty years and has a certificate in Sound, Voice & Music in the Healing Arts from the California Institute of Integral Studies.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.342281879194631,"src":"/static/131ad29829b955c3676b10d46f032008/14b42/5cc6249fe2358364dda1e09c538816bb.jpg","srcSet":"/static/131ad29829b955c3676b10d46f032008/f836f/5cc6249fe2358364dda1e09c538816bb.jpg 200w,\n/static/131ad29829b955c3676b10d46f032008/2244e/5cc6249fe2358364dda1e09c538816bb.jpg 400w,\n/static/131ad29829b955c3676b10d46f032008/14b42/5cc6249fe2358364dda1e09c538816bb.jpg 800w,\n/static/131ad29829b955c3676b10d46f032008/47498/5cc6249fe2358364dda1e09c538816bb.jpg 1200w,\n/static/131ad29829b955c3676b10d46f032008/1df4d/5cc6249fe2358364dda1e09c538816bb.jpg 1370w","srcWebp":"/static/131ad29829b955c3676b10d46f032008/58556/5cc6249fe2358364dda1e09c538816bb.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/131ad29829b955c3676b10d46f032008/61e93/5cc6249fe2358364dda1e09c538816bb.webp 200w,\n/static/131ad29829b955c3676b10d46f032008/1f5c5/5cc6249fe2358364dda1e09c538816bb.webp 400w,\n/static/131ad29829b955c3676b10d46f032008/58556/5cc6249fe2358364dda1e09c538816bb.webp 800w,\n/static/131ad29829b955c3676b10d46f032008/99238/5cc6249fe2358364dda1e09c538816bb.webp 1200w,\n/static/131ad29829b955c3676b10d46f032008/e7d03/5cc6249fe2358364dda1e09c538816bb.webp 1370w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":48,"numPages":13,"currentPage":5,"id":5567,"name":"News & Events","slug":"news-and-events","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}