The EVOLUTION Magazine June 2022

Cannabis History — The Great 60s Marijuana Hoax

Previews— Out & About in Missouri

Cannabiz News — The Cookies Brand Hits Missouri

Patient Education — Cannabis and Heart Health

Ask Leah — How Can I Increase Terpenes When Growing My Cannabis Plants?

Business Profile — What’s The Secret Behind the Illicit Brand Success?

Growing Tips — Cannabis Training Methods

Pet Wellness — Woofer CBD Treats by Farmhouse Extracts

FEATURE — So, What is Delta-8?

Cannabiz News Veterans and Medical Cannabis in Missouri (Follow-up)

Business Spotlight Growpito — The Growing Medium for Healthier Plants

Budtender Picks — Sunshine Greens — New Products to Heat Up Your Summer

Canna Business News Illicit Gardens Launches Freedoms Campaign

Patient Education — Meet Markena Pouncil, an Enthusiastic Medical Cannabis Patient

New Product Profiles — New Products, Just in Time for Summer — Get the Inside Skinny Reflections — Why Support Cannabis

Shows?

FromThe Editor

Robberies Happen in Different Forms

Sadly, robberies have become inevitable for most open-door retail businesses. If you own a store, it’s often not a matter of if a robbery will happen but when. With that said, rest assured, Missouri medical cannabis dispensaries are as or more secure than your neighborhood bank, jewelry store, and certainly more than any convenience/gas store.

For those patients who have visited dispensaries, you know that armed guards stand tall at the entrance of a secure lobby area separated by a locked door to the retail area. You must register at the front desk before being allowed to enter the retail area through a secure door. You may not notice the multitude of high-resolution security cameras that can zoom in so close they can count your nostril hairs. Cameras cover every square inch of the dispensary, inside and out. There might even be an armed guard in the backroom monitoring those cameras (can’t disclose that; it’s top secret), ready to leap into action.

Additionally, all products are locked up in a vault or safe drawer (container) until a purchase is made. Like a jewelry store, all product goes to the vault at the end of the day. If some fool wants to (attempt) break in after hours, they will risk 10 years in prison for some lighters, grinders, rolling papers, and bongs.

Nevertheless, there have been a few fools try. In February, Fox4 news reported that police investigated break-ins at three Kansas City medical marijuana dispensaries. “A police spokesperson said detec tives have identified a suspect. They believe the suspect was involved in burglaries at From the Earth dispensary near 62nd Street and Troost Ave. on January 20 and a burglary at Greenlight Dispensary near Inter state 435 and Bannister Road the next day,” the report said. “Someone also broke into a dispensary near East 70th Street and Prospect Ave., in mid-February. Investigators said the dispensaries are required by law to have security, alarm systems, and surveillance video, which helped police with the investigation.”

A highway robbery of a different kind happened in Kansas! An armored vehicle traveling through Kansas (to a Colorado bank) on May 17, 2021, was carrying cash from marijuana dispensaries in Missouri when it was stopped by law enforcement. The traffic stop was made by a Dickinson County sheriff’s deputy who reportedly told the driver he pulled her over because the tag was partially obscured and then asked what she was hauling.

The Kansas Reflector news report said, “From this traffic stop, a series of events unspooled that resulted in more than $1.2 million being seized in what an Empyreal Logistics attorney describes in a court filing as ‘the repeated and continuing highway robberies of armored cars by government agents.’

“The next day, May 18, 2021, Robison, the sheriff’s deputy, again stopped the van, this time seizing more than $165,000. By that time, law enforcement officials had placed tag numbers of vehicles owned by Empyreal Logistics, the armored vehicle company, into a national database that allows high-speed computerized license plate readers to scan traffic and spot the vehicles.”

This is a must read story. Law enforcement actually surveilled the armored vehicle days later at a dispensary in Missouri, followed it into Kansas, and seized more cash being transported to a Colorado bank. See the following link. https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/06/how-akansas-traffic-stop-led-to-a-federal-lawsuit-over-1-2m-in-seizedmarijuana-profits/

Happy Father’s Day, and feel secure on your next dispensary visit. Just don’t take your purchase (or cash) to Kansas!

Missouri’s First Educational Medical Cannabis Magazine Published Monthly by Native Kansas City, MO, Advocates, Publishers and Writers. A True Missouri Born Grassroots Effort to Educate and Inform Patients, and to Provide Businesses within The Missouri Cannabis Industry an Economical Forum to Tell Their Story. We hope you join and enjoy “The Evolution.”

PUBLISHER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Bill Cromwell News, Articles and Advertisement Requests should email to: Bill.C@TheEvolutionMag.com

Corporate Office: 816.878.4509 Kansas City, MO Mail to: P.O. Box 2196, Independence, MO 64055

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Our Team of Expert Writers and Cannabis Industry Leaders

● Danielle Buntyon ― Elevated Learning

● Karla Deel — Cannabis Culture and History, Product Profiles

● Kassie Ferrero ― Product Reviews and Dispensary News

● Dana Howard — Cooking with CBD and THC

● Dolores Halbin, RN — Patient Advocate and Awareness

● April Hatch, RN ― Patient Education Columnist

● Sean Keast ― Product Profiles and Dispensary News

● Peter Kershaw — Health and Safety Columnist

● Leah Maurer — Health, Awareness, Ask Leah Columnist

● Jason Mispagel, — Home Growers Education Columnist

● Andrew Park, ACRP-CP — Cannabiz News

● Dr. Michael J. Poppa, D.O., M.B.A. ― Medical Health News

● Monthly Guest Writers — Cannabis News & Patient Advocates

The EVOLUTIONTM Magazine offers a monthly print magazine that is distributed throughout western Missouri, select St. Louis locations, eastern Kansas and the Lake of the Ozarks region. Free printed copies are found at nearly 360 locations including CBD stores, MMJ Dispensaries, Garden and Grow Supply Stores, doctors offices, restaurants, sports bars, resorts, and many other select locations. In addition, the monthly magazine is offered online in an inter-active E-magazine at www.TheEvolutionMag.com.

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The Great 60s Marijuana Hoax

How the Beat Generation Fought the Machine

If you happen to enjoy reading books and are a lover of ganja, then you’ve likely already crossed paths with the outspoken poet-writer-extraordinaire Allen Ginsberg, best known for his poem-turned-cultural-anthem Howl and co-creating a counterculture known as the Beat Generation with his besties William S. Burroughs and Jack Kerouac. Ginsberg was an outspoken big thinker who, controver sially, denounced consumerism, conformity, militarism, war, and materialism and who loved marijuana for its ability to promote a natural curiosity for exploring life.

“Not only do I propose end of prohibition of marijuana but I propose a total dismantling of the whole cancerous bureaucracy that has perpetrated this historic screw-up on the United States.” ~ Allen Ginsberg

Ginsberg became the voice of a generation decrying the corruption of media and govern ment, which perpetuated a false narrative of marijuana. He said that all members of the U.S. Treasury Department’s Federal Bureau of Narcotics were lying evangelists. To Gins berg, those who participated in and promoted a narrative that marijuana was a menace were schemers and large-scale liars concocting an ultimate hoax in society. He and his genera tion would not stand for that.

Imagine mainstream 1950s America: Placid, homely, white-washed, god-fearing. It was the Golden Age of American Capitalism when we doubled our gross national product through unprecedented economic growth backed by a strong middle class. Popular entertainment featured sparkling images of happy families like those in Leave it to Beaver and I Love Lucy.

But what was boiling under the squeakyclean surface of the 1950s was the fury of the Beat Generation. The Beats rejected the stan dard modus operandi adopted in mainstream America. In other words, they were on a quest to obtain a liberated way of living, achieved through deepening one’s spiritual, sexual, and psychedelic experiences. There was to be more to life than working, paying taxes, and dying.

Ginsberg opens Howl with his most famous line: “I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked… .”

He continues in Part 1, which is actually one 2,107-word sentence, by describing his generation: “…who got busted in their pubic beards returning through Laredo with a belt

of marijuana…who walked all night with their shoes full of blood on the snowbank docks waiting for a door in the East River to open to a room full of steam-heat and opium… who drove cross country seventy two hours to find out if I had a vision or you had a vision or he had a vision to find out Eternity… .”

In Footnote to Howl, Ginsberg made the revo lutionary claims that: “Everything is holy! everybody’s holy! everywhere is holy! every day is in eternity! Everyman’s an angel! The bum’s as holy as the seraphim! the madman is holy as you my soul are holy! … Holy the groaning saxophone! Holy the bop apoca lypse! Holy the jazzbands marijuana hipsters peace peyote pipes & drums!”

Howl became a manifesto for a hungry youth and Ginsberg, a sacrificial lamb. His outspo ken nature attracted the limelight of anti marijuana propagandists, landing him on the search list for airport security, where they’d take a magnifying lens to the dust and lint in the corners of his suit pockets, looking for evidence of use of the illegal plant. Striking

▲

Out & About in Missouri!

▲

▲ At ReLeaf Resources in

the line started before sunrise and never stopped the entire 4/20 day. Doc Mac started new $4.20 certifications at 7:30 a.m. and finally got to rest his head at 10:30 p.m. after preforming over 400 new patients MMJ certifications. We salute you, Doc Mac!

▲ Greenlight Dispensary on Noland Rd was so busy for 4/20 that they had to open the Underground to serve all the patients. Plan to attend the next Underground event on June 10-11. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss. The team (from left to right) Cole Brents with Vivid, Krystal Wright with Greenlight, Clayton Stallings, Jessica Squires (Greenlight) and Paul Baker (Greenlight).

The Brand Hits Missouri

BeLeaf Medical, Missouri’s largest vertically integrated cannabis company, and SWADE Dispensaries are partnering with Cookies, the iconic cannabis brand co-founded by California Bay Area rapper Berner, to launch Cookies at each of their five dispensaries on May 15, 2022. This will be the first entry into the Missouri market. SWADE will launch with seven exclusive strains with more on the horizon.

Launching this partnership with Cookies will bring another level of our dedication and experience to the growing medical community with direct access to one of the leading brands in the cannabis space.”

disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs through advocacy and social equity initiatives. Headquartered in San Francisco, the company opened its first retail store in 2018 in Los Angeles and has since expanded to over 45 retail locations in 17 markets across five countries. Cookies was named one of America’s Hottest Brands of 2021 by AdAge, the first cannabis brand to ever receive this accolade. Learn more at http://cookies.co

With that bold “Cookies blue” design, each dispensary will carry products from Cookies with the flair of Missouri and the Midwest. Exclusive Cookies strains will be available.

“We are thrilled for the launch of the first Cookies store in Missouri,” said Kevin Riggs, President of BeLeaf Medical. “Working with the Cookies team to introduce Cookies to the Midwest market validates the high-level processes we’ve developed at BeLeaf. We’re eager to provide Missouri patients with our continued level of premium products with Cookies strains specific to SWADE.

“Missouri has been a big supporter of my music for a long time, and we have been working really hard to provide the supportive Missouri market with Cookies products, once we could do it right,” said Berner, Co-Founder and CEO of Cookies.

“Now that we are partnered with BeLeaf and our cultivation teams have been working together to ensure the highest quality product is ready for the market, we are excited not only to introduce our staple menus but hella excited to hunt and launch new menus in the future, exclusive to Missouri.”

Cookies, was founded in 2010 by Billboardcharting rapper and entrepreneur Berner and Bay Area breeder and cultivator Jai, is the most globally recognized cannabis company in the world. Cookies values the power of the plant and focuses on creating game-changing genetics. The company offers a collection of over 70 proprietary cannabis cultivars and more than 2,000 products. Cookies also actively works to enrich communities

BeLeaf Medical Company (BMC) is a leader in the medical cannabis industry in Missouri. With its years of experience in several states, it’s able to deliver the best cannabis flower and manufactured products to market. BMC has curated the highest quality genetics of popular flower strains. Its cultivation facilities utilize high-tech, proven methods to grow the highest quality medical cultivars. BMC products are specifically formulated with medical conditions in mind. To ensure a consistent, high-quality product, it employs strict Good Manufacturing Practices. BeLeaf Medical Dispensaries offer a wide variety of products and a knowledgeable staff to help customers find the best solutions. www.beleafmedical.com. www.swadecannabis.com.

Cannabis

and Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for some 659,000 deaths (one in four deaths) every year. The most common form of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), accounting for 360,900 deaths in 2019. About 18.2 million adults age 20 and older have CAD (6.7%). Though CAD is more of a concern for the elderly, nevertheless two in 10 CAD deaths occur in adults under 65 years old.

Heart Attacks

A heart attack occurs in the U.S. every 40 seconds. That’s 805,000 heart attacks per year. Of these, 605,000 are first-time heart attacks, and 200,000 occur to those with no prior heart attack. An estimated one in five heart attacks are “silent,” meaning the person may experience only mild symptoms but not associate it with a heart attack. The damage is done, but the person may not be aware of it. However, some Emergency Room visits are also “false alarms” where the person thought they were having a heart attack only to discover their symptoms were caused by something else, e.g., indigestion, panic attack, etc.

Cannabis and Heart Disease

Medical cannabis is slowly gaining ground with the medical establishment. However, they still largely discourage its use where it concerns heart disease. Among the most common concerns raised are, “marijuana smoke contains many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens found in cigarette smoke — a known contributor to heart disease as well as cancer.”1 For reasons this author has addressed before, this is a false equivalency.

But for those who share such concerns, there are alternatives to smoking, such as vaping, edibles, tinctures, etc.

This isn’t to say, however, that cannabis can be considered entirely safe for someone with a serious heart condition. THC is known to elevate the heart rate for approximately an hour after consumption. In rare cases, it could result in arrhythmia, including ventricular tachycardia for those with preexisting heart conditions. However, there are no similar concerns with CBD and other cannabinoids.

As is the case with all vital organs, the heart has a number of CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors play a vital role in the proper function of the heart. A 2006 Canadian study found, “Thus the endogenous cardiac cannabinoid system, through activation of CB2 receptors, appears to be an important protection mechanism against myocardial (heart muscle) ischemia.”2 As this author has noted previously, cannabis provides neuroprotective benefits. Studies have shown THC is a cardio-protectant. A 2006 Israeli study showed that THC protects heart cells against damage caused by hypoxia. THC also benefits the cardiovascular system, especially during stress conditions. Indica strains are known to exhibit a calming effect, mitigating stress and anxiety that precipitate some heart attacks. Can we say that cannabis prevents heart attacks? The jury is still out. But studies have shown medical cannabis patients fare better, and their heart attacks are less severe than non-cannabis patients.

A Multi-Billion-Dollar Boondoggle

Heart disease generates immense profits for the medical establishment. It would be one thing if we were getting what we pay for, but

we’re generally not. Pharmaceutical drugs can, in some cases, offer some relief, but they often come with harmful side effects. Bypass surgeries and stints are common surgical treatment methods that fail to address underlying causes. As such, the majority of patients who go under the knife will have to go under the knife again, often in as little as one to five years.

The underlying cause of heart disease in many cases is arterial occlusion (arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis) — a condition in which the arteries are clogged with plaques. The typical American, unless they’ve been on an exceptionally healthy diet their entire life, starts the process of arterial occlusion from a young age. Arterial plaque progressively accumulates as we age. Left untreated, even where it doesn’t result in a heart attack, arterial occlusion can result in serious health complications.

Gratefully, a cure for arterial occlusion was discovered shortly after WWII. U.S. Navy doctors saw thousands of cases of lead poisoning in sailors, a direct result of lead-based paints on naval vessels. Two U.S. Navy doctors discovered that calcium disodium EDTA would chelate (bind to and mobilize) accumulated lead from the body, eliminating it via the kidneys. As a windfall, they also discovered that chelated sailors with preexisting heart problems often fully recovered from their cardiovascular conditions. By further examination, they determined that EDTA removed plaque from the arteries, thus reversing arterial occlusion.

For several decades, intravenous EDTA was a common treatment for heart conditions — that is, up until bypass surgery was perfected. Since that time, chelation, though formerly

and Heart Health Cannabis

widely accepted and proven safe and effective, is today disparaged by the medical establishment as “quackery.” Chelation advocates rightly point out the financial factors at play. Whereas a full round of chelation treatments averages $3,000, heart surgeries run in the tens of thousands.

Chelation also has the benefit of removing heavy metals from the body, such as lead, mercury, nickel, cadmium, etc. Of particular concern is Tetraethyllead. The introduction of leaded gasoline in the 1920s resulted in what is likely the single greatest man-made health catastrophe in world history.3 We’ve all been exposed, especially those born before 1996 when leaded gas was ultimately banned. Health statistics bear out that the deployment of “Ethyl” (as gasoline companies benignly marketed it) saw dramatic increases in heart disease, cancer, and many other chronic diseases rising in direct proportion to Ethyl’s use. Chelation offers hope for this too.4

As a cardio-protectant, cannabis can be considered a valuable tool in the management and mitigation of heart disease. Cannabis is not, however, a cure, nor does it address the underlying causes of heart disease. Nevertheless, cannabis does offer benefits for heart health. It, therefore, makes sense to at least consider its use. Consult with your cannabis-friendly physician.

Resources:

1. Marijuana and heart health: What you need to know. https://www.health.harvard. edu/heart-health/marijuana-and-heart-health-what-you-need-to-know

2. Lamontagne D, Lépicier P, Lagneux C, Bouchard JF. The endogenous cardiac cannabinoid system: a new protective mechanism against myocardial ischemia. Arch Mal Coeur Vaiss. 2006 Mar;99(3):242-6. PMID: 16618028

3. The Man Who Accidentally Killed the Most People in History. https://youtu.be/ IV3dnLzthDA

4. Search online for “chelation doctor” and the name of your city to find a chelating doctor. Also, check out http://acam.org

Peter Kershaw is a Patient Caregiver, an organic cannabis cultivation consultant, and extraction consultant. Contact him at pkershaw.email@gmail.com or text to 417-230-4445. As with all writers within these pages, if you’ve benefited from Peter’s articles, please let him and all writers know. They appreciate your thoughts.

Notice: The information contained herein is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, but rather a sharing of knowledge and information based on research and experience. The content is for general informational purposes only.

When Growing My Cannabis Plants? How Can I Increase Terpenes

Leah Maurer, a native Missourian, is now a canna-journalist and activist living in Portland, OR. She is a co-owner of www.TheWeedBlog.com , a top national cannabis news and information publication, where she serves as the Editorial Lead. In 2014, Leah founded Moms for YES on Measure 91 through grassroots efforts alone, it proved pivotal in the passage of the Measure, successfully legalizing recreational/adult-use cannabis in the OR. Leah is a social justice and cannabis activist at the core and hopes to see an end to the prohibition of cannabis globally.

Growing your own cannabis can be a very gratifying experience and can definitely save some money in the long run if you are a medical marijuana patient. But can you get the same quality from homegrown cannabis that you can when it is purchased from a dispensary? Having a lot of terpenes in your cannabis is one big way to increase the quality of your cannabis, both in terms of how it grows and the effect it will have once you are able to consume it.

Terpenes affect the aroma and smell of the plant and, consequently, a user’s enjoyment, but many professionals say they will increase numerous health benefits and potency of the plant. So, as a home grower, it is important to consider how to maximize their production.

Some important factors to consider are soil, light, temperature, harvest timing, and curing.

Soil

Cannabis needs proper soil to grow well and create strong buds rich in terpenes. The soil you’re using should have proper nutrients. Some growers are pro-natural nutrients, while others claim artificial supplements are just as good. Whichever you go for, make sure they don’t add too much smell to your buds. If this is not what you are after, you can flush the plants with water two or three weeks

before harvest. Flushing will remove excess nutrients interfering with the smell of flowers. One recommendation is to use “living” soil, which means it is rich in microorganisms. Combined with the right supplements, this is sure to give you more diverse and complex terpenes.

Light

Typically, UV light is recommended for a bigger harvest, especially the UV-B light. UV light is said to entice trichome production, and since terpenes come from those small glands, this encourages their production, too. The cannabis plant produces them while protecting itself from the UV rays. The light exposure should take two to three weeks during the flowering period. Some growers say that applying some stress to your cannabis plants, such as bending the plant, spreading the little branches, and offering more light, can help them develop at a more even rate.

Temperature

Temperature is vital for the development of the buds as well as terpene concentration and quality in the last six weeks of flowering. In the second half of the flowering stage, the temperature should be below 80°F, as anything above this will cause the buds to stiffen and lose their potent smell. At night, you can lower the temperature by five to ten degrees, as this small change has proven

beneficial. Regarding humidity, you should keep it around 50% during the flowering stage for maximum terpene production. However, before the harvest, you may want to lower the humidity to 30% since this represents stress and will encourage the plant to produce more trichomes. It is also a protection when it comes to buds rotting.

Terpene Chart

Harvesting

As lovely as terpenes are, they are also extremely sensitive. It is easy for them to degrade as they are volatile compounds. For this reason, it is essential you do the harvest on time. Each terpene has individual characteristics. These can differ between the harvests, even for the same strain. It is important to pay close attention to plants during this period, or you risk losing the terpenes. Use a magnifying glass to check the trichomes on the buds regularly.

Curing

Once you are done with harvesting, it is important to consider the drying/curing process for the buds to really give their best. They should be dried slowly, with the humidity kept low to not trigger any mold. Storing your dried cannabis buds in glass jars is best, but you can use some other containers, but not white paper or plastic bags. Open them once or twice daily to let some fresh air inside (also called “burping”). Make sure to check for any mold, mildew, or bad buds. After a few weeks, you can do it less regularly. This usually takes about a month, but the longer you cure it, the smoother the smoke.

By monitoring your homegrown cannabis plants closely throughout the growing process and providing them with the best conditions, you can easily increase the terpene production and thus the taste and effectiveness when consumed.

Have a cannabis education related question for Leah? She’s a St. Louis native and a cannabis activist since 2010! Leah is excited to help answer all your medical marijuana questions. Please send questions to leah@theweedblog.com. Your question may be featured in a future issue of The EVOLUTION Magazine.

The Great 60s Marijuana Hoax How the

Beat Generation Fought the Machine

◄ Continued from page 12

again, the U.S. Customs seized a shipment of Howl, alleged for its obscenity and pro-marijuana and homosexual agendas.

Poet Allen Ginsberg leads a group of demonstrators outside the Women’s House of Detention on Greenwich Avenue in Greenwich Village, demanding the release of prisoners arrested for use or possession of marijuana. (photo, The Library of Congress dated from January 10th, 1965, photographer unknown).

Ginsberg built himself a mari juana legalization empire through his poetry, lectures, and cultural influence throughout America’s counterculture. Writer Martin A. Lee described Ginsberg as “the original culture warrior for cannabis, a one-man anti-reefer madness wrecking crew deter mined to shake the foundations of pot prohibition.” He used his popularity and infamy to land him on highly publicized plat forms. He was once a guest of John Crosby on CBS TV, where he made a shocking claim that the government was wrong and that there was no danger associ ated with marijuana. The Federal Communications Commission intervened and made CBS air a seven-minute rebuttal from the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, touting the dangers of the menace weed.

Ginsberg solidified his rightful place as an ultimate marijuana activist when he published The Great Marijuana Hoax, an ode to marijuana and a rant against the Federal Bureau of Narcotics and corrupt government.

“Already millions of people have gotten high and looked at the images of their Presidents and governors and representatives on television and seen that all were betraying signs of false character,” writes Ginsberg in The Great Marijuana Hoax. “I believe that future generations will have to rely on new faculties of awareness, rather than on the versions of old idea-systems, to cope with the increasing godlike complexity of our planetary civilization.”

References: Read Howl at: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/49303/howl

Karla Deel is the Flora Farms Marketing Director, a writer, poet, and researcher, with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Media Arts from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She’s published a book titled “Storied & Scandalous Kansas City, a History of Corruption Mischief and a Whole Lot of Booze.” Deel also serves on the Jackson County Historical Society board, works in communications for the Friends of the Kansas City Public Library, and volunteers for several local nonprofits. Visit Karla at www.KarlaDeel.com

Cannabis Care Team Offers a Free Patient Treatment Journal

Cannabis treatment can be over whelming with the abundance of options available at dispensaries. Cannabis Care Team (CCT) offers patients a free Journal and Shopping Guide, as well as a few other documents that it believes could be great resources to help make things easier.

To access free patient treatment documents, visit www.CannabisCareTeam.com and select the Services Tab and then Patient Resources. You’ll be asked to complete a very short submission form. Once filled out, you will be directed to a new page that will allow you to download the Patient Journal and Shopping Guide documents. These are great resources that every patient will find useful.

The mission of CCT is to provide qualify ing patients with the education, support, and advocacy they need to experience the medical benefits of cannabis and consume it safely. CCT provides registered nurses and guidance tailored for “Your” individual needs. Its team is dedi cated to providing the support and education patients need to truly benefit from this plant.

What’s The Secret Behind the Illicit Brand Success?

Many of our readers know, I travel around Missouri monthly delivering magazines, and I spend a lot of time popping in and out of dispensaries across the state. While dropping off the latest issue of The EVOLUTION Magazine, I frequently chat with dispensary staff or management, asking how sales are going, which products patients seem to be enjoying, and which are consistent sell ers. One of the brands that is consistently mentioned by budtenders is Illicit Gardens.

The more I kept hearing “Illicit,” the more I wondered what’s the secret behind its success. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to give our readers an inside look at what an MMJ Industry culti vation and manufacturing busi ness does to provide patients with great products. The following is a Q & A with Leo Mancuso, Director of Sales for Illicit Gardens. My questions are labeled The EVOLUTION Magazine (TEM) and Leo Mancuso (LM).

TEM: What industry were you in before your current role with Illicit Gardens, and how does it help you with your current position?

LM: Before joining Illicit, I spent 20 years in the hospitality industry, mainly working in Nightlife and Daylife, primarily in Las Vegas, but also in Miami and NYC. I’ve found a hospitality background helps professionally regardless of what path you take in life. It teaches you the important interplay of operations, marketing, and customer service. To listen to our audience, I try to spend as much time in the field as I can. That means attending events, talking to dispensary staff, and interacting with patients, all to get a reading on what’s going on in the industry and how people are responding to our brand.

TEM: Your last job was in Las Vegas, and a lot of your team came from the Vegas cannabis industry. Can you mention a little more about your team and how their experience in Vegas helped with the Illicit brand’s success?

LM: My team is the bomb, hands down. Some of us have experience working in Vegas, both on the hospitality side and in the cannabis

industry. Most of our team members coming from Vegas are originally from the Kansas City area. The rest of the management team hails from St. Louis and Colorado. It wasn’t until Missouri began its medi cal cannabis market that they were able to bring everything they’ve learned back home and launch this company.

On the sales and marketing side, we bring big city grassroots-style marketing meshed with data-driven technologies needed to thrive in highly competitive markets like Miami, Vegas, etc. The work ethic required and demanded in those markets keeps the team focused on constantly improving to maintain market share, all without diluting the fundamentals of the Illicit brand. Nevada has some of the strict est cannabis testing requirements in the nation, which is something I found relatable to the gaming world, where health and safety require ments on the Vegas strip are heavily enforced. Carrying these skillsets and experience over has been a major contributing factor to Illicit’s success.

TEM: I know that Illicit Gardens was one of the first approved cultivation licenses to hit the MO MMJ Industry. How did this help with the brands’ success, but more importantly, how did you keep the momentum with more and more product options hitting the market?

LM: We were so fortunate to have been one of the first grows to have gotten up and running. That was possible through a commitment to the daily grind. We set a high bar for ourselves from the beginning, and keeping it there motivates us every day to push harder and inno vate on all fronts. Our team has had experience with similar clients, and that’s allowed us to avoid some of the major cultivation pitfalls our competitors possibly weren’t ready for.

The Illicit facility was built with the elements in mind, both to protect against them and to utilize them in our favor when possible. This continues to pay off from an energy and waste conservation stand point but also on the long-term viability and safety side. Once we had built our initial patient following, we turned our focus to customer retention. I’m proud to say; we are one of the only brands that NEVER forced buyers [dispensaries and MIPs] into contracts. We never had to because of product quality and consistency.

Recently, taking cues from changes in the market, we rolled out new pricing, plus budtender and patient incentives. There are some very loyal Illicit patients out there, and we are so grateful to them and their feedback on how we can get better. We always want to deliver on our promise of quality.

TEM: Although prices have lowered across the board in the industry, Illicit’s price points still seem to be in the middle to high range. What are patients getting for that extra money?

LM: I could fluff this up with true statements about the round-theclock full-time shifts we have for just our massive hand-trimming team, our financial commitments to social equity and criminal justice reform programs, or our extremely high-level protocols on sanitation and quality monitoring technology. Additionally, we maintain a broad education system for staff and patients, statewide event programming bringing us to 60+ pop-ups a month, a KC concert series, our online merch network, plus our dedication to regular R and D on our cultiva tion/manufacturing processes. But it really all boils down to what all our dispensary buyers and patients say that sets us apart from every one else and what patients want most — CONSISTENCY.

TEM: Tell me more about your social equity marketing campaign and how it relates to the brand name?

LM: With the launch of its Freedoms Campaign, we’ve partnered with the Last Prisoner Project (LPP) to provide donation dollars to individuals imprisoned under cannabis possession charges. Over the rest of this year, we’ll be featuring eight cannabis POWs and their stories. We’re grateful for LPP’s support and the team at Strange Music for letting us use its recording studio to help shed light on what it really means to be convicted for cannabis crimes and how that can unravel your entire life. Our goal with the Illicit name is to highlight that hypocrisy in the criminal justice system. We encourage everyone to visit our website to watch the uncensored interviews, learn more about their experiences, and to donate to help with their legal and reintegration costs (see page 48 for more details).

TEM: Any new Illicit products coming to market?

LM: The launch of the Freedoms Campaign coincides with the release of a new Illicit product line, “West by Illicit,” which is the brainchild of freed cannabis POW Donte West. West was sentenced to eight years for a cannabis first offense in Kansas, where he fought his sentence and ultimately secured his release with a dismissal of all charges. We will donate 30% of the proceeds from the sale of “West by Illicit” products to a rotating list of Missouri’s incarcerated canna bis prisoners to help assist with their legal and reintegration costs.

TEM: Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers that adds to Illicit’s success in the MO MMJ Industry?

LM: The biggest contribution to our success that I give credit to is the budtenders — we thank them for being our biggest advocate in creating what has become a household name here in the show me state. The Illicit brand wouldn’t be what it is without you!

For more information about Illicit Gardens and its available products, visit www.illicitgardens.com

Cannabis

Training Methods

Jason Mispagel is the co-owner and operator of Year-Round Garden, a grower’s supply center serving both home and commercial customers since 2016. His extensive growing experience in hydroponics and soil dates to the early days of legalization in Colorado, where he served as one of the state’s early caregivers. Year-Round Garden. 1225 W 103rd St, Kansas City, MO. 816.216.6917 FB: yrroundgarden ● IG: @yrroundgarden

I’m not sure how many times I’ve said, “There’s no one RIGHT way to do something,” but when it comes to train ing and pruning cannabis, that phrase couldn’t be more relevant. It’s truly a matter of preference and circumstance. Artificial manipulation of plants by humans is simply unnatural, so there’s no “one right way” to do it.

For thousands of years, cannabis has evolved to grow in a manner that gives it the greatest chance of perpetuating its existence in the natural environment. That means male plants spread pollen to female plants. Seeds are formed, dropping to the ground, and growing anew the following year. Female plants (the source of our medicine) develop one domi nant central node with numerous underlying branches, forming a Christmas tree shape. While that structure is optimal for protection against the elements and catching pollen, it’s not ideal for producing the maximum amount of unpollinated flower. That’s where training comes into play. By cutting, bending, and supporting, a single plant can double, triple, or even quadruple in yield, but the decision on which method(s) to use is all a function of time and space.

Let’s start by separating plant manipu lation methods into two categories: Low Stress Training (LST) and High Stress Train ing (HST). LST methods involve gentle bend ing, tying down, or weaving branches so that

a greater number of bud sites receive direct exposure to light. HST, on the other hand, requires the grower to intentionally damage or wound the plant to achieve a similar goal. Both methods provide an opportunity to limit a plant’s vertical growth while increasing yield, which can be particularly helpful when cultivating indoors.

Low Stress Training (LST) Methods

LST can be implemented at any point through out a plant’s life cycle, but its impacts will be more dramatic when performed earlier in the vegetative stage of growth. That’s because the plant will be easier to manipulate when its shoots and stems are younger, and it’ll have more time to grow into the pattern you’ve designed for it.

Tying Down: Any flexible material that you have lying around the house can be used for

Rubber-coated plantwire.

this method (i.e., twine, string, pipe cleaners, fishing line, etc.). Either cut holes along the

edges of your plant’s container or place a stake in your grow media. Then, gently bend the stem of your plant, so it’s at an angle anywhere up to 90 degrees. Use the flexible material you’ve chosen to tie it down to the stake or the holes in your container. The more extreme the angle, the more the plant will be encouraged to grow horizontally. As new shoots grow, you can continue to tie those down as well until you’re satisfied and ready to begin flowering. If you snap a stem when tying it down, don’t panic. Cannabis is particularly good at healing itself. Grab some tape from the kitchen drawer and simply tape the damaged area back together.

Screen of Green (ScrOG): As the name suggests, this method involves placing a screen over top of your plant(s). It can be rigid metal, a latticework of rope, a flexible trellis net, or any other material that allows for numerous openings large enough for branches to fit through. The screen will need to be supported in some fashion — most commonly by the poles of a grow tent or a custom frame built from wood or PVC. Place the screen above the top of your plant’s canopy. As the plant reaches the screen, gently weave it horizon tally through the holes. When new branches begin to form, weave them as well so that each branch occupies its own hole. The height of your screen above the base of your plant’s stem is largely a matter of preference, but 12 to 18 inches is generally a good starting point. In some circumstances, with extremely large plants, a second screen may be added above the first to provide additional support.

High Stress Training (HST) Methods

HST should (almost) always be performed during the vegetative stage of growth. These methods do actual damage to the structure of the plant and therefore require signifi cant time for recovery. The greatest benefit, though, is that it can dramatically increase a single plant’s yield.

Pruning: This is the one HST method that can be performed at any point throughout the plant’s life cycle. Each new cannabis branch is supported by a large fan leaf, aiding its early development. Because the new branch doesn’t have its own leaves yet to perform photosynthesis, it relies on the fan leaf for energy. Once the branch has developed leaves of its own, though, the fan leaf is no

longer required and can be pruned, improv ing airflow and allowing light to penetrate the canopy, reaching lower bud sites.

Topping: Once the plant has grown at least a few nodes tall, cut or pinch off the entire top of the plant, leaving at least two nodes below it. Now, rather than having a single main branch, the node below where the plant

angle. While this increases recovery time compared to traditional tying down, it also activates hormones within the plant that not only repair the damaged site on the stem but also contribute to enhanced growth through out other areas of the plant.

Mainlining: By far one of the most aggres sive HST techniques, this method requires at least five or six nodes of growth before it can begin. Top the plant above the third node. Then remove all growth from below the third node, leaving one stem with two branches at the top. Bend those two branches at a 90-degree angle opposite each other and tie them down. Once those two branches develop new nodes, top them as well and tie down each of their sets of branches. You should now have four tied-down branches. Continue this pattern for as long as you’d like before flowering.

was topped will become primary. This can be repeated as many times as the grower chooses before flowering.

FIM (F--- I Missed): Once the plant has grown at least a few nodes tall, cut or pinch off about two-thirds of the young leaves on the newest developing node. Be sure not to cut through the actual stem at the base of the node. This method takes some practice to get right, but if done properly, it will turn what would have been a single bud site into four sites. This can be repeated as many times as the grower chooses before flowering.

Super Cropping: This method follows the same principles as tying down with one exception. Rather than gently bending

Finally, it’s important to note that the methods we’ve discussed can be combined and don’t need to be utilized independently of each other. For instance, a common prac tice would be to top your plant after it’s a few nodes tall, turning one main branch into two. Then, once those two branches have developed a node or two, top each of those, resulting in four main branches. Repeat the process to continue doubling the number of branches until you’re ready to begin flower ing the plant. In the meantime, a trellis net can be stretched across the top of the canopy, and each branch can be gently bent to fill a single hole. You’ve now combined the HST topping method to force additional primary bud sites with the LST ScrOG method to encourage horizontal growth and increase direct exposure to light. Throughout all stages of growth, you may also choose to implement the HST pruning method to remove fan leaves and lower branches, improving airflow and promoting the direction of energy towards upper nodes and bud sites.

the stems, you squeeze and roll the stems between your fingers until the inner cell walls break down and they snap at a 90-degree

For more information about YRG, visit www. year-roundgarden.com or call 816.216.6917 and be sure to tell them The EVOLUTION Magazine sent you.

Scan QR ► to see video about “Types of Horticultural Lighting.”

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Woofer CBD Treats

The pet wellness industry is booming, or should we say, Bark ing loudly about the many ways to pamper your pooch with numerous CBD products. Our pets, after all, are members of the family, and their health and wellness are often even more important to us than the human members.

Farmhouse Extracts pet treats, made in Sheldon, MO, are vegan, non-GMO, organic, and contain all natural ingredients and no chemi cals. First things first, Farmhouse owns the farms from which its prod ucts are sourced. Farmhouse is the largest CBD farmer and producer in Missouri, with over 90% of the state’s total CBD Hemp Acres in 2021.

Farmhouse owners, Cody and Taylor Claflin, are well equipped for the job. Cody is an agronomist who grew up farming and has a degree in Plant and Soil Science from Oklahoma State University, so making the change from corn and soybeans to hemp was an easy transition. Taylor says, “We are meticulous in every part of the process, including every thing involved in planting even prior to putting seed in the ground. We

perform soil testing to check for heavy metals and toxins that could potentially make their way into the plant and the nutrient load of said soil.

“We also practice sustainable irrigation, once again, testing our water source to ensure there isn’t anything we don’t want to make its way into the final product. Our practices are organic, and we really do pour our hearts and souls into our fields. Once the plants have run their course, we send our own plant material to certified third-party labs to get extracted; both prior to and after extraction, our products are tested to make sure there are no undesirable components. After our plants are processed and the CBD is extracted into a distillate or isolate, it is sent for processing and manufacturing of our different CBD products. At this point, once again, we send our products out for third-party batch testing. This is where we are given specific profiles on the content of each product, ensuring that what we advertise is exactly what we sell.”

“We have our hands involved in every step of the process, from seed to extraction to packaging and sales,” says Taylor.

To provide that extra level of security to both the Claflin’s and the consumer, Farmhouse includes a QR code on every label that will take you directly to its lab results, providing complete transparency. “We are a vertically integrated company and have our hands involved in every step of the process, from seed to extraction to packaging and sales,” said Taylor. “This allows us to maintain a high-quality product without having to wonder where our CBD is sourced from and maintain control over what we produce.”

What Dog Health Problems Can CBD Oil Treat?

Farmhouse says that while there’s no definitive scientific data on using CBD to treat dogs, there’s anecdotal evidence from dog owners suggesting it can treat pain, especially neuropathic pain, as well as help to control seizures, anxiety, separation anxiety, crate stress, and more.

CBD is also used because of its antiinflammatory properties, cardiac benefits,

So, What is Delta-8?

Is it safe? Is it legal? How is it made?

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Leigh Carr, holds a Bachelor’s in Science of Nursing. Educated in the traditional pharmaceutical and medical schooling industry. She is not only an advocate of CBD and cannabis; she is a believer of its medical benefits from her own personal health experiences. After suffering through pain caused by a series of severe car accidents and other health issues, she relied, as most Americans, on pharmaceutical medications. Doctors prescribed her more medications than could be counted on two hands, with each one having side effects, she never felt healthy. It was time to find a different way. She studied the make-up of cannabis and how it works in human body, and the Endocannabinoid System — something never taught in most medical and nursing schools. Learn more about her personal story, at www. hariomhemp.com

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It feels like it can be found everywhere from local dispensaries to CBD stores to even liquor and convenience stores as well as many other odd locations. So, what is Delta-8?

It’s called Delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC has claimed to be a “legal way to get high” and as an alternative way to get “high” than from Delta-9 rich marijuana, but is it safe? Is it legal? How is it made? Can I test positive for THC? We believe individuals should be able to make their own decisions. The goal of this article is not to persuade or dissuade you from your feelings or use of Delta-8 products, but rather to give more information and things to think about, to do your own research, and determine for yourself.

What is Delta-8?

Delta-8 products are derived from hemp. The claims are that Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in hemp and all cannabis family plants. Yes, Delta-8 THC does indeed occur naturally in cannabis family plants; however, Delta-8 THC is just one of many cannabinoids found in cannabis or hemp plants. It is very similar in chemical structure to the well-known cannabinoid Delta-9 THC, the psychoactive-inducing cannabinoid found in marijuana. Hemp, however, is designated to have less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, which is why it has no psychoactive effects. Delta-8 THC, which is naturally found in hemp products such as a full-spectrum oil, can play a role in what is known as the “entourage effect.” Even though it occurs at very small natural levels

of concentration, it can help enhance the qualities of the other cannabinoids such as CBD or CBG, but in no way does the Delta-8 THC have enough concentration to cause any psychoactive effects.

Is Delta-8 Legal?

The 2018 Farm Bill that was passed legalized hemp and all hemp-derived products that measured below the 0.3% THC by dry weight limit. The Farm Bill helped remove the likes of THCA, THCV, and all other “tetrahydrocannabinol” cannabinoids, including Delta-8 THC, from the list of controlled substances. The only one that remained on the Federal Controlled Substances list was Delta-9 THC. When removing the hemp-derived cannabinoids from the banned list, it was essentially assumed since hemp has below the legal limit of 0.3% Delta-9 THC that there were no harmful or psychoactive sources to be concerned with in hemp products. Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid; however, it is not found naturally in anywhere near high enough concentration to have psychoactive effects. The intentions set forth in the Farm Bill of 2018 did not account for taking one common hemp cannabinoid, such as CBD, with no psychoactive effects, and manipulating it through a synthetic process to turn it into another cannabinoid, such as Delta-8 THC, which does have psychoactive effects.

There’s legislation going on in many states right now. Some believe that there are already reasons for Delta-8 THC to still fall

within the Controlled Substances Act. The level of Delta-8 found in marketed Delta-8 products that are hemp-derived exceeds any natural Delta-8 amounts by going through a synthetic process. Since it is synthetic, it could fall into the Controlled Substances Act as a Controlled Substance Analog. It is essentially a man-made derivative from hemp that is purposefully made to avoid the law with the intent for the product to fall into hemp regulation. However, many say the law specifically is about less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.

unlawful to possess or sell in Kansas. Other federal and state laws and regulations place additional limits on the legality of products containing THC and other cannabinoids.

When it comes to legality, we just want everyone to be cautious and research any possible ramifications. Even if you think you are safe consuming a Delta-8 product derived from hemp, law enforcement field and lab tests do not distinguish it from cannabis, and it is moving more and more to be regulated like marijuana. Again, please just do your own research before consuming.

Processing and Toxins

CBD Stores and some dispensaries offer Delta-8 and D-9 products in various forms.

CBD American Shaman carries a line of Zen Master Delta-8 and D-9 products, from THC nano gummies, to water solubles tinctures, honey, to flower, and pre-rolls.

Many state and local governments are still defining it. In Missouri, we are currently blessed with the ability to get medical marijuana, so patients have access to the real thing. In Kansas, for example, it’s a different story because even if law enforcement officials have a personal opinion that differs, they must follow the law as written. Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt issued the following opinion on December 2, 2021, to attempt to clarify the State’s stance for the KBI and other local law enforcement departments.

Delta-8 THC comes within the definition of a Schedule I controlled substance and is unlawful to possess or sell in Kansas unless it is made from industrial hemp and is contained in a lawful hemp product having no more than 0.3% total tetrahydrocannabinols (THC). Unlawful hemp products include cigarettes, cigars, teas, and substances for use in vaping devices. Delta-8 THC derived from any source other than industrial hemp is a Schedule I controlled substance and

Again, Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid, but Delta-8 is only found in extremely low concentrations, usually less than 0.1% in industrial hemp. As mentioned in its naturally occurring levels, Delta-8 THC may have its own potential benefits for users. Delta-8 THC interacts with the Endocannabinoid System receptors in its own way compared to CBD or CBG, even though it is in low concentration, which is why it can assist with the entourage effect and increase the effectiveness of the other cannabinoids. In short, most Delta-8 that is being marketed and found in stores today is actually from hemp-derived CBD. It can also be done with other cannabinoids, but the majority comes from excess inventory of CBD, which has been heated for long periods and transformed into Delta-8 THC; this is where the higher concentrations of Delta-8 THC are made.

CBD is typically extracted from hemp, which is more plentiful and cheaper for cultivators to grow and more affordable for consumers. Then it is put through several processes to synthetically turn the CBD Isolate into Delta-8. The State of Oregon has released the following on this process.

The extracted CBD is mixed with an acidic catalyst and heated for a period of time. This process converts much of the CBD to Δ8-THC via “isomerization.” This process produces known and unknown byproducts.

It is unclear whether, or to what extent, the Δ8-THC manufacturers attempt to purify the product to remove the byproducts or the catalyst.

So, the process of heating the CBD changes its chemical structure. From the legal point of view, the hemp product originally started out under 0.3% THC but now will test well over. However, this process is not only where the legal definition can change, but it is also the point where potentially harmful toxins can enter the product.

Manufacturing byproducts are created from the process. This byproduct is not consistently known and can differ from various manufacturers depending on their exact processes. Everyone should think for themselves and question what the FDA and other medical institutions have to say, often for the simple fact of conflicts of interest. However, it should be noted that the FDA did put out a warning about the potential for harmful chemicals that various manufacturers often use across the country to transform their products to have high concentrations of Delta-8 THC. The following is taken from the FDA on September 14, 2021. The natural amount of Delta-8 THC in hemp is very low, and additional chemicals are needed to convert other cannabinoids in hemp, like CBD, into Delta-8 THC (i.e., synthetic conversion). Concerns with this process include:

Some manufacturers may use potentially unsafe household chemicals to make Delta-8 THC through this chemical synthesis process. Additional chemicals may be used to change the color of the final product. The final Delta-8 THC product may have potentially harmful by-products (contaminants) due to the chemicals used in the process, and there is uncertainty with respect to other potential contaminants that may be present or produced depending on the composition of the starting raw material. If consumed or inhaled, these chemicals, including some used to make (synthesize) Delta-8 THC and the by-products created during synthesis, can be harmful.

Manufacturing of Delta-8 THC products may occur in uncontrolled or unsanitary settings, which may lead to the presence of unsafe contaminants or other potentially harmful substances.

Read the full Press Release by scanning the QR code ►

Labeling

With choice, there must also be truthful disclosure. Labeling and testing have been another issue with Delta-8 products to help customers understand what is in the product.

Delta-8 is primarily labeled according to hemp labeling rules, as most of it is derived from CBD from hemp. Those rules typically only require the content of CBD and THC (Delta-9 THC) to be expressed and disclosed on the label. When purchasing a Delta-8 THC product, if the THC content is not expressly

So, What is Delta-8?

 Continued from page 37

disclosed on the product, please contact the manufacturer before using it. Also, research who you buy the product from and who made it.

1. Are you able to find who manufactured the product?

2. Are they a local reputable company?

3. Do they have labs, test results, and reviews available?

Because the byproduct of the isomerization process is typically not disclosed anywhere or labeled on the product’s packaging, the responsibility of knowing what might be in the product will come down to you doing your own research. It also means that any byproduct will be unknown and can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and even from batch to batch, depending on many factors. As with any man-made manufactured product, especially one that can contain byproducts and toxins, there simply has not been enough time to research long-term potential side effects, good or bad.

Do Your Research and Understand What You’re Taking

When it seems too good to be true, it often is. Billed as the legal way to get high, Delta-8 THC has boomed. It’s up to each individual to research and figure out what they are putting into their bodies and the consequences. Legislation, specifically the 2018 Farm Bill, did not anticipate the arrival of Delta-8 THC products from hempderived CBD. It seemingly may have started as a creative way for some manufacturers to produce a return on excess inventory of hemp products, which typically were lower grade CBD isolate.

We should point out that some manufacturers have the funding, facilities, and wherewithal as well as the desire to produce a cleaner product. We have also seen firsthand facilities that resemble jungle factories from a Hollywood movie that are simply trying to get a quick piece of the market. So please do your research, understand the product, and any legal ramifications in your local area.

Resources

• Food and Drug Administration - Release on 9/14/21 (see LINK page 37)

• Oregon State Government Regulatory Issues Artificially Derived Cannabinoids (LINK)

• Brightfield Group - What’s the Fate of Delta-8 (LINK)

• https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-01-06/these-cannabis-products-soldin-kansas-could-get-you-high-and-maybe-arrested

Notice: All content provided by the author is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Hari Om Hemp or The EVOLUTION Magazine are not responsible or liable for any information, services, or products that you obtain as a result of the information you have read here, its websites, or any affiliated entities. The information contained herein is a sharing of knowledge and information based on research and experience. The content is for general informational purposes only.

Written views of the contributing writers expressed in this publication belong to the writers and do not necessarily reflect the sentiments or editorial opinion of the publisher or staff of The EVOLUTION Magazine.

Veterans and Medical Cannabis in Missouri

This is a follow-up to our May issue’s Memorial Day article that outlined the Missouri Veterans Commission’s role in managing the tax revenues from the sales of medical cannabis in the Missouri Medical Marijuana Program.

On May 1, 2022, Missouri veterans Todd Scattini, Chris Wolfenbarger, and Jonathan Lewis accompanied Lyndall Fraker, the Executive Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Medical Marijuana Division, and Andrew Mullins, the Executive Director of the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association (MoCannTrade), to meet with retired Colonel Paul Kirchhoff, the Executive Director of the Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC). COL (Ret.) Kirchhoff was accompanied by several members of his staff and team. They were incredibly gracious with their time and welcomed us to the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO.

It was clear from the start of our meeting that COL (Ret.) Kirchhoff is an exceptional professional and is committed to helping Missouri veterans. We walked away knowing that he is the right leader to carry out MVC’s mission. He served 33 years of active duty with the U.S. Army and the Missouri Army National Guard, with combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq in staff and leadership positions from Battalion Operations Officer to Battalion and then Regimental Commander.

We met to introduce members of the Missouri and veterans’ cannabis eco-system to the MVC hoping to begin a dialogue about veterans and cannabis in Missouri. We shared news of the VA Secretary’s desire to “Normalize the conversation” around veterans and cannabis. We shared that we believe Missouri could be the ideal platform to host such a conversation. More importantly, we attempted to describe how Missouri could serve as the platform for cannabis research. Missouri’s exceptional medical cannabis program (and industry), coupled with its academic infrastructure and relationship with the Veterans Administration and the greater veteran community, would be an ideal space to conduct observational research.

Budget issues

COL (Ret.) Kirchhoff and his team were very clear up front that they were in complete support of the Governor’s budget and plans

to use all state funds. The conversation about the “ground truth” of the MVC’s fiscal situation was very informative and pointed to budgetary limitations that will likely prevent Missouri from reaching its potential anytime soon. The sincerity and frustration at COL Kirchoff’s briefing on the conditions were palpable from every team member. The problem is as simple as it is complex. Every day it becomes more complicated and costly to complete their mission. They have been cut off from access to the Missouri General Fund, expecting marijuana revenues to fill that fiscal gap. In the past, the MVC had received roughly 14 million per year (2006 through 2012); however, over the past two years, they didn’t receive any of that. Over the past year, approximately 7 million has gone to them from the MO MMJ tax program with another, $14 million scheduled to be paid in the fall of this year.1 (See graph below.)

Follow-up on managing the MMJ tax revenues from sales.

The issue is exacerbated by skyrocketing costs of running Missouri’s Veteran Homes during COVID, resulting in rising costs since most of their patient population has significant comorbidity issues. In addition, staffing has significantly dropped with approximately 572 leaving (133 nurse-related) over the last two years.

The MVC facilities are not the only ones faced with these issues as civilian care facilities began competing for healthcare staff. They described the current climate for hiring healthcare workers as hypercompetitive, stating that they were losing staff to non-state-run facilities offering signing bonuses between $10,000 and $20,000 plus raises in hourly rates. The Missouri Constitution prohibits these bonuses, making it difficult to attract and retain talent resulting in critical staffing shortages and other systemic strain. This also means hiring and training staff, as some experienced MVC workers simply had to take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime job market, which has added significantly to the fiscal pressures presented by COVID.

The Missouri Medical Marijuana tax revenues designated for the MVC by Article 14 of the Missouri Constitution aren’t allowing them to fund new programs, expand coverage for the Veteran Community, or fund muchneeded research. According to COL (Ret.) Kirchhoff, the funds are “helping us keep the lights on.” He noted much of his time is spent educating legislators about their primary misconception that the MVC is flush with cash because they receive the tax revenues from the state’s medical marijuana program.

Missourians voted in November 2018 to adopt Constitutional Amendment 2, known now as Article XIV. The amendment includes a provision requiring that fees and taxes generated by the medical marijuana program, less operational expenses, be transferred to the MVC for health and care services for military veterans. Article XIV states that medical marijuana sold in licensed dispensaries will be taxed at 4%. Since dispensary sales began in October 2020, more than $335.8 million (as of 5/11/22) in sales have occurred. As of September 16, 2021, according to the DHSS, the total amount transferred to the MVC is $6,843,310 in tax revenue. Another, roughly $14 million is earmarked to be transfer in the fall of 2022. Had the MVC budget not been slashed, those tax revenues could have been directed to several programs to benefit military veterans. Instead, they have been redirected to finance the commission assigned to distribute them, creating what we often referred to in the military as a “self-licking ice cream cone.”

Open to dialogue and conversation

What was clear after our meeting was that we all share the same goal of taking care of and providing the best healthcare to veterans and their families. The MVC team committed to continuing our conversation on the subject and wants to work toward creative ways of supporting research in Missouri but will need patience and partners ready to help illuminate a path forward understanding the limitations of the federal illegality of cannabis, lack of funds, and competing demands.

Until We Meet Again

The group met in May for the Missouri Veterans Commission, DHSS, Key Veteran Advocates meeting at Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO. Left to Right back row – Andrew Mullins Director of MoCann Trade, Ryon Richmond, Deputy Director MVC; Scotty Allen, Jonathan Lewis, and Paul Kirchhoff, Executive Director MVC. Front row – Melissa Skinner, Director of Operations MVC, Chris Wolfenbarger, Todd Scattini, and Lyndall Fraker, Director of DHSS MMJ Program.

We parted with the reminder that Missouri is in its nascent stage of cannabis and that veterans in Kansas still suffer with no legal access to cannabis at all. We invited COL (Ret.) Kirchhoff and his team to be our guest at the upcoming Patients Out of Time 15th Annual National Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics in Kansas City, MO, June 9-11. We asked that they share this opportunity for VA doctors to earn up to 16.5 Continuing Education Credits, accredited by the University of Virginia’s School of Medicine. We all agreed that if the VA is going to “normalize the conversation” around veterans and cannabis, its doctors need to speak the language of cannabis and understand the most current research.

Please note that we researched diligently to track down the exact dollar amounts mentioned herein. Nevertheless, the exact dollars mentioned could vary slightly, plus or minus as mentioned. To see the DHSS September 16, 2021 New release regarding MVC tax distributions, visit https://health.mo.gov/news.

Todd Scattini is a 27-year veteran LTC, U.S. Army (Ret.). A West Point graduate, Scattini commanded troops at the platoon and company level, and served as a military diplomat and Defense Attaché in numerous countries. He deployed twice to Afghanistan, serving as a senior advisor to the coalition commander. He finished his career as an instructor at the Command and General Staff College in Ft. Leavenworth, KS. Todd has been an activist pushing for medical cannabis access for veterans across the country serving in board advisory positions at the Veterans Cannabis Project, Kansas Cannabis Coalition, and the Hemp for Victory Foundation. His company, Harvest 360, is a full-service cannabis consulting firm specializing in helping clients become licensed operators. Todd.scattini@harvest360.co

 Chris Wolfenbarger, SGT Retired and founder of Veteran Patient Access Foundation.

Growpito The Growing Medium for Healthier Plants

Hydroponic horticulturist can expect maximized yields and complete nutrient control.

Want to grow bigger, healthy plants and use far less water? Growpito’s growing medium by Growpito Technologies provides growers reusable horticultural hydroponic mediums that save water and nutrients. It allows the hydroponic horticulturist to expect maximized yields and complete nutrient control. Its refined mediums and systems are designed to give farmers and cultivators, whether large or small, confidence and complete repeatability with a reduced ecological footprint.

Growpito’s growing medium is an organic granulated stone wool mix made in the USA with spun fibers combined with Growpito’s unique bio-foam cubes (which are inert and BPA-free). The truly unique bio-foam encourages biological colonization, keeps the stone wool aerated, and encourages plant root growth. Paired with a flood and drain system, Growpito reduces water usage while maximizing yields, creating an unrivaled value.

Growpito Sim Mix – The Perpetual Grow Medium

Sim-Mix was invented to address the waste issues that exist with other indoor grow mediums. Offering a smaller footprint, Sim-Mix growing medium is perpetual and creates its own internal eco-system. Many commercial growers are faced with the problem of disposing of large quantities of mediums such as coco coir and rock wool blocks. Rather than disposing of the Sim-Mix medium, it can be reused perpetually — diminishing cost with every growing cycle and ultimately saving the user hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars.

“All over the world, there are people and places that do not have good growing conditions, lack water, and even lack soil,” said Renee Polivka, Co-Founder and Educational Resources. “We want to help those people.”

Growpito Sim-Mix medium can be reused perpetually — diminishing cost with every growing cycle.

Growpito’s Sim-Mix growing medium offers a unique design that gives plants the most robust root-systems. It controls mold, insects, and salt and reduces the amount of water and nutrients used, resulting in more grams of product per square foot.

Growpito grow medium produces a healthier root system and plants.

“We make the finest grow medium, and it uses 30 times less water,” said David Polivka, founder of Growpito Technologies LLC and the inventor of Growpito products. “It saves nutrients and helps the farmer produce greater yield. We are dedicated to helping the world make more food and plants.” Polivka has over 30 years of cultivating a wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants and extensive experience in flood and drain systems. His knowledge and drive to contribute to sustainable horticulture led to the five years of development that delivered Growpito’s products to market. It is this vision and dedication to environmental stewardship that ensures the company’s mission and dedication to offering the highest quality hydroponic grow mediums.

As a perpetual grow medium, whatever you’re growing, wherever you’re growing it, Growpito Sim Mix makes a difference in plant

growth, yield, and the environment, and at a cost that diminishes every growing cycle because the medium has repeatable usability.

Growpito’s formulas and systems use up to 73% less water than other systems, thus offering enormous savings. In challenging environments, Growpito growing media users are no longer limited by soil conditions or physical space.

,

The genuinely unique bio-foam within Growpito Sim Mix encourages biological colonization, keeps the stone wool aerated, and encourages healthy plant root growth. Its formula facilitates both efficient and effective plant growth, creating a sustainable model for cultivation that is leading the world in horticulture innovation.

Growpito for bigger,healthier plants.

Growpito’s refined growing media and systems are designed to be a good value, so whether used in outdoor or indoor applications, it is revolutionizing the way plants are grown. Are you ready for the perpetual grow medium that offers better growing for the future?

Look and ask for Growpito at your local grow supply store or garden center. Find out more at www.growpito.com. Get Growpito today for a better grow tomorrow!

Budtender Picks!

Sunshine Greens

As the summer heats up, Missouri cannabis has reached a hot and steady pace, and quality products are the norm across the state. In the past couple of months, every dispensary I have visited now carries a growing variety of products. Almost every type of cannabis product is available somewhere in the state. I tend to gab with budtenders on my visits. The amount of knowledge available at your local dispensary is genuinely astonishing, especially in this fast-growing Missouri market, and budtenders have truly stepped up to the plate — they do a fantastic job of relaying educational information to patients.

A constant recommendation from budtenders are pre-rolls, and it’s easy to see why. They are very convenient, and on a hot day, with a cold beverage, a pre-roll on your back porch can be a real treat indeed. One of my go-to’s has been the SFV OG from Illicit, a smooth, relaxing, and uplifting hybrid that pairs great with a sunny afternoon.

Missouri’s market is hot. Competition is every where, and concentrates are one of the sharpest points of contention. In its concentrated form, small details of different strains become much more noticeable, and the production process can greatly affect the end product. Most concentrates in the state are excellent sugars, waxes, live resins, and distillates for cartridges, all of which are traditionally produced through butane hash oil extraction methods.

Noticeably absent from the state’s commercial market is solvent less rosin, which is a much newer method of extraction involving heat pressing freshly frozen hash or flower. Rumblings from manufactur ers give hope, however, and many are already looking toward adding rosin to their portfolio.

Just as concentrates can vary, so too can the methods of smoking them. I’m a bit of a glass art nut, so a small collection of funky rigs is growing in my house. When using a nail and rig, typically, there are two types of nails: quartz and titanium. Outside of that, many different electric rigs exist, such as Puffco’s, Dr. Dabbers, etc.

With all the different forms of concen trate smoking — temperature is the “number one” thing to consider. With too high of a temperature, concentrate will burn and char, and terpenes will break down into dangerous chemicals. Over time, I’ve found that between 450and 500-degrees Fahrenheit is the sweet spot, effectively vaporizing the concen trate without burning it. To keep track of your temperature, I highly recommend an infrared thermometer, which can be found at your local hardware store.

With the right temperature, the flavor of concentrates is unmatched, and three have been standouts for me recently. Start ing with the Bubblegum Gelato Live Sugar from Illicit, it came in with a strong terpy flavor that heavily relaxed the muscles and washed pain away into a deep and restful bliss. The Bourbon St. Badder from Proper is next and by far had the most unique flavor of the three. It was almost chocolatey, with a strong hybrid effect that wasn’t too

relaxing and not too energetic either. Finally, the Kansas City Kush Sugar from Galactic Meds has been my go-to Sativa/Hybrid from this new manufacturer. Galactic Meds seems to know its stuff, with the Kansas City Kush and other concentrates being great picks for my dispensary visits.

Flower has not been lacking in Missouri either, and competition is still hot between Kansas City’s Illicit brand and the St. Louis Proper brand. Both have been powerhouse growers from the beginning and have kept that knack for the good green stuff. Recently, I tried the Peach Crescendo from Illicit and the White Wine from Proper. Both are heavy Indicas, and for me, it’s hard to choose between the two. Both were nice, solid buds with good trichome formation, and both had terpy, fruity smells, with the Peach Crescendo being more on the citrus side than the White Wine.

Overall, Missouri has become a hopping place to be a medical canna bis patient. Variety abounds, and as time has gone on, prices have slowly but surely dropped. Summer is here, and with it, more products will grace the shelves at Missouri dispensaries. In the meantime, grab your chosen flower, concentrate, drink, or edible, then kick back and enjoy the sunshine.

Sean Keast is a Navy Veteran Mass Communications Specialist, cannabis educator, and advocate documenting the Missouri cannabis industry in all its forms and general purveyor of tomfoolery. He’s currently enrolled at MU, working towards a communications degree. He can be found @givviehash on social media.

Infused Yum Sauce

Those of us with green thumbs have been harvesting fresh vegetables and herbs from our greenhouses for about a month now. It is so wonderful to have healthy homegrown foods. We also have “Eat what We Grow” days where we only eat what’s available to be harvested that day. It’s really fun, and it has really cut down on our grocery bill. I am always up for the challenge of making dinner interesting and tasty. You know me!

One night, I had all these vegetables on hand and a seafood protein, so I just whipped this up! It’s kind of like that old show on Food Network, “Master Chef,” where the chefs are given certain ingredients, and they are judged on taste and creativity. Anyway, enough about me, let’s talk more about this sauce!

So far, we’ve harvested tomatoes, broccoli microgreens, carrots, peppers, cilantro, basil, thyme, and oregano. Something that I really love to do with all these ingredients is to make my amazing sauce. It is like a Ragu. You can pair it with a lot of different foods; I like it on just about anything.

For example, I use it with my seafood dishes. It is perfect under some scallops or grilled red snapper. I also love to toss my penne pasta in it to add some super yum flavor. Not only is this sauce delicious, but it’s also super healthy for you, especially if you use homegrown ingredients picked that day. In my opinion, the flavor of homegrown vegetables is 50 times more vibrant than store-bought. I believe that vegetables lose their nutrients as they sit after being removed from the vine. So, when we buy tomatoes at the grocery store, who knows how long they have been off the vine and how many of their nutrients have already diminished. Then after we buy them and let them sit in our refrigerator until we are ready to use them — more nutrients are weakened!

Nowadays, many of us are looking to maximize our nutrient intake with the healthy foods we eat, so wouldn’t we want to eat the freshest food possible? That’s why I grow a lot of my own foods. But, if you don’t have a green thumb or just don’t have time to garden, we all have access to local farms through area farmer’s markets. Lucky for us!

My best advice for this recipe is to make a lot, because you’re going to want to put it on everything! You will also need a blender. I use my Nutribullet. You will not find this recipe anywhere else because I made it up while cooking one night.

Ingredients:

• 5 vine-ripened tomatoes

• 2 large carrots

• ½ of a yellow onion

• 1 red bell pepper

• 1 orange or yellow bell pepper

• ½ cup to a cup of chicken stock depending on the consistency you want

• 1 clove of garlic

• 1.2 cup of broccoli microgreens (optional)

• 1 tablespoon of infused oil or butter

• ½ cup of fresh parsley

• 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme

• 2 tablespoons of fresh oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 Sea Bass Filets (or a protein of your choice)

Serve it with your protein of choice.

The Method:

1. Dice the carrot, onion, peppers, and tomatoes. Depending on the quality of your blender, this must be either a small or a medium dice. My Nutribullet takes medium fine.

2. Place infused oil or butter in a medium sauté pan with an additional tablespoon of regular butter over medium heat.

3. When the pan is hot, and the butter is beginning to melt, add the diced carrot, onion, and peppers. Sautee until the vegetables look bright in color and the onion is somewhat translucent.

4. Add the minced clove of garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, and oregano at this time. Toss them into the mixture until the garlic becomes fragrant — about 40 seconds.

5. Add the diced tomatoes and all the juice from them. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper and let tomatoes come to a simmer.

6. When tomatoes are at a simmer, add the chicken stock and bring it back to a simmer.

7. Lower the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for about five minutes.

8. Remove the sauce from the heat and let stand for five minutes. It is dangerous to put hot liquids into the blender, so if you have a wand blender, that is ideal for this sauce.

9. Place the sauce in the blender half at a time and blend until smooth.

Use this sauce under or over a fish steak or crabcakes, toss it in with some cooked pasta, or just dip your bread in it. I love it with Sea Bass Filets. Enjoy!

Chef Dana Howard is a Kansas City native and 15-year catering professional. Woman-owner and operator of Infused KC, a new catering concept that infuses world-class menus with CBD. Email dana@ infusedkc.com for a custom menu when planning your event. Dana loves to cater anything and everything, including weddings! To purchase Dana’s newly released Cookbook with the recipes as seen in this magazine, visit www.InFusedKC.com, or ask for it at your dispensary.

Illicit Gardens Launches Freedoms Campaign raising funds and awareness for canna

POWs

One Missouri top grow facility and dispensary is shedding light on the hypocrisy in the legal system toward people impris oned for cannabis offenses.

With the launch of its Freedoms Campaign, cannabis brand and social justice advocate Illicit Gardens (ILLICIT) has partnered with the Last Prisoner Project (LPP) to provide donation dollars to individuals imprisoned under cannabis possession charges. Together, the two organizations fight for criminal justice reform around cannabis at the local and national legislative levels.

In partnership with LPP, Illicit Gardens will feature eight “prisoners of the war on drugs” (*POWs) over the year-long campaign, an allusion to the U.S. war on drugs. The campaign will share cannabis offenders’ stories and perspectives through videos and exclusive interviews.

“We believe Missouri and the United States as a whole have reached an important tipping point in our collective consciousness around cannabis reform,” said ILLICIT CEO Adam Dilz. “The Freedoms Campaign drives forward our mission to free the more than 40,000 cannabis prisoners convicted of an activity that’s no longer a crime.”

The launch of the Freedoms Campaign coincides with the release of a new product line, “West by Illicit.” The West products are the brainchild of freed cannabis *POW Donte (West) Westmoreland, who with a no criminal record score and nothing illegal in his posses sion, was arrested and convicted on charges that were later overturned. West was sentenced to eight years for a cannabis first offense in Kansas, where he fought his sentence and ultimately secured his release with a dismissal of all charges in October 2020.

Thirty percent of the proceeds from the sale of West by Illicit will be donated to a rotating list of Missouri’s incarcerated cannabis pris oners to assist with their legal and reintegra tion fees.

Each *POW’s time in prison costs taxpayers roughly $120 per day based on the average annual cost of incarceration (COIF) for a federal inmate in a federal facility in 2020. Arrests for cannabis offenders are 9% higher than those arrested for violent offenses.

For information on the campaign or to donate or get involved, visit www.illicitgardens. com/freedoms. Illicit Gardens will also share weekly stories on its Instagram account, @ illicitgardensmo, and full, unedited audio segments at www.illicitgardens.com.

For more information about Donte (West) Westmoreland and his story, visit www.lastprisonerproject.org

About Illicit Gardens

“I feel I have the opportunity that my other fellow cannabis prisoners do not. ILLICIT gave me the opportunity to foster a relation ship with the Missouri community through my medical cannabis products, which is very powerful given the fact I was sitting in prison for it a year ago,” West said. “The Freedoms Campaign is monumental to the movement. We’re highlighting inspirational injustice stories in the hopes that the community will make a change. Voting your leaders into office is so important, but you must inspire voters through stories to make that change.”

The Freedoms Campaign also arrives at a timely moment for Missouri legislation, as state reps are currently debating a bill spon sored by Representative Ron Hicks (R) that would legalize marijuana possession for indi viduals over the age of 21.

Illicit Gardens is a Missouri-based cannabis brand that’s highlighting the hypocrisy in the legal system through criminal justice and drug policy reform. ILLICIT keeps a watch ful eye on every part of the cannabis cultiva tion and manufacturing process to ensure the highest quality products while also partnering with local and national advocacy groups to overcome marijuana prohibition and support the release of cannabis POWs. Learn more at www.illicitgardens.com.

*The term “POW” is used with all due respect to our valiant veterans and is a cannabis industry acronym for “Prisoner of the War on Drugs.” These POWs are incarcerated for nonviolent cannabis-related offenses.

Woofer CBD Treats by Farmhouse Extracts

anti-nausea effects, appetite stimulation, anti-anxiety impact, and possible anti-cancer benefits. However, there’s no conclusive data on this use.

Taylor said, “Our German Shep herd [Jet], like many other pets, is a member of our family! Jet is a very active pup and doesn’t enjoy laying down long enough to be brushed out. After a long game of fetch and a few Farmhouse treats, Jet is happy and calm enough to lay down and be groomed! The CBD treats make it way less stressful for him and me!”

Jet loves the Farmhouse Munchy Bones Pet Treats –1000mg per bag, 5mg per treat. 200 treats per bag aver age. $50 per bag.

Kris G. “I was skeptical at first about giving CBD treats to my 12-year-old Aussie, Randy. She started to have extreme difficulty walking/moving because of her arthritis — I was desperate to help her! After just five weeks of giving her Farmhouse treats daily, she was back to playing with my other dogs and acting like her younger self! I recommend these to anyone who will listen!”

Taylor says, “The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is sponsor ing a study through the Colorado State University’s College of Veter inary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences to evaluate the use of CBD in treatment-resistant epileptic dogs. The CHF hopes that this will be the first study to gain scientific data on the use of CBD in dogs with this condition.”

Treat Specs:

• Treat Size: 3/4” Bone

• Ingredients: oat flour, barley flour, flaxseed, peanut butter, sunflower oil, blueberries, whole dried eggs.

• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min.) 12%, Crude Fat (min.) 14%, Crude Fiber (Max) 4%, Moisture (Max) 6% Calorie Content ME (calculated): 3850 Kcal/kg: 5 Kcal/treat

Discover more about Farmhouse Extracts CBD products for humans and pets at www.Farmhouse-Extracts.com. Farmhouse is also accept ing wholesale manufacturers and retail location inquiries and offers partners/co-branders white-label opportunities.

Markena Pouncil , an Enthusiastic Medical Cannabis Patient Story

Meet Markena Pouncil, an Army veteran, pillar of her community, and an enthusiastic medical canna bis patient. My grandfather may not believe those three things can describe one person, but there she was right in front of my eyes as she walked onto the Nature Med Dispensary’s sales floor to speak with me.

It was my first-time meeting Markena, but the staff at the Indepen dence Nature Med was very familiar with her. When asked who they would like to nominate to be a featured patient in The EVOLUTION Magazine, it was a very fast and enthusiastic “Markena!” They had a wealth of great things to say about her, from her community involve ment to the wonderful stories she tells the staff.

That is exactly what she did! And not just for herself and her family. Alongside her family, she started two non-profit organizations. The first is Save Our Children from Crime.

“Save Our Children from Crime is a non-profit youth program, and they focus on youth empowerment and social justice for children who are in the judicial system,” said Markena. “We try to give them a second chance.”

They have community service outlets that allow these children to enroll in school. It can be difficult for kids who have criminal-type records to apply for financial aid, and some don’t realize that it is a possibility at all. Save Our Children from Crime helps them to wade through the red tape. It’s also involved with law enforcement, bring ing them in for community engaging activities to help break through the barriers of racial stereotypes in an effort to make interactions more positive and trusting.

The other non-profit she helped start is Young Optimistic Leaders of America (YOLA). It is an extension of Save Our Children From Crime, focused on mentoring youth in the community. They work with HBCUs and colleges in the metro area to help get children scholarships for higher education. They also help kids with ACT/SAT preparation.

Markena’s medical cannabis use started to help with injuries she suffered while in the Army and other health issues. She found the plant incredibly helpful in dealing with the symptoms of her medical conditions and quickly became an outspoken advocate. She loves to learn about cannabis from helpful budtenders like Chaka and says that is a big part of why she loves Nature Med.

When asked about Markena, budtender Chaka said, “She is always a ball of sunshine every time she comes in.” After sitting with her to talk, I learned that she certainly has plenty of reasons to “not” be that ray of sunshine in so many peoples’ lives. A survivor (not a victim, says Markena) of domestic violence, she left that abusive situation with her kids and returned to her home of Kansas City. She was an unemployed veteran without any type of housing, but she was free of abuse and looking to better her situation. That proved to be easier said than done, as she was offered veteran housing for herself but needed space for her children as well.

Eventually, she became involved with a program through the VA that helps vets find housing and helps to pay for schooling. She saw this as a great opportunity to grow. Markena says, “I thought, let me go ahead and better myself because if you’re going to leave a bad situation, you need to make sure that you make a better situation.”

“I like your staff; they’re cool,” says Markena. “They don’t just work here; they actually use the products they suggest, and they love to tell you about them. I also love when they say if you buy this, you get this. Well, sign me up!”

Above all, Markena is an inspiring person and the type of medical cannabis patient that the community should celebrate. For too long, patients suffering from medical conditions like hers had to hide their cannabis use to live life without judgment. Today, they don’t! The stereotype of “burnout” and “stoner” is dissolving as people like Markena blaze the trail opening the conversation about responsible, adult use of cannabis. At Nature Med, we are honored to have her as a patient, share her inspirational story, and are excited to be a small part of her incredible journey!

The EVOLUTION Magazine invites our readers and budtenders to share their patient stories about how medical cannabis has helped them or someone they know. Send your stories or ideas for a story to bill@theevolutionmag.com.

New Products, Just in Time for Summer

Get the Inside Skinny

Editor’s note:

When you want to know about Missouri’s medical cannabis products, you ask the budtenders. They are on the front lines speaking to hundreds of patients weekly (or daily) who offer valuable and even not-sogood feedback about the medications used. What may work well for one patient may be different for another. And yes, budtenders can be a patient too. As such, they, too, try many of the newest products sold at their dispensary. We asked Kassie Ferrero with Kansas City Cannabis Company to share her thoughts with our readers. Here are a few of her picks for this month.

Blue Dream flower, a cross of Blueberry and Haze, is a beloved classic for good reason. As the name may imply, the scent is lush and fruity with subtle earthy spice notes. The dominant terpenes in this strain are Myrcene and Linalool, lending to its characteristic berry-sweet aroma. The flower itself resembles of both parent plants — long orange hairs and yellow-gold trichomes inherited from Haze and a medium green hue similar to Blueberry. The flavor on both inhale and exhale falls in line with the smell, predominantly fruity and sweet with hints of earth. The uplifting, energizing effects were first to set in, encouraging creativity and a positive mood. Once the vitalizing rush had settled, I was left with a clear mind and relaxed body. Blue Dream is a great option for any time, but I would reach for this strain in the morning to help kick start the day. Blue Dream is currently retailing at $40 an eighth and currently testing at around 16.5% THC.

Larry OG flower, cultivated by Stability Growers, is no strain to sleep on! The product of quintessential West Coast strains OG Kush and SFV OG, Larry OG offers the best of each parent. The dominant terpenes are limonene and pinene, both of which are great for inflammation and uplift. The

buds are a rich, dark green with wiry orange hairs. The inhale is a flavorful balance of fruit and pine, while the exhale lends a slightly earthy taste. A relaxing, cerebral effect was first to set in, quickly melting into a state of whole-body relaxation with a clear mind. I recommend this strain to anyone looking for daytime pain relief or someone new to cannabis. Larry OG is currently going for $40 an eighth and testing at approximately 19% THC.

Terpwin Station (flower), a Terrapin exclusive, is a cross between Original Glue and Mandarin Sunset. The buds are on the pebbly side — to be expected of an Original Glue cross — with a dark green color, brownish-orange hairs, and a slew of light yellow trichomes. Its smell and taste are predominantly earthy, but there are some nuances in its terpene profile that give it a sour chem flavor. For me, the cerebral effects were relaxing, almost like a warmth, and the rapidly growing appetite did not go unnoticed. This would be a great strain for any time of the day, but with its appetite-enhancing qualities, I could see it being best for morning use. Terpwin Station retails at $35-45 an eighth and tests at an average of 20% THC.

Airo cartridges have long been a favorite of mine, and its Pineapple Diesel is no exception. A cross between Pineapple and Sour Diesel, the flavor profile is fruity and bright with a hint

of sour essence. The Airo Pro setup is very user-friendly — simply place the magnetic cartridge inside the battery and pull. Like other self-proprietary products on the market, Airo Pros also vibrate when in effect. The initial hit is smooth, and the flavors are immediately recognizable. After a few doses, I felt uplifted and alert, ready to take on the day. Though the effects did not last for too long, the potency while medicating was there. I recommend this product to anyone, but I could see this being best suited for someone who prioritizes discretion and doesn’t need a large dose. Pineapple Diesel cartridges are retailing now at $57-65 and testing at 80.6% THC.

Double Bear Concentrates recently premiered in the Missouri medical market with its high-quality distillate cartridges, “Mystic Oil.” With its diverse strain offerings, all sourced by Terrapin, it was hard to pick just one, but I decided to try Super Sour Diesel. As the name states, it is a cross between Super Silver Haze and Sour Diesel. The distillate has a light-yellow appearance and a smooth, lemony-pine flavor. The cartridge itself has a 510 thread and can be used with most standard batteries. The effects quickly set in, creating a focused cerebral high that helped me throughout the day. I recommend this to anyone looking for a discrete daytime medicating option as the smell is minimal, and the strain choice is energizing and uplifting. Super Sour Diesel cartridges retail for $50-55 and are currently testing at 78.7% THC.

Have a great month, and stay tuned for the next issue when I will offer up the inside skinny on more products found at your neighborhood dispensary.

Kassie Ferrero is a musician with a Master’s degree in music performance. She’s an educator, homebaker, and cannabis advocate. Kassie is currently the Inventory Control Lead at Kansas City Cannabis Company (KCC), bringing together her love of cannabis with her detailoriented work style. When she isn’t working at KCC, you can find her furiously baking all kinds of desserts or performing on her bass in a multitude of settings. Stop by any of KCC’s four locations to say hi to her, or you can find her @kassievferrero on Instagram.

Notice: The information contained herein is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, but rather a sharing of knowledge and information based on research and experience. The content is for general informational purposes only.

Why Support Cannabis Educational Conferences and Trade Shows?

THE JUNE PATIENTS OUT OF TIME CONFERENCE WILL EDUCATE HEALTHCARE ABOUT CANNABIS AS MEDICINE.

Because we are all tired of being stigmatized, stereotyped, fingerprinted, and incarcerated. Because I want to be able to go to a restaurant after using my CBD vape and NOT be accosted by the person at the next chair asking, “Have you been smoking marijuana?” in front of my family and grandchildren. That person then proceeded to ask the rest of the patrons in the restaurant, “Don’t you think she smells like marijuana?” Which, trust me, gets followed by a lecture on being socially and legally unacceptable in the fair State of Kansas.

A few weeks ago, the CBS Morning Show had a report on the stigma of cannabis. Tony Dokoupil, one of the morning show hosts, took his microphone to the street to try to get people to admit to using marijuana. Even people coming out of “legal” dispensaries were reluctant to comment. Tony’s observation, “It’s going to take a long time to get rid of the stigma.” I appreciated the courage it took for him to say at the end of the program, “I feel the stigma.” We need more journalists willing to speak the truth to power.

It is so much easier to teach the truth to those who have not heard lies. When the truth has been buried, as with the cannabis plant, for over three generations, lies give birth to stigmas like rabbits and spread like crabgrass pretending to be something good. As one of the sixth-grade girls at my school said once during a student conflict, “Nurse, the truth is still back there lacing up its shoes while the lies are running down the hall.” Nailed it.

The Power of Education

craft shops. When the local people get a whiff of that sweet smell of colitis lingering in the air, they know sales are imminent. The jovial mood of cannabis visitors spreads that contagious Bugs Bunny joy of teaching about and ending the stigma, thus propagating our plant. Despite the cannabis plant remaining federally illegal, the economy of cannabis is the fifth leading industry in the United States today. Imagine what we can do when we get off the Federal Schedule!

Why Educate the Industry?

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

—Benjamin Franklin

We love our industry events in Missouri, and granted, they are all educational opportunities, but this is an educational conference. Sending your staff is a business expense write-off. Donating on the sponsor deck is tax deductible. This event is an investment in knowledge, which will lead to sales because we have a product that never fails.

Some of you may be reading this article while at the Blaze industry expo in St. Louis operated by Karin Spinks, owner/operator of Imaginarium Enterprises. You may not know that Karin will be packing up from her four-day event at Union Station in St. Louis and heading to Kansas City to volunteer her time for the next four days to Patients Out of Time (POT) Conference.

Karin is a sharp businesswoman who understands education is a good business investment. She has invested hours and hours of her time, talent, and her crew to bring the 15th Annual POT Conference to Kansas City. God Bless you, lady.

—Nelson Mandela

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Education is the first step for people to gain the knowledge, critical thinking, empowerment and skills they need to make this world a better place.

Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.

If you’re at The Blaze show, stop by our POT table and register for the conference; then, don’t unpack the suitcase; just roll on up to KC with the rest of us.

—Albert Einstein

When we have trained enough minds to think, we will no longer have to fear being called out publicly for smelling like the lovely terpenes in the cannabis plant. Instead, we will be using terpenes in our oil infusers. We will have little marijuana leaf car fresheners like the little pine trees scented in our favorite terpenes. Whoever does that first, take the idea but send me a lifetime supply.

Community Economic Benefit

Where cannabis educational events like the Patients Out of Time Conference is concerned, we are also good for local economies. We lease VRBOs, fill local hotels and diners, and increase sales for artisan

Preaching to a New Congregation

We preach to the choir, the educated, a lot. The POT Conference is a unique opportunity to teach physicians, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, and registered nurses who have never practiced cannabis medicine. Many will be learning about the endocannabinoid system for the first time. How exciting!

This new demographic doesn’t know how cannabis medicine is dispensed to patients.

We need businesses to show them their products, take the mystique out of our medicine, establish a comfort zone, and turn them into future customers. Together we can weed out a lot of stigma crabgrass, replacing it with a healthier “weed,” the cannabis plant, over the three days of the conference.

CEUs

The first day of the POT Conference, Thursday, June 9, will be about the hemp plant (2.75 CEUs), followed by a networking event at the Guild in KCMO, and the opportunity to pick and enjoy the brains of over a dozen of the brightest physicians and scientist in cannabis medicine in the United States — physicians like author and cannabis researcher Dr, Dustin Sulak. Following Friday’s classes, we will have a fundraising banquet at the Midland Theater, providing more networking opportunities.

Many of the speakers are published authors, and their books on cannabis medicine will be on sale at the conference. Look for the bookstore spot just above the cafeteria at Unity Temple on the Plaza during the conference.

The Conference offers a total of 16.75 Healthcare CEUs, and classes are split into blocks. For attendees not needing CEUs, tickets are discounted, and each attendee will get a certificate of completion, which will benefit a resume for those wishing to break into the industry.

Kansas requires 30 CEUs for nurses and 50 for physicians annually. Although Missouri does not require RNs to get CEUs, getting a job in Cannabis Nursing does.

The Goal: Save the Children

Every single educational moment we create and participate in will contribute to the turning of the prohibition tide. A dripping faucet will eventually overflow a bucket. The end game, and it is a critical end game, is getting cannabis medicine to our children suffering from autism (1-44 today), epilepsy, and so many other maladies cannabis can gently treat.

Without Federal reform and removing cannabis from the controlled substance schedule, physicians and hospitals that accept Federal Medicare or Medicaid dollars cannot use cannabis in their practice. Missouri’s only exception is Barnes Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, MO, and only because they asked for and received a Federal Research Grant for treating children with epilepsy with CBD.

Hopefully, by educating physicians successfully they will realize that not using plant medicine violates their Hippocratic oath of “Do No Harm.” Then they will have to join us in the push for Federal reform.

To register, go to Patients Out of Time on Facebook or scan the QR code on the Ad (page 76) here in The EVOLUTION Magazine.

Dolores Montgomery Halbin, RN, BSN, and Ordained Nurse Minister resides in SW Missouri. After her husband passed in 2015, she retired from nursing. She worked with the 2014-2018 Missouri campaigns for legalized medical marijuana. She continues as a cannabis reform activist volunteering with Canna Convict Project and working toward Federal decriminalization through educational speaking and freelance journalism. Dolores Halbin, doloreshalbin@gmail.com.

Benefits Wheel for CBD THC and More.

CLOVR Dispensary 17211 S Highway

Belton MO 64012

Terrapin Care Station 114 E NORTH AVE

Blue Springs MO 64015

Belton MO 64012 Stairway Cannabis 490 SW MO-7 HWY

Kansas City Cannabis 1713 NW BURDETT Crossing Blue Springs MO 64015

Greenlight 201 S WILDWOOD DR Branson MO 65616 3Fifteen Primo ► 18031 BUSINESS 13

Branson West MO 65737 Thrive Branson West ► 18490 BUSINESS 13 Branson West MO 65737

The Dispensary 460 State Hwy 76

Cassville MO 65625

Blue Sage Cannabis Co 429 Peachtree Dr. Carthage MO 64836

CoCo Dispensary 941 WASHINGTON ST Chillicothe MO 64601 Sunrise Dispensary 280 MO-7, Clinton MO 64735 Green Releaf Dispensary 204 E BROADWAY Columbia MO 65203 Shangri-La Super Store 1401 CREEKWOOD PKWY Columbia MO 65202 Shangri-La 3919 PEACHTREE DR Columbia MO 65203 3Fifteen Primo 4003 PONDEROSA ST Columbia MO 65201

High Profile Cannabis 1500 INTERSTATE 70 DR SW Columbia MO 65203 Liberty Cannabis 1400 FORUM BLVD Suite 12 Columbia MO 65203 Hippos Dispensary 5320 INTERSTATE 70 DR SE Columbia MO 65201

Heya Dispensary 1812 HIGHWAY 54

Eldon MO 65026

Kansas City Cannabis 149 CROWN HILL RD Excelsior Springs MO 64024

BesaMe Wellness 509 N MAIN ST Gallatin MO 64640

Verts Neighborhood Dispensary 509 N Main St., Gallatin MO 64640

Nature Med Dispensary 207 NE 72ND ST Gladstone MO 64118

Releaf Resources 13836 S US HIGHWAY 71 Grandview MO 64030

Greenlight 1408 N STATE ROUTE 291 Harrisonville MO 64701

Flora Farms 68 E 300th Road Humansville MO 65674

Greenlight 16820 E US Highway 24 Independence MO 64056

Nature Med Dispensary 15823 E US HIGHWAY 24 Independence MO 64050

Greenlight 3721 S Noland Rd Independence MO 64055

FROM THE EARTH 19341 E US HIGHWAY 40 Independence MO 64058

Health & Wellness 1404 MISSOURI BLVD Jefferson City MO 65109

Jefferson, LLC 2118 MISSOURI BLVD Jefferson City MO 65109

Dispensary 2401 E 32ND ST Joplin MO 64804

Greenlight 1729 E 7TH ST Joplin MO 64801

64110

Tribe Dispensary ► Opening Soon 14787 Manchester Rd. Ballwin 63011 Greenlight Dispensary 844.785.9333 4451 Brown Rd. Berkeley 63134 TERRABIS Dispensary 11062 Olive Blvd. Creve Coeur 63141

Hippos Dispensary 17409 Chesterfield Airport Rd Chesterfield 63005 N’Bliss Dispensary 314.627.2699 15396 Manchester Rd. Ellisville 63021 Swade Dispensary 314.924.6501 16075 Manchester Rd. Ellisville 63011

Kind Goods Dispensary 636.492.6400 180 Gravois Bluffs Cir. Fenton 63026 Greenlight Dispensary 844.785.9333 517 S Florissant Rd. Ferguson 63135

Star Buds Dispensary 1168 W Gannon Dr. Festus 63028

CoCo Dispensary 573.719.3252 2000 US-61 Suite A Hannibal 63401

TERRABIS Dispensary 7766 N. Lindbergh Hazelwood 63042

North Dispensary 929 Peachtree Plaza Dr. Hillsboro 63050

BKind Dispensary 636.467.2323 1229 Imperial Main Imperial 63052 Heya Wellness 120 South Main Street Kirksville 63601

Missouri Health & Wellness 660.956.0560 215 East Charles St. Kirksville 63501 N’Bliss Dispensary 314.627.2499 1266 Old Orchard Center Manchester 63021 Kind Goods Dispensary 636.484.9400 14173 Manchester Rd, Suite M Manchester 63011 Missouri Wild Alchemy 636.887.0977 2173 W Terra Ln. O’Fallon 63366

Nature Med Dispensary 314.939.1076 1193 Bryan Rd O’Fallon 63366

TERRABIS Dispensary 1172 W Terra Ln. O’Fallon 63366

Heya Wellness 10417A St Charles Rock Road St. Ann 63042

High Profile 636.224-6033 1416 Harvestowne Industrial Dr. St. Charles 63304 Root 66 Dispensary 636.373.8329 3004 S St Peters Pkwy. St. Charles 63303 Captiva Healing Dispensary 314.462.9899 9933 Watson Rd. St. Louis 63126

Greenlight Dispensary 844.785-9333 8542 N Broadway St. Louis 63147

High Profile (Sunset Hills) 10425 Watson Rd. St. Louis 63127

Nature Med Dispensary 314.939.1076 234 Kingston Dr St. Louis 63125

Proper Cannabis 314.328.0446 7417 S Lindbergh Blvd. St. Louis 63125 Organic Remedies 11420 Concord Village Ave St. Louis 63123

Root 66 Dispensary 314.282.7978 6660 Manchester Ave. St. Louis 63139

Root 66 Dispensary 314.257.0816 3737 S Grand Blvd. St. Louis 63118

SWADE Dispensary - Cherokee 2316 Cherokee Street St. Louis 63118 SWADE - The Grove 314.924.6503 4108 Manchester Ave. St. Louis 63110

Luxury Leaf Dispensary 1463 South Vandeventer Ave. St. Louis 63110

3Fifteen Primo 314.226.7326 5501 Chippewa Street St. Louis 63109

Sunrise Dispensary 6407 Michigan Ave, St. Louis 63111 The Source 636. 355.9333 859 Robert Raymond Drive Lake St. Louis 63367 Heya Wellness 4300 North Service Road St Peters 63376

Kind Goods Dispensary 636.626.2300 3899 Veterans Memorial, Suite J St. Peters 63376

Mint Dispensary 150 Mid Rivers Mall Cir. St. Peters 63376 SWADE - St. Peters 314.924.6500 146 Jungermann Rd. St. Peters 63376 Green Releaf Dispensary 636.775.2708 109 N Lincoln Dr. Troy 63379 3Fifteen Primo 314.924.0101 839 Meramec Station Rd. Valley Park 63088

JANE Dispensary 314.464.4420 6662 Delmar Blvd. University City 63130

Eastern MO and St. Louis Region Dispensaries

Those Listed inBlue Find Ads Within These Pages.

The Valley, Dispensary 573.760.0200 800 Valley Creek Drive Farmington 63640

Greenlight Dispensary 888.995.0420 903 E. Washington Street Hayti 63851

North Dispensary 636. 224.2885 1709 State Hwy Z Pevely 63070

What Is CBG Hemp Flower?

It’s known as the “mother cannabinoid” or the “stem cell”cannabinoid.



VERTS Dispensary 573.554.3765 1803 W Business U.S. 60, Dexter 63841 VERTS Dispensary 636.896.5202 1340 Thornton St. Pacific 63069 Heya Wellness 100 Strauss Drive Park Hills 63601 Greenlight Dispensary 573.507.3562 1435 N Westwood Blvd. Poplar Bluff 63901 Greenlight Dispensary 1817 E Malone Ave. Sikeston 63801 Taste Buds 636.888.0381 1909 N Service Rd. W. St Clair, 63077 High Profile 231 Saint Robert Blvd. St. Robert 65584 The Source 417. 419.9333 1636 Bruce Smith Pkwy West Plains 65775

65775

CBD for Pets

CBD Q&A

How much CBD oil should I give my dog?

American Shaman recommends giving your dog two to 5mg of CBD per 25 lbs of body weight daily. 5mg is equal to half a mL of our tinctures or water solubles, one of our hard dog treats, or two of our soft dog treats per day. All dosage recommendations can be found on the product packaging. CBD oil can also be given to dogs as needed ahead of particularly stressful situations like the vet or the groomer.

How much CBD oil should I give my cat?

American Shaman recommends giving your cat two to 5mg of CBD per 8 lbs of body weight daily. 5mg is equal to half a mL of our tinctures or water solubles. All dosage recommendations can be found on the product packaging. CBD oil can be given to cats daily as recommended on the product packaging or as needed for the cat’s specific needs.

Can I use human CBD oil on dogs?

The ingredients in CBD products for pets are the same as CBD products for humans. The only difference is the flavor! We do not recommend giving our human CBD prod ucts to your pets, and it would be difficult anyway because dogs and cats do not like to eat the flavors of our human products. Our CBD tincture for dogs is beef and cheese flavor, while our cat CBD tincture is real catnip flavor. That way, you can easily get your pet to take their dose of CBD!

Content provided by CBD American Shaman

How CBD1 and CBD2 Can Help Your Pet

CBG hemp flower is a type of hemp flower rich in Cannabigerol (CBG).

A new addition to the hemp space, CBG flower is an internationally sought-after hemp flower that allows users to enjoy the benefits of a minor, but essential cannabi noid.

Just like CBD flower, CBG flower is non-in toxicating and naturally contains very low levels of THC. Meaning, smoking or vaping CBG flower is not going to get you high and is completely safe to use by every adult.

Consumers use CBG-rich hemp flower the same way they enjoy CBD flower — trimmed and prepared for consumption.

In comparison to CBD flower, CBG flower is very delicate and demands better care by growers. Cultivating high-CBG flower is not the easiest process because, if handled improperly, the flower can lose potency.

Aside from smoking or vaping, CBG flower can also be used for extraction to create oils and tinctures rich in CBG.

Most hemp strains contain low levels of CBG — typically less than 1%. That’s why CBG is the most expensive cannabinoid to extract from regular strains.

To produce the same amount of CBD oil made from CBD flower that contains 20% CBD, manufacturers need 20x of CBG hemp biomass.

This CBG Hemp flower research is provided by https://mrhempflower.com/cbg-flower.

Medical CBD Stores Western Missouri

Missouri CBD Stores

Stores Listed Alphabetically

Blue Springs Botanicals .........816.295.1921 1412 MO-7 STE G, Blue Springs, MO

Brookside Holistic Solutions 816.524.4367 819 NE Woods Chapel Rd, Lee’s Summit,

American Shaman .................816.491.2452 19321 E US Hwy 40, Independence, MO

CBD American Shaman 816.434.5059 3520 SW Market St, Lee’s Summit, MO

CBDAmerican Shaman 1638 SE Blue Pkwy, Lee’s Summit, MO

CBD American Shaman ........ 816.601.0241 4201 South Noland Road Suite S Independence, MO, 64055

CBD American Shaman ........ 816.625.1127 701 S. Broadway, Oak Grove, MO, 64075

CBD American Shaman......... 885.526.6223 5501 #104 S US Hwy 71, Grandview, MO

CBD American Shaman......... 816.680.8805 2008 N MO 291 Hwy, Harrisonville, MO

CBD American Shaman.........885.526.6223 1036 W 103rd St, Kansas City, MO

CBD American Shaman 855.526.6223 307 A NE Englewood Rd, KC, MO

CBD American Shaman 500 NE Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO 64118

CBD American Shaman 816.437.8261 13125 State Line Rd, Kansas City, MO

CBD American Shaman 816.702.1042 6302 N Chatham Ave, Kansas City, MO

CBD American Shaman.........913.249.7794 1005 Middlebrooke Dr, Liberty, MO

CBD American Shaman ........ 816.272.6195 921 NE Woods Chapel, Lee's Summit, MO

CBD American Shaman......... 855.526.6223 9438 E 350 Hwy, Raytown, MO

CBD American Shaman 139 N Belt Hwy Suite S., St. Joe, MO 64506

Missouri CBD Stores Missouri CBD Stores

Complete Care CBD 816.520.3304 18801 East 39th St S, Independence, MO 64057 (inside Independence Center Mall)

Ed’s CBD Oils ........................ 816.569.3142 9025 E US 40 Hwy, Independence, MO

Emerald Garden Dispensary 816.506.4284 9500 E 55th St, Raytown. MO

Emerald Garden Dispensary 816.977.8848 110 E. MO Avenue, Kansas City, MO

Exotic KC and Vape 3919 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO

Green Lifestyle Boutique ....... 816.736.4038 119 West Kansas St. Liberty, MO.

Happy Living Medical Sales 5911 NW Barry Rd #200, Kansas City, MO

Happy Rock Smoke Shop & Vape

.................................................. 816.436.0226 334 NE 72nd St, Gladstone, MO

Happy Rock Smoke Shop & Vape

...................................................... 816.415.3814 603 MO 291 B Liberty, MO

It’s a Dream Smoke Shop . 816.753.5733 3942 Broadway Ave, Kansas City, MO

It’s A Dream #2 1223 W 103rd, Kansas City, MO 64114

It’s A Myracle 816.621.9401 214 N Rte 291 Hwy, Liberty, MO

 KC Smoke & Vape 816.931.4434 1605 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO

KC Fumes 13608 Washington St., Kansas City, MO

Midtown Kava ....................... 816.541.3144 1415 D W 39th St, Kansas City, MO

Nettie’s Living Naturally ....... 816.617.7290 545 NW 1501St. Rd., Holden, MO 64040

Candy Smoke Shop 816.214.5110 904 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO

OG Smoke Shop 816-298.7390 3527 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111

Rustic Oils CBD 816.434.5284 618 SW 3rd St Ste J, Lee’s Summit, MO

 7th Heaven …................... 816.361.9555 7621 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO.

 7th Heaven …................... 816.229.8006 600 MO-7, Blue Springs, MO 64014

Slappie’s Glass ....................... 816.325.3190 10516 Grandview Rd., Grandview, MO

 Smoke Hut 11902 Blue Ridge Ext., Grandview, MO

 Smoke Tokz 1263 W. 103rd, Kansas City, MO 64114

Smoke Tokz 431 SW Ward Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO 64081

 Vape Tokz 816.631.5151 1259 W 103rd St., KCMO 64114

The Hub Smoke Shop 816.701.6267 500 Delaware St, Kansas City, MO

The Hub Smoke Shop ............ 816.420.0404 6410 N Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO

The Hub Smoke Shop 816.321.2398 4027 N Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO

The Hub Smoke Shop 816.492.5466 2631 NE Vivion Rd, Kansas City, MO

True Balance Wellness …...... 816.326.8303 5510 Antioch Rd, Kansas City, MO 64119

Columbia Missouri CBD Stores

CBD American Shaman 1400 Forum Blvd #40, Columbia, MO 65203

Grass Roots Smoke Shop 573.449.4769 203 N 10 St, Columbia MO

Grass Roots Smoke Shop 573.443.7668 202 E Green Meadows, Columbia MO

Hemp Hemp Hooray …........ 573-355-1285 Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201

Your CBD Store – Columbia 573.442.6706 1408 Interstate 70 Dr. SW. #106, Columbia, MO 65203

Find

Springfield & Joplin

Region CBD Stores

 Alice CBD ........................ 417.310.6052 5399 State Hwy 43 #D, Joplin, MO 64804

 Alice CBD ......................... 417.717.0614 530 N East Rd Suite A, Webb City, MO

Bodegas Botanicals

515 S. Main St., Joplin, MO 64801

Cali Ways Smoke Shop 1928 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO

CBD Republic ….................... 417-818-1812 US Hwy 60 E, Republic, MO 65738

Eddie’s Headies 310 S Campbell, Springfield, MO 65806

Groovy Gardens Glassworks 1400 W Sunshine St., Springfield, MO 65807

Canna Bliss Natural Wellness 417.258.5770 210 W. Republic Road, Springfield, MO

Lake of the Ozarks and Jefferson City Area

CBD Stores

American Shaman Mid MO... 573.616.2524 3702 W Truman Blvd. Ste. 200, Jefferson City, MO 65109

Buddha Leaf 573.658.9675 1418 Missouri Blvd Ste E, Jefferson City MO

CannaBiz Depot – Osage Beach 573.693.9995 4398 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO 65065

CBD American Shaman Lake of the Ozarks 573.317.9131 www.cbdloz.com 10 Camden Ct Suite 1C, Camdenton, MO

Hemp Hemp Hooray - CBD ... 573.355.813 3797 Osage Beach Pkwy Suite F-1, Osage Beach, MO 65065

SQeZ Juice & Health ............. 573.552.8790 3869 Osage Beach Pkwy, Osage Beach, MO

Medical CBD Stores Eastern Kansas

Find The EVOLUTION™ MAGAZINE at most locations on this page and many more.

Kansas CBD Stores Kansas CBD Stores

American Shaman Legends Outlet ........... ................................................913.499.7355

1843 Village West Pkwy C-124 Kansas City, KS 66111

Blue Cloud Essentials ........... 913.724.4422 13944 Mitchell CT., Basehor, KS

CBD American Shaman Bonner Springs... 913.745.6667 608 Tulip Dr, Ste G Bonner Springs, KS

CBD American Shaman......... 913.270.3120 1819 E Santa Fe, Gardner, KS

CBD American Shaman......... 913.228.6000 8043 State Ave, Kansas City, KS

CBD American Shaman......... 785.424.7500 1530 W 6th S. Ste C, Lawrence, KS

CBD American Shaman 6027 Metcalf, Mission, KS 66202

CBD American Shaman......... 885.526.6223 15165 W 119th St, Olathe, KS

CBD American Shaman......... 913.324.1520 13624 S Blackbob Rd, Olathe KS

CBD American Shaman ....... 913.490.3195 16551 W 151st Street, Olathe KS

CBD American Shaman......... 913.217.7476 6933 W 75th St, Overland Park, KS

CBD American Shaman......... 913.217.7123 10069 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS

CBD American Shaman. ....... 885.526.6223 11050 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS

CBD American Shaman ........ 913.647.3999 7703 W 151st St, Overland Park KS

CBD American Shaman (Inside the Hen House) 6900 W 135th St., Overland Park, KS

CBD American Shaman ........ 913.271.3120 23 W Wea St,, Paola, KS

CBD American Shaman ........ 913.766.0430 13213 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Shawnee, KS

CBD American Shaman 22354 W 66th, Shawnee, KS 66226

Gifts & Decor KC .................... 913.782.4244 123 S Mur-Len Rd, Olathe, KS 66062

Into the Mistic......................... 913.766.9906 5727 Johnson Dr, Mission, KS

Phoenix Natural Wellness ....... 913.730.8520 9627 W 87 St, Overland Park, KS

Phoenix Natural Wellness ........913.257.5717 7932 W 151 St, Overland Park, KS

 Vape Attic ......................... 913.440.9334 1323 E. Santa Fe Rd. ,Olathe, KS

How To Get Listed Here?

To be listed here as an CBD Store or Medical Cannabis dispensary, please email us your: business name, address, phone, website and verifiable email address with contact info to Bill.C@TheEvolutionMag.com

MO Medical Marijuana Qualifying Conditions

All Medical Marijuana Patients must have one of the following chronic or debilitating

What conditions qualify?

Any terminal medical illness

Alzheimer’s (Agitation)

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Autism

Cachexia

Cancer

Chronic medical condition that is normally treated with a prescription medication that could lead to dependence

Chronic medical condition that is debilitating or causes severe/persistent pain or muscle spasms

Crohn’s Disease

Epilepsy/seizures

Glaucoma

Hepatitis C

HIV/AIDS

Huntington’s Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Intractable migraines

Multiple Sclerosis

Neuropathies

Parkinson’s Disease

Psychiatric disorders including, but not limited to, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if diagnosed by a state-licensed psychiatrist

Sickle cell anemia

Wasting syndrome

Contact a Medical Cannabis certification doctor (page 46) to see if you qualify for a medical marijuana ID card in the state of Missouri. https://health.mo.gov/safety/ medical-marijuana/faqs.php. See certifying doctors list on page 66

Missouri Medical Cannabis Certification Doctors

NOTICE: Any Missouri state licensed medical Physician (M.D. / D.O. only) that wants to participate can write a certification for a Missouri Medical Marijuana Card. The following list of Missouri doctors are now serving patients near you.

Kansas City MO, Area

Blue Bird Wellness Center 816.944.3654 656 SE Bayberry Ln. Ste 102, Lee’s Summit, MO.

Green Health Docs ........................877.242.0362 2335 N. Belt Hwy, St. Joe, MO 64506

Green Health Docs 877.242.0362 5748 N Broadway KC, MO 64118

Green Flower Clinics 816.615.8690

Dr. Name: Dimitri Golfinopoulos, D.O. 401 S. Platte Clay Way, Kearney, MO 64060

Green Sage Doctors 816.820.3004 Offering TELEHEALTH

James McEntire D.O. (DocMac) 816.237.8583 www.TheGreenPotClinic.com Progressive Osteopathic Therapies

Kind Remedy Cannabis Clinic .... 816.379.6557 1713 NW Burdett Crossing, Blue Springs, MO www.kindremedykc.com

Midwest Health & Wellness Center ... 816.836.2200 Dr. Marc K. Taormina MD Offering TELEHEALTH www.midwesthealthandwellnesscenter.com 3601 NE Ralph Powell Rd, Suite A, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064

Missouri Cannabis Clinic ........ 816.353.0420 Offering TELEHEALTH 10001 E. 67th St. Raytown, MO 64133 ► 2nd Location in Wesport, KCMO.

My KC Green Wellness . 816.301.5598 8120 NW Prairie View Rd. Kansas City, MO 64151

The Releaf Clinic 816.897.4494 19201 E. Valley View Pkwy, Suite C, Indep, MO.

Dr. Woods Wellness 816.888.5200 300 Unity Circle North Suite A., Lee’s Summit, MO

Dr. Laura Voss, DO 816.600.4132 1505 NE Parvin Rd, Suite 1517C Kansas City, MO 64116

East & Southern, MO Area Columbia, MO

Dr. Alt Holistic Care 573.875.4877 1715 B West Worley, Columbia, MO 65203

Green Health Docs Columbia ........ 877.242.0362 303 N Stadium Blvd, Regus Building, Suite 200 Columbia, MO 65203

Marijuana Card Clinic 573.326.4496 3919 Peachtree Drive, Suite 102, Columbia, 65203

Marijuana Card Clinic 573.326.4496 1401 Creekwood Pkwy. St.102, Columbia, 65202

Springfield, MO

Elite Pain Mgmt. 417.888.0167 222 E Primrose St. Suite E, Springfield, MO

Green Harvest Clinic 417.863.2222 2049 E Cherry Street #120, Springfield, MO

Green Health Docs ........................ 877.242.0362 225 East Sunshine, Suite 102, Springfield, MO

Green Leaf MD 417.695.5050 222 E. Primrose St., Springfield, MO. 65807

Nature’s Green Health & Wellness Clinic 417.771.5737 330 W Farm Rd 182 Suite F, Springfield MO 65180

Shealy-Sorin Wellness Institute 417.351-5221 2840 E Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, MO.

The Higher Care Clinic (THC 2….417.413.3899 2424 South Campbell Avenue, Springfield, MO.

Dr. Gil’s Immediate Care Center 417.848.6100 3000 East Division St., Springfield, MO 65802

Southern MO

Green Health Docs 877.242.0362 809 S. Maiden Lane, Joplin, MO 64801

Roark Family Health & Medical Spa 417.847.1111 Dr. Lisa Roark ● 1101 N. Main St., Cassville, MO.

How to Get Listed Here as a Missouri Marijuana Med-ID Doctor. To be listed here as an active Medical Marijuana certification Doctor (Licensed Missouri Doctors Only. Assistant Physicians, PA and NP, Chiropractic Doctors cannot certify.) Please submit your full business name, doctor name, phone, address, website and verifiable contact info to Bill.C@TheEvolutionMag.com

Find The EVOLUTION™ MAGAZINE at many of the locations on this page and many more.

St. Louis MO, Area

Bell Chiropractic & Pain Mgmt. ..... 314.838.1983 493 Rue Francois Suite 1A, Florissant, MO

Green Health Docs STL. 877.242.0362 909 Watson Rd, St Louis, MO.

Health City 314.200.1555 1760 S. Brentwood Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63144

Kathmandu Clinic 918.814.3996 111 Prospect Ave Suite 20 2D, Kirkwood, MO.

Green Cert MD 314. 596.9955 2325 Dougherty Ferry Rd., Ste. 206 St. Louis, MO 63122

Medical Cannabis Outreach 636.466.3871 Dr. Nassar: 7721 Clayton Rd. Clayton, MO 63117

Vo Medical Clinic - Dr. Thanh Vo ... 314.776.1467 3334 South Grand Ave., St. Louis, MO 63118

660.205.2215 Lotalivin 816.305.2169

Missouri DHSS Purchase and Possession Limits

Legal possession of medical marijuana in Missouri applies to:

● Only patients or their caregivers who have a valid DHSS-issued ID card.

● A person with a pending qualified patient or caregiver application that has been filed with MMMP’s patient registry as long as they are able to produce their valid physician certification and show proof of pending registry.

● An equivalent ID card or authorization issued by another state or political subdivision of another state will also meet the require ments for possession.

● If requested, the possessor of medical marijuana must produce on demand to the appropriate authority, a valid ID card.

Qualified patients who do not cultivate or have medical mari juana cultivated on their behalf may have up to a 60-day supply (or eight ounces) of dried unprocessed marijuana or its equivalent.

Qualified patients who are cultivating marijuana for medical use or whose primary caregivers are cultivating marijuana on their behalf, may have up to a 90-day supply (or 12 ounces) of dried, unprocessed marijuana or its equivalent as long as the marijuana cultivated for the patient remains on the property under the patient’s or caregiver’s control.

More about Purchase and Possession Limits

One milligram (mg) is equal to 1/1000 grams (g). The only way to accurately measure in Grams or Ounces is to use a scale. Tools, such as kitchen cups and spoons, only provide rough estimates.

A Patient is: A person who has been registered by the state of Missouri and received a license to use medical marijuana (a $25 fee); may apply for a cultivation license for an additional $100 fee

A Caregiver is: A person 21+ who is responsible for managing the well-being of a qualified patient; has been authorized by the state to purchase or grow Cannabis for patients

NOTE: If you are a patient; who, for example, wants to medicate with higher THC levels like RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) or what some call FECO (Full Extract Cannabis Oil), then the purchase and possession limits listed above may be raised by “two” independent physician certifications. For more Missouri MMJ rules and regulations about purchase and possession limits, visit www.medicalmarijuana.mo.gov.