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Pamela West: For The Love of Hemp

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Pamela West: The Marijuana Channel One Interview

Pamela West is a Canadian medical marijuana patient, artist and activist living and working in the legal cannabis industry in British Columbia. Currently employed as a hash maker, Ms. West is passionate about all things hemp, especially hemp food and hemp fashions.

Regular visitors to Marijuana Channel One will recognize Pam as one of the original hosts of The Wink In Week, a regular cannabis news podcast she did with MJBA founder David Rheins, where she was known as “TwicebakedinWa.” Pam is also a founding member of Women of Weed, and The MJBA Women’s Alliance, a frequent blogger who writes extensively about her cannabis lifestyle focusing on her love of eating and juicing raw cannabis, hemp cuisine and hemp fashions. We all wear clothes and we all eat food, but much of what we consume is toxic to the planet — and to us,” Pamela informs us.  

This special holiday episode on Marijuana Channel One finds the two co-hosts reunited on the weekend before Thanksgiving — or, ‘Danksgiving’ as Ms. West prefers – and the two use the opportunity to catch up on all things cannabis — from the state of the Canadian cannabis market, how it differs from US market place, and what 2022 portends.

Pam also gives us useful tips to incorporating cannabis into our annual Turkey Day celebration, and advises us to consider cooking with concentrates instead of using flower. 

So, what are you waiting for? Turn On, Tune In, and enjoy this special holiday episode, exclusively on Marijuana Channel One.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW ON MARIJUANA CHANNEL ONE

The Cannabis Industry Is Coming To Anchorage Alaska

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ALASKA:  Alaska is the next US state that will soon be selling recreational marijuana, and the cannabis industry is watching with keen anticipation.

The Alaska Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office issued its first licenses for cannabis producers and testing facilities this month.   Retail licenses are to be given out in September.

In anticipation of the opening of the market, the cannabis industry will assemble at The Last Frontier for CannaCon Alaska — the state’s first major trade show.   Billed as the place  ‘where the cannabis industry does business,’ CannaCon will be a two day event in Anchorage, September 9-10, at the Dena’ina Convention Center.

Bringing producers, processors and retailers together with the businesses that support them,  CannaCon will feature a line up of  experts to share their valuable cannabis industry knowledge with attendees.

For those from legal cannabis states where marijuana retail shops have been operating for a couple of years there is a great deal of interest in seeing how Alaska manages legalization. Back in 2014 when CannaCon had its first show in Tacoma, Washington attendees and exhibitors were filled with hope and anticipation for the future of cannabis. Two years later and those same people are still making their dreams happen but with the realization that legalization comes with a heavy and burdening dose of bureaucracy.

Running a cannabis business in any state has proven to bring very uniques challenges not found in mainstream industries. It is hopeful that Alaska will be able to learn from the mistakes of other states and be able to launch a successful recreational marijuana industry with minimal roadblocks.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUbmzGsQQX8&w=560&h=315]

Saying Goodbye To Medical Cannabis In Washington State

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By TwicebakedinWA

There are less than two weeks left before new medical cannabis regulations go into effect in Washington State. For those of us who get our cannabis medicine from the current system that patients have been using since the 90’s, this is a big change nobody is looking forward to.

As I was driving out to MMJ Universe in Black Diamond this past Saturday I found tears streaming down my face thinking about this being one of the last times I would be making that sweet drive in the country to spend time shopping for cannabis in an open market environment.

I’ve been feeling a touch reminiscent about my times out at that specific market where I have met hundreds of patients and growers. Through regular market visits and attending events held there I have been able to plug in with the cannabis community.

I started going there before the adult use of cannabis was legalized in Washington State and I have been able to observe an evolution that the market has taken not only with how beautiful the grounds have become but also to how the market itself has changed over the years.

When I first started attending the market almost every table had a bong or pipe set up so you could sample their products right there. When you walked in the doors it was often a little cloudy and everybody was relaxed with their with cannabis. This was a unique shopping experience, very new to me, and very refreshing to be around. Eventually the smoking was moved outside and while that mildly changed the experience, the freedom felt and education given to patients at the market continued.

When I talked to Diedre, the owner of MMJ Universe, she said she is planning a big celebration on the 30th of June with music and vending to shed some happiness despite how sad so many of us are to be losing our beloved market.

I have much to celebrate from the gains that I have received from that market and even as the tears again roll down my face thinking that it is closing all I can do is thank Diedre and everybody involved in keeping the market going for so long and for focusing on positives and solutions at the end of this medical cannabis era.

TwiceBakedinWA: 2015: My Lifestyle In Cannabis

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By TwicebakedinWA

WASHINGTON: Adventures With The MJBA: Seriously, it is never boring at the MJBA. For a year and a bit I have happily worked on their social media team and captured videos for Marijuana Channel One.  Around the fall I needed to change my schedule and stepped away from the daily social media work I was doing on MJ News Network. Really though, my adventures with MJBA continue on and 2016 looks like a bright year for all of us. Many thanks to David, Morgan, and Roxann for making this one of the most fun jobs I ever did have.  

Meeting Jerry Whiting From LeBlanc CNE. If you don’t know Jerry Whiting, let me just tell you that he is a thunder and lightning storm of vibrant positive energy in the cannabis world. After being introduced to his CBD rich tincture earlier this year and trying a few different batches it quickly became one of my favorite go-to medicines for inflammation, migraines, back pain, and muscle spasms. Without a doubt his tinctures and liniments have provided me me a higher quality of life in this body. Thank you so much, Jerry, for spreading your knowledge, kindness, and generosity, my way.  

Dr. Ethan Russo and TwiceBakedinWA

Meeting Dr. Ethan Russo. I initially met Dr. Russo by randomly striking up a conversation about raw cannabis juice at a Vimea event on Vashon Island. While I didn’t realize who he was until he handed me a business card, I was tickled pink to have met a neurologist who also knew so much about cannabis. Over the summer I got to see him speak multiple times about terpenes and cannabinoids and learn from his decades of research. Dr. Russo showed me what I should seek out in cannabis for my conditions and reminded me to always take the smallest dose of THC necessary rather than looking for the highest dose tolerable. Meeting him was definitely a treasure for me in 2015.

The Depression And The Migraines.  I really struggled in 2015 with what seemed like moremigraines and deeper depressions  than I have seen for a long time and while that may not seem like a positive thing it pushed me to study. I learned so much this year about sleep, the brain, immunity, and gut health that despite all the pain and anguish, I came through alive, wiser, and more equipped to continue life in this body for another trip around the sun.

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The Women of Cannabis. I found myself at over a dozen female only cannabis professional and social events this year. One standout favorite was the MJBA Women’s Alliance Retreat last July in Hoodsport where a small group of big thinking women spent time in nature brainstorming ways to make the cannabis world better and then went off and started following through. The beauty of these women is that they are full of life, down to earth, they work hard, and they know a lot about cannabis. One of my goals this year was to spend more time with women in the industry and I would say that is a continued goal for next year as well. This uplifting community of women is a beautiful part of the cannabis movement and one that I am grateful to be part of.

The Women In Cannabis Who Keep Me Lifted

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WASHINGTON:  Last night I attended MJBA Women’s Alliance ‘Power To Influence’ at the Sorrento Hotel in Seattle, WA. Surrounded by lady politicians, business owners, advocates, moms, and grandmas I had my spirits lifted and was reminded why I am sitting here right now plinking on a keyboard about cannabis.

When I joined my first women’s cannabis group, a couple of years ago, I didn’t have my face on my blog, any kind of social media around it, and was nervous to come out publicly as a cannabis blogger and user. It was then that I attended a party with Washington Bud Company’s, Shawn Denae, and expressed my concerns about having my face attached to marijuana. She gave me a look I’ll never forget and told me that they are all putting themselves way out there so if I mean what I’m doing, then go for it. The very next day I updated my blog to include a picture of myself and never looked back. I’m not sure she even knows she did that for me and I am forever grateful that she did.

But this is what I’m talking about. When I hang around these women in cannabis I am spoken to candidly while still feeling supported and I am reminded that I am not alone on this path. I have a whole tribe of powerful women in my camp who want to see me succeed and celebrate with me.

Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles Leaving State House Aims For King County Council

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WASHINGTON: Washington State Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles, a long-time backer of marijuana legal reform, will not seek re-election as a democratic State Senator in the next election, choosing instead to set her sites on a District 4 Seat on the King County Council.

Cannabis Basics' CEO Ah Warner hosted a fundraiser for Democratic Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles, a long-time marijuana reform advocate

Cannabis Basics’ CEO Ah Warner hosted a fundraiser for Democratic Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles, a long-time marijuana reform advocate

The veteran politician, named “Advocate of the Year” at this year’s Hempfest, is busy raising money for her campaign, appearing at fundraisers this month hosted by prominent cannabis industry leaders, including travel journalist and national NORML Board member Rick Steves and Ah Warner, CEO of Cannabis Basics.

Thurs. Sept 24 6-9PM, Sorrento Hotel

Thurs. Sept 24 6-9PM, Sorrento Hotel

She will also be appearing with 4 other prominent Washington women politicians — Kent City’s Gwen Allen-Carston; Spokane’s Karen Stratton; Cat Jeter Pierce County;and Heather Holderich, Firecrest City — at the “Power to Influence,” a women-only cannabis industry event presented by the Marijuana Business Association’s Women’s Alliance, and sponsored by a power trio of leading women-run cannabis brands: Washington Bud Company, Eden Labs, and NWMJLaw.

Jeanne Kohl-Welles is running for King County Council

Jeanne Kohl-Welles is running for King County Council

MJNewsNetwork’s TwiceBakedinWA attended Ah Warner’s industry reception on Tuesday, September 22nd, and had a chance to ask Ms. Kohl-Welles about the future of legal cannabis legislation, how Washington’s new marijuana laws turn underage pot smokers into felons, and why the Democrat was running for King County Council.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kb7HiM8-SUw&w=560&h=315]

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c31sz3vIA8A&w=560&h=315]

 

Exercise, Scoliosis, And Cannabis: There Is No Space For Ego

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By TwicebakedinWA

Remember the things you were able to physically do a decade ago? Can you still do them? This week I rediscovered an old photo album of a yoga photoshoot I did a decade ago. It was beautiful but it was also eye opening because I no longer lived in the same body that could do those poses.

The scoliosis I have been dealing with since age 10 told me back then that it would be wise to capture my spine movement I was able to physically do because one day I may not be able to do them. I never imagined that day would seemingly come so fast.

As I was looking at these old photos, I realized that I could now only do about half of the poses the way they looked in the pictures. Major ego check.

Then I started thinking about how different it was when I used cannabis way back then. I would smoke weed before I exercised to enhance my workout and be able to focus and feel on a whole new level.

Ego check number two…

These days I’m using cannabis not to enhance my workout but to actually be able to do the workout. When I get up early in the morning my back doesn’t want to workout and will protest by being sore and tight. I usually apply a cannabis topical to my torso, take some kind of CBD edible or tincture, and vaporize flower when I have it. Having to modify my intention with why and how I use cannabis is a reality check.

My morning workouts themselves have changed and are rarely high energy because my spine doesn’t want that. It wants gentle, low-key, and mellow first thing in the morning so I usually end up doing stretches and core work.

This whole experience of having to maintain a scoliotic spine is a humbling one. I have only so much control over it but it is still my job to care full-time for this little body while I live in it and be able to learn from the lessons that it provides me. Tuning in with cannabis and exercise allows me to keep the relationship with my body a positive one although that remains a major task.

If you are dealing with scoliosis or back pain I encourage you, as I do myself, to just keep moving. Respect the messages your body is sending you in its pain. Use cannabis with positive intention so you can live a higher quality of life and wellness. And then release your ego as soon as possible.

-TwiceBakedinWA

Raw Cannabis Juicing: You’ll Probably Have To Become A Grower

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WASHINGTON:  Raw cannabis juicing is a lifestyle discipline that I wholeheartedly embrace, but it requires a lot of effort and plants. For the past few years I have relied on the kindness of other cannabis growers to supply me with raw cannabis they were otherwise discarding or allow me into their gardens to defoliate their plants. This year, however I started tackling the idea that I can grow my own for juicing.

The very idea of growing my own is an intimidating one. I don’t have much privacy or property and I live in a rainforest that only gets sunshine in the summer. Plus my research on what is required for a raw juicing routine has suggested that I need to have 30 plants so as to be able to juice one a day. This is not legal or sustainable for me. So, I’m trying to see what kind of raw cannabis experience I can have with a few plants and if it would still be beneficial.

Last summer I grew a couple of plants but they did not produce much, were stricken with spider mites and powdery mildew,  and turned out to not something I wanted to eat. This year has been a different story.

My garden didn’t get any bigger, but my plants sure did. I started with healthy clones in nutrient rich, organic soil and they grew into trees that I have had to work to keep smaller than my fence so as to keep them as discreet as possible. I also planted mint, sage, and lemon balm around my garden as a potential bug barrier. So far any growing issues have been minimal and spider mites are non-existent. That in itself feels like a huge accomplishment.

Cannabis 101: Juicing

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By Sue Vorenberg
Cannabis Daily Record

WASHINGTON:  Juicing is a growing trend in the health food community – and an excellent way to add more fruits and veggies into your diet in a concentrated form.

(cannabis leaves)

But there’s one added ingredient that, while somewhat difficult to get, can add even more healthy bang to your juice: Cannabis leaves (the parts of the plant that typically end up on the grow room floor or being recycled as mulch on a farm).

“Raw cannabis juice is the most nutritious fuel in the world, even when you put it up against something like kale,” said Farmer Tom Lauerman, a medical marijuana grower and activist in Vancouver, Washington. “It’s just loaded with everything.”

Cannabis juicing is becoming more popular in the medical marijuana community. It provides a wide array of vitamins and green nutrients, doesn’t get you high and it’s great as an anti-inflammatory, digestive aid and also helps with anxiety, said Pam Dyer, who runs the Twice Baked in Washington medical site and is a member of the Marijuana Business Association.

Hempfest 2015: This Protestival Just Keeps Getting Better

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By TwicebakedinWA

WASHINGTON:  Last weekend I attended the 24th annual Hempfest in Seattle on the waterfront of Myrtle Edwards Park. This was my third time attending the Protestival and I thoroughly enjoyed all three days there. While in the past years I have been a volunteer and attendee, this year I was there representing MJ Headline News and MJBA to capture as much of the experience as possible.

On Friday, true to Seattle weather, there was thunder and lightning and torrential downpours shortly after the park opened to attendees. I was soaked to the bone walking to the far end of the park with my boss, David Rheins, who was scheduled to speak. When we got there the speakers were all huddled under the backstage tents of the McWilliams/Black Memorial stage and there wasn’t an audience.

The stage manager was still giving the mic to the speakers who were there to have their voice heard. It was there that I met Roger Tilton, Senate State Candidate from New Hampshire: